Abstract

The instant invention is directed to a lipid osmotic pump, comprising:(A) a core, comprising:(i) a beneficial amount of at least one substantially water insoluble active agent which is lipid soluble and/or lipid wettable;(ii) a sufficient amount of at least one water immiscible lipid carrier, which is liquid at the temperature of intended use, to dissolve and/or suspend said active agent; and(iii) a sufficient amount of at least one osmotic agent to ensure release of said lipid carrier from the pump; and(B) surrounded by a water insoluble wall:(i) having a thickness of about 1 to 1000 microns;(ii) which is preferentially wetted by said lipid carrier over an aqueous solution of said osmotic agent;(iii) having a water permeability of about 1×10-18 to 4×10-15 cm3 sec/g;(iv) prepared from at least one polymer permeable to water but substantially impermeable to said osmotic agent; and(v) having a means for said active agent and lipid carrier to be released through said water insoluble wall.