19. Fig. 3 "is a cross-section of a schematic
representation of the polymer matrix, 1, after some of the drug
has been delivered by erosion by liquids whereby polymer, 1, and
active ingredients, 2, are dispersed in the fluid as solute or
suspensoid.
20. Fig. 3a "is a schematic representation of the
polymer matrix, 1, after essentially all of the drug, 2, has been
delivered by erosion. This matrix completely disintegrates while
delivering its drug content. Col. 3, lines 13-16.
Difference between claim 1 and Dempski
21. Dempski differs from the subject matter of claim 1
in that claim 1 calls for a two-layer release mechanism, one
layer being an immediate release layer and the other layer being
a sustained release layer.
Conte
22. In the "Prior Art" section of Conte, we find the
following discussion concerning the administration of L-dopa,
another name for levodopa (col. 2, beginning at line 42):
A typical example is L-dopa used in treating
Parkinson's disease. In the organism, L-dopa is metabolized
to dopamine, which is the drug active ingredient. However,
only the unmodified form, i.e., L-dopa, is capable of
crossing the blood-brain barrier.
L-dopa is rapidly absorbed into the gastroenteric tract
and spreads out in the various organs and tissues, including
the CNS [central nervous system]. L-dopa has plasmatic
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