WO2009007769A1

WO2009007769A1 - Multi-modular chewing gum tablet

Info

Publication number: WO2009007769A1
Application number: PCT/IB2007/001900
Authority: WO
Inventors: Niels Ravn Schmidt; My Ly Lao; Carsten Andersen
Original assignee: Gumlink AS
Current assignee: Gumlink AS
Priority date: 2007-07-06
Filing date: 2007-07-06
Publication date: 2009-01-15
Anticipated expiration: 2010-01-06

Abstract

The invention relates to a chewing gum tablet comprising at least a first module cohered to a second module, wherein the first module comprises at least 5% by weight of compressed chewing gum base material, and wherein the tablet comprises chewing gum ingredients and wherein at least one of said modules is compressed by a force of more than 13.0 kN. According to the invention, an improved multi modular chewing gum tablet has been obtained featuring both advantageous release properties and textural properties due to the applied punch force.

Description

MULTI-MODULAR CHEWING GUM TABLET

Field of the invention

The invention relates to a chewing gum tablet according to the provisions of claim 1.

Background of the invention

Multi-modular compressed tablets are known in the prior art typically within the field of tablets comprising different kinds of pharmaceuticals. Release has been obtained through brute force chewing or alternatively as prolonged release tablets to be swallowed.

Recently, significant effort has been put into the project of commercializing a multi- modular chewing gum tablet. However, application of several modules in chewing gum has revealed not only opportunities as both the manufacturing process relating to chewing gum and the release processes are very different from conventional tablet manufacturing and release processes.

Thus a problem related to multi-modular chewing gum may often be that it may be difficult to get sufficient adherence between the different chewing gum modules due to the nature of the gum base compared to conventional tablet forming materials.

A further problem related to compressed multi-modular chewing gum tablets is that the release of chewing gum ingredients may unintentionally deviate quite a lot from conventionally mixed chewing gum. In particular, it has been realized that a prolonged release of chewing gum ingredients may be somewhat difficult to obtain. Summary of the invention

The invention relates to a chewing gum tablet comprising at least a first module cohered to a second module, wherein the first module comprises at least 5% by weight of compressed chewing gum base material, and wherein the tablet comprises chewing gum ingredients and wherein at least one of said modules is compressed by a force of more than 13.0 kN.

According to the invention, an improved multi-modular chewing gum tablet has been obtained featuring both advantageous release properties and textural properties due to the applied punch force. Moreover, it has been established that the punch force does not necessarily compromise the cohering between the modules although some experience with respect to compression of gum base-containing multi-modular chewing gum tablets has indicated that increased punch force would compromise the mechanical stability of the finalized chewing gum tablet.

Moreover, according to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, it has been realized that the release of chewing gum ingredients may be improved and prolonged by the increasing of compression force, still while maintaining advantageous coherence between the modules.

Moreover, according to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, it has been realized that an improved crunch feeling may be obtained through the application of increased compression force.

According to the provisions of the invention, a compressed chewing gum tablet should at least comprise 5% of gum base by weight in order to perform as a chewing gum with respect to texture and release properties when chewed.

It should be noted that the highest applied pressure may both be applied to the first module alone, the second module alone, to both modules, to further optional modules, etc. A reason for subjecting the high pressure to the first module, i.e. the gum base containing module may be that the high pressure may invoke an advantageous prolonged release of releasable ingredients contained in the gum base- containing module.

A reason for subjecting the high pressure to the second module, i.e. the module not necessarily containing gum base, may be that the high pressure may invoke an advantageous crunch when the main part of the second module comprises sweeteners, such as polyol sweeteners.

In an embodiment of the invention the first module comprises at least 5% by weight of compressed gum base material and wherein the tablet is compressed by a force of more than 13.0 kN and below 120 kN.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the punch force should be kept lower than 12OkN to avoid mechanical problems with the applied punches.

In an embodiment of the invention both of said modules are compressed by a force of more than 13.O kN.

According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, both modules are subjected to the same pressure, typically during a stage where the modules are gathered.

In an embodiment of the invention, the first module is compressed by a force of more than 13.O kN.

In an embodiment of the invention, the second module is compressed by a force of more than 13.O kN. In an embodiment of the invention, at least one of said modules is compressed by a force of more than 15.0 kN.

In an embodiment of the invention, at least one of said modules is compressed by a force of more than 18.0 kN.

In an embodiment of the invention, at least one of said modules is compressed by a force of more than 20.0 kN.

In an embodiment of the invention, at least one of said modules is compressed by a force of more than 25.0 kN.

In an embodiment of the invention, at least one of said modules is compressed by a force of more than 30.0 kN.

In an embodiment of the invention, at least one of said modules is compressed by a force of more than 40.0 kN.

In an embodiment of the invention, at least one of said modules is compressed by a force of more than 50.0 kN.

In an embodiment of the invention, at least one of said modules is compressed by a force of more than 60.0 kN.

It should be noted that a presently preferred embodiment of the invention involves that both modules are subjected to the highest applied compression pressure.

In an embodiment of the invention, the tablet is compressed in two or more compression steps. According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the manufacturing of a multi-module chewing gum tablet is performed in two or more compression steps applying the same or different compression forces. According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, an initial compression step may be performed by an initial first compression step by means of a relatively low compression force and a subsequent step by a higher compression force. The effect of the initial compression may e.g. be to stabilize the first module or at least decrease the effective size of the first or second module forming substance, thereby availing that the material forming the other module may be fed into the machine for the final compression.

In an embodiment of the invention, the volume of chewing gum tablet is above 0.15 cm³.

In an embodiment of the invention, the volume of chewing gum tablet is above 0.50 cm .

In an embodiment of the invention, the volume of chewing gum tablet is above 1.00 cm .

In an embodiment of the invention, the content of gum base is at least 6% by weight of the tablet.

According to the provisions of the invention, a compressed chewing gum tablet should at least comprise 6% of gum base by weight in order to perform as a chewing gum with respect to texture and release properties when chewed. Evidently, more gum base may be applied as the gum base ends up forming the residue the chewer is chewing on when the main part of the chewing gum ingredients have been released. This part of the chewing should not be too small. In an embodiment of the invention, the content of gum base is at least 8% by weight of the tablet.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the gum base content is above about 6 to 8% by weight of the chewing gum tablet in order to establish a chewing gum which does not disintegrate during the initial or subsequent chewing phase.

In an embodiment of the invention, the content of gum base is at least 10% by weight of the tablet.

Evidently, typically and advantageously, more than 10% gum base by weight of the tablet may be applied as the gum base ends up forming the residue the chewer is chewing on when the main part of the chewing gum ingredients have been released.

In an embodiment of the invention, the second module is substantially free of gum base.

In an embodiment of the invention, the second module comprises an amount of gum base different from the gum base content of the first module.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the gum base content should be different in the first and second module to obtain both desired crunch and differentiated release.

In an embodiment of the invention at least one of said modules comprises a chewing gum tablet layer substantially formed by sweetener.

In an embodiment of the invention, said sweetener comprises one or several different polyols. Applicable polyols may include, but are not limited to sorbitol, maltitol, mannitol, xylitol, erythritol, lactitol, isomalt, variations thereof and any combination thereof.

In an embodiment of the invention, at least one of said modules comprises a chewing gum tablet layer substantially formed by sweetener and at least one active ingredient.

In an embodiment of the invention, the tablet comprises at least two modules and wherein at least one of said modules comprises a chewing gum tablet module comprising at least one active ingredient and less than 5% gum base by weight of the module.

In an embodiment of the invention, said chewing gum tablet comprises at least two different polyols and wherein these different polyols are separated in different modules of the chewing gum tablet.

According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, undesired interaction between different types of polyols may be avoided by separating these in different modules of the chewing gum tablet.

In an embodiment of the invention, the amount of water being below 2% by weight of the compressed tablet prior to compression.

In an embodiment of the invention, the amount of water being below 2% by weight of the compressed tablet after compression.

In an embodiment of the invention, the amount of water being below 2% by weight of the compressed tablet after storage.

In an embodiment of the invention, the amount of water being below 2% by weight of the compressed tablet after 180 days of storage. Moisture is preferably kept low both prior to compression and after compression and storage in order to avoid a deterioration of the resulting tablet. Hygroscopic polyols are known to attract moisture and use of these in higher amounts is therefore expected to result in high moisture content of the resulting tablet.

According to embodiments of the present invention, it has become possible to produce tablets with high amounts of polyols in which the amount of water is below 2% by weight of the compressed tablet prior to compression.

In an embodiment of the invention, said active ingredient is part of an encapsulation or inclusion complex.

An inclusion complex may advantageously be applied for the purpose of controlling the stability, release and effect of a relevant active ingredient.

In an embodiment of the invention, said active ingredient is part of an inclusion complex within cyclodextrin.

In an embodiment of the invention, said active ingredient comprises one or more high-intensity sweeteners.

According to embodiments of the invention, one or more high-intensity sweeteners such as aspartame or acesulfame K may advantageously be applied in tablets.

In an embodiment of the invention, said tablet comprises at least 0.05% by weight of high-intensity sweeteners.

In an embodiment of the invention, said active ingredient is selected from the group consisting of cetirizine, nicotine, metformin, metformin HCL, phenylephrine, deca- peptide KSL-W₅ acesulfame K, aspartame, citric acid, malic acid, vitamin C, resveratrol, any variation thereof or any combination thereof.

In an embodiment of the invention, said active ingredient is a pharmaceutically active ingredient.

In an embodiment of the invention, said active ingredient is selected from the group consisting of pharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals, medicaments, nutrients, nutritional supplements, drugs, dental care agents, herbals, and the like and combinations thereof.

In an embodiment of the invention, said active ingredient is selected from the therapeutical groups consisting of:

Antipyretic, Anti allergic, Anti-arrytrnic, Appetite suppressant, Anti-inflammatory, Broncho dilator, Cardiovascular drugs, Coronary dilator, Cerebral dilator, Peripheral vasodilator, Anti-infective, Psychotropic, Anti-manic, Stimulant, Decongestant, Gastro-intestinal sedative, Sexual dysfunction agent, Desinfectants, Anti-anginal substance, Vasodilator, Anti-hypertensive agent, Vasoconstrictor, Migraine treating agent, Anti-biotic, Tranquilizer, Anti-psychotic, Anti-tumor drug, Anticoagulant, Hypnotic, Sedative, Anti-emetic, Anti-nauseant, Anti-convulsant, Neuromuscular agent, Hyper and hypoglycaemic, Thyroid and anti-thyroid, Diuretic, Antispasmodic, Uterine relaxant, Anorectics, Spasmolytics, Anabolic agent, Erythropoietic agent, Anti-asthmatic, Expectorant, Cough suppressant, Mucolytic, Anti-uricemic agent, Dental vehicle, Breath freshener, Antacid, Anti-diuretic, Anti- flatulent, Betablocker, Teeth Whitener, Enzyme, Co-enzyme, Protein, Energy Booster, Fiber, Probiotics, Prebiotics, Antimicrobial agent, NSAID, Anti-tussives, Decongestants, Anti-histamines, Anti-diarrheals, Hydrogen antagonists, Proton pump inhibitors, General nonselective CNS depressants, General nonselective CNS stimulants, Selectively CNS function modifying drugs, Antiparkinsonism, Narcotic- analgetics, Analgetic-antipyretics, Psychopharmacological drugs, diagnostica sex hormones allergens, antifungal agents, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) or any combination thereof.

In an embodiment of the invention, said active ingredient is selected from the group consisting of: ace-inhibitors, antianginal drugs, antiarrhythrmas, anti-asthmatics, anti-cholesterolemics, analgesics, anesthetics, anticonvulsants, anti-depressants, antidiabetic agents, anti-diarrhea preparations, antidotes, antihistamines, antihypertensive drugs, anti-inflammatory agents, anti-lipid agents, antimanics, anti- nauseants, anti-stroke agents, anti-thyroid preparations, anti-tumor drugs, anti- viral agents, acne drugs, alkaloids, amino acid preparations, anti-tussives, antiuricemic drugs, anti-viral drugs, anabolic preparations, systemic and non-systemic antiinfective agents, anti-neoplasties, antiparkinsonian agents, anti-rheumatic agents, appetite stimulants, biological response modifiers, blood modifiers, bone metabolism regulators, cardiovascular agents, central nervous system stimulates, cholinesterase inhibitors, contraceptives, decongestants, dietary supplements, dopamine receptor agonists, .endometriosis management agents, enzymes, erectile dysfunction therapies such as sildenafil citrate, which is currently marketed as Viagra™, fertility agents, gastrointestinal agents, homeopathic remedies, hormones, hypercalcemia and hypocalcemia management agents, immunomodulators, inmosuppressives, migraine preparations, motion sickness treatments, muscle relaxants, obesity management agents, osteoporosis preparations, oxytocics, parasympatholytics, parasympathomimetics, prostaglandins, psychotherapeutic agents, respiratory agents, sedatives, smoking cessation aids such as bromocryptine or nicotine, sympatholytics, tremor preparations, urinary tract agents, vasodilators, laxatives, antacids, ion exchange resins, anti-pyretics, appetite suppressants, expectorants, anti-anxiety agents, anti-ulcer agents, anti-inflammatory substances, coronary dilators, cerebral dilators, peripheral vasodilators, psycho-tropics, stimulants, anti-hypertensive drugs, vasoconstrictors, migraine treatments, antibiotics, tranquilizers, anti-psychotics, anti-tumor drugs, anti-coagulants, antithrombotic drugs, hypnotics, anti-emetics, anti-nauseants, anti-convulsants, neuromuscular drugs, hyper- and hypo-glycemic agents, thyroid and anti-thyroid preparations, diuretics, anti-spasmodics, terine relaxants, anti-obesity drugs, erythropoietic drugs, anti-asthmatics, cough suppressants, mucolytics, DNA and genetic modifying drugs, and combinations thereof.

In an embodiment of the invention, said active ingredient is selected from the group consisting of metformin, cetirizine, levo cetirizine, phenylephrine, flurbiprofen, nicotine, nicotine bitartrate, nicotine polacrilex, nicotine in combination with alkaline agents, nicotine in combination with caffeine, sodium picosulfate, fluor, fluor in combination with fruit acids, chlorhexidine, or any derivatives thereof, salts thereof, isomers thereof, nicotine antagonists, combinations thereof or compounds comprising one or more of these.

In an embodiment of the invention, said active ingredient is selected from the group consisting of ephedrine, pseudo ephedrine, caffeine, loratadine, sildenafil, simvastatin, sumatriptan, acetaminophen, calcium carbonate, vitamin D, ibuprofen, aspirin, alginic acid in combination with aluminum hydroxide and sodium bicarbonate, ondansetron, Tibolon, Rimonabant, Varenicline, allergenes, sitagliptin or any derivatives thereof, salts thereof, isomers thereof, combinations thereof or compounds comprising one or more of these.

In an embodiment of the invention, said active ingredient is selected from the group consisting of phytochemicals, such as resveratrol and anthocyanine; herbals, such as green tea or thyme; antioxidants, such as polyphenols; micronutrients; mouth moisteners, such as acids; throat soothing ingredients; appetite suppressors; breath fresheners, such as zinc compounds or copper compounds; diet supplements; cold suppressors; cough suppressors; vitamins, such as vitamin A, vitamin C or vitamin E; minerals, such as chromium; metal ions; alkaline materials, such as carbonates; salts; herbals, dental care agents, such as remineralisation agents, antibacterial agents, anti- caries agents, plaque acid buffering agents, tooth whiteners, stain removers or desensitizing agents; and combinations thereof.

In an embodiment of the invention, said active ingredient is selected from the group consisting of di-peptides, tri-peptides, oligo-peptides, deca-peptides, deca-peptide KSL, deca-peptide KSL-W₅ amino acids, proteins, or any combination thereof.

In an embodiment of the invention, said active ingredient comprises a probiotic bacteria, such as lactobacilli, bifidobacteria, lactococcus, streptococcus, leuconostoccus, pediococcus or enterococcus.

In an embodiment of the invention, said active ingredient comprises a prebiotic, such as fructose, galactose, mannose, insulin or soy.

In an embodiment of the invention said compressed tablet is packed in a controlled atmosphere.

In an embodiment of the invention, the compressed tablet is in a form selected from the group consisting of a pellet, a cushion-shaped pellet, a stick, a tablet, a chunk, a pastille, a pill, a ball and a sphere, a figure, a box-shaped product, an edged product, a rounded product or any combination thereof.

In an embodiment of the invention, the tablet is enclosed by an exterior protective barrier.

According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the protective barrier should form a humidity barrier for the enclosed tablet to minimize the risk of subsequent moisture absorption. In an embodiment of the invention, the exterior protective barrier is a blister pack, can, etc.

In an embodiment of the invention, the chewing gum ingredients comprise active ingredient, sweetener and flavor.

In an embodiment of the invention, the chewing gum ingredients comprise softener.

In an embodiment of the invention, the chewing gum ingredients comprise filler.

In an embodiment of the invention, said compressed chewing gum base material is formed of compressed particles having an average particle sizes prior to compression within the range of 200 - 5000 μm, preferably in the range of 200 - 2000 μm.

In an embodiment of the invention, the gum base contained in said particles comprises in the range of 20 % to 90 % by weight of the particles.

In an embodiment, the chewing gum tablet is provided with a coating.

In an embodiment, the chewing gum tablet comprises a center filling

In an embodiment of the invention, the chewing gum tablet comprises , i) chewing gum granules containing gum base ii) particles of one or more encapsulation delivery systems comprising at least one encapsulation material and at least one active ingredient being encapsulated by the encapsulation material, wherein the encapsulation material comprises at least one natural resin and wherein the granules and particles are compressed into a tablet. In an embodiment of the invention, the chewing gum tablet comprises at least one polyol sweetener, at least one active ingredient and compressed particles of chewing gum base material, wherein the content of polyol is between 21 and 95% by weight of the tablet, and wherein the tablet being compressed at an ambient temperature of below 25 degrees Celsius and a maximum relative humidity of 55.

Moreover, the invention relates to a method of manufacturing a chewing gum tablet according to any of the claims 1- 60, wherein the tablet is formed by compression of particles of chewing gum base material, wherein the content of gum base is at least 5% by weight of the tablet and wherein the chewing gum tablet is compressed by a compression force of more than 13 fcN.

