U.S. patent application number 12/651873 was filed with the patent office on 2010-04-29 for over-coated product including tableted center and medicament.
This patent application is currently assigned to WM. WRIGLEY JR. COMPANY. Invention is credited to Leonard Matulewicz, Ronald L. Ream, William J. Wokas.
Application Number | 20100104620 12/651873 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 56290192 |
Filed Date | 2010-04-29 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100104620 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Ream; Ronald L. ; et
al. |
April 29, 2010 |
OVER-COATED PRODUCT INCLUDING TABLETED CENTER AND MEDICAMENT
Abstract
Methods and products for delivering a medicament or agent to an
individual are provided as well as methods for producing the
product. The product includes a coating having a medicament or
agent. The medicament or agent is present within the coating that
surrounds a tableted center. The tableted center is defined by
compressible excipients. By chewing the product, the medicament or
agent is released from the product within the buccal cavity.
Inventors: |
Ream; Ronald L.; (Plano,
IL) ; Matulewicz; Leonard; (Oswego, IL) ;
Wokas; William J.; (Bolingbrook, IL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
K&L Gates LLP
P.O. Box 1135
CHICAGO
IL
60690
US
|
Assignee: |
WM. WRIGLEY JR. COMPANY
Chicago
IL
|
Family ID: |
56290192 |
Appl. No.: |
12/651873 |
Filed: |
January 4, 2010 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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10206492 |
Jul 26, 2002 |
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12651873 |
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09631326 |
Aug 3, 2000 |
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10206492 |
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09618808 |
Jul 18, 2000 |
6322806 |
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09631326 |
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09510878 |
Feb 23, 2000 |
6355265 |
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09618808 |
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PCT/US99/29742 |
Dec 14, 1999 |
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09510878 |
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09286818 |
Apr 6, 1999 |
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PCT/US99/29742 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
424/440 ;
514/263.34; 514/629 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61K 9/0058 20130101;
A23G 3/343 20130101; A23G 4/20 20130101; A61K 9/209 20130101; A23G
2200/04 20130101; A61P 25/26 20180101; A23G 3/343 20130101; A23G
2200/04 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
424/440 ;
514/629; 514/263.34 |
International
Class: |
A61K 31/167 20060101
A61K031/167; A61K 9/68 20060101 A61K009/68; A61K 31/522 20060101
A61K031/522; A61P 25/26 20060101 A61P025/26 |
Claims
1. A product comprising a medicament comprising: a compressed
center comprising at least one compressible saccharide or sugar
alcohol; and a coating comprising a medicament that surrounds the
compressed center, the coating comprising at least 50% by weight of
the product.
2. The product of claim 1, wherein the medicament is selected from
the group consisting of analgesics, muscle relaxants, antibiotics,
antivirals, stimulants, antihistamines, decongestants,
anti-inflammatories, antacids, psychotherapeutic agents, insulin,
vitamins, minerals, nutraceuticals, nutritional supplements,
cardiovascular agents, and combinations thereof.
3. The product of claim 1, wherein the coating includes a taste
masking agent.
4. The product of claim 3, wherein the taste masking agent is
selected from the group consisting of zinc gluconate, ethyl maltol,
glycine, acesulfame-k, aspartame, saccharin, fructose, xylitol,
isomalt, maltitol, spray dried licorice root, glycerrhizine, sodium
gluconate, glucono delta-lactone, ethyl vanillin, dextrose,
sucralose, vanillin, ethyl maltol, and combinations thereof.
5. The product of claim 3, wherein the taste masking agent
comprises approximately 30% to about 99% by weight of the
coating.
6. The product of claim 1, wherein the coating includes
approximately 0.1% to about 5% by weight of a high-intensity
sweetener selected from the group consisting of aspartame,
sucralose, saccharine, acesulfame-k, and combinations thereof.
7. The product of claim 1, wherein the compressed center includes
dextrose.
8. The product of claim 1, wherein the coating does not have a
shellac layer.
9. A product comprising a medicament comprising: a compressed
center comprising at least one saccharide or sugar alcohol; and a
coating comprising a medicament that surrounds the center, the
coating comprising at least 50% by weight of the product.
10. The product of claim 9, wherein the medicament is selected from
the group consisting of analgesics, muscle relaxants, antibiotics,
antivirals, stimulants, antihistamines, decongestants,
anti-inflammatories, antacids, psychotherapeutic agents, insulin,
vitamins, minerals, nutraceuticals, nutritional supplements,
cardiovascular agents, and combinations thereof.
11. The product of claim 9, wherein the coating comprising a taste
masking agent.
12. The product of claim 11, wherein the taste masking agent is
selected from the group consisting of zinc gluconate, ethyl maltol,
glycine, acesulfame-k, aspartame, saccharin, fructose, xylitol,
isomalt, maltitol, spray dried licorice root, glycerrhizine, sodium
gluconate, glucono delta-lactone, ethyl vanillin, dextrose,
sucralose, vanillin, ethyl maltol, and combinations thereof.
13. The product of claim 11, wherein the taste masking agent
comprises approximately 30% to about 99% by weight of the
coating.
14. The product of claim 9, wherein the coating comprising
approximately 0.1% to about 5% by weight of a high-intensity
sweetener selected from the group consisting of aspartame,
sucralose, saccharine, acesulfame-k, and combinations thereof.
15. The product of claim 9, wherein the center includes
dextrose.
16. The product of claim 9, wherein the coating does not have a
shellac layer.
17. A product including a medicament that has acceptable
organoleptic properties comprising: a compressed center that is
defined by at least one excipient; and a coating that at least
substantially surrounds the center and comprising a medicament, the
coating comprising at least 50% of the product by weight.
18. The product of claim 17, wherein the medicament is selected
from the group consisting of analgesics, muscle relaxants,
antibiotics, antivirals, stimulants, antihistamines, decongestants,
anti-inflammatories, antacids, psychotherapeutic agents, insulin,
vitamins, minerals, nutraceuticals, nutritional supplements,
cardiovascular agents, and combinations thereof.
19. The product of claim 17, wherein the excipient is selected from
the group consisting of saccharides, sugar alcohols, and
combinations thereof.
20. The product of claim 17, wherein a taste masking agent
comprises approximately 30% to about 99% by weight of the
coating.
21. The product of claim 17, wherein the coating compromises
approximately 0.1% to about 5% by weight of a high-intensity
sweetener selected from the group consisting of aspartame,
sucralose, saccharine, acesulfame-k, and combinations thereof.
Description
[0001] This is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No.
09/631,326 entitled "OVER-COATED CHEWING GUM FORMULATIONS INCLUDING
TABLETED CENTER" which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 09/618,808 filed on Jul. 18, 2000, which is a
continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No.
