U.S. patent application number 10/402273 was filed with the patent office on 2004-09-30 for method and apparatus for minimizing heat, moisture, and shear damage to medicants and other compositions during incorporation of same with edible films.
Invention is credited to Davidson, Robert S..
Application Number | 20040191302 10/402273 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 32825044 |
Filed Date | 2004-09-30 |
United States Patent
Application |
20040191302 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Davidson, Robert S. |
September 30, 2004 |
Method and apparatus for minimizing heat, moisture, and shear
damage to medicants and other compositions during incorporation of
same with edible films
Abstract
A medicant composition is provided. The composition includes a
film layer and a powder matrix layer. The powder matrix layer
includes a medicant. The powder matrix layer is applied to the film
layer by admixing particulate to form a powder matrix and by then
applying the powder matrix to the film layer by any desired method.
The composition of the powder matrix is varied to alter the
dissolution rate of the medicant, the adhesion of the medicant
composition, and other physical properties of the powder matrix.
The powder matrix layer can be cured.
Inventors: |
Davidson, Robert S.;
(Woodland Hills, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
TOD R. NISSLE, P.C.
P.O. Box 55630
Phoenix
AZ
85078
US
|
Family ID: |
32825044 |
Appl. No.: |
10/402273 |
Filed: |
March 28, 2003 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
424/449 ;
427/2.31 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61K 31/43 20130101;
A61K 47/36 20130101; A61K 31/167 20130101; A61K 47/38 20130101;
A61K 9/0056 20130101; A61K 9/0051 20130101; A61K 9/006 20130101;
A61K 9/7007 20130101; A61K 33/06 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
424/449 ;
427/002.31 |
International
Class: |
A61K 009/70; A61K
009/14 |
Claims
1. A medicant composition comprising (a) a film layer including a
top outer surface and a bottom outer surface; and, (b) a powder
matrix coating on at least one of said outer surfaces of said film
layer comprising at least one medicant.
2. A method of administering a medicant to an individual,
comprising the steps of (a) preparing a film layer; (b) preparing a
powder matrix including a medicant; (c) applying the powder matrix
to the film layer to form a medicant composition including the film
layer and powder matrix; and, (d) applying the medicant composition
to a mucous membrane of the individual with the powder matrix
contacting the mucous membrane.
3. A method for administering a medicant to an individual to slow
the release of the medicant, comprising the steps of (a) preparing
a film layer; (b) preparing a powder matrix including a medicant
and a gel forming composition; (c) applying the powder matrix to
the film layer to form a medicant composition including the film
layer and powder matrix; and, (d) apply the medicant composition to
a mucous membrane of the individual with the powder matrix
contacting the mucous membrane.
4. A cured medicant composition including (a) a film layer
including a top outer surface and a bottom outer surface; and, (b)
a heat treated powder matrix coating on at least one of said outer
surfaces of said film layer comprising at least one medicant.
Description
[0001] This invention pertains to edible compositions.
[0002] More particularly, the invention pertains to a film in which
a medicant is applied as a powder.
[0003] In another respect, the invention pertains to a method for
making a film that facilitates the incorporation with the film of a
gel.
[0004] In a further respect, the invention pertains to a method for
making a film including a medicant that minimizes the exposure of
the medicant in the film to moisture, heat, and shear during the
manufacturing process.
[0005] In still another respect, the invention pertains to a method
for making a film that facilitates stabilizing a medicant in the
film.
[0006] In yet another respect, the invention pertains to a method
for applying a medicant to living cells in the body of an
individual.
[0007] In yet still another respect, the invention pertains to a
method for curing a film.
[0008] A wide variety of edible compositions exist in nature, are
grown, or are manufactured. One particular kind of manufactured
edible compositions comprises lozenges, films, and other
compositions that are intended to be placed in and to dissolve or
otherwise disassociate in the mouth.
[0009] U.S. Pat. No. 4,517,173 to Kizawa et al. (1985) discloses a
film that adheres to mucous membrane. The film includes at least
three layers. The layers are a pharmaceutical layer, a poor
water-soluble layer, and an intermediate layer. The pharmaceutical
layer is a material selected from the group consisting of
predonisolone and allantoin together with water-soluble cellulose
derivatives. The cellulose derivatives are selected from the group
consisting of hydroxypropyl cellulose, methyl cellulose, hydroxy
propyl methyl cellulose and mixtures thereof. The predonisolone,
allantoin, and/or celluose derivatives form a thin film base. The
poor water-soluble layer consists of water-soluble cellulose
derivative together with water-soluble components. The
water-soluble components are selected from the group consisting of
shellac, higher fatty acids, and mixtures thereof. The intermediate
layer consists of water-soluble cellulose derivatives not
containing a pharmaceutical agent and not containing poor water
soluble components.