In an embodiment of the invention, the particles of chewing gum base material are produced by means of cutting during an extrusion process.

An example of a suitable extrusion and cutting process is disclosed in WO 2004/098305, hereby incorporated by reference.

In an embodiment of the invention, the particles of chewing gum base material are produced by means of particulating a cooled chewing gum or gum base material..

An example of such as process is disclosed in WO 2004/073691, hereby incorporated by reference.

Detailed description

A part of the present invention resides in an improved crunch-feeling. The meaning of "crunch feeling" according to the provisions of the present invention will be explained below. Whereas the English meaning of crunch may be designated to mean chew or press with a crushing noise, crunch feeling in the present context more specifically refers to the feeling established by a conventional hard-coating applied on a chewing gum. Consequently, crunch-feeling designates and has been evaluated in particular during the initial chew phase with reference to both taste and the texture.

A further part of the present invention may reside in a more well-defined terminology, namely prolongation of release. Prolongation of release may both be determined analytically e.g. by HPLC (HPLC: High Performance Liquid Chromato graphy) and subjectively by means of taste evaluation performed by test persons.

Although analytical approach may be attractive in some context, a subjective evaluation of taste release over time has been preferred in the present context, as even small analytically improvements may turn out to be significant in the present context. This significance is partly residing in the fact that prolongation of release of chewing gum ingredients is regarded to be an area where even small improvements in the direction of the performance of conventionally mixed chewing gum makes the products far more attractive to users.

In the present context, the terms granule and particle are used interchangeably in the sense that a granule or particle for use in a compression process is regarded to be a relatively small object, which together with other granules or particles may be compressed into a stable chewing gum tablet. The granules or particles may be produced in several different ways. A gum base-containing granule of particle may typically be produced substantially into the desired shape or size by means of an extrusion process or alternatively be produced on the basis of a gum base-containing mass which is subsequently separated into particles of a smaller size. When dealing with non-gum base-containing granules or particles, these particles or granules may be produced as indicated above or e.g. by an agglomeration process of very small particles into the desired shape and size.

The following description may refer to taste masking and taste matching, both relating to regulation of taste. Taste masking is a well-known reference to the application of one taste excipient applied for masking an unwanted taste. This unwanted taste may e.g. relate to a taste of a pharmaceutical ingredient. Taste matching is rather understood as taste provider enhancing a desired taste obtained through an active ingredient, such as flavor, high-intensity sweetener, etc. A typical example of such matching is the use of polyol sweetener together with high-intensity sweetener. Evidently, it should be noted that a taste masking or matching may be more or less complete and e.g. subject to further taste regulating provisions.

The following non-limiting examples illustrate the manufacturing of granules, chewing gums, and tablets including the compressing process and evaluation of these.

Example 1 Preparation of gum base

The applied gum base used had the following composition and was prepared as gum base pellets in a conventional mixing process:

elastomer: 19% by weight natural resin: 20% by weight synthetic resin: 20% by weight fat/fillers: 26% by weight wax: 15% by weight Obviously within the scope of the invention gum base may be prepared by other processes such as a one-step process or any other conventional process.

Example 2

Preparation of chewing gum granules

The gum base of example 1 was used in the manufacture of chewing gum products according to embodiments of the invention.

An extruder (Leistritz ZSE/BL 360 kw 104, available from Leistritz GmbH, Germany) extruded the composition through the die plate into the liquid filled chamber (granulator A5 PAC 6, available from GALA GmbH, Germany). Descriptions of the extruder and the granulator may be found in e.g. WO 2004/098305, incorporated herein by reference.

Gum base in the form of pellets and aspartame powder (Aspartame, available from Holland Sweetener Company), in an amount of 1% by weight were added to a hopper at a first inlet of the extruder. Menthol flavor crystals (MENTHOL BPIUSP, available from SHARP MENTHOL INDIA LIMITED, India), in an amount of 3% by weight was dosed to a second inlet and mixed to the gum composition in the extruder. The gum composition had the composition as shown in Table 1.

Ingredient Amount (wt%) gum base 96 menthol flavor crystals 3 aspartame powder 1

Table 1.

The extruder delivered the composition at a feed rate of 400 kg/h to the die plate. The extruder screw speed was 247 rpm. The minimum temperature in the extruder was 44°C and a temperature of less than 70⁰C was maintained along about % of the extruder barrel length, until the composition passed the heating device in the outlet end of the extruder. Here the composition was heated to an extruder exit temperature of 109⁰C. The extruder and the granulator produced a pressure difference of 71 bar.

The composition was extruded through the die plate, which was heated to a temperature of 177°C and had 696 holes with a diameter of 0.36mm. In the granulator chamber the extruded composition was cut to granules by a cutter with 8 blades and cutter speed 1999 rpm. The particles were cooled and transported to the strainer unit (a centrifugal dryer TWS 20, available from GALA GmbH, Germany) in water with temperature 11 °C and flow 22 m³/h. The average cooling and transport time in water was approx. 60 seconds. The particle rate was 400 kg/h and the average diameter of the obtained particles was 0.93mm.

The cooling and transport stage carried out in water in this example could be carried out in other media as well such as e.g. air.

Finally, talc was attached to the granules in between de- watering and conveyance to the tablet pressing apparatus or storing or packaging e.g. for transportation.

It should be emphasized that the above applied manufacturing methods of gum base- containing granules are only exemplary and although advantageous not mandatory. Thus, an alternative method for the manufacturing of gum base-containing granules may be a conventional process involving that an initial gum base-containing mass is cooled to a low temperature, preferably to a temperature below 0⁰C and then mechanically particulated into small relatively irregular gum base-containing granules. If desired, these particles may be sieved or further processed to obtain a homogeneous granule blend. An example of such alternative process is disclosed in WO 2004/073691 as applied in a multi-layer tablet, hereby incorporated by reference. Example 3

Preparation of single-layer tablets

The composition of particles from Example 2 was compressed into a tablet according to the following process:

The composition of particles were mixed into a homogenous blend of particles in a standard mixer with sweeteners (high-intensity sweeteners: aspartame powder and acesulfame K; bulk sweetener: sorbitol, available from CERESTAR Scandinavia NS, Denmark), the active ingredient in this example being the high-intensity sweeteners aspartame powder and acesulfame K.

The resulting composition is seen in table 2.

Table 2.

Before pressing, the mixtures passed a standard horizontal vibration sieve removing particles larger than 2.6mm. The mixture was lead to a standard tablet pressing machine comprising dosing apparatus (P 3200 C, available from Fette GmbH, Germany) and pressed into compressed tablets. The tablets were precompressed and then main compressed to a diameter of 16.0mm and a center height of 9mm using a pressing pressure of 33 kN. The precompression step may in this example and the following examples optionally be omitted in some embodiments.

Example 4

Preparation of nicotine-containing single-layer tablets

A tablet is prepared by use of the granules of Example 2 and according to a conventional mechanical mixing procedure as described below.

The gum base particles were mixed in a standard mixer with addition of the other ingredients according to a specified time schedule. Nicotine is added in the first half of the mixing process and can be added as e.g. a nicotine salt or bound to an ion exchange resin, e.g. Amberlite IRP 64.

Active ingredients are in this case both high-intensity sweeteners aspartame and acesulfame K and resin-bonded nicotine and flavor.

The resulting composition is seen in Table 3.

Table 3.

Before pressing, the mixtures passed a standard horizontal vibration sieve removing particles larger than 2.6mm. The mixture was lead to a standard tablet pressing machine comprising dosing apparatus (P 3200 C, available from Fette GmbH, Germany) and pressed into compressed tablets. The filling depth was 7.5mm and the diameter 16.0mm. The tablets were precompressed and then main compressed to a center height of 9mm using a pressing pressure of 33 kN.

Example 5

Compressing the compositions into double-layer tablets

The resulting composition from Example 4 was used as a first gum base-containing layer in a double layer tablet in which the second gum base-free layer comprised

99% sorbitol

0.3% high-intensity sweetener

0.6% peppermint

0.1% menthol powder

The high-intensity sweeteners, here aspartame and acesulfame K are in this example placed in both the gum base-containing layer and the gum base-free layer.

The gum base-containing granules forming the first layer were lead to the mould of a standard tablet pressing machine comprising dosing apparatus (P 3200 C, available from Fette GmbH, Germany). The mixture was then pre-compressed with a force of 15 kN to give a pre-compressed first layer with thickness of approximately 3.5mm.

The gum base-free layer was fed into the mould of the tabletting machine onto the first pre-compressed layer as a homogenous mixture of the above-mentioned ingredients to form a second layer.

The first and second layers were then compressed with a force of about 33 kN to form the layered tablet. The individual compressed tablets had a diameter of

16.0mm.

Example 6

Compressing the compositions into double-layer tablets

98% sorbitol

0.3% high-intensity sweetener

0.6% peppermint

0.1% menthol powder

1% resin-bonded nicotine

Nicotine is in this case added as bound to an ion exchange resin (Amberlite IRP 64), however, it might also be added e.g. as a nicotine salt or bound to other ion exchange resins.

The active ingredients are in this example both placed in the gum base- containing layer as the high-intensity sweeteners aspartame and acesulfame K and in the gum base-free layer as nicotine and high-intensity sweeteners aspartame and acesulfame K. The gum base-containing granules forming the first layer were lead to the mould of a standard tablet pressing machine comprising dosing apparatus (P 3200 C, available from Fette GmbH, Germany). The mixture was then pre-compressed with a force of 15 kN to give a pre-compressed first layer with thickness of approximately 3.5mm.

The gum base-free layer was fed into the mould of the tabletting machine onto the first pre-compressed layer as a homogenous mixture of particles of the above- mentioned ingredients to form a second layer.

The first and second layers were then compressed with a force of about 33 kN to form the layered tablet. The individual compressed tablets had a diameter of 16.0mm.

Examples 7-17

A single module tablet was provided according to the provisions and values of

Example 3 but now with a varied compression pressure.

The applied compression pressures are indicated in the below Table 4.

It should be noted that the given volumes are approximate - but close to the correct values - due to the fact that the punches applied are rounded.

Table 4

The above provided chewing gum tablets were evaluated with respect to crunch.

It was generally noted that an overall increase of pressure improved the attractive crunch-feeling and that the established crunch was acceptable in Examples 7-10, 13, 14, 16 and 17.

Examples 11 and 12 were regarded inferior with respect to crunch when compared to the other high-pressure tablets of Examples 7-10, 13, 14, 16 and 17.

It was also noted that Example 15 lacked attractive crunch feeling when having a small volume in spite of the fact that a high compression pressure is applied. This lack of crunch feeling partly resides in that the crunch-feeling gradually changes into a feeling of disintegration when the volume of the tablet is reduced. A small volume was thus concluded to be non-acceptable as the crunch-feeling was no longer attractive.

The taste regulation was evaluated with respect to high-intensity sweetening over time, i.e. in the period of 0 to 20 minutes. For the purpose of evaluating the different sized tablets and establish a basis for comparison, the relative amount of high- intensity sweetener was kept constant in the sense that the same formulation was applied in all examples, only varying volume and compression pressure.

It was noted that release of high-intensity sweetener was prolonged as a function of increased compression pressure and that this increase in release rendered the high- volume chewing gum tablets more attractive than tablets produced under a low compression pressure. It was also noted that even small contributions to a prolongation of the release time are significant when evaluating compressed chewing gum. Examples 18-32

A dual module tablet was provided according to the provisions of example 6 and the modifications identified by examples 18-32. The provided chewing gum tablet was compressed as a two-layer tablet. The two-layer tablets comprise a tablet layer substantially formed by polyol sweetener and a gum base containing layer comprising a substantial amount of gum base. The evaluated tablets are listed in the below Tables 5 and 6.

Table 5

Table 6

Again, in this context, it should be noted that the given volumes are approximate - but close to the correct values - due to the fact that the punches applied are rounded. The taste regulation was evaluated with respect to high-intensity sweetening over time.

The crunch-feeling was evaluated as in the above example.

All the above examples were evaluated with respect to compression pressure and a volume above the indicated minimum of 0.15 cm³ -0.30 cm³.

It was generally noted that an overall increase of pressure improved the attractive crunch-feeling and that the established crunch was acceptable in all evaluated Examples 18-32 and it was furthermore noted that an increased compression pressure improved the crunch-feeling generally.

The taste regulation was evaluated with respect to high-intensity sweetening over time, i.e. in the period of 0 to 20 minutes.

It was noted that release of high-intensity sweetener was prolonged as a function of increased compression pressure and that this increase in release rendered the high volume chewing gum tablets more attractive than tablets produced under a low compression pressure. It was also noted that even small contributions to a prolongation of the release time are significant when evaluating compressed chewing gum.

Examples 33-50

A dual module tablet was provided according to the provisions of Example 5. The provided chewing gum tablet was compressed as multi-module tablet in the form of a two-layer tablet. The two-layer tablets comprise a tablet layer substantially formed by sweetener and a gum base containing layer comprising a substantial amount of gum base as explained in connection with Example 5. The evaluated tablets are listed in the below Tables 7 and 8. The exemplary tablets are substantially cylindrical with rounded upper and lower ends, determined by a slightly rounded shape of the applied punches. The tablets of Table 7 are 18mm in diameter and about 8mm thick. The tablets of Table 8 are 15mm in diameter and about 8mm thick.

Table 7

Table 8

The mechanical stability of the provided tablets was evaluated by subjecting the tablets to a one-meter fall onto a hard surface. It was established that the evaluated tablets featured strong and sufficient adherence between the two modules. In other words, it has been established that adherence may be obtained between two or more modules of a multi-modular chewing gum even when increasing compression pressure.

The crunch-feeling was further evaluated as in the above example by chewing.

Given a tablet size, it was generally noted that an overall increase of pressure force improved the attractive crunch-feeling and that the established crunch was acceptable in all evaluated Examples 33-50 and it was furthermore noted that an increased compression pressure improved the crunch-feeling generally. A primitive taste evaluation was performed with respect to high-intensity sweetening over time, i.e. in the period of 0 to 20 minutes. A prolonged taste release was indicated.

It was moreover indicated that the prolonged release was relatively significant as a function of increased compression pressure in a further experiment where the evaluated release ingredient was incorporated in a gum base-containing layer.

Examples 51-58

Various active ingredients in tablets

Two-layer tablets were manufactured similarly to example 6 but now with the formulations indicated in table 9 below. The thickness of the provided tablets was about 8 mm. The composition of the tablets is shown in table 9, wherein the amounts of different active ingredient is maintained for reasons of comparability.

Moreover it should be noted that all tablets 51-58 comprises high-intensity sweeteners in the gum base-containing layer, which according to some embodiments of the invention may be omitted in order to obtain tablets comprising only one active ingredient. Further the mentioned different active ingredients may be combined in both the gum base-containing layer and the gum base-free layer. In the examples, Ceterizine and Phenylephrine are also applied in the form of hydrochlorides. Conventional appropriate buffers were applied.

Table 9

The examples exhibited advantageous release properties of active ingredients thereby availing regulation of taste-masking by means of active ingredients suitable for taste- masking, taste-enhancing by means of active ingredients suitable for taste-enhancing, and general advantageous possibility of controlling the release time of active ingredients whether these are pharmaceuticals or not. Moreover it was noted that the release of the relatively high amount of polyol was advantageous.

Example 59-66

Various active ingredients in tablets

Single-layer tablets were manufactured similarly to example 4, but now with the formulations indicated in table 10 below. The thickness of the provided tablets was about 8 mm. The composition of the tablets is shown in table 10, wherein the amounts of different active ingredient is maintained for reasons of comparability.

Moreover, it should be noted that all tablets 59-66 comprises high-intensity sweeteners in the gum base-containing layer, which according to some embodiments of the invention may be omitted in order to obtain tablets comprising only one active ingredient. Further the mentioned different active ingredients may be combined in both the gum base-containing layer and the gum base-free layer. In the examples, Ceterizine and Phenylephrine are also applied in the form of hydrochlorides. Conventional appropriate buffers were applied.

Table 10

The examples exhibited advantageous release properties of active ingredients from a single layer tablet thereby availing regulation of taste-masking by means of active ingredients suitable for taste-masking, taste-enhancing by means of active ingredients suitable for taste-enhancing, and general advantageous possibility of controlling the release time of active ingredients whether these are pharmaceuticals or not. Moreover it was noted that the release of the relatively high amount of polyol was advantageous.

The above formulations, manufacturing processes and combinations thereof are exemplary and only given for the purpose of evaluating and explaining different features of the invention. Manufacturing processes and formulations may be varied significantly within the scope of the invention. Specific variations and details with respect to ingredients, formulations and manufacturing processes within the scope of the invention are given below.

In accordance with the general principles in manufacturing a chewing gum and a chewing gum granule within the scope of the invention, variations of different suitable ingredients are listed and explained below.

Chewing gum of the present invention typically comprises a water-soluble portion, a water-insoluble chewable gum base portion and flavouring agents. The water-soluble portion dissipates with a portion of the flavouring agent over a period of time during chewing. The gum base portion is retained in the mouth throughout the chew. The term chewing gum refers to both a chewing and bubble type gum in its general sense.

The gum base is the masticatory substance of the chewing gum, which imparts the chew characteristics to the final product. The gum base typically defines the release profile of flavors and sweeteners and plays a significant role in the gum product.

The insoluble portion of the gum typically may contain any combination of elastomers, vinyl polymers, elastomer plasticizers, waxes, softeners, fillers and other optional ingredients such as colorants and antioxidants. The composition of gum base formulations can vary substantially depending on the particular product to be prepared and on the desired masticatory and other sensory characteristics of the final product. However, typical ranges (% by weight) of the above gum base components are: 5 to 80% by weight elastomeric compounds, 5 to 80% by weight elastomer plasticizers, 0 to 40% by weight of waxes, 5 to 35% by weight softener, 0 to 50% by weight filler, and 0 to 5% by weight of miscellaneous ingredients such as antioxidants, colourants, etc. The gum base may comprise about 5 to about 95 percent, by weight, of the chewing gum, more commonly, the gum base comprises 10 to about 60 percent of the gum.

Elastomers provide the rubbery, cohesive nature to the gum, which varies depending on this ingredient's chemical structure and how it may be compounded with other ingredients. Elastomers suitable for use in the gum base and gum of the present invention may include natural or synthetic types.

