U.S. patent application number 11/473034 was filed with the patent office on 2006-10-26 for method for producing preparation containing bioactive substance.
Invention is credited to Masafumi Misaki, Yoshihiro Ohmachi, Shigeyuki Takada.
Application Number | 20060241045 11/473034 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 18837665 |
Filed Date | 2006-10-26 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060241045 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Ohmachi; Yoshihiro ; et
al. |
October 26, 2006 |
Method for producing preparation containing bioactive substance
Abstract
A method for producing a preparation containing a bioactive
substance, characterized in that it comprises forming a solid
material containing the bioactive substance and a polymer, and
contacting the solid material with a high pressure gas. The method
allows the production of a preparation which is suppressed in
excessive initial release of the bioactive substance immediately
after the administration thereof, is capable of releasing a
predetermined amount of the bioactive substance over a long period
of time, and is extremely reduced in the deterioration of the
bioactive substance and in the amount of a residual organic
solvent.
Inventors: |
Ohmachi; Yoshihiro;
(Osaka-shi, JP) ; Misaki; Masafumi;
(Takarazuka-shi, JP) ; Takada; Shigeyuki;
(Nishinomiya-shi, JP) |
Correspondence
Address: |
WENDEROTH, LIND & PONACK, L.L.P.
2033 K STREET N. W.
SUITE 800
WASHINGTON
DC
20006-1021
US
|
Family ID: |
18837665 |
Appl. No.: |
11/473034 |
Filed: |
June 23, 2006 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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10433156 |
May 30, 2003 |
7090869 |
|
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PCT/JP01/10416 |
Nov 29, 2001 |
|
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11473034 |
Jun 23, 2006 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
514/1.1 ;
514/10.1; 514/10.8; 514/10.9; 514/11.1; 514/11.4; 514/11.7;
514/11.8; 514/12.3; 514/12.4; 514/12.9; 514/5.9; 514/7.9; 514/9.9;
530/324 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61K 9/1647 20130101;
A61P 5/06 20180101; A61K 9/5031 20130101; A61P 9/12 20180101; A61K
9/1694 20130101; A61K 9/5089 20130101; A61K 9/19 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
514/012 ;
530/324 |
International
Class: |
A61K 38/16 20060101
A61K038/16; C07K 14/47 20060101 C07K014/47 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Dec 1, 2000 |
JP |
2000-367183 |
Claims
1. A method for producing a preparation containing a peptidic
bioactive substance, which comprises forming a solid material
containing the bioactive substance and a polymer, and contacting
the solid material with high-pressure gas.
2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the peptidic bioactive
substance is that being unstable to heat or solvents.
3. The method according to claim 1, wherein the peptidic bioactive
substance has a molecular weight of about 2,000 to about
500,000.
4. The method according to claim 1, wherein the peptidic bioactive
substance has a molecular weight of about 5,000 to about
500,000.
5. The method according to claim 4, wherein the peptidic bioactive
substance is human growth hormone.
6-11. (canceled)
12. The method according to claim 1, wherein the polymer is
biodegradable.
13. The method according to claim 12, wherein the biodegradable
polymer is a homopolymer or a copolymer of
.alpha.-hydroxycarboxylic acids, or a mixture thereof.
14. The method according to claim 13, wherein the biodegradable
polymer is a homopolymer or a copolymer of lactic acid/glycolic
acid having a composition ratio of lactic acid/glycolic acid of
about 100/0 to about 40/60 mol %.
15. The method according to claim 13, wherein the biodegradable
polymer is a homopolymer of lactic acid.
16. The method according to claim 12, wherein the weight-average
molecular weight of the biodegradable polymer is about 3,000 to
about 50,000.
17. The method according to claim 1, wherein the solid material is
contacted with high-pressure gas at a temperature range of about
+20.degree. C. to about -60.degree. C. based on the glass
transition temperature of the polymer.
18. The method according to claim 17, wherein the solid material is
contacted with high-pressure gas at a temperature range of about
+0.degree. C. to about -40.degree. C. based on the glass transition
temperature of the polymer.
19. The method according to claim 1, wherein the period for
contacting the solid material with high-pressure gas is about 5
minutes to about 48 hours.
20. The method according to claim 19, wherein the period for
contacting the solid material with high-pressure gas is about 10
minutes to about 12 hours.
21. The method according to claim 1, wherein the high-pressure gas
is inert to the peptidic bioactive substance and polymer.
22. The method according to claim 21, wherein the high-pressure gas
is carbon dioxide.
23. The method according to claim 1, wherein the pressure of the
high-pressure gas is about 1 MPa to about 7 Mpa.
24. The method according to claim 23, wherein the pressure of the
high-pressure gas is about 1 MPa to about 4 Mpa.
25. The method according to claim 1, wherein the preparation is
sustained-release microcapsules.
26. The method according to claim 25, wherein the sustained-release
microcapsules are obtained by in-water drying method.
27. A preparation obtained by the method according to claim 1.
28. Sustained-release microcapsules obtained by the method
according to claim 25.
29. An injectable preparation containing the sustained-release
microcapsules according to claim 28.
30. A method for suppressing the initial release of a peptidic
bioactive substance, which comprises forming a solid material
containing said bioactive substance and a polymer, and contacting
the solid material with high-pressure gas.
31. A method for suppressing the denaturation of a peptidic
bioactive substance, which comprises forming a solid material
containing said bioactive substance and a polymer, and contacting
the solid material with high-pressure gas.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention relates to a method for producing a
preparation containing a bioactive substance. More specifically,
the present invention relates to a method for producing a
preparation comprising a bioactive substance, which is unstable to
heat or solvents, and a polymer.
BACKGROUND ART
[0002] Peptidic or non-peptidic bioactive substances are known to
exhibit various pharmacological activities in a living body, and
the application thereof as medicaments have been attempted.
However, it is required to administer these bioactive substances
frequently since their half-life in a living body is generally
short. Then, physical burden of patients due to administration by
injection cannot be ignored. For example, growth hormone, a
representative hormone which is originally produced and secreted in
the anterior portion of the pituitary gland, is a bioactive peptide
having widely diverse physiological activities such as, in addition
to promotion of growth in the body, metabolism of saccharides and
lipids, anabolism of proteins, cell proliferation and
differentiation, and the like. At present, growth hormone is
produced on a large scale by Escherichia coli using genetic
recombination technology, and put to medicinal use clinically and
worldwide. However, it is required to administer growth hormone
frequently in order to maintain an effective blood level because of
its short biological half-life. Especially, in the case of
pituitary dwarfism, a daily subcutaneous administration to infants
or young patients over a long period of time ranging from a few
months to 10 years or more is actually taken place.
[0003] In order to deal with problems inherent in such bioactive
substances, various drug delivery systems have been studied. For
example, a sustained-release agent that provides sustained-release
of a bioactive peptide over a long period of time has been studied.
JP 8-217691 A (WO96/07399) discloses a method for producing a
sustained-release preparation comprising a water-insoluble or
poorly water soluble polyvalent metal salt of a water-soluble
peptidic bioactive substance, which is formed by an aqueous
solution of zinc chloride, etc., and a biodegradable polymer.
[0004] Further, for a sustained-release preparation using a
biodegradable polymer, it is desired to maintain the activity of a
bioactive substance with suppressing the initial release of a
bioactive substance, in particular, release of the excess amount
within one day, and to control the release of the bioactive
substance arbitrarily over a long period of time. Regarding this
problem, JP 11-322631 A discloses a method for producing a
sustained-release preparation comprising adding a water-miscible
organic solvent and/or a volatile salt to an aqueous solution of a
bioactive peptide, followed by lyophilizing to obtain a bioactive
peptide powder, dispersing the powder in a solution of a
biodegradable polymer in an organic solvent, and removing the
organic solvent. Furthermore, JP 9-132524 A discloses a method for
producing sustained-release microcapsules comprising a bioactive
substance and a biodegradable polymer which comprises, after
forming microcapsules, heat-drying the microcapsules at a
temperature of not less than the glass transition temperature of
the biodegradable polymer for about 24 to 120 hours. These are
methods for producing a sustained-release preparation containing
very little residual organic solvent and having very superior
clinical properties as medicaments.
OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
[0005] However, according to the solvent-removing procedures in the
above-mentioned production methods, since it takes long period of
time for removing the solvent, there is still room for improvement
in view of the production costs for the industrial application.
[0006] On the other hand, as a procedure for removing a solvent
that remains in a component (e.g., polymer) used for formulating a
preparation of a medicament, heat drying method, vacuum drying
method and flash drying with dried gas have been known. However, in
these procedures, when a substance has strong affinity for a
solvent and is unstable to heat, the removal of the solvent tends
to be insufficient or, in some cases, the substance is decomposed.
Furthermore, in these procedures, when the boiling point of a
solvent to be removed is high, the properties of a preparation
obtained may be deteriorated.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] The present inventors have studied intensively to solve the
above-mentioned problems and unexpectedly found that, in a method
for producing a sustained-release preparation comprising a
bioactive substance and a biodegradable polymer, a
sustained-release preparation having superior clinical properties
as a medicament, in which excess initial release of the bioactive
substance immediately after administration is markedly suppressed,
a constant amount of the bioactive substance is being released from
immediately after administration over a long period of time and
very little residual organic solvent is contained therein, can be
obtained by, after forming a solid material, contacting the solid
material with high-pressure gas for about 10 minutes to about 12
hours. The present invention has been completed based on these
findings.
[0008] That is, the present invention provides:
[0009] (1) A method for producing a preparation containing a
bioactive substance, which comprises forming a solid material
containing the bioactive substance and a polymer, and contacting
the solid material with high-pressure gas;
[0010] (2) The method according to the above (1), wherein the
bioactive substance is that being unstable to heat or solvents;
[0011] (3) The method according to the above (1), wherein the
bioactive substance is a bioactive peptide having a molecular
weight of about 2,000 to about 500,000;
[0012] (4) The method according to the above (1), wherein the
bioactive substance is a bioactive peptide having a molecular
weight of about 5,000 to about 500,000;
[0013] (5) The method according to the above (4), wherein the
bioactive substance is human growth hormone;
[0014] (6) The method according to the above (1), wherein the
bioactive substance is a non-peptidic compound;
[0015] (7) The method according to the above (6), wherein the
non-peptidic compound is a compound having an oxygen atom in the
molecule;
[0016] (8) The method according to the above (6), wherein the
non-peptidic compound is a compound having an ether bond or a
carbonyl group;
[0017] (9) The method according to the above (6), wherein the
non-peptide compound is a compound represented by the formula (I):
##STR1## wherein R.sup.1 represents a group capable of forming an
anion or a group which may be converted into said group, X
represents that the phenylene group and the phenyl group are linked
directly or via a spacer of an atomic chain having two or less
atom(s), n represents an integer of 1 or 2, ring A represents a
benzene ring which may be further substituted, R.sup.2 represents a
group capable of forming an anion or a group which may be converted
into said group, R.sup.3 represents a hydrocarbon residue which may
link via a heteroatom and may be substituted, or a salt
thereof;
[0018] (10) The method according to the above (6), wherein the
non-peptidic compound is losartan, eprosartan, candesartan
cilexetil, candesartan, valsartan, telmisartan, irbesartan,
tasosartan or olmesartan;
[0019] (11) The method according to the above (6), wherein the
non-peptide compound is candesartan;
[0020] (12) The method according to the above (1), wherein the
polymer is biodegradable;
[0021] (13) The method according to the above (12), wherein the
biodegradable polymer is a homopolymer or a copolymer of
.alpha.-hydroxycarboxylic acids, or a mixture thereof;
[0022] (14) The method according to the above (13), wherein the
biodegradable polymer is a homopolymer or a copolymer of lactic
acid/glycolic acid having a composition ratio of lactic
acid/glycolic acid of about 100/0 to about 40/60 mol %;
[0023] (15) The method according to the above (13), wherein the
biodegradable polymer is a homopolymer of lactic acid;
[0024] (16) The method according to the above (12), wherein the
weight-average molecular weight of the biodegradable polymer is
about 3,000 to about 50,000;
[0025] (17) The method according to the above (1), wherein the
solid material is contacted with high-pressure gas at a temperature
range of about +20.degree. C. to about -60.degree. C. based on the
glass transition temperature of the polymer;
[0026] (18) The method according to the above (17), wherein the
solid material is contacted with high-pressure gas at a temperature
range of about +0.degree. C. to about -40.degree. C. based on the
glass transition temperature of the polymer;
[0027] (19) The method according to the above (1), wherein the
period for contacting the solid material with high-pressure gas is
about 5 minutes to about 48 hours;
[0028] (20) The method according to the above (19), wherein the
period for contacting the solid material with high-pressure gas is
about 10 minutes to about 12 hours;
[0029] (21) The method according to the above (1), wherein the
high-pressure gas is inert to the bioactive substance and
polymer;
[0030] (22) The method according to the above (21), wherein the
high-pressure gas is carbon dioxide;
[0031] (23) The method according to the above (1), wherein the
pressure of the high-pressure gas is about 1 MPa to about 7
MPa;
[0032] (24) The method according to the above (23), wherein the
pressure of the high-pressure gas is about 1 MPa to about 4
MPa;
[0033] (25) The method according to the above (23), wherein the
preparation is sustained-release microcapsules;
[0034] (26) The method according to the above (25), wherein the
sustained-release microcapsules are obtained by drying-in-water
method;
[0035] (27) A preparation obtained by the method according to the
above (1);
[0036] (28) Sustained-release microcapsules obtained by the method
according to the above (25);
[0037] (29) An injectable preparation comprising the
sustained-release microcapsules according to the above (28);
[0038] (30) A method for suppressing the initial release of a
bioactive substance, which comprises forming a solid material
containing said bioactive substance and a polymer, and contacting
the solid material with high-pressure gas; and
[0039] (31) A method for suppressing the denaturation of a
bioactive substance, which comprises forming a solid material
containing said bioactive substance and a polymer, and contacting
the solid material with high-pressure gas.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0040] FIG. 1 is a schematic drawing of a solvent-removing
apparatus using carbon dioxide in a high-pressure gaseous
state.
[0041] Each number in the drawing has the following meaning.
[0042] 1: liquefied carbon dioxide bomb, 2: CO.sub.2 delivery pump,
3: heat exchanger, 4: extraction vessel, 5: thermostat, 6:
detector, 7: automatic pressure regulating valve, 8: recovery
vessel.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0043] The bioactive substance used in the present invention
includes various drugs, which have useful physiological activities
for animals and plants and can be used as an agrochemical or an
animal drug, or can be used clinically. As the bioactive substance
used in the present invention, a bioactive substance being unstable
to heat or solvents is preferred. The bioactive substance being
unstable to heat or solvents used herein means a bioactive
substance that is decomposed, metabolized, inactivated or denatured
in a production step which involves heating or contact with an
organic solvent, such as emulsification, removing of a solvent or
drying. The agrochemical includes, for example, control agents for
pests, control agents for plant diseases, herbicides, plant growth
regulators, fertilizers and the like, and the animal drug includes,
for example, antibacterial agents, vitamin preparations, hormone
preparations, vaccines, additives for fishery products, insecticide
and disinfectant preparations, drugs for pets and the like. For an
ideal agrochemical or animal drug, which is safe and
environment-friendly, reduction of residual solvents is important.
Examples of various drugs those can be used clinically include, and
are not specifically limited, peptidic compounds having
physiological activities, as well as antibiotics, antifungal
agents, antihyperlipidemic agents, antitumor agents, antipyretic
agents, analgesic agents, antiinflammatory agents, antitussive and
expectorant agents, sedatives, muscle relaxants, antiepileptics,
antiulcer agents, antidepressants, antiallergic agents,
cardiotonics, antiarrhythmic agents, vasodilators, hypotensive
diuretics, antidiabetic agents, anticoagulants, hemostatic agents,
antiplatelet agents, antituberculous agent, hormones,
antinarcotics, bone resorption-suppressing agents,
osteogenesis-accelerating agents, and neovascularization
suppressing agents. Of these, a peptidic or non-peptidic bioactive
substance that produces a dimer, a polymer or related substances
such as an oxidized substances, deamidated substances, and the like
by heat, or a peptidic or non-peptidic bioactive substance that
produces a reaction product with a biodegradable polymer, is
preferably used in the present invention.
[0044] The bioactive peptide in the present invention includes
various peptides or proteins, which have physiological activities
useful for mammals and can be used clinically. As the "bioactive
peptide", that having a molecular weight (as monomers) of, for
example, about 200 to 500,000, preferably molecular weight of about
2,000 to 500,000, is generally used. More preferably, a peptide
having a molecular weight of 5,000 to about 500,000 is used.
[0045] The typical activity of the bioactive peptide includes
hormone activities. The bioactive peptide may be any of natural
substances, synthesized substances and semi-synthesized substances,
or may be derivatives or related substances thereof. The functional
mechanism of the bioactive peptide may be either of agonistic and
antagonistic.
[0046] As the bioactive peptide in the present invention, there can
be used peptide hormones, cytokines, peptide nerve transmitter
substances, hematopoietic factors, various growth factors, enzymes,
polypeptide antibiotics, analgetic peptides, vaccines, and the
like.
[0047] As the peptide hormones, there can be used insulin,
somatostatin, somatostatin derivatives (Sandostatin; see U.S. Pat.
