U.S. patent application number 11/181898 was filed with the patent office on 2005-11-10 for system for release in lower gastrointestinal tract.
Invention is credited to Kudo, Yumio, Sakai, Kazuya, Ueshima, Hiroki.
Application Number | 20050249800 11/181898 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 16407330 |
Filed Date | 2005-11-10 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050249800 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Kudo, Yumio ; et
al. |
November 10, 2005 |
System for release in lower gastrointestinal tract
Abstract
A system whereby a substance which is orally taken and to be
delivered into the lower digestive tract is selectively delivered
into the lower digestive tract. More particularly, a system which
makes it possible to surely and quickly deliver the aimed substance
to the lower digestive tract without being affected by pH change in
the digestive tract due to change in bacterial flora. Compositions
disintegrating in the lower digestive tract characterized by
containing a compound <A>, which has a molecular weight of
1000 or less and has a disulfide bond, and a polymer <B>,
which has a molecular weight exceeding 1000 and is digested by
enteric bacteria and/or undergoes softening, swelling or
dissolution due to a decrease in pH; molded products with the use
of these compositions; and preparations with the use of these
molded products.
Inventors: |
Kudo, Yumio; (Tokyo, JP)
; Ueshima, Hiroki; (Tokyo, JP) ; Sakai,
Kazuya; (Tokyo, JP) |
Correspondence
Address: |
BIRCH STEWART KOLASCH & BIRCH
PO BOX 747
FALLS CHURCH
VA
22040-0747
US
|
Family ID: |
16407330 |
Appl. No.: |
11/181898 |
Filed: |
July 15, 2005 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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11181898 |
Jul 15, 2005 |
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10009265 |
Dec 10, 2001 |
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10009265 |
Dec 10, 2001 |
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PCT/JP00/03770 |
Jun 9, 2000 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
424/451 ;
424/488 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61K 9/4891 20130101;
A61K 9/7007 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
424/451 ;
424/488 |
International
Class: |
A61K 009/48; A61K
009/14 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jun 9, 1999 |
JP |
11-199409 |
Claims
1. A formed product suitable for delivery of an active-ingredient
for therapeutic use, comprising a matrix comprising chitosan and
particles of cystine dispersed in said matrix.
2. The formed product of claim 1, wherein cystine and chitosan are
present in a ratio of 10/90 w/w to 90/10 W/W.
3. The formed product of claim 1, wherein the matrix further
comprises at least one substance selected from the group consisting
of agar, pectin metal salt, carrageenin, gelatin, pectin, starch,
cellulose, dimethylaminoethyl
methacrylate/methylmethacrylate/butylmethacrylate copolymer and
polyvinylacetal diethylaminoacetate that controls disintegration
rate of the formed product in the large intestine of the
gastrointestional tract.
4. The formed product of claim 1, wherein the formed product is in
the form of an empty hard capsule.
5. The formed product of claim 1, wherein the formed product is in
the form of a hard capsule, containing an active-ingredient for
therapeutic use in the inside of said hard capsule.
6. The formed product of claim 5, wherein the hard capsule further
comprises an enteric coating on the outside of said hard
capsule.
7. The formed product of claim 4, 5 or 6, wherein the matrix
containing chitosan further comprises at least one substance that
controls disintegration rate in the large intestine of the lower
gastrointestinal tract.
8. The formed product of claim 7, wherein the at least one
substance that controls the disintegration rate in the large
intestine of the lower gastrointestinal tract is at least one
substance selected from the group consisting of agar, pectin metal
salt, carrageenin, gelatin, pectin, starch, cellulose,
dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate/methylmethacrylate/but-
ylmethacrylate copolymer and polyvinylacetal
diethylaminoacetate.
9. A method for delivering a material to a large intestine part of
lower gastrointestinal tract of a patient, comprising the step of:
orally administering the formed product of claim 6 to a
patient.
10. A formed product made of the matrix comprising chitosan and
particles of cystine dispersed in said matrix; the said product is
used for releasing a material selectively in a large intestine part
of a lower gastrointestional tract.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention relates to a system that orally
uptakes a material desired to be delivered to a lower part of the
gastrointestinal tract and delivers it selectively to the lower
part of gastrointestinal tract. More specifically, the present
invention relates to a system that unfailingly and quickly delivers
an objective material selectively to a lower part of
gastrointestinal tract without being influenced by a change in pH
in the gastrointestinal tract due to a variation in the bacterial
flora. Also, the present invention relates to a composition that
disintegrates at a lower part of gastrointestinal tract, comprising
a compound <A> having a molecular weight of 1,000 or less and
having a disulfide bond and a polymer <B> having a molecular
weight of above 1,000 and having a property of being decomposed by
enterobacteria, and/or a property of being softened, swelled or
dissolved due to a decrease in pH, to a formed product comprising
such a composition, and to a preparation comprising such a formed
product.
BACKGROUND ART
[0002] To deliver a drug specifically to a colon in the
gastrointestinal tract results in an increased therapeutic effect
by local accumulation of the drug upon the treatment of local
gastrointestinal tract diseases such as ulcerative colitis and
clonal diseases. In such a delivery, because no absorption of the
drug occurs before it reaches the colon, side effects attributable
to systemic circulation of the drug is decreased and the loss of
the drug before it reaches the site where it is effective can be
prevented.
[0003] Expecting these, many reports have been made on the system
that delivers a drug targeting the colon and are roughly classified
into the following three groups.
[0004] A first group includes a system that releases a drug in
response to a change in pH. In the case of a general enteric-coated
preparation on which many reports have been made, due to a large
biogenic influence of a change in pH in a day in the
gastrointestinal tract or of diets, it may occur that the
preparation is disintegrated in an upper part of small intestine or
on the contrary it is dejected as it is without being
disintegrated. Therefore, it cannot be said that colon-specific
delivery of a drug is unfailingly realized. Furthermore, a system
in which an enteric coating is applied outside acid-soluble coating
that is designed to utilize a decrease in pH due to an organic acid
produced in the colon is disclosed (JP 10-152431A). However, since
disintegration in response to a slight change in pH is required,
the system is susceptible to the influence of a change in bacteria
flora and the like in the colon and it is difficult to unfailingly
deliver a drug colon-specifically.
[0005] A second group includes a system that releases a drug
time-dependently (JP 7-72130B, JP 7-196477A, EP 0384646B, and JP
7-2650A and 7-10745A). The release sites of them are controlled by
time of migration of the preparation in the gastrointestinal tract,
so that the release of the drug is greatly susceptible to the
biogenic influences of the movement of gastrointestinal tract, of
diets or of pathological state. Accordingly, problems arise. In the
case where the residence time in the small intestine of the
preparation is long, it is disintegrated in the small intestine. In
the case where the residence time in the small intestine and large
intestine of the preparation is short, it is dejected as it is
without being disintegrated. Therefore, it is difficult to
unfailingly deliver a drug in a specified region of a lower part of
gastrointestinal tract.
[0006] A third group includes systems that utilize enterobacteria
on which an increasing number of studies have been made in recent
years. These systems are roughly classified into two systems. One
is a system in which the preparation contains an azo polymer or a
disulfide polymer, which is decomposed and disintegrated by the
reducing activity of enterobacteria (J. Kopecek et al.,
Pharmaceutical Research, Vol. 9, No. 12, pages 1540-1545, 1992; Y.
Kimura, et al., POLYMER, Vol. 33, No. 24, pages 5294-5299, 1992;
and WO91/11175). Another is a system in which the preparation
contains a polysaccharide, which is decomposed and disintegrated by
the polysaccharide decomposing activity of mainly anaerobic
bacteria in the intestine (JP 5-508631A; W. G. Cook, et al.,
Pharmaceutical Research, Vol. 10, No. 10, S223, 1993).
[0007] Reportedly, the reducing activity of the enterobacteria is
high, differs only slightly between the species of bacteria, and
less influenced by a change in bacterial flora due to a disease or
the like (T. Mitsuoka: Metabolism of Enteric Flora, pages 1-17,
Academic Printing Center (1988)). However, in the system using an
azo polymer or a disulfide polymer thus far disclosed, the
decomposition rate of the polymer is low (J. Kopecek, et al.,
Pharmaceutical Research, Vol. 9, No. 12, pages 1540-1545, 1992).
Especially in the case of azo polymer, there is a concern about
production of noxious substances derived from the azo bond, so that
the problem arises that the system cannot endure a long-term use
also in consideration of safety.
[0008] The system using a polysaccharide may be considered to have
a less severe problem on safety since it uses a substance that has
originally been used as dietary fiber. Generally, these substances
have the problems. They are decomposed in the colon at low
decomposition rates (W. G. Cook, et al., Pharmaceutical Research,
Vol. 10, No. 10, S223, 1993). In a state of a disease, their
disintegration does not proceed due to a change in enterobacteria
flora, especially a decrease in anaerobic bacteria, which are main
bacteria that decompose polysaccharides (T. Mitsuoka: Metabolism of
Enteric Flora, pages 1-17, Academic Printing Center (1988)).
[0009] An example of the system using a polysaccharide is one that
uses chitosan. Chitosan, which is a kind of polysaccharide,
undergoes decomposition by enterobacteria and is softened or
dissolved as a result of a decrease in pH in the colon. Therefore,
it is frequently used in a drug delivery system targeting the colon
(JP 4-41422A and 4-247026A). However, the activity of enzymes such
as chitosanase and lysozyme that decompose chitosan is insufficient
in the colon and rather it is considered that the mechanism of
disintegration of chitosan system depends on a decrease in pH in
the colon. Therefore, the problem arises that the function of the
system is strongly influenced by the colonic pH variation in the
biogenic condition or the change of enterobacteria flora in a state
of disease.
