U.S. patent application number 15/102519 was filed with the patent office on 2016-10-20 for pharmaceutically active agent complexes, polymer complexes, and compositions and methods involving the same.
This patent application is currently assigned to Durect Corporation. The applicant listed for this patent is DURECT CORPORATION. Invention is credited to Keith E Branham, John W Gibson, James Matriano, Whitney Moro, Michael Sekar, Felix Theeuwes, John Tipton, William Van Osdol, Su Il Yum.
Application Number | 20160303242 15/102519 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 52282902 |
Filed Date | 2016-10-20 |
United States Patent
Application |
20160303242 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Sekar; Michael ; et
al. |
October 20, 2016 |
Pharmaceutically Active Agent Complexes, Polymer Complexes, and
Compositions and Methods Involving the Same
Abstract
The present disclosure generally provides complexes including a
pharmaceutically active agent and a functionalized polymer, wherein
the functionalized polymer includes repeat units, the repeat units
including ionizable repeat units having at least one ionizable side
group and/or ionizable end group, a plurality of the at least one
ionizable groups forming non-covalent bonds with the
pharmaceutically active agent. Polymers which may be used to form
such complexes as well as methods of making and using the complexes
and related compositions are also provided.
Inventors: |
Sekar; Michael; (Palo Alto,
CA) ; Theeuwes; Felix; (Los Altos Hills, CA) ;
Branham; Keith E; (Pelham, AL) ; Gibson; John W;
(Springville, AL) ; Matriano; James; (Mountain
View, CA) ; Moro; Whitney; (Birmingham, AL) ;
Tipton; John; (Leeds, AL) ; Van Osdol; William;
(Mountain View, CA) ; Yum; Su Il; (Los Altos,
CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
DURECT CORPORATION |
Cupertino |
CA |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Durect Corporation
Cupertino
CA
|
Family ID: |
52282902 |
Appl. No.: |
15/102519 |
Filed: |
December 8, 2014 |
PCT Filed: |
December 8, 2014 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/US2014/069156 |
371 Date: |
June 7, 2016 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61913827 |
Dec 9, 2013 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61K 38/27 20130101;
A61K 31/785 20130101; A61K 38/26 20130101; A61K 38/28 20130101;
A61K 9/0019 20130101; A61K 39/39516 20130101; A61P 43/00 20180101;
A61K 47/593 20170801; A61K 47/54 20170801; A61K 9/1647 20130101;
A61P 3/10 20180101; A61K 31/352 20130101; A61K 38/31 20130101; A61K
31/706 20130101; A61K 9/19 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A61K 47/48 20060101
A61K047/48; A61K 39/395 20060101 A61K039/395; A61K 31/785 20060101
A61K031/785; A61K 38/28 20060101 A61K038/28; A61K 31/352 20060101
A61K031/352; A61K 9/19 20060101 A61K009/19; A61K 31/706 20060101
A61K031/706; A61K 9/00 20060101 A61K009/00; A61K 38/31 20060101
A61K038/31; A61K 38/27 20060101 A61K038/27; A61K 38/26 20060101
A61K038/26 |
Claims
1. A complex comprising: a pharmaceutically active agent, and a
functionalized polymer, the functionalized polymer comprising
repeat units, the repeat units comprising ionizable repeat units
comprising at least one ionizable side group, a plurality of the at
least one ionizable side groups forming a plurality of non-covalent
bonds with the pharmaceutically active agent, wherein at least 10%
of the repeat units comprise at least one ionizable side group.
2. The complex of claim 1, wherein the percentage of the repeat
units comprising at least one ionizable side group ranges from 20%
to 80%.
3. The complex of claim 1 or 2, wherein the functionalized polymer
is synthetic.
4. The complex of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the
functionalized polymer is a polyester.
5. The complex of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the at least
one ionizable side group comprises at least one member selected
from ammonium, carboxylate, hydrazinium, guanidinium, sulfate,
sulfonate, phosphonate, and phosphate.
6. The complex of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the at least
one ionizable side group is covalently bound to the polymer through
click chemistry.
7. The complex of any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the
non-covalent bonds comprise electrostatic interactions.
8. The complex of any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the
pharmaceutically active agent comprises at least one member
selected from a peptide, protein, and small molecule, the small
molecule having a molecular weight less than 500 Daltons.
9. The complex of any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the at least
one ionizable side group comprises a positively ionizable side
group.
10. The complex of any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the at least
one ionizable side group comprises a negatively ionizable side
group.
