Specification
Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a dual-chamber pack comprising a first chamber prefilled
with a suspension base and a second chamber prefilled with a powder for suspension comprising an
active ingredient, wherein upon activation of the dual-chamber pack, the contents of both the
chambers are mixed to form an extended release suspension composition which is characterized by
having no substantial change in the in-vitro dissolution release profile of the active ingredient upon
storage for at least seven days.
. Background of the Invention
Extended release solid compositions are preferred dosage forms over immediate release solid
compositions, especially for active ingredients showing fluctuations in the plasma concentration and
for active ingredients having short half-lives. Extended release solid compositions can be in the form
of tablets or capsules, wherein the release of the active ingredient is controlled by using a reservoir
or a matrix system. However, extended release solid compositions suffer from certain drawbacks
such as difficulty in swallowing, particularly for certain groups of patients, e.g., pediatrics and
geriatrics, resulting in poor patient compliance. Further, high doses of active ingredients lead to
large-sized compositions which aggravates this problem. Also, there remains a tendency to divide
extended release solid compositions such as tablets into small pieces in order to facilitate
administration, which may ultimately lead to inaccurate dosing and/or dose dumping. In view of all
this, extended release liquid compositions provide the best alternative over extended release solid
compositions. Extended release liquid compositions are easy to administer, thereby leading to
enhanced patient compliance. Additionally, extended release liquid compositions provide a unique
advantage of having a flexible dosing regimen.
Extended release liquid compositions are conventionally administered as powder for
suspensions which are to be reconstituted by the end users at the time of administration using
household pre-boiled and cooled water. Alternatively, the diluent or purified water is supplied
separately along with the bottle having the extended release powder for suspension. These
conventional packs lack patient compliance and may lead to contamination due to improper quality
of water. Further, there remains a possibility of dosing errors if the diluent or water is not added to
the marked level.
U.S. Patent No. 3,156,369; U.S. Patent No. 3,603,469; U.S. Patent No. 3,840,136; and U.S.
Patent No. 4,982,875 disclose the use of dual-chamber packs for separately storing two compositions
in two compartments which can be admixed at the time of use. The two compartments are separated
by a breakable membrane which is ruptured by the depression of a plunger so that the one
composition gets released into another and is mixed. However, there remains a possibility that the
membrane fragments may get detached and fall into the final product. This may lead to undesirable
contamination and can pose serious health hazards. Furthermore, the dual-chamber packs disclosed
in the prior art have a limited capacity for the compartments which may not be suitable for high-dose
drugs or for drugs which require chronic administration. Also, the liquid composition may get
permeated into the solid composition across the membrane during storage which can lead to the
agglomeration of the solid composition. This may result in poor flow of the solid composition, thus
affecting the content uniformity of the final product. Also, the liquid composition on permeation can
affect the stability of moisture-sensitive active ingredients.
The present invention provides a patient compliant dual-chamber pack with a significant
improvement over the prior art and which fulfills the unmet need of incorporating variety of active
ingredients. The present dual-chamber pack can be suitable for any class of active ingredients
including the high-dose active ingredients, active ingredients requiring chronic administration, and/or
moisture-sensitive active ingredients. Further, the plunger used in the pack of the instant invention is
designed in a way such that the breakable membrane remains adhered to the plug at the time of
activation and membrane fragments do not fall into the final product. During activation, the pack
ensures that the final product remains safe for the use of patients. The pack also ensures that the solid
composition is completely released into the liquid composition thereby maintaining the content
uniformity of the final product. Further, the pack also ensures that there is no permeation of moisture
into the chamber having solid composition comprising the active ingredient, and the stability of the
active ingredient remains unaffected during storage.
Apart from storage, there remains some of the complexities involved in formulating such
reconstituted extended release powder for suspension compositions. Upon reconstitution, the
important prerequisite of these compositions is to provide the desired extended release of the active
ingredient throughout its shelf life, as irregular release may lead to sub-therapeutic or toxic effects.
Once reconstituted, the key hurdle remains to overcome the leaching of the active ingredient from
the coated cores into a suspension base during storage. The objective for a scientist remains to
develop a formulation such that the release of the active ingredient into the suspension base during
storage is avoided, and only when the suspension enters the gastrointestinal tract the release is
allowed.
The present invention offers the reconstituted suspension compositions which provide the
desired extended release of the active ingredient throughout the shelf life of the compositions, [n the
present invention, the suspension base prevents the leaching of the active ingredient from the coated
cores and thus ensures substantially similar in-vitro dissolution release profile of the active ingredient
throughout the shelf life of the compositions. This consistent in-vitro release then ensures a steady
plasma concentration with no fluctuations throughout the shelf life of the compositions.
The present invention thus provides a novel patient-compliant dual-chamber pack prefilled
with solid and liquid compositions in two chambers, which upon mixing forms a unique
composition providing the desired extended release of the active ingredient throughout the shelf life
of the composition. The compositions prefilled in the dual-chamber pack remain stable during the
storage.
Summary of the Invention
The present invention relates to a dual-chamber pack comprising a first chamber prefilled
with a suspension base and a second chamber prefilled with a powder for suspension comprising an
active ingredient, wherein upon activation of the dual-chamber pack, the contents of both the
chambers are mixed to form an extended release suspension composition which is characterized by
having no substantial change in the in-vitro dissolution release profile of the active ingredient upon
storage for at least seven days. The pack allows the end-users ease of dispensing with only a few
simple steps required for reconstitution. The pack is suitable from low to high dose active ingredients,
active ingredients required for chronic administration as well as moisture-sensitive active ingredients.
The pack ensures that the powder for suspension falls completely into the suspension base thereby
maintaining the content uniformity. The pack also ensures that final product remains free of any
contamination from the pack components and is safe to the end-users. Further, the pack ensures the
stability of the active ingredient during storage.
Brief Description of the Drawings
Figure 1: Schematic diagram of the components of a dual-chamber pack with a powder for
suspension prefilled in the plunger
Figure 2: Schematic diagram of the components of a dual-chamber pack with a powder for
suspension prefilled in the reservoir
Figure 3: Schematic diagram for the biphasic connector - top view and front view
Figure 4: Schematic diagram representing the assembly of a dual-chamber pack with a
powder for suspension prefilled in the reservoir
Figure 5: Schematic diagram representing the functioning of a dual-chamber pack with a
powder for suspension prefilled in the reservoir
Detailed Description of the Invention
A first aspect of the invention provides a dual-chamber pack comprising;
(a) a first chamber prefilled with a suspension base; and
(b) a second chamber prefilled with a powder for suspension comprising an active
ingredient;
wherein upon activation of the dual-chamber pack, the contents of both the chambers are mixed to
form an extended release suspension composition which is characterized by having no substantial
change in the in-vitro dissolution release profile of the active ingredient upon storage for at least
seven days.
