U.S. patent application number 15/003048 was filed with the patent office on 2016-05-19 for delivery of ibuprofen and other compounds.
This patent application is currently assigned to Strategic Science & Technologies, LLC. The applicant listed for this patent is Strategic Science & Technologies, LLC. Invention is credited to Eric T. Fossel.
Application Number | 20160136281 15/003048 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 42101947 |
Filed Date | 2016-05-19 |
United States Patent
Application |
20160136281 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Fossel; Eric T. |
May 19, 2016 |
DELIVERY OF IBUPROFEN AND OTHER COMPOUNDS
Abstract
The present invention generally relates to the transdermal
delivery of various compositions. In some aspects, the transdermal
delivery may be facilitated by the use of a hostile biophysical
environment. One set of embodiments provides a composition for
topical delivery comprising ibuprofen and/or an ibuprofen salt, a
nitric oxide donor, and optionally, a hostile biophysical
environment. In some cases, the composition may be stabilized using
a stabilization polymer such as xanthan gum, KELTROL.RTM. BT and/or
KELTROL.RTM. RD; propylene glycol; and a polysorbate surfactant
such as Polysorbate 20, which unexpectedly provides temperature
stability to the composition, e.g., at elevated temperatures such
as at least 40.degree. C. (at least about 104.degree. F.), as
compared to compositions lacking one or more of these.
Inventors: |
Fossel; Eric T.; (Cambridge,
MA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Strategic Science & Technologies, LLC |
Cambridge |
MA |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Strategic Science &
Technologies, LLC
Cambridge
MA
|
Family ID: |
42101947 |
Appl. No.: |
15/003048 |
Filed: |
January 21, 2016 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
14841767 |
Sep 1, 2015 |
|
|
|
15003048 |
|
|
|
|
14071954 |
Nov 5, 2013 |
9155701 |
|
|
14841767 |
|
|
|
|
12812187 |
Mar 28, 2011 |
8604081 |
|
|
PCT/US09/03749 |
Jun 24, 2009 |
|
|
|
14071954 |
|
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
514/263.38 ;
514/570; 514/777 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61K 9/107 20130101;
A61K 9/0014 20130101; A61K 47/26 20130101; A61K 47/36 20130101;
A61P 29/00 20180101; A61K 47/02 20130101; A61K 9/127 20130101; A61K
9/06 20130101; A61K 31/192 20130101; A61K 9/7023 20130101; A61K
31/522 20130101; A61K 47/10 20130101; A61K 47/12 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A61K 47/36 20060101
A61K047/36; A61K 47/26 20060101 A61K047/26; A61K 31/522 20060101
A61K031/522; A61K 47/10 20060101 A61K047/10; A61K 9/00 20060101
A61K009/00; A61K 31/192 20060101 A61K031/192 |
Claims
1-112. (canceled)
113. A composition for topical delivery to the skin of a subject,
the composition comprising: a stabilization polymer comprising
xanthan gum; propylene glycol; a polysorbate surfactant; and an
ionic strength of at least about 0.25 M.
114. The composition of claim 113, wherein the composition further
comprises a nitric oxide donor.
115. The composition of claim 114, wherein the nitric oxide donor
comprises L-arginine.
116. The composition of claim 114, wherein the nitric oxide donor
comprises an L-arginine salt.
117. The composition of claim 114, wherein the nitric oxide donor
is present at a concentration of at least about 0.5% by weight of
the composition.
118. The composition of claim 113, wherein the composition
comprises an ionic strength of at least about 1 M.
119. The composition of claim 113, wherein the composition
comprises an ionic salt.
120. The composition of claim 119, wherein the ionic salt comprises
sodium chloride.
121. The composition of claim 119, wherein the ionic salt comprises
one or more of choline chloride, magnesium chloride, and calcium
chloride.
122. The composition of claim 119, wherein the ionic salt is
present in a concentration of at least about 5% by weight of the
composition.
123. The composition of claim 113, wherein the composition
comprises one or more changed polymers.
124. The composition of claim 123, wherein the one or more charged
polymers comprises one or more of polylysine, polyglutamine, and
polyaspartate.
125. The composition of claim 113, wherein the composition further
comprises a penetrating agent.
126. The composition of claim 113, wherein the composition further
comprises citric acid.
127. The composition of claim 113, wherein the stabilization
polymer is present in a concentration of at least about 0.5% by
weight of the composition.
128. The composition of claim 113, wherein the propylene glycol is
present in a concentration of at least about 3% by weight of the
composition.
129. The composition of claim 113, wherein the polysorbate
surfactant is present in a concentration of at least about 1% by
weight of the composition.
130. The composition of claim 113, wherein the polysorbate
surfactant comprises Polysorbate 20.
131. The composition of claim 113, wherein the composition is in a
form selected from the group consisting of a cream, a gel, and a
lotion.
132. The composition of claim 113, wherein the composition further
comprises one or more of glyceryl stearate, cetyl alcohol,
squalene, isopropyl myristate, and oleic acid.
133. The composition of claim 113, wherein the composition further
comprises one or more pharmaceutical agents.
134. The composition of claim 133, wherein the composition is able
to deliver the one or more pharmaceutical agents systemically
within the body of the subject.
135. The composition of claim 133, wherein the composition is able
to deliver the one or more pharmaceutical agents to a specific
location within the body of the subject.
136. The composition of claim 133, wherein the one or more
pharmaceutical agents comprises a small molecule, a peptide, a
protein, a hormone, a vitamin, or a nucleic acid.
137. The composition of claim 133, wherein the one or more
pharmaceutical agents comprises an NSAID.
138. The composition of claim 137, wherein the NSAID comprises one
or more of acetylsalicylic acid, naproxen, celecoxib, or
refecoxib.
139. The composition of claim 133, wherein the one or more
pharmaceutical agents comprises a narcotic.
140. The composition of claim 139, wherein the narcotic comprises
one or more of morphine, codine, propoxyphene, oxycodone, or
hydrocodone.
141. The composition of claim 133, wherein the one or more
pharmaceutical agents comprises an agent for treating sexual
dysfunction.
142. The composition of claim 141, wherein the agent for treating
sexual dysfunction comprises one or more of yohimbie, alprostadil,
sildenafil, cialis, uprima, or vardenaifl.
143. The composition of claim 133, wherein the one or more
pharmaceutical agents comprises an agent for treating migraine.
144. The composition of claim 143, wherein the agent for treating
migraine comprises one or more of dihydroergotamine, ergotamine,
sumatripan, rizatriptan, or zolmitriptan.
145. The composition of claim 133, wherein the one or more
pharmaceutical agents comprises an agent for treating hair.
146. The composition of claim 145, wherein the agent for treating
hair comprises one or more of finasteride, eflornithine, or
minoxidil.
147. The composition of claim 133, wherein the one or more
pharmaceutical agents comprises a muscle improving agent.
148. The composition of claim 147, wherein the muscle improving
agent comprises creatine and/or a creatine precursor.
149. The composition of claim 133, wherein the one or more
pharmaceutical agents comprises an ATP precursor.
150. The composition of claim 149, wherein the ATP precursor
comprises one or more of inosine, adenosine, inosine, adenine,
hypoxanthine, ribose, or phosphate.
151. The composition of claim 133, wherein the one or more
pharmaceutical agents comprises an anabolic steroid.
152. The composition of claim 151, wherein the anabolic steroid
comprises one or more of androstene, DHEA, androstenediol,
androstenedione, ephedra, ephedrine, or pseudoephedrine
153. The composition of claim 133, wherein the one or more
pharmaceutical agents comprises an agent for treating cancer.
154. The composition of claim 153, wherein the agent for treating
cancer and/or viral infection comprises one or more of tamoxifen,
cis-platin, carboplatin, cyclophosphamide, vinca alkaloids,
epipodophyllotoxins, or taxol.
155. The composition of claim 133, wherein the one or more
pharmaceutical agents comprises an agent for viral infection.
156. The composition of claim 155, wherein the agent for treating
cancer and/or viral infection comprises acyclovir.
