MULTIPLE UNIT TABLETED DOSAGE FORM CONTAINING PROTON PUMP INHIBITOR

Abstract: A new pharmaceutical multiple unit tableted dosage form containing an acid labile, pharmaceutically active substance with gastric inhibitory effect, or one of its single enantiomers or an alkaline salt thereof, a method for the manufacture of such a formulation, and the use of such a formulation in medicine.

Description: Multiple unit tabletted dosage form containing proton pump inhibitor. Field of the invention The present invention is related to new pharmaceutical preparations in the form of a multiple unit tableted dosage form comprising acid labile heterocydic compounds or one of its single enantiomers or alkaline salts thereof with gastric add inhibitory effect. The novel tableted dosage form is intended for oral use. Furthermore, the present invention refers to a method for the manufacture of such preparations and, to the use of such preparations in medidne. Background of the invention Add labile heterocydic compounds with gastric inhibitory effect are for instance compounds described in EP-A1 -0005129, WO 90/06925 and WO 91/19712. The following compounds I and LI are of specific interest for the novel tableted dosage form according to the present invention 5-Carbomemoxy-6-methyl-2-[[(3,4-o methoxy-2-pyridiι-yl)-methyl]sulfinyl-lH- benzimidazole and 5-Fluoro-2-[[(4-cyclopropylmethoxy-2-pyridinyl)methyl]sulfinyl]-lH- benzimidazole. Compounds I and II used in the compositions of the invention may be used in neutral form or in the form of an alkaline salt, such as for instance the Mg , Ca , Na or K salts, preferably Mg salts. These compounds may be used in racemic form or in the form of one of its single enantiomers. The latter are described in PCT/SE 94/00510 and PCT/SE 94/00511 both filed on May 27, 1994. These active substances are, as already mentioned, useful for inhibiting gastric add secretion in mammals and man. In a more general sense, they may be used for prevention and treatment of gastric acid related diseases in mammals and man, induding e.g. reflux esophagitis, gastritis, duodenitis, gastric ulcer and duodenal ulcer. Furthermore, they may be used for treatment of other gastrointestinal disorders where gastric acid inhibitory effect is desirable e.g. in patients on NSAID therapy, in patients with Non Ulcer Dyspepsia, in patients with symptomatic gastro-esophageal reflux disease, and in patients with gastrinomas. They may also be used in patients in intensive care situations, in patients with acute upper gastrointestinal bleeding, pre-and postoperatively to prevent acid aspiration of gastric add and to prevent and treat stress ulceration. Further, they may be useful in the treatment of psoriasis as well as in the treatment of Helicobacter infections and diseases related to these. These compounds with gastric inhibitory effect are, however, susceptible to degradation/transformation in addic and neutral media. The degradation is catalyzed by acidic compounds and they are usually stabilized in mixtures with alkaline compounds. The stability of the compounds is also affected by moisture, heat, organic solvents and to some degree by light. In respect to the stability properties of these addic susceptible compounds, it is obvious that the active compound in an oral solid dosage form must be protected from contact with the addic gastric juice and must be transferred in intact form to that part of the gastrointestinal tract where pH is near neutral and where rapid absorption of the pharmaceutically active substance can occur. A pharmaceutical oral dosage form of the specific active compound is best protected from contact with addic gastric juice by an enteric coating layer. In US- A 4,853,230 enteric coated preparations of acid labile substances are described. Said preparations contain an alkaline core comprising the active substance, a separating layer and an enteric coating layer. In order to further enhance the stability during storage the prepared formulation may optionally be packed with a desiccant. There has been a demand for development of new enteric coating layered multiple unit preparations with good chemical and mechanical stability making it possible to produce well functioning and patient-friendly packages, such as for instance blister package. Furthermore, there is a demand for formulations having an improved patient acceptance, such as divisible and/or dispersible tablets. A good mechanical stability can be obtained with an enteric coating layered tablet (WO 95/01783 describes such a tablet comprising the add labile compound, omeprazole). However, only an enteric coating layered multiple unit tablet can be made divisible and dispersible. A further advantage of a multiple unit dosage form is that it disperses into a multitude of small units in the stomach upon administration. Prior art discloses many different types of multiple unit dosage forms. Usually this type of formulation is requested for controlled release formulations, such as sustained release formulations. Typically, the multiple unit formulation may be a tablet which disintegrates in the stomach to make available a multitude of coated units, or pellets filled in a capsule. (See for example EP 0 080341 and US-A 4,853,230). An example to obtain a controlled release dosage form releasing the active substance by diffusion through a membrane is described in US-A 4,927,640, i.e. a multiple-unit system containing small inert cores coated with active substance and a release controlling polymeric membrane. The mechanical properties of such multiple units formulated into tablets are reported in Pharmaceutical Research, 10 (1993), p. S-274. Other examples of controlled release dosage forms are for example described in Aulton M.E. (Churchill Livingstone), Pharmaceutics: The sdence of dosage form design (1988), p. 316-321. Even if there are examples in the prior art mentioning that pellets may be formulated into tablets, there are no examples describing any compositions of such a tablet formulation or a technique to manufacture such a formulation comprising an acid labile substance. In practice, problems arise when enteric coating layered pellets, espedally containing addic susceptible substances are compressed into tablets. If the enteric coating layer does not withstand the compression of the pellets into a tablet the susceptible active substance will be destroyed by penetrating addic gastric juice, i.e. the add resistance of the enteric coating layer of the pellets will not be suffident in the tablet after compression. The above described problems are well illustrated in Reference Examples below. Further, controlled release tablets from enteric coated particles are described in Drugs Made In Germany, 37 No. 2 (1994), p. 53. The teaching in this reference is that a combination of a methacrylic add copolymer (L30D-55) and a copolymer of ethyl acrylate and methyl methacrylate (NE30D) is suitable as coating polymers for enteric coated partides compressed into tablets. Reference Example HI shows that this recommendation is not applicable when formulating multiple unit tableted dosage forms of acidic susceptible substances. The add resistance of the pellets compressed into a tablet is too low. The cited reference Drugs Made In Germany also states that the use of the copolymer L30D-55 without the addition of the copolymer NE30D as material for enteric coating layers will result in coated pellets which cannot withstand compression forces used during the tableting process. With reference to this statement it is surprisingly found that pellets covered with L30D-55 according to this invention, see Examples below, are possible to compress into tablets with fulfilled requirements induding acceptable add resistance of the tablet. The Applicant is not aware of any