U.S. patent application number 11/367238 was filed with the patent office on 2007-03-08 for solvent system for enhancing the solubility of pharmaceutical agents.
This patent application is currently assigned to Banner Pharmacaps, Inc.. Invention is credited to Nachiappan Chidambaram, Aqeel Fatmi.
Application Number | 20070053868 11/367238 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 36581722 |
Filed Date | 2007-03-08 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070053868 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Chidambaram; Nachiappan ; et
al. |
March 8, 2007 |
Solvent system for enhancing the solubility of pharmaceutical
agents
Abstract
Liquid and semi-solid pharmaceutical compositions, which can be
administered in liquid form or can be used for preparing capsules,
are described herein. The composition comprises the salt of one ore
more active agents, polyethylene glycol, 0.2-1.0 mole equivalents
of a de-ionizing agent per mole of active agent, and water. The pH
of the composition is adjusted within the range of 2.5-7.5. The
de-ionizing agent causes partial de-ionization (neutralization) of
the salt of the active agent resulting in enhanced bioavailability
of salts of weakly acidic, basic or amphoteric active agents as
well as lesser amounts of polyethylene glycol (PEG) esters.
Inventors: |
Chidambaram; Nachiappan;
(High Point, NC) ; Fatmi; Aqeel; (Greensboro,
NC) |
Correspondence
Address: |
PATREA L. PABST;PABST PATENT GROUP LLP
400 COLONY SQUARE, SUITE 1200
1201 PEACHTREE STREET
ATLANTA
GA
30361
US
|
Assignee: |
Banner Pharmacaps, Inc.
|
Family ID: |
36581722 |
Appl. No.: |
11/367238 |
Filed: |
March 3, 2006 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60659679 |
Mar 8, 2005 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
424/78.38 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61K 31/765 20130101;
A61K 9/50 20130101; A61K 9/5089 20130101; A61K 9/0053 20130101;
A61K 9/4833 20130101; A61K 31/192 20130101; A61K 9/4858 20130101;
A61K 47/12 20130101; A61K 9/4866 20130101; A61K 9/4825
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
424/078.38 |
International
Class: |
A61K 31/765 20060101
A61K031/765 |
Claims
1. A pharmaceutical composition comprising (a) a salt of one or
more pharmaceutically active agents; and (b) a deionizing
agent.
2. The composition of claim 1 wherein the pharmaceutically active
agent is selected from the group consisting of therapeutically
active agents, diagnostic agents, and prophylactic agents.
3. The composition of claim 1 wherein the deionizing agent is
present in an amount from about 0.2 to 1.0 mole equivalents per
mole of the pharmaceutically active agent(s).
4. The composition of claim 1 wherein the deionizing agent is
selected from the group consisting of hydrogen ion and hydroxide
ion.
5. The composition of claim 1 further comprising polyethylene
glycol.
6. The composition of claim 5 wherein polyethylene glycol is
present in an amount from about 10% to about 80% by weight
7. The composition of claim 5 wherein polyethylene glycol is one or
more polyethylene glycols with a molecular weight between 300 and
1500.
8. The composition of claim 1 further comprising water.
9. The composition of claim 8 wherein water is present in an amount
from about 1% to about 18% by weight.
10. The composition of claim 1 further comprising one or more
excipients.
11. The composition of claim 7 wherein the excipients are selected
from the group consisting of plasticizers, crystallization
inhibitors, wetting agents, bulk filling agents, solubilizers,
bioavailability enhancers, solvents, pH-adjusting agents, dyes,
preservatives, solvents, surfactants, and combinations thereof.
12. The composition of claim 11 wherein the solubilizer is selected
from the group consisting of glycerin, polyvinylpyrrolidone,
propylene glycol and combinations thereof.
13. The composition of claim 12 wherein the solubilizer is present
in amount from about 1% to about 10% by weight.