Elastomer plasticizers vary the firmness of the gum base. Their specificity on elastomer inter-molecular chain breaking (plasticizing) along with their varying softening points cause varying degrees of finished gum firmness and compatibility when used in base. This may be important when one wants to provide more elastomeric chain exposure to the alkanic chains of the waxes.

The elastomer compounds may be of natural origin but are preferably of synthetic origin, preferably synthetic polyesters.

It is noted that gum base or gum granules may also include components typically referred to as chewing gum ingredients.

The chewing gum may, according to embodiments of the invention, comprise conventionally non-biodegradable polymers, such as natural resins, synthetic resins and/or synthetic or natural elastomers. According to an embodiment of the invention, at least a part of the polymers of the chewing gum are biodegradable.

In an embodiment of the invention, the chewing gum may comprise combinations of biodegradable polymers and polymers generally regarded as non-biodegradable, such as natural resins, synthetic resins and/or synthetic/natural elastomers.

In an embodiment of the invention, said natural resin comprises terpene resins, e.g. derived from alpha-pinene, beta-pinene, and/or d-limonene, natural terpene resins, glycerol esters of gum rosins, tall oil rosins, wood rosins or other derivatives thereof such as glycerol esters of partially hydrogenated rosins, glycerol esters of polymerized rosins, glycerol esters of partially dimerised rosins, pentaerythritol esters of partially hydrogenated rosins, methyl esters of rosins, partially hydrogenated methyl esters of rosins or pentaerythritol esters of rosins and combinations thereof.

Materials to be used for the above-mentioned encapsulation methods might e.g. include Gelatine, Wheat protein, Soya protein, Sodium casemate, Caseine, Gum arabic, Mod. starch, Hydrolyzed starches (maltodextrines), Alginates, Pectin, Carregeenan, Xanthan gum, Locus bean gum, Chitosan, Bees wax, Candelilla wax, Carnauba wax, Hydrogenated vegetable oils, Zein and/or Sucrose.

Examples of generally non-biodegradable synthetic resins include polyvinyl acetate, vinyl acetate- vinyl laurate copolymers and mixtures thereof. Examples of nonbiodegradable synthetic elastomers include, but are not limited to, synthetic elastomers listed in Food and Drug Administration, CFR, Title 21, Section 172,615, the Masticatory Substances, Synthetic) such as polyisobutylene. e.g. having a gel permeation chromatography (GPC) average molecular weight in the range of about 10,000 to 1,000,000 including the range of 50,000 to 80,000, isobutylene-isoprene copolymer (butyl elastomer), styrene-butadiene copolymers e.g. having styrene- butadiene ratios of about 1:3 to 3:1, polyvinyl acetate (PVA), e.g. having a GPC average molecular weight in the range of 2,000 to 90,000 such as the range of 3,000 to 80,000 including the range of 30,000 to 50,000, where the higher molecular weight polyvinyl acetates are typically used in bubble gum base, polyisoprene, polyethylene, vinyl acetate-vinyl laurate copolymer e.g. having a vinyl laurate content of about 5 to 50% by weight such as 10 to 45% by weight of the copolymer, and combinations hereof.

The elastomers (rubbers) employed in the gum base may vary depending upon various factors such as the type of gum base desired, the texture of gum composition desired and the other components used in the composition to make the final chewing gum product. The elastomer may be any water-insoluble polymer known in the art, and includes those gum polymers utilized for chewing gums and bubble gums. Illustrative examples of suitable polymers in gum bases include both natural and synthetic elastomers. For example, those polymers which are suitable in gum base compositions include, without limitation, natural substances (of vegetable origin) such as chicle gum, natural rubber, crown gum, nispero, rosidinha, jelutong, perillo, niger gutta, tunu, balata, guttapercha, lechi capsi, sorva, gutta kay, and the like, and mixtures thereof. Examples of synthetic elastomers include, without limitation, styrene-butadiene copolymers (SBR), polyisobutylene, isobutylene-isoprene copolymers, polyethylene, polyvinyl acetate and the like, and mixtures thereof.

It is common in the industry to combine in a gum base a synthetic elastomer having a high molecular weight and a synthetic elastomer having a low molecular weight. Examples of such combinations are polyisobutylene and styrene-butadiene, polyisobutylene and polyisoprene, polyisobutylene and isobutylene-isoprene copolymer (butyl rubber) and a combination of polyisobutylene, styrene-butadiene copolymer and isobutylene isoprene copolymer, and all of the above individual synthetic polymers in admixture with polyvinyl acetate, vinyl acetate-vinyl laurate copolymers, respectively and mixtures thereof. Examples of natural resins are: Natural rosin esters, often referred to as ester gums including as examples glycerol esters of partially hydrogenated rosins, glycerol esters of polymerized rosins, glycerol esters of partially dimerized rosins, glycerol esters of tally oil rosins, pentaerythritol esters of partially hydrogenated rosins, methyl esters of rosins, partially hydrogenated methyl esters of rosins, pentaerythritol esters of rosins, synthetic resins such as terpene resins derived from alpha-pinene, beta- pinene, and/or d-limonene, and natural terpene resins.

The chewing gum according to the invention may be provided with an outer coating. The applicable hard coating may be selected from the group comprising of sugar coating and a sugarless coating and a combination thereof. The hard coating may e.g. comprise 50 to 100% by weight of a poly ol selected from the group consisting of sorbitol, maltitol, mannitol, xylitol, erythritol, lactitol and Isomalt and variations thereof. In an embodiment of the invention, the outer coating is an edible film comprising at least one component selected from the group consisting of an edible film-forming agent and a wax. The film-forming agent may e.g. be selected from the group comprising cellulose derivative, a modified starch, a dextrin, gelatine, shellac, gum arabic, zein, a vegetable gum, a synthetic polymer and any combination thereof. In an embodiment of the invention, the outer coating comprises at least one additive component selected from the group comprising of a binding agent, a moisture- absorbing component, a film-forming agent, a dispersing agent, an antisticking component, a bulking agent, a flavoring agent, a coloring agent, a pharmaceutically or cosmetically active component, a lipid component, a wax component, a sugar, an acid and an agent capable of accelerating the after-chewing degradation of the degradable polymer.

Generally, the ingredients may be mixed by first melting the gum base and adding it to the running mixer. Colors, active agents and/or emulsifiers may also be added at this time. A softener such as glycerin may also be added at this time, along with syrup and a portion of the bulking agent/sweetener. Further portions of the bulking agent/sweetener may then be added to the mixer. A flavoring agent is typically added with the final portion of the bulking agent/sweetener. A high-intensity sweetener is preferably added after the final portion of bulking agent and flavor has been added.

The entire mixing procedure typically takes from five to fifteen minutes, but longer mixing times may sometimes be required. Those skilled in the art will recognize that many variations of the above-described procedure may be followed. Including the one-step method described in US patent application 2004/0115305 hereby incorporated as reference. Chewing gums are formed by extrusion, compression, rolling and may be centre filled with liquids and/or solids in any form.

The chewing gum according to the present invention may also be provided with an outer coating, which may be a hard coating, a soft coating, a film coating, or a coating of any type that is known in the art, or a combination of such coatings. The coating may typically constitute 0.1 to 75% by weight of a coated chewing gum piece.

One preferred outer coating type is a hard coating, which term is including sugar coatings and sugar-free (or sugarless) coatings and combinations thereof. The object of hard coating is to obtain a sweet, crunchy layer, which is appreciated by the consumer and to protect the gum centers. In a typical process of providing the chewing gum centers with a protective sugar coating the gum centers are successively treated in suitable coating equipment with aqueous solutions of crystallizable sugar such as sucrose or dextrose, which, depending on the stage of coating reached, may contain other functional ingredients, e.g. fillers, colors, etc.

In one presently preferred embodiment, the coating agent applied in a hard coating process is a sugarless coating agent, e.g. a polyol including as examples sorbitol, maltitol, mannitol, xylitol, erythritol, lactitol and isomalt or e.g. a mono- di-saccha- ride including as example trehalose. Or alternatively a sugar-free soft coating e.g. comprising alternately applying to the centers a syrup of a polyol or a mono- di-saccharide, including as examples sorbitol, maltitol, mannitol, xylitol, erythritol, lactitol, isomalt and trehalose.

In further useful embodiments, a film coating is provided by film-forming agents such as a cellulose derivative, a modified starch, a dextrin, gelatine, zein, shellec, gum arabic, a vegetable gum, a synthetic polymer, etc. or a combination thereof.

In an embodiment of the invention, the outer coating comprises at least one additive component selected from the group comprising a binding agent, a moisture- absorbing component, a film-forming agent, a dispersing agent, an antisticking component, a bulking agent, a flavoring agent, a coloring agent, a pharmaceutically or cosmetically active component, a lipid component, a wax component, a sugar, and an acid.

A coated chewing gum center according to the invention may have any form, shape or dimension that permits the chewing gum center to be coated using any conventional coating process.

It should however be noted that application of different coating should be done with care as compressed chewing gum tablets may be very affected by direct contact with moisture or water.

The glass transition temperature (T_g) may be determined by for example DSC (DSC: differential scanning calorimetry). The DSC may generally be applied for determining and studying of the thermal transitions of a polymer and specifically, the technique may be applied for the determination of a second order transition of a material, i.e. a thermal transition that involves a change in heat capacity, but does not have a latent heat. The glass transition is a second-order transition. The composition of gum base formulations can vary substantially depending on the particular product to be prepared and on the desired masticatory and other sensory characteristics of the final product. However, typical ranges of the above gum base components are: 5 to 80% by weight of elastomeric compounds, 5 to 80% by weight of elastomer plasticizers, 0 to 40% by weight of waxes, 5 to 35% by weight of softener, 0 to 50% by weight of filler, and 0 to 5% by weight of miscellaneous ingredients such as antioxidants, colorants, etc. The gum base may comprise about 5 to about 95% by weight of the chewing gum, more commonly; the gum base comprises 10 to about 60% by weight of the gum.

Elastomer plasticizers vary the firmness of the gum base. Their specificity on elastomer inter-molecular chain breaking (plasticizing) along with their varying softening points cause varying degrees of finished gum firmness and compatibility when used in gum base. This may be important when one wants to provide more elastomeric chain exposure to the alkanic chains of the waxes.

If desired, conventional elastomers or resins may be supplemented or substituted by biodegradable polymers.

Biodegradable polymers that may be used in the chewing gum of the present invention may be homopolymers, copolymers or terpolymers, including graft- and block-polymers.

Useful biodegradable polymers, which may be applied as gum base polymers in the chewing gum of the present invention, may generally be prepared by step-growth polymerization of di-, tri- or higher-functional alcohols or esters thereof with di-, tri- or higher-functional aliphatic or aromatic carboxylic acids or esters thereof. Likewise, also hydroxy acids or anhydrides and halides of polyfunctional carboxylic acids may be used as monomers. The polymerization may involve direct polyesterification or transesteriiication and may be catalyzed.

The usually preferred polyfunctional alcohols contain 2 to 100 carbon atoms as for instance poly glycols and poly glycerols.

Gum base polymers may both be resinous and elastomeric polymers.

In the polymerization of a gum base polymer for use in the chewing gum of the present invention, some applicable examples of alcohols, which may be employed as such or as derivatives thereof, include polyols such as ethylene glycol, 1,2- propanediol, 1,3 -propanediol, 1,3-butanediol, 1,4-butanediol, 1,6-hexanediol, diethylene glycol, 1,4-cyclohexanediol, 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol, neopentyl glycol, glycerol, trimethylolpropane, pentaerythritol, sorbitol, mannitol, etc.

Suitable examples of environmentally or biologically degradable chewing gum base polymers, which may be applied in accordance with the gum base of the present invention, include degradable polyesters, polycarbonates, polyester amides, polyesterurethanes, polyamides, prolamine, polypeptides, homopolymers of amino acids such as polylysine, and proteins including derivatives hereof such as e.g. protein hydrolysates including a zein hydrolysate.

Polyesters which may be applied in accordance with the gum base of the present invention may e.g. be as seen in EP 1 545 234 or EP 0 711 506 as incorporated herein by reference.

Further polymers which may be used in the gum base according to embodiments of the invention comprise: enzymatically hydrolyzed zein, plasticized poly(D,L-lactic acid) and poly(D,L-lactic acid-co-glycolic acid), polyhydroxyalkanoates having side chain lengths of C₄ to C₃₀, poly (lactic acid) copolymers selected from the group consisting of poly(lactic acid- dimer fatty acid-oxazoline) copolymers and poly(lactic acid-diol-urethane) copolymers, at least one polyester wherein the polyester includes monomers selected from the group consisting of lactic acid, lactide, glycolic acid, glycolide, citric acid, adipic acid, caprolactone, ethylene oxide, ethylene glycol, propylene oxide, and propylene glycol, and combinations thereof, at least one polyester that is produced through a reaction of glycerol and at least one acid chosen from the group consisting of citric acid, fumaric acid, adipic acid, malic acid, succinic acid, suberic acid, sebacic acid, dodecanedioic acid, glucaric acid, glutamic acid, glutaric acid, azelaic acid, and tartaric acid, at least one polyester that is produced through a reaction of at least one alcohol chosen from the group consisting of glycerol, propylene glycol, and 1,3-butylene diol, and at least one acid chosen from the group consisting of fumaric acid, adipic acid, malic acid, succinic acid, and tartaric acid, the polyester being end-capped with a monofunctional ingredient selected from the group consisting of alcohols, acids, chlorides, and esters, and further such as can be found in e.g. US 6,773,730, US 6,613,363, US 6,194,008,

US 5,580,590, US 6,858,238, US 6,017,566, US 6,013,287, and US 5,800,848, which are all hereby incorporated by reference.

The polyesters formed on the basis of di- or polyfunctional acids and di- or polyfunctional alcohols may be produced according to known methods, one of which includes US2007/043200, hereby incorporated by reference.

The prolamine may e.g. be selected from the group consisting of zein, corn gluten meal, wheat gluten, gliadin, glutenin and any combination thereof. Methods of providing such a polymer are disclosed in US2004/001903, hereby incorporated by reference.

Examples of such protein based compounds include but are not limited to prolamine, zein, corn gluten meal, wheat gluten, gliadin, glutenin and combinations thereof.

Such suitable biodegradable gum base polymers include polyesters, polycarbonates, polyesteramides, polyesterurethanes, polyamides, prolamine, and combinations thereof.

Polycarbonates may typically be co-polymerized with polyesters. Some typically preferred cyclic carbonates, which may be used as starting material, may e.g. comprise trimethylene carbonate, 2,2-dimethyltrimethylene carbonate, 2- methyltrimethylene carbonate, 3-methyltrimethylene carbonate, 2,3- dimethyltrimethylene carbonate, 2,4-dimethyltrimethylene carbonate, 2,3,4- trimethyltrimethylene carbonate, 2,3,3,4-tetramethyltrimethylene carbonate, etc.

In some embodiments, suitable polyesteramides can be constructed from monomers of the following groups: dialcohols, such as ethylene glycol, 1,4-butanediol, 1,3- propanediol, 1,6-hexanediol diethylene glycol and others; and/or dicarboxylic acid, such as oxalic acid, succinic acid, adipic acid and others, including those in the form of their respective esters (methyl, ethyl, etc.); and/or hydroxycarboxylic acids and lactones, such as caprolactone and others; and/or amino alcohols, such as ethanolamine, propanolamine, etc.; and/or cyclic lactams, such as .epsilon.- caprolactam or laurolactam, etc.; and/or .omega.-aminocarboxylic acids, such as aminocaproic acid, etc.; and/or mixtures (1:1 salts) of dicarboxylic acids such as adipic acid, succinic acid etc., and diamines such as hexamethyl enediamine, diaminobutane, etc.

In the case where the polymer mixture is based extensively on thermoplastic starch and an aromatic polyester, an aliphatic-aromatic copolyester, or a polyesteramide, it may be advantageous to add an aliphatic polyester or copolyester, such as polycaprolactone, for example, as a further component. As an example of this there may be mentioned a polymer mixture consisting of thermoplastic starch, at least one polyethylene terephthalate (PET) or a polyalkylene terephthalate, and polycaprolactone. Other examples of aliphatic polyesters or copolyesters are polylactic acid, polyhydroxybutyric acid, polyhydroxybutyric acid-hydroxyvaleric acid copolymer, and/or mixtures thereof.

Suitable polyesters may be obtained through polycondensation polymerisation or ring-opening polymerisation reactions. Some preferred polyesters include those polymerized from at least one carboxylic acid and at least one aliphatic di- or polyfunctional alcohols. The carboxylic acids may include aromatic dicarboxylic acids and aliphatic di- or polyfuncional carboxylic acids. In some preferred embodiments, the majority of the carboxylic acids are aliphatic.

Some of the preferred polyesters according to the invention may e.g. be prepared by step-growth polymerization of di-, tri- or higher-functional alcohols or esters thereof with di-, tri- or higher-functional aliphatic or aromatic carboxylic acids or esters thereof. Likewise, also hydroxy acids or anhydrides and halides of polyfunctional carboxylic acids may be used as monomers. The polymerization may involve direct polyesterification or transesterification and may be catalyzed. Use of branched monomers suppresses the crystallinity of the polyester polymers. Mixing of dissimilar monomer units along the chain also suppresses crystallinity. To control the reaction and the molecular weight of the resulting polymer it is possible to stop the polymer chains by addition of monofunctional alcohols or acids and/or to utilize a stoichiometric imbalance between acid groups and alcohol groups or derivatives of either. Also the adding of long chain aliphatic carboxylic acids or aromatic monocarboxylic acids may be used to control the degree of branching in the polymer and conversely multifunctional monomers are sometimes used to create branching. Moreover, following the polymerization monofunctional compounds may be used to end cap the free hydroxyl and carboxyl groups.

Examples of aliphatic di- or polyfunctional carboxylic acids, which may be applied as monomers of suitable polyesters include oxalic, malonic, citric, succinic, malic, tartaric, furnaric, maleic, glutaric, glutamic, adipic, glucaric, pimelic, suberic, azelaic, sebacic, dodecanedioic acid, etc. Likewise, specific examples of aromatic polyfunctional carboxylic acids may be terephthalic, isophthalic, phthalic, trimellitic, pyromellitic and naphthalene 1,4-, 2,3-, 2,6-dicarboxylic acids and the like. Some preferred polyesters are disclosed in CA2523510, hereby included by reference.

