ELECTRONICALLY CONTROLLED-RELEASE OF DRUGS FROM CAPSULES

For the construction of dosage forms where the release of drugs can be varied, under computer control, according to some chosen parameter su ch as the therapeutic effect, new structural principles are required. This paper presents the concept of the ''Modular Application System'' in which the controlling elements required for a complete regulating c ircuit such as sensor, microprocessor and application form are not com bined in a single platform - as is the case with ''Therapeutic Systems '' - but can be separated from each other if necessary. The components are connected by remote control. This investigation describes the con struction of an electronically controlled capsule whose release mechan ism is regulated via a remotely controlled magnetic field. Release is directed by a computer program. The release kinetics of 80 mg tramadol hydrochloride can be freely selected according to the program. Pulsed release can be achieved.