14. A method of making a pharmaceutical composition comprising a
salt of one or more pharmaceutically active agents; and a
deionizing agent comprising (a) mixing the salt of one or more
pharmaceutically active agents, and the deionizing agent at an
appropriate temperature; and (b) encapsulating the mixture in a
softgel capsule.
15. The method of claim 14 further comprising polyethylene
glycol.
16. The method of claim 14 further comprising water.
17. The method of claim 14 wherein the appropriate temperature is
from about 50.degree. C. to about 70.degree. C.
18. A method of using a pharmaceutical composition comprising (a) a
salt of one or more pharmaceutically active agents; and (b) a
deionizing agent comprising administering to a patient in need
thereof the salt of one or more pharmaceutically active agents.
19. A softgel capsule comprising a fill material wherein the fill
material comprises (a) a salt of one or more pharmaceutically
active agents; and (b) a deionizing agent.
20. The capsule of claim 19 wherein the pharmaceutically active
agent is selected from the group consisting of therapeutically
active agents, diagnostic agents, and prophylactic agents.
21. The capsule of claim 19 wherein the deionizing agent is present
in an amount from about 0.2 to 1.0 mole equivalents per mole of the
pharmaceutically active agent(s).
22. The capsule of claim 19 wherein the deionizing agent is
selected from the group consisting of hydrogen ion and hydroxide
ion.
23. The capsule of claim 19 further comprising polyethylene
glycol.
24. The capsule of claim 23 wherein polyethylene glycol is present
in an amount from about 10% to about 80% by weight
25. The capsule of claim 23 wherein polyethylene glycol is one or
more polyethylene glycols with a molecular weight between 300 and
1500.
26. The capsule of claim 19 further comprising water.
27. The capsule of claim 26 wherein water is present in an amount
from about 1% to about 18% by weight.
28. The capsule of claim 19 further comprising one or more
excipients.
29. The capsule of claim 28 wherein the excipients are selected
from the group consisting of plasticizers, crystallization
inhibitors, wetting agents, bulk filling agents, solubilizers,
bioavailability enhancers, solvents, pH-adjusting agents, dyes,
preservatives, solvents, surfactants, and combinations thereof.
30. The capsule of claim 29 wherein the solubilizer is selected
from the group consisting of glycerin, polyvinylpyrrolidone,
propylene glycol and combinations thereof.
31. The capsule of claim 29 wherein the solubilizer is present in
amount from about 1% to about 10% by weight.
Description
[0001] This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. 119 to U.S.
Ser. No. 60/659,679 filed Mar. 8, 2005.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] This invention is in the field of fill materials
encapsulated in soft gelatin capsules.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Filled one-piece soft gelatin capsules ("softgels") have
been widely used for years to encapsulate consumable materials such
as vitamins and pharmaceuticals in a liquid vehicle or carrier.
Because softgels have properties which are quite different from
two-piece hardshell capsules, softgels are more capable of
retaining a liquid fill material.
[0004] Not all liquids may be enclosed in a softgel capsule.
Liquids containing more than about 20% water by weight are
generally not enclosed in softgels, because the water tends to
dissolve the gelatin shell. Other solvents such as propylene
glycol, glycerin, low molecular weight alcohols, ketones, acids,
amines, and esters all tend to degrade or dissolve the gelatin
shell to some extent.
[0005] Softgels are also somewhat sensitive to pH, and generally
require a pH in the encapsulated liquid from about 2.5 to about
7.5. Highly acidic liquids may hydrolyze the gelatin, resulting in
leaks, while basic liquids may tan the gelatin, resulting in
decreased solubility of the gelatin shell.
[0006] Pharmaceutical liquids are usually enclosed in softgels as
either viscous solutions or suspensions. Suspensions are
pharmaceutically less desirable because they can settle during
manufacture, which leads to a less uniform product. In contrast,
solutions provide the best liquid form for obtaining optimal
"content uniformity" in a batch. Further, solutions typically
provide a faster and more uniform absorption of an active agent
than do suspensions.