157. The composition of claim 133, wherein the one or more
pharmaceutical agents comprises naicin, lidocaine, or
benzocaine.
158. The composition of claim 113, wherein the composition further
comprises theophylline.
159. The composition of claim 113, wherein the composition further
comprises one or more of vitamin A, vitamin D, and vitamin E.
160. The composition of claim 113, wherein the composition is
tailored to have a duration of effective treatment of at least
about 3 hours.
161. The composition of claim 113, wherein the composition contains
water at at least about 20 wt %.
162. A method, comprising applying the composition of claim 113 to
a subject.
163. The method of claim 162, wherein the subject is human.
164. The method of claim 162, comprising applying the composition
to the head of the subject.
165. The method of claim 162, comprising applying the composition
to the genitals of the subject.
166. The method of claim 162, comprising applying the composition
to a muscle of the subject.
167. The method of claim 162, comprising applying the composition
to a joint of the subject.
Description
FIELD OF INVENTION
[0001] The present invention generally relates to the transdermal
delivery of compositions.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Local transdermal delivery of drugs, while desirable, is
limited by current technologies. Few pharmaceutical entities have
successfully been delivered transdermally in effective dosages. For
example, a limited number of drugs, such as steroids, nicotine, and
nitroglycerine, which are non-charged and do not form hydrogen
bonds, have been successfully delivered by passive diffusion,
relying on the concentration gradient between outside and inside
the skin to deliver the drug in accordance with Fick's first law of
diffusion. The amount of pharmaceutical agent that can be delivered
through simple diffusion is also limited. For instance, once the
concentration inside the stratum corneum becomes equal to that
outside, flow of pharmaceutical agent may stop. Thus, improvements
in the transdermal delivery of compositions, locally or
systemically, are needed.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0003] The present invention generally relates to the transdermal
delivery of compositions, locally or systemically, and in some
embodiments, to the transdermal delivery of compositions by a
hostile biophysical environment. Examples include ibuprofen or
other pharmaceutical agents. The subject matter of the present
invention involves, in some cases, interrelated products,
alternative solutions to a particular problem, and/or a plurality
of different uses of one or more systems and/or articles.
[0004] In one set of embodiments, compositions having relatively
high temperature stability are provided. In some embodiments, for
instance, a composition of the present invention may include a
stabilization polymer, propylene glycol, and a polysorbate
surfactant. Non-limiting examples of stabilization polymers include
xanthan gum, KELTROL.RTM. BT and/or KELTROL.RTM. RD; an example of
a polysorbate surfactant is Polysorbate 20. Such a combination of
components to create high temperature stability are surprising,
since compositions involving any two of these components (but not
the third) were found to lack such high temperature stabilization
properties. It is not currently known why this combination of
components is remarkably effective at facilitating relatively high
temperature stability of the compositions discussed herein, as
these components are not known to participate in any significant
chemical reactions with each other, and high temperature stability
is greatly reduced when one of the components is removed. In
addition, propylene glycol is not known to work in pharmaceutical
compositions as a stabilizing agent.
[0005] Thus, in one aspect, the present invention is directed to a
composition for topical delivery to the skin of a subject. In one
set of embodiments, the composition includes a nitric oxide donor,
a hostile biophysical environment, a stabilization polymer,
propylene glycol, a polysorbate surfactant, and ibuprofen and/or a
ibuprofen salt.
[0006] In another set of embodiments, at least about 80% by weight
of the composition comprises water, at least one chloride salt, a
nitric oxide donor, a stabilization polymer, propylene glycol, a
polysorbate surfactant, and ibuprofen and/or a ibuprofen salt.
[0007] The composition, in yet another set of embodiments, includes
water, sodium chloride, a nitric oxide donor, glyceryl stearate,
cetyl alcohol, potassium chloride, squalane, a stabilization
polymer, isopropyl myristate, oleic acid, propylene glycol, a
polysorbate surfactant, and ibuprofen and/or a ibuprofen salt.
[0008] The composition, in still another set of embodiments,
includes each of the following compounds at concentrations of no
more than .+-.20% of the stated concentrations: water at a
concentration of about 44.2% weight, sodium chloride at a
concentration of about 10% weight, a nitric oxide donor at a
concentration of about 7.5% weight, glyceryl stearate at a
concentration of about 7% weight, cetyl alcohol at a concentration
of about 7% weight, potassium chloride at a concentration of about
5.5% weight, propylene glycol at a concentration of about 5%
weight, squalane at a concentration of about 4% weight, a
polysorbate surfactant at a concentration of about 2% by weight,
and isopropyl myristate at a concentration of about 1% weight,
oleic acid at a concentration of about 1% weight, a stabilization
polymer at a concentration of about 0.8% weight, ibuprofen and/or a
ibuprofen salt at a concentration of about 5.0% weight.
[0009] The composition, in another set of embodiments, includes a
nitric oxide donor, a hostile biophysical environment, a
stabilization polymer, propylene glycol, a polysorbate surfactant
and ibuprofen and/or a ibuprofen salt. In still another set of
embodiments, the composition includes a stabilization polymer,
propylene glycol, a polysorbate surfactant, and ibuprofen and/or a
ibuprofen salt. In another set of embodiments, at least about 80%
by weight of the composition comprises water, at least one chloride
salt, a stabilization polymer, propylene glycol, a polysorbate
surfactant, and ibuprofen and/or a ibuprofen salt.
[0010] In another aspect, the present invention is directed to the
use of a composition in the preparation of a medicament for
treatment of a disease or condition as discussed herein. In one set
of embodiments, the composition for the medicament comprises a
nitric oxide donor, a hostile biophysical environment, a
stabilization polymer, propylene glycol, a polysorbate surfactant,
and ibuprofen and/or a ibuprofen salt.
[0011] In another set of embodiments, at least about 80% by weight
of the composition for the medicament comprises water, at least one
chloride salt, a nitric oxide donor, a stabilization polymer,
propylene glycol, a polysorbate surfactant, and ibuprofen and/or a
ibuprofen salt.
[0012] The composition for the medicament, in yet another set of
embodiments, includes water, sodium chloride, a nitric oxide donor,
glyceryl stearate, cetyl alcohol, potassium chloride, squalane, a
stabilization polymer, isopropyl myristate, oleic acid, propylene
glycol, a polysorbate surfactant, and ibuprofen and/or a ibuprofen
salt.
[0013] The composition for the medicament, in still another set of
embodiments, includes each of the following compounds at
concentrations of no more than .+-.20% of the stated
concentrations: water at a concentration of about 44.2% weight,
sodium chloride at a concentration of about 10% weight, a nitric
oxide donor at a concentration of about 7.5% weight, glyceryl
stearate at a concentration of about 7% weight, cetyl alcohol at a
concentration of about 7% weight, potassium chloride at a
concentration of about 5.5% weight, propylene glycol at a
concentration of about 5% weight, squalane at a concentration of
about 4% weight, a polysorbate surfactant at a concentration of
about 2% by weight, and isopropyl myristate at a concentration of
about 1% weight, oleic acid at a concentration of about 1% weight,
a stabilization polymer at a concentration of about 0.8% weight,
ibuprofen and/or a ibuprofen salt at a concentration of about 5.0%
weight.
[0014] The composition for the medicament, in another set of
embodiments, includes a nitric oxide donor, a hostile biophysical
environment, a stabilization polymer, propylene glycol, a
polysorbate surfactant and ibuprofen and/or a ibuprofen salt. In
still another set of embodiments, the composition for the
medicament includes a stabilization polymer, propylene glycol, a
polysorbate surfactant, and ibuprofen and/or a ibuprofen salt. In
another set of embodiments, at least about 80% by weight of the
composition for the medicament comprises water, at least one
chloride salt, a stabilization polymer, propylene glycol, a
polysorbate surfactant, and ibuprofen and/or a ibuprofen salt.
[0015] The present invention, in another aspect, is directed to a
method of making one or more of the embodiments described herein.
In yet another aspect, the present invention is directed to a
method of using one or more of the embodiments described herein. In
still another aspect, the present invention is directed to a method
of promoting one or more of the embodiments described herein.