Nos. 4,087,390, 4,093,574, 4,100,117 and 4,253,998), growth
hormones (GH), sodium diuretic peptides, gastrin, prolactin,
adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), ACTH derivatives (e.g.,
ebiratide, etc.), melanocyte-stimulating hormone (MSH), thyroid
hormone-releasing hormone (TRH) and salts and derivatives thereof
(see JP 50-121273 A and JP 52-116465 A), thyroid-stimulating
hormone (TSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating
hormone (FSH), human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG), thymosin,
motilin, vasopressin, vasopressin derivatives [desmopressin, see
Folia Endocrinologica Japonica, Vol. 54, No. 5, pp. 676-691
(1978)], oxytocin, calcitonin, parathyroid hormone (PTH), glucagon,
secretin, pancreozymin, cholecystokinin, angiotensin, human
placental lactogen, glucagon-like peptide (GLP-1) and derivatives
thereof (see JP 6-80584 A, JP 7-2695 A, EP 658568, JP 8-245696 A,
JP 8-269097 A, WO97/15296, WO97/31943, WO98/19698, WO98/43658, JP
10-511365 A, WO99/55310, JP 11-513983 A, CA2270320, WO99/64061, JP
11-514972 A, JP 2000-500505 A, WO2000/66138, WO2000/66142,
WO2000/78333, JP 2001-11095, Tissue Eng. 7(1)35-44(2001),
Diabetologia 43(10)1319-1328(2000), WO2000/34331, WO2000/34332,
U.S. Pat. No. 6,268,343, U.S. 2001011071 A, U.S. 2001006943 A, EP
0733644, WO2000/77039, WO99/43707, WO99/43341, WO99/43706,
WO99/43708, WO99/43705, WO99/29336, WO2000/37098, EP 0969016, U.S.
Pat. No. 5,981,488, U.S. Pat. No. 5,958,909, WO93/25579,
WO98/43658, EP 0869135, U.S. Pat. No. 5,614,492, U.S. Pat. No.
5,545,618, U.S. Pat. No. 5,120,712, U.S. Pat. No. 5,118,666,
WO95/05848, WO91/11457, EP 0708179, WO96/06628, EP0658568,
WO87/06941), glucose-dependent insulin secretory peptide (GIP),
exendin and derivatives thereof (see WO2000/66629, WO2000/41546,
WO99/07404, WO2000/09666, and U.S. Pat. No. 5,424,286), metastin
and derivatives thereof (see WO2000/24890), and the like.
Preferably, the peptide hormone is insulin and growth hormone,
etc.
[0048] Growth hormone (hereinafter referred to as GH) originating
from any animal species can be used, and is preferably human growth
hormone (hereinafter referred to as hGH). Further, although natural
products extracted from the pituitary gland can be used in the
present invention, genetic recombinant type GH (see JP 6-12996 B
and JP 6-48987 B) is preferred. The recombinant type hGH having the
same structure as a natural type which does not have methionine at
the N-terminal group is more preferred. Such GH may be in the form
of a metal salt, and one being substantially free from a metal is
also used. About 20K dalton type of hGH (see JP 7-101877 A and JP
10-265404 A) as well as about 22K dalton type of hGH can be used.
Furthermore, the derivatives or related substances of hGH (see
WO99/03887) can be used.
[0049] As the cytokines, for example, lymphokines, monokines, and
the like can be used. As the lymphokines, there can be used, for
example, interferons (alpha type, beta type, gamma type and the
like), interleukins (IL-2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 and the
like) and the like. As the monokines include, for example,
interleukin-1 (IL-1), tumor necrosis factor (TNF), and the like can
be used. The cytokines are preferably lymphokines, and the like,
more preferably interferons, and the like, especially preferably
interferon-alpha.
[0050] As the peptide neurotransmitters, substance P, serotonin,
GABA, and the like can be used.
[0051] As the hematopoietic factors, there can be used, for
example, erythropoietin (EPO), colony stimulating factors (G-CSF,
GM-CSF, M-CSF and the like), thrombopoietin (TPO), platelet growth
stimulating factor, megakaryocyte potentiator, and the like.
[0052] As various growth factors, there can be used, for example,
basic and acidic fibroblast growth factors (FGF) and their family
(e.g., EGF, TGF-.alpha., TGF-.beta., PDGF, acidic FGF, basic FGF,
FGF-9, and the like), nerve growth factors (NGF) and their family
(e.g., BDNF, NT-3, NT-4, CNTF, GDNF, and the like), insulin-like
growth factors (e.g. IGF-1, IGF-2, and the like), bone
morphogenetic protein (BMP) and their family, and the like.
[0053] As the enzymes include, there can be used, for example,
superoxide dismutase (SOD), urokinase, tissue plasminogen activator
(TPA), asparaginase, kallikrein, and the like.
[0054] As the polypeptide antibiotics, for example, polymixin B,
colistin, gramicidin, bacitracin, and the like can be used.
[0055] As the analgesic peptides, for example, enkephalin,
enkephalin derivatives (see U.S. Pat. No. 4,277,394 and EP 031567
A), endorphin, kyotorphin, and the like can be used.
[0056] As the vaccines, there can be used, for example, influenza
vaccine, Japanese encephalitis vaccine, antirabies vaccine,
hepatitis B vaccine, hepatitis A vaccine, cholera vaccine, DPT
mixed vaccine, pneumococcus vaccine, diphteria vaccine, tetanus
vaccine, polio vaccine, prostatic specific antigen vaccine, and the
like.
[0057] Furthermore, the bioactive peptides include thymopoietin,
dynorphin, bombesin, caerulein, thymostimulin, thymic humoral
factor (THF), blood thymic factor (FTS) and derivatives thereof
(see U.S. Pat. No. 4,229,438), other thymic factors [Igaku no
Ayumi, Vol. 125, No. 10, pp. 835-843 (1983)], neurotensin,
bradykinin, endothelin-antagonistic peptides (see EP 436189 A, EP
457195 A and EP 496452 A, JP 3-94692 A and JP 3-130299 A), and the
like.
[0058] In the present invention, when the bioactive peptide
contains a metal, the metal contained in the bioactive peptide may
be removed previously, if necessary, and, as a method for removing
the metal, a known method can be used. For example, an insulin in
the form of amorphous and containing a minimum amount of metal can
be obtained by dialyzing an aqueous solution of insulin acidified
with hydrochloric acid to water or a solution of ammonium acetate,
followed by lyophilization.
[0059] As the non-peptidic bioactive substance of the present
invention, for example, there may be mentioned one or more
components selected from nourishing and health-promoting agents,
antipyretic-analgesic-antiinflammatory agents, antipsychotic drugs,
antianxiety drugs, antidepressants, hypnotic-sedatives,
spasmolytics, central nervous system affecting drugs, cerebral
metabolism ameliolators, antiepileptics, sympathomimetic agents,
gastrointestinal function conditioning agents, antacids, antiulcer
agents, antitussive-expectorants, antiemetics, respiratory
stimulants, bronchodilators, antiallergic agents, dental buccal
drugs, antihistamines, cardiotonics, antiarrhythmic agents,
diuretics, hypotensive agents, vasoconstrictors, coronary
vasodilators, peripheral vasodilators, antihyperlipidemic agents,
cholagogues, antibiotics, chemotherapeutic agents, antidiabetic
agents, drugs for osteoporosis, skeletal muscle relaxants,
antimotion sickness drugs, hormones, alkaloid narcotics, sulfa
drugs, drugs for treatment of gout, anticoagulants, anti-malignant
tumor agents, agents for Alzheimer's disease and the like.
[0060] Examples of the nourishing and health-promoting agents
include vitamins such as vitamin A, vitamin D, vitamin E
(d-.alpha.-tocopherol acetate and the like), vitamin B.sub.1
(dibenzoylthiamine, fursultiamine hydrochloride and the like),
vitamin B.sub.2 (riboflavin butyrate and the like), vitamin B.sub.6
(pyridoxine hydrochloride and the like), vitamin C (ascorbic acid,
sodium L-ascorbate and the like), vitamin B.sub.12
(hydroxocobalamin acetate and the like) and the like; minerals such
as calcium, magnesium and iron; amino acids; oligosaccharides;
galenical; and the like. Examples of the
antipyretic-analgesic-antiinflammatory agents include aspirin,
acetaminophen, ethenzamide, ibuprofen, diphenhydramine
hydrochloride, dl-chlorpheniramine maleate, dihydrocodeine
phosphate, noscapine, methylephedrine hydrochloride,
phenylpropanolamine hydrochloride, caffeine, anhydrous caffeine,
tolfenamic acid, mefenamic acid, diclofenac sodium, flufenamic
acid, salicylamide, aminopyrine, ketoprofen, indomethacin,
bucolome, pentazocine and the like. Examples of the antipsychotic
drugs include chlorpromazine, reserpine and the like. Examples of
the antianxiety drugs include alprazolam, chlordiazepoxide,
diazepam and the like. Examples of the antidepressants include
imipramine, maprotiline, amphetamine and the like.
[0061] Examples of the hypnotic-sedatives include estazolam,
nitrazepam, diazepam, perlapine, phenobarbital sodium and the like.
Examples of the spasmolytics include scopolamine hydrobromide,
diphenhydramine hydrochloride, papaverine hydrochloride and the
like. Examples of the central nervous system affecting drugs
include citicoline, rotirenine and the like. Examples of the
cerebral metabolism ameliolators include vinpocetine, meclofenoxate
hydrochloride and the like. Examples of the antiepileptics include
phenyloin, carbamazepine and the like. Examples of the
sympathomimetic agents include isoproterenol hydrochloride and the
like. Examples of the gastrointestinal function conditioning agents
include stomachic-digestives such as gentian, swertia herb, nux
vomica, phellodendron bark, bitter orange peel, Condurango,
cinnamon oil and the like; intestinal function controlling drugs
such as perperine hydrochloride, resistant lactic acid bacterium,
Lactobacillus bifidus and the like. Examples of the antacids
include magnesium carbonate, sodium hydrogen carbonate, magnesium
aluminometasilicate, synthetic hydrotalcite, precipitated calcium
carbonate, magnesium oxide and the like. Examples of the antiulcer
agents include lansoprazole, omeprazole, rabeprazole, pantoprazole,
famotidine, cimetidine, ranitidine hydrochloride and the like.
[0062] Examples of the antitussive-expectorants include
chloperastine hydrochloride, dextromethorphan hydrobromide,
theophylline, potassium guaiacolsulfonate, guaifenesin, codeine
phosphate and the like. Examples of the antiemetics include
diphenidol hydrochloride, metoclopramide and the like. Examples of
the respiratory stimulants include levallorphan tatrate and the
like. Examples of the bronchodilators include theophylline,
salbutamol sulfate and the like. Examples of the antiallergic
agents include amlexanox, seratrodast and the like. Examples of the
dental buccal drugs include oxytetracycline, triamcinolone
acetonide, chlorhexidine hydrochloride, lidocaine and the like.
Examples of the antihistamines include diphenhydramine
hydrochloride, promethazine, isothipendyl hydrochloride,
dl-chlorpheniramine maleate and the like. Examples of the
cardiotonics include caffeine, digoxin and the like. Examples of
the antiarryhythmic agents include procainamide hydrochloride,
propranolol hydrochloride, pindolol and the like. Examples of the
diuretics include isosorbide, furosemide and the like. Examples of
the hypotensive agents include delapril hydrochloride, captopril,
hexamethonium bromide, hydralazine hydrochloride, labetalol
hydrochloride, manidipine hydrochloride, losartan, eprosartan,
candesartan cilexetil (TCV-116), candesartan (CV-11974), valsartan,
telmisartan, irbesartan, tasosartan, ormesartan and the like. As
the hypotensive agents, candesartan, candesartan cilexetil and the
like are preferred, and candesartan and the like are specifically
preferred.
[0063] Examples of the vasoconstrictors include phenylephrine
hydrochloride and the like. Examples of the coronary vasodilators
include carbocromen hydrochloride, molsidomine, verapamil
hydrochloride and the like. Examples of the peripheral vasodilators
include cinnarizine and the like. Examples of the
antihyperlipidemic agents include cerivastatin sodium, simvastatin,
pravastatin sodium and the like. Examples of the cholagogues
include dehydrocholic acid, trepibutone and the like. Examples of
the antibiotics include cephem antibiotics such as cefalexin,
amoxicillin, pivmecillinam hydrochloride, cefotiam dihydrochloride,
cefozopran hydrochloride, cefinenoxime hydrochloride, cefsluodin
sodium, etc.; synthetic antibacterials such as ampicillin,
cyclacillin, sulbenicillin sodium, nalidixic acid, enoxacin, etc.;
monobactam antibiotics such as carumonam sodium; penem antibiotics,
carbapenem antibiotics, etc.; and the like. Examples of the
chemotherapeutic agents include sulfamethizole hydrochloride,
thiazosulfone and the like. Examples of the antidiabetic agents
include tolbutamide, voglibose, pioglitazone (hydrochloride),
troglitazone,
5-[[4-[2-(methyl-2-pyridinylamino)ethoxy]phenyl]methyl]-2,4-thiazolidined-
ione (BRL-49653), acarbose, miglitol, emiglitate and the like.
Examples of the drugs for osteoporosis include ipriflavone and the
like. Examples of the skeletal muscle relaxants include
methocarbamol and the like. Examples of the antimotion sickness
drugs include meclizine hydrochloride, dimenhydrinate and the
like.
[0064] Examples of the hormones include riothyroinine sodium,
dexamethasone sodium phosphate, prednisolone, oxendolone,
leupororelin acetate and the like. Examples of the alkaloid
narcotics include opium, morphine hydrochloride, ipecac, oxycodone
hydrochloride, opium alkaloids hydrochlorides, cocaine
hydrochloride and the like. Examples of the sulfa drugs include
sulfanilamide, sufamethizole and the like. Examples of the drugs
for treatment of gout include allopurinol, colchicine and the like.
Examples of the anticoagulants include dicoumarol and the like.
Examples of the anti-malignant tumor agents include 5-fluorouracil,
uracil, mitomycin and the like. Examples of the agents for
Alzheimer's disease include idebenone, vinpocetine and the
like.
[0065] As the non-peptidic bioactive substance in the present
invention, a compound having an oxygen atom in the molecule,
specifically, a compound having an ether bond or a carbonyl group
is preferred. Such compound includes a compound represented by the
formula (I): ##STR2## or a salt thereof.
[0066] In the above-mentioned formula (I), examples of the group
capable of forming an anion (a group having hydrogen atom that may
be liberated as a proton) as R.sup.1 include (1) a carboxyl group,
(2) a tetrazolyl group, (3) a trifluoromethanesulfonic acid amide
group (--NHSO.sub.2CF.sub.3), (4) a phosphoric acid group, (5) a
sulfonic acid group, (6) an optionally substituted 5- to 7-membered
(preferably 5- or 6-membered) monocyclic heterocycle residue
containing one or two or more of N, S and O, and the like.
[0067] Examples of the above-mentioned "optionally substituted 5-
to 7-membered (preferably 5- or 6-membered) monocyclic heterocycle
residue containing one or two or more of N, S and O" include
##STR3## ##STR4## and the like. Furthermore, when the g in the
above-mentioned formula represents --NH-- and the like, the linkage
between the heterocyclic residue represented by R.sup.1 and the
phenyl group to which the heterocyclic residue is linked, may link
via one of existing plural nitrogen atoms, in addition to the
above-mentioned carbon-carbon bond(s). For example, when R.sup.1 is
represented by the formula: ##STR5## specifically, examples thereof
are ##STR6## and the like, respectively. The other examples of the
link via a nitrogen atom include ##STR7## and the like.
[0068] In the above-mentioned formula, g represents --CH.sub.2--,
--NH--, --O-- or --S(O).sub.m--, >=Z, >=Z' and >=Z'' each
represents a carbonyl group, a thiocarbonyl group or an optionally
oxidized sulfur atom (e.g., S, S(O), S(O).sub.2 and the like)
(preferably a carbonyl or a thiocarbonyl group, more preferably a
carbonyl group), respectively, and m represents 0, 1 or 2.
[0069] The heterocyclic residue represented by R.sup.1 is
preferably groups obtained by eliminating one hydrogen atom from a
ring that has both --NH-- or --OH group as a proton donor, and a
carbonyl group, a thiocarbonyl group, a sulfinyl group, or the like
as a proton acceptor, simultaneously, such as an oxadiazolone ring,
an oxadiathiazolone ring, a thiadiazolone group, or the like.
Furthermore, the heterocyclic residue represented by R.sup.1 may
form a condensed ring group by linking substituents on the ring. As
the heterocyclic residue represented by R.sup.1, a 5- or 6-membered
ring residue is preferred, and a 5-membered residue is more
preferred.
[0070] As the heterocyclic residue represented by R.sup.1, a group
represented by the formula: ##STR8## wherein i represents --O-- or
--S--, j represents >.dbd.O, >.dbd.S or >.dbd.S(O).sub.m,
m is as defined above (among these,
2,5-dihydro-5-oxo-1,2,4-oxadiazol-3-yl,
2,5-dihydro-5-thioxo-1,2,4-oxadiazol-3-yl,
2,5-dihydro-5-oxo-1,2,4-thiadiazol-3-yl, especially
2,5-dihydro-5-oxo-1,2,4-oxadiazol-3-yl) and the like are
preferred.
[0071] Furthermore, the above-mentioned heterocyclic residue
(R.sup.1) has tautomers as shown below. For example, when Z=O and
g=O in the following formula: ##STR9## three tautomers a', b' and
c' such as ##STR10## are present, and the heterocyclic residue
represented by the formula: ##STR11## encompasses all of the
above-mentioned a', b' and c'.
[0072] The group capable of forming an anion as R.sup.1 may be
protected with an optionally substituted lower (C.sub.1-4) alkyl
group or an acyl group (e.g., a lower (C.sub.2-5) alkanoyl, a
benzoyl, etc.), and the like, at substitutable position(s).