11. The complex of any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the
functionalized polymer has a weight average molecular weight
ranging from 1000 Daltons to 200,000 Daltons, as measured by gel
permeation chromatography.
12. The complex of any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the
functionalized polymer has a solubility in water of at least 0.01
mg/ml and less than or equal to 10 mg/ml at 25.degree. C. and pH
7.4.
13. The complex of any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the complex
has a solubility of less than 0.01 mg/mL in water at 25.degree. C.
at pH 7.4.
14. The complex of any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the ratio of
the amount of the pharmaceutically active agent to the amount of
the functionalized polymer in the complex is from 1:1 to 1:10 by
weight.
15. The complex of any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the ionizable
repeat units comprise one or more ionizable side groups that
comprise an optionally substituted heteroarylene ring.
16. The complex of claim 13, wherein the optionally substituted
heteroarylene ring is a 1,2,3-triazole ring.
17. The complex of any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein the
functionalized polymer is not a polyamino acid.
18. A complex as defined in any one of claims 1 to 17 for use as a
medicament.
19. A method comprising: providing a precursor polymer comprising
repeat units, the repeat units comprising functionalizable repeat
units comprising at least one functionalizable side group;
obtaining a functionalized polymer by transforming, using click
chemistry, said functionalizable repeat units into ionizable repeat
units comprising at least one ionizable side group; and combining
the functionalized polymer with a pharmaceutically active agent to
form a complex in which a plurality of the at least one ionizable
side groups form a plurality of non-covalent bonds with the
pharmaceutically active agent.
20. The method of claim 19, wherein said transforming, using click
chemistry, comprises effecting a cycloaddition reaction.
21. The method of claim 20, wherein said cycloaddition reaction is
a Diels-Alder cycloaddition reaction.
22. The method of claim 20, wherein said cycloaddition reaction is
a Huisgen 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition reaction.
23. The method of claim 20, wherein said cycloaddition reaction is
a cycloaddition reaction between an azide and an alkyne to form a
linkage comprising a 1,2,3-triazole.
24. The method of any one of claims 19 to 23, wherein the
functionalizable side group is an azido group and wherein the
transforming, using click chemistry, comprises reacting the
precursor polymer with an alkyne to form the functionalized
polymer, the functionalized polymer comprising at least one
1,2,3-triazole ring.
25. The method of any one of claims 19 to 23, wherein the
functionalizable side group is a leaving group and wherein the
transforming, using click chemistry, comprises: (a) transforming
the leaving group into an azido group and thereby providing a
polymer intermediate; and (b) reacting the polymer intermediate
with an alkyne to form the functionalized polymer, the
functionalized polymer comprising at least one 1,2,3-triazole
ring.
26. The method of any one of claims 19 to 23, wherein the
functionalizable side group is an alkynyl group and wherein the
transforming, using click chemistry, comprises reacting the
precursor polymer with an azide to form the functionalized polymer,
the functionalized polymer comprising at least one 1,2,3-triazole
ring.
27. The method of any one of claims 19 to 26, wherein the
transforming, using click chemistry, comprises a monovalent copper
catalyzed reaction or a ruthenium catalyzed reaction.
28. The method of any one of claims 19 to 27, wherein the
transforming, using click chemistry, comprises a copper catalyzed
azide-alkyne cycloaddition reaction.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of and expressly
incorporates by reference herein the entire disclosure of U.S.
Provisional Patent Application No. 61/913,827, filed Dec. 9,
2013.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates to complexes including a
pharmaceutically active agent and a polymer, to compositions
comprising such complexes, and to methods of making and using the
same.
[0004] 2. Background
[0005] The delivery of drugs, including injectable drug
formulations, is often accomplished in the art via the use of drug
delivery depots. Following injection, drug delivery depots
generally release drug in a slow and controlled manner. Drug
delivery depots can also reduce and/or eliminate the need for
multiple injections. Such depots often include at least polymer,
solvent, and drug. In some cases, the drug is highly soluble in the
depot and may leave the depot too quickly. In other cases, the drug
is unstable in the depot.