[0016] Other advantages and novel features of the present invention
will become apparent from the following detailed description of
various non-limiting embodiments of the invention. In cases where
the present specification and a document incorporated by reference
include conflicting and/or inconsistent disclosure, the present
specification shall control. If two or more documents incorporated
by reference include conflicting and/or inconsistent disclosure
with respect to each other, then the document having the later
effective date shall control.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0017] The present invention generally relates to the transdermal
delivery of various compositions. In some aspects, transdermal
delivery may be facilitated by the use of a hostile biophysical
environment. One set of embodiments provides a composition for
topical delivery comprising ibuprofen and/or an ibuprofen salt, and
optionally, a hostile biophysical environment and/or a nitric oxide
donor. In some cases, the composition may be stabilized using a
combination of a stabilization polymer (such as xanthan gum,
KELTROL.RTM. BT and/or KELTROL.RTM. RD), propylene glycol, and a
polysorbate surfactant such as Polysorbate 20, which combination
unexpectedly provides temperature stability to the composition,
e.g., at elevated temperatures such as at least 40.degree. C. (at
least about 104.degree. F.), as compared to compositions lacking
one or more of these.
[0018] One aspect of the invention provides compositions for the
topical delivery of substances such as pharmaceutical agents (e.g.,
drugs, biological compounds, etc.). The pharmaceutical agents may
be applied to the skin of a subject, e.g. a human, to aid in
treatment of medical conditions or diseases, and/or the symptoms
associated thereof. In some embodiments, the invention provides for
the treatment of medical conditions or diseases and/or ailments
using pharmaceutical agents (for example, to treat a subject
diagnosed with a medical condition or disease, as described
herein), and in some cases, the invention provides for the delivery
of a minimum amount of pharmaceutical agents to provide effective
levels of medication to an effected area topically while limiting
side effects. In some cases, the effective dosage of the
pharmaceutical agent may be lower than the effective dosage of the
pharmaceutical agent when taken orally.
[0019] For example, in one set of embodiments, the pharmaceutical
agent is ibuprofen and/or an ibuprofen salt. While ibuprofen is an
effective agent against pain when orally administered, it can be
irritating to the lining of the stomach, and people with a tendency
to develop ulcers or have an irritated upper gastrointestinal track
are typically warned to avoid the use of ibuprofen. The present
invention thus allows, in one set of embodiments, the topical
application of ibuprofen to a site of inflammation or pain, while
avoiding the rest of the body, especially the stomach. The
composition may also include a nitric oxide donor such as
L-arginine, which may be useful, for example, to increase localized
blood flow at the site of delivery, which in turn can enhance
delivery of the pharmaceutical agent, e.g., locally or
systemically. In some cases, the enhancement may occur by
maintaining an appropriate concentration gradient at the site of
delivery.
[0020] In addition, in some cases, the composition may be
formulated such that it creates a hostile biophysical environment
to a pharmaceutical agent (e.g., to ibuprofen). In a hostile
biophysical environment, the environment surrounding the
pharmaceutical agent may be such that the pharmaceutical agent is
in a chemically and/or energetically unfavorable environment,
relative to the skin (e.g., the chemical potential and/or the free
energy of the pharmaceutical agent within the hostile biophysical
environment is significantly greater than the chemical potential
and/or the free energy of the pharmaceutical agent within the skin,
thus energetically favoring transport into the skin), especially
the stratum corneum.
[0021] Examples of such compositions are discussed in International
Patent Application No. PCT/US2005/013228, filed Apr. 19, 2005,
entitled "Transdermal Delivery of Beneficial Substances Effected by
a Hostile Biophysical Environment," by E. Fossel, published as WO
2005/102282 on Nov. 3, 2005, incorporated herein by reference.
Other techniques for hostile biophysical environments are discussed
in detail herein. However, such compositions often are not stable
at relatively high temperatures, e.g., at elevated temperatures
such as at least 40.degree. C. (at least about 104.degree. F.) for
periods of time of at least about a day. Thus, in one set of
embodiments, compositions having relatively high temperature
stability are provided herein. In some embodiments, for instance, a
composition of the present invention may further include a
stabilization polymer, propylene glycol, and a polysorbate
surfactant. Non-limiting examples of stabilization polymers include
xanthan gum, KELTROL.RTM. BT and/or KELTROL.RTM. RD; an example of
a polysorbate surfactant is Polysorbate 20. Additional examples are
discussed herein.
[0022] Such a combination of components to create high temperature
stability are surprising, since compositions involving any two of
these components (but not the third) were found to lack such high
temperature stabilization properties. It is not currently known why
this combination of components is remarkably effective at
facilitating relatively high temperature stability of the
compositions discussed herein, as these components are not known to
participate in any significant chemical reactions with each other,
and high temperature stability is greatly reduced when one of the
components is removed. In addition, propylene glycol is not known
to work in pharmaceutical compositions as a stabilizing agent.
[0023] For instance, in one set of embodiments, a composition may
be determined to be one that has high temperature stability by
determining whether the composition exhibits phase separation over
a relatively long period of time, e.g., over at least an hour, at
least about 2 hours, at least a day, at least about a week, at
least about 4 weeks, etc. For example, in some embodiments, a
composition is exposed to ambient temperature and pressure for at
least 1 hour, and the composition is then analyzed to determine
whether the composition exhibits phase separation or a change in
phase. A stable compound is one that exhibits no phase separation,
whereas an unstable compound may exhibit phase separation. Such
stability may be useful, for example, for storage of the
composition, transport of the composition, shelf life, or the
like.
[0024] The pharmaceutical agent (e.g., ibuprofen and/or an
ibuprofen salt) may be present at any suitable concentration. For
instance, in some cases, the pharmaceutical agent may be present at
a concentration of at least about 1%, at least about 2%, at least
about 3%, at least about 4%, at least about 5%, at least about 6%,
at least about 7%, at least about 7.5%, at least about 8%, at least
about 9%, or at least about 10% by weight of the composition. In
addition, the pharmaceutical agent may be present in native form
and/or as a salt. For example, if ibuprofen is present, it may be
used in its native form, and/or as one or more ibuprofen salts,
e.g., the sodium salt of ibuprofen, the potassium salt of
ibuprofen, the lysine salt of ibuprofen, the arginine salt of
ibuprofen, etc. Ibuprofen is readily commercially available.
[0025] As used herein, a "stabilization polymer" is a polymer that
comprises xanthan gum, a xanthan gum derivative, and/or a xanthan
gum equivalent, for example, KELTROL.RTM. BT and/or KELTROL.RTM.
RD, KELZAN.RTM. XC, KELZAN.RTM. XCD, KELZAN.RTM. D, KELZAN.RTM. CC,
XANTURAL.RTM. 180, XANTURAL.RTM. 75, or the like, all of which can
be obtained commercially from various suppliers. In some
embodiments, combinations of these and/or other polymers are also
possible. In some cases, the stabilization polymer is chosen to be
one which is at least generally regarded as safe for use in humans.
In addition, in certain embodiments, the stabilization polymer is
produced synthetically, and/or one which has been purified to some
degree. The stabilization polymer may have any suitable molecular
weight, for example, at least about 1 million, at least about 2
million, at least about 5 million, at least about 10 million, at
least about 25 million, or at least about 50 million.