According to one embodiment of the above aspect, the powder for suspension prefilled in the
second chamber is present in a volume ranging from about 0.5 cc to about 500 cc.
According to another embodiment of the above aspect, the first chamber comprises of a
container and the second chamber comprises of an overcap, a plunger, and a plug with a breakable
polymeric membrane. The plunger is prefilled with the powder for suspension in a volume ranging
from about 0.5 cc to about 30 cc.
According to another embodiment of the above aspect, the first chamber comprises of a
container and the second chamber comprises of a reservoir, a biphasic connector, a plunger, and a
plug with a breakable polymeric membrane. The reservoir is prefilled with the powder for suspension
in a volume greater than about 30 cc. In particular, the reservoir is prefilled with the powder for
suspension in a volume ranging from about 30 cc to about 500 cc.
According to another embodiment of the above aspect, the biphasic connector of the second
chamber connects the reservoir to the container of the first chamber.
According to another embodiment of the above aspect, the plunger ensures the breakable
polymeric membrane remains attached to the plug during activation.
According to another embodiment of the above aspect, the plunger comprise of one or more
sharp projections with an essential continuous blunt area. In a preferred embodiment, the plunger
comprise of one sharp projection with an essential continuous blunt area. The plunger can further
have one or more grooves. The body of the plunger can be in the form of a cylinder or a funnel.
According to another embodiment of the above aspect, the plug is made up of a polymeric
material selected from the group comprising polyolefin, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyvinyl
chloride, cyclic olefin polymer, cyclic olefin co-polymer, polyethylene terephthalate, polyethylene
terephthalate - G, polypropylene, and polycarbonate. In a preferred embodiment, the plug is made up
of polyethylene.
According to another embodiment of the above aspect, the plug additionally includes one or
more moisture barrier additives.
According to another embodiment of the above aspect, the moisture barrier additives are
selected from the plastic additive group comprising of monomers and co-polymers that get activated
through polymerization process to form an effective organic chemical.
According to another embodiment of the above aspect, the moisture barrier additives improve
the moisture barrier properties by up to 50%. In particular, the moisture barrier additives improve
the moisture barrier properties by up to 30%.
According to another embodiment of the above aspect, the plug with the breakable polymeric
membrane prevents moisture permeation from the first chamber into the second chamber.
According to another embodiment of the above aspect, the extended release suspension
composition is a stable composition.
A second aspect of the present invention provides a dual-chamber pack comprising:
a) a first chamber in the form of a container (7) prefilled with a suspension base and
provided with an opening (6) at an upper end;
b) a second chamber comprising:
(i) a overcap (1) optionally having a tamper evident band (2) fitted into a plunger
(3);
(ii) the plunger (3) adapted to fit into a plug (4), having a top flat surface, prefilled
with a powder for suspension comprising an active ingredient;
(iii) the plug (4), with a breakable polymeric membrane (5), adapted to fit into the
opening (6) from a lower end and into the overcap (1) from the upper end; and
wherein the overcap (1) has a means to exert pressure onto the plunger (3) so as to partially rupture
the breakable polymeric membrane (5) of the plug and deliver the powder for suspension into the
suspension base of the container (7); and wherein the powder for suspension is mixed with the
suspension base to form an extended release suspension composition which is characterized by
having no substantial change in the in-vitro dissolution release profile of the active ingredient upon
storage for at least seven days.
»According to one embodiment of the above aspect, the plunger is prefilled with the powder
for suspension in a volume ranging from about 0.5 cc to about 30 cc.
According to another embodiment of the above aspect, the plunger may be opened at both the
ends. In this case, the plunger is fitted into the overcap first, and then the powder for suspension is
prefilled into the plunger which is then fitted with a plug.
According to another embodiment of the above aspect, the plunger comprise of one or more
sharp projections with an essential continuous blunt area. In a preferred embodiment, the plunger
comprise of one sharp projection with an essential continuous blunt area.
The overcap exerts pressure onto the plunger when it is screwed during activation of the dualchamber
pack.
A third aspect of the present invention provides a dual-chamber pack comprising:
a) a first chamber in the form of a container (8) prefilled with a suspension base provided
with an opening (7) at an upper end;
b) a second chamber comprising:
(i) a reservoir (1) adapted to fit into a plunger (2) prefilled with a powder for
suspension comprising an active ingredient; the plunger (2) is further adapted
to fit into a plug (3) having a top flat surface,
(ii) the plug (3), with a breakable polymeric membrane (4), adapted to fit into the
biphasic connector (5) optionally having a tamper evident band (6) which is
further connected from the lower end to the opening (7) of the container (8);
wherein the reservoir (1) at the top of the second chamber has a means to exert pressure onto the
plunger (2) so as to partially rupture the breakable polymeric membrane (4) of the plug and deliver
the powder for suspension into the suspension base of the container (8); the second chamber is
replaced with a cap (9), and wherein the powder for suspension is mixed with the suspension base to
form an extended release suspension composition which is characterized by having no substantial
change in the in-vitro dissolution release profile of the active ingredient upon storage for at least
seven days.
According to one embodiment of the above aspect, the reservoir is prefilled with the powder
for suspension in a volume greater than about 30 cc, particularly in a range from about 30 cc to about
500 cc.
According to another embodiment of the above aspect, the plunger comprise of one or more
sham ^dections, wherein the plunger essentially has a continuous blunt area. In a preferred
BH- •*«#- nib e
embodiment, the plunger comprise of one sharp projection with a continuous blunt area. The body
of the plunger can be in the form of a cylinder or a funnel. The funnel shaped plunger further helps
to increase the capacity to incorporate high dose drugs.
According to another embodiment of the above aspect, the plunger is opened at both the ends.
According to another embodiment of the above aspect, the cap is a conventional cap or a
child-resistant cap.
According to another embodiment of the above aspect, the biphasic connector has a tamper
evident band on the side connected to the container of the first chamber and grooves on another side
for locking with the reservoir of the second chamber.
According to another embodiment of the above aspect, the reservoir exerts pressure onto the
plunger when it is screwed during activation of the dual-chamber pack.
A fourth aspect of the present invention provides a method of providing an extended release
suspension composition stored in a dual-chamber pack, comprising the steps of:
(a) providing a first chamber comprising a container (7), a second chamber comprising
an overcap (1), a plunger (3), a plug (4) with a breakable polymeric membrane (5);
(b) prefilling the container (7) of the first chamber with a suspension base;
(c) prefilling the plunger (3) of the second chamber with a powder for suspension
comprising an active ingredient;
(d) fixing the plunger (3) into the plug (4) and mounting the plug on an opening (6) of
the container (7) of the first chamber;
(e) activating the dual-chamber pack by screwing the overcap (1) so that the plunger (3)
partially ruptures breakable polymeric membrane (5) of the plug (4); and
(f) shaking the container (7) to allow the mixing of the powder for suspension with the
suspension base to obtain the extended release suspension composition which is
characterized by having no substantial change in the in-vitro dissolution release
profile of the active ingredient upon storage for at least seven days.
