Drug activation process and vibrational mill therefor

Abstract

The invention comprises a process for activating drugs by means of high-energy co-grinding of the drug with a pharmaceutical carrier, characterised by the use of a vibrational mill equipped with means that regulate the vibration frequency. The process, performed by modifying the frequency of vibration and keeping its amplitude constant, produces drug/carrier composites with a constant particle size in which the degree of drug activation increases in proportion to the frequency applied. The invention also includes a vibrational mill suitably modified to perform the process described.

1 . Process for activating a drug by co-grinding the drug with a pharmaceutical carrier, said process being characterised in that: 
 grinding is performed in a vibrational mill equipped with means designed to regulate the vibration frequency;    the desired degree of activation is obtained by varying the vibration frequency, while the vibration amplitude is kept constant.    
     
     
         2 . Process as claimed in  claim 1 , in which the vibration frequency is comprised between 200 and 4500 rpm.  
     
     
         3 . Process as claimed in  claim 1 , in which the vibration frequency is comprised between 500 and 4000 rpm.  
     
     
         4 . Process as claimed in  claim 1 , in which the vibration frequency is b comprised between 700 and 3500 rpm.  
     
     
         5 . Process as claimed in claims  1 - 4 , in which the said means designed to regulate the vibration frequency is a potentiometer connected to the motor of the mill, which can be suitably regulated by an operator.  
     
     
         6 . Process as claimed in claims  1 - 5 , in which the drug and carrier are used, optionally pre-mixed, in proportions of between 12:1 and 0.5:1 by weight.