HK40075535B - Dosage form for use in treating or preventing of a disease - Google Patents

Description

Field of the invention

The invention is in the field of pharmacy and nutraceuticals, especially in the field of dosage forms, comprising a biologically active ingredient, for use in treating or preventing of a disease in the animal or human body.

Background

US 4,786,505 describes an oral pharmaceutical preparation comprising (a) a core region comprising an effective amount of a material selected from the group of omeprazole plus an alkaline reacting compound, an alkaline omeprazole salt plus an alkaline compound and an alkaline omeprazole salt alone, (b) an inert subcoating which is soluble or rapidly disintegrating in water disposed on said core, said subcoating comprising one or more layers of materials selected from among tablet excipients and polymeric film-forming compounds; and (c) an outer layer disposed on said subcoating comprising an enteric coating. The subcoating layer also serves as a pH-buffering zone. The pH buffering properties of subcoating layer may be further strengthened by introducing substances chosen from a group of compounds usually used in antacid formulations such as, for instance, magnesium oxide, hydroxide or carbonate, aluminium or calcium hydroxide, carbonate or silicate; composite aluminium /magnesium compounds such as, for instance, [Al₂O₃.6MgO.CO₂.12H₂0 or MgO.AlO₃.2SiO₂.n-H₂O], wherein n is not an integer and less than 2. The object of US 4,786,505 is to provide an enteric coated dosage form of omeprazole, which is resistant to dissolution in acid media and which dissolves rapidly in neutral to alkaline media and which has a good stability during long term storage. In examples 1 and 6 of US 4,786,505 the percentage of alkaline substance, (magnesium oxide or aluminium hydroxide/magnesium carbonate) in the subcoating layer, calculated on the weight of alkaline agent and the enteric polymer (hydroxypropyl methylcellulose phthalate) in the enteric coating layer is about 4.1 or 6.6 % by weight respectively.

US2005/0214371A1 describes a stable composition of an acid labile drug, comprising a) an inner core with the acid labile drug; b) a first intermediate coating devoid of an alkaline stabilizing agent and the acid labile drug; c) a second intermediate coating comprising an alkaline stabilizing agent; and d) an outer enteric layer, wherein the acid labile drug can degrade at pH 3. The term "acid labile drug" refers to any drug or medicament or active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) that will degrade at a pH of 3. Examples of "acid labile drug" include pharmaceutically active substituted benzimidazole compounds, statins (e.g. pravastatin, fluvastatin and atorvastatin), antibiotics (e.g. penicillin G, ampicillin, streptomycin, clarithromycin and azithromycin), dideoxy cytosine (ddC), digoxin, pancreatin, bupropion and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, such as buprion HCl. The term "pharmaceutically active substituted benzimidazole compound" refers to any pharmaceutically active substituted 2-(2-pyridylmethyl)-sulfinyl-1H-benzimidazole compound (e.g. lansoprazole, omeprazole, hydroxy omeprazole, pantoprazole, rabeprazole, esomeprazole, preprazole, pariprazole, rabeprazole and tenatoprazole) and pharmaceutically active substituted 2-(phenylmethyl)-sulfinyl-1H-benzimidazole compound (e.g. leminoprazole). US2005/0214371A1 does not mention or suggest an unexpected release of the acid labile drugs at low pH values.

US2005/0214371A1 also provides a method of treating a disease selected from gastric or duodenal ulcer, severe erosive esophagitis, Zolinger-Elison syndrome, gastroesophageal reflux and H. pylori infection, comprising an effective amount of a stable pharmaceutical composition of the invention to a subject inflicted with the disease, preferably a subject in need of the treatment, wherein the acid labile drug in the stable pharmaceutical composition is selected from lansoprazole, omeprazole, pantoprazole, rabeprazole, hydroxy omeprazole, esomeprazole, pariprazole, preprazole, tenatoprazole, leminoprazole, and acceptable salts thereof.

IPCOM000009757D (IP.com Prior Art Database Technical Disclosure IP.com Number IPCOM000009757D, IP.com electronic publication date September 17, 2002, Authors et al.: Disclosed Anonymously) describes "Stabilized Pharmaceutical Formulation of an Acid labile Benzimidazole Compound and its Preparation". The general disclosure IPCOM000009757D is very similar to that of US2005/0214371A1 with the exception that no "b) a first intermediate coating devoid of an alkaline stabilizing agent and the acid labile drug" is mentioned. IPCOM000009757D is silent about any unexpected early release of the included active pharmaceutical ingredient.

US 7,932,258 B2 describes the use of a partially neutralized (meth)acrylate copolymer as a coating for the production of a medicament pharmaceutical form releasing active substance at reduced pH values.

WO 2008/135090A1 describes dosage forms comprising two individual coatings that may comprise an inner coating comprising a partially neutralized anionic (meth)acrylate copolymer or a water soluble neutral polymer in combination with a C2-C16 carboxylic acid and an outer coating comprising an anionic (meth)acrylate copolymer, which is less neutralized than the material of the inner coating or not neutralized at all. The intended effect is that in vivo the solid dosage form releases its active substance "earlier", namely already at the entry of the intestine. The term "earlier" here means that the solid dosage form according to the invention starts to release the active substance already at lower pH value compared to the normal pH of the intestine, namely when the solid dosage form is transferred from the stomach having low pH to the entry of the intestine (e.g. pH 5.6) which is having a higher pH compared to the stomach, but not as high as it is the case in more distal sections of the intestine. In comparison to a standard EUDRAGIT^® L100-55 coating, which shows almost no active ingredient release at pH 5.6, the double coating system releases around 30 % of the active ingredient at the same pH in 45 min.

Summary of the invention

US 4,786,505 , US2005/0214371A1 and IPCOM000009757D provide stable pharmaceutical compositions for acid labile substances such as substituted benzimidazole compounds especially the omeprazole or pantoprazole substance family. To provide pH stability during storage conditions a buffering alkaline substance is included in an intermediate coating layer. An outer enteric coating layer shall protect the substances from contact with the gastric acid. No data are available in US 4,786,505 , US2005/0214371A1 and IPCOM000009757D about the release of biologically active ingredients at pH values being present after the stomach passage. This may be reasoned by the teaching directed to the acid labile character of the chosen substances, for which would it not make too much sense to attempt a release at pH values already between 3 and 5.5.

WO 2008/135090A1 describes dosage forms comprising two individual coatings that may comprise an inner coating comprising a partially neutralized anionic (meth)acrylate copolymer or a water-soluble neutral polymer in combination with a C2-C16 carboxylic acid and an outer coating comprising an anionic (meth)acrylate copolymer, which is less neutralized than the material of the inner coating or not neutralized at all. The intended effect is that in vivo the solid dosage form releases its active substance "earlier", namely already at the entry of the intestine. The effect seems to be limited to pH values not below around pH 5.6.

US 7,932,258 B2 describes the use of a partially neutralized (meth)acrylate copolymer as a coating for the preparing of a medicament pharmaceutical form releasing active substance at reduced pH values. However, in practice the reported effect of the single coating system seems to be alleviated when the compositions are tested first for 2 hours in acidic medium pH 1.2 and then at media with low pH between 3 and 5.5.

WO 2016/097170 A1 discloses a modified release composition of orlistat and acarbose for the treatment of obesity and related metabolic disorders.

There is a need for dosage forms for use in treating or preventing of a disease in the animal or human body, which treatment or prevention requires the release of 50 % or more of the biologically active ingredient in the small intestine within the pH range from 3 to 5.5. The objects of the invention are solved as claimed.

Detailed description Dosage form

The invention is concerned with a dosage form comprising a biologically active ingredient for use in treating or preventing of a disease in the animal or human body, which treatment or prevention provides the release of 50 % or more of the biologically active ingredient in the small intestine within the pH range pH from 3 up to 5.5, wherein the dosage form comprises:

1. a) a core, comprising the biologically active ingredient,
2. b) an intermediate coating layer (ICL) onto to or above the core, comprising an alkaline agent and
3. c) an enteric coating layer (ECL) onto or above the intermediate coating layer, comprising an enteric polymer,

wherein the relation of the alkaline agent to enteric polymer in the dosage form is 5 to 95 % when calculated by the formula: wherein biologically active ingredients which are proton-pump inhibitors belonging to the class of substituted benzimidazole compounds are excepted.

The dosage form may usually have the form of the core, however additionally coated with the intermediate coating layer and the enteric coating layer as disclosed, e.g. the form of a (coated) pellet (core). Furthermore, several single dosage forms may be contained in multiple as parts of a multi-unit dosage form, e.g. contained in a capsule or in a tablet in which a multiple of inventive dosage form are contained, e.g. in the form of (coated) pellet (cores).