[0006] The present disclosure addresses these and related issues
and provides improved compositions for the controlled release of
pharmaceutically active agents along with methods of making and
using the same.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] The present disclosure generally provides complexes
including a pharmaceutically active agent and a functionalized
polymer, wherein the functionalized polymer includes repeat units,
the repeat units including ionizable repeat units having at least
one ionizable side group and/or ionizable end group, a plurality of
the at least one ionizable groups forming non-covalent bonds with
the pharmaceutically active agent. Polymers which may be used to
form such complexes as well as methods of making and using the
complexes and related compositions are also provided. Other
features and advantages of the present disclosure will be set forth
in the description of invention that follows, and in part will be
apparent from the description or may be learned by practice of the
invention. The invention will be realized and attained by the
compositions and methods particularly pointed out in the written
description and claims hereof.
[0008] Certain non-limiting aspects of the disclosure are provided
below:
[0009] A first embodiment of the present disclosure is directed to
a complex comprising: [0010] a pharmaceutically active agent, and
[0011] a functionalized polymer, the functionalized polymer
comprising repeat units, the repeat units comprising ionizable
repeat units comprising at least one ionizable side group, a
plurality of the at least one ionizable side groups forming a
plurality of non-covalent bonds with the pharmaceutically active
agent, [0012] wherein at least 10% of the repeat units comprise at
least one ionizable side group [0013] wherein the functionalized
polymer is optionally synthetic, [0014] wherein the functionalized
polymer is optionally a polyester, [0015] wherein the
functionalized polymer is optionally linear, and [0016] wherein the
functionalized polymer optionally has a weight average molecular
weight greater than 15,000 Daltons, as measured by gel permeation
chromatography.
[0017] A second embodiment of the present disclosure is directed to
a complex comprising: [0018] a pharmaceutically active agent; and
[0019] a functionalized polymer, the functionalized polymer
comprising repeat units, the functionalized polymer comprising at
least one of: (a) ionizable repeat units comprising at least one
ionizable side group, wherein the at least one ionizable side group
comprises at least one member selected from ammonium, carboxylate,
hydrazinium, guanidinium, sulfate, sulfonate, and phosphate; and
(b) at least one ionizable end group; [0020] wherein a plurality of
the at least one ionizable groups form a plurality of non-covalent
bonds with the pharmaceutically active agent, [0021] wherein the
functionalized polymer is optionally synthetic, [0022] wherein the
functionalized polymer is optionally a polyester, [0023] wherein
the functionalized polymer is optionally linear, and [0024] wherein
the functionalized polymer optionally has a weight average
molecular weight greater than 15,000 Daltons, as measured by gel
permeation chromatography.
[0025] A third embodiment of the present disclosure is directed to
a composition comprising: [0026] a complex comprising: [0027] a
pharmaceutically active agent, and [0028] a functionalized polymer
complexed with the pharmaceutically active agent through
non-covalent bonding; and [0029] a vehicle, [0030] wherein the
functionalized polymer is optionally synthetic, [0031] wherein the
functionalized polymer is optionally a polyester, [0032] wherein
the functionalized polymer is optionally linear, and [0033] wherein
the functionalized polymer optionally has a weight average
molecular weight greater than 15,000 Daltons, as measured by gel
permeation chromatography.
[0034] A fourth embodiment of the present disclosure is directed to
a method comprising: [0035] providing a precursor polymer
comprising repeat units, the repeat units comprising
functionalizable repeat units comprising at least one
functionalizable side group; [0036] obtaining a functionalized
polymer by transforming, using click chemistry, said
functionalizable repeat units into ionizable repeat units
comprising at least one ionizable side group; and [0037] combining
the functionalized polymer with a pharmaceutically active agent to
form a complex in which a plurality of the at least one ionizable
side groups form a plurality of non-covalent bonds with the
pharmaceutically active agent.
[0038] A fifth embodiment of the present disclosure is directed to
a method comprising: [0039] combining a functionalized polymer with
a pharmaceutically active agent, the functionalized polymer
comprising ionizable repeat units comprising at least one ionizable
side group, to form a complex in which a plurality of the at least
one ionizable side groups form a plurality of non-covalent bonds
with the pharmaceutically active agent.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0040] The present invention is further described in the
description of invention that follows, in reference to the noted
plurality of non-limiting drawings, wherein:
[0041] FIG. 1 is a graph showing the effect of polymer/peptide
ratio on the complexation efficiency of exenatide and a GLP-1
analog.
[0042] FIG. 2 is a graph showing the effect of polymer/peptide
ratio on the complexation efficiency of liraglutide with two
different amine-functionalized 50:50 copolymers.
[0043] FIG. 3 is a graph showing the dissolution of exenatide from
an exenatide:amine-functionalized 50:50 copolymer complex relative
to an exenatide:Zn/Protamine complex.
