GB2324725A

GB2324725A - Alinate/Alginic Acid Composition

Info

Publication number: GB2324725A
Application number: GB9808547A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Douglas Banning; Duncan Quinell Mackenzie Craig; Ian Gordon Jolliffe; Frank Chadwick Hampson; Edvar Jarle Onsoyen; Peter William Dettmar
Original assignee: Reckitt and Colman Products Ltd
Current assignee: Reckitt Benckiser Healthcare UK Ltd
Priority date: 1997-04-30
Filing date: 1998-04-22
Publication date: 1998-11-04
Anticipated expiration: 2018-04-22
Also published as: GB9808547D0; GB9708773D0; GB2324725B

Abstract

A pharmaceutical composition suitable for forming a mucoadhesive lining in the gastrointestinal tract comprises a particular form of alginic acid or alginate salt. The acid or salt is characterised in that the mannuronic acid:glucoronic acid residue ratio (M/G) is at least unity and effective to provide a bioadhesive interaction with the mucosa. The composition may further comprise an alkali metal salt, a cross-linking polyvalent metal ion or a pharmaceutical active for sustained release or targeted delivery. In one embodiment the composition further comprises a low viscosity alginate and is formulated as a liquid for the treatment of reflux oesophagitis etc.

Description

Organic Compositions The present invention relates to compositions including alginates or alginic acid, to their preparation and in particular to the use of such compositions for the treatment of reflux oesophagitis, gastritis, dyspepsia or peptic ulceration and also to the use of such compositions as targeted delivery and/or sustained release compositions.

Reflux oesophagitis occurs when small amounts of gastric juice, food and/or bile acids pass into the lower part of the oesophagus and cause oesophageal inflammation accompanied by pain which may manifest itself in the form of heartburn.

One approach to the problem of reflux oesophagitis has been to administer a preparation which, on contact with gastric acid, generates a carbonated, gelatinous foam or raft which floats on the stomach contents.

When reflux occurs it is this raft, or part thereof, which precedes the stomach contents into the oesophagus, thus protecting the mucosa from irritation or further irritation. Known preparations of this general type include solid preparations in the form of powder or tablets containing alginic acid, sodium bicarbonate and antacid materials, or liquid preparations containing sodium alginate, sodium bicarbonate and calcium carbonate marketed under the name GAVISCON (TM Reckitt & Colman Products Limited).

Such liquid preparations are described in GB 1 524 740.

Alginates may be found in and isolated from various species, in particular from algae belonging to the order Phaeophyceae and soil bacteria such as Azotobacter vinelandii and Azotobacter crococcum and from several strains of Pseudomonas bacteria. Common algal sources of alginates include Laminaria digitata, Ecklonia maxima, Ma cro cystis pyrifera, Lessonia nigrescens, Ascophyllum nodosum, Laminaria japonica, Durvillea antartica, Durvillea potatorum and Laminaria hyperborea.

Alginates are salts of alginic acid which is a linear hetero-polysaccharide comprising units of ss-D-mannuronic acid (denominated M units) and a-L-guluronic acid (denominated G units).

Alginic acid and alginates may comprise homopolymeric sequences of mannuronic acid, known as M blocks, homopolymeric sequences of guluronic acid, known as G blocks and mixed sequences of mannuronic acid and guluronic acid units, known as MG blocks or alternating blocks. A hypothetical schematic representation of the structure of a typical alginate chain is represented below: GMMMMMMMGGGGGGGGGMGMGMGMGMGMGGGGGGGGM M block G block MG block G block Usually, alginates will contain all three different blocks and each block will contain from about three to about twenty monomer (M or G) units. The distribution of the M, G and MG blocks and also the relative quantity of the M and G units varies according to the species from which the alginate is isolated and in the case of larger plants, on the part of the plant (eg stem or leaf) from which the alginate is isolated.

Alginates are also used in various other products such as, for example, food, dental products and cosmetics. The alginates are particularly useful in these areas as gelling, thickening, stabilising, swelling and viscosity imparting agents. The particular alginates used can be selected according to their particular properties which can depend on the distribution of the M blocks, G blocks and MG blocks and the relative quantities of the M and G monomer units.

