U.S. patent application number 10/100712 was filed with the patent office on 2003-04-17 for immediate release eplerenone compositions.
Invention is credited to Gokhale, Rajeev D., Thosar, Shilpa S., Tolbert, Dwain S..
Application Number | 20030072808 10/100712 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 22339668 |
Filed Date | 2003-04-17 |
United States Patent
Application |
20030072808 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Thosar, Shilpa S. ; et
al. |
April 17, 2003 |
Immediate release eplerenone compositions
Abstract
The invention relates to oral pharmaceutical compositions useful
as aldosterone receptor blockers comprising the active agent
micronized eplerenone in an amount of about 10 mg to about 1000 mg
and one or more carrier materials.
Inventors: |
Thosar, Shilpa S.; (Des
Plaines, IL) ; Gokhale, Rajeev D.; (Waukegan, IL)
; Tolbert, Dwain S.; (Wadsworth, IL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Pharmacia Corporation
Corporate Patent Department
P.O. Box 5110
Chicago
IL
60680-5110
US
|
Family ID: |
22339668 |
Appl. No.: |
10/100712 |
Filed: |
March 19, 2002 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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10100712 |
Mar 19, 2002 |
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09456614 |
Dec 8, 1999 |
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6410054 |
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60111646 |
Dec 9, 1998 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
424/494 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61P 9/12 20180101; A61K
9/4866 20130101; A61P 5/00 20180101; A61K 9/0095 20130101; A61K
31/585 20130101; A61P 9/04 20180101; A61P 43/00 20180101; A61K
9/2018 20130101; A61P 9/00 20180101; A61P 7/10 20180101; A61K
9/4858 20130101; A61P 9/10 20180101; Y10S 514/951 20130101; A61K
9/2054 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
424/494 |
International
Class: |
A61K 009/16; A61K
009/50 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A pharmaceutical composition comprising micronized eplerenone in
an amount of about 10 mg to about 1000 mg and a pharmaceutically
acceptable carrier material.
2. The pharmaceutical composition according to claim 1 wherein said
composition comprises micronized eplerenone in an amount of about
20 mg to about 400 mg.
3. The pharmaceutical composition according to claim 1 wherein said
composition comprises micronized eplerenone in an amount of about
25 mg to about 150 mg.
4. The pharmaceutical composition according to claim 1 wherein said
composition comprises micronized eplerenone in an amount of about
25 mg to about 100 mg.
5. The pharmaceutical composition according to claim 1 wherein said
carrier material is cellulosic, and said cellulosic carrier
material is selected from the group consisting of purified
cellulose, microcrystalline cellulose, and alkyl celluloses and
their derivatives and salts.
6. The pharmaceutical composition according to claim 1 comprising
one or more pharmaceutically acceptable binding agents, wherein
said binding agent or binding agents are present at about 0.5% to
about 25% of the total weight of the composition.
7. The pharmaceutical composition according to claim 6 wherein said
binding agents are selected from the group consisting of acacia,
tragacanth, sucrose, gelatin, glucose, starch, celluloses, alginic
acid, salts of alginic acid, magnesium aluminum silicate,
polyethylene glycol, gums, polysaccharide acids, bentonites,
polyvinylpyrrolidone, polymethacrylates, hydroxypropyl
methylcellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, ethyl cellulose, and
pregelatinized starch.
8. The pharmaceutical composition according to claim 1 comprising
one or more pharmaceutically acceptable diluents, wherein said
diluent or diluents are present at about 5% to about 99%. of the
total weight of the composition.
9. The pharmaceutical composition according to claim 8 wherein said
diluents are selected from the group consisting of lactose, starch,
mannitol, sorbitol, dextrose, microcrystalline cellulose, dibasic
calcium phosphate, sucrose-based diluents, confectioner's sugar,
monobasic calcium sulfate monohydrate, calcium sulfate dihydrate,
calcium lactate trihydrate, dextrates, inositol, hydrolyzed cereal
solids, amylose, powdered cellulose, calcium carbonate, glycine,
and bentonite.
10. The pharmaceutical composition according to claim 1 comprising
one or more pharmaceutically acceptable disintegrants, wherein said
disintegrants are present at about 0.5% to about 30% of the total
weight of the composition.
11. The pharmaceutical composition according to claim 10 wherein
said disintegrants are selected from the group consisting of
starches, sodium starch glycolate, clays, celluloses, alginates,
pregelatinized corn starches, crospovidone, and gums.
12. The pharmaceutical composition according to claim 1 comprising
one or more pharmaceutically acceptable wetting agents, wherein
said wetting agents or wetting agents are present at about 0.1% to
about 15% of the total weight of the composition.
13. The pharmaceutical composition according to claim 12 wherein
said wetting agents are selected from the group consisting of oleic
acid, glyceryl monostearate, sorbitan mono-oleate, sorbitan
monolaurate, triethanolamine oleate, polyoxyethylene sorbitan
mono-oleate, polyoxyethylene sorbitan monolaurate, sodium oleate,
and sodium lauryl sulfate.
14. The pharmaceutical composition according to claim 1 comprising
one or more pharmaceutically acceptable lubricants, wherein said
lubricant or lubricants are present at about 0.1% to about 10% of
the total weight of the composition.
15. The pharmaceutical composition according to claim 14 wherein
said lubricants are selected from the group consisting of glyceryl
behenate, stearates, stearic acid, hydrogenated vegetable oils,
talc, waxes, Stearowet, boric acid, sodium benzoate, sodium
acetate, sodium chloride, DL-Leucine, polyethylene glycols, sodium
oleate, sodium lauryl sulfate, and magnesium lauryl sulfate.
stearate.
16. The pharmaceutical composition according to claim 1 comprising
one or more pharmaceutically acceptable anti-adherents or glidants,
wherein said anti-adherent or anti-adherents or glidants are
present at about 0.25% to about 10% of the total weight of the
composition.
17. The pharmaceutical composition according to claim 16 wherein
said anti-adherents or glidants are selected from the group
consisting of talc, cornstarch, DL-Leucine, sodium lauryl sulfate,
and metallic stearates.
18. The pharmaceutical composition according to claim 6 wherein
said micronized eplerenone is present at about 1% to about 90% of
the total weight of the composition.
19. The pharmaceutical composition according to claim 18 comprising
one or more carrier materials selected from the group consisting of
diluents, binding agents, disintegrants, wetting agents, lubricants
and anti-adherents or glidants.
20. The pharmaceutical composition according to claim 18 comprising
hydroxypropyl methylcellulose.
21. The pharmaceutical composition according to claim 18 comprising
lactose.
22. The pharmaceutical composition according to claim 18 comprising
microcrystalline cellulose.
23. The pharmaceutical composition according to claim 18 comprising
croscarmellose sodium.
24. The pharmaceutical composition according to claim 1 comprising:
lactose at about 5% to about 90% of the total weight of the
composition; microcrystalline cellulose at about 5% to about 90% of
the total weight of the composition; and hydroxypropyl
methylcellulose at about 0.5% to about 10% of the total weight of
the composition.
25. The pharmaceutical composition according to claim 1 comprising:
about 1 to about 90 weight percent of micronized eplerenone; about
5 to about 90 weight percent of lactose; about 5 to about 90 weight
percent of microcrystalline cellulose; and about 0.5 to about 10
weight percent of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose.
26. The pharmaceutical composition according to claim 1 comprising:
about 19 to about 40 weight percent of micronized eplerenone; about
32 to about 52 weight percent of lactose; about 8 to about 28
weight percent of microcrystalline cellulose; and about 1 to about
8 weight percent of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose.
27. The pharmaceutical composition according to claim 1 comprising:
about 24 to about 35 weight percent of micronized eplerenone; about
37 to about 47 weight percent of lactose; about 13 to about 23
weight percent of microcrystalline cellulose; about 2 to about 6
weight percent of croscarmellose sodium; and about 2 to about 4
weight percent of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose.
28. The pharmaceutical composition according to claim 1 comprising:
about 28 to about 31 weight percent of micronized eplerenone; about
41 to about 43 weight percent of lactose monohydrate; about 17 to
about 19 weight percent of microcrystalline cellulose; about 4.5 to
about 5.5 weight percent of croscarmellose sodium; and about 2.5 to
about 3.5 weight percent of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose.
29. The pharmaceutical composition according to claim 1 in the form
of a coated or uncoated unit dosage tablet wherein the uncoated
tablet or the coated tablet prior to coating comprises: about 29.4
weight percent of micronized eplerenone; about 42 weight percent of
lactose; about 18.1 weight percent of microcrystalline cellulose;
about 5 weight percent of croscarmellose sodium; about 3 weight
percent of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose; about 1 weight percent of
sodium lauryl sulfate; about 1 weight percent of talc; and about
0.5 weight percent of magnesium stearate.
30. The pharmaceutical composition according to claim 1 comprising:
about 23 mg to about 27 mg of micronized eplerenone; about 34 mg to
about 38 mg of lactose; about 14 mg to about 17 mg of
microcrystalline cellulose; about 3 mg to about 6 mg of
croscarmellose sodium; about 1 mg to about 4 mg of hydroxypropyl
methylcellulose; about 0.25 mg to about 1.5 mg of sodium lauryl
sulfate; about 0.25 mg to about 1.5 mg of talc; and about 0.1 mg to
about 1 mg of magnesium stearate.
31. The pharmaceutical composition according to claim 1 comprising:
about 48 mg to about 52 mg of micronized eplerenone; about 70 mg to
about 73 mg of lactose; about 29 mg to about 33 mg of
microcrystalline cellulose; about 6 mg to about 10 mg of
croscarmellose sodium; about 4 mg to about 6 mg of hydroxypropyl
methylcellulose; about 1 to about 2.5 mg of sodium lauryl sulfate;
about 1 to about 2.5 mg of talc; and about 1 mg to about 1.5 mg of
magnesium stearate.
32. The pharmaceutical composition according to claim 1 comprising:
about 98 mg to about 102 mg of micronized eplerenone; about 141 mg
to about 145 mg of lactose; about 60 mg to about 64 mg of
microcrystalline cellulose; about 16 mg to about 18 mg of
croscarmellose sodium; about 9 mg to about 11 mg of hydroxypropyl
methylcellulose; about 3 mg to about 4 mg of sodium lauryl sulfate;
about 3 mg to about 4 mg of talc; and about 1 mg to about 2 mg of
magnesium stearate.
33. The pharmaceutical composition according to claim 1 in a unit
oral dosage form.
34. The pharmaceutical composition according to claim 1, wherein
said composition is in the form of a unit dosage tablet or
capsule.
35. The pharmaceutical composition according to claim 1, wherein
said composition is in the form of a unit dosage tablet.
36. The pharmaceutical composition according to claim 35 wherein
the unit dosage tablet is a coated unit dosage tablet.
37. The pharmaceutical composition according to claim 1 in the form
of an oral unit dosage tablet or capsule having a 25 mg, 50 mg or
100 mg dose of eplerenone.
38. A pharmaceutical composition comprising micronized eplerenone
and .beta.-cyclodextrin in a liquid dosage form.
39. A pharmaceutical composition comprising micronized eplerenone
and a pharmaceutical carrier material, wherein said composition is
suitable for once or twice a day oral administration as an
aldosterone receptor blocker.
40. The pharmaceutical composition according to claim 1 wherein
said composition provides a therapeutic effect as an aldosterone
receptor blocker in a human subject over an interval of about 12 to
about 24 hours after ingestion.
41. The pharmaceutical composition according to claim 1 wherein
said composition provides a therapeutic effect as an aldosterone
receptor blocker over an interval of about 24 hours after
ingestion.
42. The pharmaceutical composition according to claim 1 wherein at
least 50% of the eplerenone in the composition is released in vitro
within 20 minutes in 0.1 N HCl.
43. The pharmaceutical composition according to claim 42 in the
form of an oral dosage tablet or capsule suitable for once or twice
a day oral administration.
44. The pharmaceutical composition according to claim 1 in the form
of an oral dosage tablet or capsule suitable for once a day oral
administration, and wherein at least 50% of the micronized
eplerenone in the composition is released in vitro within 15
minutes in 0.1 N HCl.
45. The unit oral dosage form of the pharmaceutical composition of
claim 33 wherein the composition is directly encapsulated or
directly compressed into tablets.
46. The unit oral dosage form of the pharmaceutical composition of
claim 33 wherein the composition is wet granulated and encapsulated
or compressed into tablets.
47. The unit oral dosage form of the pharmaceutical composition of
claim 33 wherein the composition is dry granulated and encapsulated
or compressed into tablets.
48. The pharmaceutical composition according to claim 1 wherein at
least 90% of the micronized eplerenone particles used in the
preparation of the pharmaceutical composition are less than about
200 microns in size.
49. The pharmaceutical composition according to claim 1 wherein at
least 90% of the eplerenone particles used in the preparation of
the pharmaceutical composition are less than about 150 microns in
size.
50. The pharmaceutical composition according to claim 1 wherein at
least 90% of the eplerenone particles used in the preparation of
the pharmaceutical composition are about 30 to about 110 microns in
size.
51. The pharmaceutical composition according to claim 1 wherein at
least 90% of the eplerenone particles used in the preparation of
the pharmaceutical composition are about 30 to about 50 microns in
size.
52. The pharmaceutical composition according to claim 1 wherein at
least 90% of the eplerenone particles used in the preparation of
the pharmaceutical composition are about 50 to about 150 microns in
size.
53. The pharmaceutical composition according to claim 1 wherein at
least 90% of the eplerenone particles used in the preparation of
the pharmaceutical composition are about 75 to about 125 microns in
size.
54. A pharmaceutical composition comprising micronized eplerenone
and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier material, wherein said
composition causes an average increase in blood serum renin
concentrations in a human subject over an interval of about 12 to
24 hours after ingestion of the composition of at least about
10%.
55. A pharmaceutical composition comprising micronized eplerenone
and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier material, wherein said
composition causes an average increase in blood serum aldosterone
concentrations in a human subject over an interval of about 12 to
24 hours after ingestion of the composition of at least about
50%.
56. A pharmaceutical composition comprising micronized eplerenone
and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier material, wherein said
composition causes an average decrease in diastolic blood pressure
in a human subject over an interval of about 12 to 24 hours after
ingestion of the composition of at least about 5%.
57. The method of treating a condition or disorder where treatment
with an aldosterone receptor blocker is indicated, comprising
orally administering a composition according to claim 1 to a
patient in need of such treatment.
58. The method according to claim 57 wherein the condition or
disorder is heart failure.
59. The method according to claim 57 wherein the condition or
disorder is hypertension.
60. The method according to 57 wherein the condition or disorder is
edema associated with liver insufficiency.
61. The method according to claim 57 wherein the condition or
disorder is post-myocardial infarction.
62. The method of treating a condition or disorder where treatment
with an aldosterone receptor blocker is indicated, comprising
orally administering a composition according to claim 18 to a
patient in need of such treatment.
63. The method of treating a condition or disorder where treatment
with an aldosterone receptor blocker is indicated, comprising
orally administering a composition according to claim 26 to a
patient in need of such treatment.
64. A method of preparing a pharmaceutical composition comprising
eplerenone comprising: wet granulating micronized eplerenone and
one or more carrier materials to form a wet granulated mixture; and
preparing an oral dosage form of the pharmaceutical composition
from the wet granulated mixture.
65. The method of claim 64 wherein the pharmaceutical composition
is prepared in an oral unit dosage form comprising micronized
eplerenone in an amount of about 25 mg, 50 mg or 100 mg.
66. Use of micronized eplerenone and a cellulosic carrier material
in the manufacture of a medicament for the treatment or prophylaxis
of aldosterone mediated conditions or disorders.
67. A pharmaceutical composition comprising micronized eplerenone
and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier material, wherein said
composition is an oral dosage form in which at least 50% of the
eplerenone in the composition is released in vitro at least about
1.5 hours in 1% SDS.
68. The pharmaceutical composition according to claim 67
comprising: about 24 to about 35 weight percent of micronized
eplerenone; about 25 to about 45 weight percent of lactose; about
10 to about 25 weight percent of microcrystalline cellulose; and
about 5 to about 50 weight percent of hydroxypropyl
methylcellulose.
69. A pharmaceutical composition comprising micronized eplerenone
and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier material, wherein said
composition is an oral dosage form wherein at least 50% of the
micronized eplerenone in the composition is released in vitro at
least about 3.5 hours in 1% SDS.
70. The pharmaceutical composition according to claim 69
comprising: about 24 to about 35 weight percent of micronized
eplerenone; about 25 to about 45 weight percent of lactose; about
10 to about 25 weight percent of microcrystalline cellulose; and
about 5 to about 50 weight percent of hydroxypropyl
methylcellulose.
71. A pharmaceutical composition comprising micronized eplerenone
and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier material, wherein said
composition is an oral dosage form wherein at least 50% of the
micronized eplerenone in the composition is released in vitro at
least about 5.5 hours in 1% SDS.
72. The pharmaceutical composition according to claim 71
comprising: about 24 to about 35 weight percent of micronized
eplerenone; about 25 to about 45 weight percent of lactose; about
10 to about 25 weight percent of microcrystalline cellulose; and
about 5 to about 50 weight percent of hydroxypropyl
methylcellulose.
Description
DESCRIPTION
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention relates to pharmaceutical compositions
comprising the compound eplerenone as an active ingredient, and
more particularly to pharmaceutical compositions containing
micronized eplerenone, methods of treatment comprising
administering such pharmaceutical compositions to a subject in need
thereof, and the use of such compositions in the manufacture of
medicaments.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The compound methyl hydrogen 9,
11.alpha.-epoxy-17.alpha.-hydroxy-3- -oxopregn-4-ene-7.alpha.,
21-dicarboxylate, y-lactone (also referred to herein as eplerenone)
was first reported in Grob et al., U.S. Pat. No. 4,559,332 that
describes and claims a class of 9,11-epoxy steroid compounds and
their salts together with processes for the preparation of such
compounds. These 9,11-epoxy steroid compounds are described as
aldosterone antagonists that can be administered in a
therapeutically effective amount to treat pathological conditions
associated with hyperaldosteronism such as hypertension, cardiac
insufficiency and cirrhosis of the liver. U.S. Pat. No. 4,559,332
contains general references to formulations for the administration
of these 9,11-epoxy steroid compounds such as tablets and
capsules.
[0003] Ng et al., WO 98/25948 later disclosed additional synthetic
processes for the preparation of a similar class of 9,11-epoxy
steroid compounds and their salts, including eplerenone. Both U.S.
Pat. Nos. 4,559,332 and WO 98/25948 are incorporated by reference
herein.
[0004] Eplerenone corresponds in structure to Formula I, below:
1
[0005] Spironolactone, another 20-spiroxane-steroid having activity
as an aldosterone antagonist, is commercially available for the
treatment of hypertension. Spironolactone corresponds in structure
to Formula II, below: 2
[0006] Spironolactone, however, exhibits antiandrogenic activity
that can result in gynecomastia and impotence in men, and weak
progestational activity that produces menstrual irregularities in
women. Commercial formulations of spironolactone (sold under the
name Aldactone.TM.) contain 25, 50 or 100 mg doses of
spironolactone in a matrix comprising, among other carrier
materials, calcium sulfate dihydrate as a diluent, maize starch as
a disintegrant, povidone K-30 as a binding agent, magnesium
stearate as a lubricant, and flavor, colorant, and coating
ingredients that include hydroxypropyl methylcellulose and
polyethylene glycol 400.
[0007] Gasparo et al., J. Steroid Res., 22(1B):223-227(1989) report
the use of spironolactone and epoxymexrenone in receptor binding
studies. Those materials, with spironolactone in a commercial
formulation with a particle size of 5 microns and the
epoxymexerenone at a particle size of 20 microns in a
non-formulated composition, were also used in vivo to study
excretion of sodium in urine.
[0008] There is a need for the development of additional active
aldosterone antagonists such as eplerenone that interact minimally
with other steroid receptor systems such as glucocorticoid,
progestin and androgen steroid receptor systems and/or that provide
for a broader range of treatment. There is also a need for
eplerenone compositions that provide a readily soluble form of
eplerenone. The discussion that follows discloses eplerenone
compositions that help to fulfill that need.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] The effective administration of eplerenone to a subject has
been complicated by the compound's low solubility and low
compressibility as well as by its other physical and chemical
properties. Pharmaceutical compositions comprising micronized
eplerenone and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier material,
however, have been discovered that can effectively deliver a
therapeutically preferred amount of the compound to the subject. In
addition, unique combinations of carrier material with the
micronized eplerenone have been found that provide still better
solubilization characteristics. These combinations of active
compound and carrier material have been found to possess improved
bioavailability, chemical stability, physical stability,
dissolution profiles, disintegration times, safety, as well as
other improved pharmacokinetic, chemical and/or physical
properties. The present invention comprises these pharmaceutical
compositions, unit dosage forms based thereon, and methods for the
preparation and use of both.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] In the drawing forming a portion of this disclosure, FIG. 1,
shown in two portions as FIG. 1A and 1B, is a schematic diagram of
a manufacturing process for a composition of this invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0011] It has been discovered that pharmaceutical compositions
comprising micronized eplerenone as the active ingredient in a
daily dosage amount about 10 mg to about 1000 mg along with a
pharmaceutically acceptable carrier material are unique
compositions exhibiting superior performance as aldosterone
receptor blockers. Such pharmaceutical compositions exhibit
superior activity, potency, safety and therapeutic effectiveness at
this dosage range. These compositions provide eplerenone to a
patient at a dosage that is sufficient to provide prolonged
blocking of aldosterone receptors and thus confer the desired
therapeutic benefit, while maintaining a safe clearance time.
Undesirable side effects such as, but not limited to,
gastrointestinal irritation, antiandrogenic and progestational
activity are also minimized with the pharmaceutical compositions of
the present invention.
[0012] These pharmaceutical compositions are advantageously used to
block aldosterone receptors and, among other pharmacological
actions, can increase sodium and water excretion with a concomitant
potassium-sparing effect. Such compositions can be specifically
employed for the prophylaxis and treatment of cardiovascular
diseases such as heart failure; hypertension (especially the
management of mild to moderate hypertension); edema associated with
liver insufficiency; post-myocardial infarction; cirrhosis of the
liver; stroke prevention; and reduction of heart rate for subjects
exhibiting an accelerated heart rate. These pharmaceutical
compositions exhibit, among other features, (i) improved
selectivity for aldosterone receptors, (ii) reduced binding
affinity to the progesterone and androgen receptor, and (iii)
reduced interference from plasma proteins.
[0013] Besides being useful for human treatment, these compositions
are also useful for veterinary treatment of companion animals,
exotic animals and farm animals, including mammals, rodents and the
like. More preferred non-human animals include horses, dogs, and
cats.
[0014] Unformulated eplerenone administered in capsule form is not
well absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract. Accordingly, a need
exists for suitable eplerenone dosage forms. The pharmaceutical
compositions of the present invention provide these dosage forms
and exhibit one or more superior properties relative to
unformulated eplerenone and/or other compositions comprising
eplerenone. These superior properties include, but are not limited
to, one or more of the following:
[0015] (1) improved bioavailability;
[0016] (2 ) improved solubility of the pharmaceutical
composition;
[0017] (3) decreased disintegration times for immediate release
oral dosage forms;
[0018] (4) decreased dissolution times for immediate release oral
dosage forms;
[0019] (5) improved dissolution profiles for controlled release
oral dosage forms;
[0020] (6) decreased tablet friability;
[0021] (7) increased tablet hardness;
[0022] (8) improved safety for oral dosage forms;
[0023] (9) reduced moisture content and/or hygroscopicity for oral
dosage forms;
[0024] (10) improved composition wettability;
[0025] (11) improved particle size distribution of eplerenone;
[0026] (12) improved composition compressibility;
[0027] (13) improved composition flow properties;
[0028] (14) improved chemical stability of the final oral dosage
form;
[0029] (15) improved physical stability of the final oral dosage
form;
[0030] (16) decreased tablet size;
[0031] (17) improved blend uniformity;
[0032] (18) improved dose uniformity;
[0033] (19) increased granule density for wet granulated
compositions;
[0034] (20) reduced water requirements for wet granulation;
[0035] (21) reduced wet granulation time; and/or
[0036] (22) reduced drying time for wet granulated mixtures.
[0037] Micronized Eplerenone
[0038] Although the pharmaceutical compositions are effective for
broad range of particle sizes for the initial eplerenone starting
material used in the compositions, it has been discovered that
reduction of the particle size to a D.sub.90 particle size of about
25 to about 400 microns can improve eplerenone bioavailability.
Eplerenone particles having a D.sub.90 particle size of about 25 to
about 400 microns are referred to herein as micronized eplerenone
or micronized eplerenone particles.
[0039] Accordingly, the D.sub.90 particle size (that is, the
particle size of at least 90% of the particles) of the eplerenone
used as a starting material in the composition is less than about
400 microns, preferably less than about 200 microns, more
preferably less than about 150 microns, still more preferably less
than about 100 microns, and still more preferably less than 90
microns. A particularly preferred D.sub.90 particle size is about
30 to about 110 microns, and more particularly still about 30 to
about 50 microns. In other preferred embodiments, a particularly
preferred D .sub.90 particle size is about 50 to about 150 microns,
and more preferably about 75 to about 125 microns. Micronized
eplerenone so sized also typically exhibits a D.sub.10 particle
size of less than 10 microns. For example, as illustrated in
Example 30, reducing the D.sub.90 particle size of the starting
material eplerenone from about 220 microns to about 90 microns can
materially improve the bioavailability of the pharmaceutical
composition.
[0040] Eplerenone Dosage of Pharmaceutical Composition
[0041] The pharmaceutical compositions of the present invention
comprise micronized eplerenone in an amount of about 10 mg to about
1000 mg. Preferably, the pharmaceutical compositions comprise
micronized eplerenone in an amount of about 20 mg to about 400 mg,
more preferably from about 25 mg to about 200 mg, and still more
preferably from about 25 mg to about 150 mg.
[0042] Treatment of Specific Conditions and Disorders
[0043] The pharmaceutical compositions of the present invention are
useful where administration of an aldosterone receptor blocker is
indicated. It has been found that these compositions are
particularly effective in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases
such as heart failure; hypertension (especially the management of
mild to moderate hypertension); edema associated with liver
insufficiency; post-myocardial infarction; cirrhosis of the liver;
stroke prevention; and reduction of heart rate for subjects
exhibiting an accelerated heart rate.
[0044] For the treatment of heart failure, the pharmaceutical
composition preferably provides a daily dosage of eplerenone in the
amount of about 25 mg to about 200 mg, more preferably about 25 mg
to about 75 mg, and still more preferably about 50 mg. A daily dose
of about 0.33 to 2.67 mg/kg body weight (based upon an average body
weight of about 75 kg), preferably between about 0.33 and about
1.00 mg/kg body weight and most preferably 0.67 mg/kg body weight,
may be appropriate. The daily dose can be administered in one to
four doses per day, preferably one dose per day.
[0045] For the treatment of hypertension, the pharmaceutical
composition preferably provides a daily dosage of eplerenone in the
amount of about 50 mg to about 300 mg, more preferably about 50 mg
to about 150 mg, and still more preferably about 100 mg. A daily
dose of about 0.67 to 4.00 mg/kg body weight, preferably between
about 0.67 and about 2.00 mg/kg body weight and most preferably
about 1.33 mg/kg body weight, may be appropriate. The daily dose
can be administered in one to four doses per day, preferably one
dose per day.