[0010] Furthermore, there has been proposed a system called CODES
intended to achieve colon-specific drug delivery that avoids the
influence of pH variation in the colon and releases the drug in the
colon is not by means of time control (WO95/28963). This is a
system that contains therein a saccharide that will be metabolized
into an organic acid by using enterobacteria in the colon and that
is coated with an acid-soluble film that is dissolved with the
organic acid. However, this system is also questionable as to
whether or not it enables unfailing colon-specific drug
delivery.
[0011] Therefore, a colon-specific, unfailing and quick drug
delivery system that is not influenced by a change or difference in
pH in the colon between individuals, uptake of diets or the like or
a change of enterobacteria flora has been desired.
DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION
[0012] An object of the present invention is to provide a system
for delivering an objective material selectively to a lower part of
gastrointestinal tract, unfailingly and quickly without being
influenced by a pH variation or a change of enterobacteria flora.
Also, an object of the present invention is to provide a
composition for disintegration in lower gastrointestinal tract, a
formed product comprising such a composition, and a preparation
comprising such a formed product. More particularly, an object of
the present invention is to provide a system that orally uptakes a
material desired to be delivered to a lower part of the
gastrointestinal tract and delivers it selectively to the lower
part of gastrointestinal tract. The system has dissolved the
above-mentioned problems encountered in the prior art, more
specifically the problems of being susceptible to the influences by
various factors originating in the biogenic condition, such as a pH
variation, a change in enterobacteria flora, or movement of
gastrointestinal tract and influence of uptake of diets. Also, an
object of the present invention is to provide a composition for
disintegration in lower gastrointestinal tract, a formed product
comprising such a composition, and a preparation comprising such a
formed product. An object of the present invention is to provide a
capsule, a film, a sheet or a coating film and so forth as the
formed product.
[0013] The present inventors have made extensive studies in order
to achieve the above-described objects. As a result, they have
found that a composition for disintegration in lower
gastrointestinal tract, comprising a compound <A> having a
molecular weight of 1,000 or less and having a disulfide bond
(hereinafter, abbreviated as "compound <A>") and a polymer
<B> having a molecular weight of above 1,000 and having a
property of being decomposed by enterobacteria, and/or a property
of being softened, swelled or dissolved due to a decrease in pH
(hereinafter, abbreviated as "polymer <B>") quickly
disintegrates in a film disintegration test conducted in a
pseudo-enteral environment and that the composition disintegrates
selectively at a lower part of the gastrointestinal tract in an
animal experiment. The present invention has been completed based
on the discovery.
[0014] Hereinafter, the present invention will be illustrated.
[0015] A first aspect of the present invention provides a
composition for disintegration in lower gastrointestinal tract,
characterized by containing a compound <A> and a polymer
<B>.
[0016] A second aspect of the present invention provides a
composition for release in lower gastrointestinal tract,
characterized in that a domain containing a compound <A> is
dispersed in a matrix containing a polymer <B>.
[0017] A third aspect of the present invention provides a
composition for disintegration in lower gastrointestinal tract,
characterized by containing a compound <A>, a polymer
<B>, and a substance that controls disintegration rate in
lower gastrointestinal tract.
[0018] A fourth aspect of the present invention provides a formed
product for releasing an active ingredient <C> in lower
gastrointestinal tract, comprising a shaped product of the
composition for disintegration in lower gastrointestinal tract,
characterized by containing a compound <A> and a polymer
<B>.
[0019] A fifth aspect of the present invention provides a
preparation for release in lower gastrointestinal tract,
characterized in that a composition for release in lower
gastrointestinal tract characterized by containing at least an
active ingredient <C>, a compound <A>, and a polymer
<B> is coated with an enteric polymer film.
[0020] A sixth aspect of the present invention provides a
preparation for release in lower gastrointestinal tract,
characterized in that a composition containing an active ingredient
<C> and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier is coated with
a composition for disintegration in lower gastrointestinal tract
characterized by containing a compound <A> and a polymer
<B> and further coated with an enteric polymer film.
[0021] A seventh aspect of the present invention provides a system
for peroral uptake of a material desired to be delivered to lower
gastrointestinal tract and selective release in the lower
gastrointestinal tract, characterized in that a composition for
disintegration in lower gastrointestinal tract characterized by
containing a compound <A> and a polymer <B> and an
enteric polymer film are used.
[0022] An eighth aspect of the present invention provides a system
for peroral uptake of a material desired to be delivered to lower
gastrointestinal tract and selective release in the lower
gastrointestinal tract, characterized in that the material desired
to be delivered to the lower gastrointestinal tract is coated with
or added to a composition for disintegration in the lower
gastrointestinal tract characterized by containing a compound
<A> and a polymer <B>, and further coated with an
enteric polymer film.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0023] FIG. 1 is a photograph substituting a drawing, showing a
surface of a film obtained as a result of Example 1, with (a)
showing the state before the test and (b) showing results obtained
by use of carbonate buffer.
[0024] FIG. 2 is a photograph substituting a drawing, showing a
surface of a film obtained as a result of Example 1, illustrating
results with a suspension of cecum contents.
[0025] FIG. 3 is a photograph substituting a drawing, showing a
surface of a film obtained as a result of Comparative Example 1,
with (a) showing the state before the test and (b) showing results
obtained by use of carbonate buffer.
[0026] FIG. 4 is a photograph substituting a drawing, showing a
surface of a film obtained as a result of Comparative Example 1,
illustrating results with a suspension of cecum contents.
[0027] FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating the chronological state of
the seamless capsules in gastrointestinal tract with lapse of time
after administration of seamless capsules to a rat (n=3) with fed
condition.
[0028] FIG. 6 is a photograph taken by use of a digital microscope,
showing results of disintegration tests of the cast film prepared
in Example 5 and the cast film of comparative composition. (a)
represents the cast film prepared in Example 5 and (b) represents
the cast film prepared in Comparative Example 2. In each
photograph, left-hand side (film looking white) indicates results
of shaking in carbonate buffer and right hand side indicates
results of shaking in the suspension of cecum contents.
[0029] FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating chronological blood levels
of a model drug and a marker drug after administration of the
coated capsules in Example 6 to a dog.
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
[0030] Hereinafter, the present invention will be illustrated in
detail.
[0031] First, each component element and terms referred to herein
will be explained.
[0032] The term "lower gastrointestinal tract" as used herein means
ileum and large intestine parts. The term "ileum" refers to a third
part of small intestine that continues to duodenum and jejunum. The
term "large intestine" means a site toward the site consisting of
cecum, colon and rectum. The term "cecum" refers to a blind sack
(cul-de-sac) starting from the large intestine and in one end of
which the ileum opens. In the lower gastrointestinal tract,
enterobacteria increase from the ileum and in the large intestine
they inhabit in many kinds and in large numbers.
[0033] The term "composition for disintegration in lower
gastrointestinal tract" as used herein refers to a functional
material that disintegrates selectively in the lower
gastrointestinal tract. The "composition for disintegration in
lower gastrointestinal tract" of the present invention is
characterized by containing a compound <A> and a polymer
<B>. It may further contain a substance that controls its
disintegrability in the lower gastrointestinal tract. The substance
that controls the disintegration rate may be divided into a
substance that imparts resistance to disintegration in the small
intestine and a substance that accelerates disintegration in the
lower gastrointestinal tract.
[0034] The "composition for disintegration in lower
gastrointestinal tract" of the present invention may be a
composition in which the compound <A> and the polymer
<B> are mixed uniformly, a composition in which they are
contained in a specified order, or a composition in which they are
contained completely in disorder and non-uniformly. However, a
composition in which the domain that contains the compound
<A> is dispersed in a matrix that contains the polymer
<B> is preferred. More specifically, a composition in which
the particles that contain the compound <A> are uniformly
dispersed in a matrix that contains the polymer <B> and is
mainly composed of the polymer <B>. The particles that
contain the compound <A> are desirably those that are
sufficiently small as compared with the film thickness when they
are formulated into the "composition for disintegration in lower
gastrointestinal tract" and that have narrow particle size
distribution.
[0035] The term "matrix" as used herein indicates the state where
the polymer exists alone or in admixture, integrated into a uniform
mixture or composition. The term "domain" refers to the state where
a component incompatible with a matrix is dispersed and almost
uniformly located in the matrix. The matrix that has domains has
different properties from those of simple mixture or simple
composition composed of the same components.
[0036] The matrix may contain a substance that controls
disintegration in lower gastrointestinal tract.
[0037] The "compound <A> having a molecular weight of 1,000
or less and having a disulfide bond" used in the present invention
has the property that it is decomposed into lower molecular
compounds as a result of cleavage of the disulfide bonds due to
reduction by enterobacteria so that improvement of water-solubility
and/or acidity of the decomposition products is higher than the
compound <A>. Such an improvement in water-solubility means
that when the composition contains water or contacts water, the
particles that contain the compound <A> are dissolved as a
result of reduction reaction by enterobacteria. This in turn
contributes to formation of micro holes in the film. This
accelerates penetration of water in the lumina into the composition
of the present invention or causes the enterobacteria to
sufficiently penetrate into the composition of the present
invention. As a result, the disintegrability of the composition can
be increased. On the other hand, an increase in acidity contributes
to softening, swelling or dissolution of the specified polymer
provided in the present invention. Increased acidity and increased
water-solubility simultaneously imparted synergistically contribute
to disintegration of film in lower gastrointestinal tract.
[0038] The compound <A> includes an oligo peptide that is an
amino acid derivative having a disulfide bond, to which cysteine or
a peptide containing cysteine is bonded through the disulfide
bonds. The compound <A> includes not only naturally deriving
ones but also those peptides that can be synthesized from D-form or
L-form amino acids. Specific examples of the compound <A>
include L-cystine, D-cystine, DL-cystine, diglycyl cystine,
cystamine, L-cystinyldiglycine, glutathione disulfide and so forth
as the amino acid derivative having a disulfide bond, and
thioglycolic acid disulfide (HOOC--R--S--S--COOH/R represents a
lower alkylene group) as a synthetic organic low molecule. Cystines
(L-cystine, D-cystine, DL-cystine, or any optional mixtures
thereof) are more preferable.
