FORM -2
THE PATENTS ACT, 1970
(39 OF 1970)
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION
(See Section 10)
1. TITLE OF THE INVENSION
GASTRIC FLOATING SYSTEM
2. BLUE CROSS LABORATORIES LTD. of A-12, AMBAD INDUSTRIAL AREA, NASlK-422 010, STATE OP MAHARASHTRA, INDIA, an Indian Company
The following specification particularly describes the nature of the invention and the manner in which it is to be performed.

GASTRIC FLOATING SYSTEM
Field of invention
The present invention relates to a gastro-retentive oral drug delivery system comprising at least one drug substance, a gel forming husk separated from Lepidium sativum seeds, cross-linking enhancer, gas generating component, and pharmaceutically acceptable auxiliary components. The pharmaceutical composition is in the form of a single layer or bilayer tablets, capsules or pellets retained in the stomach by swelling and floating mechanism and thereby selectively delivering the desired drug in gastric medium and upper part of the small intestine over an extended period of time.
Background of invention
Because of advancement in controlled release technology, it is now possible to release drugs at a constant rate for long periods of time ranging from days to years. But these benefits of long-term delivery technology cannot be completely extrapolated for dosage forms intended for oral administration. This is mainly due to complex anatomy and physiology of gastrointestinal tract. Due to this, an orally administered drug delivery system is exposed to a wide range of highly variable conditions such as pH, agitation, intensity, short gastric emptying times composition of gastrointestinal fluids during its transit through the digestive tract.
The critical adversities in development of controlled release dosage form are short gastric residence time and unpredictable gastric emptying time. The relatively brief gastrointestinal transit time is the most difficult hurdle in development of once a day dosage form, especially for those molecules with short absorption window. The average transit time from mouth to colon is the time available for

drug absorption regardless of the duration of the drug release from the device. Therefore, for drugs having prominent absorption from stomach or upper parts of small intestine conventional approaches to controlled release formulation known in the art are not useful. Furthermore, it is advantageous to retain the dosage form in stomach to have local activity of drugs like anti-ulcer, drugs acting against H. pylori infections etc. A sustained release formulations, which slowly releases the drug over an extended period and at the same time retained in upper parts of gastrointestinal tract for a prolonged period would be desirable for diseases confined to the upper parts of gastrointestinal tract such as peptic and duodenal ulcers.
In the prior art various approaches have been pursued to increase the retention of an oral dosage form in stomach. Broadly these can be classified as follows :
(I) Floating systems also known as hydrodynamically balanced systems (HBS)
i) Non-effervescent
ii) Effervescent
(II) Swelling and expanding systems
(III) Bioadhesive systems
(IV) Modified shape systems
(V) High density systems
(VI) Delayed gastric emptying devices

(I) Floating systems
1. Floating systems also known as Hydrodynamically balanced system (HBS). Based on the mechanism of buoyancy, two distinctly different technologies are defined.
a. Non-effervescent
b. Effervescent
a. Non Effervescent floating drug delivery systems :
In non-effervescent FDDS floating is achieved due to inherent physical properties like Molecular weight, rate of hydration and swelling behavior of polymers. These polymers are gel-forming or highly swellable, cellulose type hydrocolloids polysaccharides and matrix forming polymers such as polycarbonate, polyacrylate, polymethacrylate and polystyrene. In these floating systems, desired buoyancy is achieved due to entrapment of air in swollen gel structure after penetration of gastrointestinal fluid.
Gerogiannis et al described floating swelling characteristics of various polymers used for controlling the release of active medicament. He concluded that the higher molecular weight of polymer and slower rates of polymer hydration are usually necessary for enhanced floating behavior of system (DDIP, 19(9), 1993, 1061-108321)
U.S. patent no. 4,126,672, 4,167,558 described buoyant floating tablets and capsules containing one or mixture of hydrocolloids that hydrate and swell upon contact with gastric fluid and acquire bulk density of less than one.

U.S. patent no. 5,232,704 described bilayer, sustained release dosage form. One layer was drug release layer and other was a buoyant or floating layer. Each layer contained hydrocolloid gelling agent such as gums, polysaccharides, Hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose. Patent claimed, buoyancy of system in gastric fluid for a period upto about 13 hrs.
U.S. patent no. 4,814,179 described non-compressed sustained release floating therapeutic composition containing agar and light mineral oil. The light mineral oil used helps in preventing entrapped air from escaping when system is placed in gastric fluid and thus system attend buoyancy.
Watanbe et al used empty globular shells with a lower density than gastrointestinal fluid. They used polymers such as polystyrene, cellulose acetate phthalate, ethyl cellulose and Hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose. But there was problem of incorporation of drugs into such system.
b. Effervescent floating drug delivery systems :
These buoyant delivery systems utilize matrices prepafed with swellable polymers such as Hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose, Hydroxypropyl cellulose or polysaccharides for eg. Gums, chitosan and effervescent part for eg. Sodium bicarbonate, Calcium carbonate etc and citric acid / tartaric acid or matrices containing liquid portion that gasify at body temperature.
The gas generating component(s) may be intimately mixed within the tablet' matrix to produce single layered tablet dr a bilayered tablet which contains one gas generating component;■and other release controlling ingredient, mixed with pharmaceutically active ingredient.