09/510,878, filed on Feb. 23, 2000, which is a continuation-in-part
of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/286,818, filed on Apr. 6,
1999 and PCT Patent Application No. PCT/US99/29742 filed on Dec.
14, 1999.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention generally relates to the delivery of
medicaments and other agents. More specifically, the present
invention relates to the delivery of medicaments and agents using
chewing gum formulations and methods for producing such
products.
[0003] It is of course known to provide agents to individuals for
various purposes. These agents can be used to treat diseases and as
such are typically referred to as drugs or medicaments. Likewise,
the drugs or medicaments can be used for prophylactic purposes.
Still, it is known to provide agents to an individual for a variety
of non-medical purposes including enhancing performance or
maintaining or initiating alertness. There are a great variety of
such agents. These agents run the gamut from stimulants such as
caffeine to drugs such as analgesics, tranquilizers, cardiovascular
products, insulin, etc. Some such agents are taken on an as needed
basis while other agents must be taken at regular intervals by the
individual.
[0004] Typically, drugs (medicaments) are administered parenterally
or enterally. Of course, parenteral administration is the
administration of the drug intravenously directly into the blood
stream. Enteral refers to the administration of the drug into the
gastrointestinal tract. In either case, the goal of the drug
administration is to move the drug from the site of administration
towards the systemic circulation.
[0005] Except when given intravenously, a drug must traverse
several semipermeable cell membranes before reaching general
circulation. These membranes act as a biological barrier that
inhibits the passage of drug molecules. There are believed to be
four processes by which drugs move across a biological barrier:
passive diffusion; facilitated diffusion; active transport; and
pinocytosis.
[0006] Passive diffusion is the transport across the cell membrane
wherein the driving force for the movement is the concentration
gradient of the solute. In orally administered drugs, this
absorption occurs in the small intestines. Facilitated diffusion is
believed to be based on a carrier component that combines
reversibly with the substrate molecule at the cell membrane
exterior. The carrier substrate complex diffuses rapidly across the
membrane with release of the substrate at the interior surface.
Active transport requires an energy expenditure by the cell and
appears to be limited to agents with structural similarities to
normal body constituents. These agents are usually absorbed from
specific sites in the small intestines. Pinocytosis refers to the
engulfing of particulars or fluid by a cell. It is believed to play
a minor role in drug transport. Merck Manual, 16th Edition, pp.
2598-2599.
[0007] In determining the efficacy of a drug and the effectiveness
of the use of a drug to treat a disease, drug absorption is a
critical concern. Drug absorption refers to the process of drug
movement from the site of administration toward the systemic
circulation.
[0008] Oral administration of drugs is by far the most common
method. When administered orally, drug absorption usually occurs
due to the transport of cells across the membranes of the
epithelial cells within the gastrointestinal tract. Absorption
after oral administration is confounded by numerous factors. These
factors include differences down the alimentary canal in: the
luminal pH; surface area per luminal volume; perfusion of tissue,
bile, and mucus flow; and the epithelial membranes. See Merck
Manual at page 2599.
[0009] A further issue effecting the absorption of orally
administered drugs is the form of the drug. Most orally
administered drugs are in the form of tablets or capsules. This is
primarily for convenience, economy, stability, and patient
acceptance. Accordingly, these capsules or tablets must be
disintegrated or dissolved before absorption can occur. There are a
variety of factors capable of varying or retarding disintegration
of solid dosage forms. Further, there are a variety of factors that
effect the dissolution rate and therefore determine the
availability of the drug for absorption. See Merck Manual at page
2600.
[0010] Parenteral administration allows for the direct placement of
the drug into the blood stream. This usually insures complete
delivery of the dose to the general circulation. However,
administration by a route that requires drug transfer through one
or more biologic membranes to reach the blood stream precludes a
guarantee that all of the drug will eventually be absorbed. Even
with parenteral administration, because capillaries tend to be
highly porous, the perfusion (blood flow/gram of tissue) is a major
factor in the rate of absorption. Thus, the injection site can
markedly influence a drugs' absorption rate; e.g., the absorption
rate of diazepam injected IM into a site with poor blood flow can
be much slower than following an oral dose. See Merck Manual at
page 2601.
[0011] Not only is drug absorption an issue in drug delivery but
also the bioavailability of the drug is also critical.
Bioavailability is defined as the rate at which and the extent to
which the active moiety (drug or metabolite) enters the general
circulation, thereby gaining access to the site of action.
Bioavailability depends upon a number of factors, including how a
drug product is designed and manufactured, its physicochemical
properties, and factors that relate to the physiology and pathology
of the patient. See Merck Manual at page 2602.
[0012] When a drug rapidly dissolves from a drug product and
readily passes across membranes, absorption from most site
administration tends to be complete. This is not always the case
for drugs given orally. Before reaching the vena cava, the drug
must move down the alimentary canal and pass through the gut wall
and liver, which are common sites of drug metabolism. Thus, the
drug may be metabolized before it can be measured in the general
circulation. This cause of a decrease in drug input is called the
first pass effect. A large number of drugs show low bioavailability
owing to an extensive first pass metabolism. The two other most
frequent causes of low bioavailability are insufficient time in the
GI tract and the presence of competing reactions. See Merck Manual
at page 2602.
[0013] Bioavailability considerations are most often encountered
for orally administered drugs. Differences in bioavailability can
have profound clinical significance.
[0014] Although parenteral administration does provide a method for
eliminating a number of the variables that are present with oral
administration, parenteral administration is not a preferable
route. Typically, parenteral administration requires the use of
medical personnel and is just not warranted nor practical for the
administration of most agents and drugs, e.g., analgesics. Even
when required, parenteral administration is not preferred due to
patient concerns including comfort, infection, etc., as well as the
equipment and costs involved. However, despite best efforts certain
therapies require parenterally injected drugs. For example,
research for decades has focused on an attempt to deliver insulin
to an individual through a non-parenteral means. Despite such
efforts, today insulin is still only administered
intravenously.
[0015] In producing products for delivering medicaments and other
agents to an individual, it may be critical that a predefined
amount of medicament or agent is delivered per dose of the product.
This allows the physician and/or patient to determine the amount of
product to ingest and insure that a safe and effective level of
medicament or agent is delivered. If the medicament or agent is
located in a coating of the product it is necessary to ensure that
definite levels of coating are present in each product. This
requires a manufacturing process that allows for the accurate
production of coated products.
[0016] A still further issue vis-a-vis drug delivery, and most
specifically oral drug delivery, is taste. Many over the counter
and pharmaceutical products are not available in a chewable form
due to taste problems. Such products include, for example,
excedrin, pseudoephedrin, and Ma Huang/guarana diet pills.
