`US 20050037055Al
`
`(19) United States
`(12) Patent Application Publication
`Yang et al.
`
`(10) Pub. No.: US 2005/0037055 Al
`Feb. 17, 2005
`(43) Pub. Date:
`
`(54) POLYETHYLENE OXIDE-BASED FILMS
`AND DRUG DELIVERY SYSTEMS MADE
`THEREFROM
`
`(75)
`
`Inventors: Robert K. Yang, Flushing, NY (US);
`Richard C. Fuisz, McLean, VA (US);
`Gary L. Myers, Kingsport, TN (US);
`Joseph M. Fuisz, Washington, DC (US)
`
`(60) Provisional application No. 60/473,902, filed on May
`28, 2003. Provisional application No. 60/443,741,
`filed on Jan. 30, 2003. Provisional application No.
`60/371,940, filed on Apr. 11, 2002.
`
`(30)
`
`Foreign Application Priority Data
`
`Sep. 27, 2002
`
`(US) ................................... EU552991707
`
`Correspondence Address:
`HOFFMANN & BARON, LLP
`6900 JERICHO TURNPIKE
`SYOSSET, NY 11791 (US)
`
`(73) Assignee: MonoSolRx LLC.
`
`(21) Appl. No.:
`
`10/856,176
`
`(22)
`
`Filed:
`
`May 28, 2004
`
`Related U.S. Application Data
`
`(63)
`
`Continuation-in-part of application No. 10/768,809,
`filed on Jan. 30, 2004, and which is a continuation(cid:173)
`in-part of application No. PCT/US02/32575, filed on
`Oct. 11, 2002, and which is a continuation-in-part of
`application No. PCT/US02/32594, filed on Oct. 11,
`2002, and which is a continuation-in-part of applica(cid:173)
`tion No. PCT/US02/32542, filed on Oct. 11, 2002.
`
`Publication Classification
`
`Int. Cl.7 ............................. B29C 47/00; A61K 9/70
`(51)
`(52) U.S. Cl. ......................................... 424/443; 264/176.1
`
`(57)
`
`ABSTRACT
`
`The invention relates to the film products and methods of
`their preparation that demonstrate a non-self-aggregating
`uniform heterogeneity. Desirably, the films disintegrate in
`water and may be formed by a controlled drying process, or
`other process that maintains the required uniformity of the
`film. The films contain a polymer component, which
`includes polyethylene oxide optionally blended with hydro(cid:173)
`philic cellulosic polymers. Desirably, the films also contain
`a pharmaceutical and/or cosmetic active agent with no more
`than a 10% variance of the active agent pharmaceutical
`and/or cosmetic active agent per unit area of the film.
`
`20
`
`,-/
`
`24
`
`22
`
`46
`
`DRL - EXHIBIT 1006
`DRL001
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`Patent Application Publication Feb. 17, 2005 Sheet 1 of 34
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`US 2005/0037055 Al
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`12
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`Patent Application Publication Feb. 17, 2005 Sheet 2 of 34
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`US 2005/0037055 Al
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`20
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`34'
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`Patent Application Publication Feb. 17, 2005 Sheet 3 of 34
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`US 2005/0037055 Al
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`Patent Application Publication Feb. 17, 2005 Sheet 4 of 34
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`Patent Application Publication Feb. 17, 2005 Sheet 5 of 34
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`US 2005/0037055 Al
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`110
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`DRL006
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`Patent Application Publication Feb. 17, 2005 Sheet 6 of 34
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`US 2005/0037055 Al
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`Patent Application Publication Feb. 17, 2005 Sheet 7 of 34
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`US 2005/0037055 Al
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`Patent Application Publication Feb. 17, 2005 Sheet 8 of 34
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`US 2005/0037055 Al
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`Patent Application Publication Feb. 17, 2005 Sheet 9 of 34
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`US 2005/0037055 Al
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`110
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`DRL010
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`Patent Application Publication Feb. 17, 2005 Sheet 10 of 34
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`US 2005/0037055 Al
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`110
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`DRL011
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`Patent Application Publication Feb. 17, 2005 Sheet 11 of 34
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`US 2005/0037055 Al
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`100
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`DRL012
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`
`
`Patent Application Publication Feb. 17, 2005 Sheet 12 of 34
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`US 2005/0037055 Al
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`100
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`DRL - EXHIBIT 1006
`DRL013
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`
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`Patent Application Publication Feb. 17, 2005 Sheet 13 of 34
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`US 2005/0037055 Al