Ichikawa et al described a new multiple unit oral floating system consisting of sustained release pills as seeds and double layers of gas generating components coated on seeds. Author claimed excellent floating ability independent of pH and viscosity of medium and has sustained release characteristics of zero order, but those who are skilled in the art are well aware of the limitations of such system for incorporating high dosage of drugs. (JPS, 80(11), 1991, 1062-1066).
Atyabi and co-workers developed floating system utilizing ion exchange resins. The system consisted of resin beads loaded with bicarbonate and then coated with semi-permeable membrane. Drug especially carrying negative charges was bound to the resin. In acidic environment Carbon dioxide generated and trapped in membrane and beads were carried towards the top of gastric contents producing a floating layer of resin beads. (JOCR, 42, 1996, 25-28).
Patent no. WO 00/15198 (PCT) and WO 01/64183 described a very complicated
floating drug delivery system comprising of a drug, a gas generating component, a
swelling agent, a viscolyzing agent and a gel forming polymer. This system used
higher percentage of superdisintegrant class of polymers as swelling agent
combination with viscolyzing agent / gel forming polymer entrapping gas,
generated due to gas generated component. According to claims, system retained
in upper part of gastrointestinal tract releasing drug in controlled rate. The system
is complicated due to presence of so many controlling and floating ingredients. It
is not cost effective in terms of manufacturing as well as packing is concerned as
itwili require special packing to protect it from moisture.

Patent no. WO 01/10405 described Hydrodynamically balanced multiparticulate oral drug delivery system comprising of a drug, gas generating components, sugar, release controlling agent and a spheronizing agent. As system is multiparticulate, incorporation of high dosage of drugs is a serious limitation.
U.S. patent no. 5,783,212 described a controlled release tablet having at least 3 layers, two extreme barrier layers containing swellable polymer(s), gas generating component and middle layer contained drug and release retarding polymer.
JII] Swelling and expanding systems
These type of dosage forms after swallowing swell and expand to such an extent that it prevents their exit from stomach through pylorus.
U.S. patent no. 5,972,389, 6,040,475 described oral, gastric retentive dosage form for controlled release of active medicament. Patent no. 5,972,389 claimed tablet or capsule containing a plurality of particles of a solid state drug dispersed in a swellable / erodible polymer of type poly (ethylene oxide). These particles imbibe water to swell and promote retention in fed mode of patient. U.S. Patent no. 6,340,475 described invention of extending the duration of drug release within stomach during fed mode polymers used were polyethylene oxide of molecular weight at least 4,00,000, glyceryl monostearate, sodium myristate, alkyl substituted cellulose, croslinked polyacrylic acid, xanthan gum etc.
U.S. patent no. 5,007,790 claimed use of hydrophilic, water swellable, crossl inked polymer that maintain its physical integrity sufficiently to deliver the incorporated -drug completely in upper parts of gastrointestinal tract polymers claimed were

crosslinked gelatin, crosslinked albumin, crosslinked sodium alginate, crossiiked carboxymethyl cellulose, crosslinked PVA and crosslinked chitin.
U.S. patent no. 5,58,2837 described a system with plurality of particles of ang mixed with alkyl cellulose such as Hydroxyethyl cellulose or Hydroxyprop cellulose which swell after imbibition of water to enhance gastric retention n stomach.
U.S. patent no. 6,306,439 described expandable pharmaceutical forms for inig gastric residence employing mixtures of polymers containing lactum group: and polymers containing carboxyl group, gas generating component. Inventors claimed polymer swelling and high dimensional stability swollen state.
[III] Bioadhesive systems are used to localize a delivery device within stcmach cavity using bioadhesive polymers.
[IV] Modified shape systems are non-disintegrating geometric shapes molded from silastic elastomers or polyethylene blends. Depending upon size and shape, gastric residence time can be extended.
[V] High density formulation having density greater than 1 (g/cm3), can be used to increase gastric residence time. This can be achieved by coating the drug with heavy inert material such as barium sulphate, zinc oxide, titanium dioxide etc.
From the above discussed prior art, it is crystal clear that increased gastric residence time is very much need of hour. An ideal system must be