According to one embodiment of above aspect, the plunger is prefilled with the powder for
suspension in a volume ranging from about 0.5 cc to about 30 cc.
According to another embodiment of above aspect, the plunger may be open at both the ends.
In this case, the plunger is fitted into the overcap first, and then the powder for suspension is prefilled
into the plunger which is then fitted with a plug. Alternatively, the overcap may be prefitted with the
plunger.
The overcap may have a tamper-evident band which is to be removed first to start the
activation process.
A fifth aspect of the present invention provides a method of providing an extended release
suspension composition stored in a dual-chamber pack,, comprising the steps of:
(a) providing a first chamber comprising a container (8), a second chamber comprising a
reservoir (1), a plunger (2), a plug (3) with a breakable polymeric membrane (4), and
a biphasic connector (5);
(b) prefilling the container (8) of the first chamber with a suspension base to form a first
chamber;
(c) prefilling a reservoir (1) of the second chamber with a powder for suspension
comprising an active ingredient;
(d) fixing the biphasic connector (5) into the reservoir (1);
(e) fixing the plunger (2) in the biphasic connector (5);
(f) mounting the plug (3) onto the plunger of the biphasic connector (5) to form the
second chamber;
(g) mounting the second chamber onto the opening (7) of the container (8) of the first
chamber;
(h) activating the dual-chamber pack by screwing the reservoir (I) of the second chamber
so that the plunger partially ruptures the circumference of a breakable polymeric
membrane; and
(i) removing the second chamber and replacing it with a cap (9);
(j) shaking the container (8) to allow the mixing of the powder for suspension with the
suspension base to obtain the extended release suspension composition which is
characterized by having no substantial change in the in-vitro dissolution release
profile of the active ingredient upon storage for at least seven days.
According to one embodiment of the above aspect, the reservoir is prefilled with the powder
for suspension in a volume greater than about 30 cc, particularly in a range from about 30 cc to about
500 cc.
According to another embodiment of above aspect, the biphasic connector has a tamper
evident band on the side connected to the container of the first chamber and grooves on another side
for locking with the reservoir of the second chamber. The tamper evident band is removed first to
start the activation process.
According to another embodiment of the above aspects, the powder for suspension comprise
of extended release coated cores of an active ingredient, optionally admixed with one or more
pharmaceutically acceptable excipients. The powder for suspension may additionally have one or
more osmogents, or one or more suspending agents. The core may comprise of a.release-controlling
agent in the form of a matrix with the active ingredient, which can be coated with a coating layer that
remain insoluble in the suspension base during storage.
According to another embodiment of the above aspects, the extended release coated cores
comprise a core comprising an active ingredient and a coating layer over said core comprising one
or more release-controlling agents.
According to another embodiment of the above aspects, the core is in the form of a bead, a
pellet, a granule, a spheroid, or the like.
According to another embodiment of the above aspects, the active ingredient is layered onto
an inert particle to form the core. *
Alternatively, the extended release coated cores comprise a core comprising an active
ingredient in a complexed or an ion-exchange resin form and a coating layer over said core
comprising one or more release-controlling agents.
According to another embodiment of above aspects, the release-controlling agent is selected
from the group comprising a pH-dependent release-controlling agent, a pH-independent releasecontrolling
agent, or mixtures thereof.
According to another embodiment of the above aspects, the extended release suspension
composition is characterized by having an osmolality ratio of at least about 1.
The term "powder for suspension," as used herein, refers to a solid composition comprising
extended release coated cores of an active ingredient, optionally admixed with one or more
osmogents, one or more suspending agents, or pharmaceutically acceptable excipients. The plunger
or container of the second chamber of the present invention is prefilled with the powder for
suspension.
The term "suspension base," as used herein, refers to a medium which is used to suspend the
coated cores of the active ingredient. The suspension base of the present invention comprises one or
more suspending agents, one or more osmogents, and a pharmaceutically acceptable vehicle. It may
further comprise one or more pharmaceutically acceptable excipients. The powder for suspension
having coated cores of active ingredient may be reconstituted with the suspension base having
suspending agents, osmogents, pharmaceutically acceptable excipients, and a pharmaceutically
acceptable vehicle. Alternatively, suspending agents, osmogents, or other pharmaceutically
acceptable excipients may be premixed with the coated cores which may be reconstituted with the
pharmaceutically acceptable vehicle. The pharmaceutically acceptable vehicle may comprise of
purified water or a mixture of purified water with one or more suitable organic solvents, in particular
purified water. The container of the first chamber of the present invention is prefilled with a preformed
suspension base or a pharmaceutically acceptable vehicle which forms the suspension base
at the time of reconstitution. The suspension base generates a hypertonic condition such that there is
no substantial change in the in-vitro dissolution release profile of the active ingredient upon storage
of the reconstituted extended release suspension composition for at least seven days. The suspension
base of the present invention has an osmolality of at least about 1 osmol/kg of the suspension base.
The term "activation," as used herein means a process which reconstitutes the powder for
suspension with the suspension base. The activation can be done by the end-users such as patients,
pharmacists, or caregivers. The activation process starts by either screwing the overcap or the
reservoir.
The term "extended release," as used herein, refers to the release profile of the active
ingredient over an extended period of time, e.g., over a period of 4, 6, 8, 12, 24 hours, or more.
The term "hypertonic condition," as used herein, means the suspension base has higher solute
concentration which helps to generate high osmotic pressure such that there is no significant leaching
of active ingredient from the coated cores into the suspension base. In the present invention, the
solutes are osmogents i.e., pharmaceutically acceptable inert water-soluble compounds that
contribute, towards generating hypertonic conditions in the suspension base. Alternatively, a
saturated solution of the active ingredient present in the suspension base or the external phase may
prevent the substantial leaching of the active ingredient from the extended release coated cores.