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`200
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`DRL014
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`
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`Patent Application Publication Feb. 17, 2005 Sheet 14 of 34
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`US 2005/0037055 Al
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`500
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`FIG. 18
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`DRL - EXHIBIT 1006
`DRL015
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`
`
`Patent Application Publication Feb. 17, 2005 Sheet 15 of 34
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`US 2005/0037055 Al
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`500
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`FIG. 19
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`DRL - EXHIBIT 1006
`DRL016
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`
`
`Patent Application Publication Feb. 17, 2005 Sheet 16 of 34
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`US 2005/0037055 Al
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`500
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`DRL017
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`
`
`Patent Application Publication Feb. 17, 2005 Sheet 17 of 34
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`US 2005/0037055 Al
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`500
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`FIG. 21
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`DRL - EXHIBIT 1006
`DRL018
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`
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`Patent Application Publication Feb. 17, 2005 Sheet 18 of 34
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`US 2005/0037055 Al
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`500
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`FIG. 22
`
`DRL - EXHIBIT 1006
`DRL019
`
`
`
`Patent Application Publication Feb. 17, 2005 Sheet 19 of 34
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`US 2005/0037055 Al
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`500
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`FIG. 23
`
`DRL - EXHIBIT 1006
`DRL020
`
`
`
`Patent Application Publication Feb. 17, 2005 Sheet 20 of 34
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`US 2005/0037055 Al
`
`500
`
`FIG. 24
`
`DRL - EXHIBIT 1006
`DRL021
`
`
`
`Patent Application Publication Feb. 17, 2005 Sheet 21 of 34
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`US 2005/0037055 Al
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`500
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`FIG. 25
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`DRL - EXHIBIT 1006
`DRL022
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`
`
`Patent Application Publication Feb. 17, 2005 Sheet 22 of 34
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`US 2005/0037055 Al
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`F~G. 26
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`DRL - EXHIBIT 1006
`DRL023
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`Patent Application Publication Feb. 17, 2005 Sheet 23 of 34
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`US 2005/0037055 Al
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`FIG. 27
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`DRL - EXHIBIT 1006
`DRL024
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`Patent Application Publication Feb. 17, 2005 Sheet 24 of 34
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`US 2005/0037055 Al
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`500
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`DRL025
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`
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`Patent Application Publication Feb. 17, 2005 Sheet 25 of 34
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`US 2005/0037055 Al
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`500
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`FIG. 29
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`DRL - EXHIBIT 1006
`DRL026
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`
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`Patent Application Publication Feb. 17, 2005 Sheet 26 of 34
`
`US 2005/0037055 Al
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`500
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`FIG. 30
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`DRL - EXHIBIT 1006
`DRL027
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`
`
`Patent Application Publication Feb. 17, 2005 Sheet 27 of 34
`
`US 2005/0037055 Al
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`FIG. 31
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`DRL028
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`
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`1000
`10000
`100000
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`Selected Gene List:
`X-axis:
`Y-axis:
`
`all genes (1235)
`joe cummins (Default Interpretation!: .. .
`ioe cummins (Default Interpretation : .. .
`
`Colored by:
`Gene List:
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`joe cummins (Default Interpretation)
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`Normalized to GAPDH, most of the ISGs are induced.