[0073] The optionally substituted lower (C.sub.1-4) alkyl group
include, for example, (1) a lower (C.sub.1-4) alkyl group
optionally substituted with 1 to 3 phenyl group(s) optionally
having a halogen atom, nitro, lower (C.sub.1-4) alkyl, lower
(C.sub.1-4) alkoxy and the like (e.g., methyl, triphenylmethyl,
p-methoxybenzyl, p-nitrobenzyl and the like), (2) a lower
(C.sub.1-4) alkoxy-lower (C.sub.1-4) alkyl group (e.g.,
methoxymethyl, ethoxymethyl and the like), (3) the formula
--CH(R.sup.4)--OCOR.sup.5 [wherein R.sup.4 represents (a) hydrogen,
(b) a straight chain or branched lower alkyl group having 1-6
carbon atom(s) (e.g., methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, isopropyl, n-butyl,
isobutyl, t-butyl, n-pentyl, isopentyl, neopentyl and the like),
(c) a straight chain or branched lower alkenyl group having 2-6
carbon atoms or (d) a cycloalkyl group having 3-8 carbon atoms
(e.g., cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl, cycloheptyl and the like), R.sup.5
represents (a) a straight chain or branched lower alkyl group
having 1-6 carbon atom(s) (e.g., methyl, ethyl, n-propyl,
isopropyl, n-butyl, isobutyl, sec-butyl, t-butyl, n-pentyl,
isopentyl, neopentyl and the like), (b) a straight chain or
branched lower alkenyl group having 2-6 carbon atoms, (c) a lower
alkyl group having 1 to 3 carbon atom(s) substituted with a
cycloalkyl group having 3-8 carbon atoms (e.g., cyclopentyl,
cyclohexyl, cycloheptyl and the like) or an optionally substituted
aryl group (e.g., a phenyl or naphthyl group and the like, each of
which may have a halogen atom, nitro, lower (C.sub.1-4) alkyl,
lower (C.sub.1-4) alkoxy and the like) (e.g., benzyl,
p-chlorobenzyl, phenethyl, cyclopentylmethyl, cyclohexylmethyl and
the like), (d) a lower alkenyl group having 2 to 3 carbon atoms
substituted by a cycloalkyl having 3-8 carbon atoms or an
optionally substituted aryl group (e.g., a phenyl or naphthyl group
and the like, each of which may have a halogen atom, nitro, lower
(C.sub.1-4) alkyl, lower (C.sub.1-4) alkoxy and the like) (e.g., a
group having alkenyl portion(s) such as vinyl, propenyl, allyl,
isopropenyl and the like, such as cinnamyl, and the like), (e) an
optionally substituted aryl group (e.g., a phenyl or a naphthyl
group and the like, each of which may have a halogen atom, nitro,
lower (C.sub.1-4) alkyl, lower (C.sub.1-4) alkoxy and the like,
such as phenyl, p-tolyl, naphthyl and the like), (f) a straight or
a branched lower alkoxy group having 1-6 carbon atom(s) (e.g.,
methoxy, ethoxy, n-propoxy, isopropoxy, n-butoxy, isobutoxy,
sec-butoxy, t-butoxy, n-pentyloxy, isopentyloxy, neopentyloxy and
the like), (g) a straight chain or branched lower alkenyloxy group
having 2 to 8 carbon atoms (e.g., allyloxy, isobutenyloxy and the
like), (h) a cycloalkyloxy group having 3-8 carbon atoms (e.g.,
cyclopentyloxy, cyclohexyloxy, cycloheptyloxy and the like), (i) a
lower alkoxy group having 1 to 3 carbon atom(s) substituted with a
cycloalkyl having 3-8 carbon atoms (e.g., cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl,
cycloheptyl and the like) or an optionally substituted aryl group
(e.g., a phenyl or naphthyl group and the like, each of which may
have a halogen atom, nitro, lower (C.sub.1-4) alkyl, lower
(C.sub.1-4) alkoxy and the like) (e.g., a group having alkoxy
portion(s) such as methoxy, ethoxy, n-propoxy, isopropoxy and the
like, such as benzyloxy, phenethyloxy, cyclopentylmethoxy,
cyclohexylmethoxy and the like), (j) a lower alkenyloxy group
having 2 to 3 carbon atoms substituted with a cycloalkyl having 3-8
carbon atoms (e.g., cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl, cycloheptyl and the
like) or an optionally substituted aryl group (e.g., a phenyl or
naphthyl group and the like, each of which may have a halogen atom,
nitro, lower (C.sub.1-4) alkyl, lower (C.sub.1-4) alkoxy and the
like) (e.g., a group having alkenyloxy portion(s) such as vinyloxy,
propenyloxy, allyloxy, isopropenyloxy and the like, such as
cinnamyloxy and the like, and the like), (k) an optionally
substituted aryloxy group (e.g., phenoxy or naphthoxy group and the
like, each of which may have a halogen atom, nitro, lower
(C.sub.1-4) alkyl, lower (C.sub.1-4) alkoxy and the like, such as
phenoxy, p-nitrophenoxy, naphthoxy and the like, and the like)],
and the like.
[0074] Furthermore, the group capable of forming an anion as
R.sup.1 may have substituent(s) such as an optionally substituted
lower (C.sub.1-4) alkyl group (which includes the groups similar to
the "optionally substituted lower (C.sub.1-4) alkyl group" that is
exemplified as protective groups for the group capable of forming
an anion as the above-mentioned R.sup.1), a halogen atom, nitro,
cyano, lower (C.sub.1-4) alkoxy, an amino optionally substituted
with 1 or 2 of lower (C.sub.1-4) alkyl(s) and the like, at the
substitutable position(s), in addition to the protective groups
such as the above-mentioned optionally substituted lower
(C.sub.1-4) alkyl group or acyl group (e.g., a lower (C.sub.2-5)
alkanoyl, a benzoyl and the like).
[0075] In the above-mentioned formula, the group which may be
converted into the group capable of forming an anion as R.sup.1 (a
group having hydrogen atom that may be liberated as a proton) may
be a group which can be converted into the group capable of forming
an anion by a reaction under biological, i.e., physiological
conditions (for example, an in vivo reaction such as oxidation,
reduction, hydrolysis or the like with an in vivo enzyme, and the
like) (so-called prodrug), or may be a group which can be converted
into a group capable of forming an anion represented by R.sup.1 by
a chemical reaction, such as cyano, an N-hydroxycarbamimidoyl group
(--C(.dbd.N--OH)--NH.sub.2), or (1) a carboxyl group, (2) a
tetrazolyl group, (3) a trifluoromethanesulfonic acid amide group
(--NHSO.sub.2CF.sub.3), (4) a phosphoric acid group, (5) a sulfonic
acid group, and (6) an optionally substituted 5- to 7-membered
(preferably 5- or 6-membered) monocyclic heterocycle residue
containing one or two or more of N, S and O, each of which has been
protected with an optionally substituted lower (C.sub.1-4) alkyl
group or an acyl group (so-called synthetic intermediate).
[0076] Preferred examples of R.sup.1 include a carboxyl, a
tetrazolyl, or a 2,5-dihydro-5-oxo-1,2,4-oxadiazol-3-yl (preferably
tetrazolyl) optionally protected with an optionally substituted
lower (C.sub.1-4) alkyl (e.g., methyl, triphenylmethyl,
methoxymethyl, ethoxymethyl, p-methoxybenzyl, p-nitrobenzyl and the
like) or an acyl group (e.g., lower (C.sub.2-5) alkanoyl, benzoyl
and the like), or a cyano, an N-hydroxycarbamimidoyl (preferably
cyano), and specifically, cyano is preferably used.
[0077] In the above-mentioned formula, X represents that the
adjacent phenylene group and phenyl group are linked directly or
via a spacer of an atomic chain having two or less atom(s)
(preferably linked directly), and the spacer of an atomic chain
having two or less atom(s) may be any divalent chain whose straight
chain portion is constituted of 1 or 2 atom(s). The chain may also
have side chain(s). Specifically, it includes a lower (C.sub.1-4)
alkylene whose straight chain portion is constituted of 1 or 2
atoms, --CO--, --O--, --S--, --NH--, --CO--NH--, --O--CH.sub.2--,
--S--CH.sub.2--, --CH.dbd.CH-- and the like.
[0078] In the above-mentioned formula, n represents an integer of 1
or 2 (preferably 1).
[0079] In the above-mentioned formula, ring A represents a benzene
ring which may be further substituted in addition to the
substituent R.sup.2, and examples of the substituent include (1)
halogen (e.g., F, Cl, Br and the like), (2) cyano, (3) nitro, (4)
optionally substituted lower (C.sub.1-4) alkyl, (5) lower
(C.sub.1-4) alkoxy, (6) an optionally substituted amino group
(e.g., amino, N-lower (C.sub.1-4) alkylamino (e.g., methylamino and
the like), N,N-dilower (C.sub.1-4) alkylamino (e.g., dimethylamino
and the like), N-arylamino (e.g., phenylamino and the like),
alicyclic amino (e.g., morpholino, piperidino, piperadino,
N-phenylpiperadino and the like), and the like), (7) a group
represented by the formula --CO-D' [wherein D' represents a hydroxy
group or lower (C.sub.1-4) alkoxy in which the alkyl portion may be
substituted with a hydroxy group, lower (C.sub.1-4) alkoxy, lower
(C.sub.2-6) alkanoyloxy (e.g., acetoxy, pivaloyloxy and the like),
lower (C.sub.1-6) alkoxycarbonyloxy (e.g., methoxycarbonyloxy,
ethoxycarbonyloxy and the like) or lower (C.sub.3-6)
cycloalkoxycarbonyloxy (e.g., cyclohexyloxycarbonyloxy and the
like)], (8) tetrazolyl, a trifluoromethanesulfonic acid amide
group, a phosphoric acid group or a sulfonic acid group, each of
which is optionally protected with optionally substituted lower
(C.sub.1-4) alkyl (including the groups similar to the "optionally
substituted lower (C.sub.1-4) alkyl group" exemplified as
protective groups for the group capable of forming an anion as the
above-mentioned R.sup.1) or acyl (e.g., lower (C.sub.2-5) alkanoyl,
benzoyl and the like), or the like.
[0080] One or two of these substituents may be present at the
substitutable position(s) of the benzene ring, simultaneously,
while preferred substituent which is further possessed by ring A in
addition to the substituent R.sup.2 is optionally substituted lower
(C.sub.1-4) alkyl (e.g., lower (C.sub.1-4) alkyl optionally
substituted with a hydroxy group, a carboxyl group, halogen, etc.,
and the like), halogen, and the like, and more preferably, the ring
A does not have any substituent except for the substituent
R.sup.2.
[0081] In the above-mentioned formula, examples of the group
capable of forming an anion as R.sup.2 (a group having hydrogen
atom that may be liberated as a proton) include (1) a carboxyl
group which may be esterified or amidated, (2) a tetrazolyl group,
(3) a trifluoromethanesulfonic acid amide group
(--NHSO.sub.2CF.sub.3), (4) a phosphoric acid group, (5) a sulfonic
acid group, and the like. These groups may be protected with an
optionally substituted lower alkyl group (including a group similar
to the "optionally substituted lower (C.sub.1-4) alkyl group"
exemplified as protective groups for the group capable of forming
an anion as the above-mentioned R.sup.1) or an acyl group (e.g.,
lower (C.sub.2-5) alkanoyl, benzoyl, and the like), and may be any
group as long as it is a group capable of forming an anion or a
group which may be converted into such a group under biological,
i.e., physiological conditions (for example, an in vivo reaction
such as oxidation, reduction or hydrolysis, and the like with an in
vivo enzyme, and the like), or chemically.
[0082] Examples of the carboxyl which may be esterified or
amidated, as R.sup.2, include a group represented by the formula
--CO-D [wherein D represents (1) a hydroxy group, (2) optionally
substituted amino (for example, amino, N-lower (C.sub.1-4)
alkylamino, N,N-dilower (C.sub.1-4) alkylamino and the like), (3)
optionally substituted alkoxy {e.g., (i) a lower (C.sub.1-6) alkoxy
group in which the alkyl portion is optionally substituted with a
hydroxy group, optionally substituted amino (e.g., amino, N-lower
(C.sub.1-4) alkylamino, N,N-dilower (C.sub.1-4) alkylamino,
piperidino, morpholino and the like), halogen, lower (C.sub.1-6)
alkoxy, lower (C.sub.1-6) alkylthio, lower (C.sub.3-8) cycloalkoxy
or optionally substituted dioxolenyl (e.g.,
5-methyl-2-oxo-1,3-dioxolen-4-yl and the like), or (ii) a group of
the formula --O--CH(R.sup.6)--OCOR.sup.7 [wherein R.sup.6
represents (a) hydrogen, (b) a straight chain or branched lower
alkyl group having 1-6 carbon atom(s) (e.g., methyl, ethyl,
n-propyl, isopropyl, n-butyl, isobutyl, t-butyl, n-pentyl,
isopentyl, neopentyl and the like), (c) a straight chain or
branched lower alkenyl group having 2-6 carbon atoms or (d) a
cycloalkyl group having 3-8 carbon atoms (e.g., cyclopentyl,
cyclohexyl, cycloheptyl and the like), R.sup.7 represents (a) a
straight chain or branched lower alkyl group having 1-6 carbon
atom(s) (e.g., methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, isopropyl, n-butyl,
isobutyl, sec-butyl, t-butyl, n-pentyl, isopentyl, neopentyl and
the like), (b) a straight chain or branched lower alkenyl group
having 2-6 carbon atoms, (c) a lower alkyl group having 1 to 3
carbon atom(s) substituted with a cycloalkyl group having 3-8
carbon atoms (e.g., cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl, cycloheptyl and the
like) or an optionally substituted aryl group (e.g., a phenyl or a
naphthyl group and the like, each of which may have a halogen atom,
nitro, lower (C.sub.1-4) alkyl, lower (C.sub.1-4) alkoxy and the
like) (e.g., benzyl, p-chlorobenzyl, phenethyl, cyclopentylmethyl,
cyclohexylmethyl and the like), (d) a lower alkenyl group having 2
to 3 carbon atoms substituted with a cycloalkyl having 3-8 carbon
atoms or an optionally substituted aryl group (e.g., phenyl or
naphthyl group and the like, each of which may have a halogen atom,
nitro, lower (C.sub.1-4) alkyl, lower (C.sub.1-4) alkoxy and the
like) (e.g., a group having an alkenyl portion such as vinyl,
propenyl, allyl, isopropenyl, and the like, for example, cinnamyl,
and the like), (e) an optionally substituted aryl group (e.g., a
phenyl or naphthyl group and the like, each of which may have a
halogen atom, nitro, lower (C.sub.1-4) alkyl, lower (C.sub.1-4)
alkoxy and the like, such as phenyl, p-tolyl, naphthyl and the
like), (f) a straight chain or branched lower alkoxy group having
1-6 carbon atom(s) (e.g., methoxy, ethoxy, n-propoxy, isopropoxy,
n-butoxy, isobutoxy, sec-butoxy, t-butoxy, n-pentyloxy,
isopentyloxy, neopentyloxy and the like), (g) a straight chain or
branched lower alkenyloxy group having 2 to 8 carbon atoms (e.g.,
allyloxy, isobutenyloxy and the like), (h) a cycloalkyloxy group
having 3-8 carbon atoms (e.g., cyclopentyloxy, cyclohexyloxy,
cycloheptyloxy and the like), (i) a lower alkoxy group having 1 to
3 carbon atom(s) substituted with a cycloalkyl having 3-8 carbon
atoms (e.g., cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl, cycloheptyl and the like) or
an optionally substituted aryl group (e.g., a phenyl or naphthyl
group and the like, each of which may have a halogen atom, nitro,
lower (C.sub.1-4) alkyl, lower (C.sub.1-4) alkoxy and the like)
(e.g., a group having alkoxy portion(s) such as methoxy, ethoxy,
n-propoxy, isopropoxy and the like, such as benzyloxy,
phenethyloxy, cyclopentylmethoxy, cyclohexylmethoxy and the like),
(j) a lower alkenyloxy group having 2 to 3 carbon atoms substituted
with a cycloalkyl having 3-8 carbon atoms (e.g., cyclopentyl,
cyclohexyl, cycloheptyl and the like) or an optionally substituted
aryl group (e.g., a phenyl or naphthyl group and the like, each of
which may have a halogen atom, nitro, lower (C.sub.1-4) alkyl,
lower (C.sub.1-4) alkoxy and the like) (e.g., a group having
alkenyloxy portion(s) such as vinyloxy, propenyloxy, allyloxy,
isopropenyloxy and the like, such as cinnamyloxy and the like) or
(k) an optionally substituted aryloxy group (e.g., phenoxy or
naphthoxy group and the like, each of which may have a halogen
atom, nitro, lower (C.sub.1-4) alkyl, lower (C.sub.1-4) alkoxy and
the like, such as phenoxy, p-nitro phenoxy, naphthoxy and the
like)]}, and the like], and the like.
[0083] As R.sup.2, an optionally esterified carboxyl is preferred,
and the specific examples thereof include --COOH and a salt
thereof, --COOMe, --COOEt, --COOtBu, --COOPr,
pivaloyloxymethoxycarbonyl,
1-(cyclohexyloxycarbonyloxy)ethoxycarbonyl,
5-methyl-2-oxo-1,3-dioxolen-4-ylmethoxycarbonyl,
acetoxymethoxycarbonyl, propionyloxymethoxycarbonyl,
n-butyryloxymethoxycarbonyl, isobutyryloxymethoxycarbonyl,
1-(ethoxycarbonyloxy)ethoxycarbonyl, 1-(acetoxy)ethoxycarbonyl,
1-(isobutyryloxy)ethoxycarbonyl,
cyclohexylcarbonyloxymethoxycarbonyl, benzoyloxymethoxycarbonyl,
cinnamyloxycarbonyl, cyclopentylcarbonyloxymethoxycarbonyl and the
like, and may be any group as long as it is a group capable of
forming an anion (e.g., COO.sup.-, its derivative, and the like) or
a group which may be converted into such a group under biological,
i.e., physiological conditions (for example, an in vivo reaction
such as oxidation, reduction or hydrolysis, and the like with an in
vivo enzyme, and the like), or chemically, or it may be carboxyl
group or a prodrug thereof.
[0084] The above-mentioned R.sup.2 is preferably the group
represented by the formula --CO-D [wherein D represents (1) a
hydroxy group or (2) lower (C.sub.1-4) alkoxy in which the alkyl
portion is optionally substituted with a hydroxy group, amino,
halogen, lower (C.sub.2-6) alkanoyloxy (e.g., acetoxy, pivaloyloxy
and the like), lower (C.sub.3-8) cycloalkanoyloxy, lower
(C.sub.1-6) alkoxycarbonyloxy (e.g., methoxycarbonyloxy,
ethoxycarbonyloxy and the like), lower (C.sub.3-8)
cycloalkoxycarbonyloxy (e.g., cyclohexyloxycarbonyloxy and the
like), lower (C.sub.1-4) alkoxy or lower (C.sub.3-8) cycloalkoxy].