The term "osmolality ratio," as used herein, means the ratio of the osmolality of the external
phase to the osmolality of the internal phase. The external phase herein means the suspension base
without the multiple extended release coated cores of the active ingredient. The internal phase herein
means the extended release coated cores of the active ingredient. As the direct measurement of the
osmolality of the internal phase i.e., coated cores is difficult, the osmolality of the internal phase
herein, is represented as the osmolality of a solution which prevents significant leaching of the active
r|^ygje
eprosartan, valsartan, diltiazem, isosorbide mononitrate, ranolazme, propafenone, hydroxyurea,
hydrocodone, delavirdine, pentosan polysulfate, abacavir, amantadine, acyclovir, ganciclovir,
valganciclovir, saquinavir, indinavir, nelfinavir, lamivudine, didanosine, zidovudine, nabumetone,
celecoxib, mefenamic acid, naproxen, propoxyphene, cimetidine, ranitidine, albendazole,
mebendazole, thiobendazole, pyrazinamide, praziquantel, chlorpromazine, sumatriptan, bupropion,
' aminobenzoate, pyridostigmine bromide, potassium chloride, niacin, tocainide, quetiapine,
fexofenadine, sertraline, chlorpheniramine, rifampin, methenamine, nefazodone, modafinil,
metaxalone, morphine, sevelamer, lithium carbonate, flecainide acetate, simethicone, methyldopa,
chlorthiazide, metyrosine, procainamide, entacapone, metoprolol, propanolol hydrochloride,
chlorzoxazone, tolmetin, tramadol, bepridil, phenytoin, gabapentin, terbinafine, atorvastatin,
doxepine, rifabutin, mesalamine, etidronate, nitrofurantoin, choline magnesium trisalicylate,
theophylline, nizatidine, methocarbamol, mycophenolate mofetil, tolcapone, ticlopidine,
capecitabine, orlistat, colsevelam, meperidine, hydroxychloroquine, guaifenesin, guanfacine,
amiodarone, quinidine, atomoxetine, felbamate, pseudoephedrine, carisoprodol, venlafaxine,
etodolac, chondroitin, lansoprazole, pantoprazole, esomeprazole, dexlansoprazole,
dexmethylphenidate, methylphenidate, sodium oxybate, valproic acid or its salts, divalproex,
topiramate, carbamazepine, oxcarbazepine, isotretinoin, oseltamivir, cholestyramine, nystatin, and a
combination of artemether and lumefantrine.
The suspension base or the powder for suspension of the present invention may further
include an immediate release component of the active ingredient to have a biphasic or pulsatile type
of release. The immediate release component may be present in the form of a powder, a pellet, a
bead, a spheroid, or a granule. Alternatively, the immediate release component may be present in
the form of an immediate release coating over the extended release coated cores. The reconstituted
extended release suspension composition of the present invention may comprise two or more
different active ingredients with different type of release profiles or incompatible active ingredients.
The release-controlling agents used to form the extended release coating are selected from a
group comprising a pH-dependent release-controlling agent, a pH-independent release-controlling
agent, or mixtures thereof.
Suitable examples of pH-dependent release-controlling agents are selected from the group
comprising acrylic copolymers such as methacrylic acid and methyl methacrylate copolymers, e.g.,
Eudragit® L 100 and Eudragit® S 100, methacrylic acid and ethyl acrylate copolymers, e.g., Eudragit®
L 100-55 and Eudragit® L 30 D-55, dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate and butyl methacrylate and
methyl methacrylate copolymers e.g., Eudragit® E 100, Eudragit® E PO, methyl acrylate and
methacrylic acid and octyl acrylate copolymers, styrene and acrylic acid copolymers, butyl acrylate
~ »~ «- . • J-. U I JL,. I. - ^ Q i y n 7 - jft & -
14
and styrene and acrylic acid copolymers, and ethylacrylate-methacrylic acid copolymer; cellulose
acetate phthalate; cellulose acetate succinates; hydroxyalkyl cellulose phthalates such as
hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose phthalate; hydroxyalkyl cellulose acetate succinates such as
hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose acetate succinate; vinyl acetate phthalates; vinyl acetate succinate;
cellulose acetate trimelliate; polyvinyl derivatives such as polyvinyl acetate phthalate, polyvinyl
alcohol phthalate, polyvinyl butylate phthalate, and polyvinyl acetoacetal phthalate; zein; shellac;
and mixtures thereof.
Suitable examples of pH-independent release-controlling agents are selected from the group
comprising cellulosic polymers such as ethyl cellulose, methyl cellulose, hydroxyethyl cellulose,
hydroxypropyl cellulose, hydroxyethylmethyl cellulose, hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose, and
carboxy methylcellulose; acrylic copolymers such as methacrylic acid copolymers, e.g., Eudragit®
RS, Eudragit® RL, Eudragit® NE 30 D; cellulose acetate; polyethylene derivatives e.g., polyethylene
glycol and polyethylene oxide; polyvinyl alcohol; polyvinyl acetate; gums e.g., guar gum, locust bean
gum, tragacanth, carrageenan, alginic acid, gum acacia, gum arable, gellan gum, and xanthan gum;
triglycerides; waxes, e.g., Compritol®, Lubritab®, and Gelucires®; lipids; fatty acids or their
salts/derivatives; a mixture of polyvinyl acetate and polyvinyl pyrrolidone, e.g., Kollidon® SR; and
mixtures thereof.
Suitable glidants are selected from the group comprising silica, calcium silicate, magnesium
silicate, colloidal silicon dioxide, cornstarch, talc, stearic acid, magnesium stearate, calcium stearate,
sodium stearyl fumarate, hydrogenated vegetable oil, and mixtures thereof.
Suitable sweeteners are selected from the group comprising saccharine or its salts such as
sodium, potassium, or calcium, cyclamate or its salt, aspartame, alitame, acesulfame or its salt,
stevioside, giycyrrhizin or its derivatives, sucralose, and mixtures thereof
Suitable anti-caking agents are selected from the group comprising colloidal silicon dioxide,
tribasic calcium phosphate, powdered cellulose, magnesium trisilicate, starch, and mixtures thereof
Suitable wetting agents are selected from the group comprising anionic, cationic, nonionic,
or zwitterionic surfactants, or combinations thereof. Suitable examples of wetting agents are sodium
lauryl sulphate; cetrimide; polyethylene glycols; polyoxyethylene-polyoxypropylene block
copolymers such as poloxamers; polyglycerin fatty acid esters such as decaglyceryl monolaurate and
decaglyceryl monomyristate; sorbitan fatty acid esters such as sorbitan monostearate;
polyoxyethylene sorbitan fatty acid esters such as polyoxyethylene sorbitan monooleate;
polyethylene glycol fatty acid esters such as polyoxyethylene monostearate; polyoxyethylene alkyl
ethers such as polyoxyethylene lauryl ether; polyoxyethylene castor oil; and mixtures thereof.
D E L H I Q i - 1 1 - 2 0 1 7 i-T-rv*
15
Suitable preservatives are selected from the group comprising parabens such as methyl
paraben and propyl paraben; sodium benzoate; and mixtures thereof.
Suitable buffering agents are selected from the group comprising citric acid, sodium citrate,
sodium phosphate, potassium citrate, acetate buffer, and mixtures thereof.
