U.S. patent application number 14/534852 was filed with the patent office on 2015-03-05 for benzoic acid, benzoic acid derivatives and heteroaryl carboxylic acid conjugates of hydrocodone, prodrugs, methods of making and uses thereof.
The applicant listed for this patent is KemPharm, Inc.. Invention is credited to Bindu Bera, Guochen Chi, Sven Guenther, Jaroslaw Kanski, Andrea K. Martin, Christal Mickle, Travis Mickle.
Application Number | 20150065536 14/534852 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 43411452 |
Filed Date | 2015-03-05 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150065536 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Mickle; Travis ; et
al. |
March 5, 2015 |
Benzoic Acid, Benzoic Acid Derivatives and Heteroaryl Carboxylic
Acid Conjugates of Hydrocodone, Prodrugs, Methods of Making and
Uses Thereof
Abstract
The presently described technology provides compositions
comprising aryl carboxylic acids chemically conjugated to
hydrocodone (morphinan-6-one, 4,5-alpha-epoxy-3-methoxy-17-methyl)
to form novel prodrugs/compositions of hydrocodone, including
benzoates and heteroaryl carboxylic acids, which have a decreased
potential for abuse of hydrocodone. The present technology also
provides methods of treating patients, pharmaceutical kits and
methods of synthesizing conjugates of the present technology.
Inventors: |
Mickle; Travis;
(Celebration, FL) ; Guenther; Sven; (Coralville,
IA) ; Mickle; Christal; (Celebration, FL) ;
Chi; Guochen; (Coralville, IA) ; Kanski;
Jaroslaw; (Blacksburg, VA) ; Martin; Andrea K.;
(Fincastle, VA) ; Bera; Bindu; (Blacksburg,
VA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
KemPharm, Inc. |
Coralville |
IA |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
43411452 |
Appl. No.: |
14/534852 |
Filed: |
November 6, 2014 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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13888587 |
May 7, 2013 |
8927716 |
|
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14534852 |
|
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|
12828381 |
Jul 1, 2010 |
8461137 |
|
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13888587 |
|
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|
61222718 |
Jul 2, 2009 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
514/282 ;
546/45 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61K 47/542 20170801;
A61K 45/06 20130101; A61K 47/55 20170801; C07D 491/08 20130101;
A61K 9/20 20130101; A61K 47/556 20170801; A61K 31/167 20130101;
A61K 9/2054 20130101; A61K 47/545 20170801; A61K 2300/00 20130101;
A61K 9/0019 20130101; C07D 489/04 20130101; C07D 489/02 20130101;
A61K 31/485 20130101; A61P 25/30 20180101; A61K 31/485 20130101;
A61K 2300/00 20130101; A61K 31/167 20130101; A61K 2300/00
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
514/282 ;
546/45 |
International
Class: |
A61K 47/48 20060101
A61K047/48; A61K 31/167 20060101 A61K031/167; A61K 31/485 20060101
A61K031/485 |
Claims
1. A composition comprising 5 mg of benzoate-hydrocodone
hydrochloride.
2. The composition of claim 1 wherein the composition is a
conjugate.
3. The composition of claim 1 wherein the composition is a
prodrug.
4. The composition of claim 1 wherein the 5 mg of
benzoate-hydrocodone hydrochloride contains a molar equivalent of
3.4 mg of hydrocodone.
5. The composition of claim 1 wherein the mean AUC.sub.0-24h of
hydrocodone is about 70.69 hours.times.ng/mL.+-.17.39
hours.times.ng/mL when administered orally to a human.
6. The composition of claim 1 wherein the mean AUC.sub.inf of
hydrocodone is about 79.37 hours.times.ng/mL.+-.18.67
hours.times.ng/mL when administered orally to a human.
7. The composition of claim 1 wherein the mean C.sub.max of
hydrocodone is about 12.8 ng/mL.+-.3.84 ng/mL when administered
orally to a human.
8. The composition of claim 1 wherein the mean T.sub.max of
hydrocodone is about 1.866 hours.+-.0.901 hours when administered
orally to a human.
9. The composition of claim 1 wherein the median T.sub.max of
hydrocodone is about 1.5 hours when administered orally to a
human.
10. The composition of claim 1 wherein the range of T.sub.max of
hydrocodone is from about 0.5 hours to 4 hours when administered
orally to a human.
11. The composition of claim 1 wherein the mean t.sub.1/2 of
hydrocodone is about 3.79 hours.+-.0.88 hours when administered
orally to a human.
12. A composition comprising 6.67 mg of benzoate-hydrocodone
hydrochloride.
13. The composition of claim 12 wherein the composition is a
conjugate.
14. The composition of claim 12 wherein the composition is a
prodrug.
15. The composition of claim 12 wherein the 6.67 mg of
benzoate-hydrocodone hydrochloride contains a molar equivalent of
4.54 mg of hydrocodone
16. The composition of claim 12 wherein the mean AUC.sub.0-24h of
hydrocodone is from about 112,088 hours.times.pg/mL.+-.28,774
hours.times.pg/mL to about 132,618 hours.times.pg/mL.+-.34,198
hours.times.pg/mL when administered orally to a human.
17. The composition of claim 12 wherein the mean AUC.sub.inf of
hydrocodone is from about 115,773 hours.times.pg/mL.+-.29,099
hours.times.pg/mL to about 136,499 hours.times.pg/mL.+-.34,899
hours.times.pg/mL when administered orally to a human.
18. The composition of claim 12 wherein the mean C.sub.max of
hydrocodone is from about 16,859 pg/mL.+-.4,153 pg/mL to about
21,061 pg/mL.+-.4,426 pg/mL when administered orally to a
human.
19. The composition of claim 12 wherein the mean T.sub.max of
hydrocodone is from about 1.241 hours.+-.0.394 hours to about 1.595
hours.+-.0.922 hours when administered orally to a human.
20. The composition of claim 12 wherein the mean median T.sub.max
of hydrocodone is from about 1 hour to about 1.25 hours when
administered orally to a human.
21. The composition of claim 12 wherein the mean range of T.sub.max
of hydrocodone is from about 0.5 hours to about 4 hours when
administered orally to a human.
22. The composition of claim 12 wherein the mean t.sub.1/2 of
hydrocodone is from about 4.190 hours.+-.0.638 hours to about 4.347
hours.+-.0.681 hours when administered orally to a human.
23. A composition comprising 10 mg of benzoate-hydrocodone
hydrochloride.
24. The composition of claim 23 wherein the composition is a
conjugate.
25. The composition of claim 23 wherein the composition is a
prodrug.
26. The composition of claim 23 wherein the 10 mg of
benzoate-hydrocodone hydrochloride contains a molar equivalent of
6.8 mg of hydrocodone.
27. The composition of claim 23 wherein the mean AUC.sub.0-24h of
hydrocodone is about 165.4 h.times.ng/mL.+-.42.35 h.times.ng/mL
when administered orally to a human.
28. The composition of claim 23 wherein the mean AUC.sub.inf of
hydrocodone is about 172.5 h.times.ng/mL.+-.43.44 h.times.ng/mL
hours.times.ng/mL when administered orally to a human.
29. The composition of claim 23 wherein the mean C.sub.max of
hydrocodone is about 24.7 ng/mL.+-.6.43 ng/mL when administered
orally to a human.
30. The composition of claim 23 wherein the mean T.sub.max of
hydrocodone is about 1.700 hours.+-.0.880 hours when administered
orally to a human.
31. The composition of claim 23 wherein the median T.sub.max of
hydrocodone is about 1.5 hours when administered orally to a
human.
32. The composition of claim 23 wherein the range of T.sub.max of
hydrocodone is from about 0.5 hours to 4 hours when administered
orally to a human.
33. The composition of claim 23 wherein the mean t.sub.1/2 of
hydrocodone is about 4.36 hours.+-.0.81 hours when administered
orally to a human.
34. A composition comprising 13.34 mg of benzoate-hydrocodone
hydrochloride.
35. The composition of claim 34 wherein the composition is a
conjugate.
36. The composition of claim 34 wherein the composition is a
prodrug.
37. The composition of claim 34 wherein the 13.34 mg of
benzoate-hydrocodone hydrochloride contains a molar equivalent of
9.08 mg of hydrocodone
38. The composition of claim 34 wherein the mean AUC.sub.0-4h of
hydrocodone is about 92,940 hours.times.pg/mL.+-.20,158
hours.times.pg/mL when administered orally to a human.
39. The composition of claim 34 wherein the mean AUC.sub.0-24h of
hydrocodone is about 212,948 hours.times.pg/mL.+-.52,803
hours.times.pg/mL when administered orally to a human.
40. The composition of claim 34 wherein the mean AUC.sub.inf of
hydrocodone is about 219,357 hours.times.pg/mL.+-.57,283
hours.times.pg/mL when administered orally to a human.
41. The composition of claim 34 wherein the mean C.sub.max of
hydrocodone is about 33,946 pg/mL.+-.8,407 pg/mL when administered
orally to a human.
42. The composition of claim 34 wherein the mean T.sub.max of
hydrocodone is about 1.173 hours.+-.0.709 hours when administered
orally to a human.
43. The composition of claim 34 wherein the median T.sub.max of
hydrocodone is about 1.0 hour when administered orally to a
human.
44. The composition of claim 34 wherein the range of T.sub.max of
hydrocodone is from about 0.5 hours to 4 hours when administered
orally to a human.
45. The composition of claim 34 wherein the mean t.sub.1/2 of
hydrocodone is about 4.448 hours.+-.0.590 hours when administered
orally to a human.
46. A composition comprising 6.67 mg of benzoate-hydrocodone
hydrochloride and 325 mg acetaminophen.
47. The composition of claim 46 wherein the composition is a
conjugate.
48. The composition of claim 46 wherein the composition is a
prodrug.
49. The composition of claim 46 wherein the 6.67 mg of
benzoate-hydrocodone hydrochloride contains a molar equivalent of
4.54 mg of hydrocodone
50. The composition of claim 46 wherein the mean AUC.sub.0-24h of
acetaminophen is from about 16.388 hours.times..mu.g/mL.+-.3.987
hours.times..mu.g/mL to about 14.640 hours.times..mu.g/mL.+-.4.424
hours.times..mu.g/mL when administered orally to a human.
51. The composition of claim 46 wherein the mean AUC.sub.inf of
acetaminophen is from about 17.220 hours.times..mu.g/mL.+-.3.696
hours.times..mu.g/mL to about 14.683 hours.times..mu.g/mL.+-.3.867
hours.times..mu.g/mL when administered orally to a human.
52. The composition of claim 46 wherein the mean C.sub.max of
acetaminophen is from about 3.810 .mu.g/mL.+-.1.301 .mu.g/mL to
about 4.067 .mu.g/mL.+-.1.319 .mu.g/mL when administered orally to
a human.
53. The composition of claim 46 wherein the mean T.sub.max of
acetaminophen is from about 0.717 h.+-.0.394 hours to about 1.243
hours.+-.1.064 hours when administered orally to a human.
54. The composition of claim 46 wherein the mean median T.sub.max
of acetaminophen is from about 0.5 hours to about 1 hour when
administered orally to a human.
55. The composition of claim 46 wherein the mean range of T.sub.max
of acetaminophen is from about 0.5 hours to about 4 hours when
administered orally to a human.
56. The composition of claim 46 wherein the mean t.sub.1/2 of
acetaminophen is from about 4.934 hours.+-.0.977 hours to about
4.781 hours.+-.1.303 hours to 5.269 hours.+-.1.856 hours when
administered orally to a human.
57. A composition comprising 13.34 mg of benzoate-hydrocodone
hydrochloride and 750 mg acetaminophen.
58. The composition of claim 57 wherein the composition is a
conjugate.
59. The composition of claim 57 wherein the composition is a
prodrug.
60. The composition of claim 57 wherein the 13.34 mg of
benzoate-hydrocodone hydrochloride contains a molar equivalent of
9.08 mg of hydrocodone
61. The composition of claim 57 wherein the mean AUC.sub.0-4h of
acetaminophen is about 17.622 hours.times..mu.g/mL.+-.4.247
hours.times..mu.g/mL when administered orally to a human.
62. The composition of claim 57 wherein the mean AUC.sub.0-24h of
acetaminophen is about 30.526 hours.times..mu.g/mL.+-.12.736
hours.times..mu.g/mL when administered orally to a human.
63. The composition of claim 57 wherein the mean AUC.sub.inf of
acetaminophen is about 28.945 h.times..mu.g/mL.+-.7.069
h.times..mu.g/mL when administered orally to a human.
64. The composition of claim 57 wherein the mean C.sub.max of
acetaminophen is about 7.951 .mu.g/mL.+-.2.157 .mu.g/mL when
administered orally to a human.
65. The composition of claim 57 wherein the mean T.sub.max of
acetaminophen is about 0.797 hours.+-.0.567 hours when administered
orally to a human.
66. The composition of claim 57 wherein the median T.sub.max of
acetaminophen is about 0.5 hours when administered orally to a
human.
67. The composition of claim 57 wherein the range of T.sub.max of
acetaminophen is from about 0.5 hours to 3 hours when administered
orally to a human.
68. The composition of claim 57 wherein the mean t.sub.1/2 of
acetaminophen is about 4.787 hours.+-.1.210 hours when administered
orally to a human.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S.
application Ser. No. 13/888,587, filed May 7, 2013, which is a
continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 12/828,381, filed Jul. 1,
2010, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,461,137, which claims priority to and
benefit of U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 61/222,718,
filed Jul. 2, 2009, both of which are herein incorporated by
reference in their entireties.
FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT
[0002] [Not Applicable]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Opioids are highly effective as analgesics and are commonly
prescribed for the treatment of acute and chronic pain. For
example, they are also commonly used as antitussives. Opioids,
however, also produce euphoria and are highly addictive. As a
result, they are often abused with potentially far reaching social
and health related consequences.
[0004] Because of the inherent potential for abuse, it is desirable
that any pharmaceutical composition containing an opioid agonist be
made as abuse-resistant or abuse-deterrent as practical. Illicit
users often will attempt to circumvent the extended release
properties of opioids by injecting or otherwise misusing the
pharmaceutical composition in order to achieve an immediate release
of the opioid agonist.
[0005] Despite their addictive properties and the potential for
abuse, morphine-like drugs, particularly, codeine and hydrocodone
have been routinely prescribed as treatment for severe acute and
chronic pain in recent decades. This is, in part, because there are
no alternatives to relieve severe pain (that is resistant to other
less potent analgesics such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory
drugs (NSAIDS)). In this regard, there is a need to decrease the
abuse potential while still achieving pain relief. Thus far,
conventional approaches taken, unfortunately, have not provided a
solution.
[0006] Hydrocodone is an opioid analgesic and antitussive and
occurs as fine, white crystals or as crystalline powder.
Hydrocodone is a semisynthetic narcotic analgesic prepared from
codeine with multiple actions qualitatively similar to those of
codeine. It is mainly used for relief of moderate to moderately
severe pain. Additionally, it is used as an antitussive in cough
syrups and tablets in sub-analgesic doses (e.g., 2.5-5 mg).
[0007] Patients taking opioid analgesics such as hydrocodone for
pain relief can become unintentionally addicted. As tolerance to
the opioids develops, more drug is needed to alleviate the pain and
generate the sense of well-being initially achieved with the
originally prescribed dose. This leads to dose escalation, which if
left unchecked can rapidly lead addiction. In some cases patients
have become very addicted in as little as thirty days.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] The present technology utilizes covalent conjugation of the
opioid hydrocodone with certain aryl carboxylic acids to decrease
its potential for causing overdose or abuse by requiring the active
hydrocodone to be released through enzymatic or metabolic breakdown
of the conjugate in vivo. The present technology also provides
methods of delivering hydrocodone as conjugates that release the
hydrocodone following oral administration while being resistant to
abuse by circuitous routes such as intravenous ("shooting")
injection and intranasal administration ("snorting").
[0009] The presently described technology in at least one aspect
provides a slow/sustained/controlled/extended release composition
of conjugated hydrocodone that allows
slow/sustained/controlled/extended delivery of the hydrocodone
and/or its active metabolite, hydromorphone, into the blood system
of a human or animal within a therapeutic window upon, for example,
oral administration. At least some compositions/formulations of the
current technology can lessen addiction/abuse potential and/or
other common side effects associated with hydrocodone and similar
opioid compounds, among others.
[0010] In one aspect, the present technology provides a composition
comprising at least one conjugate of hydrocodone and at least one
benzoic acid, a derivative thereof, or a combination thereof.
[0011] In another aspect, the present technology provides a
composition comprising at least one conjugate of hydrocodone and at
least one ligand wherein the ligand is a benzoic acid or derivative
thereof, a salt thereof, or a combination thereof, the benzoic acid
or derivative thereof having the following formula I:
##STR00001##
where X, Y and Z are independently selected from the group
consisting of H, O, S, NH and --(CH.sub.2).sub.x--; R.sup.1,
R.sup.2 and R.sup.3 are independently selected from the group
consisting of H, alkyl, alkoxy, aryl, alkenyl, alkynyl, halo,
haloalkyl, alkylaryl, arylalkyl, heterocycle, arylalkoxy,
cycloalkyl, cycloalkenyl and cycloalkynyl; o, p, q are
independently selected from 0 or 1; and x is an integer between 1
and 10. In some embodiments of this aspect, the benzoic acid or
derivative thereof is an aminobenzoate, a hydroxybenzoate, an
aminohydroxybenzoate, a derivative thereof, or combination
thereof.
[0012] In yet another aspect, the present technology provides one
or more compositions or conjugates of hydrocodone for use to treat
pain, preferably moderate to severe pain, or for use to reduce or
prevent oral, intranasal or intravenous drug abuse. In some
aspects, the conjugates provide oral, intranasal or parenteral drug
abuse resistance.
[0013] In a still further aspect, the present technology provides
at least one conjugate or composition of hydrocodone that exhibits
a slower rate of release over time and a greater or equal AUC when
compared to an equivalent molar amount of unconjugated hydrocodone
over the same time period. In other aspects, the conjugate or
composition of hydrocodone exhibits less variability in an oral PK
profile when compared to unconjugated hydrocodone. In yet another
aspect, at least one conjugate or composition of this aspect of the
present technology can exhibit reduced side effects when compared
with unconjugated hydrocodone or prevents drug tampering by either
physical (e.g., crushing) or chemical (e.g., extraction)
manipulation.
[0014] In an additional aspect, at least one conjugate is provided
in an amount sufficient to provide a therapeutically bioequivalent
AUC when compared to an equivalent molar amount of unconjugated
hydrocodone. In further aspects, at least one conjugate is provided
in an amount sufficient to provide a therapeutically bioequivalent
AUC when compared to an equivalent molar amount of unconjugated
hydrocodone, but does not provide a C.sub.max spike or has a lower
C.sub.max than a therapeutically equivalent amount of unconjugated
hydrocodone. In yet a further aspect, at least one conjugate is
provided in an amount sufficient to provide a therapeutically
bioequivalent AUC when compared to an equivalent molar amount of
unconjugated hydrocodone, but does not provide an equivalent
C.sub.max spike. In some aspects, at least one conjugate provides
an equivalent C.sub.max spike when compared to unconjugated
hydrocodone.
[0015] In another aspect, the present technology provides at least
one method for treating a patient having a disease, disorder or
condition involving, requiring or mediated by binding of an opioid
to one or more opioid receptors of the patient, comprising orally
administering to the patient a pharmaceutically effective amount of
at least one conjugate of hydrocodone and at least one benzoic acid
or derivative thereof, a salt thereof, or a combination thereof,
the benzoic acid or derivative thereof having formula I:
##STR00002##
where X, Y and Z are independently selected from the group
consisting of H, O, S, NH and --(CH.sub.2).sub.x--; R.sup.1,
R.sup.2 and R.sup.3 are independently selected from the group
consisting of H, alkyl, alkoxy, aryl, alkenyl, alkynyl, halo,
haloalkyl, alkylaryl, arylalkyl, heterocycle, arylalkoxy,
cycloalkyl, cycloalkenyl and cycloalkynyl; o, p, q are
independently selected from 0 or 1; and x is an integer between 1
and 10.
[0016] In a further aspect, at least one conjugate binds
irreversibly to one or more opioid receptors of the patient.
[0017] In an additional aspect, the present technology provides at
least one method for treating a patient having a disease, disorder
or condition involving, requiring or mediated by inhibiting the
binding of an opioid to the opioid receptors of the patient,
comprising orally administering to the patient a pharmaceutically
effective amount of at least one conjugate of hydrocodone and at
least one benzoic acid or derivative thereof, a salt thereof, or a
combination thereof, the benzoic acid or derivative thereof having
formula I:
##STR00003##
wherein X, Y and Z are independently selected from the group
consisting of H, O, S, NH and --(CH.sub.2).sub.x--; R.sup.1,
R.sup.2 and R.sup.3 are independently selected from the group
consisting of H, alkyl, alkoxy, aryl, alkenyl, alkynyl, halo,
haloalkyl, alkylaryl, arylalkyl, heterocycle, arylalkoxy,
cycloalkyl, cycloalkenyl and cycloalkynyl; o, p, q are
independently selected from 0 or 1; and x is an integer between 1
and 10.
[0018] In some aspects, the present technology provides at least
one conjugate that reversibly inhibits binding of an opioid to an
opioid receptor of the patient.
[0019] In another aspect, the present technology provides at least
one method for treating a patient having a disease, disorder or
condition (such as pain) which can be treated by the binding of an
opioid to one or more opioid receptors of a patient, the method
comprising orally administering to the patient a pharmaceutically
effective amount of at least one conjugate of hydrocodone and at
least one benzoic acid, a salt thereof, a derivative thereof or a
combination thereof.
[0020] In yet another aspect, the present technology provides at
least one method for treating a patient having a disease, disorder
or condition (such as addiction) which can be treated by inhibiting
the binding of an opioid to the opioid receptors of the patient,
comprising orally administering to the patient a pharmaceutically
effective amount of at least one conjugate of hydrocodone and at
least one benzoic acid, a salt thereof, a derivative thereof or a
combination thereof.
