Osmotic drug delivery system

US6814979B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Shire Laboratories, Inc. · US

Inventors

• Edward M. Rudnic · Potomac, US
• Beth A. Burnside · Bethesda, US
• Henry H. Flanner · Montgomery Village, US
• Sandra E. Wassink · Frederick, US
• Richard A. Couch · Bethesda, US
• Jill E. Pinkett · Baltimore, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Dec 20, 2002
• Grant date: Nov 9, 2004
• Expiry date: Dec 20, 2022

Classification

• Technology area (CPC A): Human Necessities
• CPC primary: A61K9/0004
• WIPO field: Pharmaceuticals
• WIPO sector: Chemistry

Abstract

Disclosed is an osmotic pharmaceutical delivery system comprising (a) a semi-permeable wall that maintains its integrity during pharmaceutical delivery and which has at least one passage therethrough; (b) a single, homogeneous composition within said wall, which composition consists essentially of (i) a pharmaceutically active agent, (ii) at least one non-swelling solubilizing agent which enhances the solubility of the pharmaceutically active agent; (iii) at least one non-swelling osmotic agent and (iv) a non-swelling wicking agent dispersed throughout the composition which enhances the surface area contact of the pharmaceutical agent with the incoming aqueous fluid.