`
`FIG. 32
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`Patent Application Publication Feb. 17, 2005 Sheet 29 of 34
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`Patent Application Publication Feb. 17, 2005 Sheet 30 of 34
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`Patent Application Publication Feb. 17, 2005 Sheet 31 of 34
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`US 2005/0037055 Al
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`120
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`101
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`Patent Application Publication Feb. 17, 2005 Sheet 32 of 34
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`US 2005/0037055 Al
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`201
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`Patent Application Publication Feb. 17, 2005 Sheet 33 of 34
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`US 2005/0037055 Al
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`DRL - EXHIBIT 1006
`DRL034
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`
`50.0
`
`6600
`
`3440
`
`37.5
`
`121,200
`
`30.0
`
`82,000
`
`2.21
`
`2.86
`
`2.27
`
`1.96
`
`4.21
`
`Tear
`Resistance
`
`Excel/en!
`
`low lo
`moderate
`Excel/en I
`
`Excel/en I
`
`4
`
`Weak
`
`4.5 Adequale
`lo Qood
`4.1 Good
`
`3.45 Weak
`
`Good
`
`30.0
`
`185,000
`
`3.07
`
`3.5 Adequale
`
`Very low
`
`37.5
`
`21,200
`
`1.65
`
`4
`
`Good
`
`Excellent
`
`Excel/en I
`
`Tendency lo go
`lo roof of
`mouth
`low
`
`Film
`180'
`bend molding
`lesl
`Passed
`
`No
`
`High
`
`High
`
`High
`
`High
`
`High
`
`High
`
`Passed
`
`Passed
`
`Passed
`
`Passed
`
`Failed
`
`Passed
`
`No
`
`No
`
`No
`
`No
`
`No
`
`No
`
`Haling of
`Ois-
`solution dissolution
`(sec)
`in mouth
`Fasl lo
`3
`Moderate
`Fast
`
`3
`
`3
`
`5
`
`3
`
`4
`
`4
`
`Fas/ lo
`Moderate
`Slow
`
`Slow lo
`Nod era le
`Slow
`
`Fas!
`
`Time
`in oven
`(min)
`9
`
`8
`
`8
`
`9
`
`9
`
`9
`
`8
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`N c c
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`Ul
`
`Film
`Film
`Ex. Polymer % Solids Viscosity %
`icomponenl of
`'cp) al 5 moisture thickness strength
`rpm
`Reference solution
`(mils)
`£1 P£0/P'IP
`3.8 Adequate
`45.0
`14800
`'60/40)
`[J '1£0/PVP
`'40/60)
`EA JJEO/Starcl 40.0
`'Bd/20)
`EL DEOjCMC
`'80/20)
`EN PEO/CNC
`'60/40)
`EA DEO/CMC
`'40/60)
`FIG. 38 EO DEOjHPC
`80/20)
`EP DEO/!fPC
`'60/40)
`EO DEO/HPC
`40/60)
`ER DEOjHPC
`20/80)
`ES DEO/HPMC 37.5
`'B0/20)
`ET PEO/HPMC 37.5
`160/40)
`[ti PfOjHPMC 35.0
`140/60)
`!tV '1£0/HPMC 35.0
`'20/80)
`:w P[O/PVA
`180/20)
`
`37.5
`
`17,000
`
`42.5
`
`43,400
`
`42.5
`
`46,400
`
`29,000
`
`47,000
`
`54,800
`
`96,600
`
`37.5
`
`41,600
`
`2.84
`
`2.83
`
`2.33
`
`2.14
`
`2.37
`
`3.55
`
`4.43
`
`2.92
`
`3.8 Adequate
`
`4.5 Poor lo
`adequate
`4.4 Adequate
`lo good
`4.4 Adequate
`
`3.9 Poor lo
`adequate
`4.5 Adequate
`lo qood
`4.5 Good
`
`9
`
`Weak
`
`High
`
`High
`
`low
`
`High
`
`High
`
`low
`
`low
`
`High
`
`Poor lo
`good
`Poor
`
`Good
`
`Sligh/
`
`low
`
`low
`
`Moderate
`
`Passed
`
`Passed
`
`Passed
`
`Passed
`
`Passed
`
`Passed
`
`Passed
`
`Passed
`
`No
`
`No
`
`No
`
`Yes
`
`Yes
`
`res
`
`No
`
`No
`
`4
`
`7
`
`14-15
`
`4
`
`3
`
`8
`
`22
`
`3
`
`Fasl
`
`Fasl to
`Noderale
`Slow
`
`Fas! lo
`Noderale
`Fas/ lo
`Noderale
`Slow
`
`Slow
`
`Moderate
`
`9
`
`7
`
`9
`
`8
`
`9
`
`8
`
`10
`
`10
`
`'Jl =(cid:173)~
`~ .....
