Taste-masked microcapsule compositions and methods of manufacture

US6139865A · kind A · utility

Assignee

• EURAND AMERICA, INC. · US

Inventors

• David Friend · Boston, US
• Steve Y. Ng · San Francisco, US
• Rafael E. Sarabia · Mount Olive, US
• Thomas Weber · Ludwigshafen, DE
• Jean-Marie Geoffroy · Grayslake, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Oct 1, 1997
• Grant date: Oct 31, 2000
• Expiry date: Oct 1, 2017

Classification

• Technology area (CPC A): Human Necessities
• CPC primary: A61K9/2081
• WIPO field: Pharmaceuticals
• WIPO sector: Chemistry

Abstract

A taste-masked microcapsule composition for administration of a drug is provided. The composition comprises microcapsules of drug and a substantially water-insoluble polymeric material, typically a cellulosic polymer. The microcapsule composition may be incorporated into any number of pharmaceutical formulations, including chewable tablets, effervescent tablets, powders, liquid dispersions, and the like. A method for masking the taste of drugs is also provided, involving a phase separation coacervation technique in which drug is coated with relatively high levels of a polymeric material. These high coating levels give rise to effective taste masking, while nevertheless allowing targeted release of drug, so that the drug is released shortly after passage through the mouth.