Oral compositions for absorption of phosphorous compounds

Abstract

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

1 - 16 . (canceled) 
     
     
         17 . A chewing gum comprising (a) an effective amount of chitosan to reduce the level of salivary phosphorous in a subject having hyperphosphatemia upon the chewing gum being retained in the mouth of the subject, and (b) a pharmaceutically acceptable vehicle or excipient. 
     
     
         18 . The chewing gum of  claim 17 , further comprising a gum base. 
     
     
         19 . The chewing gum of  claim 17 , wherein the chewing gum comprises chitosan, sorbitol, mannitol, 5% xylitol, maltitol syrup, aspartame, acesulfame k, gum base, glycerol, butylated hydroxyanisole, polyalcohols, and carnauba wax. 
     
     
         20 . The chewing gum of  claim 17 , wherein the chewing gum comprises chitosan, sorbitol, mannitol, 36% xylitol, maltitol syrup, sodium hydrogen carbonate, aspartame, acesulfame k, gum base, glycerol, butylated hydroxyanisole, polyalcohols, and carnauba wax. 
     
     
         21 . A chewing gum for treating hyperphosphatemia comprising (a) an effective amount of chitosan to sequester phosphorous compounds from the saliva of a subject having hyperphosphatemia and reduce salivary phosphorous levels thereby reducing recirculation of the phosphorous compounds in the body of the subject and reducing serum phosphorous levels, upon the chewing gum being retained in the mouth of the subject, and (b) a pharmaceutically acceptable vehicle or excipient. 
     
     
         22 . The chewing gum of  claim 21 , further comprising a gum base. 
     
     
         23 . A chewing gum comprising (a) an effective amount of chitosan to reduce the level of salivary phosphorous in a subject by at least 15%, upon the chewing gum being retained in the mouth of the subject, and (b) a pharmaceutically acceptable vehicle or excipient. 
     
     
         24 . The chewing gum of  claim 23 , further comprising a gum base.