[0007] Suitable softgel solutions, however, can be difficult to
achieve. One constraint is size. Many pharmaceutical agents require
volumes of solvent too large to produce a softgel capsule small
enough to be taken by patients. The solvent must also have
sufficient solvating power to dissolve a large amount of the
pharmaceutical agent to produce a concentrated solution and yet not
dissolve, hydrolyze or tan the gelatin shell.
[0008] Concentrated solutions of pharmaceutical agents for use in
softgel capsules have been described. Most of these systems involve
ionizing the free pharmaceutical agent in situ to the corresponding
salt. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,360,615 to Yu et al. discloses a
solvent system for enhancing the solubility of acidic, basic, or
amphoteric pharmaceutical agents. The solvent system comprises
polyethylene glycol, an ionizing agent, and water. The ionizing
agent functions by causing the partial ionization of the free
pharmaceutical agent. U.S. Pat. No. 6,383,515, U.S. Patent
Application Publication No. 2002/0187195, and U.S. Patent
Application Publication No. 2001/0007668 to Sawyer et al. discloses
pharmaceutically acceptable solutions containing a medicament
suitable for filling softgel capsules comprising a polymer such as
polyethylene glycol and an acid salt of a compound having three or
more carbon atoms, such as sodium propionate. The salt helps to
ionize the medicament without relying on the use of strong acids or
bases. U.S. Pat. No. 6,689,382 to Berthel et al. describes a
pharmaceutical formulation suitable for filling softgel capsules
comprising (a) a therapeutically effective amount of a
non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID); and (b) a solvent
system comprising 40% to 60% by weight a polyoxyethylene ether, 15%
to 35% by weight of glycerin and 15% to 35% by weight water. In
cases where the NSAID has a carboxyl or an acidic functional group,
the solvent system also includes hydroxide ions. U.S. Pat. No.
5,505,961 to Shelley et al. describes a method for increasing the
solubility of acetaminophen alone or in combination with other
pharmaceutically active agents to form a clear solution for
encapsulation into a softgel capsule. The method comprises
solubilizing acetaminophen in a mixture of propylene glycol,
polyethylene glycol, water, polyvinylpyrrolidone and sodium or
potassium acetate.
[0009] The previously described methods all involve the conversion
of the free pharmaceutical agent to the corresponding salt. In
cases where the free pharmaceutical agent is acidic, the resulting
anion can react with the polyethylene glycol in the fill to produce
polyethylene glycol esters, thus reducing the amount of available
pharmaceutical agent.
[0010] There is a need for a solvent system containing a
medicament, which can be encapsulated in a softgel capsule, wherein
the formation of PEG esters is minimized.
