Process for controlling release of active agents from a chewing gum coating and product thereof

US6586023B1 · kind B1 · utility

Assignee

• Wm. Wrigley Jr. Company · US

Inventors

• Joo H. Song · Northbrook, US
• Donald J. Townsend · Chicago, US
• David W. Record · River Forest, US
• Henry T. Tyrpin · Palos Park, US
• Michael P. Russell · Evergreen Park, US
• Philip G. Schnell · Downers Grove, US
• Ronald L. Ream · Plano, US
• Christine L. Corriveau · Orland Park, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Apr 19, 2000
• Grant date: Jul 1, 2003
• Expiry date: Apr 19, 2020

Classification

• Technology area (CPC A): Human Necessities
• CPC primary: A61K9/209
• WIPO field: Pharmaceuticals
• WIPO sector: Chemistry

Abstract

A method for producing a coated chewing gum with a controlled release of an active agent, as well as the chewing gum so produced, is obtained by physically modifying an active agent's properties by coating and drying. An active agent is coated by encapsulation, partially coated by agglomeration, entrapped by absorption, or treated by multiple steps of encapsulation, agglomeration, and absorption. The coated active agent is then co-dried and particle sized to produce a release-modified active agent. When incorporated into a chewing gum coating, these particles release into the mouth but mask bitter and other off-tastes in the mouth, and are readily ingested.