Merck + Co., Inc.

University of Michigan

Jennifer B Dressman

Gordon L Amidon

Takeru Higuchi

James H Meyer

A dosage system for administering drugs and conducting gastric flow studies is configured in the form of a multiplicity of substantially spherical subunits which have advantageously preselected particle diameter and density to customize the flow rate of the subunits with respect to the rate of flow of at least certain portions of the chyme. The diameter and density are related to one another in accordance with a relationship: ##EQU1## where N.sub.V is a dimensionless group having a predetermined value representing gastric residence time, g is the gravitational constant, .DELTA.p is the difference in density between the subunits and the chyme, and &lt;v&gt; is the linear velocity of the chyme. The flow rate of the subunits can be made slower, faster, or substantially equal to that of the chyme, as required to treat certain disease states. Also, the subunits can be provided with an enteric coating which permits more precise administration of certain drugs, such as those used in enzyme supplementation therapy. This is particularly useful in treating patients with abnormal duodenal pH levels, such as are encountered in victims of cystic fibrosis and other forms of pancreatic insufficiency.

Controlled release dosage form

The instant invention is directed to a lipid osmotic pump, comprising:

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Ann Arbor, MI, United States of America

Jennifer B Dressman