[0011] Therefore it is an object of the invention to provide a
stable solvent system for pharmaceutical agents, which is suitable
for encapsulation in a softgel capsule, wherein the formation of
PEG esters is minimized.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0012] Liquid and semi-solid pharmaceutical compositions, which can
be administered in liquid form or can be used for preparing
capsules, are described herein. The composition comprises the salt
of one or more active agents, and 0.2-1.0 mole equivalents of a
de-ionizing agent per mole of active agent. The pH of the
composition is adjusted within the range of 2.5-7.5. The
de-ionizing agent causes partial de-ionization (neutralization) of
the salt of the active agent resulting in enhanced bioavailability
of salts of weakly acidic, basic or amphoteric active agents as
well as decreased amounts of polyethylene glycol (PEG) esters.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
I. Composition
[0013] A. Fill Materials
[0014] 1. Drugs to be Formulated
[0015] The formulation can contain any therapeutic, diagnostic,
prophylactic or nutraceutical agent. Exemplary agents include, but
are not limited to, analeptic agents; analgesic agents; anesthetic
agents; antiasthmatic agents; antiarthritic agents; anticancer
agents; anticholinergic agents; anticonvulsant agents;
antidepressant agents; antidiabetic agents; antidiarrheal agents;
antiemetic agents; antihelminthic agents; antihistamines;
antihyperlipidemic agents; antihypertensive agents; anti-infective
agents; anti-inflammatory agents; antimigraine agents;
antineoplastic agents; antiparkinson drugs; antipruritic agents;
antipsychotic agents; antipyretic agents; antispasmodic agents;
antitubercular agents; antiulcer agents; antiviral agents;
anxiolytic agents; appetite suppressants (anorexic agents);
attention deficit disorder and attention deficit hyperactivity
disorder drugs; cardiovascular agents including calcium channel
blockers, antianginal agents, central nervous system ("CNS")
agents, beta-blockers and antiarrhythmic agents; central nervous
system stimulants; diuretics; genetic materials; hormonolytics;
hypnotics; hypoglycemic agents; immunosuppressive agents; muscle
relaxants; narcotic antagonists; nicotine; nutritional agents;
parasympatholytics; peptide drugs; psychostimulants; sedatives;
sialagogues, steroids; smoking cessation agents; sympathomimetics;
tranquilizers; vasodilators; beta-agonist; and tocolytic
agents.
[0016] A first class of drugs is selected based on inclusion in the
molecule of a weakly acidic, basic or amphoteric group that can
form a salt. Any drug that bears an acidic or a basic functional
group, for example, an amine, imine, imidazoyl, guanidine,
piperidinyl, pyridinyl, quaternary ammonium, or other basic group,
or a carboxylic, phosphoric, phenolic, sulfuric, sulfonic or other
acidic group, can react with the de-ionizing agent.
[0017] Some specific drugs that bear acidic or basic functional
groups and thus may be converted to the corresponding salt for use
in the described formulations include, but are not limited to,
Acetaminophen, Acetylsalicylic acid, Alendronic acid, Alosetron,
Amantadine, Amlopidine, Anagrelide, Argatroban, Atomoxetine,
Atrovastatin, Azithromycin dehydrate, Balsalazide, Bromocriptan,
Bupropion, Candesartan, Carboplatin, Ceftriaxone, Clavulonic acid,
Clindamycin, Cimetadine, Dehydrocholic (acid), Dexmethylphenidate,
Diclofenac, Dicyclomine, Diflunisal, Diltiazem, Donepezil,
Doxorubicin, Doxepin, Epirubicin, Etodolic acid, Ethacrynic acid,
Fenoprofen, Fluoxetine, Flurbiprofen, Furosemide, Gemfibrozil,
Hydroxyzine, Ibuprofen, Imipramine, Indomethacin, Ketoprofen,
Levothyroxine, Maprolitline, Meclizine, Methadone, Methylphenidate,
Minocycline, Mitoxantone, Moxifloxacin, Mycophenolic acid,
