Multilayer minitablets with different release rates

1:

• A method for producing a multilayer minitablet 5 mm or less in diameter, said method comprising:
• preparing a first powder or granular mixture comprising a first active pharmaceutical ingredient and a suitable carrier or excipient by dry blending, slugging or dry or wet granulating;
• preparing a second powder or granular mixture comprising a second active pharmaceutical ingredient, a suitable carrier or excipient and release retarding agent by dry blending, slugging or dry or wet granulating;
• adding the second powder or granular mixture to a multilayer tablet press;
• adding the first powder or granular mixture to the multilayer tablet press;
• and
• compressing the first powder or granular mixture and the second powder or granular mixture together to form a single minitablet comprising an immediate release layer and a modified release layer;
• and
• partially or completely coating the minitablet with a functional coating comprising at least 50% of a pore-forming agent which permits quick release of the first active pharmaceutical ingredient from the immediate release layer while also working with the modified release layer to control the release of the active pharmaceutical ingredient from the modified release layer of the minitablet.