In a preferred embodiment, aliphatic dicarboxylic acids applied in the polyesters are selected from aliphatic dicarboxylic acids having from 4 to 12 carbons, such as succinic acid, glutaric acid, 2-methylglutaric acid, 3-methylglutaric acid, 2,2- dimethylglutaric acid, adipic acid, pimelic acid, suberic acid, azelaic acid and sebacic acid, higher homologues and stereoisomers and mixtures thereof. Preferred aliphatic dicarboxylic acids in this embodiment are succinic acid, glutaric acid, adipic acid, pimelic acid, azelaic acid and sebacic acid, and mixtures thereof.

In an embodiment, aromatic dicarboxylic acids applied in the polyesters contain two carboxyl groups which are bound to one aromatic system. Preferably, the aromatic system is carboaromatic, such as phenyl or naphthyl. In the case of polynuclear aromatics, the two carboxyl groups may be bound to the same ring or different rings. The aromatic system can also have one or more alkyl groups, for example methyl groups. The aromatic dicarboxylic acid is then generally selected from aromatic dicarboxylic acids having from 8 to 12 carbons, such as phthalic acid, isophthalic acid, terephthalic acid, 1,5- and 2,6-naphthalenedicarboxylic acid. Preferred aromatic dicarboxylic acids in this embodiment are terephthalic acid, isophthalic acid and phthalic acid and mixtures thereof. Furthermore, some usually preferred polyfunctional alcohols suitable for preparing advantageous polyesters according to the invention contain 2 to 100 carbon atoms as for instance polyglycols and polyglycerols. Suitable examples of alcohols, which may be employed in the polymerization process as such or as derivatives thereof, includes polyols such as ethylene glycol, 1,2-propanediol, 1,3-propanediol, 1,3- butanediol, 1,4-butanediol, 1,6-hexanediol, diethylene glycol, 1,4-cyclohexanediol, 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol, neopentyl glycol, glycerol, trimethylolpropane, pentaerythritol, sorbitol, mannitol, etc. For the purpose of illustration and not limitation, some examples of alcohol derivatives include triacetin, glycerol palmitate, glycerol sebacate, glycerol adipate, tripropionin, etc.

Additionally, with regard to polyesters polymerized from alcohols or derivatives thereof and carboxylic acids or derivatives thereof, chain-stoppers sometimes used are monofunctional compounds. They are preferably either monohydroxy alcohols containing 1-20 carbon atoms or monocarboxylic acids containing 2-26 carbon atoms. General examples are medium or long-chain fatty alcohols or acids, and specific examples include monohydroxy alcohols such as methanol, ethanol, butanol, hexanol, octanol, etc., and lauryl alcohol, myristyl alcohol, cetyl alcohol, stearyl alcohol, stearic alcohol, etc., and monocarboxylic acids such as acetic, lauric, myristic, palmitic, stearic, arachidic, cerotic, dodecylenic, palmitoleic, oleic, linoleic, linolenic, erucic, benzoic, naphthoic acids and substituted napthoic acids, 1 -methyl-2 naphthoic acid and 2-isopropyl-l -naphthoic acid, etc.

Typically, an acid catalyst or a transesterification catalyst may be used in such polyester polymerization processes, and non-limiting examples of those are the metal catalysts such as acetates of manganese, zinc, calcium, cobalt or magnesium, and antimony(III)oxide, germanium oxide or halide and tetraalkoxygermanium, titanium alkoxide, zinc or aluminum salts.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the polyesters can for example include copolymers containing any combination of the monomers lactic acid, lactide, glycolic acid, glycolide, citric acid, adipic acid, caprolactone, ethylene oxide, ethylene glycol, propylene oxide, propylene glycol and combinations thereof.

Examples of suitable polyesters obtainable by ring-opening polymerization include polyesters comprising combinations of cyclic monomers including the following:

D,L-lactide/ε-caprolactone,

D,L-lactide/TMC

D,L-lactide/δ-valerolactone

D,L-lactide/dioxanone

D,L-lactide

L-lactide/ε-caprolactone

L-lactide/TMC

L-lactide/δ-valerolactone

L-lactide/dioxanone

L-lactide

D,L-lactide/glycolide/ε-caprolactone

D,L-lactide/glycolide/TMC

D,L-lactide/glycolide/δ-valerolactone

D,L-lactide/glycolide/dioxanone

D,L-lactide/glycolide

L-lactide/glycolide/ε-caprolactone

L-lactide/glycolide/TMC

L-lactide/glycolide/δ-valerolactone

L-lactide/glycolide/dioxanone

L-lactide/glycolide glycolide/ε-caprolactone glycolide/TMC glycolide/δ-valerolactone glycolide/dioxanone glycolide

D,L-lactide/L-lactide/ε-caprolactone

D^-lactide/L-lactide/TMC

DjL-lactide/L-lactide/δ-valerolactone

DjL-lactide/L-lactide/dioxanone

D,L-lactide/L-lactide

D,L-lactide/L-lactide/glycolide/ε-caprolactone

D,L-lactide/L-lactide/glycolide/TMC

D,L-lactide/L-lactide/glycolide/δ-valerolactone

DjL-lactide/L-lactide/glycolide/dioxanone

D,L-lactide/L-lactide/glycolide

Some examples of the resulting polyester gum base polymers include poly (L- lactide-co-trimethylenecarbonate); poly (L-lactide-co-epsilon-caprolactone); poly (D, L-lactide-co-trimethylenecarbonate); poly (D, L-lactide-co-epsilon-caprolactone); poly (meso-lactide-co-trimethylenecarbonate); poly (mesolactide-co-epsilon- caprolactone); poly (glycolide-cotrimethylenecarbonate); poly (glycolide-co-epsilon- caprolactone), etc. Suitable polyesters are also disclosed in WO 2004/028270, hereby incorporated by reference.

In an embodiment, the polyesters may be obtained by the reaction between at least one dimer acid and at least one glycol or alcohol. Such glycols can include, for example, glycerin, propylene glycol, ethylene glycol, poly(ethylene glycol), poly(propylene glycol), poly(ethylene glycol-co-propylene glycol), while such alcohols can include, for example, methanol, ethanol, propanol, and butanol, and such dimer acids can include, for example, adipic acid and citric acid, etc.

Some specific examples of suitable polyesters include poly(lactic acid), polylactide, poly(glycolic acid), polyglycolide, poly(citric acid), polycaprolactone, polyhydroxyalkanoate, and combinations thereof.

Some suitable prolamines include zein, corn gluten meal, wheat gluten, gliadin, glutenin and combinations thereof. Moreover, blends of prolamine with polyester such as those disclosed in US 6,858,238, hereby included by reference, may be useful in chewing gum according to the invention.

Agglomeration which may be used on e.g. tablet material and active ingredients in an embodiment of the invention may be performed for instance by fluid bed agglomeration, a process known to the person skilled in the art.

The chewing gum may include any component known in the chewing gum art. For example, the chewing gum may include elastomers, bulking agents, waxes, elastomer solvents, emulsifϊers, plasticizers, fillers, and mixtures thereof.

The chewing gum according to the invention may comprise coloring agents. According to an embodiment of the invention, the chewing gum may comprise color agents and whiteners such as FD&C-type dyes and lakes, fruit and vegetable extracts, titanium dioxide and combinations thereof.

Further useful chewing gum base components include antioxidants, e.g. butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT), butyl hydroxyanisol (BHA), propylgallate and tocopherols, and preservatives. A gum base formulation may, in accordance with the present invention, comprise one or more softening agents e.g. sucrose esters including those disclosed in WO 00/25598, which is incorporated herein by reference, tallow, hydrogenated tallow, hydrogenated and partially hydrogenated vegetable oils, cocoa butter, degreased cocoa powder, glycerol monostearate, glyceryl triacetate, lecithin, mono-, di- and triglycerides, acetylated monoglycerides, lanolin, sodium stearate, potassium stearate, glyceryl lecithin, propylene glycol monostearate, glycerine, fatty acids (e.g. stearic, palmitic, oleic and linoleic acids) and combinations thereof. As used herein the term "softener" designates an ingredient, which softens the gum base or chewing gum formulation and encompasses waxes, fats, oils, emulsifiers, surfactants and solubilisers.

To soften the gum base further and to provide it with water-binding properties, which confer to the gum base a pleasant smooth surface and reduce its adhesive properties, one or more emulsifiers is/are usually added to the composition, typically in an amount of 0 to 18% by weight, preferably 0 to 12% by weight of the gum base. Useful emulsifiers can include, but are not limited to, glyceryl monostearate, propylene glycol monostearate, mono- and diglycerides of edible fatty acids, lactic acid esters and acetic acid esters of mono- and diglycerides of edible fatty acids, acetylated mono and diglycerides, sugar esters of edible fatty acids, Na-, K-, Mg- and Ca-stearates, lecithin, hydroxylated lecithin and the like and mixtures thereof are examples of conventionally used emulsifiers which can be added to the chewing gum base. In case of the presence of a biologically or pharmaceutically active ingredient as defined below, the formulation may comprise certain specific emulsifiers and/or solubilisers in order to disperse and release the active ingredient.

Waxes and fats are conventionally used for the adjustment of the texture and for softening of the chewing gum base when preparing chewing gum bases. In connection with the present invention, any conventionally used and suitable type of natural and synthetic wax and fat may be used, such as for instance rice bran wax, polyethylene wax, petroleum wax (refined paraffin and microcrystalline wax), sorbitan monostearate, tallow, propylene glycol, paraffin, beeswax, carnauba wax, candelilla wax, cocoa butter, degreased cocoa powder and any suitable oil or fat, as e.g. completely or partially hydrogenated vegetable oils or completely or partially hydrogenated animal fats.

A chewing gum base formulation may, if desired, include one or more fillers/texturisers including as examples, magnesium and calcium carbonate, sodium sulphate, ground limestone, silicate compounds such as magnesium and aluminum silicate, kaolin and clay, aluminum oxide, silicium oxide, talc, titanium oxide, mono-, di- and tri-calcium phosphates, cellulose polymers, such as wood, and combinations thereof.

In addition to a water insoluble gum base portion, a typical chewing gum includes a water soluble bulk portion and one or more flavoring agents. The water-soluble portion may include bulk sweeteners, high-intensity sweeteners, flavoring agents, softeners, emulsifiers, colors, acidulants, buffering agents, fillers, antioxidants, and other components that provide desired attributes.

Combinations of sugar and/or non-sugar sweeteners can be used in the chewing gum formulation processed in accordance with the invention. Additionally, the softener may also provide additional sweetness such as aqueous sugar or alditol solutions.

Useful sugar sweeteners are saccharide-containing components commonly known in the chewing gum art including, but not limited to, sucrose, dextrose, maltose, dextrins, trehalose, D-tagatose, dried invert sugar, fructose, levulose, galactose, corn syrup solids, and the like, alone or in combination.

Sorbitol can be used as a non-sugar sweetener. Other useful non-sugar sweeteners include, but are not limited to, other sugar alcohols such as mannitol, xylitol, hydrogenated starch hydrolysates, maltitol, isomaltol, erythritol, lactitol and the like, alone or in combination.

High-intensity artificial sweetening agents can also be used alone or in combination with the above sweeteners. Preferred high-intensity sweeteners include, but are not limited to sucralose, aspartame, salts of acesulfame, alitame, neotame, twinsweet, saccharin and its salts, cyclamic acid and its salts, glycyrrhizin, dihydrochalcones, thaumatin, monellin, stevioside and the like, alone or in combination. In order to provide longer lasting sweetness and flavor perception, it may be desirable to encapsulate or otherwise control the release of at least a portion of the artificial sweetener. Techniques such as wet granulation, wax granulation, spray drying, spray chilling, fluid bed coating, coascervation, encapsulation in yeast cells and fiber extrusion may be used to achieve the desired release characteristics. Encapsulation of sweetening agents can also be provided using another chewing gum component such as a resinous compound.

Usage level of the high-intensity artificial sweetener will vary considerably and will depend on factors such as potency of the sweetener, rate of release, desired sweetness of the product, level and type of flavor used and cost considerations. Thus, the active level of high-potency artificial sweetener may vary from about 0 to about 8% by weight, preferably 0.001 to about 5% by weight. When carriers used for encapsulation are included, the usage level of the encapsulated sweetener will be proportionately higher.

If a low-calorie gum is desired, a low-caloric bulking agent can be used. Examples of low caloric bulking agents include polydextrose, Raftilose, Raftilin, fructooligosaccharides (NutraFlora^®), palatinose oligosaccharides; guar gum hydrolysates (e.g. Sun Fiber^®) or indigestible dextrins (e.g. Fibersol^®). However, other low-calorie bulking agents can be used. The chewing gum according to the present invention may contain aroma agents and flavoring agents including natural and synthetic flavorings e.g. in the form of natural vegetable components, essential oils, essences, extracts, powders, including acids and other substances capable of affecting the taste profile. Examples of liquid and powdered flavorings include coconut, coffee, chocolate, vanilla, grape fruit, orange, lime, menthol, liquorice, caramel aroma, honey aroma, peanut, walnut, cashew, hazelnut, almonds, pineapple, strawberry, raspberry, tropical fruits, cherries, cinnamon, peppermint, wintergreen, spearmint, eucalyptus, and mint, fruit essence such as from apple, pear, peach, strawberry, apricot, raspberry, cherry, pineapple, and plum essence. The essential oils include peppermint, spearmint, menthol, eucalyptus, clove oil, bay oil, anise, thyme, cedar leaf oil, nutmeg, and oils of the fruits mentioned above.

The chewing gum flavor may be a natural flavoring agent, which is freeze-dried, preferably in the form of a powder, slices or pieces or combinations thereof. The particle size may be less than 3mm, less than 2mm or more preferred less than lmm, calculated as the longest dimension of the particle. The natural flavoring agent may be in a form where the particle size is from about 3 μm to 2mm, such as from 4 μm to lmm. Preferred natural flavoring agents include seeds from fruit e.g. from strawberry, blackberry and raspberry.

Various synthetic flavors, such as mixed fruit flavors may also be used in the present chewing gum centers. As indicated above, the aroma agent may be used in quantities smaller than those conventionally used. The aroma agents and/or flavors may be used in the amount from 0.01 to about 30% by weight of the final product depending on the desired intensity of the aroma and/or flavor used. Preferably, the content of aroma/flavor is in the range of 0.2 to 3% by weight of the total composition.

In an embodiment of the invention, the flavoring agents comprise natural and synthetic flavorings in the form of natural vegetable components, essential oils, essences, extracts, powders, including acids and other substances capable of affecting the taste profile.

In one embodiment of the invention, the flavor may be used as taste masking in chewing gum comprising active ingredients, which by themselves have undesired taste or which alter the taste of the formulation.

Further chewing gum ingredients, which may be included in the chewing gum according to the present invention, include surfactants and/or solubilisers., especially when pharmaceutically or biologically active ingredients are present. As examples of types of surfactants to be used as solubilisers in a chewing gum composition according to the invention, reference is made to H.P. Fiedler, Lexikon der Hilfstoffe fur Pharmacie, Kosmetik und Angrenzende Gebiete, pages 63-64 (1981) and the lists of approved food emulsifϊers of the individual countries. Anionic, cationic, amphoteric or non-ionic solubilisers can be used. Suitable solubilisers include lecithin, polyoxyethylene stearate, polyoxyethylene sorbitan fatty acid esters, fatty acid salts, mono and diacetyl tartaric acid esters of mono and diglycerides of edible fatty acids, citric acid esters of mono and diglycerides of edible fatty acids, saccharose esters of fatty acids, polyglycerol esters of fatty acids, polyglycerol esters of interesterified castor oil acid (E476), sodium stearoyllatylate, sodium lauryl sulfate and sorbitan esters of fatty acids and polyoxyethylated hydrogenated castor oil (e.g. the product sold under the trade name CREMOPHOR), block copolymers of ethylene oxide and propylene oxide (e.g. products sold under trade names PLURONIC and POLOXAMER), polyoxyethylene fatty alcohol ethers, polyoxyethylene sorbitan fatty acid esters, sorbitan esters of fatty acids and polyoxyethylene steraric acid esters.

Particularly suitable solubilisers are polyoxyethylene stearates, such as for instance polyoxyethylene(8)stearate and polyoxyethylene(40)stearate, the polyoxyethylene sorbitan fatty acid esters sold under the trade name TWEEN, for instance TWEEN 20 (monolaurate), TWEEN 80 (monooleate), TWEEN 40 (monopalmitate), TWEEN 60 (rαonostearate) or TWEEN 65 (tristearate), mono and diacetyl tartaric acid esters of mono and diglycerides of edible fatty acids, citric acid esters of mono and diglycerides of edible fatty acids, sodium stearoyllatylate, sodium laurylsulfate, polyoxyethylated hydrogenated castor oil, blockcopolymers of ethylene oxide and propyleneoxide and polyoxyethylene fatty alcohol ether. The solubiliser may either be a single compound or a combination of several compounds. In the presence of an active ingredient, the chewing gum may preferably also comprise a carrier known in the art.

Active ingredients may advantageously be applied in a chewing gum according to the invention. Active ingredients generally refer to those ingredients that are included in a delivery system and/or compressible chewing gum composition for the desired end benefit they provide to the user. In some embodiments, active ingredients can include medicaments, nutrients, nutraceuticals, herbals, nutritional supplements, pharmaceuticals, drugs, and the like and combinations thereof. Moreover, in the present context, active ingredients may refer to flavor components, high-intensity sweeteners or other taste establishing components.

Active ingredients may be classified according to The Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical (ATC) classification system, which is a system for classification of medicinal products according to their primary constituent and to the organ or system on which they act and their chemical, pharmacological and therapeutic properties.

The first level of the ATC is split into 14 main groups based on the anatomical group:

A: Alimentary tract and metabolism B: Blood and blood forming organs C: Cardiovascular system D: Dermatologicals

G: Genito urinary system and sex hormones

H: Systemic hormonal preparations, excl. sex hormones and insulins

J: Antiinfectives for systemic use

L: Antineoplastic and immunomodulating agents

M: Musculo-skeletal system

N: Nervous system

P: Antiparasitic products, insecticides and repellents

R: Respiratory system

S: Sensory organs

V: Various

Further subdivision is done into a second, third, fourth and fifth sub-group, which is based on the therapeutic main group, the therapeutic/pharmacological subgroup, the chemical/therapeutic/pharmacological subgroup, and the chemical substance subgroup respectively. In this sense each active ingredient has been given a unique ATC identification code indicating where the active ingredient may be useful.

