| abstract |
The invention provides a delivery device for the delayed release of an active agent in the gastrointestinal tract comprising a core, comprising an active agent; a first outer coating, comprising a relatively hydrophobic substantially water insoluble polymer having substantially water insoluble hydrophilic particles embedded therein; and a first inner coating layer, comprising an agent that can cause the dissolution of at least one of the water insoluble components of the outer coating, and optionally a water soluble polymer, such that the insoluble particles in the outer coating, upon absorption of liquid, form channels leading to the inner coating layer, thus enabling the dissolution thereof, whereby the agents contained therein are released to cause the dissolution and/or degradation (destruction) of the outer coating, and the release of the pharmaceutically acceptable active agent from the core of the device. |