Gellan gum based oral controlled release dosage forms-a novel platform technology for gastric retention

1 . A controlled-release dosage form comprising a matrix formed of the following ingredients (a) and (b):

(a) gellan gum, and

(b) one or more hydrophilic polymers;

and further comprising at least one drug incorporated within said matrix;

2 . The dosage form according to claim 1 , wherein said ingredient (b) is selected from the group comprising: guar gum, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, carboxymethyl cellulose sodium salt, xantan gum.

3 . Dosage forms according to claim 1 comprising a combination of guar gum and carboxymethyl cellulose as component (b).

4 . Dosage forms according to claim 1 comprising HPMC as component (b).

5 . The dosage form according to claim 1 , wherein at least one drug is selected from the group comprising of anti-inflammatory drugs, antiepileptics, hypnotic sedatives, antipyretic analgesics, stimulants, antihypnotics, drugs for vertigo, drugs for the central nervous system, skeletal muscle relaxants, drugs for the autonomic nervous system, autonomic ganglionic blockers, drugs for the peripheral nervous system, opthalmic drugs, drugs for sense-organs, cardiacs, antiarrhythmics, diuretics, antihypertensives, vasoreinforcements, vasoconstrictors, vasodilators, antiarteriosclerotics, circulatory drugs, respiratory stimulants, antitussive expectorants, drugs for respiratory organs, peptic ulcer drugs, stomachic digestants, antacids, cathartics, cholagogues, digestive drugs, hormonal agents, urinary tract disinfectants, uterotonics, urogenital drugs, drugs for anus diseases, vitamins, nutritive roborants, drugs for blood or body fluid, drugs for hepatic diseases, antidotes, habitual intoxication drugs, antipodagrics, enzyme preparations, antidiabetics, cell activation drugs, antitumor agents, antibiotics, chemotherapeutic agents, and arthritis therapeutics.

6 . The dosage form according to claim 5 , wherein the drug has preferred absorption at the upper parts of the gastric-intestine.

7 . The dosage form according to claim 6 , wherein the drug is selected from: clarithromycin, metformin, azidotimidine, orlistat, ciprofloxacin, levodopa.

8 . The dosage form according to claim 1 , wherein the dosage form further comprises other non-active pharmaceutically acceptable additives, such as metal ions, colorants, taste maskers, dietary components, excipients, binding agents, coatings, preservatives and mixtures thereof.

9 . The dosage form according to claim 1 , in an orally-administered form.

10 . The oral dosage form according to claim 8 , further processed in the form of tablets, caplets, vegecaps, and capsules.

11 . A method for the preparation of controlled-release dosage forms, comprising the following steps:

(a) Homogenizing the matrix components with the active drug via mechanical means, resulting in a premix.

(b) Adding to the premix a combination of water and one or more hydrophilic solvents, obtaining a pharmaceutically acceptable wet granule.

(c) Drying the wet granulate via conventional drying methods, obtaining a dried granulate.

(d) Screening the dried granulate through a sieving system to obtain a screened granulate of a size suitable for post-processing.

(e) Adding a lubricant to the screened granulate