working example in the prior art of a multiple unit tableted dosage form comprising an add labile heterocydic compound. Description of the invention The Applicant has now surprisingly found that tablets according to the present invention comprising enteric coating layered units containing an add labile heterocydic compound in the form of compound I or II, or one of its single enantiomers or an alkaline salt thereof can be manufactured by compressing said units into tablets without significantly affecting the properties of the enteric coating layer. As explained above, if the enteric coating layer is damaged during compression of the enteric coating layered units the add resistance of said enteric coating layer in the manufactured tablet will not be suffident and the manufactured tablets will not fulfill standard requirements on enteric coated articles, such as e.g. those defined in the United States Pharmacopeia, hereby incorporated in a whole by reference. In the following the expression "compounds I and II, respectively" is induding the single enantiomers of said compounds as well as an alkaline salt of said compound or of one of its single enantiomers. One object of the present invention is to provide a pharmaceutical multiple unit tableted dosage form comprising compound I or π or one of its single enantiomers or an alkaline salt thereof, in which the active substance is in the form of individually enteric coating layered units compressed into a tablet. The enteric coating layer(s) covering the individual units of active substance has properties such that the compression of the units into a tablet does not significantly affect the add resistance of the individually enteric coating layered units. The active substance is prevented from degradation and dissolution in addic media and has a good stability during long-term storage. The enteric coating layer covering the individual units disintegrates /dissolves rapidly in near neutral or alkaline media. Another object of the present invention is to provide a pharmaceutical multiple unit tableted dosage form comprising compound I or II or one of its single enantiomers or an alkaline salt thereof which is suitable for press- through blister packages and which also has improved patient acceptance. A further object of the present invention is to provide a multiple unit tableted dosage form comprising compound I or π or one of its single enantiomers or an alkaline salt thereof which is divisible and easy to handle. The multiple unit tableted dosage form may be dispersed in an aqueous liquid and can be given to patients with swallowing disorders and in pediatrics. Such a suspension of dispersed enteric coating layered units of appropriate size can be used for oral administration and also for feeding through a naso-gastric tube. Detailed description of the invention. The novel multiple unit tableted dosage form comprising compound I or II or one of its single enantiomers or an alkaline salt thereof is characterized in the following way. Individually enteric coating layered units containing the active substance, and optionally alkaline substances, are mixed with tablet exdpients and compressed into multiple unit tableted dosage forms. With the expression "individual units" is meant small beads, particles, granules or pellets, in the following referred to as pellets. The compaction process (compression) for formulating the multiple unit tableted dosage form must not significantly affect the add resistance of the enteric coating layered pellets. In other words the mechanical properties, such as the flexibility and hardness as well as the thid iess, of the enteric coating layer(s) must secure that the requirements on enteric coated articles in the United States Pharmacopeia are accomplished and that the add resistance does not decrease more than 10 % during the compression of pellets into tablets. The flexibility/hardness of enteric coating layers can be characterized for instance as Vickers hardness measured with a Shimadzu micro hardness indentation tester type HMV 2 000. The acid resistance is defined as the amount of active substance in tablets or pellets after being exposed to simulated gastric fluid, USP, or to 0.1 M HCl(aq) relative to that of unexposed tablets or pellets, respectively. The test is accomplished in the following way. Tablets or pellets are exposed to simulated gastric fluid at a temperature of 37°C The tablets disintegrate and release the enteric coating layered pellets to the medium. After two hours the pellets are removed and analyzed for content of active substance using High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC). Presented values of add resistance are averages of at least three individual determinations. Core material The core material for the individually enteric coating layered pellets can be constituted according to different prindples. Seeds layered with active substance in the form of compounds I and II, respectively, or one of its single enantiomers or an alkaline salt thereof, optionally mixed with alkaline compounds, can be used as the core material for the further processing. The seeds, which are to be layered with the active substance, can be water insoluble seeds comprising different oxides, celluloses, organic polymers and other materials, alone or in mixtures or water soluble seeds comprising different inorganic salts, sugars, non-pareils and other materials, alone or in mixtures. Further, the seeds may comprise active substance in the form of crystals, agglomerates, compacts etc. The size of the seeds is not essential for the present invention and may vary between approximately 0.1 and 2 mm. The seeds layered with active substance are produced either by powder or solution/suspension layering using for instance granulating or spray coating/layering equipment. Before the seeds are layered, the active substance may be mixed with further components. Such components can be binders, surfactants, fillers, disintegrating agents, alkaline additives or other pharmaceutically acceptable ingredients, alone or in mixtures. The binders are for example celluloses such as hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose and carboxymethylcellulose sodium, polyvinyl pyrrolidone, sugars, starches and other pharmaceutically acceptable substances with cohesive properties. Suitable surfactants are found in the groups of pharmaceutically acceptable non-ionic or ionic surfactants such as for instance sodium lauryl sulfate. Alternatively, the compounds I and II, respectively, optionally mixed with alkaline compounds and further mixed with suitable constituents can be formulated into core material. Said core materials may be produced by extrusion /spheronization, balling or compression utilizing different process equipments. The size of the formulated core materials is approximately between 0.1 and 4 mm and preferably between 0.1 and 2 mm. The manufactured core materials can further be layered with additional ingredients comprising active substance and/or be used for further processing. The active substance is mixed with pharmaceutical constituents to obtain preferred handling and processing properties and a suitable concentration of the active substance in the final mixture. Pharmaceutical constituents such as fillers, binders, lubricants, disintegrating agents, surfactants and other pharmaceutically acceptable additives, can be used. The active substance may also be mixed with an alkaline pharmaceutically acceptable substance (or substances). Such substances can be chosen among, but are not restricted to, substances such as the sodium, potassium, caldum, magnesium and aluminium salts of phosphoric add, carbonic acid, citric acid or other suitable weak inorganic or organic adds; aluminium hydroxide/sodium bicarbonate copredpitate; substances normally used in antadd preparations such as aluminium, caldum and magnesium hydroxides; magnesium oxide or composite substances, such as Al 2 0 3 .6MgO.C0 2 .12H 2 0, (Mg 6 Al 2 (OH) 16 C0 3 .4H 2 0), Mg0.Al 2 0 3 . 