The dosage form may have the form of, for instance, a tablet, a minitablet, a pellet, a pill, a granule, a sachet or a capsule. The dosage form may as well be contained, preferably in multi-units, for instance, in a tablet, in a sachet or in a capsule.

Release of the biologically active ingredient

Preferably the release of the biologically active ingredient is 10 % or less at pH 1.2 for 120 min and 50 % or more (50 - 100 %), preferably 60 to 100 %, at a pH from 3 to 5.5, preferably at a pH from 3.2 to 5.0, for 45 min. The pH 1.2 test medium may be 0.1 N HCl according to USP, for instance USP 42, pH 3 to 5.5 media may be buffered media according to USP, for instance USP 42 (2019).

Core

The core of the dosage form comprises a biologically active ingredient.

The core of the dosage form may comprise the biologically active ingredient distributed in a matrix structure or bound in a binder in a coating on an inner core structure or enclosed in a capsule.

The core may be prepared by methods such as granulation, extrusion, spheronization or hot melt extrusion.

The core may be a pellet, a pill a granule, a tablet or a capsule. The core may be an active ingredient-containing tablet, a pellet-containing compressed tablet, a mini-tablet or a capsule, which may be filled with active ingredient-containing pellets or granules, with a drug solution or dispersion, with mini-tablets or powder or combinations thereof.

The core may comprise for instance an uncoated pellet, a neutral carrier pellet, for instance a sugar sphere or non-pareilles, on top of which the biologically active ingredient is bound in a binder, such as lactose, polyvinyl pyrrolidone or a neutral cellulose-derivates such as HPC or HPMC. The binder-coating layer with the biologically active ingredient is considered herein as part of the core. The binder-coating layer of the core has, in contrast to the intermediate coating layer and the enteric coating layer, essentially no influence on the controlled release of the biologically active ingredient. The core may as well comprise an uncoated pellet consisting of a crystallized biologically active ingredient.

The core may comprise 1 to 100, 2 to 90, 5 to 85, 10 to 70, 15 to 50 % by weight of the biologically active ingredient. The core may comprise 0 to 99, 10 to 98, 15 to 95, 30 to 90 or 50 to 85 % by weight of pharmaceutical or nutraceutical acceptable excipients. The biologically active ingredient and the pharmaceutical or nutraceutical acceptable excipients may add up to 100 %.

The biologically active ingredient may be comprised in the core of the dosage form in an amount from 0.1 to 100 % by weight of the core.

Biologically active ingredient(s)

The biologically active ingredient(s) may comprise biologically active pharmaceutical ingredients and biologically active nutraceutical ingredients.

Biologically active ingredients which are proton-pump inhibitors belonging to the class of substituted benzimidazole compounds are excepted from the scope of the invention. The term proton-pump inhibitor is well known to a skilled person in the field of pharmacy. The pharmaceutical main action of proton-pump inhibitors is a pronounced and long-lasting reduction of stomach acid production. Thus, the term proton-pump inhibitors belonging to the class of pharmaceutically active means substituted benzimidazole compounds with pharmaceutical proton pump inhibitor activity. Especially the term proton-pump inhibitors belonging to the class of pharmaceutically active substituted benzimidazole compounds refers to pharmaceutically active substituted 2-(2-pyridylmethyl)-sulfinyl-1H-benzimidazole compounds (e.g. lansoprazole, omeprazole, hydroxy omeprazole, pantoprazole, rabeprazole, esomeprazole, preprazole, pariprazole, rabeprazole and tenatoprazole) and pharmaceutically active substituted 2-(phenylmethyl)-sulfinyl-1H-benzimidazole compound (e.g. leminoprazole).

Disease(s)

The disease(s) and the class of biologically active ingredient(s) associated for treating or preventing the disease(s) may be selected from gastrointestinal lavage and a laxatives, inflammatory bowel diseases and corticosteroids, hypercholesterolemia or hypertriglyceridemia and statins, CHF and glycosides, arrhythmia and stereoisomers of quinidine, cancer and plant alkaloids, bacterial infections and antibiotics, HIV and nucleosides, pancreatic insufficiency and lipases, major depressive disorder (MDD) or seasonal affective disorder (SAD) or an aid for smoking cessation and norepinephrine/dopamine-reuptake inhibitors (NDRI), pain and inflammation and NSAIDs, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis or ankylosing spondylitis and NSAIDs, Parkinson's disease and dopamine precursors, malaria and antimalarials, hypertension and beta-blockers, diabetes and biguanides, edema or chronic renal insufficiency and benzoic-sulfonamide-furans, mild to severe heart failure, left ventricular dysfunction after myocardial infarction with ventricular ejection fraction ≤40% hypertension and beta adrenoceptor blockers, systemic fungal infections and antifungals, hyperlipoproteinemia or hypertriglyceridemia and fibrate antilipemics, heart failure and mineralocorticoid hormones, cancer and Anthracycline antibiotics, hypertension, angina or cluster headache prophylaxis and calcium channel blockers, and atrial fibrillation and beta blockers.

The disease(s) and the biologically active ingredient(s) associated for treating or preventing the disease(s) may be selected from gastrointestinal lavage and bisacodyl, inflammatory bowel diseases and budesonide, hypercholesterolemia or hypertriglyceridemia and fluvastatin, CHF and digoxin, arrhythmia and quinidine, cancer and etoposide, ulcer and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and omeprazole, lansoprazole, pantoprazole or rabeprazole, bacterial infections and erythromycin, penicillin G, ampicillin, streptomycin, clarithromycin or azithromycin, HIV and dideoxyinosine (ddl or didanosine), dideoxyadenosine (ddA) or dideoxycytosine (ddC), pancreatic insufficiency and lipases, major depressive disorder (MDD) or seasonal affective disorder (SAD) or an aid for smoking cessation and bupropion, pain and inflammation, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis or ankylosing spondylitis and acetyl salicylic acid (Aspirin^®), diclofenac or indomethacin, parkinson's disease and levodopa, malaria and hydroxychloroquine sulphate, hypertension and atenolol, diabetes and metformin hydrochloride, edema or chronic renal insufficiency and benzoic-sulfonamide-furans, mild to severe heart failure, left ventricular dysfunction after myocardial infarction with ventricular ejection fraction ≤40% hypertension and furosemide, systemic fungal infections and ketoconazole, hyperlipoproteinemia or hypertriglyceridemia and fenofibrate, heart failure and aldosteron, cancer and doxorubicin, hypertension, angina or cluster headache prophylaxis and verapamil, and atrial fibrillation and sotalol.

Preferably the disease may be atrial fibrillation and the biologically active ingredient associated for treating or preventing the is sotalol.

Further biologically active ingredients according to the present application may be biotechnology derived products or microbiologically derived products and may be selected from, for instance, enzymes, hormones, liquid or solid natural extracts, oligonucleotides, DNA, RNA, mRNA, siRNA, Protacs (proteolysis targeting chimera), peptide hormones, therapeutic bacteria, prebiotics, probiotics, peptides, proteins, urology drugs, omega-3-fatty acids, anthocyanidines e.g. from bilberries, blueberries or black currants as antioxidants, vitamins and vaccines.

Intermediate coating layer

The intermediate coating layer (ICL) is onto to or above the inner core and is comprising an alkaline agent. The intermediate coating layer may comprise 5 to 75, preferably 10 to 50 % by weight of the alkaline agent. The intermediate layer may comprise 25 to 95, preferably 90 to 50 % by weight of further pharmaceutically or nutraceutically acceptable excipients, such as, for example, a polymeric binder, for instance a neutral water-soluble cellulose such as hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (HPMC) or hydroxypropylcellulose (HPC) or polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP), or a plasticizer or a anti tacking agent or combination thereof. The polymeric binder may also be a neutral or an anionic (meth)acrylate copolymer, the latter may optionally be partially or completely neutralized. Preferably the intermediate layer is onto the core with no other coating layers in between. The intermediate coating layer may be present in an amount of 5 to 100, preferably 7.5 to 50 % by weight calculated on the weight of the core.

Alkaline agent

The alkaline agent may be an alkali or an earth alkali metal salt. The alkaline agent may be, for instance, selected from calcium oxide, calcium carbonate, magnesium carbonate, magnesium oxide, sodium carbonate, sodium bicarbonate and sodium hydroxide or any mixtures thereof. Preferred alkaline agents are magnesium oxide or magnesium carbonate. The relation of the alkaline agent in the intermediate coating layer (ICL) to the enteric polymer in the enteric coating layer (ECL) is 5 to 95, preferably 7 to 80 % when calculated by the formula:

Plasticizers

Plasticizers may be defined in that they achieve through physical interaction with a polymer a reduction in the glass transition temperature and promote film formation, depending on the added amount. Suitable substances usually have a molecular weight of between 100 and 20,000 and comprise one or more hydrophilic groups in the molecule, e.g. hydroxy ester or amino groups.