However, as some active ingredients are useful in more than one area, some of the active ingredients mentioned in this document belong to two or more of the mentioned groups, e.g. phenylephrine, which has an ATC identification code in both C, R, and S, i.e. both C01CA06, R01AA04, ROlABOl, R01BA03, SOlFBOl, and S01GA05 are ATC identification codes identifying phenylephrine.

The following list discloses examples of active ingredients which can be classified according to the ATC classification mentioned above and which are active ingredients which may be used in a chewing gum granule or a compressed chewing gum according to the invention:

Ephedrine, Magaldrate, Pseudoephedrine, Sildenafil, Xylocaine, Benzalconium chloride, Caffeine, Phenylephrine, Amfepramone, Orlistat, Sibutramine, Acetaminophen, Aspirin, Aluminum amino acetate, Aluminum amino acetate in combination with Magnesium oxide, Aluminum oxide hydrate in combination with Magnesiumoxide, Calcium carbonate in combination with Magnesium hydroxide, Calciumcarbonate, Dihydroxy Aluminum sodium carbonate, Magnesiumoxide, Glitazones, Metformin, Chlorpromazine, Dimenhydrinat, Domperidone, Meclozine, Metoclopramide, Odansetron, Prednisolone, Promethazine, Acrivastine, Cetirizine, Cinnarizine, Clemastine, Cyclizine, Desloratadine, Dexchlorpheniramine, Dimenhydrinate, Ebastine, Fexofenadine, Ibuprofen, Levolevoproricin, Loratadine, Meclozine, Mizolastine, Promethazine, Miconazole, Vitamin B 12, Folic acid, Ferro compounds, vitamin C, Chlorhexidine diacetate, Fluoride, Decapeptide KSL, Aluminum fluoride, Aminochelated calcium, Ammonium fluoride, Ammonium fluorosilicate, Ammonium monofluorphosphate, Calcium fluoride, Calcium gluconate, Calcium glycerophosphate, Calcium lactate, Calcium monofluorphosphate, Calciumcarbonate, Carbamide, Cetyl pyridinium chloride, Chlorhexidine, Chlorhexidine digluconate, Chlorhexidine Chloride, Chlorhexidine diacetate, CPP Caseine Phospho Peptide, Hexetedine, Octadecentyl Ammonium fluoride, Potasium fluorosilicate, Potassium Chloride, Potassium monofluorphosphate, Sodium bi carbonate, Sodium carbonate, Sodium fluoride, Sodium fluorosilicate, Sodium monofluorphosphate, Sodium tri polyphosphate, Stannous fluoride, Stearyl Trihydroxyethyl Propylenediamine Dihydrofluoride, Strontium chloride, Terra potassium pyrophosphate, Tetra sodium pyrophosphate, Tripotassium orthophosphate, Trisodium orthophosphate, Alginic acid, Aluminum hydroxide, Sodium bicarbonate, Sildenafil, Tadalafil, Vardenafil, Yohimbine, Cimetidine, Nizatidine, Ranitidine, Acetylsalicylic acid, Clopidogrel, Acetylcysteine, Bromhexine, Codeine, Dextromethorphan, Diphenhydramine, Noscapine, Phenylpropanolamine, vitamin D, Simvastatin, Bisacodyl, Lactitol, Lactulose, Magnesium oxide, Sodium picosulfate, Senna glycosides, Benzocaine, Lidocaine, Tetracaine, Almotriptan, Eletriptan, Naratriptan, Rizatriptan, Sumatriptan, Zolmitriptan, Calcium, Chromium, Copper, Iodine, Iron, Magnesium, Manganese, Molybdenium, Phosphor, Selenium, Zinc, Nicotine, Nicotine bitartrate, Nicotine pftalate, Nicotine polacrilex, Nicotine sulphate, Nicotine tartrate, Nicotine citrate, Nicotine lactate, Chloramine, Hydrogenperoxide, Metronidazole, Triamcinolonacetonide, Benzethonium ChL, Cetyl pyrid. ChI., Chlorhexidine, Fluoride, Lidocaine, Amphotericin, Miconazole, Nystatin, Fish oil, Ginkgo Biloba, Ginseng, Ginger, Purple coneflower, Saw Palmetto, Cetirizine, Levocetirizine, Loratadine, Diclofenac, Flurbiprofen, Acrivastine Pseudoephedrine, Loratadine Pseudoephedrine, Glucosamine, hyaluronic acid, Decapeptide KSL-W, Decapeptide KSL, Resveratrol, Misoprostol, Bupropion, Nicotine, Ondansetron HCl, Esomeprazole, Lansoprazole, Omeprazole, Pantoprazole, Rabeprazole, Bacteria and the like, Loperamide, Simethicone, Acetylsalicylic acid and others, Sucralfate, Vitamin A, Vitamin Bl, Vitamin B 12, Vitamin B2, Vitamin B6, Biotin, Vitamin C, Vitamin D, Vitamin E, Folinic acid, Vitamin K, Niacin, QlO, Clotrimazole, Fluconazole, Itraconazole, Ketoconazole, Terbinafine, Allopurinol, Probenecid, Atorvastatin, Fluvastatin, Lovastatin, Nicotinic acid, Pravastatin, Rosuvastatin, Simvastatin, Pilocarpine, Naproxen, Alendronate, Etidronate, Raloxifene, Risedronate, Benzodiazepines, Disulfiram, Naltrexone, Buprenorphine, Codeine, Dextropropoxyphene, Fentanyl, Hydromorphone, Ketobemidone, Ketoprofen, Methadone, Morphine, Naproxen, Nicomorphine, Oxycodone, Pethidine, Tramadol, Amoxicillin, Ampicillin, Azithromycin, Ciprofloxacin, Clarithromycin, Doxycyclin, Erythromycin, Fusidic acid, Lymecycline, Metronidazole, Moxifloxacin, Ofloxacin, Oxytetracycline, Phenoxymethylpenicillin, Rifamycins, Roxithromycin, Sulfamethizole, Tetracycline, Trimethoprim, Vancomycin, Acarbose, Glibenclamide, Gliclazide, Glimepiride, Glipizide, Insulin, Repaglinide, Tolbutamide, Oseltamivir, Aciclovir, Famciclovir, Penciclovir, Valganciclovir, Amlopidine, Diltiazem, Felodipine, Nifedipine, Verapamil, Finasteride, Minoxidil, Cocaine, Buphrenorphin, Clonidine, Methadone, Naltrexone, Calciumantagonists, Clonidine, Ergotamine, β- blockers, Aceclofenac, Celecoxib, Dexiprofen, Etodolac, Indometacin, Ketoprofen, Ketorolac, Lornoxicam, Meloxicam, Nabumetone, Oiroxicam, Parecoxib, Phenylbutazone, Piroxicam, Tiaprofenic acid, Tolfenamic acid, Aripiprazole, Chlorpromazine, Chlorprothixene, Clozapine, Flupentixol, Fluphenazine, Haloperidol, Lithium carbonate, Lithium citrate, Melperone, Penfluridol, Periciazine, Perphenazine, Pimozide, Pipamperone, Prochlorperazine, Risperidone, Thioridizin, Fluconazole, Itraconazole, Ketoconazole, Voriconazole, Opium, Benzodiazepines, Hydroxine, Meprobamate, Phenothiazine, Aluminiumaminoacetate, Esomeprazole, Famotidine, Magnesium oxide, Nizatide, Omeprazole, Pantoprazole, Fluconazole, Itraconazole, Ketoconazole, Metronidazole, Amphetamine, Atenolol, Bisoprolol fumarate, Metoprolol, Metropolol, Pindolol, Propranolol, Auranofin, and Bendazac.

Further examples of useful active ingredients include active ingredients selected from the therapeutical groups comprising: Analgesic, Anaestetic, Antipyretic, Anti allergic, Anti-arrytmic, Appetite suppressant, Antifungal, Anti-inflammatory, Broncho dilator, Cardiovascular drugs, Coronary dilator, Cerebral dilator, Peripheral vasodilator, Anti-infective, Psychotropic, Anti- manic, Stimulant, Antihistamine, Laxative, Decongestant, Gastro-intestinal sedative, Sexual dysfunction agent, Desinfectants, Anti-diarrheal, Anti-anginal substance, Vasodilator, Anti-hypertensive agent, Vasoconstrictor, Migraine treating agent, Antibiotic, Tranquilizer, Ntipsychotic, Anti-tumor drug, Anticoagulant, Antithrombotic agent, Hypnotic, Sedative, Anti-emetic, Anti-, auseant, Anticonvulsant, Neuromuscular agent, Hyper and hypoglycaemic, Thyroid and antithyroid, Diuretic, Antispasmodic, Uterine relaxant, Anti-obesity agent, Anoretic, Spasnolytics, Anabolic agent, Erythropoietic agent, Anti-asthmatic, Expectorant, Cough suppressant, Mucolytic, Anti-uricemic agent, Dental vehicle, Breath freshener, Antacid, Anti-diuretc, Anti-flatulent, Betablokker, Teeth Whitener, Enzyme, Co-enzyme, Protein, Energy booster, Fiber, Probiotics, Prebiotics, Antimicrobial agent, NSAID, Anti-tussives, Decongestants, Anti-histamines, Expectorants, Anti-diarrheals, Hydrogen antagonists, Proton pump inhibitors, General nonselective CNS depressants, General nonselective CNS stimulants, Selectively CNS function modyfying drugs, Antiparkinsonism, Narcotic- analgetics, Analgetic-antipyretics, Psychopharmacological drugs, and Sexual dysfunction agents. Examples of useful active ingredients include: Casein glyco-macro-peptide (CGMP), Nicotine, Nicotine bitartrate, Nicotine sulphate, Nicotine tartrate, Nicotine pftalate, Nicotine lactate, Nicotinecitrate, Nicotine polacrilex, Triclosan, Cetyl pyridinium chloride, Domiphen bromide, Quarternary ammonium salts, Zinc components, Sanguinarine, Fluorides, Alexidine, Octonidine, EDTA, Aspirin, Acetaminophen, Ibuprofen, Ketoprofen, Diflunisal, Fenoprofen calcium, Naproxen, Tolmetin sodium, Indomethacin, Benzonatate, Caramiphen edisylate, Menthol, Dextromethorphan hydrobromide, Theobromine hydrochloride, Chlophendianol Hydrochloride, Pseudoephedrine Hydrochloride, Phenylephrine, Phenylpropanolamine, Pseudoephedrine sulphate, Brompheniramine maleate, Chlorpheniramine- maleate, Carbinoxamine maleate, Clemastine fumarate, Dexchlorpheniramine maleate, Dephenhydramine hydrochloride, Diphenpyralide hydrochloride, Azatadine maleate, Diphenhydramine citrate, Doxylamine succinate, Promethazine hydrochloride, Pyrilamine maleate, Tripellenamine citrate, Triprolidine hydrochloride, Acrivastine, Loratadine, Brompheniramine, Dexbrompheniamine, Guaifenesin, Ipecac, Potassium iodide, Terpin hydrate, Loperamide, Famotidine, Ranitidine, Omeprazole, Lansoprazole, Aliphatic alcohols, Barbiturates, Caffeine, Nicotine, Strychnine, Picrotoxin, Pentyenetetrazol, Phenyhydantoin, Phenobarbital, Primidone, Carbamazapine, Etoxsuximide, Methsuximide, Phensuximide, Trimethadione, Diazepam, Benzodiazepines, Phenacemide, Pheneturide, Acetazolamide, Sulthiame, Bromide, Levodopa, Amantadine, Morphine, Heroin, Hydromorphone, Metopon, Oxymorphone, Levophanol, Codeine, Hydrocodone, Xycodone, Nalorphine, Naloxone, Naltrexone, Salicylates, Phenylbutazone, Indomethacin, Phenacetin, Chlorpromazine, Methotrimeprazine, Haloperidol, Clozapine, Reserpine, Imipramine, Tranylcypromine, Phenelzine, Lithium, Sildenafil citrate, Tadalafil, and Vardenafil CL.

Examples of useful active ingredients include active ingredients selected from the groups of ace-inhibitors, antianginal drugs, anti- arrhythmias, anti-asthmatics, anti- cholesterolemics, analgesics, anesthetics, anticonvulsants, anti-depressants, anti- diabetic agents, anti-diarrhea preparations, antidotes, anti-histamines, antihypertensive drugs, anti-inflammatory agents, anti-lipid agents, anti- manics, anti- nauseants, anti-stroke agents, anti-thyroid preparations, anti-tumor drugs, anti- viral agents, acne drugs, alkaloids, amino acid preparations, anti-tussives, anti- uricemic drugs, anti- viral drugs, anabolic preparations, systemic and non-systemic anti- infective agents, anti-neoplasties, antiparkinsonian agents, anti-rheumatic agents, appetite stimulants, biological response modifiers, blood modifiers, bone metabolism regulators, cardiovascular agents, central nervous system stimulates, cholinesterase inhibitors, contraceptives, decongestants, dietary supplements, dopamine receptor agonists, endometriosis management agents, enzymes, erectile dysfunction therapies such as sildenafil citrate, which is currently marketed as Viagra™, fertility agents, gastrointestinal agents, homeopathic remedies, hormones, hypercalcemia and hypocalcemia management agents, immunomodulators, immunosuppressives, migraine preparations, motion sickness treatments, muscle relaxants, obesity management agents, osteoporosis preparations, oxytocics, parasympatholytics, parasympathomimetics, prostaglandins, psychotherapeutic agents, respiratory agents, sedatives, smoking cessation aids such as bromocriptine or nicotine, sympatholytics, tremor preparations, urinary tract agents, vasodilators, laxatives, antacids, ion exchange resins, anti-pyretics, appetite suppressants, expectorants, anti-anxiety agents, anti-ulcer agents, anti-inflammatory substances, coronary dilators, cerebral dilators, peripheral vasodilators, psycho-tropics, stimulants, anti-hypertensive drugs, vasoconstrictors, migraine treatments, antibiotics, tranquilizers, anti-psychotics, antitumor drugs, anti-coagulants, anti-thrombotic drugs, hypnotics, anti-emetics, anti- nauseants, anti-convulsants, neuromuscular drugs, hyper- and hypo-glycemic agents, thyroid and anti-thyroid preparations, diuretics, anti-spasmodics, terine relaxants, anti-obesity drugs, erythropoietic drugs, anti-asthmatics, cough suppressants, mucolytics, DNA and genetic modifying drugs, and combinations thereof.

Examples of active ingredients contemplated for use in the present invention can include antacids, H2-antagonists, and analgesics. For example, antacid dosages can be prepared using the ingredients calcium carbonate alone or in combination with magnesium hydroxide, and/or aluminum hydroxide. Moreover, antacids can be used in combination with H2-antagonists.

Analgesics include opiates and opiate derivatives, such as Oxycontin™, ibuprofen, aspirin, acetaminophen, and combinations thereof that may optionally include caffeine.

Other drug active ingredients for use in embodiments can include anti-diarrheals such as Immodium™ AD, anti-histamines, anti-tussives, decongestants, vitamins, and breath fresheners. Also contemplated for use herein are anxiolytics such as Xanax™; anti-psychotics such as Clozaril™ and Haldol™; non-steroidal antiinflammatories (NSAID's) such as ibuprofen, naproxen sodium, Voltaren™ and Lodine™, anti-histamines such as Claritin™, Hismanal™, Relafen™, and Tavist™; antiemetics such as Kytril™ and Cesamet™; bronchodilators such as Bentolin™, Proventil™; anti-depressants such as Prozac™, Zoloft™, and Paxil™; anti-migraines such as Imigra™, ACE-inhibitors such as Vasotec™, Capoten™ and Zestril™; anti- Alzheimer's agents, such as Nicergoline™; and CaH-antagonists such as Procardia™, Adalat™, and Calan™.

The popular H2-antagonists which are contemplated for use in the present invention include cimetidine, ranitidine hydrochloride, famotidine, nizatidien, ebrotidine, mifentidine, roxatidine, pisatidine and aceroxatidine.

Active antacid ingredients can include, but are not limited to, the following: aluminum hydroxide, dihydroxyaluminum aminoacetate, aminoacetic acid, aluminum phosphate, dihydroxyaluminum sodium carbonate, bicarbonate, bismuth aluminate, bismuth carbonate, bismuth subcarbonate, bismuth subgallate, bismuth subnitrate, bismuth subsilysilate, calcium carbonate, calcium phosphate, citrate ion (acid or salt), amino acetic acid, hydrate magnesium aluminate sulfate, magaldrate, magnesium aluminosilicate, magnesium carbonate, magnesium glycinate, magnesium hydroxide, magnesium oxide, magnesium trisilicate, milk solids, aluminum mono-ordibasic calcium phosphate, tricalcium phosphate, potassium bicarbonate, sodium tartrate, sodium bicarbonate, magnesium aluminosilicates, tartaric acids and salts. A variety of nutritional supplements may also be used as active ingredients including virtually any vitamin or mineral. For example, vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin D, vitamin E, vitamin K, vitamin B6, vitamin B 12, thiamine, riboflavin, biotin, folic acid, niacin, pantothenic acid, sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, sulfur, chlorine, iron, copper, iodine, zinc, selenium, manganese, choline, chromium, molybdenum, fluorine, cobalt and combinations thereof, may be used. Examples of nutritional supplements that can be used as active ingredients are set forth in U.S. Patent Application Publication Nos. 2003/0157213 Al, 2003/0206993 and 2003/0099741 Al which are incorporated in their entirety herein by reference for all purposes. Various herbals may also be used as active ingredients such as those with various medicinal or dietary supplement properties. Herbals are generally aromatic plants or plant parts and or extracts thereof that can be used medicinally or for flavoring. Suitable herbals can be used singly or in various mixtures. Commonly used herbs include Echinacea, Goldenseal, Calendula, Rosemary, Thyme, Kava Kava, Aloe, Blood Root, Grapefruit Seed Extract, Black Cohosh, Ginseng, Guarana, Cranberry, Ginko Biloba, St. John's Wort, Evening Primrose Oil, Yohimbe Bark, Green Tea, Ma Huang, Maca, Bilberry, Lutein, and combinations thereof.