[0046] For the treatment of edema associated with liver
insufficiency, the pharmaceutical composition preferably provides a
daily dosage of eplerenone in the amount of about 50 mg to about
500 mg, more preferably about 100 mg to 400 about mg, and still
more preferably about 300 mg. A daily dose of about 0.67 to 6.67
mg/kg body weight, preferably between about 1.33 and about 5.33
mg/kg body weight and most preferably about 4.00 mg/kg body weight,
may be appropriate. The daily dose can be administered in one to
four doses per day, preferably one dose per day.
[0047] It has been found that the pharmaceutical compositions of
the present invention provide a therapeutic effect as aldosterone
receptor blockers in humans over an interval of about 12 to 24
hours, preferably about 24 hours, after oral administration.
[0048] In general, the pharmaceutical compositions of the present
invention provide a daily dosage of eplerenone sufficient to cause
an increase in blood serum renin and aldosterone concentrations in
humans over an interval of about 12 to 24 hours, preferably about
24 hours, after oral administration. Specifically, these
compositions provide a daily dosage of eplerenone sufficient to
cause an average increase in blood serum renin concentration over
an interval of about 12 to 24 hours, preferably about 24 hours,
after ingestion of the composition of at least about 10%.
Similarly, these compositions provide a daily dosage of eplerenone
sufficient to cause an average increase in blood serum aldosterone
concentrations over an interval of about 12 to 24 hours, preferably
about 24 hours, after ingestion of the composition of at least
about 50%.
[0049] It also has been found that the pharmaceutical compositions
of the present invention provide a daily dosage of eplerenone
sufficient to cause an average increase in the urinary log.sub.10
(sodium/potassium) ratio in humans over an interval of about 12 to
24 hours, preferably about 24 hours, after ingestion of the
composition.
[0050] It also has been found that the pharmaceutical compositions
of the present invention provide a daily dosage of eplerenone
sufficient to cause an average decrease in diasystolic blood
pressure in humans over an interval of about 12 to 24 hours,
preferably about 24 hours, after ingestion of the composition of at
least about 5%.
[0051] Unit Dosages
[0052] Dosage unit forms of the pharmaceutical compositions can
typically contain, for example, 10, 20, 25, 37.5, 50, 75, 100, 125,
150, 175, 200, 250, 300, 350 or 400 mg of eplerenone. Preferred
dosage unit forms contain about 25, 50, 100, or 150 mg of
micronized eplerenone. The dosage unit form can be selected to
accommodate the desired frequency of administration used to achieve
the specified daily dosage. The amount of the unit dosage form of
the pharmaceutical composition that is administered and the dosage
regimen for treating the condition or disorder depends on a variety
of factors, including the age, weight, sex and medical condition of
the subject, the severity of the condition or disorder, the route
and frequency of administration, and thus can vary widely, as is
well known.
[0053] It has been discovered, however, that the efficacy of the
required daily dosage of the pharmaceutical compositions of the
present invention does not appear to materially differ for
once-a-day administration relative to twice-a-day administration
with respect to the compositions described in this application.
While not wishing to be bound by theory, it is hypothesized that
the compositions of the present invention deliver an amount of
eplerenone sufficient to inhibit a protracted genomic response
caused by aldosterone binding to the aldosterone receptor site.
Interruption of aldosterone binding by eplerenone prevents
aldosterone-induced gene product synthesis resulting in an extended
period of functional aldosterone receptor blockade that does not
require a sustained plasma eplerenone concentration. Accordingly,
once-a-day administration is preferred for such tablets for
convenience of administration.
[0054] Preparation of Eplerenone
[0055] The eplerenone of the novel pharmaceutical compositions of
the present invention can be prepared using the methods set forth
in Grob et al., U.S. Pat. No. 4,559,332 and Ng et al., WO 98/25948,
particularly scheme 1 set forth in Ng. et al., WO 98/25948, both of
whose disclosures are incorporated by reference.
[0056] Form of Pharmaceutical Compositions
[0057] The pharmaceutical compositions of the present invention
comprise micronized eplerenone in association with one or more
non-toxic, pharmaceutically-acceptable carriers, excipients and/or
adjuvants (collectively referred to herein as "carrier materials").
The carrier materials are acceptable in the sense of being
compatible with the other ingredients of the composition and are
not deleterious to the recipient. The pharmaceutical compositions
of the present invention can be adapted for administration by any
suitable route by selection of appropriate carrier materials and a
dosage of eplerenone effective for the treatment intended. For
example, these compositions can be prepared in a form suitable for
administration orally, intravascularly, intraperitoneally,
subcutaneously, intramuscularly (IM) or rectally. Accordingly, the
carrier material employed can be a solid or a liquid, or both, and
is preferably formulated with the compound as a unit-dose
composition, for example, a tablet, which can contain from about 1%
to about 95%, preferably about 10% to about 75%, more preferably
about 20% to about 60%, and still more preferably about 20% to
about 40%, by weight of micronized eplerenone. Such pharmaceutical
compositions of the invention can be prepared by any of the well
known techniques of pharmacy, consisting essentially of admixing
the components.
[0058] Oral Administration
[0059] For oral administration, the pharmaceutical composition can
contain a desired amount of micronized eplerenone and be in the
form of, for example, a tablet, a hard or soft capsule, a lozenge,
a cachet, a dispensable powder, granules, a suspension, an elixir,
a liquid, or any other form reasonably adapted for oral
administration. Such a pharmaceutical composition is preferably
made in the form of a discrete dosage unit containing a
predetermined amount of eplerenone, such as tablets or capsules.
Such oral dosage forms can further comprise, for example, buffering
agents. Tablets, pills and the like additionally can be prepared
with enteric coatings. Unit dosage tablets or capsules are
preferred.
[0060] Pharmaceutical compositions suitable for buccal
(sub-lingual) administration include, for example, lozenges
comprising eplerenone in a flavored base, such as sucrose, and
acacia or tragacanth, and pastilles comprising eplerenone in an
inert base such as gelatin and glycerin or sucrose and acacia.
[0061] Liquid dosage forms for oral administration can include
pharmaceutically acceptable emulsions, solutions, suspensions,
syrups, and elixirs containing inert diluents commonly used in the
art, such as water. Such compositions can also comprise, for
example, wetting agents, emulsifying and suspending agents, and
sweetening, flavoring, and perfuming agents.
[0062] Examples of suitable liquid dosage forms include, but are
not limited, aqueous solutions comprising eplerenone and
.beta.-cyclodextrin or a water soluble derivative of
.beta.-cyclodextrin such as sulfobutyl ether .beta.-cyclodextrin;
heptakis-2,6-di-O-methyl-.beta.-cyclodextrin;
hydroxypropyl-.beta.-cyclodextrin; and
dimethyl-.beta.-cyclodextrin.
[0063] Administration By Injection
[0064] The pharmaceutical compositions of the present invention can
also be administered by injection (intravenous, intramuscular,
subcutaneous or jet). Such injectable compositions can employ, for
example, saline, dextrose, or water as a suitable carrier material.
The pH value of the composition can be adjusted, if necessary, with
suitable acid, base, or buffer. Suitable bulking, dispersing,
wetting or suspending agents, including mannitol and polyethylene
glycol (such as PEG 400), can also be included in the composition.
A suitable parenteral composition can also include eplerenone in
injection vials. Aqueous solutions can be added to dissolve the
composition prior to injection.
[0065] Rectal Administration
[0066] The pharmaceutical compositions can be administered in the
form of a suppository or the like. Such rectal formulations
preferably contain micronized eplerenone in a total amount of, for
example, 0.075 to 30% w/w, preferably 0.2 to 20% w/w and most
preferably 0.4 to 15% w/w. Carrier materials such as cocoa butter,
theobroma oil, and other oil and polyethylene glycol suppository
bases can be used in such compositions. Other carrier materials
such as coatings (for example, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose film
coating) and disintegrants (for example, croscarmellose sodium and
cross-linked povidone) can also be employed if desired.
[0067] As indicated above, these pharmaceutical compositions can be
prepared by any suitable method of pharmacy which includes the step
of bringing into association eplerenone and the carrier material or
carriers materials. In general, the compositions are prepared by
uniformly and intimately admixing the active compound with a liquid
or finely divided solid carrier, or both, and then, if necessary,
shaping the product. For example, a tablet can be prepared by
compressing or molding a powder or granules of the compound,
optionally with one or more accessory ingredients. Compressed
tablets can be prepared by compressing, in a suitable machine, the
compound in a free-flowing form, such as a powder or granules
optionally mixed with a binding agent, lubricant, inert diluent
and/or surface active/dispersing agent(s). Molded tablets can be
made by molding, in a suitable machine, the powdered compound
moistened with an inert liquid diluent.
[0068] Carrier Materials
[0069] As noted above, for therapeutic purposes, the pharmaceutical
compositions of the present invention comprise micronized
eplerenone in a desired amount in combination with one or more
pharmaceutically-acceptabl- e carrier materials appropriate to the
indicated route of administration. Oral dosage forms of the
pharmaceutical compositions of the present invention preferably
comprise micronized eplerenone in a desired amount admixed with one
or more carrier materials selected from the group consisting of
diluents, disintegrants, binding agents and adhesives, wetting
agents, lubricants, anti-adherent agents and/or other carrier
materials. More preferably, such compositions are tableted or
encapsulated for convenient administration. Such capsules or
tablets can be in the form of immediate release capsules or
tablets, or can contain a controlled-release formulation as can be
provided, for example, in a dispersion of eplerenone in
hydroxypropyl methylcellulose.
[0070] Injectable dosage forms preferably are adapted for
parenteral injection. Preferably, these dosage forms comprise
micronized eplerenone in aqueous or non-aqueous isotonic sterile
injection solutions or suspensions, such as eplerenone suspended or
dissolved in water, polyethylene glycol, propylene glycol, ethanol,
corn oil, cottonseed oil, peanut oil, sesame oil, benzyl alcohol,
sodium chloride, and/or various buffers. These solutions and
suspensions can be prepared from sterile powders or granules having
one or more of the carriers or diluents mentioned for use in the
formulations for oral administration.
[0071] The selection and combination of carrier materials used in
the pharmaceutical compositions of the present invention provides
compositions exhibiting improved performance with respect to, among
other properties, efficacy, bioavailability, clearance times,
stability, compatibility of eplerenone and carrier materials,
safety, dissolution profile, disintegration profile and/or other
pharmacokinetic, chemical and/or physical properties. The carrier
materials preferably are water soluble or water dispersible and
have wetting properties to offset the low aqueous solubility and
hydrophobicity of eplerenone. Where the composition is formulated
as a tablet, the combination of carrier materials selected provides
tablets that can exhibit, among other properties, improved
dissolution and disintegration profiles, hardness, crushing
strength, and/or friability.
[0072] Diluents
[0073] The pharmaceutical compositions of the present invention
optionally can comprise one or more diluents as a carrier material.
Suitable diluents can include, either individually or in
combination, such diluents as lactose USP; lactose USP, anhydrous;
lactose USP, spray dried; starch USP; directly compressible starch;
mannitol USP; sorbitol; dextrose monohydrate; microcrystalline
cellulose NF; dibasic calcium phosphate dihydrate NF; sucrose-based
diluents; confectioner's sugar; monobasic calcium sulfate
monohydrate; calcium sulfate dihydrate NF; calcium lactate
trihydrate granular NF; dextrates NF (e.g., Emdex.TM.);
Celutab.TM.; dextrose (e.g., Cerelose.TM.); inositol; hydrolyzed
cereal solids such as the Maltrons.TM. and Mor-Rex.TM.; amylose;
Rexcel.TM.; powdered cellulose (e.g., Elcema.TM.); calcium
carbonate; glycine; bentonite; polyvinylpyrrolidone; and the like.
The present pharmaceutical compositions comprise one or more
diluents in the range of about 5% to about 99%, preferably about
25% to about 90%, and more preferably about 40% to about 80%, of
the total weight of the composition. The diluent or diluents
selected preferably exhibit suitable compressibility and
pre-compression flow properties.
[0074] Microcrystalline cellulose (e.g. Avicel.RTM. PH 101) and
lactose, either individually or in combination (both diluents are
present), are preferred diluents. Both diluents are chemically
compatible with micronized eplerenone. The use of extragranular
microcrystalline cellulose (that is, microcrystalline cellulose
added to a wet granulated composition after the drying step) in
addition to intragranular microcrystalline cellulose (that is,
microcrystalline cellulose added to the composition during or
before the wet granulation step) can be used to improve tablet
hardness and/or disintegration time. Lactose, especially lactose
monohydrate, is particularly preferred. Lactose typically provides
pharmaceutical compositions having suitable eplerenone release
rates, stability, pre-compression flowability, and drying
properties at a relatively low diluent cost.
[0075] Disintegrants
[0076] The pharmaceutical compositions of the present invention
optionally can comprise one or more disintegrants as a carrier
material, particularly for tablet formulations. Suitable
disintegrants can include, either individually or in combination,
such disintegrants as starches; sodium starch glycolate; clays
(such as Veegum.TM. HV) ; celluloses (such as purified cellulose,
methylcellulose and sodium carboxymethylcellulose, and
carboxymethylcellulose); alginates; pregelatinized corn starches
(such as National.TM. 1551 and National.TM. 1550); crospovidone USP
NF; gums (such as agar, guar, locust bean, Karaya.TM., pectin, and
tragacanth). Disintegrants can be added at any suitable step during
the preparation of the pharmaceutical composition, particularly
prior to granulation or during the lubrication step prior to
compression. The present pharmaceutical compositions comprise one
or more disintegrants in the range of about 0.5% to about 30%,
preferably about 1% to about 10%, and more preferably about 2% to
about 6%, of the total weight of the composition.
[0077] Croscarmellose sodium is a preferred disintegrant for tablet
formulations, preferably in the range of about 1% to about 10%,
preferably about 2% to about 6%, and more preferably about 5%, by
weight of the composition.
[0078] Binding Agents and Adhesives
[0079] The pharmaceutical compositions of the present invention
optionally can comprise one or more binding agents or adhesives as
a carrier material. Such binding agents and adhesives preferably
impart sufficient cohesion to the powders to permit normal
processing such as sizing, lubrication, compression and packaging,
but still permit the tablet to disintegrate and the composition to
dissolve upon ingestion. Suitable binding agents and adhesives
include, either individually or in combination, such binding agents
and adhesives as acacia; tragacanth; sucrose; gelatin; glucose;
starch; cellulose materials such as, but not limited to,
methylcellulose and sodium carboxymethylcellulose (e.g.,
Tylose.TM.); alginic acid and salts of alginic acid; magnesium
aluminum silicate; polyethylene glycol; guar gum; polysaccharide
acids; bentonites; polyvinylpyrrolidone (povidone);
polymethacrylates; hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC);
hydroxypropyl cellulose (Klucel.TM.); ethyl cellulose
(Ethocel.TM.); pregelatinized starch (such as National.TM. 1511 and
Starch 1500). The present pharmaceutical compositions comprise one
or more binding agents and/or adhesives in the range of about 0.5%
to about 25%, preferably about 0.75% to about 15%, and more
preferably about 1% to about 10%, of the total weight of the
composition.
[0080] Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose is a preferred binding agent
used impart cohesive properties to the powder blend of the
eplerenone formulation. The compositions preferably comprise
hydroxypropyl methylcellulose as a binding agent in a range of
about 0.5% to about 10%, more preferably about 1% to about 8%, and
still more preferably about 2% to about 4%, of the total weight of
the composition. Low molecular weight hydroxypropyl methylcellulose
having a viscosity of about 2 cps to about 8 cps typically can be
used, although viscosities of about 2 cps to about 6 cps are
preferred, particularly viscosities of about 2 cps to about 4 cps.
Viscosities are measured as a 2 percent solution in water at
20.degree. C. Methoxy content of the hydroxypropyl methylcellulose
typically is about 15% to about 35%, whereas hydroxypropyl content
is typically up to about 15%, preferably about 2% to about 12%.
[0081] Wetting Agents
[0082] Eplerenone, even micronized eplerenone, is largely insoluble
in aqueous solution. Accordingly, the pharmaceutical compositions
of the present invention optionally can comprise one or more
wetting agents as a carrier material, particularly for tablet
formulations. Such wetting agents preferably maintain eplerenone in
solution and improve the bioavailability of the pharmaceutical
composition. Suitable wetting agents include, either individually
or in combination, such wetting agents as oleic acid; glyceryl
monostearate; sorbitan monooleate; sorbitan monolaurate;
triethanolamine oleate; polyoxyethylene sorbitan mono-oleate;
polyoxyethylene sorbitan monolaurate; sodium oleate; and sodium
lauryl sulfate. Wetting agents that are anionic surfactants are
preferred. The present pharmaceutical compositions comprise one or
more wetting agents present at about 0.1% to about 15%, preferably
about 0.25% to about 10%, and more preferably about 0.5% to about
5%, of the total weight of the composition.
[0083] Sodium lauryl sulfate is a preferred wetting agent for
tablet formulations. The compositions of the present invention
preferably comprise sodium lauryl sulfate as the wetting agent at
about 0.25% to about 7%, more preferably about 0.4% to about 4%,
and still more preferably about 0.5 to about 2%, of the total
weight of the composition.
[0084] Lubricants
[0085] The pharmaceutical compositions of the present invention
optionally comprises one or more lubricants and/or glidants as a
carrier material. Suitable lubricants and/or glidants include,
either individually or in combination, such lubricants and/or
glidants as glyceryl behenate (Compritol.TM. 888); metalllic
stearates (e.g., magnesium, calcium and sodium stearates); stearic
acid; hydrogenated vegetable oils (e.g., Sterotex.TM.); talc;
waxes; Stearowet.TM.; boric acid; sodium benzoate and sodium
acetate; sodium chloride; DL-Leucine; polyethylene glycols (e.g.,
Carbowax.TM. 4000 and Carbowax.TM. 6000); sodium oleate; sodium
benzoate; sodium acetate; sodium lauryl sulfate; sodium stearyl
fumarate (Pruv.TM.); and magnesium lauryl sulfate. The present
pharmaceutical compositions comprise one or more lubricants at
about 0.1% to about 10%, preferably about 0.2% to about 8%, and
more preferably about 0.25% to about 5%, of the total weight of the
composition.
[0086] Magnesium stearate is a preferred lubricant used to reduce
friction between the equipment and granulation during
compression.
[0087] Anti-Adherent Agents or Glidants
[0088] The pharmaceutical compositions of the present invention
optionally can comprise one or more anti-adherent agents or
glidants as a carrier material. Suitable anti-adherents or glidants
include, either individually or in combination, such anti-adherents
as talc, cornstarch, Cab-O-Sil.TM., Syloid.TM., DL-Leucine, sodium
lauryl sulfate, and metallic stearates. The present pharmaceutical
compositions comprise one or more anti-adherents or glidants at
about 0.1% to about 15%, preferably about 0.25% to about 10%, and
more preferably about 0.5% to about 5%, of the total weight of the
composition.
[0089] Talc is a preferred anti-adherent or glidant agent used to
reduce formulation sticking to equipment surfaces and also to
reduce static in the blend. The compositions preferably comprise
talc at about 0.1% to about 10%, more preferably about 0.25% to
about 5%, and still more preferably about 0.5% to about 2%, of the
total weight of the composition.
[0090] Other carrier materials (such as colorants, flavors and
sweeteners) and modes of administration are known in the
pharmaceutical art and can be used in the preparation of the
pharmaceutical compositions of the present invention. Tablets can
be coated or uncoated.
[0091] In one embodiment of the present invention, the
pharmaceutical compositions comprise micronized eplerenone in a
desired amount and one or more cellulosic carrier materials. The
term "cellulosic carrier materials" embraces carrier materials
comprising cellulose or a cellulose derivative such as purified
cellulose; microcrystalline cellulose; and alkyl celluloses and
their derivatives and salts (e.g., methylcellulose, sodium
carboxymethyl-cellulose, carboxymethylcellulose, croscarmellose
sodium, hydroxypropyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose and
the like). Preferably, at least one carrier material is a
cellulosic material selected from the group consisting of
C.sub.1-C.sub.6-alkyl celluloses and their derivatives and salts.
Still more preferably, this cellulosic material is selected from
the group consisting of hydroxyalkyl alkylcelluloses and their
derivatives and salts. Still more preferably, this cellulosic
material is selected from the group consisting of
hydroxy(C.sub.2-C.sub.4-alkyl) (C.sub.1-C.sub.4-alkyl)celluloses
and their derivatives and salts.
[0092] These pharmaceutical compositions comprising micronized
eplerenone in a desired amount and one or more cellulosic carrier
materials preferably further comprise one or more carrier materials
selected from the group consisting of diluents, disintegrants,
binding agents, wetting agents, lubricants and anti-adherent
agents. More preferably, these pharmaceutical compositions comprise
one or more carrier materials selected from the group consisting of
lactose, microcrystalline cellulose, croscarmellose sodium,
hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, sodium lauryl sulfate, magnesium
stearate, and talc. Still more preferably, these pharmaceutical
compositions comprise lactose monohydrate, microcrystalline
cellulose, croscarmellose sodium, and hydroxypropyl
methylcellulose. Still more preferably, these pharmaceutical
compositions further comprise one or more of the carrier materials
sodium lauryl sulfate, magnesium stearate, and talc.
[0093] The individual pharmaceutically acceptable carrier materials
described in the above embodiment optionally can be replaced with
other suitable carrier materials if desired. Acceptable substitute
carrier materials are chemically compatible both with eplerenone
and with the other carrier materials. Although other diluents,
disintegrants, binding agents and adhesives, wetting agents,
lubricants and/or anti-adherent or glidant agents can be employed,
it has been discovered, however, that the pharmaceutical
compositions comprising micronized eplerenone, lactose,
microcrystalline cellulose, croscarmellose sodium, and
hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, and, optionally, sodium lauryl
sulfate, magnesium stearate, and/or talc possess a superior
combination of pharmacokinetic, chemical and/or physical properties
relative to such other compositions.
[0094] In another embodiment, the pharmaceutical composition
comprises:
[0095] about 1 to about 95 weight percent of micronized
eplerenone;
[0096] about 5 to about 99 weight percent of a pharmaceutically
acceptably diluent;
[0097] about 0.5 to about 30 weight percent of a pharmaceutically
acceptably disintegrant; and
[0098] about 0.5 to about 25 weight percent of a pharmaceutically
acceptably binding agent. These pharmaceutical compositions
optionally can additionally comprise about 0.25 to about 15 weight
percent of a pharmaceutically acceptably wetting agent; about 0.1
to about 10 weight percent of a pharmaceutically acceptably
lubricant; about 0.1 to about 15 weight percent of a
pharmaceutically acceptably anti-adherent agent.
[0099] The term "weight percent" as used herein means the weight
percent of a specified ingredient based upon the total weight of
all ingredients of the composition.
[0100] In still another embodiment, the pharmaceutical composition
comprises micronized eplerenone and a cellulosic carrier material
wherein the compositions are in oral dosage form, preferably
tablets or capsules. Preferably, the composition further comprises
one or more carrier materials selected from the group consisting of
lactose monohydrate, microcrystalline cellulose, croscarmellose
sodium, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, sodium lauryl sulfate, talc,
and magnesium stearate. It is particularly preferred that the
various components of the composition be present in the amounts or
the weight fractions set forth below.
[0101] In still another embodiment, the pharmaceutical compositions
are in the form of unit dosage tablets or capsules.
[0102] In still another embodiment, the pharmaceutical compositions
comprise micronized eplerenone and one or more carrier materials in
the form of an oral unit dosage suitable for once-a-day or
twice-a-day oral administration. Still more preferably, these
pharmaceutical compositions comprise micronized eplerenone and one
or more carrier materials selected from the group consisting of
lactose monohydrate, microcrystalline cellulose, croscarmellose
sodium, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, sodium lauryl sulfate, talc,
and magnesium stearate. It is particularly preferred that the
various components of the composition be present in the amounts or
the weight fractions set forth below.
[0103] In still another embodiment, the pharmaceutical compositions
comprise micronized eplerenone and one or more carrier materials
that when orally administered to a human patient in need thereof
provide a therapeutic effect as an aldosterone receptor blocker
over an interval of about 12 to about 24 hours, preferably at least
about 24 hours, after oral administration. Still more preferably,
these pharmaceutical compositions comprise micronized eplerenone
and one or more carrier materials selected from the group
consisting of lactose monohydrate, microcrystalline cellulose,
croscarmellose sodium, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, sodium lauryl
sulfate, talc, and magnesium stearate. It is particularly preferred
that the various components of the composition be present in the
amounts or the weight fractions set forth below.
[0104] In still another embodiment, the pharmaceutical compositions
comprise micronized eplerenone and one or more carrier materials
that when orally administered to a human patient in need thereof
cause an average increase in blood serum renin concentration over
an interval of about 12 to 24 hours, preferably about 24 hours,
after ingestion of the composition of at least about 10%. Still
more preferably, these pharmaceutical compositions comprise
micronized eplerenone and one or more carrier materials selected
from the group consisting of lactose monohydrate, microcrystalline
cellulose, croscarmellose sodium, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose,
sodium lauryl sulfate, talc, and magnesium stearate. It is
particularly preferred that the various components of the
composition be present in the amounts or the weight fractions set
forth below.
[0105] In still another embodiment, the pharmaceutical compositions
comprise micronized eplerenone and one or more carrier materials
that when orally administered to a human patient in need thereof
cause an average increase in blood serum aldosterone concentration
over an interval of about 12 to 24 hours, preferably about 24
hours, after ingestion of the composition of at least about 50%.
Still more preferably, these pharmaceutical compositions comprise
micronized eplerenone and one or more carrier materials selected
from the group consisting of lactose monohydrate, microcrystalline
cellulose, croscarmellose sodium, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose,
sodium lauryl sulfate, talc, and magnesium stearate. It is
particularly preferred that the various components of the
composition be present in the amounts or the weight fractions set
forth below.
[0106] In yet another embodiment, the pharmaceutical compositions
comprise micronized eplerenone and one or more carrier materials
that when orally administered to a human patient in need thereof
cause an average decrease in diastolic blood pressure over an
interval of about 12 to 24 hours, preferably about 24 hours, after
ingestion of the composition of at least about 5%. Still more
preferably, these pharmaceutical compositions comprise micronized
eplerenone and one or more carrier materials selected from the
group consisting of lactose monohydrate, microcrystalline
cellulose, croscarmellose sodium, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose,
sodium lauryl sulfate, talc, and magnesium stearate. It is
particularly preferred that the various components of the
composition be present in the amounts or the weight fractions set
forth below.
[0107] In still another embodiment, the pharmaceutical compositions
comprise micronized eplerenone and one or more carrier materials
that when orally administered to a human patient in need thereof
cause an average increase in the urinary log.sub.10
(sodium/potassium) ratio over an interval of about 12 to 24 hours,
preferably about 24 hours, after ingestion of the composition.
Still more preferably, these pharmaceutical compositions comprise
micronized eplerenone and one or more carrier materials selected
from the group consisting of lactose monohydrate, microcrystalline
cellulose, croscarmellose sodium, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose,
sodium lauryl sulfate, talc, and magnesium stearate. It is
particularly preferred that the various components of the
composition be present in the amounts or the weight fractions set
forth below.
[0108] Immediate Release Formulations
[0109] Oral delivery of the pharmaceutical compositions of the
present invention can include immediate release compositions as
well as controlled release compositions. Preferably, the
pharmaceutical compositions are in the form of immediate release
tablets or capsules. The immediate release compositions comprise
micronized eplerenone in an amount sufficient to provide the
desired daily dosage of eplerenone, that is, an amount of about 10
mg to about 1000 mg, more preferably an amount of about 20 mg to
400 mg, still more preferably an amount of about 25 mg to 200 mg,
still more preferably an amount of about 25 mg to 150 mg, and still
more preferably an amount of about 50 mg to 100 mg. A once-a-day
immediate release tablet or capsule contains eplerenone in an
amount, for example, of about 50 mg to about 100 mg. Preferably,
the same batch can be used to prepare tablets (or capsules) of
different strengths by compressing the formulation in different
tablet sizes (or encapsulating the formulation in different capsule
sizes or using different capsule fill weights). Although the amount
of eplerenone in such novel compositions preferably is within the
ranges previously discussed, the formulations also can be useful
for the administration of an amount of eplerenone falling outside
of the disclosed dosage ranges.