[0039] The addition amount of the compound <A> is not
particularly limited so far as no problem occurs in forming
preparations. More specifically, the compound <A> may be
contained in the composition of the present invention in a ratio of
1 to 90%. It may be contained in the system of the present
invention in a ratio of 1 to 90%. In the formed product of the
present invention, it may be contained in a ratio of 1 to 90%. In
the case where it is used in the coating film, it is preferred that
it be used in a ratio of 10 to 80% in the coating film. The "%" as
used herein refers to % of weight per weight and values each based
on dry weight.
[0040] In the case where it is used in the composition, more
particularly formed product or coating film of the present
invention, the compound <A> is preferably dispersed in a base
material in the state of particles. The reduction by the
enterobacteria causes the disulfide bonds to be cleaved and as a
result, the compound <A> is decomposed into lower molecular
weight compounds to increase the water-solubility of the
decomposition products. Upon contact with moisture, a large number
of micro holes are formed on the portion where the compound
<A> existed in the form of particles. This accelerates
penetration of water in the lumina into the composition of the
present invention or the enterobacteria sufficiently penetrate into
the composition. Therefore, the disintegrability of the composition
can be further increased.
[0041] The "polymer <B> having a molecular weight of above
1,000 and having a property of being decomposed by enterobacteria,
and/or a property of being softened, swelled or dissolved due to a
decrease in pH" means a polymer having a molecular weight of above
1,000, having the property of being decomposed by protease,
lysozyme and polysaccharidases and so forth of the enterobacteria,
having the property of being softened, swelled or dissolved by a
decrease in pH, that is, lowering of pH from the vicinity of
neutrality to increase acidity, or having the both properties.
Simultaneous occurrence of the decomposition by the enterobacteria
and softening, swelling or dissolution due to a decrease in pH, the
disintegration of the composition containing the polymer <B>,
more particularly, coating film in lower gastrointestinal tract
proceeds further, so that the material desired to be delivered to
the lower gastrointestinal tract can be released more quickly and
site-selectively. Therefore, the polymer <B> is preferably a
polymer having the property of being decomposed by the
enterobacteria and having the property of being softened, swelled
or dissolved by a decrease in pH. The molecular weight as used
herein refers to an average value, which may be either a number
average value or a weight average value.
[0042] The polymer <B> can be roughly classified into two
groups, i.e., a natural cationic polymer such as chitosan and a
synthetic cationic polymer such as acrylic acid-based cationic
polymer. Specific examples of the polymer <B> include
chitosan as the natural cationic polymer and dimethylaminoethyl
methacrylate/methyl methacrylate/butyl methacrylate copolymer (for
example, trade name: Eudragit E(Rhoem GmbH, Germany)), polyvinyl
acetal diethylaminoacetate (for example, trade name: AEA (Sankyo
Company, Limited) and so forth as the synthetic cationic polymer.
Natural cationic polymer is preferred, more preferably chitosan may
be mentioned.
[0043] As the polymer <B>, two or more of the above mentioned
polymers may be used in admixture. In this case, a combination of a
natural cationic polymer and a synthetic cationic polymer is
preferable. Combination of different kinds of polymer can improve
the function of the polymer <B>, such as imparting water
resistance or controlling disintegration rate. For example, the
water resistance can be improved by combining a hydrophobic polymer
that is acid soluble and difficult to swell with water as the
synthetic cationic polymer.
[0044] Chitosan is a deacetylated compound that is obtained by
treating chitin contained in large amounts in crustaceans such as
crab and lobster with usually a concentrated alkali and completely
or partially deacetylating the acetyl groups. It has a linear
polysaccharide structure composed of 2-amino-2-deoxy-D-glucose
linked through .beta.-1,4 bonds. The chitosan used in the present
invention may be any of one having a degree of deacetylation of 40
to 60% by mole, one having a degree of deacetylation of 60% by mole
or more and so forth. It is by no means limited by the organism
from which it is derived, purification method, and deacetylation
method and so forth. To increase disintegrability in the lower
gastrointestinal tract, the degree of deacetylation is preferably
60 to 98% by mole.
[0045] The polymer <B> may be contained in the composition of
the present invention in a ratio of 10 to 99% and may be contained
in this system in a ratio of 10 to 99%. In the formed product of
the present invention, it may be used in a ratio of 10 to 99%. In
the case where it is used in the coating film, it is preferred that
it be used in a ratio of 10 to 80% in the coating film. The "%" as
used herein is % of weight per weight and values each based on dry
weight.
[0046] When using the polymers <B> are used in combination, a
blending amount ratio of, for example, natural cationic polymer and
synthetic cationic polymer may be 99/1 to 1/99. The blending ratio
is preferably 99/1 to 30/70 and more preferably 99/1 to 50/50.
[0047] In the composition for disintegration in lower
gastrointestinal tract according to the present invention, in
addition to the above-mentioned components, a substance that
controls disintegration rate in lower gastrointestinal tract may be
added. The substance that controls the disintegration rate includes
a substance for imparting resistance so that the composition will
not disintegrate in the small intestine and a substance that
accelerates the disintegration of the composition in lower
gastrointestinal tract. The substance for imparting resistance to
disintegration in the small intestine includes water-insoluble
polymer such as ethylcellulose, agar, pectin metal salt,
carrageenan, crosslinked polysaccharide or protein, or hydrophobic
polymer that is acid soluble and is difficult to be swelled with
water, such as dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate/methyl
methacrylate/butyl methacrylate copolymer or polyvinyl acetal
diethylaminoacetate. The substance that accelerates the
disintegration in lower gastrointestinal tract includes polymers
such as gelatin, pectin, starch, and cellulose. The substances that
control the disintegration rate may be used alone or a combination
of two or more of them may be used in the composition for
disintegration in lower gastrointestinal tract according to the
present invention.
[0048] On the other hand, in the case of drugs having high water
solubility, it may happen that the drug is leaked as a result of
gradual penetration of water in spite of imparting resistance to
disintegration. In this case, to prevent the penetration of water,
a water-repellent substance such as magnesium stearate may be added
to the segment containing the drug or a substance such as a
hydrogenated oil may be coated around the segment containing the
drug, so that the leakage of the drug can be prevented.
[0049] The substance for imparting resistance to the disintegration
in the small intestine can prevent swelling or dissolution of
polymers, for example, the polymer <B> in the composition in
the small intestine. In the case where the substance that
accelerates the disintegration in lower gastrointestinal tract is
simultaneously added to the composition, decomposition of the
composition by gastrointestinal enzymes (for example, digestion of
gelatin by protease) can be prevented.
[0050] The substance that accelerates the disintegration in lower
gastrointestinal tract is a polymer that is decomposed by protease,
lysozyme or a polysaccharide-decomposing enzyme of the
enterobacteria and can accelerate disintegration of the
composition.
[0051] The addition amount and blending ratio of the substances
that control the disintegration rate in lower gastrointestinal
tract may greatly differ depending on the composition for
disintegration in lower gastrointestinal tract according to the
present invention and form thereof.
[0052] The substance for imparting resistance to the disintegration
in the small intestine may be contained in the composition of the
present invention in a ratio of 0.1 to 80%. In the formed product,
it may be used in a ratio of preferably 0.1 to 80%. In the coating
film, it may be used in a ratio of preferably 0.1 to 70%. The
substance that accelerates the disintegration in lower
gastrointestinal tract may be contained in the composition of the
present invention in a ratio of 0.1 to 80%. In the formed product,
it may be used in a ratio of preferably 0.1 to 80%. In the coating
film, it may be used in a ratio of preferably 0.1 to 70%. The "%"
as used herein is % of weight per weight and values each based on
dry weight.
[0053] The method for producing the composition for disintegration
in lower gastrointestinal tract according to the present invention
includes, for example, a method in which a suspension containing
the compound <A> and a solution containing the polymer
<B> are mixed and dried, a method in which the compound
<A> is dispersed in a solution containing the compound
<B> and dried, and a method in which the compound <A>
and the polymer <B> are mixed, a suitable solvent is added
thereto to dissolve the polymer <B> therein, and the mixture
is made uniform and then dried.
[0054] Furthermore, to the composition for disintegration in lower
gastrointestinal tract may be added a substance for controlling its
disintegration rate. In that case, the method for the addition
includes a method in which a solution or suspension obtained by
dissolving or suspending a substance for controlling disintegration
rate in a suitable solvent with optional heating, a suspension
containing the compound <A>, and a solution containing the
polymer <B> are mixed optionally under the condition of
heating and then dried, a method in which a suspension of the
compound <A> and a solution of the polymer <B> are
mixed with a solution or suspension obtained by dissolving with
heating or suspending the substance for controlling disintegration
rate optionally under heating conditions and the mixture is dried,
a method in which the compound <A>, the polymer <B> and
the substance for controlling disintegration rate are mixed, a
suitable solvent is added to dissolve or suspend the polymer
<B> and the substance for controlling disintegration rate
with optional heating, and the mixture is made uniform and dried,
and so forth. The solvent used for the production is water or acid
solution that is pharmaceutically usable.
[0055] Upon drying the composition of the present invention, the
drying is performed by natural drying or by blowing under heating.
For example, the composition is dried while spraying or it is
coated on an objective product and dried. Also, for example, if the
composition contains a thermoplastic substance, the composition is
cooled and solidified before it can be dried. At the time of
production, it is important to take the following into
consideration. That is, during the drying or after the drying, (1)
in the case where a volatile acid is used in the production
process, humidification treatment increases the efficiency of
removing the acid, (2) the efficiency of drying can be increased by
suitably using an organic solvent, and so forth.