[0044] FIG. 4 is a graph showing the dissolution of a GLP-1 analog
from a GLP-1:amine-functionalized 50:50 copolymer complex and a
GLP-1:amine-functionalized homopolymer complex.
[0045] FIG. 5 is a graph showing the dissolution of risperidone
from two different mixtures of risperidone and
carboxylate-functionalized 50:50 copolymer in which the polymers
have a molecular weight of 5.6 kDa (M.sub.w of precursor polymer)
(2A) and 12 kDa (M.sub.w of precursor polymer) (2B),
respectively.
[0046] FIG. 6 is a graph showing the dissolution of liraglutide
(AA) from several liraglutide:amine-functionalized 50:50 copolymer
complexes. Dissolution of liraglutide from a
liraglutide:Zn/Protamine complex is shown for comparison.
[0047] FIG. 7 is a graph showing the dissolution of decitabine and
azacytidine from their respective complexes with
amine-functionalized 50:50 copolymer.
[0048] FIG. 8 is a graph showing the dissolution of the GLP-1
analog from a non-click chemistry-based complex (A21 complex-PPT).
Dissolution of the GLP-1 analog from a protamine complex and a
supernatant obtained following precipitation of the complex (A21
complex-Supe) is shown for comparison.
[0049] FIG. 9 is a graph showing the % cumulative release of
decitabine for an attempted complexation with various amine or
carboxylate functionalized copolymers.
[0050] FIG. 10 is a graph showing the % cumulative release of
decitabine from an attempted complexation with a carboxylate
functionalized copolymer.
[0051] FIG. 11 is a graph showing the dissolution of liraglutide
per se (Lira) and liraglutide from two different
liraglutide:amine-functionalized 50:50 copolymer complexes (AFCP-1
and AFCP-2). The dissolution of liraglutide from a
liraglutide:Zn/protamine complex (Lira+Zn/Prot) is shown for
comparison.
[0052] FIG. 12 is a graph showing the same data as FIG. 11 on a
different scale.
[0053] FIGS. 13 and 14 provide geometric mean data for the in vivo
plasma concentration of liraglutide following administration of
aqueous and BB:PLA vehicle suspended liraglutide complexes,
respectively. Data for an aqueous solution of Liraglutide (Bachem)
in 50 mM NH.sub.4HCO.sub.3, and a liraglutide:Zn/protamine complex
in aqueous suspension or BB:PLA vehicle are provided for comparison
as discussed in Example 16.
[0054] FIG. 15 is a graph showing the calculated BA of liraglutide
from treatment Groups 1-6 of Example 16.
[0055] FIG. 16 is a graph showing the complexation efficiency of
each of AFCP-2, AFCP-3, AFCP-4, and AFCP-5 amine functionalized
copolymers with recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH).
[0056] FIG. 17 is a graph showing the complexation efficiency for
AFCP-2 with rhGH at various weight ratios.
[0057] FIG. 18 is a graph showing the dissolution of rhGH from
AFCP-2, AFCP-3 and AFCP-5 complexes. Native rhGH is plotted as a
control.
[0058] FIG. 19 is a graph showing the complexation efficiency of
AFCP-2 amine functionalized copolymer with Liraglutide at various
w/w ratios.
[0059] FIG. 20 is a graph showing the fraction precipitated for the
complexation of Liraglutide with AFCP-2 and AFCP-3 based on the
molar ratio Liraglutide to AFCP-2 and AFCP-3.
[0060] FIG. 21 is a graph showing the dissolution of IgG from
AFCP-2, AFCP-3, AFCP-4, and AFCP-5 complexes.
[0061] FIG. 22 is a graph showing the dissolution of somatostatin
analogue from a CFCP-1 carboxylate functionalized copolymer
complex.
[0062] FIG. 23 is a graph showing the dissolution of cromolyn from
various amine functionalized polymer complexes.
[0063] FIG. 24 provides reverse phase high pressure liquid
chromatography (RPLC) spectra showing the stability of glatiramer
bromide (uncomplexed powder--top, complexed with AFCP-2--middle,
and complexed with AFCP-2 in benzyl benzoate (BB)--bottom)
following gamma irradiation at a dose of 15 kGy.
[0064] FIG. 25 provides RPLC spectra showing the stability of
insulin (uncomplexed in BB--top and complexed with CFCP-5 in
BB--bottom) following gamma irradiation at a dose of 15 kGy.