[0110] Dissolution Profile
[0111] The compositions of the present invention preferably are
immediate release compositions from which about 50% of the
micronized eplerenone is dissolved in vitro within about 15
minutes, more preferably at least about 80% of the eplerenone
eplerenone is dissolved in vitro within about 30 minutes, and still
more preferably at least about 90% of the eplerenone is dissolved
in vitro within about 45 minutes using 1% sodium dodecyl sulfate
(SDS) in water as the dissolution medium at 37.degree. C. in the
dissolution assay discussed hereinafter. More preferably, 0.1 N HCl
in water at 370.degree. C. is the in vitro dissolution medium in
that assay, and about 50% of the micronized eplerenone is dissolved
in about 20 minutes, about 80% is dissolved at about 45 minutes and
greater than about 90% is dissolved in about 90 minutes. More
preferably, about 50% of the micronized eplerenone is dissolved in
about 15 minutes, about 80% is dissolved at about 30 minutes and
about 90% or more is dissolved in about 45 minutes.
[0112] Disintegration Profile
[0113] Carrier materials for immediate release compositions
preferably are selected to provide a disintegration time less than
about 30 minutes, preferably about 20 minutes or less, more
preferably about 18 minutes or less, and still more preferably
about 14 minutes or less.
[0114] Granulation Particle Size and Flow Properties
[0115] Although the pharmaceutical compositions of the present
invention can be prepared, for example, by direct encapsulation or
direct compression, they preferably are wet granulated prior to
encapsulation or compression. Wet granulation, among other matters,
densifies the compositions resulting in improved flow properties,
improved compression characteristics and easier metering or weight
dispensing of the final compositions. The average particle size of
the granulation preferably permits for convenient handling and
processing and, for tablets, permits the formation of a directly
compressible mixture that forms pharmaceutically acceptable
tablets. The desired tap and bulk densities of the granulation are
normally about 0.3 g/ml to about 1.0 g/ml, preferably about 0.4
g/ml to about 0.8 g/ml.
[0116] Hardness
[0117] For tablet formulations, the pharmaceutical composition in
an amount sufficient to make a uniform batch of tablets is
subjected to tableting in a conventional production scale tableting
machine at normal compression pressure (for example, about 1 kN to
about 50 kN). Any tablet hardness convenient with respect to
handling, manufacture, storage and ingestion may be employed.
Hardness in the range of about 3.5 kP to about 22 kP is typically
acceptable, with about 3.5 kP to about 9 kP preferred for 25 mg
tablets, about 8 kP to about 13 kP preferred for 50 mg tablets, and
about 8 kP to about 22 kP preferred for 100 mg tablets. The
mixture, however, is not be compressed to such a degree that there
is subsequent difficulty in achieving hydration when exposed to
gastric fluid.
[0118] Friability
[0119] For tablet formulations, tablet friability preferably is
less than about 0.8%, more preferably less than 0.4%.
[0120] Preferred Compositions
[0121] Preferably, the pharmaceutical compositions of this
embodiment comprise:
[0122] about 1 to about 90 weight percent of micronized
eplerenone;
[0123] about 5 to about 90 weight percent of lactose;
[0124] about 5 to about 90 weight percent of microcrystalline
cellulose; and
[0125] about 0.5 to about 10 weight percent of hydroxypropyl
methylcellulose.
[0126] These pharmaceutical compositions optionally can
additionally comprise about 1 to about 10 weight percent of
croscarmellose sodium; about 0.1 to about 7 weight percent of
sodium lauryl sulfate; about 0.1 to about 10 weight percent of
talc; and/or about 0.1 to about 10 weight percent of magnesium
stearate.
[0127] More preferably, the pharmaceutical compositions of this
embodiment comprise:
[0128] about 19 to about 40 weight percent of micronized
eplerenone;
[0129] about 32 to about 52 weight percent of lactose;
[0130] about 8 to about 28 weight percent of microcrystalline
cellulose;
[0131] about 1 to about 10 weight percent of croscarmellose sodium;
and
[0132] about 1 to about 8 weight percent of hydroxypropyl
methylcellulose.
[0133] These pharmaceutical compositions optionally can
additionally comprise about 0.1 to about 7 weight percent of sodium
lauryl sulfate; about 0.1 to about 10 weight percent of talc; and
about 0.1 to about 10 weight percent of magnesium stearate.
Preferably, the hydroxypropyl methylcellulose has a viscosity of
from about 2 cps to about 8 cps, more preferably about 2 cps to
about 6 cps, as noted before. The compositions are preferably in
the form of unit dosage tablets.
[0134] Still more preferably, the pharmaceutical compositions of
this embodiment comprise:
[0135] about 24 to about 35 weight percent of micronized
eplerenone;
[0136] about 37 to about 47 weight percent of lactose;
[0137] about 13 to about 23 weight percent of microcrystalline
cellulose;
[0138] about 2 to about 6 weight percent of croscarmellose sodium;
and
[0139] about 2 to about 4 weight percent of hydroxypropyl
methylcellulose.
[0140] These pharmaceutical compositions optionally can
additionally comprise about 0.25 to about 4 weight percent of
sodium lauryl sulfate; about 0.1 to about 5 weight percent of talc;
and about 0.25 to about 5 weight percent of magnesium stearate.
Preferably, the hydroxypropyl methylcellulose has a viscosity of
from about 2 cps to about 6 cps, as before.
[0141] Still more preferably, the pharmaceutical compositions of
this embodiment comprise:
[0142] about 28 to about 31 weight percent of micronized
eplerenone;
[0143] about 41 to about 43 weight percent of lactose
monohydrate;
[0144] about 17 to about 19 weight percent of microcrystalline
cellulose;
[0145] about 4.5 to about 5.5 weight percent of croscarmellose
sodium; and
[0146] about 2.5 to about 3.5 weight percent of hydroxypropyl
methylcellulose.
[0147] These pharmaceutical compositions optionally can
additionally comprise about 0.5 to about 1.5 weight percent of
sodium lauryl sulfate; about 0.5 to about 1.5 weight percent of
talc; and about 0.25 to about 0.75 weight percent of magnesium
stearate. Preferably, the hydroxypropyl methylcellulose has a
viscosity of from about 2 cps to about 4 cps, as before.
[0148] Still more preferably, the pharmaceutical compositions of
this embodiment are in the form of a coated or uncoated unit dosage
tablet wherein the uncoated tablet or the coated tablet prior to
coating comprise:
[0149] about 29.4 weight percent of micronized eplerenone;
[0150] about 42 weight percent of lactose;
[0151] about 18.1 weight percent of microcrystalline cellulose;
[0152] about 5 weight percent of croscarmellose sodium;
[0153] about 3 weight percent of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose;
[0154] about 1 weight percent of sodium lauryl sulfate;
[0155] about 1 weight percent of talc; and
[0156] about 0.5 weight percent of magnesium stearate.
[0157] In another embodiment, the pharmaceutical compositions of
this embodiment comprise:
[0158] about 20 mg to about 110 mg of micronized eplerenone;
[0159] about 30 mg to about 150 mg of lactose;
[0160] about 10 mg to about 70 mg of microcrystalline cellulose;
and
[0161] about 1 mg to about 15 mg of hydroxypropyl
methylcellulose.
[0162] These pharmaceutical compositions optionally can
additionally comprise about 1 mg to about 25 mg of croscarmellose
sodium; about 0.25 mg to about 5 mg of sodium lauryl sulfate; about
0.5 mg to about 5 mg of talc; and about 0.5 mg to about 3 mg of
magnesium stearate. Preferably, the hydroxypropyl methylcellulose
has a viscosity of from about 2 cps to about 8 cps, more preferably
about 2 cps to about 6 cps, as discussed before.
[0163] In another embodiment, the pharmaceutical compositions of
this embodiment comprise:
[0164] about 23 to about 27 mg of micronized eplerenone;
[0165] about 34 mg to about 38 mg of lactose;
[0166] about 14 mg to about 17 mg of microcrystalline
cellulose;
[0167] about 3 mg to about 6 mg of croscarmellose sodium; and
[0168] about 1 mg to about 4 mg of hydroxypropyl
methylcellulose.
[0169] These pharmaceutical compositions optionally can
additionally comprise about 0.25 mg to about 1.5 mg of sodium
lauryl sulfate; about 0.25 mg to about 1.5 mg of talc; and about
0.1 mg to about 1 mg of magnesium stearate. Preferably, the
hydroxypropyl methylcellulose has a viscosity of from about 2 cps
to about 6 cps, as before. The compositions are preferably in the
form of unit dosage tablets.
[0170] In another embodiment, the pharmaceutical compositions of
this embodiment comprise:
[0171] about 48 mg to about 52 mg of micronized eplerenone;
[0172] about 70 mg to about 73 mg of lactose;
[0173] about 29 mg to about 33 mg of microcrystalline
cellulose;
[0174] about 6 mg to about 10 mg of croscarmellose sodium; and
[0175] about 4 mg to about 6 mg of hydroxypropyl
methylcellulose.
[0176] These pharmaceutical compositions optionally can
additionally comprise about 1 to about 2.5 mg of sodium lauryl
sulfate; about 1 to about 2.5 mg of talc; and about 0.5 mg to about
1.5 mg of magnesium stearate. Preferably, the hydroxypropyl
methylcellulose has a viscosity of from about 2 cps to about 6 cps,
as before. The compositions are preferably in the form of unit
dosage tablets.
[0177] In another embodiment, the pharmaceutical compositions of
this embodiment comprise:
[0178] about 98 mg to about 102 mg of micronized eplerenone;
[0179] about 141 mg to about 145 mg of lactose;
[0180] about 60 mg to about 64 mg of microcrystalline
cellulose;
[0181] about 16 mg to about 18 mg of croscarmellose sodium; and
[0182] about 9 mg to about 11 mg of hydroxypropyl
methylcellulose.
[0183] These pharmaceutical compositions optionally can
additionally comprise about 3 mg to about 4 mg of sodium lauryl
sulfate; about 3 mg to about 4 mg of talc; and about 1 mg to about
2 mg of magnesium stearate. Preferably, the hydroxypropyl
methylcellulose has a viscosity of from about 2 cps to about 6 cps,
as before. The compositions are preferably in the form of unit
dosage tablets.
[0184] In another embodiment, the pharmaceutical compositions of
this embodiment comprise lactose, microcrystalline cellulose,
croscarmellose sodium, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, sodium lauryl
sulfate, talc, and magnesium stearate.
[0185] In still another embodiment, the pharmaceutical compositions
release in vitro at least 50% of the eplerenone contained in the
composition within about 15 minutes in the SDS-containing medium.
More preferably, about 50% of the micronized eplerenone is
dissolved in about 20 minutes, about 80% is dissolved in about 45
minutes and greater than about 90% is dissolved in about 90 minutes
using the 0.1 N HCl solution assay. More preferably still, about
50% of the micronized eplerenone is dissolved in about 15 minutes,
about 80% is dissolved at about 30 minutes and about 90% or more is
dissolved in about 45 minutes.
[0186] In still another embodiment, the pharmaceutical compositions
comprise micronized eplerenone and one or more carrier materials in
an oral unit dosage form suitable for once-a-day or twice-a-day
oral administration and capable of releasing in vitro at least 50%
of the eplerenone contained in the composition within about 15
minutes in the SDS-containing medium. More preferably, about 50% of
the micronized eplerenone is dissolved in about 20 minutes using
the 0.1 N HCl solution assay. More preferably still, about 50% of
the micronized eplerenone is dissolved in about 15 minutes, about
80% is dissolved at about 30 minutes and about 90% or more is
dissolved in about 45 minutes. Still more preferably, these
pharmaceutical compositions comprise eplerenone and one or more
carrier materials selected from the group consisting of lactose
monohydrate, microcrystalline cellulose, croscarmellose sodium,
hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, sodium lauryl sulfate, talc, and
magnesium stearate. It is particularly preferred that the various
components of the compositions be present in the amounts or the
weight fractions set forth above.
[0187] In another embodiment, the pharmaceutical compositions of
this embodiment comprise:
[0188] about 15 to about 35 weight percent of micronized
eplerenone;
[0189] about 48 to about 68 weight percent of lactose;
[0190] about 2 to about 22 weight percent of microcrystalline
cellulose; and
[0191] about 0.1 to about 10 weight percent of croscarmellose
sodium.
[0192] These pharmaceutical compositions optionally can
additionally comprise about 0.1 to about 7 weight percent of sodium
lauryl sulfate; about 0.1 to about 10 weight percent of talc; about
0.1 to about 10 weight percent of magnesium stearate; and about 0.1
to about 10 weight percent colloidal silicon dioxide. The
compositions are preferably in the form of unit dosage
capsules.
[0193] Still more preferably, the pharmaceutical compositions of
this embodiment comprise:
[0194] about 20 to about 30 weight percent of micronized
eplerenone;
[0195] about 53 to about 63 weight percent of lactose;
[0196] about 6.5 to about 16.5 weight percent of microcrystalline
cellulose; and
[0197] about 0.5 to about 6 weight percent of croscarmellose
sodium.
[0198] These pharmaceutical compositions optionally can
additionally comprise about 0.25 to about 4 weight percent of
sodium lauryl sulfate; about 0.5 to about 5 weight percent of talc;
and about 0.25 to about 5 weight percent of magnesium stearate; and
about 0.1 to about 5 weight percent colloidal silicon dioxide.
[0199] Still more preferably, the pharmaceutical compositions of
this embodiment comprise:
[0200] about 23 to about 27 weight percent of micronized
eplerenone;
[0201] about 56 to about 60 weight percent of lactose
monohydrate;
[0202] about 9.5 to about 13.5 weight percent of microcrystalline
cellulose; and
[0203] about 0.5 to about 3.5 weight percent of croscarmellose
sodium.
[0204] These pharmaceutical compositions optionally can
additionally comprise about 0.25 to about 1.5 weight percent of
sodium lauryl sulfate; about 1 to about 4 weight percent of talc;
and about 0.1 to about 1 weight percent of magnesium stearate; and
about 0.1 to about 1.5 weight percent colloidal silicon
dioxide.
[0205] Still more preferably, the pharmaceutical compositions of
this embodiment are in the form of a capsule comprising:
[0206] about 25.0 weight percent of micronized eplerenone;
[0207] about 57.9 weight percent of lactose;
[0208] about 11.3 weight percent of microcrystalline cellulose;
[0209] about 2 weight percent of croscarmellose sodium;
[0210] about 0.5 weight percent of sodium lauryl sulfate;
[0211] about 2.5 weight percent of talc;
[0212] about 0.3 weight percent of magnesium stearate; and
[0213] about 0.5 weight percent colloidal silicon dioxide.
[0214] In another embodiment, the pharmaceutical compositions of
this embodiment comprise:
[0215] about 20 mg to about 110 mg of micronized eplerenone;
[0216] about 48 mg to about 242 mg of lactose; and
[0217] about 2 mg to about 56 mg of microcrystalline cellulose.
[0218] These pharmaceutical compositions optionally can
additionally comprise about 0.25 mg to about 18 mg of
croscarmellose sodium; about 0.1 mg to about 5 mg of sodium lauryl
sulfate; about 0.5 mg to about 8 mg of talc; about 0.1 mg to about
5 mg of magnesium stearate; and about 0.1 mg to about 5 mg
colloidal silicon dioxide.
[0219] In another embodiment, the pharmaceuticals composition of
this embodiment comprise:
[0220] about 23 to about 27 mg of micronized eplerenone;
[0221] about 56 mg to about 60 mg of lactose;
[0222] about 9.5 mg to about 13.5 mg of microcrystalline cellulose;
and
[0223] about 0.5 mg to about 3.5 mg of croscarmellose sodium.
[0224] These pharmaceutical compositions optionally can
additionally comprise about 0.1 mg to about 1.5 mg of sodium lauryl
sulfate; about 0.25 mg to about 4.5 mg of talc; about 0.1 mg to
about 1.5 mg of magnesium stearate; and about 0.1 to about 2.5
weight percent colloidal silicon dioxide. The compositions are
preferably in the form of unit dosage capsules.
[0225] In another embodiment, the pharmaceutical compositions of
this embodiment comprise:
[0226] about 48 mg to about 52 mg of micronized eplerenone;
[0227] about 114 mg to about 118 mg of lactose;
[0228] about 21 mg to about 25 mg of microcrystalline cellulose;
and
[0229] about 2 mg to about 6 mg of croscarmellose sodium.
[0230] These pharmaceutical compositions optionally can
additionally comprise about 1 to about 2.5 mg of sodium lauryl
sulfate; about 2 to about 8 mg of talc; about 0.25 mg to about 1.5
mg of magnesium stearate; and about 0.1 to about 3 weight percent
colloidal silicon dioxide. The compositions are preferably in the
form of unit dosage capsules.
[0231] In another embodiment, the pharmaceutical compositions of
this embodiment comprise:
[0232] about 98 mg to about 102 mg of micronized eplerenone;
[0233] about 229 mg to about 234 mg of lactose;
[0234] about 43 mg to about 48 mg of microcrystalline cellulose;
and
[0235] about 6 mg to about 10 mg of croscarmellose sodium.
[0236] These pharmaceutical compositions optionally can
additionally comprise about 0.5 mg to about 4 mg of sodium lauryl
sulfate; about 8 to about 12 mg of talc; about 0.5 mg to about 3 mg
of magnesium stearate; and about 0.5 mg to about 4 mg colloidal
silicon dioxide. The compositions are preferably in the form of
unit dosage capsules.
[0237] Controlled Release Oral Formulations
[0238] Oral delivery of the pharmaceutical compositions of the
present invention can include controlled release formulations,
including controlled release formulations well known in the art,
providing prolonged or sustained delivery of the drug to the
gastrointestinal tract by any number of mechanisms. Such prolonged
or sustained release mechanisms can include, but are not limited
to, pH sensitive release from the dosage form based on the changing
pH of the small intestine; slow erosion of a tablet or capsule;
retention in the stomach based on the physical properties of the
formulation; bioadhesion of the dosage form to the mucosal lining
of the intestinal tract; or enzymatic release of eplerenone from
the dosage form. The intended effect is to extend the time period
over which eplerenone is delivered to the site of action by
manipulation of the dosage form. Thus, enteric-coated and
enteric-coated controlled release formulations are within the scope
of the present invention.
[0239] The controlled release compositions comprise micronized
eplerenone in a desired amount, preferably in a range as previously
discussed above, that is, in an amount of about 10 mg to about 1000
mg, more preferably about 20 mg to 400 mg, still more preferably
about 25 mg to 200 mg, and still more preferably about 25 mg to 150
mg. Preferred controlled release compositions are in the form of
tablets or capsules, particularly tablets or capsules comprising
micronized eplerenone in an amount of 25 mg, 50 mg, 100 mg or 150
mg. The controlled release compositions may or may not be in a
single dosage form. Such controlled release compositions, however,
preferably are in a unit dose oral form. A once-a-day controlled
release tablet or capsule typically comprises eplerenone in a range
of about 25 mg to about 150 mg.
[0240] A controlled-release dosage form as defined in US
Pharmacopeia XXII includes extended release dosage forms that
permit at least a two-fold reduction in dosing frequency as
compared to the drug presented as a conventional dosage form and
delayed release dosage forms which release the drug at a time other
than promptly after administration. The controlled release
composition can be, and preferably is, a sustained release or
delayed/modified release form.
[0241] One type of controlled release composition, for example,
achieves controlled release by use of a matrix tablet composition.
Suitable matrix forming materials are waxes (e.g., carnauba, bees
wax, paraffin wax, ceresine, shellac wax, fatty acids, and fatty
alcohols); oils, hardened oils or fats (e.g., hardened rapeseed
oil, castor oil, beef tallow, palm oil, and soya bean oil);
polymers (e.g., hydroxypropyl cellulose, polyvinylpyrrolidone,
hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose, polyethylene glycol, methacrylates
(PMMA), and carbomer); alginates; xanthum gums; and other carrier
materials known to those of ordinary skill in the art. Other
suitable matrix tableting materials include, but are not limited
to, microcrystalline cellulose, powdered cellulose, hydroxypropyl
cellulose, and ethyl cellulose. Other types of controlled release
compositions may achieve controlled release by use of granulates,
coated powders, pellets, or the like, by use of multi-layering,
and/or by used of suitable coatings. Still other controlled release
compositions include an osmotic pump (such as described in GB
2207052 published Jan. 25, 1989), or combinations of the above.
[0242] Suitable coating materials for use in the preparation of
controlled release compositions include, but are not limited to,
any pharmaceutically acceptable polymer such as ethyl cellulose,
cellulose acetate butyrate, cellulose acetates, polymethacrylates
containing quaternary ammonium groups or other pharmaceutically
acceptable polymers, polyethylene glycol, hydroxypropyl cellulose,
hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, polyvinylpyrrolidone, and polyvinyl
alcohol; monomeric materials such as sugars including lactose,
sucrose, fructose and mannitol; salts including sodium chloride,
potassium chloride and derivatives; organic acids including
furmaric acid, succinic acid, lactic acid and tartaric acid and
mixtures thereof; enteric polymers including polyvinyl acetate
phthalate, cellulose acetate phthalate, cellulose acetate
trimellitate, shellac, zein, and polymethacrylates containing
carboxyl groups. These polymers can be applied as solutions or
latexes. Other barriers may be used such as waxes.
[0243] The coating composition can be plasticized according to the
properties of the coating blend such as the glass transition
temperature of the main component or mixture of components or the
solvent used for applying the coating compositions. Suitable
plasticizers can be added from about 0% to about 50% by weight of
the coating composition. Such plasticizers include, for example,
the group consisting of diethyl phthalate, citrate esters,
polyethylene glycol, glycerol, acetylated glycerides, and castor
oil.
[0244] Tablets or capsules containing micronized eplerenone can be
coated directly to produce a controlled release dose, or can
comprise a plurality of coated cores containing eplerenone. As used
herein, the term "core" refers to an element of the composition
containing eplerenone and various carrier. Each core can contain an
amount of micronized eplerenone in the range of about 0.1% to 95%,
preferably about 10% to 80%, by weight based on the total weight of
the core. The core typically can be about 200 .mu.m to 1700 .mu.m
in diameter. A pellet is a coated core with the coating being any
suitable coating.
[0245] These controlled release compositions can be made by
prilling, spray drying, pan coating, melt granulation, granulation,
wurster coating, tangential coating, top spraying, tableting,
extruding, coacervation and the like. The particle size of the
controlled release components other than micronized eplerenone in
the dosage form depends on the technology used. The particle sizes
can range from submicron to 500 .mu.m for powder technologies
(mixtures, spray drying, dispersions, and the like); 5 .mu.m to
1700 .mu.m for coating technologies (wurster, top spray, bottom
spray, spray drying, extrusion, layering, and the like); and 1 mm
to 20 mm for tableting technologies. The controlled release forms
of micronized eplerenone are then combined into a single dosage
such that the amount of eplerenone in the composition of the
invention provides the desired dosage. Standard coating procedures,
such as those described, for example, in Remington's Pharmaceutical
Sciences, 18.sup.th Edition (1990), can conveniently be used.
[0246] The compositions can include micronized eplerenone in an
immediate release form in association with micronized eplerenone in
a controlled release form. The immediate release form of such
compositions can include an amount of micronized eplerenone that is
about 0.5% to about 90% of the total amount of eplerenone of the
composition, with the controlled release form containing the
remainder of the micronized eplerenone. As a result, the final
composition provides an amount of micronized eplerenone for
immediate release following administration and an additional amount
of micronized eplerenone for controlled release.
[0247] The following non-limiting example illustrates the uses of
the components listed above in producing a composition in
accordance with the invention.
[0248] Where the composition of the invention is in the form of a
pellet product, the pellets can be presented in a sachet, capsule
or tablet. The non-limiting example below describes pellets
(particle sizes 200 .mu.m to 1700 .mu.m) in a capsule. All the
quoted ranges are % w/w.
[0249] A plurality of elements containing micronized eplerenone, or
cores, are prepared by extrusion/spheronization, or by layering
eplerenone (or a blend of eplerenone with other carrier materials)
onto inert carriers by various processes. The cores themselves can
be immediate release or controlled release depending on the
materials and method of manufacture. The cores can contain the
micronized drug at the required potency according to the particular
eplerenone dose, required size, required presentation, and
subsequent processes (coating and the like). The cores can contain
micronized eplerenone in the range of about 0.1% to about 100%,
depending on the required dose, potency, manufacturing method, and
other properties.
[0250] An extruded core typically includes micronized eplerenone
and, for example, a diluent/disintegrant such microcrystalline
cellulose (in the range about 0.5% to about 99.9%), a binding agent
such as hydroxypropyl cellulose (in the range about 0.5% to about
50%); a filler such as lactose (in the range of about 0.5% to about
90%); and other carrier materials. An extruded core can, where
desired, only contain drug and binding agent.
[0251] An extruded core with controlled release properties
typically contains micronized eplerenone and a swelling/gelling
polymer such as hydroxypropyl cellulose (in the range about 0.5% to
about 50%), or a hydrophobic material such as cetyl alcohol (in the
range of about 10% to about 90%). A layered core can contain
micronized eplerenone and an inert carrier such as a sugar sphere
(in the range about 10% to about 90%) with a binding agent (in the
range about 0.1% to about 50%). The core can contain diluents,
wetting agents and other additives. The binding agent can be chosen
to achieve immediate release (such as hydroxypropyl cellulose,
hydroxypropyl methylcellulose and the like), controlled release
(such as ethyl cellulose, cellulose acetate butyrate and the like),
or delayed/modified release (for example, enteric binding materials
such as hydroxypropyl methylcellulose phthalate, polyvinyl acetate
phthalate and the like).
[0252] A portion of the final dosage form can be immediate release
cores made by the above described processes. Alternatively, the
immediate release cores can be coated with a rapidly disintegrating
or dissolving coat for aesthetic, handling, or stability purposes.
Suitable materials include polyvinylpyrrolidone, hydroxypropyl
cellulose, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, polyethylene glycol, and
polymethacrylates containing free amino groups. Such materials can
include plasticizers, antitack agents and/or diluents. An addition
of about 3% of the weight of the core as coating material is
generally regarded as providing a continuous coat for this size
range.
[0253] The controlled release portion of the dose can be provided
by a controlled release core as described above, a controlled
release core that is further modified by overcoating, or an
immediate release core that is modified by overcoating.
[0254] A typical coating composition for making the controlled
release component can contain an insoluble matrix polymer in an
amount of about 15% to about 85% by weight of the coating
composition, and a water soluble material in an amount of about 15%
to about 85% by weight of the coating composition. Optionally, an
enteric polymer in an amount of about 0.1% to about 100% by weight
of the coating composition may be used or included. Suitable
insoluble matrix polymers include ethyl cellulose, cellulose
acetate butyrate, cellulose acetates, and polymethacrylates
containing quaternary ammonium groups or other pharmaceutically
acceptable polymers. Suitable water soluble materials include
polymers such as polyethylene glycol, hydroxypropyl cellulose,
hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, polyvinylpyrrolidone, polyvinyl
alcohol; monomeric materials such as sugars (e.g., lactose,
sucrose, fructose, mannitol and the like); salts (e.g., sodium
chloride, potassium chloride and the like); organic acids (e.g.,
fumaric acid, succinic acid, lactic acid, tartaric acid and the
like); and mixtures thereof. Suitable enteric polymers include
hydroxypropyl methylcellulose acetate succinate (HPMCAS),
hydroxypropyl methylcellulose phthalate (HPMCP), polyvinyl acetate
phthalate, cellulose acetate phthalate, cellulose acetate
trimellitate, shellac, zein, polymethacrylates containing carboxyl
groups, and the like.