Among these, carboxyl esterified with a lower (C.sub.1-4) alkyl
(preferably methyl or ethyl) is preferred.
[0085] In the above-mentioned formula, examples of the "hydrocarbon
residue" of the "hydrocarbon residue which may link via a
heteroatom and may be substituted" represented by R.sup.3 include
(1) an alkyl group, (2) an alkenyl group, (3) an alkynyl group, (4)
a cycloalkyl group, (5) an aryl group, (6) an aralkyl group and the
like. Among these, an alkyl group, an alkenyl group and a
cycloalkyl group are preferred.
[0086] The alkyl group of the above-mentioned (1) may be any of
straight chain or branched lower alkyl groups having about 1 to 8
carbon atom(s) such as methyl, ethyl, propyl, isopropyl, butyl,
isobutyl, sec-butyl, t-butyl, pentyl, i-pentyl, hexyl, heptyl,
octyl and the like.
[0087] The alkenyl group of the above-mentioned (2) may be any of
straight chain or branched lower alkenyl groups having 2 to 8
carbon atoms such as vinyl, propenyl, 2-butenyl, 3-butenyl,
isobutenyl, 2-octenyl and the like.
[0088] The alkynyl group of the above-mentioned (3) may be any of
straight chain or branched lower alkynyl groups having 2 to 8
carbon atoms such as ethynyl, 2-propynyl, 2-butynyl, 2-pentynyl,
2-octynyl and the like.
[0089] The cycloalkyl group of the above-mentioned (4) include
lower cycloalkyl having about 3 to 6 carbon atoms such as
cyclopropyl, cyclobutyl, cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl and the like.
[0090] Each of the above-mentioned alkyl group, alkenyl group,
alkynyl group or cycloalkyl group may be substituted with a hydroxy
group, an optionally substituted amino group (e.g., amino, N-lower
(C.sub.1-4) alkylamino, N,N-dilower (C.sub.1-4) alkylamino and the
like), halogen, a lower (C.sub.1-4) alkoxy group, a lower
(C.sub.1-4) alkylthio group and the like.
[0091] The aryl group of the above-mentioned (5) includes, for
example, phenyl and the like, and the aralkyl group of the
above-mentioned (6) include a phenyl-lower (C.sub.1-4) alkyl and
the like such as benzyl, phenethyl and the like.
[0092] Each of the above-mentioned aralkyl group or aryl group may
have, at the substitutable position(s) on the benzene ring, for
example, halogen (e.g., F, Cl, Br and the like), nitro, an
optionally substituted amino group (e.g., amino, N-lower
(C.sub.1-4) alkylamino, N,N-dilower (C.sub.1-4) alkylamino and the
like), lower (C.sub.1-4) alkoxy (e.g., methoxy, ethoxy and the
like), lower (C.sub.1-4) alkylthio (e.g., methylthio, ethylthio and
the like), lower (C.sub.1-4) alkyl (e.g., methyl, ethyl and the
like) and the like.
[0093] Among the above-mentioned groups, as the "hydrocarbon
residue" of the "hydrocarbon residue which may link via a
heteroatom and may be substituted" represented by R.sup.3, an
optionally substituted alkyl or alkenyl group (e.g., lower
(C.sub.1-5) alkyl or lower (C.sub.2-5) alkenyl group and the like,
each of which is optionally substituted with a hydroxy group, an
amino group, halogen or a lower (C.sub.1-4) alkoxy group) are
preferred. Among these, a lower (C.sub.1-5) alkyl (more preferably
ethyl) is preferred.
[0094] The "heteroatom" of the "hydrocarbon residue which may link
via a heteroatom and may be substituted" represented by R.sup.3
include --O--, --S(O).sub.m-- [m represents an integer of 0 to 2],
--NR'-- [R' represents a hydrogen atom or lower (C.sub.1-4) alkyl]
and the like. Among these, --O-- is preferably used.
[0095] Among the above-mentioned groups, as R.sup.3, a lower
(C.sub.1-5) alkyl or lower (C.sub.2-5) alkenyl group and the like,
each of which may be linked via --O--, --S(O).sub.m-- [m represents
an integer of 0 to 2] or --NR'-- [R' represents a hydrogen atom or
lower (C.sub.1-4) alkyl] and may be substituted with a substituent
selected from a hydroxy group, an amino group, halogen and lower
(C.sub.1-4) alkoxy group, is preferred. Among these, a lower
(C.sub.1-5) alkyl or a lower (C.sub.1-5) alkoxy (more preferably
ethoxy) is preferred.
[0096] Among the compounds represented by the formula (I), a
benzimidazol-7-carboxylic acid derivative represented by the
formula (I'): ##STR12## wherein R.sup.1 is (1) a carboxyl group,
(2) a tetrazolyl group or (3) a group represented by the formula:
##STR13## wherein i represents --O-- or --S--, j represents
>.dbd.O, >.dbd.S or >.dbd.S(O).sub.m, m is as defined
above, ring A represents a benzene ring which may be further
substituted with optionally substituted lower (C.sub.1-4) alkyl
(e.g., lower (C.sub.1-4) alkyl optionally substituted with a
hydroxy group, a carboxyl group, halogen and the like) or halogen
and the like, in addition to the substituent R.sup.2 (preferably a
benzene ring that does not have any substituent except for
R.sup.2), R.sup.2 represents a group represented by the formula
--CO-D [wherein D represents (1) a hydroxy group or (2) lower
(C.sub.1-4) alkoxy wherein the alkyl portion is optionally
substituted with a hydroxy group, amino, halogen, lower (C.sub.2-6)
alkanoyloxy (e.g., acetoxy, pivaloyloxy and the like), lower
(C.sub.3-8) cycloalkanoyloxy, lower (C.sub.1-6) alkoxycarbonyloxy
(e.g., methoxycarbonyloxy, ethoxycarbonyloxy and the like), lower
(C.sub.3-8) cycloalkoxycarbonyloxy (e.g., cyclohexyloxycarbonyloxy
and the like), lower (C.sub.1-4) alkoxy or a lower (C.sub.3-8)
cycloalkoxy], R.sup.3 is a lower (C.sub.1-5) alkyl or lower
(C.sub.2-5) alkenyl group which may link via --O--, --S(O).sub.m--
[m represents an integer of 0 to 2] or --NR'-- [R' represents a
hydrogen atom or lower (C.sub.1-4) alkyl] and may be substituted
with a substituent selected from a hydroxy group, an amino group,
halogen and a lower (C.sub.1-4) alkoxy group (preferably lower
(C.sub.1-5) alkyl or lower (C.sub.1-5) alkoxy; more preferably
ethoxy)], or a pharmacologically acceptable salt thereof, is
preferred. Among these, preferred are
2-ethoxy-1-[[2'-(1H-tetrazol-5-yl)biphenyl-4-yl]methyl]benzimidazol-7-car-
boxylic acid [Candesartan], 1-(cyclohexyloxycarbonyloxy)ethyl
2-ethoxy-1-[[2'-(1H-tetrazol-5-yl)biphenyl-4-yl]methyl]benzimidazol-7-car-
boxylate [Candesartan cilexetil], pivaloyloxymethyl
2-ethoxy-1-[[2'-(1H-tetrazol-5-yl)biphenyl-4-yl]methyl]benzimidazol-7-car-
boxylate,
2-ethoxy-1-[[2'-(2,5-dihydro-5-oxo-1,2,4-oxadiazol-3-yl)biphenyl-
-4-yl]methyl]benzimidazol-7-carboxylic acid or a salt thereof and
the like.
[0097] The above-mentioned benzimidazol derivatives can be
synthesized by, for example, known methods disclosed in EP 425921,
EP 459136, EP 553879, EP 578125, EP 520423, EP 668272 and the like,
or a similar manner thereto, and the like. Further, when
Candesartan cilexetil is used, it is preferable to use the stable C
type crystal disclosed in EP 459136.
[0098] While the amount of the bioactive substance formulated into
the sustained-release preparation of the present invention varies
depending on the kind of the bioactive substance and the like, it
is generally about 0.1 to 50% (W/W), preferably about 0.2 to 30%
(W/W), and more preferably about 0.5 to 20% (W/W) in case of a
bioactive peptide, or it is generally about 0.1 to 60% (W/W),
preferably about 0.2 to 40% (W/W), and more preferably about 0.5 to
30% (W/W) in case of a non-peptidic bioactive substance.
[0099] The polymer used in the present invention is a polymer which
is slightly soluble or insoluble in water and has biocompatibility.
Examples thereof include polystyrene, poly-acrylic acid,
poly-methacrylic acid, a copolymer of acrylic acid and methacrylic
acid, nylon, tetlon, silicone polymer, dextran stearate,
ethylcellulose, acetylcellulose, nitrocellulose, polyurethane,
ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer, polyvinyl acetate, polyvinyl
alcohol, polyacrylicamide and the like. Furthermore, examples of
the biodegradable polymer include polymers synthesized from one or
more of .alpha.-hydroxycarboxylic acids (e.g., glycolic acid,
lactic acid and the like), hydroxydicarboxylic acids (e.g., malic
acid and the like), hydroxytricarboxylic acids (e.g., citric acid
and the like) etc., by catalyst-free dehydration polycondensation,
which have free carboxyl group(s), or a mixture thereof,
poly-.alpha.-cyanoacrylic esters, polyamino acids (e.g.,
poly-.gamma.-benzyl-L-glutamic acid and the like), maleic anhydride
polymers (e.g., a styrene/maleic acid polymer and the like), and
the like. The polymer may be a homopolymer or a copolymer. The type
of polymerization may be of random, block or graft. When the
above-mentioned .alpha.-hydroxycarboxylic acids,
hydroxydicarboxylic acids and hydroxytricarboxylic acids have
optically active centers in their molecular structures, they may be
any of the D-, L- and DL-configurations.
[0100] Among these polymers, the biodegradable polymer having a
free terminal carboxyl group such as a polymer synthesized from
.alpha.-hydroxycarboxylic acids (e.g., glycolic acid, lactic acid
and the like) (e.g., poly-lactic acid, lactic acid/glycolic acid
copolymer, and the like), poly-.alpha.-cyanoacrylic acid esters and
the like are preferred.
[0101] The biodegradable polymer is more preferably a polymer
synthesized from .alpha.-hydroxycarboxylic acids and the like,
especially preferably a lactic acid/glycolic acid polymer and the
like.
[0102] Not only homopolymers such as poly-lactic acid,
poly-glycolic acid, etc., but also lactic acid/glycolic acid
copolymers are sometimes simply referred to as the lactic
acid/glycolic acid polymer herein inclusively.
[0103] When the lactic acid/glycolic acid polymer (a lactic
acid/glycolic acid copolymer or homopolymer) is used as the
biodegradable polymer, its composition ratio (mol %) is preferably
about 100/0 to about 40/60, more preferably about 85/15 to about
50/50.
[0104] The weight-average molecular weight of the above-described
lactic acid/glycolic acid polymer is preferably about 3,000 to
about 50,000, more preferably about 3,000 to about 25,000, further
more preferably about 5,000 to about 20,000.
[0105] The degree of dispersion (weight-average molecular
weight/number-average molecular weight) of the lactic acid/glycolic
acid polymer is preferably about 1.2 to about 4.0, more preferably
about 1.5 to about 3.5.
[0106] Regarding the weight-average molecular weight and the degree
of dispersion used herein, the former is a value converted into
polystyrene as determined by gel permeation chromatography (GPC)
using as reference substances 9 kinds of polystyrenes having the
weight-average molecular weights of 120,000, 52,000, 22,000, 9,200,
5,050, 2,950, 1,050, 580 and 162, respectively, and the latter is
calculated therefrom. The above determination is carried out using
GPC column KF804L.times.2 (manufactured by Showa Denko K.K.) and RI
monitor L-3300 (manufactured by Hitachi Ltd.) with chloroform as a
mobile phase.
[0107] Further, the biodegradable polymer having a free terminal
carboxyl group is a biodegradable polymer in which the
number-average molecular weight based on GPC measurement and the
number-average molecular weight based on terminal group
quantification almost agree with each other. The number-average
molecular weight based on terminal group quantification is
calculated as follows:
[0108] About 1 to 3 g of the biodegradable polymer is dissolved in
a mixed solvent of acetone (25 ml) and methanol (5 ml), and the
solution is quickly titrated with a 0.05 N alcoholic solution of
potassium hydroxide using phenolphthalein as an indicator while
stirring at room temperature (20.degree. C.) to determine the
carboxyl group content; the number-average molecular weight based
on terminal group quantification is calculated from the following
equation: Number-average molecular weight based on terminal group
quantification=20000.times.A/B A: the mass (g) of the biodegradable
polymer B: the amount (ml) of 0.05 N alcoholic solution of
potassium hydroxide added until the titration end point
[0109] The number-average molecular weight based on terminal group
quantification is an absolute value, while the number-average
molecular weight based on GPC measurement is a relative value that
varies depending on various analytical conditions (e.g., kind of
mobile phase, kind of column, reference substance, slice width
chosen, baseline chosen, etc.). Therefore, although it is difficult
to express unequivocally and numerically, such description that
"the number-average molecular weight based on GPC measurement and
that based on terminal group quantification almost agree with each
other" means, for example, that the number-average molecular weight
based on terminal group quantification of a polymer synthesized
from .alpha.-hydroxycarboxylic acids falls within the range from
about 0.5 to about 2 times, preferably from about 0.7 to about 1.5
times as much as the number-average molecular weight based on GPC
measurement.
[0110] For example, in case of a polymer having a free terminal
carboxyl group and synthesized from one or more
.alpha.-hydroxycarboxylic acids by catalyst-free dehydration
polycondensation, the number-average molecular weight based on GPC
measurement and the number-average molecular weight based on
terminal group quantification almost agree with each other. On the
other hand, in case of a polymer having substantially no free
terminal carboxyl group and synthesized from a cyclic dimer by
ring-opening polymerization using a catalyst, the number-average
molecular weight based on terminal group quantification is
significantly higher than (more than about 2 times) that based on
GPC measurement. This difference makes it possible to clearly
distinguish a polymer having a free terminal carboxyl group from a
polymer having no free terminal carboxyl group.
[0111] The lactic acid/glycolic acid polymer having a free terminal
carboxyl group can be produced by a per se known process, for
example, that described in JP 61-28521 A (e.g., a process by a
catalyst-free dehydration polycondensation reaction, or a
dehydration polycondensation reaction in the presence of an
inorganic solid acid catalyst, etc.).
[0112] While the decomposition/disappearance rate of the lactic
acid/glycolic acid polymer varies widely, depending on the
composition ratio or the weight-average molecular weight, the
release duration can be extended (e.g., for about 6 months) by
lowering the ratio of glycolic acid or increasing the molecular
weight, since decomposition/disappearance is generally delayed as
the ratio of glycolic acid decreases. In contrast, the release
duration can be shortened (e.g., for about one week) by increasing
the ratio of glycolic acid or decreasing the molecular weight. For
obtaining a one week to two months type sustained-release
preparation, it is preferable to use the lactic acid/glycolic acid
polymer whose composition ratio and weight-average molecular weight
are within the above-described ranges.
[0113] Therefore, the composition of the biodegradable polymer used
in the present invention is preferably selected according to the
desired kind of a bioactive peptide and the desired duration of
sustained-release. Specifically, for example, when GH is used as
the bioactive peptide, a lactic acid/glycolic acid polymer is
preferably used. As the lactic acid/glycolic acid polymer, a
preferred polymer is a lactic acid/glycolic acid copolymer having a
lactic acid/glycolic acid composition ratio (mol %) of about 85/15
to about 50/50, more preferably about 75/25 to about 50/50. The
weight-average molecular weight thereof is preferably about 8,000
to about 20,000, more preferably about 10,000 to about 20,000.
Further, the degree of dispersion (weight-average molecular
weight/number-average molecular weight) of the lactic acid/glycolic
acid polymer is about 1.2 to about 4.0, more preferably about 1.5
to about 3.5.
[0114] The lactic acid/glycolic acid polymer used can be produced
by known methods such as those described in the above publications
and the like. The polymer is preferably that produced by
catalyst-free dehydration polycondensation. Any organic solvent
used for the production of the polymer and remaining in the polymer
is removed after the polymerization. As a method for this purpose,
there are, for example, heat drying, vacuum drying, flash drying
with dried gas, etc. However, such a solvent can be much more
quickly removed by contacting with continuously provided
high-pressure gas according to the present invention, thereby
significantly reducing the time required for removing the solvent.
It is preferable to use the lactic acid/glycolic acid polymer
(PLGA) wherein the number-average molecular weight based on
terminal group quantification and the number-average molecular
weight based on GPC measurement almost agree with each other.
[0115] Further, two kinds of lactic acid/glycolic acid polymers
different in the composition ratio and/or the weight-average
molecular weight may be used by mixing them in an arbitrary ratio.
An example thereof is a mixture of a lactic acid/glycolic acid
copolymer having the composition ratio of lactic acid/glycolic acid
(mol %) of about 75/25 and the weight-average molecular weight of
about 10,000, and a lactic acid/glycolic acid copolymer having the
composition ratio of lactic acid/glycolic acid (mol %) of about
50/50 and the weight-average molecular weight is about 12,000. The
preferred weight ratio of these copolymers upon mixing is about
25/75 to about 75/25.
[0116] The biodegradable polymer used in the present invention may
be a metal salt of the above mentioned biodegradable polymer. For
example, there can be used the various polyvalent metal salts of
the biodegradable polymer described in WO97/01331, and the like.
Preferably, a polyvalent metal salt of the lactic acid/glycolic
acid polymer and the like, (more preferably, zinc salt, calcium
salt, magnesium salt and the like, further more preferably zinc
salt and the like) can be used. The species of the metal of the
polyvalent metal salt is not specifically limited as long as it
does not cause any adverse effect to a living body. For example,
there can be used a polyvalent metal such as a divalent metal
(e.g., iron, zinc, copper, calcium, magnesium, aluminum, tin,
manganese and the like), a trivalent metal (e.g., iron, aluminum,
manganese and the like), a tetravalent metal (e.g., tin and the
like) and the like.