Suitable flavoring agents are selected from the group consisting of peppermint, grapefruit,
orange, lime, lemon, mandarin, pineapple, strawberry, raspberry, mango, passion fruit, kiwi, apple,
pear, peach, apricot, cherry, grape, banana, cranberry, blueberry, black currant, red currant,
gooseberry, lingon berries, cumin, thyme, basil, camille, valerian, fennel, parsley, chamomile,
tarragon, lavender, dill, bargamot, salvia, aloe vera balsam, spearmint, eucalyptus, and combinations
thereof.
Suitable anti-oxidants are selected from the group comprising butylated hydroxytoluene
(BHT), butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA), sodium metabisulfite, ascorbic acid, propyl gallate,
thiourea, tocopherols, beta-carotene, and mixtures thereof.
Suitable chelating agents are selected from the group comprising ethylenediamine tetraacetic
acid or derivatives/salts thereof, e.g., disodium edetate; dihydroxyethyl glycine; glucamine; acids,
e.g., citric acid, tartaric acid, gluconic acid, and phosphoric acid; and mixtures thereof.
The ion-exchange resins such as cation- and anion-exchange matrices are well-known in the
art. Few exemplary resin particles that can be used according to the invention include, but are not
limited to, Dowex® resins and others made by Dow Chemical; Amberlite®, Amberlyst® and other
resins made by Rohm and Haas; Indion® resins made by Ion Exchange, Ltd. (India), Diaion® resins
by Mitsubishi; Type AG® and other resins by BioRad; Sephadex® and Sepharose® made by
Amersham; resins by Lewatit, sold by Fluka; Toyopearl® resins by Toyo Soda; IONAC® and
Whatman® resins sold by VWR; and BakerBond® resins sold by J T Baker; resins having polymer
backbones comprising styrene-divinyl benzene copolymers and having pendant ammonium or
tetraalkyl ammonium functional groups, available from Rohm and Haas, Philadelphia, and sold under
the tradename DUOLITE™ API43.
The cores of the present invention comprising the active ingredient can be prepared by any
method known in the art, e.g., extrusion-spheronoization, wet granulation, dry granulation, hot-melt
extrusion granulation, spray drying, and spray congealing. Alternatively, the active ingredient can be
layered onto an inert particle to form the core. Further, the active ingredient particles can be directly
coated with a release-controlling agent to form the microparticles or microcapsules. The
microparticles or microcapsules can be prepared by a process of homogenization, solvent
evaporation, coacervation phase separation, spray drying, spray congealing, polymer precipitation,
QELHX Q 1 - 1 1 - 2 G 1 7 1 7 : 88
16
or supercritical fluid extraction. The ion-exchange resins comprise loading a plurality of the resin
particles with the active ingredient to form drug-resin cores. Methods of loading active ingredients
onto the resin particles are generally known in the art.
The first chamber includes a container which is in the form of a glass or a plastic or a metallic
bottle. The reservoir of the second chamber can be made of a plastic, a metal or a glass; particularly
the reservoir is a plastic bottle. The reservoir of the second chamber may additionally have a slippery
coating or mold polishing. This coating or polishing will help to improve the flow characteristics of
the powder for suspension composition during activation.
In the dual-chamber pack suitable for incorporating powder for suspension in a volume
ranging from about 0.5 cc to about 30 cc, the plunger may be inversely fitted into the plug which is
subsequently screwed or snuggly fitted on to the opening of the container of the first chamber, in
particularly it is screwed fitted. The overcap may be fitted screwed or snuggly into the plug, in
particularly snuggly fitted. The plunger can be open at both the ends or closed at one end and open
at the other end. In particular, it is open at both the ends. The plunger opened at both the ends may
further increase the capacity as well as machine ability. Further, the overcap may be prefitted with
the plunger. The overcap may have a tamper evident band which is removed first to start the
activation.
In the dual-chamber pack suitable for incorporating for powder for suspension in a volume
ranging from about 30 cc to about 500 cc, the plunger is opened at both the ends. The biphasic
connector comprises of cross bridges to give the strength. The bridges can be tapered at the edges to
avoid any powder deposit. Further, the reservoir can have serrations to have better grip for the endusers.
The biphasic connector has a tamper-evident band on the side connected to the container of
the first chamber which is removed first to start the activation process. The biphasic connector is
having grooves on other side for locking with the reservoir. On this side, there would be instructions
for the end-users regarding direction of the rotation such as clockwise rotation for activating the pack.
The term "tamper-evident band," as used herein, refers to a band attached co-axially to the
overcap or to the biphasic connector. The band breaks easily on pulling apart. The tamper-evident
band ensures the overall integrity of the product until activation.
The plunger of the instant invention can comprise of one or more sharp projections with an
essential continuous blunt area. In particular, the plunger comprise of one sharp projection with an
essential continuous blunt area. Alternatively, the plunger can have a single continuous projection
with a remaining continuous blunt area which can be called as a flute shaped plunger. The plunger
can further have one or more grooves. The body of the plunger can be in the form of a cylinder or a
'ngr i u T rri - i i - •> n i ? i r - -n-©
wr «i- B « » j «a. ^^ .<» „,ta. a^m, JT •_•* ' f • ' fi'B X.
— ="" «••• ^ma* E £ . . J a^, f — tWMfr -\fp
17
funnel. The funnel shaped plunger provides additional capacity for storing high-dose active
ingredients or active ingredients required for chronic administration.
The plunger used in the instant invention ensures that the breakable polymeric membrane
remains attached to the plug during activation. The plug and the plunger may be made up of a material
selected from the group comprising polyolefin, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride,
cyclic olefin polymer, cyclic olefin co-polymer, polyethylene terephthalate, polyethylene
terephthalate - G, polypropylene, and polycarbonate. Particularly, the plug and the plunger are made
up of polyethylene. More particularly, the plug and the plunger are made up of linear low density
polyethylene (LLDPE).
The compositions of the first and second chambers of the container are separated by a
polymeric breakable membrane of the plug. The plunger used in the instant invention helps to rupture
the breakable polymeric membrane upon the application of pressure by a screw-based mechanism.
When pressure is applied on the overcap or reservoir, the breakable polymeric membrane is ruptured
by the plunger. The intact polymeric membrane remains attached to the circumference of the plug.
In cases, where a bottle liner exists between the first and the second chambers, the plunger would
break the bottle liner in the same manner as it ruptures the breakable polymeric membrane. The
unabridged part of the bottle liner remains attached to the opening of the container. The plug with
the breakable polymeric membrane prevents moisture permeation from the first chamber into the
second chamber.
The material used for making the plug may also include moisture barrier additives selected
from the plastic additive group comprising of monomers and co-polymers that get activated through
polymerization process to form an effective organic chemical. The moisture barrier additives used in
the present invention may include any material that tan prevent moisture permeation. The moisture
barrier additives may be present in the form of a layer inside the plug. The moisture barrier additives
may be present in an amount of 0.1% to 10% w/w, in particularly, 0.5% to 5% w/w based on total
weight of the material used for making plug.