[0021] In yet another aspect, the present technology provides at
least one method for rehabilitation, such as a step down therapy,
of an opioid addicted patient, comprising orally administering to
the patient a pharmaceutically effective amount of at least one
conjugate of hydrocodone and at least one benzoic acid, a salt
thereof, a derivative thereof or a combination thereof.
[0022] In a still further aspect, the present technology provides
at least one pharmaceutical kit including a specified amount of
individual doses in a package containing a pharmaceutically
effective amount of at least one conjugate of hydrocodone and at
least one benzoate, a salt thereof, a derivative thereof or a
combination thereof, the benzoate having the formula I:
##STR00004##
wherein X, Y and Z are independently selected from the group
consisting of H, O, S, NH and --(CH.sub.2).sub.x--; R.sup.1,
R.sup.2 and R.sup.3 are independently selected from the group
consisting of H, alkyl, alkoxy, aryl, alkenyl, alkynyl, halo,
haloalkyl, alkylaryl, arylalkyl, heterocycle, arylalkoxy,
cycloalkyl, cycloalkenyl and cycloalkynyl; o, p, q can be
independently selected from 0 or 1; and x is an integer between 1
and 10. In some aspects, the kit further comprises instructions for
use of the kit in at least one method for treating or preventing
drug withdrawal symptoms or pain in a human or animal patient.
[0023] In another aspect, the present technology provides a
pharmaceutical kit including a specified amount of individual doses
in a package containing a pharmaceutically effective amount of at
least one conjugate of hydrocodone and at least one benzoic acid, a
salt thereof, a derivative thereof or a combination thereof. In
some aspects, the kit further includes instructions for use of the
kit in at least one method for treating or preventing drug
withdrawal symptoms or pain in a human or animal patient.
[0024] In yet another aspect, the present technology provides a
composition comprising at least one conjugate of hydrocodone and at
least one heteroaryl carboxylic acid, a derivative thereof, or a
combination thereof.
[0025] In yet another aspect, the present technology provides at
least one conjugate of hydrocodone and at least one heteroaryl
carboxylic acid, a derivative thereof, or a combination thereof
where at least one heteroaryl carboxylic acid is selected from
formula II, formula III or formula IV,
wherein formula II, formula III and formula IV are:
##STR00005##
wherein X, Y and Z are independently selected from the group
consisting of H, O, S, NH and --(CH.sub.2).sub.x--; R.sup.1,
R.sup.2 and R.sup.3 are independently selected from the group
consisting of H, alkyl, alkoxy, aryl, alkenyl, alkynyl, halo,
haloalkyl, alkylaryl, arylalkyl, heterocycle, arylalkoxy,
cycloalkyl, cycloalkenyl and cycloalkynyl; o, p, q are
independently selected from 0 or 1; and x is an integer from 1 to
10. In some aspects, at least one heteroaryl carboxylic acid is a
pyridine derivative.
[0026] In some aspects, the present technology provides at least
one conjugate that prevents drug tampering by either physical or
chemical manipulation.
[0027] In another aspect, the present technology provides at least
one method for treating a patient having a disease, disorder or
condition requiring or mediated by binding of an opioid to the
opioid receptors of the patient, comprising orally administering to
the patient a pharmaceutically effective amount of at least one
conjugate of hydrocodone and at least one heteroaryl carboxylic
acid.
[0028] In a further aspect, the present technology provides at
least one method for treating a patient having a disease, disorder
or condition requiring or mediated by binding of an opioid to the
opioid receptors of the patient, comprising orally administering to
the patient a pharmaceutically effective amount of at least one
conjugate of hydrocodone and at least one heteroaryl carboxylic
acid, where the heteroaryl carboxylic acid is selected from formula
II, formula III or formula IV, wherein formula II, formula III and
formula IV are:
##STR00006##
where X, Y and Z are independently selected from the group
consisting of H, O, S, NH and --(CH.sub.2).sub.x--; R.sup.1,
R.sup.2 and R.sup.3 are independently selected from the group
consisting of H, alkyl, alkoxy, aryl, alkenyl, alkynyl, halo,
haloalkyl, alkylaryl, arylalkyl, heterocycle, arylalkoxy,
cycloalkyl, cycloalkenyl and cycloalkynyl; o, p, q are
independently selected from 0 or 1; and x is an integer from 1 to
10.
[0029] In another aspect, the present technology provides at least
one method for treating a patient having a disease, disorder or
condition requiring or mediated by binding of an opioid to the
opioid receptors of the patient, comprising orally administering to
the patient a pharmaceutically effective amount of at least one
conjugate of hydrocodone and at least one nicotinic acid, a
derivative thereof, or a combination thereof.
[0030] In another aspect, the present technology provides at least
one method for treating a patient having a disease, disorder or
condition requiring or mediated by inhibiting binding of an opioid
to the opioid receptors of the patient, comprising orally
administering to the patient a pharmaceutically effective amount of
at least one conjugate of hydrocodone and at least one heteroaryl
carboxylic acid. In some aspects, the heteroaryl carboxylic acid is
selected from formula II, formula III or formula IV, wherein
formula II, formula III and formula IV are:
##STR00007##
wherein X, Y and Z are independently selected from the group
consisting of H, O, S, NH and --(CH.sub.2).sub.x--; R.sup.1,
R.sup.2 and R.sup.3 are independently selected from the group
consisting of H, alkyl, alkoxy, aryl, alkenyl, alkynyl, halo,
haloalkyl, alkylaryl, arylalkyl, heterocycle, arylalkoxy,
cycloalkyl, cycloalkenyl and cycloalkynyl; o, p, q are
independently selected from 0 or 1; and x is an integer from 1 to
10.
[0031] In another aspect, the present technology provides at least
one method for treating a patient having a disease, disorder or
condition requiring or mediated by inhibiting binding of an opioid
to the opioid receptors of the patient, comprising orally
administering to the patient a pharmaceutically effective amount of
at least one conjugate of hydrocodone and at least one nicotinic
acid, a derivative thereof, or a combination thereof.
[0032] In yet another aspect, the present technology provides a
pharmaceutical kit including a specified number of individual doses
in a package containing a pharmaceutically effective amount of at
least one conjugate of hydrocodone and at least one heteroaryl
carboxylic acid, a derivative thereof, or a combination thereof,
wherein the heteroaryl carboxylic acid is selected from formula II,
formula III or formula IV, wherein formula II, formula III and
formula IV are:
##STR00008##
wherein X, Y and Z are independently selected from the group
consisting of H, O, S, NH and --(CH.sub.2).sub.x--; R.sup.1,
R.sup.2 and R.sup.3 are independently selected from the group
consisting of H, alkyl, alkoxy, aryl, alkenyl, alkynyl, halo,
haloalkyl, alkylaryl, arylalkyl, heterocycle, arylalkoxy,
cycloalkyl, cycloalkenyl and cycloalkynyl; o, p, q are
independently selected from 0 or 1; and x is an integer from 1 to
10. In some aspects, the kit further comprises instructions for use
of the kit in at least one method for treating or preventing drug
withdrawal symptoms or pain in a human or animal patient.
[0033] In yet another aspect, the present technology provides a
prodrug comprising at least one conjugate of hydrocodone and at
least one benzoic acid or benzoic acid derivative, a salt thereof,
or a combination thereof, the benzoic acid or benzoic acid
derivative having the following formula I:
##STR00009##
where X, Y and Z are independently selected from the group
consisting of H, O, S, NH and --(CH.sub.2).sub.x--; R.sup.1,
R.sup.2 and R.sup.3 are independently selected from the group
consisting of H, alkyl, alkoxy, aryl, alkenyl, alkynyl, halo,
haloalkyl, alkylaryl, arylalkyl, heterocycle, arylalkoxy,
cycloalkyl, cycloalkenyl and cycloalkynyl; o, p, q are
independently selected from 0 or 1; and x is an integer between 1
and 10.
[0034] In another aspect, the present technology provides a prodrug
comprising at least one conjugate of hydrocodone and at least one
benzoic acid, a derivative thereof, or a combination thereof.
[0035] In yet another aspect, the present technology provides a
prodrug comprising at least one conjugate of hydrocodone and at
least one heteroaryl carboxylic acid, a derivative thereof, or a
combination thereof. In some aspects, the prodrug includes at least
one heteroaryl carboxylic acid selected from formula II, formula
III or formula IV, wherein formula II, formula III and formula IV
are:
##STR00010##
wherein X, Y and Z are independently selected from the group
consisting of H, O, S, NH and --(CH.sub.2).sub.x--; R.sup.1,
R.sup.2 and R.sup.3 are independently selected from the group
consisting of H, alkyl, alkoxy, aryl, alkenyl, alkynyl, halo,
haloalkyl, alkylaryl, arylalkyl, heterocycle, arylalkoxy,
cycloalkyl, cycloalkenyl and cycloalkynyl; o, p, q are
independently selected from 0 or 1; and x is an integer from 1 to
10.
[0036] In yet another aspect, the present technology provides a
prodrug comprising at least one conjugate of hydrocodone and at
least one nicotinic acid, a derivative thereof, or a combination
thereof.
[0037] In some aspects, the prodrug includes an aminobenzoate, a
hydroxybenzoate, an aminohydroxybenzoate, a derivative thereof, or
combination thereof.
[0038] In some aspects, at least one conjugate binds reversibly to
the opioid receptors of the patient. In yet another aspect, at
least one conjugate prevents or reduces at least one constipatory
side effect of unconjugated hydrocodone.
[0039] In additional aspects, the current technology is related to
a composition comprising 5 mg of benzoate-hydrocodone hydrochloride
(Bz-HC.HCl) which contains a molar equivalent of 3.4 mg of
hydrocodone.
[0040] In other aspects, the current technology is related to a
composition comprising 6.67 mg of benzoate-hydrocodone
hydrochloride (Bz-HC.HCl) which contains a molar equivalent of 4.54
mg of hydrocodone.
[0041] In further aspects, the current technology is related to a
composition comprising 10 mg of benzoate-hydrocodone hydrochloride
(Bz-HC.HCl) which contains a molar equivalent of 6.8 mg of
hydrocodone.
[0042] In additional aspects, the current technology is related to
a composition comprising 13.34 mg of benzoate-hydrocodone
hydrochloride (Bz-HC.HCl) which contains a molar equivalent of 9.08
mg of hydrocodone.
[0043] In other aspects, the current technology is related to a
composition comprising 6.67 mg benzoate-hydrocodone hydrochloride
and 325 mg acetaminophen (Bz-HC.HCl/APAP, 6.67 mg/325 mg) which
contains a molar equivalent of 4.54 mg of hydrocodone.
[0044] In further aspects, the current technology is related to a
composition comprising 13.34 mg benzoate-hydrocodone hydrochloride
and 650 mg acetaminophen (Bz-HC.HCl/APAP, 13.34 mg/650 mg) which
contains a molar equivalent of 9.08 mg of hydrocodone.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS
[0045] FIG. 1. Chemical structures of hydroxybenzoic acids and
benzoic acid derivatives for use in the making of the conjugates of
the present technology.
[0046] FIG. 2. Chemical structures of aminobenzoic acids for use in
the making of the conjugates of the present technology.
[0047] FIG. 3. Chemical structures of aminohydroxybenzoic acids for
use in the making of conjugates of the present technology.
[0048] FIG. 4. FIG. 4A is a Table of common hydrocodone products
and dosage ranges and FIG. 4B is a Table of common hydrocodone
products used in cough syrups.
[0049] FIG. 5. PK profile graph of plasma concentrations of
hydrocodone released from Bz-HC (benzoate-hydrocodone), YYFFI-HC
(Tyr-Tyr-Phe-Phe-Ile-Hydrocodone) and Diglycolate-HC over time upon
oral administration in rats.
[0050] FIG. 6. PK profile graph of plasma concentrations of active
metabolite hydromorphone over time upon oral administration of
Bz-HC, YYFFI-HC, and Diglycolate-HC in rats.
[0051] FIG. 7. PK profile graph of plasma concentrations of
hydrocodone released from Bz-HC and Adipate-HC over time upon
intranasal administration in rats.
[0052] FIG. 8. PK profile graph of plasma concentrations of active
metabolite hydromorphone over time upon intranasal administration
of Bz-HC and Adipate-HC in rats.
[0053] FIG. 9. PK profile graph of plasma concentrations of
hydrocodone released from Bz-HC, Nicotinate-HC and Hydrocodone.BT
over time upon oral administration in rats.
[0054] FIG. 10. PK profile graph of plasma concentrations of active
metabolite hydromorphone over time upon oral administration of
Bz-HC, Nicotinate-HC and Hydrocodone.BT in rats.
[0055] FIG. 11. PK profile graph of plasma concentrations of
hydrocodone released from Bz-HC, 2-ABz-HC and Hydrocodone.BT over
time upon oral administration in rats.
[0056] FIG. 12. PK profile graph of plasma concentrations of active
metabolite hydromorphone over time upon oral administration of
Bz-HC, 2-ABz-HC and Hydrocodone.BT in rats.
[0057] FIG. 13. Synthesis diagrams of conjugates of hydrocodone.
FIG. 13A depicts the synthesis of benzoate hydrocodone. FIG. 13B
depicts the synthesis of nicotinate hydrocodone (nicotinic acid).
FIG. 13C depicts the synthesis of 2-aminobenzoate hydrocodone. FIG.
13D depicts the synthesis of salicylate hydrocodone.
[0058] FIG. 14. PK profile graph of plasma concentrations of intact
Bz-HC, active metabolite hydromorphone and of hydrocodone released
from Bz-HC over time upon oral administration in rats.
[0059] FIG. 15. PK profile graph of plasma concentrations of
hydrocodone released from Bz-HC and hydrocodone.BT over time upon
oral administration in dogs.
[0060] FIG. 16. PK profile graph of plasma concentrations of active
metabolite hydromorphone over time upon oral administration of
Bz-HC and hydrocodone.BT in dogs.
[0061] FIG. 17. PK profile graph of plasma concentrations of intact
Bz-HC and of hydrocodone released from Bz-HC over time upon oral
administration in dogs.
[0062] FIG. 18. PK profile graph of plasma concentrations of intact
Bz-HC, active metabolite hydromorphone and of hydrocodone released
from Bz-HC over time upon intravenous administration in rats at
0.30 mg/kg.
[0063] FIG. 19. PK profile graph of plasma concentrations of
hydrocodone released from Bz-HC over time upon oral administration
in rats at six different dosages.
[0064] FIG. 20. PK profile graph of plasma concentrations of active
metabolite hydromorphone over time upon oral administration of
Bz-HC in rats at six different dosages.
[0065] FIG. 21. Possible mechanism by which Bz-HC may minimize the
side effect of OIC.
[0066] FIG. 22. Gastrointestinal motility study demonstrating
increase/decrease gastrointestinal transit distance in rats treated
with hydrocodone bitartrate (HC.BT) and benzoate-hydrocodone
hydrochloride (Bz-HC.HCl) compared to rats treated with vehicle
(water).
[0067] FIG. 23. Opioid-induced constipation study of post-dose
prevalence of soft/loose feces after oral administration of
hydrocodone bitartrate (HC.BT) and benzoate-hydrocodone
hydrochloride (Bz-HC.HCl) in dogs.
[0068] FIG. 24. PK profile graph of plasma concentrations of
hydrocodone released from Bz-HC.HCl/APAP (6.67 mg/325 mg) and
Norco.RTM. over time upon single dose, oral administration in
fasted humans.
[0069] FIG. 25. PK profile graph of plasma concentrations of
hydromorphone released from Bz-HC.HCl/APAP (6.67 mg/325 mg) and
Norco.RTM. over time upon single dose, oral administration in
fasted humans.
[0070] FIG. 26. PK profile graph of plasma concentrations of
acetaminophen released from Bz-HC.HCl/APAP (6.67 mg/325 mg) and
Norco.RTM. over time upon single dose, oral administration in
fasted humans.
[0071] FIG. 27. PK profile graph of plasma concentrations of
hydrocodone released from Bz-HC.HCl/APAP (2.times.6.67 mg/325 mg)
over time upon multiple dose, oral administration in fasted
humans.
[0072] FIG. 28. PK profile graph of plasma concentrations of
hydromorphone released from Bz-HC.HCl/APAP (2.times.6.67 mg/325 mg)
over time upon multiple dose, oral administration in fasted
humans.
[0073] FIG. 29. PK profile graph of plasma concentrations of
acetaminophen released from Bz-HC.HCl/APAP (2.times.6.67 mg/325 mg)
over time upon multiple dose, oral administration in fasted
humans.
[0074] FIG. 30. Comparison of T.sub.max for hydrocodone,
hydromorphone and acetaminophen upon multiple dose, oral
administration in fasted humans between day 1 and day 4.
[0075] FIG. 31. Day 1 to Day 4 accumulation ratios for hydrocodone,
hydromorphone and acetaminophen upon multiple dose, oral
administration in fasted humans.
[0076] FIG. 32. PK profile graph of plasma concentrations of
hydrocodone released from Bz-HC.HCl/APAP (6.67 mg/325 mg) and
Norco.RTM. upon single dose, oral administration in fed and fasted
humans.
[0077] FIG. 33. PK profile graph of plasma concentrations of
hydromorphone released from Bz-HC.HCl/APAP (6.67 mg/325 mg) and
Norco.RTM. upon single dose, oral administration in fed and fasted
humans.
[0078] FIG. 34. PK profile graph of plasma concentrations of
acetaminophen released from Bz-HC.HCl/APAP (6.67 mg/325 mg) and
Norco.RTM. upon single dose, oral administration in fed and fasted
humans.
[0079] FIG. 35. Estimated geometric means and 90% confidence
intervals for hydrocodone, hydromorphone and acetaminophen under
fed and fasted conditions.
[0080] FIG. 36. PK profile graph of plasma concentrations of
hydrocodone released from Bz-HC.HCl/APAP (6.67 mg/325 mg) and
Vicoprofen.RTM. upon single dose, oral administration in fasted
humans.
[0081] FIG. 37. PK profile graph of plasma concentrations of
hydromorphone released from Bz-HC.HCl/APAP (6.67 mg/325 mg) and
Vicoprofen.RTM. upon single dose, oral administration in fasted
humans.
[0082] FIG. 38. PK profile graph of plasma concentrations of
hydrocodone released from Bz-HC.HCl/APAP (6.67 mg/325 mg) upon
single dose, oral administration in fasted humans.
[0083] FIG. 39. PK profile graph of plasma concentrations of
hydromorphone released from Bz-HC.HCl/APAP (6.67 mg/325 mg) upon
single dose, oral administration in fasted humans.
[0084] FIG. 40. PK profile graph of plasma concentrations of
acetaminophen released from Bz-HC.HCl/APAP (6.67 mg/325 mg) and
Ultracet.RTM. upon single dose, oral administration in fasted
humans.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Definitions and Conventions
[0085] The present technology provides compositions comprising aryl
carboxylic acids chemically conjugated to hydrocodone
(morphinan-6-one, 4,5-alpha-epoxy-3-methoxy-17-methyl) to form
novel prodrugs and compositions of hydrocodone. In some
embodiments, the chemical bond between these two moieties can be
established by reacting the C-6 enol tautomer of hydrocodone with
the activated carboxylic acid function of an aryl carboxylic acid
thereby creating an enol-ester conjugate.
[0086] The use of "opioid" is meant to include any drug that
activates the opioid receptors found in the brain, spinal cord and
gut. There are four broad classes of opioids: naturally occurring
opium alkaloids, such as morphine (the prototypical opioid)
codeine, and thebaine; endogenous opioid peptides, such as
endorphins; semi-synthetics such as heroine, oxycodone and
hydrocodone that are produced by modifying natural opium alkaloids
(opiates) and have similar chemical structures; and pure synthetics
such as fentanyl and methadone that are not produced from opium and
may have very different chemical structures than the opium
alkaloids. Additional examples of opioids are hydromorphone,
oxymorphone, methadone, levorphanol, dihydrocodeine, meperidine,
diphenoxylate, sufentanil, alfentanil, propoxyphene, pentazocine,
nalbuphine, butorphanol, buprenorphine, meptazinol, dezocine, and
pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.
[0087] The use of "hydrocodone" is meant to include a semisynthetic
narcotic analgesic and antitussive prepared from codeine with
multiple actions qualitatively similar to those of codeine. It is
commonly used for the relief of moderate to moderately severe pain.
Trade names include Anexsia.TM., Hycodan.TM., Hycomine.TM.,
Lorcet.TM., Lortab.TM., Norco.TM., Tussionex.TM., Tylox.TM., and
Vicodin.TM.. Other salt forms of hydrocodone, such as hydrocodone
bitartrate and hydrocodone polistirex, are encompassed by the
present technology.
[0088] The use of "prodrug" is meant to include pharmacologically
inactive substances that are a modified form of a pharmacologically
active drug to which it is converted in the body by, for example,
enzymatic action, such as during first pass metabolism.
[0089] As used herein, the following conventional unit
abbreviations and terms are used as follows: "pg" refers to
picogram, "ng" refers to nanogram, ".mu.g" refers to microgram,
"mg" refers to milligram, "g" refers to gram, "kg" refers to
kilogram, "mL" refers to milliliter, "h" refers to hour and "t"
refers to time.
[0090] As used herein, the following conventional pharmacokinetic
abbreviations and terms are used as follows: "PK" refers to
pharmacokinetics, "AUC.sub.0-t" refers to area under the plasma
concentration-time curve to the last time with a concentration
.gtoreq.LLOQ, "AUC.sub.inf" refers to the area under the plasma
concentration-time curve to infinity, "C.sub.max" refers to the
maximum plasma concentration, "T.sub.max" refers to the time of
maximum plasma concentration, ".lamda.z" refers to the elimination
rate constant and "t.sub.1/2" refers to the elimination
half-life.
[0091] As used herein, the following conventional statistical
abbreviations and terms are used as follows: "LLOQ" refers to the
validated lower limit of the bioanalytical method, "ANOVA" refers
to Analysis of Variance and "p" refers to probability.