[0117] A metal salt of the biodegradable polymer is sometimes
referred to as the biodegradable polymer herein inclusively. For
example, in case of a polyvalent metal salt of the lactic
acid/glycolic acid polymer, sometimes, it is also referred to as
the lactic acid/glycolic acid polymer.
[0118] The above polyvalent metal salt of the biodegradable polymer
can be produced by the method described in WO97/01331 or similar
methods.
[0119] In case that a polyvalent metal salt of the biodegradable
polymer is a zinc salt, it can be produced by reacting the
biodegradable polymer with zinc oxide in an organic solvent.
[0120] In this method, first, a solution of the biodegradable
polymer-zinc oxide complex in an organic solvent is prepared by
coexistence of the biodegradable polymer with zinc oxide in the
organic solvent. In that case, although the concentration of the
biodegradable polymer in the solvent varies depending on the
molecular weight thereof, a kind of the organic solvent and the
like, for example, the concentration is about 0.1 to about 80%
(W/W), preferably about 1 to about 70% (W/W), more preferably about
2 to about 60% (W/W). Further, although the amount of zinc oxide to
be added varies depending on the kind of the organic solvent, for
example, when the desired bioactive substance is a peptide, the
amount is about 0.001 to about 2% (W/W), preferably about 0.01 to
about 1.5% (W/W), more preferably about 0.1 to about 1% (W/W), when
the desired bioactive substance is a non-peptide, the amount is
about 0.001 to about 30% (W/W), preferably about 0.01 to about 20%
(W/W), more preferably about 0.1 to about 10% (W/W), based on the
amount of the biodegradable polymer, as described in JP 10-231252
A.
[0121] Regarding the order of the addition of the biodegradable
polymer and zinc oxide to the organic solvent, zinc oxide in the
form of a powder or suspended in the organic solvent can be added
to a solution prepared by dissolving the biodegradable polymer in
the organic solvent, or on the contrary, a solution of the
biodegradable polymer in the organic solvent can be added to a
suspension prepared by suspending zinc oxide in the organic
solvent. Further, both of the biodegradable polymer and zinc oxide
can be mixed in the form of powders, then the organic solvent can
be added thereto. When the desired bioactive substance is a
non-peptide, the organic solvent can be added after mixing of the
biodegradable polymer, zinc oxide and the bioactive substance in
the form of powders.
[0122] The content of the biodegradable polymer in the preparation
of the present invention is generally about 30 to 99.9% (W/W),
preferably about 60 to 97% (W/W), and more preferably about 70 to
90% (W/W).
[0123] The preparation of the present invention is produced by
forming a solid material containing the bioactive substance and the
biodegradable polymer and contacting the solid material with
high-pressure gas.
[0124] The solid material containing the bioactive substance and
the biodegradable polymer is formed by, when the bioactive
substance is a bioactive peptide, for example, removing a solvent
from a S/O dispersion obtained by dispersing a powder (S phase),
which has been obtained by lyophilizing a solution of the bioactive
peptide, in a solution of the biodegradable polymer in an organic
solvent (O phase), or removing a solvent from a W/O emulsion
obtained by dispersing an aqueous phase (W phase), which is an
aqueous solution of the bioactive peptide, in a solution of the
biodegradable polymer dissolved in an organic solvent, or removing
a solvent from a solution of both bioactive peptide and
biodegradable polymer dissolved in an organic solvent (O phase). As
a method for this, there are, for example, (a) in-water drying
method (S/O/W method and W/O/W or O/W method), (b) phase separation
method (coacervation method) and (c) spray-drying method, or
similar methods thereto and the like. In the present description,
the solid material means a material in which constituents are
linked to each other physically or chemically. The solid material
includes, but not specifically limited to, microcapsules and the
like.
[0125] The organic solvent used for dissolving the biodegradable
polymer preferably has the boiling point of not lower than
30.degree. C. Examples of the organic solvent includes halogenated
hydrocarbons such as dichloromethane, dichloroethane, chloroform,
carbon tetrachloride and the like, aliphatic hydrocarbons such as
pentane, hexane, heptane, cyclohexane, petroleum benzine, petroleum
ether and the like, aromatic hydrocarbons such as toluene, xylene
and the like, alcohols such as methyl alcohol, ethyl alcohol,
n-propyl alcohol, isopropyl alcohol, benzyl alcohol and the like,
polyhydric alcohols such as ethylene glycol, propylene glycol and
the like, esters such as methyl acetate, ethyl acetate and the
like, organic acids such as formic acid, acetic acid,
trifluoroacetic acid, trichloroacetic acid and the like, ethers
such as diethyl ether, isopropyl ether, dioxane, tetrahydrofuran
and the like, ketones such as acetone, methyl ethyl ketone and the
like, nitrogen-containing compounds such as acetonitrile,
propionitrile, pyridine, dimethylacetamide, dimethylformamide and
the like, sulfur-containing compounds such as dimethylsulfoxide and
the like, and the like. These may be mixed in a suitable ratio. A
solvent contained in a substance, especially an organic compound,
e.g., a medicament should be substantially removed from a product
in view of properties of the medicament. Furthermore, for foods and
general chemicals, residual solvents in products are strictly
regulated depending on their application. The allowable amount of a
residual solvent for medicaments is described in the guideline
based on the ICH ("A guideline for residual solvent in medicament",
Pharm. Tech. Japan 16(5), 687-704, 2000), and for example, the
concentration limit for dichloromethane (classified into the Class
2) is 600 ppm, and the concentration limit for acetone (classified
into the Class 3) is 0.5% (5,000 ppm).
[0126] Moreover, an organic solvent used in dissolution of the
biodegradable polymer preferably has a boiling point of not higher
than 120.degree. C. The organic solvent includes such as
halogenated hydrocarbons (e.g., dichloromethane, chloroform and the
like), alcohols (e.g., ethanol, methanol and the like), ethyl
acetate, acetonitrile and the like. These may be mixed in a
suitable ratio. When an organic solvent is used alone, for example,
dichloromethane, ethyl acetate, acetonitrile and the like are
preferred. When organic solvents are used as a mixed solvent, for
example, a combination of halogenated hydrocarbons (e.g.,
dichloromethane, chloroform and the like) and alcohols (e.g.,
ethanol, methanol and the like) or acetonitrile is preferred. The
mixing ratio (volume ratio) of the halogenated hydrocarbons and
alcohols or acetonitrile is about 100:1 to about 1:1, and it is
desirable to use a mixed solvent having a mixing ratio of
preferably about 30:1 to about 2:1. Furthermore, while the
concentration of the biodegradable polymer in a solution varies
depending on the molecular weight, the kind of an organic solvent,
and the like, for example, it is about 0.01 to about 80% (W/W),
preferably about 0.1 to about 70% (W/W), and more preferably about
1 to about 60% (W/W).
[0127] Hereinafter, a method for microcapsulation, in case of the
production of sustained-release microcapsules as the preparation
and using a bioactive peptide as the bioactive substance, will be
explained in detail.
[0128] (a-1) In-Water Drying Method (S/O/W Method)
[0129] According to this method, first, a water-miscible organic
solvent and/or a volatile salt are added to an aqueous solution of
the bioactive peptide, and then, a bioactive peptide powder (S
phase) is produced by lyophilization. A biodegradable polymer is
dissolved in an organic solvent, and then, the above bioactive
peptide powder is dispersed into the resulting organic solvent
solution. The ratio (ratio by weight) of the bioactive peptide and
the biodegradable polymer is, for example, about 1:1000 to about
1:1, preferably about 1:200 to about 1:5, more preferably about
1:100 to about 1:5. Preferably, an external physical energy is
applied to disperse the bioactive peptide powder uniformly in the
organic solvent solution. As a method for this, there can be used,
for example, irradiation of ultrasonic wave, a turbine stirrer, a
homogenizer and the like. As to the average particle size of the
bioactive peptide in the organic solvent solution, it is preferably
not more than about 10 .mu.m, more preferably about 0.1 to 10
.mu.m, further more preferably about 0.5 to 5 .mu.m. In the present
invention, the average particle size of the bioactive peptide means
the value obtained by using a laser analytic particle size
distribution measuring device (SALD2000A, manufactured by Shimadzu
Corporation) after dispersing the bioactive peptide in an organic
solvent such as dichloromethane by using a homogenizer. In this
process, the bioactive peptide is added to the organic solvent at
the concentration of about 20 to 100 mg/ml, and then dispersed
using a homogenizer, such as Polytron (manufactured by Kinematica)
at about 20,000 rpm for about 30 seconds to 1 minutes. The
dispersion is diluted appropriately with the organic solvent so
that the average particle size can be measured with the above
particle size distribution measuring device, followed by
analysis.
[0130] Then, the organic solvent dispersion (S/O dispersion) thus
prepared is added to an aqueous solvent (W phase), and then the
same external physical energy as that mentioned above, for example,
irradiation of ultrasonic wave, a turbine stirrer, a homogenizer
and the like is applied to form a S/O/W emulsion. Then, the organic
solvent of O phase is evaporated to produce microcapsules. At this
time, the volume of the aqueous phase is generally selected from
about 1 times to about 10,000 times, preferably about 2 times to
about 5,000 times, more preferably about 5 times to about 2,000
times as much as the volume of the O phase.
[0131] An emulsifier can be added to the above external aqueous
phase. As the emulsifier, there can be used any one which is
generally capable of forming a stable S/O/W emulsion. Examples of
the emulsifier include anionic surfactants, nonionic surfactants,
polyoxyethylene castor oil derivative, polyvinylpyrrolidones,
polyvinyl alcohols, carboxymethylcelluloses, lecithin, gelatin,
hyaluronic acids and the like. These emulsifiers can be used by
appropriately combining them. The concentration of the emulsifier
in the external aqueous phase is, preferably about 0.001% to 20%
(w/w), more preferably about 0.01% to 10% (w/w), particularly
preferably about 0.05% to 5% (w/w).
[0132] The thus-obtained microcapsules are recovered by
centrifugation or filtration, washed with distilled water to remove
the emulsifier and the like adhering to the surface of
microcapsules, re-dispersed in distilled water, and
lyophilized.
[0133] In the present invention, examples of the water-miscible
organic solvent, which can be added to the aqueous solution of the
bioactive peptide, include alcohols (e.g. methanol, ethanol,
isopropanol and the like, preferably methanol, ethanol and the
like), acetone and the like. These may be used by mixing them at an
appropriate ratio. Preferably, an alcohol, more preferably ethanol
is used alone. The amount (concentration) to be added to the
aqueous solution of the bioactive peptide is about 0.03 to 0.5%
(V/V), preferably about 0.06 to 0.25% (V/V); more preferably about
0.1 to 0.15% (V/V), in terms of volume-ratio. By further
lyophilizing the resultant aqueous solution of the bioactive
peptide obtained by addition of the water-miscible organic solvent,
it is possible to prepare a bioactive peptide powder which is easy
to handle (superior operability) and is very fine (a small particle
size).
[0134] In the present invention, as the volatile salt, which is
added to the aqueous solution of the bioactive peptide, there are,
for example, ammonium salts (e.g., ammonium acetate, ammonium
bicarbonate, ammonium carbonate, ammonium chloride and the like,
preferably ammonium acetate and the like). The volatile salt can be
used by mixing them at an appropriate ratio. The added amount of
the volatile salt is about 10 times to about 80 times mole,
preferably about 10 times to about 70 times mole, more preferably
about 15 times to about 70 times mole, further more preferably
about 20 times to about 70 times mole, most preferably about 20
times to about 50 times mole as much as the aqueous solution of the
bioactive peptide in terms of mole ratio. By lyophilizing the
resultant aqueous solution of the bioactive peptide obtained by
addition of the volatile salt in a similar manner as the addition
of the water-miscible organic solvent, it is possible to prepare
the bioactive peptide powder which is easy to handle (superior
operability) and is very fine (a small particle size).
[0135] In the present invention, the water-miscible organic solvent
and/or the volatile salt added to the aqueous solution of the
bioactive peptide can be used alone or in appropriate combination
thereof. When the water-miscible organic solvent and the volatile
salt are used in combination thereof, they can be added to the
aqueous solution of the bioactive peptide in accordance with the
above amounts respectively.
[0136] (a-2) In-Water Drying Method (W/O/W Method)
[0137] According to this method, water or a suitable buffer is
added to the bioactive peptide to give a solution of the bioactive
peptide (W phase). The biodegradable polymer is then dissolved in
an organic solvent, and to this organic solvent solution is added
the above-mentioned solution of the bioactive peptide and the
mixture is dispersed. The thus-obtained W/O emulsion is added to an
aqueous solvent (W phase). According to the same method as the
above-mentioned S/O/W method, microcapsules are obtained through a
W/O/W emulsion.
[0138] (a-3) In-Water Drying Method (O/W Method)
[0139] According to this method, the biodegradable polymer together
with the bioactive peptide are dissolved in an organic solvent. The
organic solvent (O phase) is then added to an aqueous solvent (W
phase). According to the same method as the above-mentioned S/O/W
method, microcapsules are obtained through an O/W emulsion.
[0140] (b) Phase Separation Method (Coacervation Method)
[0141] According to this method, a coacervating agent is gradually
added to the S/O dispersion of (a-1) or the W/O emulsion of (a-2)
or the O phase solution of (a-3) as described above with stirring
to precipitate and solidify microcapsules. The amount of the
coacervating agent to be added is about 0.01 to about 1,000 times
by volume, preferably about 0.05 to about 500 times by volume,
especially preferably about 0.1 to about 200 times by volume as
much as the volume of the above dispersion. Any coacervating agent
can be used, as long as it is a polymeric, mineral oil or vegetable
oil compound which is miscible with the organic solvent used for
dissolution of the biodegradable polymer but does not dissolve the
biodegradable polymer used. Specifically, examples of the
coacervating agent include silicone oil, sesame oil, soybean oil,
corn oil, cottonseed oil, coconut oil, linseed oil, mineral oil,
n-hexane, n-heptane and the like. Two or more of these can be used
in combination. The thus-obtained microcapsules are recovered by
filtration, washed repeatedly with heptane and the like to remove
the coacervating agent. Further, washing is carried out in the same
manner as that in the above (a), followed by lyophilization.
[0142] In the production of microcapsules by the in-water drying
method or coacervation method, an antiaggregation agent can be
added for preventing aggregation of particles. Examples of the
antiaggregation agent can be used, for example, water-soluble
polysaccharides such as mannitol, lactose, glucose, starches (e.g.,
corn starch and the like), hyaluronic acid and its alakaline metal
salt, etc.; protein such as glycine, fibrin, collagen, etc.;
inorganic salts such as sodium chloride, sodium hydrogen phosphate,
etc.; and the like.
[0143] (c) Spray-Drying Method
[0144] In this method, microcapsules are produced by spraying the
S/O dispersion of (a-1), the W/O emulsion of (a-2) or the O phase
solution of (a-3) described above via a nozzle into the drying
chamber of a spray drier to volatilize the organic solvent in fine
droplets within a very short time. As the nozzle, there are, for
example, a two-fluid nozzle type, a pressure nozzle type and a
rotary disc type and the like. It is also advantageous, if
necessary, to spray an aqueous solution of the above-described
antiaggregation agent via another nozzle in order to prevent
aggregation of microcapsule particles.
[0145] The solid material formed by the above-mentioned method such
as microcapsules containing the bioactive substance and the
biodegradable polymer, and the like, is then contacted with
high-pressure gas (preferably carbon dioxide) to further extract
and remove the organic solvent.
[0146] Specifically, for example, a lyophilized microcapsule powder
obtained by (a) is fed into an extraction vessel, and extraction
treatment is carried out with an extraction system comprising a
carbon dioxide delivery pump and a pressure regulating valve.
Alternatively, a microcapsule suspension before lyophilization,
obtained by (a) or (b) may be fed into an extraction vessel and
subjected to extraction treatment similarly. In these cases, the
extraction treatment is desirably carried out under more gentle
conditions so as to not deteriorate the quality of a
sustained-release preparation.
[0147] The high-pressure gas in the present invention is gas at
pressure not less than the atmospheric pressure at a given
temperature but not more than the liquefying pressure at said
temperature.
[0148] Examples of the high-pressure gas used in the present
invention include carbon dioxide, nitrous oxide, nitrogen, helium,
argon, alkane (e.g., ethane, propane and the like), alkene (e.g.,
ethylene and the like), and the like. While these may be used by
mixing them in a suitable ratio, preferably, it is desirable to use
carbon dioxide alone.
[0149] When a temperature of high-pressure gas contacting with a
preparation is much higher than the glass transition temperature of
a biodegradable polymer used as a substrate of the preparation, the
risk of adhesion, deformation, decomposition of the bioactive
substance, deterioration and the like of the preparation increases.
The glass transition temperature in the present invention means
medium glass transition temperature obtained by rising temperature
at the rate of 10 or 20.degree. C./min using a differential
scanning calorimeter (DSC). Alternatively, when a temperature of
high-pressure gas is too low, the removal of an organic solvent
becomes insufficient. The organic solvent is preferably removed to
less than 1,000 ppm, preferably less than 500 ppm, and more
preferably less than 100 ppm. Therefore, the advantageous
temperature for using carbon dioxide as high-pressure gas in the
present invention is within a temperature range of +20 to
-60.degree. C., preferably +10 to -50.degree. C., more preferably 0
to -40.degree. C., still more preferably -5 to -30.degree. C., and
the most preferably -10 to -25.degree. C., based on the glass
transition temperature of the biodegradable polymer (generally
about 20 to 60.degree. C.).
[0150] While the range of pressure varies depending on the selected
high-pressure gas, but generally, when the pressure of
high-pressure gas is too high, the risk of adhesion, deformation,
increase of the initial release immediately after administration
and the like for the microcapsules increases, or when the pressure
is too low, the removal of the organic solvent becomes
insufficient. The advantageous pressure for using carbon dioxide as
high-pressure gas in the present invention pressure is about 1 to 7
MPa, preferably about 1 to 4 MPa, and more preferably about 2 to 4
MPa.
[0151] While the period for contacting with the high-pressure gas
varies depending on the pressure of the high-pressure gas,
temperature, the amount of microcapsules to be treated and the
like, it is preferably about 5 minutes to about 48 hours when
carbon dioxide is used as high-pressure gas. More preferably, it is
about 10 minutes to about 12 hours.
