Abstract:
Methods for preparing microparticles having reduced residual solvent levels. Microparticles are contacted with a non-aqueous washing system to reduce the level of residual solvent in the microparticles. Preferred non-aqueous washing systems include 100% ethanol and a blend of ethanol and heptane. A solvent blend of a hardening solvent and a washing solvent can be used to harden and wash microparticles in a single step, thereby eliminating the need for a post-hardening wash step.
Abstract:
Methods for preparing microparticles having reduced residual solvent levels. Microparticles are contacted with a non-aqueous washing system to reduce the level of residual solvent in the microparticles. Preferred non-aqueous washing systems include 100% ethanol and a blend of ethanol and heptane. A solvent blend of a hardening solvent and a washing solvent can be used to harden and wash microparticles in a single step, thereby eliminating the need for a post-hardening wash step.
Abstract:
This invention relates to the discovery of novel polymorphic forms of naltrexone, including solvates, hydrates, anhydrous and other crystalline forms and combinations thereof. These novel forms of naltrexone impart advantages in pharmaceutical formulations incorporating them, including sustained release, or long acting, formulations.
Abstract:
Injectable compositions having improved injectability. The injectable compositions include microparticles suspended in an aqueous injection vehicle having a viscosity of at least 20 cp at 20° C. The increased viscosity of the injection vehicle that constitutes the fluid phase of the suspension significantly reduces in vivo injectability failures. The injectable compositions can be made by mixing dry microparticles with an aqueous injection vehicle to form a suspension, and then mixing the suspension with a viscosity enhancing agent to increase the viscosity of the fluid phase of the suspension to the desired level for improved injectability.
Abstract:
Method and apparatus for preparing microparticles using liquid-liquid extraction. A first phase and a second phase are combined to form an emulsion. A portion of the second phase is separated from the emulsion (solvent rich), and the solvent is extracted from the separated second phase, which is then returned (solvent poor) to the emulsion. This process of separation of a solvent rich phase, extraction of solvent, and return of a solvent poor phase, is carried out until a selected level of solvent in the emulsion is achieved. Alternatively, the separated solvent rich phase is not returned to the emulsion, but replaced with another solution, such as an aqueous solution, that is free from solvent. The solvent is preferably extracted into an extraction liquid that functions as a “solvent sink” for the solvent.
Abstract:
A method for preparing microparticles having a selected polymer molecular weight. The hold time and temperature of a solution containing a nucleophilic compound and a polymer having a starting molecular weight are controlled in order to control the molecular weight of the polymer in the finished microparticle product. In this manner, a selected polymer molecular weight in the finished microparticle product can be achieved from a variety of starting material molecular weights.
Abstract:
A method for preparing microparticles having a selected polymer molecular weight. The hold time and temperature of a solution containing a nucleophilic compound and a polymer having a starting molecular weight are controlled in order to control the molecular weight of the polymer in the finished microparticle product. In this manner, a selected polymer molecular weight in the finished microparticle product can be achieved from a variety of starting material molecular weights.
Abstract:
A method for preparing biodegradable, biocompatible microparticles. A first phase is prepared that includes a biodegradable, biocompatible polymer, an active agent, and a solvent. An immiscible second phase is prepared. The first and second phases are combined to form an emulsion in which the first phase is discontinuous and the second phase is continuous. The two phases are immersed in a quench liquid that includes a quench medium and a quantity of the solvent. The quantity of the solvent is selected to control a rate of extraction of the solvent from the first phase. The first phase is isolated in the form of microparticles. Also disclosed is a microencapsulated active agent prepared by the method for preparing biodegradable, biocompatible microparticles.
Abstract:
A method for preparing biodegradable, biocompatible microparticles. A first phase is prepared that includes a biodegradable, biocompatible polymeric encapsulating binder, and an active agent having limited water solubility dissolved or dispersed in a solvent. An aqueous second phase is prepared. The first and second phases are combined to form an emulsion in which the first phase is discontinuous and the second phase is continuous. The two phases are separated. The discontinuous first phase is washed with water, or an aqueous solution of water and a solvent for residual solvent in the first phase, to reduce the level of residual solvent in the microparticles to less than about 2% by weight of the microparticles. Also disclosed are a microencapsulated drug prepared by the method for preparing biodegradable, biocompatible microparticles, and a pharmaceutical composition that includes biodegradable and biocompatible microparticles in a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.
Abstract:
Disclosed herein is a process for preparing biodegradable microparticles comprising a biodegradable polymeric binder and a biologically active agent, wherein a blend of at least two substantially non-toxic solvents, free of halogenated hydrocarbons, is used to dissolve or disperse the agent and dissolve the polymer. The solvent blend containing the agent and polymer is dispersed in an aqueous solution to form microdroplets. The resulting emulsion is then added to an extraction medium preferably containing at least one of the solvents of the blend, whereby the rate of extraction of each solvent is controlled, whereupon the biodegradable microparticles containing the biologically active agent are formed.