`~
`.i;;..
`0 .....,
`~
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`DRL - EXHIBIT 1006
`DRL035
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`
`US 2005/0037055 Al
`
`Feb. 17,2005
`
`1
`
`POLYETHYLENE OXIDE-BASED FILMS AND
`DRUG DELIVERY SYSTEMS MADE THEREFROM
`
`CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED
`APPLICATIONS
`
`[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provi(cid:173)
`sional Application No. 60/473,902, filed May 28, 2003 and
`is a continuation-in-part of PCT/US02/32575 filed Oct. 11,
`2002, which claims priority to U.S. application Ser. No.
`10/074,272, filed Feb. 14, 2002 which claims priority to U.S.
`Provisional Application No. 60/328,868, filed Oct. 12, 2001
`and U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/386,937, filed Jun.
`7, 2002; PCT/US02/32594, filed Oct. 11, 2002, which
`claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/414,
`276, filed Sep. 27, 2002, U.S. application Ser. No. 10/074,
`272, filed Feb. 14, 2002, which claims priority to U.S.
`Provisional Application No. 60/328,868, filed Oct. 12, 2001
`and U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/386,937, filed Jun.
`7, 2002; and PCT/US02/32542, filed Oct. 11, 2002, which
`claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/371,
`940, filed Apr. 11, 2002, U.S. application Ser. No. 10/074,
`272, filed Feb. 14, 2002, which claims priority to U.S.
`Provisional Application No. 60/328,868, filed Oct. 12, 2001
`and U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/386,937, filed Jun.
`7, 2002.
`
`FIELD OF THE INVENTION
`
`[0002] The invention relates to rapidly dissolving films
`and methods of their preparation. The films contain a
`polymer component, which includes polyethylene oxide
`optionally blended with cellulosic polymers. The films may
`also contain an active ingredient that is evenly distributed
`throughout the film. The even or uniform distribution is
`achieved by controlling one or more parameters, and par(cid:173)
`ticularly the elimination of air pockets prior to and during
`film formation and the use of a drying process that reduces
`aggregation or conglomeration of the components in the film
`as it forms into a solid structure.
`
`BACKGROUND OF THE RELATED
`TECHNOLOGY
`[0003] Active ingredients, such as drugs or pharmaceuti(cid:173)
`cals, may be prepared in a tablet form to allow for accurate
`and consistent dosing. However, this form of preparing and
`dispensing medications has many disadvantages including
`that a large proportion of adjuvants that must be added to
`obtain a size able to be handled, that a larger medication
`form requires additional storage space, and that dispensing
`includes counting the tablets which has a tendency for
`inaccuracy. In addition, many persons, estimated to be as
`much as 28% of the population, have difficulty swallowing
`tablets. While tablets may be broken into smaller pieces or
`even crushed as a means of overcoming swallowing diffi(cid:173)
`culties, this is not a suitable solution for many tablet or pill
`forms. For example, crushing or destroying the tablet or pill
`form to facilitate ingestion, alone or in admixture with food,
`may also destroy the controlled release properties.
`
`[0004] As an alternative to tablets and pills, films may be
`used to carry active ingredients such as drugs, pharmaceu(cid:173)
`ticals, and the like. However, historically films and the
`process of making drug delivery systems therefrom have
`suffered from a number of unfavorable characteristics that
`have not allowed them to be used in practice.
`
`[0005] Films that incorporate a pharmaceutically active
`ingredient are disclosed in expired U.S. Pat. No. 4,136,145
`to Fuchs, et al. ("Fuchs"). These films may be formed into
`a sheet, dried and then cut into individual doses. The Fuchs
`disclosure alleges the fabrication of a uniform film, which
`includes the combination of water-soluble polymers, surfac(cid:173)
`tants, flavors, sweeteners, plasticizers and drugs. These
`allegedly flexible films are disclosed as being useful for oral,
`topical or enteral use. Examples of specific uses disclosed by
`Fuchs include application of the films to mucosal membrane
`areas of the body, including the mouth, rectal, vaginal, nasal
`and ear areas.