[0056] In these production methods, a substance that is desired to
be delivered to lower gastrointestinal tract may be added before
drying.
[0057] A formed product or article can be obtained by forming the
composition for disintegration in lower gastrointestinal tract into
a suitable form at the time of the drying by the above-mentioned
method. By use of a suitable mold at the time of drying the formed
product, the composition may be formed into various forms such as a
needle, a rod, microfine particles, a sponge, a ring and so forth.
The formed products of the present invention are those that can be
formed by wet forming such as a capsule, a film, a sheet, a coating
film for use in preparation, fiber, a rod-like product, granules,
powder, and so forth for containing the active ingredient. Also,
the formed products of the present invention include processed
products of these, that is, non-woven fabric sheet, woven or
knitted fabric, flocks, and coatings on other materials.
[0058] In the present invention, the compound <A> can be used
in a state of powder, suspension (including particulates
suspension) or solution. The powder containing the compound
<A> is preferably adjusted so as to have a suitable particle
size by, for example, a ball mill before it can be used. The
particles that contain the compound <A> are used at a
particle size of 100 .mu.m or less and more preferably 50 .mu.m or
less. When in use in the composition for disintegration in lower
gastrointestinal tract according to the present invention, chitosan
as the compound <B> may be used after being dissolved in a
dilute acid solution. In the case where chitosan is used after
being dissolved, the solvent for chitosan may include solutions of
hydrochloric acid, acetic acid, lactic acid, citric acid, malic
acid, tartaric acid, glutamic acid, aspartic acid and the like.
However, in the case where the acid is removed by the
humidification treatment as described above, it is preferable to
use acetic acid that is a volatile acid. It is preferred that the
blending weight ratio of the acid and chitosan is 30/70 to 99/1.
The concentration of the chitosan solution is not particularly
limited as far as it has a viscosity that allows production.
However, it is preferable that the chitosan solution has a
viscosity of 1 to 1,000 cps as a 1% by weight solution (1% acetic
acid). To adjust the viscosity of the chitosan solution, chitosan
solutions of different viscosities may be mixed and their mixing
ratio may be set optionally. Degree of deacetylation and viscosity
may be set optionally in combination.
[0059] In the case where a synthetic cationic polymer is used as
the compound <B>, it may be used by dissolving it in a
water-soluble organic solvent such as alcohol or acetone or a
water-insoluble organic solvent such as chloroform, methylene
chloride, or ethyl acetate, besides the acids.
[0060] In the case where chitosan and synthetic cationic polymer
are used in combination, they may be dissolved in an acid solution
or after dissolving chitosan in an acid solution, a solution of a
synthetic cationic polymer in a water-soluble organic solvent may
be added thereto. The water-soluble organic solvent includes
preferably lower alcohols such as methanol, ethanol, and
isopropanol and acetone. If the addition amount of the
water-soluble organic solvent is too high, chitosan is
precipitated, so that the ratio of the water-soluble organic
solvent to the acid solution is preferably 1/99 to 50/50.
[0061] The formed product for releasing the contents selectively in
lower gastrointestinal tract, comprising a formed of the
composition for disintegration in lower gastrointestinal tract
characterized by comprising the polymer <A> and the polymer
<B> as described herein will be explained.
[0062] The formed product has mainly the following forms (1), (2)
and (3). (1) includes a sealed vessel-like form for isolating the
contents from the outer environment. This is, for example, the case
where powdery or granular contents are sealed. Typical example of
such includes a capsule. (2) includes a form that envelops the
contents. For example, a film that coats tablets or granules or a
soft capsule that contains a liquid content and so forth may be
mentioned. Typical examples thereof include a film, a sheet or a
coating film used for preparations and so forth. (3) includes the
case where the contents are contained simultaneously, for example
the case where the formed product contains the contents.
[0063] The function of the formed product is as follows. After it
is moved to the lower gastrointestinal tract, holes are formed in
the formed product as triggered by the reduction reaction by the
enterobacteria flora increasing in the lower gastrointestinal
tract, so that the contents are penetrated therethrough or the
formed product is disintegrated, thereby releasing the contents to
the outside site-selectively in the gastrointestinal tract.
[0064] More particularly, the compound <A> that exists on the
surface of the formed product is decomposed relatively quickly,
which increases water-solubility of the decomposed product and/or
makes the acidity of the decomposed product stronger than that of
the compound <A>. As a result, microfine holes are formed in
the formed product containing the compound <A> and the
polymer <B>. This accelerates penetration of water in the
lumina therein or serves for sufficient penetration of
enterobacteria to increase disintegrability of the polymer
<B>. That is, the polymer <B> is decomposed by the
enterobacteria and/or softened, swelled or dissolved. That is, as a
result of formation of a large number of microfine holes in the
portion where the compound <A> was present, the polymer
<B> is decomposed by the enterobacteria and/or softened,
swelled or dissolved due to a decrease in pH. On this occasion,
preferably the effect of decomposition by enterobacteria and the
effect of softening, swelling or dissolving due to a decrease in pH
simultaneously take place and the formed product is disintegrated
more quickly and at a more high rate to release the contents to the
outside.
[0065] The formed product preferably is a) a formed product for
releasing a content in lower gastrointestinal tract, comprising a
formed product of a composition for disintegration in lower
gastrointestinal tract characterized by containing the compound
<A> and the polymer <B>, b) a formed product for
releasing a content in lower gastrointestinal tract, comprising a
formed product of a composition for disintegration in lower
gastrointestinal tract characterized by containing the compound
<A>, the polymer <B> and a substance that controls
disintegration rate of the composition in lower gastrointestinal
tract, c) a formed product for releasing a content in lower
gastrointestinal tract, comprising a formed product of a
composition for disintegration in lower gastrointestinal tract
characterized by dispersing a domain that contains the compound
<A> in a matrix containing the polymer <B> in the
formed product, or d) a formed product for releasing a content in
lower gastrointestinal tract, comprising a formed product of a
composition for disintegration in lower gastrointestinal tract
characterized by containing in the formed product a domain that
contains the compound <A>, at least the polymer <B> and
a substance that controls disintegration rate of the composition in
lower gastrointestinal tract.
[0066] The polymer <B> used in the formed products may be
used alone or in combination as described above.
[0067] The term "formed product" means a material obtained by
forming the composition for disintegration in lower
gastrointestinal tract into a suitable form. The formed product
includes formed materials such as a capsule, a film, a sheet, a
coating film for use in preparation, fiber, a rod-like product,
granules, and powder, and so forth for containing the active
ingredient. Further, the formed product includes a material
obtained by coating a composition containing a material desired to
be delivered to a lower gastrointestinal tract with a composition
for disintegration in lower gastrointestinal tract.
[0068] When drying the formed products of the present invention,
the drying is performed by natural drying or by blowing under
heating. For example, the composition is dried while spraying or it
is coated on an objective product and dried. Also, for example, if
the composition contains a thermoplastic substance, the composition
is cooled and solidified before it can be dried. At the time of
production, it is important to take the following into
consideration. That is, during the drying or after the drying, (1)
in the case where a volatile acid is used in the production
process, humidification treatment increases the efficiency of
removing the acid, (2) the efficiency of drying can be increased by
suitably using an organic solvent, and so forth.
[0069] The method for coating the composition for disintegration in
lower gastrointestinal tract in particular when forming a formed
product includes a method of spraying a solution containing the
polymer <B> in which the compound <A> is uniformly
dispersed and drying, as prepared by the above-mentioned method, a
method of dipping a material to be coated in a solution containing
the polymer <B> in which the compound <A> is uniformly
dispersed, as prepared by the above-mentioned method, and then
drawing it out and drying it, and a method of enveloping by a
method for producing a soft capsule.
[0070] In the case where the coating of formed product or article
is performed by spraying and drying the surface of tablets, capsule
and granules, the coating may be performed by use of a method in
which the preparation is preliminarily stirred in an apparatus such
as coating pan or the like in the case of a tablet and a capsule or
a fluidized bed granulator or a rolling layer granulator in the
case of granules, and a solution obtained by uniformly dispersing
the compound <A> in a solution containing the polymer
<B> is sprayed to the preparation through a spray nozzle and
dried.
[0071] In the case where the coating of the formed product is
performed by dipping the material to be coated, which is used
mainly for coating the surface of a hard capsule, the coating is
possible by use of a method in which a hard capsule is molded with
a molding pin and dried, and then it is dipped in a solution
obtained by uniformly dispersing the compound <A> in a
solution containing the polymer <B> and dried. Also, a hard
capsule may be produced by directly dipping the molding pin in a
solution obtained by uniformly dispersing the compound <A> in
a solution containing the polymer <B> and then drawing it out
and drying it.
[0072] Upon coating the hard capsule, it is preferred that seal
treatment be practiced in advance in order to completely coat the
bonded portion.
[0073] After performing the coating and drying, humidification
treatment is optionally performed to remove the acid in the
coating, so that the resistance in the small intestine can be
increased.
[0074] For example, in the case where chitosan is a component,
humidification for removing a volatile acid can be performed, for
example, under the conditions of 30 to 40.degree. C. and relative
humidity of 60 to 75% for a treating time on the order of 24 to 100
hours.
[0075] A soft capsule can be produced by adding cystine as the
compound <A>, chitosan as the polymer <B>, agar as the
water-insoluble polymer, gelatin as the polymer for accelerating
disintegration in lower gastrointestinal tract, and so forth as
film forming components and using an ordinary method such as a
rotary die method or a drip in oil method (seamless method).
[0076] Upon producing a soft capsule, it is desirable to add a
thermoplastic substance, for example, agar besides the compound
<A> and the polymer <B> in order to impart resistance
in small intestine. Further, in order to control disintegration in
lower gastrointestinal tract, it is desirable to add a
thermoplastic substance, for example, agar or gelatin besides the
compound <A> and the polymer <B>.