Especially when hydrophilic, encapsulation of the active will result in a delay in the release of the predominant amount of the active during consumption of a compressible chewing gum that includes the encapsulated active (e.g., as part of a delivery system added as an ingredient to the compressible chewing gum), in some embodiments, the release profile of the ingredient (e.g., the active) can be managed for a compressible gum by managing various characteristics of the ingredient, delivery system containing the ingredient, and/or the compressible chewing gum containing the delivery system and/or how the delivery system is made. For example, characteristics might include one or more of the following: tensile strength of the delivery system, water solubility of the ingredient, water solubility of the encapsulating material, water solubility of the delivery system, ratio of ingredient to encapsulating material in the delivery system, average or maximum particle size of ingredient, average or maximum particle size of ground delivery system, the amount of the ingredient or the delivery system in the compressible chewing gum, ratio of different polymers used to encapsulate one or more ingredients, hydrophobicity of one or more polymers used to encapsulate one or more ingredients, hydrophobicity of the delivery system, the type or amount of coating on the delivery system, the type or amount of coating on an ingredient prior to the ingredient being encapsulated, etc.

In some embodiments, the release profiles of one or more components of an effervescing system are managed for a compressible gum. The effervescent system may include one or more edible acids and one or more edible alkaline materials. The edible acid(s) and the edible alkaline material(s) may react together to generate effervescence. In some embodiments, the alkaline material(s) may be selected from, but is not limited to, alkali metal carbonates, alkali metal bicarbonates, alkaline earth metal carbonates, alkaline earth metal bicarbonates, and combinations thereof. The edible acid(s) may be selected from, but is not limited to, citric acid, phosphoric acid, tartaric acid, malic acid, ascorbic acid, and combinations thereof. In some embodiments, an effervescing system may include one or more other ingredients such as, for example, carbon dioxide, oral care ingredients, flavorants, etc.

For examples of use of an effervescing system in a chewing gum, refer to U.S. Provisional Patent No. 60/618,222 filed October 13, 2004, and entitled "Effervescent Pressed Gum Tablet Compositions," the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference for all purposes. Other examples can be found in U.S. Patent No. 6,235,318, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference for all purposes. Typically, encapsulation of the one or more ingredients in an effervescing system will result in a delay in the release of the predominant amount of the one or more ingredients during consumption of a compressible chewing gum that includes the encapsulated one or more ingredients (e.g., as part of a delivery system added as an ingredient to the compressible chewing gum composition). The release profile of the one or more ingredients can be managed for a compressible gum by managing various characteristics of the ingredient, delivery system containing the ingredient, and/or the compressible chewing gum containing the delivery system and/or how the delivery system is made. For example, characteristics might include one or more of the following: tensile strength of the delivery system, water solubility of the ingredient, water solubility of the encapsulating material, water solubility of the delivery system, ratio of ingredient to encapsulating material in the delivery system, average or maximum particle size of ingredient, average or maximum particle size of ground delivery system, the amount of the ingredient or the delivery system in the compressible chewing gum, ratio of different polymers used to encapsulate one or more ingredients, hydrophobicity of one or more polymers used to encapsulate one or more ingredients, hydrophobicity of the delivery system, the type or amount of coating on the delivery system, the type or amount of coating on an ingredient prior to the ingredient being encapsulated, etc.

In some embodiments, the release profiles of one or more appetite suppressors are managed for a compressible gum. Appetite suppressors can be ingredients such as fiber and protein that function to depress the desire to consume food. Appetite suppressors can also include benzphetamine, diethylpropion, mazindol, phendimetrazine, phentermine, hoodia (P57), Olibra™, ephedra, caffeine and combinations thereof. Appetite suppressors are also known by the following trade names: Adipex™, Adipost™, Bontril™ PDM, Bontril™ Slow Release, Didrex™, Fastin™, Ionamin™, Mazanor™, Melfiat™, Obenix™, Phendiet™, Phendiet-105™, Phentercot™, Phentride™, Plegine™, Prelu-2™, Pro-Fast™, PT 105™, Sanorex™, Tenuate™, Sanorex™, Tenuate™, Tenuate Dospan™, Tepanil Ten-Tab™, Teramine™, and Zantryl™. These and other suitable appetite suppressors are further described in the following U.S. patents, all of which are incorporated in their entirety by reference hereto: U.S. 6,838,431 to Portman, U.S. 6,716,815 to Portman, U.S. 6,558,690 to Portman, U.S. 6,468,962 to Portman, U.S. 6,436,899 to Portman.

Typically, encapsulation of the appetite suppressor will result in a delay in the release of the predominant amount of the appetite suppressor during consumption of a compressible chewing gum that includes the encapsulated appetite suppressor (e.g., as part of a delivery system added as an ingredient to the compressible chewing gum). In some embodiments, the release profile of the ingredient (e.g., the appetite suppressor) can be managed for a compressible gum by managing various characteristics of the ingredient, delivery system containing the ingredient, and/or the compressible chewing gum containing the delivery system and/or how the delivery system is made. For example, characteristics might include one or more of the following: tensile strength of the delivery system, water solubility of the ingredient, water solubility of the encapsulating material, water solubility of the delivery system, ratio of ingredient to encapsulating material in the delivery system, average or maximum particle size of ingredient, average or maximum particle size of ground delivery system, the amount of the ingredient or the delivery system in the compressible chewing gum, ratio of different polymers used to encapsulate one or more ingredients, hydrophobicity of one or more polymers used to encapsulate one or more ingredients, hydrophobicity of the delivery system, the type or amount of coating on the delivery system, the type or amount of coating on an ingredient prior to the ingredient being encapsulated, etc.

In some embodiments, the release profiles of one or more breath fresheners are managed for a compressible gum. Breath fresheners can include essential oils as well as various aldehydes, alcohols, and similar materials. In some embodiments, essential oils can include oils of spearmint, peppermint, wintergreen, sassafras, chlorophyll, citral, geraniol, cardamom, clove, sage, carvacrol, eucalyptus, cardamom, magnolia bark extract, marjoram, cinnamon, lemon, lime, grapefruit, and orange. In some embodiments, aldehydes such as cinnamic aldehyde and salicylaldehyde can be used. Additionally, chemicals such as menthol, carvone, iso- garrigol, and anethole can function as breath fresheners. Of these, the most commonly employed are oils of peppermint, spearmint and chlorophyll.

In addition to essential oils and chemicals derived from them, in some embodiments, breath fresheners can include but are not limited to zinc citrate, zinc acetate, zinc fluoride, zinc ammonium sulfate, zinc bromide, zinc iodide, zinc chloride, zinc nitrate, zinc flurosilicate, zinc gluconate, zinc tartarate, zinc succinate, zinc formate, zinc chromate, zinc phenol sulfonate, zinc dithionate, zinc sulfate, siliver nitrate, zinc salicylate, zinc glycerophosphate, copper nitrate, chlorophyll, copper chlorophyll, chlorophyllin, hydrogenated cottonseed oil, chlorine dioxide, beta cyclodextrin, zeolite, silica-based materials, carbon-based materials, enzymes such as laccase, and combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the release profiles of probiotics can be managed for a compressible gum including, but not limited to lactic acid producing microorganisms such as Bacillus coagulans, Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus laterosporus, Bacillus laevolacticus, Sporolactobacillus inulinus, Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus curvatus, Lactobacillus plantarum, Lactobacillus jenseni, Lactobacillus casei, Lactobacillus fermentum, Lactococcus lactis, Pedioccocus acidilacti, Pedioccocus pentosaceus, Pedioccocus urinae, Leuconostoc mesenteroides, Bacillus coagulans, Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus laterosporus, Bacillus laevolacticus, Sporolactobacillus inulinus and mixtures thereof. Breath fresheners are also known by the following trade names: Retsyn™, Actizol™, and Nutrazin™. Examples of malodor-controlling compositions are also included in U.S. Patent No. 5,300,305 to Stapler et al. and in U.S. Patent Application Publication Nos. 2003/0215417 and 2004/0081713 which are incorporated in their entirety herein by reference for all purposes.

Typically, encapsulation of the breath-freshening ingredient will result in a delay in the release of the predominant amount of the active during consumption of a compressible chewing gum that includes the encapsulated breath-freshening ingredient (e.g., as part of a delivery system added as an ingredient to the compressible chewing gum composition). In some embodiments, the release profile of the ingredient (e.g., the breath-freshening ingredient) can be managed for a compressible gum by managing various characteristics of the ingredient, delivery system containing the ingredient, and/or the compressible chewing gum containing the delivery system and/or how the delivery system is made. For example, characteristics might include one or more of the following: tensile strength of the delivery system, water solubility of the ingredient, water solubility of the encapsulating material, water solubility of the delivery system, ratio of ingredient to encapsulating material in the delivery system, average or maximum particle size of ingredient, average or maximum particle size of ground delivery system, the amount of the ingredient or the delivery system in the compressible chewing gum, ratio of different polymers used to encapsulate one or more ingredients, hydrophobicity of one or more polymers used to encapsulate one or more ingredients, hydrophobicity of the delivery system, the type or amount of coating on the delivery system, the type or amount of coating on an ingredient prior to the ingredient being encapsulated, etc.

In some embodiments, the release profiles of one or more dental care ingredients may be managed for a compressible gum. Such dental care ingredients (also known as oral care ingredients) may include but are not limited to tooth whiteners, stain removers, oral cleaning, bleaching agents, desensitizing agents, dental remineralization agents, antibacterial agents, anticaries agents, plaque acid buffering agents, surfactants and anticalculus agents. Non-limiting examples of such ingredients can include, hydrolytic agents including proteolytic enzymes, abrasives such as hydrated silica, calcium carbonate, sodium bicarbonate and alumina, other active stain-removing components such as surface-active agents, including, but not limited to anionic surfactants such as sodium stearate, sodium palminate, sulfated butyl oleate, sodium oleate, salts of rumaric acid, glycerol, hydroxylated lecithin, sodium lauryl sulfate and chelators such as polyphosphates, which are typically employed as tartar control ingredients. In some embodiments, dental care ingredients can also include tetrasodium pyrophosphate and sodium tri-polyphosphate, sodium bicarbonate, sodium acid pyrophosphate, sodium tripolyphosphate, xylitol, sodium hexametaphosphate. In some embodiments, peroxides such as carbamide peroxide, calcium peroxide, magnesium peroxide, sodium peroxide, hydrogen peroxide, and peroxydiphospate are included. In some embodiments, potassium nitrate and potassium citrate are included. Other examples can include casein glycomacropeptide, calcium casein peptone-calcium phosphate, casein phosphopeptides, casein phosphopeptide- amorphous calcium phosphate (CPP- ACP), and amorphous calcium phosphate. Still other examples can include papaine, krillase, pepsin, trypsin, lysozyme, dextranase, mutanase, glycoamylase, amylase, glucose oxidase, and combinations thereof. Further examples can include surfactants such as sodium stearate, sodium ricinoleate, and sodium lauryl sulfate surfactants for use in some embodiments to achieve increased prophylactic action and to render the dental care ingredients more cosmetically acceptable. Surfactants can preferably be detersive materials which impart to the composition detersive and foaming properties. Suitable examples of surfactants are water-soluble salts of higher fatty acid monoglyceride monosulfates, such as the sodium salt of the monosulfated monoglyceride of hydgrogenated coconut oil fatty acids, higher alkyl sulfates such as sodium lauryl sulfate, alkyl aryl sulfonates such as sodium dodecyl benzene sulfonate, higher alkyl sulfoacetates, sodium lauryl sulfoacetate, higher fatty acid esters of 1,2-dihydroxy propane sulfonate, and the substantially saturated higher aliphatic acyl amides of lower aliphatic amino carboxylic acid compounds, such as those having 12 to 16 carbons in the fatty acid, alkyl or acyl radicals, and the like. Examples of the last mentioned amides are N-lauroyl sarcosine, and the sodium, potassium, and ethanolamine salts of N-lauroyl, N-myristoyl, or N-palmitoyl sarcosine. In addition to surfactants, dental care ingredients can include antibacterial agents such as, but not limited.to, triclosan, chlorhexidine, zinc citrate, silver nitrate, copper, limonene, and cetyl pyridinium chloride. In some embodiments, additional anticaries agents can include fluoride ions or fluorine-providing components such as inorganic fluoride salts. In some embodiments, soluble alkali metal salts, for example, sodium fluoride, potassium fluoride, sodium fluorosilicate, ammonium fluorosilicate, sodium monofiuorophosphate, as well as tin fluorides, such as stannous fluoride and stannous chloride can be included. In some embodiments, a fluorine-containing compound having a beneficial effect on the care and hygiene of the oral cavity, e.g., diminution of enamel solubility in acid and protection of the teeth against decay may also be included as an ingredient. Examples thereof include sodium fluoride, stannous fluoride, potassium fluoride, potassium stannous fluoride (SnF.sub.2 -KF), sodium hexafluorostannate, stannous chlorofluoride, sodium fluorozirconate, and sodium monofiuorophosphate. In some embodiments, urea is included. Further examples are included in the following U.S. patents and U.S. published patent applications, the contents of all of which are incorporated in their entirety herein by reference for all purposes: U.S. Patent Nos. 5,227,154 to Reynolds, 5,378,131 to Greenberg, 6,846,500 to Luo et al, 6,733,818 to Luo et al., 6,696,044 to Luo et al., 6,685,916 to Holme et al., 6,485,739 to Luo et al., 6,479,071 to Holme et al., 6,471,945 to Luo et al., U.S. Patent Publication Nos. 20050025721. to Holme et al., 2005008732 to Gebreselassie et al., and 20040136928 to Holme et al.

Typically, encapsulation of the active will result in a delay in the release of the predominant amount of the active during consumption of a compressible chewing gum that includes the encapsulated active (e.g., as part of a delivery system added as an ingredient to the compressible chewing gum composition). In some embodiments, the release profile of the ingredient (e.g., the dental care active) can be managed for a compressible gum by managing various characteristics of the ingredient, delivery system containing the ingredient, and/or the compressible chewing gum containing the delivery system and/or how the delivery system is made. For example, characteristics might include one or more of the following: tensile strength of the delivery system, water solubility of the ingredient, water solubility of the encapsulating material, water solubility of the delivery system, ratio of ingredient to encapsulating material in the delivery system, average or maximum particle size of ingredient, average or maximum particle size of ground delivery system, the amount of the ingredient or the delivery system in the compressible chewing gum, ratio of different polymers used to encapsulate one or more ingredients, hydrophobicity of one or more polymers used to encapsulate one or more ingredients, hydrophobicity of the delivery system, the type or amount of coating on the delivery system, the type or amount of coating on an ingredient prior to the ingredient being encapsulated, etc.

In some embodiments, the release profiles of one or more flavor potentiators can be managed for a compressible gum. Flavor potentiators can consist of materials that may intensify, supplement, modify or enhance the taste and/or aroma perception of an original material without introducing a characteristic taste and/or aroma perception of their own. In some embodiments, potentiators designed to intensify, supplement, modify, or enhance the perception of flavor, sweetness, tartness, umami, kokumi, saltiness and combinations thereof can be included. In some embodiments, sweetness may be potentiated by the inclusion of monoammonium glycyrrhizinate, licorice glycyrrhizinates, citrus aurantium, maltol, ethyl maltol, vanilla, vanillin, and combinations thereof. In some embodiments, sugar acids, sodium chloride, potassium chloride, sodium acid sulfate, and combinations thereof may be included for flavor potentiation. In other examples, glutamates such as monosodium glutamate (MSG), monopotassium glutamate, hydrolyzed vegetable protein, hydrolyzed animal protein, yeast extract, and combinations thereof are included. Further examples can include glutathione, and nucleotides such as inosine monophosphate (IMP), disodium inosinate, xanthosine monophosphate, guanylate monophosphate (GMP), and combinations thereof. For bitterness blocking or taste masking, ingredients that interact with bitterness receptors to suppress bitterness or off tastes may be included. In some embodiments, adenosine monophosphate (AMP) can be included for bitterness suppression. Bitterness modification can also be accomplished by using sweetness or flavors with complementary bitter notes such as chocolate. Further examples of flavor potentiator compositions that impart kokumi are also included in U.S. Patent No. 5,679,397 to Kuroda et al, the entire contents of which are incorporated in its entirety herein by reference.

Typically, encapsulation of a flavor potentiator will result in a delay in the release of the predominant amount of the flavor potentiator during consumption of a compressible chewing gum that includes the encapsulated flavor potentiator (e.g., as part of a delivery system added as an ingredient to the compressible chewing gum composition). In some embodiments, the release profile of the ingredient (e.g., the flavor potentiator) can be managed for a compressible gum by managing various characteristics of the ingredient, delivery system containing the ingredient, and/or the compressible chewing gum containing the delivery system and/or how the delivery system is made. For example, characteristics might include one or more of the following: tensile strength of the delivery system, water solubility of the ingredient, water solubility of the encapsulating material, water solubility of the delivery system, ratio of ingredient to encapsulating material in the delivery system, average or maximum particle size of ingredient, average or maximum particle size of ground delivery system, the amount of the ingredient or the delivery system in the compressible chewing gum, ratio of different polymers used to encapsulate one or more ingredients, hydrophobicity of one or more polymers used to encapsulate one or more ingredients, hydrophobicity of the delivery system, the type or amount of coating on the delivery system, the type or amount of coating on an ingredient prior to the ingredient being encapsulated, etc.

In some embodiments, the release profiles of one or more acids may be managed for a compressible gum. Acids can include, but are not limited to acetic acid, adipic acid, ascorbic acid, butyric acid, citric acid, formic acid, fumaric acid, glyconic acid, lactic acid, phosphoric acid, malic acid, oxalic acid, succinic acid, tartaric acid and combinations thereof.

Typically, encapsulation of a food acid will result in a delay in the release of the predominant amount of the active during consumption of a compressible chewing gum that includes the encapsulated food acid (e.g., as part of a delivery system added as an ingredient to the compressible chewing gum). In some embodiments, the release profile of the ingredient (e.g., the food acid) can be managed for a compressible gum by managing various characteristics of the ingredient, delivery system containing the ingredient, and/or the compressible chewing gum containing the delivery system and/or how the delivery system is made. For example, characteristics might include one or more of the following: tensile strength of the delivery system, water solubility of the ingredient, water solubility of the encapsulating material, water solubility of the delivery system, ratio of ingredient to encapsulating material in the delivery system, average or maximum particle size of ingredient, average or maximum particle size of ground delivery system, the amount of the ingredient or the delivery system in the compressible chewing gum, ratio of different polymers used to encapsulate one or more ingredients, hydrophobicity of one or more polymers used to encapsulate one or more ingredients, hydrophobicity of the delivery system, the type or amount of coating on the delivery system, the type or amount of coating on an ingredient prior to the ingredient being encapsulated, etc.