`
`[0006] Examination of films made in accordance with the
`process disclosed in Fuchs, however, reveals that such films
`suffer from the aggregation or conglomeration of particles,
`i.e., self-aggregation, making them inherently non-uniform.
`This result can be attributed to Fuchs' process parameters,
`which although not disclosed likely include the use of
`relatively long drying times, thereby facilitating intermo(cid:173)
`lecular attractive forces, convection forces, air flow and the
`like to form such agglomeration.
`
`[0007] The formation of agglomerates randomly distrib(cid:173)
`utes the film components and any active present as well.
`When large dosages are involved, a small change in the
`dimensions of the film would lead to a large difference in the
`amount of active per film. If such films were to include low
`dosages of active, it is possible that portions of the film may
`be substantially devoid of any active. Since sheets of film are
`usually cut into unit doses, certain doses may therefore be
`devoid of or contain an insufficient amount of active for the
`recommended treatment. Failure to achieve a high degree of
`accuracy with respect to the amount of active ingredient in
`the cut film can be harmful to the patient. For this reason,
`dosage forms formed by processes such as Fuchs, would not
`likely meet the stringent standards of governmental or
`regulatory agencies, such as the U.S. Federal Drug Admin(cid:173)
`istration ("FDA"), relating to the variation of active in
`dosage forms. Currently, as required by various world
`regulatory authorities, dosage forms may not vary more than
`10% in the amount of active present. When applied to
`dosage units based on films, this virtually mandates that
`uniformity in the film be present.
`
`[0008] The problems of self-aggregation leading to non(cid:173)
`uniformity of a film were addressed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,849,
`246 to Schmidt ("Schmidt"). Schmidt specifically pointed
`out that the methods disclosed by Fuchs did not provide a
`uniform film and recognized that that the creation of a
`non-uniform film necessarily prevents accurate dosing,
`which as discussed above is especially important in the
`pharmaceutical area. Schmidt abandoned the idea that a
`mono-layer film, such as described by Fuchs, may provide
`an accurate dosage form and instead attempted to solve this
`problem by forming a multi-layered film. Moreover, his
`process is a multi-step process that adds expense and com(cid:173)
`plexity and is not practical for commercial use.
`
`[0009] Other U.S. patents directly addressed the problems
`of particle self-aggregation and non-uniformity inherent in
`conventional film forming techniques. In one attempt to
`overcome non-uniformity, U.S. Pat. No. 5,629,003 to Horst(cid:173)
`mann et al. and U.S. Pat. No. 5,948,430 to Zerbe et al.
`incorporated additional ingredients, i.e. gel formers and
`polyhydric alcohols respectively, to increase the viscosity of
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`the film prior to drying in an effort to reduce aggregation of
`the components in the film. These methods have the disad(cid:173)
`vantage of requiring additional components, which trans(cid:173)
`lates to additional cost and manufacturing steps. Further(cid:173)
`more, both methods employ the use the conventional time(cid:173)
`consuming drying methods such as a high-temperature air(cid:173)
`bath using a drying oven, drying tunnel, vacuum drier, or
`other such drying equipment. The long length of drying time
`aids in promoting the aggregation of the active and other
`adjuvant, notwithstanding the use of viscosity modifiers.
`Such processes also run the risk of exposing the active, i.e.,
`a drug, or vitamin C, or other components to prolonged
`exposure to moisture and elevated temperatures, which may
`render it ineffective or even harmful.