[0065] FIG. 26 provides RPLC spectra showing the stability of
liraglutide (uncomplexed powder--top, complexed with
AFCP-2--middle, and complexed with AFCP-2 in benzyl benzoate
(BB)--bottom) following gamma irradiation at a dose of 15 kGy.
[0066] FIG. 27 provides RPLC spectra showing the stability of hGH
(uncomplexed in BB--top and complexed with AFCP-2 in BB--bottom)
following exposure to gamma irradiation at a dose of 15 kGy.
[0067] FIG. 28 provides RPLC spectra showing the stability of
uncomplexed glatiramer bromide (top) and uncomplexed insulin
(bottom) in the absence of gamma irradiation.
[0068] FIG. 29 provides RPLC spectra showing the stability of
uncomplexed liraglutide (top) and uncomplexed human growth hormone
(bottom) in the absence of gamma irradiation.
DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0069] Unless otherwise stated, a reference to a compound or
component includes the compound or component by itself, as well as
in combination with other compounds or components, such as mixtures
of compounds.
[0070] As used herein, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the"
include the plural reference unless the context clearly dictates
otherwise.
[0071] Before further discussion, a definition of the following
terms will aid in the understanding of the present invention.
[0072] As used herein, the term "functionalized polymer" means a
polymer that comprises at least one of: (a) ionizable repeat units
comprising at least one ionizable side group; and (b) at least one
ionizable end group. Thus, a "functionalized polymer" comprises at
least one ionizable group. In an embodiment, the "functionalized
polymer" comprises at least one ionizable repeat unit comprising at
least one ionizable side group.
[0073] By "ionizable" or "ionizable group" is meant a moiety that
is either ionized or capable of ionization. For instance, an
ionizable group may be ionized in an aqueous solution at a given pH
but not at others. Accordingly, the term "ionizable group"
encompasses a moiety which is in an ionized form, i.e., a charged
group. By "ionizable" or "ionizable group" in a polymer described
herein is meant a moiety of the polymer that is either ionized or
is capable of ionization to form an ionic bond with the
pharmaceutically active agent when the polymer is combined with the
pharmaceutically active agent to form a complex. As used herein,
the term "ionizable group" with reference to an "ionizable group"
on a polymer encompasses both an "ionizable side group" on an
ionizable repeat unit comprised within the polymer and an
"ionizable end group" on the polymer. Examples of typical ionizable
groups include ammonium, carboxylate, hydrazinium, guanidinium,
sulfate, sulfonate, phosphonate and phosphate. Consistent with the
above definition of "ionizable group", each of the groups ammonium,
carboxylate, hydrazinium, guanidinium, sulfate, sulfonate,
phosphonate and phosphate includes its corresponding uncharged (but
ionizable) moiety, e.g. ammonium includes amino, carboxylate
includes carboxylic acid, and so on. Ammonium includes primary,
secondary and tertiary ammonium groups (i.e., groups derived from
primary, second and tertiary amines), as well as quaternary
ammonium. Each such group may also be present one or more times in
a given ionizable group, such as in a given ionizable side chain.
For example, each such group may be present once, twice or three or
even more times. Thus, for example, dicarboxylate, tricarboxylate,
diammonium, triammonium, polyamine, and polyamonium groups are all
included. Ionizable groups of interest also include, e.g.,
succinate and spermine.
[0074] As used herein, the term "repeat unit" means a unit or
residue in a polymer that is derived from a particular monomer.
Typically the or each repeat unit is repeated multiple times in the
chain of a particular polymer molecule. A homopolymer comprises a
plurality of identical repeat units. A copolymer comprises a
plurality of different types of repeat unit, each of which is
typically present multiple times in the chain of a particular
polymer molecule.
[0075] As used herein, the term "precursor polymer" means a polymer
that can be converted into a "functionalized polymer" as defined
herein by transforming functionalizable repeat units in the
precursor polymer into ionizable repeat units, for example using
the methods described elsewhere herein.
[0076] As used herein, the term "functionalizable side group" means
a side group that can be converted into an "ionizable side group"
as defined herein, for example using the methods described
elsewhere herein.
[0077] As used herein, the term "polymer intermediate" means a
polymer that is an intermediate compound that is produced during
the coversion of a "precursor polymer" as defined herein into a
"functionalized polymer" as defined herein.
[0078] As used herein, the term "hydrophilicity modifier" refers to
a pendant group which is capable of changing the water solubility
and/or hydrophilicity of a polymer to which the hydrophilicity
modifier is bonded. Examples of pendant hydrophilicity modifiers
include polyethyleneglycols (PEG), hydroxyl groups and hydroxyalkyl
groups. "Hydroxyalkyl" means an alkyl group, as defined herein, to
which one or more (such as one, two, three or four) hydroxy groups
are attached.