[0010] Another embodiment of the film described in U.S. Pat. No.
4,517,173 includes one layer of pharmaceutical agents and
water-soluble high polymer material. The other layer of the film
consist of poor water-soluble agents. A first solvent solution for
forming the pharmaceutical agent and water-soluble high polymer
material first layer is prepared. A second solvent solution for
forming the poor water-soluble agents second layer is prepared
separately. The first solution is coated on a base plate having a
favorable releasing nature. The solvent is removed from the
solution to produce a first film layer on the base plate. The
second solution is then coated on the first layer. The solvent is
removed from the second solution. The solvent is removed from the
second solution to form the second film layer.
[0011] By way of example, in U.S. Pat. No. 4,517,173 a solution for
the film base agent for preparing the pharmaceutical layer is
prepared by dissolving hydropropyl cellulose and macrogol-400
(polyethylene glycol) in ethyl alcohol and distilled water. The
distilled water contains dissolved predonisolone. A solution for
preparing the poor water-soluble layer is prepared by dissolving
hydroxypropyl cellulose, magrogol, and shellac in ethyl alcohol.
The solution for the film base agent for the intermediate layer is
prepared by dissolving hydroxypropyl cellulose and magrogol in
ethyl alcohol.
[0012] U.S. Pat. No. 5,948,430 to Zerbe et al. (1999) discloses a
monolayer film formed from a mucoadhesive composition. The
mucoadhesive composition comprises at least one water-soluble
polymer, at least one member selected from the group consisting of
a polyalcohol, a surfactant and a plasticizer; at least one
cosmetic or pharmaceutically active ingredient; and a flavoring
agent. The film rapidly softens and completely disintegrates in the
oral environment and has a dry film thickness suitable for
application in the mouth without causing adverse feeling in the
mouth. During preparation of the film, the polyalcohol,
surfactants, plasticizers, and possible other ingredients except
the water-soluble or water-dispersible polymer(s) are dissolved in
a sufficient amount of a compatible solvent. The solvent can, for
example, include water and/or alcohol. Once a clear solution is
formed, the water-dispersible polymer or mixture of water
dispersible polymers is slowly added with stirring, and heated if
necessary, until a clear and homogeneous solution is formed. Active
ingredients and flavors are added. The resulting solution is coated
onto a suitable carrier material and dried to produce a film. The
carrier material has a surface tension that allows the polymer
solution to spread evenly across the intended coating width without
soaking in to form a bond between the two. The carrier material
can, for example, comprise non-siliconized polyethylene
terephthalate film, on-siliconized kraft paper,
polyethylene-impregnated kraft paper, or non-siliconized
polyethylene film. The thickness of the film can vary between 5 and
200 .mu.m. Drying of the film is done in a high-temperature
air-bath using a drying oven, drying tunnel, vacuum drier, or any
other suitable drying equipment that does not adversely affect the
active ingredient(s) or flavor of the film. A film thickness
greater than 70 .mu.m is avoided so that an adverse feeling is not
produced in the mouth.
[0013] U.S. Pat. No. 5,166,233 to Kuroya et al. (1992) describes a
film that is applicable to the oral mucosa. The film comprises a
homogeneous mixture. The homogenous mixture comprises a vinyl
acetate homopolymer, an acrylic acid polymer, and a cellulose
derivative capable of being dissolved in or swollen with water and
a lower alcohol. The film also contains a salt or base to
neutralize the acrylic acid polymer. The salt or base is present in
an amount of from 0.03 to 0.2 equivalent to the acrylic acid
polymer. The acrylic acid polymer and cellulose derivative are
present at a weight ratio of from 1:9 to 9:1. The lower alcohol is
methanol or ethanol. By way of example, one procedure for preparing
a film comprises mixing a vinyl acetate homopolymer, a carboxyvinyl
polymer, and a hydroxypropyl cellulose to a 1:9 water/methanol
solvent mixture to produce a film-forming composition. The
film-forming composition is applied to a silicone-release paper,
dried, and stripped off to obtain a 30 .mu.m thick adhesive
film.
[0014] U.S. Pat. No. 5,047,244 to Sanvordeker, et al. (1991)
describes a mucoadhesive carrier. The carrier allows controlled
release of a therapeutic agent via mucosal tissue. The carrier is
claimed as a "therapeutic dosage". For example, in one claim the
"therapeutic dosage" comprises an anhydrous but hydratable
monolithic polymer matrix containing amorphous fumed silica and a
therapeutic agent. The polymer matrix defines a mucoadhesive face.
A water-insoluble barrier layer is secured to the polymer matrix.