In the compositions described above for the treatment of reflux oesophagitis it has been considered important to form a gelatinous carbonated foam or raft of the highest strength. An important factor in the raft strength has been the cross-linking of the alginates through the presence of a polyvalent ion, such as through the inclusion of calcium carbonate in the above described composition.

Cross-linking via the polyvalent ion occurs to the greatest extent between the guluronic acid residues in the alginate chains and for this reason raft-forming compositions of the above described type have comprised alginates rich in G units. These are also known as "high G" alginates. (Similarly alginates rich in M units are known as "high M" alginates.) Typically, the high G alginates will have a mannuronic acid residue to guluronic acid residue ratio (hereinafter M/G value) of 2/3 or less.

Another approach proposed for the treatment of oesophageal and gastric disorders has been to use a material which provides a protective coating on the mucus or mucosa of the gastrointestinal tract.

Materials proposed as such mucoprotectants or bioadhesives have included the antacid sucralfate and various polymers such as polyacrylates, cross linked polyacrylates (for example, the Carbopols and Polycarbophil from the B. F. Goodrich company), sodium carboxymethylcellulose and chitosans.

Alginates have not been generally accepted as bioadhesives and this may be due either to the many different methods employed for bioadhesion or, as the present inventors now believe, to the use of poorly characterised alginates.

It has now surprisingly been found that particular grades or types of alginates are able to interact much more effectively than others with components of the mucus of the gastrointestinal tract in order to provide a mucoadhesive coating. More especially, it has been found that these grades or types of alginate interact with mucin, a glycoprotein which is a major component of saliva and gastrointestinal mucus. The interaction of these alginates with mucin effectively strengthens the gel-like structure of the mucin thereby providing an effective mucoadhesive coating.

Therefore, according to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided an alginate or alginic acid having a mannuronic acid residue to guluronic acid residue ratio (M/G) of at least 1 for forming a protective coating on gastrointestinal mucosal tissue when brought into contact with same, preferably for use in the treatment of reflux oesophagitis, gastritis, dyspesia or peptic ulceration, and/or for use in sustained release or targeted delivery of an active.

According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a pharmaceutical composition for forming a protective coating on gastrointestinal mucosal tissue, preferably for use in the treatment of reflux oesophagitis, gastritis, dyspesia or peptic ulceration, and/or for use as a sustained releasing or targeted delivery composition, the composition comprising an alginate or alginic acid having a mannuronic acid residue to guluronic acid residue ratio (M/G) of at least 1 for forming a protective coating on gastrointestinal mucosal tissue when brought into contact with same, and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.

The pharmaceutically acceptable carriermay, for example, be water, preferably deionised water.

Preferably, the composition according to the invention is able to form a carbonated gelatinous foam or raft which floats on the stomach contents, in addition to forming a protective coating on the gastrointestinal mucosa.

Accordingly, there is provided a pharmaceutical composition for forming a protective coating on gastrointestinal mucosal tissue, preferably for use in the treatment of oesophagitis, gastritis, dyspepsia or peptic ulceration, and/or for use as a sustained releasing or targeted delivery composition comprising a) an alginate or alginic acid wherein the ratio of the mannuronic'acid residues to the guluronic acid residues (M/G) is at least 1 for forming a protective coating on gastrointestinal mucosal tissue when brought into contact with same, and b) an alkali metal bicarbonate.

Advantageously, the composition further includes a polyvalent metal ion as a cross-linking agent, especially calcium or aluminium, most preferably calcium.

In a preferred embodiment of this aspect of the invention, the composition of the invention includes at least one high M alginate which is effective in forming a protective coating on the oesophageal mucosa and also at least one high G alginate in order to provide a carbonated gelatinous raft or foam of high strength.

Thus, in an embodiment of this aspect of the invention, there is provided a pourable liquid composition comprising i) from 1% to 10% (preferably 2.0% to 10%, more preferably 2.5% to 8%, especially 4% to 6%) in total of two or more alginates, of which from 10% to 90% comprises an alginate or alginic acid wherein the ratio of the mannuronic acid residues to the guluronic acid residues (M/G) is at least 1 for forming a protective coating on gastrointestinal mucosal tissue when brought into contact with same, and from 90% to 10% comprises an alginate or alginic acid wherein the ratio of the mannuronic acid residues to the guluronic acid residues (M/G) is not more than 2/3 in order to provide a carbonated gelatinous raft or foam of high strength, and ii) an alkali metal bicarbonate.

