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AssigneeAlza Corporation
InventorsPatrick S. L. Wong, Liang-Chang Dong, David E. Edgren, Felix Theeuwes, Phyllis I. Gardner, Francisco Jao, Jason J. Wan
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The present invention is directed to an active agent dosage form which is adapted for retention in the stomach and useful for the prolonged delivery of an active agent formulation to a fluid environment of use. The active agent dosage form is a polymer matrix that swells upon contact with the fluids of the stomach. A portion of the polymer matrix is surrounded by a band of insoluble material that prevents the covered portion of the polymer matrix from swelling and provides a segment of the dosage form that is of sufficient rigidity to withstand the contractions of the stomach and delay expulsion of the dosage form from the stomach until substantially all of the active agent has been dispensed.
An active agent dosage form adapted for gastric retention comprising (a) a therapeutically-effective amount of an active agent, (b) a polymer matrix in which the active agent is dispersed or dissolved, the polymer matrix including a swellable, water-soluble polymer having a number average molecular weight of between about 100,000 and 20,000,000 grams per mole and a hydroattractant, the polymer matrix having an outer surface for exposure to the environment of use, and (c) at least one band of insoluble material circumscribing a portion of the surface of the polymer matrix.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.