The material used for making the reservoir may also include the moisture barrier additives.
The barrier additives may be present in the form of a layer inside the reservoir.
The moisture permeation test was carried out on dual chamber packs with moisture barrier
additives and without moisture barrier additives as per USP (37) - 671 Containers Performance
Testing. The moisture barrier additives used in the present invention improve the moisture barrier
properties by up to 50%. In particular, the moisture barrier additives improves the moisture barrier
properties by up to 30%.
n-is 8- u T fti. - t i O f k t T i T • to &
C«W e— tin.. 0 B *B-> *—" •*•• "*- •*- ""•• "Wr MO. £ «C .f " *W- ***
18
The use of moisture barrier additives thus help to prevent the moisture permeation from the
suspension base into the powder for suspension during storage. The active ingredient, particularly
moisture-sensitive active ingredient present in the powder for suspension thus remains stable during
storage.
The invention may be further illustrated by the following examples, which are for illustrative
purposes only and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention in any way.
Example 1
Ingredients Quantity (mg/mL)
Core
Metformin hydrochloride
Microcrystalline cellulose spheres
Hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose
Purified water
80.00
56.00
4.00
q.s.
Extended Release Coating
Ethyl cellulose
Dibutyl sebacate
Acetone
Purified water
Total Weight of Extended Release
Beads
68.31
1.69
q.s.
q.s.
210.00 mg
Suspension base
Metformin hydrochloride
Xylitol
Microcrystalline cellulose - sodium
carboxymethyl cellulose (Avicel® CL-
611)
Xanthan gum
Methyl paraben
Propyl paraben
Strawberry flavor
Sucralose
Colloidal silicon dioxide
Purified water
20.00
450.00
20.00
1.50
1.80
0.20
2.00
0.50
3.50
472.00 mg
Procedure:
1. Metformin hydrochloride and hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose were dissolved in purified water.
2. Microcrystalline cellulose spheres were coated with the solution of step 1.
3. Ethyl cellulose and dibutyl sebacate were dispersed in a mixture of acetone and purified water.
4. The beads of step 2 were coated with the coating dispersion of step 3 and dried to form a
powder for suspension.
5. Purified water was heated to dissolve methyl paraben and propyl paraben.
n G£ 8 U T Q 1 - 1 I - 2 0 i 7 * T " Cl-fl
19
6. Metformin hydrochloride, xylitol, microcrystalline cellulose - sodium carboxymethyl cellulose,
xanthan gum, strawberry flavor, sucralose, and colloidal silicon dioxide were mixed in the
solution of step 5 to form a suspension base.
7. The powder for suspension of step 4 was prefilled in a plunger of a second chamber of a dualchamber
pack.
8. The suspension base of step 6 was prefilled in a container of a first chamber of a dual-chamber
pack.
9. The two chambers were assembled and the pack was activated to form the extended release
suspension composition when required.
In-Vitro Studies
The extended release suspension composition prepared as per Example 1 (for a dose
equivalent to 750 mg of metformin hydrochloride) was stored at room temperature for 120 days. The
in-vitro dissolution was determined at 0, 45, 90, and 120 days using USP type II apparatus at 100
rpm, in 1000 mL of phosphate buffer with pH 6.8 at 37°C. The results of the release studies are
represented in Table 1.
Table 1: Percentage (%) of the In-Vitro Metformin Release in USP Type II Apparatus
(Media: Phosphate Buffer, pH 6.8, 1000 mL, and 100 rpm)
Number of
Days
Time (hours)
0.5
1
2
3
4
5
6
8
10
12
0 45 90
Percentage of Metformin Release
20
27
55
74
83
85
87
91
93
94
21
25
52
72
81
86
90
94
96
97
20
27
55
74
83
85
87
91
93
94
120
21
25
52
72
81
86
90
94
96
97
From the above in-vitro release data, it is evident that the extended release suspension
composition prepared according to Example 1 provides the substantially similar in-vitro metformin
release for 120 days.
The dual-chamber pack was kept for 1 month at accelerated conditions i.e., 40°C/75% R.H.
After 1 month, the pack was activated to form an extended release liquid composition which was
kept for 120 days at room temperature. The in-vitro dissolution was determined at 0,45, 90, and 120
n sr 8- u T a i - t t - •> n i- T ? T - Q &
20
days using USP type II apparatus at 100 rpm, in 1000 mL of phosphate buffer with pH 6.8 at 37°C.
The results of the release studies are represented in Table 2.
Table 2: Percentage (%) of the In-Vitro Metformin Release in USP Type II Apparatus
(Media: Phosphate Buffer, pH 6.8,1000 mL, and 100 rpm)
Number of
Days
Time (hours)
0.5
1
2
3
4
10
0
21
27
56
74
83
96
45 90 120
Percentage of Metformin Release
21
25
55
74
81
96
21
26
52
76
82
97
20
26
54
72
81
94
The dual-chamber pack was kept for 3 months at accelerated conditions i.e., 40°C/75% R.H.
After 3 months, the pack was activated to form an extended release liquid composition which was
kept for 45 days at room temperature. The in-vitro dissolution was determined at 0 and 45 days using
USP type II apparatus at 100 rpm, in 1000 mL of phosphate buffer with pH 6.8 at 37°C. The results
of the release studies are represented in Table 3.
Table 3: Percentage (%) of the In-Vitro Metformin Release in USP Type II Apparatus
(Media: Phosphate Buffer, pH 6.8,1000 mL, and 100 rpm)
Number of Days
Time (hours)
0.5
1
2
3
4
10
0 45
Percentage of Metformin Release
21
26
55
75
80
95
21
25
53
72
80
92
From the above data, it is clear that the powder for suspension and suspension base stored
in the dual-chamber pack of the instant invention at accelerated conditions for 1 month and 3 months,
upon activation of the pack forms extended release suspension compositions which when stored for
120 days and 45 days respectively at room temperature provides substantially similar in-vitro
metformin release..
Stability Data
The related substances for the extended release suspension composition prepared as per
Example 1 were determined at 0 day and after storage at room temperature for 45 and 120 days.
The powder for suspension and suspension base was stored in the dual-chamber pack for one
21
month and for three months at 40°C/75% R.H. After one month or three months, the pack was
activated to form extended release suspension compositions and then related substances were
determined at 0 day and after storage at room temperature for 45 days and 120 days.
The assay of metformin was determined by HPLC method. The results are shown in Table
4.
Table 4: Stability Data for Metformin
Related
Substances
(%w/w)
Cyanoguainidine
Highest unknown
impurity
Total impurities
Initial
Oday
BLQ
0.05
0.05
45
days
0.001
0.05
0.05
120 days
0.00072
0.04
0.04
1 month (40°C/75%
R.H)
Oday
0.001
0.05
0.05
45
days
0.001
0.04
0.04
120
days
0.001
0.Q4
0.04
3 month
(40°C/75%.
