Oral compositions for absorption of phosphorous compounds

Abstract

The present invention provides medicaments useful for reducing phosphorus serum level, especially in those subjects affected from hyperphosphatemia. More specifically, the present invention relates to pharmaceutical compositions to be administered by oral route in fasting periods, in order to absorb phosphorus compounds from fluids of the enteric tract, especially from saliva.

1 - 16 . (canceled) 
     
     
         17 . A chewing gum for treating hyperphosphatemia in a subject in need thereof comprising:
 (a) an effective amount of chitosan, and   (b) a pharmaceutically acceptable vehicle or excipient,   
       wherein the chitosan in the chewing gum, when retained in the mouth of the subject for a sufficient period of time, sequesters phosphorous compounds from the saliva of the subject and reduces salivary phosphorous levels thereby reducing recirculation of the phosphorous compounds in the body of the subject and reducing serum phosphorous levels, and the phosphorous compounds bound to the chitosan are retained within the chewing gum. 
     
     
         18 . The chewing gum of  claim 17 , further comprising a gum base. 
     
     
         19 . The chewing gum of  claim 17 , wherein the chewing gum further comprises sorbitol, mannitol, 5% xylitol, maltilol syrup, aspartame, acesulfame k, gum base, glycerol, butylated hydroxyanisole, polyalcohols, and carnauba wax. 
     
     
         20 . The chewing gum of  claim 17 , wherein the chewing gum further comprises sorbitol, mannitol, 36% xylitol, maltilol syrup, sodium hydrogen carbonate, aspartame, acesulfame k, gum base, glycerol, butylated hydroxyanisole, polyalcohols, and carnauba wax. 
     
     
         21 . The chewing gum of  claim 17 , wherein the amount of chitosan is effective to reduce the salivary phosphorous in the subject by at least 15%.