The barrier layer defines a non-adhesive face. The therapeutic
agent is dehydroepiandrosterone. The polymer is polyethylene
glycol. The polyethylene glycol has a number average molecular
weight of about 4,000. The weight ratio of dehydroepiandrosterone
to polyethylene glycol is about 1:4. By way of example, the polymer
matrix and barrier film are prepared separately.
[0015] The polymer matrix is prepared by dissolving the therapeutic
agent in polyethylene glycol. The polyethylene glycol is melted at
160 degrees F. The powder therapeutic agent is slowly added to the
molten polyethyloene glycol and the glycol is stirred until the
therapeutic agent is completely dissolved. The resulting
composition is poured onto flat aluminum foil and allowed to
solidify to form a mucosal composition. The mucosal composition is
finely ground to a powder of about 60 to 80 mesh and blended with
other matrix forming hydrophilic and hydrophobic excipients. Such
excipients can comprise glyceryl behenate, polyvinyl alcohol,
dicalcium phosphate dihydrate, hydroxypropyl cellulose and silica.
Additional polyethylene glycol can be added. A granulation process
utilizing an organic solvent or water can be used to prepare, dry,
and obtain granules having a size in the range of 40 to 200
mesh.
[0016] The barrier film is prepared using constituents from the
polymer matrix, except the barrier film does not include a
therapeutic agent.
[0017] The components of the polymer matrix and barrier film are
compressed together to obtain a bi-laminate mucoadhesive
carrier.
[0018] U.S. Pat. No. 4,876,092 to Mizobuchi, et al. describes a
sheet-shaped adhesive pharmaceutical preparation. The preparation
can adhere to the oral cavity. The preparation comprises an
adhesive layer and a carrier layer. The adhesive layer includes a
carboxyvinyl polymer, a water-soluble methacrylic copolymer, a
polyhydric alcohol, and a pharmaceutically active agent. The
carrier layer is water-impermeable and water-insoluble. The carrier
layer includes a pharmaceutically acceptable water-insoluble,
film-forming high molecular weight compound and includes a
plasticizer. The ingredients of the adhesive layer are
substantially released from one side of the sheet-shaped
pharmaceutical preparation. The ingredients are absorbed through
the mucous membrane or teethridge to which the preparation is
adhered in the oral cavity. By way of example, the adhesive layer
is prepared by producing an adhesive layer mixture. The adhesive
layer mixture is prepared by mixing the components for the adhesive
layer in an appropriate solvent like ethyl alcohol. The resulting
mixture is spread onto a release paper in a desired thickness in a
conventional manner and is dried to produce a sheet-like adhesive
layer. The components for the carrier layer are dissolved in an
appropriate solvent to produce a carrier layer mixture. The
resulting carrier layer mixture is spread onto the sheet-like
adhesive layer and dried.
[0019] U.S. Patent Application US 2002/0131990 to Barkalow et al.
(2002) discloses a pullulan free edible film composition. The film
comprises an effective amount of at least one film forming agent;
an effective amount of at least one bulk filler agent; and, an
effective amount of at least one plasticizing agent. By way of
example, the film is produced by adding LustreClear (a composition
by FMC Corporation for use as a clear coating for pharmaceutical
tablets) to water to produce a coating mixture. LustreClear
contains microcrystalline cellulose, carrageenan, polyethylene
glycol, hydroxyethyl cellulose and maltodextrin. The coating
mixture is heated to 50 degrees C. and other ingredients are added.
While the mixture is warm, the mixture is poured onto a glass plate
and drawn down to form a thin film with a 0.08 inch blade. The
resulting film composition is dried at 50 degrees C. for about
fifteen minutes.
[0020] U.S. Patent Application US 2001/0022964 to Leung et al.
(2001) discloses a consumable film. The film is adapted to adhere
to and dissolve in a mouth of a consumer. The film comprises at
least one water soluble polymer and an antimicrobial effective
amount of at least one essential oil selected from the group
consisting of thymol, methyl salicylate, eucalyptol and menthol. By
way of example, a film is prepared as follows. Xanthan gum, locust
bean gum, carrageenan and pullulan are mixed and hydrated in hot
purified water to form a gel. The gel is stored in a refrigerator
overnight at a temperature of approximately four degrees C. to form
preparation A. Coloring agents, copper gluconate, and sweetener are
added to and dissolved in purified water to form preparation B.
Preparation B is mixed with preparation A to form preparation C.
Flavoring agents and oils (including cooling agent, thymol, methyl
salicylate, eucalyptol and menthol) are mixed to form preparation
D. Polysorbate 80 and Atmos 300 are added to preparation D and
mixed to form preparation E. Preparation E is added to preparation
C and mixed to form preparation F. Preparation F is poured on a
mold and cast to form a film of desired thickness at room
temperature. The film is dried under warm air.