2Si0 2 .nH 2 0 or similar compounds; organic pH-buffering substances such as trmydroxymethylaminomethane, basic amino adds and their salts or other similar, pharmaceutically acceptable pH-buffering substances. Alternatively, the aforementioned core material can be prepared by using spray drying or spray congealing technique. The active substance is in the form of 5-fluoro-2[[(4-cyclopropylmethoxy-2- pyricUnyl)methyl]-sulfinyl]-lH-benzimidazole, 5-carbomethoxy-6-methyl-2-[[(3,4- dimethoxy-2-pyridinyl)methyl]sulfinyl-lH-benzimidazole, respectively, or one of its single enantiomers or an alkaline salt thereof. These compounds have an asymmetric centre in the sulfur atom, i.e. exists as two optical isomers (enantiomers). Both the pure enantiomers, racemic mixtures (50 % of each enantiomer) and unequal mixtures of the two enantiomers are suitable for the pharmaceutical formulation according to the present invention. Enteric coating layer(s) Before applying enteric coating layer(s) onto the core material in the form of individual pellets, said pellets may optionally be covered with one or more separating layers comprising pharmaceutical excipients optionally including alkaline compounds such as for instance pH-buffering compounds. This/these separating layer(s) separate(s) the core material from the outer layer(s) being enteric coating layer(s). The separating layer(s) can be applied to the core material by coating or layering procedures in suitable equipments such as coating pan, coating granulator or in a fluidized bed apparatus using water and/or organic solvents for the coating process. As an alternative the separating layer(s) can be applied to the core material by using powder coating technique. The materials for separating layers are pharmaceutically acceptable compounds such as, for instance, sugar, polyethylene glycol, polyvinylpyrrolidone, polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinyl acetate, hydroxypropyl cellulose, methylcellulose, ethylcellulose, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, carboxymethylcellulose sodium and others, used alone or in mixtures. Additives such as plastidzers, colorants, pigments, fillers, anti-tacking and anti-static agents, such as for instance magnesium stearate, titanium dioxide, talc and other additives may also be induded into the separating layer(s). When the optional separating layer(s) is applied to the core material it may constitute a variable thickness. The maximum thickness of the optional separating layer(s) is normally only limited by processing conditions. The separating layer(s) may serve as a diffusion barrier and may act as a pH-buffering zone. The pH- buffering properties of the separating layer(s) can be further strengthened by introdudng into the layer(s) substances chosen from a group of compounds usually used in antadd formulations such as, for instance, magnesium oxide, hydroxide or carbonate, aluminium or caldum hydroxide, carbonate or silicate; composite aluminium/magnesium compounds such as, for instance Al 2 O 3 .6MgO.C0 2 .12H 2 0, (Mg 6 Al 2 (OH) 16 C0 3 .4H 2 0), MgO.A ^. 2Si0 2 .nH 2 0 aluminium hydroxide/sodium bicarbonate copredpitate or similar compounds; or other pharmaceutically acceptable pH-buffering compounds such as, for instance the sodium, potassium, caldum, magnesium and aluminium salts of phosphoric, carbonic, dtric or other suitable, weak, inorganic or organic acids; or suitable organic bases, induding basic amino acids and salts thereof. Talc or other compounds may be added to increase the thickness of the layer(s) and thereby strenghten the diffusion barrier. The optionally applied separating layer(s) is not essential for the invention. However the separating layer(s) may improve the chemical stability of the active substance and/or the physical properties of the novel multiple unit tableted dosage form. One or more enteric coating layers are applied onto the core material or onto the core material covered with separating layer(s) by using a suitable coating technique. The enteric coating layer material may be dispersed or dissolved in either water or in suitable organic solvents. As enteric coating layer polymers one or more separately or in combination of the following can be used; e.g. solutions or dispersions of methacrylic add copolymers, cellulose acetate phthalate, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose phthalate, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose acetate succinate, polyvinyl acetate phthalate, cellulose acetate trimellitate, carboxymethylethylcellulose, shellac or other suitable enteric coating layer polymer(s). The enteric coating layers contain pharmaceutically acceptable plasticizers to obtain the desired mechanical properties, such as flexibility and hardness of the enteric coating layers. Such plasticizers are for instance, but not restricted to, triacetin, citric acid esters, phthalic acid esters, dibutyl sebacate, cetyl alcohol, polyethylene glycols, polysorbates or other plasticizers. The amount of plastidzer is optimized for each enteric coating layer formula, in relation to selected enteric coating layer polymer(s), selected plastiάzer(s) and the applied amount of said polymer(s), in sud a way that the mechanical properties, i.e. flexibility and hardness of the enteric coating layer(s) for instance exemplified as Vickers hardness, are adjusted so that the add resistance of the pellets covered with enteric coating layer(s) does not decrease significantly during the compression of pellets into tablets. The amount of plastidzer is usually above 10 % by weight of the enteric coating layer polymer(s), preferably 15 - 50 % and more preferably 20 - 50 %. Additives such as dispersants, colorants, pigments, polymers e.g. poly(ethylacrylat, methylmethacrylat), anti-tacking and anti- foaming agents may also be induded into the enteric coating layer(s). Other compounds may be added to increase film thickness and to decrease diffusion of addic gastric juices into the addic susceptible material. To protect an acidic susceptible substance and to obtain an acceptable acid resistance of the multiple unit tableted dosage form according to the invention, the enteric coating layer(s) constitutes a thickness of approximately at least 10 μm, preferably more than 20 μm. The maximum thickness of the applied enteric coating layer(s) is normally only limited by processing conditions. Over-coating layer Pellets covered with enteric coating layer(s) may further be covered with one or more over-coating layer(s). The over-coating layer(s) can be applied to the enteric coating layered pellets by coating or layering procedures in suitable equipments such as coating pan, coating granulator or in a fluidized bed apparatus using water and/or organic solvents for the coating or layering process. The materials for over-coating layers are pharmaceutically acceptable compounds such as, for instance, sugar, polyethylene glycol, polyvinyl-pyrrolidone, polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinyl acetate, hydroxypropyl cellulose, methylcellulose, ethylcellulose, hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose, carboxymethyl-cellulose sodium and others, used alone or in mixtures. Additives such as plastidzers, colorants, pigments, fillers, anti-tacking and anti-static agents, such as for instance magnesium stearate, titanium dioxide, talc and other additives may also be induded into the over¬ coating layer(s). Said over-coating layer may further prevent potential agglomeration of coated pellets, further protect the enteric