Preferably, the composition of this embodiment of the invention further comprises a polyvalent metal ion, (in particular calcium or aluminium and especially calcium) as a cross-linking agent.

It will be apparent to the person skilled in the art that in order to produce a pourable liquid composition the viscosity of the composition should not be too high. A suitable pourable composition may thus, for example include a relatively low amount of a viscous (high molecular weight) high M alginate and a relatively high amount of a less viscous (lower molecular weight) high G alginate. Similarly, a composition may suitably include a relatively high amount of a less viscous (lower molecular weight) high M alginate and a relatively low amount of a more viscous (higher molecular weight) high G alginate.

Compositions not tending towards the above noted limits may also be suitable, such as for example a composition including approximately equal amounts of low viscosity high M and low viscosity high G alginates (provided that the M/G value is at least 1).

Where a liquid composition of the invention is not required to be pourable, a higher amount of total alginate (for example up to 20%) may be included.

In still another embodiment of this aspect of the invention, the compositions of the invention may also be provided in tablet or other solid unit dosage form.

Thus according to this aspect of the invention there is provided a composition in solid unit dosage form comprising i) from 10% to 30% (preferably 15% to 25%, especially 20%) in total of two or more alginates, of which from 10% to 90% comprises an alginate or alginic acid wherein the ratio of the mannuronic acid residues to the guluronic acid residues (M/G) is at least 1 for forming a protective coating on gastrointestinal mucosal tissue when brought into contact with same, and from 90% to 10% comprises an alginate or alginic acid wherein the ratio of the mannuronic acid residues to the guluronic acid residues (M/G) is not more than 2/3 in order to provide a carbonated gelatinous raft or foam of high strength, and ii) an alkali metal bicarbonate.

In a further aspect to the present invention, there is provided a method of forming a protective coating on gastrointestinal mucosal tissue for treating reflux oesophagitis, gastritis, dyspepsia or peptic ulceration which comprises administering an orally effective amount of a composition including at least one alginate having a ratio of the mannuronic acid residues to the guluronic acid residues (M/G) of at least 1 for forming a protective coating on gastrointestinal mucosal tissue when brought into contact with same.

In a preferred embodiment of this aspect of the invention, the composition further comprises an alkali metal bicarbonate, and, advantageously, a polyvalent metal ion as a cross-linking agent. Preferably the polyvalent ion is calcium or aluminium, most preferably calcium.

In another preferred embodiment of this aspect of the invention, the composition comprises i) from 1% to 10% (preferably 2.0% to 10%, more preferably 2.5% to 8%, especially 4% to 6%) in total of two or more alginates, of which from 10% to 90% comprises an alginate or alginic acid wherein the ratio of the mannuronic acid residues to the guluronic acid residues (M/G) is at least 1 for forming a protective coating on gastrointestinal mucosal tissue when brought into contact with same, and from 90% to 10% comprises an alginate or alginic acid wherein the ratio of the mannuronic acid residues to the guluronic acid residues (M/G) is not more than 2/3 in order to provide a carbonated gelatinous raft or foam of high strength, and ii) an alkali metal bicarbonate.

In still a further aspect to the present invention there is provided the use of an alginate or alginic acid having a mannuronic acid residue to guluronic acid residue ratio (M/G) of at least 1 for forming a protective coating on gastrointestinal mucosal tissue when brought into contact with same for the treatment of reflux oesophagitis, gastritis, dyspesia or peptic ulceration, or for use in sustained release or targeted delivery of an active.

In a still further aspect of the invention there is provided the use of an alginate or alginic acid having a mannuronic acid residue to guluronic acid residue ratio (M/G) of at least 1 for the preparation of a medicament for the treatment of reflux oesophagitis, gastritis, dyspepsia or peptic ulceration by forming a protective coating on gastrointestinal mucosal tissue when brought into contact with same.

The interaction of alginates with mucin can be demonstrated rheologically by comparing the elastic, or storage, modulus (G') of the mucin with that of a mucin-alginate mixture.