In some embodiments, the release profiles of one or more micronutrients can be managed for a compressible gum. Micronutrients can include materials that have an impact on the nutritional wellbeing of an organism even though the quantity required by the organism to have the desired effect is small relative to macronutrients such as protein, carbohydrate, and fat. Micronutrients can include, but are not limited to vitamins, minerals, enzymes, phytochemicals, antioxidants, and combinations thereof. In some embodiments, vitamins can include fat soluble vitamins such as vitamin A, vitamin D, vitamin E, and vitamin K and combinations thereof, in some embodiments, vitamins can include water soluble vitamins such as vitamin C (ascorbic acid), the B vitamins (thiamine or Bl, riboflavoin or B2, niacin or B3, pyridoxine or B6, folic acid or B9, cyanocobalimin or B 12, pantothenic acid, biotin), and combinations thereof. In some embodiments, minerals can include but are not limited to sodium, magnesium, chromium, iodine, iron, manganese, calcium, copper, fluoride, potassium, phosphorous, molybdenum, selenium, zinc, and combinations thereof.

In some embodiments micronutrients can include but are not limited to L- carnitine, choline, coenzyme QlO, alpha-lipoic acid, omega-3 -fatty acids, pepsin, phytase, trypsin, lipases, proteases, cellulases, and combinations thereof.

Antioxidants can include materials that scavenge free radicals. In some embodiments, antioxidants can include but are not limited to ascorbic acid, citric acid, rosemary oil, vitamin A, vitamin E, vitamin E phosphate, tocopherols, di-alpha- tocopheryl phosphate, tocotrienols, alpha lipoic acid, dihydrolipoic acid, xanthophylls, beta cryptoxanthin, lycopene, lutein, zeaxanthin, astaxanthin, beta- carotene, carotenes, mixed carotenoids, polyphenols, flavonoids, and combinations thereof.

In some embodiments, phytochemicals can include but are not limited to cartotenoids, chlorophyll, chlorophyllin, fiber, flavanoids, anthocyanins, cyaniding, delphinidin, malvidin, pelargonidin, peonidin, petunidin, flavanols, catechin, epicatechin, epigallocatechin, epigallocatechingallate, theaflavins, thearubigins, proanthocyanins, flavonols, quercetin, kaempferol, myricetin, isorhamnetin, flavononeshesperetin, naringenin, eriodictyol, tangeretin, flavones, apigenin, luteolin, lignans, phytoestrogens, resveratrol, isoflavones, daidzein, genistein, glycitein, soy isoflavones, and combinations thereof.

Typically, encapsulation of the micronutrient will result in a delay in the release of the predominant amount of the active during consumption of a compressible chewing gum that includes the encapsulated micronutrient (e.g., as part of a delivery system added as an ingredient to the compressible chewing gum). In some embodiments, the release profile of the ingredient (e.g., the micronutrient) can be managed for a compressible gum by managing various characteristics of the ingredient, delivery system containing the ingredient, and/or the compressible chewing gum containing the delivery system and/or how the delivery system is made. For example, characteristics might include one or more of the following: tensile strength of the delivery system, water solubility of the ingredient, water solubility of the encapsulating material, water solubility of the delivery system, ratio of ingredient to encapsulating material in the delivery system, average or maximum particle size of ingredient, average or maximum particle size of ground delivery system, the amount of the ingredient or the delivery system in the compressible chewing gum, ratio of different polymers used to encapsulate one or more ingredients, hydrophobicity of one or more polymers used to encapsulate one or more ingredients, hydrophobicity of the delivery system, the type or amount of coating on the delivery system, the type or amount of coating on an ingredient prior to the ingredient being encapsulated, etc.

In some embodiments, the release profiles of one or more mouth moisteners can be managed for a compressible gum. Mouth moisteners can include, but are not limited to, saliva stimulators such as acids and salts and combinations thereof. In some embodiments, acids can include acetic acid, adipic acid, ascorbic acid, butyric acid, citric acid, formic acid, fumaric acid, glyconic acid, lactic acid, phosphoric acid, malic acid, oxalic acid, succinic acid, tartaric acid and combinations thereof. Mouth moisteners can also include hydrocolloid materials that hydrate and may adhere to oral surface to provide a sensation of mouth moistening. Hydrocolloid materials can include naturally occurring materials such as plant exudates, seed gums, and seaweed extracts or they can be chemically modified materials such as cellulose, starch, or natural gum derivatives. In some embodiments, hydrocolloid materials can include pectin, gum arabic, acacia gum, alginates, agar, carageenans, guar gum, xanthan gum, locust bean gum, gelatin, gellan gum, galactomannans, tragacanth gum, karaya gum, curdlan, konjac, chitosan, xyloglucan, beta glucan, furcellaran, gum ghatti, tamarin, bacterial gums, and combinations thereof. Additionally, in some embodiments, modified natural gums such as propylene glycol alginate, carboxymethyl locust bean gum, low methoxyl pectin, and their combinations can be included. In some embodiments, modified celluloses can be included such as microcrystalline cellulose, carboxymethlcellulose (CMC)₅ niethylcellulose (MC), hydroxypropylniethylcellulose (HPCM), and hydroxypropylcellulose (MPC), and combinations thereof. Similarly, humectants which can provide a perception of mouth hydration can be included. Such humectants can include, but are not limited to glycerol, sorbitol, polyethylene glycol, erythritol, and xylitol. Additionally, in some embodiments, fats can provide a perception of mouth moistening. Such fats can include medium chain triglycerides, vegetable oils, fish oils, mineral oils, and combinations thereof. Typically, encapsulation of a mouth moistening agent will result in a delay in the release of the predominant amount of the active during consumption of a compressible chewing gum that includes the encapsulated mouth moistening agent (e.g., as part of a delivery system added as an ingredient to the compressible chewing gum). In some embodiments, the release profile of the ingredient (e.g., the mouth moistening agent) can be managed for a compressible gum by managing various characteristics of the ingredient, delivery system containing the ingredient, and/or the compressible chewing gum containing the delivery system and/or how the delivery system is made. For example, characteristics might include one or more of the following: tensile strength of the delivery system, water solubility of the ingredient, water solubility of the encapsulating material, water solubility of the delivery system, ratio of ingredient to encapsulating material in the delivery system, average or maximum particle size of ingredient, average or maximum particle size of ground delivery system, the amount of the ingredient or the delivery system in the compressible chewing gum, ratio of different polymers used to encapsulate one or more ingredients, hydrophobicity of one or more polymers used to encapsulate one or more ingredients, hydrophobicity of the delivery system, the type or amount of coating on the delivery system, the type or amount of coating on an ingredient prior to the ingredient being encapsulated, etc.

In some embodiments, the release profiles of one or more ingredients that soothe the throat can be managed for a compressible gum. Throat soothing ingredients can include analgesics, anesthetics, demulcents, antiseptic, and combinations thereof. In some embodiments, analgesics/anesthetics can include menthol, phenol, hexylresorcinol, benzocaine, dyclonine hydrochloride, benzyl alcohol, salicyl alcohol, and combinations thereof. In some embodiments, demulcents can include but are not limited to slippery elm bark, pectin, gelatin, and combinations thereof. In some embodiments, antiseptic ingredients can include cetylpyridinium chloride, domiphen bromide, dequalinium chloride, and combinations thereof.

In some embodiments, antitussive ingredients such as chlophedianol hydrochloride, codeine, codeine phosphate, codeine sulfate, dextromethorphan, dextromethorphan hydrobromide, diphenhydramine citrate, and diphenhydramine hydrochloride, and combinations thereof can be included.

In some embodiments, throat soothing agents such as honey, propolis, aloe vera, glycerine, menthol and combinations thereof can be included. In still other embodiments, cough suppressants can be included. Such cough suppressants can fall into two groups: those that alter the texture or production of phlegm such as mucolytics and expectorants; and those that suppress the coughing reflex such as codeine (narcotic cough suppressants), antihistamines, dextromethorphan and isoproterenol (non-narcotic cough suppressants). In some embodiments, ingredients from either or both groups can be included.

In still other embodiments, antitussives can include, but are not limited to, the group consisting of codeine, dextromethorphan, dextrorphan, diphenhydramine, hydrocodone, noscapine, oxycodone, pentoxyverine and combinations thereof. In some embodiments, antihistamines can include, but are not limited to, acrivastine, azatadine, brompheniramine, chlo[phi]heniramine, clemastine, cyproheptadine, dexbrompheniramine, dimenhydrinate, diphenhydramine, doxylamine, hydroxyzine, meclizine, phenindamine, phenyltoloxamine, promethazine, pyrilamine, tripelennamine, triprolidine and combinations thereof. In some embodiments, nonsedating antihistamines can include, but are not limited to, astemizole, cetirizine, ebastine, fexofenadine, loratidine, terfenadine, and combinations thereof.

In some embodiments, expectorants can include, but are not limited to, ammonium chloride, guaifenesin, ipecac fluid extract, potassium iodide and combinations thereof. In some embodiments, mucolytics can include, but are not limited to, acetylcycsteine, ambroxol, bromhexine and combinations thereof. In some embodiments, analgesic, antipyretic and anti-inflammatory agents can include, but are not limited to, acetaminophen, aspirin, diclofenac, diflunisal, etodolac, fenoprofen, flurbiprofen, ibuprofen, ketoprofen, ketorolac, nabumetone, naproxen, piroxicam, caffeine and mixtures thereof. In some embodiments, local anesthetics can include, but are not limited to, lidocaine, benzocaine, phenol, dyclonine, benzonotate and mixtures thereof. In some embodiments nasal decongestants and ingredients that provide the perception of nasal clearing can be included. In some embodiments, nasal decongestants can include but are not limited to phenylpropanolamine, pseudoephedrine, ephedrine, phenylephrine, oxymetazoline, and combinations thereof. In some embodiments ingredients that provide a perception of nasal clearing can include but are not limited to menthol, camphor, borneol, ephedrine, eucalyptus oil, peppermint oil, methyl salicylate, bornyl acetate, lavender oil, wasabi extracts, horseradish extracts, and combinations thereof. In some embodiments, a perception of nasal clearing can be provided by odoriferous essential oils, extracts from woods, gums, flowers and other botanicals, resins, animal secretions, and synthetic aromatic materials.

Typically, encapsulation of a throat care agent will result in a delay in the release of the predominant amount of the active during consumption of a compressible chewing gum that includes the encapsulated throat care agent (e.g. as part of a delivery system added as an ingredient to the compressible chewing gum). In some embodiments, the release profile of the ingredient (e.g. the dental care active) can be managed for a compressible gum by managing various characteristics of the ingredient, delivery system containing the ingredient, and/or the compressible chewing gum containing the delivery system and/or how the delivery system is made. For example, characteristics might include one or more of the following: tensile strength of the delivery system, water solubility of the ingredient, water solubility of the encapsulating material, water solubility of the delivery system, ratio of ingredient to encapsulating material in the delivery system, average or maximum particle size of ingredient, average or maximum particle size of ground delivery system, the amount of the ingredient or the delivery system in the compressible chewing gum, ratio of different polymers used to encapsulate one or more ingredients, hydrophobicity of one or more polymers used to encapsulate one or more ingredients, hydrophobicity of the delivery system, the type or amount of coating on the delivery system, the type or amount of coating on an ingredient prior to the ingredient being encapsulated, etc.

In some embodiments, one or more colors can be included. As classified by the United States Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (21 C.F.R. 73), colors can include exempt from certification colors (sometimes referred to as natural even though they can be synthetically manufactured) and certified colors (sometimes referred to as artificial), or combinations thereof. In some embodiments, exempt from certification or natural colors can include, but are not limited to annatto extract, (E 160b), bixin, norbixin, astaxanthin, dehydrated beets (beet powder), beetroot red/betanin (E 162), ultramarine blue, canthaxanthin (El 6 Ig), cryptoxanthin (El 6 Ic), rubixanthin (E161d), violanxanthin (E161e), rhodoxanthin (E161f), caramel (E150(a-d)), β-apo- 8'-carotenal (El 60e), β-carotene (El 60a), alpha carotene, gamma carotene, ethyl ester of beta-apo-8 carotenal (E160f), fiavoxanthin (E161a), lutein (E161b), cochineal extract (E120); carmine (E132), carmoisine/azorubine (E122), sodium copper chlorophyllin (E141), chlorophyll (E140), toasted partially defatted cooked cottonseed flour, ferrous gluconate, ferrous lactate, grape color extract, grape skin extract (enocianina), anthocyanins (El 63), haematococcus algae meal, synthetic iron oxide, iron oxides and hydroxides (E 172), fruit juice, vegetable juice, dried algae meal, tagetes (Aztec marigold) meal and extract, carrot oil, corn endosperm oil, paprika, paprika oleoresin, phaffla yeast, riboflavin (ElOl), saffron, titanium dioxide, turmeric (ElOO), turmeric oleoresin, amaranth (E123), capsanthin/capsorbin (E160c), lycopene (El 6Od), and combinations thereof.

In some embodiments, certified colors can include, but are not limited to, FD&C blue #1, FD&C blue #2, FD&C green #3, FD&C red #3, FD&C red #40, FD&C yellow #5 and FD&C yellow #6, tartrazine (E102), quinoline yellow (E104), sunset yellow (El 10), ponceau (E124), erythrosine (E127), patent blue V (E131), titanium dioxide (E171), aluminum (E173), silver (E174), gold (E175), pigment rubine/lithol rubine BK (E180), calcium carbonate (E170), carbon black (E153), black PN/brilliant black BN (El 51), green S/acid brilliant green BS (E142), and combinations thereof. In some embodiments, certified colors can include FD&C aluminum lakes. These consist of the aluminum salts of FD&C dyes extended on an insoluble substrate of alumina hydrate. Additionally, in some embodiments, certified colors can be included as calcium salts. Typically, encapsulation of a color will result in a delay in the release of the predominant amount of the active during consumption of a compressible chewing gum that includes the encapsulated color (e.g., as part of a delivery system added as an ingredient to the compressible chewing gum). In some embodiments, the release profile of the ingredient (e.g., the color) can be managed by managing various characteristics of the ingredient, delivery system containing the ingredient, and/or the compressible chewing gum containing the delivery system and/or how the delivery system is made. For example, characteristics might include one or more of the following: tensile strength of the delivery system, water solubility of the ingredient, water solubility of the encapsulating material, water solubility of the delivery system, ratio of ingredient to encapsulating material in the delivery system, average or maximum particle size of ingredient, average or maximum particle size of ground delivery system, the amount of the ingredient or the delivery system in the compressible chewing gum, ratio of different polymers used to encapsulate one or more ingredients, hydrophobicity of one or more polymers used to encapsulate one or more ingredients, hydrophobicity of the delivery system, the type or amount of coating on the delivery system, the type or amount of coating on an ingredient prior to the ingredient being encapsulated, etc.

In some embodiments, a delivery system or compressible chewing gum may include two or more ingredients for which managed release from the compressible chewing gum during consumption of the compressible chewing gum is desired. In some embodiments, the ingredients may be encapsulated or otherwise included separately in different delivery systems. Alternatively, in some embodiments the ingredients may be encapsulated or otherwise included in the same delivery system. As another possibility, one or more of the ingredients may be free (e.g. unencapsulated) while one or more other ingredients may be encapsulated. A compressible chewing gum may include a group of ingredients for which managed release of the group during consumption of the compressible chewing gum is desired. Groups of two or more ingredients for which managed release from a compressible chewing gum during consumption of the compressible chewing gum may be desired include, but are not limited to: color and flavor, multiple flavors, multiple colors, cooling agent and flavor, warming agent and flavor, cooling agent and warming agent, cooling agent and high-intensity sweetener, warming agent and high-intensity sweetener, multiple cooling agents (e.g., WS-3 and WS-23, WS-3 and menthyl succinate), menthol and one or more cooling agents, menthol and one or more warming agents, multiple warming agents, high-intensity sweetener(s) and tooth whitening active(s), high- intensity sweetener(s) and breath-freshening active(s), an ingredient with some bitterness and a bitterness suppressor for the ingredient, multiple high-intensity sweeteners (e.g., ace-k and aspartame), multiple tooth whitening actives (e.g., an abrasive ingredient and an antimicrobial ingredient, a peroxide and a nitrate, a warming agent and a polyol, a cooling agent and a polyol, multiple polyols, a warming agent and micronutrient, a cooling agent and a micronutrient, a warming agent and a mouth moistening agent, a cooling agent and a mouth moistening agent, a warming agent and a throat care agent, a cooling agent and a throat care agent, a warming agent and a food acid, a cooling agent and food acid, a warming agent and an emulsifier/surfactant, a cooling agent and an emulsifier/surfactant, a warming agent and a color, a cooling agent and a color, a warming agent and a flavor potentiator, a cooling agent and a flavor potentiator, a warming agent with sweetness potentiator, a cooling agent with a sweetness potentiator, a warming agent and an appetite suppressant, a cooling agent and an appetite suppressant, a high-intensity sweetener and a flavor, a cooling agent and a teeth-whitening agent, a warming agent and a teeth- whitening agent, a warming agent and breath-freshening agent, a cooling agent and a breath-freshening agent, a cooling agent and an effervescing system, a warming agent and an effervescing system, a warming agent and an antimicrobial agent, a cooling agent and an antimicrobial agent, multiple anticalcums ingredients, multiple remineralization ingredients, multiple surfactants, remineralization ingredients with demineralization ingredients, acidic ingredients with acid buffering ingredients, anticalculus ingredients with antibacterial ingredients, remineralization ingredients with anticalculus ingredients, anticalculus ingredients with remineralization ingredients with antibacterial ingredients, surfactant ingredients with anticalculus ingredients, surfactant ingredients with antibacterial ingredients, surfactant ingredients with remineralization ingredients, surfactants with anticalculus ingredients with antibacterial ingredients, multiple types of vitamins or minerals, multiple micronutrients, multiple acids, multiple antimicrobial ingredients, multiple breath-freshening ingredients, breath-freshening ingredients and antimicrobial ingredients, multiple appetite suppressors, acids and bases that react to effervesce, a bitter compound with a high-intensity sweetener, a cooling agent and an appetite suppressant, a warming agent and an appetite suppressant, a high-intensity sweetener and an appetite suppressant, a high-intensity sweetener with an acid, a probiotic ingredient and a prebiotic ingredient, a vitamin and a mineral, a metabolic enhancement ingredient with a macronutrient, a metabolic enhancement ingredient with a micronutrient, an enzyme with a substrate, a high-intensity sweetener with a sweetness potentiator, a cooling compound with a cooling potentiator, a flavor with a flavor potentiator, a warming compound with a warming potentiator, a flavor with salt, a high-intensity sweetener with salt, an acid with salt, a cooling compound with salt, a warming compound with salt, a flavor with a surfactant, an astringent compound with an ingredient to provide a sensation of hydration, etc. In some embodiments, the multiple ingredients may be part of the same delivery system or may be part of different delivery systems. Different delivery systems may use the same or different encapsulating materials.