The intermediate coating layer or the enteric coating layer may comprise a plasticizer, which may be selected from the groups of alkyl citrates, glycerol esters, alkyl phthalates, alkyl sebacates, sucrose esters, sorbitan esters and polyethylene glycols. The intermediate coating layer may comprise a plasticizer, preferably about 2 to 50, preferably 5 to 25 % by weight, which may be selected for instance from triethyl citrate (TEC), acetyl triethyl citrate (ATEC), diethyl sebacate and dibutyl sebacate (DBS), glycerol, propylene glycol, polyethylene glycols 200 to 12,000 and castor oil. A preferred plasticizer for the intermediate coating layer may be glycerine or triethyl citrate. A preferred plasticizer for the enteric coating layer may be triethyl citrate.

Enteric coating layer

The enteric coating layer is onto to or above the intermediate coating layer is comprising an enteric polymer and optionally pharmaceutically or nutraceutically acceptable excipients. The enteric coating layer may comprise 10 to 100, preferably 20 to 80 % by weight of the enteric polymer. The enteric coating layer may comprise 90 to 0, preferably 80 to 20 % by weight of pharmaceutically or nutraceutically acceptable excipients, such as, for example, a plasticizer. Preferably the enteric coating layer is onto the intermediate coating layer with no other coating layers in between. The enteric coating layer may be present in an amount of 5 to 50 % by weight calculated on the weight of the core and the intermediate layer.

Enteric polymer

The enteric polymer in the further coating layer onto or above the intermediate coating layer may be selected from anionic (meth)acrylate copolymers, anionic celluloses, anionic polysaccharides and polyvinyl acetate phthalates or any mixtures thereof. The enteric coating layer may be present in an amount of 10 to 50 % by weight calculated on the weight of the core and the intermediate layer.

Anionic (Meth)acrylate copolymer(s)

The enteric coating layer may comprise a (meth)acrylate copolymer selected from copolymers comprising polymerized units of methacrylic acid and ethyl acrylate, of methacrylic acid and methyl methacrylate, of ethyl acrylate and methyl methacrylate or of methacrylic acid, methyl acrylate and methyl methacrylate, from a mixture of a copolymer comprising polymerized units of methacrylic acid and ethyl acrylate with a copolymer comprising polymerized units of methyl methacrylate and ethyl acrylate and a mixture of a copolymer comprising polymerized units of methacrylic acid, methyl acrylate and methyl methacrylate with a copolymer comprising polymerized units of methyl methacrylate and ethyl acrylate or any mixtures thereof.

The coating layer may comprise a (meth)acrylate copolymer comprising polymerized units of 40 to 60 % by weight of methacrylic acid and 60 to 40 % by weight of ethyl acrylate (type EUDRAGIT^® L 100-55). A suitable second polymer is EUDRAGIT^® L 100-55 (Evonik Nutrition & Care GmbH, Darmstadt, Germany), which is a copolymer comprising polymerized units of 50 % by weight of methacrylic acid and 50 % by weight of ethyl acrylate. EUDRAGIT^® L 30 D-55 is a 30 % by weight aqueous dispersion of EUDRAGIT^® L 100-55. The glass transition temperature T_gm of EUDRAGIT^® L 100-55 is about 110 °C.

The coating layer may comprise a (meth)acrylate copolymer comprising polymerized units of 5 to 15 % by weight methacrylic acid, 60 to 70 % by weight of methyl acrylate and 20 to 30 % by weight methyl methacrylate (type EUDRAGIT^® FS). A suitable copolymer is EUDRAGIT^® FS which is a copolymer polymerized from 25 % by weight of methyl methacrylate, 65 % by weight of methyl acrylate and 10% by weight of methacrylic acid. EUDRAGIT^® FS 30 D is a dispersion comprising 30% by weight EUDRAGIT^® FS. The glass transition temperature T_gm of EUDRAGIT^® FS is about 45 °C.

The coating layer may comprise a (meth)acrylate copolymer comprising polymerized units of 40 to 60 % by weight of methacrylic acid and 60 to 40 % by weight of methyl methacrylate (type EUDRAGIT^® L 100). EUDRAGIT^® L 100 is a copolymer polymerized from 50 % by weight of methyl methacrylate and 50 % by weight of methacrylic acid. The glass transition temperature T_gm of EUDRAGIT^® L 100 is about or somewhat above 150°C.

The coating layer may comprise a (meth)acrylate copolymer comprising polymerized units of 20 to 40 % by weight of methacrylic acid and 60 to 80 % by weight of methyl methacrylate (type EUDRAGIT^® S 100). EUDRAGIT^® S 100 is a copolymer polymerized from 70% by weight methyl methacrylate and 30% by weight methacrylic acid. The glass transition temperature T_gm of EUDRAGIT^® S 100 is about or somewhat above 160°C.

The coating layer may also comprise an anionic (meth)acrylate copolymer(s) in the form of a core-shell polymer from two (meth)acrylate copolymer(s). The coating layer may comprise a (meth)acrylate copolymer which is a core-shell polymer, comprising 50 to 90, preferably 70 to 80 % by weight of a core, comprising polymerized units of 60 to 80, preferably 65 to 75 % by weight of ethyl acrylate and 40 to 20, preferably 35 to 25 % by weight of methyl methacrylate, and 50 to 10, preferably 30 to 20 % by weight of a shell, comprising polymerized units of 40 to 60, preferably 45 to 55 % by weight of ethyl acrylate and 60 to 40, preferably 55 to 45 % by weight of methacrylic acid.

A suitable core-shell polymer is EUDRAGIT^® FL 30 D-55 (Evonik Nutrition & Care GmbH, Darmstadt, Germany), which is a commercially available 30 % by weight aqueous dispersion of a copolymer from a two-stage emulsion polymerization process, with a core of about 75 % by weight, comprising polymerized units of about 70 % by weight of ethyl acrylate and 30 % by weight of methyl methacrylate, and a shell of about 25 % by weight, comprising polymerized units of 50 % by weight ethyl acrylate and 50 % by weight methacrylic acid. The glass transition temperature T_gm of the polymer of EUDRAGIT^® FL 30D-55 is about 8 °C.

Anionic celluloses

Anionic celluloses (chemically modified celluloses) may be selected from carboxymethyl ethyl cellulose and its salts, cellulose acetate phthalate, cellulose acetate succinate, cellulose acetate trimellitate, hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose phthalate and hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose acetate succinate or any mixtures thereof.

Anionic polysaccharides

Anionic polysaccharides (not based on cellulose) with enteric properties may be selected from polymers such as shellac, chitosan, alginic acid and salts of alginic acid, e.g. sodium, potassium or ammonium alginate.

Pharmaceutically or nutraceutically acceptable excipients

The core, in the intermediate layer or in the enteric coating layer may optionally comprise pharmaceutically or nutraceutically acceptable excipients. Such pharmaceutically or nutraceutically acceptable excipients may be selected from the group of antioxidants, brighteners, binding agents, such as lactose, polyvinyl pyrrolidone or neutral celluloses, flavoring agents, flow aids, glidants, penetration-promoting agents, pigments, plasticizers, further polymers, pore-forming agents and stabilizers or any combinations thereof.

Items

The invention may be characterized by the following items:

1. 1. Dosage form, comprising a biologically active ingredient for use in treating or preventing of a disease in the animal or human body, which treatment or prevention requires the release of 50 % or more of the biologically active ingredient in the small intestine within the pH range from 3 up to 5.5, wherein the dosage form comprises:
   1. a) a core, comprising the biologically active ingredient,
   2. b) an intermediate coating layer (ICL) onto or above the core, comprising an alkaline agent and
   3. c) an enteric coating layer (ECL) onto or above the intermediate coating layer, comprising an enteric polymer,
   wherein the relation of the alkaline agent to the enteric polymer is 5 to 95 % when calculated by the formula: wherein biologically active ingredients which are proton-pump inhibitors belonging to the class of substituted benzimidazole compounds are excepted.
2. 2. Dosage form according to item 1, wherein the release of the biologically active ingredient is 10 % or less at pH 1.2 for 120 min and 50 % or more at a pH from 3 to 5.5 for 45 min.
3. 3. Dosage form, according to item 1 or 2, wherein the disease(s) and the class of biologically active ingredients for treating or preventing the disease(s) are selected from gastrointestinal lavage and laxatives, inflammatory bowel diseases and corticosteroids, hypercholesterolemia or hypertriglyceridemia and statins, CHF and glycosides, arrhythmia and stereoisomers of quinidine, cancer and plant alkaloids, bacterial infections and antibiotics, HIV and nucleosides, pancreatic insufficiency and lipases, major depressive disorder (MDD) or seasonal affective disorder (SAD) or an aid for smoking cessation and norepinephrine/dopamine-reuptake inhibitors (NDRI), pain or inflammation and NSAIDs, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis or ankylosing spondylitis and NSAIDs, Parkinson's disease and dopamine precursors, malaria and antimalarials, hypertension and beta-blockers, diabetes and biguanides, edema or chronic renal insufficiency and benzoic-sulfonamide-furans, mild to severe heart failure, left ventricular dysfunction after myocardial infarction with ventricular ejection fraction ≤40% hypertension and beta adrenoceptor blockers, systemic fungal infections and antifungals, hyperlipoproteinemia or hypertriglyceridemia and fibrate antilipemics, heart failure and mineralocorticoid hormones, cancer and anthracycline antibiotics, hypertension, angina or cluster headache prophylaxis and calcium channel blockers, and atrial fibrillation and beta blockers.
4. 4. Dosage form, according to any of items 1 to 3, wherein the disease(s) and the biologically active ingredient associated for treating or preventing the disease(s) are selected from gastrointestinal lavage and bisacodyl, inflammatory bowel diseases and budesonide, hypercholesterolemia or hypertriglyceridemia and fluvastatin, CHF and digoxin, arrhythmia and quinidine, cancer and etoposide, bacterial infections and erythromycin, penicillin G, ampicillin, streptomycin, clarithromycin or azithromycin, HIV and dideoxyinosine (ddl or didanosine), dideoxyadenosine (ddA) or dideoxycytosine (ddC), pancreatic insufficiency and lipases, major depressive disorder (MDD) or seasonal affective disorder (SAD) or an aid for smoking cessation and bupropion, pain and inflammation, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis or ankylosing spondylitis and acetyl salicylic acid (Aspirin^®), diclofenac or indomethacin, parkinson's disease and levodopa, malaria and hydroxychloroquine sulphate, hypertension and atenolol, diabetes and metformin hydrochloride, edema or chronic renal insufficiency and benzoic-sulfonamide-furans, mild to severe heart failure, left ventricular dysfunction after myocardial infarction with ventricular ejection fraction ≤40% hypertension and furosemide, systemic fungal infections and ketoconazole, hyperlipoproteinemia or hypertriglyceridemia and fenofibrate, heart failure and aldosteron, cancer and doxorubicin, hypertension, angina or cluster headache prophylaxis and verapamil, and atrial fibrillation and sotalol.
5. 5. Dosage form according to any of items 1 to 4, wherein the disease is atrial fibrillation and the biologically active ingredient for treating or preventing the disease is sotalol.
6. 6. Dosage form, according to one or more of items 1 to 5, wherein the core comprises the biologically active ingredient distributed in a matrix structure or bound in a binder in a coating on an inner core.
7. 7. Dosage form, to one or more of items 1 to 6, wherein the alkaline agent is an alkali or an earth alkali metal salt.
8. 8. Dosage form, according to one or more of items 1 to 7, wherein the alkaline agent is selected from calcium oxide, calcium carbonate, magnesium carbonate, magnesium oxide, sodium carbonate, sodium bicarbonate and sodium hydroxide or any combinations thereof.
9. 9. Dosage form, according to one or more of items 1 to 8, wherein the alkaline agent is magnesium carbonate or magnesium oxide.
10. 10. Dosage form, according to one or more of items 1 to 9, wherein the intermediate coating layer further comprises a plasticizer and/or a polymeric binder.
11. 11. Dosage form, according to one or more of items 1 to 10, wherein the enteric polymer in the enteric coating layer is selected from anionic (meth)acrylate copolymers, anionic celluloses, anionic polysaccharides and polyvinyl acetate phthalates or any mixtures thereof.
12. 12. Dosage form, according to one or more of items 1 to 11, wherein the anionic (meth)acrylate copolymers are selected from copolymers comprising polymerized units of methacrylic acid and ethyl acrylate, of methacrylic acid and methyl methacrylate and of methacrylic acid, methyl acrylate and methyl methacrylate or any mixtures thereof.
13. 13. Dosage form, according to one or more of items 1 to 12, wherein the anionic celluloses are selected from carboxymethyl ethyl cellulose and its salts, cellulose acetate phthalate, cellulose acetate succinate, cellulose acetate trimellitate, hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose phthalate and hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose acetate succinate or any mixtures thereof.
14. 14. Dosage form, according to one or more of items 1 to 13, wherein the relation of the alkaline agent to the enteric polymer is 7 to 80 %.
15. 15. Dosage form according to one or more of the preceding items, wherein the release of the biologically active ingredient is 10 % or less at pH 1.2 for 120 min and 60 to 100 % within the pH from 3.2 to 5.0 for 45 min.
16. 16. Dosage form according to one or more of the preceding items, wherein core comprises 0.1 to 100, 1 to 100, 2 to 90, 5 to 85, 10 to 70 or 15 to 50 % by weight of the biologically active ingredient.
17. 17. Dosage form according to one or more of the preceding items, wherein the core comprises 0 to 99.9, 0 to 99, 10 to 98, 15 to 95, 30 to 90 or 50 to 85 % by weight of pharmaceutical or nutraceutical acceptable excipients.
18. 18. Dosage form according to one or more of the preceding items, wherein the biologically active ingredient is selected from acetyl salicylic acid, benazepril, bisascodyl, budesonide, carvediol, etopside, quinidine, ketoconazole or sotalol, enzymes, hormones, liquid or solid natural extracts, oligonucleotides, DNA, RNA, mRNA, siRNA, Protacs (proteolysis targeting chimera), peptide hormones, therapeutic bacteria, prebiotics, probiotics, peptides, proteins, urology drugs, omega-3-fatty acids and their salts, anthocyanines e.g. from bilberries, blueberries or black currants, vitamins and vaccines.
19. 19. Dosage form according to one or more of the preceding items, wherein the intermediate coating layer (ICL) is present in an amount of 5 to 100 % by weight calculated on the weight of the core.
20. 20. Dosage form according to one or more of the preceding items, wherein the intermediate coating layer (ICL) is present in an amount of 7.5 to 50 % by weight calculated on the weight of the core.
21. 21. Dosage form according to one or more of the preceding items, wherein the intermediate coating layer (ICL) comprises 5 to 75 % by weight of the alkaline agent.
22. 22. Dosage form according to one or more of the preceding items, wherein the intermediate coating layer (ICL) comprises 10 to 50 % by weight of the alkaline agent.
23. 23. Dosage form according to one or more of the preceding items, wherein the enteric coating layer (ECL) is present in an amount of 10 to 50 % by weight calculated on the weight of the core and the intermediate layer.
24. 24. Dosage form according to one or more of the preceding items, wherein the enteric coating layer (ECL) comprises 10 to 100 % by weight of the enteric polymer.
25. 25. Dosage form according to one or more of the preceding items, wherein the enteric coating layer (ECL) comprises 20 to 80 % by weight of the enteric polymer.
26. 26. Dosage form according to one or more of the preceding items, wherein the enteric polymer comprises a (meth)acrylate copolymer comprising polymerized units of 40 to 60 % by weight of methacrylic acid and 60 to 40 % by weight of ethyl acrylate.

Examples:

A. Core preparation: 1. Benazepril (Core) tablets: 1.1 Composition for Benazepril Tablets: 1.2 Process for Benazepril tablets: I. Weigh all the ingredients as specified in the formula. II. Benazepril hydrochloride and lactose monohydrate were mixed uniformly and sifted through #40 mesh. III. Microcrystalline cellulose PH101 and half quantity of HPMC 6cps was sifted through #40 mesh and added to the step II. IV. The powder blend of step III was added in to rapid mixture granulator and mixed for 5 min at slow speed. V. In a separate beaker, remaining half quantity of HPMC 6cps was added slowly in purified water under continuous stirring to get a clear binder solution. VI. Step V binder solution was then used to granulate dry mix of step IV. VII. After granulation, sift the wet material through 10# (2.0 mm) sieve. VIII. Granules were dried in tray dryer at 50°C until LOD was achieved below 5% w/w. IX. Dried granules were passed through 30# (595 µm) sieve. X. Weighed all extra-granular materials accurately. XI. MCC PH 102, Croscarmellose sodium & Aerosil 200 were mixed in polybag and sifted through # 40 mesh. XII. Benazepril granules of step IX & sifted material of step XI were mixed in a double cone blender for 15 min at 15 RPM. XIII. Sifted magnesium stearate (60#) was added to step XII for lubrication of the blend for 3 min at 15 RPM in double cone blender. XIV. Lubricated blend was used for tablet compression. Table 4: General Process Parameters of for BenazeprilTablet rearation:

Dry mixing	Time		10 minutes
	Impeller Speed		Slow
	Chopper Speed		..
Binder addition	Time		3 minutes
	Impeller Speed		Slow
	Chopper Speed		..
Wet mixing	Time		45 Seconds
	Impeller Speed		Slow
	Chopper Speed		Slow

Table 4: General Process Parameters of for BenazeprilTablet rearation:

Compression
Shape of punch			Circular, standard concave
Size of punch			8.0 mm
Upper punch			Plain
Lower punch			Plain

Table 4: General Process Parameters of for BenazeprilTablet rearation:

Weight of tablet		mg	200.0
Hardness		N	70-90
Thickness		Mm	3.90 - 4.10
Friability		%	0.
Disintegration time		Minute	4-6

2. Sotalol (Core) tablets: 2.1 Composition of Sotalol Tablets: 2.2 Process for Sotalol tablets: I. Weigh all the ingredients as specified in the formula. II. Sotalol hydrochloride, microcrystalline cellulose and Ac-Di-Sol^® were mixed uniformly and sifted through #30 mesh. III. The powder blend of step II was added in to rapid mixture granulator and mixed for 3 min at slow speed. IV. In a separate beaker, HPMC 3 cps was added slowly in purified water under continuous stirring to get a clear solution. V. Step IV solution was then used to granulate dry mix of step III VI. Granules were dried in tray dryer at 60°C for 2 hr then passed through 30# sieve and then further dried for 4 hr at 60°C till LOD was achieved below 5% w/w. VII. Dried granules were passed through 30# (595 µm) sieve. VIII. Weighed all extra-granular materials accurately. IX. Microcrystalline cellulose PH101, Ac-Di-Sol^® and Aerosil 200 were mixed in polybag and then sifted through # 30 mesh. X. Sotalol granules of step VII & sifted material of step IX were mixed in a double cone blender for 15 min at 15 RPM. XI. Magnesium stearate (60# passed) was added to blend of step X and lubricated for 5 min at 15 RPM in double cone blender. XII. Lubricated blend was used for tablet compression. Table 6: General Process Parameters for Sotalol Tablet preparation:

Dry mixing	Time	15 minutes
	Impeller Speed	Slow
	Chopper Speed	..
Binder addition	Time	5 minutes
	Impeller Speed	Slow
	Chopper Speed	..
Wet mixing	Time	1 minute
	Impeller Speed	Slow
	Chopper Speed	Slow

Table 6: General Process Parameters for Sotalol Tablet preparation:

Shape of punch		Circular, standard concave
Size of punch		8.0 mm
Upper punch		Plain
Lower punch		Plain

Table 6: General Process Parameters for Sotalol Tablet preparation:

Weight of tablet	mg	200.0
Hardness	N	60-90
Thickness	Mm	4.10 - 4.30
Friability	%	0.0-0.1
Disintegration time	Minute	2 - 4

B. Coating: 1. Coating composition for inventive experiments: 2. Coating process for inventive experiments: 2.1 Intermediate coating: 2.1.1 Intermediate coating of Experiment I1 & I3:

1. I. All ingredients were weighed in required quantity.
2. II. HPMC [3 cps] was dissolved in water containing glycerin using overhead stirrer, until a clear solution is obtained.
3. III. Magnesium oxide was added to above solution slowly while stirring and resulted suspension was then allowed to mix for 30 min.
4. IV. Suspension was passed through 100# sieve and used for intermediate coating.

2.1.2 Intermediate coating of Experiment I2: I. All ingredients were weighed in required quantity. II. HPMC [3 cps] was dissolved in water containing glycerin using overhead stirrer, until a clear solution is obtained. III. Magnesium Carbonate was added to above solution slowly while stirring and resulted suspension then was allowed to mix for 30 min. IV. Suspension was passed through 40# sieve and used for intermediate coating. Table 10: General Process Parameters for intermediate coating of inventive Experiment I1 to I3:

		Neocota
Silicone tube inner diameter	mm	3.0
Pan size	inch	14
Number of baffles	No.s	6

Table 10: General Process Parameters for intermediate coating of inventive Experiment I1 to I3:

Pan RPM	RPM	2-8
Inlet temperature	°C	70-73
Product temperature	°C	40 - 42
Atomization pressure	bar	1.5
Spray rate	g/min	3 - 5

2.2 Enteric coating: 2.2.1 Enteric coating of Experiment I1 - I3: I. All the ingredients were weighed in required quantity. II. TEC and Talc were homogenized in water for 15 min then added slowly to the EUDRAGIT^® L 30 D-55 dispersion while stirring, resulted suspension was mixed for 30 min using overhead stirrer. III. Suspension was passed through 40# sieve and used for enteric coating. Table 11: General Process Parameters for enteric coating of inventive Experiment I1 to I3:

		Neocota

Table 11: General Process Parameters for enteric coating of inventive Experiment I1 to I3:

Silicone tube inner diameter	mm	3.0
Pan size	inch	14
Number of baffles	No.s	6

Table 11: General Process Parameters for enteric coating of inventive Experiment I1 to I3:

Pan RPM	RPM	8-9
Inlet temperature	°C	45-50
Product temperature	°C	28 - 32
Atomization pressure	bar	1.2
Spray rate	g/min	3 - 4

C. Analysis of enteric coated pellets / tablets: ANALYTICAL METHODOLOY

1. Benazepril Tablets A) Dissolution Conditions 1) Dissolution Parameters

Apparatus	: USP Type II
Dissolution Medium	: Acid stage medium for 2 hrs followed by buffer stage medium (1 hr)
Volume of Medium	: 750mL for acid stage, 1000 mL for buffer stage
Speed	: 50 rpm
Temperature	: 37°C ± 0.5°C
Withdrawal Volume	: 10ml

2) Dissolution mediums

1. I. Acid stage medium- 0.1 N HCl; Buffer stage medium- pH 5.5 buffer
2. II. Acid stage medium- 0.1 N HCl; Buffer stage medium- pH 4.5 buffer
3. III. Acid stage medium- 0.1 N HCl; Buffer stage medium- pH 3.0 buffer

3) Composition of dissolution mediums

1. 1) Buffer pH 5.5- 1 g of Potassium dihydrogen phosphate, 2 g of Di-potassium hydrogen phosphate and 8.5 g of Sodium chloride was weighed and transferred to 1 liter beaker. To this, 500 mL water was added, salts were dissolved and volume was made up to 1000 mL with water. The pH was adjusted to 5.5 (± 0.05) using ortho-phosphoric acid
2. 2) Buffer pH 4.5- 1 g of Potassium dihydrogen phosphate, 2 g of Di-potassium hydrogen phosphate and 8.5 g of Sodium chloride was weighed and transferred to 1 liter beaker. To this, 500 mL water was added, salts were dissolved and volume was made up to 1000 mL with water. The pH was adjusted to 4.5 (± 0.05) using ortho-phosphoric acid
3. 3) Buffer pH 3.0- 1 g of Potassium dihydrogen phosphate, 2 g of Di-potassium hydrogen phosphate and 8.5 g of Sodium chloride was weighed and transferred to 1 liter beaker. To this, 500 mL water was added, salts were dissolved and volume was made up to 1000 mL with water. The pH was adjusted to 3.0 (± 0.05) using ortho-phosphoric acid
4. 4) Dissolution Procedure:
   • Acid Stage: Benazepril hydrochloride tablets were transferred in different dissolution jars and then the dissolution test was performed as per parameters given in the method above (Acid Stage). After 2 hours 10 mL of aliquot was removed and analysed as acid stage sample solution.
   • Buffer Stage: The tablets after acid stage were transferred to buffer stage medium. The dissolution test was continued as per parameters given in the method above (Buffer Stage). The aliquots of each interval ware filtered through 0.45µm nylon membrane syringe filter discarding first few mL of the filtrate and analysed as buffer stage sample solution.