Naproxen, Niflumic acid, Ofloxacin, Ondansetron, Pantoprazole,
Paroxetine, Pergolide, Pramipexole, Phenytoin, Pravastain,
Probenecid, Rabeprazole, Risedronic acid, Retinoic acid,
Ropinirole, Selegiline, Sulindac, Tamsulosin, Telmisertan,
Terbinafine, Theophyline, Tiludronic Acid, Tinzaparin, Ticarcillin,
Tometin, Valproic acid, Salicylic acid, Sevelamer, Ziprasidone,
Zoledronic acid, Acetophenazine, Albuterol, Almotriptan,
Amitriptyline, Amphetamine, Atracurium, Beclomethasone,
Benztropine, Biperiden, Bosentan, Bromodiphenhydramine,
Brompheniramine carbinoxamine, Caffeine, Capecitabine,
Carbergoline, Cetirizine, Chlocylizine, Chlorpheniramine,
Chlorphenoxamine, Chlorpromazine, Citalopram, Clavunate potassium,
Ciprofloxacin, Clemastine, Clomiphene, Clonidine, Clopidogrel,
Codeine, Cyclizine, Cyclobenzaprine, Cyproheptadine, Delavirdine,
Diethylpropion, Divalproex, Desipramine, Dexmethylphenidate,
Dexbrompheniramine, Dexchlopheniramine, Dexchlor,
Dextroamphetamine, Dexedrine, Dextromethorphan, Fiflunisal,
Diphemanil methylsulphate, Diphenhydramine, Dolasetron, Doxylamine,
Enoxaparin, Ergotamine, Ertepenem, Eprosartan, Escitalopram,
Esomeprazole, Fenoldopam, Fentanyl, Fexofenadine, Flufenamic acid,
Fluvastatin, Fluphenazine, Fluticasone, Fosinopril, Frovatriptan,
Gabapentin, Galatamine, Gatifloxacin, Gemcitabine, Haloperidol,
Hyalurondate, Hydrocodone, Hydroxychloroquine, Hyoscyamine,
Imatinib, Imipenem, Ipatropin, Lisinopril, Leuprolide,
Levopropoxyphene, Losartan, Meclofenamic acid, Mefanamic acid,
Mesalamine, Mepenzolate, Meperidine, Mephentermine, Mesalimine,
Mesoridazine, Metaproteranol, Metformin, Methdialazine,
Methscopolamine, Methysergide, Metoprolol, Metronidazole,
Mibefradil, Montelukast, Morphine, Mometasone, Naratriptan,
Nelfinavir, Nortriptylene, Noscapine, Nylindrin, Omeprazole,
Orphenadrine, Oseltamivir, Oxybutynin, Papaverine, Pentazocine,
Phendimetrazine, Phentermine, Pioglitazone, Pilocarpine,
Prochloroperazine, Pyrilamine, Quetapine, Ranitidine, Rivastigmine,
Rosiglitazone, Salmetrol, Sertaline, Sotalol, Sumatriptan,
Tazobactam, Tacrolimus, Tamoxifen, Ticlopidine, Topiramate,
Tolterodine, Triptorelin, Triplennamine, Triprolidine, Tramadol,
Trovofloxacin, Ursodiol, Promazine, Propoxyphene, Propanolol,
Pseudoephedrine, Pyrilamine, Quinidine, Oxybate sodium, Sermorelin,
Tacrolimus, Tegaseroid, Teriparatide, Tolterodine, Triptorelin
pamoate, Scoplolamine, Venlafaxine, Zamivir, Aminocaproic acid,
Aminosalicylic acid, Hydromorphone, Isosuprine, Levorphanol,
Melhalan, Nalidixic acid, and Para-aminosalicylic acid.
[0018] 2. Deionizing Agent
[0019] The deionizing agent functions by causing partial
deionization (neutralization) of the salt of one or more
pharmaceutically active agents. When the active agent is the salt
of a weak acid and a strong base, the deionizing agent is
preferably a hydrogen ion species. When the active agent is the
salt of a weak base and a strong acid, the deionizing agent is
preferably a hydroxide ion species. The deionizing agent is
preferably present in an amount between 0.2 to 1.0 mole equivalents
per mole of the pharmaceutically active agent.
[0020] Exemplary hydrogen ion species useful as de-ionizing agents
described herein, include, but are not limited to, hydrochloric
acid, hydrobromic acid, hydroiodic acid, sulfuric acid, fumaric
acid, maleic acid, tartaric acid, methane-, ethane-, and benzene
sulfonates, citric acid, malic acid, acetic acid, proprionic acid,
pyruvic acid, butanoic acid, and lactic acid.
[0021] Exemplary hydroxide ion species useful as de-ionizing agents
described herein, include, but are not limited to, metal hydroxides
such as sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide, ammonium hydroxide,
calcium hydroxide, aluminum hydroxide, and magnesium hydroxide.
