Trilayer Tablet with Insoluble Matrix for Controlled Release

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current multilayer tablets for controlled release of active compounds are complex and costly to manufacture, often requiring multiple steps and equipment for core insertion, which complicates the production process and increases costs.

Innovation Solution

A trilayer tablet structure is developed, comprising a non-erodible core sandwiched between two erodible layers, utilizing an insoluble matrix that maintains the core's integrity during drug release, with the release rate controlled by diffusion through the matrix, allowing for a cost-efficient and simple manufacturing process.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional multilayer tablet structures with core insertion are used, then controlled release of active compounds is achieved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrolled releaseVSAvoidmanufacturing process
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the core and mantle layers into a single compressed trilayer tablet structure. The insoluble matrix layer containing the active compound is directly compressed between two erodible layers in one operation, eliminating the need for separate core insertion steps and reducing manufacturing complexity while maintaining controlled release functionality

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The tablet is segmented into three functional layers: an insoluble matrix layer containing the active compound for controlled release, and two erodible layers that provide structural integrity and modulate release. This segmentation allows each layer to perform its specific function independently while simplifying the overall manufacturing process

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If conventional multilayer tablet structures with core insertion are used, then controlled release of active compounds is achieved, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrolled releaseVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple manufacturing operations into a single compression step, where the insoluble matrix layer and both erodible layers are compressed simultaneously in one die. This eliminates the need for expensive core insertion equipment and multiple processing steps, significantly reducing manufacturing cost while maintaining controlled release performance

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Duration of action of moving object

If erodible layers are used to modulate release, then controlled release profile is achieved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverelease profileVSAvoidlayer thickness control
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of moving objectVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent controls the release profile by adjusting parameters of the erodible layers such as composition, thickness, and erosion rate, rather than requiring extremely precise manufacturing tolerances. The erodible layers are designed to erode at controlled rates that naturally modulate drug release, reducing the need for high manufacturing precision

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This approach enables a cost-effective, controlled release of pharmaceutically and nutritionally active compounds with a linear or quasi-linear release profile, simplifying the manufacturing process and reducing production costs while maintaining effective drug delivery.

Implementation Method 1

The resulting dosage form is a diffusion-controlled device that contains a pharmaceutically or nutritionally active compound distributed through an insoluble matrix that remains substantially intact during release of the drug

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDiffusion: Diffusion

Implementation Method 2

at least one erodible release-modulating layer laminated to each side of the non-erodible core layer

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectErosion: Erosion

Data Source

PatentUS8691272B2Multilayer tablet
Publication Date: 2014.04.08 INTELGENX CORP
  • US8691272B2 patent drawing
  • US8691272B2 patent drawing
  • US8691272B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A multilayer oral dosage form that provides controlled release of an active compound includes a non-erodible core containing a pharmaceutically active compound and/or a nutritionally active compound, and at least one release-modulating layer laminated to each side of the core layer. The dosage form can be prepared using simple, inexpensive tablet compression techniques.