Controlled-release drug delivery system
First Claim
1. An article comprising a controlled-release drug delivery system, said system comprising:
- an inflexible sleeve, wherein said inflexible sleeve has a first end and a second end and is open at both said first and second ends; and
a first controlled-release layer and a second controlled-release layer, wherein said controlled-release layers;
are disposed within said sleeve;
are spaced-apart from one another, defining a drug-retaining region in the space between said controlled-release layers; and
admit, in a controlled manner, body fluid into said drug-retaining region.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A controlled-release drug delivery system advantageously includes an open-ended, inflexible sleeve, at least two controlled-release layers and two open-center caps. Each controlled-release layer abuts a sealing surface that is located within and near each end of the sleeve. The caps seal each controlled-release layer against the abutting sealing surface. One or more dose units of drug are disposed in a region that is formed between the controlled-release layers. The controlled-release layers dissolve, at a predetermined rate, by the action of body fluids that are in contact with those layers through the center of the caps. Release of drug is delayed at least until the controlled-release layers dissolve. The dose unit itself, which is advantageously a core, can be tailored to provide an extended period of drug release. One or more dose units that provide an immediate release component can also be disposed near each end of the sleeve.
68 Citations
18 Claims
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1. An article comprising a controlled-release drug delivery system, said system comprising:
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an inflexible sleeve, wherein said inflexible sleeve has a first end and a second end and is open at both said first and second ends; and
a first controlled-release layer and a second controlled-release layer, wherein said controlled-release layers;
are disposed within said sleeve;
are spaced-apart from one another, defining a drug-retaining region in the space between said controlled-release layers; and
admit, in a controlled manner, body fluid into said drug-retaining region. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15)
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16. A method comprising:
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disposing a first dose unit of a first drug in an inflexible sleeve;
disposing a first controlled-release layer and a second controlled-release layer within said sleeve on opposite sides of said first dose unit;
inserting a first cap in said sleeve to abut said first controlled-release layer, wherein said first cap has an opening; and
inserting a second cap in said sleeve to abut said second controlled-release layer, wherein said second cap has an opening. - View Dependent Claims (17, 18)
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Specification