[0026] The stabilization polymer may be present at any suitable
concentration within the composition. For example, the
stabilization polymer may be present at a concentration of at least
about 0.1%, at least about 0.2%, at least about 0.3%, at least
about 0.4%, at least about 0.5%, at least about 0.6%, at least
about 0.7%, at least about 0.8%, at least about 0.9%, or at least
about 1% by weight of the composition. In some cases, more than one
stabilization polymer may be present, and each stabilization
polymer may be present in any suitable amount. As a specific
example, in certain embodiments, the stabilization polymer consists
essentially of KELTROL.RTM. BT and/or KELTROL.RTM. RD. In certain
instances, the stabilization polymer may have a fixed ratio of
KELTROL.RTM. BT and/or KELTROL.RTM. RD, for example, 1:1 or 3:5 by
weight. In another example, the KELTROL.RTM. BT may be present at a
concentration of about 0.3% by weight and the KELTROL.RTM. RD may
be present at a concentration of 0.5% by weight of the composition,
or one or both of these may be present at one of the other
concentrations described above. Combinations of these and/or other
stabilization polymers are also contemplated in other embodiments,
e.g., KELTROL.RTM. BT and xanthan gum, KELTROL.RTM. RD and xanthan
gum, etc. In some cases, thickening agents can be used instead of,
or in conjunction with a stabilization polymer. Many thickening
agents can be obtained commercially. Thickening agents include
those used in the food industry, or are GRAS agents (generally
regarded as safe), e.g., alginin, guar gum, locust bean gum,
collagen, egg white, furcellaran, gelatin, agar, and/or
carrageenan, as well as combinations of these and/or other
stabilization polymers. It should thus be appreciated that, in the
specification herein, references to stabilization polymers, in
other embodiments, should be understood to also include thickening
agents in conjunction or instead of stabilization polymers,
[0027] Propylene glycol can be obtained commercially, and can be
present as any stereoisomer or racemic mixture of isomers. It may
also be present at any suitable concentration. For instance,
propylene glycol may be present at a concentration of at least
about 1%, at least about 2%, at least about 3%, at least about 4%,
at least about 5%, at least about 6%, at least about 7%, at least
about 8%, at least about 9%, or at least about 10% by weight of the
composition. In some cases, other glycols can be used in
conjunction or instead of propylene glycol, such as butylene
glycol. Accordingly, it should thus be appreciated that, in the
specification herein, references to propylene glycol, in other
embodiments, should be understood to also include other glycols in
conjunction or instead of propylene glycol.
[0028] In addition, a polysorbate surfactant can also be present
any suitable concentration within the composition. For instance, in
some cases, the polysorbate surfactant may be present at a
concentration of at least about 1%, at least about 2%, at least
about 3%, at least about 4%, at least about 5%, at least about 6%,
at least about 7%, at least about 8%, at least about 9%, or at
least about 10% by weight of the composition. A "polysorbate
surfactant," as used herein, is a surfactant comprising a
polysorbate. For example, the surfactant may comprise sorbitan
monolaurate, sorbitan monopalmitate, sorbitan monostearate,
sorbitan monooleate, or another sorbitan salt. In some cases, the
polysorbate surfactant has a molecular formula:
##STR00001##
where w, x, y, and z are any suitable positive integers. w, x, y,
and z may also each be independently the same or different. In one
set of embodiments, w+x+y+z is 20 (e.g., as in Polysorbate 20). In
some cases, other polymeric sugars can be used instead of, or in
conjunction with, a polysorbate surfactant. Thus, it should be
appreciated that, in the specification herein, references to a
polysorbate surfactant are by way of example, and in other
embodiments, it should be understood that references to a
polysorbate surfactant may include other polymeric sugars in
conjunction or instead of a polysorbate surfactant.
[0029] In some cases, the composition may have a fixed ratio of the
stabilization polymer to propylene glycol to the polysorbate
surfactant. For instance, the ratio of these may be about 1:1:1,
about 1:6:3, about 1:6:2, about 1:7:2, about 1:7:3, about 1.5:1:1,
about 1.5:6:3, about 1.5:6:4, about 1:6:2.5, about 1:6.25:2.5,
about 1:6.25:2.5, etc. As mentioned above, such ratios may be
useful, in certain embodiments of the invention, in providing
temperature stability to the composition.
[0030] As discussed, the composition may also comprise a nitric
oxide donor, for example, L-arginine and/or L-arginine
hydrochloride. In some cases, such a nitric oxide donor may be used
to increase localized blood flow at the site where the composition
is applied, which may enhance delivery of the pharmaceutical agent.
The nitric oxide donor may be present at any suitable concentration
within the composition. For instance, in some cases, the nitric
oxide donor is present at a concentration of at least about 1%, at
least about 2%, at least about 3%, at least about 4%, at least
about 5%, at least about 6%, at least about 7%, at least about
7.5%, at least about 8%, at least about 9%, or at least about 10%
by weight of the composition. In some cases, one or more nitric
oxide donors (e.g., 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, etc. nitric oxide
donors) may be used.
[0031] A "nitric oxide donor," as used herein, is a compound that
is able to release nitric oxide and/or chemically transfer the
nitric oxide moiety to another molecule, directly or indirectly,
for example, through a biological process. The nitric oxide donor
may release nitric oxide into the skin, and/or tissues such as
muscles and/or elements of the circulatory system in close
proximity to the surface of the skin. Non-limiting examples of
nitric oxide donors include arginine (e.g., L-arginine and/or
D-arginine), arginine derivatives (e.g., L-arginine hydrochloride
and/or D-arginine hydrochloride), nitroglycerin,
polysaccharide-bound nitric oxide-nucleophile adducts,
N-nitroso-N-substituted hydroxylamines,
1,3-(nitrooxymethyl)phenyl-2-hydroxybenzoate, etc., and/or any
combination of these and/or other compounds.
[0032] Besides L-arginine and L-arginine hydrochloride, other
non-limiting examples of nitric oxide donors include D,L-arginine,
D-arginine, or alkyl (e.g., ethyl, methyl, propyl, isopropyl,
butyl, isobutyl, tert-butyl, etc.) esters of L-arginine and/or
D-arginine (e.g., a methyl ester, an ethyl ester, a propyl ester, a
butyl ester, etc.) and/or salts thereof, as well as other
derivatives of arginine and other nitric oxide donors. For
instance, non-limiting examples of pharmaceutically acceptable
salts include hydrochloride, glutamate, butyrate, or glycolate
(e.g., resulting in L-arginine glutamate, L-arginine butyrate,
L-arginine glycolate, D-arginine hydrochloride, D-arginine
glutamate, etc.). Still other examples of nitric oxide donors
include L-arginine-based compounds such as, but not limited to,
L-homoarginine, N-hydroxy-L-arginine, nitrosylated L-arginine,
nitrosylated L-arginine, nitrosylated N-hydroxy-L-arginine,
nitrosylated N-hydroxy-L-arginine, citrulline, ornithine,
linsidomine, nipride, glutamine, etc., and salts thereof (e.g.,
hydrochloride, glutamate, butyrate, glycolate, etc.), and/or any
combination of these and/or other compounds. Still other
non-limiting examples of nitric oxide donors include
S-nitrosothiols, nitrites, 2-hydroxy-2-nitrosohydrazines, or
substrates of various forms of nitric oxide synthase. In some
cases, the nitric oxide donor may be a compound that stimulates
endogenous production of nitric oxide in vivo. Examples of such
compounds include, but are not limited to, L-arginine, substrates
of various forms of nitric oxide synthase, certain cytokines,
adenosine, bradykinin, calreticulin, bisacodyl, phenolphthalein,
OH-arginine, or endothelein, and/or any combination of these and/or
other compounds.
[0033] Accordingly, it should be understood that, in any of the
embodiments described herein that describe L-arginine and/or
L-arginine hydrochloride, other nitric oxide donors may also be
used instead, or in combination with, L-arginine and/or L-arginine
hydrochloride, in other embodiments of the invention.
[0034] In some cases, the concentration of the nitric oxide donor
within the composition may be tailored to have a duration of
effective treatment of at least about 3 hours, at least about 5
hours, or at least about 8 hours or more in certain instances. The
duration may also be controlled, for instance, by controlling the
concentration of a penetrating agent used in conjunction with the
nitric oxide donor. Penetration agents are discussed in detail
herein. The actual concentration for a particular application can
be determined by those of ordinary skill in the art using no more
than routine experimentation, for example, by measuring the amount
of transport of the nitric oxide donor as a function of
concentration in vitro across cadaver skin or suitable animal
models, skin grafts, synthetic model membranes, human models, or
the like.