R.H)
Oday
0.001
0.05
0.09
45
days
0.001
0.04
0.04
BLQ: Below limit of Quantification
It is evident from the above data that the extended release suspension composition prepared
as per Example 1 remains stable even after storing at accelerated conditions for 3 months using the
dual-chamber pack.
Example 2
r y e i- • u
E—P~ a m . KM. B B
Ingredients
Core
Metformin hydrochloride
Macrocrystalline cellulose spheres
Hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose
Purified water
Extended Release Coating
Ethyl cellulose
Dibutyl sebacate
Acetone
Purified water
Total Weight of Extended Release Beads
Metformin hydrochloride
Xylitol
Microcrystalline cellulose - sodium
carboxymethyl cellulose (Avicel® CL-611)
Xanthan gum
Strawberry flavor
Sucralose
Colloidal silicon dioxide
Vehicle
Purified water
- F t 7' • n-»
Quantity (mg/mL)
80.00
56.00
4.00
Mi
61.48
1.52
££
q.s.
203.00 mg
20.00
450.00
20.00
1.50
2.00
0.50
3.50
q.s. to 1 mL
22
Procedure:
1. Metformin hydrochloride and hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose were dissolved in purified water.
2. Macrocrystalline cellulose spheres were coated with the solution of step 1.
3. Ethyl cellulose and dibutyl sebacate were dispersed in a mixture of acetone and purified water.
4. The beads of step 2 were coated with the coating dispersion of step 3.
5. Metformin hydrochloride, xylitol, microcrystalline cellulose - sodium carboxymethyl cellulose,
xanthan gum, strawberry flavor, sucralose, and colloidal silicon dioxide were mixed.
6. The coated beads of step 4 were mixed with the mixture of step 5 to form a powder for
suspension.
The powder for suspension may be stored in plunger or reservoir (depending upon the
volume) of the second chamber and the vehicle (purified water) may be stored in the container of the
first chamber. The two chambers after assembling may be activated to form the extended release
suspension composition when required.
In-Vitro Studies
The extended release suspension composition prepared as per Example 2 was stored at room
temperature for 30 days. The in-vitro dissolution was determined at 0 and 30 days using USP type II
apparatus at 100 rpm, in 1000 mL of phosphate buffer with pH 6.8 at 37°C. The results of the release
studies are represented in Table 5.
Table 5: Percentage (%) of the In-Vitro Metformin Release in USP Type II Apparatus
(Media: Phosphate Buffer, pH 6.8, 1000 mL, and 100 rpm)
CD
G)
co
Q.
CD
CN
E
o
LL
CO
o>
CO
CO
o
CoO
CN
o>
CO o
CO
Number of Days
Time (hours)
0.5
1
2
3
4
5
6
8
10
12
0 30
Percentage of Metformin Release
20
27
59
77
84
88
92
95
97
98
22
28
64
80
89
93
95
99
101
103
From the above in-vitro release data, it is evident that the extended release suspension
composition prepared according to Example 2 provides the substantially similar in-vitro metformin
Srorv
o
t*tr C M Bmm. K B nOo •**?- sO. «H. «L - 2(£. Q 1 7 T 7 : n * "'*** D3i a
23
Osmolality Measurement of the Extended Release Suspension
The metformin extended release powder prepared according to the Example 2 (till step 6) was
reconstituted with required amount of purified water. This suspension was shaken manually for at
least 20 minutes. This suspension was then filtered and diluted with purified water and the osmolality
was measured using Osmomat 030-D.
The osmolality of the suspension base was found to be 4.112 osmol/kg of the suspension base
on day 0.
The osmolality of the suspension base was found to be 4.328 osmol/kg of the suspension base
on day 7.
It is evident from the above data that the osmolality of the suspension base of the extended
release suspension composition as per Example 2 remains equivalent for seven days.
Osmolality Measurement of the External Phase
The metformin hydrochloride, xylitol, microcrystalline cellulose - sodium carboxymethyl
cellulose, xanthan gum, strawberry flavor, sucralose, and colloidal silicon dioxide were mixed as per
step 5 of Example 2. This mixture was reconstituted with required amount of purified water. This
suspension was then filtered and diluted with purified water, and the osmolality was measured using
Osmomat 030-D.
The osmolality of the suspension base i.e., external phase was found to be 4.204 osmol/kg of
the suspension base.
Osmolality Measurement of the Internal Phase
Various solutions having various concentrations of osmogent (sodium chloride) were
prepared as per Examples 2A-2F. The osmolalities of these solutions were measured using Osmomat
030-D.
Ingredient
Sodium Chloride
(mg)
Purified water
Osmolality
(osmol/kg)
Example
2A
30.00
q.s. to 1
mL
0.910
Example
2B
60.00
q.s. to 1
mL
1.787
Example
2C
120.00
q.s. to I
mL
3.574*
Example
2D
180.00
q.s. to
7.5 mL
5.361*
Example
2E
240.00
q.s. to 1
mL
7.148*
Example
2F
300.00
q.s. to 1
mL
8.935*
* Extrapolated using values of dilute solutions
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24
The coated beads of step 4 were dispersed in different solutions as per Examples 2A-2F.
These solutions were kept for seven days at room temperature. After seven days, each solution was
analyzed by HPLC for metformin content. The results are represented in following Table 5.
Table 5: Effect of Osmolality on Metformin Leaching
Example
2A
2B
2C
2D
2E
2F
Osmolality (osmol/kg) of the solution
0.910
1.787
3.574*
5.361*
7.148*
8.935*
Metformin Content (%)
67.3
30.3
2.9
1.8
1.7
1.0
* Extrapolated using values of dilute solutions
From the above data, it is evident that the leaching of metformin from the coated beads into
the solution was decreasing as the osmolality of the solution was increasing from Examples 2A-2F.
The leaching is found to be significantly reduced from Example 2C onwards. The osmolality of
Example 2C i.e., 3.574 is considered as osmolality of the internal phase.
Osmolality Ratio 1.176
WE CLAIM:
1. A dual-chamber pack comprising;
(a) a first chamber prefilled with a suspension base; and
(b) a second chamber prefilled with a powder for suspension comprising an active
ingredient;
wherein upon activation of the dual-chamber pack, the contents of both the chambers are
mixed to form an extended release suspension composition which is characterized by
having no substantial change in the in-vitro dissolution release profile of the active
ingredient upon storage for at least seven days.
2. The dual-chamber pack of claim 1, wherein the first chamber comprises of a container and
the second chamber comprises of an overcap, a plunger, and a plug with a breakable
polymeric membrane.