`
`[0010]
`In addition to the concerns associated with degra(cid:173)
`dation of an active during extended exposure to moisture,
`the conventional drying methods themselves are unable to
`provide uniform films. The length of heat exposure during
`conventional processing, often referred to as the "heat
`history", and the manner in which such heat is applied, have
`a direct effect on the formation and morphology of the
`resultant film product. Uniformity is particularly difficult to
`achieve via conventional drying methods where a relatively
`thicker film, which is well-suited for the incorporation of a
`drug active, is desired. Thicker uniform films are more
`difficult to achieve because the surfaces of the film and the
`inner portions of the film do not experience the same
`external conditions simultaneously during drying. Thus,
`observation of relatively thick films made from such con(cid:173)
`ventional processing shows a non-uniform structure caused
`by convection and intermolecular forces and requires greater
`than 10% moisture to remain flexible. The amount of free
`moisture can often interfere over time with the drug leading
`to potency issues and therefore inconsistency in the final
`product.
`
`[0011] Conventional drying methods generally include the
`use of forced hot air using a drying oven, drying tunnel, and
`the like. The difficulty in achieving a uniform film is directly
`related to the rheological properties and the process of water
`evaporation in the film-forming composition. When the
`surface of an aqueous polymer solution is contacted with a
`high temperature air current, such as a film-forming com(cid:173)
`position passing through a hot air oven, the surface water is
`immediately evaporated forming a polymer film or skin on
`the surface. This seals the remainder of the aqueous film(cid:173)
`forming composition beneath the surface, forming a barrier
`through which the remaining water must force itself as it is
`evaporated in order to achieve a dried film. As the tempera(cid:173)
`ture outside the film continues to increase, water vapor
`pressure builds up under the surface of the film, stretching
`the surface of the film, and ultimately ripping the film
`surface open allowing the water vapor to escape. As soon as
`the water vapor has escaped, the polymer film surface
`reforms, and this process is repeated, until the film is
`completely dried. The result of the repeated destruction and
`reformation of the film surface is observed as a "ripple
`effect" which produces an uneven, and therefore non-uni(cid:173)
`form film. Frequently, depending on the polymer, a surface
`will seal so tightly that the remaining water is difficult to
`remove, leading to very long drying times, higher tempera(cid:173)
`tures, and higher energy costs.
`[0012] Other factors, such as mixing techniques, also play
`a role in the manufacture of a pharmaceutical film suitable
`
`for commercialization and regulatory approval. Air can be
`trapped in the composition during the mixing process or
`later during the film making process, which can leave voids
`in the film product as the moisture evaporates during the
`drying stage. The film frequently collapse around the voids
`resulting in an uneven film surface and therefore, non(cid:173)
`uniformity of the final film product. Uniformity is still
`affected even if the voids in the film caused by air bubbles
`do not collapse. This situation also provides a non-uniform
`film in that the spaces, which are not uniformly distributed,
`are occupying area that would otherwise be occupied by the
`film composition. None of the above-mentioned patents
`either addresses or proposes a solution to the problems
`caused by air that has been introduced to the film.
`
`[0013] Therefore, there is a need for methods and com(cid:173)
`positions for film products, which use a minimal number of
`materials or components, and which provide a substantially
`non-self-aggregating uniform heterogeneity throughout the
`area of the films. Desirably, such films are produced through
`a selection of a polymer or combination of polymers that
`will provide a desired viscosity, a film-forming process such
`as reverse roll coating, and a controlled, and desirably rapid,
`drying process which serves to maintain the uniform distri(cid:173)
`bution of non-self-aggregated components without the nec(cid:173)
`essary addition of gel formers or polyhydric alcohols and the
`like which appear to be required in the products and for the
`processes of prior patents, such as the aforementioned
`Horstmann and Zerbe patents. Desirably, the films will also
`incorporate compositions and methods of manufacture that
`substantially reduce or eliminate air in the film, thereby
`promoting uniformity in the final film product.
`
`SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`
`[0014] The present invention is directed to rapid-dissolve
`film products containing at least one water-soluble polymer
`including polyethylene oxide alone or in combination with
`a hydrophilic cellulosic polymer, wherein the film product is
`free of added plasticizers.
