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The patent application 20240316057 focuses on a pulsatile release formulation for caffeine, designed to control its release profile over a specific time frame. The formulation is targeted at therapeutic and non-therapeutic uses — enhancing mental alertness and addressing conditions like morning grogginess or fatigue. By using a release-controlling polymeric system, the caffeine release can be delayed, achieving a time-controlled vitalization of the body.

The key component in this formulation is CELLETS®, which act as a neutral core upon which the active ingredient (caffeine) and various release-controlling polymers are layered. CELLETS®, made from microcrystalline cellulose, serve as an ideal platform due to their uniform size and consistent performance. These attributes are essential for ensuring the precise, staggered release of caffeine at different stages of the gastrointestinal tract.

The use of CELLETS® in this pulsatile system enables a multi-phase release profile. Initially, the formulation allows for a delayed release, where the caffeine remains largely intact through the acidic environment of the stomach. Once the formulation passes into more neutral areas of the gastrointestinal tract, the polymers dissolve, leading to rapid caffeine release. This method ensures that caffeine is absorbed in a controlled manner over a period of 4 to 8 hours after ingestion, thus avoiding sudden spikes in caffeine levels that can cause jitters or other side effects.

This approach also has the benefit of tailoring the release pattern to the body’s needs over time, with an initial delay followed by a burst of caffeine when it is most needed—such as during the morning hours after a night of sleep. The polymeric coatings, including methacrylate-based polymers (e.g., Eudragit®), allow for precise control of this delayed release profile.

The overall innovation provides a tailored caffeine delivery system that improves both efficacy and user experience. It offers applications beyond general alertness, potentially being useful for managing specific sleep-wake disorders, fatigue, or as a stimulant for individuals with delayed sleep-phase syndromes​. In this specific patent, also Glatt process technologies are included: Glatt CML 10 Container Blender, Glatt GS 60 Rotor Sieve, Glatt TMG Vertical Granulator, Glatt Mini Fluid Bed, Glatt GC 1 Pan Coater.

Document information

Document Type and Number: (“pulsatile release caffeine formulation”) and elsewhere.
Kind Code: A1

Inventors:

Yerlikaya, Firat (Çankaya, TR)
Arslanç, Aslihan (Çankaya, TR)

Disclaimer

This text was generated by chatGPT engine version GPT‑4o, on Oct 21, 2024. Image was generated with Adobe Firefly.

The patent application titled “Modified Release Gamma-Hydroxybutyrate (GHB) Formulations Having Improved Pharmacokinetics” (US20240148685) focuses on improving the delivery of GHB, a substance used for treating sleep disorders like narcolepsy, through modified-release formulations. The goal is to optimize GHB’s absorption, enhancing patient convenience and compliance by reducing the need for multiple nightly doses.

The key innovation in the patent is the use of CELLETS®, microcrystalline spheres often employed as a neutral core for drug layering. In this application, CELLETS® act as carriers for the active ingredient, allowing precise control over the release profile of GHB. These small spherical particles, made from microcrystalline cellulose, offer uniform size and high mechanical strength, ensuring consistent drug loading and a controlled release rate.

In this patent, the CELLETS® are coated with various layers of GHB and release-modifying agents, enabling a predictable and sustained release of the active substance. This modified release profile allows GHB to be administered in a once-nightly dose rather than requiring the patient to wake up for a second dose, which was a limitation with previous immediate-release formulations. This extended-release mechanism helps maintain stable plasma concentrations of GHB over an 8-hour period, improving both the efficacy of the treatment and patient compliance.

The innovation emphasizes addressing the shortcomings of existing GHB formulations by ensuring a better pharmacokinetic profile—particularly regarding absorption, bioavailability, and minimizing drug levels in the bloodstream after the therapeutic effect has been achieved. In this specific patent, the following MCC Sphere types are recommended: CELLETS® 90, CELLETS® 100, CELLETS® 127.

Document information

Document Type and Number: (“Modified release Gamma-Hydroxybutyrate formulations having improved pharmacokinetics”)
Kind Code: A1

Inventors:

Dubow, Jordan (Lyon, FR)
Guillard, Hervé (Villeurbanne, FR)
Mégret, Claire (Lyon, FR)
Dubuisson, Jean-françois (Lyon, FR)

Disclaimer

This text was generated by chatGPT engine version GPT‑4o, on Oct 21, 2024. Image was generated with Adobe Firefly.