[0021] The prior art edible films and production processes each
have desirable aspects. They also have disadvantages. One
disadvantage is that the prior art processes may expose medicants
or actives or other compositions to water or another liquid during
production of the edible films. Many medicants or other
compositions are unstable in the presence of water or other
liquids. A second disadvantage of prior art processes is that the
production process may subject a medicant or other composition to
shear. Shear can damage the medicant. Shear occurs when a mixing
blade or other member forces a medicant particle intermediate the
blade and another solid member, generating friction and heat. A
third disadvantage of prior art processes is that they may require
the application of heat at temperatures or over extended periods of
time that can degrade or undesirably alter the stability or
properties of a medicant or other composition. A fourth potential
disadvantage of prior art processes is that they may not permit,
with minimal effort, the dissolution rate of a medicant or other
composition to be varied. A fifth potential disadvantage of prior
art processes is that they may make use of a hydrophilic component
at higher concentrations impractical because during production the
hydrophilic component rapidly absorbs water and become difficult to
process. A sixth potential disadvantage of prior art processes is
that the edible films produced are primarily suitable only for use
in the oral cavity and not for use on living cells. A seventh
potential disadvantage of prior art processes is that heat alone
can not, practically speaking, be used to form a smooth coating on
an edible film. An eighth potential disadvantage of prior art
processes is that they require the use of a solvent to produce a
layer including a medicant or other desired composition. A ninth
potential disadvantage of the prior art processes is that they
require the compatibility of a medicant with other components in a
solvent solution to be taken into account.
[0022] Accordingly, it would be highly desirable to provide an
improved edible film and process for making the same that would
minimize the risk that a medicant or other composition is degraded
or otherwise damaged by heat, shear, or moisture; that would permit
the dissolution rate of a medicant to be readily varied, that would
permit the ready use of a hydrophilic composition, that could be
utilized on live cells, that would facilitate the use of heat to
form a coating on an edible film, and that would not require the
use of a solvent to mix compositions to form a medicant-containing
layer.
[0023] I have discovered an improved film and method for making the
same. The film can be used on living cells. Formation of the
medicant-containing layer in the film does not require a solvent
and minimizes the likelihood of damage from heat and shear. The
rate of dissolution or delivery of the medicant by the film can be
readily adjusted. The medicant-containing layer, while minimizing
the likelihood of heat induced medicant damage, permits heat to be
utilized to form a coating on the edible film. Hydrophilic
components can be readily incorporated in larger concentrations
during production of the medicant-containing layer.
[0024] I have also discovered an improved composition for
delivering a medicant in the oral cavity. The composition includes
an applied coating and a film layer.
[0025] The film layer is made from any polymer, softener, filler,
matrix, or other composition. The film has an acceptable
dissolution rate in the oral cavity for a particular thickness of
film. For example, if the film has a thickness of 50 microns, it
may be desirable for the film to dissolve in the oral cavity within
about fifteen seconds. Or it may be desirable for the film to
dissolve more slowly. By way of example, and not limitation, the
film can be made with pullulan, modified starch, pectin,
carageenan, a maltrodextrin, or alginate.
[0026] The applied coating is a powder matrix including one or more
medicants. The medicant can be contained in a powder carrier, or
can itself be a powder. One advantage of the powder matrix is that
it ordinarily does not require the use of a solvent. Another
advantage of the powder matrix is that it ordinarily can, if
desired, include in addition to the medicant a variety of different
auxiliary compositions. A further advantage of the powder matrix is
that it can be admixed in a fluidized bed that minimizes the
generation of shear and heat. In a fluidized bed dry air or another
gas is dispersed upwardly through a plurality of openings to
suspend and intermix particulate. Any desired means can be used to
admix powders. Another advantage of mixing or suspending powder in
a fluidized bed is that the dry air suspending the powder particles
tends to prevent agglomeration of the particles. The admixed powder
matrix can also be stored (i.e., suspended) in the fluidized bed
prior to the application of the admixed powder matrix to the film
layer. The powder matrix can be applied in any desired manner,
including sifting, screening, atomization, static, mechanical
agitation, etc. For example, the powder matrix can be atomized
through a Nordson or similar static spray gun using compressed air.
One such gun creates a fine mist spray of powder particles. The gun
statically electrically charges the powder particles so they adhere
to a surface of the film layer that is receiving the powder
particles. Another process for applying the powder particles is to
admix the particles with a liquid carrier to form a particle-liquid
solution. The particle-liquid solution is sprayed on the film
layer. The liquid carrier evaporates, leaving the powder particles
on the film. The liquid carrier preferably does not cause the
powder particles to dissolve in the liquid carrier.