biocompatible, overcome all drawbacks of existing systems, devoid of the use of any synthetic polymers, easy to manufacture on the industrial scale. The components used therein should be user-friendly.
In the present invention a novel gel-forming husk powder separated from seeds of Lepidium sativum is used. This husk prepared by the process of the invention possess mucilaginous property because of which it swells in the presence of biological fluid forming hydrogel like structure in combination with cross linking enhancer. The gas generated due to gas forming component gets entrapped in this porous but stiff matrix resulting in increase in buoyancy of system and thus system floats in gastric environment. This structure formed due to swelling and entrapment of gas is sufficiently cohesive. This dual mechanism ensures that the system remains floated for long time without loosing integrity and continues to release the drug at a desired rate.
In our co-pending Indian patent application No. 560/MUM/2001 there is described and claimed a method of manufacturing of husk from Lepidium sativum husk from Lepidium sativum seeds.
Lepidium sativum mainly consists of polysaccharides, which comes under the class of compounds called as 'dietary fiber'. For the purpose of definition in this specifications the term, "dietary fiber" is defined as remnants of plant cells resistant to hydrolysis by alimentary enzyme of man, the group of substances that remain in ileum but are partly hydrolysed by bacteria in colon according to JAMA 262, No. 4, 542546 (Jul 28, 1989) Gel forming dietary fibers include mucilages, plant gums, pectins or pectin substances and lignin, all of which are endogenous compounds of plant materials which are resistant to digestion by enzyme in

stomach or intestine. Chemically nearly all of these plant materials are carbohydrates composed of repeating sugar (monosaccharides) units. Water-soluble fraction of these substance form gels in stomach and intestinal tract. Gums and mucilage have different structure but are polysaccharides, containing several sugars with alternating monomer structures and may or may not contain uronic acids. There are many mucilage and gum containing seeds found in plants and cereal grains. Guar and locust bean gums are galactomannans, whereas gum Arabic is an acidic polymer of galactose and rhamnose. Oat and barley contain gums, but are not practical for use in present application due to low percentage of active gum or weight volume. In present application 'Cress seed Husk' is principle gel forming dietary fiber. This cress seed husk is obtained from seeds of Garden Cress Plant {Lepidium Sativum, Family : Cruciferae) cultivated as a salad plant throughout India. Garden Cress is a small, herbaceous, glabrous, annual growing plant up to 50 cm. From ancient times, Garden Cress seeds, leaves, roots and flowers are regularly used for treating various diseases or disorders. Seeds are mainly used as laxative, aperients, diuretic, and alternative tonic, demulcent, aphrodisiac and carminative. Mucilage of seeds allays the irritation of mucous coat of intestine.
Analysis of Cress seed gave following compositions. Moisture 5.69 %, protein 23.5 %, fats 15.91 %, ash 5.7 %, phosphorous (P203) 1.65 %, Calcium 0.31 % and sulfur 0.9 %. The seeds contain an alkaloid (0.19 %) Glucotropoelin sinapin (Choline ester of sinapic acid), Sinapic acid, Mucilaginous matter (5 %) and uric acid (0.103 %). The mucilage consists of,: a mixture of cellulose (18.3%) and . uronic acid containing pdlysabcharides-acM hydrolysis of mucilage yields L-arabinose, D-galactose, L-fharflhose, D-galactouronic acid and D-glucose.

The seed of garden cress is old household remedy for various disorders or diseases. Seeds are recommended for the dispersion of certain chronic enlargment of spleen. Emulsion made by soaking or boiling the seeds in eight times the weight of water, is given as a drink to relieve hiccups. (Bhavprakash, a ancient standaed book on Ayurveda) a powder of seed with sugar is fien remedy for indigestion, diarrhoea and dysentery. Seeds in combination with Coconut, ghee, sugar is very nutritious and is given to pregnant women and lactating mothers in the form of Laddoos. Thus there are quite a few references in ancient standard Indian medicinal books regarding safe consumption of seed of Lepidium sativum.
A toxicity study was made on Lepidium sativum seeds using Wistar albino rats at 2 % (w/w) was found to be non-toxic, 10 % (w/w) was toxic but not fatal and 50 % (w/w) of the diet for 6 weeds was lethal and caused depression in growth rate and entero-hepato-nephrotoxicity
Patole et al studied the antidiabetic activity of Lepidium sativum seeds on 11 NIDDM subjects as well as 14 normal healthy subjects by administering 15 gm. seeds per day. In the long term (21 days) treatment they found that seeds possess some hypoglycemic activity.
Thus there is no toxicity observed at therapeutic as well as formulation level. All above information proves that Garden Cress seeds are very safe material with respect to human consumption beyond doubt.
None of the publications report sustained release formulations being application , of a porous matrix formed by the use of a natural biocompatible gelling and

