LYOPHILIZATION METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PRODUCING PARTICLES - European Patents

Patent Number: WO2004071410
Publication date: 2004-08-26
Inventor(s): SHEKUNOV BORIS Y (US); CHATTOPADHYAY PRATIBHASH (US); SEITZINGER JEFFREY S (US)
Applicant(s): FERRO CORP (US); SHEKUNOV BORIS Y (US); CHATTOPADHYAY PRATIBHASH (US); SEITZINGER JEFFREY S (US)
Requested Patent: WO2004071410
Application Number: WO2004US00265 20040107
Priority Number(s): US20030434435 20030508; US20030445942P 20030207
IPC Classification: A61K
EC Classification: A61K9/16H4B, A61K9/16P4, A61K9/19, F25D3/10A, F26B5/06B
Equivalents:
Cited Documents: US3673698; US5167838
Abstract
A method and apparatus for producing particles, the apparatus includes a solution source that supplies a solution, and a fluid source that supplies a fluid. The solution includes a solvent and a solute. A mixer receives the solution and the fluid from the sources, and mixes the solution and t he fluid together to form a mixture. T he mixture is supplied from the mixer to an expansion assembly at first pressure. The expansion assembly sprays and expands the mixture substantially simultaneously to form frozen droplets, and preferably to form a low-density powder of frozen droplets. A freeze-dry apparatus sublimes the solvent from the particles. A high mass-transfer rate and a uniform open-structure of the powder bed enhances the freeze-drying process. Solid particles having a controlled size distribution are obtained. The particles preferably have a hollow or porous morphology suitable for differing drug delivery applications to include aerosol formulations.
Data supplied from the esp@cenet database - l2