[0255] The coating composition can be plasticized according to the
properties of the coating blend such as the glass transition
temperature of the main component or mixture of components or the
solvent used for applying the coating compositions. Suitable
plasticizers can be added from about 0.1% to about 50% by weight of
the coating composition. Such plasticizers can be selected from,
for example, the group consisting of diethyl phthalate, citrate
esters, polyethylene glycol, glycerol, acetylated glycerides,
acetylated citrate esters, dibutyl sebacate, castor oil and the
like.
[0256] The coating composition can include a filler. The filler can
comprise about 0.1% to about 100% by weight based on the total
weight of the coating composition. The filler can be an insoluble
material such as silicon dioxide, titanium dioxide, talc, kaolin,
alumina, starch, powdered cellulose, microcrystalline cellulose,
polacrilin potassium, and the like.
[0257] The coating composition can be applied as a solution or
latex in organic solvents or aqueous solvents of mixtures thereof.
Where solutions are applied, the solvent is present in an amount of
about 25% to about 99%, preferably about 85% to about 97%, by
weight based on the total weight of dissolved solids. Suitable
solvents are water, lower alcohol, lower chlorinated hydrocarbons,
ketones or mixtures thereof. Where latexes are applied, the solvent
is present in an amount of about 25% to about 97%, preferably about
60% to about 97%, by weight based on the quantity of polymeric
material in the latex. The solvent can be predominantly water.
[0258] A suitable tablet formulation can include micronized
eplerenone together with a swelling/gelling polymer such as
L-hydroxypropyl cellulose admixed with a filler such as
microcrystalline cellulose. The tablet carrier materials can be
processed (i.e., spray dried) together, prior to compression.
Matrix tablets of this type often exhibit a rapid initial release
until the polymers swell and gel, which induces controlled release
for the remainder of the drug.
[0259] The quantity of immediate release and duration of controlled
release can be varied by altering the quantities of the carrier
materials used. If the immediate release component is not large
enough, a quantity of micronized eplerenone can be included in a
rapidly dissolving outer coat of polymers such as polyethylene
glycol or hydroxypropyl methylcellulose.
[0260] A typical matrix tablet can contain the swelling/gelling
polymer in an amount of about 5% to about 70% by weight based on
the total weight of the tablet, and a diluent in an amount of about
15% to about 90% by weight based on the total weight of the tablet.
Additional diluents can be included in amounts from approximately
0.1% to about 65% by weight based on the total weight of the
tablet. These can be soluble materials such as lactose, mannitol,
sorbitol and the like, or insoluble materials such as tribasic
calcium phosphate powdered cellulose or any of the various starches
(corn, wheat, potato and the like).
[0261] Additionally, the tablets can contain a lubricant in an
amount of about 0.1% to about 8% by weight based on the total
weight of the tablet. Lubricants can be selected from metal
stearates, stearic acid, hydrogenated oils, such as soya bean oil
or castor oil, sodium stearyl furnate, polytetrafluoroethylene,
talc and the like.
[0262] The tablets can be coated for aesthetic, handling or
stability purposes, or to increase the quantity of the immediate
release portion of eplerenone. In this latter case, micronized
eplerenone is dissolved or suspended in the coating solution and
sprayed onto the tablets until the desired quantity of eplerenone
has been added. Suitable coating materials include polyethylene
glycol, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose,
polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinylpyrrolidone, sugar, waxes, or mixtures
of these.
[0263] The coating material can be added to any desired thickness
but weight gains in the range about 1% to about 20% are typical,
preferably about 2% to about 10%, and more preferably about 2% to
about 5%. The coat can be plasticized. A plasticizer can be present
in an amount of about 0.1% to about 50% by weight based on the
total weight of the tablet of the coating material. Examples of
plasticizers are diethyl phthalate, citrate esters, acetylated
citrate esters, polyethylene glycol, glycerol, dibutyl sebacate,
acetylated monoglycerides, castor oil and the like).
[0264] The coating composition can include an antitack agent such
as talc, kaolin, titanium dioxide, silicon dioxide, alumina,
starch, polacrilin potassium, microcrystalline cellulose or the
like).
[0265] The coating materials can be applied to the eplerenone
particles, processed eplerenone particles (i.e. cores, granules),
finished tablets, or finished capsules.
[0266] The coating composition can also include a filler. The
filler can comprise about 0.1% to about 100% by weight based on the
total weight of the coating composition and can be an insoluble
material such as silicon dioxide, titanium dioxide, talc, kaolin,
alumina, starch, powdered cellulose, microcrystalline cellulose,
polacrillin potassium. The coating composition can contain other
ingredients such as dyes and waxes.
[0267] The coat can be applied as a solution or suspension from
aqueous or organic solvents using solution concentrations and
equipment familiar to these skilled in the art. The coating
composition can be applied as a solution or latex in organic
solvents or aqueous solvents or mixtures thereof. Where solutions
are applied the solvent is present in an amount of about 25% to
about 99%, preferably about 85% to about 97%, by weight based on
the total weight of dissolved solids. Suitable solvents are water,
lower alcohols such as ethanol and iso-propanol, lower chlorinated
hydrocarbons such as chloroform and dichloromethane, ketones such
as acetone and methyl ethyl ketone, or mixtures thereof. Where
latexes are applied, the solvent is present in an amount of about
25% to about 97%, preferably about 60% to about 97%, by weight
based on the quantity of polymeric material in the latex. The
solvent can be predominantly water.
[0268] Alternatively, the controlled release component of a tablet
can be provided in the form of controlled release pellets and the
immediate release component can be included in the body of the
tablet. Such a tablet disintegrates to release the immediate
release drug and the controlled release pellets. Pellets can be
present in an amount of about 1% to about 60%, preferably about 5%
to about 50%, and more preferably about 5% to about 40%, by weight
of the tablet. Suitable matrix materials for tablets of this type
are microcrystalline cellulose, starches and the like.
[0269] The immediate release form of the micronized eplerenone can
be presented in a fast dissolving dosage form. The immediate
release form can be in the form of a solid or molecular dispersion
of the active within a polymer matrix. The polymer matrix can be
selected from biologically acceptable polymers such as a cellulose
ether, for example ethyl cellulose, or cellulose ester, for example
cellulose acetate butyrate and the like. The immediate release form
can simply be particles of eplerenone deposited on a core
containing eplerenone.
[0270] The composition of the invention, where it is in a tablet or
like form, can include the two forms of the micronized eplerenone
as separate components, for example, in a multi-layer tablet,
wherein one or more layers include the micronized eplerenone in a
controlled release form. Alternatively, the composition of the
invention can be in the form of a tablet wherein the immediate
release form is present in the shell and the controlled release
form constitutes the core. Alternatively, the two forms of the
micronized eplerenone can be dispersed throughout the tablet.
[0271] The composition of the invention can be produced by
providing a core containing the micronized eplerenone controlled
release component coated with an enteric or delayed release
coating. The core can be in the form of beads compressed to a
tablet. The coated core can then be compressed into tablets along
with a powder mixture containing additional eplerenone, or filled
in combination with uncoated eplerenone into a capsule shell. As a
result, the final composition provides an amount of eplerenone for
immediate release following administration and an additional amount
of eplerenone for controlled release.
[0272] The controlled release form of the micronized eplerenone is
such as to provide sustained release of eplerenone. Preferably, the
controlled or sustained release form provides a therapeutic effect
over a period greater than about 12 hours, with a sustained
therapeutic effect period of 12 to 24 hours being especially
preferred.
[0273] The controlled release form can be in the form of coated
beads or granules of micronized eplerenone. The coated micronized
eplerenone can be combined with uncoated or lightly coated
micronized eplerenone to provide a controlled release composition
of the present invention. The term "lightly coated" as used in the
description means a rapidly disintegrating coating for aesthetic,
handling or stability purposes. These then can be filled into
capsules or formed into tablets. Microencapsulation can also be
used to produce the controlled release form of the micronized
eplerenone.
[0274] The coating or matrix material can be any suitable material.
The coating or matrix material can be a polymer or a wax. The wax
can be selected from any suitable wax or wax-like material
including natural oil and fat and hardened oils such as hardened
rapeseed oil, hardened castor oil, hardened beef tallow, palm oils
and the like; waxes such as carnauba wax, bees wax, paraffin wax,
ceresine wax, shellac wax or a fatty acid.
[0275] Additional controlled release formulations can be prepared
by appropriate modification of the formulations and methods
disclosed in, for example, Jao et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,190,765; Jao
et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,160,744; Wong et al., U.S. Pat. No.
5,082,668; Ayer et al., U.S. Pat. No. 4,847,093; EP 572942 A2
published Dec. 8, 1993; EP 284039 A2 published Sep. 28, 1988; EP
238189 A1 published Sep. 23, 1987; WO94/27582 published Dec. 8,
1994; WO92/13547 published Aug. 20, 1992; and WO92/00729 published
Jan. 23, 1992, whose disclosures are incorporated by reference.
[0276] In one embodiment of the invention, the pharmaceutical
composition is a controlled release oral dosage form, preferably a
tablet or capsule, wherein the release of eplerenone is controlled
by the utilization of a hydrophilic matrix that releases micronized
eplerenone at a relatively constant rate over a period of several
hours. This hydrophilic matrix can be prepared, for example, by
incorporating hydroxypropyl methylcellulose into the formulation in
combination with the other carrier materials. The amount of
hydroxypropyl methylcellulose required depends upon the release
rate desired. Illustrative compositions having various in vitro
dissolution rates are described in the examples below.
[0277] In a typical formulation, the hydroxypropyl methylcellulose
is combined with micronized eplerenone and other carrier materials,
and then high shear wet granulated, fluid bed dried, blended and
compressed into a tablet dosage form. Where hydroxypropyl
methylcellulose is incorporated into the hydrophilic matrix to
provide a controlled release dosage form, the hydroxypropyl
methylcellulose used preferably is a high molecular weight (or high
viscosity) hydroxypropyl methylcellulose. The term "high molecular
weight (or high viscosity) hydroxypropyl methylcellulose" refers to
those hydroxypropyl methylcelluloses having a 2% viscosity (that
is, the viscosity of a 2% solution of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose
in water at 20.degree. C.) in the range of about 3,500 cps to about
5,600 cps.
[0278] When the tablet is exposed to aqueous media, such as in the
gastrointestinal tract, the tablet surface wets and the polymer
begins to partially hydrate forming an outer gel layer. This outer
gel layer becomes fully hydrated and begins to erode into the
aqueous fluids. Water continues to permeate toward the core of the
tablet permitting another gel layer to form beneath the dissolving
outer gel layer. These successive concentric gel layers sustain
uniform release of eplerenone by diffusion from the gel layer and
exposure through tablet erosion.
[0279] In general, increasing the concentration of the polymer in
the matrix increases the viscosity of the gel that forms on the
tablet surface and causes a decrease in diffusion and release of
eplerenone. Typical two hour controlled release formulations (that
is, formulations releasing about 50% of the eplerenone in vitro
during the two hour period after ingestion) comprise about 2% to
about 20%, preferably about 3% to about 17%, and more preferably
about 4% to about 14%, high molecular weight hydroxypropyl
methylcellulose by weight of the composition. Typical four hour
controlled release formulations (that is, formulations releasing
about 50% of the eplerenone in vitro during the four hour period
after ingestion) comprise about 5% to about 45%, preferably about
7% to about 35%, and more preferably about 8% to about 28%, high
molecular weight hydroxypropyl methylcellulose by weight of the
composition. Typical six hour controlled release formulations (that
is, formulations releasing about 50% of the eplerenone in vitro
during the six hour period after ingestion) comprise about 10% to
about 45%, preferably about 12% to about 35%, and more preferably
about 14% to about 35%, high molecular weight hydroxypropyl
methylcellulose by weight of the composition.
[0280] Changes in the tablet size and shape can affect the surface
to volume ratio of the tablet and therefore the drug release
kinetics from the hydrophilic matrix of the tablet. In general, it
has been discovered that release of micronized eplerenone from the
pharmaceutical compositions of the present invention is enhanced
when tablet size is decreased and/or tablet shape is changed from
round to caplet. It also has been discovered that particle size of
the polymer influences the rate at which micronized eplerenone is
released from the tablet. It is believed that as the polymer
particle size decreases, hydration of the polymer occurs more
rapidly on the tablet surface resulting in slower drug release.
Further, because tablet coating can alter eplerenone release
kinetics, the effect of the coating on drug release should be
considered for coated tablets. Testing of the controlled release
tablets of the present invention indicated that release of
eplerenone from the tablet is substantially independent of tablet
compression force for compression forces between about 10 kN to
about 40 kN.
[0281] In another embodiment, the pharmaceutical compositions
comprise:
[0282] about 24 to about 35 weight percent of micronized
eplerenone;
[0283] about 25 to about 45 weight percent of lactose
monohydrate;
[0284] about 10 to about 25 weight percent of microcrystalline
cellulose; and
[0285] about 5 to about 50 weight percent of hydroxypropyl
methylcellulose.
[0286] These pharmaceutical compositions optionally can
additionally comprise about 0.1 to about 2 weight percent of talc;
and/or about 0.25 to about 0.75 weight percent of magnesium
stearate.
[0287] More preferably, the pharmaceutical compositions of this
embodiment comprise about 25 to about 35 weight percent of
micronized eplerenone; about 35 to about 45 weight percent of
lactose; about 14.5 to about 24.5 weight percent of
microcrystalline cellulose; about 1 to about 11 weight percent of
high molecular weight hydroxypropyl methylcellulose; and about 0.5
to about 8 weight percent of low molecular weight hydroxypropyl
methylcellulose. These pharmaceutical compositions optionally can
additionally comprise about 0.1 to about 6 weight percent of talc;
and about 0.1 to about 5.5 weight percent of magnesium
stearate.
[0288] In one embodiment, the pharmaceutical compositions are
controlled release compositions comprising:
[0289] about 20 to about 40 weight percent of micronized
eplerenone;
[0290] about 30 to about 50 weight percent of lactose;
[0291] about 9.5 to about 29.5 weight percent of microcrystalline
cellulose;
[0292] about 1 to about 16 weight percent of high molecular weight
hydroxypropyl methylcellulose; and
[0293] about 0.5 to about 13 weight percent of low molecular weight
hydroxypropyl methylcellulose.
[0294] These pharmaceutical compositions optionally can
additionally comprise about 0.1 to about 10 weight percent of talc;
and about 0.1 to about 10 weight percent of magnesium stearate.
Preferably, the low molecular weight hydroxypropyl methylcellulose
has a viscosity of from about 2 cps to about 8 cps, more preferably
about 2 cps to about 6 cps, as discussed before. Preferably, the
high molecular weight hydroxypropyl methylcellulose has a 2%
viscosity value of from about 3500 cps to about 5,600 cps, as also
discussed before. The compositions preferably are in the form of
unit dosage tablets.
[0295] More preferably, the pharmaceutical compositions of this
embodiment comprise about 25 to about 35 weight percent of
micronized eplerenone; about 35 to about 45 weight percent of
lactose; about 14.5 to about 24.5 weight percent of
microcrystalline cellulose; about 1 to about 11 weight percent of
high molecular weight hydroxypropyl methylcellulose; and about 0.5
to about 8 weight percent of low molecular weight hydroxypropyl
methylcellulose. These pharmaceutical compositions optionally can
additionally comprise about 0.1 to about 6 weight percent of talc;
and about 0.1 to about 5.5 weight percent of magnesium
stearate.
[0296] Still more preferably, the pharmaceutical compositions of
this embodiment comprise about 28 to about 32 weight percent of
micronized eplerenone; about 38 to about 42 weight percent of
lactose; about 17.5 to about 21.5 weight percent of
microcrystalline cellulose; about 4 to about 8 weight percent of
high molecular weight hydroxypropyl methylcellulose; and about 2 to
about 5 weight percent of low molecular weight hydroxypropyl
methylcellulose. These pharmaceutical compositions optionally can
additionally comprise about 0.1 to about 3 weight percent of talc;
and about 0.1 to about 2.5 weight percent of magnesium
stearate.
[0297] In another embodiment, the pharmaceutical compositions are
controlled release compositions comprising:
[0298] about 20 to about 40 weight percent of micronized
eplerenone;
[0299] about 15 to about 47 weight percent of lactose;
[0300] about 3.5 to about 28.5 weight percent of microcrystalline
cellulose;
[0301] about 1 to about 45 weight percent of high molecular weight
hydroxypropyl methylcellulose; and
[0302] about 0.5 to about 13 weight percent of low molecular weight
hydroxypropyl methylcellulose.
[0303] These pharmaceutical compositions optionally may
additionally comprise about 0.1 to about 10 weight percent of talc;
and about 0.1 to about 10 weight percent of magnesium stearate.
Preferably, the low molecular weight hydroxypropyl methylcellulose
has a viscosity of from about 2 cps to about 8 cps, more preferably
about 2 cps to about 6 cps, whereas, the high molecular weight
hydroxypropyl methylcellulose has a 2% viscosity value of from
about 3500 cps to about 5,600 cps, as discussed before. The
compositions preferably are in the form of unit dosage tablets.
[0304] More preferably, the pharmaceutical compositions of this
embodiment comprise about 25 to about 35 weight percent of
micronized eplerenone; about 22 to about 42 weight percent of
lactose; about 8.5 to about 23.5 weight percent of microcrystalline
cellulose; about 5 to about 35 weight percent of high molecular
weight hydroxypropyl methylcellulose; and about 0.5 to about 8
weight percent of low molecular weight hydroxypropyl
methylcellulose. These pharmaceutical compositions optionally can
additionally comprise about 0.1 to about 6 weight percent of talc;
and about 0.1 to about 5.5 weight percent of magnesium
stearate.
[0305] Still more preferably, the pharmaceutical compositions of
this embodiment comprise about 28 to about 32 weight percent of
micronized eplerenone; about 25 to about 39 weight percent of
lactose; about 11.5 to about 20.5 weight percent of
microcrystalline cellulose; about 10 to about 35 weight percent of
high molecular weight hydroxypropyl methylcellulose; and about 2 to
about 5 weight percent of low molecular weight hydroxypropyl
methylcellulose. These pharmaceutical compositions optionally can
additionally comprise about 0.1 to about 3 weight percent of talc;
and about 0.1 to about 2.5 weight percent of magnesium
stearate.
[0306] In another embodiment, the pharmaceutical compositions are
controlled release compositions comprising:
[0307] about 20 to about 40 weight percent of micronized
eplerenone;
[0308] about 20.5 to about 40.5 weight percent of lactose;
[0309] about 5 to about 25 weight percent of microcrystalline
cellulose;
[0310] about 10 to about 30 weight percent of high molecular weight
hydroxypropyl methylcellulose; and
[0311] about 0.5 to about 13 weight percent of low molecular weight
hydroxypropyl methylcellulose.
[0312] These pharmaceutical compositions optionally may
additionally comprise about 0.1 to about 10 weight percent of talc;
and about 0.1 to about 10 weight percent of magnesium stearate.
Preferably, the low molecular weight hydroxypropyl methylcellulose
has a viscosity of from about 2 cps to about 8 cps, more preferably
about 2 cps to about 6 cps, whereas the high molecular weight
hydroxypropyl methylcellulose has a 2% viscosity value of from
about 3500 cps to about 5,600 cps, as before. The compositions
preferably are in the form of unit dosage tablets.
[0313] Still more preferably, the pharmaceutical compositions of
this embodiment comprise about 28 to about 32 weight percent of
micronized eplerenone; about 28.5 to about 32.5 weight percent of
lactose; about 13 to about 17 weight percent of microcrystalline
cellulose; about 18 to about 22 weight percent of high molecular
weight hydroxypropyl methylcellulose; and about 2 to about 5 weight
percent of low molecular weight hydroxypropyl methylcellulose.
These pharmaceutical compositions optionally can additionally
comprise about 0.1 to about 3 weight percent of talc; and about 0.1
to about 2.5 weight percent of magnesium stearate.
[0314] In another embodiment, the pharmaceutical compositions of
this embodiment comprise:
[0315] about 25 mg to about 150 mg of micronized eplerenone;
[0316] about 12.5 mg to about 190 mg of lactose;
[0317] about 2 mg to about 100 mg of microcrystalline
cellulose;
[0318] about 10 mg to about 80 mg of high molecular weight
hydroxypropyl methylcellulose; and
[0319] about 1 mg to about 25 mg of low molecular weight
hydroxypropyl methylcellulose.
[0320] These pharmaceutical compositions optionally can
additionally comprise about 0.5 mg to about 15 mg of talc; and
about 0.1 mg to about 10 mg of magnesium stearate. Preferably, the
low molecular weight hydroxypropyl methylcellulose has a viscosity
of from about 2 cps to about 8 cps, more preferably about 2 cps to
about 6 cps, whereas the high molecular weight hydroxypropyl
methylcellulose has a 2% viscosity value of from about 3500 cps to
about 5,600 cps, as before.
[0321] In another embodiment, the pharmaceutical compositions of
this embodiment comprise:
[0322] about 95 mg to about 105 mg of micronized eplerenone;
[0323] about 128 mg to about 139 mg of lactose;
[0324] about 60 mg to about 70 mg of microcrystalline
cellulose;
[0325] about 10 mg to about 25 mg of high molecular weight
hydroxypropyl methylcellulose; and
[0326] about 5 mg to about 15 mg of low molecular weight
hydroxypropyl methylcellulose.
[0327] These pharmaceutical compositions optionally can
additionally comprise about 0.5 mg to about 8 mg of talc; and about
0.1 mg to about 7 mg of magnesium stearate. The compositions
preferably are in the form of unit dosage tablets.
[0328] More preferably, the pharmaceutical compositions of this
embodiment comprise about 98 mg to about 102 mg of micronized
eplerenone; about 131 mg to about 136 mg of lactose; about 63 mg to
about 67 mg of microcrystalline cellulose; about 18 mg to about 22
mg of high molecular weight hydroxypropyl methylcellulose; and
about 8 mg to 12 mg of low molecular weight hydroxypropyl
methylcellulose. These pharmaceutical compositions optionally can
additionally comprise about 2 mg to about 5 mg of talc; and about
0.5 to about 3 weight percent of magnesium stearate.
[0329] In another embodiment, the pharmaceutical compositions of
this embodiment comprise:
[0330] about 45 mg to about 55 mg of micronized eplerenone;
[0331] about 35 mg to about 55 mg of lactose;
[0332] about 17.5 mg to about 27.5 mg of microcrystalline
cellulose;
[0333] about 37 mg to about 47 mg of high molecular weight
hydroxypropyl methylcellulose; and
[0334] about 1 mg to about 10 mg of low molecular weight
hydroxypropyl methylcellulose.
[0335] These pharmaceutical compositions optionally can
additionally comprise about 0.5 mg to about 7 mg of talc; and about
0.1 mg to about 6 mg of magnesium stearate. The compositions
preferably are in the form of unit dosage tablets.
[0336] More preferably, the pharmaceutical compositions of this
embodiment comprise about 48 mg to about 52 mg of micronized
eplerenone; about 43 mg to about 47 mg of lactose; about 20.5 mg to
about 24.5 mg of microcrystalline cellulose; about 40 mg to about
44 mg of high molecular weight hydroxypropyl methylcellulose; and
about 3 mg to 7 mg of low molecular weight hydroxypropyl
methylcellulose. These pharmaceutical compositions optionally can
additionally comprise about 0.5 mg to about 3 mg of talc; and about
0.1 to about 3 weight percent of magnesium stearate.
[0337] In another embodiment, the pharmaceutical compositions of
this embodiment comprise:
[0338] about 95 mg to about 105 mg of micronized eplerenone;
[0339] about 110 mg to about 195 mg of lactose;
[0340] about 50 mg to about 70 mg of microcrystalline
cellulose;
[0341] about 30 mg to about 50 mg of high molecular weight
hydroxypropyl methylcellulose; and
[0342] about 5 mg to about 15 mg of low molecular weight
hydroxypropyl methylcellulose.
[0343] These pharmaceutical compositions optionally can
additionally comprise about 0.5 mg to about 8 mg of talc; and about
0.1 mg to about 7 mg of magnesium stearate. The compositions
preferably are in the form of unit dosage tablets.
[0344] More preferably, the pharmaceutical compositions of this
embodiment comprise about 98 mg to about 102 mg of micronized
eplerenone; about 118 mg to about 122 mg of lactose; about 58 mg to
about 62 mg of microcrystalline cellulose; about 38 mg to about 42
mg of high molecular weight hydroxypropyl methylcellulose; and
about 8 mg to 12 mg of low molecular weight hydroxypropyl
methylcellulose. These pharmaceutical compositions optionally can
additionally comprise about 2 mg to about 5 mg of talc; and about
0.5 to about 3 weight percent of magnesium stearate.
[0345] In another embodiment, the pharmaceutical compositions of
this embodiment comprise:
[0346] about 145 mg to about 155 mg of micronized eplerenone;
[0347] about 175 mg to about 195 mg of lactose;
[0348] about 87.5 mg to about 97.5 mg of microcrystalline
cellulose;
[0349] about 45 mg to about 55 mg of high molecular weight
hydroxypropyl methylcellulose; and
[0350] about 10 mg to about 20 mg of low molecular weight
hydroxypropyl methylcellulose.
[0351] These pharmaceutical compositions optionally can
additionally comprise about 0.5 mg to about 10 mg of talc; and
about 0.1 mg to about 8 mg of magnesium stearate. The compositions
preferably are in the form of unit dosage tablets.
[0352] More preferably, the pharmaceutical compositions of this
embodiment comprise about 148 mg to about 152 mg of micronized
eplerenone; about 183 mg to about 187 mg of lactose; about 90.5 mg
to about 94.5 mg of microcrystalline cellulose; about 48 mg to
about 52 mg of high molecular weight hydroxypropyl methylcellulose;
and about 13 mg to 17 mg of low molecular weight hydroxypropyl
methylcellulose. These pharmaceutical compositions optionally may
additionally comprise about 3 mg to about 7 mg of talc; and about
0.5 to about 4.5 weight percent of magnesium stearate.
[0353] In another embodiment, the pharmaceutical compositions of
this embodiment comprise:
[0354] about 95 mg to about 105 mg of micronized eplerenone;
[0355] about 96.5 mg to about 106.5 mg of lactose;
[0356] about 45 mg to about 55 mg of microcrystalline
cellulose;
[0357] about 61.5 mg to about 71.5 mg of high molecular weight
hydroxypropyl methylcellulose; and
[0358] about 5 mg to about 15 mg of low molecular weight
hydroxypropyl methylcellulose.
[0359] These pharmaceutical compositions optionally can
additionally comprise about 0.5 mg to about 8 mg of talc; and about
0.1 mg to about 7 mg of magnesium stearate. The compositions
preferably are in the form of unit dosage tablets.
[0360] More preferably, the pharmaceutical compositions of this
embodiment comprise about 98 mg to about 102 mg of micronized
eplerenone; about 99.5 mg to about 103.5 mg of lactose; about 48 mg
to about 52 mg of microcrystalline cellulose; about 64.5 mg to
about 68.5 mg of high molecular weight hydroxypropyl
methylcellulose; and about 8 mg to 12 mg of low molecular weight
hydroxypropyl methylcellulose. These pharmaceutical compositions
optionally can additionally comprise about 2 mg to about 5 mg of
talc; and about 0.5 to about 3 weight percent of magnesium
stearate.