Table 1 below shows the elastic modulus (G') of a range of sodium alginates of varying viscosity (and hence molecular weight) and varying M:G ratio in 2% aqueous solution. Also shown is the elastic modulus for a 2% aqueous solution of these alginates containing 15% partially purified porcine gastric mucin (type III Sigma Chemicals).

The G' values were determined using a Carri-med CSL 500 rheometer equipped with a 60 mm diameter cone and plate (angle 1.59 degrees) from frequency scans (0.01 - 10.0 Hz) at temperature 25"C. The values given are within the linear viscoelastic region of the samples and are those obtained at 5.3 Hz using a set displacement of 7.0 x 10-4 rad.

The viscosity (Brookfield RVT Viscometer with spindle number 3 at 20 rpm at 200C) of a 1% solution of these alginates and the M:G ratio of each alginate are shown in table 2.

Table 1 Elastic modulus of alginates and alginate/mucin mixtures (G' for 15% mucin alone was 36)

Sodium Alginate G' (28 Solution) G' (2% Solution Grade with 15% Mucin) SF120 144 642 SF/LF40 134 698 SF200 143 640 LF120L 243 747 SF60L 260 6,124 H120L 243 1,059 Table 2 Viscosities and M:G ratios of alginate grade

Sodium Alginate 1% Solution M:G ratio Grade Viscosity (mPa.s) SF120 110 31:69 SF/LF40 410 37:63 SF200 990 31:69 LF120L 121 56:44 SF60L 368 56:44 H120L 950 54:46 It can be seen from tables 1 and 2 that the elastic modulus G' of 15% mucin (G' = 36) is synergistically increased upon mixing with each alginate, but that the effect is increased in alginates with a M/G value of more than about 1 (high M). The effect is also increased greatly with higher viscosity, high M, alginates, whereas the effect is largely independent of the viscosity of high G alginates.

Thus, it is apparent the higher M alginates can effectively interact with mucin in the gastrointestinal mucosa and that the resulting gel substance will form an effective protective coating on the gastrointestinal, in particular oesophageal and stomach, mucosa.

This formation of an effective protective coating on oesophageal mucosa by high M alginates is demonstrated as follows.

Table 3 shows the percentage cumulative alginate recovered after washing oesophageal mucosa with artificial saliva.

The values shown in Table 3 were arrived at by obtaining porcine oesophagus (the substrate) from an abattoir and cutting the substrate to a 15mm width and a 90mm length. Thereafter, the substrate was securely mounted on an inclined support, the angle of inclination of which was variable.

28 solutions of different grades of alginate were fluorescently labelled. Approximately 0,5 grams of the alginate solution was then applied to the substrate which was held at an angle of 1800 (i.e.

horizontal) and left for 5 minutes.

The alginate coated substrate was then inclined at a selected angle (76 ) for 1 minute and any excess alginate solution allowed to flow off the inclined mounted substrate.

The substrate and alginate solution were then washed with an artificial saliva solution (0,27% porcine mucin type III (Sigma Chemicals) and a range of salts) at a rate of lml per minute and the eluent collected at 3 minute intervals over a 30 minute period.

At all times the substrate and associated equipment were held under constant conditions of relative humidity (90%) and temperature (37"C).

The collected eluate fractions were then analysed for alginate content using a fluorescence spectrophotometer. The percentage cumulative alginate solution recovered can be used as an indicator of the bioadhesive nature of the alginate, given that a higher percentage cumulative alginate recovered implies a weaker adhesion and vice versa.

Table 3 below clearly indicates that the three alginate solutions showing the lowest percentage cumulative recovery (and therefore displaying the highest bioadhesion) are those having an M:G ratio of at least 1. (M:G ratios are given in Table 2) Table 3 Percentage cumulative alginate recovered following washings with artificial saliva.

Sodium Alginate Percentage Ranking Grade Alginate Solution Recovered (%) SF/LF140 68.23 + 6.4 4 SF200 73.42 + 3.4 5 LF120L 12.49 i 1.8 1 SF60L 14.57 + 1.1 2 H120L 32.12 + 4.2 3 (n = 12) As noted above, particularly advantageous mucoadhesive coatings can be achieved by using high viscosity, high M alginates. Thus, preferred formulations according to the invention can include a relatively small amount of a high viscosity high M alginate to provide good coating efficacy and a relatively large amount of a low M (high G) alginate to provide good raft strength, whilst also providing a composition which is pourable.