[0035] As a particular non-limiting example, in certain
embodiments, nitric oxide is provided using L-arginine, for
example, at a concentration of at least about 0.5% by weight (wt %
or w/v) of L-arginine (optionally with one or more penetrating
agents as discussed herein, for example, a penetrating agent able
to create a hostile biophysical environment), at least about 0.75
wt %, at least about 1 wt %, at least about 2 wt %, at least about
3 wt %, at least about 5 wt %, at least about 7 wt %, at least
about 10 wt %, or at least about 15 wt %. The L-arginine may be
present in a suitable delivery vehicle, such as a cream or a
lotion. L-arginine may be particularly useful in some cases due to
its low toxicity, its high solubility, and/or its low cost. Other
examples of nitric oxide donors are discussed in International
Patent Application No. PCT/US2005/005726, filed Feb. 23, 2005,
entitled "Topical Delivery of a Nitric Oxide Donor to Improve Body
and Skin Appearance," by E. T. Fossel, published as WO 2005/081964
on Sep. 9, 2005, incorporated herein by reference.
[0036] Without wishing to be bound to any theory, it is generally
believed that the flow of the pharmaceutical agent across the skin
may slow as it builds up within the tissue. Fick's first law of
diffusion suggests that when the concentration inside becomes
substantially equal to that outside, passive flow stops. The
increased local blood flow may prevent or at least decrease the
stoppage of the flow of the pharmaceutical agent. Thus, when the
composition is applied to the skin, the pharmaceutical agent exits
the vehicle into the tissue more readily, as the pharmaceutical
agent is dispersed by flow and does not build up in concentration
in the tissue. Thus, in certain embodiments, pharmaceutical agents
may be introduced into the skin, for example, ibuprofen and/or an
ibuprofen salt.
[0037] A hostile biophysical environment of the invention can
comprise, in various embodiments, high ionic strength, a high
concentration of osmotic agents such as ureas, sugars, or
carbohydrates, a high pH environment (e.g., greater than about 9,
greater than about 10, greater than about 11, greater than about
12, or greater than about 13), a low pH environment (less than
about 5, less than about 4, less than about 3 or less than about
2), highly hydrophobic components, or highly hydrophilic components
or other substances that cause an increase in the chemical
potential and/or free energy of the pharmaceutical agent, or any
combination of two or more of these and/or other compounds. A
hydrophobic component may, in some embodiments, have an
octanol-water partition coefficient of at least about 100, at least
about 1000, at least about 10.sup.4, at least about 10.sup.5, or
more in some cases. Similarly, a hydrophilic component may have an
octanol-water partition coefficient of less than about 0.01, less
than about 10.sup.-3, less than about 10.sup.4, or less than about
10.sup.-5 in some cases.
[0038] In some cases, the composition defines the biophysical
hostile environment. In other cases, a pharmaceutical agent may be
packaged in such a way that it is carried into tissue and/or its
charge is neutralized by derivitization and/or by forming a neutral
salt. Examples of biophysically hostile environments include, but
are not limited to, high ionic strength environments (e.g., by the
addition of ureas, sugars, carbohydrates, and/or ionic salts such
as lithium chloride, sodium chloride, potassium chloride, calcium
chloride, magnesium chloride, choline chloride, sodium fluoride,
lithium bromide, etc.), as well as combinations of these and/or
other agents, for instance at high ionic strengths (for example,
greater than about 0.25 M, greater than about 1 M, greater than
about 2 M, greater than about 3 M, greater than about 5 M, greater
than about 10 M, greater than about 15 M, greater than about 20 M,
greater than about 25 M, etc., or in some cases, between about 0.25
M and about 15 M, between about 5 M and about 15 M, between about
10 M and about 15 M, etc.); high or low pH environments (e.g., by
adding pharmaceutically acceptable acids or bases, for example,
such that the pH is between about 3 and about 7, between about 3
and about 6, between about 3 and about 5, between about 7 and about
11, between about 8 and about 11, between about 9 and about 11,
etc.); or highly hydrophobic environments (e.g., by decreasing
water content and increasing lipid, oil and/or wax content of the
environment). In some embodiments, the ionic strength is any amount
greater than two times the physiological ionic strength of
blood.
[0039] Other highly charged molecules such as polylysine,
polyglutamine, polyaspartate, etc., or copolymers of such highly
charged amino acids may also be used in certain embodiments to
create the hostile biophysical environment. Non-limiting examples
of delivery vehicles which would be carried into tissue includes
liposomes or emulsions of collagen, collagen peptides or other
components of skin or basement membrane. Non-limiting examples of
neutralization of charge include delivery of the pharmaceutical
agent in the form or an ester or salt which is electronically
neutral. In some embodiments, the hostile biophysical environment
may include any two or more of these conditions. For instance, the
hostile biophysical environment may include high ionic strength and
a high pH or a low pH, a highly hydrophobic environment and a high
pH or a low pH, a highly hydrophobic environment that includes
liposomes, or the like.
[0040] A hostile biophysical environment may also be created in
some embodiments by placing a pharmaceutical agent that is
relatively highly charged into a hydrophobic, oily environment such
as in an oil-based cream or lotion containing little or no water.
Absorption may further be aided by combining the use of hostile
biophysical environments with the use of penetrating agents, as
further described herein.
[0041] In one set of embodiments, the composition may be present as
an emulsion. As known by those of ordinary skill in the art, an
emulsion typically includes a first phase (e.g., a discontinuous
phase) contained within a second fluid phase (e.g., a continuous
phase). The pharmacological agent (e.g., ibuprofen) may be present
in either or both phases. In addition, other materials such as
those described herein may be present in the same phase as the
pharmacological agent. For instance, when present, the nitric oxide
donor, the stabilization polymer, propylene glycol, and/or the
polysorbate surfactant may all be present in the same phase as the
pharmacological agent, e.g., in the discontinuous phase and/or in
the continuous phase.
[0042] Another aspect of the present invention is generally
directed to compositions for topical delivery having, by weight, at
least about 50%, at least about 70%, at least about 80%, at least
about 85%, at least about 90%, at least about 95%, or substantially
all of the composition comprising water, at least one chloride
salt, a nitric oxide donor, a stabilization polymer, propylene
glycol, a polysorbate surfactant, and ibuprofen and/or an ibuprofen
salt. The composition may also include other components, for
instance, glyceryl stearate, cetyl alcohol, squalane, isopropyl
myristate, and/or oleic acid, which may form part or all of the
balance of the composition. Examples of these and/or other
components are described herein.
[0043] Water may be present at any suitable concentration, for
instance, present at a concentration of at least about 20%, at
least about 25%, at least about 30%, at least about 35%, at least
about 40%, at least about 45%, or at least about 50% by weight of
the composition. In certain embodiments, the water is present at a
concentration of about 40.9% by weight of the composition.
[0044] Non-limiting examples of chloride salts include sodium,
potassium chloride, calcium chloride, magnesium chloride, choline
chloride, and the like. In some cases, more than one chloride salt
may be present, for example, sodium chloride and potassium
chloride. The chloride salt(s) may be present in any suitable
concentration, and in some cases, the chloride salt(s) may create a
hostile biophysical environment. For instance, the chloride salt(s)
may be present at a concentration of at least about 1%, at least
about 2%, at least about 3%, at least about 4%, at least about 5%,
at least about 6%, at least about 7%, at least about 7.5%, at least
about 8%, at least about 9%, at least about 10%, at least about
12%, at least about 15%, at least about 17%, or at least about 20%
by weight of the composition.
[0045] As a non-limiting example, in one set of embodiments, the
composition may consist essentially of water, sodium chloride, a
nitric oxide donor, glyceryl stearate, cetyl alcohol, potassium
chloride, squalane, a stabilization polymer, isopropyl myristate,
oleic acid, propylene glycol, a polysorbate surfactant, and
ibuprofen and/or an ibuprofen salt.