[0361] In another embodiment, the pharmaceutical compositions of
this embodiment comprise lactose, microcrystalline cellulose,
hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, talc, and magnesium stearate.
[0362] In still another embodiment, the pharmaceutical compositions
release in vitro at least about 50% of the eplerenone contained in
the composition in at least about 1.5 hours, preferably in at least
about 1.75 hours, and more preferably in about 2 hours.
[0363] In still another embodiment, the pharmaceutical compositions
release in vitro at least about 50% of the eplerenone contained in
the composition at least about 3.5 hours, preferably at least about
3.75 hours, and more preferably about 4 hours.
[0364] In still another embodiment, the pharmaceutical compositions
release in vitro at least about 50% of the eplerenone contained in
the composition at least about 5.5 hours, preferably at least about
5.75 hours, and more preferably about 6 hours.
[0365] In still another embodiment, the pharmaceutical compositions
comprise micronized eplerenone and one or more carrier materials,
are in oral unit dosage form suitable for once-a-day or twice-a-day
oral administration, and release in vitro about 50% or more of the
eplerenone contained in the composition at least about 1.5 hours
after ingestion of the composition. Still more preferably, these
pharmaceutical compositions comprise eplerenone and one or more
carrier materials selected from the group consisting of lactose
monohydrate, microcrystalline cellulose, hydroxypropyl
methylcellulose, talc, and magnesium stearate. It is particularly
preferred that the various components of the controlled release
matrix be present in the amounts or the weight fractions set forth
above.
[0366] Other Active Ingredients
[0367] The pharmaceutical compositions of the present invention are
also useful for the administration of other 9,11-epoxy-20-spiroxane
compounds, particularly those 9,11-epoxy-20-spiroxane compounds
that are aldosterone antagonists. These pharmaceutical compositions
can be prepared as set forth in this application by replacing
eplerenone with a comparable weight fraction of the desired
9,11-epoxy-20-spiroxane. The 9,11-epoxy-20-spiroxane compounds used
in the preparation of such pharmaceutical compositions can be
prepared, for example, as set forth in Grob et al., U.S. Pat. No.
4,559,332. Such 9,11-epoxy-spiroxanes include, but are not limited
to, the following compounds:
[0368] 9.alpha., 11.alpha.-epoxy-7.alpha.-methoxycarbonyl-15.beta.,
16.beta.-methylene-20-spirox-4-ene-3, 21-dione;
[0369] 9.alpha.,
11.alpha.-epoxy-7.alpha.-isopropoxycarbonyl-20-spirox-4-e- ne-3,
21-dione;
[0370] 9.alpha.,
11.alpha.-epoxy-7.alpha.-ethoxycarbonyl-20-spirox-4-ene-3- ,
21-dione;
[0371] 9.alpha., 11.alpha.-epoxy-6.beta.,
7.beta.-methylene-20-spirox-4-en- e-3, 21-dione;
[0372] 9.alpha., 11.alpha.-epoxy-6.beta., 7.beta.; 15.beta.,
16.beta.-bis-methylene-20-spirox-4-ene-3, 21-dione;
[0373] 9.alpha., 11.alpha.-epoxy-17.beta.-hydroxy-6.beta.,
7.beta.-methylene-3-oxo-17.alpha.-pregn-4-ene-21-carboxylic
acid;
[0374] 9.alpha., 11.alpha.-epoxy-17.beta.-hydroxy-6.beta.,
7.beta.-methylene-3-oxo-17.alpha.-pregn-4-ene-21-carboxylic acid
methyl ester;
[0375] 9.alpha., 11.alpha.-epoxy-17.beta.-hydroxy-6.beta., 7.beta.;
15.beta.,
16.beta.-bis-methylene-3-oxo-17.alpha.-pregn-4-ene-21-carboxyli- c
acid methyl ester;
[0376] 9.alpha., 11.alpha.-epoxy-6.beta.,
7.beta.-methylene-20-spiroxa-1, 4-diene-3, 21-dione;
[0377] 9.alpha.,
11.alpha.-epoxy-17.beta.-hydroxy-7.alpha.-methoxycarbonyl-
-3-oxo-17.alpha.-pregn-4-ene-21-carboxylic acid;
[0378] 9.alpha.,
11.alpha.-epoxy-17.beta.-hydroxy-3-oxo-17.beta.-pregn-4-e-
ne-7.alpha., 21-dicarboxylic acid dimethyl ester;
[0379] 9.alpha.,
11.alpha.-epoxy-17.beta.-hydroxy-7.alpha.-isopropoxycarbo-
nyl-3-oxo-17.alpha.-pregn-4-ene-21-carboxylic acid;
[0380] 9.alpha.,
11.alpha.-epoxy-17.beta.-hydroxy-7.alpha.-ethoxycarbonyl--
3-oxo-17.alpha.-pregn-4-ene-21-carboxylic acid;
[0381] 9.alpha., 11.alpha.-epoxy-6.alpha.,
7.alpha.-methylene-20-spirox-4-- ene-3, 21-dione;
[0382] 9.alpha.,
11.alpha.-epoxy-17.beta.-hydroxy-3-oxo-17.alpha.-pregn-4--
ene-7.alpha., 21-dicarboxylic acid dimethyl ester; and
[0383] 9.alpha., 11.alpha.-epoxy-17.beta.-hydroxy-15.beta.,
16.beta.-methylene-3-oxo-17.alpha.-pregn-4-ene-7.alpha.,
21-dicarboxylic acid dimethyl ester;
[0384] and the pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.
[0385] Methods of Treatment
[0386] The present invention also is directed to therapeutic
methods of treating a condition or disorder where treatment with an
aldosterone receptor blocker is indicated, the methods comprising
the oral administration of one or more of the pharmaceutical
compositions previously described above to a patient in need
thereof. The dosage regimen to prevent, give relief from, or
ameliorate the condition or disorder preferably corresponds to
once-a-day or twice-a-day oral dosages, and more preferably to the
25 mg, 50 mg, 100 mg or 150 mg eplerenone oral unit dosages
discussed above, but can be modified in accordance with a variety
of factors. These factors include the type, age, weight, sex, diet,
and medical condition of the patient and the severity of the
disease. Thus, the dosage regimen actually employed can vary widely
and therefore deviate from the preferred dosage regimen set forth
above.
[0387] Initial treatment of a patient suffering from a condition or
disorder where treatment with an aldosterone receptor blocker is
indicated can begin with the dosages indicated above. Treatment is
generally continued as necessary over a period of several weeks to
several months or years until the condition or disorder has been
controlled or eliminated. Patients undergoing treatment with the
compositions disclosed herein can be routinely monitored by any of
the methods well known in the art to determine the effectiveness of
therapy. Continuous analysis of such data permits modification of
the treatment regimen during therapy so that optimal effective
amounts of compounds of the present invention are administered at
any point in time, and so that the duration of treatment can be
determined as well. In this way, the treatment regimen/dosing
schedule can be rationally modified over the course of therapy so
that the lowest amount of eplerenone exhibiting satisfactory
effectiveness is administered, and so that administration is
continued only so long as is necessary to successfully treat the
condition or disorder.
[0388] The present invention further encompasses the use of
micronized eplerenone and a cellulosic carrier material in the
manufacture of a medicament for the treatment or prophylaxis of
aldosterone- mediated conditions or disorders.
[0389] Method For Preparation Of Formulation
[0390] The present invention also is directed to methods for the
preparation of pharmaceutical compositions comprising micronized
eplerenone. Where tablets or capsules are desired, methods such as
wet granulation, dry granulation or direct compression or
encapsulation methods can be employed.
[0391] Wet granulation is a preferred method of preparing tablets
from the pharmaceutical compositions of the present invention. In
the wet granulation process, the micronized eplerenone (and, if
desired, any of the carrier materials) is initially milled or
micronized to the desired particle size using a conventional mill
or grinder. Such milling or grinding techniques are well known in
the art, as are methods for ascertaining the resulting particle
size and distribution.
[0392] As previously discussed, reduction of the D.sub.90
eplerenone particle size (that is, the size of at least 90% of the
eplerenone particles) in the composition is less than about 400
microns and more than 25 microns, preferably less than about 200
microns, more preferably less than about 150 microns, still more
preferably less than about 100 microns, and yet more preferably
less than 90 microns. A particularly preferred D.sub.90 particle
size is about 30 to about 110 microns, and more particularly still
about 30 to about 50 microns. In other preferred embodiments, a
particularly preferred D.sub.90 particle size is about 50 to about
150 microns, and more preferably about 75 to about 125 microns.
Micronized eplerenone so sized can materially increase the
bioavailability of the eplerenone.
[0393] Micronized eplerenone used illustratively herein typically
had a D.sub.90 value of about 30 to about 110 microns. Exemplary
particle distributions are provided hereinafter for some of the
specific examples.
[0394] Particle size distributions are determined using the
following procedure.
[0395] Equipment and Reagents:
[0396] 1. Sympatec.TM. HELOS System Laser Light Diffraction
Particle Size Apparatus in a dry powder mode, model H0790 equipped
with VIBRI.TM. feeder and RODOS.TM. dispersing system.
[0397] 2. 200-500 mm focal length lens.
[0398] 3. Corn Starch, NF (reference standard illustratively;
D.sub.90=31.54, D.sub.75=20.50, D.sub.50=15.15 and D.sub.10=7.44
microns).
[0399] 4. Control Sample of micronized eplerenone (illustratively;
D.sub.90=22.01, D.sub.75=13.35, D.sub.50=7.57 and D.sub.10=10.8
microns).
[0400] Distribution Points 5,10,50,75,90 and 95%
[0401] For Data Collection:
[0402] Analysis Procedure:
[0403] 1. Verify or install the lens.
[0404] 2. Using corn starch, NF (reference standard), perform an
instrument function verification, according to established
equipment procedure.
[0405] 3. Run a control sample of micronized eplerenone in singlet
and ensure that the particle size distribution is similar to
previous runs.
[0406] 4. Weigh approximately 500 mg of sample and determine the
particle size distribution in triplicate.
[0407] 5. Calculate the mean, standard deviation, and percent
relative standard deviation at each distribution point. 6. Report
the mean particle size, standard deviation, and n at the 5, 10, 50,
75, 90 and 95.sup.th percentile to an integer.
[0408] The milled or micronized eplerenone is then blended, for
example in a high shear mixer granulator, planetary mixer, a
twin-shell blender or sigma mixer, with one or more of the carrier
materials. Typically, the drug is blended with the diluent(s),
disintegrant(s), binding agent(s) and, optionally, wetting agent(s)
in this step although it is possible to add all or a portion of one
or more of the carrier materials in a later step.
[0409] For example, where microcrystalline cellulose is employed as
a diluent, it has been discovered that addition of a portion of the
microcrystalline cellulose during this blending step and the
addition of the remaining portion after the drying step discussed
below increases the hardness and/or decreases the friability of the
tablets produced. In this situation, preferably about 40% to about
50% of the microcrystalline cellulose is added intragranularly and
about 50% to about 60% of the microcrystalline cellulose is added
extragranularly. In addition, this step of the process preferably
comprises the blending of eplerenone, lactose, microcrystalline
cellulose, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose and, optionally, sodium
lauryl sulfate. It has been discovered that blending times as short
as three minutes can provide a dry powder mixture having a
sufficiently uniform distribution of eplerenone.
[0410] Water is then added to the dry powder mixture and the
mixture is blended for an additional period of time. The water can
be added to the mixture at once, gradually over a period of time,
or in several portions over a period of time. The water preferably
is added gradually over a period of time, preferably at least about
three to about five minutes. An additional period of mixing,
generally at least about one to about three minutes, after the
water addition is complete, appears to ensure the uniform
distribution of the water in the mixture and results in a suitable
wet granulated mixture.
[0411] It is generally preferred that the wet granulated mixture
comprise about 25% to about 45% water by weight. Although a higher
or lower water content can be acceptable for certain formulations,
a lower water content generally reduces the effectiveness of the
step in producing granules having the desired compressibility and
flowability properties, whereas a higher water content generally
causes an increase in granule size.
[0412] The wet granulated mixture is then dried, for example, in an
oven or a fluidized bed dryer, preferably a fluidized bed drier. If
desired, the wet granulated mixture can be wet milled, extruded or
spheronized prior to drying, although wet milling is preferred. For
the drying process, conditions such as inlet air temperature and
drying time are adjusted to achieve the desired moisture content
for the dried mixture. Increasing moisture content from about 2% to
about 4% was observed to decrease initial tablet hardness.
[0413] To the extent necessary, the dry granules are then reduced
in size in preparation for compression. Conventional particle size
reduction equipment such as oscillators or fitz mills can be
employed.
[0414] The dry granules are then placed in a suitable blender such
as a twin-shell blender and the lubricant, anti-adherent agent and
any additional carrier materials are added. Although blending times
depend in part upon the process equipment used, it has been
discovered that blending times of at least about 5 to 25 minutes
are generally preferred. In a preferred embodiment of this step of
the invention, talc and the remaining portion of microcrystalline
cellulose are added to the granules and the mixture blended for an
additional period of time, preferably a period of time sufficient
to achieve a blend uniformity relative standard deviation value of
about 6% or less.
[0415] Magnesium stearate is then added to the mixture and the
mixture is blended for an additional period of time. As noted
above, where the diluents include microcrystalline cellulose, the
addition of a portion of the microcrystalline cellulose during this
step has been found to materially increase tablet hardness. In
addition, increasing the amount of magnesium stearate was observed
to decrease tablet hardness and increase friability and
disintegration time.
[0416] This blended mixture is then compressed into tablets (or
encapsulated if capsules are to be prepared) to the desired weight
and hardness using appropriate size tooling. Conventional
compression and encapsulation techniques known to those of ordinary
skill in the art can be employed. Where coated tablets are desired,
conventional coating techniques known to those of ordinary skill in
the art can be employed.
[0417] The following examples illustrate aspects of the present
invention but should not be construed as limitations. The
experimental procedures used to generate the data shown are
discussed in more detail below. The symbols and conventions used in
these examples are consistent with those used in the contemporary
pharmaceutical literature. Unless otherwise stated, (i) all
percentages recited in these examples are weight percents based on
total composition weight, (ii) total composition weight for
capsules is the total capsule fill weight and does not include the
weight of the actual capsule employed, and (iii) coated tablets are
coated with a conventional coating material such as Opadry.RTM.
White YS-1-18027A (or another color) and the weight fraction of the
coating is about 3% of the total weight of the coated tablet.
Example 1
25 Mg Dose Immediate Release Tablet A 25 mg dose immediate release
tablet (tablet diameter of {fraction (7/32)}") was prepared having
the following composition:
[0418]
1 TABLE 1 WEIGHT % OF Amount INGREDIENT TABLET (mg) Eplerenone
29.41 25.00 Lactose Monohydrate 42.00 35.70 (#310, NF)
Microcrystalline 18.09 (7.50% 15.38 Cellulose intragranular (NF,
Avicel .RTM. PH101) plus 10.59% extragranular) Croscarmellose 5.00
4.25 Sodium (NF, Ac-Di-Sol .TM.) Hydroxypropyl 3.00 2.55
Methylcellulose (#2910, USP, Pharmacoat .TM. 603) Sodium Lauryl
1.00 0.85 Sulfate (NF) Talc (USP) 1.00 0.85 Magnesium 0.50 0.42
Stearate (NF) Total 100 85 Opadry .RTM. White YS-1- 3.00 2.55
18027A (Alternatively: (4.50) (3.825) Opadry .RTM. Yellow YS-
1-12524-A)
[0419] The lactose monohydrate used in each of the examples of the
application is commercially available from Formost Farms, Baraboo,
Wis. The Avicel.RTM. brand of microcrystalline cellulose and the
Ac-Di-Sol.TM. Sol.TM. brand of croscarmellose sodium were used in
each of the examples of the application. Both compounds are
commercially available from FMC Corporation, Chicago, Ill. The
Pharmacoat.TM. 603 brand of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose was used
in each of the examples of the application. This compound is
commercially available from Shin-Etsu Chemical Co. Ltd. The sodium
lauryl sulfate used in each of the examples of the application is
commercially available from Henkel Corporation, Cincinnati, Ohio.
The talc used in each of the examples of the application is
commercially available from Cyprus Foote Mineral Co., Kings
Mountain, N.C., or Luzenac America, Inc., Englewood, Colo. The
magnesium stearate used in each of the examples of the application
is commercially available from Mallinckrodt Inc., St. Louis, Mo.
The Opadry.RTM. White YS-1-18027A (and other coatings) used to
prepare the coated tablets disclosed in the examples of this
application is a ready to coat coating formulation commercially
available from Colorcon, West Point, Pa.
Example 2
50 Mg Dose Immediate Release Tablet
[0420] A 50 mg dose immediate release tablet (tablet diameter of
{fraction (9/32)}") was prepared having the following
composition:
2 TABLE 2 WEIGHT % OF Amount INGREDIENT TABLET (mg) Eplerenone
29.41 50.00 Lactose Monohydrate 42.00 71.40 (#310, NF)
Microcrystalline 18.09 (7.50% 30.75 Cellulose intragranular (NF,
Avicel .RTM. PH101) plus 10.59% extragranular) Croscarmellose 5.00
8.50 Sodium (NF, Ac-Di-Sol .TM.) Hydroxypropyl 3.00 5.10
Methylcellulose (#2910, USP, Pharmacoat .TM. 603) Sodium Lauryl
1.00 1.70 Sulfate (NF) Talc (USP) 1.00 1.70 Magnesium 0.50 0.85
Stearate (NF) Total 100 170 Opadry .RTM. White 3.00 5.10
YS-1-18027A (Alternatively: (3.00) (5.10) Opadry .RTM. Pink
YS-1-14762-A)
Example 3
100 Mg Dose Immediate Release Tablet
[0421] A 100 mg dose immediate release tablet formulation (tablet
diameter of {fraction (12/32)}") was prepared having the following
composition:
3 TABLE 3 WEIGHT % OF Amount INGREDIENT TABLET (mg) Eplerenone
29.41 100.00 Lactose 42.00 142.80 Monohydrate (#310, NF)
Microcrystalline 18.09 (7.50% 61.50 Cellulose intragranular (NF,
Avicel .RTM. plus 10.59% PH101) extragranular) Croscarmellose 5.00
17.00 Sodium (NF, Ac-Di-Sol .TM.) Hydroxypropyl 3.00 10.20
Methylcellulose (#2910, USP, Pharmacoat .TM. 603) Sodium Lauryl
1.00 3.40 Sulfate (NF) Talc (USP) 1.00 3.40 Magnesium 0.50 1.70
Stearate (NF) Total 100 340 Opadry .RTM. White 3.00 10.20
YS-1-18027A (Alternatively: (3.00) (10.20) Opadry .RTM. Red
YS-1-15585-A)
Example 4
10 mg Dose Immediate Release Capsule
[0422] A 10 mg dose immediate release capsule formulation was
prepared having the following composition:
4 TABLE 4 REPRESENTATIVE AMOUNT BATCH AMOUNT INGREDIENT (mg) (kg)
Eplerenone 10.0 1.00 Lactose, 306.8 30.68 Hydrous NF
Microcrystalline 60.0 6.00 Cellulose, NF Talc, USP 10.0 1.00
Croscarmellose 8.0 0.80 Sodium, NF Sodium Lauryl 2.0 0.20 Sulfate,
NF Colloidal Silicon 2.0 0.20 Dioxide, NF Magnesium 1.2 0.12
Stearate, NF Total Capsule 400.0 40.00 Fill Weight Hard Gelatin 1
Capsule 100,000 Capsules Capsule, Size #0, White Opaque
Example 5
25 mg Dose Immediate Release Capsule
[0423] A 25 mg dose immediate release capsule formulation was
prepared having the following composition:
5TABLE 5 REPRESENTATIVE AMOUNT BATCH AMOUNT INGREDIENT (mg) (kg)
Eplerenone 25.0 2.50 Lactose, Hydrous NF 294.1 29.41
Microcrystalline 57.7 5.77 Cellulose, NF Talc, USP 10.0 1.00
Croscarmellose 8.0 0.80 Sodium, NF Sodium Lauryl 2.0 0.20 Sulfate,
NF Colloidal Silicon 2.0 0.20 Dioxide, NF Magnesium 1.2 0.12
Stearate, NF Total Capsule 400.0 40.00 Fill Weight Hard Gelatin 1
Capsule 100,000 Capsules Capsule, Size #0, White Opaque
Example 6
50 mg Dose Immediate Release Capsule
[0424] A 50 mg dose immediate release capsule formulation was
prepared having the following composition:
6 TABLE 6 REPRESENTATIVE AMOUNT BATCH AMOUNT INGREDIENT (mg) (kg)
Eplerenone 50.0 5.00 Lactose, 273.2 27.32 Hydrous NF
Microcrystalline 53.6 5.36 Cellulose, NF Talc, USP 10.0 1.00
Croscarmellose 8.0 0.80 Sodium, NF Sodium Lauryl 2.0 0.20 Sulfate,
NF Colloidal Silicon 2.0 0.20 Dioxide, NF Magnesium 1.2 0.12
Stearate, NF Total Capsule 400.0 40.00 Fill Weight Hard Gelatin 1
Capsule 100,000 Capsules Capsule, Size #0, White Opaque
Example 7
100 mg Dose Immediate Release Capsule
[0425] A 100 mg dose immediate release capsule formulation was
prepared having the following composition:
7TABLE 7 REPRESENTATIVE BATCH AMOUNT AMOUNT INGREDIENT (mg) (kg)
Eplerenone 100.0 10.00 Lactose, 231.4 23.14 Hydrous NF
Microcrystalline 45.4 4.54 Cellulose, NF Talc, USP 10.0 1.00
Croscarmellose 8.0 0.80 Sodium, NF Sodium Lauryl 2.0 0.20 Sulfate,
NF Colloidal Silicon 2.0 0.20 Dioxide, NF Magnesium 1.2 0.12
Stearate, NF Total Capsule 400.0 40.00 Fill Weight Hard Gelatin 1
Capsule 100,000 Capsules Capsule, Size #0, White Opaque
Example 8
200 mg Dose Immediate Release Capsule
[0426] A 200 mg dose immediate release capsule formulation was
prepared having the following composition:
8 TABLE 8 REPRESENTATIVE AMOUNT BATCH AMOUNT INGREDIENT (mg) (kg)
Eplerenone 200.0 20.00 Lactose, 147.8 14.78 Hydrous NF
Microcrystalline 29.0 2.90 Cellulose, NF Talc, USP 10.0 1.00
Croscarmellose 8.0 0.80 Sodium, NF Sodium Lauryl 2.0 0.20 Sulfate,
NF Colloidal Silicon 2.0 0.20 Dioxide, NF Magnesium 1.2 0.12
Stearate, NF Total Capsule 400.0 40.00 Fill Weight Hard Gelatin 1
Capsule 100,000 Capsules Capsule, Size #0, White Opaque
Example 9
Oral Solution
[0427] A series of oral solutions is prepared containing 2.5 mg/L
of eplerenone and having the following composition: up to 20%
ethanol v/v; up to 10% propylene glycol v/v; about 10% to 70%
glycerol v/v; and about 30% to 70% water v/v.
[0428] Another series of oral solutions is prepared containing 2.5
mg/L of eplerenone and further comprising ethanol, propylene
glycol, polyethylene glycol 400, glycerin and 70% w/w sorbitol.
[0429] Another oral solution is prepared in the following manner. A
15% hydroxypropyl-.beta.-cyclodextrin solution (20 mL) is added to
a bottle containing eplerenone (100 mg). The bottle containing the
mixture is placed in a temperature controlled water bath/shaker at
65.degree. C. and shaken for 20 minutes. The bottle is removed from
the water bath and permitted to cool at room temperature for about
five minutes. Apple juice (60 mL, commercially available) is added
to the mixture in the bottle and the contents of the bottle are
gently swirled.
[0430] The oral solutions of this example are particularly useful
in the treatment of, for example, non-ambulatory patients,
pediatric patients and patients that have difficulty taking solid
dosage forms such as tablets and capsules.
Example 10
Tablets
[0431] Tablets containing a 100 mg dose of eplerenone and having
the composition set forth in Table 10A were prepared by wet
granulation (total batch size of 70 g). These 100 mg dose tablets
had an average disintegration time of about 16 minutes and an
average tablet hardness of about 16 kP to 17 kP.
9 TABLE 10A WEIGHT INGREDIENT FRACTION (%) Eplerenone 30.0 Lactose,
Hydrous 25.0 Avicel .RTM., PH 101 37.5 Ac-Di-Sol .TM. 2.0
Pharmacoat .TM. 603 3.0 Sodium Lauryl 1.0 Sulfate, NF Talc 1.0
Magnesium 0.5 Stearate Total 100
[0432] The composition set forth in Table 10A was then modified by
adjusting the Ac-Di-Sol.TM. weight fraction of the composition to
values from 2% to 5%, while maintaining the weight fraction ratio
of lactose/Avicel.RTM. at 25/37.5. Tablets containing a 100 mg dose
of eplerenone and having these modified compositions were prepared
by wet granulation (total batch size of 70 g). The mean
disintegration results for these 100 mg dose tablets are reported
in Table 10B below. An increase of the Ac-Di-Sol.TM. weight
fraction to 5% resulted in a reduction in disintegration time to
less than 10 minutes where no other change was made to the
composition.
10 TABLE 10B AC-DI-SOL .TM. DISINTEGRATION WEIGHT FRACTION (%) TIME
(MINUTES) 2 14.11 .+-. 0.74 3 13.90 .+-. 0.34 4 13.84 .+-. 0.62 5
6.88 .+-. 0.48
[0433] The composition was then further modified as set forth in
Table 10C to evaluate the effect on disintegration time of adding
the disintegrant extragranularly (that is, the ingredient is added
after the wet granulated mixture had been dried) as well as
intragranularly (that is, the ingredient is present in the mixture
during the wet granulation step). The weight fraction ratio of
lactose/Avicel.RTM. for these compositions also was adjusted about
43/17.5 to about 45/17.5 to increase the compressibility of the
compositions. Tablets containing a 100 mg dose of eplerenone and
having these modified compositions were prepared by wet granulation
(total batch size of 70 g). The mean disintegration results for
these 100 mg dose tablets are reported in Table 10C below. The
addition of 5% Ac-Di-Sol.TM. or the addition of 1.5% Ac-Di-Sol.TM.
intragranular/1.5% Ac-Di-Sol.TM. extragranular/10% Avicel.RTM.
improved disintegration time up to about seven to nine minutes. The
Explotab.TM. brand of sodium starch glycolate used in the
compositions is commercially available from Mendel.
11 TABLE 10C DISINTEGRANT WEIGHT DISINTEGRATION TIME FRACTION (%)
(MINUTES) 2% Ac-Di-Sol .TM. 12.6 .+-. 0.49 intra* 2% Ac-Di-Sol .TM.
intra/ 9.98 .+-. 1.15 1% Ac-Di-Sol .TM. extra* 1.5% Ac-Di-Sol .TM.
intra/ 11.98 .+-. 0.54 1.5% Ac-Di-Sol .TM. extra 2% Ac-Di-Sol .TM.
intra/ 9.96 .+-. 0.31 2% Ac-Di-Sol .TM. extra 4 Ac-Di-Sol .TM.
intra/ 8.36 .+-. 0.64 1% Ac-Di-Sol .TM. extra 4% Ac-Di-Sol .TM.
intra/ 8.48 .+-. 0.53 1% Ac-Di-Sol .TM. extra in 1% sodium lauryl
sulfate solution 2% Explotab .TM. intra 17.32 .+-. 0.71 1.5%
Ac-Di-Sol .TM. intra/ 12.38 .+-. 0.41 1.5% Explotab .TM. extra 1.5%
Ac-Di-Sol .TM. intra/ 7.90 .+-. 0.53 1.5% Ac-Di-Sol .TM. extra/ 10%
Avicel .RTM. extra *intra = intragranularly; extra =
extragranularly.