[0022] Additional acid or base can be added to adjust the pH of the
fill composition. In a preferred embodiment, the pH of the fill
composition is from about 2.5 to about 7.5.
[0023] 3. Excipients
[0024] Formulations may be prepared using a pharmaceutically
acceptable carrier composed of materials that are considered safe
and effective and may be administered to an individual without
causing undesirable biological side effects or unwanted
interactions. The carrier is all components present in the
pharmaceutical formulation other than the active ingredient or
ingredients. As generally used herein "carrier" includes, but is
not limited to, plasticizers, crystallization inhibitors, wetting
agents, bulk filling agents, solubilizers, bioavailability
enhancers, solvents, pH-adjusting agents and combinations
thereof.
[0025] In a preferred embodiment, a mixture of polyethylene glycol
and water is used as a solvent for the salt of the active agent and
the de-ionizing agent. Polyethylene glycol is present in an amount
from about 10% to about 80% by weight. Water is present in an
amount from about 1% to 18% by weight. The molecular weight of
polyethylene glycol is between 300 and 1500. Other suitable
solvents include surfactants and copolymers of polyethylene glycol.
Optionally, glycerin, polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP) or propylene
glycol (PPG) can be added to enhance the solubility of the drug
agent.
[0026] B. Shell Composition
[0027] 1. Gelatin
[0028] Gelatin is the product of the partial hydrolysis of
collagen. Gelatin is classified as either Type A or Type B gelatin.
Type A gelatin is derived from the acid hydrolysis of collagen
while Type B gelatin is derived from alkaline hydrolysis of
collagen. Traditionally, bovine bones and skins have been used as
raw materials for manufacturing Type A and Type B gelatin while
porcine skins have been used extensively for manufacturing Type A
gelatin. In general acid-processed gelatins form stronger gels than
lime-processed gelatins of the same average molecular weight.
[0029] 2. Other Shell Additives
[0030] Other suitable shell additives include plasticizers,
opacifiers, colorants, humectants, preservatives, flavorings, and
buffering salts and acids.
[0031] Plasticizers are chemical agents added to gelatin to make
the material softer and more flexible. Suitable plasticizers
include glycerin, sorbitol solutions which are mixtures of sorbitol
and sorbitan, and other polyhydric alcohols such as propylene
glycol and maltitol or combinations thereof.
[0032] Opacifiers are used to opacify the capsule shell when the
encapsulated active agents are light sensitive. Suitable opacifiers
include titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, calcium carbonate and
combinations thereof.
[0033] Colorants can be used to for marketing and product
identification/differentiation purposes. Suitable colorants include
synthetic and natural dyes and combinations thereof.
[0034] Humectants can be used to suppress the water activity of the
softgel. Suitable humectants include glycerin and sorbitol, which
are often components of the plasticizer composition. Due to the low
water activity of dried, properly stored softgels, the greatest
risk from microorganisms comes from molds and yeasts. For this
reason, preservatives can be incorporated into the capsule shell.
Suitable preservatives include alkyl esters of p-hydroxy benzoic
acid such as methyl, ethyl, propyl, butyl and heptyl (collectively
known as "parabens") or combinations thereof.
[0035] Flavorings can be used to mask unpleasant odors and tastes
of fill formulations. Suitable flavorings include synthetic and
natural flavorings. The use of flavorings can be problematic due to
the presence of aldehydes which can cross-link gelatin. As a
result, buffering salts and acids can be used in conjunction with
flavorings that contain aldehydes in order to inhibit cross-linking
of the gelatin.
II. Method of Making
[0036] A. Fill Material
[0037] The fill material is prepared by mixing the agent (such as a
salt of the drug), the deionizing agent, water, and polyethylene
glycol at a temperature of 50.degree. C. to 70.degree. C. The
resulting solution is encapsulated using the appropriate gel mass.