[0092] As used herein, "APAP" refers to acetaminophen.
[0093] As used herein, "LC/MS/MS" refers to liquid
chromatography/mass spectrometry/mass spectrometry.
[0094] Some embodiments of the present technology provide
carboxylic acids conjugated to hydrocodone, where the carboxylic
acid group is directly attached to the aryl moiety. Carboxylic
acids directly attached to the aryl moiety include benzoates and
heteroaryl carboxylic acids.
[0095] Some embodiments of the present technology provide at least
one conjugate of hydrocodone and at least one benzoic acid or
benzoic acid derivative, a salt thereof, or a combination thereof.
Benzoates are common in nature and include, for example but are not
limited to, aminobenzoates (e.g., anthranilic acid analogs such as
fenamates), aminohydroxybenzoates and hydroxybenzoates (e.g.,
salicylic acid analogs).
[0096] The general structure of benzoic acid and benzoic acid
derivatives of the present technology is:
##STR00011##
where X, Y and Z can be independently any combination of H, O, S,
NH or --(CH.sub.2)--; R.sup.1, R.sup.2 and R.sup.3 can be
independently any of the following: H, alkyl, alkoxy, aryl,
alkenyl, alkynyl, halo, haloalkyl, alkylaryl, arylalkyl,
heterocycle, arylalkoxy, cycloalkyl, cycloalkenyl or cycloalkynyl,
and o, p, q can be independently either 0 or 1.
[0097] Suitable hydroxyobenzoic acids can be found in FIG. 1 and
include, but are not limited to, benzoic acid, salicylic acid,
acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin), 3-hydroxybenzoic acid,
4-hydroxybenzoic acid, 6-methylsalicylic acid, o,m,p-cresotinic
acid, anacardic acids, 4,5-dimethylsalicylic acid, o,m,p-thymotic
acid, diflusinal, o,m,p-anisic acid, 2,3-dihydroxybenzoic acid
(2,3-DHB), .alpha.,.beta.,.gamma.-resorcylic acid, protocatechuic
acid, gentisic acid, piperonylic acid, 3-methoxysalicylic acid,
4-methoxysalicylic acid, 5-methoxysalicylic acid,
6-methoxysalicylic acid, 3-hydroxy-2-methoxybenzoic acid,
4-hydroxy-2-methoxybenzoic acid, 5-hydroxy-2-methoxybenzoic acid,
vanillic acid, isovanillic acid, 5-hydroxy-3-methoxybenzoic acid,
2,3-dimethoxybenzoic acid, 2,4-dimethoxybenzoic acid,
2,5-dimethoxybenzoic acid, 2,6-dimethoxybenzoic acid, veratric acid
(3,4-dimethoxybenzoic acid), 3,5-dimethoxybenzoic acid, gallic
acid, 2,3,4-trihydroxybenzoic acid, 2,3,6-trihydroxybenzoic acid,
2,4,5-trihydroxybenzoic acid, 3-O-methylgallic acid (3-OMGA),
4-O-methylgallic acid (4-OMGA), 3,4-O-dimethylgallic acid, syringic
acid, 3,4,5-trimethoxybenzoic acid.
[0098] Suitable aminobenzoic acids are shown in FIG. 2 and include,
but are not limited to, anthranilic acid, 3-aminobenzoic acid,
4,5-dimethylanthranilic acid, N-methylanthranilic acid,
N-acetylanthranilic acid, fenamic acids (e.g., tolfenamic acid,
mefenamic acid, flufenamic acid), 2,4-diaminobenzoic acid
(2,4-DABA), 2-acetylamino-4-aminobenzoic acid,
4-acetylamino-2-aminobenzoic acid, 2,4-diacetylaminobenzoic
acid.
[0099] Suitable aminohydroxybenzoic acids are shown in FIG. 3 and
include, but are not limited to, 4-Aminosalicylic acid,
3-hydroxyanthranilic acid, 3-methoxyanthranilic acid.
[0100] In some embodiments, the composition includes a benzoate
conjugate comprising at least one hydrocodone conjugated to at
least one benzoic acid or benzoic acid derivative, salt thereof or
combination thereof.
[0101] In some embodiments, the benzoates include numerous benzoic
acid analogs, benzoate derivatives with hydroxyl or amino groups or
a combination of both. The hydroxyl and amino functions may be
present in their free form or capped with another chemical moiety,
preferably but not limited to methyl or acetyl groups. The phenyl
ring may have additional substituents, but the total number of
substituents can be four or less, three or less, or two or
less.
[0102] In another embodiment, the prodrug or conjugate composition
of the present technology is benzoate-hydrocodone, which has the
structure:
##STR00012##
[0103] In yet another embodiment, the present technology provides a
prodrug or composition comprising at least one conjugate of
hydrocodone and at least one heteroaryl carboxylic acid, a
derivative thereof, or a combination thereof. The heteroaryl
carboxylic acid can be selected from formula II, formula III or
formula IV where formula II, formula III and formula IV are:
##STR00013##
For these formulas, X, Y and Z are independently selected from the
group consisting of H, O, S, NH and --(CH.sub.2).sub.x--; R.sup.1,
R.sup.2 and R.sup.3 are independently selected from the group
consisting of H, alkyl, alkoxy, aryl, alkenyl, alkynyl, halo,
haloalkyl, alkylaryl, arylalkyl, heterocycle, arylalkoxy,
cycloalkyl, cycloalkenyl and cycloalkynyl; o, p, q are
independently selected from 0 or 1; and x is an integer from 1 to
10.
[0104] In some embodiments, the carboxy group of the aryl
carboxylic acids can be attached directly to the aromatic ring. The
present technology includes both carbon-only aryl groups and aryl
groups with heteroatoms (heteroaryl). The aryl or heteroaryl group
which is connected directly to the carboxyl function can be a
6-membered ring and contains no or one heteroatom. In some
embodiments, the additional substituted or unsubstituted aromatic
or aliphatic rings can be fused to this 6-membered aryl or
heteroaryl moiety. In some embodiments, the aryl carboxylic acids
may have only one free carboxylic acid group and the total number
of phenyl substituents on the 6-membered ring should be four or
less, for example, 4, 3, 2 or 1.
[0105] In some embodiments of the present technology, depending on
the individual aryl carboxylic acid that is connected to
hydrocodone, the conjugate of hydrocodone can have a neutral, free
acid, free base, or various pharmaceutically acceptable anionic or
cationic salt forms or salt mixtures with any ratio between
positive and negative components. These salt forms include, but are
not limited to: acetate, L-aspartate, besylate, bicarbonate,
carbonate, D-camsylate, L-camsylate, citrate, edisylate, fumarate,
gluconate, hydrobromide/bromide, hydrochloride/chloride, D-lactate,
L-lactate, D,L-lactate, D,L-malate, L-malate, mesylate, pamoate,
phosphate, succinate, sulfate, D-tartrate, L-tartrate,
D,L-tartrate, meso-tartrate, benzoate, gluceptate, D-glucuronate,
hybenzate, isethionate, malonate, methylsulfate, 2-napsylate,
nicotinate, nitrate, orotate, stearate, tosylate, acefyllinate,
aceturate, aminosalicylate, ascorbate, borate, butyrate,
camphorate, camphocarbonate, decanoate, hexanoate, cholate,
cypionate, dichloroacetate, edentate, ethyl sulfate, furate,
fusidate, galactarate (mucate), galacturonate, gallate, gentisate,
glutamate, glutarate, glycerophosphate, heptanoate (enanthate),
hydroxybenzoate, hippurate, phenylpropionate, iodide, xinafoate,
lactobionate, laurate, maleate, mandelate, methanesulfonate,
myristate, napadisilate, oleate, oxalate, palmitate, picrate,
pivalate, propionate, pyrophosphate, salicylate, salicylsulfate,
sulfosalicylate, tannate, terephthalate, thiosalicylate,
tribrophenate, valerate, valproate, adipate, 4-acetamidobenzoate,
camsylate, octanoate, estolate, esylate, glycolate, thiocyanate,
and undecylenate.
[0106] For the present technology, a suitable conjugate of
hydrocodone includes nicotinate-hydrocodone, which has the
following structure:
##STR00014##
[0107] Some embodiments of the present technology provide a
conjugate of hydrocodone that is broken down in vivo either
enzymatically or otherwise, releasing the active hydrocodone and
the respective aryl carboxylic acid or metabolites thereof. The
aryl carboxylic acids used in the conjugates of the present
technology are non-toxic at the given dosing levels and are
preferably known drugs, natural products, metabolites, or GRAS
(Generally Regarded As Safe) compounds (e.g., preservatives, dyes,
flavors, etc.) or non-toxic mimetics thereof.
[0108] Compounds, conjugates, products, prodrugs, compositions and
methods of the present technology provide, for example, reduced
potential for overdose, reduced potential for abuse or addiction
and/or improve hydrocodone's characteristics with regard to high
toxicities or suboptimal release profiles. Without wishing to be
limited to the below theory, it is believed that the presently
described and claimed technology provides overdose protection that
may occur when the described and claimed conjugates, compounds,
compositions, prodrugs, and/or products are exposed to different
enzymes and/or metabolic pathways by oral administration where the
conjugates, compounds, compositions, products and/or prodrugs are
exposed through the gut and first-pass metabolism as opposed to
exposure to enzymes in the circulation or mucosal membranes which
limits the ability of the hydrocodone from being released from the
conjugate. Therefore, abuse resistance and/or abuse deterrence is
provided by limiting the "rush" or "high" available from the active
hydrocodone released by the prodrug, product, composition,
compound, and/or conjugate of the present technology and limiting
the effectiveness of alternative routes of administration.
[0109] The compositions of the present technology preferably have
no or a substantially decreased pharmacological activity when
administered through injection or intranasal routes of
administration. However, they remain orally bioavailable. Again,
not wanting to be bound by any particular theory, the
bioavailability of the compositions of the present technology can
be a result of the hydrolysis of the chemical linkage (i.e., a
covalent linkage) following oral administration. In at least one
embodiment of the present technology, release of hydrocodone is
reduced when the composition, compound, conjugate, product, or
prodrug of the present technology is delivered, for example, by
parenteral routes.
[0110] For example, in one embodiment, the composition of the
present technology maintains its effectiveness and abuse resistance
following the crushing of the tablet, capsule or other oral dosage
form. In contrast, from parental non-conjugated (or "unconjugated")
forms of hydrocodone, the hydrocodone is released immediately
following crushing allowing the content of the crushed tablet to be
used by injection or snorting producing the "rush" effect sought by
addicts.
[0111] In some embodiments of the present technology, the
conjugates of hydrocodone can be given orally to an animal or human
patient, and, upon administration, release the active hydrocodone
by being hydrolyzed in the body. Not to be bound by any particular
theory, it is believed that since the aryl carboxylic acids are
naturally occurring metabolites or mimetics thereof or
pharmaceutically active compounds, these conjugates can be easily
recognized by physiological systems resulting in hydrolysis and
release of hydrocodone. The conjugates themselves have either no or
limited pharmacological activity as a conjugate and consequently
may follow a metabolic pathway that differs from the parent
drug.
[0112] In some embodiments of the present technology, the choice of
a suitable aryl carboxylic acids ("ligands") to conjugate to
hydrocodone determines the release of hydrocodone into the systemic
circulation and can be controlled even when the conjugate is
administered via routes other than oral. In one embodiment, the
modified hydrocodone would release hydrocodone similar to free or
unmodified hydrocodone. In another embodiment, the conjugated
hydrocodone releases hydrocodone in a controlled or sustained form.
In some embodiments, this controlled release can alleviate certain
side-effects and improve upon the safety profile of the parent
drug. These side-effects may include, but are not limited to,
anxiety, bruising, constipation, decreased appetite, difficulty
breathing, dizziness, drowsiness, dry throat, diarrhea, headache,
nausea, stomach cramps, stomach pain, vomiting. In another
embodiment, the conjugated hydrocodone would selectively allow
hydrocodone to be metabolized to hydromorphone. In some
embodiments, these conjugates can be used for pain relief, such as
moderate to severe pain relief.
[0113] Hydrocodone and other opioids are also highly addictive and
prone to substance abuse. Recreational drug abuse of opioids is a
common problem and usually begins with oral doses taken with the
purpose of achieving euphoria ("rush", "high"). Over time the drug
abuser often increases the oral dosages to attain more powerful
"highs" or to compensate for heightened opioid tolerance. This
behavior can escalate and result in exploring of other routes of
administration such as intranasal ("snorting") and intravenous
("shooting").
[0114] In some embodiments of the present technology, the
hydrocodone that is conjugated with a suitable aryl carboxylic acid
ligand does not result in rapid spikes in plasma concentrations
after oral administration that is sought by a potential drug
abuser. In some embodiments, hydrocodone released from these
conjugates has a delayed T.sub.max and possibly lower C.sub.max
than the unconjugated hydrocodone. Not to be bound by any
particular theory, it is believed that the conjugates of the
present technology, when taken orally or by other non-oral routes,
do not provide the feeling of a "rush" even when taken at higher
doses but still maintain pain relief.
[0115] Additionally, in some embodiments, hydrocodone conjugated
with appropriate ligands of the present technology is not
hydrolyzed efficiently when administered via non-oral routes. As a
result, these conjugates do not generate high plasma or blood
concentrations of released hydrocodone when injected or snorted
compared to free hydrocodone administered through these routes.
[0116] In some embodiments, the conjugates of the present
technology, since they consist of covalently bound hydrocodone, are
not able to be physically manipulated to release the hydrocodone
opioid from the conjugated hydrocodone by methods, for example, of
grinding up or crushing of solid forms. Further, the conjugates of
the present technology exhibits resistance to chemical hydrolysis
under conditions a potential drug abuser may apply to "extract" the
active portion of the molecule, for example, by boiling, or acidic
or basic solution treatment of the conjugate.
[0117] The compositions and prodrugs of the present technology can
be oral dosage forms. These dosage forms include but are not
limited to tablet, capsule, caplet, troche, lozenge, powder,
suspension, syrup, solution or oral thin film (OTF). Preferred oral
administration forms are capsule, tablet, solutions and OTF.
[0118] Solid dosage forms can include, but are not limited to, the
following types of excipients: antiadherents, binders, coatings,
disintegrants, fillers, flavors and colors, glidants, lubricants,
preservatives, sorbents and sweeteners.
[0119] Oral formulations of the present technology can also be
included in a solution or a suspension in an aqueous liquid or a
non-aqueous liquid. The formulation can be an emulsion, such as an
oil-in-water liquid emulsion or a water-in-oil liquid emulsion. The
oils can be administered by adding the purified and sterilized
liquids to a prepared enteral formula, which is then placed in the
feeding tube of a patient who is unable to swallow.
[0120] Soft gel or soft gelatin capsules may be prepared, for
example by dispersing the formulation in an appropriate vehicle
(vegetable oils are commonly used) to form a high viscosity
mixture. This mixture is then encapsulated with a gelatin based
film using technology and machinery known to those in the soft gel
industry. The individual units so formed are then dried to constant
weight.
[0121] Chewable tablets, for example, may be prepared by mixing the
formulations with excipients designed to form a relatively soft,
flavored, tablet dosage form that is intended to be chewed rather
than swallowed. Conventional tablet machinery and procedures, for
example, direct compression and granulation, i.e., or slugging,
before compression, can be utilized. Those individuals involved in
pharmaceutical solid dosage form production are versed in the
processes and the machinery used, as the chewable dosage form is a
very common dosage form in the pharmaceutical industry.
[0122] Film coated tablets, for example may be prepared by coating
tablets using techniques such as rotating pan coating methods or
air suspension methods to deposit a contiguous film layer on a
tablet.
[0123] Compressed tablets, for example may be prepared by mixing
the formulation with excipients intended to add binding qualities
to disintegration qualities. The mixture is either directly
compressed or granulated then compressed using methods and
machinery known to those in the industry. The resultant compressed
tablet dosage units are then packaged according to market need, for
example, in unit dose, rolls, bulk bottles, blister packs, etc.
[0124] The present technology also contemplates the use of
biologically-acceptable carriers which may be prepared from a wide
range of materials. Without being limited to, such materials
include diluents, binders and adhesives, lubricants, plasticizers,
disintegrants, colorants, bulking substances, flavorings,
sweeteners and miscellaneous materials such as buffers and
adsorbents in order to prepare a particular medicated
composition.
[0125] Binders may be selected from a wide range of materials such
as hydroxypropylmethylcellulose, ethylcellulose, or other suitable
cellulose derivatives, povidone, acrylic and methacrylic acid
co-polymers, pharmaceutical glaze, gums, milk derivatives, such as
whey, starches, and derivatives, as well as other conventional
binders known to persons working in the art. Exemplary non-limiting
solvents are water, ethanol, isopropyl alcohol, methylene chloride
or mixtures and combinations thereof. Exemplary non-limiting
bulking substances include sugar, lactose, gelatin, starch, and
silicon dioxide.
[0126] It should be understood that in addition to the ingredients
particularly mentioned above, the formulations of the present
technology can include other suitable agents such as flavoring
agents, preservatives and antioxidants. Such antioxidants would be
food acceptable and could include vitamin E, carotene, BHT or other
antioxidants.
[0127] Other compounds which may be included by admixture are, for
example, medically inert ingredients, e.g., solid and liquid
diluents, such as lactose, dextrose, saccharose, cellulose, starch
or calcium phosphate for tablets or capsules, olive oil or ethyl
oleate for soft capsules and water or vegetable oil for suspensions
or emulsions; lubricating agents such as silica, talc, stearic
acid, magnesium or calcium stearate and/or polyethylene glycols;
gelling agents such as colloidal clays; thickening agents such as
gum tragacanth or sodium alginate, binding agents such as starches,
arabic gums, gelatin, methylcellulose, carboxymethylcellulose or
polyvinylpyrrolidone; disintegrating agents such as starch, alginic
acid, alginates or sodium starch glycolate; effervescing mixtures;
dyestuff; sweeteners; wetting agents such as lecithin, polysorbates
or laurylsulfates; and other therapeutically acceptable accessory
ingredients, such as humectants, preservatives, buffers and
antioxidants, which are known additives for such formulations.
[0128] For oral administration, fine powders or granules containing
diluting, dispersing and/or surface-active agents may be presented
in a draught, in water or a syrup, in capsules or sachets in the
dry state, in a non-aqueous suspension wherein suspending agents
may be included, or in a suspension in water or a syrup. Where
desirable, flavoring, preserving, suspending, thickening or
emulsifying agents can be included.
[0129] Liquid dispersions for oral administration may be syrups,
emulsions or suspensions. The syrups may contain as carrier, for
example, saccharose or saccharose with glycerol and/or mannitol
and/or sorbitol. In particular a syrup for diabetic patients can
contain as carriers only products, for example sorbitol, which do
not metabolize to glucose or which metabolize only a very small
amount to glucose. The suspensions and the emulsions may contain a
carrier, for example a natural gum, agar, sodium alginate, pectin,
methylcellulose, carboxymethylcellulose or polyvinyl alcohol.
[0130] Current approved formulations of hydrocodone are combination
therapies of hydrocodone and one or more other non-narcotic active
ingredient depending on intended indication. Examples of these
active pharmaceuticals include, but are not limited to,
acetaminophen, phenylpropanolamine, homatropine, ibuprofen,
aspirin, pheniramine, chlorpheniramine, phenylephrine,
pseudoephedrine, pyrilamine and guaifenesin. The conjugated
hydrocodone of the present technology can be formulated with one or
a combination of these or other active substances or as standalone
active ingredient without any other actives.
[0131] Certain formulations of the compounds, products,
compositions, conjugates and prodrugs of the current technology
comprise Bz-HC.HCl, bulking agents and diluents, such as, for
example, microcrystalline cellulose and crospovidone,
disintegrants, such as, for example, starch 1500 G, binders, such
as, for example, povidone K30, lubricants, such as, for example,
stearic acid, and granulation solvents, such as, for example,
purified water. Such formulations of the current technology may
also include additional pharmaceutical actives, such as, for
example, acetaminophen.
[0132] The amounts and relative percentages of the different active
and inactive components of the formulations of the current
technology can be modified, selected and adjusted in order to
arrive at desirable formulations, dosages and dosage forms for
therapeutic administration of the compounds, products,
compositions, conjugates and prodrugs of the current technology.
One such oral dosage formulation of the present technology is
presented, for example, in Table 1.
TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 Strength (label claim) Component and Quality
6.67 mg/325 mg (Bz-HC.cndot.HCl/ Standard (and Grade,
Acetaminophen) if applicable) Function mg/tablet % w/w
Bz-HC.cndot.HCl .sup.a, Active 6.67 1.21 Professed Acetaminophen
USP Active 325.0 59.09 Microcrystalline Bulking 154.78 28.16
Cellulose NF Agent Crospovidone NF Bulking 16.0 2.9 Agent/ Diluent
Starch 1500 G NF Disintegrant 20.0 3.64 Povidone K30 NF Binder
23.65 4.3 Stearic Acid NF Lubricant 3.9 0.71 Purified water .sup.a
Granulation n/a n/a solvent .sup.a Removed by evaporation during
the process.
[0133] The conjugate compositions or prodrugs may be used in
methods of treating a patient having a disease, disorder or
condition requiring or mediated by binding or inhibiting binding of
an opioid to the opioid receptors of the patient. Treatment
comprises orally administering to the patient a pharmaceutically
effective amount of at least one conjugate of hydrocodone as
described in the present technology. The conjugate can exhibit a
slower rate of release over time and AUC when compared to an
equivalent molar amount of unconjugated hydrocodone. In other
embodiments, at least one conjugate can exhibit less variability in
the oral PK profile when compared to unconjugated hydrocodone.
[0134] In other embodiments, at least one conjugate is provided in
an amount sufficient to provide a therapeutically bioequivalent AUC
(area under the curve) when compared to a molar equivalent amount
of unconjugated hydrocodone. In further embodiments, the conjugate
is provided in an amount sufficient to provide a therapeutically
bioequivalent AUC when compared to unconjugated hydrocodone but has
a lower C.sub.max (peak concentration) in plasma or does not
provide an equivalent C.sub.max in plasma concentrations. In some
aspects, the conjugate is provided in an amount sufficient to
provide a therapeutically bioequivalent C.sub.max when compared to
unconjugated hydrocodone.