[0027] One auxiliary composition that can be included in the powder
matrix with the medicant is a composition that dissolves slowly
over a selected period of time. Such an auxiliary dissolution
control composition can be utilized to slow the release of medicant
in the oral cavity. Examples of this kind of auxiliary composition
are, without limitation, gel forming compositions like carrageenan,
gelatin, alignates, pullulan, PVP, and other hydrophilic materials;
cyclodextrin; and, inert materials like calcium and fibers. For
example, the fibers can comprise carboxymethylcellulose.
[0028] Another auxiliary composition the can be included in the
powder matrix with the medicant is an absorption composition that
absorbs water or saliva. Such an auxiliary absorption composition
can be also be used to slow the release of medicant, and/or, to
form a gel. The gel can, if desired, cause the strip to become
chewable, similar to a very soft jelly bean. As used herein, an
auxiliary composition is termed a gel if, when it is placed in the
oral cavity or in contact with another source of bodily liquid, (1)
the auxiliary composition absorbs at least four times it weight of
water or of saliva or other aqueous solution in a selected period
of time, or (2) the auxiliary composition swells to at least three
times its thickness in a selected period of time. The selected
period of time can vary but preferably is from five seconds to
fifteen minutes, most preferably five seconds to five minutes.
Examples of gel auxiliary compositions include, without limitation,
carboxymethylcellulose, pectin, modified starches, gelatin, and
carrageenan. These compositions can be used alone or in
combination. One advantage of a gel is that it tends to slow the
dissolution of the medicant and to maintain the medicant in the
oral cavity for a longer period of time.
[0029] A further auxiliary composition that can be included in the
powder matrix is a composition that, when placed in the oral cavity
in contact with the mucosa therein, adheres to the mucosa. The
concentration of such auxiliary adhesion compositions in the powder
matrix can be adjusted to vary the length of time that the film
adheres to the mucosa or to vary the adhesive forces generated
between the film and mucosa. The auxiliary adhesion compositions
adhere to the oral mucosa or to mucosa or tissue in other parts of
the body, including the mouth, nose, eyes, vagina, and rectum.
Examples of auxiliary adhesion compositions include
carboxymethycellulose, polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinyl pyrrolidone
(povidone), sodiumalginate, methyl cellulose, hydroxyl propyl
cellulose, hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose, polyethylene glycols,
carbopol, polycarbophil, carboxyvinyl copolymers, propylene glycol
alginate, alginic acid, methyl methacrylate copolymers, tragacanth
gum, guar gum, karaya gum, ethylene vinyl cetate,
dimenthylpolysiloxanes, polyoxyalkylene block copolymers, and
hydroxyethylmethacrylate copolymers. All examples of composition
provided herein are given without limiting the use or inclusion of
other comparable or functionally equivalent compositions even
though such comparable or functionally equivalent compositions are
not listed.
[0030] Still another auxiliary composition that can be included in
the powder matrix is a flow composition that, when subjected to a
curing process, flows to form a smoother or shinier coating on the
exterior of the film layer. One preferred curing process is heating
the film layer with powder coating to a selected temperature above
76 degrees F. to cause the auxiliary flow composition to soften and
flow. Examples of this kind of auxiliary composition are lipids
(including various animal and vegetable fats) waxes, particularly
low melting point waxes, and polyols, particularly low melting
point polyols that can be admixed in powder form or than can
included be in powder particles containing a medicant or other
compositions. The medicant itself may also have the property of
flowing at an elevated temperature in excess of 76 degrees F. to
form a smoother or shinier coating.
[0031] Other auxiliary compositions that can be included in the
powder matrix include, without limitation, bulking agents, fillers,
pigments (coloring), flavorings, and sweeteners.
[0032] Combinations of auxiliary compositions can be included in
the powder matrix to achieve a desired function. For example, if it
is desired to slow the dissolution of a medicant, less soluble
fillers and fibers can be included in the powder matrix along with
a high concentration of polymers that have a very high degree of
ability to adhere to the oral mucosa lining the mouth.
[0033] The powder matrix is normally administered to the film layer
to form the applied coating after the film layer has been
manufactured.
[0034] The dry powder matrix will normally contain a minor amount
of retained or bound water or other liquid, typically less than
about ten percent by weight. The level of moisture in the powder
matrix normally should not cause the powder particles to stick or
adhere to one another during intermixing of powders to form the
powder matrix and during application of the powder matrix to the
film layer.