[0152] Hereinafter the step for high-pressure gas treatment of
microcapsules using carbon dioxide in a high-pressure gaseous state
will be explained in more detail with referring to FIG. 1. FIG. 1
is a schematic drawing, which exemplifies an apparatus used for the
high-pressure gas treatment in the present invention. Such
apparatus for high-pressure gas treatment comprises, for example,
as shown in FIG. 1, a liquefied carbon dioxide bomb 1, a carbon
dioxide delivery pump 2, a heat exchanger 3, an extraction vessel
4, a thermostat 5, a detector. 6, an automatic pressure-regulating
valve 7 and a recovery vessel 8. Microcapsules to be treated are
fed into the extraction vessel 4, and the apparatus is sealed and
heated to a predetermined temperature. The liquefied carbon dioxide
is then delivered from the liquefied carbon dioxide bomb 1 to the
heat exchanger 3 by the carbon dioxide delivery pump 2, heated to a
predetermined temperature, and converted into a high-pressure
gaseous state. The carbon dioxide in the high-pressure gaseous
state is then blown into the extraction vessel 4 to dissolve and
extract the solvent in the microcapsules into the high-pressure
gas. The extracted solvent is recovered in the recovery vessel 8
via the detector 6 and automatic pressure regulating valve 7. The
pressure applied to the whole system is controlled by the automatic
pressure regulating valve 7 connected to the lowest downstream. By
contacting with the high-pressure gas for a given period, the
excess amount of the initial release of the bioactive substance
immediately after administration is markedly suppressed, and the
residual organic solvent can be removed without producing
aggregates, related substances or reactants of the bioactive
peptide.
[0153] The sustained-release preparation of the present invention
is preferably in the form of fine particles. That is, the
sustained-release preparation does not provide undue pain to a
patient, when it is administered to said patient using an injection
needle, which is generally used for subcutaneous or intramuscular
injection. The particle size of the sustained-release preparation
is, for example, about 0.1 to 300 .mu.m, preferably about 1 to 150
.mu.m, specifically preferably about 2 to 100 .mu.m in terms of a
mean particle diameter. The content of the bioactive substance
contained in the sustained-release preparation of the present
invention is, for example, in case of a bioactive peptide,
generally about 0.1 to 50% (W/W), preferably about 0.2 to 30%
(W/W), and more preferably about 0.5 to 20% (W/W). The content of
the biodegradable polymer contained in the sustained-release
preparation of the present invention is generally about 30 to 99.9%
(W/W), preferably about 60 to 97% (W/W), and more preferably about
70 to 90% (W/W).
[0154] The initial release percentage of the sustained-release
preparation of the present invention [the release percentage up to
one day (24 hours) after administration] is, in case of a bioactive
peptide, preferably about not more than 40%, more preferably about
1 to 40%, and more preferably about 3 to 35%.
[0155] The sustained-release preparation of the present invention
can be administered as microcapsules or as preparations in various
forms prepared by using microcapsules as a raw material, such as
parenteral preparations (e.g., injectable preparations or
preparations for implantation in muscle, subcutaneous, organs and
the like, preparations for administering to mucosa onto cavitas
nasi, rectum, uterus, etc.), oral preparations (e.g., capsules
(hard capsules, soft capsules, etc.), solid preparations such as
granules and powders, etc., liquid preparations such as
suspensions, etc.), and the like.
[0156] In particular, the sustained-release preparation of the
present invention is preferably for injection. For example, in case
that the sustained-release preparation is microcapsules, it is
possible to obtain a practical sustained-release preparation for
injection by formulating the microcapsules in an aqueous suspension
together with a dispersing agent (e.g., a surfactant such as Tween
80, HCO-60, etc., polysaccharides such as carboxymethyl celluloses,
sodium alginate, hyaluronic acid, etc.), a preservative (e.g.,
methylparaben, propylparaben, etc.), a tonicity agent (e.g., sodium
chloride, mannitol, sorbitol, glucose, etc.), and the like. It is
also possible to obtain a practical sustained-release preparation
for injection by dispersing the microcapsules together with a
vegetable oil such as sesame oil, corn oil, etc., or a mixture
thereof with a phospholipid such as lecithin, or a medium-chain
fatty acid triglyceride (e.g., Miglyol 812) to prepare an oily
suspension.
[0157] When the sustained-release preparation is, for example,
microcapsules, the particle size of the sustained-release
preparation for an injectable suspension can be selected from the
range satisfying the requirements for the degree of dispersion and
the needle passability for the injection. For example, the particle
size is within the range of about 0.1 to about 300 .mu.m,
preferably about 1 to about 150 .mu.m, more preferably about 2 to
about 100 .mu.m, as the average particle size.
[0158] Methods for producing a sterile preparation from the above
microcapsules include, but are not limited to, to carry out entire
production steps aseptically, to sterilize with gamma rays, to add
an antiseptic, and the like.
[0159] The sustained-release preparation can be safely used in
mammals (e.g., human, cattle, pig, dog, cat, mouse, rat, rabbit and
the like) with low toxicity.
[0160] Indication of the sustained-release preparation varies
depending on a bioactive peptide used. The sustained-release
preparation is useful to prevent or treat diabetes when insulin is
used as the bioactive peptide; viral hepatitis (e.g., type C
hepatitis, HBe antigen-positive active hepatitis and the like) and
cancer (e.g., renal carcinoma, multiple myeloma and the like) when
interferon-.alpha. is used; anemia (e.g., anemia during dialysis of
kidney and the like) when erythropoietin is used; neutropenia
(e.g., in cancer therapy and the like) and infections when G-CSF is
used; cancer (e.g., hemangioendothelioma and the like) when IL-2 is
used; fracture, wound (e.g., bedsore and the like), periodontitis
and gastrointestinal ulcer when FGF is used; thrombocytopenia when
FGF-9 is used; senile dementia and neuropathy when NGF is used;
thrombosis when TPA is used; and cancer when tumor necrosis factor
is used. Further, the sustained-release preparation containing GH
is applied to Turner's syndrome, chronic renal diseases,
achondroplasia, and adult hypopituitarisin (adult GHD), in addition
to pituitary dwarfism, based on growth hormone activity of GH.
Further, since, GH is reported to be applied to diseases such as
Down syndrome, Silver syndrome, hypochondroplasia and juvenile
chronic arthritis to provide excellent therapeutic effects, the
sustained-release preparation containing GH can also be applied to
these diseases. The sustained-release preparation containing GH is
also useful to prevent or treat congestive heart-failure and the
like. The other indications to which the sustained-release
preparation containing GH can be applied include, hematogenesis
during organ implantation or treatment for a patient suffering from
AIDS with a drug, improvement of hypoalimentation, renal anemia,
angina pectoris, hyperlipidemia, obesity, acceleration of treatment
for burn, wound or ulcer, invasiveness from surgery (operation,
lesion), early recovery after operation, sepsis, prevention of
fracture due to osteoporosis, early recovery of muscular strength
of a patient suffering from fracture due to osteoporosis,
amyotropic lateral scelosis (ALS), decubitus and the like.
Furthermore, it is expected to have effects as an antiaging agent
aiming at improving the quality of life (QOL) for frail aged
persons, or effects for suppressing the development or improving
neurodegenerative diseases (Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's
disease, cerebrovascular disease and the like) due to the nerve
protective effect of hGH. By forming GH into a sustained-release
preparation, drug effects superior to those of a GH subcutaneous
injection can be obtained for these indications. When the bioactive
substance is candesartan, the preparation is effective for the
prevention or improvement of cardiomegaly, cardiac failure,
myocardial infarct, cerebral stroke, ischemic peripheral
neuropathy, myocardial ischemia, venous incompetence, development
of cardiac failure after myocardial infarct, diabetic nephropathy,
nephritis, glomerular nephritis, arteriosclerosis, vascular
hypertrophy, vascular hypertrophy or occulusion after percutaneous
transluminal coronary angioplasty, vascular re-occulusion after
bypass operation, hyperaldosteronism, glomerular sclerosis, renal
failure, glaucoma, ocular hypertension, hyperlipidemia,
stenocardia, aneurysm, coronary arteriosclerosis, cerebral
arteriosclerosis, peripheral arteriosclerosis, thrombosis, central
nerve system disease, Alzheimer's disease, amnesia, depression,
amnestic syndrome, senile dementia, dysesthesia, multiple organ
failure, prevention or treatment of disease or sclerodermia
associated with endothelial disorder, or symptom of anxiety,
symptom of strain, unpleasantmental state or maldigestion.
[0161] Although the dose of the sustained-release preparation
varies depending on a particular kind and amount of the bioactive
peptide, release duration, target disease, subject animal species
and other factors, it can be set at any level, as long as an
effective concentration of the bioactive peptide in the body is
maintained. For example, when the sustained-release preparation is
one designed for two week release, the dose of the bioactive
peptide can be suitably chosen from the range of preferably about
0.0001 to about 10 mg/kg body weight, more preferably about 0.05 to
about 3 mg/kg body weight, per an adult. The preferred
administration frequency of the sustained-release preparation can
be suitably chosen from once a week, once every two weeks, once a
month, once every two months and the like, depending on a
particular kind and amount of the bioactive peptide, dosage form,
release duration, target disease, subject animal species and other
factors. Preferably, the sustained-release preparation includes a
one week to two months type sustained-release preparation, more
preferably one week to one month type sustained-release
preparation.
[0162] When the bioactive peptide as an active component in the
sustained-release preparation is, for example, insulin, the dose
per administration to an diabetic adult is suitably chosen from the
range of usually about 0.001 to about 1 mg/kg body weight,
preferably about 0.01 to about 0.2 mg/kg body weight, as an
effective ingredient. And the preferred administration frequency is
once a week.
[0163] When the bioactive peptide as an active component in the
sustained-release preparation is GH, the dose can be set at any
level, as long as an effective concentration of GH in the body is
maintained, although varying depending on a particular kind and
amount of GH, release duration, target disease, subject animal
species and other factors. Regarding the treatment of the above
described diseases, when the sustained-release preparation is one
designed for two week release, the dose of GH can be suitably
chosen from the range of about 0.01 to about 5 mg/kg body weight
(about 0.03 to about 15 IU/kg body weight), more preferably about
0.05 to about 1 mg/kg body weight (about 0.15 to about 3 IU/kg body
weight), per a child or an adult for safe administration. The
preferred administration frequency can be suitably chosen from once
a week, once every two weeks, once a month and etc., depending on a
particular amount of GH, dosage form, release duration, target
disease, subject animal species and other factors, preferably one
week to two months-type sustained-release preparation, more
preferably one week to one month-type sustained-release
preparation.
[0164] The sustained-release preparation is preferably stored at
ordinary temperature or in a cold place. More preferably, the
sustained-release preparation is stored in a cold place. The
"ordinary temperature" and the "cold place" are defined in the
Pharmacopoeia of Japan. Namely, the "ordinary temperature" means 15
to 25.degree. C., and the "cold place" means a temperature of not
more than 15.degree. C. In the "cold place", it is more preferably
about 2 to 8.degree. C.
[0165] Hereinafter the present invention will be explained more
specifically with referring to the Reference Examples, Examples and
Test Examples, which do not limit the present invention.
REFERENCE EXAMPLE 1
[0166] To an aqueous solution of gene recombinant hGH (final hGH
concentration=2 mg/ml) was added ammonium acetate (20-fold mol
equivalent). The mixture (100 ml) was dropwise added to the inner
wall surface of a distillation flask cooled in a dry ice-ethanol
bath using a peristaltic pump over 30 minutes to rapid-freeze the
mixture and the frozen mixture was dried in vacuo to obtain hGH
powder. A lactic acid-glycolic acid copolymer (lactic acid/glycolic
acid=65/35, viscosity=0.160 dl/g, 1.690 g) and zinc oxide (10 mg)
were dissolved in dichloromethane (2.7 ml). To the organic solvent
solution was added the above-mentioned hGH powder (359 mg) and the
mixture was finely granulated with Polytron (manufactured by
Kinematica). This S/O dispersion was added to a 0.1% aqueous
solution of polyvinyl alcohol (800 ml) and the mixture was stirred
and emulsified using a homomixer. The mixture was stirred at room
temperature for 3 hours to volatilize dichloromethane and
centrifuged (about 1,500 rpm) to obtained microcapsules. The
microcapsules were then washed twice with distilled water (400 ml)
and lyophilized from D-mannitol (0.2 g) to obtain lyophilized
hGH-containing microcapsule powder. Under the same conditions, six
batches of the microcapsules were produced. The yield of the
lyophilized microcapsule powder obtained was 6.8 g.
REFERENCE EXAMPLE 2
[0167] To an aqueous solution of gene recombinant hGH (final hGH
concentration=2 mg/ml) was added ammonium acetate (20-fold mol
equivalent). A lactic acid-glycolic acid copolymer (lactic
acid/glycolic acid=50/50, viscosity=0.154 dl/g, 1.850 g) and zinc
oxide (10 mg) were dissolved in dichloromethane (2.7 ml). To the
organic solvent solution was added the above-mentioned hGH powder
(155 mg) and the mixture was finely granulated with Polytron
(manufactured by Kinematica). This S/O dispersion was added to a
0.1% aqueous solution of polyvinyl alcohol (800 ml) and the mixture
was stirred and emulsified using a homomixer. The mixture was
stirred at room temperature for 3 hours to volatilize
dichloromethane and centrifuged (about 1,500 rpm) to obtain
microcapsules. The microcapsules were then washed twice with
distilled water (400 ml) and lyophilized from D-mannitol (0.2 g) to
obtain lyophilized hGH-containing microcapsule powder. Under the
same conditions, six batches of the microcapsules were produced.
The yield of the lyophilized microcapsule powder obtained was 7.6
g.
REFERENCE EXAMPLE 3
[0168] To an aqueous solution of gene recombinant hGH (final hGH
concentration=2 mg/ml) was added ammonium acetate (20-fold mol
equivalent). The mixture (100 ml) was dropwise added to the inner
wall surface of a distillation flask cooled in a dry ice-ethanol
bath using a peristaltic pump over 30 minutes so as to rapid-freeze
the mixture and the frozen mixture was dried in vacuo to obtain hGH
powder. A lactic acid-glycolic acid copolymer (lactic acid/glycolic
acid=65/35, viscosity=0.160 dl/g, 1.521 g) and zinc oxide (9 mg)
were dissolved in dichloromethane (2.4 ml). To the organic solvent
solution was added the above-mentioned hGH powder (270 mg) and the
mixture was finely granulated with Polytron (manufactured by
Kinematica). This S/O dispersion was added to a 0.1% aqueous
solution of polyvinyl alcohol (800 ml) that had been cooled to
18.degree. C., and the mixture was stirred and emulsified using a
homomixer. The mixture was stirred at room temperature for 3 hours
to volatilize dichloromethane and centrifuged (about 1,500 rpm) to
obtain microcapsules. To the microcapsule suspension, which had
been obtained by removing the supernatant as much as possible by
aspiration operation, was added a 50% aqueous solution of ethanol
(500 ml), and the mixture was stirred gently using a propeller at
room temperature for 15 minutes. The mixture was centrifuged (about
1,500 rpm) to obtain microcapsules. The microcapsules were then
washed twice with distilled water (400 ml) and lyophilized from
D-mannitol (180 mg) to give lyophilized hGH-containing microcapsule
powder. In order to remove the residual solvent, the powder was
dried in vacuo at 46.degree. C. for 72 hours to obtain
microcapsules.
REFERENCE EXAMPLE 4
[0169] Evaluation of Pharmacological Effect for Human Growth
Hormone-Containing Microcapsules
[0170] To female SD rats, which had been removed glandula
pituitaria at four-week old, was administered an immunosuppressive
agent, tacrolimus (Prograf injection, manufactured by Fujisawa
Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.) to suppress the production of antibodies
to hGH. Microcapsules were administered to the animal at six-week
old, and the body weight, body length and concentration of rat
insulin-like growth factor I (rIGF-I) in blood serum were measured
for 5 weeks. Specifically, the Prograf injection (5 mg) was diluted
with saline, and the dilution was injected subcutaneously, at the
dose of 50 .mu.g/0.2 ml/rat at three days before the first
administration of microcapsules, immediately after the first
administration of microcapsules and on the 4th, 7th and 11th days
after the first administration, and at the dose of 75 .mu.g/0.2
ml/rat on the 14th, 18th, 21st, 25th, 28th and 32nd days after the
first administration, respectively. Furthermore, in order to more
physically normalize the glandula pituitaria-removed rat, hormone
supplementation was also carried out. A mixed solution of sodium
L-thyroxin pentahydrate and hydrocortisone succinate (both are
manufactured by Wako pure chemical Industries, Ltd) (the final
concentrations were 1 .mu.g and 50 .mu.g per 0.2 ml/rat,
respectively) was subcutaneously administered three times a week,
namely, three days before the first administration of the
microcapsules, immediately after the first administration, and on
the 2nd, 4th, 7th, 9th, 11th, 14th, 16th, 18th, 21st, 23rd, 25th,
28th, 30th and 32nd days after the first administration. The
microcapsules were dispersed in a dispersion medium (5% mannitol,
0.5% carboxymethylcellulose sodium, 0.1% Tween 80) so as to be 24
mg hGH/ml, and 0.5 ml of the dispersion was administered
subcutaneously to the back of the rat under ether anesthesia. The
dose was 12 mg as hGH. After the administration of microcapsules,
the body weight and body length of the rat was measured with time
up to 35 days. In addition, blood was collected from the caudal
vein with time and blood serum was fractionated. The concentration
of rIGF-I in blood serum was measured by radioimmunoassay
(DSL-2900, Diagnostic Systems Laboratories, Inc.).