[0135] Suitable diseases, disorders or conditions that can be
treated by the prodrugs or compositions of the present technology
are narcotic addiction or drug addiction and/or acute or chronic
pain.
[0136] Dosages for the conjugates of the present technology depend
on their molecular weight and the respective weight-percentage of
hydrocodone as part of the whole conjugate, and therefore can be
higher than the dosages of free hydrocodone. Dosages can be
calculated based on the strengths of dosages of hydrocodone
bitartrate which range between 2.5 mg and 15 mg per dose. Dose
conversion from hydrocodone bitartrate to hydrocodone prodrug can
be performed using the following formula:
dose(HC prodrug/conjugate)=[dose(HC bitartrate).times.(molecular
weight(HC prodrug/conjugate)/494.49)]/proportion of hydrocodone
released from prodrug/conjugate
[0137] HC: hydrocodone
[0138] Suitable dosages of the conjugated hydrocodone of the
present technology include, but are not limited to, formulations
including from about 0.5 mg or higher, alternatively from about 2.5
mg or higher, alternatively from about 5.0 mg or higher,
alternatively from about 7.5 mg or higher, alternatively from about
10 mg or higher, alternatively from about 20 mg or higher,
alternatively from about 30 mg or higher, alternatively from about
40 mg or higher, alternatively from about 50 mg or higher,
alternatively from about 60 mg or higher, alternatively from about
70 mg or higher, alternatively from about 80 mg or higher,
alternatively from about 90 mg or higher, alternatively from about
100 mg or higher, and include any additional increments thereof,
for example, 0.1, 0.2, 0.25, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.75, 0.8,
0.9 or 1.0 mg and multiplied factors thereof, (e.g., .times.1,
.times.2, .times.2.5, .times.5, .times.10, .times.100, etc.). The
present technology also includes dosage formulations including
currently approved formulations of hydrocodone (See FIG. 4), where
the dosage can be calculated using the above-noted formula
determined by the amount of hydrocodone bitartrate. The present
technology provides for dosage forms formulated as a single therapy
or as a combination therapy with other API's (FIG. 4).
[0139] The conjugates of hydrocodone with derivatives of benzoic
acid or nicotinic acid of the present technology have a number of
advantages including, but not limited to, a reduced patient
variability of plasma concentrations of hydrocodone or
hydromorphone when compared to free hydrocodone, reduced drug abuse
potential, reduced risk of chemical or physical manipulation
resulting in full dosage of hydrocodone released, improved dosage
forms through covalent linkage to carboxylic acids or derivatives
thereof, increased or decreased metabolism of hydrocodone to
hydromorphone and/or decreased side-effects other than drug
abuse.
[0140] Hydrocodone is a narcotic analgesic, which acts as weak
agonist at opioid receptors in the central nervous system (CNS). It
primarily affects the .mu. (mu) receptor (OP3), but also exhibits
agonist activity at the .delta. (delta) receptor (OP1) and .kappa.
(kappa) receptor (OP2). Additionally, hydrocodone displays
antitussive properties by suppressing the cough reflex in the
medullary cough center of the brain.
[0141] Side effects of opioid analgesics include gastrointestinal
dysfunction caused by the opioids binding to the mu (.mu.)
receptors present in the gastrointestinal tract. The side-effects
in the stomach include a reduction in the secretion of hydrochloric
acid, decreased gastric motility, thus prolonging gastric emptying
time, which can result in esophageal reflux. Passage of the gastric
contents through the duodenum may be delayed by as much as 12
hours, and the absorption of orally administered drugs is retarded.
In the small intestines the opioid analgesics diminish biliary,
pancreatic and intestinal secretions and delay digestion of food in
the small intestine. Propulsive peristaltic waves in the colon are
diminished or abolished after administration of opioids, and tone
is increased to the point of spasm. The resulting delay in the
passage of bowel contents causes considerable desiccation of the
feces, which, in turn retards their advance through the colon.
These actions, combined with inattention to the normal sensory
stimuli for defecation reflex due to the central actions of the
drug, contribute to opioid-induced constipation (OIC).
[0142] Hydrocodone is used for the treatment of moderate to
moderately severe pain and for inhibition of cough (especially dry,
nonproductive cough). The prodrugs of the present technology may be
administered for the relief of pain or cough depression or for the
treatment of any condition that may require the blocking of opioid
receptors.
[0143] The conjugates of the present technology can provide a
decrease in side effects of the opioid analgesic, including reduced
or inhibited constipatory effects.
[0144] The present technology also provides a method of synthesis
for the preparation of the conjugated hydrocodone of the present
technology. In one embodiment, the synthesis of the present
technology includes the steps of: [0145] 1. Protection of the
ligand, if necessary; [0146] 2. Activation of the ligand carboxylic
acid group, if not already in activated form; [0147] 3. Addition of
the activated ligand to hydrocodone or vice versa in the presence
of base; and [0148] 4. Removal of ligand protecting groups, if
applicable.
[0149] If the aryl carboxylic acid contains any additional reactive
functional groups that may interfere with the coupling to
hydrocodone, it may be necessary to first attach one or more
protecting groups. Any suitable protecting group may be used
depending on the type of functional group and reaction conditions.
Some protecting group examples are: acetyl (Ac),
.beta.-methoxyethoxymethyl ether (MEM), methoxymethyl ether (MOM),
p-methoxybenzyl ether (PMB), trimethylsilyl (TMS),
tert.-butyldimethylsilyl (TBDPS), triisopropylsilyl (TIPS),
carbobenzyloxy (Cbz), p-methoxybenzyl carbonyl (Moz),
tert.-butyloxycarbonyl (Boc), 9-fluorenylmethyloxycarbonyl (Fmoc),
benzyl (Bn), p-methoxybenzyl (MPM), tosyl (Ts). Temporary formation
of acetals or ketals from carbonyl functions may also be
appropriate.
[0150] The carboxylic acid group of the ligands should be activated
in order to react with hydrocodone and to generate appreciable
amounts of conjugate. This activation can be accomplished in
numerous ways by a variety of coupling agents known to one skilled
in the art. Examples of such coupling agents are:
N,N'-dicyclohexylcarbodiimide (DCC),
N-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)-N'-ethylcarbodiimide (EDCI),
N,N'-diisopropylcarbodiimide (DIC), 1,1'-carbonyldiimidazole (CU)
or other carbodiimides;
(benzotriazol-1-yloxy)tris(dimethylamino)phosphonium
hexafluorophosphate (BOP), bromotripyrrolidinophosphonium
hexafluorophosphate (PyBroP),
(benzotriazol-1-yloxy)tripyrrolidinophosphonium hexafluorophosphate
(PyBOP) or other phosphonium-based reagents;
O-(benzotriazol-1-yl)-N,N,N',N'-tetramethyluronium
hexafluorophosphate (HBTU),
O-(benzotriazol-1-yl)-N,N,N',N'-tetramethyluronium
tetrafluoroborate (TBTU), fluoro-N,N,N',N'-tetramethylformamidinium
hexafluorophosphate (TFFH),
N,N,N',N'-tetramethyl-O--(N-succinimidyl)uronium tetrafluoroborate
(TSTU) or other aminium-based reagents. The aryl carboxylic acid
can also be converted to a suitable acyl halide, acyl azide or
mixed anhydride.
[0151] A base may be required at any step in the synthetic scheme
of an aryl carboxylic acid conjugate of hydrocodone. Suitable bases
include but are not limited to: 4-methylmorpholine (NMM),
4-(dimethylamino)pyridine (DMAP), N,N-diisopropylethylamine,
lithium bis(trimethylsilyl)amide, lithium diisopropylamide (LDA),
any alkali metal tert.-butoxide (e.g., potassium tert.-butoxide),
any alkali metal hydride (e.g., sodium hydride), any alkali metal
alkoxide (e.g., sodium methoxide), triethylamine or any other
tertiary amine.
[0152] Suitable solvents that can be used for any reaction in the
synthetic scheme of an aryl carboxylic acid conjugate of
hydrocodone include but are not limited to: acetone, acetonitrile,
butanol, chloroform, dichloromethane, dimethylformamide (DMF),
dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO), dioxane, ethanol, ethyl acetate, diethyl
ether, heptane, hexane, methanol, methyl tert.-butyl ether (MTBE),
isopropanol, isopropyl acetate, diisopropyl ether, tetrahydrofuran,
toluene, xylene or water.
[0153] In some embodiments, the prodrug is hydrophobic and thus
poorly water soluble. This results in a gel-like consistency or
clumpy suspension when the compound is mixed with water. Examples
of these prodrugs include, but are not limited to, Piperonylate-HC,
3-OH-4-MeO-Bz-HC, 3-OH-Bz-HC and Gallate-HC. These prodrugs cannot
be dosed intranasally in rats due to their lack of water
solubility. Not to be bound by any theory, it is assumed that these
compounds would also congeal or become clumpy when a human subject
tries to inhale them intranasally ("snorting"). This property would
not only make an attempt of intranasal abuse an unpleasant
experience but would likely also prevent the prodrug from
permeating the nose mucosa. As a consequence, these compounds
become ineffective for this route of administration.
[0154] The present technology provides pharmaceutical kits for the
treatment or prevention of drug withdrawal symptoms or pain in a
patient. The patient may be a human or animal patient. Suitable
human patients include pediatric patients, geriatric (elderly)
patients, and normative patients. The kit comprises a specific
amount of the individual doses in a package containing a
pharmaceutically effective amount of at least one conjugate of
hydrocodone of the present technology. The kit can further include
instructions for use of the kit. The specified amount of individual
doses may contain from about 1 to about 100 individual dosages,
alternatively from about 1 to about 60 individual dosages,
alternatively from about 10 to about 30 individual dosages,
including, about 1, about 2, about 5, about 10, about 15, about 20,
about 25, about 30, about 35, about 40, about 45, about 50, about
55, about 60, about 70, about 80, about 100, and include any
additional increments thereof, for example, 1, 2, 5, 10 and
multiplied factors thereof, (e.g., .times.1, .times.2, .times.2.5,
.times.5, .times.10, .times.100, etc.).
[0155] The presently described technology and its advantages will
be better understood by reference to the following examples. These
examples are provided to describe specific embodiments of the
present technology. By providing these specific examples, it is not
intended limit the scope and spirit of the present technology. It
will be understood by those skilled in the art that the full scope
of the presently described technology encompasses the subject
matter defined by the claims appending this specification, and any
alterations, modifications, or equivalents of those claims.
EXAMPLES
Example 1
Chemical Stability of Benzoate and Heteroaryl Carboxylate
Conjugates of Hydrocodone
[0156] Exemplary conjugates of hydrocodone of the present
technology and control test conjugates not of the present
technology were tested for chemical stability under conditions
similar to what a potential drug abuser may use to "extract" the
active portion of the molecule, for example dissolved in water,
hydrochloric acid or sodium bicarbonate either at ambient
temperature or 100.degree. C. The conjugates were placed in a
solution of water at either ambient temperature (about 20.degree.
C.) or in an oil bath at 100.degree. C. for one hour and the amount
of the conjugate that was hydrolyzed under these conditions was
measured. Table 2 demonstrates the results, showing that the
conjugates did not release hydrocodone at ambient temperature or
when heated in water to 100.degree. C. for one hour.
TABLE-US-00002 TABLE 2 water.sup.a Compound ambient 100.degree. C.
4-OH-Bz-HC 0% 0% 2-ABz-HC 0% 0% 4-MeO-Bz-HC 0% 0%
[0157] Further, samples of conjugates of hydrocodone of the present
technology were tested and compared with samples of other
conjugates not of the present technology of hydrocodone
(Adipate-HC) for their hydrolysis to hydrocodone after dilution in
1 N hydrochloric acid (HCl) for 1 hour at ambient temperature
(.about.20.degree. C.) or in an oil bath at 100.degree. C. The
percentages indicate how much of the initial amount of conjugate
was hydrolyzed under these conditions. The results are shown in
Table 3.
TABLE-US-00003 TABLE 3 %-release in 1N HCl.sup.a Compound ambient
100.degree. C. 4-OH-Bz-HC 0% 30% 2-ABz-HC 0% 16% 3-OH-4-MeO-Bz-HC
0% 35% 2-OH-Bz-HC 3% 27% Adipate-HC 13% 100%
[0158] Samples of each conjugate were dissolved in a solution of 5%
NaHCO.sub.3 for one hour at either ambient temperature
(.about.20.degree. C.) or in an oil bath at 100.degree. C. The
percentages indicate how much of the initial amount of conjugate
was hydrolyzed under these conditions as shown in Table 4 for the
conjugates of the present technology and comparison conjugates not
of the present technology (Tyr-Tyr-Phe-Phe-Ile-Hydrocodone
(YYFFI-HC) or Adipiate-HC).
TABLE-US-00004 TABLE 4 %-release in 5% NaHCO.sub.3.sup.a Compound
ambient 100.degree. C. 4-OH-Bz-HC 1% 23% 3-OH-4-MeO-Bz-HC 0% 36%
YYFFI-HC 0% 70% Adipate-HC 3% 100%
Example 2
Oral PK Profiles of Conjugated Hydrocodone of the Present
Technology
[0159] Oral PK curves were determined for benzoate-hydrocodone
(Bz-HC), a prodrug of the present technology, as compared to two
conjugates not within the scope of the present technology: YYFFI-HC
and Diglycolate-HC. Rats were orally administered an amount of the
conjugate equivalent to 2 mg/kg of freebase hydrocodone and the
plasma concentrations of released hydrocodone and of the active
metabolite hydromorphone were measured over time by LC/MS/MS. As
shown in FIG. 5, the oral PK curves for released hydrocodone were
somewhat similar for Bz-HC and YYFFI-HC, but hydrocodone plasma
concentrations produced by Bz-HC were mostly significantly higher
than hydrocodone concentrations generated by Diglycolate-HC (AUC
and C.sub.max for Bz-HC were approximately 40% and 50% higher,
respectively). Additionally, Bz-HC created higher plasma
concentrations of the more potent active metabolite hydromorphone
(FIG. 6) than both, YYFFI-HC (AUC and C.sub.max for hydromorphone
released from Bz-HC were approximately 60% and 80% higher,
respectively) and Diglycolate-HC (AUC and C.sub.max for
hydromorphone released from Bz-HC were approximately 55% and 180%
higher, respectively). This suggests that all three compounds
undergo a different metabolic pathway and that Bz-HC would have
pain relieving effects potentially greater than either example.
Example 3
Intranasal PK Profile of Conjugates of Hydrocodone
[0160] Conjugates of hydrocodone of the present technology were
tested for abuse resistance capabilities by examining the
efficiency of a hydrolysis when administered via routes other than
oral. Rats were intranasally treated with conjugate in an amount
equivalent to 2 mg/kg of hydrocodone freebase and the concentration
of released hydrocodone and of the active metabolite hydromorphone
in the plasma of the rat were measured over time by LC/MS/MS.
Hydrocodone plasma concentrations were significantly lower for
Bz-HC (AUC and C.sub.max for hydromorphone released from Adipate-HC
were approximately 280% and 60% higher, respectively) as shown in
FIG. 7. Moreover, Bz-HC produced very low plasma concentration of
hydromorphone when compared to Adipate-HC (AUC and C.sub.max for
hydromorphone released from Adipate-HC were approximately 750% and
660% higher, respectively) as shown in FIG. 8.
[0161] Prodrugs of the present technology provide hydrocodone and
hydromorphone plasma concentrations that are significantly lower
than respective plasma concentration for unbound Hydrocodone.BT or
for other prodrug classes when administered intranasally.
Example 4
Exemplary Intravenous PK Profiles of Conjugates of the Present
Technology
[0162] The conjugates of hydrocodone of the present technology are
hydrophobic, for example, Bz-HC, Nicotinate-HC, 4-MeO-Bz-HC,
Piperonylate-HC, 4-OH-Bz-HC, Salicylate-HC, 3-OH-4-MeO-Bz-HC,
3-OH-Bz-HC and Gallate-HC. Therefore, these compounds cannot be
administered intravenously at oral equivalent doses because they do
not dissolve in a practical amount of water since injectable
compounds must be completely in solution, because any solid
particle may cause an embolism. The amount of water necessary to
dissolve a desirable amount of conjugate would make an injection
unfeasible and thus the present compositions and prodrugs have
anti-abuse potential as opposed to other hydrocodone conjugates
that are water soluble, such as Adipate-HC and Diglycolate-HC which
can be administered intravenously at oral equivalent doses.
Example 5
Comparison of Oral PK Profiles of Conjugates of Hydrocodone
[0163] The plasma concentrations of hydrocodone released from Bz-HC
and Nicotinate-HC were compared to plasma concentrations of
hydrocodone generated by unconjugated Hydrocodone.BT after oral
administration to rats. Rats were treated with conjugate or
unconjugated drug in an amount equivalent to 2 mg/kg of hydrocodone
freebase and the plasma concentration of hydrocodone or
hydromorphone was measured by LC/MS/MS as demonstrated in FIGS. 9
and 10 respectively. The oral plasma concentration of hydrocodone
released from Bz-HC increased similarly to the hydrocodone plasma
concentrations observed with Hydrocodone.BT, until it reached
C.sub.max (C.sub.max was approximately equal for both compounds).
After T.sub.max, the hydrocodone plasma concentration for Bz-HC
decreased in a slower and more controlled fashion than for
unconjugated Hydrocodone.BT (FIG. 9 and FIG. 10). Bz-HC had a
higher AUC (AUC was approximately 25% higher, FIG. 9) when compared
to Hydrocodone.BT and similar results were observed for the plasma
concentrations of the active metabolite hydromorphone (FIG.
10).
[0164] Nicotinate-HC, produced hydrocodone and hydromorphone plasma
concentrations that were below the respective concentrations found
for unconjugated Hydrocodone.BT. The corresponding AUC values,
however, were within the range of bioequivalence for the same dose
(based on hydrocodone freebase).
[0165] 2-ABz-HC demonstrated a different release profile after oral
administration to rats than Bz-HC or the unconjugated drug
Hydrocodone.BT. Rats were treated with an amount equivalent to 2
mg/kg of hydrocodone freebase and the plasma concentration of
hydrocodone or hydromorphone was measured by LC/MS/MS over time as
shown in FIG. 11 or FIG. 12 respectively. 2-ABz-HC released
hydrocodone very slowly indicated by a gradual increase of plasma
concentration followed by an attenuated decrease (FIG. 11). This
resulted in a flattened PK curve when compared with Hydrocodone.BT
(T.sub.max for 2-ABz-HC was approximately four times longer, AUC
and C.sub.max were approximately 35% and 60% lower, respectively).
Overall, the PK curve of hydromorphone was also flatter for
2-ABz-HC than for Hydrocodone.BT (FIG. 12) but did show a small
initial spike (AUC and C.sub.max for 2-ABz-HC were approximately
25% and 50% lower, respectively).
Example 6
Determination of Variation in Plasma Concentrations of
Benzoate-Hydrocodone
[0166] To determine the variability of the plasma concentration of
hydrocodone (HC) and hydromorphone (HM), the coefficient of
variation (CV) was calculated for individual animals that were
dosed with an amount equivalent to 2 mg/kg of hydrocodone freebase
of benzoate-hydrocodone or the unconjugated hydrocodone bitartrate
(BT) and the plasma concentrations of hydrocodone and hydromorphone
were measured by LC/MS/MS over time. The CV was calculated by
dividing the standard deviation of plasma concentrations in
individual animals by the mean plasma concentrations of all dosed
animals for a given time point. The "average CV" is the mean CV for
all time points, as shown in Table 5.
TABLE-US-00005 TABLE 5 Average CV.sup.a Compound HC HM Bz-HC 46 41
Hydrocodone.cndot.BT 75 64
[0167] The lower average CV for Bz-HC indicates that this prodrug
has lower relative variability in plasma concentrations of
hydrocodone and hydromorphone across all dosed animals and time
points than the unconjugated drug, hydrocodone bitartrate.
Example 7
Synthesis of Conjugates of Hydrocodone
[0168] Synthesis of Benzoate-Hydrocodone Freebase
[0169] To a solution of hydrocodone freebase (0.596 g, 1.99 mmol)
in tetrahydrofuran (25 mL) was added 1 M LiN(SiMe.sub.3).sub.2 in
tetrahydrofuran (5.98 mL). The resulting orange suspension was
stirred at ambient temperatures for 30 min. after which
benzoate-succinic ester (1.25 g, 5.98 mmol) was added. The
resulting mixture was stirred overnight at ambient temperatures and
was quenched after 18 h by the addition of 100 mL saturated
ammonium chloride solution which was allowed to stir for another 2
h. Ethyl acetate (100 mL) was added to the mixture and washed with
saturated ammonium chloride solution (3.times.100 mL) and water
(1.times.100 mL). Organic extracts were dried over anhydrous
MgSO.sub.4, solvent was removed and residue was taken up in
2-isopropanol (50 mL). Water was added until a solid formed. The
resulting mixture was chilled, filtered and dried to obtain
benzoate-hydrocodone freebase (0.333 g, 0.826 mmol, 42% yield) as a
dark brown solid. This synthesis is depicted in FIG. 13A.
[0170] Synthesis of 2-Boc-aminobenzoic succinate: [0171]
2-Boc-aminobenzoic acid (2.56 g, 10.8 mmol) and
N-hydroxysuccinimide (1.37 g, 11.88 mmol) were dissolved in 25 mL
of THF. DCC (2.45 g, 11.88 mmol) was added in one portion. The
reaction was stirred overnight. The solid was filtered off and
rinsed with acetone (2.times.10 mL). The filtrate was concentrated
to dryness and dissolved in 100 mL of acetone. The resulting
precipitate (DCU) was filtered off and the filtrate was
concentrated to give a solid, which was collected and rinsed with
methanol (3.times.4 mL) to yield 3.26 g (90%) of white product.
