Osmotic capsules: A universal oral, controlled-release drug delivery dosage form.

An osmotic, oral, controlled-release capsule is described. This capsule provides drug delivery at fixed delivery rates (T(80%)=6 or 14h) independent of drug properties (e.g., solubility) or drug loading, thereby allowing rapid development of investigational or commercial drugs, especially for proof-of-concept type clinical studies. The capsule body and cap are prepared with cellulose acetate and polyethylene glycol in acetone and water using high density polyethylene molds as templates and a conventional tablet pan coater. After the shells are removed from the molds manually, a laser hole is drilled in the end of the capsule body. The drug is introduced as a shaped tablet admixed with polyethylene oxide. A "push" tablet consisting of high molecular weight polyethylene oxide, microcrystalline cellulose, and sodium chloride is also inserted into the capsule body. The capsule halves lock together due to ridges, alleviating the need for a banding operation.