[0079] As used herein, the term "alkyl" includes both saturated
straight chain and branched alkyl groups. Preferably, an alkyl
group is a C1-20 alkyl group, more preferably a C1-15, more
preferably still a C1-10 alkyl group, more preferably still, a C1-5
alkyl group, and most preferably a C1-3 alkyl group such methyl.
Particularly preferred alkyl groups include, for example, methyl,
ethyl, propyl, isopropyl, butyl, isobutyl, tert-butyl, pentyl and
hexyl. The term "alkylene" should be construed accordingly.
[0080] As used herein, the term "alkenyl" refers to a group
containing one or more carbon-carbon double bonds, which may be
branched or unbranched. Preferably the alkenyl group is a C2-20
alkenyl group, more preferably a C2-15 alkenyl group, more
preferably still a C2-10 alkenyl group, or preferably a C2-5
alkenyl group, and most preferably a C2-3 alkenyl group. The term
"alkenylene" should be construed accordingly.
[0081] As used herein, the term "alkynyl" refers to a carbon chain
containing one or more triple bonds, which may be branched or
unbranched. Preferably the alkynyl group is a C2-20 alkynyl group,
more preferably a C2-15 alkynyl group, more preferably still a
C2-10 alkynyl group, or preferably a C2-5 alkynyl group and most
preferably a C2-3 alkynyl group. The term "alkynylene" should be
construed accordingly.
[0082] As used herein, the term alkoxy refers to an alkyl group as
defined herein that is attached to an oxygen atom.
[0083] As used herein, the term carbocyclyl includes a C3-7
carbocyclyl group, which is a non-aromatic saturated or unsaturated
hydrocarbon ring having from 3 to 7 carbon atoms. Preferably it is
a saturated or mono-unsaturated hydrocarbon ring (i.e. a cycloalkyl
moiety or a cycloalkenyl moiety) having from 3 to 7 carbon atoms,
more preferably having from 5 to 6 carbon atoms. Examples include
cyclopropyl, cyclobutyl, cyclopentyl and cyclohexyl and their
mono-unsaturated variants. Particularly preferred carbocyclic
groups are cyclopentyl and cyclohexyl. The term "carbocyclylene"
should be construed accordingly.
[0084] As used herein, the term "aryl" includes a C6-10 aryl, which
is a monocyclic or polycyclic 6- to 10-membered aromatic
hydrocarbon ring system having from 6 to 10 carbon atoms. Phenyl is
preferred. The term "arylene" should be construed accordingly.
[0085] As used herein, the term "heterocyclyl" includes a 5- to
10-membered heterocyclyl group, which is a non-aromatic, saturated
or unsaturated, monocyclic or polycyclic C5-10 carbocyclic ring
system in which one or more, for example 1, 2, 3 or 4, of the
carbon atoms are replaced with a moiety selected from N, O, S, S(O)
and S(O).sub.2. Preferably, the 5- to 10-membered heterocyclyl
group is a 5- to 6-membered ring. The term "heterocyclyene" should
be construed accordingly.
[0086] Examples of heterocyclyl groups include azetidinyl,
oxetanyl, thietanyl, pyrrolidinyl, imidazolidinyl, oxazolidinyl,
isoxazolidinyl, thiazolidinyl, isothiazolidinyl, tetrahydrofuranyl,
tetrahydrothienyl, tetrahydropyranyl, tetrahydrothiopyranyl,
dithiolanyl, dioxolanyl, pyrazolidinyl, piperidinyl, piperazinyl,
hexahydropyrimidinyl, methylenedioxyphenyl, ethylenedioxyphenyl,
thiomorpholinyl, S-oxo-thiomorpholinyl, S,S-dioxo-thiomorpholinyl,
morpholinyl, 1,3-dioxolanyl, 1,4-dioxolanyl, trioxolanyl,
trithianyl, imidazolinyl, pyranyl, pyrazolinyl, thioxolanyl,
thioxothiazolidinyl, 1H-pyrazol-5-(4H)-onyl,
1,3,4-thiadiazol-2(3H)-thionyl, oxopyrrolidinyl, oxothiazolidinyl,
oxopyrazolidinyl, succinimido and maleimido groups and moieties.