coating towards cracking during the compaction process and enhance the tableting process. The maximum thickness of the applied over-coating layer(s) is normally only limited by processing conditions. Tablets The enteric coating layered pellets are mixed with tablet excipients and compressed into a multiple unit tableted dosage form according to the present -invention. The enteric coating layered pellets with or without an over-coating layer are mixed with tablet exdpients such as fillers, binders, disintegrants, lubricants and other pharmaceutically acceptable additives and compressed into tablets. The compressed tablet is optionally coated with filmforming agent(s) to obtain a smooth surface of the tablet and further enhance the stability of the tablet during packaging and transport. Such a tablet coating layer may further comprise additives like anti-tacking agents, colorants and pigments or other additives to obtain a tablet of good appearance. The amount of enteric coating layered pellets constitutes less than 75% by weight of the total tablet weight and preferably less than 60 %. By choosing small enteric coating layered pellets in the formulation according to the present invention, the number of pellets in each tablet can be held high which in turn makes the tablet divisible with retained dosing accuracy. The mechanical properties, i.e. the flexibility and hardness of the enteric coating layer are essential for the acid resistance of the multiple unit tableted dosage form. The flexibility/hardness of the enteric coating layer surface may be characterized as a preliminary process parameter in the form of Vickers hardness, measured on enteric coating layered pellet(s) before compression of said pellets into tablets. The Vickers hardness may be measured with a Shimadzu micro hardness indentation tester type HMV 2000 (Micro Hardness Testing Machines for Vickers and Knoop Hardness JIS B 7734-1984 and JIS Z 2251-1980). The ability of the enteric coating layer(s) to withstand compression into tablets is, of course, a function of both the amount of applied coating layer and the mechanical properties of said coating layer material. To obtain well functioning enteric coating layered pellets with a reasonable amount of enteric coating layer material and which pellets can be compressed into tablets without significantly affecting the add resistance, an enteric coating layer surface with a Vickers hardness of less than 8 is preferred. In case the pellets are covered with an over-coating layer the Vickers hardness of the enteric coating layer must be characterized before the over-coating layer is applied. A harder over-coating layer (Vickers hardness higher than 8) can be applied on top of a flexible and softer (Vickers hardness less than 8) enteric coating layer with retained add resistance during compaction. Thus, the formulation according to the invention consists of core material containing active substance in the form of compounds I and II, respectively mixed with alkaline compound(s), and exdpients. The addition of an alkaline material may not be necessary, but such a substance may further enhance the stability of the active substance. The core material is optionally covered with one or more separating layer(s) optionally containing alkaline substance(s). The pellets, optionally covered with a separating layer(s), are then covered with one or more enteric coating layer(s) making the pellets insoluble in addic media, but disintegrating/dissolving in near neutral J alkaline media such as, for instance the liquids present in the proximal part of the small intestine, the site where dissolution is wanted. The enteric coating layered pellets may further be covered with an over-coating layer before being formulated into the multiple unit tableted dosage form. Process The process for the manufacture of the dosage form represents a further aspect of the invention. The pharmaceutical processes can preferably be completely water- based and there are different descriptions given in the accompanying examples below. Use of preparation The preparation according to the invention is also espedally advantageous in redudng gastric add secretion. Such a multiple unit tableted dosage form is administered one to several times a day. The typical daily dose of the active substance varies and will depend on various factors such as the individual requirements of the patients, the mode of administration and disease. In general the daily dose will be in the range of 1-1000 mg of active substance. The preparation according to the present invention is also suitable for dispersion in an aqueous liquid with neutral or slightly addic pH-value before being orally administered or fed through a naso-gastric tube. The invention is illustrated more in detail by the following examples. EXAMPLES Example 1 Core material 5-Huoro-2[[(4-cydopropylmethoxy-2-pyridinyl)methyl]-sulfinyl]-lH- benzimidazole sodium 312 g Sugar sphere seeds 300 g Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose 80 g Purified water 1 520 g Separating layer Core material 300 g Hydroxypropyl cellulose 21 g Talc 37 g Magnesium stearate 2 g Purified water 400 g Enteric coating layer Pellets covered with separating layer 300 g Methacrylic add copolymer 285 g Triethyl dtrate 85.5 g Mono- and diglycerides 14 g Polysorbate 80 1 g Purified water 557 g Tablets Enteric coating layered pellets 150 g Microcrystalline cellulose - 349 g Sodium stearyl fumarate 1 g Solution layering is performed in a fluid bed apparatus using bottom spray technique. 5-Huoro-2[[(4-cydopropylmethoxy-2-pyridinyl)methyl]-sulfinyl]-lH- benzimidazole sodium is sprayed onto sugar sphere seeds from a water solution containing the dissolved binder. The size of sugar sphere seeds are in the range of 0.25 to 0.35 mm. The prepared core material is covered with separating layer in a fluid bed apparatus with a hydroxypropyl cellulose solution containing talc and magnesium stearate. The enteric coating layer is sprayed as a water dispersion onto the pellets covered with separating layer in a fluid bed apparatus. The Vickers hardness on enteric coating layered pellets is measured to a value of 2. Enteric coating layered pellets and tablet excipients are mixed and compressed into tablets using a single punch tableting machine using 12 mm round punches. Hardness of tablet measured on a Schleuniger hardness tester is determined to 95 - 116 N. Example 2 Core material 5-Carbomethoxy-6-methyl-2-[[(3,4-dimethoxy-2-pyridinyl)methyl]sulfinyl- lH-benzimidazole magnesium 600 g Mannitol 1000 g Microcrystalline cellulose 300 g Hydroxypropyl cellulose 100 g Sodium lauryl sulfate 6 g Purified water 802 g Separating layer Core material 400 g Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose 48 g Purified water 960 g Enteric coating layer Pellets covered with separating layer 200 g Methacrylic acid copolymer 100 g Trie hyl dtrate 30 g Mono- and diglycerides 5 g Polysorbate 80 0.5 g Purified water 309 g Tablets Enteric coating layered pellets 200 g Microcrystalline cellulose 299 g Sodium stearyl fumarate 1.2 g Sodium lauryl sulfate is dissolved in purified water to form the granulation liquid. 