[0017] Thus, there is a need for an improved method of delivering
drugs and agents to an individual.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0018] The present invention provides improved methods for
manufacturing products for delivering a medicament or agent to an
individual as well as such products. To this end, a compressible
excipient is tableted and then coated to produce a coated product
including a medicament or agent. The medicament or agent is present
within the coating or shell that substantially encloses the
tableted compressible excipient. It has been found that by
tableting the compressible excipient that a specifically defined
coating can be provided, providing a predetermined and controllable
level of medicament or agent.
[0019] The excipient can be, by way of example and not limitation,
dextrose, sucrose, or other saccharides, sorbitol, mannitol,
iso-malitol, other compressible sugar alcohols, or combinations
thereof.
[0020] Improved formulations including medicaments or agents are
also provided by the present invention.
[0021] To this end, the present invention provides a product
including a tableted compressible excipient. The tableted
compressible excipient is substantially surrounded by a coating.
The coating includes a medicament or agent and comprises at least
50% by weight of the product.
[0022] In an embodiment, the coating includes a masking agent to
assist in improving the organoleptic properties of the coating
containing the medicament. The masking agent may be chosen from the
group consisting of: sucralose; zinc gluconate; ethyl maltol;
glycine; acesulfame-K; aspartame; saccharin; fructose; xylitol;
spray dried licorice root; glycerrhizine; dextrose; sodium
gluconate; glucono delta-lactone; ethyl vanillin; vanillin; normal
and high-potency sweeteners; and a variety of appropriate
flavors.
[0023] In an embodiment, the coating includes a high-intensity
sweetener. In a further embodiment, the high-intensity sweetener is
chosen from the group consisting of aspartame, sucralose, and
acesulfame-K.
[0024] In an embodiment, the compressible excipient is chosen from
the group consisting of dextrose, sucrose, sorbitol, manitol, and
combinations of same.
[0025] In an embodiment, the coating comprises 50% to 75% by weight
of the product.
[0026] In an embodiment, the coating is a recrystallized granular
coating.
[0027] In an embodiment, the coating is an amorphous coating.
[0028] In an embodiment, the coating is a powder coating.
[0029] In an embodiment, the medicament is chosen from the group
consisting of: analgesics; muscle relaxants; antacids;
antihistamines; decongestants; anti-inflammatories; antibiotics;
antivirals; psychotherapeutic agents; insulin; nutraceuticals;
nutritional supplements; and cardiovascular agents.
[0030] In another embodiment of the present invention a method of
drug delivery is provided. The method comprising the steps of:
providing a product that includes a compressible excipient that is
substantially surrounded by a coating, the coating includes a
medicament; chewing the product to cause the medicament to be
released from the product into the buccal cavity of the chewer; and
continuing to chew the product thereby creating a fluid pressure
causing the medicament to enter the systemic system of the chewer
through the oral mucosa contained in the buccal cavity.
[0031] In an embodiment of the method, the agent is a medicament.
In an embodiment of the method, the medicament is chosen from the
group consisting of: analgesics; muscle relaxants; antihistamines;
decongestants; antacids; anti-inflammatories; antibiotics;
antivirals; psychotherapeutic agents; insulin; nutraceuticals;
nutritional supplements; and cardiovascular agents.
[0032] In yet another embodiment of the present invention a method
of delivering a medicament is provided. The method comprising the
steps of: providing a product including a coating that comprises at
least 50% by weight of the product and surrounds a tableted
compressible excipient. The coating includes a medicament; and
chewing the product.
[0033] In a still further embodiment of the present invention a
product containing a medicament or agent is provided. The product
includes a tableted compressible excipient center. The coating
surrounds the tableted center and includes a medicament. The
coating comprising at least 50% by weight of the product. The
coating includes taste masking agents.
[0034] Moreover, in an embodiment of the present invention, a
method of manufacturing a product containing a medicament or agent
is provided. The method comprising the steps of: preparing a
tableted compressible excipient center; and coating the tableted
center with a powder and a syrup to create a coated product, at
least one of the powder or syrup portion including a medicament or
agent.
[0035] In an embodiment the powder and syrup are coated on the
compressible excipient in alternating steps until a sufficient
coating has been built up.
[0036] In an embodiment the coating has a polished finish.
[0037] Accordingly, an advantage of the present invention is to
provide new methods for manufacturing products for delivering
medicaments or agents to an individual.
[0038] Furthermore, an advantage of the present invention is to
provide an improved product containing a medicament.
[0039] Additionally, an advantage of the present invention is to
provide a method for administering medicaments that is more
palatable than current methods.
[0040] Still further, an advantage of the present invention is to
provide a method of delivering medicaments to an individual that
provides for increase absorption and bioavailability as compared to
medicaments that are designed to be absorbed in the GI tract.
[0041] Further, an advantage of the present invention is to provide
a method of administering a medicament or agent to an individual at
a lower level than is typically administered orally while still
achieving the same effect.
[0042] Furthermore, an advantage of the present invention is to
provide a method for administering medicaments or agents to an
individual that heretofore were administered parenterally.
[0043] Another advantage of the present invention is to provide a
method for manufacturing products including medicaments or agents
in the coating.
[0044] Moreover, an advantage of the present invention is to
provide an improved method for drug delivery.
[0045] Further, an advantage of the present invention is to provide
a chewable product that contains an agent that heretofore could not
be provided in a chewable form that was palatable.
[0046] Still, an advantage of the present invention is to provide a
method for ensuring that a coated product that includes a
medicament has a precise level of medicament.
[0047] An advantage of the present invention is that a coated
product is provided wherein the coating can absorb or lose moisture
without apparent degradation.
[0048] Further, an advantage of the present invention is that a
coated chewing gum product including medicament is provided having
an extended shelf-life.
[0049] Furthermore, an advantage of the present invention is that
it can produce medicament-containing products having precise sizes
and shapes.
[0050] Another advantage of the present invention is to provide a
method of controlling the amount of agent containing coating that
is used on a coated product.
[0051] Additional features and advantages of the present invention
will be described in and apparent from the detailed description of
the presently preferred embodiments and the figures.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURE
[0052] FIG. 1 illustrates generally an embodiment of the product of
the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENTLY PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0053] The present invention provides improved methods for
delivering medicaments and other agents to an individual as well as
improved products including such medicaments or agents and methods
for producing same.
[0054] Pursuant to the present invention, a medicament or agent is
contained in a coating that surrounds a tableted compressible
excipient center. As used herein "tableted" means that a center is
provided that has a precise size (within an acceptable range)
depending on the medicament or agent and shape. Thus allows an
accurate control of the coating as well as allows one to create
products having specific sizes and shapes. In a preferred
embodiment, the coating comprises at least 50% by weight of the
entire product.