[0077] A specific production method for a seamless soft capsule is
illustrated hereinbelow. Cystine is dispersed in a solution
obtained by adding water to agar and heating the mixture for
dissolution, and further gelatin is added thereto and dissolved.
Then, a chitosan solution separately dissolved by addition of an
acid is added and made uniform suspension. This is used as a film
forming liquid. The temperature of the film forming liquid is
preferably 80.degree. C. or less and more preferably 70.degree. C.
or less, in order to prevent the degradation of the components. The
viscosity of the film forming liquid is 300 cps or less, and more
preferably 250 cps or less, at 70.degree. C. The content liquid is
produced by dissolving or suspending a drug in an oil or fat or
emulsifying an aqueous solution of a drug with oil or fat. In the
case where a triple nozzle is used as described above, the aqueous
solution as it is may be used as the content solution. A content
solution is discharged from inside of a double or triple nozzle and
a film forming liquid is discharged from outside thereof into the
oil liquid each by use of a metering pump at a constant rate, and
the discharged liquid is cut at a constant interval by means of a
certain type of a physical force such as oscillation, impact, a
difference in discharge rate between the capsule liquid and oil
liquid to thereby produce spherical seamless soft capsules of 0.1
to 20 mm in diameter through a surface tension between the oil
liquid and film forming liquid.
[0078] What is described above mainly illustrates an example
applied to the seamless soft capsule of the present invention.
However, the present invention is also applicable to a hard
capsule, a rotary die capsule, and other soft capsules.
[0079] In the case where the formed product of the present
invention is a formed product composed of the compound <A>
and the polymer <B>, it is desirable that it be treated with
an alkali or a water-soluble alcohol-based organic solvent, or
subjected to humidification treatment in order to impart resistance
thereto so as not to disintegrate in the small intestine.
[0080] The system of the present invention is a system prepared by
use of the composition for disintegration in lower gastrointestinal
tract characterized by containing the compound <A> and the
polymer <B> and an enteric polymer film, for orally uptake of
a material desired to be delivered to the lower gastrointestinal
tract (for example, active ingredient <C> or bacteria cell
such as bifido bacteria or the like) and for the release of it
selectively in lower gastrointestinal tract.
[0081] Further, the system of the present invention, which may be
either coated with the composition for disintegration in lower
gastrointestinal tract or contained in the composition, is
preferably further coated with an enteric polymer film.
Furthermore, the composition for disintegration in lower
gastrointestinal tract used in the system of the present invention
is preferably a dispersion of a domain containing the compound
<A> in a matrix containing the polymer <B>.
[0082] The polymer <B> used in the system of the present
invention may be used alone or in combination as described
above.
[0083] The system of the present invention includes not only a
preparation that comprises composition for disintegration in lower
gastrointestinal tract, more particularly a formed product using
the composition, and an enteric polymer film and releases the
active ingredient <C> selectively in lower gastrointestinal
tract but also a sustained release preparation, a diagnostic method
and a material for use therein, and a functional food and so forth.
For example, the system of the present invention includes the
preparations having the above-mentioned features as main modes but
is not limited to these modes and includes its use in a pulsatile
release type sustained preparation as one mode of the system of the
present invention. That is, by combining the preparation for
release in lower gastrointestinal tract as a slow release unit with
a quick release unit, there can be obtained a sustained release
preparation of which the unit that releases a drug in, for example,
the stomach and small intestine disintegrates in series and
thereafter the unit that releases a drug in lower gastrointestinal
tract disintegrates. Thus, the system of the present invention can
be applied to various drugs of which sustained release is
desired.
[0084] Another mode of the system of the present invention finds
application not only in the field of treatment but also in the
field of diagnostics. For example, a capsule containing a drug such
as a contrasting agent can be used in combination with X-ray and an
NMR image forming technique by allowing the drug to be released in
lower gastrointestinal tract after taking the capsule. In other
fields of diagnostics, a would-be antigen (allergen) or allergic
food component can be delivered to lower gastrointestinal tract for
the diagnostics of allergy. Furthermore, in another mode, the
system of the present invention includes a functional food. For
example, filling bifido bacteria or a substance that has an
activity of growing bifido bacteria (example; oligosaccharide and
so forth) or the like is in a capsule and allowing it to be
released selectively in lower gastrointestinal tract, the bifido
bacteria in the lower gastrointestinal tract can be increased and
the activity of recovering intestinal order can be utilized.
[0085] The "preparation for release in lower gastrointestinal
tract" of the present invention is a preparation for release in
lower gastrointestinal tract characterized in that the composition
for disintegration in lower gastrointestinal tract characterized by
containing at least the active ingredient <C>, the compound
<A> and the polymer <B> is coated with an enteric
polymer film. It is a preparation that has a function of
selectively releasing the active ingredient <C> in lower
gastrointestinal tract by use of the "composition for
disintegration in lower gastrointestinal tract" of the present
invention, which is a functional material that disintegrates
selectively in lower gastrointestinal tract, and further by used of
an enteric polymer film.
[0086] The preparation of the present invention is preferably
composed of a composition containing the active ingredient
<C> and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, and coated
with the composition for disintegration in lower gastrointestinal
tract characterized by containing the compound <A> and the
polymer <B> and further with an enteric polymer film.
Further, in the system of the present invention, the composition
for disintegration in lower gastrointestinal tract used is
preferably one in which the domain containing the compound
<A> is dispersed in the matrix containing the polymer
<B>.
[0087] In the preparation for release in lower gastrointestinal
tract of the present invention, the polymer <B> may be used
alone or in combination as described above.
[0088] The form of the preparation for release in lower
gastrointestinal tract of the present invention includes a tablet,
a granule, a fine granule, a powder, a capsule, and so forth, and
any form may be adopted. For example, in the case of a tablet, a
compression formed tablet containing an active ingredient may be
coated with a film of the composition of the present invention. In
particular, in order to quickly disperse a drug having a very high
fat solubility, such as steroid, in an environment where there is a
small amount of water, such as colon, a form of capsule having
filled therein a drug in a state of solution or suspension is
preferred. The form of a soft capsule is more preferred in
consideration of production costs. The drug that can be
encapsulated by a soft capsule generally includes drugs having high
fat solubility that is readily soluble in oil or fat. In the case
of water-soluble drugs, the encapsulation can be practiced by a
method of suspending the drug in oil or fat. In the case where a
water-soluble drug is filled in a seamless capsule, besides the
method of suspending a drug in oil or fat, a method in which a
triple nozzle is used and an oil or fat layer is arranged between
an aqueous solution of the drug and a film may be practiced (JP
8-10313 A). The preparation of various kinds may be produced by one
having ordinary skill in the art.
[0089] The material desired to be delivered to lower
gastrointestinal tract, which the objective material in the present
invention, is not particularly limited.
[0090] In the case where the system of the present invention is
used as a functional food, it includes, for example, lactic acid
bacteria preparations such as lactomine preparations, bifido
bacteria-lactomin compound, butyric acid bacteria, or resistant
lactic acid bacteria, lactose decomposing enzyme drugs such as
.beta.-galactosidase and tilactase, vitamins and so forth.
[0091] In the case where the system of the present invention is
used for diagnosis, it includes chemicals for a contrasting agent,
such as amidotrizoic acid or barium sulfate. It is used in
combination with X-ray and NMR image forming technology by taking a
capsule encapsulating it therein. It also includes antigens
(allergens such as egg, milk, soybean, wheat, peanut, buckwheat,
and banana), allergic food components (drug contained in food,
colorant, preservative, yeast, bacteria and so forth) and the like
for the diagnosis of allergy. It is released in lower
gastrointestinal tract when in use.
[0092] In the case where the system of the present invention as a
medical (animal medical) preparation, the "material desired to be
delivered to lower gastrointestinal tract" is as explained in
"active ingredient <C>". The following (1) to (4) may be
mentioned of.
[0093] (1) Therapeutic drugs of which site-specific delivery is
desirable include drugs considered to be effective to diseases in
lower gastrointestinal tract, for example, therapeutical drugs for
Crohn's disease, ulcerative colonitis, colon cancer and the like.
Specific examples thereof include
[0094] 5-ASA derivatives such as mesalazine, 5-aminosalycilic acid
(5-ASA), and salazosulfapyridine, steroids such as cortisone
acetate, triamcinolone, dexamethasone, hydrocortisone,
prednisolone, betamethasone, betamethasone valerate, paramethasone
acetate, fludrocortison acetate, halopredone acetate, fluocinolone
acetonide, fluocinonide, and hydrocortisone acetate, antedrug type
steroids such as budesonide, beclometasone dipropionate, fluticason
propionate, and betamethazon dipropionate.
[0095] Immunosuppressors such as cyclosporin, 6-mercaptopurine,
tacrolimus, azathioprine, and mizoribine, protease inhibitors such
as ulinastatin and camostat mesilate, highly unsaturated fatty
acids such as EPA and DHA and esters thereof, anticancer agents
such as tegafur, fluorouracil and bleomycin,
[0096] Antirheumatic agents such as sodium aurothiomalate,
penicillamine, auranofin, disodium lonzarit, and actariot,
antathmatic agents such as beclometazone propionate, hemostats such
as carbazochrom sodium sulfonate, adrenochrome guanylhydrazone
mesilate, ethanesylate, .epsilon.-aminocaproic acid, tranexamic
acid, thrombin, cellulose chloride, gelatin, monoethanolamine
oleate, and polycazole, fungicides such as amphotericin B,
flucytocine, miconazole, fluconazole, itraconazole, and
griseofulvin, various antibiotics such as .beta.-lactams
(penicillins, cephems), amino glucosides, macrolides,
tetracyclines, new quinolones, vancomycin, and clindamycin,
anti-inflammatory agents such as salicylic acids (sodium
salicylate, aspirin, sazapirin, etc.), aryl acetates (diclofenac
sodium, tolmethine sodium, fenbufen, indomethacin, amfenac sodium,
mebumethone, etc.), propionic acids (ibuprofen, ketoprofen,
naproxene, loxoprofen sodium, etc.), fenamic acids (flufenamic
acid, mefenamic acid, floctafenin, tolfenamic acid, etc.),
pyrazolones(ketophenylbutazone, etc.), and oxicams (piroxicam,
ampiroxicam, etc.), local anesthetics such as procaine
hydrochloride, oxyprocaine hydrochloride, ethyl aminobenzoate,
cocaine hydrochloride, tetracaine hydrochloride, lidocaine
hydrochloride, dibucaine hydrochloride, protocaine hydrochloride,
and oxazane, enterokinesis accelerators such as cisapride.