5- Carbomethoxy-6-methyl-2-[[(3,4-dimethoxy-2-pyridmyl)methyl]sulfinyl-lH- benzimidazole magnesium, mannitol, microcrystalline cellulose and hydroxypropyl cellulose are dry-mixed. The granulation liquid is added to the powder mixture and t mass is wet-mixed. The wet mass is forced through an extruder equipped with screens, aperture size 0.5 The extrudate is spheronized on a friction plate in a spheronizing apparatus. The core material is dried in a fluid bed dryer and classified. The prepared core material is cov with separating layer in a fluid bed apparatus with a hydroxypropyl methyl- cellulose/water solution. The enteric coating layer is applied to the pellets covered with separating layer from a aqueous dispersion of methacrylic acid copolymer plasticized with triethyl dtrate to whid a mono- and diglycerides/polysorbate dispersion has been added. The pellets dried in a fluid bed apparatus. Enteric coating layered pellets, microcrystalline cellulose and sodium stearyl fumarat mixed and compressed into tablets with a tablet weight corresponding to 20 mg activ substance, using a single punch tableting machine equipped with 10 mm round punc Example 3 Core material (-)-5-Carbomethoxy-6-methyl-2-[[(3,4-dimethoxy-2-pyridinyl)methyl]sulfinyl- lH-benzimidazole magnesium 600 g Sugar sphere seeds 600 g Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose 150 g Colloidal silicon dioxide 4 g Purified water 1 800 g Separating layer Core material 500 g Hydroxypropyl cellulose 40 g Talc 67 g Magnesium stearate 6 g Purified water 800 g Enteric coating layer Pellets covered with separating layer 500 g Methacrylic add copolymer 200 g Triethyl dtrate 60 g Purified water 392 g Tablets Enteric coating layered pellets 430 g Microcrystalline cellulose 871 g Sodium stearyl fumarate 3 g (-)-5-Carbomethoxy-6-methyl-2-[[(3,4-dimemoxy-2-pyridmyl)methyl]sulfinyl-lH- tenzimidazole magnesium, part of the hydroxypropyl methylcellulose and colloidal silicon dioxide are dry-mixed forming a powder mixture. Sugar sphere seeds (0.25-0.3 mm) are layered with the powder in a centrifugal fluidized coating granulator while spraying a hydroxypropyl methylcellulose solution (6 %, w/w). The prepared core material is dried and covered with separating layer in a centrifugal fluidized coating granulator. A fluid bed apparatus is used for enteric coating layerin Enteric coating layered pellets and tablet exdpients are mixed and compressed into t using a rotary tableting machine equipped with 6 pairs of 10 mm round punches. Th amount of active substance in the tablet is approx. 20 mg. Example 4 Core material (-)-5-Carbomethoxy-6-methyl-2-[[(3,4-dimethoxy-2-pyridinyl)methyl]sulfinyl- lH-benzimidazole 400 g Silicon dioxide seeds 400 g Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose 100 g Sodium lauryl sulfate 2 g Purified water 2 000 g Separating layer Core material 800 g Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose 65 g Purified water 1 300 g Enteric coating layer Pellets covered with separating layer 500 g Methacrylic add copolymer 300 g Polyethylene glycol 400 60 g Mono- and diglycerides 9 g Polysorbate 80 1 g Purified water 800 g Tablets Enteric coating layered pellets 200 g Microcrystalline cellulose 598 g Sodium stearyl fumarate 2 g Suspension layering is performed in a fluid bed apparatus. (-)-5-Carbomethoxy-6-met 2-[[(3,4-dimemoxy-2-pyridmyl)methyl]sulfmyl-lH-benzimidazole is sprayed onto the seeds of silicon dioxide (size range 0.15 - 0.3 mm) from a water suspension containing t dissolved binder and a surface active ingredient. The prepared core material is covered with separating layer in a fluid bed apparatus using a hydroxypropyl methylcellulose solution. The enteric coating layer material is sprayed as a water dispersion onto pellets in a fluid bed apparatus. Enteric coating layered pellets and the tableting exdpients are mixed and compressed into tablets as described in Example 1. Example 5 Enteric coating layer Pellets covered with separating layer (manufacturing and composition as in Example 1) 500 g Methacrylic add copolymer 250 g Polyethylene glycol 6000 75 g Mono- and diglycerides 12.5 g Polysorbate 80 1.2 g Purified water 490 g Tablets Enteric coating layered pellets 600 g Microcrystalline cellulose 1 395 g Sodium stearyl fumarate 5 g Enteric coated pellets, microcrystalline cellulose and sodium stearyl fumarate are mixed and compressed into tablets as described in Example 3. Example 6 Enteric coating layer Pellets covered with separating layer (manufacturing and composition as in Example 1) 400 g Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose phthalate 400 g Diethyl phthalate 80 g Ethanol 1 600 g Acetone 4000 g Tablets Enteric coating layered pellets 500 g MicrocrystalUne cellulose 1 500 g Magnesium stearate 5 g Enteric coating layering is performed by spaying a solution in a fluid bed. Enteric coa layered pellets, microcrystalUne cellulose and magnesium stearate are mixed and compressed into tablets as described in Example 3. Example 7 Core material (+)-5-Fluoro-2-[[(4-cydopropylmethoxy-2-pyridinyl)methyl]sulfinyl-lH- benzimidazole 400 g Sugar sphere seeds (non-pareils) 400 g Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose 80 g Purified water 1 600 g Separating layer Core material 800 g Hydroxypropyl ceUulose 40 g Talc 40 g Magnesium stearate 8 g Purified water 800 g Enteric coating layer Pellets covered with separating layer 800 g MethaαyUc add copolymer 400 g Triethyl dtrate 120 g Mono- and diglycerides 8 g Polysorbate 80 l g Purified water 800 g Tablets Enteric coating layered pellets 1 000 g Dibasic caldum phosphate anhydrous 1 760 g MicrocrystalUne cellulose 440 g Magnesium stearate 16 g Suspension layering is performed in a fluid bed apparatus. (+)-5-Fluoro-2-[[(4- cyclopropyln ethoxy-2-pyridinyl)methyl]sulfinyl-lH-benzimidazole is sprayed onto s sphere seeds from a water suspension containing the dissolved binder. The prepared core material is covered with separating layer in a fluid bed with a hydroxypropyl cellulose solution containing talc and magnesium stearate. The enteric coating layer is sprayed as a disperssion onto the peUets covered with separating laye a fluid bed. Enteric coating layered peUets, dibasic caldum phosphate anhydrous in granulated form, microcrystalUne cellulose and magnesium stearate are mixed and compressed into tablets as described in Example 3. Example 8 Tablets Enteric coating layered peUets (manufacturing and composition as in Example 2) 1.00 kg MicrocrystalUne cellulose 1.45 kg Anhydrous lactose 0.14 kg Starch 0.23 kg Povidone 0.18 kg Purified water 0.836 kg Povidone is dissolved in water. MicroαystaUine ceUulose, anhydrous lactose and star are dry-mixed. The povidone solution is added whUe wet-mixing. The wet mass is dri in an oven. The granulated mass is milled using an oscillating granulator. Enteric coating layered peUets and the prepared granulate are mixed and compressed engraved and scored tablets using a rotary tableting machine equipped with 16 pairs oval, 8.5x17 mm, tablet punches. Example 9 Over-coating layer Enteric coating layered peUets (manufacturing and composition as in Example 7) 400 g Hydroxypropyl methylceUulose 120 g Purified water 2280 g Tablets Over-coating layered peUets 100 g MicrocrystalUne cellulose 233 g In a fluid bed apparatus a hydroxypropyl methylcellulose solution is sprayed onto ente coating layered peUets. The Vickers hardness on the enteric coating layered pellets befo applying the over-coating layer is 2 and the Vickers hardness measured on the over¬ coating layered peUets is 11. Pellets covered with over-coating layer and microcrystaUin cellulose are mixed and compressed into tablets as described in Example 2. Example 10 Core material 5-Huoro-2[[(4-cydopropylmethoxy-2-pyridinyl)methyl]-sulfinyl]-lH- benzimidazole magnesium 150 g Sugar sphere seeds 200 g Hydroxypropyl methylceUulose 75 g Purified water 1 500 g Separating layer Core material 380 g Hydroxypropyl ceUulose 38 g Talc 65 g Magnesium stearate 5 g Purified water 760 g Enteric coating layer PeUets covered with separating layer 150 g MethacryUc add copolymer 60 g Triethyl dtrate 18 g Mono- and diglycerides 3 g Polysorbate 80 0.3 g Purified water 117 g Tablets Enteric coating layered peUets 90 g MicrocrystalUne cellulose 209 g Sodium stearyl fumarate 1 g Suspension layering is performed in a fluid bed apparatus. 