Preferred heterocyclyl groups are pyrrolidinyl, imidazolidinyl,
oxazolidinyl, isoxazolidinyl, thiazolidinyl, isothiazolidinyl,
tetrahydrofuranyl, tetrahydrothienyl, tetrahydropyranyl,
tetrahydrothiopyranyl, dithiolanyl, dioxolanyl, pyrazolidinyl,
piperidinyl, piperazinyl, hexahydropyrimidinyl, thiomorpholinyl and
morpholinyl groups and moieties. More preferred heterocyclyl groups
are tetrahydropyranyl, tetrahydrothiopyranyl, thiomorpholinyl,
tetrahydrofuranyl, tetrahydrothienyl, piperidinyl, morpholinyl and
pyrrolidinyl groups.
[0087] As used herein, the term "heteroaryl" includes a 5- to
10-membered heteroaryl group, which is a monocyclic or polycyclic
5- to 10-membered aromatic ring system, such as a 5- or 6-membered
ring, containing at least one heteroatom, for example 1, 2, 3 or 4
heteroatoms, selected from O, S and N. When the ring contains 4
heteroatoms these are preferably all nitrogen atoms. The term
"heteroarylene" should be construed accordingly.
[0088] Examples of monocyclic heteroaryl groups include thienyl,
furyl, pyrrolyl, imidazolyl, thiazolyl, isothiazolyl, pyrazolyl,
oxazolyl, isoxazolyl, triazolyl, thiadiazolyl, oxadiazolyl,
pyridinyl, pyridazinyl, pyrimidinyl, pyrazinyl, triazinyl and
tetrazolyl groups.
[0089] Examples of polycyclic heteroaryl groups include
benzothienyl, benzofuryl, benzimidazolyl, benzothiazolyl,
benzisothiazolyl, benzoxazolyl, benzisoxazolyl, benztriazolyl,
indolyl, isoindolyl and indazolyl groups. Preferred polycyclic
groups include indolyl, isoindolyl, benzimidazolyl, indazolyl,
benzofuryl, benzothienyl, benzoxazolyl, benzisoxazolyl,
benzothiazolyl and benzisothiazolyl groups, more preferably
benzimidazolyl, benzoxazolyl and benzothiazolyl, most preferably
benzothiazolyl. However, monocyclic heteroaryl groups are
preferred.
[0090] Preferably the heteroaryl group is a 5- to 6-membered
heteroaryl group. Particularly preferred heteroaryl groups are
thienyl, pyrrolyl, imidazolyl, thiazolyl, isothiazolyl, pyrazolyl,
oxazolyl, isoxazolyl, triazolyl, pyridinyl, pyridazinyl,
pyrimidinyl and pyrazinyl groups. More preferred groups are
thienyl, pyridinyl, pyridazinyl, pyrimidinyl, pyrazinyl, pyrrolyl
and triazinyl, triazolyl, most preferably triazolyl. The term
"triazolyl" is herein used interchangeably with "triazole" and,
unless explicitly indicated to the contrary, refers to a
1,2,3-triazole.
[0091] As used herein, the term "optionally substituted" in the
context of optionally substituted alkyl, optionally substituted
alkenyl, optionally substituted alkynyl, optionally substituted
alkoxy, optionally substituted carbocyclyl, optionally substituted
aryl, optionally substituted heterocyclyl, and optionally
substituted heteroaryl means "unsubstituted or substituted".
"Substituted" means that one or more hydrogen atoms are replaced by
substituents selected from halogen atoms and hydroxyl, --NH.sub.2
and sulfonic acid groups. Typically from 1 to 10 hydrogen atoms are
replaced, more preferably 1 to 5, more preferably still 1, 2 or 3
and most preferably 1 or 2, for example 1. Preferably any given
"substituted" group carries not more than 2 sulfonic acid
substituents. Halogen atoms are preferred substituents. Preferably,
though, the optionally substituted alkyl, optionally substituted
alkenyl, optionally substituted alkynyl, optionally substituted
alkoxy, optionally substituted carbocyclyl, optionally substituted
aryl, optionally substituted heterocyclyl, and optionally
substituted heteroaryl are unsubstituted.
[0092] As used herein, the term "pharmaceutically active agent"
means an agent, e.g., a protein, peptide, nucleic acid (including
nucleotides, nucleosides and analogues thereof) or small molecule
drug, that provides a desired pharmacological effect upon
administration to a subject, e.g., a human or a non-human animal,
either alone or in combination with other active or inert
components. Included in the above definition are precursors,
derivatives, analogues and prodrugs of pharmaceutically active
agents.