[0172] Synthesis of 2-Boc-aminobenzoic acid ester of
hydrocodone:
[0173] To hydrocodone freebase (0.449 g, 1.5 mmol) dissolved in 20
mL of anhydrous THF was added a solution of LiHMDS in THF (1 M, 4.5
mL, 4.5 mmol) over 20 min. The mixture was stirred for 30 min. and
2-Boc-aminobenzoic succinate (1.50 g, 4.5 mmol) was added in one
portion. The reaction was stirred for 4 hours and subsequently
quenched with 100 mL of sat. NH.sub.4Cl. The mixture was stirred
for 1 h. and extracted with 200 mL of ethyl acetate. The ethyl
acetate layer was washed with sat. NaHCO.sub.3 (2.times.80 mL) and
5% brine (80 mL), dried over anhydrous Na.sub.2SO.sub.4 and
concentrated. The residue was purified by silica gel column
chromatography (7% MeOH/CH.sub.2Cl.sub.2) to give 449 mg (58%) of
an amorphous solid.
[0174] Synthesis of 2-aminobenzoic acid ester of hydrocodone
dihydrochloride salt:
[0175] 2-Boc-aminobenzoic acid ester of hydrocodone (259 mg, 0.5
mmol) was stirred in 4 mL of 4 N HCl/dioxane for 4 h. The solvent
was evaporated to dryness and to the residue was added 5 mL of
ethyl acetate. The solid was collected and rinsed with ethyl
acetate to give 207 mg (84%) of product.
[0176] Synthesis of 2-MOM-salicylic succinate:
[0177] 2-MOM-salicylic acid (3.2 g, 17.6 mmol) and
N-hydroxysuccinimide (2.23 g, 19.36 mmol) were dissolved in 40 mL
of THF. DCC (3.99 g, 19.36 mmol) was added in one portion. The
reaction was stirred overnight. The solid was filtered off and
rinsed with acetone (2.times.10 mL). The filtrate was concentrated
and the residue was recrystallized from 10 mL of methanol to give
2.60 g (53%) of a white solid.
[0178] Synthesis of 2-MOM-salicylic acid ester of hydrocodone:
[0179] To hydrocodone freebase (0.449 g, 1.5 mmol) dissolved in 20
mL of anhydrous THF was added a solution of LiHMDS in THF (1 M, 4.5
mL, 4.5 mmol) over 20 min. The mixture was stirred for 30 min. and
2-MOM-salicylic succinate (1.26 g, 4.5 mmol) was added in one
portion. The reaction was stirred for 4 h. and subsequently
quenched with 100 mL of sat. NH.sub.4Cl. The mixture was stirred
for 1 h. and extracted with 200 mL of ethyl acetate. The ethyl
acetate layer was washed with sat. NaHCO.sub.3 (2.times.80 mL) and
5% brine (80 mL), dried over anhydrous Na.sub.2SO.sub.4 and
concentrated. The residue was purified by silica gel column
chromatography (8% MeOH/CH.sub.2Cl.sub.2) to give 381 mg (58%) of a
syrup.
[0180] Synthesis of Salicylic Acid Ester of Hydrocodone
Hydrochloride Salt:
[0181] To 2-MOM-salicylic acid ester of hydrocodone (380 mg, 0.82
mmol) in 12 mL of methanol was added 0.5 mL of conc. HCl (12 N).
The reaction was stirred for 6 hr. The solution was concentrated
and residual water was removed by coevaporating with methanol
(5.times.5 mL). The resulting residue was dissolved in 1 mL of
methanol followed by 20 mL of ethyl acetate. The cloudy mixture was
evaporated to about 4 mL. The resulting solid was collected and
rinsed with ethyl acetate to yield 152 mg (41%) of product.
Example 8
Oral PK Profiles of Conjugated Hydrocodone, Hydrocodone, and
Hydromorphone in Rats
[0182] After oral administration of benzoate-hydrocodone (Bz-HC) to
rats, PK curves were determined for intact Bz-HC, hydrocodone, and
the active metabolite hydromorphone. Rats were orally administered
an amount of the conjugate equivalent to 2 mg/kg of freebase
hydrocodone and the plasma concentrations of intact Bz-HC, released
hydrocodone, and the active metabolite, hydromorphone, were
measured over time by LC/MS/MS. As shown in FIG. 14, the exposure
to intact Bz-HC prodrug was much lower than the exposure to
hydrocodone or hydromorphone (the AUC for intact Bz-HC was
approximately 10% and 3% of the AUC values for hydrocodone and
hydromorphone, respectively).
Example 9
Oral PK Profiles of Conjugated Hydrocodone, Hydrocodone, and
Hydromorphone in Dogs
[0183] After oral administration of benzoate-hydrocodone (Bz-HC) or
Hydrocodone.BT to dogs, PK curves were determined for intact Bz-HC
(Bz-HC arm only), hydrocodone, and the active metabolite
hydromorphone. Dogs were orally administered an amount of
Hydrocodone.BT or the conjugate equivalent to 2 mg/kg of freebase
hydrocodone. The plasma concentrations of intact Bz-HC, released
hydrocodone, and the active metabolite, hydromorphone, were
measured over time by LC/MS/MS.
[0184] A comparison of plasma concentrations of hydrocodone
released from Bz-HC and Hydrocodone.BT is shown in FIG. 15.
Overall, the plasma concentrations of hydrocodone generated by both
compounds were quite similar. The systemic exposure to hydrocodone
was somewhat reduced for Bz-HC when compared to Hydrocodone.BT (the
AUC value of hydrocodone for Bz-HC was approximately 72% of the AUC
value for Hydrocodone.BT). The C.sub.max value of hydrocodone for
Bz-HC was approximately 92% of the C.sub.max value for
Hydrocodone.BT.
[0185] A comparison of the plasma concentrations of the active
metabolite, hydromorphone, following oral administration of Bz-HC
or Hydrocodone.BT is shown in FIG. 16. Systemic exposure and
maximum plasma concentrations of hydromorphone were similar for
both compounds. The AUC and C.sub.max values of hydromorphone for
Bz-HC were approximately 103% and 109% of the respective values for
Hydrocodone.BT
[0186] A comparison the plasma concentrations of intact Bz-HC and
hydrocodone released from Bz-HC is shown in FIG. 17. Similar to the
results seen in rats, the plasma concentrations of intact Bz-HC
prodrug in dogs were low when compared to the plasma concentrations
of hydrocodone (the AUC value for intact Bz-HC was approximately
10% of the AUC value for hydrocodone).
Example 10
Intravenous PK Profiles of Conjugated Hydrocodone, Hydrocodone, and
Hydromorphone in Rats
[0187] Bz-HC (0.30 mg/kg) was administered intravenously to rats.
Due to its poor water solubility (or solubility in PBS), 0.30 mg/kg
was close to the maximum dose that could be administered
intravenously to rats. PK curves were determined for intact Bz-HC,
hydrocodone, and the active metabolite hydromorphone. The plasma
concentrations of intact Bz-HC, released hydrocodone, and the
active metabolite, hydromorphone, were measured over time by
LC/MS/MS. The resulting PK curves are shown in FIG. 18.
Example 11
Oral PK Profiles of Hydrocodone and Hydromorphone Following Various
Dosages of Bz-HC in Rats
[0188] Bz-HC was orally administered to rats at dosages of 0.25,
0.50, 1.00, 2.00, 3.00, or 4.00 mg/kg. The plasma concentrations of
hydrocodone or hydromorphone were measured by LC/MS/MS, as
demonstrated in FIGS. 19 and 20, respectively. The exposures (AUC)
to hydrocodone and hydromorphone at doses of Bz-HC between 0.25 and
4.00 mg/kg were fairly linear. The respective C.sub.max values,
however, were more variable, particularly for hydromorphone. The
maximum plasma concentrations of hydromorphone did not
significantly change at doses above 2.00 mg/kg of Bz-HC.
Example 12
Tamper Resistance
[0189] In order to further evaluate the tamper-resistant properties
of Bz-HC, a wide variety of Bz-HC solvent extraction studies were
performed. Bz-HC.HCl is soluble in various solvents, but dissolving
Bz-HC.HCl in solution only yields the inactive prodrug in solution.
The prodrug is not cleaved and no hydrocodone becomes available.
Bz-HC.HCl is much less soluble in water than the hydrocodone
bitartrate that is used in certain hydrocodone bitartrate/APAP
combination products. In addition, at the human physiological pH of
7.4 (blood), Bz-HC is highly insoluble. We also conducted a wide
variety of Bz-HC solvent hydrolysis studies in our own
laboratories. As shown in Table 6 below, our studies indicate that
Bz-HC is completely stable and will not hydrolyze in commonly
available solvents, and is stable to conditions that hydrolyze
other formulated abuse-deterrent drugs (e.g., water and alcohol,
with or without heating).
Solvent Hydrolysis: No Hydrocodone Release
TABLE-US-00006 [0190] TABLE 6 %-release of Hydrocodone Ambient
Temperature at Boiling Point Solvent 0.5 h 1 h 4 h 0.5 h 1 h 4 h
Water 0 0 0 0 0 0 Ethanol 0 0 0 0 0 0 Methanol 0 0 0 0 0 0 Acetone
0 0 0 0 0 0 Ethyl acetate 0 0 0 0 0 0 Toluene 0 0 0 0 0 0 Xylene 0
0 0 0 0 0 Tetrahydrofuran 0 0 0 0 0 0 Methyl ethyl ketone 0 0 0 0 0
0 Octane 0 0 0 0 0 0 Petrol ether 0 0 0 0 0 0
[0191] In addition, real-world studies that used typical drug
abuser-accessible solvents and methodologies, as well as a
simulated smoking study were performed. No hydrocodone release from
the prodrug was observed in any of these studies.
[0192] Finally, numerous enzymatic tampering studies were performed
on Bz-HC, utilizing enzymes that included trypsin, pancreatin,
pepsin and various esterases, and no significant release of
hydrocodone from the prodrug was observed. Without being bound by
theory, it is believed that metabolism of Bz-HC after oral
administration that allows for the rapid release of therapeutic
amounts of hydrocodone requires the combinations and processes of
the esterases and other enzymes functioning in the living
enterocytes and liver tissue inside the body.
[0193] These tamper-resistance studies, demonstrate that Bz-HC is
very difficult to tamper with and is stable under conditions that
can potentially defeat other abuse-deterrent technologies.
Example 13
Reduction of Opioid-Induced Constipation (OIC)
[0194] Opioid-induced constipation (OIC) is a common side effect of
pain treatment with opioids and affects approximately 40% of
patients who are chronically taking opioid medications. Without
being bound by theory, it is believed that the binding of opioid
agonists to the peripheral .mu.-opioid receptors in the GI tract is
the primary cause of OIC. This .mu.-opioid receptor activation
impairs the coordination of the GI function resulting in various
effects on the GI tract, including decreasing the gut's motility,
increasing nonpropulsive contractions of the circular muscles,
increasing fluid absorption, reducing forward contractions and
increasing anal sphincter tone. The clinical presentation of these
effects typically manifests itself in symptoms of hard/dry stool,
straining, incomplete evacuation, bloating and abdominal
distension.
[0195] Although Bz-HC is metabolized to hydrocodone after oral
administration, the prodrug itself has a very low binding affinity
to the .mu.-opioid receptors and, without being bound by theory, it
is believed that Bz-HC does not interact with the .mu.-opioid
receptors in the GI tract.
[0196] Without being bound by theory, a possible mechanism by which
Bz-HC may minimize the side effect of OIC is illustrated by in FIG.
21. It is believed that due to its low binding affinity to the
.mu.-opioid receptors located on the inside of the intestine, Bz-HC
is completely absorbed fully intact into the intestinal enterocytes
where it is hydrolyzed down to hydrocodone and the ligand. It is
also believed that the intestinal .mu.-opioid receptors never come
in contact with significant concentrations of hydrocodone, thus
minimizing OIC.
[0197] First, a GI motility study was performed three groups of 10
rats that were each dosed with Bz-HC.HCl at 10, 20 and 30 mg/kg,
respectively. Another group of ten rats received 22.5 mg/kg of
hydrocodone bitartrate and a fifth group of ten rats was
administered the study vehicle, water, as a control. The doses
administered of Bz-HC.HCl and hydrocodone bitartrate were very high
on a human equivalent dosage basis, as normal human equivalent
doses typically have no effect on rat GI motility. Each of the rats
was then fed a meal of activated charcoal and then, 30 minutes
later, GI motility was measured based on the distances the charcoal
meals had traveled through the rats' GI tracts. As indicated in
FIG. 22, GI motility was increased. Without being bound by theory,
it is believed that this observation may be explained by the fact
that the Bz-HC doses represented such large volumes inside the rats
that, in the absence of a .mu.-opioid receptor mitigated OIC
effect, the Bz-HC had acted like dietary fiber and increased GI
motility.
[0198] A subsequent 14-day oral repeat dose toxicity study in dogs
(beagle) was performed. This study indicated a higher prevalence of
post-dose soft or loose feces in animals dosed with Bz-HC.HCl
compared to hydrocodone bitartrate (FIG. 23). These studies
indicate that Bz-HC reduces OIC when compared to other hydrocodone
containing products.
Description of Bioanalytical Methods Used in Examples 14-19
[0199] Validated LC/MS/MS methods were used to measure plasma
concentrations of Bz-HC, hydrocodone, hydromorphone and
acetaminophen (APAP). The lower limits of quantitation (LLOQ) for
Bz-HC, hydrocodone, hydromorphone, and APAP in plasma were 25
pg/mL, 250 pg/mL, 25 pg/mL, and 0.025 .mu.g/mL, respectively.
Description of Pharmacokinetic and Statistical Analysis Conducted
in Examples 14-19
[0200] Actual blood sampling collection times were used in all PK
analyses. Per protocol times were used to calculate mean plasma
concentrations for graphical displays. Pharmacokinetic parameters
for hydrocodone, hydromorphone, and APAP were calculated using
standard equations for non-compartmental analysis. Only plasma
concentrations that were greater than the LLOQs for the respective
assays were used in the pharmacokinetic analysis. Data were
compared using the standard ANOVA model applied to the natural
logarithms of the data.
Example 14
Bz-HC Human Pharmacokinetic Studies
[0201] Forty-two (42) healthy volunteers were enrolled in a single
dose pharmacokinetic study. Subjects received a single dose of
either 1 capsule of Bz-HC.HCl capsule, 5 mg (22 volunteers), 2
capsules of Bz-HC.HCl, 5 mg (20 volunteers) or 1 tablet of
Norco.RTM. (hydrocodone bitartrate/acetaminophen, NDC
#52544-539-01), 10 mg/325 mg (21 volunteers) orally. All study
doses were administered after a standard overnight fast
(approximately 10 hours). The plasma concentrations of hydrocodone
were measured by LC/MS/MS. The PK data and is summarized in Tables
7 and 8. These results show that at equimolar doses Bz-HC.HCl is
bioequivalent and thus therapeutically equivalent to Norco.RTM. and
similar immediate release hydrocodone combination products.
[0202] Single oral dose of 5 mg of Bz-HC.HCl summary:
TABLE-US-00007 TABLE 7 Parameter Hydrocodone Released from
Bz-HC.cndot.HCl AUC.sub.0-24 h 70.69 h .times. ng/mL .+-. 17.39 h
.times. ng/mL AUC.sub.inf 79.37 h .times. ng/mL .+-. 18.67 h
.times. ng/mL C.sub.max 12.8 ng/mL .+-. 3.84 ng/mL T.sub.max (mean)
1.866 h .+-. 0.901 h T.sub.max (median) 1.5 h T.sub.max (range)
[0.5 h-4 h] t.sub.1/2 3.79 h .+-. 0.88 h
[0203] Single oral dose of 10 mg of Bz-HC.HCl summary:
TABLE-US-00008 TABLE 8 Parameter Hydrocodone Released from
Bz-HC.cndot.HCl AUC.sub.0-24 h 165.4 h .times. ng/mL .+-. 42.35 h
.times. ng/mL AUC.sub.inf 172.5 h .times. ng/mL .+-. 43.44 h
.times. ng/mL C.sub.max 24.7 ng/mL .+-. 6.43 ng/mL T.sub.max (mean)
1.700 h .+-. 0.880 h T.sub.max (median) 1.5 h T.sub.max (range)
[0.5 h-4 h] t.sub.1/2 4.36 h .+-. 0.81 h
Example 15
Bz-HC.HCl/APAP Single Dose Human Pharmacokinetic Studies
[0204] A study, was conducted to determine the rate and extent of
absorption of hydrocodone, hydromorphone, and acetaminophen (APAP)
from Bz-HC.HCl/APAP tablets (1.times.6.67 mg/325 mg) relative to
Norco.RTM. tablets (1.times.7.5 mg/325 mg, NDC #52544-162-01) when
administered to healthy subjects under fasted conditions.
[0205] This was an open-label, single-dose, randomized,
2-treatment, 2-period, 2-sequence, crossover bioavailability study
in which 30 healthy adult subjects were to be enrolled with the
goal of completing 24. Subjects received two single-dose treatments
according to a randomization schedule. Each treatment was separated
by at least a 7-day washout period. All study doses were
administered after a standard overnight fast (approximately 10
hours). Each dose was administered along with approximately 240 mL
(8 fl. oz.) of room temperature tap water. No food was allowed
until 4 hours after dose administration. Except for the 240 mL of
room temperature tap water provided with the dose, no water was
consumed for 1 hour prior through 1 hour after dosing.
[0206] Blood samples (2.times.6 mL) for pharmacokinetic analysis
were collected prior to and up to 24 hours after each dose.
[0207] A total of 30 subjects were enrolled and 23 subjects
completed both periods of the study to comprise the pharmacokinetic
(PK) analysis population.
[0208] A summary of the PK data for hydrocodone, hydromorphone and
acetaminophen is presented in Tables 9, 10, and 11. PK curves of
the of the mean.+-.standard error plasma concentrations of
hydrocodone, hydromorphone and acetaminophen are presented in FIGS.
24, 25, and 26, respectively. These results demonstrate that
Bz-HC.HCl/APAP (6.67 mg/325 mg) is bioequivalent and thus
therapeutically equivalent to Norco.RTM. (7.5 mg/325 mg) and
similar immediate release hydrocodone combination.
Hydrocodone Summary:
[0209] single dose; Bz-HC.HCl/APAP tablet, 6.67 mg/325 mg; oral;
fasted
TABLE-US-00009 TABLE 9 Parameter Hydrocodone Released from
Bz-HC.cndot.HCl/APAP AUC.sub.0-24 h 112,088 h .times. pg/mL .+-.
28,774 h .times. pg/mL AUC.sub.inf 115,773 h .times. pg/mL .+-.
29,099 h .times. pg/mL C.sub.max 16,859 pg/mL .+-. 4,153 pg/mL
T.sub.max (mean) 1.351 h .+-. 0.535 h T.sub.max (median) 1.25 h
T.sub.max (range) [0.5 h-3 h] t.sub.1/2 4.214 h .+-. 0.574 h
Hydromorphone Summary:
[0210] single dose; Bz-HC.HCl/APAP tablet, 6.67 mg/325 mg; oral;
fasted
TABLE-US-00010 TABLE 10 Parameter Hydromorphone Released from
Bz-HC.cndot.HCl/APAP AUC.sub.0-24 h 1,453 h .times. pg/mL .+-. 900
h .times. pg/mL AUC.sub.inf 1,702 h .times. pg/mL .+-. 1,215 h
.times. pg/mL (only N = 14) C.sub.max 225 pg/mL .+-. 120 pg/mL
T.sub.max (mean) 1.065 h .+-. 1.156 h T.sub.max (median) 0.5 h
T.sub.max (range) [0.5 h-6 h] t.sub.1/2 8.282 h .+-. 6.327 h (only
N = 14)
Acetaminophen (APAP) Summary:
[0211] single dose; Bz-HC.HCl/APAP tablet, 6.67 mg/325 mg; oral;
fasted
TABLE-US-00011 TABLE 11 Parameter APAP Released from
Bz-HC.cndot.HCl/APAP AUC.sub.0-24 h 16.388 h .times. .mu.g/mL .+-.
3.987 h .times. .mu.g/mL AUC.sub.inf 17.220 h .times. .mu.g/mL .+-.
3.696 h .times. .mu.g/mL C.sub.max 4.067 .mu.g/mL .+-. 1.319
.mu.g/mL T.sub.max (mean) 0.717 h .+-. 0.394 h T.sub.max (median)
0.5 h T.sub.max (range) [0.5 h-2 h] t.sub.1/2 4.934 h .+-. 0.977
h
Example 16
Bz-HC.HCl/APAP Steady State Human Pharmacokinetic Studies
[0212] A study was conducted to assess the pharmacokinetics of
Bz-HC, hydrocodone, hydromorphone, and acetaminophen (APAP) after
single and multiple doses of Bz-HC.HCl/APAP tablets (2.times.6.67
mg/325 mg) under fasted conditions and the systemic exposure to
Bz-HC after administration of multiple doses of Bz-HC.HCl/APAP
tablets (2.times.6.67 mg/325 mg) with a total daily dose of 12
tablets based on the maximum daily APAP dose of 4 grams.
[0213] This was a single-period, single- and multiple-dose study in
which 26 healthy adult subjects were to be enrolled with the goal
of completing 20. After completing an overnight fast (10 hours),
subjects received a single dose (Dose 1, Day 1) of 2 Bz-HC.HCl/APAP
tablets to evaluate single-dose pharmacokinetics. Twenty-four (24)
hours after the first dose (Day 2), subjects entered the multi-dose
portion of the study and received 2 Bz-HC.HCl/APAP tablets (Dose 2
through Dose 14) every 4 hours for a total of 14 doses in a
confined setting.
[0214] Blood samples (2.times.6 mL) for pharmacokinetic analysis
were collected prior to and up to 24 hours after dose 1 (Day 1) and
Dose 14 (Day 4). In addition, to confirm that steady-state was
achieved, blood samples were collected prior to Doses 4 and 6 on
Day 2, and prior to Doses 8, 10, and 12 on Day 3. A total of 26
subjects were enrolled and 24 subjects completed the study. The 24
subjects that completed the study comprised the pharmacokinetic
(PK) analysis population.