REFERENCE EXAMPLE 5
[0171] Candesartan (2.0 g), zinc oxide (manufactured by Hakusui
Chemical Industries, Ltd., 0.37 g) and a lactic acid-glycolic acid
copolymer (lactic acid/glycolic acid 75/25 (mol %), weight-average
molecular weight 8,700, manufactured by Wako Pure Chemical
Industries, Ltd, 3.6 g) were added to a mixed solution of
dichloromethane (12.75 ml), methanol (2.25 ml) and acetic acid
(0.136 ml), and the mixture was stirred with shaking at room
temperature overnight to obtain a homogenous solution. The solution
was added to a 0.1% aqueous solution of polyvinyl alcohol (800 ml)
containing 20 mM of zinc acetate, which had been previously
adjusted to 18.degree. C., and an O/W emulsion was prepared using a
turbine type homomixer at 7,000 rpm. This O/W emulsion was stirred
at room temperature for 3 hours to volatilize dichloromethane,
methanol and acetic acid, and the oil phase was solidified and
collected using centrifuge at 3,000 rpm. This was dispersed in
distilled water again and further centrifuged to wash out free drug
and the like. The collected microcapsules were dispersed again by
adding distilled water containing mannitol (0.8 g) and lyophilized
to obtain a powder. The encapsulation ratio of candesartan in
microcapsules was 90.9%, and the content of candesartan in
microcapsules/mannitol powder was 26.5%.
REFERENCE EXAMPLE 6
[0172] One batch was conducted in the following amount for
treatment. Candesartan (2.0 g), zinc oxide (manufactured by Hakusui
Chemical Industries, Ltd., 0.37 g) and a lactic acid-glycolic acid
copolymer (lactic acid/glycolic acid 75/25 (mol %), weight-average
molecular weight 8,700, manufactured by Wako Pure Chemical
Industries, Ltd, 3.6 g) were added to a mixed solution of
dichloromethane (12.75 ml), methanol (2.25 ml) and acetic acid
(0.136 ml), and the mixture was stirred with shaking at room
temperature overnight to obtain a homogenous solution. The solution
was added to a 0.1% aqueous solution of polyvinyl alcohol (800 ml)
containing 10 mM of zinc acetate, which had been previously
adjusted to 18.degree. C., and an O/W emulsion was prepared using a
turbine type homomixer at 7,000 rpm. This O/W emulsion was stirred
at room temperature for 3 hours to volatilize dichloromethane,
methanol and acetic acid, and the oil phase was solidified and
collected using centrifuge at 3,000 rpm. This was dispersed in
distilled water again and further centrifuged to wash out free drug
and the like. The above-mentioned operations were conducted by two
batches, and the microcapsules of the two batches were mixed, and
the microcapsules were dispersed again by adding distilled water
containing mannitol (1.6 g) and lyophilized to obtain a powder. The
encapsulation ratio of candesartan in microcapsules was 90.7%, and
the content of candesartan in microcapsules/mannitol powder was
26.4%.
EXAMPLE 1
[0173] The solvent was removed under the following four conditions
using 0.3 g of the hGH-containing lyophilized microcapsule powder
obtained in Reference Example 1, respectively. The microcapsule
powder was transferred into an extraction vessel (volume 10 ml) of
a supercritical fluid extraction apparatus (manufactured by JASCO
Corporation). The apparatus was sealed and heated to a
predetermined temperature in a thermostat. Carbon dioxide was
delivered to a heat exchanger via a delivery pump (SCF-Get) at the
bomb pressure (about 6 to 7 MPa) and heated to the given
temperature. The pressure applied to the whole system was
controlled by an automatic pressure regulating valve (SCF-Bpg), and
the carbon dioxide was converted into a high-pressure gaseous state
at given pressure. The high-pressurized carbon dioxide gas was then
blown into an extraction vessel, and the solvent was removed under
the following four conditions.
(1) Pressure 2 MPa, temperature 15.degree. C., extraction period 15
minutes.
(2) Pressure 2 MPa, temperature 15.degree. C., extraction period 30
minutes.
(3) Pressure 2 MPa, temperature 15.degree. C., extraction period 45
minutes.
(4) Pressure 2 MPa, temperature 15.degree. C., extraction period 60
minutes.
EXAMPLE 2
[0174] The solvent was removed under the following four conditions
using 0.3 g of the hGH-containing lyophilized microcapsule powder
obtained in Reference Example 2, respectively. The microcapsule
powder was transferred into an extraction vessel (volume 10 ml) of
a supercritical fluid extraction apparatus (manufactured by JASCO
Corporation). The apparatus was sealed and heated to a given
temperature in a thermostat. Carbon dioxide was delivered to a heat
exchanger via a delivery pump (SCF-Get) at the bomb pressure (about
6 to 7 MPa) and heated to the predetermined temperature. The
pressure applied to the whole system was controlled by an automatic
pressure regulating valve (SCF-Bpg), and the carbon dioxide was
converted into a high-pressure gaseous state at predetermined
pressure. The high-pressurized carbon dioxide gas was then blown
into an extraction vessel, and the solvent was removed under the
following four conditions.
(1) Pressure 2 MPa, temperature 15.degree. C., extraction period 30
minutes.
(2) Pressure 2 MPa, temperature 15.degree. C., extraction period 60
minutes.
(3) Pressure 2 MPa, temperature 15.degree. C., extraction period
180 minutes.
(4) Pressure 1 MPa, temperature 15.degree. C., extraction period
720 minutes.
EXAMPLE 3
[0175] The solvent was removed under the following 18 conditions
using 0.3 g of the candesartan-containing lyophilized microcapsule
powder obtained in Reference Example 5, respectively. The
microcapsule powder was transferred into an extraction vessel
(volume 10 ml) of a supercritical fluid extraction apparatus
(manufactured by JASCO Corporation). The apparatus was sealed and
heated to a predetermined temperature using a thermostat. Carbon
dioxide was delivered to a heat exchanger via a delivery pump
(SCF-Get) at the bomb pressure (about 6 to 7 MPa) and heated to the
given temperature. The pressure applied to the whole system was
controlled by an automatic pressure regulating valve (SCF-Bpg), and
the carbon dioxide was converted into a high-pressure gaseous at
the given pressure. The high-pressurized carbon dioxide gas was
then blown into an extraction vessel, and the solvent was removed
under the following 18 conditions.
(1) Pressure 2.0 MPa, temperature 15.degree. C., extraction period
30 minutes.
(2) Pressure 2.0 MPa, temperature 15.degree. C., extraction period
60 minutes.
(3) Pressure 2.0 MPa, temperature 15.degree. C., extraction period
120 minutes.
(4) Pressure 2.0 MPa, temperature 15.degree. C., extraction period
180 minutes.
(5) Pressure 2.5 MPa, temperature 15.degree. C., extraction period
30 minutes.
(6) Pressure 2.5 MPa, temperature 15.degree. C. extraction period
60 minutes.
(7) Pressure 2.5 MPa, temperature 15.degree. C., extraction period
120 minutes.
(8) Pressure 2.5 MPa, temperature 15.degree. C., extraction period
180 minutes.
(9) Pressure 3.0 MPa, temperature 15.degree. C., extraction period
15 minutes.
(10) Pressure 3.0 MPa, temperature 15.degree. C., extraction period
30 minutes.
(11) Pressure 3.0 MPa, temperature 15.degree. C., extraction period
60 minutes.
(12) Pressure 3.0 MPa, temperature 15.degree. C., extraction period
120 minutes.
(13) Pressure 3.0 MPa, temperature 15.degree. C., extraction period
180 minutes.
(14) Pressure 3.5 MPa, temperature 15.degree. C., extraction period
30 minutes.
(15) Pressure 3.5 MPa, temperature 15.degree. C., extraction period
60 minutes.
(16) Pressure 3.5 MPa, temperature 15.degree. C., extraction period
120 minutes.
(17) Pressure 3.5 MPa, temperature 15.degree. C., extraction period
180 minutes.
(18) Pressure 4.0 MPa, temperature 15.degree. C., extraction period
30 minutes.
EXAMPLE 4
[0176] The solvent was removed under the following three conditions
using the candesartan-containing lyophilized microcapsule powder
obtained in Reference Example 6, respectively. The microcapsule
powder was transferred into an extraction vessel (volume 10 ml) of
a supercritical fluid extraction apparatus (manufactured by JASCO
Corporation). The apparatus was sealed and heated to a
predetermined temperature using a thermostat. Carbon dioxide was
delivered to a heat exchanger via a delivery pump (SCF-Get) at the
bomb pressure (about 6 to 7 MPa) and heated to a given temperature.
The pressure applied to the whole system was controlled by an
automatic pressure regulating valve (SCF-Bpg), and the carbon
dioxide was converted into a high-pressure gaseous state at a given
pressure. The high-pressurized carbon dioxide gas was then blown
into an extraction vessel, and the solvent was removed under the
following three conditions.
(1) pressure 3.0 MPa, temperature 15.degree. C., extraction period
60 minutes, charged amount of the microcapsules 0.3 g.
(2) pressure 3.0 MPa, temperature 15.degree. C., extraction period
60 minutes, charged amount of the microcapsules 2 g.
(3) pressure 3.0 MPa, temperature 15.degree. C., extraction period
60 minutes, charged amount of the microcapsules 5 g.
TEST EXAMPLE 1
[0177] For the hGH-containing microcapsules and untreated
lyophilized microcapsules obtained in Example 1 (1) to (4), the
amount of residual dichloromethane (DCM) and hGH content in the
microcapsules were measured by the following method.
(1) Amount of Residual Dichloromethane (DCM)
[0178] Microcapsules (about 100 mg) were weighed precisely,
dissolved in dimethylsulfoxide and made up to exactly 5 ml to
prepare a sample solution. Separately, dichloromethane (about 1 g)
was weighed precisely and made up to exactly 20 ml with addition of
dimethylsulfoxide. This solution was diluted by exactly 10000 times
with dimethylsulfoxide to obtain a standardized solution. The
sample solution and standardized solution (each 1 .mu.l) were
tested by gas chromatography under the following conditions, and
the peak area of dichloromethane for each solution was measured by
automatic integration to calculate the amount of
dichloromethane.
Detector: hydrogen flame ionization detector
Column: OVI-G43 film thickness 3 .mu.m, 0.53 mm i.d..times.30 m
(Supelco)
Inlet temperature: 140.degree. C.
Detector temperature: 260.degree. C.
Column temperature: 40.degree. C. (10 min
retention).fwdarw.240.degree. C. (35.degree.
C./min).fwdarw.240.degree. C. (20 min
retention).fwdarw.cooling.fwdarw.40.degree. C.
Carrier gas: helium
Flow: 35 cm/sec
(2) hGH Content
[0179] Microcapsule (10 mg) was weighed precisely in a 5 ml
messflask, acetonitrile (1.75 ml) was added thereto and the mixture
was ultra-sonicated. To the obtained acetonitrile solution was
added 150 mM phosphate saline buffer (pH 8.0, 3 ml), and the
solution was ultra-sonicated and made up to a given volume with 150
mM phosphate saline buffer (pH 8.0). An 1 ml portion of the
solution was centrifuged at 15000 rpm for 10 min, and the
supernatant was filtered using a membrane filter having the pore
size of 0.5 .mu.m. This hGH extract solution was then subjected to
size exclusion high-performance liquid chromatography under the
following conditions to measure the content of hGH.
Column: TSK-gel G2000SWXL, 7.8 mm i.d..times.300 mm (manufactured
by Tosoh Corporation)
Mobile phase: 0.05 mol/l ammonium hydrogencarbonate solution
Flow rate: 0.6 ml/min
[0180] The results are shown in Table 1. TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1
Contents of residual dichloromethane and hGH in microcapsules
Quality Conditions for treatment Residual Content Pressure
Temperature Time DCM of hGH (Mpa) (.degree. C.) (min) (ppm) (%)
Untreated microcapsules 738 10.61 (1) 2 15 15 137 10.50 (2) 2 15 30
50 10.46 (3) 2 15 45 <32 10.41 (4) 2 15 60 <32 10.52
[0181] As seen from the results in Table 1, the amount of residual
dichloromethane in the microcapsules treated with carbon dioxide in
a high-pressure gaseous state markedly decreased in comparison with
the untreated microcapsules. Furthermore, it was found that the
content of hGH in the microcapsules did not decrease by the
treatment with carbon dioxide in a high-pressure gaseous state.
TEST EXAMPLE 2
[0182] For the hGH-containing microcapsules and untreated
lyophilized microcapsules obtained in Example 1 (1) to (4), the
amount of hGH aggregate and hGH related protein in the
microcapsules were measured by the following method.
(1) hGH Aggregate
[0183] Microcapsules (10 mg) were weighted precisely, acetonitrile
(2.5 ml) was added thereto, and the sample was dispersed by
ultrasonic irradiation. The sample was subsequently irradiated with
ultrasonic for about 2 min, and centrifuged at 3000 rpm for 10
minutes. The supernatant was removed, and acetonitrile (2.5 ml) was
added to the residue. The residue was dispersed by ultrasonic
irradiation. The dispersion was subsequently irradiated with
ultrasonic for about 2 minutes, and centrifuged at 3000 rpm for 10
minutes. The supernatant was removed, and the residue was dried in
a desiccator under reduced pressure. To the residue was added a
diluent (phosphate buffer (pH 8.0)/acetonitrile mixed solution
(13:7), 1.25 ml), and the sample was dispersed by ultrasonic
irradiation. The dispersion was subsequently irradiated with
ultrasonic for about 2 min and filtered with a membrane filter
having a pore size of 0.5 .mu.m, and the filtrate was used as a
sample solution. Separately, hGH reference standard (0.2 ml) was
added to a diluent (0.2 ml). This solution (0.2 ml) was added to a
diluent (4.8 ml) to obtain a standardized solution. The sample
solution and standardized solution (each 50 .mu.l) were measured by
liquid chromatography under the following conditions, respectively.
The peak area of the peak that elutes earlier than the retention
time of hGH in the sample solution and the peak area of hGH in the
standardized solution were measured by automatic integration to
calculate the content of aggregate. At the same time, a diluent (50
.mu.l) was injected and the peak detected in blank was subtracted
from the calculation.
Detector: ultraviolet spectrometer (wavelength for measurement: 214
nm)
Column: TSK-gel G2000SWXL, 7.8 mm i.d..times.300 mm (manufactured
by Tosoh Corporation)
Column temperature: constant temperature about 25.degree. C.
Mobile phase: 0.05 mol/l ammonium hydrogencarbonate solution
Flow rate: 0.6 ml/min
(2) hGH Related Protein
[0184] Microcapsules (40 mg) were precisely weighed and
acetonitrile (2 ml) was added thereto. The sample was dispersed by
ultrasonic irradiation. The dispersion was subsequently irradiated
with ultrasonic for about 2 minutes. Phosphate buffer (pH8.0, 3 ml)
was added thereto and the dispersion was irradiated with ultrasonic
for about 2 minutes with occasionally shaking, and centrifuged at
4.degree. C. for 3500 rpm for 10 minutes. The supernatant was
filtered with a membrane filter having pore size of 0.5 .mu.m, and
the filtrate was used as a sample solution. Separately, hGH
reference standard (0.1 ml) was added to a diluent (phosphate
buffer (pH 8.0)/acetonitrile mixed solution (13:7), 3.9 ml) to
obtain a standardized solution. The sample solution and
standardized solution (each 20 .mu.l) were measured by liquid
chromatography under the following conditions, respectively. The
peak areas of the substances other than hGH in the sample solution
and the peak area of hGH in the standardized solution were measured
by automatic integration, respectively, to calculate the content of
related protein. At the same time, a diluent (20 .mu.l) was
injected and the peak detected in blank was subtracted from the
calculation.
Detector: ultraviolet spectrometer (measurement wavelength: 220
nm)
Column: PROTEIN C4, 4.6 mm i.d..times.250 mm (VYDAC)
Column temperature: constant temperature about 45.degree. C.
Mobile phase: (A) 2-amino-2-hydroxymethyl-1,3-propanediol buffer
(pH 7.5)/1-propanol mixed solution (19:6) (B)
2-amino-2-hydroxymethyl-1,3-propanediol buffer (pH 7.5)/1-propanol
mixed solution (17:8)
[0185] The solution (A) and solution (B) were flowed in the
proportion of (1:1).
Flow rate: 0.5 ml/min
[0186] The results are shown in Table 2. TABLE-US-00002 TABLE 2
Contents of hGH aggregate and related protein in microcapsules
Conditions for treatment Quality Pressure Temperature Time
Aggregate Related protein (Mpa) (.degree. C.) (min) (%) (%)
Untreated microcapsules 1.95 5.08 (1) 2 15 15 2.00 5.42 (2) 2 15 30
1.96 5.47 (3) 2 15 45 1.94 5.50 (4) 2 15 60 1.95 5.26
[0187] As seen from the results in Table 2, the amounts of hGH
aggregate and related protein in the microcapsules treated with
carbon dioxide in the state of high-pressure gas did not increase
in comparison with those of the untreated microcapsules.
TEST EXAMPLE 3
[0188] For the hGH-containing microcapsules and untreated
lyophilized microcapsules obtained in Example 1 (1) to (4), the
mean particle diameter and in vivo initial release percentage of
the microcapsules were measured by the following method.
(1) Mean Particle Diameter of Microcapsules
[0189] The mean particle diameter of microcapsules was measured
using a measurement apparatus for particle size distribution
(Multisizer II, Coulter Electronics Ltd., Beds, UK).
(2) In Vivo Initial Release Percentage
[0190] Rats were subjected to immunosuppression treatment with
tacrolimus. Prograf injection (manufactured by Fujisawa
Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., 5 mg) was diluted with saline. The
dilution was subcutaneously administered at the dose of, 0.4 mg/0.2
ml/rat (three days before the first administration of the
microcapsules), 0.2 mg/0.2 ml/rat (immediately after the first
administration of microcapsules, and on the 4th, 7th and 11th days
after administration), 0.3 mg/0.2 ml/rat (on the 14th, 18th, 21st,
25th, 28th and 32nd days after the first administration),
respectively, whereby the production of antibodies to hGH could be
suppressed, which allowed the evaluation of the concentration of
hGH in the blood serum of rats for 5 weeks after the first
administration.
[0191] The microcapsules were dispersed in a dispersion medium (5%
mannitol, 0.5% carboxymethylcellulose, 0.1% Tween80) at the
concentration of 16 mg hGH/ml. The obtained dispersion (0.75 ml)
was subcutaneous administered to the back of the rat under ether
anesthesia. The dose was 12 mg as hGH. After the administration of
the microcapsules, blood was collected with time from the caudal
vein and blood serum was fractionated.