[0097] (2) The material desired to be delivered to lower
gastrointestinal tract directly includes, for example, a laxative
and an antidiarrhetic. It is desirable that these be released
selectively in the colon. Specific examples of cathartics include
large intestine stimulating cathartics, for example, anthraquinone
derivatives contained in galenicals such as senna, rhubarb and
aloe, phenolphthalein derivatives such as phenovaline, diphenyl
derivatives such as laxoberon, large intestine stimulating
cathartics such as bisacodyl, and small intestine stimulating
cathartics such as castor oil and olive oil, and so forth. Specific
examples of antidiarrhetics include astringents such as albumin
tannate and bismuth formulations, bactericides such as berberine
chloride and berberine chloride arranged formulations,
enterokinesis inhibitors such as opium alkaloid, mepenzolate
bromide (parasympatholytic drug/cholinolytic drug), loperamide
chloride, trimebutine maleate, oxethazaine, tiquizium bromide, and
cisapride.
[0098] (3) Also a drug that could cause gastrointestinal injury in
upper gastrointestinal tract due to its direct action to the
gastric wall, for example, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug
(NSAID) can be released selectively in lower gastrointestinal tract
and allowed to be absorbed thereby. Specific examples thereof
include salicylic acids (sodium salicylate, aspirin, sazapirin,
etc.), aryl acetates (diclofenac sodium, trimethine sodium,
fenbufen, indomethacine, amfenac sodium, mebutone, etc.), propionic
acids (ibuprofen, ketoprofen, naproxen, loxoprofen sodium, etc.),
fenamic acids (flufenamic acid, mefenamic acid, floctafenine,
trifenamic acid, etc.), pyrazolones (ketophenylbutazone, etc.),
oxicams (piroxicam, ampiroxicam, etc.) and the like
anti-inflammatory agents.
[0099] (4) Various physiologically active polypeptides, proteins
and derivatives thereof of which decomposition in upper
gastrointestinal tract (peptide), in particular decomposition in
upper gastrointestinal tract have to be inhibited, for example,
insulin, calcitonin, angiotensin, vasopressin, desmopressin, LH-RH
(luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone), somatostatin, glucagon,
oxytocin, gastrin, cyclosporin, somatomedin, secretin, h-ANP (human
atrial sodium diuretic peptide), ACTH (adrenocorticotropic
hormone), MSH (melanophore stimulating hormone), .beta.-endorphin,
muramyl dipeptide, enkephalin, neurotensin, pombesin, VIP
(vasoactive intestinal polypeptide), CCK-8 (cholecystokinin-8), PTH
(parathyroid hormone), CGRP (calcitonin gene related peptide), TRH
(thytropin releasing hormone), endothelin, hGH (human growth
hormone), and cytokines such as interluekins, interferons (.alpha.,
.beta. and .gamma.), colony stimulating factor, and tumor necrosis
factor, and derivatives thereof. The peptides and proteins include
not only those derived from natural substances but also
pharmacologically active derivatives and analogues thereof (for
example, mutants with deletion, substitution or addition by genetic
recombination). Therefore, calcitonin, which is an objective in the
present invention includes not only naturally occurring products
such as salmon calcitonin, human calcitonin, porcine calcitonin,
eel calcitonin, and chicken calcitonin but also analogues thereof
such as [Asul, 7]-eel calcitonin (elcatonin). Insulin not only
includes human insulin, porcine insulin, and eel insulin but also
includes their analogues such as their genetic recombinants.
[0100] In the present invention, the material desired to be
delivered in lower gastrointestinal tract may be used alone or as
mixtures of two or more of them, or may be mixed with
pharmaceutically acceptable carriers.
[0101] Further, drugs that have high first pass effects when they
are absorbed in the small intestine or that have decreased
bioavailability because of inhibited absorption due to the
interaction with undigested food or components of gastrointestinal
juice in the small intestine are preferred examples of the active
ingredient of the present invention. The drugs that are influenced
by the drug-metabolizing enzyme in the upper gastrointestinal tract
when absorbed in the small intestine are preferred examples of
drugs that are released and absorbed in the rectum, portion of the
large intestine.
[0102] The materials that are desired to be delivered to the lower
gastrointestinal tract may be optionally mixed with other additives
that have been accepted as drug additives and food additives, or
may be contained in an oil base.
[0103] The "enteric polymer film" is an enteric film made from a
polymer that is soluble in a liquid at a pH 5 or more as a base
material. It is not particularly limited as far as it is selected
from various enteric base materials that can impart resistance to
gastric juice when they are used in the preparation of the present
invention and that have been widely used conventionally. In the
system of the present invention, it is preferred that an enteric
film is provided on the outermost layer in order to protect the
polymer that is dissolved in an acidic state from the low pH
environment in the stomach. Specific examples of the base material
used for such an enteric coating film include anionic acrylic
resins such as methacrylic acid/methyl acrylate copolymer and
methacrylic acid/ethyl acrylate copolymer (for example, Eudragit L,
Eudragit S (both trade names; Roehm, Germany), etc.),
hydroxypropylmethylcellulose acetate succinate (HPMCAS),
hydroxypropylmethylcellulose phthalate (HPMCP), cellulose acetate
phtalate (CAP), hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (HPMC),
carboxymethylcellulose acetate phthalate (CMCAP), shellac, and so
forth. Mixtures of these may also be used. The enteric coating film
may be used by coating to form a film layer in an ordinary method.
Also, it may be used in the form of a capsule produced using the
base material. That is, a soft capsule using the composition for
disintegration in lower gastrointestinal tract containing at least
the compound <A> and the polymer <B> according to the
present invention, which is a constituent unit for releasing the
active ingredient in lower gastrointestinal tract, may be placed in
a capsule of an enteric coating film before it can be used.
[0104] The term "coated" as used herein includes not only the state
of being coated to form a coating film but also the state of being
placed in, for example, the capsule that is made with the polymers
as described above.
[0105] In the system of the present invention, one or more
pharmaceutically acceptable additives may be added in order to
facilitate its absorption or dispersion in the lower
gastrointestinal tract. Such an additive includes oil or fat, a
surfactant, a medium chain aliphatic carboxylic acid and its salt,
EDTA, and various protease inhibitors for preventing enzymatic
decomposition in the colon in the case of absorption of peptide or
the like. Examples of the oil or fat include medium chain fatty
acid triglycerides (migliore, etc.), hard fat (Witep sol, etc.),
and vegetable oil (olive oil, etc.). The surfactant includes, for
example, various bile acid salts, sodium lauryl sulfate, sucrose
fatty acid esters, sorbitan fatty acid esters, polyoxysorbitan
fatty acid esters (Tween 80, etc.), polyoxyethylene hardened castor
oil (HCO60, etc.), polyoxyethylene lauryl ether, polyethylene
glycol fatty acid ester and/or mixtures of these with glyceride
(for example, trade name; GELSIE (Gatefoce, France), and so forth.
The medium chain aliphatic carboxylic acid includes caproic acid,
caprylic acid, capric acid, lauric acid, myristic acid, and so
forth. Their salts are typically sodium salts and potassium salts.
The protease inhibitor includes aprotinin, ulinastin, camostat
mesilate and so forth.
[0106] Particularly preferable combinations of constituent elements
of the composition for disintegration in lower gastrointestinal
tract, formed product using the composition, preparation or system
for release in lower gastrointestinal tract using them will be
described hereinbelow. However, the present invention should not be
construed as being limited thereto.
[0107] Particularly preferred examples of the composition for
disintegration in lower gastrointestinal tract include a) a
composition for disintegration in lower gastrointestinal tract
characterized by containing cystine and at least chitosan, b) a
composition for disintegration in lower gastrointestinal tract
characterized by containing cystine and at least chitosan and a
substance that controls disintegration rate in lower
gastrointestinal tract, c) a composition for disintegration in
lower gastrointestinal tract characterized in that a domain
containing cystine is dispersed in a matrix containing at least
chitosan, and d) a composition for disintegration in lower
gastrointestinal tract characterized in that a domain containing
cystine is dispersed in a matrix containing at least chitosan and a
substance that controls disintegration rate in lower
gastrointestinal tract.
[0108] Particularly preferred examples of the formed product
include a) a formed product for releasing a content in lower
gastrointestinal tract, comprising a formed product of the
composition for disintegration in lower gastrointestinal tract
characterized by containing cystine and at least chitosan, b) a
formed product for releasing a content in lower gastrointestinal
tract, comprising a formed product of composition for
disintegration in lower gastrointestinal tract characterized by
containing cystine and at least chitosan and a substance that
controls disintegration rate in lower gastrointestinal tract, c) a
formed product for releasing a content in lower gastrointestinal
tract, comprising a formed product of composition for
disintegration in lower gastrointestinal tract characterized in
that a domain containing cystine in the formed product is dispersed
in a matrix containing at least chitosan, and d) a formed product
for releasing a content in lower gastrointestinal tract, comprising
a formed product of composition for disintegration in lower
gastrointestinal tract characterized in that a domain containing
cystine in the formed product is dispersed in a matrix containing
at least chitosan and a substance that controls disintegration rate
in lower gastrointestinal tract.