Such formulations may preferably include from 10% to 30% (with respect to the total alginate) of at least one alginate having a M/G value of at least 1 and from 90% to 70% (with respect to the total alginate) of at least one alginate having a M/G value of not more than 2/3.

Also in a pourable composition, good raft strength may also be achieved by using a relatively small amount of a high viscosity high G alginate and a relatively large amount of low viscosity high M alginate may be used to achieve a good coating efficacy. Thus, further preferred compositions according to the invention may include from 70% to 908 (with respect to the total alginate) of at least one alginate having a M/G value of at least 1 and from 30% to 10% (with respect to the total alginate) of at least one alginate having a M/G value of not more than 2/3.

Where a high M alginate and a high G alginate are used each having a relatively lower viscosity, the amounts of each alginate (with respect to the total amount of alginate in the composition) may preferably be respectively from 40% to 60% and from 60% to 40%.

Furthermore, when a composition including a high M alginate is used to form an effective coating on the gastrointestinal mucosa, pharmaceutically active substances maybe incorporated in the composition, whereby targeted delivery and/or sustained release of the pharmaceutically active substance by absorption through the gastrointestinal mucosa can be achieved.

Thus, by means of the present invention there can be provided compositions able to form a protective coating on the mucosa of the oesophagus and stomach and further able to form a carbonated gelatinous raft or foam which, on reflux, precedes the stomach contents into the oesophagus. Because of their mucoadhesive properties, the compositions of the invention are able to form a protective coating on the oesophagus both when passing downwards through the oesophagus directly after ingestion and also when passing from the stomach in to the oesophagus on reflux. The compositions can also be effective in enhancing an existing coating, or re-coating the oesophagus, on reflux.

The compositions of the invention, because of their mucoadhesive properties which allow them to form an effective coating on the oesophageal or gastric mucosa, can be used as vehicles for targeted delivery of pharmaceutically active compounds. These may be compounds which act systemically and are absorbed into the body through the mucosa, such as the oesophageal mucosa, the stomach mucosa and in particular the intestinal mucosa. Particular active ingredients suitable for targeted delivery in or via the stomach include, for example, locally acting antimicrobial agents, H2-antagonists, pro-kinetic agents (such as cisapride), carbenoxolone, sucralfate, local anaesthetics, proton pump inhibitors or anticholinergic agents. Other compounds which are particularly suitable for targeted delivery by means of the compositions of the invention may include those beneficial in the treatment of gastric disorders, such as, for example compounds effective in the treatment of gastric lesions.

The mucoadhesive properties of the compositions of the present invention also render the compositions suitable for use as sustained releasing compositions, in particular for sustained release of pharmaceutically active ingredients through the stomach mucosa. By incorporation in the compositions of the invention of active ingredients suitable for sustained administration through the stomach mucosa, the mucoadhesive coating (and the carbonated gelatinous foam or raft) formed by the compositions may act as a reservoir of the active ingredient from which sustained release can occur.

Supplies of alginates having suitable M/G values for carrying out the invention may be obtained from, for example, Pronova Biopolymer a.s., Norway.

A suitable procedure to determine the ratio of mannuronic acid residues to guluronic acid residues in alginic acids is by nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Such a method is described in the paper by Hans Grasdalen et al (Carbohydrate Research 68 (1979) 2331). It should be noted that the hydrolysis method mentioned in that paper may be replaced by a two step hydrolysis carried out at pH 5.4, 100"C for 1 hour followed by pH 3.8, 100"C for 1 hour.

The concentration of alkali metal bicarbonate in the pourable liquid compositions of the invention is preferably 0.1 to 8% w/v, more preferably 0.2 to 5 w/v, even more preferably 0.5 to 3% w/v and most preferably 1.0 to 3% w/v. For compositions of the invention in tablet form, the amount of alkali metal bicarbonate is preferably 0.1 to 12%w/w, more preferably 0.5 to 10% w/w and most preferably 1 to 8%w/w. The alkali metal bicarbonate is preferably sodium bicarbonate or potassium bicarbonate or a mixture thereof. Most preferably at least 90% (most preferably 100%) of the alkali metal bicarbonate is sodium bicarbonate.