swelling agent to give buoyancy and sustained release. Furthermore , polymers used in all above cases are mostly synthetic in origin.
OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
Thus it is an object of the present invention to provide a pharmaceutical composition in the form of capsule, tablet single layered or multi-layered, pellets, which constitutes a gastro-retentive controlled oral drug delivery system that:
a. Swell / expand to form a porous, cohesive structure in which gas formed
due to reaction between gas generating component and acid present in
stomach, get entrapped, reducing density of system.
b. remain buoyant for substantial period of time, delivering the drug in a
controlled manner, in stomach.
c. maintain its shape and integrity for substantial period of time.
d. provides, as compared to other oral controlled drug delivery systems,
increased absorption of drug having a narrower absorption window.
It is also an object of the present invention to use a novel viscosity imparting inert food iterri which is very cost effective viz. Lepidium sativum husk.
It is further object of this invention to use the floating system effectively and efficiently for acidic, basic as well as neutral drugs.
It is further object of this invention to use the floating system effectively and efficiently for low as well as high dose medicament.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention described a system for oral administration in the form of tablet, capsule, bilayer tablets, pellets which is buoyant in stomach, extending gastric residence time. The delivery system is structurally composed of a porous, cohesive matrix with large volume of entrapped air making it light and imparts good floatation characteristics.
The present invention describes a therapeutic system in the form of capsule, tablet, single layered or multi-layered, pellets, essentially comprises of drug, hydrogel forming husk powder separated from Lepidium sativum seeds, cross-linking enhancer(s), gas generating components) and other pharmaceutically acceptable auxiliary components.
Preferably, the oral controlled drug delivery system of the present invention, which is in the form of tablets single layered or multi-layered, capsule or pellets, comprises of an amount ranging from a pharmaceutically acceptable amount up tc 90 % of drug, about 2 to about 60 % by weight of hydrogel forming husk from Lepidium sativum seeds, 0.5 to 20 % cross-linking enhancer(s), about 5 to 20 % by weight of gas generating components) and pharmaceutically acceptable auxiliary components.
Detailed description of the invention
According to the present invention, the oral pharmaceutical composition in the form of capsule, tablet, single layered or multi-layered, pellets includes, at least one drug substance, gel forming husk powder separated from Lepidium sativum

seeds, cross-linking enhancer(s), a gas generating agent(s) and pharmaceutical auxiliary component(s).
According to present invention matrix forming components are natural, safe, bio¬compatible and bio-degradable dietary fiber in presence of crosslinking enhancer which form porous but cohesive hydrogel which entraps gas generated due to gas generating compbnent(s) in presence of gastric fluid, releasing drug in a controlled manner over a period of time
The task of designing a dosage form to achieve a consistent and controlled residence in the stomach begins with selection of potential excipients, especially polymers used for forming porous but cohesive structured gel which can withstand bursting effect imparted by gas generating components, but at the same time allow the drug to diffuse slowly enough to serve as a 'reservoir' for delivery system.
Lepidium sativum husk mainly consists of polysaccharides, especially cellulose and uronic acid. In the presence of gastric fluid, cellulose micelles swell and form a network, interspersed with more heavily hydrated polyuronide chains forming a cohesive gel like structure.
Among the various parameters that need to be evaluated for their effect on gastric residence time 'dissolution' is the main parameter. For floating dosage form, there must be some modifications of USP / BP dissolution apparatus (type I or II), as these apparatus inhibit the three dimensional swellingfprocess of the dosage form and consequently drug release from the formulation Was suppressed. Also these methods do not allow full exposure of the dosage form to dissolution medium. To

overcome these problems and to adopt realistic and simulative approach to in vivo condition, Pillay and Fassihi et al approach was adopted of submerged ring / mesh assembly. This approach gave acid test to dosage form giving full surface exposure and unhindered swelling. (JOCR, 55,(1998), 45-55).
The composition in present invention may be in the form of tablets, capsules bilayer or multilayer floating tablet or pellets. Additional polymers known to those who are skilled in the art are used for their release retarding property in combination with Lepidium sativum husk as cross-linking enhancer. These polymers may be hydrophilic or hydrophobic in nature or may be pH dependent of independent polymers. Examples of suitable polymers are cellulose ethers like methylcellulose, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, eudragit, ethyl cellulose, gum, pectins, alginates and its derivatives, polyvinyl alcohol, gelatin, cellulose derivatives etc. To improve gastro-retentive properties bioadhesive polymers can also be incorporated. Also some highly swelling polymers may also be added to increase the size of the dosage form to improve gastric retention.
The described composition of present invention when added to simulated gastric fluids can float on the fluid for about 10-12 hours or more. Due to presence of acid and gas generating component(s), gas is liberated and gets entrapped in swelled / gelled matrix, due to which there is decrease in specific gravity of system and system produces upward motion- and remain there due to buoyancy. Generally density of gastric fluid is-1.0.G/CM3 and desired density of system should be around 0.7 g/cm3 The drug incorporated within this porous matrix is