[0046] As specific non-limiting examples, in some cases, the
glyceryl stearate is present at a concentration of about 7% by
weight of the composition. In certain cases, the cetyl alcohol is
present at a concentration of about 7% by weight of the
composition. In one set of embodiments, squalene is present at a
concentration of about 4% by weight of the composition. In some
instances, potassium chloride is present at a concentration of
about 5% by weight of the composition. In one set of embodiments,
isopropyl myristate is present at a concentration of about 1% by
weight of the composition. In some cases, oleic acid is present at
a concentration of about 1% by weight of the composition.
[0047] In some embodiments, the present invention is directed to a
composition comprising each of the following compounds at
concentrations of no more than .+-.20% of the stated
concentrations: water at a concentration of about 40.9% weight,
sodium chloride at a concentration of about 10% weight, a nitric
oxide donor at a concentration of about 7.5% weight, glyceryl
stearate at a concentration of about 7% weight, cetyl alcohol at a
concentration of about 7% weight, potassium chloride at a
concentration of about 5% weight, squalane at a concentration of
about 4% weight, a stabilization polymer at a concentration of
about 0.8% weight; isopropyl myristate at a concentration of about
1% weight, oleic acid at a concentration of about 1% weight,
propylene glycol at a concentration of about 5% weight, a
polysorbate surfactant at a concentration of about 2% by weight;
and ibuprofen and/or an ibuprofen salt at a concentration of about
7.5% weight.
[0048] In some aspects of the invention, a composition of the
invention is administered to a subject using a delivery vehicle
such as a cream, gel, liquid, lotion, spray, aerosol, or
transdermal patch. In one set of embodiments, a composition of the
invention may be applied or impregnated in a bandage or a patch
applied to the skin of a subject. A "subject," as used herein,
means a human or non-human animal. Examples of subjects include,
but are not limited to, a mammal such as a dog, a cat, a horse, a
donkey, a rabbit, a cow, a pig, a sheep, a goat, a rat (e.g.,
Rattus Norvegicus), a mouse (e.g., Mus musculus), a guinea pig, a
hamster, a primate (e.g., a monkey, a chimpanzee, a baboon, an ape,
a gorilla, etc.), or the like. Such delivery vehicles may be
applied to the skin of a subject, such as a human subject. Examples
of delivery vehicles are discussed herein. The delivery vehicle may
promote transfer into the skin of an effective concentration of the
nitric oxide donor and/or the pharmaceutical agent, directly or
indirectly. For instance, the delivery vehicle may include one or
more penetrating agents, as further described herein. Those of
ordinary skill in the art will know of systems and techniques for
incorporating a nitric oxide donor and/or a pharmaceutical agent
within delivery vehicles such as a cream, gel, liquid, lotion,
spray, aerosol, or transdermal patch. In some cases, the
concentration of the nitric oxide donor, and/or a pharmaceutical
agent in the delivery vehicle can be reduced with the inclusion of
a greater amount or concentration of penetrating agent, or
increased to lengthen the beneficial effect. In one set of
embodiments, the nitric oxide donor and/or the pharmaceutical agent
may be used in conjunction with an adjunct, such as theophylline
(for example, at 10% weight by volume).
[0049] Other materials may be present within the delivery vehicle,
for example, buffers, preservatives, surfactants, etc. For
instance, the cream may include one or more of water, mineral oil,
glyceryl stereate, squalene, propylene glycol stearate, wheat germ
oil, glyceryl stearate, isopropyl myristate, steryl stearate,
polysorbate 60, propylene glycol, oleic acid, tocopherol acetate,
collagen, sorbitan stearate, vitamin A and D, triethanolamine,
methylparaben, aloe vera extract, imidazolidinyl urea,
propylparaben, PND, and/or BHA.
[0050] As specific non-limiting examples, a cream may have one or
more of (w/v): water (20-80%), white oil (3-18%), glyceryl stearate
(0.25-12%), squalene (0.25-12%), cetyl alcohol (0.1-11%), propylene
glycol stearate (0.1-11%), wheat germ oil (0.1-6%), polysorbate 60
(0.1-5%), propylene glycol (0.05-5%), collagen (0.05-5%), sorbitan
stearate (0.05-5%), vitamin A (0.02-4%), vitamin D (0.02-4%),
vitamin E (0.02-4%), triethanolamine (0.01-4%), methylparaben
(0.01-4%), aloe vera extract (0.01-4%), imidazolidinyl urea
(0.01-4%), propylparaben (0.01-4%), BHA (0.01-4%), L-arginine
hydrochloride (0.25-25%), sodium chloride (0.25-25%), magnesium
chloride (0.25-25%), and/or choline chloride (0.25-25%). The
percentages of each compound can vary (or the compound may be
absent in some cases), for example, 1%, 2%, 3%, 4%, 5%, 6%, 7%, 8%,
9%, 10%, 11%, 12%, 13%, 14%, 15%, 20%, etc.
[0051] In another embodiment, the cream may include a
pharmaceutical agent, such as ibuprofen, and one or more of the
following, in any suitable amount: water (e.g., 20-80%), L-arginine
hydrochloride (e.g., 0-25%), sodium chloride (e.g., 0-25%),
potassium chloride (e.g., 0-25%), glyeryl steareate (e.g., 0-15%),
cetyl alcohol (e.g., 0-15%), squalene (e.g., 0-15%), isopropyl
mysterate (e.g., 0-15%), oleic acid (e.g., 0-15%), Tween 20 (e.g.,
0-10%), and/or butanediol (e.g., 0-10%). The percentages of each
compound can vary (or the compound may be absent in some cases),
for example, 1%, 2%, 3%, 4%, 5%, 6%, 7%, 8%, 9%, 10%, 11%, 12%,
13%, 14%, 15%, 20%, etc.
[0052] In some embodiments, the cream may include a pharmaceutical
agent, and one or more ionic salts at a concentration at least
sufficient to produce a hostile biophysical environment with
respect to the pharmaceutical agent. For example, the cream may
include one or more of (w/v): a charged and/or hydrogen bonding
entity (0.001-30%), choline chloride (1-30%), sodium chloride
(2-30%), and/or magnesium chloride (1-20% w/v). In another example,
the cream may include one or more of (w/v): L-arginine
hydrochloride (2.5-25%), choline chloride (10-30%), sodium chloride
(5-20%), and/or magnesium chloride (5-20%). In still another
example, the cream may include one or more of (w/v): creatine
(0.001-30%), inosine (0.001-30%), choline chloride (1-30%), sodium
chloride (2-30%), magnesium chloride (1-20%), L-arginine (0.1-25%),
and/or theophylline (0.1-20%). In some cases, the cream may also
contain L-arginine hydrochloride (0-12.5% w/v) and/or theophylline
(0-10% w/v). The percentages of each compound can vary (or the
compound may be absent in some cases), for example, 1%, 2%, 3%, 4%,
5%, 6%, 7%, 8%, 9%, 10%, 11%, 12%, 13%, 14%, 15%, 20%, etc. In
these examples, choline chloride, sodium chloride, and/or magnesium
chloride can be used to provide a high ionic strength
environment.
[0053] While ibuprofen and/or an ibuprofen salt is described
herein, it should be understood that this is by way of example
only, and in other embodiments, other pharmaceutical agents may be
used instead of, or in addition to, ibuprofen and/or an ibuprofen
salt. Non-limiting examples of pharmaceutical agents include small
molecules (e.g., having a molecular weight of less than about 2,000
Da, less than about 1,500 Da, or less than about 1,000 Da),
peptides (e.g., having less than about 10, less than about 15, less
than about 20, or less than about 25 amino acids), proteins
(typically larger than peptides), hormones, vitamins, nucleic
acids, or the like. Additional examples of suitable pharmaceutical
agents for use with the present invention include, but are not
limited to, NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) such as
acetylsalicylic acid, naproxen, celecoxib, refecoxib, etc.;
pharmaceutical agents with narcotic action such as morphine,
codine, propoxyphene, oxycodone, hydrocodon, or other similar
narcotics; pharmaceutical agents for erectile or sexual dysfunction
such as yohimbie, alprostadil, sildenafil, cialis, uprima,
vardenaifl, or the like; pharmaceutical agents for migraine such as
dihydroergotamine and its salts, ergotamine and its salts,
surnatripan and its salts, rizatriptan and its salts, zolmitriptan
and its salts, etc.; pharmaceutical agents for hair treatment such
as finasteride, eflornithine, minoxidil, or the like; or other
pharmaceutical agents such as niacin, lidocaine, benzocaine,
naproxen, etc. Additional examples include muscle improving agents,
for example, creatine or creatine precursors (e.g., creatine
phosphate), arginine and/or other nitric oxide donors, and/or ATP
precursors such as, inosine, adenosine, inosine, adenine,
hypoxanthine, ribose, phosphate (e.g., monosodium phosphate), etc.,
and/or anabolic steroid agents, such as androstene, DHEA,
androstenediol, androstenedione, or the like. Another example is
ephedra or its components, such as ephedrine and pseudoephedrine.