[0434] The batch sizes for the 2% Ac-Di-Sol.TM. intragranular/1%
Ac-Di-Sol.TM. extragranular composition and the 5% Ac-Di-SolT
intragranular composition discussed above were scaled up from 70 g
to 2 kg. Tablets containing a 100 mg dose of eplerenone and having
these compositions were prepared by wet granulation. The results
for these 100 mg dose tablets are reported in Table 10D below. The
term "Granulation Time" as used in this example and throughout the
other examples of this application means the total time for water
addition and post-addition mixing.
12TABLE 10D 70 g BATCH 2 kg BATCH (2% Ac-Di- (2% Ac-Di- Sol .TM.
intra*/ Sol .TM. intra*/ 2 kg BATCH PARAMETER 1% Ac-Di- 1% Ac-Di-
(5% Ac-Di- MEASURED Sol .TM. extra*) Sol .TM. extra*) Sol .TM.
intra*) % Water Added 35 27.48 40.82 Granulation 5.16 5.16 5.00
Time (minutes) Drying Time 32 23 30 (minutes) Moisture 2.0 2.15 2.2
Content (%) Granule 0.55 0.632 0.62 Density (g/cc) Tablet 16.57
9.41 10.27 Hardness (kp) Tablet 4.38 4.39 4.33 Thickness (mm) %
Friability 0.357 0.264 -- Disintegration -- 12.86 9.15 Time
(minutes) *See Table 10C.
[0435] A decrease in tablet hardness was observed for the tablets
prepared from the 2 kg batches relative to the tablets prepared
from the 70 kg batch. In view of this decrease in tablet hardness,
the 5% Ac-Di-Sol.TM. intragranular composition was modified by
removing 10% intragranular Avicel.RTM. and replacing it with 10%
extragranular Avicel.RTM.. Tablets containing a 100 mg dose of
eplerenone and having the 5% Ac-Di-Sol.TM. intragranular
composition or the 5% Ac-Di-Sol.TM. intragranular/7.5%
intragranular Avicel.RTM./10% extragranular Avicel composition were
prepared by wet granulation (total batch sizes of 2 kg). The
experimental results for these 100 mg dose tablets are reported in
Table 10E below. Removing 10% intragranular microcrystalline
cellulose and replacing it with 10% extragranular microcrystalline
cellulose resulted in (i) decreased density, (ii) increased tablet
hardness, (iii) decreased disintegration time, and (iv) decreased
water requirements for the wet granulation step.
13TABLE 10E 2 kg BATCH 2 kg BATCH (5% Ac-Di-Sol .TM. PARAMETER (5%
Ac-Di-Sol .TM. intra/10% Avicel .RTM. MEASURED intra*) extra*) %
Water Added 40.82 36.59 Granulation 5 4.5 Time (minutes) Bulk
Density 0.62 0.535 (g/cc) Tablet 11 (low compression 14.5 (low
compression Hardness (kp) force), 11 (high force), 18 (high
compression force) compression force) Disintegration 9.15 6.31 Time
(minutes) *See Table 10C.
[0436] The 5% Ac-Di-Sol.TM. intragranular/7.5% intragranular
Avicel.RTM./10% extragranular Avicel.RTM. composition was prepared
as set forth in Table 10F. Tablets containing a 100 mg dose of
eplerenone and having this composition were prepared by wet
granulation (total batch sizes of 2 kg and 10 kg).
14 TABLE 10F WEIGHT INGREDIENT FRACTION (%) Eplerenone 30 Lactose,
Hydrous 42 Avicel .RTM., PH 101 7.5 intra/10 extra Ac-Di-Sol .TM. 5
Pharmacoat .TM. 603 3 Sodium Lauryl 1 Sulfate, NF Talc 1 Magnesium
0.5 Stearate Total 100 *See Table 10C.
[0437] The experimental results for these 100 mg dose tablets are
reported in Table 10G below. Scale-up of this formulation was
achieved without a drop in tablet hardness, while maintaining
disintegration time at about seven minutes.
15 TABLE 10G PARAMETER MEASURED 2 kg BATCH 10 kg BATCH % Water
Added 36.59 30.52 Granulation 4.5 5.25 Time (minutes) Drying Time
27 11 (minutes) Granule Density 0.535 0.549 (g/cc) Tablet Hardness
11.71 12.84 (kp) Tablet Thickness 4.47 4.37 (mm) % Friability 0.223
0.38 Disintegration 6.31 7.00 Time (minutes)
Example 11
Two Hour Controlled Release Tablet
[0438] A controlled release tablet (tablet weight 333.3 mg; round,
standard, concave, {fraction (12/32)}") containing a 100 mg dose of
eplerenone was prepared. The tablet had the following
composition:
16 TABLE 11 WEIGHT % OF INGREDIENT TABLET Eplerenone 30.0 Lactose
40.0 Monohydrate Microcrystalline 19.5 Cellulose (Avicel .RTM. PH
101) Hydroxypropyl 6.0 methylcellulose (Methocel .RTM. K4M Premium)
Hydroxypropyl 3.0 methylcellulose (Pharmacoat .TM. 603) Talc 1.0
Magnesium 0.5 Stearate Total 100
Example 12
Four Hour Controlled Release Tablet
[0439] Controlled release tablets (round standard concave)
containing 50 mg ({fraction (9/32)}"), 100 mg ({fraction (12/32)}")
and 150 mg ({fraction (14/32)}") doses of eplerenone were prepared.
The tablets had the following compositions:
17 TABLE 12 WEIGHT % OF TABLET INGREDIENT 50 mg 100 mg 150 mg
Eplerenone 30.0 30.0 30.0 Lactose 27.0 35.7 37.0 Monohydrate
Microcrystalline 13.5 17.8 18.5 Cellulose (Avicel .RTM. PH 101)
Hydroxypropyl 25.0 12.0 10.0 methylcellulose (Methocel .RTM. K4M
Premium) Hydroxypropyl 3.0 3.0 3.0 methylcellulose (Pharmacoat .TM.
603) Talc 1.0 1.0 1.0 Magnesium 0.5 0.5 0.5 Stearate Total 100 100
100
Example 13
Six Hour Controlled Release Tablet
[0440] A controlled release tablet (tablet weight 333.3 mg; round,
standard, concave, {fraction (12/32)}") containing a 100 mg dose of
eplerenone was prepared. The tablet had the following
composition:
18 TABLE 13 INGREDIENT WEIGHT % OF TABLET Eplerenone 30.0 Lactose
Monohydrate 30.5 Microcrystalline 15.0 Cellulose (Avicel .RTM. PH
101) Hydroxypropyl 20.0 methylcellulose (Methocel .RTM. K4M
Premium) Hydroxypropyl 3.0 methylcellulose (Pharmacoat .TM. 603)
Talc 1.0 Magnesium 0.5 Stearate Total 100
Example 14
Tablets
[0441] Tablets containing a 100 mg dose or a 200 mg dose of
eplerenone and having one of the compositions set forth in Table
14A below were prepared by wet granulation (total batch size of 1
kg). In addition, tablets containing a 100 mg dose or a 200 mg dose
of eplerenone and having formulation C set forth in Table 14A were
prepared by wet granulation (total batch size of 2 kg).
19 TABLE 14A WEIGHT FRACTION OF TABLET (%) INGREDIENT A B C D E F
Eplerenone 30 30 30 30 30 30 Lactose 10 40 10 40 25 25 Monohydrate
Microcrystal- 50.5 20.5 35.5 5.5 28 28 line Cellulose (Avicel .RTM.
PH 101) Hydroxypropyl 5 5 20 20 12.5 12.5 methylcellulose (Methocel
.RTM. K4M Premium) Hydroxypropyl 3 3 3 3 3 3 methylcellulose
(Pharmacoat .TM. 603) Talc 1 1 1 1 1 1 Magnesium 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5
0.5 0.5 Stearate Total 100 100 100 100 100 100
[0442] Tablets prepared from the 2 kg batch (Formulation C)
exhibited a loss of tablet hardness and compressibility relative to
tablets prepared from the 1 kg batch (Formulation C). Average
tablet hardness for the 100 mg dose tablets prepared from the 2 kg
batch was about 7 kP. Average tablet hardness for the 200 mg dose
tablets prepared from the 1 kg batch was about 9 kP. In comparative
tests, it was noted that placebo granulations with a high
microcrystalline cellulose weight fraction (for example, about
65.5%) did not compress into tablets. With respect to the 2 kg
batch, it also was observed that the granulation time of about 10
to 12 minutes resulted in an increased loss of water due to
evaporation during granulation relative to the 1 kg batch.
[0443] Tablets were then prepared containing a 100 mg dose of
eplerenone and having the composition of Formulation C above or the
composition of Formulation C above wherein the lactose and
Avicel.RTM. weight fractions were reversed. The tablets were
prepared by wet granulation (total batch size of 70 g) using
different granulation times. Tablet compression was carried out on
an F3 single punch press. As shown in Table 14B below, the
combination of longer granulation times and higher microcrystalline
cellulose content resulted in a loss of hardness. Sensitivity to
granulation conditions decreased when the lactose/microcrystalline
cellulose ratio was adjusted from 10/35.5 to 30.5/15.
20TABLE 14B LACTOSE/ MOISTURE GRANULATION AVICEL .RTM. CONTENT
HARDNESS FRIABILITY TIME* RATIO (%) (kP) (%) (minutes) 10/35.5 1.37
17.84 0.1783 5 (single-step water addition) 10/35.5 2.65 10.65
0.846 6.5 (multi-step water addition) 10/35.5 3.2 18.75 0.230 4.6
(single-step water addition) 30.5/15 1 16.18 0.1047 4.1
(single-step water addition) 30.5/15 2.01 15.90 0.0824 3.85
(single- step water addition) 30.5/15 3.95 15.77 0.2947 4.46
(single- step water addition) 30.5/15 1.12 14.86 0.365 4.13
(single- step water addition) 30.5/15 2.57 14.41 0.263 6.91
(single- step water addition) 30.5/15 1.99 14.28 0.243 6.91
(multi-step water addition) *Granulation Time = water addition +
post-mixing times.
[0444] Controlled release ("CR") tablets containing a 100 mg dose
of eplerenone and having one of the compositions set forth in Table
14C below were prepared by wet granulation (total batch size of 70
g). The average in vitro dissolution times in 1% SDS in water for
each composition were then measured. The 2 hour 100 mg dose CR
tablet was 37% dissolved at two hours. The 4 hour 100 mg dose CR
tablet was 42% dissolved at four hours. The 6 hour 100 mg dose CR
tablet was 54% dissolved at six hours.
21 TABLE 14C WEIGHT % OF TABLET INGREDIENT 2 Hour CR 4 Hour CR 6
Hour CR Eplerenone 30 30 30 Lactose 40 36 30.5 Monohydrate
Microcrystalline 17.5 15.5 15 Cellulose (Avicel .RTM. PH 101)
Hydroxypropyl 8 14 20 methylcellulose (Methocel .RTM. K4M Premium)
Hydroxypropyl 3 3 3 methylcellulose (Pharmacoat .TM. 603) Talc 1 1
1 Magnesium 0.5 0.5 0.5 Stearate Total 100 100 100
[0445] Two hour CR, 4 hour CR, and 6 hour CR tablets containing a
100 mg dose of eplerenone were prepared by wet granulation in a
scaled-up process (total batch sizes of 2 kg and 10 kg). The
tablets had the same compositions as set forth in Table 14C above
except that the 2 hour CR and 4 hour CR tablet compositions had
high molecular weight hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (Methocel.RTM.
K4M Premium) weight fractions of 6% and 12%, respectively, and
microcrystalline cellulose weight fractions of 19.5% and 17.5%,
respectively. Tables 14D, 14E and 14F report the experimental
results. Dissolution profiles can be further adjusted by
appropriate selection of high molecular weight hydroxypropyl
methylcellulose concentrations. In addition, dissolution time
decreases as hydroxypropyl methylcellulose particle size increases.
This is likely due to poor hydration of the hydroxypropyl
methylcellulose matrix as particle size increases. Smaller particle
size, on the other hand, appears to cause rapid hydration of the
matrix and therefore slower drug release rate.
22TABLE 14D PARAMETER 2 Hour CR Tablet (100 mg Dose) MEASURED 70 g
BATCH.sup.1 2 kg BATCH 10 kg BATCH % Water 38.57 30.71 29.71 Added
Granulation 4.00 4.07 4.00 Time (minutes) Drying Time 60 30 11
(minutes) Moisture 2.0 1.28 1.62 Content (%) Granule 0.55 0.58 0.63
Density (g/cc) Tablet 14.05 13.79 11.37 Hardness (kp) Tablet 4.58
4.40 4.4 Thickness (mm) % Friability 0.351 0.263 0.39 .sup.1Tablets
prepared from the 70 g batch had the composition set forth in Table
14C.
[0446]
23TABLE 14E PARAMETER 4 Hour CR Tablet (100 mg Dose) MEASURED 70 g
BATCH.sup.1 2 kg BATCH 10 kg BATCH % Water Added 41.42 29.67 31.26
Granulation 4.00 4.25 6.25 time (minutes) Drying Time 45 27 11
(minutes) Moisture 1.2 2.21 1.18 Content (%) Granule 0.536 0.513
0.60 Density (g/cc) Tablet 14.8 11.5 12.4 Hardness (kp) Tablet 4.59
4.43 4.58 Thickness (mm) % Friability 0.219 0.323 0.213
.sup.1Tablets prepared from the 70 g batch had the composition set
forth in Table 14C.
[0447]
24TABLE 14F PARAMETER 6 Hour CR Tablet (100 mg Dose) MEASURED 70 g
BATCH 2 kg BATCH 10 kg BATCH % Water Added 45.71 37.73 35.35
Granulation Time 4.13 4.00 5.5 (minutes) Drying Time 45 35 12
(minutes) Moisture 1.12 1.4 0.68 Content (%) Granule 0.523 0.536
0.561 Density (g/cc) Tablet 14.9 13.7 12.4 Hardness (kp) Tablet
4.64 4.56 4.58 Thickness (mm) % Friability 0.365 0.141 0.12
[0448] Compositions containing varying amounts of hydroxypropyl
methylcellulose (HPMC) were prepared, compressed into different
tablet sizes, and evaluated for dissolution time. The hydroxypropyl
methylcellulose weight fraction of each composition is set forth in
Tables 14G and 14H below. The eplerenone, Pharmacoat.TM. 603, talc
and magnesium stearate weight fractions were fixed at 30%, 3%, 1%
and 0.5%, respectively. The ratio of lactose/microcrystalline
cellulose was fixed at 2:1 and the amount of lactose and
microcrystalline cellulose adjusted accordingly to accommodate the
change in hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) concentration.
Tables 14G and 14H below report mean dissolution results in 1% SDS
for the compositions. Table 14G reports the approximate times at
which the tablets had achieved an in vitro dissolution of 50%,
whereas Table 14H reports the in vitro dissolution in 1% SDS
achieved at 24 hours. In general, dissolution rate increased as
tablet size decreased and/or when tablet shape was changed from
standard round shape to a caplet shape.
25TABLE 14G APPROXIMATE TIME OF 50% IN VITRO DOSE DISSOLUTION
(HOURS) (PUNCH 6% 15% 25% 35% 45% SIZE) HPMC HPMC HPMC HPMC HPMC 25
mg -- -- 3.12 4.35 5.78 (7/32") 62 mg -- 4.00 -- 7.54 (10/32") 100
mg 2.41 -- 5.88 -- 4.24 (12/32") 125 mg -- 5.5 -- 21.33 -- (13/32")
150 mg 4.11 3.00 16.62 -- -- (14/32")
[0449]
26TABLE 14H DOSE DISSOLUTION AT 24 HOURS (%) (PUNCH 6% 15% 25% 35%
45% SIZE) HPMC HPMC HPMC HPMC HPMC 25 mg -- -- 107 102 83 (7/32")
62 mg -- 98 -- 86 69 (10/32") 100 mg 104 -- 68 -- 80 (12/32") 125
mg -- 83 -- 52 -- (13/32") 150 mg 101 131 56 -- -- (14/32")
[0450] Table 14I further summarizes the results of Table 14G above
with respect to 4 hour CR compositions. Based on the experimental
data, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) concentrations of 35%,
25%, 12%, and 10% can be used with eplerenone dosages of 25 mg, 50
mg, 100 mg and 150 mg to achieve 50% vitro dissolution in 1% SDS
times (DT.sub.50) of about 4 hours.
27TABLE 14I HPMC PUNCH RELEASE EPLERENONE WEIGHT SIZE TABLET
MATCHED DOSE FRACTION (ROUND, WEIGHT TO DT.sub.50 = 4 (mg) (%) SC)
(mg) HOURS 25 30 7/32" 83.3 no 25 35 7/32" 83.3 yes 50 20 9/32"
166.6 no 50 25 9/32" 166.6 yes 100 12 12/32" 333.3 yes 150 6 14/32"
500 no 150 10 14/32" 500 yes
Example 15
Disintegration Tests
[0451] Six identical tablets were separately placed into one of six
tubes having a wire mesh screen bottom in a disintegration basket.
A water bath was preheated to 37.degree. C. .+-.2.degree. C. and
maintained at that temperature for the duration of the
disintegration test. A 1000 mL beaker was placed in the water bath.
The beaker was filled with a sufficient amount of water to ensure
that the wire mesh screen of the tubes remained at least 2.5 cm
below the water surface during the test. The disintegration basket
was inserted in the water at time=0 minutes and repeatedly raised
and lowered until the test was complete, while maintaining the wire
mesh screen of the tubes at least 2.5 cm below the water surface.
Disintegration time for each tablet was the time at which the very
last portion of the tablet passed through the screen at the bottom
of the tube. The mean results for each type of tablet tested are
reported in Table 15.
28 TABLE 15 TABLET DISINTEGRATION TIME Example 1: 25 mg Dose 8
minutes, Tablet (Coated) 6 seconds Example 1: 25 mg Dose 6 minutes,
Tablet (Uncoated) 16 seconds Example 2: 50 mg Dose 9 minutes,
Tablet (Coated) 17 seconds Example 2: 50 mg Dose 7 minutes, Tablet
(Uncoated) 39 seconds Example 3: 100 mg Dose 10 minutes, Tablet
(Coated) 30 seconds Example 3: 100 mg Dose 8 minutes, Tablet
(Uncoated) 24 seconds
Example 16
Immediate Release Dissolution Tests
[0452] The apparatus of U.S.P. II (with paddles) was used to
determine the dissolution rate in 1% SDS of the tablets of Examples
1, 2 and 3 for both coated and uncoated immediate release tablets.
A 1000 mL 1% sodium lauryl sulfate (SDS)/99% water solution was
used as the dissolution fluid. The solution was maintained at a
temperature of 37.degree. C..+-.0.5.degree. C. and stirred at 50
rpm during the test. Twelve identical tablets were tested. The 12
tablets were each separately placed in one of 12 standard
dissolution vessels at time=0 minutes. At time=15, 30, 45 and 60
minutes, a 5 mL aliquot of solution was removed from each vessel.
The sample from each vessel was filtered and the absorbance of the
sample measured (UV spectrophotometer; 2 mm path length quartz
cell; 243 nm or wavelength of UV maxima; blank: dissolution
medium). Percent dissolution was calculated based on the measured
absorbances. The results of the dissolution tests are reported in
Table 16A.
29 TABLE 16A DISSOLUTION (%) AT VARIOUS TIMES (MINUTES) TABLET 15
30 45 60 Example 1: 25 mg Dose 92 99 100 101 Tablet (Coated)
Example 1: 25 mg Dose 92 98 99 99 Tablet (Uncoated) Example 2: 50
mg Dose 90 100 102 103 Tablet (Coated) Example 2: 50 mg Dose 89 97
98 98 Tablet (Uncoated) Example 3: 100 mg 82 95 97 98 Dose Tablet
(Coated) Example 3: 100 mg 84 94 96 96 Dose Tablet (Uncoated)
[0453] A similar study was carried out using 100 mg coated tablets
prepared as discussed in Example 3 in which the eplerenone had a
D.sub.90 particle size of 45 microns, as in Example 3, 165 microns
and 227 microns. Six tablets were used for each study rather than
twelve as above. The results of that study are shown in Table 16B,
below. The particle size distribution of those three samples is
shown in Table 5 16C, hereinafter.
30 TABLE 16B DISSOLUTION (%) AT VARIOUS TIMES (MINUTES) TABLET 15
30 45 60 90 Example 3: 69 87 93 95 97 D.sub.90 = 45 microns Example
3: 57 80 90 95 102 D.sub.90 = 165 microns Example 3: 47 69 80 87
100 D.sub.90 = 227 microns
[0454]
31TABLE 16C Micronized Eplerenone Particle Size Distribution in
Microns D.sub.value D.sub.90 = 45 D.sub.90 = 165 D.sub.90 = 227
D.sub.5 1.7 4 6.5 D.sub.10 2.7 9 18 D.sub.50 13.3 75 102 D.sub.75
27 119 164 D.sub.90 44.7 165 227 D.sub.95 58.3 196 265
Example 17
Controlled Release Dissolution Tests
[0455] The procedure of Example 16 using 1% SDS was followed to
test the 100 mg dose controlled release tablets of Examples 11 and
13 and the 50 mg, 100 and 150 mg dose controlled release tablets of
Example 12. The mean results of the dissolution tests are reported
in Table 17.
32TABLE 17 Dissolution (%) 2 Hour 6 Hour CR CR Tablet 4 Hour CR
Tablet Tablet (Example (Example 12) (Example Time 11: 100 50 mg 100
mg 150 mg 13: 100 (Hours) mg Dose) Dose Dose Dose mg Dose) 0.5 5 6
7 7 4 1 8 12 13 13 7 2 18 25 27 26 15 3 29 38 40 39 24 4 48 51 53
51 33 6 86 74 74 71 49 8 100 87 91 87 64 9 -- 97 101 100 -- 24 104
-- -- -- 105
Example 18
Particle Size Analysis
[0456] Table 18 shows the results of a particle size sieve analysis
of small scale wet granulated batches of the pharmaceutical
compositions of Examples 1, 11, 12 and 13 prior to compression into
the tablets. "Cumulative Percent of Batch" reports the percent of
the total batch having a particle size larger than the indicated
sieve size.
33 TABLE 18 CUMULATIVE PERCENT OF BATCH 4 Hour CR IR* 2 Hour CR
(Ex. 12 6 Hour CR SIEVE SIZE (Ex. 1 (Ex. 11 Comp. - (Ex. 13
(MICRONS) Comp.) Comp.) 100 mg Dose) Comp.) Fines 100.00 100.00
100.00 100.0 63 91.13 88.68 88.37 84.11 (230 mesh screen) 106 79.97
76.53 70.92 68.26 (140 mesh screen) 180 57.10 65.71 52.88 51.12 (80
mesh screen) 250 35.19 57.81 42.62 41.58 (60 mesh screen) 300 22.54
51.64 36.34 35.07 (50 mesh screen) 425 8.85 40.60 27.31 26.21 (40
mesh screen) *IR = immediate release; CR = controlled release; Ex.
= example; Comp. = composition.
Example 19
Bulk Density Analysis
[0457] Table 19 shows the mean results of a bulk density analysis
of several small scale wet granulated batches of the pharmaceutical
compositions of Examples 1, 11, 12 and 13 prior to compression into
the tablets:
34 TABLE 19 COMPOSITION BULK DENSITY (g/mL.sup.3) Example 1:
Immediate Release 0.568 Example 11: 2 Hour Controlled 0.622 Release
Example 11: 4 Hour Controlled 0.565 Release Example 1: 4 Hour
Controlled 0.473 Release Example 1: 4 Hour Controlled 0.487 Release
Example 1: 4 Hour Controlled 0.468 Release Example 1: 6 Hour
Controlled 0.528 Release
Example 20
Tablet Analysis Program
[0458] Table 20 shows the results of the tablet analysis program
("TAP analysis") for a sampling of tablets of having the
composition of the tablets of 5 Examples 1, 2, 3, 11, 12 and
13.
35TABLE 20 AVERAGE AVERAGE TABLETS TESTED WEIGHT THICKNESS HARDNESS
(N = 10) (mg) (mm) (kP) Example 1: 25 mg Dose 88.5 3.3157 7.64
(IR*, Film Coated) Example 1: 25 mg Dose 85.5 3.2845 4.55 (IR,
Uncoated) Example 2: 50 mg Dose 170.5 4.0297 7.31 (IR, Uncoated)
Example 2: 50 mg Dose 176.0 4.093 10.95 (IR, Film Coated) Example
3: 100 mg Dose 340.7 4.4902 9.92 (IR, Uncoated) Example 3: 100 mg
Dose 349.6 4.546 13.91 (IR, Film Coated) Example 11: 100 mg Dose
329.7 4.412 11.53 (2 Hour CR*) Example 12: 50 mg Dose 160.0 4.1723
10.55 (4 Hour CR) Example 12: 100 mg Dose 331.4 4.6672 14.62 (4
Hour CR) Example 12: 150 mg Dose 498.7 5.4440 11.63 (4 Hour CR)
Example 13: 100 mg Dose 335.1 4.8242 11.05 (6 Hour CR) See Table 19
notes.
Example 21
Friability Test
[0459] Twenty tablets were weighed and placed in a rotating drum.
Extraneous dust was first removed from the drum and the tablets.
The drum was started and rotation continued for ten minutes at a
minimum of 25 rotations per minute. The rotation of the drum was
stopped and the tablets removed. Loose dust on the tablets as well
as any broken tablets were removed and the intact tablets were
weighed. The percent loss of the test samples from Examples 1, 2,
3, 11, 12 and 13 was calculated and is reported below in Table
21.
36 TABLE 21 TABLETS PERCENT LOSS Example 1: 100 mg 0.177 Dose (IR*)
Example 2: 50 mg 0.236 Dose (IR) Example 3: 25 mg 0.000 Dose (IR)
Example 11: 100 mg 0.42 Dose (2 Hour CR*) Example 12: 100 mg 0.33
Dose (4 Hour CR) Example 13: 100 mg 0.12 Dose (6 Hour CR) See Table
19 notes.
Example 22
Preparation of Immediate Release Tablet
[0460] The ingredients of the pharmaceutical compositions of the
present invention can be prepared in accordance with acceptable
pharmaceutical manufacturing practices in the manner illustrated by
the flow of FIGS. 1A and 1B for small scale preparations.
[0461] An illustrative formulation process using the starting
materials of Table 22 is set forth below. The process can be
operated as a single batch reaction or as two or more parallel
batch reactions.
37TABLE 22 AMOUNT OF WEIGHT % STARTING MATERIAL INGREDIENT OF
TABLET (KG/BATCH) Eplerenone 29.41 4.412 Lactose Monohydrate 42.00
6.3 (#310, NF) Microcrystalline Cellulose 7.50 1.125
(intragranular) (NF, Avicel .RTM. PH101) Croscarmellose Sodium 5.00
0.75 (NF, Ac-Di-Sol .TM.) Hydroxypropyl 3.00 0.45 Methylcellulose
(#2910, USP, Pharmacoat .TM. 603) Sodium Lauryl 1.00 0.15 Sulfate
(NF) Sterile water for irrigation Talc (USP) 1.00 0.15
Microcrystalline Cellulose 10.59 1.588 (extragranular) (NF, Avicel
.RTM. PH101) Magnesium 0.50 0.075 Stearate (NF) Total 100.00
15.00
[0462] Milling: The eplerenone was milled in a jet mill. The
resulting milled eplerenone had D.sub.10, D.sub.50 and D.sub.90
values of 2.65 microns, 23.3 microns and 99.93 microns,
respectively. In other words, 10%, 50% and 90% of the eplerenone
particles were less than 2.65 microns, 23.3 microns and 99.93
microns, respectively, in size. A pin mill is preferred for
preparation on a manufacturing scale.