Where the compositions of the invention comprise a suspending agent it may suitably be selected from carageenans, hypromellose, tragacanth, pectin, xanthan gum, colloidal silica, pre-gelatinised potato starch, carbomer (eg Carbopol 934P or Carbopol 974P, BF Goodrich) or mixtures thereof. Where present the suspending agents are used in an amount of 0.01 to 2% w/v. When carbomer is used as a suspending agent, it is preferably to include a further basic ingredient in the composition to neutralise the suspending agent and to thereby increase its efficacy. Such a basic ingredient, for example, sodium hydroxide, is preferably included in a 1:1 (wt for wt) ratio with the carbomer.

As mentioned above, the compositions of the present invention preferably further comprise a source of divalent or trivalent metal ions to strengthen the raft formed in the stomach. These metal ions preferably become available when the compositions reach the stomach and, in the case of liquid compositions, must not be available before then (as the compositions will gel too early). Suitable metal ions are aluminium and, preferably, calcium ions.

Most preferably the compositions comprise calcium carbonate.

When present, the calcium carbonate is preferably included in an amount of from 0.1 to 5% w/v, more preferably 0.5 to 3.5% w/v, and most preferably 1.5 to 3% w/v.

The compositions of the present invention may further comprise preservatives to prevent contamination and subsequent deterioration by micro-organisms. Examples of suitable preservatives are para-hydroxybenzoates (also known as parabens) and their salts, which are preferably used in combinations.

Preferred concentrations for the preservatives are 0.01 to 0.5% w/v.

The compositions of the present invention may also include one or more of the following ingredients: colours, sweeteners (eg sodium saccharin), flavours or pH adjusting agents (eg monopotassium phosphate or dipotassium phosphate). Preferably such ingredients are present in an amount of 0.01 to 1 w/v.

The dosage regime for the compositions of the invention will generally be up to 1000mg total alginate up to four times daily. For a liquid composition comprising 5% total alginate, this equates to a regime of 20ml four times daily. For a composition in tablet form, the tablet may suitably include 500mg total alginate and the dosage will suitably be one to two tablets up to four times daily.

Amounts expressed herein as percentages are %w/v for liquid ingredients and %w/w for solid ingredients, unless otherwise specified.

The following Examples are illustrative of the invention: Example 1 The following composition is prepared: Sodium Alginate LFR 5/60 25. 0g (viscosity 1= 6mPa.s, M Content 36%) Sodium Alginate LF1OL 25. 0g (Viscosity 1= 9.5 mPa.s M Content 57%) Calcium Carbonate 16. 0g Sodium Bicarbonate 26.7g Methyl Parahydroxybenzoate 4.0g Propyl Parahydroxybenzoate 0.6g Carbopol 974P 6.5g Sodium Hydroxide 3. 0g Sodium Saccharin 1. 0g Flavour 0.2g Deionised Water to 1 litre The method of preparation is as follows: 1. The Carbopol 974P is dispersed in 450 ml deionised water and neutralised with the sodium hydroxide.

2. The sodium bicarbonate, calcium carbonate, parahydroxy benzoates and saccharin are mixed in a separate second vessel with 450 ml of deionised water.

3. The sodium alginates are added slowly to the second vessel and stirred until fully dissolved.

4. The contents of the second vessel are added to the Carbopol 974P phase and stirred until fully dispersed.

5. The flavour is added and stirred in.

6. The volume is adjusted to 1 litre by the addition of further deionised water and the mixture is stirred until this water is fully dispersed.