[0035] A medicant is an agent that cures, treats, or prevents a
disease or disease symptom or condition in a body or portion of a
body. By way of example, and not limitation medicants include
anti-inflammatory steroids such as predonisone, predonisolone,
predonisolone acetate, hydrocortisone, triamcinolone,
dexamethasone, and betamethasone; anti-inflammatory anodynes such
as aspirin, aminopyrin, acetoaminophen, ibufenac, ibuprofen,
indomethasine, colehicine, sulpyrine, mephenamic acid, phenacetin,
phenylbutazone, fulfenamic acid, and probenecid; anti-inflammatory
enzymes such as (a)-chymotrysin; anti-histamine agents such as
diphenhydramine-hydrocholride, and chlorophenylamine maleate; oral
sterilizing agents such as chlorohexydine-hydrochloride,
cetylpyridinium-chloride, hexylresorcin and nitro-furazone;
antibitoc materials such as penicillin or its dervatives,
cephaphalosporin derivative, erythromycine, tetracycline
hydrochloride, furadiomycin, and leucomycin; chemically therapeutic
agents such as sulfamethyzole and nalidixic; cardiac strengthening
agents such as digatalis and digoxin; blood vein dilating agents
such as nitroglycerine and papaverine-hydrochloride; local narcotic
agents such as lidocain and procain-hydrochloride; cough curing
agents such as codeine phosphate and bisorlvon; sore throat and
mouth treatment agents such as phenol and benzocaine; periodontal
disease treatment agents including peptides; digesting organ curing
agents such as azulene, phenovalin, pepsin, and vitamin U; enzymes
such as lysozyme-chloride or trypsin; anti-diabetic agents such as
insulin; blood pressure depressing agents; tranquilizers; stypic
agents; sexual hormones; agents for curing virulent carcinoma or
ulcers; vitamins; and minerals. The amount of medicant incorporated
with the film layer depends on the kind of drug and is usually
between 0.001 to 20% by weight, but can be less or more if
necessary to achieve the desired effect.
[0036] By way of example, and not limitation, the film layer can be
produced using a highly water-soluble polymer comprising a natural
or synthetic water-soluble polymer. The polymer preferably has good
film moldability, produces a soft flexible film, and is safe for
human consumption. One such polymer can be a water-soluble
cellulose derivative like hydroxypropyl cellulose (HPC), methyl
cellulose, hydroxypropyl alkylcellulose, carboxymethyl cellulose or
the salt of carboxymethyl cellulose. Or, the polymer can comprise
an acrylic acid copolymer or its sodium, potassium or ammonium
salt. The acrylic acid copolymer or its salt can be combined with
methacrylic acid, styrene or vinyl type of ether as a comonomer,
poly vinyl alcohol, poly vinyl pyrrolidone, polyalkylene blycol,
hydroxy propyl starch, alginic acid or its salt, poly-saccharide or
its derivatives such as trangacanth, bum gelatin, collagen,
denatured gelatin, and collagen treated with succinic acid or
anhydrous phthalic acid. By way of example, the following can be
included in the powder matrix as adhesives: poorly water-soluble
cellulose derivatives including ethyl cellulose, cellulose acetate
and butyl cellulose; shellac; higher fatty acids including steric
acid and palmitic acid. The following can also, without limitation,
be used to produce the film layer: pullulan, maltodextrin, pectin,
alginates, carrageenan, guar gum, other gelatins, etc.
[0037] Bulking agents that can be included in the powder matrix
include, by way of example and not limitation, avicel, sugar
alchohols including manitol and sorbitol and xylitol and isomalt,
lactic sugar, sorbitol dextrin, starch, anhydrous calcium
phosphate, calcium carbonate, magnesium trisilicate, silica, and
amylase.
[0038] The size of particulate in the powder matrix can vary as
desired, but is preferably in the range of 10 mesh to 400 mesh or
finer, preferably 40 mesh to 300 mesh.
[0039] The thickness of the film layer can vary as desired, but
typically is in the range of 0.01 mm to 3.00 mm, preferably 0.03 mm
to 1.00 mm.
[0040] The powder matrix can be applied to one or both sides of the
film layer. The film layer includes upper outer surface on the top
of the film layer and includes a lower outer surface on the bottom
of the film. The upper outer surface is generally parallel to the
lower outer surface. The top of the film is generally parallel to
the bottom of the film. The thickness of the powder matrix layer
can vary as desired, but is preferably in the range of 0.001 mm to
3.00 mm, preferably 0.01 mm to 1.00 mm.
[0041] If desired, after the powder matrix layer is applied to the
film layer, an additional layer or layers can be applied over the
powder matrix layer to seal the powder matrix layer, slow the
dissolution of the medicant from the powder matrix layer, etc.
[0042] If desired, multiple powder matrix layers can be applied to
the film layer. The film layer can comprise a laminate of two or
more layers. Methods for producing the film layer and incorporating
plasticizers, bulking agents, taste modifying agents, pigments,
etc. in the film layer are well known in the art and not described
in detail herein. Since the medicant is being applied to the film
layer in a dry powder form, the likelihood of adverse interactions
between the medicant and compositions comprising the film layer is
lessened.