[0215] A summary of the PK data for hydrocodone single dose,
multiple dose and steady state is presented in Tables 12, 13, and
14, respectively. A summary of the PK data for hydromorphone single
dose and multiple dose is presented in Tables 15 and 16,
respectively. A summary of the PK data for acetaminophen single
dose, multiple dose and steady state is presented in Tables 17, 18,
and 19. PK curves of the of the mean.+-.standard error plasma
concentrations of hydrocodone, hydromorphone and acetaminophen are
present in FIGS. 27, 28, and 29, respectively. A comparison of
T.sub.max for hydrocodone, hydromorphone and acetaminophen between
Day 1 and Day 4 is presented in FIG. 30. Accumulation ratios for
hydrocodone, hydromorphone and acetaminophen from Day 1 to Day 4
(C.sub.max, AUC.sub.0-4h and AUC.sub.inf) are shown in FIG. 31.
These results demonstrate that the PK of hydrocodone and
acetaminophen are linear and predictable after administration of
single and multiple doses of Bz-HC.HCl.
Hydrocodone Single Doses:
[0216] single oral dose of Bz-HC.HCl/APAP tablets, 13.34 mg/650
mg
TABLE-US-00012 TABLE 12 Parameter Hydrocodone Released from
Bz-HC.cndot.HCl/APAP AUC.sub.0-4 h 92,940 h .times. pg/mL .+-.
20,158 h .times. pg/mL AUC.sub.0-24 h 212,948 h .times. pg/mL .+-.
52,803 h .times. pg/mL AUC.sub.inf 219,357 h .times. pg/mL .+-.
57,283 h .times. pg/mL C.sub.max 33,946 pg/mL .+-. 8,407 pg/mL
T.sub.max (mean) 1.173 h .+-. 0.709 h T.sub.max (median) 1 h
T.sub.max (range) [0.5 h-4 h] t.sub.1/2 4.448 h .+-. 0.590 h
Hydrocodone Multiple Doses:
[0217] post-dose at steady-state, oral dose of Bz-HC.HCl/APAP
tablets, 13.34 mg/650 mg
TABLE-US-00013 TABLE 13 Parameter Hydrocodone Released from
Bz-HC.cndot.HCl/APAP AUC.sub.0-4 h 195,074 h .times. pg/mL .+-.
47,655 h .times. pg/mL AUC.sub.0-24 h 432,752 h .times. pg/mL .+-.
118,669 h .times. pg/mL C.sub.max 62,788 pg/mL .+-. 14,751 pg/mL
T.sub.max (mean) 1.295 h .+-. 0.361 h T.sub.max (median) 1.25 h
T.sub.max (range) [0.5 h-2 h] t.sub.1/2 4.874 h .+-. 0.629 h
Hydrocodone Steady-State:
TABLE-US-00014 [0218] TABLE 14 steady-state reached >24 h with
Q4H dosing (after Dose 6) C.sub.max ratio (single dose vs.
steady-state): 1.85 AUC.sub.0-4 h ratio (single dose vs.
steady-state): 2.10 AUC.sub.0-24 h ratio (single dose vs.
steady-state): 2.03
Hydromorphone Single Doses:
[0219] single oral dose of Bz-HC.HCl/APAP tablets, 13.34 mg/650
mg
TABLE-US-00015 TABLE 15 Parameter Hydromorphone Released from
Bz-HC.cndot.HCl/APAP AUC.sub.0-4 h 888 h .times. pg/mL .+-. 431 h
.times. pg/mL AUC.sub.0-24 h 2,148 h .times. pg/mL .+-. 1,197 h
.times. pg/mL AUC.sub.inf 2,418 h .times. pg/mL .+-. 1,249 h
.times. pg/mL (only N = 11) C.sub.max 372 pg/mL .+-. 184 pg/mL
T.sub.max (mean) 0.776 h .+-. 0.350 h T.sub.max (median) 0.5 h
T.sub.max (range) [0.5 h-1.5 h] t.sub.1/2 8.896 h .+-. 3.892 h
(only N = 11)
Hydromorphone Multiple Doses:
[0220] post-dose at steady-state, oral dose of Bz-HC.HCl/APAP
tablets, 13.34 mg/650 mg
TABLE-US-00016 TABLE 16 Parameter Hydromorphone Released from
Bz-HC.cndot.HCl/APAP AUC.sub.0-4 h 1,727 h .times. pg/mL .+-. 770 h
.times. pg/mL AUC.sub.0-24 h 5,645 h .times. pg/mL .+-. 2,525 h
.times. pg/mL C.sub.max 548 pg/mL .+-. 232 pg/mL T.sub.max (mean)
0.919 h .+-. 0.568 h T.sub.max (median) 0.773 h T.sub.max (range)
[0.5 h-3 h] t.sub.1/2 13.306 h .+-. 3.602 h (only N = 9)
Acetaminophen Single Doses:
[0221] single oral dose of Bz-HC.HCl/APAP tablets, 13.34 mg/650
mg
TABLE-US-00017 TABLE 17 Parameter APAP Released from
Bz-HC.cndot.HCl/APAP AUC.sub.0-4 h 17.622 h .times. .mu.g/mL .+-.
4.247 h .times. .mu.g/mL AUC.sub.0-24 h 30.526 h .times. .mu.g/mL
.+-. 12.736 h .times. .mu.g/mL AUC.sub.inf 28.945 h .times.
.mu.g/mL .+-. 7.069 h .times. .mu.g/mL C.sub.max 7.951 .mu.g/mL
.+-. 2.157 .mu.g/mL T.sub.max (mean) 0.797 h .+-. 0.567 h T.sub.max
(median) 0.5 h T.sub.max (range) [0.5 h-3 h] t.sub.1/2 4.787 h .+-.
1.210 h
Acetaminophen Multiple Doses:
[0222] post-dose at steady-state, oral dose of Bz-HC.HCl/APAP
tablets, 13.34 mg/650 mg
TABLE-US-00018 TABLE 18 Parameter APAP Released from
Bz-HC.cndot.HCl/APAP AUC.sub.0-4 h 29.820 h .times. .mu.g/mL .+-.
6.186 h .times. .mu.g/mL AUC.sub.0-24 h 54.997 h .times. .mu.g/mL
.+-. 13.570 h .times. .mu.g/mL C.sub.max 11.033 .mu.g/mL .+-. 2.344
.mu.g/mL T.sub.max (mean) 0.908 h .+-. 0.380 h T.sub.max (median) 1
h T.sub.max (range) [0.5 h-1.5 h] t.sub.1/2 6.840 h .+-. 2.415
h
Acetaminophen Steady-State:
TABLE-US-00019 [0223] TABLE 19 steady-state reached between 24 h
and 36 h with Q4H dosing C.sub.max ratio (single dose vs.
steady-state): 1.38 AUC.sub.0-4 h ratio (single dose vs.
steady-state): 1.69 AUC.sub.0-24 h ratio (single dose vs.
steady-state): 1.80
Example 17
Bz-HC.HCl/APAP Human Pharmacokinetic Effect of Food Studies
[0224] A study was conducted to assess the effect of food on the
bioavailability and pharmacokinetics of hydrocodone and
acetaminophen (APAP) from Bz-HC.HCl/APAP Tablets, 6.67 mg/325 mg
and to assess the relative bioavailability of Bz-HC.HCl/APAP
Tablet, 6.67 mg/325 mg and Norco.RTM. tablet, 7.5 mg/325 mg (NDC
#52544-162-01) under fed conditions in healthy volunteers.
[0225] This was a single-dose, randomized, 3-treatment, 3-period,
6-sequence, crossover study in which 42 healthy adult subjects were
to be enrolled with the goal of completing 30. Subjects received
single-dose treatments according to a randomization schedule. The
fed treatments included a single dose of Bz-HC.HCl/APAP, 6.67
mg/325 mg and a single dose of Norco.RTM., 7.5 mg/325 mg,
administered under fed conditions while the fasted treatment
included Bz-HC.HCl/APAP, 6.67 mg/325 mg, administered under fasted
conditions.
[0226] Each treatment period was separated by at least a 7-day
washout period. Fasted doses were administered after a standard
overnight fast (approximately 10 hours) and fed doses were
administered 30 minutes after beginning to ingest a standard meal.
Each dose was administered along with approximately 240 mL (8 fl.
oz.) of room temperature tap water. No food was allowed until 4
hours after dose administration. Except for the 240 mL of room
temperature tap water provided with the dose, no water was consumed
for 1 hour prior through 1 hour after dosing.
[0227] Blood samples (1.times.6 mL+1.times.4 mL) for
pharmacokinetic analysis were collected prior to and up to 24 hours
after each dose.
[0228] A total of 42 subjects were enrolled. The pharmacokinetic
(PK) analysis population was comprised of 40 subjects for the fed
treatments (39 for APAP) and 38 subjects for the fasted
treatment.
[0229] A summary of the PK data for hydrocodone fasted, fed and fed
vs. fasted is presented in Tables 20, 21, and 22, respectively. A
summary of the PK data for hydromorphone fasted, fed and fed vs.
fasted is presented in Tables 23, 24, and 25, respectively. A
summary of the PK data for acetaminophen fasted, fed and fed vs.
fasted is presented in Tables 26, 27, and 28, respectively. PK
curves of the of the mean.+-.standard error plasma concentrations
of hydrocodone, hydromorphone and acetaminophen under fed and
fasted conditions are presented in FIGS. 32, 33, and 34,
respectively. Estimated geometric mean rations and 90% confidence
intervals (CI) for the least squares mean ratios (GMR) of the
log-transformed PK parameters comparing Bz-HC.HCl/APAP under fed
and fasted conditions are presented in FIG. 35. These results
demonstrate that Bz-HC.HCl/APAP (6.67 mg/325 mg) shows no
clinically relevant food effect.
Hydrocodone Food Effect:
[0230] single oral dose of 6.67 mg/325 mg of Bz-HC.HCl/APAP,
fasted
TABLE-US-00020 TABLE 20 Parameter Hydrocodone Released from
Bz-HC.cndot.HCl/APAP AUC.sub.0-24 h 121,404 h .times. pg/mL .+-.
35,183 h .times. pg/mL AUC.sub.inf 125,729 h .times. pg/mL .+-.
36,783 h .times. pg/mL C.sub.max 19,175 pg/mL .+-. 4,840 pg/mL
T.sub.max (mean) 1.408 h .+-. 0.602 h T.sub.max (median) 1.25 h
T.sub.max (range) [0.5 h-3 h] t.sub.1/2 4.325 h .+-. 0.669 h
Hydrocodone Food Effect:
single oral dose of 6.67 mg/325 mg of Bz-HC.HCl/APAP, fed
TABLE-US-00021 [0231] TABLE 21 Parameter Hydrocodone Released from
Bz-HC.cndot.HCl/APAP AUC.sub.0-24 h 125,798 h .times. pg/mL .+-.
26,900 h .times. pg/mL AUC.sub.inf 130,905 h .times. pg/mL .+-.
29,451 h .times. pg/mL C.sub.max 16,044 pg/mL .+-. 3,608 pg/mL
T.sub.max (mean) 2.502 h .+-. 0.955 h T.sub.max (median) 2.5 h
T.sub.max (range) [0.5 h-4 h] t.sub.1/2 4.530 h .+-. 0.700 h
Hydrocodone Fed vs. Fasted:
TABLE-US-00022 TABLE 22 C.sub.max decreased with food by 16.3%
(mean to mean), from -48% to 37% AUC.sub.0-24 h increased with food
by 3.6% (mean to mean), from -37% to 77% AUC.sub.inf increased with
food by 4.1% (men to mean), from -38% to 80% T.sub.max (mean)
change from T.sub.max (median) increased with food from 1.25 h
T.sub.max (range) increased with food from [0.5 h-3 h] (fasted) to
[0.5 h-4 h] (fed) Statistically no overall change in exposure.
Hydromorphone Food Effect:
[0232] single oral dose of 6.67 mg/325 mg of Bz-HC.HCl/APAP,
fasted
TABLE-US-00023 TABLE 23 Parameter Hydromorphone Released from
Bz-HC.cndot.HCl/APAP AUC.sub.0-24 h 1,521 h .times. pg/mL .+-. 915
h .times. pg/mL AUC.sub.inf 2,229 h .times. pg/mL .+-. 1,272 h
.times. pg/mL (only N = 17) C.sub.max 235 pg/mL .+-. 130 pg/mL
T.sub.max (mean) 0.994 h .+-. 0.597 h T.sub.max (median) 1 h
T.sub.max (range) [0.5 h-3 h] t.sub.1/2 11.185 h .+-. 4.411 h (only
N = 17)
Hydromorphone Food Effect:
[0233] single oral dose of 6.67 mg/325 mg of Bz-HC.HCl/APAP,
fed
TABLE-US-00024 TABLE 24 Parameter Hydromorphone Released from
Bz-HC.cndot.HCl/APAP AUC.sub.0-24 h 1,806 h .times. pg/mL .+-.
1,141 h .times. pg/mL AUC.sub.inf 2,562 h .times. pg/mL .+-. 1,463
h .times. pg/mL (only N = 30) C.sub.max 194 pg/mL .+-. 113 pg/mL
T.sub.max (mean) 2.358 h .+-. 1.158 h T.sub.max (median) 2 h
T.sub.max (range) [0.5 h-6 h] t.sub.1/2 12.182 h .+-. 5.447 h (only
N = 30)
Hydromorphone Fed vs. Fasted:
TABLE-US-00025 TABLE 25 C.sub.max decreased with food by 17.5%
(mean to mean), from -78% to 193% AUC.sub.0-24 h increased with
food by 18.7% (mean to mean), from -73% to 386% T.sub.max (mean)
change from -25% to 786% T.sub.max (median) increased with food
from 1 h (fasted) to 2 h (fed) T.sub.max (range) increased with
food from [0.5 h-3 h] (fasted) to [0.5 h-6 h] (fed) Statistically
no overall change in exposure.
Acetaminophen Food Effect:
[0234] single oral dose of 6.67 mg/325 mg of Bz-HC.HCl/APAP,
fasted
TABLE-US-00026 TABLE 26 Parameter APAP Released from
Bz-HC.cndot.HCl/APAP AUC.sub.0-24 h 14.640 h .times. .mu.g/mL .+-.
4.424 h .times. .mu.g/mL AUC.sub.inf 14.683 h .times. .mu.g/mL .+-.
3.867 h .times. .mu.g/mL C.sub.max 4.048 .mu.g/mL .+-. 1.300
.mu.g/mL T.sub.max (mean) 1.054 h .+-. 0.708 h T.sub.max (median) 1
h T.sub.max (range) [0.5 h-3 h] t.sub.1/2 4.781 h .+-. 1.303 h
Acetaminophen Food Effect:
[0235] single oral dose of 6.67 mg/325 mg of Bz-HC.HCl/APAP,
fed
TABLE-US-00027 TABLE 27 Parameter APAP Released from
Bz-HC.cndot.HCl/APAP AUC.sub.0-24 h 14.497 h .times. .mu.g/mL .+-.
3.414 h .times. .mu.g/mL AUC.sub.inf 15.031 h .times. .mu.g/mL .+-.
3.533 h .times. .mu.g/mL C.sub.max 3.344 .mu.g/mL .+-. 1.011
.mu.g/mL T.sub.max (mean) 1.547 h .+-. 0.871 h T.sub.max (median)
1.5 h T.sub.max (range) [0.5 h-4 h] t.sub.1/2 5.636 h .+-. 1.577
h
Acetaminophen Fed vs. Fasted:
TABLE-US-00028 TABLE 28 C.sub.max decreased with food by 17.4%
(mean to mean), from -56% to 58% AUC.sub.0-24 h decreased with food
by 1.0% (mean to mean), from -42% to 75% AUC.sub.inf increased with
food by 2.4% (mean to mean), from -38% to 72% T.sub.max (mean)
change from -62% to 598% T.sub.max (median) increased with food
from 1 h (fasted) to 1.5 h (fed) T.sub.max (range) increased with
food from [0.5 h-3 h] (fasted) to [0.5 h-4 h] (fed) Statistically
no overall change in exposure.
Example 18
Bz-HC.HCl/APAP Single Dose Human Pharmacokinetic Studies
[0236] An additional study was conducted to further investigate the
rate and extent of absorption of hydrocodone and hydromorphone from
Bz-HC.HCl/APAP tablets (1.times.6.67 mg/325 mg) when administered
to healthy subjects under fasted conditions.
[0237] This was a single-dose, randomized, 2-treatment, 2-period,
2-sequence, crossover study in which 30 healthy adult subjects were
to be enrolled with the goal of completing 26. Subjects received 2
single-dose treatments according to a randomization schedule. The
treatment included were Bz-HC.HCl/APAP, 6.67 mg/325 mg and
Vicoprofen.RTM. (hydrocodone bitartrate/ibuprofen), 7.5 mg/200 mg
(NDC #0074-2277-14), administered under fasted conditions.
[0238] Each treatment period was separated by at least a 7-day
washout period. Each dose was administered after a standard
overnight fast (approximately 10 hours) with approximately 240 mL
(8 fl. oz.) of room temperature tap water. No food was allowed
until 4 hours after dose administration. Except for the 240 mL of
room temperature tap water provided with the dose, no water was
consumed for 1 hour prior through 1 hour after dosing.
[0239] Blood samples (1.times.6 mL) for pharmacokinetic analysis
were collected prior to and up to 24 hours after each dose.
[0240] A total of 30 subjects were enrolled. Twenty-eight (28)
subjects completed both study periods. The pharmacokinetic (PK)
analysis population was comprised of 28 subjects.
[0241] A summary of the PK data for hydrocodone and hydromorphone
is presented in Tables 29 and 30, respectively. PK curves of the of
the mean.+-.standard error plasma concentrations of hydrocodone and
hydromorphone are presented in FIGS. 36 and 37, respectively. These
results demonstrate that Bz-HC.HCl/APAP (6.67 mg/325 mg) is
bioequivalent to Vicoprofen.RTM. (7.5 mg/200 mg) and similar
immediate release hydrocodone combination products.
Hydrocodone Summary:
[0242] single oral dose of 6.67 mg/325 mg of Bz-HC.HCl/APAP
TABLE-US-00029 TABLE 29 Parameter Hydrocodone Released from
Bz-HC.cndot.HCl/APAP AUC.sub.0-24 h 132,618 h .times. pg/mL .+-.
34,198 h .times. pg/mL AUC.sub.inf 136,499 h .times. pg/mL .+-.
34,899 h .times. pg/mL C.sub.max 21,061 pg/mL .+-. 4,426 pg/mL
T.sub.max (mean) 1.241 h .+-. 0.394 h T.sub.max (median) 1.00 h
T.sub.max (range) [0.5 h-2 h] t.sub.1/2 4.190 h .+-. 0.638 h
Hydromorphone Summary:
[0243] single oral dose of 6.67 mg/325 mg of Bz-HC.HCl/APAP
TABLE-US-00030 TABLE 30 Parameter Hydromorphone Released from
Bz-HC.cndot.HCl/APAP AUC.sub.0-24 h 1,741 h .times. pg/mL .+-. 896
h .times. pg/mL AUC.sub.inf 2,269 h .times. pg/mL .+-. 1,541 h
.times. pg/mL (only N = 4) C.sub.max 246 pg/mL .+-. 98 pg/mL
T.sub.max (mean) 0.964 h .+-. 0.434 h T.sub.max (median) 1.00 h
T.sub.max (range) [0.5 h-2 h] t.sub.1/2 8.791 h .+-. 4.827 h
Example 19
Bz-HC.HCl/APAP Single Dose Human Pharmacokinetic Studies
[0244] An additional study was conducted to further analyze the
rate and extent of absorption of hydrocodone, and hydromorphone,
and acetaminophen (APAP) from Bz-HC.HCl/APAP tablets (1.times.6.67
mg/325 mg) when administered to healthy subjects under fasted
conditions.
[0245] This was a single-dose, randomized, 2-treatment, 2-period,
2-sequence, crossover study in which 26 healthy adult subjects were
to be enrolled with the goal of completing 20. Subjects received 2
single-dose treatments according to a randomization schedule. The
treatments included were Bz-HC.HCl/APAP, 6.67 mg/325 mg and
Ultracet.RTM. (tramadol/acetaminophen), 37.5 mg/325 mg (NDC
#50458-650-60), administered under fasted conditions.
[0246] Each treatment period was separated by at least a 7-day
washout period. Each dose was administered after a standard
overnight fast (approximately 10 hours) with approximately 240 mL
(8 fl. oz.) of room temperature tap water. No food was allowed
until 4 hours after dose administration. Except for the 240 mL of
room temperature tap water provided with the dose, no water was
consumed for 1 hour prior through 1 hour after dosing.
[0247] Blood samples (1.times.6 mL) for pharmacokinetic analysis
were collected prior to and up to 36 hours after each dose.
[0248] A total of 30 subjects were enrolled. Twenty-seven (27)
subjects completed both study periods. The pharmacokinetic (PK)
analysis population was comprised of 27 subjects.
[0249] A summary of the PK data for hydrocodone, hydromorphone, and
acetaminophen is presented in Tables 31, 32, and 33, respectively.
PK curves of the of the mean.+-.standard error plasma
concentrations of hydrocodone, hydromorphone and acetaminophen are
presented in FIGS. 38, 39, and 40, respectively. These results
demonstrate that Bz-HC.HCl/APAP (6.67 mg/325 mg) is bioequivalent
to Ultracet.RTM. (37.5 mg/325 mg) with respect to
acetaminophen.
Hydrocodone Summary:
[0250] single oral dose of 6.67 mg/325 mg of Bz-HC.HCl/APAP
TABLE-US-00031 TABLE 31 Parameter Hydrocodone Released from
Bz-HC.cndot.HCl/APAP AUC.sub.0-36 h 124,102 h .times. pg/mL .+-.