[0055] As the product is chewed, the medicament or agent is
released into the saliva. During continual chewing or crunching of
the product between the teeth, the medicament or agent in the
saliva is then forced through the oral mucosa in the buccal cavity
due to the pressure created by the chewing. The oral mucosa has a
thin epithelium and a rich vascularity. Thus, the oral mucosa
favors drug absorption. In contrast to a typically orally ingested
drug, wherein the solution is in contact too briefly for absorption
to be appreciable through the oral mucosa, it is believed that
during chewing, the agent and/or medicament remains in the buccal
cavity and is forced through the oral mucosa. Also it has been
surprisingly found that an increase in the absorption of the drug
is achieved as well as an increase in the bioavailability of the
drug as compared to typical oral administration. It has been found
that the drug or agent is absorbed much quicker than if it was
swallowed as in a typical oral administration. Indeed, the
absorption approaches that of a parenteral administration, and
bioavailability is also much greater than oral administration.
[0056] Referring to FIG. 1, an embodiment of the product 10 of the
present invention is illustrated. As illustrated, the product 10
includes a tableted center 12. The tableted center can be any
compressible excipient known in the art. Examples of such
excipients include saccharides such as dextrose and sucrose, and
sugar alcohols such as sorbitol and mannitol, and combinations of
same.
[0057] Pursuant to the present invention, surrounding the tableted
center 12 is a coating 14. The coating 14 includes a medicament or
other active agent.
[0058] As noted above, the tableted center 12 can be any size or
shape, although in a preferred embodiment the center has a round
shape. However, the key is that by tableting the center, one can
control to a precise relative standard deviation, the size of the
center 12. This allows one to accurately control the amount of
coating 14 that is placed around the center 12 to create the
resultant product. In this regard, if the center is too large or
too small, the resultant coating will either be greater or less
than desired. Because the coating, as noted below, contains a
medicament, if the size of the center 12 is not the predetermined
size, the level of medicament present in the resultant product
could vary. By precisely controlling the size of the center,
through the tableting process, one is ensured that a precise level
of coating, and therefore medicament, can be provided and thereby
delivered.
[0059] Additionally, by using the tableting process one can vary
the size and shape of the resultant product. For example, for a
product including an analgesic, the product can have an aspirin
shape. In a similar vein, for proprietary designs that are used for
certain drugs, one can create the tableted center in the
proprietary design allowing the resultant product to have the
proprietary shape or design.
[0060] A variety of different tableting processes can be used. What
is important is that a process is used that allows one to create a
uniform center. For example, conventional drug tableting equipment
or confectionary tableting product equipment can be utilized. An
example of such equipment is the Stokes tableting machine available
from Stokes Manufacturing Inc.
[0061] Referring now to the coating 14, preferably, the coating 14
comprises approximately 50% to about 75% by weight of the product.
A variety of coatings can be utilized. For example, the coating can
be a soft amorphous coating. Or, the coating can be a
recrystallized granular coating. As discussed below, in a preferred
embodiment, the coating is applied as a syrup/powder
composition.
[0062] Preferably, the coating 14 will include masking agents. In
this regard, high-intensity sweeteners and appropriate flavors can
be used to help mask, along with the tableted center, any off notes
that are present due to the medicament or agent. It has been found
that with respect to certain medicaments or agents that may have an
astringent or bitter taste that by adding a masking agent to the
formulation, that a much more palatable formulation, including the
medicament, can be provided. In this regard, even though the
medicament in for example, its powder form may be bitter or have an
offensive taste, the matrix used as the coating of the present
invention, including the masking agent, will help, along with the
tableted center, to afford a product having acceptable organoleptic
properties. For example, it has been surprisingly found that by
solubilizing a powdered matrix of medicament and masking agent,
this increases the ability of the masking agent to cover up bitter
and bad flavors produced by the medicament or agent. By selecting
specific masking agents in combination with the compressible
excipients, based on the bad or off taste produced by the
medicament, one can provide a palatable formulation.
[0063] For example, if one is attempting to cover an astringent
flavor such as aspirin, one could use masking agents found to be
effective against astringency such as fructose and high-intensity
sweeteners, e.g. saccharin, aspartame, sucralose, and acesulfame-k.
In the case of a moderately bitter active ingredient, such as
caffeine, one would use ingredients such as glycine, ethyl maltol,
zinc gluconate, licorice root powder, high-intensity sweeteners,
etc. In the case of a very bad tasking active ingredient such as
acetaminophen it has been found that peppermint functions very
well, but, may need to be augmented with a high-intensity
sweetener, such as, for example, aspartame.
[0064] The masking agents, in an embodiment, are selected from the
group consisting of: sucralose; zinc gluconate; ethyl maltol;
glycine; acesulfame-k; aspartame; saccharin; fructose; xylitol;
maltitol; isomalt; salt; spray dried licorice root; glycyrrhizin;
dextrose; sodium gluconate; sucrose; glucono delta-lactone; ethyl
vanillin; and vanillin.
[0065] In an embodiment of the invention, sufficient masking agent
and/or tableted excipient will be used to improve and provide
acceptable organoleptic properties to the product. As used herein
to provide "acceptable organoleptic properties" means that the
product will have a sufficiently pleasant, or at least
non-offensive taste, to allow the consumer to chew the product
allowing at least a portion of the product to dissolve in the mouth
of the consumer. Whether a masking agent is necessary and/or the
amount of masking agent will vary depending on medicament or agent
and compressible excipient. Of course, if desired, more than one
masking agent can be used, e.g., zinc gluconate and a sweetener or
flavor. In an embodiment, the masking agent may comprise
approximately 30% to about 99% by weight of the coating
formulation.
[0066] In a preferred embodiment, the coating includes a
high-intensity sweetener such as aspartame, sucralose, and
acesulfame-k. Preferably, the high-intensity sweetener comprises
approximately 0.1% to about 5% by weight of the coating. As noted
above, the coating will include a medicament or agent. It is
envisioned, that a variety of different medicaments and agents can
be placed in the coating. For example, such agents include, inter
alia, stimulants such as caffeine and nicotine. Generally, such
medicaments include, inter alia, analgesics, antibiotics,
antivirals, antihistamines, anti-inflammatories, decongestants,
antacids, muscle relaxants, psychotherapeutic agents, insulin,
diuretics, vitamins, minerals, anesthetics, antitussives,
anti-diabetic agents, bioengineered pharmaceuticals,
nutraceuticals, nutritional supplements, and cardiovascular agents.
It is envisioned, that depending on the medicament, the resultant
product can be used to treat, inter alia: coughs; colds; motion
sickness; allergies; fevers; pain; inflammation; sore throats; cold
sores; sinus problems; diarrhea; diabetics; gastritis; depression;
anxiety; hypertension; angina; and other maladies and symptoms.