[0043] The following examples are provided by way of illustration,
and not limitation, of the invention.
EXAMPLE I
[0044] 3.4 g of hydropropyl cellulose and 0.4 ml of macrogol-400
(polyethylene glycol) are dissolved in 60 g of ethyl alcohol to
produce a cellulose-alcohol solution. Nine milliliters of distilled
water containing 90 mg of dissolved predonisolone is added to the
cellulose-alcohol solution to produce a film forming composition.
The film forming composition is poured into a film molding frame
placed on a teflon plate. The area of teflon plate circumscribed by
the frame is 9.5 square centimeters. The film forming composition
is dried to form a film layer. The film layer includes an upper
outer surface on top of the film layer and includes a lower outer
surface on the bottom of the film layer. The lower outer surface is
generally parallel to the upper outer surface. The film layer has a
thickness of 40 microns. As noted, any desired prior art process
and/or materials can be utilized to produce the film layer.
[0045] Benzocaine powder (as a medicant) is combined with
carboxymethylcellulose powder (as an adhesive), modified food
starch (as a bulking agent), carrageenan (as adhesive), sucralose
(intense sweetener), talc (as flow/partitioning agent), and menthol
(as a medicant) in a fluidized bed container to form a powder
matrix. The resulting powder matrix includes 3.76% by weight of
benzocaine powder, 2.6% by weight percent of carboxymethylcellulose
powder, 85.43% by weight of modified food starch, 3.76% by weight
menthol, 2% by weight carrageenan, 0.45% by weight sucralose, and
2.0% by weight magnesium trisilicate (talc). The powder matrix is
drawn from the fluidized bed container and is applied to the upper
exposed surface of the film layer to a substantially uniform
thickness of 60 microns. The powder matrix is atomized through a
Nordson or similar static spray gun using compressed air. See, for
example Nordson Corporation's KINETIC (TM) spray systems
(www.nordson.com). The gun creates a fine mist spray of powder
particles. The gun statically electrically charges the powder
particles so they adhere to the upper surface of the film layer. If
desired the powder matrix can also be applied to the lower or
bottom surface of the film layer. The powder matrix layer and film
layer together comprise a medicant composition. The medicant
composition can be applied to mucous membrane at various areas of
the body.
EXAMPLE II
[0046] A film layer is prepared as follows. Xanthan gum (1.5% by
weight), locust bean gum (1.5% by weight), carrageenan (1% by
weight) and pullulan (9.5% by weight) are mixed and hydrated in hot
purified water (86.5% by weight) to form a gel. The gel is stored
in a refrigerator overnight at a temperature of approximately four
degrees C. to form a film layer. The film layer has a thickness of
55 microns.
[0047] Coral calcium powder (as a medicant) is combined with
carboxymethylcellulose powder (as an adhesive), modified food
starch (as a bulking agent), carrageenan (as adhesive), sucralose
(intense sweetener), talc (as flow/partitioning agent), menthol (as
a medicant), and a lipid in a fluidized bed container to produce a
powder matrix. The lipid is BENEFAT.TM.. BENEFAT is used by DANISCO
to designate salatrim, which is the abbreviation for long and short
chain triglyceride molecules. The resulting powder matrix includes
3.76% by weight of coral calcium powder, 2.6% by weight percent of
carboxymethylcellulose powder, 73.43% by weight of modified food
starch, 3.76% by weight menthol, 2% by weight carrageenan, 0.45% by
weight sucralose, 2.0% by weight magnesium trisilicate, and 12% by
weight of the lipid. The lipid preferably is in powder form. If the
lipid initially is in liquid form, it can be plated on a
particulate absorbent to produce a flowable powder. The particulate
absorbent could, for example, be talc.
[0048] The powder matrix is drawn from the fluidized bed container
and is applied to the upper exposed surface of the film layer to a
uniform thickness of 150 microns. The powder matrix is atomized
through a Nordson or similar static spray gun using compressed air.
The powder matrix layer and film layer together comprise a medicant
composition.
[0049] Ideally, the melting point of the lipid is close to
temperature at which the film layer is dried. For example, the film
layer (along with the powder matrix layer applied to the film
layer) is typically dried at about 200 degrees F. The lipid
preferably has a softening point or melting temperature of about
200 degrees F. so that the temperature at which the film layer is
dried is the ideal softening point for the lipid. If the melting
temperature of the lipid is too low in comparison to the
temperature at which the film layer is dried, the lipid can melt
and run off the film.
[0050] The medicant composition is cured using any desired heat
treatment process. The presently preferred process comprises a
first step during which the medicant composition is heated by a
microwave or infrared transmitter. The time spent by the medicant
composition under the transmitter varies depending on the amount of
moisture to be removed, but typically is fifteen to twenty seconds.