30,541 h .times. pg/mL AUC.sub.inf 128,085 h .times. pg/mL .+-.
30,784 h .times. pg/mL C.sub.max 19,278 pg/mL .+-. 5,462 pg/mL
T.sub.max (mean) 1.595 h .+-. 0.922 h T.sub.max (median) 1.25 h
T.sub.max (range) [0.5 h-4 h] t.sub.1/2 4.347 h .+-. 0.681 h
Hydromorphone Summary:
[0251] single oral dose of 6.67 mg/325 mg of Bz-HC.HCl/APAP
TABLE-US-00032 TABLE 32 Parameter Hydromorphone Released from
Bz-HC.cndot.HCl/APAP AUC.sub.0-36 h 1,644 h .times. pg/mL .+-.
1,012 h .times. pg/mL AUC.sub.inf not available C.sub.max 224 pg/mL
.+-. 137 pg/mL T.sub.max (mean) 1.185 h .+-. 0.798 h T.sub.max
(median) 1.00 h T.sub.max (range) [0.5 h-4 h] t.sub.1/2 not
available
Acetaminophen Summary:
[0252] single oral dose of 6.67 mg/325 mg of Bz-HC.HCl/APAP
TABLE-US-00033 TABLE 33 Parameter APAP Released from
Bz-HC.cndot.HCl/APAP AUC.sub.0-36 h 15.138 h .times. .mu.g/mL .+-.
4.480 h .times. .mu.g/mL AUC.sub.inf 15.472 h .times. .mu.g/mL .+-.
4.572 h .times. .mu.g/mL C.sub.max 3.810 .mu.g/mL .+-. 1.301
.mu.g/mL T.sub.max (mean) 1.243 h .+-. 1.064 h T.sub.max (median)
1.00 h T.sub.max (range) [0.5 h-4 h] t.sub.1/2 5.269 h .+-. 1.856
h
Example 20
Bz-HC.HCl/APAP Single Dose Human Pharmacokinetic Studies
[0253] The dose-dependent ranges of the PK parameters obtained in
single dose studies conducted with oral formulations containing
Bz-HC.HCl at doses from 5 mg to 13.34 mg in fasted, healthy
subjects are summarized for hydrocodone, hydromorphone and APAP, as
applicable, in Tables 34, 35, and 36, respectively. The ranges of
the PK parameters obtained in single oral dose studies conducted
with Bz-HC.HCl/APAP tablets, 6.67 mg/325 mg in fasted, healthy
subjects are summarized hydrocodone, hydromorphone and APAP, as
applicable, in Tables 37, 38 and 39, respectively.
Hydrocodone Summary:
[0254] single oral dose from 5 mg to 13.34 mg of Bz-HC.HCl,
fasted
TABLE-US-00034 TABLE 34 Hydrocodone Released from Bz-HC.cndot.HCl
or Parameter Bz-HC.cndot.HCl/APAP AUC.sub.0-24 h 70.69 h .times.
ng/mL .+-. 17.39 h .times. ng/mL to 212.95 h .times. ng/mL .+-.
52.80 h .times. ng/mL AUC.sub.inf 79.37 h .times. ng/mL .+-. 18.67
h .times. ng/mL to 219.36 h .times. ng/mL .+-. 57.28 h .times.
ng/mL C.sub.max 12.8 ng/mL .+-. 3.84 ng/mL to 33.95 ng/mL .+-. 8.41
ng/mL T.sub.max (mean) 1.173 h .+-. 0.709 h to 1.866 h .+-. 0.901 h
T.sub.max (median) 1 h to 1.5 h T.sub.max (range) [0.5 h-4 h]
t.sub.1/2 3.79 h .+-. 0.88 h to 4.448 h .+-. 0.590 h
Hydromorphone Summary:
[0255] single oral dose from 6.67 mg to 13.34 mg of Bz-HC.HCl,
fasted
TABLE-US-00035 TABLE 35 Hydromorphone Released from Bz-HC.cndot.HCl
or Parameter Bz-HC.cndot.HCl/APAP AUC.sub.0-24 h 1,453 h .times.
pg/mL .+-. 900 h .times. pg/mL to 2,148 h .times. pg/mL .+-. 1,197
h .times. pg/mL C.sub.max 194 pg/mL .+-. 113 pg/mL to 372 pg/mL
.+-. 184 pg/mL T.sub.max (mean) 0.776 h .+-. 0.350 h to 1.065 h
.+-. 1.156 h T.sub.max (median) 0.5 h to 1 h T.sub.max (range) [0.5
h-6 h]
Acetaminophen Summary:
[0256] single oral dose from 6.67 mg to 13.34 mg of Bz-HC.HCl,
fasted
TABLE-US-00036 TABLE 36 Parameter APAP Released from
Bz-HC.cndot.HCl/APAP AUC.sub.0-24 h 14.640 h .times. .mu.g/mL .+-.
4.424 h .times. .mu.g/mL to 30.526 h .times. .mu.g/mL .+-. 12.736 h
.times. .mu.g/mL AUC.sub.inf 14.683 h .times. .mu.g/mL .+-. 3.867 h
.times. .mu.g/mL to 28.945 h .times. .mu.g/mL .+-. 7.069 h .times.
.mu.g/mL C.sub.max 4.048 .mu.g/mL .+-. 1.300 .mu.g/mL to 7.951
.mu.g/mL .+-. 2.157 .mu.g/mL T.sub.max (mean) 0.717 h .+-. 0.394 h
to 1.054 h .+-. 0.708 h T.sub.max (median) 0.5 h to 1 h T.sub.max
(range) [0.5 h-3 h] t.sub.1/2 4.781 h .+-. 1.303 h to 4.934 h .+-.
0.977 h
Hydrocodone Summary:
[0257] single oral dose of Bz-HC.HCl/APAP, 6.67 mg/325 mg,
fasted
TABLE-US-00037 TABLE 37 Parameter Hydrocodone Released from
Bz-HC.cndot.HCl/APAP AUC.sub.0-24 h 112.09 h .times. ng/mL .+-.
28.77 h .times. ng/mL to 132.62 h .times. ng/mL .+-. 34.20 h
.times. ng/mL AUC.sub.inf 115.77 h .times. ng/mL .+-. 29.10 h
.times. ng/mL to 136.50 h .times. ng/mL .+-. 34.90 h .times. ng/mL
C.sub.max 16.86 ng/mL .+-. 4.15 ng/mL to 21.06 ng/mL .+-. 4.43
ng/mL T.sub.max (mean) 1.241 h .+-. 0.394 h to 1.595 h .+-. 0.922 h
T.sub.max (median) 1 h to 1.25 h T.sub.max (range) [0.5 h-4 h]
t.sub.1/2 4.190 h .+-. 0.638 h to 4.347 h .+-. 0.681 h
Hydromorphone Summary:
[0258] single oral dose of Bz-HC.HCl/APAP, 6.67 mg/325 mg,
fasted
TABLE-US-00038 TABLE 38 Parameter Hydromorphone Released from
Bz-HC.cndot.HCl/APAP AUC.sub.0-24 h 1,453 h .times. pg/mL .+-. 900
h .times. pg/mL to 1,741 h .times. pg/mL .+-. 896 h .times. pg/mL
C.sub.max 224 pg/mL .+-. 137 pg/mL to 246 pg/mL .+-. 98 pg/mL
T.sub.max (mean) 0.964 h .+-. 0.434 h to 1.185 h .+-. 0.798 h
T.sub.max (median) 0.5 h to 1 h T.sub.max (range) [0.5 h-6 h]
Acetaminophen Summary:
[0259] single oral dose of Bz-HC.HCl/APAP, 6.67 mg/325 mg,
fasted
TABLE-US-00039 TABLE 39 Parameter APAP Released from
Bz-HC.cndot.HCl/APAP AUC.sub.0-24 h 16.388 h .times. .mu.g/mL .+-.
3.987 h .times. .mu.g/mL to 14.640 h .times. .mu.g/mL .+-. 4.424 h
.times. .mu.g/mL AUC.sub.inf 17.220 h .times. .mu.g/mL + 3.696 h
.times. .mu.g/mL to 14.683 h .times. .mu.g/mL .+-. 3.867 h .times.
.mu.g/mL C.sub.max 3.810 .mu.g/mL .+-. 1.301 .mu.g/mL to 4.067
.mu.g/mL .+-. 1.319 .mu.g/mL T.sub.max (mean) 0.717 h .+-. 0.394 h
to 1.243 h .+-. 1.064 h T.sub.max (median) 0.5 h to 1 h T.sub.max
(range) [0.5 h-4 h] t.sub.1/2 4.781 h .+-. 1.303 h to 5.269 h .+-.
1.856 h
Example 21
Intact Bz-HC Pharmacokinetic Studies
[0260] LC/MS/MS analyses were performed in order to attempt to
measure intact Bz-HC concentrations in the plasma samples obtained
from any of the blood samples described above in Examples 14-19.
However, all plasma concentrations of intact Bz-HC were <LLOQ
(25 pg/mL) and no PK analyses could be performed
[0261] In the present specification, use of the singular includes
the plural except where specifically indicated.
[0262] The compositions, prodrugs, and methods described herein can
be illustrated by the following embodiments enumerated in the
numbered paragraphs that follow:
1. A composition comprising at least one conjugate of hydrocodone
and at least one benzoic acid or benzoic acid derivative, a salt
thereof, or a combination thereof, at least one benzoic acid or
benzoic acid derivative having the following formula I:
##STR00015##
wherein,
[0263] X, Y and Z are independently selected from the group
consisting of H, O, S, NH and --(CH.sub.2).sub.x--;
[0264] R.sup.1, R.sup.2 and R.sup.3 are independently selected from
the group consisting of H, alkyl, alkoxy, aryl, alkenyl, alkynyl,
halo, haloalkyl, alkylaryl, arylalkyl, heterocycle, arylalkoxy,
cycloalkyl, cycloalkenyl and cycloalkynyl;
[0265] o, p, q are independently selected from 0 or 1; and
[0266] x is an integer between 1 and 10.
2. A composition comprising at least one conjugate of hydrocodone
and at least one benzoic acid, a derivative thereof, or a
combination thereof. 3. A composition comprising a benzoate
conjugate, wherein the benzoate conjugate comprises at least one
hydrocodone conjugated to at least one benzoic acid or benzoic acid
derivative. 4. The composition of paragraph 1, wherein at least one
benzoic acid or benzoic acid derivative is an aminobenzoate, a
hydroxybenzoate, an aminohydroxybenzoate, a derivative thereof, or
combination thereof. 5. The composition of paragraph 4, wherein the
aminobenzoate is selected from the group consisting of: anthranilic
acid, 3-aminobenzoic acid, 4,5-dimethylanthranilic acid,
N-methylanthranilic acid, N-acetylanthranilic acid, fenamic acids
(e.g., tolfenamic acid, mefenamic acid, flufenamic acid),
2,4-diaminobenzoic acid (2,4-DABA), 2-acetylamino-4-aminobenzoic
acid, 4-acetylamino-2-aminobenzoic acid, 2,4-diacetylaminobenzoic
acid, derivatives thereof and combinations thereof. 6. The
composition of paragraph 4, wherein the hydroxybenzoate is selected
from the group consisting of salicylic acid, acetylsalicylic acid
(aspirin), 3-hydroxybenzoic acid, 4-hydroxybenzoic acid,
6-methylsalicylic acid, o,m,p-cresotinic acid, anacardic acids,
4,5-dimethylsalicylic acid, o,m,p-thymotic acid, diflusinal,
o,m,p-anisic acid, 2,3-dihydroxybenzoic acid (2,3-DHB),
.alpha.,.beta.,.gamma.-resorcylic acid, protocatechuic acid,
gentisic acid, piperonylic acid, 3-methoxysalicylic acid,
4-methoxysalicylic acid, 5-methoxysalicylic acid,
6-methoxysalicylic acid, 3-hydroxy-2-methoxybenzoic acid,
4-hydroxy-2-methoxybenzoic acid, 5-hydroxy-2-methoxybenzoic acid,
vanillic acid, isovanillic acid, 5-hydroxy-3-methoxybenzoic acid,
2,3-dimethoxybenzoic acid, 2,4-dimethoxybenzoic acid,
2,5-dimethoxybenzoic acid, 2,6-dimethoxybenzoic acid, veratric acid
(3,4-dimethoxybenzoic acid), 3,5-dimethoxybenzoic acid, gallic
acid, 2,3,4-trihydroxybenzoic acid, 2,3,6-trihydroxybenzoic acid,
2,4,5-trihydroxybenzoic acid, 3-O-methylgallic acid (3-OMGA),
4-O-methylgallic acid (4-OMGA), 3,4-O-dimethylgallic acid, syringic
acid, 3,4,5-trimethoxybenzoic acid, derivatives thereof and
combinations thereof. 7. The composition of paragraph 4, wherein
the aminohydroxybenzoate is selected from the group consisting of
4-aminosalicylic acid, 3-hydroxyanthranilic acid,
3-methoxyanthranilic acid, derivatives thereof and combinations
thereof. 8. The composition of paragraph 1, 2, 3, or 4, wherein at
least one conjugate is a treatment or preventative composition used
to treat narcotic or opioid abuse or prevent withdrawal. 9. The
composition of paragraph 1, 2, 3, or 4, wherein at least one
conjugate is a pain treatment composition. 10. The composition of
paragraph 1, 2, 3, or 4, wherein at least one conjugate is moderate
to severe pain treatment composition. 11. The composition of
paragraph 1, 2, 3, or 4, wherein at least one conjugate reduces or
prevents oral, intranasal or intravenous drug abuse. 12. The
composition of paragraph 1, 2, 3, or 4, wherein at least one
conjugate provides oral, intranasal or parenteral drug abuse
resistance. 13. The composition of paragraph 1, 2, 3, or 4, wherein
at least one conjugate exhibits an improved rate of release over
time and AUC when compared to unconjugated hydrocodone over the
same time period. 14. The composition of paragraph 1, 2, 3, or 4,
wherein at least one conjugate exhibits less variability in the
oral PK profile when compared to unconjugated hydrocodone. 15. The
composition of paragraph 1, 2, 3, or 4, wherein at least one
conjugate has reduced side effects when compared with unconjugated
hydrocodone. 16. The composition of paragraph 1, 2, 3, or 4,
wherein at least one conjugate prevents drug tampering by either
physical or chemical manipulation. 17. The composition of paragraph
1, 2, 3, or 4, wherein at least one conjugate is provided in a
dosage form selected from the group consisting of: a tablet, a
capsule, a caplet, a suppository, a troche, a lozenge, an oral
powder, a solution, an oral film, a thin strip, a slurry, and a
suspension. 18. The composition of paragraph 1, 2, 3, or 4, wherein
at least one conjugate is provided in an amount sufficient to
provide a therapeutically bioequivalent AUC when compared to
unconjugated hydrocodone. 19. The composition of paragraph 1, 2, 3,
or 4, wherein at least one conjugate is provided in an amount
sufficient to provide a therapeutically bioequivalent AUC and
C.sub.max compared to an equivalent molar amount of unconjugated
hydrocodone. 20. The composition of paragraph 1, 2, 3, or 4,
wherein at least one conjugate is provided in an amount sufficient
to provide a therapeutically bioequivalent AUC and a lower
C.sub.max compared to an equivalent molar amount of unconjugated
hydrocodone. 21. The composition of paragraph 1, 2, 3 or 4, wherein
at least one conjugate is present in an amount of from about 0.5 mg
or higher. 22. The composition of paragraph 1, 2, 3 or 4, wherein
at least one conjugate is present in an amount of from about 2.5 mg
or higher. 23. The composition of paragraph 1, 2, 3 or 4, wherein
at least one conjugate is present in an amount of from about 5 mg
or higher. 24. The composition of paragraph 1, 2, 3 or 4, wherein
at least one conjugate is present in an amount of from about 10 mg
or higher. 25. The composition of paragraph 1, 2, 3 or 4, wherein
at least one conjugate is present in an amount of from about 20 mg
or higher. 26. The composition of paragraph 1, 2, 3 or 4, wherein
at least one conjugate is present in an amount of from about 50 mg
or higher. 27. The composition of paragraph 1, 2, 3 or 4, wherein
at least one conjugate is present in an amount of from about 100 mg
or higher. 28. A method for treating a patient having a disease,
disorder or condition requiring or mediated by binding of an opioid
to opioid receptors of the patient, comprising orally administering
to the patient a pharmaceutically effective amount of at least one
conjugate of hydrocodone and at least one benzoic acid or benzoic
acid derivative, a salt thereof, or a combination thereof, the
benzoic acid or benzoic acid derivative having formula I:
##STR00016##
wherein
[0267] X, Y and Z are independently selected from the group
consisting of H, O, S, NH and --(CH.sub.2).sub.x--;
[0268] R.sup.1, R.sup.2 and R.sup.3 are independently selected from
the group consisting of H, alkyl, alkoxy, aryl, alkenyl, alkynyl,
halo, haloalkyl, alkylaryl, arylalkyl, heterocycle, arylalkoxy,
cycloalkyl, cycloalkenyl and cycloalkynyl;
[0269] o, p, q are independently selected from 0 or 1; and
[0270] x is an integer between 1 and 10.
29. The method of paragraph 28, wherein at least one conjugate
exhibits a slower rate of release over time and greater AUC when
compared to an equivalent molar amount of unconjugated hydrocodone
over the same time period. 30. The method of paragraph 28, wherein
at least one conjugate exhibits less variability in the oral PK
profile when compared to unconjugated hydrocodone. 31. The method
of paragraph 28, wherein at least one conjugate has reduced side
effects when compared with unconjugated hydrocodone. 32. The method
of paragraph 28, wherein at least one conjugate is provided in a
dosage form selected from the group consisting of: a tablet, a
capsule, a caplet, a suppository, a troche, a lozenge, an oral
powder, a solution, an oral film, a thin strip, a slurry, and a
suspension. 33. The method of paragraph 28, wherein at least one
conjugate is provided in an amount sufficient to provide a
therapeutically bioequivalent AUC when compared to a molar
equivalent amount of unconjugated hydrocodone. 34. The method of
paragraph 28, wherein at least one conjugate is provided in an
amount sufficient to provide a therapeutically bioequivalent AUC
and when compared to a molar equivalent amount of unconjugated
hydrocodone. 35. The method of paragraph 28, wherein at least one
conjugate is provided in an amount sufficient to provide a
therapeutically bioequivalent AUC and a lower C.sub.max when
compared to a molar equivalent amount of unconjugated hydrocodone.
36. The method of paragraph 28, wherein at least one conjugate is
present in an amount of from about 0.5 mg or higher. 37. The method
of paragraph 28, wherein at least one conjugate is present in an
amount of from about 2.5 mg or higher. 38. The method of paragraph
28, wherein at least one conjugate is present in an amount of from
about 5 mg or higher. 39. The method of paragraph 28, wherein at
least one conjugate is present in an amount of from about 10 mg or
higher. 40. The method of paragraph 28, wherein at least one
conjugate is present in an amount of from about 20 mg or higher.
41. The method of paragraph 28, wherein at least one conjugate is
present in an amount of from about 50 mg or higher. 42. The method
of paragraph 28, wherein at least one conjugate is present in an
amount of from about 100 mg or higher. 43. The method of paragraph
28, wherein at least one conjugate binds reversibly to the opioid
receptors of the patient. 44. The method of paragraph 28, wherein
at least one conjugate prevents or reduces at least one
constipatory side effect of unconjugated hydrocodone. 45. The
method of paragraph 28, wherein at least one conjugate exhibits
reduced or prevented constipatory effects when compared with
unconjugated hydrocodone. 46. The method of paragraph 28, wherein
at least one conjugate binds irreversibly to the opioid receptors
of the patient. 47. A method for treating a patient having a
disease, disorder or condition requiring or mediated by inhibiting
binding of an opioid to opioid receptors of the patient, comprising
orally administering to the patient a pharmaceutically effective
amount of at least one conjugate of hydrocodone and at least one
benzoic acid or benzoic acid derivative, a salt thereof, or a
combination thereof, the benzoic acid or benzoic acid derivative
having formula I:
##STR00017##
wherein
[0271] X, Y and Z are independently selected from the group
consisting of H, O, S, NH and --(CH.sub.2).sub.x--;
[0272] R.sup.1, R.sup.2 and R.sup.3 are independently selected from
the group consisting of H, alkyl, alkoxy, aryl, alkenyl, alkynyl,
halo, haloalkyl, alkylaryl, arylalkyl, heterocycle, arylalkoxy,
cycloalkyl, cycloalkenyl and cycloalkynyl;
[0273] o, p, q are independently selected from 0 or 1; and
[0274] x is an integer between 1 and 10.
48. The method of paragraph 47, wherein at least one conjugate
reversibly inhibits binding of an opioid to the opioid receptor of
the patient. 49. The method of paragraph 47, wherein at least one
conjugate prevents or reduces at least one constipatory side effect
of hydrocodone alone. 50. A method for treating a patient having a
disease, disorder or condition requiring or mediated by binding of
an opioid to opioid receptors of the patient, comprising orally
administering to the patient a pharmaceutically effective amount of
at least one conjugate of hydrocodone and at least one benzoic
acid, a salt thereof, a derivative thereof or a combination
thereof. 51. The method of paragraph 50, wherein at least one
conjugate provides a slower rate of release over time and higher
AUC when compared to an equivalent molar amount of unconjugated
hydrocodone over the same time period. 52. The method of paragraph
50, wherein at least one conjugate exhibits less variability in the
oral PK profile when compared to hydrocodone alone. 53. The method
of paragraph 50, wherein at least one conjugate has reduced side
effects when compared with hydrocodone alone. 54. The method of
paragraph 50, wherein at least one conjugate is provided in a
dosage form selected from the group consisting of: a tablet, a
capsule, a caplet, a suppository, a troche, a lozenge, an oral
powder, a solution, an oral film, a thin strip, a slurry, and a
suspension. 55. The method of paragraph 50, wherein at least one
conjugate is provided in an amount sufficient to provide a
bioequivalent, and thus therapeutically equivalent, AUC when
compared to hydrocodone alone. 56. The method of paragraph 50,
wherein at least one conjugate is provided in an amount sufficient
to provide a bioequivalent, and thus therapeutically equivalent,
AUC and C.sub.max when compared to hydrocodone alone. 57. The
method of paragraph 50, wherein at least one conjugate is provided
in an amount sufficient to provide a bioequivalent, and thus
therapeutically equivalent, AUC when compared to hydrocodone alone
with a lower C.sub.max. 58. The method of paragraph 50, wherein at
least one conjugate is provided in an amount sufficient to provide
a bioequivalent, and thus therapeutically equivalent, AUC when
compared to hydrocodone alone, but does not provide an equivalent
C.sub.max. 59. The method of paragraph 50, wherein at least one
conjugate is present in an amount of from about 0.5 mg or higher.