The pharmaceutical agent is present in an amount from about 10% to
about 50% by weight. The deionizing agent is present in an amount
from about 0.2 to 1.0 mole per mole of the pharmaceutical agent.
Water is present in an amount from about 1% to about 20% by weight
and polyethylene glycol is present in amount from about 10% to
about 80% by weight. Optionally, propylene glycol and/or polyvinyl
pyrrolidone are present in an amount from about 1% to about
10%.
[0038] B. Gel Mass
[0039] The main ingredients of the softgel capsule shell are
gelatin, plasticizer, and purified water. Typical gel formulations
contain (w/w) 40-50% gelatin, 20-30% plasticizer, and 30-40%
purified water. Most of the water is subsequently lost during
capsule drying. The ingredients are combined to form a molten
gelatin mass using either a cold melt or a hot melt process. The
prepared gel masses are transferred to preheated,
temperature-controlled, jacketed holding tanks where the gel mass
is aged at 50-60.degree. C. until used for encapsulation.
[0040] 1. Cold Melt Process
[0041] The cold melt process involves mixing gelatin with
plasticizer and chilled water and then transferring the mixture to
a jacket-heated tank. Typically, gelatin is added to the
plasticizer at ambient temperature (18-22.degree. C.). The mixture
is cooked (57-95.degree. C.) under vacuum for 15-30 minutes to a
homogeneous, deaerated gel mass. Additional shell additives can be
added to the gel mass at any point during the gel manufacturing
process or they may be incorporated into the finished gel mass
using a high torque mixer.
[0042] 2. Hot Melt Process
[0043] The hot melt process involves adding, under mild agitation,
the gelatin to a preheated (60-80.degree. C.) mixture of
plasticizer and water and stirring the blend until complete melting
is achieved. While the hot melt process is faster than the cold
melt process, it is less accurately controlled and more susceptible
to foaming and dusting.
[0044] C. Softgel Capsule
[0045] Softgel capsules are typically produced using a rotary die
encapsulation process. The gel mass is fed either by gravity or
through positive displacement pumping to two heated (48-65.degree.
C.) metering devices. The metering devices control the flow of gel
into cooled (10-18.degree. C.), rotating casting drums. Ribbons are
formed as the cast gel masses set on contact with the surface of
the drums.
[0046] The ribbons are fed through a series of guide rolls and
between injection wedges and the capsule-forming dies. A food-grade
lubricant oil is applied onto the ribbons to reduce their tackiness
and facilitate their transfer. Suitable lubricants include mineral
oil, medium chain triglycerides, and soybean oil. Fill formulations
are fed into the encapsulation machine by gravity. In the preferred
embodiment, the softgels contain printing on the surface,
optionally identifying the encapsulated agent and/or dosage.
III. Method of Use
[0047] The softgels may be used to encapsulate a wide range of
pharmaceutically active agents, nutritional agents and personal
care products. Softgel capsules may be administered orally to a
patient to deliver a pharmaceutically active agent.
EXAMPLES
[0048] In the following examples, the fill material can be prepared
by mixing the salt of one or more pharmaceutically active agents,
the deionizing agent, water and polyethylene glycol at a
temperature of 50.degree. C. to 70.degree. C. The resulting
solution can be encapsulated in a softgel capsule using the
appropriate gel mass.