Specific agents/medicaments include, by way of example and not
limitation: caffeine; aspirin; acetaminophen; ibuprofen;
ketoprofen; cimetodine; ranitidine; famotidine; dramamine;
omeprazole; dyclonine; chlorpheniramine maleate; pseudoephedrine;
hydrochloride; dextromethorphan hydrobromide; benzocanine; sodium
naproxen; nicotine; hydroxycitric acid; chromium picolinate;
phosphatidylserine; nicotine; insulin; echinacea purpurea; zinc;
vitamin C; ginseng; kola nut; capsicum; nettle; passion flower; St.
Johns Wort; valerian; Ma Huang/guarana; kava kava; and
chamomile.
[0067] It is believed that the product of the present invention
will allow chewable products to be provided that heretofore were
not provided due to offensive taste. Such products include, by way
of example and not limitation, excedrin, pseudoephedrin, and Ma
Huang/guarana diet pills.
[0068] Preferably, the agents or medicaments are contained in the
coating of the product at levels of approximately 50 micrograms to
500 milligrams. The specific levels will depend on the active
ingredient. For example, if chromium picolinate is the active
ingredient in an embodiment, it would be present at a level of 50
micrograms per serving (3.0 grams of coated product); aspirin would
be preset at a level of 325 milligrams per 3.0/gram serving. The
level of medicament or agent in the coating of the product is
selected so as to create, when the product is chewed, a
sufficiently high concentration of the medicament or agent in the
saliva.
[0069] For example, when the agent is a stimulant such as nicotine
or caffeine, the level of the stimulant in the coating of the
product should be such that it creates a saliva content of
stimulant of approximately 15 to 440 ppm after the product is
chewed. At this level, a sufficient amount of stimulant will be
delivered to the chewer to create the effects set forth in the
application. For a botanicals (e.g., chamomile, kava, kola, nut,
ginseng, and Echinacea), the agent should be present in a
sufficient amount to create a saliva content of approximately 85 to
1100 ppm after the product is chewed. For a metabolizer, for
example, chromium picolineate and hydroxi-chitic acid, the agents
should be present in an amount to create a saliva content of
approximately 0.5 to about 900 ppm after the product is chewed. If
the agent is a vitamin or mineral (e.g., phosphatidy serine,
vitamin C, and zinc), the agent should be present in the amount to
create a saliva content of the vitamin or mineral of approximately
10 to about 250 ppm after the product is chewed.
[0070] The level of medicament or agent in the coating is selected
so as to create, when the product is chewed, a sufficiently high
concentration of the medicament or agent in the saliva.
[0071] For example, when the agent is a stimulant such as caffeine,
the level of the stimulant in the compacted powder formulation
should be such that it creates a saliva content of stimulant of
approximately 1% to about 66% after the formulation is placed in
the mouth. At this level, a sufficient amount of stimulant will be
delivered to the user to create the effects set forth in the
application. If a medicament is used such as a medicinal (e.g.,
analgesics), sufficient medicinal should be present in the
compacted powder formulation to create a salvia content of
approximately 1% to about 66%. For botanicals (e.g., chamomile,
kava, kola, nut, ginseng, and Echinacea), the agent should be
present in a sufficient amount to create a saliva content of
approximately 1% to about 66%. For a metabolizer, for example,
chromium picolineate and hydroxi-chitic acid, the agents should be
present in an amount to create a saliva content of approximately 1%
to about 66%. If the agent is a vitamin or mineral (e.g.,
phosphatidy serine, vitamin C, and zinc), the agent should be
present in the amount to create a saliva content of the vitamin or
mineral of approximately 2% to about 30%.
[0072] Pursuant to the present invention, depending on the agent or
medicament, the dosing regiment will change. For example, if the
medicament is an analgesic, the product would be taken on an as
needed basis. Of course, similar to the oral administration of an
analgesic, there would be restrictions on the doses taken, for
example, not more often than one product every four hours and not
more often than four to five times a day.
[0073] If the agent is a stimulant, such as caffeine, to be used to
enhance performance than the product would be ingested, in a
preferred embodiment ten minutes or less before the
performance.
[0074] A variety of methods can be used for constructing the
coating of the product. Typically coatings are applied to products
in a three-phase operation. In this regard, the first phase is to
add a crude coating of an alternate application of syrup and powder
is applied. This is followed by a second phase called the finishing
coating in which finer powder and longer tumbling is used to
produce a smooth finish. Finally a shellacking and polishing third
phase is performed to provide a high-sheen smooth finish. In a
preferred embodiment, the second phase is not used and the third
phase is optional. As noted above, in an embodiment, the products
of the present invention can include 50% to 75% by weight coating.
Using only the first phase of the method, this large percent of
coating can be applied to the product in a realistic
time-frame.
[0075] In an embodiment, the coating comprises approximately 10 to
about 30% by weight syrup and approximately 70% to about 90% by
weight powder. For example, in a preferred embodiment, the coating
comprises 20% syrup and 80% powder.
[0076] In an embodiment of constructing the coated product, first
the syrup is distributed on the center. Then a portion of the
powder is sprinkled on top to dry up the syrup. A further amount of
syrup is added and powder supplied. This process is continued until
the necessary amount of syrup and powder have been applied to the
exterior of the center, e.g., 10 to 20 coating layers or more are
applied. The coating which can play an important role as the
masking agent, can include a combination of sugar, corn syrups, or
in the case of a sugar-free product, various combinations of sugar
alcohols, monomers, and polymers.
[0077] It has been found that by using this type of gross up
coating process that advantages are achieved for the product
containing medicament of the present invention. This is true
whether or not the medicament is contained in the powder or in the
syrup. Accordingly, if desired, the medicament can be contained in
the syrup rather than in the powder.
[0078] Pursuant to the present invention, the coated product may
not include a shellac or other finishing or shiny layer. It has
been found, that the coating can comprise merely a matte finish and
still function, not only satisfactorily, but has some advantages.
In this regard, typically coated products that retain moisture on
the coating along with a shellac layer may degrade due to moisture
in the coating and therefore do not have an extended shelf-life.
This is especially true with the thick coatings of the present
invention. Such thick coatings absorb more moisture than thinner
coatings. If a matte finish is utilized, although the thick coating
layer can absorb the moisture, the matte finish allows the moisture
to move into and out of the coating layer. This thereby prevents
degradation of the product. Thus, the present invention provides a
product having a thick coating with increased shelf-life.
[0079] The matte finish additionally not only allows a thick
coating to be used but also ingredients that have high moisture
absorption. Due to the matte finish, high moisture absorbing
medicaments can be used without undue product degradation.
[0080] In an embodiment of the coating, dextrose or sucrose or
combinations thereof function as the main ingredient. In a
preferred embodiment, dextrose is utilized and the dextrose
comprises approximately 50 to about 90% of the coating. The active
ingredients or medicaments, in the coating may comprise as much as
30% of the coating down to very small amounts as long as the
medication is efficacious. In a preferred embodiment, the flavors
are powdered flavors and can range from 0.1% to approximately 5%.