[0192] The measurement of the concentration of hGH in blood serum
was measured by immunoradiometric assay (Ab beads HGH, manufactured
by Eiken Chemical Co., Ltd.).
[0193] To the immunosuppressed rats were subcutaneously
administered a solution of hGH at the dose of 5, 10 and 20 mg/kg,
respectively, and blood was collected with time and the
concentration of hGH in blood serum was measured. AUC was
calculated by trapezoid method. From the AUC up to 24 hours after
administration of microcapsules, the administered amount of hGH,
the corresponding administered amount of hGH solution in the case
of subcutaneous administration was calculated, which was divided by
the administered amount of microcapsules (12 mg) to calculate the
initial release percentage.
[0194] The results are shown in Table 3. TABLE-US-00003 TABLE 3
Mean particle diameter and initial release percentage of
microcapsules Quality Mean Initial Conditions for treatment
particle release Pressure Temperature Time diameter percentage
(Mpa) (.degree. C.) (min) (.mu.m) (%) Untreated microcapsules 36.2
28.3 (1) 2 15 15 34.9 17.0 (2) 2 15 30 35.7 16.7 (3) 2 15 45 35.1
13.8 (4) 2 15 60 37.7 24.2
[0195] As seen from the results in Table 3, it was confirmed that
the mean particle diameter of the microcapsules did not change by
the treatment with carbon dioxide in a high-pressure gaseous state
and did not aggregate. Furthermore, the initial release percentage
of the microcapsules treated with carbon dioxide in a high-pressure
gaseous state markedly decreased in comparison with that of the
untreated microcapsules.
TEST EXAMPLE 4
[0196] For the hGH-containing microcapsules and untreated
lyophilized microcapsules obtained in Example 2 (1) to (4), the
amount of residual dichloromethane (DCM) and hGH content in the
microcapsules were measured by the following method.
(1) Amount of Residual Dichloromethane (DCM)
[0197] Microcapsules (about 100 mg) were weighed precisely,
dissolved in dimethylsulfoxide to made up to exactly 5 ml to
prepare a sample solution. Separately, dichloromethane (about 1 g)
was measured precisely, and dimethylsulfoxide was added thereto to
made up to exactly 20 ml. This solution was diluted by exactly
10000 times with dimethylsulfoxide to obtain a standardized
solution. The sample solution and standardized solution (each 1
.mu.l) were tested by gas chromatography under the following
conditions, and the peak area of dichloromethane for each solution
was measured by automatic integration to calculate the amount of
dichloromethane.
Detector: hydrogen flame ionization detector
Column: OVI-G43 film thickness 3 .mu.m, 0.53 mm i.d..times.30 m
(Supelco)
Inlet temperature: 140.degree. C.
Detector temperature: 260.degree. C.
Column temperature: 40.degree. C. (10 min
retention).fwdarw.240.degree. C. (35.degree.
C./min).fwdarw.240.degree. C. (20 min
retention).fwdarw.cooling.fwdarw.40.degree. C.
Carrier gas: helium
Flow: 35 cm/sec
(2) hGH Content
[0198] Microcapsules (20 mg) were weighed precisely in a 5 ml
graduated flask, and acetonitrile (1.75 ml) was added thereto and
the mixture was ultra-sonicated. To the obtained acetonitrile
solution was added 150 mM phosphate saline buffer (pH 8.0, 3 ml)
and the solution was ultra-sonicated. To the solution was added 150
mM phosphate saline buffer (pH 8.0) to make up to a given volume. A
1 ml portion of the solution was centrifuged at 15000 rpm for 10
min, and the supernatant was filtered using a membrane filter
having the pore size of 0.5 .mu.m. This hGH extract solution was
then subjected to size exclusion high-performance liquid
chromatography under the following conditions to measure the
content of hGH.
Column: TSK-gel G2000SWXL, 7.8 mm i.d..times.300 mm (manufactured
by Tosoh Corporation)
Mobile phase: 0.05 mol/l ammonium hydrogencarbonate solution
Flow rate: 0.6 ml/min
[0199] The results are shown in Table 4. TABLE-US-00004 TABLE 4
Contents of residual dichloromethane and hGH in microcapsules
Quality Conditions for treatment Residual Content Pressure
Temperature Time DCM of hGH (Mpa) (.degree. C.) (min) (ppm) (%)
Untreated microcapsules 4283 4.82 (1) 2 15 30 683 4.72 (2) 2 15 60
207 4.74 (3) 2 15 180 26 4.68 (4) 1 15 720 1000 4.74
[0200] As is seen from the results in Table 4, the amount of
residual dichloromethane in the microcapsules treated with carbon
dioxide in a high-pressure gaseous state markedly decreased in
comparison with that of the untreated microcapsules. Furthermore,
it was found that the content of hGH in the microcapsules was not
decreased by the treatment with carbon dioxide in a high-pressure
gaseous state.
TEST EXAMPLE 5
[0201] For the hGH-containing microcapsules and untreated
lyophilized microcapsules obtained in Example 2 (1) to (4), the
amount of hGH aggregate and hGH related protein in the
microcapsules were measured by the following method.
(1) hGH Aggregate
[0202] Microcapsules (10 mg) were weighed precisely, acetonitrile
(2.5 ml) was added thereto, and the sample was dispersed by
ultrasonic irradiation. The sample was subsequently irradiated with
ultrasonic for about 2 minutes, and centrifuged at 3000 rpm for 10
minutes. The supernatant was removed, and acetonitrile (2.5 ml) was
added to the residue. The residue was dispersed by ultrasonic
irradiation. The dispersion was subsequently irradiated with
ultrasonic for about 2 min, and centrifuged at 3000 rpm for 10
minutes. The supernatant was removed, and the residue was dried in
a desiccator under reduced pressure. To the residue was added a
diluent (phosphate buffer (pH 8.0)/acetonitrile mixed solution
(13:7), 1.25 ml), and the sample was dispersed by ultrasonic
irradiation. The dispersion was subsequently irradiated with
ultrasonic for about 2 minutes and filtered with a membrane filter
having pore size of 0.5 .mu.m, and the filtrate was used as a
sample solution. Separately, hGH reference standard (0.2 ml) was
added to a diluent (0.2 ml). This solution (0.2 ml) was added to a
diluent (4.8 ml) to obtain a standardized solution. The sample
solution and standardized solution (each 50 .mu.l) were measured by
liquid chromatography under the following conditions, respectively.
The peak area of the peak that eluted earlier than the retention
time of hGH in the sample solution and the peak area of hGH in the
standardized solution were measured by automatic integration to
calculate the content of aggregate. At the same time, a diluent (50
.mu.l) was injected and the peak detected in blank was subtracted
from the calculation.
Detector: ultraviolet spectrometer (wavelength for measurement: 214
nm)
Column: TSK-gel G2000SWXL, 7.8 mm i.d..times.300 mm (manufactured
by Tosoh Corporation)
Column temperature: constant temperature about 25.degree. C.
Mobile phase: 0.05 mol/l ammonium hydrogencarbonate solution
Flow rate: 0.6 ml/min
(2) hGH Related Protein
[0203] Microcapsules (40 mg) were precisely weighed and
acetonitrile (2 ml) was added thereto. The sample was dispersed by
ultrasonic irradiation. The dispersion was subsequently irradiated
with ultrasonic for about 2 minutes. Phosphate buffer (pH 8.0, 3
ml) was added thereto and the dispersion was irradiated with
ultrasonic for about 2 minutes with occasionally shaking, and
centrifuged at 4.degree. C. for 3500 rpm for 10 min. The
supernatant was filtered with a membrane filter having pore size of
0.5 .mu.m, and the filtrate was used as a sample solution.
Separately, hGH reference standard (0.1 ml) was added to a diluent
(phosphate buffer (pH 8.0)/acetonitrile mixed solution (13:7), 3.9
ml) to obtain a standardized solution. The sample solution and
standardized solution (each 20 .mu.l) were measured by liquid
chromatography under the following conditions, respectively. The
peak areas of the substances other than hGH in the sample solution
and the peak area of hGH in the standardized solution were measured
by automatic integration, respectively, to calculate the content of
related protein. At the same time, a diluent (20 .mu.l) was
injected and the peak detected in blank was subtracted from the
calculation.
Detector: ultraviolet spectrometer (measurement wavelength: 220
nm)
Column: PROTEIN C4, 4.6 mm i.d..times.250 mm (VYDAC)
Column temperature: constant temperature about 45.degree. C.
Mobile phase: (A) 2-amino-2-hydroxymethyl-1,3-propanediol buffer
(pH 7.5)/1-propanol mixed solution (19:6) (B)
2-amino-2-hydroxymethyl-1,3-propanediol buffer (pH 7.5)/1-propanol
mixed solution (17:8)
[0204] The solution (A) and solution (B) were flowed in the
proportion of (1:1).
Flow rate: 0.5 ml/min
[0205] The results are shown in Table 5. TABLE-US-00005 TABLE 5
Contents of hGH aggregate and related protein in microcapsules
Conditions for treatment Quality Pressure Temperature Time
Aggregate Related protein (Mpa) (.degree. C.) (min) (%) (%)
Untreated microcapsules 1.44 7.46 (1) 2 15 30 1.29 7.90 (2) 2 15 60
1.24 7.44 (3) 2 15 180 1.38 7.48 (4) 1 15 720 1.48 7.54
[0206] As is seen from the results in Table 5, the amounts of hGH
aggregate and related protein in the microcapsules treated with
carbon dioxide in the high-pressure gaseous state did not increase
in comparison with those of the untreated microcapsules.
TEST EXAMPLE 6
[0207] For the hGH-containing microcapsules and untreated
lyophilized microcapsules obtained in Example 2 (1) to (4), the
mean particle diameter and in vivo initial release percentage of
the microcapsules were measured by the following method.
(1) Mean Particle Diameter of Microcapsules
[0208] The mean particle diameter of microcapsules was measured
using a measurement apparatus for particle size distribution
(Multisizer II, Coulter Electronics Ltd., Beds, UK).
(2) In Vivo Initial Release Percentage
[0209] Rats were subjected to immunosuppression treatment with
tacrolimus. Prograf injection (manufactured by Fujisawa
Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., 5 mg) was diluted with saline. The
dilution was subcutaneously administered in the dose of, 0.4 mg/0.2
ml/rat (three days before administration of the microcapsules), 0.2
mg/0.2 ml/rat (immediately after the first administration of
microcapsules, and on the 4th, 7th, 11th, 14th and 18th days after
the first administration), respectively. The microcapsules were
dispersed in a dispersion medium (5% mannitol, 0.5%
carboxymethylcellulose, 0.1% Tween80) at the concentration of 8 mg
hGH/ml. The obtained dispersion (0.75 ml) was subcutaneous
administered to the back of the rat under ether anesthesia. The
dose was 6 mg as hGH. After the administration of the
microcapsules, blood was sequentially taken from the caudal vein
and blood serum was fractionated.
[0210] The concentration of hGH in blood serum was measured by
immunoradiometric assay (Ab beads HGH, Eiken Chemical Co.,
Ltd.).
[0211] To the immunosuppressed rat was subcutaneously administered
a solution of hGH at the dose of 5, 10 and 20 mg/kg, respectively,
and blood was collected with time and the concentration of hGH in
blood serum was measured. AUC was calculated by trapezoid method.
From the AUC up to 24 hr after administration of microcapsules, the
administered amount of hGH, the corresponding administered amount
of hGH solution in the case of subcutaneous administration was
calculated, which was divided by the administered amount of
microcapsules (6 mg) to calculate the initial release
percentage.
[0212] The results are shown in Table 6. TABLE-US-00006 TABLE 6
Mean particle diameter and initial release percentage of
microcapsules Quality Mean Initial Conditions for treatment
particle release Pressure Temperature Time diameter percentage
(Mpa) (.degree. C.) (min) (.mu.m) (%) Untreated microcapsules 36.6
25.8 (1) 2 15 30 37.9 13.9 (2) 2 15 60 37.2 15.0 (3) 2 15 180 37.9
19.0 (4) 1 15 720 37.3 14.7
[0213] As is seen from the results in Table 6, it was confirmed
that the mean particle diameter of the microcapsules was not
changed by the treatment with carbon dioxide in the high-pressure
gaseous state and the microcapsules did not aggregate. Furthermore,
the initial release percentage of the microcapsules treated with
carbon dioxide in the high-pressure gaseous state markedly
decreased in comparison with that of the untreated
microcapsules.
TEST EXAMPLE 7
[0214] For the candesartan-containing microcapsules and untreated
lyophilized microcapsules obtained in Example 3 (1) to (18), the
amount of residual dichloromethane (DCM) and candesartan content in
the microcapsules were measured by the following method.
(1) Amount of Residual Dichloromethane (DCM)
[0215] Microcapsules (about 100 mg) were weighed precisely,
dissolved in dimethylsulfoxide to make up to exactly 5 ml to
prepare a sample solution. Separately, dichloromethane (about 1 g)
was weighed precisely, and dimethylsulfoxide was added thereto to
make up to exactly 20 ml. This solution was diluted by exactly
10000 times with dimethylsulfoxide to obtain a standardized
solution. The sample solution and standardized solution (each 1
.mu.l) were tested by gas chromatography under the following
conditions, and the peak area of dichloromethane for each solution
was measured by automatic integration to calculate the amount of
dichloromethane.
Detector: hydrogen flame ionization detector
Column: OVI-G43 film thickness 3 .mu.m, 0.53 mm i.d..times.30 m
(Supelco)
Inlet temperature: 140.degree. C.
Detector temperature: 260.degree. C.
Column temperature: 40.degree. C. (10 min
retention).fwdarw.260.degree. C. (35.degree. C./min) (10 min
retention)
Carrier gas: helium
Flow: 35 cm/sec
(2) Candesartan Content
[0216] Microcapsules (5 to 10 mg) were weighed precisely in a
centrifuge tube, HPLC mobile phase (30 ml) was added thereto and
the mixture was stirred with shaking for 1 hour. The mixture was
then centrifuged at 2950 rpm for 10 minutes, and the supernatant
was filtered with a membrane filter having the pore size of 0.5
.mu.m. This candesartan extract solution was then subjected to
reverse phase high-performance liquid chromatography under the
following conditions to measure the content of candesartan.
Column: Inertsil ODS-3 (4.6 mm.times.150 mm, manufactured by GL
science)
Mobile phase: 0.1M KH.sub.2PO.sub.4/AcCN/MeOH/AcOH=50/35/15/1
(v/v)
Flow rate: 1 ml/min
Detection: UV wavelength 254 nm
[0217] The results are shown in Table 7. TABLE-US-00007 TABLE 7
Contents of residual dichloromethane and candesartan in
microcapsules Conditions for treatment Quality Tem- Charged
Residual Drug Pressure perature Time amount dichloromethane content
(Mpa) (.degree. C.) (min) (g) (ppm) (%) Untreated microcapsules
18026 26.5 (1) 2.0 15 30 0.3 826 26.0 (2) 2.0 15 60 0.3 230 26.0
(3) 2.0 15 120 0.3 106 26.5 (4) 2.0 15 180 0.3 0 26.3 (5) 2.5 15 30
0.3 411 26.1 (6) 2.5 15 60 0.3 375 26.9 (7) 2.5 15 120 0.3 0 26.9
(8) 2.5 15 180 0.3 0 26.5 (9) 3.0 15 15 0.3 6923 26.8 (10) 3.0 15
30 0.3 2993 26.2 (11) 3.0 15 60 0.3 0 26.8 (12) 3.0 15 120 0.3 0
26.9 (13) 3.0 15 180 0.3 0 26.8 (14) 3.5 15 30 0.3 3926 26.3 (15)
3.5 15 60 0.3 0 27.1 (16) 3.5 15 120 0.3 321 26.9 (17) 3.5 15 180
0.3 0 26.5 (18) 4.0 15 30 0.3 1148 27.1
[0218] As is seen from the results in Table 7, the amount of
residual dichloromethane in the microcapsules treated with carbon
dioxide in the high-pressure gaseous state markedly decreased in
comparison with that of the untreated microcapsules. Furthermore,
it was confirmed that the content of candesartan in the
microcapsules was not decreased by the treatment with carbon
dioxide in the state of high-pressure gas.
TEST EXAMPLE 8
[0219] For the candesartan-containing microcapsules and untreated
lyophilized microcapsules obtained in Example 4 (1) to (3), the
amount of residual dichloromethane (DCM) and candesartan content in
the microcapsules were measured by the similar method to that of
Test Example 7.
[0220] The results are shown in Table 8. TABLE-US-00008 TABLE 8
Contents of residual dichloromethane and candesartan in
microcapsules Conditions for treatment Quality Tem- Charged
Residual Drug Pressure perature Time amount dichloromethane content
(Mpa) (.degree. C.) (min) (g) (ppm) (%) Untreated microcapsules
24692 26.4 (1) 3.0 15 60 0.3 116 26.8 (2) 3.0 15 60 2 0 26.4 (3)
3.0 15 60 5 137 27.7
[0221] As is seen from the results in Table 8, the amount of
residual dichloromethane in the microcapsules treated with carbon
dioxide in the high-pressure gaseous state markedly decreased in
comparison with that of the untreated microcapsules. Furthermore,
it was confirmed that the content of candesartan in the
microcapsules did not decrease by the treatment with carbon dioxide
in a high-pressure gaseous state.
INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY
[0222] According to the present invention, in a method for
producing a sustained-release preparation, by forming a solid
material containing a bioactive, substance and a polymer and
contacting the solid material with high-pressure gas, it is
possible to produce a sustained-release preparation which is a
medicament having such very superior clinical properties that the
excess amount of initial release of the bioactive substance
immediately after administration is markedly suppressed, a constant
amount of the bioactive substance is being released from
immediately after administration over a long period of time, and
the denaturation of the bioactive substance and the residual
organic solvent are extremely decreased. Furthermore, by modifying
the method for removing a solvent, the treatment period required
for the removal of the solvent has been markedly decreased.
* * * * *