Patent ID: 6835396
Filing Date: 2004-12-28
Classification: A61K

Abstract:
A process for preparing submicron sized particles comprising the steps of:providing an organic phase of a pharmacologically active compound dissolved in a water immiscible solvent; providing an aqueous phase with a surface active compound selected from the group consisting of an anionic surfactant, a cationic surfactant, a zwitterionic surfactant, a nonionic surfactant, and a biological surface active molecule; combining the organic phase with the aqueous phase to form a crude dispersion; and providing energy to the crude dispersion to form a fine dispersion, wherein the energy is provided by a sonication device having a transducer for emitting sonic energy, and wherein the crude dispersion is exposed to the sonic energy sufficient to allow for cavitation to occur; freezing the fine dispersion; lyophilizing the frozen dispersion to obtain particles having a mean particle size of less than 500 nm.