Yet another example are chemotherapeutic agents or agents for
treating cancer and/or viral infections, for example, but not
limited to tamoxifen (e.g., for breast cancer treatment),
cis-platin, carboplatin and related molecules, cyclophosphamide and
related molecules, vinca alkaloids, epipodophyllotoxins including
taxol, acyclovir, or the like. For example, the cancer and/or viral
infections may be skin cancer, breast cancer, penile cancer,
testicular cancer, or other localized cancers, or viral infections,
such as herpes.
[0054] In certain aspects of the invention, a pharmaceutical agent
may be combined with a penetrating agent, i.e., an agent that
increases transport of the pharmaceutical agent into the skin,
relative to transport in the absence of the penetrating agent. In
some embodiments, the penetrating agent may define and/or be
combined with a hostile biophysical environment. Examples of
penetrating agents include oleoresin capsicum or its constituents,
or certain molecules containing heterocyclic rings to which are
attached hydrocarbon chains.
[0055] Non-limiting examples of penetrating agents include, but are
not limited to, cationic, anionic, or nonionic surfactants (e.g.,
sodium dodecyl sulfate, polyoxamers, etc.); fatty acids and
alcohols (e.g., ethanol, oleic acid, lauric acid, liposomes, etc.);
anticholinergic agents (e.g., benzilonium bromide, oxyphenonium
bromide); alkanones (e.g., n-heptane); amides (e.g., urea,
N,N-dimethyl-m-toluamide); fatty acid esters (e.g., n-butyrate);
organic acids (e.g., citric acid); polyols (e.g., ethylene glycol,
glycerol); sulfoxides (e.g., dimethylsulfoxide); terpenes (e.g.,
cyclohexene); ureas; sugars; carbohydrates or other agents. In
certain embodiments, the penetrating agent includes a salt, e.g.,
as described herein.
[0056] Thus, another aspect of the invention provides for the
delivery of pharmaceutical agents (e.g., drugs, biological
compounds, etc.) into the body, and such treatments may be systemic
or localized, e.g., directed to a specific location of the body,
such as the head, one or more specific muscles, the genitals, etc.,
depending on the specific application.
[0057] In one set of embodiments, pharmaceutical agents are
introduced to aid in treatment of medical conditions or diseases,
and the symptoms associated thereof. In some embodiments, the
invention provides for the treatment of medical conditions or
diseases and/or ailments using pharmaceutical agents (for example,
to treat a subject diagnosed with a medical condition or disease),
and in some cases, the invention provides for the delivery of a
minimum amount of pharmaceutical agents to provide effective levels
of medication to an effected area topically while limiting side
effects. In some cases, the effective dosage of the pharmaceutical
agent may be lower than the effective dosage of the pharmaceutical
agent when taken orally. Other embodiments of the invention provide
methods for treating pain, for example, pain from migraine, pain
from arthritis, other headaches, joint pain, muscle pain and other
types of pain. Accordingly, in some embodiments, a composition may
be topically applied to a specific location of the body, e.g., to a
site of pain. Also, in certain cases, a composition as described
herein may be used in the preparation of a medicament for treatment
of pain, or other diseases or conditions as discussed herein.
[0058] In another aspect, the present invention is directed to a
kit including one or more of the compositions discussed herein. A
"kit," as used herein, typically defines a package or an assembly
including one or more of the compositions of the invention, and/or
other compositions associated with the invention, for example, as
described herein. Each of the compositions of the kit may be
provided in liquid form (e.g., in solution), or in solid form
(e.g., a dried powder). In certain cases, some of the compositions
may be constitutable or otherwise processable (e.g., to an active
form), for example, by the addition of a suitable solvent or other
species, which may or may not be provided with the kit. Examples of
other compositions or components associated with the invention
include, but are not limited to, solvents, surfactants, diluents,
salts, buffers, emulsifiers, chelating agents, fillers,
antioxidants, binding agents, bulking agents, preservatives, drying
agents, antimicrobials, needles, syringes, packaging materials,
tubes, bottles, flasks, beakers, dishes, frits, filters, rings,
clamps, wraps, patches, containers, and the like, for example, for
using, administering, modifying, assembling, storing, packaging,
preparing, mixing, diluting, and/or preserving the compositions
components for a particular use, for example, to a sample and/or a
subject.
[0059] A kit of the invention may, in some cases, include
instructions in any form that are provided in connection with the
compositions of the invention in such a manner that one of ordinary
skill in the art would recognize that the instructions are to be
associated with the compositions of the invention. For instance,
the instructions may include instructions for the use,
modification, mixing, diluting, preserving, administering,
assembly, storage, packaging, and/or preparation of the
compositions and/or other compositions associated with the kit. In
some cases, the instructions may also include instructions for the
delivery and/or administration of the compositions, for example,
for a particular use, e.g., to a sample and/or a subject. The
instructions may be provided in any form recognizable by one of
ordinary skill in the art as a suitable vehicle for containing such
instructions, for example, written or published, verbal, audible
(e.g., telephonic), digital, optical, visual (e.g., videotape, DVD,
etc.) or electronic communications (including Internet or web-based
communications), provided in any manner.
[0060] In some embodiments, the present invention is directed to
methods of promoting one or more embodiments of the invention as
discussed herein, for example, methods of promoting the making or
use of compositions such as those discussed above, methods of
promoting kits as discussed above, or the like. As used herein,
"promoted" includes all methods of doing business including, but
not limited to, methods of selling, advertising, assigning,
licensing, contracting, instructing, educating, researching,
importing, exporting, negotiating, financing, loaning, trading,
vending, reselling, distributing, repairing, replacing, insuring,
suing, patenting, or the like that are associated with the systems,
devices, apparatuses, articles, methods, compositions, kits, etc.
of the invention as discussed herein. Methods of promotion can be
performed by any party including, but not limited to, personal
parties, businesses (public or private), partnerships,
corporations, trusts, contractual or sub-contractual agencies,
educational institutions such as colleges and universities,
research institutions, hospitals or other clinical institutions,
governmental agencies, etc. Promotional activities may include
communications of any form (e.g., written, oral, and/or electronic
communications, such as, but not limited to, e-mail, telephonic,
Internet, Web-based, etc.) that are clearly associated with the
invention.
[0061] In one set of embodiments, the method of promotion may
involve one or more instructions. As used herein, "instructions"
can define a component of instructional utility (e.g., directions,
guides, warnings, labels, notes, FAQs or "frequently asked
questions," etc.), and typically involve written instructions on or
associated with the invention and/or with the packaging of the
invention. Instructions can also include instructional
communications in any form (e.g., oral, electronic, audible,
digital, optical, visual, etc.), provided in any manner such that a
user will clearly recognize that the instructions are to be
associated with the invention, e.g., as discussed herein.
[0062] The following documents are incorporated herein by
reference: International Patent Application No. PCT/US98/19429,
filed Sep. 17, 1998, entitled "A Delivery of Arginine to Cause
Beneficial Effects," by E. Fossel, published as WO 99/13717 on Mar.