[0463] Dry Mixing: A 65 L Niro.TM. Fielder granulator was loaded
with the lactose, eplerenone, Avicel.RTM., Ac-Di-Sol.TM.,
Pharmacoat.TM. 603 and sodium lauryl sulfate in this order. These
materials were mixed to homogeneity (about three minutes) with the
main blade on the slow main blade setting and the chopper blade on
the slow chopper blade setting. For manufacturing scale, a machine
such as a Bukler Perkins.TM. 1000L granulator can be used.
[0464] Wet Granulation: The dry powder mixture was wet granulated
using USP water. The main blade and chopper blade of the granulator
were placed on the fast speed setting. Five kilograms of water were
added to the mixture over a period of about three minutes using a
Masterflex.TM. water pump, model 7524-00 (24" tubing). The rate of
water addition was about 1.66 kg/minute. The wet mixture was
blended for an additional minute to ensure the uniform distribution
of the water in the granulation. The wet granulated mixture was
about 38% water by weight.
[0465] Drying: The wet granulation was placed in a Freund.TM.
Flo-coater (FLF-15) fluid bed dryer. The inlet air temperature was
adjusted to about 68.degree. C. and the granulation was dried in
the fluid bed dryer to reduce the moisture content to between 0.5%
to 2.5%. Moisture content was monitored using a Computrac.TM.
Moisture Analyzer.
[0466] Dry Screening: The dry granules were passed through a fitz
mill with a 20# screen, knives forward, and 2400 rpm speed.
[0467] Blending and Lubrication: The dry granules were then placed
in a PK 2 cubic foot V-blender. The talc and extragranular
Avicel.RTM. 101 were placed on top of the granules and the mixture
blended to homogeneity (about 10 minutes). The magnesium stearate
was placed on top of the mixture and the mixture blended for an
additional three minutes. A Croff.TM. Flow blender can be used for
large scale preparations.
[0468] Compression: The granules were then compressed on a
Killian.TM. table press to the desired weight and hardness using
appropriate size tooling. The target weight, size and hardness for
25, 50 and 100 mg tablets was as set forth in Table 22A below:
38 TABLE 22A Tooling size Dosage of (inch) (round, Target
eplerenone Tablet standard hardness range (mg) weight (mg) concave)
(kP) 25 85 {fraction ( 7/32)} 3-9 50 170 {fraction ( 9/32)} 5-14
100 340 {fraction ( 12/32)} 8-16
[0469] Film Coating: Sterile water for irrigation was placed in a
stainless steel container equipped with an electric mixer with a
stainless steel impeller (Lightnin.TM. TSM 2500). The mixer was
turned on at an appropriate speed. Opadry.RTM., white
(YS-1-18027-A) was slowly added to the vortex while avoiding the
formation of foam to provide a solution having an Opadry.RTM. to
water weight ratio of 15:85. Mixing continued for an additional 30
minutes or until all the material was dispersed and a homogeneous
suspension observed. Constant slow stirring was maintained during
the coating process. Coating of the tablets was carried out in the
conventional manner using a Vector.TM. Hi Coater VHC-1355 with 35 L
coating pan with two spray guns.
Example 23
Preparation of Controlled Release Tablet
[0470] An illustrative formulation process using the starting
materials of Table 23 is set forth below. The process can be
operated as a single batch reaction or as two or more parallel
batch reactions.
39TABLE 23 WEIGHT % OF TABLET AMOUNT/BATCH INGREDIENT (100 mg
Tablet) (kg) Eplerenone 30.0 3.0 Lactose 34.0 3.4 Monohydrate
Microcrystalline 19.5 1.95 Cellulose (Avicel .RTM. PH 101)
Hydroxypropyl 12.0 1.2 methylcellulose (Methocel .RTM. K4M Premium)
Hydroxypropyl 3.0 0.3 methylcellulose (Pharmacoat .TM. 603) Talc
1.0 0.1 Magnesium Stearate 0.5 0.05 Total 100 10
[0471] Dry Mixing: A 60 L Baker Perkins.TM. blender was loaded with
the lactose, micronized eplerenone, Avicel.RTM., Methocel.RTM. K4M,
and Pharmacoat.TM. 603 in this order. These materials were mixed
for three minutes with the main blade on the slow main blade
setting and the chopper blade on the slow chopper blade
setting.
[0472] Wet granulation: The dry powder mixture was wet granulated
using USP water. The main blade and chopper blade of the blender
were placed on the fast speed setting. About 3.1 kg of water was
added to the mixture over a period of about three minutes using an
Aeromatic.TM. water pump. The rate of water addition was about 995
g/minute. The wet mixture was blended for an additional minute to
ensure the uniform distribution of the water in the granulation.
The wet granulated mixture was about 31% water by weight.
[0473] Drying: The wet granulation was placed in an Aeromatic.TM.
fluid bed dryer. The inlet air temperature was set at about
60.degree. C. and the granulation was dried in the fluid bed dryer
to reduce the moisture content to between 1% to 3%. Moisture
content of the granules was monitored using a Computrac.TM.
Moisture Analyzer.
[0474] Dry Screening: The dry granules were passed through a fitz
mill (D6A) with 20# screen, knives forward and medium speed
(1500-2500 rpm). The milled granules were collected in a
polyethylene bag.
[0475] Lubrication: The dry granules were placed in a PK 2 cubic
foot V-blender. The talc was placed on top of the granulation and
blended for 5 minutes. The magnesium stearate was then placed on
top of the granulation and blended for 3 minutes. The granulation
was discharged from the blender into a fiber drum lined with double
polyethylene bags.
[0476] Compression: The granulation was compressed on a Korsch.TM.
tablet press to the desired weight and hardness using {fraction
(12/32)}" round standard concave tooling. Target weight was 333.3
mg and target hardness was 11-13 kP for 100 mg tablets.
[0477] Film Coating: USP water was added to a stainless steel
container and stirred by an electric mixer with a stainless steel
impeller at slow speed. Opadry.RTM. (white: YS-1-18027-A) was
slowly added to the vortex. The stirring speed was increased as
necessary to disperse the Opadry.RTM. in the water (10% opadry/90%
water w/w) while avoiding the formation of foam. Mixing continued
for 30 minutes or until all the material was dispersed and a
homogeneous suspension was observed. The suspension was kept under
constant slow stirring during coating.
[0478] Coating: A Compulab.TM. Coater with 36" coating pan and one
spray gun was used. The atomization air was set at 45 psi. The
tablets were weighed and the amount of the coating suspension
required to be sprayed in order to give 3% weight gain for tablets
was determined. The tablets were loaded in the pan and the air flow
set to 700 cubic feet per minute. The tablets were allowed to warm
up for approximately 10 minutes by jogging the pan every two
minutes. The inlet air temperature was set at 65.degree. C. The
exhaust temperature obtained was about 45.degree. C. Rotation of
the pan at 10 rpm was initiated and spraying starting. The spray
rate was set at 50 g/min. The process was monitoring by checking
and recording the coating parameters at each time interval. The
coating process continued until the required quantity of coating
suspension was sprayed, at which time spraying was discontinued.
Pan rotation continued for an additional two to five minutes. The
air heater was turned off and the pan rotation stopped. The tablets
were allowed to cool for 10 minutes and the pan was jogged every
two minutes during cooling. The coated tablets were discharged from
the coating pan into fiber drums lined with double polyethylene
bags.
Example 24
Single Dose Safety and Pharmacokinetic Study
[0479] The pharmacokinetics, safety and antialdosterone activity of
single 10, 50, 100, 300 and 1000 mg oral doses of eplerenone were
evaluated in a single-center, randomized, double-blind,
placebo-controlled study.
[0480] It was determined that in plasma eplerenone exists in
equilibrium with the inactive open lactone ring form of eplerenone.
The pharmacokinetics of this inactive open lactone ring form of
eplerenone was also evaluated. The study employed seven parallel
dose groups of eight healthy male humans. Each subject received a
single dose of one of the following: (i) a 10 mg dose of eplerenone
(one 10 mg dose capsule), (ii) a 50 mg dose of eplerenone (two 25
mg dose capsules), (iii) a 100 mg dose of eplerenone (one 100 mg
dose capsule), (iv) a 300 mg dose of eplerenone (three 100 mg dose
capsules), (v) a 1000 mg dose of eplerenone (five 200 mg dose
capsules), (vi) a 50 mg dose of spironolactone, or (vii) a placebo.
The pharmacokinetic profiles were evaluated using the measured
blood and urine levels of eplerenone, the open lactone ring form of
eplerenone and spironolactone.
[0481] Antialdosterone activity was determined based on urine
levels of sodium and potassium following repeated administration of
fludrocortisone. Safety was determined on the basis of laboratory
tests, vital signs, and the occurrence and types of adverse
events.
[0482] The eplerenone capsules administered corresponded to the
capsules (or combinations of the capsules) disclosed in Examples 4,
5, 7 and 8 above. The placebo was a conventional capsule containing
lactose. The spironolactone used in the study was obtained from
Searle Canada (Oakville, Ontario). The fludrocortisone used in the
study consisted of commercially available fludrocortisone tablets
(Florinef.RTM. , Squibb BV).
[0483] The subjects, who underwent a ten hour food fast prior to
administration of the dose, received a single oral dose of one of
the study medications together with about 180 mL of water at 0800
hours. All subjects received a 1.0 mg dose of fludrocortisone nine
hours before administration of the study medication; a 0.5 mg dose
of fludrocortisone at the time of administration of the study
medication; a 0.1 mg dose of fludrocortisone at 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12
and 14 hours after administration of the study medication; and a
0.5 mg dose of fludrocortisone 16 hours after administration of the
study medication. Each dose of fludrocortisone was administered
with 150 mL of water except for the 1.0 mg dose which was
administered with 200 mL of water.
[0484] A 12-lead ECG was obtained prior to dosing (within one hour)
and at 2, 3, 4 and 24 hours after administration of the study
medication. Body temperature (oral), respiratory rate, and pulse
rate and blood pressure (after sitting for three minutes) were
obtained prior to dosing (within one hour) and at 0.25, 0.5, 1, 2,
4, 8, 12, and 24 hours after administration of the study
medication. Blood samples were collected at -0.25 (predose), 0.5,
1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 12, 16, 24, 28, 32, 48, 72 and 96 hours post
dose. Urine samples were collected for the following periods: -9 to
0; 0 to 2; 2 to 4; 4 to 6; 6 to 8; 8 to 10; 10 to 12; 12 to 14; 14
to 16; and 16 to 24 hours.
[0485] The plasma samples collected from subjects dosed with
eplerenone were assayed for concentrations of eplerenone and the
open lactone ring form of eplerenone. The plasma samples of the
subjects dosed with spironolactone were assayed for concentration
of spironolactone and its active metabolites canrenone,
7.alpha.-thiomethylspirolactone, and
6.beta.-hydroxy-7.alpha.-thiomethylspirolactone. A subset of plasma
samples was also assayed for testosterone levels. The urine
collected was analyzed to determine concentrations and amounts of
eplerenone and the open lactone ring form of eplerenone, the amount
of sodium and potassium excreted, and the urinary log.sub.10
(sodium/potassium) ratio. The mean results obtained from the
subjects tested are reported in Tables 24A through 24J below. There
were no clinically significant changes in physical examinations,
vital signs or clinical laboratory results. All adverse events were
mild in severity.
40TABLE 24A Plasma Concentration Of Time Eplerenone or
Spironolactone After (ng/mL) Dosing 10 mg 50 mg 100 mg 300 mg 1000
mg 50 mg (hours) (Epl.*) (Epl.) (Epl.) (Epl.) (Epl.) (Spi.*) -0.25
0 0 0 0 0 0 0.5 130.4 552.5 758.0 1619.6 3176.3 10.5 1.0 177.0
720.6 1224.6 2676.3 5258.8 23.6 2.0 158.6 692.9 1363.8 2775.0
5940.0 14.4 3.0 125.4 591.5 1113.5 2225.0 6810.0 14.3 4.0 105.7
456.6 900.1 1951.3 6218.8 4.8 6.0 65.3 269.8 558.5 1266.6 4150.0 0
8.0 34.4 146.4 275.3 842.9 2827.5 0 12.0 6.0 49.4 124.0 333.0
1335.1 0 16.0 6.0 18.3 41.9 141.9 646.8 0 24.0 1.7 3.0 13.1 38.3
208.0 0 28.0 0 1.8 6.1 21.1 107.1 0 32.0 0 0 3.0 11.3 61.7 0 48.0 0
0 0 1.7 22.3 0 72.0 0 0 0 0 1.4 0 96.0 0 0 0 0 0 0 *Epl. =
eplerenone; Spi. = spironolactone.
[0486] The data demonstrated a linear relationship between
eplerenone dose and plasma concentration for the eplerenone dosages
evaluated.
41TABLE 24B Pharmacokinetic Parameter Value Pharmaco- (Epl. =
Eplerenone ) kinetic 10 mg 50 mg 100 mg 300 mg 1000 mg Parameter
(Epl.) (Epl.) (Epl.) (Epl.) (Epl.) AUC.sub.(0-96) 941.5 4017.0
7943.4 18451.4 56435.3 [(ng/mL)hr] C.sub.max 191.3 797.0 1505.0
2967.5 7261.3 (.mu.g/mL) T.sub.max 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.5 2.5 (hours)
T.sub.1/2 2.1 2.9 4.9 3.7 15.1 (hours) Mean 3.9 4.2 4.9 5.5 7.0
Residence Time (hours) Oral 13.3 13.7 13.1 17.6 18.4 Clearance
(L/hr)
[0487]
42TABLE 24C Plasma Concentration Of Open Ring Lactone Time After
(ng/mL) Dosing 10 mg 50 mg 100 mg 300 mg 1000 mg (hours)
(Epl.).sup.1 (Epl.) (Epl.) (Epl.) (Epl.) -0.25 0 0 0 0 0 0.5 1.2
24.3 33.9 123.0 191.3 1.0 1.0 34.5 50.3 203.2 359.9 2.0 0 27.1 48.8
177.9 405.8 3.0 0 22.5 40.3 141.4 453.3 4.0 0 17.5 30.6 116.7 392.3
6.0 0 9.5 19.0 74.0 285.3 8.0 0 3.3 6.5 45.1 167.9 12.0 0 0 0 15.3
73.7 16.0 0 0 0 2.1 36.9 24.0 0 0 0 0 8.3 28.0 0 0 0 0 3.2 32.0 0 0
0 0 1.8 48.0 0 0 0 0 0 72.0 0 0 0 0 0 .sup.1Most concentrations
were below the assay detection limit; Epl. = eplerenone.
[0488] Plasma concentration of eplerenone was 5 about 15 to 20
times greater than plasma concentrations of the open ring lactone
form.
43TABLE 24D Pharmacokinetic Parameter Value Pharmaco- (Open Ring
Lactone) kinetic 10 mg 50 mg 100 mg 300 mg 1000 mg Parameter
(Epl.*) (Epl.) (Epl.) (Epl.) (Epl.) AUC.sub.(0-96) -- 142.8 246.8
1065.1 3483.5 [(ng/mL)hr] C.sub.max -- 36.4 60.4 211.8 521.5
(.mu.g/mL) T.sub.max -- 1.0 1.1 1.3 2.5 (hours) T.sub.1/2 -- 2.7
2.7 2.8 2.6 (hours) Mean -- 2.8 3.3 4.2 5.7 Residence Time (hours)
Oral -- 491.3 445.2 299.8 330.7 Clearance (L/hr) *Epl. =
eplerenone.
[0489]
44TABLE 24E Time Plasma Concentration Of Testosterone Post (ng/mL)
Dosing Pla- 10 mg 50 mg 100 mg 300 mg 1000 mg 50 mg (hours) cebo
(Epl.*) (Epl.) (Epl.) (Epl.) (Epl.) (Spi.*) -0.25 5.6 5.2 6.5 6.4
5.7 6.5 5.5 0.5 -- 5.5 -- -- -- -- -- 1.0 5.0 4.6 6.0 5.6 5.5 5.7
5.6 2.0 5.1 4.6 6.1 5.8 5.3 5.4 5.1 3.0 -- -- 7.1 -- -- 6.9 -- 4.0
4.4 4.3 5.1 4.8 5.2 5.1 4.3 6.0 3.5 3.6 4.4 3.8 4.1 4.5 3.3 8.0 3.4
3.8 4.3 3.8 4.5 4.7 3.5 12.0 3.4 3.2 4.5 4.0 4.3 4.0 3.6 24.0 6.1
5.3 7.4 6.0 6.3 7.2 6.0 48.0 5.1 4.7 6.1 6.0 5.7 6.5 5.2 *See notes
to Table 24B.
[0490]
45TABLE 24F Concentration (Amount) of Eplerenone Excreted in Urine
Collec- [ng/mL; (mcg)] tion 10 mg 50 mg 100 mg 300 mg 1000 mg
Period (Epl.*) (Epl.) (Epl.) (Epl.) (Epl.) -9 to 0 0 0 0 0 0 hours
(0) (0) (0) (0) (0) 0 to 2 278.0 1252.2 2623.3 9370.1 17858.6 hours
(21.6) (99.2) (360.2) (677.7) (1482.0) 2 to 4 191.1 1064.6 2305.6
6465.9 24460.3 hours (35.8) (175.3) (407.6) (873.7) (5983.3) 4 to 6
107.2 518.3 1157.3 3865.2 13899.7 hours (16.5) (60.6) (285.1)
(672.6) (4041.5) 6 to 8 63.8 307.3 627.6 2237.8 8782.1 hours (7.6)
(30.7) (158.8) (337.0) (2083.0) 8 to 10 0 172.4 362.9 1208.6 4491.0
hours (0) (27.6) (69.1) (307.9) (1853.9) 10 to 12 0 72.7 146.6
542.4 2361.1 hours (0) (16.5) (44.7) (162.4) (1177.2) 12 to 14 0
23.1 110.3 419.6 3183.7 hours (0) (11.3) (26.6) (97.4) (892.8) 14
to 16 0 21.6 36.5 292.6 1405.2 hours (0) (1.5) (6.6) (52.2) (340.5)
16 to 24 0 13.1 7.1 126.4 658.0 hours (0) (4.0) (2.7) (50.4)
(366.0) 0 to 24 (78.8) (410.6) (1271.4) (2872.3) (17246.6) hours
See notes to Table 24B.
[0491]
46TABLE 24G Concentration (Amount) of Open Ring Lactone Excreted in
Urine Collec- [ng/mL; (mcg)] tion 10 mg 50 mg 100 mg 300 mg 1000 mg
Period (Epl.*) (Epl.) (Epl.) (Epl.) (Epl.) -9 to 0 0 0 0 0 0 hours
(0) (0) (0) (0) (0) 0 to 2 1781.8 9833.2 12079.2 47865.1 60184.4
hours (130.9) (689.1) (1079.2) (3357.2) (4589.2) 2 to 4 854.1
6839.0 9309.8 27970.5 56341.5 hours (144.5) (801.3) (1355.4)
(3923.5) (12603.2) 4 to 6 532.7 3789.4 3712.5 16280.0 28771.3 hours
(77.3) (404.3) (796.7) (2679.3) (8481.4) 6 to 8 513.3 2776.2 2688.1
11626.0 27599.7 hours (50.3) (268.0) (507.1) (1718.3) (5904.1) 8 to
10 130.3 1091.0 1400.6 4425.1 9952.4 hours (25.1) (156.3) (246.7)
(1053.8) (3566.2) 10 to 12 44.8 461.6 536.5 1965.5 4822.7 hours
(11.0) (91.3) (154.5) (580.9) (2212.1) 12 to 14 38.8 264.9 431.6
1841.2 5549.0 hours (7.4) (64.0) (98.2) (426.7) (1932.3) 14 to 16
26.4 359.9 241.4 1448.3 3877.4 hours (3.2) (33.7) (51.1) (259.8)
(920.4) 16 to 24 0 131.0 133.1 721.8 2835.8 hours (0) (42.8) (58.8)
(287.8) (1381.6) 0 to 24 (433.3) (2431.2) (4077.9) (12699.9)
(39017.9) hours *See notes to Table 24B.
[0492] Excretion of total eplerenone (that is, eplerenone and its
open ring lactone form) in the urine represented approximately 5%
of the dose for all doses administered. Urinary excretion of total
eplerenone occurred almost entirely within the first 24 hours after
dosing.
47TABLE 24H Collec- Urinary Log.sub.10 (Sodium/Potassium) Ratio
tion Pla- 10 mg 50 mg 100 mg 300 mg 1000 mg 50 mg Period cebo
(Epl.*) (Epl.) (Epl.) (Epl.) (Epl.) (Spi.*) -9 to 0 0.920 0.918
0.960 0.874 1.026 0.985 1.006 hours 0 to 2 0.675 0.313 0.703 0.463
0.761 0.956 0.657 hours 2 to 4 0.643 0.435 0.901 0.795 1.140 1.313
0.860 hours 4 to 6 0.448 0.401 0.900 0.901 1.231 1.398 0.904 hours
6 to 8 0.590 0.618 0.906 0.970 1.451 1.594 1.023 hours 8 to 10
0.583 0.578 0.769 0.735 1.265 1.451 0.865 hours 10 to 12 0.625
0.614 0.797 0.564 1.123 1.389 0.821 hours *See notes to table
24B.
[0493] Administration of the aldosterone agonist fludrocortisone
resulted in a decreased urinary log.sub.10 (sodium/potassium)
ratio. Administration of a 50 mg or larger dose of eplerenone
reversed the effect of the fludrocortisone over a 12 hour period
with a corresponding increase in sodium excretion.
48TABLE 24I Urinary Sodium Excretion Collec- (mmol) tion Pla- 10 mg
50 mg 100 mg 300 mg 1000 mg 50 mg Period cebo (Epl.*) (Epl.) (Epl.)
(Epl.) (Epl.) (Spi.*) -9 to 0 28.8 33.4 29.2 25.7 32.8 32.8 29.1
hours 0 to 2 6.5 4.8 6.1 5.6 5.8 9.3 4.1 hours 2 to 4 7.2 7.3 10.3
11.7 15.7 28.1 8.5 hours 4 to 6 5.9 4.3 10.2 15.0 21.9 29.9 9.4
hours 6 to 8 6.0 6.2 9.0 17.9 23.3 36.1 14.8 hours 8 to 10 7.2 7.0
9.4 13.0 25.6 46.8 13.4 hours 10 to 12 8.1 7.1 10.8 7.3 16.1 29.3
8.4 hours 12 to 14 9.6 10.0 11.7 10.2 17.5 44.2 11.5 hours 14 to 16
6.7 4.2 4.0 4.2 8.6 17.0 5.9 hours 16 to 24 5.3 6.8 7.3 6.6 10.0
18.8 11.8 hours See notes to Table 24B.
[0494]
49TABLE 24J Urinary Potassium Excretion Collec- (mmol) tion Pla- 10
mg 50 mg 100 mg 300 mg 1000 mg 50 mg Period cebo (Epl.*) (Epl.)
(Epl.) (Epl.) (Epl.) (Spi.*) -9 to 0 34.2 36.8 29.9 33.8 29.9 34.1
26.9 hours 0 to 2 10.3 12.8 10.0 13.7 8.4 9.8 7.5 hours 2 to 4 14.9
17.4 13.8 15.1 10.9 13.9 11.8 hours 4 to 6 15.9 13.9 12.7 17.2 12.4
12.2 10.2 hours 6 to 8 12.0 12.9 11.3 15.2 7.9 9.9 13.3 hours 8 to
10 15.5 16.7 15.5 18.2 14.0 16.6 17.9 hours 10 to 12 16.2 15.8 16.3
15.0 12.2 12.1 12.5 hours 12 to 14 20.5 24.9 23.3 21.6 19.3 21.8
20.6 hours 14 to 16 13.1 13.3 9.8 11.4 10.5 9.3 11.4 hours 16 to 24
25.3 27.6 28.3 29.3 21.5 25.7 27.9 hours See notes to Table
24B.
[0495] The data demonstrate a linear relationship between
eplerenone dose and antialdosterone activity. Urinary sodium
excretion and urinary log.sub.10 (sodium/potassium) ratio increased
with increasing eplerenone doses. Example 25
Absorption, Distribution, Metabolism and Elimination Study
[0496] An open-label, single dose study was employed to evaluate
the absorption, distribution, metabolism and elimination profile of
a single 100 mg dose of an oral solution of eplerenone. The
pharmacokinetics of the inactive open lactone ring form of
eplerenone was also evaluated.
[0497] The study employed eight healthy male humans. Each subject
received a single 100 mg oral dose of a solution of [.sup.14C]
eplerenone (specific activity 0.75 .mu.Ci/mg). Plasma, saliva,
breath, urine and fecal samples were collected at predetermined
intervals and analyzed for sample radioactivity and the
concentration of eplerenone and its open lactone ring form. Safety
was determined on the basis of laboratory tests, vital signs, and
the occurrence and types of adverse events.
[0498] The subjects, who underwent an overnight food fast prior to
administration of the dose, received at 0800 hours a single 100 mg
oral dose of an aqueous oral solution of radiolabeled eplerenone
reconstituted in 80 mL of an apple juice/
hydroxypropyl-.beta.-cyclodextrin mixture. The subjects swallowed
about 200 mL of water one, two and three hours post dosing.
[0499] A 12-lead ECG was obtained prior to dosing (within one hour)
and at 2, 3, 4 and 24 hours after administration of the study
medication. Body temperature (oral), respiratory rate, and pulse
rate and blood pressure (after sitting three minutes) were obtained
prior to dosing (within one-half hour) and at 0.5, 1, 4, and 24
hours after administration (dosing) of the study medication. Blood
samples were collected at -0.5 (predose), 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3,
4, 6, 8, 12, 16, 24, 36, 48, 72 and 96 hours post dose. Urine
samples were collected for the following periods: -12 to 0; 0 to 2;
2 to 4; 4 to 8; 8 to 12; 12 to 24; 24 to 48; 72 to 96; 96 to 120;
120 to 144; and 144 to 168 hours. Individual fecal samples were
collected beginning immediately after dosing and continuing through
0800 hours on day 8. In addition, one predose fecal sample was
provided. Saliva samples were taken at 0.5 hour predose and at 0.5,
1, 2, 4, 6, 12, and 24 hours postdose. Breath samples were taken at
0.5 hour predose and at 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 12, 24, 36, 48 and 72
hours postdose.
[0500] The data show that elimination of eplerenone is by
metabolism and not excretion of unchanged eplerenone. The mean
percentages of the dose excreted as total radioactivity in urine
and feces were 66.6% and 32.0%, respectively. The majority of
urinary and fecal radioactivity was due to metabolites and less
than 15% was due to eplerenone. The mean percentages of the dose
excreted in urine as eplerenone and its open lactone ring form were
1.65% and 4.98%, respectively. The mean percentages of the dose
excreted in feces as eplerenone and its open lactone ring form were
0.807% and 2.46%, respectively. There were no clinically
significant changes in physical examinations, vital signs or
clinical laboratory test results. There were no serious adverse
effects.