B) Chromatographic Conditions

Column	: Agilent Zorbax Eclipse XDB C18 column, 150 × 4.6 mm, 5µm or equivalent
Mobile Phase	: Buffer: MeOH (36:64)
Wavelength	: 240 nm
Column Temp	: 25°C
Injection Volume	: 20 µL
Flow rate	: 1 mL/minute

Preparation of Buffer for Mobile Phase: Accurately weighed 2.25 g of Tetra butyl ammonium bromide transferred in 500 mL water and dissolved. 0.55 mL of Glacial acetic acid added to it and volume was made up to 1000 mL with water. The buffer was filtered through 0.45µm nylon membrane filter. 2. Sotalol Tablets A) Dissolution Conditions 1) Dissolution Parameters

Apparatus	: USP Type II
Dissolution Medium	: Acid stage medium for 2 hrs followed by buffer stage medium (1 hr)
Volume of Medium	: 750mL for acid stage, 1000 mL for buffer stage
Speed	: 50 rpm
Temperature	: 37°C ± 0.5°C
Withdrawal Volume	: 10ml

2) Dissolution mediums

• IV. Acid stage medium- 0.1 N HCl; Buffer stage medium- pH 5.5 buffer
• V. Acid stage medium- 0.1 N HCl; Buffer stage medium- pH 4.5 buffer
• VI. Acid stage medium- 0.1 N HCl; Buffer stage medium- pH 3.0 buffer

3) Composition of dissolution mediums

1. 1) Buffer pH 5.5- 1 g of Potassium dihydrogen phosphate, 2 g of Di-potassium hydrogen phosphate and 8.5 g of Sodium chloride was weighed and transferred to 1 liter beaker. To this, 500 mL water was added, salts were dissolved and volume was made up to 1000 mL with water. The pH was adjusted to 5.5 (± 0.05) using ortho-phosphoric acid
2. 2) Buffer pH 4.5- 1 g of Potassium dihydrogen phosphate, 2 g of Di-potassium hydrogen phosphate and 8.5 g of Sodium chloride was weighed and transferred to 1 liter beaker. To this, 500 mL water was added, salts were dissolved and volume was made up to 1000 mL with water. The pH was adjusted to 4.5 (± 0.05) using ortho-phosphoric acid
3. 3) Buffer pH 3.0- 1 g of Potassium dihydrogen phosphate, 2 g of Di-potassium hydrogen phosphate and 8.5 g of Sodium chloride was weighed and transferred to 1 liter beaker. To this, 500 mL water was added, salts were dissolved and volume was made up to 1000 mL with water. The pH was adjusted to 3.0 (± 0.05) using ortho-phosphoric acid
4. 4) Dissolution Procedure: Acid Stage: Sotalol tablets were transferred in different dissolution jars and then the dissolution test was performed as per parameters given in the method above (Acid Stage). After 2 hours 10 mL of aliquot was removed and analyzed as acid stage sample solution. Buffer Stage: The tablets after acid stage were transferred to buffer stage medium. The dissolution test was continued as per parameters given in the method above (Buffer Stage). The aliquots of each interval ware filtered through 0.45µm nylon membrane syringe filter discarding first few mL of the filtrate and analyzed as buffer stage sample solution.

B) Chromatographic Conditions

Column	: Agilent Zorbax Eclipse XDB C 18 column, 150 × 4.6 mm, 5µm or equivalent
Mobile Phase	: Buffer: ACN (90:10)
Wavelength	: 238 nm
Column Temp	: 25°C
Injection Volume	: 20 µL
Flow rate	: 1.5 mL/minute

Preparation of Buffer for Mobile Phase: Accurately weighed 6.8 g of potassium dihydrogen ortho-phosphate was dissolved in 1000 mL water. The buffer was filtered through 0.45µm nylon membrane filter. D. Summarization:

E. Core preparation:

1. Sotalol Tablets: Composition and process for Sotalol Tablets for experiment C1 & C2: Refer core preparation of experiment I3 2. Pantoprazole Pellets: 2.1 Composition of Pantoprazole Pellets (Drug Layering Method): Table 13: Composition of Pantoprazole Pellets:

NPS 20/25# (707 - 841 µm)		73.42
Pantoprazole Sodium Sesquihydrate		22.58
eq. to Pantoprazole 20%
HPMC 6cps		4.00
Water (q.s. for % w/w solids)		q.s. for 20.0%

2.2 Process for Pantoprazole Pellets: I. All the ingredients were weighed in required quantity. II. HPMC [6 cps] was dissolved in water using overhead stirrer, until a clear solution is obtained. III. Pantoprazole Sodium Sesquihydrate was sifted through 40 # (400 µm) sieve and added to solution of step II during continuous stirring. Continued stirring till clear solution is obtained. IV. Drug solution of step III was sifted through 40 # sieve and used for drug layering on NPS 20/25#. Table 14: General Process Parameters for Pantoprazole Pellets drug Layering:

Silicone tube inner diameter	mm	3.0
Air distribution plate	-	C
Column height	mm	20
Nozzle bore	mm	0.8

Table 14: General Process Parameters for Pantoprazole Pellets drug Layering:

Filter shaking mode	-	Asynchronous
Filter shaking	sec	5
Filter shaking pause	sec	50
Air flow mode	-	Auto

Table 14: General Process Parameters for Pantoprazole Pellets drug Layering:

Air flow	CFM	30-90
Atomization pressure	bar	1.0 - 1.4
Inlet temperature	°C	45-50
Product temperature	°C	32 - 38
Spray rate	g/min	3 - 8

3. Benazepril pellets: 3.1 Composition of Benazepril (Core) pellets: 3.2 Process for Benazepril pellets preparation for experiment C4 &C5:

1. I. All ingredients were weighed accurately.
2. II. Benazepril hydrochloride and lactose monohydrate were dissolved in sufficient quantity of purified water under continuous string.
3. III. In a separator beaker, HPMC 3 cps was dissolved in purified water under stirring.
4. IV. Aerosil^® 200 was homogenized in purified water for 15 minutes.
5. V. Step II solution was added to step III under stirring.
6. VI. Step IV dispersion was then added to step V under stirring.
7. VII. Step VI suspension was then filtered through #60 mesh and used it for drug layering on NPS.

Table 16: General Process Parameters for Benazepril pellets (core)

Silicone tube inner diameter	mm	3.0	3.0
Air distribution plat	-	B	B
Column height	mm	20	20
Nozzle bore	mm	0.8	0.8

Table 16: General Process Parameters for Benazepril pellets (core)

Filter shaking mode	-	Asynchronous	Asynchronous
Filter shaking	sec	5	5
Filter shaking pause	sec	100	100
Air flow mode	-	Auto	Auto

Table 16: General Process Parameters for Benazepril pellets (core)

Air flow	CFM	50 - 75	60-80
Atomization pressure	bar	1.0 - 1.1	1.2
Inlet temperature	°C	25 - 35	50-60
Product temperature	°C	20 - 25	40 - 44
Spray rate	g/min	2-8	3-13

F. Coating:

1. Coating composition for seal, intermediate and enteric coating of comparative experiments: 2. Process of seal, intermediate and enteric coating: 2.1 Seal coating: 2.1.1 Process of seal coating of Experiment C3: I. All the ingredients were weighed in required quantity. II. HPMC [6 cps] was dissolved in water using overhead stirrer, till a clear solution is obtained. III. Talc was added to step II solution slowly while stirring and resulted suspension was allowed to mix for 30 min. IV. Suspension was passed through 40# sieve and used for seal coating. Table 18: General Process Parameters for seal coating of comparative experiment C3:

Silicone tube inner diameter	mm	3.0
Air distribution plate	-	C
Column height	mm	15
Nozzle bore	mm	0.8

Table 18: General Process Parameters for seal coating of comparative experiment C3:

Filter shaking mode	-	Asynchronous
Filter shaking	sec	5
Filter shaking pause	sec	250
Air flow mode	-	Auto

Table 18: General Process Parameters for seal coating of comparative experiment C3:

Air flow	CFM	50-70
Atomization pressure	bar	1.0 - 1.4
Inlet temperature	°C	45-50
Product temperature	°C	33 - 37
Spray rate	g/min	3 - 8

2.2 Intermediate coating: 2.2.1 Process of intermediate coating of Experiment C2: I. Weighed all ingredients accurately. II. Weighed quantity of talc was dispersed in purified water under homogenizer for 30 min. III. Separately prepared citric acid solution was added in step II. IV. 1N NaOH solution required for neutralization of EUDRAGIT^® L30D-55 was prepared. V. In a separate glass beaker, TEC and Tween 80 were added in warmed purified water till to forms a clear solution. VI. The step V solution was then added to the step II dispersion under overhead stirrer for 10 to 15 min. VII. The required quantity EUDRAGIT^® L30D-55 was added to step II dispersion and mixed. VIII. The step VII dispersion was neutralized with step IV solution under continuous stirring to form a clear dispersion with required pH. IX. Suspension was passed through 40# sieve and used for intermediate coating. Table 19: General Process Parameters for intermediate coating of comparative experiment C2:

		Neocota
Silicone tube inner diameter	mm	3.0
Pan size	inch	14
Number of baffles	No.s	6

Table 19: General Process Parameters for intermediate coating of comparative experiment C2:

Pan RPM	RPM	2-10
Inlet temperature	°C	55-65
Product temperature	°C	30
Atomization pressure	bar	1.5
Spray rate	g/min	1 - 6