[0109] Particularly preferred examples of the preparation include
i) a preparation for release in lower gastrointestinal tract
characterized in that a composition for release in lower
gastrointestinal tract characterized by containing cystine and at
least chitosan and an active ingredient <C> are coated with
an enteric polymer film, ii) a preparation for release in lower
gastrointestinal tract characterized in that a composition
containing an active ingredient <C> and a pharmaceutically
acceptable carrier is coated with a composition for disintegration
in lower gastrointestinal tract characterized by containing cystine
and at least chitosan and further coated with an enteric polymer
film, and iii) a preparation for release in lower gastrointestinal
tract characterized in that a composition containing an active
ingredient <C> and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier is
coated with a composition for disintegration in lower
gastrointestinal tract characterized in that a domain containing
cystine in the composition is dispersed in a matrix containing
cystine and at least chitosan and further coated with an enteric
polymer film.
[0110] Particularly preferred examples of the system include i) a
system for peroral uptake of a material desired to be delivered to
lower gastrointestinal tract and selective release in the lower
gastrointestinal tract, characterized in that a composition for
disintegration in lower gastrointestinal tract characterized by
containing cystine and at least chitosan and an enteric polymer
film are used, ii) a system for peroral uptake of a material
desired to be delivered to lower gastrointestinal tract and
selective release in the lower gastrointestinal tract,
characterized in that the material desired to be delivered to the
lower gastrointestinal tract is coated with or added to a
composition for disintegration in the lower gastrointestinal tract
characterized by containing cystine and at least chitosan, and
further is coated with an enteric polymer film, and iii) a system
for peroral uptake of a material desired to be delivered to lower
gastrointestinal tract and selective release in the lower
gastrointestinal tract, characterized in that a composition
containing an active ingredient <C> and a pharmaceutically
acceptable carrier is coated with a composition for disintegration
in lower gastrointestinal tract characterized in that a domain
containing cystine in the composition is dispersed in a matrix
containing cystine and at least chitosan and further coated with an
enteric polymer film.
[0111] The above-mentioned chitosan used in particularly preferred
combinations of constituent elements of the composition for
disintegration in lower gastrointestinal tract, formed product,
preparation for release in lower gastrointestinal tract or system
of the present invention may be used alone or in combination as
described above. By using a synthetic cationic polymer, for
example, an acid-soluble hydrophobic polymer, in combination,
swelling of chitosan with water can be inhibited and its water
resistance can be increased further.
[0112] The compounding weight ratio of cystine to chitosan may be
set optionally. However, it is preferred to set it in the range of
10/90 to 90/10. It is preferred that the compounding weight ratio
of agar to gelatin be set in the range of 10/90 to 90/10. Further,
the total compounding weight of agar and gelatin is preferably 5%
or more based on the total weight of the capsule film (% of weight
per weight; value on dry basis).
[0113] The adaptation diseases targeted by the system for peroral
uptake of a material desired to be delivered to lower
gastrointestinal tract and selective release in the lower
gastrointestinal tract according to the present invention are not
particularly limited as far as they are based on the main medicinal
effect. The diseases may be coped with by either systemic
administration or local administration. The diseases intended to be
coped with by local administration include lower gastrointestinal
tract diseases (ulcerative colonitis, Crohn's disease, colorectal
cancer, colon cancer, colorectal polyps, irritable colonitis,
irritable bowel syndrome, etc.). The system of the present
invention may be used also as preparations such as an enteral
flora-forming agent, a hemorrhoids treating agent, an intestinal
disorder treating agent, and a cathartic.
[0114] Next, the present invention and effects thereof will be
illustrated in more detail with reference to examples and test
examples.
Example 1
[0115] 50 ml of water was added to 1 g of agar, 1 g of cystine, and
1 g of glycerol, and the mixture was stirred at 90.degree. C. to
dissolve the agar. After the temperature of the resultant
suspension was decreased to 70.degree. C., 1.5 g of gelatin was
added and the mixture was stirred to dissolve. Further, a solution
of 1.5 g of chitosan (Chitosan LL (registered trademark), viscosity
(0.5%, 20.degree. C.); 20 cps or more, Yaizu Suisan), and 0.5 g of
acetic acid in 25 ml of water was added thereto and stirred to
obtain a uniform suspension.
[0116] 7 ml of this suspension is spread in a dish of 9.3 mm in
inner diameter and dried to prepare a cast film (about 60 .mu.m in
film thickness).
Example 2
[0117] 50 ml of water was added to 1 g of agar, 1 g of cystine, 1 g
of glycerol, and 1 g of corn starch and the mixture was stirred at
90.degree. C. to dissolve the agar and corn starch. Then, the
temperature of the resultant suspension was decreased to 70.degree.
C. Further, a solution of 1.5 g of chitosan (Chitosan LL
(registered trademark), viscosity (0.5%, 20.degree. C.); 20 cps or
more, Yaizu Suisan), and 0.5 g of acetic acid in 25 ml of water was
added thereto and stirred to obtain a uniform suspension.
[0118] 7 ml of the suspension was spread in a dish of 9.3 mm in
inner diameter and dried to prepare a cast film (about 60 .mu.m in
film thickness).
Comparative Example 1
[0119] 50 ml of water was added to 1 g of agar, 1 g of
.beta.-cyclodextrin, 1 g of glycerol, and 1 g of corn starch and
the mixture was stirred at 90.degree. C. to dissolve the agar and
corn starch. Then, the temperature of the resultant suspension was
decreased to 70.degree. C. Further, a solution of 1.5 g of chitosan
(Chitosan LL (registered trademark), viscosity (0.5%, 20.degree.
C.); 20 cps or more, Yaizu Suisan), and 0.5 g of acetic acid in 25
ml of water was added thereto and stirred to obtain a uniform
suspension.
[0120] 7 ml of the suspension was spread in a dish of 9.3 mm in
inner diameter and dried to prepare a cast film (about 60 .mu.m in
film thickness).
Example 3
[0121] 100 ml of water was added to 2 g of agar, 8 g of cystine,
and 8 g of glycerol, and the mixture was stirred at 90.degree. C.
to dissolve the agar. After the temperature of the resultant
suspension was decreased to 70.degree. C., 10 g of gelatin was
added and the mixture was stirred to dissolve gelatin. Further, a
solution of 6 g of chitosan and 6 g of citric acid in 60 ml of
water was added thereto and stirred to obtain a uniform suspension.
Then seamless soft capsules having a particle size of about 2.4 mm
and a weight of about 8.9 mg (content of about 5.3 mg) were
produced by a drip in oil method using the suspension as a film
forming liquid and a solution (0.25 mg/g) of fat-soluble red dye
Sudan IV dissolved in a medium chain fatty acid triglyceride (MCT)
as a content liquid. As the chitosan, a 2.8:3.2 mixture of Chitosan
LL (registered trademark) (viscosity (0.5%, 20.degree. C.); 20 cps
or more, Yaizu Suisan) and Chitosan 100 (registered trademark)
(viscosity (0.5%, 20.degree. C.); 90.2 cps, Wako) was used.
Example 4
[0122] In the same manner as in Example 3, seamless capsules having
a particle size of about 2.4 mm and a weight of about 8.7 mg
(content of about 5.9 mg) were produced using a suspension (50
mg/g) of indomethacine dispersed in a medium chain fatty acid
triglyceride (MCT) as a content liquid.
Test Example 1
[0123] The cast films obtained in Examples 1, 2 and comparative
Example 1 were placed in a sealed vessel containing a suspension of
cecum contents of a Wistar rat (30 g (wet weight) of cecum
contents/60 g of pH 6.8 carbonate buffer) or pH 6.8 carbonate
buffer to dip therein and the space was purged with carbon dioxide
gas. Thereafter, the vessel was sealed and weakly shaken at
37.degree. C. for 16 to 20 hours. After the shaking, the cast films
were taken out, washed with water and dried. The surface of each
cast film was observed on a scanning electron microscope at a
magnification of 1,000 times.
[0124] The carbonate buffer was prepared by weighing respective
components, dissolving them in a suitable amount of water, making
the total amount to 1 liter and bubbling CO.sub.2 into the solution
to adjust it to pH 6.8.
1 NaHCO.sub.3 9.240 g Na.sub.2HPO.sub.4.12H.sub.- 2O 7.125 g NaCl
0.470 g KCl 0.450 g CaCl.sub.2.2H.sub.2O 0.073 g
MgCl.sub.2.6H.sub.2O 0.087 g H.sub.2O suitable amount Total amount
1 liter.
[0125] The cast film in Comparative Example 1 had a smooth surface
and no corrosion was observed after dipping it in the suspension of
cecum contents. On the contrary, deep corrosion was observed in the
cast film of Example 1 and the corrosion further proceeded in the
cast film of Example 2. Furthermore, no corrosion was observed in
the cast films of Examples 1 and 2 with dipping in the carbonate
buffer.
[0126] Here, "corrosion" refers to the state where a part of the
film is detached from the surface of film due to decomposition or
dissolution to form a groove or hole. The results are shown in
FIGS. 1 to 4, which are scanning electron micrographs.
[0127] FIG. 1(a) The cast film of Example 1
[0128] Before the test
[0129] FIG. 1(b) Example 1
[0130] In carbonate buffer
[0131] 16 Hours (37.degree. C.)
[0132] FIG. 2 Example 1
[0133] In suspension of cecum contents
[0134] 16 Hours (37.degree. C.)
[0135] FIG. 3(a) The cast film of Comparative Example 1
[0136] Before the test
[0137] FIG. 3(b) Comparative Example 1
[0138] In carbonate buffer
[0139] 20 Hours (37.degree. C.)
[0140] FIG. 4 Comparative Example 1
[0141] In suspension of cecum contents
[0142] 20 Hours (37.degree. C.)