5-Fluoro-2[[(4- cydopropylmethoxy-2-pyridinyl)methyl]-sulfinyl]-lH-benzimidazole magnesium is sprayed onto sugar sphere seeds from a water suspension containing the dissolved binder. The prepared core material is covered with separating layer in a fluid bed apparatus. The enteric coating layer is sprayed as a water dispersion onto the pellets covered with separating layer in a fluid bed apparatus. Enteric coating layered peUets and tablet excipients are mixed and compressed into tablets using a single punch tableting machine using 8 mm round punches. Tablet hardness measured on a Schleuniger hardness tester is determined to 95 109 N. Example 11 Enteric coating layer Core material (no separating layer) 500 g MethacryUc add copolymer 500 g Triethyl dtrate 150 g Mono- and diglycerides 25 g Polysorbate 80 2.5 g Purified water 978 g Tablets Enteric coating layered peUets 800 g MicrocrystalUne cellulose 1 860 g Sodium stearyl fumarate 7 g Core material is produced as in Example 7. Enteric coating layered peUets and tablet excipients are compressed as described in Example 3. Example 12 Enteric coating layer Pellets covered with separating layer 200 g Hydroxypropyl methylceUulose acetate succinate 150 g Triethyl dtrate 55 g Ethanol 1 200 g Purified water 300 g Tablets Enteric coating layered peUets 300 g MicrocrystaUine cellulose 700 g The peUets covered with separating layer are produced according to Example 10. The enteric coating layer is sprayed as a solution onto the peUets. Enteric coating layered peUets and microcrystaUine ceUulose are mixed and compressed into tablets as described in Example 1. Example 13 Core material (+)-5-Huoro-2[[(4-cydopropyimethoxy-2-pyridinyl)methyl]-sulfinyl]-lH- benzimidazole magnesium 200 g Sugar sphere seeds 200 g Hydroxypropyl ceUulose 75 g Purified water 1 500 g Separating layer Core material 380 g Hydroxypropyl ceUulose 38 g Talc 65 g Magnesium stearate 5 g Purified water 760 g Enteric coating layer Pellets covered with separating layer 200 g MethaαyUc add copolymer 150 g Triethyl dtrate 45 g Mono- and diglycerides 4 g Polysorbate 80 0.4 g Purified water 300 g Tablets Enteric coating layered peUets 100 g MicrocrystaUine cellulose 250 g Sodium stearyl fumarate 1 g Suspension layering is performed in a fluid bed apparatus. (+)-5-Huoro-2[[(4- c dopropylιnethoxy-2-pyridinyl)methyl]-sulfmyl]-lH-benzmύdazole magnesium is sprayed onto sugar sphere seeds from a water suspension containing the dissolved binder. The prepared core material is covered with separating layer in a fluid bed apparatus. The enteric coating layer is sprayed as a water dispersion onto the peUets covered with separating layer in a fluid bed apparatus. Enteric coating layered peUets and tablet excipients are mixed and compressed into tablets using 10 mm round punches. Example 14 Enteric coating layer Pellets covered with separating layer 200 g MethacryUc add copolymer 200 g Triethyl dtrate 60 g Mono- and diglycerides 10 g Polysorbate 80 1 g Purified water 391 g Over-coating layer Enteric coating layered peUets 471 g Hydroxypropyl methylceUulose 6 g Magnesium stearate 0.2 g Purified water 120 g Tablets Over-coating layered peUets 140 g MicrocrystalUne cellulose 114 g Sodium stearyl fumarate 0.4 g PeUets covered with separating layer are produced according to Example 13. The enteric coating layer and the over-coating layer are sprayed onto peUets in a fluid bed apparatus. Over-coating layered pellets and tablet excipients are compressed using a single punch (round, 12 mm) tableting machine. Example 15 Enteric coating layer PeUets covered with separating layer 200 g MethacryUc add copolymer 40 g Triethyl dtrate 12 g Mono- and diglycerides 2 g Polysorbate 80 0.2 g Purified water 78 g Over-coating layer Enteric coating layered peUets 200 g Hydroxypropyl methylceUulose 4 g Magnesium stearate 0.1 g Tablets Over-coating layered peUets 69 g MicrocrystalUne cellulose 230 g Sodium stearyl fumarate 0.7 g Pellets covered with separating layer are produced according to Example 13. The enteric coating layer and the over-coating layer are sprayed onto peUets in a fluid bed apparatus. The amount of enteric coating layer material used in this example corresponds to an enteric coating layer thickness of approx. 20 μm. Over¬ coating layered pellets and tablet exdpients are compressed using a single punch (round, 10 mm) tableting machine. Example 16 Enteric coating layer Pellets covered with separating layer 500 g Cellulose acetate phtalate 375 g Diethyl phthalate 150 g Acetone 2000 g Ethanol 2000 g Tablets Enteric coating layered peUets 100 g MicrocrystalUne cellulose 300 g Crospovidone 8 g Sodium stearyl fumarate 1 g The peUets covered with separating layer are produced as in Example 13. The enteric coating layer is applied in a fluid bed from a acetone/ethanol solution. Enteric coating layered peUets and tablet excipients are mixed and compressed into tablets as described in Example 2. Example 17 Core material 5-Carbomethoxy-6-methyl-2[[(3,4-dimethoxy-2-pyridinyl)-methyl]suU r inyl]- lH-benzimidazole 200 g Sugar sphere seeds 200 g Hydroxypropyl ceUulose 25 g Purified water 623 g Separating layer Core material 200 g Hydroxypropyl ceUulose 20 g Talc 34 g Magnesium stearate 3 g Purified water 457 g Enteric coating layer Pellets covered with separating layer 200 g MethacryUc add copolymer 150 g Triethyl dtrate 45 g Mono- and diglycerides 8 g Polysorbate 80 1 g Purified water 250 g Tablets Enteric coating layered peUets 100 g MicrocrystaUine cellulose 232 g Sodium stearyl fumarate 1 g Suspension layering is performed in a fluid bed apparatus using bottom spray technique. 5-Carbomethoxy-6-methyl-2[[(3,4-dimethoxy-2-pyridinyl)- methyl]suUmyl]-lH-benzimidazole is sprayed onto sugar sphere seeds from a water solution containing the dissolved binder. The prepared core material is covered with separating layer in a fluid bed apparatus with a hydroxypropyl cellulose solution containing talc and magnesium stearate. The enteric coating layer is sprayed as a water dispersion onto the pellets covered with separating layer in a fluid bed apparatus. Enteric coating layered peUets and tablet excipients are mixed and compressed into tablets using a single punch tableting machine (Korsch EKO) using 11 mm round punches. Tablet hardness measured on a Schleuniger hardness tester is determined to approx. 170 N. Example 18 The same tableted dosage form as described in Example 17 is produced with (+)-5- carbomethoxy-6-methyl-2[[(3,4-dimethoxy-2-pyridinyl)-methyl]suU : inyl]-lH- benzimidazole magnesium as active substance. The results from tests on add resistance of the enteric coating layered pellets and the compressed tablets are disdosed in Table I, below. Table I Example No Acid resistance, pellets Acid resistance, tablets (%) (%) 1 95 93 10 95 86 Comments: Surprisingly, the add resistance, tablets, shows that the enteric coating layer accordin the present invention suffidently withstands compression. Reference example I Tablets Omeprazole enteric coating layered peUets 180 g MicrocrystalUne cellulose 219 g Sodium stearyl fumarate 1 g Omeprazole pellets from Losec ® 40 mg capsules are mixed with microcrystaUine cellulose and sodium stearyl fumarate and compressed into tablets using a single punch tableting machine. The Vickers hardness on the enteric coating layered peUets is measured to a value of 22. The tablet tooling is round with a diameter of 10 mm. Punch force is set to 3.7 kN. Reference example II Tablets Lansoprazole enteric coating layered peUets 276 g (content of Lanzo ® 30 mg capsules) MicrocrystaUine ceUulose 644 g Lansoprazole pellets are mixed with microcrystaUine ceUulose and tableted in a single punch tableting machine. The Vickers hardness on enteric coating layered peUets is measured to a value of 18. The tablet tooling is round with a diameter of 12 mm. Punch force is set to 3.6 kN. Reference example LU Core