High-intensity sweeteners such as aspartame, sucralose, and
acesulfame-k can also be used in the coating and range from
approximately 0.1 to about 5% of the coating. As noted above, these
high-intensity sweeteners are excellent masking agents.
[0081] The coating including medicament or agent can surround a
variety of different center compositions. In this regard, the
center can be any compressible excipient. For example, the center
can be a compressible saccharide, e.g., dextrose, maltose,
fructose, or sucrose, or a combination of same, or a compressible
sugar alcohol, e.g., sorbitol, mannitol, and isomalitol or
combinations of same.
[0082] If desired, additional excipients can be used with the
above, such as high-intensity sweeteners and flavoring agents.
[0083] Preferred sweeteners include, but are not limited to,
sucralose, aspartame, salts of acesulfame, altitame, saccharin and
its salts, cyclamic acid and its salts, glycerrhizinate,
dihydrochalcones, thaumatin, monellin, and the like, alone or in
combination. In order to provide longer lasting sweetness and
flavor perception, it may be desirable to encapsulate or otherwise
control the release of at least a portion of the artificial
sweetener. Such techniques as wet granulation, wax granulation,
spray drying, spray chilling, fluid bed coating, coacervation, and
fiber extension may be used to achieve the desired release
characteristics.
[0084] Flavoring agents may include essential oils, synthetic
flavors or mixtures thereof including, but not limited to, oils
derived from plants and fruits such as citrus oils, fruit essences,
peppermint oil, spearmint oil, other mint oils, clove oil, oil of
wintergreen, anise and the like. Artificial flavoring agents and
components may also be used. Natural and artificial flavoring
agents may be combined in any sensorially acceptable fashion.
Tableted Coated Product
[0085] The tableted gum will include a center and a coating. In an
embodiment, the center will include the following ingredients in
the following ranges:
TABLE-US-00001 Ingredient Percent Peppermint Flavor 0.44 Menthol
Flavor 0.37 Dextrose 97.49 Magnesium Stearate 1.70 100.00%
TABLE-US-00002 Ingredient Percent Dextrose 98.92 Sucrolose 0.19
Bubble Gum Flavor 0.19 Magnesium Stearate 1.70 100.00%
TABLE-US-00003 Ingredient Grams Percent Menthol Flavor 30.00 1.88
Eucalyptus Flavor 2.00 0.13 Aspartame 32.00 2.00 Magnesium Stearate
27.20 1.70 Dextrose 1,508.80 94.30 1,600.00 100.00%
[0086] An embodiment of the coating for the product is as
follows:
TABLE-US-00004 Ingredient Grams Acetaminophen 0.3490 Peppermint
Flavor (dry) 0.0072 Menthol Flavor (dry) 0.0062 Dextrose 1.4200
Sucrolose 0.0030 Aspartame 0.0062 Glucose 0.2080 2.0000 g
Acetaminophen Coated Product
TABLE-US-00005 [0087] Center (1 gram) Ingredient Percent Peppermint
Flavor 0.44 Menthol Flavor 0.37 Dextrose 97.49 Magnesium Stearate
1.70 100.00%
TABLE-US-00006 Coating (1 gram) Ingredient Grams Acetaminophen 80.0
Encapsulated 20.0 Aspartame Aspartame 50.0 Salt Flour 2.5 Dextrose
643.5 Flavor 4.0 800.0
Acetaminophen Coated Product
TABLE-US-00007 [0088] Center (1 gram) Ingredient % Peppermint
Flavor 0.44 Menthol Flavor 0.37 Dextrose 97.49 Magnesium Stearate
1.70 100.00%
TABLE-US-00008 Coating (2 grams) Ingredient Grams Acetaminophen
335.0 Natural Peppermint 7.0 S.D. Menthol 6.0 Dextrose 1,221.0
Aspartame 32.0 1,601.0 g
Pseudoephedrin Coated Product
TABLE-US-00009 [0089] Center (1 gram) Ingredient Grams Peppermint
Flavor 0.44 Menthol Flavor 0.37 Dextrose 97.49 Magnesium Stearate
1.70 100.00%
TABLE-US-00010 Coating (2 grams) Ingredient Grams Dextrose 1,476.00
Eucalyptus* 2.00 Menthol* 30.00 Aspartame 32.00 Pseudoephedrin
60.00 1,600.00 *sprayed dried
Peppermint Caffeine Coated Product
TABLE-US-00011 [0090] Gum Center (1 gram) Ingredient Grams
Peppermint Flavor 0.44 Menthol Flavor 0.37 Dextrose 97.49 Magnesium
Stearate 1.70 100.00%
TABLE-US-00012 Coating (2 grams) Ingredient Grams Caffeine 100.0
Peppermint 13.0 Dextrose 1,455.0 Aspartame 32.0 1,600.0
[0091] By way of example, and not limitation, examples
demonstrating the benefits of placing a medicament in a coating
surrounding a chewable confectionary, chewing gum, will now be
provided.
Experiment No. 1
[0092] The following gum center formulation was made as a gum
pellet center:
TABLE-US-00013 Gum Center % Gum Base 47.00 Sorbitol 39.52 Liquid
Sorbitol 7.50 Flavors 2.36 Encapsulated Flavors 2.00 Glycerin 0.75
Encapsulated Sweeteners 0.87 100.00
[0093] The gum pellet was coated with the following gum coating
formulation:
TABLE-US-00014 Gum Coating % of Syrup 1 % of Syrup 2 Xylitol 63.03
74.35 Water 11.14 13.15 40% Gum Tahla Solution 20.87 7.96 Titanium
Dioxide Whitener 0.37 0.44 Peppermint Flavor.sup.1 0.81 0.00
Caffeine 3.78 4.10 100.00 100.00 .sup.1Flavor added in 2 additions
after 10th and 15th within coating syrup 1.
[0094] Initial center piece weight was 0.956 grams. Gum was coated
to a finished piece weight of 1.46 grams to give a 34.5% coating.
Coating syrup 1 was used to coat the first 60% of the coating to a
piece weight of 1.26 grams. Coating syrup 2 was used to coat to the
final piece weight. Individual piece analysis of 5 pieces yielded a
level of 26.1 mg of caffeine per piece. For a 2 piece dosage,
caffeine level is 52.2 mg.
[0095] This gum product was used in a caffeine absorption study to
compare release and absorption uptake of caffeine from gum and
beverages. The test results showed that gum is a faster delivery
vehicle for caffeine when compared to the same level in beverages
as measured by blood plasma caffeine. Caffeine was taken up faster
in the test subject's plasma after delivery via gum than after
delivery of same caffeine dose via coffee, cola, and tea.