Example 2 The following composition is prepared using the method of Example 1: Sodium Alginate LFR 5/60 40.0g (viscosity 1= 6mPa.s, M Content 36%) Sodium Alginate SF60L 10. Og (Viscosity 1%= 368 mPa.s M Content 56%) Sodium Bicarbonate 26.7g Calcium Carbonate 16.0g Methyl Parahydroxybenzoate 4.0g Propyl Parahydroxybenzoate 0.6g Carbopol 974P 1. Og Sodium Hydroxide 0.46g Sodium Saccharin l.Og Flavour 0.7g Deionised Water to 1 litre Example 3 The following composition is prepared using the method of Example 1: Sodium Alginate LFR 5/60 30.0g (viscosity 1%= 6mPa.s, M Content 36%) Sodium Alginate LF120L 20.0g (Viscosity 1= 121 mPa.s M Content 56%) Potassium bicarbonate 20.0g Calcium Carbonate 10. Og Methyl Parahydroxybenzoate 4.0g Propyl Parahydroxybenzoate 0.6g Carbopol 974P 2.0g Sodium Hydroxide 0.92g Sodium Saccharin l.Og Flavour 0.7g Deionised Water to 1 litre Example 4 The following composition is prepared: Sodium Alginate LF10/60 10. Og (viscosity 1%= 54 mPa.s, M Content 29%) Sodium Alginate SF60L 15.0g (Viscosity 1%= 368 mPa.s M Content 56%) Sodium Bicarbonate 13. 3g Calcium Carbonate 8.0g Ethyl Parahydroxybenzoate 2.0g Butyl Parahydroxybenzoate 0.2g Xanthan Gum 4.0g Monopotassium Phosphate 0.6g Dipotassium Phosphate 5. 4g Sodium Saccharin 1. Og Flavour 0.2g Deionised Water to 1 litre The method of preparation is as follows: 1. The phosphates are dissolved with stirring in 900 ml of deionised water.

2. The sodium bicarbonate, preservatives and sodium saccharin are added and dispersed with stirring.

3. The Xanthan Gum is slowly added and dispersed with stirring for 20 minutes.

4. The alginates are slowly added and dispersed with stirring for a further 20 minutes.

5. The calcium carbonate is added in and stirred to disperse.

6. The flavour is added and stirred in.

7. The volume is adjusted to 1 litre by the addition of further deionised water and the mixture is stirred until this water is fully dispersed.

Example 5 The following composition is prepared: Sodium Alginate LFR5/60 40.0g (viscosity 1% = 6 mPa.s, M Content 36%) Sodium Alginate SF60L 10.0g (Viscosity 1%= 368 mPa.s M Content 56%) Aluminium Hydroxide (as 10% gel) 100.0g Xanthan Gum 4.

Sodium Bicarbonate 26.7g Monopotassium Phosphate 0.6g Dipotassium Phosphate 5. 4g Ethyl Parahydroxybenzoate 2.0g Butyl Parahydroxybenzoate 0.2g Sodium Saccharin 1.

Flavour 0.7g Deionised Water to 1 litre The method of preparation is as follows: 1. The phosphates, sodium bicarbonate, sodium saccharin and paraben preservatives are dissolved in 800 ml of deionised water.

2. The xanthan gum is added slowly and dispersed by stirring for 20 minutes.

3. The alginates are slowly added and dispersed with stirring for a further 20 minutes.

4. The aluminium hydroxide gel is added and stirred in. 5. The flavour is added and stirred in.

Claims

1. An alginate or alginic acid having a mannuronic acid residue to guluronic acid residue ratio (M/G) of at least 1 for forming a protective coating on gastrointestinal mucosal tissue when brought into contact with same.

2. A pharmaceutical composition for forming a protective coating on gastrointestinal mucosal tissue, the composition comprising an alginate or alginic acid having a mannuronic acid residue to guluronic acid residue ratio (M/G) of at least 1 for forming a protective coating on gastrointestinal mucosal tissue when brought into contact with same, and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.

3. A composition as claimed in claim 2 which is able to form a carbonated gelatinous foam or raft which floats on the stomach contents, in addition to forming a protective coating on the gastrointestinal mucosa.

4. A composition as claimed in any one of the previous claims further including any one or more of: i) an alkali metal bicarbonate; ii) a polyvalent metal ion as a cross-linking agent, preferably calcium or aluminium, most preferably calcium; and iii) an alginate or alginic acid wherein the ratio of mannuronic acid residues to guluronic acid residues (M/G) is not more than 2/3 in order to provide a carbonated gelatinous raft or foam of high strength.