released over a period of time while system is retained in gastric and upper part of the small intestine, due to floating and swelling.
The various components of present invention are described below:
A] Lepidium sativum Husk
Lepidium sativum husk in combination with cross-linking enhancer(s) when formulated in the form of tablet, single layered or multi-layered, capsule, pellets produces a hydrogel matrix. This is a three dimensional, water-swollen structure composed of mainly hydrophilic homopolymers or copolymers. They are rendered insoluble due to the presence of chemical or physical cross-links. The physical cross-links can be entanglements, crystallites or weak van der Waals forces or Hydrogen bonds. The cross-links provide the network structure and physical integrity.
Cress seed husk in presence of biological fluid in gastrointestinal tract absorb water and swell. This swelling property of husk is mainly because of mucilaginous matter present in it. The mucilage consists of a mixture of cellulose (18.3 %) and uronic acid containing polysaccharides. This in presence of water, the polyuronide chains, containing ionisable carboxyl groups^ become hydrated and swell and the cellulose micelles become dispersed. Thus gel consists of a network of hydrated cellulose micelles, interspersed with more heavily hydrated uronide chains. The extent of dispersion depends upon ultimately on the size of the cellulose micelle the chain length and the proportion of hydrated polyuronides. Because of their high water content and rubbery nature, they resemble natural living tissue more than any other class of synthetic materials. The presence of cross-linking enhancer synergies this process of cross linking

giving a porous and cohesive matrix. Thus system is biocompatible, biodegradable and devoid of any unwanted characteristic side effects of syntb polymers, which are traditionally used to modify drug release. Because of nati source of Lepidium sativum husk, presence in abundance, easy cultivation and amount required to extend the delivery of therapeutic agent is optimum; use o this dietary fiber is very cost effective.
In swelling controlled release systems, the drug is dispersed within a glassy polymer. Upon oral ingestion and contact with gastric fluid, the controlled rel< formulations prepared according to the present invention begin to swell and g< Gas generated due to gas generating component(s) get entrapped in this swoll< matrix results in increased buoyancy of the system. This buoyant system then floats in biological fluid releasing the drug in a controlled manner. Since the medicament is dispersed throughout the tablet (and consequently throughout t gel matrix), a constant amount of drug can be released per unit time in vivo by dispersion or erosion of the outer portions of the matrix. The chemistry of Lepidium sativum husk, which is the essential part of the present invention, is such that it is considered to be self-buffering agents, substantially insensitive i the solubility of the medicament and likewise insensitive to the pH changes al the length of the gastrointestinal tract.
In a preferred embodiment of present invention the pharmaceutical composite comprised from about 5 to 80 % by weight of husk separated from Lepidium sativum seeds. In a preferred embodiment, pharmaceutical compositions comprised from about 5 to 60 % by weight of Husk separated from Lepidium sativum seeds.

BJ Cross-linking enhancer(s)
Cross-linking enhancer(s) mainly helped in binding individually swollen or swelling husk particles by forming a chain and thus controlling the pore or channel size. It also plays a role in increasing the viscosity of system internally so
4
that there was proper engulfment of drug or therapeutic agent particles inside the matrix releasing them in a controlled manner.
Gums, such as, gellan gum, carragennan gum, karaya gum, tragacanth gum, ghatti gum, glucomannan, guar gum, gum acacia, locust bean gum, xanthan gum, veegum, gellan gum and cellulose derivatives like hydroxy propyl methyl cellulose, hydroxy propyl cellulose, carboxymethyl cellulose and its derivatives, pectins, lignin, chitins and its derivatives, acrylic acids and its derivatives, agar, gelatin, polyvinyl alcohol and carbopols or a combination of more than one thereof, can be used as cross-linking enhancer(s).
In a preferred embodiment of present invention the cross-linking enhancer(s) comprised from about 0.5 to 25 % by weight of total weight of composition. In a more preferred embodiment, cross-linking enhancer(s) comprised from about 0.5 to 20 % by weight of total weight of composition.
CI Gas generating component(s)
The gas-generator may consist of a single substance known to produce Carbon dioxide of Sulitfur dioxide upon contact with gastric fluid. Examples of gas generators that may be used in the present invention include Carbon dioxide generators, such as calcium carbonate or sodium glycine carbonate, bicarbonate