[0501] There were no detectable concentrations of total
radioactivity in the breath collected at any of 5 the time points
from any of the subjects. The mean percentage of total
radioactivity bound to plasma proteins in the 1.5 hour plasma
samples was 49.4%. The mean concentration of total radioactivity in
these samples was 2.39 .mu.g/mL. When [.sup.14C] eplerenone was
spiked into the control plasma, which had been frozen, the
percentage of eplerenone bound was 40.4% at a concentration of 14.5
.mu.g/mL.
[0502] The mean results of selected tests are reported in Tables
25A, 25B, 25C and 25D below.
50 TABLE 25A Total Radioactivity Pharmacokinetic Plasma Whole Blood
Saliva Parameter (+ SEM) (+ SEM) (+ SEM) AUC.sub.0-inf 18400 .+-.
1200 12800 .+-. 800 7960 .+-. 500 (ng equivalents hr/mL) C.sub.max
(ng 2490 .+-. 110 1770 .+-. 80 2170 .+-. 280 equivalents/mL)
T.sub.max 1.3 .+-. 0.2 1.1 .+-. 0.2 0.6 .+-. 0.1 (hour)
[0503]
51 TABLE 25B Plasma Concentration (ng/mL) Time After Open Lactone
Ring Dosing (hours) Eplerenone Form -0.5 0 0 0.5 1345.0 63.2 1.0
1617.5 78.0 1.5 1591.3 70.8 2.0 1418.8 59.9 2.5 1258.1 51.0 3.0
1176.3 46.9 4.0 1001.4 41.9 6.0 595.5 23.0 8.0 390.6 13.0 12.0
148.6 1.9 16.0 68.0 0 24.0 17.3 0 36.0 0 0 48.0 0 0 72.0 0 0 96.0 0
0
[0504]
52 TABLE 25C Plasma Pharmacokinetic Parameters Open Lactone
Eplerenone Ring Form AUC.sub.(0-96) 9537.2 352.2 [(ng/mL)hr]
C.sub.max 1721.3 82.8 (.mu.g/mL) T.sub.max 1.3 1.1 (hours)
T.sub.1/2 3.8 3.1 (hours) Mean 4.8 3.4 Residence Time (hours) Oral
11.4 306.3 Clearance (L/hr)
[0505]
53 TABLE 25D Urinary Excretion Eplereone Open Lactone Ring Form
Collection Concentration Amount Concentration Amount Period (ng/mL)
(mcg) (ng/mL) (mcg) -12 to 0 hours 0 0 0 0 0 to 2 hours 2933.4
457.5 9004.8 1345.3 2 to 4 hours 1635.2 622.0 4235.1 1249.6 4 to 8
hours 1067.0 314.0 4717.1 1349.8 8 to 12 hours 388.9 158.0 1555.7
596.2 12 to 24 hours 99.5 95.7 438.0 400.0 24 to 48 hours 0 0 22.2
38.8 48 to 72 hours 0 0 0 0
[0506] Over 90% of the urinary radioactivity was excreted within
the first 24 hours, indicating rapid elimination of the eplerenone
and its metabolites. The majority of urinary and fecal
radioactivity was due to metabolites, indicating extensive
metabolism by the liver.
Example 26
Bioavailability Study
[0507] The bioavailability and safety of five different
formulations (each containing a 100 mg dose of eplerenone) were
evaluated in an open-label, randomized, single dose, five-way
crossover study of a group of healthy adult humans. The subjects
received five single doses of 100 mg of eplerenone administered as
(i) one eplerenone 100 mg immediate release (IR) capsule, (ii) one
eplerenone 100 mg immediate release (IR) tablet, (iii) one
eplerenone 100 mg controlled release (CR) tablet with a 50% in
vitro dissolution time of two hours, (iv) one eplerenone 100 mg
controlled release (CR) tablet with a 50% in vitro dissolution time
of four hours, and (iv) one eplerenone 100 mg controlled release
(R) tablet with a 50% in vitro dissolution time of six hours. A
total of 13 subjects began the study with nine subjects completing
all five treatments. Treatments were separated by seven days. The
specific pharmaceutical compositions of each formulation are
reported in Table 26A.
54TABLE 26A WEIGHT % OF TABLET/CAPSULE Two Four Six IR IR Hour CR
Hour CR Hour CR Capsule Tablet Tablet.sup.1 Tablet.sup.2
Tablet.sup.3 INGREDIENT (T.* A) (T. B) (T. C) (T. D) (T. E)
Eplerenone 25 30 30 30 30 Lactose 57.86 42 40 34 30.5 Monohydrate
(Fast- Flo .TM. lactose) Microcrystal- 11.34 17.5 (7.5% 19.5 19.5
15 line Cellulose (Avicel .RTM. intra.sup.4 (Avicel .RTM. PH PH
102) plus 10% 101) extra.sup.4) Croscarmellose 2 5 -- -- -- Sodium
(Ac-Di-Sol .TM.) Methocel .RTM. K4M -- -- 6 12 20 Premium
Hydroxypropyl -- 3 3 3 3 Methyl- cellulose (Pharmacoat .TM. 603)
Sodium Lauryl 0.5 1 -- -- -- Sulfate Talc 2.5 1 1 1 1 Magnesium 0.3
0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 Stearate Colloidal 0.5 -- -- -- -- Silicon Dioxide
Total 100 100 100 100 100 .sup.150% in vitro dissolution time of 2
hours. .sup.250% in vitro dissolution time of 4 hours. .sup.350% in
vitro dissolution time of 6 hours. *T. = treatment. .sup.4intra =
intragranular; extra = extragranular.
[0508] The subjects, who underwent an eight hour food fast and a
one hour water fast prior to administration of each dose, received
a single oral dose of one of the study medications on days 1, 8,
15, 22 and 29 in one of five randomized treatment sequences (ABDCE,
BCAED, CDEAB, DECBA, and EABDC). The medication was administered
together with about 180 mL of water at 0800 hours. Blood samples
were collected at -0.5 (predose), 0.5, 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12,
16, 24, 36 and 48 hours post dose. Urine samples were collected and
pooled between the hours of 0-24 and 24-48 hours postdose. Analyses
of the separated plasma and urine for eplerenone and its inactive
open lactone ring form were performed at Phoenix International Life
Sciences, Quebec, Canada. Plasma and urinary concentrations of
eplerenone and its inactive open lactone ring form were determined
using a validated high performance liquid chromatography ("HPLC")
procedure for the inactive open lactone ring form. The lower limits
of detection in urine were approximately 50 ng/mL for both
eplerenone and the inactive form. The mean results obtained are
reported in Tables 26B, 26C, 26D and 26E below. Table 26F
illustrates micronized eplerenone particle size distribution in
microns for several of the preparations used in this Example.
55 TABLE 26B Plasma Concentration Of Eplerenone (ng/mL) Time After
Six Hour Dosing IR IR Two Hour Four Hour CR (hours) Capsule Tablet
CR Tablet CR Tablet Tablet -0.5 3.0 0 0 0 0 0.5 939.3 818.2 287.2
144.1 53.5 1.0 1335.8 1413.0 579.2 337.1 176.1 2.0 1560.7 1616.6
973.8 569.0 393.8 3.0 1426.8 1402.1 1111.5 718.3 555.1 4.0 1292.3
1130.2 1109.2 826.1 616.3 6.0 851.3 759.6 933.2 753.2 525.6 8.0
536.9 506.4 690.1 691.7 524.7 10.0 386.3 328.3 540.3 631.1 430.6
12.0 250.9 227.1 417.3 597.5 429.9 16.0 124.3 121.8 229.0 390.1
357.2 24.0 33.2 52.6 81.2 171.0 168.3 36.0 7.1 6.5 17.2 29.4 39.8
48.0 11.8 6.5 6.6 11.4 12.6
[0509]
56 TABLE 26C Eplerenone Plasma Pharmacokinetic Parameters Pharmaco-
Six Hour kinetic IR IR Two Hour Four Hour CR Parameter Capsule
Tablet CR Tablet CR Tablet Tablet AUC.sub.(0-48) 12042.69 12092.16
11949.27 13263.23 10663.00 [(ng/mL)hr] AUC.sub.(0-LQC) 11944.77
11981.35 11706.29 13061.75 10588.93 [(ng/mL)hr] AUC.sub.(0-.infin.)
11224.29 12188.89 12045.98 13402.55 10815.43 [(ng/mL)hr] C.sub.max
1704.90 1668.76 1152.65 878.87 709.91 (.mu.g/mL)
C.sub.max/AUC.sub.(0-LQC) 0.16 0.17 0.11 0.07 0.08 (hr.sup.-1)
T.sub.max 1.84 1.34 3.34 4.56 7.55 (hours) T.sub.1/2 4.08 4.10 5.17
5.41 6.01 (hours) XU.sub.(0-24) (mg) 1.82 1.98 1.81 1.57 1.47
XU.sub.(24-48) (mg) 0.01 0.06 0.00 0.16 0.17 XU.sub.(0-48) (mg)
1.83 2.04 1.81 1.73 1.64
[0510]
57TABLE 26D Time Plasma Concentration Of Open Ring Lactone After
(ng/mL) Dosing IR IR Two Hour Four Hour Six Hour (hours) Capsule
Tablet CR Tablet CR Tablet CR Tablet -0.5 0 0 0 0 0 0.5 46.5 39.2
9.7 2.9 0.0 1.0 65.4 68.1 24.5 13.3 3.9 2.0 71.1 78.7 43.8 22.9
14.3 3.0 65.0 66.1 47.1 29.5 21.4 4.0 57.5 54.2 47.2 39.3 22.4 6.0
42.3 39.7 46.8 35.5 21.8 8.0 23.8 25.8 33.3 33.4 25.4 10.0 19.5
14.4 26.5 30.2 18.2 12.0 10.6 7.8 20.5 29.0 18.7 16.0 3.9 3.2 10.2
16.4 14.6 24.0 0.0 1.2 1.7 4.9 4.3 36.0 0 0 0 0 1.0 48.0 0 0 0 0
0
[0511]
58TABLE 26E Open Ring Lactone Plasma Pharmacokinetic Pharmaco-
Parameters kinetic IR IR Two Hour Four Hour Six Hour Parameter
Capsule Tablet CR Tablet CR Tablet CR Tablet AUC.sub.(0-48) 533.56
502.88 527.62 554.71 402.03 [(ng/mL)hr] AUC.sub.(0-LQC) 504.91
475.75 489.86 495.61 356.94 [(ng/mL)hr] C.sub.max 86.73 81.81 51.16
44.26 32.59 (.mu.g/mL) T.sub.max 1.89 1.67 4.34 4.79 7.67 (hours)
XU.sub.(0-24) (mg) 5.94 6.43 6.81 6.42 4.83 XU.sub.(24-48) (mg)
0.16 0.32 0.25 0.70 0.74 XU.sub.(0-48) (mg) 6.10 6.75 7.06 7.12
5.56
[0512]
59 TABLE 26F Micronized Eplerenone Particle Size Distribution in
Microns IR Tablet, Two Hour, Four Hour D.sub.value IR Capsule and
Six Hour CR Tablets D.sub.5 2 3 D.sub.10 3 5 D.sub.50 18 33
D.sub.75 39 63 D.sub.90 82 96 D.sub.95 114 119
Example 27
Effect of Food Study
[0513] An open-label randomized, cross-over study was employed to
evaluate the pharmacokinetic profiles of eplerenone under fasted
and fed conditions, and the safety and tolerability of eplerenone.
Safety was assessed based on adverse events, vital signs and
clinical laboratory tests. Twelve healthy male subjects were
randomized to receive a single 100 mg dose of eplerenone on days 1
and 8 under (i) fasted conditions, or (ii) immediately following a
high-fat breakfast. The subjects were orally administered (dosed) a
single 100 mg dose of eplerenone in the form of the capsule
described in Example 7, together with approximately 200 to 240 mL
of water at 0800 hours on days 1 and 8. Subjects randomized to
receive a high-fat breakfast were to completely ingest the meal
within 20 minutes prior to dosing. The high-fat meal contained
approximately 33 g protein, 75 g fat, 58 g carbohydrates and 1000
calories. Blood samples were collected at -0.5 (predose), 0.5, 1,
2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 12, 16, 24, 28, 32, 48 and 72 hours post dose and
analyzed to determine the concentration of eplerenone and its open
lactone ring form. There were no clinically significant changes in
vital signs or physical examinations. All adverse events were mild
in severity. The mean results are reported in Tables 27A and 27B
below.
60 TABLE 27A Plasma Concentration (ng/mL) Time Fasted Conditions
High Fat Breakfast After Open Ring Open Ring Dosing Lactone Lactone
(hours) Eplerenone Form Eplerenone Form -0.5 0 0 0 0 0.5 1010.500
69.163 71.225 2.300 1.0 1562.667 91.208 366.192 17.392 2.0 1393.333
70.600 712.250 36.964 3.0 1174.417 58.833 1038.167 56.742 4.0
955.167 45.042 1239.750 66.817 6.0 586.583 31.773 946.000 51.675
8.0 387.583 18.708 672.833 30.950 12.0 150.850 5.519 282.250 12.708
16.0 68.783 0 130.467 2.540 24.0 17.667 0 39.008 0 28.0 7.617 0
21.733 0 32.0 3.283 0 7.508 0 48.0 0 0 1.908 0 72.0 0 0 0 0
[0514]
61TABLE 27B Plasma Pharmacokinetic Parameter Value Fasted
Conditions High Fat Breakfast Pharmaco- Open Ring Open Ring kinetic
Lactone Lactone Parameter Eplerenone Form Eplerenone Form
AUC.sub.(0-96) 9202.063 430.624 10171.631 470.137 [(ng/mL)hr]
C.sub.max 1634.167 100.158 1334.333 73.858 (.mu.g/mL) T.sub.max
1.292 3.076 3.750 3.198 (hours) T.sub.1/2 3.369 3.750 3.71 1.125
(hours)
[0515] For both eplerenone and its open ring lactone form, the
high-fat meal led to a reduction in C.sub.max and an increase in
T.sub.max, but had minimal or no measurable effect upon
AUC.sub.0-96 and T.sub.1/2. The results indicate that the high fat
meal had minimal effect on the extent of eplerenone absorption, but
it did decrease the rate of absorption. Accordingly, dosing of
eplerenone can be made without regard for meal time, as the effect
of food appears to have minimal clinical significance.
Example 28
Multiple Dose Study
[0516] Multiple oral dose tolerability and the pharmacokinetics of
several dosages of eplerenone were evaluated in a double-blind,
randomized, placebo-controlled, rising oral dose, sequential panel
study of 40 healthy male subjects (five groups of eight subjects).
The study medication was administered in three sequential dose
panels, with each panel including eplerenone, spironolactone and
placebo. A single dose of 100 mg (one 100 mg dose), 300 mg (three
100 mg dose capsules) or 1000 mg dose eplerenone (five 200 mg dose
capsules), 1000 mg dose of spironolactone, or placebo was
administered on Day 1. The 100 mg and 200 mg dose capsules
corresponded to those described in Examples 7 and 8, respectively.
Following a 48-hour interval, the study drug was administered once
a day for 11 days. Antialdosterone activity was determined
following a fludrocortisone challenge on Days 12-13. Plasma
pharmacokinetic results are reported in Table 28 below:
62TABLE 28 EPLERENONE DOSE: PHARMACOKINETIC PARAMETER VALUE
PHARMACO- Eplerenone Open Ring Form KINETIC Single Multiple Single
Multiple PARAMETER Dose Dose Dose Dose 100 mg Dose: AUC 11349 11772
613 663 [(ng/mL)hr] C.sub.max 1747 1904 108 129 (.mu.g/mL)
T.sub.max 1.8 1.1 1.7 0.7 (hours) T.sub.1/2 3.9 4.0 3.5 3.3 (hours)
300 mg Dose: AUC 23890 26514 1844 2200 [(ng/mL)hr] C.sub.max 3227
3582 292 364 (.mu.g/mL) T.sub.max 2.4 1.8 1.8 1.3 (hours) T.sub.1/2
4.6 4.6 3.0 3.5 (hours) 1000 mg Dose: AUC 62053 63249 5912 6310
[(ng/mL)hr] C.sub.max 6885 7394 782 830 (.mu.g/mL) T.sub.max 2.0
1.4 1.7 1.3 (hours) T.sub.1/2 8.7 6.2 3.7 4.8 (hours)
[0517] Eplerenone plasma concentrations were detectable at 24 hours
postdose for all dosing groups. Plasma concentrations of eplerenone
and mean dose-adjusted AUC values following either single or
multiple doses indicate a lack of dose proportionality within the
100 mg to 1000 mg dosage range. Results for the open ring lactone
form were consistent with dose proportionality following single or
multiple doses. Overall, there was no significant or dose-related
accumulation of either eplerenone or its open ring lactone
form.
[0518] Excretion of total eplerenone (that is, eplerenone and its
open ring lactone form) in the urine represented approximately 5%
of the dose for all doses administered. Urinary excretion of total
eplerenone occurred almost entirely within the first 24 hours after
dosing. Eplerenone significantly increased the urinary log.sub.10
(sodium/potassium) at doses of 100 mg to 1000 mg following single
dose administration. There was, however, no sustained increase in
urinary log.sub.10 (sodium/potassium) values following multiple
dose administration of either eplerenone or spironolactone. Serum
sodium and potassium concentrations were not significantly changed
following single doses of eplerenone, but transient reductions in
sodium concentrations and increases in potassium concentrations
were noted following multiple dose administration. Eplerenone
produced dose-related increases in mean plasma renin (active and
total) levels and serum aldosterone levels, but did not show any
consistent, sustained or dose-related effects on most serum sex
hormone and thyroid profiles.
Example 29
Treatment of Hypertension Study
[0519] The safety and efficacy of a range of doses of eplerenone in
the treatment of hypertension relative to placebo were evaluated in
a multi-center, randomized, double-blind, placebo-lead-in, parallel
group study. Spironolactone 50 mg BID was included as the active
reference drug. Four hundred and seventeen patients were randomized
to one of eight treatments: (i) placebo BID; (ii) eplerenone 50 mg
QD; (iii) eplerenone 100 mg QD; (iv) eplerenone 400 mg QD; (v)
eplerenone 25 mg BID; (vi) eplerenone 50 mg BID; (vii) eplerenone
200 mg BID; and (viii) spironolactone 50 mg BID. The primary
efficacy variable was the change in cuff diastolic blood pressure
(ADBP; sitting) measured at trough plasma levels after eight weeks
of double blind treatment. The secondary variables measured were
the change in trough cuff systolic blood pressure (ASBP; sitting),
change in 24 hour mean diastolic blood pressure (ADBP), and change
in 24 hour mean systolic blood pressure (ASBP). The primary and
secondary efficacy variables were analyzed to compare BID versus QD
dosing regimens for each eplerenone dose group, and both eplerenone
and spironolactone versus placebo. Changes in plasma renin and
serum aldosterone after eight weeks of dosing were also analyzed as
secondary measures of efficacy.
[0520] All eplerenone doses lowered cuff diastolic and systolic
pressures from baseline after eight weeks of treatment compared to
placebo. Greater reductions in diastolic and systolic blood
pressure were observed with increasing doses of eplerenone. In
general, equivalent reductions in blood pressure values were
associated with the QD and BID dosing regimens. There was, however,
a trend toward greater reduction with the BID dosing regimen.
Similar changes were observed in the 24 hour trough ambulatory
blood pressures. Over the course of the study, the mean change in
heart rate from baseline was minimal in all treatment groups, with
the largest mean increase and decrease in heart rate being +2
beats/minute and -1.8 beats/minute, respectively. Consistent with
aldosterone receptor antagonism, there were increases in
aldosterone in both the eplerenone and spironolactone treatment
groups compared to placebo as well as increases in both total and
active renin levels. Safety was assessed by comparing the incidence
of adverse events, withdrawals, and the results of urinalysis,
hematology and biochemistry laboratory tests across the treatment
group to the placebo group.
[0521] There were small but consistent increases in potassium and
decreases in sodium in all of the eplerenone treatment groups.
There were increases in BUN, uric acid levels and decreases in
urine pH compared to placebo in the eplerenone treatment groups.
Each eplerenone dosing regimen was well tolerated by the subjects.
No adverse side effects were observed at 1000 mg, the highest dose
administered.
[0522] The specific pharmaceutical compositions of each eplerenone
capsule are reported in Examples 5, 6, 7 and 8. The placebo was a
conventional capsule containing lactose. The spironolactone used in
the study was obtained from Searle Canada (Oakville, Ontario).
[0523] The mean results obtained from the subjects tested are
reported in Tables 29A and 29B below.
63 TABLE 29A Primary Efficacy Variable: Secondary Efficacy
Variables: .DELTA.DBP at .DELTA.SBP at trough trough 24 hour 24
hour Treatment (mmHg, (mmHg, mean .DELTA.DBP mean .DELTA.SBP
Regimen sitting) sitting) (mmHg) (mmHg) Placebo -1.0 2.0 0.6 0.0
Eplerenone -4.4 -4.6 -4.8 -7.1 50 mg QD Eplerenone -4.5 -8.0 -6.1
-9.7 100 mg QD Eplerenone -8.9 -14.1 -7.6 -13.0 400 mg QD
Eplerenone -4.5 -8.9 -3.9 -7.4 25 mg BID Eplerenone -7.8 -11.8 -7.2
-12.6 50 mg BID Eplerenone -9.4 -15.8 -9.3 -15.9 200 mg BID
Spironolactone -9.5 -17.6 -8.9 -15.7 50 mg BID
[0524] An average decrease in diastolic blood pressure of about 5%
or greater was observed over an interval of about 12 to 24 hours
after administration of the study medication.
64 TABLE 29B Plasma Renin Active: Serum Aldosterone: Treatment Mean
Change From Mean Change From Regimen Baseline (mU/L) Baseline
(ng/dL) Placebo 2.2 1.0 Eplerenone 2.9 6.0 50 mg QD Eplerenone 13.9
10.5 100 mg QD Eplerenone 21.2 19.2 400 mg QD Eplerenone 1.2 7.3 25
mg BID Eplerenone 15.0 10.0 50 mg BID Eplerenone 32.0 32.8 200 mg
BID Spironolactone 13.3 19.2 50 mg BID
[0525] An average increase in plasma renin concentration of about
10% or greater was observed over an interval of about 12 to 24
hours after administration of the study medication. An average
increase in plasma aldosterone concentration of about 50% or
greater was observed over an interval of about 10 12 to 24 hours
after administration of the study medication.
Example 30
Effect of Eplerenone Particle Size
[0526] The effect of the particle size of the eplerenone starting
material used in the pharmaceutical composition on eplerenone
plasma concentrations and relative bioavailability was studied in a
dog model. Four healthy female beagle dogs weighing between 8 to 12
kg were intragastrically administered one immediate release (IR)
capsule containing the formulation described in Table 30A below
followed by about 10 mL of water.
65 TABLE 30A WEIGHT % OF Amount INGREDIENT TABLET (mg) Eplerenone
50.00 200.00 Lactose, Fast-Flo .TM., 36.95 147.80 Hydrous
Microcrystalline 7.25 29.00 Cellulose (Avicel .RTM. PH102) Sodium
Lauryl 0.50 2.00 Sulfate Croscarmellose 2.00 8.00 Sodium Talc 2.50
10.00 Colloidal Silicon 0.50 2.00 Dioxide Magnesium Stearate 0.30
1.20 Total 100.00 400.00 Capsules, Size #0, 1 Capsule White
Opaque
[0527] The dogs were fasted for 15 to 20 hours prior to
administration of the capsule and were not fed again until at least
4 hours after dose administration. Blood samples (approximately 3
mL) were collected by venipuncture in chilled tubes containing
heparin at 0, 0.5, 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8 and 24 hours after dose
administration. The blood samples were immediately placed on ice.
Separation of plasma from the blood samples was complete after
about 15 minutes of centrifugation. The resulting plasma samples
were frozen at about -20.degree. C. and stored until analyzed.
Analysis was performed using an LC/MS/MS procedure.
[0528] This study was conducted using the same four dogs for three
formulations that were identical except for the particle size of
the eplerenone starting material. The three formulations assayed
used eplerenone starting materials having a D.sub.90 particle size
(that is, at least 90% of the particles were) less than about 212
microns, less than about 86 microns, and less than about 36
microns, respectively. A minimum of a five day wash-out period was
permitted between administration of each of the formulations.
Reducing the D.sub.90 particle size of the eplerenone starting
material from about 212 microns to less than about 86 microns
increased relative bioavailability by almost 100%. The mean results
are reported in Tables 30B and 30C below.
66 TABLE 30B Blood Serum Eplerenone Concentration (.mu.g/mL) Time
D.sub.90 = 212 D.sub.90 = 86 D.sub.90 = 36 (hours) microns microns
microns 0 0 0 0 0.5 1.83 3.65 1.99 1.0 2.40 6.18 5.86 2.0 3.77 6.89
6.77 3.0 2.85 5.70 6.60 4.0 2.61 4.39 5.56 6.0 1.63 3.11 3.31 8.0
1.10 1.90 2.09 24.0 0.0252 0.032 0.0706
[0529]
67 TABLE 30C Pharmacokinetic Parameter Value Pharmaco-kinetic
D.sub.90 = 212 D.sub.90 = 86 D.sub.90 = 36 Parameter microns
microns microns C.sub.max (.mu.g/mL) 3.98 7.02 7.39 T.sub.max
(hours) 1.50 1.75 2.25 AUC [(.mu.g/mL)hr] 26.6 49.2 53.1 Relative
53.25 100 107.9 Bioavailability (%)
[0530] Definitions
[0531] The term "carrier material" means material included in a
pharmaceutical composition to impart certain desirable properties.
For example, in the case of a tablet, carrier material can be added
to moderate dissolution rate, mask a bad taste, or improve
appearance of the tablet.
[0532] The term "matrix" or "matrix system" means the combination
of all carrier materials of a given formulation in which the active
drug is incorporated.
[0533] The term "AUC.sub.(0-48)" means the area under the plasma
concentration-time curve from t=0 to t=48 in units of [(ng/mL)hr]
determined using the linear trapezoidal rule.
[0534] The term "AUC.sub.(0-LQC)" means the area under the plasma
concentration-time curve from t=0 to the last quantifiable
concentration ("LQC") in units of [(ng/mL)hr] determined using the
trapezoidal rule.
[0535] The term "C.sub.max" means the maximum observed
concentration.
[0536] The term "T.sub.max" means the time at which C.sub.max
occurred.
[0537] The term "T.sub.1/2" means the terminal half-life, in units
of hours, determined via simple linear regression of natural log
(ln) concentration vs. time for data points in the `terminal phase`
of the concentration-time curve. T.sub.1/2 was computed
as--ln(2)/(-.beta.).
[0538] The term "AUC.sub.(0-.infin.)" is calculated as
AUC.sub.(0-LQC)+LQC/(-.beta.), where LQC was the last quantifiable
plasma concentration and .beta. is the slope from the calculation
of T.sub.1/2.
[0539] The term "C.sub.max/AUC.sub.(0-LQC)" means the rate of
absorption.
[0540] The term "XU.sub.(0-.tau.)"means the total amount of
eplerenone (or inactive open lactone ring form of eplerenone ) in
the urine during each collection period (0-24, 24-48 and 0-48
hours) calculated as the urine drug concentration multiplied by the
urine volume.
[0541] The term "MRT" is the mean resident time calculated as the
area under the moment curve (AUMC.sub.(0-96) divided by
AUC.sub.(0-96).
[0542] The term "CL/F" means the apparent (oral) clearance
calculated as (1000.times.dose in mg)/AUC.sub.(0-96).
[0543] As various changes could be made in the above formulations
and methods without departing from the scope of the invention, it
is intended that all matter contained in the above description be
interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense. All patent
documents listed herein are incorporated by reference.
* * * * *