Example 1
Naproxen Sodium with Acetic Acid as the Deionizing Agent
[0049] TABLE-US-00001 Fill Material: Ingredients % (by weight)
Naproxen Sodium 25.50 Acetic Acid 3.00 PVP 1.85 PEG 400 62.30 Water
7.40
Example 2
Naproxen Sodium with Citric Acid as the Deionizing Agent
[0050] TABLE-US-00002 Fill Material: Ingredients % (by weight)
Naproxen Sodium 25.50 Citric Acid 4.75 PVP 1.85 PEG 400 60.50 Water
7.40
Example 3
Naproxen Sodium with Hydrochloric Acid as the Deionizing Agent
[0051] TABLE-US-00003 Fill Material: Ingredients % (by weight)
Naproxen Sodium 25.50 Hydrochloric Acid 4.72 PVP 1.85 PEG 400 63.52
Water 7.40
Example 4
Naproxen Sodium with Acetic Acid as the Deionizing Agent
[0052] TABLE-US-00004 Fill Material: Ingredients % (by weight)
Naproxen Sodium 25.50 Acetic Acid 3.00 PVP 1.85 PEG 400 31.15 Water
7.40 PEG 600 31.15
Example 5
Naproxen Sodium with Citric Acid as the Deionizing Agent
[0053] TABLE-US-00005 Fill Material: Ingredients % (by weight)
Naproxen Sodium 25.50 Citric Acid 4075 PVP 1.85 PEG 400 30.25 Water
7.40 PEG 600 30.25
Example 6
Naproxen Sodium with Hydrochloric Acid as the Deionizing Agent
[0054] TABLE-US-00006 Fill Material: Ingredients % (by weight)
Naproxen Sodium 25.50 Hydrochloric Acid 4072 PVP 1.85 PEG 400 30.25
Water 7.40 PEG 600 30.25
Example 7
Naproxen Sodium with Lactic Acid as the Deionizing Agent
[0055] TABLE-US-00007 Fill Material: Ingredients % (by weight)
Naproxen Sodium 27.50 Lactic Acid 5.27 Propylene Glycol 2.00 PEG
400 64.64 Water 0.60
Example 8
Naproxen Sodium with Lactic Acid as the Deionizing Agent
[0056] TABLE-US-00008 Fill Material: Ingredients % (by weight)
Naproxen Sodium 25.00 Lactic Acid 0.24-0.35 M Propylene glycol 2.00
PEG 600. q.s.
Example 9
Naproxen Sodium with Lactic Acid as the Deionizing Agent
[0057] TABLE-US-00009 Fill Material: Ingredients % (by weight)
Naproxen Sodium 25.00 Lactic Acid 5.00 Propylene glycol 2.00 PEG
600 61.2 PEG 1000 6.80
describing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to
limit the scope of the present invention which will be limited only
by the appended claims.
[0058] Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms
used herein have the same meanings as commonly understood by one of
skill in the art to which the disclosed invention belongs. Although
any methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described
herein can be used in the practice or testing of the present
invention, the preferred methods, devices, and materials are as
described. Publications cited herein and the materials for which
they are cited are specifically incorporated by reference. Nothing
herein is to be construed as an admission that the invention is not
entitled to antedate such disclosure by virtue of prior
invention.
[0059] Those skilled in the art will recognize, or be able to
ascertain using no more than routine experimentation, many
equivalents to the specific embodiments of the invention described
herein. Such equivalents are intended to be encompassed by the
following claims.
Example 10
Naproxen Sodium with Lactic Acid as the Deionizing Agent
[0060] TABLE-US-00010 Fill Material: Ingredients % (by weight)
Naproxen Sodium 25.00 Lactic acid 5.00 Propylene glycol 2.00 PEG
600 51.00 PEG 1000 17.00
Example 11
Naproxen Sodium with Lactic Acid as the Deionizing Agent
[0061] TABLE-US-00011 Fill Material: Ingredients % (by weight)
Naproxen Sodium 25.00 Lactic Acid 5.00 Propylene glycol 2.00 PEG
600 34.00 PEG 1000 34.00
Example 12
Naproxen Sodium with Lactic Acid as the Deionizing Agent
[0062] TABLE-US-00012 Fill Material: Ingredients % (by weight)
Naproxen Sodium 25.00 Lactic acid 5.00 Propylene glycol 2.00 PEG
600 17.00 PEG 1000 51.00
[0063] It is understood that the disclosed invention is not limited
to the particular methodology, protocols, and reagents described as
these may vary. It is also to be understood that the terminology
used herein is for the purpose of
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