`[0015] Another embodiment of the rapid-dissolve film
`product includes at least one water-soluble polymer con(cid:173)
`taining about 20% to 100% by weight polyethylene oxide,
`about 0% to 80% by weight hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose,
`and about 0% to 80% by weight hydroxypropyl cellulose; an
`active component; sucralose; precipitated calcium carbon(cid:173)
`ate;
`
`[0016]
`at least one flavoring; simethicone; water; and
`at least one colorant, wherein the film product is free
`of added plasticizers, surfactants, and polyalcohols.
`
`[0017] Yet another embodiment of the present invention is
`directed to an edible water-soluble delivery system in the
`form of a film composition, which contains at least one
`water-soluble polymer comprising polyethylene oxide alone
`or in combination with a polymer selected from the group
`consisting of hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose and hydrox(cid:173)
`ypropyl cellulose, wherein the edible water-soluble delivery
`system is essentially free of organic solvents, plasticizers,
`surfactants, and polyalcohols.
`[0018] The present invention is also directed to processes
`for making a film having a substantially uniform distribution
`of components, including the steps of: (a) combining at least
`one water-soluble polymer comprising polyethylene oxide
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`alone or in combination with a hydrophilic cellulosic poly(cid:173)
`mer, a solvent, and an active component to form a matrix
`with a uniform distribution of the components; (b) forming
`a film from the matrix; and (c) drying the film, wherein the
`film is free of added plasticizers.
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`
`[0019] FIG. 1 shows a side view of a package containing
`a unit dosage film of the present invention.
`
`[0020] FIG. 2 shows a top view of two adjacently coupled
`packages containing individual unit dosage forms of the
`present invention, separated by a tearable perforation.
`
`[0021] FIG. 3 shows a side view of the adjacently coupled
`packages of FIG. 2 arranged in a stacked configuration.
`
`[0022] FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of a dispenser for
`dispensing the packaged unit dosage forms, dispenser con(cid:173)
`taining the packaged unit dosage forms in a stacked con(cid:173)
`figuration.
`
`[0023] FIG. 5 is a schematic view of a roll of coupled unit
`dose packages of the present invention.
`
`[0024] FIG. 6 is a schematic view of an apparatus suitable
`for preparation of a pre-mix, addition of an active, and
`subsequent formation of the film.
`
`[0025] FIG. 7 is a schematic view of an apparatus suitable
`for drying the films of the present invention.
`
`[0026] FIG. 8 is a sequential representation of the drying
`process of the present invention.
`
`[0027] FIG. 9 is a photographic representation of a film
`dried by conventional drying processes.
`
`[0028] FIG. 10 is a photographic representation of a film
`dried by conventional drying processes.
`
`[0029] FIG. 11 is a photographic representation of a film
`dried by conventional drying processes.
`
`[0030] FIG. 12 is a photographic representation of a film
`dried by conventional drying processes.
`
`[0031] FIG. 13 is a photographic representation of a film
`dried by conventional drying processes.
`
`[0032] FIG. 14 is a photographic representation of a film
`dried by conventional drying processes.
`
`[0033] FIG. 15 is a photographic representation of a film
`dried by conventional drying processes.
`
`[0034] FIG. 16 is a photographic representation of a film
`dried by conventional drying processes.
`
`[0035] FIG. 17 is a photographic representation of a film
`dried by the inventive drying process.
`
`[0036] FIG. 18 is a photomicrographic representation of a
`film containing fat coated particles dried by the inventive
`drying process.
`
`[0037] FIG. 19 is a photomicrographic representation of a
`film containing fat coated particles dried by the inventive
`drying process.
`
`[0038] FIG. 20 is a photomicrographic representation of a
`film containing fat coated particles dried by the inventive
`drying process.
`
`[0039] FIG. 21 is a photomicrographic representation of a
`film containing fat coated particles dried by the inventive
`drying process.
`
`[0040] FIG. 22 is a photomicrographic representation of a
`film containing fat coated particles dried by the inventive
`drying process.
`
`[0041] FIG. 23 is a photomicrographic representation of a
`film containing fat coated particles dried by the inventive
`drying process.
`
`[0042] FIG. 24 is a photomicrographic representation of a
`film containing fat coated particles dried by the inventive
`drying process.