material Magnesium omeprazole 15.0 kg Sugar sphere seeds 15.0 kg Hydroxypropyl methylceUulose 2.25 kg Purified water 40 kg Separating layer Core material 15.0 kg Hydroxypropyl ceUulose 1.5 kg Talc 2.57 kg Magnesium stearate 0.21 kg Purified water 30 kg Enteric coating layer Pellets covered with separating layer 200 g Enteric coating layer material is used as described in Drugs Made In Germany 37, No. 2 (1994), p.53, Table 1, Formulation no. 9. The amount of coating polymer as calculated in above reference is 40 % (w/w). Over-coating layer Enteric coating layered peUets 291 g Hydroxypropyl methylceUulose 4 g Magnesium stearate 0.2 g Purified water 80 g Tablets Over-coating layered peUets 75 g MicrocrystaUine ceUulose 174 g Sodium stearyl fumarate 0.6 g Suspension layering is performed in a fluid bed apparatus. Omeprazol magnesium is sprayed onto sugar sphere seeds from a water suspension containing the dissolved binder.The separating layer, enteric coating layer and the over-coating layer are sprayed onto peUets in a fluid bed apparatus. The over- coating layer is applied to prevent sticking of peUets before tableting. Over¬ coating layered peUets and tablet exdpients are tableted as in Example 2. Upper punch force is set to 5 kN. The results from tests on add resistance of the enteric coating layered peUets and the compressed tablets are disdosed in Table II, below. Table II Reference Acid resistance pellets Acid resistance tablets example number (%), I 97 6 II 98 25 III 98 82 Comments: As can be seen from the presented data, the enteric coating layer of the products studi induding the two marketed products (Reference examples I and π) do not possess the mechanical properties required to withstand compression into tablets. Preparation of active substance 5-Huoro-2[[(4-cydopropyln et oxy-2-pyricUnyl)methyl]-sulfmyl]-lH-benzimidazole magnesium and 5-carbomethoxy-6-methyl-2[[(3,4-demethoxy-2-pyridinyl)- methyl]sulfinyl]-lH-benzimidazole used in the examples are disdosed in WO 90/069 and WO 91/19712, hereby incorporated as a whole by references. Some of the single enantiomers thereof are prepared in accordance with the following Examples A - E. Example A. Preparation of (+)-5-fluoro-2-IT(4-cyclopropylmethoxy-2- pyridinyl)methyllsulfinyn-lH-benzimidazole The crude product of the diastereomers of a mixture of two regioisomeric mandelic esters, namely 5-fluoro-2-[[(4-cyclopropylmethoxy-2-pyridinyl)methyl]- (R/S)-sulfmyl]-l-[(R)-mandeloyloxymethyl]-lH-benzimidazole and 6-fluoro-2- [[(4-cyclopropym ethoxy-2-pyridinyl)methyl]-(R/S)-sulfinyl]-l-[(R)- mandeloyloxymethyl]-lH-benzimidazole (5.0 g, 9.8 mmol) were divided into five parts and each part was chromatographed on a reversed phase column (HPLC, KromasU C8) in order to separate the diastereomers. The stereo isomers were easily separated by elution with a mixture of aqueous 0.1 M ammonium acetate and acetonitrile (67.5/32.5). However each separated diastereomer consisted of a mixture of the two regioisomers. These intermediates were used directly in their solutions during the hydrolysis step. To the acetonitrile/aqueous solutions of the more lipophilic diastereomer were added 1 M aqueous solutions of NaOH until the pH was around 12-13. After 5 minutes the solutions were neutralized with 3.0 M aqueous solutions of NH4CI whereupon the solutions from each preparation were combined and extracted with methylene chloride. The organic phases were dried over Na2Sθ4 and the solvents were removed by fUm evaporation. Addition of 30 ml of acetonitrile afforded the product to crystalUze and after filtration there was obtained 260 mg (16%) of the title compound as white crystals, m.p. 152°- 154°C. The optical purity (e.e.) which was analyzed by chiral column chromatography was 99.2%. [a ] 20 D= +208.6° (c=0.5%, chloroform). Example B. Preparation of (+)-5-fluoro-2-[T(4-cydopropylmethoxy-2- pyrioUnyPmethyllsuUinyl ι-lH-benzimidazole magnesium salt Magnesium (7.1 mg, 0.29 mmol) is dissolved and reacted with methanol at 40°C with a catalytic amount of methylene chloride. The reaction is run under nitrogen and is finished after two hours. (+)-5-Fluoro-2-[[(4-cyclo-propylmethoxy-2- pyridinyl)methyl]sulfinyl]-lH-benzimidazole (200 mg, 0.58 mmol) obtained as in Example A was added after the magnesium methoxide solution had been chilled to room temperature. The mixture is stirred for two hours whereupon a smaU amount of water (0.05 ml) is added. After stirring another hour the small amount of inorganic salts are filtered off. The solution is concentrated on a rotavapor until two ml of the solution is left. WhUe chilling and stirring, water is added dropwise which afforded the product to predpitate. After filtration the product is ished with a smaU amount of water and then dried in vacuum. There is obtained 97 mg (47%) of the title compound as a white powder. [a] 20 D= +191.3° (c=1.0%, DMSO). Example C. Preparation of (+)-5-carbomethoxy-6-melhyl-2-ff(3.4-dimethoxy-2- pyridinyl)methynsuUinyll-lH-benzimidazole The crude product of the diastereomers of a mixture of two regioisomeric mandelic esters, namely 5-carbome oxy-6-methyl-2-[[(3,4-dimethoxy-2- pyridmyl)metnyl]-(R/S)-sulfmyl]-l-[(R)-mandeloyloxymethyl]-lH-benzimidazole and 6-carbomethoxy-5-metnyl-2-[[(3,4-dimethoxy-2-pyridinyl)methyl]-(R/S)- sulfmyl]-l-[(R)-mandeloyloxymethyl]-lH-benzimidazole (1.8 g, 3.3 mmol) was divided into three parts. Each part was chromatographed on a reversed phase column (HPLC, KromasU C8) in order to separate the diastereomers. The stereoisomers were easily separated by elution with a mixture of aqueous 0.1 M ammonium acetate and acetonitrile (70/30), but each separated diastereomer consisted of a mixture of the two regioisomers. These intermediates were used directly in their solutions during the hydrolyses; To the acetonitrile/aqueous solutions of the more UpophiUc diastereomer were added 1 M aqueous solutions of NaOH until the pH was around 12-13. After 5 minutes the solutions were neutraUzed with 3.0 M aqueous solutions of NH4CI. The solutions from each preparation were combined and extracted with methylenechloride whereupon the organic phases were dried over Na2Sθ4. Removal of the solvents and flash duromatography of the residue (siUca gel, methanol-methylenechloride gradient 1-8%) yielded 250 mg of a yellow oil. The product was crystaUised by adding acetonitrile (3 ml) and after filtration there was obtained 210 mg (32%) of the title compound as white crystals m.p. 171-173° C. [a] 20 D= +153.1° (c=0.5%, chloroform). Example D. Preparation of (-r-)-5-carbomethoxy-6-methyl-2-fr(3,4-dimethoxy-2- pyridinyl)methynsulfinyn-lH-benzimidazole sodium salt To a mixture of (+)-5-carbomethoxy-6-methyl-2-[[(3,4-dimethoxy-2-pyridinyl)- methyl]sulfinyl]-l-H-benzimidazole (200 mg, 0.51 mmol) and ethanol (10 ml) was added an aqueous solution of 2.0 M NaOH (0.26 ml, 0.51 mmol). The solvent was removed by film evaporation whereupon the residue was dissolved in 2-butanone (1 ml). Toluene (5 ml) was added dropwise whUe stirring. The formed precipitate was removed by centrifugation and washed with diethyl ether. There was obtained 170 mg (81 %) of the title compound as white crystals m. p. (decomp.) 170°-173°C. [a] 20 D= +93.6°(c=l%, methanol). Example E. Preparation of (+)-5-carbomethoxy-6-methyl-2-f f(3,4-dimethoxy-2- pyridinyl)methynsulfinyn-lH-benzimidazole magnesium salt (+)-5-Carbomethoxy-6-methyl-2-[[(3,4-o!imethoxy-2-pyridmyl)methyl]su myl]-l^ H-benzimidazole sodium salt (100 mg, 0.24 mmol) obtained as in Example D is dissolved in water (2 ml) and MgCl2x6H2θ (25 mg, 0.12 mmol) dissolved in water (1 ml) is added dropwise. The formed predpitate is isolated by centrifugation and ished with water. The product is dried in a desiccator and there is obtained 84 mg (87%) of a white powder. [a] 20 D= + 170° (c=0.5%, DMSO).