5. A composition as claimed in any one of the previous claims in pourable liquid form comprising i) from 1% to 108 (preferably 2.0% to 10%, more preferably 2.5% to 8%, especially 4% to 6%) in total of two or more alginates, of which from 10% to 90% comprises an alginate or alginic acid having a mannuronic acid residue to guluronic acid residue ratio (M/G) of at least 1 for forming a protective coating on gastrointestinal mucosal tissue when brought into contact with same, and from 90% to 10% comprises an alginate or alginic acid wherein the ratio of mannuronic acid residues to guluronic acid residues (M/G) is not more than 2/3 in order to provide a carbonated gelatinous raft or foam of high strength, and ii) an alkali metal bicarbonate; and preferably iii) a polyvalent metal ion as a cross-linking agent, preferably calcium or aluminium, most preferably calcium.

6. A composition as claimed in any one of the previous claims including a relatively low amount of a viscous (high molecular weight) high M alginate and a relatively high amount of a less viscous (lower molecular weight) high G alginate or, alternatively, a relatively high amount of a less viscous (lower molecular weight) high M alginate and a relatively low amount of a more viscous (higher molecular weight) high G alginate.

7. A composition as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3, provided in tablet or other solid unit dosage form.

8. A pharmaceutical composition in solid unit dosage form comprising i) from 10% to 30% (preferably 15% to 25%, especially 20%) in total of two or more alginates, of which from 10% to 90% comprises an alginate or alginic acid having a mannuronic acid residue to guluronic acid residue ratio (M/G) of at least 1 for forming a protective coating on gastrointestinal mucosal tissue when brought into contact with same, and from 90% to 10% comprises an alginate or alginic acid having a mannuronic acid residue to the guluronic acid residue ratio (M/G) not more than 2/3, and ii) an alkali metal bicarbonate.

9. A method of forming a protective coating on gastrointestinal mucosal tissue for treating reflux oesophagitis, gastritis, dyspepsia or peptic ulceration, which comprises administering an orally effective amount of a composition including i) an alginate or alginic acid having a ratio of the mannuronic acid residues to the guluronic acid residues (M/G) of at least 1; the composition optionally further comprising ii) an alkali metal bicarbonate; and, iii) a polyvalent metal ion as a cross-linking agent, preferably calcium or aluminium, most preferably calcium.

10. A method as claimed claim 16 wherein the composition comprises i) from 1% to 10% (preferably 2.0% to 10%, more preferably 2.5% to 8%, especially 4% to 6%) in total of two or more alginates, of which from 10% to 90% comprises an alginate or alginic acid having a mannuronic acid residue to guluronic acid residue ratio (M/G) of at least 1 for forming a protective coating on gastrointestinal mucosal tissue when brought into contact with same and from 90% to 10% comprises an alginate or alginic acid wherein the ratio of mannuronic acid residues to guluronic acid residues (M/G) is not more than 2/3 in order to provide a carbonated gelatinous raft or foam of high strength, and ii) an alkali metal bicarbonate.

11. Use of an alginate or alginic acid having a mannuronic acid residue to guluronic acid residue ratio (M/G) of at least 1 for forming a protective coating on gastrointestinal mucosal tissue when brought into contact with same.

12. Use of an alginate or alginic acid having a mannuronic acid residue to guluronic acid residue ratio (M/G) of at least 1 for the preparation of a medicament for forming a protective coating on gastrointestinal mucosal tissue for the treatment of reflux oesophagitis, gastritis, dyspepsia or peptic ulceration or for use in sustained release or targeted delivery of an active.

13. An alginate or alginic acid according to the invention, substantially as hereinbefore described or exemplified.

14. A pharmaceutical composition according to the invention, substantially as hereinbefore described or exemplified.

15. A method according to the invention for forming a protective coating on gastrointestinal mucosal tissue, substantially as hereinbefore described or exemplified.

16. Use of an alginate or alginic acid according to the invention, substantially as hereinbefore described or exemplified.

17. An alginate, alginic acid or composition according to the invention whenever supplied with instructions for the use thereof in the treatment of reflux oesophagitis, gastritis, dyspepsia or peptic ulceration.

18. An alginate, alginic acid or composition as claimed in claim 17 when the instructions are in printed or written form.

19. An alginate, alginic acid or composition as claimed in claim 18 supplied in a package or container having the said instructions included therein or thereon.