`
`[0043] FIG. 25 is a photomicrographic representation of a
`film containing fat coated particles dried by the inventive
`drying process.
`
`[0044] FIG. 26 is a photomicrographic representation of
`fat coated particles not in film, heated for 9 minutes at 80°
`c.
`[0045] FIG. 27 is a photomicrographic representation of
`fat coated particles not in film, heated for 9 minutes at 80°
`c.
`[0046] FIG. 28 is a photomicrographic representation of
`fat coated particles at room temperature prior to processing.
`
`[0047] FIG. 29 is a photomicrographic representation of
`fat coated particles at room temperature prior to processing.
`
`[0048] FIG. 30 is a photomicrographic representation of
`fat coated particles at room temperature prior to processing.
`
`[0049] FIG. 31 is a photomicrographic representation of
`fat coated particles at room temperature prior to processing.
`
`[0050] FIG. 32 is a graphical representation of a microar(cid:173)
`ray on the blood of a human after ingestion by the human of
`a film of the present invention containing a bovine derived
`protein.
`
`[0051] FIG. 33 is a graphical representation of the tem(cid:173)
`perature differential between the inside and outside of a film
`of the present invention during drying.
`
`[0052] FIG. 34 is a graphical representation of the tem(cid:173)
`perature differential between the inside and outside of a film
`of the present invention during drying.
`
`[0053] FIG. 35 is a schematic representation of a continu(cid:173)
`ously-linked zone drying apparatus in accordance with the
`present invention.
`
`[0054] FIG. 36 is a schematic representation of a separate
`zone drying apparatus in accordance with the present inven(cid:173)
`tion.
`
`[0055] FIG. 37 is a schematic representation of a extru(cid:173)
`sion device for use in producing films of the present inven(cid:173)
`tion.
`
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE
`INVENTION
`
`[0056] For the purposes of the present invention the term
`non-self-aggregating uniform heterogeneity refers to the
`ability of the films of the present invention, which are
`formed from one or more components in addition to a polar
`solvent, to provide a substantially reduced occurrence of, i.e.
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`little or no, aggregation or conglomeration of components
`within the film as is normally experienced when films are
`formed by conventional drying methods such as a high(cid:173)
`temperature air-bath using a drying oven, drying tunnel,
`vacuum drier, or other such drying equipment. The term
`heterogeneity, as used in the present invention, includes
`films that will incorporate a single component, such as a
`polymer, as well as combinations of components, such as a
`polymer and an active. Uniform heterogeneity includes the
`substantial absence of aggregates or conglomerates as is
`common in conventional mixing and heat drying methods
`used to form films.
`
`[0057] Furthermore, the films of the present invention
`have a substantially uniform thickness, which is also not
`provided by the use of conventional drying methods used for
`drying water-based polymer systems. The absence of a
`uniform thickness detrimentally affects uniformity of com(cid:173)
`ponent distribution throughout the area of a given film.
`
`[0058] The film products of the present invention are
`produced by a combination of a properly selected polymer
`and a polar solvent, optionally including an active ingredient
`as well as other fillers known in the art. These films provide
`a non-self-aggregating uniform heterogeneity of the com(cid:173)
`ponents within them by utilizing a selected casting or
`deposition method and a controlled drying process.
`Examples of controlled drying processes include, but are not
`limited to, the use of the apparatus disclosed in U.S. Pat. No.
`4,631,837 to Magoon ("Magoon"), herein incorporated by
`reference, as well as hot air impingement across the bottom
`substrate and bottom heating plates. Another drying tech(cid:173)
`nique for obtaining the films of the present invention is
`controlled radiation drying, in the absence of uncontrolled
`air currents, such as infrared and radio frequency radiation
`(i.e. microwaves).
`
`[0059] The objective of the drying process is to provide a
`method of drying the films that avoids complications, such
`as the noted "rippling" effect, that are associated with
`conventional drying methods and which initially dry the
`upper surface of the film, trapping moisture inside. In
`conventional oven drying methods, as the moisture trapped
`inside subsequently evaporates, the top surface is altered by
`being