[0096] Comparisons of caffeine delivery between chewing gum and the
three beverages are demonstrated by statistically significant
differences in one or more of the following parameters:
[0097] 1. Plasma caffeine concentration is significantly greater
for gum vs. beverages within the first 10 to 30 minutes after
caffeine delivery. This correlates to faster uptake.
[0098] 2. Plasma absorption rate constant (A-rate) larger for gum
vs. one or more beverages (2). Plasma absorption half life (abs.
half-life) smaller for gum vs. one or more beverages (2). Time of
peak caffeine plasma.
A clinical trial study was performed where six subjects
participated in the test, blood was drawn and plasma separated.
Blood sampling occurred prior to, and at present time intervals
following a caffeine level of 50-55 mg released through the test
delivery vehicle. Five different studies were completed: gum (with
saliva swallowed, G2), gum (with saliva expectorated, G3), coffee
(ingested COF), cola (ingested COK), and tea (ingested T). Blood
samples of 5 ml were collected and the plasma portion separated,
stored, and extracted and analyzed. A method was developed for the
extraction and analysis of caffeine in fluids, which reports
results as the concentration of caffeine in the plasma.
[0099] Data from the six subjects participating in the study were
compiled, analyzed, and graphed, with mean plasma caffeine
concentrations at specific time intervals determined. Analysis of
variance (ANOVA) were performed on the means to determine
statistical significance.
[0100] Phamacokinetic parameters were determined through Wagner's
1967 Method of Residuals using a pharmacokinetic software package.
Absorption rate constants and absorption half-life were also
determined through the analysis of the absorption phase of the
plots by linear regression since the absorption phase followed zero
order kinetics.
[0101] The conclusions were as follows:
[0102] 1. There was a faster uptake of caffeine in plasma during
the early time intervals post dose 10 minutes to 25 minutes
(T10-T25) via gum delivery vs. the same level of caffeine delivered
via coffee and cola. For example, the average level of plasma
caffeine (at T=10 minutes) present after gum chew is 0.545 .mu.g/ml
compared to 0.186 .mu.g/ml for coffee and 0.236 .mu.g/ml for cola.
In other words, with the same level of caffeine being delivered
from the three different vehicles, at T10 there is 3 times more
caffeine present in plasma after chewing gum than from ingesting
coffee and 2 times more caffeine from gum than from cola. The
results of the tea study proved to be too variable due to
instrument problems and repeat freeze/thawing of the samples. They
were not included in the calculations.
[0103] 2. Classical pharmacokinetic parameters, T-max, A-rate
constant, abs. half-life, do not tell the story of faster uptake in
the time interval of interest (T10-T25) in this study. This is due
in part to the calculation using the Method of Residuals. This
method was derived using classical pharmacokinetic curves which do
not have much fluctuation in the data in that the drug
concentration (usually measured every hour) increases to a sharp
T-max, then decreases, without any fluctuation. In comparison, the
data did contain minor fluctuations, due most likely to a
combination of factors: measurement of plasma concentrations every
five minutes rather than every quarter hour to one hours, caffeine
binding with plasma protein, combination of both sublingual and gut
absorption being detected. The plasma caffeine concentration
followed the same trends as in classical pharmacokinetic curves,
except that the concentration increased to a broad T-max, then
decreased, and some of the points in the curve fluctuated up and
down.
[0104] A-rate constant and abs. half-life determinations were also
made through linear regression. No significant differences were
noted in the means, though a trend was noted: the A-rate for the
gum study (G2) was greater than that for coffee and cola for
subjects 1-4 and the abs. half-life for the G2 study was less than
that for coffee and cola for subjects 1-4. For example, the G2 abs.
half-life averaged 13.+-.4 minutes for subjects 1-4, 28.+-.2
minutes for subjects 5 and 6, indicating faster absorption between
the subjects. The amount of caffeine absorbed sublingually was
21.+-.7 mg for subjects 1-4, and 10.+-.1 mg for subjects 5 and 6
accounting for the increased A-rate and decreased abs. half-life in
subjects 1-4. An ANOVA separating subjects 1-4 from 5 and 6
indicated that for subjects 1-4 cola abs. half-life is
statistically greater than G2 abs. half-life (p=0.10), and the G2
A-rate is statistically greater than both the cola and coffee
A-rate (p=0.05).
[0105] 3. It was shown that significant levels of caffeine are
absorbed sublingually directly into the bloodstream via delivery
from gum. This was demonstrated through the testing of caffeinated
gum where the saliva was expectorated. Even though the saliva was
expectorated, 20-50% of the caffeine was absorbed through the oral
cavity. This accounts for the early uptake into the
bloodstream.
Experiment No. 2
[0106] The following formulation was made:
TABLE-US-00015 Gum Center % Gum Base 33.00 Calcium Carbonate 13.00
Sorbitol 44.23 Glycerin 4.00 Flavors 2.32 Encapsulated
Caffeine.sup.2 1.50 Free Caffeine 0.45 Lecithin 0.60 Encapsulated
Sweeteners 0.90 100.00 Gum Coating Coating Syrup 3.0% Coating Syrup
4.0% Xylitol 64.14 76.23 Water 11.14 13.15 40% Gum Tahla Solution
20.87 7.96 Titanium Dioxide Whitener 0.40 0.40 Peppermint
Flavor.sup.3 1.40 0.00 Sweeteners 0.27 0.27 Carnauba Wax/ 0.00
0.27.sup.4 Talc Polishing Agents Caffeine 1.78 1.72 100.00 100.00
.sup.2Spray dried maltodextrin/caffeine at 50% active caffeine.
.sup.3Flavor added in 3 additions after 3 separate syrup addition
within coating syrup 1. .sup.4Polished after completion of
coating.
[0107] Initial center piece weight was 0.995 grams. Gum was coated
to a finished piece weight of 1.52 grams to give a 34.5% coating.
Coating syrup 3 was used to coat the first 60% of the coating to a
piece weight of 1.30 grams. Coating syrup 4 was used to coat to the
final piece weight. Individual piece analysis of 5 pieces yielded a
level of 20.0.+-.0.8 mg of caffeine per piece. For a two piece
dosage, caffeine level is 40.0 mg.
[0108] This gum product was used in a caffeine absorption study to
compare release and absorption uptake of caffeine from gum versus
pills. The test results showed that gum is a faster delivery
vehicle for caffeine when compared to a similar level in a pill as
measured by blood plasma caffeine. Caffeine was taken up faster in
the test subject's plasma after delivery via gum than after
delivery of same caffeine dose via a pill.