Typically, encapsulation of the multiple ingredients will result in a delay in the release of the predominant amount of the multiple ingredients during consumption of a compressible chewing gum that includes the encapsulated multiple ingredients (e.g. as part of a delivery system added as an ingredient to the compressible chewing gum). This may be particularly helpful in situations wherein separate encapsulation of the ingredients may cause them to release with different release profiles. For example, different high-intensity sweeteners may have different release profiles because they have different water solubilities or differences in other characteristics. Encapsulating them together may cause them to release more simultaneously.

In some embodiments, the release profile of the multiple ingredients can be managed for a compressible gum by managing various characteristics of the multiple ingredients, the delivery system containing the multiple ingredients, and/or the compressible chewing gum containing the delivery system and/or how the delivery system is made in a manner as previously discussed above.

The active ingredients mentioned above are meant as examples of active ingredients which could be applicable in a chewing gum granule or compressed chewing gum, however, this list should not be considered as exhaustive.

Active ingredients to be applied in tablets according to embodiments of the invention may be applied as such or be included or bonded in different ways, such as being part of an inclusion complex e.g. as described in US 5,866,179, which is hereby incorporated by reference. A resin-bonding of nicotine is described in e.g. WO 2006/000232 which is also incorporated herein by reference. Further conventional methods of applying active ingredients may obviously be applied within the scope of the invention.

The active ingredients may advantageously be applied in a gum base-containing module or a tablet-module substantially free of gum base depending on the applied type of active ingredient. If the active ingredient is of the pharmaceutical type, such ingredient may very often advantageously be comprised in a tablet module substantially free of gum base whereas taste relevant active ingredients advantageously may be added to the gum base-containing module and very often to both types of modules. The taste relevant active ingredient may both be added as separate particles which are mixed and compressed with gum base-containing particles in one module and it may be incorporated into gum base-containing granules.

Different aspect of process parameters, compression materials and release properties are described in the co-pending applications "High volume compressed chewing gum tablet", "Compressed tablet comprising polyol", "Chewing gum granules for compressed chewing gum" and "Compressed chewing gum comprising an encapsulation delivery system comprising natural resin" filed at the same date and hereby incorporated by reference.

Claims

1. Chewing gum tablet comprising at least a first module cohered to a second module, wherein the first module comprises at least 5% by weight of compressed chewing gum base material, and wherein the tablet comprises chewing gum ingredients and wherein at least one of said modules is compressed by a force of more than 13.O kN.

2. Chewing gum tablet according to claim 1, wherein the first module comprises at least 5% by weight of compressed gum base material and wherein the tablet is compressed by a force of more than 13.0 kN and below 120 kN.

3. Chewing gum tablet according to claim 1 or 2, wherein both of said modules are compressed by a force of more than 13.0 fcN.

4. Chewing gum tablet according to any of the claims 1-3, wherein the first module is compressed by a force of more than 13.0 fcN.

5. Chewing gum tablet according to any of the claims 1-4, wherein the second module is compressed by a force of more than 13.0 fcN.

6. Chewing gum tablet according to any of the claims 1-5, wherein at least one of said modules is compressed by a force of more than 15.0 kN.

7. Chewing gum tablet according to any of the claims 1-6, wherein at least one of said modules is compressed by a force of more than 18.0 kN.

8. Chewing gum tablet according to any of the claims 1-7, wherein at least one of said modules is compressed by a force of more than 20.0 kN.

9. Chewing gum tablet according to any of the claims 1-8, wherein at least one of said modules is compressed by a force of more than 25.0 kN.

10. Chewing gum tablet according to any of the claims 1-9, wherein at least one of said modules is compressed by a force of more than 30.0 kN.

11. Chewing gum tablet according to any of the claims 1-10, wherein at least one of said modules is compressed by a force of more than 40.0 kN.

12. Chewing gum tablet according to any of the claims 1-11, wherein at least one of said modules is compressed by a force of more than 50.0 kN.

13. Chewing gum tablet according to any of the claims 1-12, wherein at least one of said modules is compressed by a force of more than 60.0 kN.

14. Chewing gum tablet according to any of the claims 1-13, wherein the tablet is compressed in two or more compression steps.

15. Chewing gum tablet according to any of the claims 1-14, wherein the volume of chewing gum tablet is above 0.15 cm³.

16. Chewing gum tablet according to any of the claims 1-15, wherein the volume of chewing gum tablet is above 0.50 cm³.

17. Chewing gum tablet according to any of the claims 1-16, wherein the volume of chewing gum tablet is above 1.00 cm³.

18. Chewing gum tablet according to any of the claims 1-17, wherein the content of gum base is at least 6% by weight of the tablet.

19. Chewing gum tablet according to any of the claims 1-18, wherein the content of gum base is at least 8% by weight of the tablet.

20. Chewing gum tablet according to any of the claims 1-19, wherein the content of gum base is at least 10% by weight of the tablet.

21. Chewing gum tablet according to any of the claims 1-20, wherein the second module is substantially free of gum base.

22. Chewing gum tablet according to any of the claims 1-21 wherein the second module comprises an amount of gum base different from the gum base content of the first module.

23. Chewing gum tablet according to any of the claims 1-22, wherein at least one of said modules comprises a chewing gum tablet layer substantially formed by sweetener.

24. Chewing gum tablet according to any of the claims 1-23, wherein said sweetener comprises one or several different polyols.

25. Chewing gum tablet according to any of the claims 1-24, wherein at least one of said modules comprises a chewing gum tablet layer substantially formed by sweetener and at least one active ingredient.

26. High volume compressed chewing gum tablet according to any of the claims 1- 25, wherein the tablet comprises at least two modules and wherein at least one of said modules comprises a chewing gum tablet module comprising at least one active ingredient and less than 5% gum base by weight of the module.

27. Chewing gum tablet according to any of the claims 1-26, wherein said chewing gum tablet comprises at least two different polyols and wherein these different polyols are separated in different modules of the chewing gum tablet.

28. Chewing gum tablet according to any of the claims 1-27, wherein the amount of water being below 2% by weight of the compressed tablet prior to compression.

29. Chewing gum tablet according to any of the claims 1-28, wherein the amount of water being below 2% by weight of the compressed tablet after compression.

30. Chewing gum tablet according to any of the claims 1-29, wherein the amount of water being below 2% by weight of the compressed tablet after storage.

31. Chewing gum tablet according to any of the claims 1-30, wherein the amount of water being below 2% by weight of the compressed tablet after 180 days of storage.

32. Chewing gum tablet according to any of the claims 1-31, wherein said active ingredient is part of an encapsulation or inclusion complex.

33. Chewing gum tablet according to any of the claims 1-32, wherein said active ingredient is part of an inclusion complex within cyclodextrin.

34. Chewing gum tablet according to any of the claims 1-33, wherein said active ingredient comprises one or more high-intensity sweeteners.

35. Chewing gum tablet according to any of the claims 1-34, wherein said tablet comprises at least 0.05% by weight of high-intensity sweeteners.

36. Chewing gum tablet according to any of the claims 1-35, wherein said active ingredient is selected from the group consisting of cetirizine, nicotine, metformin, metformin HCL, phenylephrine, deca-peptide KSL-W, acesulfame K, aspartame, citric acid, malic acid, vitamin C, resveratrol, any variation thereof or any combination thereof.

37. Chewing gum tablet according to any of the claims 1-36, wherein said active ingredient is a pharmaceutically active ingredient.

38. Chewing gum tablet according to any of the claims 1-37, wherein said active ingredient is selected from the group consisting of pharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals, medicaments, nutrients, nutritional supplements, drugs, dental care agents, herbals, and the like and combinations thereof.

39. Chewing gum tablet according to any of the claims 1-38, wherein said active ingredient is selected from the therapeutical groups consisting of: Antipyretic, Anti allergic, Anti-arrytmic, Appetite suppressant, Anti-inflammatory, Broncho dilator, Cardiovascular drugs, Coronary dilator, Cerebral dilator, Peripheral vasodilator, Anti-infective, Psychotropic, Anti-manic, Stimulant, Decongestant, Gastro-intestinal sedative, Sexual dysfunction agent, Desinfectants, Anti-anginal substance, Vasodilator, Anti-hypertensive agent, Vasoconstrictor, Migraine treating agent, Anti-biotic, Tranquilizer, Anti-psychotic, Anti-tumor drug, Anticoagulant, Hypnotic, Sedative, Anti-emetic, Anti-nauseant, Anti-convulsant, Neuromuscular agent, Hyper and hypoglycaemic, Thyroid and anti-thyroid, Diuretic, Antispasmodic, Uterine relaxant, Anorectics, Spasmolytics, Anabolic agent, Erythropoietic agent, Anti-asthmatic, Expectorant, Cough suppressant, Mucolytic, Anti-uricemic agent, Dental vehicle, Breath freshener, Antacid, Anti-diuretic, Anti- flatulent, Betablocker, Teeth Whitener, Enzyme, Co-enzyme, Protein, Energy Booster, Fiber, Probiotics, Prebiotics, Antimicrobial agent, NSAID, Anti-tussives, Decongestants, Anti-histamines, Anti-diarrheals, Hydrogen antagonists, Proton pump inhibitors, General nonselective CNS depressants, General nonselective CNS stimulants, Selectively CNS function modifying drugs, Antiparkinsonism, Narcotic- analgetics, Analgetic-antipyretics, Psychopharmacological drugs, diagnostica sex hormones allergens, antifungal agents, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) or any combination thereof.

40. A compressed chewing gum according to any of the claims 1-39, wherein said active ingredient is selected from the group consisting of: ace- inhibitors, antianginal drugs, antiarrhythrmas, anti-asthmatics, anti-cholesterolemics, analgesics, anesthetics, anticonvulsants, anti-depressants, anti-diabetic agents, anti- diarrhea preparations, antidotes, anti-histamines, anti-hypertensive drugs, antiinflammatory agents, anti-lipid agents, antimanics, anti-nauseants, anti-stroke agents, anti-thyroid preparations, anti-tumor drugs, anti- viral agents, acne drugs, alkaloids, amino acid preparations, anti-tussives, antiuricemic drugs, anti- viral drugs, anabolic preparations, systemic and non-systemic antiinfective agents, anti-neoplasties, antiparkinsonian agents, anti-rheumatic agents, appetite stimulants, biological response modifiers, blood modifiers, bone metabolism regulators, cardiovascular agents, central nervous system stimulates, cholinesterase inhibitors, contraceptives, decongestants, dietary supplements, dopamine receptor agonists, .endometriosis management agents, enzymes, erectile dysfunction therapies such as sildenafil citrate, which is currently marketed as Viagra™, fertility agents, gastrointestinal agents, homeopathic remedies, hormones, hypercalcemia and hypocalcemia management agents, immunomodulators, inmosuppressives, migraine preparations, motion sickness treatments, muscle relaxants, obesity management agents, osteoporosis preparations, oxytocics, parasympatholytics, parasympathomimetics, prostaglandins, psychotherapeutic agents, respiratory agents, sedatives, smoking cessation aids such as bromocriptine or nicotine, sympatholytics, tremor preparations, urinary tract agents, vasodilators, laxatives, antacids, ion exchange resins, anti-pyretics, appetite suppressants, expectorants, anti-anxiety agents, antiulcer agents, anti-inflammatory substances, coronary dilators, cerebral dilators, peripheral vasodilators, psycho-tropics, stimulants, anti-hypertensive drugs, vasoconstrictors, migraine treatments, antibiotics, tranquilizers, anti-psychotics, antitumor drugs, anti-coagulants, anti-thrombotic drugs, hypnotics, anti-emetics, anti- nauseants, anti-convulsants, neuromuscular drugs, hyper- and hypo-glycemic agents, thyroid and anti-thyroid preparations, diuretics, anti-spasmodics, terine relaxants, anti-obesity drugs, erythropoietic drugs, anti-asthmatics, cough suppressants, mucolytics, DNA and genetic modifying drugs, and combinations thereof.

41. Chewing gum tablet according to any of the claims 1-40, wherein said active ingredient is selected from the group consisting of metformin, cetirizine, levo cetirizine, phenylephrine, flurbiprofen, nicotine, nicotine bitartrate, nicotine polacrilex, nicotine in combination with alkaline agents, nicotine in combination with caffeine, sodium picosulfate, fluor, fluor in combination with fruit acids, chlorhexidine, or any derivatives thereof, salts thereof, isomers thereof, nicotine antagonists, combinations thereof or compounds comprising one or more of these.

42. A compressed chewing gum according to any of the claims 1-41, wherein said active ingredient is selected from the group consisting of ephedrine, pseudo ephedrine, caffeine, loratadine, sildenafil, simvastatin, sumatriptan, acetaminophen, calcium carbonate, vitamin D, ibuprofen, aspirin, alginic acid in combination with aluminum hydroxide and sodium bicarbonate, ondansetron, Tibolon, Rimonabant, Varenicline, allergenes, sitagliptin or any derivatives thereof, salts thereof, isomers thereof, combinations thereof or compounds comprising one or more of these.

43. A compressed chewing gum according to any of the claims 1-42, wherein said active ingredient is selected from the group consisting of phytochemicals, such as resveratrol and anthocyanine; herbals, such as green tea or thyme; antioxidants, such as polyphenols; micronutrients; mouth moisteners, such as acids; throat soothing ingredients; appetite suppressors; breath fresheners, such as zinc compounds or copper compounds; diet supplements; cold suppressors; cough suppressors; vitamins, such as vitamin A, vitamin C or vitamin E; minerals, such as chromium; metal ions; alkaline materials, such as carbonates; salts; herbals, dental care agents, such as remineralisation agents, antibacterial agents, anti-caries agents, plaque acid buffering agents, tooth whiteners, stain removers or desensitizing agents; and combinations thereof.

44. A compressed chewing gum according to any of the claims 1-43, wherein said active ingredient is selected from the group consisting of di-peptides, tri-peptides, oligo-peptides, deca-peptides, deca-peptide KSL, deca-peptide KSL-W, amino acids, proteins, or any combination thereof.

45. A compressed chewing gum according to any of the claims 1-44, wherein said active ingredient comprises a probiotic bacteria, such as lactobacilli, bifidobacteria, lactococcus, streptococcus, leuconostoccus, pediococcus or enterococcus.

46. A compressed chewing gum according to any of the claims 1-45, wherein said active ingredient comprises a prebiotic, such as fructose, galactose, mannose, insulin or soy.

47. Chewing gum tablet according to any of the claims 1-46, wherein said compressed tablet is packed in a controlled atmosphere.

48. Chewing gum tablet according to any of the claims 1-47, wherein the compressed tablet is in a form selected from the group consisting of a pellet, a cushion-shaped pellet, a stick, a tablet, a chunk, a pastille, a pill, a ball and a sphere, a figure, a box-shaped product, an edged product, a rounded product or any combination thereof.

49. Chewing gum tablet according to any of the claims 1-48, wherein the tablet is enclosed by an exterior protective barrier.

50. Chewing gum tablet according to any of the claims 1-49, wherein the exterior protective barrier is a blister pack, can, etc.

51. Chewing gum tablet according to any of the claims 1-50, wherein the chewing gum ingredients comprises active ingredient, sweetener and flavor.

52. Chewing gum tablet according to any of the claims 1-51, wherein the chewing gum ingredients comprises softener.

53. Chewing gum tablet according to any of the claims 1-52, wherein the chewing gum ingredients comprises filler.

54. Chewing gum tablet according to any of the claims 1-53, wherein said compressed chewing gum base material is formed of compressed particles having an average particle sizes prior to compression within the range of 200 - 5000 μm, preferably in the range of 200 - 2000 μm.

55. Chewing gum tablet according to any of the claims 1-54, wherein the gum base contained in said particles comprises in the range of 20 % to 90 % by weight of the particles.

56. Chewing gum tablet according to any of the claims 1-55, wherein the amount of water being below 2% by weight of the compressed tablet prior to compression.

57. Chewing gum tablet according to any of the claims 1-56, wherein the chewing gum tablet is provided with a coating.

58. Chewing gum tablet according to any of the claims 1-57, wherein the chewing gum tablet comprises a center filling

59. Chewing gum tablet according to any of the claim 1-58 comprising i) chewing gum granules containing gum base ii) particles of one or more encapsulation delivery systems comprising at least one encapsulation material and at least one active ingredient being encapsulated by the encapsulation material, wherein the encapsulation material comprises at least one natural resin and wherein the granules and particles are compressed into a tablet.

60. Chewing gum tablet according to any of the claims 1-59 comprising at least one polyol sweetener, at least one active ingredient and compressed particles of chewing gum base material, wherein the content of polyol is between 21 and 95% by weight of the tablet, and wherein the tablet being compressed at an ambient temperature of below 25 degrees Celsius and a maximum relative humidity of 55.

61. Method of manufacturing a chewing gum tablet according to any of the claims 1- 60, wherein the tablet is formed by compression of particles of chewing gum base material, wherein the content of gum base is at least 5% by weight of the tablet and wherein the chewing gum tablet is compressed by a compression force of more than 13 kN.

62. Method of manufacturing a chewing gum tablet according to claim 61, wherein the particles of chewing gum base material are produced by means of cutting during an extrusion process.

63. Method of manufacturing a chewing gum tablet according to claim 61, wherein the particles of chewing gum base material are produced by means of particulating a cooled chewing gum or gum base material.