Over-coated chewing gum formulations

• US 6,465,003 B2
• Filed: 08/08/2001
• Issued: 10/15/2002
• Est. Priority Date: 04/06/1999
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: WM Wrigley Jr Company (Mars Incorporated)
• Original Assignee: WM Wrigley Jr Company (Mars Incorporated)
• Inventors: Wokas, William J., Ream, Ronald L., Greenberg, Michael J., Corriveau, Christine L.
• Primary Examiner(s): Page, Thurman K.
• Assistant Examiner(s): HOWARD, SHARON LEE
• Application Number:
  US09/924,914
• Publication Number:
  US 20020039560A1
• Time in Patent Office: 433 Days
• Field of Search: 424/439, 424/440, 424/441, 424/464, 426/5
• US Class Current: 424/440
• CPC Class Codes: A23G 2200/04 containing vitamins, antibiotics, other medicaments
• CPC Class Codes: A23G 3/343 Products for covering, coating, finishing, decorating
• CPC Class Codes: A23G 4/08 of the chewing gum base
• CPC Class Codes: A23G 4/20 Composite products, e.g. centre-filled , multi-layer, laminated
• CPC Class Codes: A61K 9/0058 Chewing gums non-medicinal aspects, preparing chewing gum A23G4/00; chewing gum for care of the teeth or oral cavity, e.g. with breath freshener A61Q11/00
• CPC Class Codes: A61K 9/209 containing drug in at least two layers or in the core and in at least one outer layer
• CPC Class Codes: A61P 1/04 for ulcers, gastritis or reflux esophagitis, e.g. antacids, inhibitors of acid secretion, mucosal protectants
• CPC Class Codes: A61P 21/02 Muscle relaxants, e.g. for tetanus or cramps
• CPC Class Codes: A61P 25/18 Antipsychotics, i.e. neuroleptics; Drugs for mania or schizophrenia
• CPC Class Codes: A61P 29/00 Non-central analgesic, antipyretic or antiinflammatory agents, e.g. antirheumatic agents; Non-steroidal antiinflammatory drugs [NSAID]
• CPC Class Codes: A61P 3/02 Nutrients, e.g. vitamins, minerals
• CPC Class Codes: A61P 3/10 for hyperglycaemia, e.g. antidiabetics
• CPC Class Codes: A61P 31/04 Antibacterial agents
• CPC Class Codes: A61P 31/12 Antivirals
• CPC Class Codes: A61P 43/00 Drugs for specific purposes, not provided for in groups A61P1/00-A61P41/00
• CPC Class Codes: A61P 9/00 Drugs for disorders of the cardiovascular system

Abstract

Methods and products for delivering a medicament or agent to an individual are provided. The product includes a coating having a medicament or agent. The medicament or agent is present within the coating that surrounds a gum center (the water soluble portion and a water insoluble base portion). By chewing the gum, the medicament or agent is released from the product. Continuing to chew the chewing gum creates a pressure within the buccal cavity forcing the agent or medicament directly into the systemic system of the individual through the oral mucosa contained in the buccal cavity. This greatly enhances the absorption of the drug into the systemic system as well as the bioavailability of the drug within the system.

Claims

1. A method of manufacturing a medicament containing product comprising the steps of:

preparing a gum center having water soluble portion and a water insoluble; and

coating the center by placing alternating layers of a powder and a syrup on the center to create a coated product, at least one of the powder or syrup layers including a medicament; and

the coated product comprising at least 50% by weight syrup and powder coating.

2. The method of claim 1 wherein the gum center includes at least 50% by weight water-insoluble gum base.

3. The method of claim 1 wherein the coating includes a high-intensity sweetener.

4. The method of claim 1 wherein the medicament is chosen from the group consisting of:

analgesics;

muscle relaxants;

antibiotics;

antivirals;

antihistamines;

decongestants;

anti-inflammatories;

antacids;

psychotherapeutic agents;

insulin;

vitamins;

minerals; and

cardiovascular agents.

5. The method of claim 1 wherein at least two alternating layers are coated on to the center.

6. The method of claim 1 wherein the powder comprises at least 70% by weight of the coating.

7. The method of claim 1 wherein the coating does not include a shellac layer.