2.2.2 Process of intermediate coating of Experiment C3: I. All the ingredients were weighed in required quantity. II. Pharmacoat 606 was dissolved in purified water using overhead stirrer. III. Magnesium Carbonate was added to above solution slowly while stirring and resulted suspension was then allowed to mix for 30 min. IV. Suspension was passed through 40# sieve and used for intermediate coating. Table 20: General Process Parameters for intermediate coating of comparative experiment C3:

Silicone tube inner diameter	mm	3.0
Air distribution plate	-	C
Column height	mm	20
Nozzle bore	mm	0.8

Table 20: General Process Parameters for intermediate coating of comparative experiment C3:

Filter shaking mode	-	Asynchronous
Filter shaking	sec	5
Filter shaking pause	sec	250
Air flow mode	-	Auto

Table 20: General Process Parameters for intermediate coating of comparative experiment C3:

Air flow	CFM	50-70
Atomization pressure	bar	1.0 - 1.4
Inlet temperature	°C	41 -45
Product temperature	°C	33 - 37
Spray rate	g/min	3 - 8

2.2.3 Process for experiment C5 intermediate coating:

1. I. All the ingredients were weighed in required quantity.
2. II. Glycerin was dissolved in purified water.
3. III. HPMC (3 cps) was dissolved step II using overhead stirrer, till a clear solution is obtained.
4. IV. Magnesium oxide was added to above solution slowly while stirring and resulted suspension was allowed to mix for 30 min.
5. V. Suspension was passed through 40# sieve and used for intermediate coating on drug layered pellets.

2.3 Enteric coating: 2.3.1 Process of enteric coating of Experiment C1& C2:

• I. Weigh all ingredients as specified in the formula.
• II. Weighed quantity of talc was dispersed in purified water under homogenizer for 30 min.
• III. In a separate glass beaker, TEC was added in warmed purified water till to forms a clear solution.
• IV. The step III solution was added to the step II dispersion under overhead stirrer for 15 min.
• V. Weighed quantity EUDRAGIT® L30D-55 dispersion was added in to step IV dispersion and mixed.
• V. The prepared dispersion was passed through 40# sieve and used for enteric coating.

2.3.2 Process of enteric coating of Experiment C3:

1. I. All the ingredients were weighed in required quantity.
2. II. TEC and Talc were homogenized in water for 15 min then added slowly to the EUDRAGIT^® L 30 D-55 dispersion while stirring, resulted suspension was mixed for 30 min using overhead stirrer.
3. III. Suspension was passed through 40# sieve and used for enteric coating.

2.3.3 Process of enteric coating of Experiment C4:

1. I. All the ingredients were weighed in required quantity.
2. II. Add EUDRAGIT L30D-55 in 60% quantity of water under stirring.
3. III. Prepare 1N sodium hydroxide solution using part of remaining quantity of water.
4. IV. Add step III to step II slowly under stirring.
5. V. Add TEC & talc in remaining quantity of water and homogenize it for 30 minutes
6. VI. Add step V to step IV under stirring and continue stirring for 20 minutes.
7. VII. Suspension was passed through 40# sieve and used for enteric coating on intermediate coated pellets.

2.3.4 Process of enteric coating of Experiment C5: I. All the ingredients were weighed in required quantity. II. TEC and Talc were homogenized in water for 15 min then added slowly to the EUDRAGIT^® L 30 D-55 dispersion while stirring, resulted suspension was mixed for 30 min using overhead stirrer. III. Suspension was passed through 40# sieve and used for enteric coating on intermediate coated pellets. Table 21 (a): General Process Parameters for enteric coating of comparative experiment C1& C2:

		Neocota
Silicone tube inner diameter	mm	3.0
Pan size	inch	14
Number of baffles	No.s	6

Table 21 (a): General Process Parameters for enteric coating of comparative experiment C1& C2:

Pan RPM	RPM	6-14
Inlet temperature	°C	55-65
Product temperature	°C	28 - 32
Atomization pressure	bar	1.5
Spray rate	g/min	1 - 8

Table 21 (b): General Process Parameters for enteric coating of comparative experiment C3 & C4:

Silicone tube inner diameter	mm	3.0	3.0	3.0
Air distribution plate	-	B	B	B
Column height	mm	15	15	15-20
Nozzle bore	mm	0.8	0.8	0.8

Table 21 (b): General Process Parameters for enteric coating of comparative experiment C3 & C4:

Filter shaking mode	-	Asynchronous	Asynchronous	Asynchronous
Filter shaking	sec	5	5	5
Filter shaking pause	sec	250	100	250
Air flow mode	-	Auto	Auto	Auto

Table 21 (b): General Process Parameters for enteric coating of comparative experiment C3 & C4:

Air flow	CFM	40-70	63 - 76	70-80
Atomization pressure	bar	1.0 - 1.4	1.5	1.0
Inlet temperature	°C	35-39	52 - 55	38-41
Product temperature	°C	29 - 32	39 - 44	29-31
Spray rate	g/min	3-8	1 - 7	3-9

G. Analysis of enteric coated tablets / pellets: ANALYTICAL METHODOLOGY

1. Sotalol Tablets: Refer analytical methodology of step D(2). 2. Pantoprazole Pellets: A) Dissolution Conditions 1) Dissolution Parameters

Apparatus	: USP Type II
Dissolution Medium	: Acid stage medium for 2 hrs. followed by buffer stage medium (1 hr)
Volume of Medium	: 1000mL for acid stage, 1000 mL for buffer stage
Speed	: 50 rpm
Temperature	: 37°C ± 0.5°C
Withdrawal Volume	: 10ml
Sample Dilution	: Dilute 10 mL of Aliquot with 2 mL of 0.5 N Sodium

Hydroxide Solution immediately. 2) Dissolution mediums

1. I. Acid stage medium- 0.1 N HCl; Buffer stage medium- pH 5.5 buffer
2. II. Acid stage medium- 0.1 N HCl; Buffer stage medium- pH 4.5 buffer

3) Composition of dissolution mediums

1. 1) Buffer pH 5.5- 1 g of Potassium dihydrogen phosphate, 2 g of Di-potassium hydrogen phosphate and 8.5 g of Sodium chloride was weighed and transferred to 1-liter beaker. To this, 500 mL water was added, salts were dissolved, and volume was made up to 1000 mL with water. The pH was adjusted to 5.5 (± 0.05) using ortho-phosphoric acid.
2. 2) Buffer pH 4.5- Accurately weigh and transfer 2.99 g of Sodium acetate trihydrate to 1-liter beaker. To this add water to dissolve and make up volume to 1000 mL. Adjust the pH to 4.5 (±0.05) using glacial acetic acid.
3. 3) Buffer pH 3.0- Accurately weigh and transfer 8.98 gram of citric acid anhydrous and 2.13 gram of Trisodium citrate dihydrate in 1000ml of water. Sonicate to dissolve. Adjust it to pH 3.5 (±0.05) using dilute NaOH.
4. 4) Dissolution Procedure:
   • Acid Stage: Accurately weighed pellets of Pantoprazole were transferred in different dissolution jars and then the dissolution test was performed as per parameters given in the method above (Acid Stage). After 2 hours 10 mL of aliquot was removed, filtered through 0.45µm PVDF membrane syringe filter. 1 mL was immediately diluted with 1 mL of 0.5 N sodium hydroxide solution and analyzed as acid stage sample solution.
   • Buffer Stage: The pellets after acid stage were transferred to buffer stage medium. The dissolution test was continued as per parameters given in the method above (Buffer Stage). The aliquots of each interval ware filtered through 0.45µm PVDF membrane syringe filter discarding first few mL of the filtrate. 1 mL was immediately diluted with 1 mL of 0.5 N sodium hydroxide solution and analyzed as buffer stage sample solution.