such as sodium hydrogen carbonate or potassium hydrogen carbonate, Sulfur dioxide generators such as sodium sulfite, sodium bisulfite or sodium metabisulfite and the like.
The gas-generator interacts by simply with gastric fluid to generate carbon dioxide or sulfur dioxide that gets entrapped within the hydrated gel matrix of the swelling composition. The gas-generators such as carbonates and bicarbonates may be present in amount from about 5 % to 20%, preferably from about 5% to 15%, by weight of the composition.
D] Prug
According to the present invention, the pharmaceutical composition is in the form of tablets single layered or multi-layered, capsule or pellets as a unit oral gastro-retentive controlled release dosage form. The drug(s), which can be incorporated in the present system, may be therapeutically active or may be converted into the active form by biotransformation in the body.
The medicament or combination of medicaments which are amenable to controlled release therapy utilizing the novel formulatipns of the present invention include any those suitable for oral administration. The present invention is not to be construed as being limited to any particular medicament or class of medicaments.
The gastro-retentive formulations of the subject invention are particularly amenable to the administration of medicaments which have following attributes,

i) drugs having pH dependent solubility, i.e., more soluble in the gastric pH as
compared to the intestinal pH, ii) are predominantly absorbed through the upper portion of the gastro
intestinal tract, iii) drugs active against H. pylori, cytoprotective agents, and the like, iv) drugs having stomach as a site of action, which includes H-2 receptor
antagonists, antacids, antimuscarinic agent, proton pump inhibitors
Illustrative examples of drugs that are absorbed predominantly from the upper parts of gastrointestinal tract include ofloxacin, metoprolol, oxprenolol, baclofen, allopurinol ciprofloxacin, cyclosporin, furosemide,, sumatriptan, benazepril, enalapril, quinapril, imidapril, benazeprilat, cilazapril, captopril, delapril moexipril, indolapril, olindapril, retinapril, pentopril, perindopril, altiopril, quinaprilat, ramipril, spirapril, clilazeprilat, lisinopril,, tosinopril, libenzapril, spiraprilat, zofenopril and the like; of which are suitable for use in the present invention.
This invention can be used for drugs active against H. Pylori like bismuth salts
such as bismuth ranitidine bismuth citrate, subsalicylate, tripotassium
dicitratobismuthate, and the like; The H-2 receptor antagonists such as cimetidine,
ranitidine, famotidine, nifentidine, roxatidine, nizatidine, bifentidine, erbrotidine
and the like; and the like; antacids like aluminium hydroxide, magnesiuhi oxide,
magnesium carbonate, and the like; cytoprotectives such as carbenoxolone
sodium sucralphate, and the like; antimuscarinic agents like propanthelene
bromide, pirenzepine, telenzepine and the like; antibiotics for example .
amoxycillin, clarithromycin and the like; all of which are suitable for use in the
present invention.

Drugs having solubilities in acidic pH or one with absorption site in upper part of the gastro-intestinal tract and those that are subjected to gastro-intestinal first pass metabolism. These are antihypertensive agent like diltiazem hydrochloride, nimodipine, nicardipine, amlodipine, verapamil, nefedipine, propranolol, prazosin, ketanserin, guanabenz acetate, hydralazide, carvedilol, methyldopa, levodopa, carbidopa; antivirals like pranobex, zidovudine (AZT), acyclovir, inosine, tribavirin, vidarabine; lipid lowering agents like atorvastatin, pravastatin, simvastatin, and lovastatin; antipsychotic agents like selegiline; sedatives like midazolam; all of which are suitable for use in the present invention.
The drug itself or its pharmacologically active salt or ester can be used in the present invention. Moreover, combination of drugs that are typically administered together may be included as the drug component. The amount of drug is that which is typically administered for a given period of time. Accordingly, the drug may be present in amount ranging from a pharmaceutical^ acceptable amount up to 90% by weight of the total weight of the composition.
EJ Pharmaceutical Auxiliary components
According to the present invention the pharmaceutical composition may contain one or more of water soluble or insoluble diluent. Preferably the water soluble and or insoluble diluents were present in an amount from about 1 to 40 % weight of total weight of composition.
Examples of water-soluble diluents that were used in present invention include but not limited to Lactose, Sucrose, mannitol and like. Examples of water-