60. The method of paragraph 50, wherein at least one conjugate is
present in an amount of from about 2.5 mg or higher. 61. The method
of paragraph 50, wherein at least one conjugate is present in an
amount of from about 5 mg or higher. 62. The method of paragraph
50, wherein at least one conjugate is present in an amount of from
about 10 mg or higher. 63. The method of paragraph 50, wherein at
least one conjugate is present in an amount of from about 20 mg or
higher. 64. The method of paragraph 50, wherein at least one
conjugate is present in an amount of from about 50 mg or higher.
65. The method of paragraph 50, wherein at least one conjugate is
present in an amount of from about 100 mg or higher. 66. The method
of paragraph 50, wherein at least one conjugate binds reversibly to
the opioid receptors of the patient. 67. The method of paragraph
50, wherein at least one conjugate prevents or reduces at least one
constipatory side effect of hydrocodone alone. 68. The method of
paragraph 50, wherein at least one conjugate exhibits reduced or
prevented constipatory effects. 69. The method of paragraph 50,
wherein at least one conjugate binds permanently to the opioid
receptors of the patient. 70. A method for treating a patient
having a disease, disorder or condition requiring or mediated by
inhibiting binding of an opioid to opioid receptors of the patient,
comprising orally administering to the patient a pharmaceutically
effective amount of at least one conjugate of hydrocodone and at
least one benzoic acid, a salt thereof, a derivative thereof or a
combination thereof. 71. The method of paragraph 70, wherein at
least one conjugate reversibly inhibits binding of an opioid to the
opioid receptor of the patient. 72. The method of paragraph 70,
wherein at least one conjugate prevents or reduces at least one
constipatory side effect of hydrocodone alone. 73. A pharmaceutical
kit comprising: a specified amount of individual doses in a package
containing a pharmaceutically effective amount of at least one
conjugate of hydrocodone and at least one benzoic acid or benzoic
acid derivative, a salt thereof, or a combination thereof, the
benzoic acid or benzoic acid derivative having the formula I:
##STR00018##
wherein
[0275] X, Y and Z are independently selected from the group
consisting of H, O, S, NH and --(CH.sub.2).sub.x--;
[0276] R.sup.1, R.sup.2 and R.sup.3 are independently selected from
the group consisting of H, alkyl, alkoxy, aryl, alkenyl, alkynyl,
halo, haloalkyl, alkylaryl, arylalkyl, heterocycle, arylalkoxy,
cycloalkyl, cycloalkenyl and cycloalkynyl;
[0277] o, p, q can be independently selected from 0 or 1; and
[0278] x is an integer between 1 and 10
74. The kit of paragraph 73, wherein the kit further comprises:
(ii) instructions for use of the kit in a method for treating or
preventing drug withdrawal symptoms or pain in a human or animal
patient. 75. The kit of paragraph 74, wherein the patient is a
pediatric patient. 76. The kit of paragraph 74, wherein the patient
is an elderly patient. 77. The kit of paragraph 74, wherein the
patient is a normative patient. 78. A pharmaceutical kit
comprising: a specified amount of individual doses in a package
containing a pharmaceutically effective amount of at least one
conjugate of hydrocodone and at least one benzoic acid, a salt
thereof, a derivative thereof or a combination thereof. 79. The kit
of paragraph 78, wherein the kit further comprises: (ii)
instructions for use of the kit in a method for treating or
preventing drug withdrawal symptoms or pain in a human or animal
patient. 80. The kit of paragraph 79, wherein the patient is a
pediatric patient. 81. The kit of paragraph 79, wherein the patient
is an elderly patient. 82. The kit of paragraph 79, wherein the
patient is a normative patient. 83. The kit of paragraph 73, 74,
78, or 79, wherein the individual dosages comprise at least about
0.5 mg or higher of at least one conjugate. 84. The kit of
paragraph 73, 74, 78, or 79, wherein the individual dosages
comprise at least about 2.5 mg or higher of at least one conjugate.
85. The kit of paragraph 73, 74, 78, or 79, wherein the individual
dosages comprise at least about 5.0 mg or higher of at least one
conjugate. 86. The kit of paragraph 73, 74, 78, or 79, wherein the
individual dosages comprise at least about 10 mg or higher of at
least one conjugate. 87. The kit of paragraph 73, 74, 78, or 79,
wherein the individual dosages comprise at least about 20 mg or
higher of at least one conjugate. 88. The kit of paragraph 73, 74,
78, or 79, wherein the individual dosages comprise at least about
50 mg or higher of at least one conjugate. 89. The kit of paragraph
73, 74, 78, or 79, wherein the individual dosages comprise at least
about 100 mg or higher of at least one conjugate. 90. The kit of
paragraph 73, 74, 78, or 79, wherein the kit comprises from about 1
to about 60 individual doses. 91. The kit of paragraph 73, 74, 78,
or 79, wherein the kit comprises from about 10 to about 30
individual doses. 92. A composition comprising at least one
conjugate of hydrocodone and at least one heteroaryl carboxylic
acid, a derivative thereof, or a combination thereof. 93. The
composition of paragraph 92, wherein at least one heteroaryl
carboxylic acid is selected from formula II, formula III or formula
IV, wherein formula II, formula III and formula IV are:
##STR00019##
wherein
[0279] X, Y and Z are independently selected from the group
consisting of H, O, S, NH and --(CH.sub.2).sub.x--;
[0280] R.sup.1, R.sup.2 and R.sup.3 are independently selected from
the group consisting of H, alkyl, alkoxy, aryl, alkenyl, alkynyl,
halo, haloalkyl, alkylaryl, arylalkyl, heterocycle, arylalkoxy,
cycloalkyl, cycloalkenyl and cycloalkynyl;
[0281] o, p, q are independently selected from 0 or 1; and
[0282] x is an integer from 1 to 10.
94. A composition comprising at least one conjugate of hydrocodone
and at least one nicotinic acid, a derivative thereof, or a
combination thereof. 95. The composition of paragraph 92, wherein
at least one heteroaryl carboxylic acid is a pyridine derivative.
96. The composition of paragraph 92, wherein the heteroaryl
carboxylic acid is selected from the group consisting of,
isonicotinic acid, picolinic acid, 3-hydroxypicolinic acid,
6-hydroxynicotinic acid, citrazinic acid, 2,6-dihydroxynicotinic
acid, kynurenic acid, xanthurenic acid, 6-hydroxykynurenic acid,
8-methoxykynurenic acid, 7,8-dihydroxykynurenic acid,
7,8-dihydro-7,8-dihydroxykynurenic acid, derivatives thereof and
combinations thereof. 97. The composition of paragraph 92, 93, or
94, wherein at least one conjugate is used to treat drug, narcotic
or opioid abuse or prevent withdrawal. 98. The composition of
paragraph 92, 93, or 94, wherein at least one conjugate is used to
treat pain. 99. The composition of paragraph 92, 93, or 94, wherein
at least one conjugate is used to treat moderate to severe pain.
100. The composition of paragraph 92, 93, or 94, wherein at least
one conjugate reduces or prevents oral, intranasal or intravenous
drug abuse. 101. The composition of paragraph 92, 93, or 94,
wherein at least one conjugate provides oral, intranasal or
parenteral drug abuse resistance. 102. The composition of paragraph
92, 93, or 94, wherein at least one conjugate prevents drug
tampering by either physical or chemical manipulation. 103. The
composition of paragraph 92, 93, or 94, wherein at least one
conjugate exhibits an improved rate of release over time and AUC
when compared to a molar equivalent of unconjugated hydrocodone
alone over the same time period. 104. The composition of paragraph
92, 93, or 94, wherein at least one conjugate exhibits less
variability in the oral PK profile when compared to a molar
equivalent of unconjugated hydrocodone alone. 105. The composition
of paragraph 92, 93, or 94, wherein at least one conjugate has
reduced side effects when compared with hydrocodone alone. 106. The
composition of paragraph 92, 93, or 94, wherein the composition is
provided in a dosage form selected from the group consisting of: a
tablet, a capsule, a caplet, a suppository, a troche, a lozenge, an
oral powder, a solution, an oral film, a thin strip, a slurry, and
a suspension. 107. The composition of paragraph 92, 93, or 94,
wherein at least one conjugate is provided in an amount sufficient
to provide a bioequivalent, and thus therapeutically equivalent,
AUC when compared to a molar equivalent of unconjugated hydrocodone
alone. 108. The composition of paragraph 92, 93, or 94, wherein at
least one conjugate is provided in an amount sufficient to provide
a bioequivalent, and thus therapeutically equivalent, AUC and
C.sub.max when compared to hydrocodone alone. 109. The composition
of paragraph 92, 93, or 94, wherein at least one conjugate is
provided in an amount sufficient to provide a bioequivalent, and
thus therapeutically equivalent, AUC when compared to hydrocodone
alone, with a lower C.sub.max. 110. The composition of paragraph
92, 93, or 94, wherein at least one conjugate is present in an
amount of from about 0.5 mg or higher. 111. The composition of
paragraph 92, 93, or 94, wherein at least one conjugate is present
in an amount of from about 2.5 mg or higher. 112. The composition
of paragraph 92, 93, or 94, wherein at least one conjugate is
present in an amount of from about 5 mg or higher. 113. The
composition of paragraph 92, 93, or 94, wherein at least one
conjugate is present in an amount of from about 10 mg or higher.
114. The composition of paragraph 92, 93, or 94, wherein at least
one conjugate is present in an amount of from about 20 mg or
higher. 115. The composition of paragraph 92, 93, or 94, wherein at
least one conjugate is present in an amount of from about 50 mg or
higher. 116. The composition of paragraph 92, 93, or 94, wherein at
least one conjugate is present in an amount of from about 100 mg or
higher. 117. A method for treating a patient having a disease,
disorder or condition requiring or mediated by binding of an opioid
to opioid receptors of the patient, comprising orally administering
to the patient a pharmaceutically effective amount of at least one
conjugate of hydrocodone and at least one heteroaryl carboxylic
acid. 118. The method of paragraph 117, wherein at least one
heteroaryl carboxylic acid is selected from formula II, formula III
or formula IV, wherein formula II, formula III and formula IV
are:
##STR00020##
wherein
[0283] X, Y and Z are independently selected from the group
consisting of H, O, S, NH and --(CH.sub.2).sub.x--;
[0284] R.sup.1, R.sup.2 and R.sup.3 are independently selected from
the group consisting of H, alkyl, alkoxy, aryl, alkenyl, alkynyl,
halo, haloalkyl, alkylaryl, arylalkyl, heterocycle, arylalkoxy,
cycloalkyl, cycloalkenyl and cycloalkynyl;
[0285] o, p, q are independently selected from 0 or 1; and
[0286] x is an integer from 1 to 10.
119. A method for treating a patient having a disease, disorder or
condition requiring or mediated by binding of an opioid to one or
more opioid receptors of the patient, comprising orally
administering to the patient a pharmaceutically effective amount of
at least one conjugate of hydrocodone and at least one nicotinic
acid, a derivative thereof, or a combination thereof. 120. The
method of paragraph 117, 118, or 119, wherein at least one
conjugate exhibits an improved rate of release over time and AUC
when compared to hydrocodone alone over the same time period. 121.
The method of paragraph 117, 118, or 119, wherein at least one
conjugate exhibits less variability in the oral PK profile when
compared to hydrocodone alone. 122. The method of paragraph 117,
118, or 119, wherein at least one conjugate has reduced side
effects when compared to hydrocodone alone. 123. The method of
paragraph 117, 118, or 119, wherein at least one conjugate is
provided in a dosage from selected from the group consisting of: a
tablet, a capsule, a caplet, a suppository, a troche, a lozenge, an
oral powder, a solution, an oral film, a thin strip, a slurry, and
a suspension. 124. The method of paragraph 117, 118, or 119,
wherein at least one conjugate is provided in an amount sufficient
to provide a bioequivalent, and thus therapeutically equivalent,
AUC when compared to an equivalent molar amount of unconjugated
hydrocodone. 125. The method of paragraph 117, 118, or 119, wherein
at least one conjugate is provided in an amount sufficient to
provide a bioequivalent, and thus therapeutically equivalent, AUC
and C.sub.max when compared to an equivalent molar amount of
unconjugated hydrocodone. 126. The method of paragraph 117, 118, or
119, wherein at least one conjugate is provided in an amount
sufficient to provide a bioequivalent, and thus therapeutically
equivalent, AUC and a lower C.sub.max compared to the same molar
amount of unconjugated hydrocodone. 127. The method of paragraph
117, 118, or 119, wherein at least one conjugate is provided in an
amount sufficient to provide a bioequivalent, and thus
therapeutically equivalent, AUC when compared to hydrocodone alone,
but does not provide an equivalent C.sub.max. 128. The method of
paragraph 117, 118, or 119, wherein at least one conjugate is
present in an amount of from about 0.5 mg or higher. 129. The
method of paragraph 117, 118, or 119, wherein at least one
conjugate is present in an amount of from about 2.5 mg or higher.
130. The method of paragraph 117, 118, or 119, wherein at least one
conjugate is present in an amount of from about 5 mg or higher.
131. The method of paragraph 117, 118, or 119, wherein at least one
conjugate is present in an amount of from about 10 mg or higher.
132. The method of paragraph 117, 118, or 119, wherein at least one
conjugate is present in an amount of from about 20 mg or higher.
133. The method of paragraph 117, 118, or 119, wherein at least one
conjugate is present in an amount of from about 50 mg or higher.
134. The method of paragraph 117, 118, or 119, wherein at least one
conjugate is present in an amount of from about 100 mg or higher.
135. The method of paragraph 117, 118, or 119, wherein at least one
conjugate binds reversibly to one or more opioid receptors of the
patient. 136. The method of paragraph 117, 118, or 119, wherein at
least one conjugate prevents or reduces at least one constipatory
side effect of hydrocodone alone. 137. The method of paragraph 117,
118, or 119, wherein at least one conjugate exhibits reduced or
prevented constipatory effects. 138. The method of paragraph 117,
118, or 119, wherein at least one conjugate binds permanently to
the opioid receptors of the patient. 139. A method for treating a
patient having a disease, disorder or condition requiring or
mediated by inhibiting binding of an opioid to opioid receptors of
the patient, comprising orally administering to the patient a
pharmaceutically effective amount of at least one conjugate of
hydrocodone and at least one heteroaryl carboxylic acid. 140. The
method of paragraph 139, wherein at least one heteroaryl carboxylic
acid is selected from formula II, formula III or formula IV,
wherein formula II, formula III and formula IV are:
##STR00021##
wherein
[0287] X, Y and Z are independently selected from the group
consisting of H, O, S, NH and --(CH.sub.2).sub.x--;
[0288] R.sup.1, R.sup.2 and R.sup.3 are independently selected from
the group consisting of H, alkyl, alkoxy, aryl, alkenyl, alkynyl,
halo, haloalkyl, alkylaryl, arylalkyl, heterocycle, arylalkoxy,
cycloalkyl, cycloalkenyl and cycloalkynyl;
[0289] o, p, q are independently selected from 0 or 1; and
[0290] x is an integer from 1 to 10.
141. A method for treating a patient having a disease, disorder or
condition requiring or mediated by inhibiting binding of an opioid
to opioid receptors of the patient, comprising orally administering
to the patient a pharmaceutically effective amount of at least one
conjugate of hydrocodone and at least one nicotinic acid, a
derivative thereof, or a combination thereof. 142. The method of
paragraph 139, 140, or 141, wherein at least one conjugate
reversibly inhibits binding of an opioid to the opioid receptor of
the patient. 143. The method of paragraph 139, 140, or 141, wherein
at least one conjugate prevents or reduces at least one
constipatory side effect of hydrocodone alone. 144. A
pharmaceutical kit comprising: a specified number of individual
doses in a package containing a pharmaceutically effective amount
of at least one conjugate of hydrocodone and at least one
heteroaryl carboxylic acid, a derivative thereof, or a combination
thereof, wherein at least one heteroaryl carboxylic acid is
selected from formula II, formula III or formula IV, wherein
formula II, formula III and formula IV are:
##STR00022##
wherein
[0291] X, Y and Z are independently selected from the group
consisting of H, O, S, NH and --(CH.sub.2).sub.x--;
[0292] R.sup.1, R.sup.2 and R.sup.3 are independently selected from
the group consisting of H, alkyl, alkoxy, aryl, alkenyl, alkynyl,
halo, haloalkyl, alkylaryl, arylalkyl, heterocycle, arylalkoxy,
cycloalkyl, cycloalkenyl and cycloalkynyl;
[0293] o, p, q are independently selected from 0 or 1; and
[0294] x is an integer from 1 to 10.
145. The kit of paragraph 144, wherein the kit further comprises:
(ii) instructions for use of the kit in a method for treating or
preventing drug withdrawal symptoms or pain in a human or animal
patient. 146. The kit of paragraph 145, wherein the patient is a
pediatric patient. 147. The kit of paragraph 145, wherein the
patient is an elderly patient. 148. The kit of paragraph 145,
wherein the patient is a normative patient. 149. The kit of
paragraph 144 or 145, wherein the individual dosages comprise at
least about 0.5 mg or higher of at least one conjugate. 150. The
kit of paragraph 144 or 145, wherein the individual dosages
comprise at least about 2.5 mg or higher of at least one conjugate.
151. The kit of paragraph 144 or 145, wherein the individual
dosages comprise at least about 5.0 mg or higher of at least one
conjugate. 152. The kit of paragraph 144 or 145, wherein the
individual dosages comprise at least about 10 mg or higher of at
least one conjugate. 153. The kit of paragraph 144 or 145, wherein
the individual dosages comprise at least about 20 mg or higher of
at least one conjugate. 154. The kit of paragraph 144 or 145,
wherein the individual dosages comprise at least about 50 mg or
higher of at least one conjugate. 155. The kit of paragraph 144 or
145, wherein the individual dosages comprise at least about 100 mg
or higher of at least one conjugate. 156. The kit of paragraph 144
or 145, wherein the kit comprises from about 1 to about 60
individual doses. 157. The kit of paragraph 144 or 145, wherein the
kit comprises from about 10 to about 30 individual doses. 158. A
prodrug comprising at least one conjugate of hydrocodone and at
least one benzoic acid or benzoic acid derivative, a salt thereof,
a or a combination thereof, the benzoic acid or benzoic acid
derivative having the following formula I:
##STR00023##
wherein,
[0295] X, Y and Z are independently selected from the group
consisting of H, O, S, NH and --(CH.sub.2).sub.x--;
[0296] R.sup.1, R.sup.2 and R.sup.3 are independently selected from
the group consisting of H, alkyl, alkoxy, aryl, alkenyl, alkynyl,
halo, haloalkyl, alkylaryl, arylalkyl, heterocycle, arylalkoxy,
cycloalkyl, cycloalkenyl and cycloalkynyl;
[0297] o, p, q are independently selected from 0 or 1; and
[0298] x is an integer between 1 and 10.
159. A prodrug comprising at least one conjugate of hydrocodone and
at least one benzoic acid, a derivative thereof, or a combination
thereof. 160. A prodrug comprising a benzoate conjugate, wherein
the benzoate conjugate comprises at least one hydrocodone
conjugated to at least one benzoic acid or benzoic acid derivative.
161. A prodrug comprising at least one conjugate of hydrocodone and
at least one heteroaryl carboxylic acid, a derivative thereof, or a
combination thereof. 162. The prodrug of paragraph 161, wherein the
heteroaryl carboxylic acid is selected from formula II, formula III
or formula IV, wherein formula II, formula III and formula IV
are:
##STR00024##
wherein
[0299] X, Y and Z are independently selected from the group
consisting of H, O, S, NH and --(CH.sub.2).sub.x--;
[0300] R.sup.1, R.sup.2 and R.sup.3 are independently selected from
the group consisting of H, alkyl, alkoxy, aryl, alkenyl, alkynyl,
halo, haloalkyl, alkylaryl, arylalkyl, heterocycle, arylalkoxy,
cycloalkyl, cycloalkenyl and cycloalkynyl;
[0301] o, p, q are independently selected from 0 or 1; and
[0302] x is an integer from 1 to 10.
163. A prodrug comprising at least one conjugate of hydrocodone and
at least one nicotinic acid, a derivative thereof, or a combination
thereof. 164. The prodrug of paragraph 158, wherein the benzoic
acid derivative is an aminobenzoate, a hydroxybenzoate, an
aminohydroxybenzoate, a derivative thereof, or combination thereof.
165. The composition of paragraph 1 or 2, wherein at least one
conjugate exhibits less variability in intranasal PK profiles when
compared to unconjugated hydrocodone. 166. The composition of
paragraph 1 or 2, wherein at least one conjugate exhibits less
variability in the parenteral PK profiles when compared to
unconjugated hydrocodone. 167. The composition of paragraph 1 or 2,
wherein at least one conjugate exhibits less variability in the
intravenous PK profile when compared to unconjugated
hydrocodone.
[0303] The presently described technology is now described in such
full, clear, concise and exact terms as to enable any person
skilled in the art to which it pertains, to practice the same. It
is to be understood that the foregoing describes preferred
embodiments of the technology and that modifications may be made
therein without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention
as set forth in the appended claims.
* * * * *