Claims: CLAIMS 1. An oral pharmaceutical multiple unit tableted dosage form comprising tablet exdpients and individuaUy enteric coating layered units of a core material containing active substance in the form of 5-fluoro-2[[(4-cyclopropylmethoxy-2- pyridinyl)methyl]-sulfinyl]-lH-benzimidazole or 5-carbomethoxy-6-methyl- 2[[(3,4-dimethoxy-2-pyridmyl)methyl]suUinyl-lH-benzimidazole or one of its single enantiomers or an alkaline salt thereof, optionally mixed with alkaline compounds, covered with one or more layer(s) of which at least one is an enteric coating layer, whereby the enteric coating layer has mechanical properties such that the compression of the individual units mixed with the tablet exdpients into the multiple unit tableted dosage form does not significantly affect the add resistance of the individually enteric coating layered units. 2. A tableted dosage form according to claim 1, wherein the active substance is 5-fluoro-2[[(4-cydopropylmethoxy-2-pyridinyl)methyl]sulfinyl]-lH- benzimidazole or one of its single enantiomers or an alkaline salt thereof. 3. A tableted dosage form according to daim 1, wherein the active substance is 5-carbomethoxy-6-memyl-2-[[(3,4-dimethoxy-2-pyridinyl)methyl]sulfinyl]-lH- benzimidazole or one of its single enantiomers or an alkaline salt thereof. 4. A tableted dosage form according to daim 1, wherein the acid resistance of the individually enteric coating layered units is in coherence with the requirements on enteric coated artides defined in the United States Pharmacopeia. 5. A tableted dosage form according to daim 1, wherein the add resistance of the individuaUy enteric coating layered units does not decrease more than 10 % during the compression of the individual units into the multiple unit tableted dosage form. 6. A tableted dosage form according to daim 1, wherein the enteric coating layer covering the individual units comprises a plasticized enteric coating layer material. 7. A tableted dosage form according to daim 1, wherein the enteric coating layer covering the individual units has a thickness of at least 10 μm. 8. A tableted dosage form according to daim 1, wherein the individuaUy enteric coating layered units are further covered with an over-coating layer comprising pharmaceutically acceptable exdpients. 9. A tableted dosage form according to claim 1, wherein the dosage form is divisible. 10. A tableted dosage form according to claim 1, wherein the dosage form is dispersible to a suspension of individually enteric coating layered units in an aqueous tiquid. 11. A tableted dosage form according to daim 1, wherein an optionaUy appUed separating layer(s) comprises pharmaceutically acceptable exdpients which are soluble, or insoluble but disintegrating in water, and optionally alkaline compounds. 12. A tableted dosage form according to claim 1, wherein the core material is a seed layered with the active substance. 13. A tableted dosage form according to claim 12, wherein the seeds have a size of 0.1 - 2 mm. 14. A process for the manufacture of a pharmaceutical multiple unit tableted dosage form comprising tablet exdpients and individually enteric coating layered units of a core material containing active substance as defined in clam 1, optionally mixed with alkaline compounds, wherein the core material is optionally covered with one or more separating layer(s) and further covered with one or more enteric coating layer(s), whereafter the individuaUy enteric coating layered units are mixed with tablet excipients and compressed into a tablet, and whereby the enteric coating layer has mechanical properties such that the compression of the individual units with the tablet excipients into the multiple unit tableted dosage form does not significantly affect the acid resistance of the individually enteric coating layered units. 15. A process according to daim 14, wherein the individuaUy enteric coating layered units are further coated with an over-coating layer before compression of the individual units into the multiple unit tableted dosage form. 16. A tableted dosage form according to any of daims 1 to 13 for use in therapy. 17. A tableted dosage form according to any of claims 1 to 13 for use in inhibiting gastric add secretion in mammals and man. 18. A tableted dosage form according to any of daims 1 to 13 for use in the treatment of gastrointestinal inflammatory diseases in mammals and man. 19. A method for inhibiting gastric add secretion in mammals and man by administering to a host in need thereof a therapeuticaUy effective dose of a multiple unit tableted dosage form according to any of daims 1 to 13. 20. A method for the treatment of gastrointestinal inflammatory diseases in mammals and man by administering to a host in need thereof a therapeuticaUy effective dose of a multiple unit tableted dosage form according to any of daims 1 to 13. 21. A press-through bUster package comprising a multiple unit tableted dosage form according to any of daims 1 to 13.

Inventors: BERGSTRAND PONTUS JOHN ARVID, LOEVGREN KURT INGMAR, BERGSTRAND, PONTUS, JOHN, ARVID, LOEVGREN, KURT, INGMAR
Applicants: ASTRA AB, BERGSTRAND PONTUS JOHN ARVID, LOEVGREN KURT INGMAR, ASTRA AKTIEBOLAG, BERGSTRAND, PONTUS, JOHN, ARVID, LOEVGREN, KURT, INGMAR
Application year: 1995
Main classification: A61K9
IPC codes: A61K9, A61K31, A61P1