25, 1999; International Patent Application No. PCT/US2005/005726,
filed Feb. 23, 2005, entitled "Topical Delivery of a Nitric Oxide
Donor to Improve Body and Skin Appearance," by E. Fossel, et al.,
published as WO 2005/081964 on Sep. 9, 2005; International Patent
Application No. PCT/US2005/013228, filed Apr. 19, 2005, entitled
"Transdermal Delivery of Beneficial Substances Effected by a
Hostile Biophysical Environment," by E. Fossel, published as WO
2005/102282 on Nov. 3, 2005; and International Patent Application
No. PCT/US2005/013230, filed Apr. 19, 2005, entitled "Beneficial
Effects of Increasing Local Blood Flow," by E. Fossel, published as
WO 2005/102307 on Nov. 3, 2005.
[0063] Also incorporated by reference herein are U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 08/932,227, filed Sep. 17, 1997, entitled
"Topical Delivery of Arginine of Cause Beneficial Effects," by E.
T. Fossel, published as 2002/0041903 on Apr. 11, 2002; U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 10/201,635, filed Jul. 22, 2002, entitled
"Topical Delivery of L-Arginine to Cause Beneficial Effects," by E.
T. Fossel, published as 2003/0028169 on Feb. 6, 2003; U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 10/213,286, filed Aug. 5, 2002, entitled
"Topical and Oral Arginine to Cause Beneficial Effects," by E. T.
Fossel, published as 2003/0018076 on Jan. 23, 2003; U.S. Pat. No.
5,895,658, issued Apr. 20, 1999, entitled "Topical Delivery of
L-Arginine to Cause Tissue Warming," by E. T. Fossel; U.S. Pat. No.
5,922,332, issued Jul. 13, 1999, entitled "Topical Delivery of
Arginine to Overcome Pain," by E. T. Fossel; U.S. Pat. No.
6,207,713, issued Mar. 27, 2001, entitled "Topical and Oral
Delivery of Arginine to Cause Beneficial Effects," by E. T. Fossel;
and U.S. Pat. No. 6,458,841, issued Oct. 1, 2002, entitled "Topical
and Oral Delivery of Arginine to Cause Beneficial Effects," by E.
T. Fossel.
[0064] The following examples are intended to illustrate certain
embodiments of the present invention, but do not exemplify the full
scope of the invention.
EXAMPLE 1
[0065] This example illustrates one method of preparing a
transdermal formula of the invention including ibuprofen. The final
composition is shown in Table 1. Of course, those of ordinary skill
in the art will understand that percentages other than the ones
listed below are also possible, according to other embodiments of
the invention.
TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 Ingredient % w/w Water 40.9 Sodium Chloride
10.0 L-Arginine Hydrochloride 7.5 Ibuprofen (sodium salt) 7.5
Glyceryl Stearate (SE) 7.0 Cetyl Alcohol 7.0 Potassium Chloride 5.0
Squalane 4.0 Xanthan Gum 0.8 Isopropyl Myristate 1.0 Oleic Acid 1.0
Propylene Glycol 5.0 Polysorbate-20 2.0
[0066] To prepare the formulation in this example, sodium chloride,
potassium chloride, L-arginine and ibuprofen were mixed in water,
then heated to 74.degree. C. with rapid mixing. In a separate
container, the remaining ingredients were mixed together and heated
to 74.degree. C. The other ingredients were then added to the water
phase at 74.degree. C. with rapid mixing. The mixture was then
cooled to room temperature with continued mixing. At this point, an
emulsion formed with a relatively thin consistency. The emulsion
was then homogenized at high speed at room temperature to thicken
the consistency.
[0067] While several embodiments of the present invention have been
described and illustrated herein, those of ordinary skill in the
art will readily envision a variety of other means and/or
structures for performing the functions and/or obtaining the
results and/or one or more of the advantages described herein, and
each of such variations and/or modifications is deemed to be within
the scope of the present invention. More generally, those skilled
in the art will readily appreciate that all parameters, dimensions,
materials, and configurations described herein are meant to be
exemplary and that the actual parameters, dimensions, materials,
and/or configurations will depend upon the specific application or
applications for which the teachings of the present invention
is/are used. Those skilled in the art will recognize, or be able to
ascertain using no more than routine experimentation, many
equivalents to the specific embodiments of the invention described
herein. It is, therefore, to be understood that the foregoing
embodiments are presented by way of example only and that, within
the scope of the appended claims and equivalents thereto, the
invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described
and claimed. The present invention is directed to each individual
feature, system, article, material, kit, and/or method described
herein. In addition, any combination of two or more such features,
systems, articles, materials, kits, and/or methods, if such
features, systems, articles, materials, kits, and/or methods are
not mutually inconsistent, is included within the scope of the
present invention.
[0068] All definitions, as defined and used herein, should be
understood to control over dictionary definitions, definitions in
documents incorporated by reference, and/or ordinary meanings of
the defined terms.
[0069] The indefinite articles "a" and "an," as used herein in the
specification and in the claims, unless clearly indicated to the
contrary, should be understood to mean "at least one."
[0070] The phrase "and/or," as used herein in the specification and
in the claims, should be understood to mean "either or both" of the
elements so conjoined, i.e., elements that are conjunctively
present in some cases and disjunctively present in other cases.
Multiple elements listed with "and/or" should be construed in the
same fashion, i.e., "one or more" of the elements so conjoined.
Other elements may optionally be present other than the elements
specifically identified by the "and/or" clause, whether related or
unrelated to those elements specifically identified. Thus, as a
non-limiting example, a reference to "A and/or B", when used in
conjunction with open-ended language such as "comprising" can
refer, in one embodiment, to A only (optionally including elements
other than B); in another embodiment, to B only (optionally
including elements other than A); in yet another embodiment, to
both A and B (optionally including other elements); etc.
[0071] As used herein in the specification and in the claims, "or"
should be understood to have the same meaning as "and/or" as
defined above. For example, when separating items in a list, "or"
or "and/or" shall be interpreted as being inclusive, i.e., the
inclusion of at least one, but also including more than one, of a
number or list of elements, and, optionally, additional unlisted
items. Only terms clearly indicated to the contrary, such as "only
one of" or "exactly one of," or, when used in the claims,
"consisting of," will refer to the inclusion of exactly one element
of a number or list of elements. In general, the term "or" as used
herein shall only be interpreted as indicating exclusive
alternatives (i.e. "one or the other but not both") when preceded
by terms of exclusivity, such as "either," "one of," "only one of,"
or "exactly one of." "Consisting essentially of," when used in the
claims, shall have its ordinary meaning as used in the field of
patent law.
[0072] As used herein in the specification and in the claims, the
phrase "at least one," in reference to a list of one or more
elements, should be understood to mean at least one element
selected from any one or more of the elements in the list of
elements, but not necessarily including at least one of each and
every element specifically listed within the list of elements and
not excluding any combinations of elements in the list of elements.
This definition also allows that elements may optionally be present
other than the elements specifically identified within the list of
elements to which the phrase "at least one" refers, whether related
or unrelated to those elements specifically identified. Thus, as a
non-limiting example, "at least one of A and B" (or, equivalently,
"at least one of A or B," or, equivalently "at least one of A
and/or B") can refer, in one embodiment, to at least one,
optionally including more than one, A, with no B present (and
optionally including elements other than B); in another embodiment,
to at least one, optionally including more than one, B, with no A
present (and optionally including elements other than A); in yet
another embodiment, to at least one, optionally including more than
one, A, and at least one, optionally including more than one, B
(and optionally including other elements); etc.
[0073] It should also be understood that, unless clearly indicated
to the contrary, in any methods claimed herein that include more
than one step or act, the order of the steps or acts of the method
is not necessarily limited to the order in which the steps or acts
of the method are recited.
[0074] In the claims, as well as in the specification above, all
transitional phrases such as "comprising," "including," "carrying,"
"having," "containing," "involving," "holding," "composed of," and
the like are to be understood to be open-ended, i.e., to mean
including but not limited to. Only the transitional phrases
"consisting of" and "consisting essentially of" shall be closed or
semi-closed transitional phrases, respectively, as set forth in the
United States Patent Office Manual of Patent Examining Procedures,
Section 2111.03.
* * * * *