Test Example 2
[0143] Three seamless soft capsules obtained in Example 3 were
filled in an enteric capsule (enteric capsule for animals
MGS.multidot.AS-M type, Freund Sangyo). Enteric capsules thus
obtained were orally administered to rats fed to repletion and rats
starved for 20 hours, respectively. In the sate of being fed to
repletion, the rats were sacrificed with lapse of time for 4 to 24
hours and the capsules in the gastrointestinal tract were observed.
The results are shown in FIG. 5.
[0144] In the instant test, the capsule when the rats were fed to
repletion did not disintegrate and had maintained high strength of
the film so that no leakage of the content liquid was observed in
the upper gastrointestinal tract to the ileum. Further, high
strength of the film was maintained. However, in the cecum and
colon, the film strength decreased and disintegration of capsule
and leakage of content liquid were observed.
[0145] The film strength was measured as follows. The capsule taken
out of the gastrointestinal tract was placed in a dish in which
Kim-wipe was laid. Then, a probe of a force gauge (MODEL-9500,
produced by Aiko Engineering Co., Ltd.) attached to a movable stand
was actuated in the vertical direction to push the capsule and
maximum load (unit: N) at which the capsule was broken and the
content liquid was leaked was recorded. When the film strength was
0.1 N or less, it was judged that the "film strength was
decreased". Unchanged seamless soft capsules had a film strength of
0.25 N or more. The blackened seamless soft capsules had a film
strength of 0.1 N or less, so that their film strength was
decreased.
Example 5
[0146] 480 ml of water was added to 9 g of chitosan (Chitosan PSH
(registered trademark) (viscosity (0.5%, 20.degree. C.); 100 cps or
more, Yaizu Suisan) to disperse it and then 81 g of acetic acid was
slowly added while stirring to dissolve the chitosan.
[0147] To this solution was added a solution of 9 g of
dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate/methyl methacrylate/butyl
methacrylate copolymer (Eudragit E(registered trademark), Roem
GmbH, Germany) in 300 g of ethanol and further a suspension of 9 g
of cystine in 100 g of water. The mixture was stirred to make it
uniform. Thus, a suspension was obtained.
[0148] 7 ml of he suspension was spread in a dish of 9.3 mm in
inner diameter, and dried to prepare a cast film.
Comparative Example 2
[0149] A cast film was prepared in the same manner as in Example 5
except that cystine was eliminated from Example 5.
Test Example 3
[0150] The cast films prepared in Example 5 and Comparative Example
2 above were subjected to shaking test in a suspension of cecum
contents and carbonate buffer in the same manner as in Test Example
1. Digital microscopic images of the results obtained are shown in
FIG. 6. FIG. 6(a) relates to the cast film prepared in Example 5
and FIG. 6(b) relates to the cast film prepared in Comparative
Example 2. In each image, the left hand side (film looking white)
shows the results of shaking in the carbonate buffer and the right
hand side shows the results of shaking in the suspension of cecum
contents.
[0151] The black fragment in mat paper background on the right hand
side in FIG. 6(a) shows the cast film obtained from the composition
of the present invention. It was demonstrated that the film was
blackened and completely disintegrated by dipping it in the
suspension of cecum contents.
Example 6
[0152] The suspension prepared in Example 5 was used as a coating
liquid.
[0153] In No. 3 gelatin hard capsules provided with a band seal
were each filled 20 mg of theophylline as a model drug and 40 mg of
magnesium stearate as an leakage inhibitor of theophylline in the
small intestine. To this was sprayed the coating liquid prepared as
above using a coating apparatus (Doria Coater 200, Powrex
Corporation) to coat the capsules.
[0154] Then, the coated capsules were placed in a thermohygrostat
set to 40.degree. C. and 75% and subjected to humidification
treatment for 24 hours.
Test Example 4
[0155] To confirm the resistance in small intestine, the coating
capsules obtained in Example 6 were subjected to elution tests by
the paddle test in accordance with Japan Pharmacopoeia Elution
Test.
[0156] The test solution was Japan Pharmacopoeia second liquid (pH
6.8) and paddle rotation number was 50 rpm.
[0157] In the Japan Pharmacopoeia second liquid, which was a
simulated intestinal juice, the capsules in Example 6 showed a very
low leakage ratio of theophylline. As a result, it was demonstrated
that the capsules of the present invention showed resistance in the
small intestine. The results obtained are shown below.
2TABLE 2 Small Intestine Resistance Test Elution ratio of
theophylline (%) Time No. 1 No. 2 Average 0 hr 0 0 0 1 hr 0.3 0.2
0.3 2 hr 1.7 2.0 1.9 3 hr 4.8 5.3 5.1 4 hr 7.8 8.2 8.0
Test Example 5
[0158] The capsules of Example 6 were placed in a No. 1 enteric
capsule (Freund Sangyo) and further 10 mg of acetoaminophenone as a
marker for indicating arrival at small intestine and 50 mg of
sulfasalazine as a marker for indicating arrival at colon were
added thereto. The connected portion of the capsule was sealed with
a solution of hydroxypropylmethylcellulose acetate succinate, which
was a raw material of capsule, in a mixed solution of methylene
chloride/ethanol (1:1).
[0159] The capsule was orally administered to a dog together with
30 ml of water and the dog was collected the blood chronologically
and the concentration of drug in the obtained plasma was measured.
The dog was intravenously injected with atropin sulfate as an
enteromotility suppressor 30 minutes before the oral administration
in order to make uniform the rate of movement of capsule in the
gastrointestinal tract. Sulfasalazine as the marker for indicating
arrival at colon was decomposed by the enterobacteria after the
arrival at the colon to release sulfapyridine as a decomposition
product.
[0160] By measuring the blood level of sulfapyridine, an indication
of arrival at colon of capsule was obtained. The blood level
changes of the model drug and marker substances are shown in FIG.
7.
[0161] Since theophylline appeared later than the appearance of
sulfapyridine in blood, it was confirmed that the capsule coated in
Example 6 had resistance in small intestine and further that the
capsule was disintegrated to release the contents after a while
after its arrival at the colon.
[0162] As described above, it was demonstrated that the cast films
formulated in soft capsules of the present invention were corroded
on their surface by dipping them in a suspension of cecum contents.
The dry weight of the cast film corroded in the suspension of cecum
contents decreased as compared with the dry weight of the cast film
of which no corrosion was observed in the carbonate buffer.
Further, the seamless soft capsules containing cystine and chitosan
in the capsule film according to the present invention did not
disintegrate in the upper gastrointestinal tract to the ileum and
no leakage of the content liquid was observed, so that they had
high film strength. In the cecum and colon, the film strength of
the capsule decreased and disintegration of the capsule and leakage
of the content liquid occurred.
[0163] It was demonstrated that the cast films formulated in film
coating according to the present invention were blackened and
disintegrated completely by dipping them in the suspension of cecum
contents.
[0164] The film coating capsules of the present invention showed
suppressed leakage of the content liquid in elution tests using
Japan Pharmacopoeia second liquid and further in the experiment of
administration to a dog, they showed retarded release as compared
with that of the marker indicating arrival at colon. This indicated
that there occurred colon-specific release.
[0165] Therefore, by use of the composition for disintegration in
lower gastrointestinal tract according to the present invention,
the content can be delivered unfailingly, quickly and selectively
in lower gastrointestinal tract utilizing enterobacteria that can
be considered to have high specificity for targeting the lower
gastrointestinal tract without being influenced by a change in pH
due to a variation in bacterial flora.
INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY
[0166] By use of the composition for disintegration in lower
gastrointestinal tract according to the present invention, that is,
a composition for disintegration in lower gastrointestinal tract,
comprising a compound <A> having a molecular weight of 1,000
or less and having a disulfide bond and a polymer <B> having
a molecular weight of above 1,000 and having a property of being
decomposed by enterobacteria, and/or a property of being softened,
swelled or dissolved due to a decrease in pH, the content can be
delivered unfailingly, quickly and selectively in lower
gastrointestinal tract utilizing enterobacteria without being
influenced by a change in pH due to a variation in bacterial flora.
Therefore, the preparation using the composition for disintegration
in lower gastrointestinal tract according to the present invention
enables local accumulation of the drug in treating local
gastrointestinal tract diseases such as ulcerative colitis and
Crohn's disease, and therefore it is useful for improving the
therapeutic effect.
[0167] Since no release of drug occurs before arrival at the lower
gastrointestinal tract, side effects due to systemic circulation of
the drug are decreased, and loss of the drug before it reaches the
site where it is effective can be prevented. Therefore, the present
invention is useful for improving the therapeutic effect.
[0168] Since use of the disintegrable composition of the present
invention can prolong the residence time i.e., absorption effective
time, in the colon, of a drug that has the property of exhibiting
the efficacy after its transfer in systemic circulation, the colon
can be utilized as an absorption site therefor. The colon secretes
no gastrointestinal enzyme and the peptidase activity of mucous
membrane of large intestine is low as compared with that of small
intestine. Accordingly, especially a peptide- or protein-based
drug, when it is released in the colon, is hardly metabolized by
the enzymes, so that higher biological availability can be
obtained.
[0169] The system for peroral uptake of a material desired to be
delivered to lower gastrointestinal tract and selective release in
the lower gastrointestinal tract according to the present invention
can be used as a preferred example for the improvement of
bioavailability for drugs that show decreased bioavailability due
to high first pass effects when they are absorbed in the small
intestine or due to inhibited absorption as a result of the
interaction with undigested food or components of gastrointestinal
juice in the small intestine. In addition, the drugs that are
influenced by the drug-metabolizing enzyme in the upper
gastrointestinal tract when absorbed in the small intestine are
used as a preferred example in which a drug is released and
absorbed in the rectum portion of the large intestine.
[0170] Furthermore, the system of the present invention can be used
in diagnosis using a sustained release preparation, X-ray and NMR
imaging technology or in health-care foods (functional foods).
* * * * *