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. A 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 discontinuous first phase is separated from the continuous second phase. The residual level of solvent in the discontinuous first phase is reduced to less than about 2% by weight.
Abstract:
Processes for precipitating a polymer from a polymer-containing fluid are disclosed, which include providing a vessel housing a medium that provides one or more precipitation surfaces. A polymer-containing fluid, e.g., a polymer solution, dispersion or mixed solution/dispersion, and an anti-solvent can be introduced into the vessel so as to cause precipitation of at least a portion of the polymer on at least one of the precipitation surfaces. In some embodiments, the polymer contains one or more cyclic oligosaccharide moieties, such as one or more cyclodextrin moieties (e.g., α-cyclodextrin, β-cyclodextrin, and γ-cyclodextrin). The polymer can be any of a linear or branched polymer. The polymer can be any of polycation, a polyanion, or a non-ionic polymer. Also disclosed herein are precipitation surfaces with polymer precipitated thereon.
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:
Systems and methods are provided for filtering a fluid containing nanoparticles. The systems and methods generally include introducing a stream of the nanoparticle-containing fluid into a holding vessel, and extracting at least a part of a nanoparticle-containing fluid accumulated in the holding vessel. The extracted nanoparticle-containing fluid is passed through a filtration module to separate a nanoparticle-containing retentate from a permeate, and the retentate is returned to the vessel. The filtration cycle can be repeated until a desired concentration of the nanoparticles is achieved in the holding vessel. In many embodiments, the generation of the nanoparticle-containing fluid and its filtration are performed concurrently.
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:
Methods of forming compositions for the sustained release of water soluble active agents, including biologically active polypeptides and products produced by the process are described. Improved product characteristics and ease of scale-up can be achieved using a novel coacervation process wherein at least one coacervation agent is added to the mixture comprising the active agent and the polymer in at least two distinct stages.
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:
An improved method for preparing microparticles that exhibit controlled release of an effective amount of an active agent over an extended period of time. More particularly, a method is provided for preparing microparticles having a selected release profile for release of active agent contained in the microparticles. By adjusting the degree of drying that is performed during the preparation of the microparticles, the release profile can be controlled. By performing no intermediate drying, an initial burst and a substantially linear release profile is achieved. By performing substantially complete intermediate drying, an initial lag phase and a substantially sigmoidal release profile is achieved.