insoluble diluents that were used in present invention include but not limited to Dibasic Calcium Phosphate, Starch and Microcrystalline cellulose.
Pharmaceutically acceptable binder(s) such as Polyvinylpyrrolidone 30/90, Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, and hydroxypropylcellulose can be used in present formulation in an amount ranging from 0.2 % to 10.0 % by weight either alone or in combination. In addition to the above ingredients, pharmaceutical grade anti-adherent and Colloidal silicon dioxide (Aerosil 200) as a lubricant are included in matrix formulation. Preferably magnesium stearate or stearic acid, talc and colloidal silicon dioxide are present in an amount ranging from 0.2 % to 5.0 % by weight either alone or in combination. Other pharmaceutical auxiliary components, which may be used by one skilled in the art to formulate the therapeutic system. Antioxidants can also be added. The choice of auxiliary components and the amounts to be used is considered to be within the purview of one skilled in the art.
The tablets may be film-coated with rapidly dissolving water-soluble film forming polymer like hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, acrylate, ethyl cellulose or with water-soluble excipients and many more. The tablet may be coated to weight build up of about 1 to 4 % by weight preferably from about 1 % to 2 % by weight
Preferably the coating composition contains colouring agent and an opacifier in order to improve appearance.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PROCEDURE OF MAKING UNIT DOSAGE FORM
Here detailed procedure for making tablet dosage form is described. According to process for making the composition of present invention the biologically absorbable drug or therapeutic agent, gel forming husk separated from Lepidium sativum seeds, a cross-linking enhancer(s), gas generating component(s) and water soluble and or insoluble diluents were first sifted through 250um sieve and then mixed together in octagonal blender. In non-aqueous vehicle preferably Isopropyl alcohol, binder polyvinylpyrrolidone or Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, or hydroxypropyl cellulose was dissolved under stirring. Isopropyl Alcohol without Polyvinylpyrrolidone can also be used. Granulation was carried out in planetary mixer or Rapid Mixer Granulator. Granules were dried in Fluidized Bed Dryer. Dried granules were sifted through 1 mm sieve (BSS 16#) to reduce particle size. Then blend was lubricated using the above mentioned lubricant and then after mixing in octagonal blender was compressed into tablets.
The tablets may be coated with rapidly dissolving water-soluble film forming polymer. The tablet may be coated to weight build up of about 1 to 4 % by weight preferably from about 1 % to 2 % by weight.
Preferably the coating composition contains colouring agent and an opacifier in
order to improve appearance.

Example 1:
Ofloxacin is representing molecule with moderate dose and moderate soibility. Tablets were made by compression at usual press (4 to 10 kg/cm2) accorang to following formulation.

Ofloxacin, Garden Cress Husk, Xanthan gum, Lactose, Sodium bicarbonae were sifted through 250um (BSS 40 #) sieve and mixed well. Polyvinylpyrrolidone 90 was dissolved in Isopropyl Alcohol and granulated the above blend in plaietary mixer. Granules were dried in Fluidized Bed Dryer (FBD) at 50°C and pased through 1 mm (BSS 16#). Dried and sifted granules were lubricated with Xerosil 200, Magnesium Stearate and Talc and compressed the blend for preparing tablets.
Dissolution was performed as per USP XXTV in 1.0 liter, 0.1 N Hydrochliric acid, 100 RPM, at 37°C using apparatus 1. Release profile was as follows


Example 2:

Ofloxacin, Garden Cress Husk, Xanthan gum, Starch, Sodium bicarbonate were sifted through 250um (BSS 40 #) sieve and mixed well. Polyvinylpyrrolidone 90 was dissolved in Isopropyl Alcohol and granulated the above blend in planetary mixer. Granules were dried in Fluidized Bed Dryer (FBD) at 50°C and passed through 1 mm (BSS 16#). Dried and sifted granules were lubricated with Aerosil 200, Magnesium Stearate and Talc and compressed the blend for preparing tablets.
Dissolution was performed as per USP XXIV in 1.0 liter, 0.1 N Hydrochloric acid, 100 RPM, at37°C using modified basket. Release .profits |was as follows:


Example 3: Trial with hydroxypropyl methylcellulose as cross-linking enhancer

Ofloxacin, Garden Cress Husk, Methocel K-100M CR, Lactose, Sodium bicarbonate were sifted through 250um (BSS 40 #) sieve and mixed well. Polyvinylpyrrolidone 90 was dissolved in Isopropyl Alcohol and granulated the above blend in planetary mixer. Granules were dried in Fluidized Bed Dryer (FBD) at 50°C and passed through 1 mm (BSS 16#). Dried and sifted granules were lubricated with Aerosil 200, Magnesium Stearate and Talc and compressed the blend for preparing tablets.

Dissolution was performed as per USP XXIV in 1.0 liter, 0.1 N Hydrochloric
acid, 100 RPM, at 37°C using apparatus 1. Release profile was as follows;


Example 4:
Diltiazem Hydrochloride is representing an acidic molecule with moderate dose and high water solubility. Tablets were made by compression at usual press (4 to 8 kg/cm2) according to following formula.

Diltiazem Hydrochloride, Garden Cress Husk, Xanthan gum, Dibasic Calcium Phosphate and Sodium bicarbonate were sifted through 250um (BSS 40 #) sieve and mixed well. Polyvinylpyrrolidone 90 was dissolved in Isopropyl Alcohol and granulated the above blend in planetary mixer. Granules were dried in Fluidized Bed Dryer (FBD) at 50°C and passed through 1 mm (BSS 16#). Dried and sifted granules were lubricated with Aerosil 200, Magnesium Stearate and Talc and , compressed the blend for preparmg tablets,
Dissolution was performed as per USP XXIV iti 10 liter, Off N Hydrochloric acid, 100 RPM, at 37°C using apparatus j. Release profile was as follows:


Example 5:
Ciprofloxacin is representing a molecule with high dose and low water solubility. Ciprofloxacin tablets were made by compression at usual press (4 to 10 kg/cm2) according to following formula.