The microwave/infrared bombardment facilitates proper heating of
the film layer by generating heat in the film layer. During the
second step of the heat treatment process the medicant composition
is heated to 200 degrees F. in a convection oven for a desired
length of time to dry the medicant composition. The length of time
the medicant composition is in the convection oven can vary but is
typically presently about three to four minutes. During the
foregoing heat treatment process, the lipid powder particles soften
and flow to produce a smoother powder matrix layer on the film
layer. The smoother powder matrix layer also improves the feel to
an individual of the medicant composition in the mouth because the
medicant composition is not as dry on the tongue.
EXAMPLE III
[0051] 3.4 g of hydropropyl cellulose and 0.4 ml of macrogol-400
(polyethylene glycol) are dissolved in 60 g of ethyl alcohol to
produce a cellulose-alcohol solution. Nine milliliters of distilled
water containing 90 mg of dissolved predonisolone is added to the
cellulose-alcohol solution to produce a film forming composition.
The film forming composition is poured into a film molding frame
placed on a teflon plate. The area of teflon plate circumscribed by
the frame is 9.5 square centimeters. The film forming composition
is dried to form a film layer. The film layer has a thickness of 30
microns.
[0052] Penicillin or another antibiotic (as a medicant) suitable
for treating conjunctivitis is combined with carboxymethylcellulose
powder (as an adhesive) in a fluidized bed container. The resulting
powder matrix includes 5.00% by weight of the antibiotic powder,
and 95% by weight of carboxymethylcellulose powder. The powder
matrix is drawn from the fluidized bed container and is applied to
the upper exposed surface of the film layer to a substantially
uniform thickness of 5.0 microns. The powder matrix is applied with
a Nordson or similar static spray gun. If desired, the powder
matrix can also be applied to the lower or bottom surface of the
film layer. The powder matrix layer and film layer comprise a
medicant. A circular piece three-eighths inch in diameter is cut
from the medicant composition. The circular piece is 35 microns
thick and includes a portion of the film layer and a portion of the
powder matrix layer. The circular piece is placed in an
individual's eye with the powder matrix layer contacting the tear
layer of the eye. The amount of adhesive in the powder matrix layer
is gauged so that the powder matrix layer does not absorb moisture
too rapidly from the tear layer of the individual's eye.
EXAMPLE IV
[0053] A contact lens is coated with a medicant. The medicant is
released into an individual's eye when the contact lens is inserted
in the eye.
EXAMPLE V
[0054] A contact lens is impreganted with a medicant. The medicant
is gradually released into an individual's eye when the contact
lens is inserted in the eye.
EXAMPLE VI
[0055] 3.4 g of hydropropyl cellulose and 0.4 ml of macrogol-400
(polyethylene glycol) are dissolved in 60 g of ethyl alcohol to
produce a cellulose-alcohol solution. Nine milliliters of distilled
water containing 90 mg of dissolved predonisolone is added to the
cellulose-alcohol solution to produce a film forming composition.
The film forming composition is poured into a film molding frame
placed on a teflon plate. The area of teflon plate circumscribed by
the frame is 9.5 square centimeters. The film forming composition
is dried to form a film layer. The film layer has a thickness of 50
microns.
[0056] Coral calcium powder (as a medicant) is combined with
carboxymethylcellulose powder (as a fiber adhesive), modified food
starch (as a soluble bulking agent), carrageenan (as adhesive),
pullulan (as a polymer), calcium carbonate (as a non-soluble
filler/bulking agent), sucralose (intense sweetener), talc (as
flow/partitioning agent), and menthol (as a medicant) in a
fluidized bed container. The resulting powder matrix includes 3.76%
by weight of benzocaine powder, 5.2% by weight percent of
carboxymethylcellusoe powder, 38.33% by weight of modified food
starch, 5.0% by weight pullulan, 3.76% by weight menthol, 4% by
weight carrageenan, 2.5% by weight talc, 0.45% by weight sucralose,
35% by weight calcium carbonate, and 2.0% by weight magnesium
trisilicate.
[0057] The filler, fiber, and polymer components of the powder
matrix are used to slow the dissolution of the medicant when the
resulting medicant composition is placed in the oral mucosa of an
individual.
[0058] The powder matrix is drawn from the fluidized bed container
and is applied to the upper exposed surface of the film layer to a
substantially uniform thickness of 80 microns. The powder matrix is
atomized through a Nordson or similar static spray gun using
compressed air. The powder matrix layer and film layer together
comprise a medicant composition.
[0059] Having described my invention in such terms as to enable
those of skill in the art to make and practice it, and having
described the presently preferred embodiments thereof, I Claim:
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