MODIFIED-RELEASE BUCILLAMINE COMPOSITIONS, KITS, AND METHODS FOR TREATING CYSTINURIA, ARTHRITIS, GOUT, AND RELATED DISORDERS

摘要

The present invention provides methods, compositions, devices, and kits for treating cystinuria and related disorders, in which bucillamine is administered to a patient according to a modified-release strategy that releases bucillamine, preferably in the stomach, in critically-spaced, repeated pulses over time, to provide lower peak plasma levels of total bucillamine, but consistently higher free drug levels in urine, for binding cystine. In particular, use of the present modified-release formulations and systems reduce side effects of bucillamine and achieve efficacy with less frequent administrations and/or lower dosage than immediate-release forms. The present strategies also find use in treating inflammatory conditions, like rheumatoid arthritis, gout, where bucillamine is administered in a different modified-release strategy that releases bucillamine in more closely critically-spaced pulses, again preferably in the stomach, to provide lower peak blood levels of total bucillamine, but higher and steadier blood levels of unbound drug, which improve availability in treating such conditions.