R.p. Scherer Corporation

William R Ebert

Foo S Hom

Warren W Kindt

A capsule product and method for gradually releasing a medicament for absorption to a body of a warm blooded animal through the gastrointestinal system. The capsule has a fill material which includes a masticatory substance and a medicament that is dispersed throughout the gum. The medicament is of a type that is effectively and desirably released for absorption by the body through the gastrointestinal tract over an extended period of time. The masticatory substance forms a supporting cohesive matrix for the medicament. The gelatin shell, usually formed from gelatin, water, and a plasticizer, formed around the fill material into a capsule of a size and shape to be readily swallowable. Upon swallowing, the gelatin shell is rapidly dissolved in the gastrointestinal juices, while the fill material is substantially insoluble in the gastrointestinal juices. The matrix having the medicament dispersed throughout is subjected to substantially continuous random motion while contained within the gastrointestinal juices, while at body temperatures, and while under the influence of peristaltic movement for substantially varying the exposed surface area of the fill. As the surface area of the fill material is being changed, the medicament is gradually released from the exposed surface area for an extended period of time for ultimate absorption of the drug by the body.

Sustained release method and product

A chewable, filled, one-piece soft elastic gelatin (SEG) capsule. The capsule includes a shell which is formed from a formulation of gelatin, water, a plasticizer, and a masticatory substance. The masticatory substance is present in the shell in an amount of about 1-75 percent by weight and the gelatin is present in the shell in an amount of about 10-90 percent by weight. A fill material is contained within the shell. The fill may be selected from a variety of materials, including candy, various confectionaries, antacids, cough and cold preparations, sore throat remedies, antiseptics, dental preparations, such as fluorides, breath fresheners, and the like. In manufacturing the SEG capsules, a molten gel mass is prepared with a dispersion of a molten masticatory substance therein. A suitable fill material is also prepared. The gelatin formulation containing the masticatory substance dispersed therein is formed as a shell around the fill material. The capsules are dried until the desired chewing characteristics are attained.

Growing community of inventors

Clearwater, FL, United States of America

William R Ebert