Ciprofloxacin USP, Garden Cress Husk, Xanthan gum and Sodium bicarbonate through were sifted 250um (BSS 40 #) sieve and mixed well.
Polyvinylpyrrolidone 90 was dissolved in Isopropyl Alcohol and granulated the
above blend in planetary mixer. Granules were dried in Fluidized Bed Dryer
(FBD) at 50°C and passed granules through 1 mm (BSS 16 #).' Granules were
lubricated with Aerosil 200, Magnesium Stearate and Talc and compressed the
blend for preparing tablets.

Dissolution was performed as per USP XXIV in 1.0 liter, 0.1 N Hydrochloric acid, 100 RPM, at 37°C using apparatus 1. Release profile was as follows:

Example 6:
Acyclovir is representing molecule with moderate dose and high solubility. Tablets were made by compression at usual press (4 to 10 kg/cm2) according to following formula.

Acyclovir, Garden Cress Husk, Xanthan gum, Starch, Sodium bicarbonate were sifted through 250um (BSS 40 #) sieve and mixed well. Polyvinylpyrrolidone 90 was dissolved in Isopropyl Alcohol and granuiated the above blend in planetary, mixer. Granules were dried in Fluidized Bed Dryer (FBD) at 50°C and passed through I mm (BSS 16#). Dried and sifted granules were lubricated with Aerosil 200, Magnesium Stearate and talc and corripressed the blerid for preparing tablets.

Dissolution was performed as per USP XXIV in 1.0 liter, 0.1 N Hydrochloric acid, 100 RPM, at 37°C using apparatus 1. Release profile was as follows:


CLAIMS
1. A solid controlled release oral, buoyant unit dose pharmaceutical
composition, which comprises of one or more therapeutic agent / drug, a gel
forming husk powder obtained from Lepidium sativum seeds, one or more cross
linking enhancer, one or more gas generating component and pharmaceutically
acceptable excipients.
2. The composition according to claim 1 wherein the gel forming husk powder obtained from Lepidium sativum seeds is present in amounts of between to 60 % of the total weight of dosage form, the cross-linking enhancer is selecte< from xanthan gum, karaya gum, cellulose ethers like methyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose, carboxymethyl cellulose and their salts, alginates, polyvinyl alcohols and ethyl cellulose or a combination thereof in amounts of from 0.5 to 10% by weight of the dosage form, gas generating component in amounts of from about 5% to 20% by weight of the composition t give a release profile of between 4 to 12 hours.
3. The composition according to claim 1 wherein the therapeutic agent/ drug is selected from drugs that are absorbed predominantly from the upper parts of gastrointestinal tract.
4. The composition according to claim 1 wherein the total excipients is present in amounts of between 10 to 40 % by\veight of the total dosage form.

5. The composition according to claim 1 wherein the cross-linking enhancer is xanthan gum being present in amounts of from 0.5 to 10 % by weight of the dosage form.
6. The composition according to claim 1 wherein the cross-linking enhancer is hydropropyl methyl cellulose being present in amounts of from 1 to 15% by weight of the dosage form.
7. A method for production of a solid controlled release oral, buoyant unit dose pharmaceutical composition, which comprises blending one or more therapeutic agent/dug, a gel forming husk powder obtained from Lepidium sativum seeds, one or more cross-linking enhancer, one or more gas generating component(s) and pharmaceutically acceptable excipients.
8. A method according to claim 7 wherein the gel forming husk powder obtained from Lepidium sativum seeds is added in amounts of from 10 to 80% of the total weight of dosage form, the cross-linking enhancer is selected from xanthan gum, karaya gum, cellulose ethers like methyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose, carboxymethyl cellulose and their salts, alginates, polyvinyl alcohols and ethyl cellulose or a combination thereof in amounts of from 0.5 to 10% by weight of the dosage form, gas generating component(s) in amounts of from about 5% to 20% by weight of the composition to give a release profile between 4 to 12 hours.
9. A method according to claim 7 wherein the total excipients added is between 10 to 40 % by weight of the total dosage form.

10. A method according to claim 7 wherein the cross-linking enhancer is xanthan gum which is added in amounts of from 0.5 to 10 % by weight of the dosage form.
11. A method according to claim 7 wherein the cross-linking enhancer is hydropropyl methyl cellulose which is added in amounts from 1 to 15% by weight of the dosage form.
12. A method according to claim 7 wherein the composition is made in the form of a tablet capsules and pallets.
Dated this 4th day of June 2002.
S. MAJUMDAR of S. MAJUMDAR & CO. Applicants' Agent