3. The dual-chamber pack of claim 2, wherein the plunger is prefilled with the powder for
suspension in a volume ranging from about 0.5 cc to about 30 cc.
4. The dual-chamber pack of claim 1, wherein the first chamber comprises of a container and
the second chamber comprises of a reservoir, a biphasic connector, a plunger, and a plug
with a breakable polymeric membrane.
5. The dual-chamber pack of claim 4, wherein the reservoir is prefilled with the powder for
suspension in a volume greater than about 30 cc.
6. The dual-chamber pack of claim 5, wherein the reservoir is prefilled with the powder for
suspension in a volume ranging from about 30 cc to about 500 cc.
7. The dual-chamber pack of claim 4, wherein the biphasic connector of the second chamber
connects the reservoir of the second chamber to the container of the first chamber.
8. The dual-chamber pack of claims 2 or 4, wherein the plunger ensures the breakable
polymeric membrane remains attached to the plug during activation.
9. The dual-chamber pack of claims 2 or 4, wherein the plunger comprise of one or more sharp
projections with an essential continuous blunt area.
10. The dual-chamber pack of claims 2 or 4, wherein the plug includes one or more moisture
barrier additives.
11.The dual-chamber pack of claim 1, wherein the extended release suspension composition is
a stable composition.
12.A dual-chamber pack comprising:
(a) a first chamber in the form of a container (7) prefilled with a suspension base and
provided with an opening (6) at an upper end;
(b) a second chamber comprising:
(i) a overcap (1) optionally having a tamper evident band (2) fitted into a
plunger (3);
(ii) the plunger (3) adapted to fit into a plug (4), having a top flat surface,
prefilled with a powder for suspension;
(iii) the plug (4), with a breakable polymeric membrane (5), adapted to fit into
the opening (6) from a lower end and into the overcap (1) from the upper
end; and
wherein the overcap (1) has a means to exert pressure onto the plunger (3) so as to partially
rupture the breakable polymeric membrane (5) of the plug and deliver the powder for
suspension into the suspension base of the container (7); and wherein the powder for
suspension is mixed with the suspension base to form an extended release suspension
composition which is characterized by having no substantial change in the in-vitro
dissolution release profile for at least seven days upon storage.
13.The dual-chamber pack of claim 12, wherein the plunger is prefilled with the powder for
suspension in a volume ranging from about 0.5 cc to about 30 cc.
14.A dual-chamber pack comprising:
(a) a first chamber in the form of a container (8) prefilled with a suspension base
provided with an opening (7) at an upper end;
(b) a second chamber comprising:
(i) a reservoir (1) adapted to fit into a plunger (2) prefilled with a powder for
suspension; the plunger (2) is further adapted to fit into a plug (3) having a
top flat surface,
(ii) the plug (3), with a breakable polymeric membrane (4), adapted to fit into
the biphasic connector (5) optionally having a tamper evident band (6) which
is further connected from the lower end to the opening (7) of the container
(8);15. The dual-chamber pack of claim 14, wherein the reservoir is prefilled with the powder for
suspension in a volume greater than about 30 cc.
16. The dual-chamber pack of claim 15, wherein the reservoir is prefilled with the powder for
suspension in a volume ranging from about 30 cc to about 500 cc.
17. The dual-chamber pack of claims 1, 12, or 14, wherein the powder for suspension comprise
of extended release coated cores of the active ingredient, optionally admixed with one or
more pharmaceutically acceptable excipients.
18. The dual-chamber pack of claim 17, wherein the extended release coated cores comprise a
core comprising the active ingredient and a coating layer over said core comprising one or
more release-controlling agents.
19. The dual-chamber pack of claim 1, wherein the active ingredient is selected from the group
consisting of valacyclovir, metformin, azithromycin, cloxacillin, clarithromycin,
erythromycin, amoxicillin alone or in combination with clavulanic acid, cefdinir, cefiiroxime
axetil, cefixime, cefadroxil, cefpodoxime, cefaclor, cefprozil, fluconazole, voriconazole,
acarbose, miglitol, voglibose, repaglinide, nateglinide, glibenclamide, glimepride, glipizide,
gliclazide, chloropropamide, tolbutamide, phenformin, alogliptin, sitagliptin, linagliptin,
saxagliptin, rosiglitazone, pioglitazone, troglitazone, faraglitazar, englitazone, darglitazone,
isaglitazone, zorglitazone, liraglutide, muraglitazar, peliglitazar, tesaglitazar, canagliflozin,
dapagliflozin, remogliflozin, sergliflozin, verapamil, albuterol, salmeterol, acebutolol,
sotalol, penicillamine, norfloxacin, ciprofloxacin, ofloxacin, levofloxacin, moxifloxacin,
20.The dual-chamber pack of claim 18, wherein the release-controlling agents is selected from
the group consisting of a pH-dependent release-controlling agent, a pH-independent releasecontrolling
agent, or mixtures thereof.
21.The dual-chamber pack of claim 20, wherein the pH-dependent release-controlling agent is
selected form the group consisting of acrylic copolymers such as methacrylic acid and
methyl methacrylate copolymers, e.g., Eudragit® L 100 and Eudragit® S 100, methacrylic
acid and ethyl acrylate copolymers, e.g., Eudragit® L 100-55 and Eudragit® L 30 D-55,
dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate and butyl methacrylate and methyl methacrylate
copolymers e.g., Eudragit® E 100, Eudragit® E PO, methyl acrylate and methacrylic acid
and octyl acrylate copolymers, styrene and acrylic acid copolymers, butyl acrylate and
styrene and acrylic acid copolymers, and ethylacrylate-methacrylic acid copolymer;
22.The dual-chamber pack of claim 20, wherein the pH-independent release-controlling agent
is selected form the group consisting of cellulosic polymers such as ethyl cellulose, methyl
cellulose, hydroxyethyl cellulose, hydrbxypropyl cellulose, hydroxyethylmethyl cellulose,
hydroxyprppylmethyl cellulose, and carboxy methylcellulose; acrylic copolymers such as
methacrylic acid copolymers, e.g., Eudragit® RS, Eudragit® RL, Eudragit® NE 30 D;
cellulose acetate; polyethylene derivatives e.g., polyethylene glycol and polyethylene oxide;
polyvinyl alcohol; polyvinyl acetate; gums e.g., guar gum, locust bean gum, tragacanth,
23.The dual-chamber pack of claims 1, 12, or 14, wherein the suspension base comprises one
or more suspending agents, one or more osmogents, and a pharmaceutically acceptable
vehicle.
24.The dual-chamber pack of cliaim 17, wherein the pharmaceutically acceptable excipients are
selected from the group consisting of glidants, sweeteners, suspending agents, anti-caking
agents, wetting agents, preservatives, buffering agents, flavoring agents, anti-oxidants,
chelating agents, and combinations thereof.