[0109] Data from the six subjects participating in each study were
compiled, analyzed, and graphed, with mean plasma caffeine
concentrations at specific time intervals determined. Analysis of
variance (ANOVA) and Student t-Tests were performed on the means to
determine statistical significance. Pharmacokinetic parameters were
done using a pharmacokinetic software package. The gums tested were
pellet from Experiment No. 5, containing all the caffeine in the
coating and delivering approximately 50 mg caffeine after chewing
two pellets (designated as G2, G4, or 50 mg pellet), and Experiment
No. 6, containing caffeine in the coating and center, and
delivering approximately 40 mg caffeine after chewing two pellets
(designated G5 or 40 mg pellet). Both pellets were compared to
Pro-Plus.TM. 50 mg tablet is manufactured by the product license
holder: PP Products, 40 Broadwater Road, Welayn Garden City, Harts,
AL7 Bay, UK. Caffeine analysis were analyzed at 48.3 mg.+-.1.4 mg
caffeine per pill (avg. of n=5).
[0110] It was concluded that caffeine uptake in the bloodstream was
faster for gum than a pill, based on the following:
[0111] 1. Faster uptake of plasma caffeine via gum delivery was
found during the early time intervals post dose 5 minutes to 50
minutes (T5-T50) when compared to the same level of caffeine
delivered via a pill (50 mg). For example, with the same level of
caffeine being delivered from the two different vehicles, on
average, at T5 there is 30 times more caffeine detected in plasma
after chewing gum (0.205 .mu.g/ml). Average plasma caffeine levels
significantly greater than the pill at a=0.01 for T5, and a=0.005
for T10.
[0112] 2. Classical pharmacokinetic parameters, T-Max (time for
peak plasma caffeine concentration) and Abs. half-life (absorbence
half-life, time for caffeine concentration to be half of peak) were
significantly different for caffeine delivered via 50 mg pellet gum
(Experiment No. 5) than via a 50 mg pill. Faster uptake of plasma
caffeine was demonstrated via delivery from gum compared to a pill
due to the average plasma Abs. half-life and average plasma T-Max
being significantly smaller for gum than the pill. For the 50 mg
pellet gum, the average Abs. half-life=12.84 min. and the average
T-Max=36.5 min. compared to the 50 mg pill with an average Abs.
half-life=24.47 min (pill significantly greater than gum,
a=0.0075), and an average T-Max=73.67 min (pill significantly
greater than gum, a=0.0075), and an average T-Max=73.67 min (pill
significantly greater than gum, a=0.005). In other words, after
ingesting a pill, it takes a longer amount of time to reach half of
the peak plasma caffeine concentration and the peak plasma caffeine
concentration than after chewing gum delivering the same level of
caffeine.
[0113] 3. The Abs. Rate Const. (absorption rate constant, rate at
which caffeine absorbs into the bloodstream) was significantly
greater for 50 mg pellet gum (Experiment No. 5) than for the 50 mg
pill, indicating that caffeine is absorbed at a greater rate after
gum delivery than after delivery of the same dosage via a pill. For
the 50 mg pellet gum, the average Abs. Rate Const.=0.060 compared
to the 50 mg pill with an average Abs. Rate const.=0.031 (gum
significantly greater than pill, a=0.005).
[0114] 4. The test also demonstrated faster uptake of plasma
caffeine via the product of Experiment No. 6, 40 mg pellet gum,
delivery during the early time intervals post dose 10 minutes to 30
minutes (T10-T30) when compared to 50 mg of caffeine delivered via
a pill. Significance levels ranged from a=0.05 to a=0.20. For
example, the average level of plasma caffeine (at T=10 minutes)
present after 40 mg pellet gum is chewed is 0.228 .mu.g/ml compared
to 0.034 .mu.g/ml for pill (difference was slightly significant,
a=0.2). In other words, with caffeine being delivered from the two
different vehicles at T10 there is 6.7 times more caffeine detected
in plasma after chewing the product of Experiment No. 6 gum
caffeine than after ingesting a pill, even though the pill
delivered approximately 50 mg caffeine, and the product of
Experiment No. 6 delivered approximately 40 mg. At T5, on average
there was 13 times more caffeine detected in plasma after chewing
Experiment No. 6 gum than after ingesting a pill.
[0115] 5. Classical pharmacokinetic parameters, T-Max and Abs.
half-life were significantly different for caffeine delivered via
the product of Experiment No. 6 40 mg pellet gum than via a 50 mg
pill. Faster uptake of plasma caffeine was demonstrated via
delivery from the product of Experiment No. 6 gum compared to a
pill due to the average plasma Abs. half-life and average plasma
T-Max being significantly smaller for gum than the pill. For the 50
mg Experiment No. 5 gum, the average Abs. half-life=18.33 min. and
the average T-Max=45 min compared to the 50 mg pill with an average
Abs. half-life=24.47 min (pill significantly greater than gum,
a=0.05), and an average T-Max=73.67 min (pill significantly greater
than gum, a=0.15). Even though the product of Experiment No. 6
delivered 40 mg caffeine compared to delivery of 50 mg via a pill,
it still took a longer amount of time to reach half of the peak
plasma caffeine concentration for the pill than for the gum.
[0116] 6. It was concluded that gums formulated with all the
caffeine in the pellet coating delivered caffeine more quickly to
the plasma than gums formulated with the caffeine split between the
coating and the center based upon the following:
[0117] Classical pharmacokinetic parameters T-Max and Abs.
half-life were greater than pill for both 50 mg pellet and
Experiment No. 5 though the level of significant different was much
greater for the 50 mg pellet (Experiment No. 5) (a=0.0075 and
a=0.005 respectively) than the product of Experiment No. 6 (a=0.05,
a=0.15). The Abs. Rate Const. was significantly lower for the pill
than for either the 50 mg pellet or the the product of Experiment
No. 6. Again, the level of significant difference was greater for
the 50 mg pellet (Experiment No. 5), a=0.005 compared to 0.20 for
the product of Experiment No. 6.
[0118] 7. Combining the conclusions from the two completed caffeine
studies, it appears that rate of caffeine uptake in plasma via the
various delivery vehicles tested follow this pattern:
Pellet with caffeine all in coating>Pellet with caffeine split
between coating and center=Beverages coffee/cola>Pill
[0119] Caffeine was chosen as a model for drug delivery tests
because it is a food approved, pharmacologically active agent that
is readily detected in plasma at a wide range of dosage levels. It
is widely consumed via a number of delivery vehicles, including
liquids (coffee, cola, and pills). Drugs are administered through
different delivery vehicles, two oral delivery vehicles being
liquid syrups and pills. Testing caffeinated beverages and pills
vs. caffeinated gums should give an indication of how similar drugs
administered as liquids or coated pills vs. coated gums could
behave.
[0120] It should be understood that various changes and
modifications to the presently preferred embodiments described
herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes
and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and
scope of the present invention and without diminishing its intended
advantages. It is therefore intended that such changes and
modifications be covered by the appended claims.
* * * * *