B) Chromatographic Conditions Chromatographic Conditions

Column	: Agilent Zorbax XDB Eclipse C8 column, 150 × 4.6 mm, 5µm
Mobile Phase	: Water: Acetonitrile: Triethylamine (60:40:1) pH adjusted to 7.0 (+0.05) with orthophosphoric acid
Wavelength	: 290 nm
Column Temp	: 30°C
Injection volume	: 10 µL
Flow rate	: 1.0 mL/minute

3. Benazepril Pellets: A) Dissolution Conditions 1) Dissolution Parameters

Apparatus	: USP Type II
Dissolution Medium	: Acid stage medium for 2 hrs followed by buffer stage medium (1 hr)
Volume of Medium	: 750mL for acid stage, 1000 mL for buffer stage
Speed	: 50 rpm
Temperature	: 37°C ± 0.5°C
Withdrawal Volume	:10ml

2) Dissolution mediums

1. I. Acid stage medium - 0.1 N HCl; Buffer stage medium- pH 5.5 buffer
2. II. Acid stage medium - 0.1 N HCl; Buffer stage medium- pH 4.5 buffer
3. III. Acid stage medium - 0.1 N HCl; Buffer stage medium- pH 3.0 buffer

3) Composition of dissolution mediums

1. 1) Buffer pH 5.5- 1 g of Potassium dihydrogen phosphate, 2 g of Di-potassium hydrogen phosphate and 8.5 g of Sodium chloride was weighed and transferred to 1 liter beaker. To this, 500 mL water was added, salts were dissolved and volume was made up to 1000 mL with water. The pH was adjusted to 5.5 (± 0.05) using ortho-phosphoric acid
2. 2) Buffer pH 4.5- 1 g of Potassium dihydrogen phosphate, 2 g of Di-potassium hydrogen phosphate and 8.5 g of Sodium chloride was weighed and transferred to 1 liter beaker. To this, 500 mL water was added, salts were dissolved, and volume was made up to 1000 mL with water. The pH was adjusted to 4.5 (± 0.05) using ortho-phosphoric acid
3. 3) Buffer pH 3.0- 1 g of Potassium dihydrogen phosphate, 2 g of Di-potassium hydrogen phosphate and 8.5 g of Sodium chloride was weighed and transferred to 1-liter beaker. To this, 500 mL water was added, salts were dissolved, and volume was made up to 1000 mL with water. The pH was adjusted to 3.0 (± 0.05) using ortho-phosphoric acid
4. 4) Dissolution Procedure:
   • Acid Stage: Accurately weighed pellets of Benazepril hydrochloride were transferred in different dissolution jars and then the dissolution test was performed as per parameters given in the method above (Acid Stage). After 2 hours 10 mL of aliquot was removed and analysed as acid stage sample solution.
   • Buffer Stage: The pellets after acid stage were transferred to buffer stage medium. The dissolution test was continued as per parameters given in the method above (Buffer Stage). The aliquots of each interval ware filtered through 0.45µm nylon membrane syringe filter discarding first few mL of the filtrate and analysed as buffer stage sample solution.

B) Chromatographic Conditions

Column	: Agilent Zorbax Eclipse XDB C18 column, 150 × 4.6 mm, 5µm or equivalent
Mobile Phase	: Buffer: MeOH (36:64)
Wavelength	: 240 nm
Column Temp	: 25°C
Injection Volume	: 20 µL
Flow rate	: 1 mL/minute

Preparation of Buffer for Mobile Phase: Accurately weighed 2.25 g of Tetra butyl ammonium bromide transferred in 500 mL water and dissolved. 0.55 mL of Glacial acetic acid added to it and volume was made up to 1000 mL with water. The buffer was filtered through 0.45µm nylon membrane filter. H. Summarization:

Claims (15)

1. Dosage form, comprising a biologically active ingredient for use in treating or preventing of a disease in the animal or human body, which treatment or prevention requires the release of 50 % or more of the biologically active ingredient in the small intestine within the pH range from 3 up to 5.5, wherein the dosage form comprises:

   a) a core, comprising the biologically active ingredient,

   b) an intermediate coating layer (ICL) onto or above the core, comprising an alkaline agent and

   c) an enteric coating layer (ECL) onto or above the intermediate coating layer, comprising an enteric polymer,

   wherein the relation of the alkaline agent to the enteric polymer is 5 to 95 % when calculated by the formula: wherein biologically active ingredients which are proton-pump inhibitors belonging to the class of substituted benzimidazole compounds are excepted.
2. Dosage form according to Claim 1, wherein the release of the biologically active ingredient is 10 % or less at pH 1.2 for 120 min and 50 % or more at a pH from 3 to 5.5 for 45 min.
3. Dosage form, according to Claim 1 or 2, wherein the disease(s) and the class of biologically active ingredients for treating or preventing the disease(s) are selected from gastrointestinal lavage and laxatives, inflammatory bowel diseases and corticosteroids, hypercholesterolemia or hypertriglyceridemia and statins, CHF and glycosides, arrhythmia and stereoisomers of quinidine, cancer and plant alkaloids, bacterial infections and antibiotics, HIV and nucleosides, pancreatic insufficiency and lipases, major depressive disorder (MDD) or seasonal affective disorder (SAD) or an aid for smoking cessation and norepinephrine/dopamine-reuptake inhibitors (NDRI), pain or inflammation and NSAIDs, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis or ankylosing spondylitis and NSAIDs, Parkinson's disease and dopamine precursors, malaria and antimalarials, hypertension and beta-blockers, diabetes and biguanides, edema or chronic renal insufficiency and benzoic-sulfonamide-furans, mild to severe heart failure, left ventricular dysfunction after myocardial infarction with ventricular ejection fraction ≤40% hypertension and beta adrenoceptor blockers, systemic fungal infections and antifungals, hyperlipoproteinemia or hypertriglyceridemia and fibrate antilipemics, heart failure and mineralocorticoid hormones, cancer and anthracycline antibiotics, hypertension, angina or cluster headache prophylaxis and calcium channel blockers, and atrial fibrillation and beta blockers.
4. Dosage form, according to any of Claims 1 to 3, wherein the disease(s) and the biologically active ingredient associated for treating or preventing the disease(s) are selected from gastrointestinal lavage and bisacodyl, inflammatory bowel diseases and budesonide, hypercholesterolemia or hypertriglyceridemia and fluvastatin, CHF and digoxin, arrhythmia and quinidine, cancer and etoposide, bacterial infections and erythromycin, penicillin G, ampicillin, streptomycin, clarithromycin or azithromycin, HIV and dideoxyinosine (ddl or didanosine), dideoxyadenosine (ddA) or dideoxycytosine (ddC), pancreatic insufficiency and lipases, major depressive disorder (MDD) or seasonal affective disorder (SAD) or an aid for smoking cessation and bupropion, pain and inflammation, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis or ankylosing spondylitis and acetyl salicylic acid (Aspirin^®), diclofenac or indomethacin, parkinson's disease and levodopa, malaria and hydroxychloroquine sulphate, hypertension and atenolol, diabetes and metformin hydrochloride, edema or chronic renal insufficiency and benzoic-sulfonamide-furans, mild to severe heart failure, left ventricular dysfunction after myocardial infarction with ventricular ejection fraction ≤40% hypertension and furosemide, systemic fungal infections and ketoconazole, hyperlipoproteinemia or hypertriglyceridemia and fenofibrate, heart failure and aldosteron, cancer and doxorubicin, hypertension, angina or cluster headache prophylaxis and verapamil, and atrial fibrillation and sotalol.
5. Dosage form according to any of Claims 1 to 4, wherein the disease is atrial fibrillation and the biologically active ingredient for treating or preventing the disease is sotalol.
6. Dosage form, according to one or more of Claims 1 to 5, wherein the core comprises the biologically active ingredient distributed in a matrix structure or bound in a binder in a coating on an inner core.
7. Dosage form, to one or more of Claims 1 to 6, wherein the alkaline agent is an alkali or an earth alkali metal salt.
8. Dosage form, according to one or more of Claims 1 to 7, wherein the alkaline agent is selected from calcium oxide, calcium carbonate, magnesium carbonate, magnesium oxide, sodium carbonate, sodium bicarbonate and sodium hydroxide or any combinations thereof.
9. Dosage form, according to one or more of Claims 1 to 8, wherein the alkaline agent is magnesium carbonate or magnesium oxide.
10. Dosage form, according to one or more of Claims 1 to 9, wherein the intermediate coating layer further comprises a plasticizer and/or a polymeric binder.
11. Dosage form, according to one or more of Claims 1 to 10, wherein the enteric polymer in the enteric coating layer is selected from anionic (meth)acrylate copolymers, anionic celluloses, anionic polysaccharides and polyvinyl acetate phthalates or any mixtures thereof.
12. Dosage form, according to one or more of Claims 1 to 11, wherein the anionic (meth)acrylate copolymers are selected from copolymers comprising polymerized units of methacrylic acid and ethyl acrylate, of methacrylic acid and methyl methacrylate and of methacrylic acid, methyl acrylate and methyl methacrylate or any mixtures thereof.
13. Dosage form, according to one or more of Claims 1 to 12, wherein the anionic celluloses are selected from carboxymethyl ethyl cellulose and its salts, cellulose acetate phthalate, cellulose acetate succinate, cellulose acetate trimellitate, hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose phthalate and hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose acetate succinate or any mixtures thereof.
14. Dosage form, according to one or more of Claims 1 to 13, wherein the intermediate coating layer is present in an amount of 5 to 100, preferably 7.5 to 50 % by weight calculated on the weight of the core.
15. Dosage form, according to one or more of Claims 1 to 14, wherein the enteric coating layer is present in an amount of 5 to 50 % by weight calculated on the weight of the core and the intermediate layer.