[0093] The terms "polypeptide" and "protein", used interchangeably
herein, refer to a polymeric form of amino acids of any length,
which can include coded and non-coded amino acids, chemically or
biochemically modified or derivatized amino acids, and polypeptides
having modified peptide backbones. The term includes fusion
proteins, including, but not limited to, fusion proteins with a
heterologous amino acid sequence, fusions with heterologous and
native leader sequences, with or without N-terminal methionine
residues; immunologically tagged proteins; fusion proteins with
detectable fusion partners, e.g., fusion proteins including as a
fusion partner a fluorescent protein, .beta.-galactosidase,
luciferase, etc.; and the like.
[0094] The terms "nucleic acid," "nucleic acid molecule",
"oligonucleotide" and "polynucleotide" are used interchangeably and
refer to a polymeric form of nucleotides of any length, either
deoxyribonucleotides or ribonucleotides, or compounds produced
synthetically which can hybridize with naturally occurring nucleic
acids in a sequence specific manner similar to that of two
naturally occurring nucleic acids, e.g., can participate in
Watson-Crick base pairing interactions. Polynucleotides may have
any three-dimensional structure, and may perform any function,
known or unknown. Non-limiting examples of polynucleotides include
a gene, a gene fragment, exons, introns, messenger RNA (mRNA),
transfer RNA, ribosomal RNA, cDNA, recombinant polynucleotides,
plasmids, vectors, isolated DNA of any sequence, control regions,
isolated RNA of any sequence, nucleic acid probes, and primers.
[0095] As used herein "bioavailability" refers to the fraction of
the pharmaceutically active agent dose that enters the systemic
circulation following administration.
[0096] As used herein, the terms "Glucagon-like-peptide-1" and
"GLP-1" refer to a molecule having GLP-1 activity. One of ordinary
skill in the art can determine whether any given moiety has GLP-1
activity, as disclosed in U.S. Published Application No.
2010/0210505, which is incorporated herein by reference. The term
"GLP-1" includes native GLP-1 (GLP-1 (7-37)OH or GLP-1 (7-36)NH2),
GLP-1 analogs, GLP-1 derivatives, GLP-1 biologically active
fragments, extended GLP-1 (see, for example, International Patent
Publication No. WO 03/058203, which is incorporated herein by
reference, in particular with respect to the extended glucagon-like
peptide-1 analogs described therein), exendin-4, exendin-4 analogs,
and exendin-4 derivatives comprising one or two cysteine residues
at particular positions as described in WO 2004/093823, which is
incorporated herein by reference.
[0097] When used to characterize a vehicle component or components
as described herein, the term "% w/w" refers to % by weight.
[0098] The term "click chemistry" comprises and identifies various
groups of chemical reactions characterized by particular properties
such as rapidity, regioselectivity and high yield and having a high
thermodynamic driving force. Among "click" reactions, cycloaddition
reactions such as Diels-Alder reactions, and above all Huisgen
1,3-dipolar cycloadditions, are particularly significant in the
present invention. An example of a cycloaddition consists of a
reaction in which two unsaturated molecules react to form a cyclic
compound with the formation of two new a bonds using .pi.
electrons.
[0099] As used herein, "cycloaddition" refers to a chemical
reaction in which two or more .pi. (pi)-electron systems (e.g.,
unsaturated molecules or unsaturated parts of the same molecule)
combine to form a cyclic product in which there is a net reduction
of the bond multiplicity. In a cycloaddition, the .pi. (pi)
electrons are used to form new sigma (a) bonds. The product of a
cycloaddition is called an "adduct" or "cycloadduct". Different
types of cycloadditions are known in the art including, but not
limited to, [3+2] cycloadditions and Diels-Alder reactions. [3+2]
cycloadditions, which are also called 1,3-dipolar cycloadditions,
occur between a 1,3-dipole and a dipolarophile and are typically
used for the construction of five-membered heterocyclic rings. The
term "[3+2] cycloaddition" also encompasses "copperless" [3+2]
cycloadditions between azides and cyclooctynes and
difluorocyclooctynes described by Bertozzi et al. J. Am. Chem.
Soc., 2004, 126: 15046-15047.
[0100] A variety of methods are known in the art for determining
the molecular weight of a polymer. Gel permeation chromatography
may be utilized to determine molecular weight as weight average
molecular weight (Mw). In addition, number average molecular weight
(Mn) may be calculated from .sup.1H NMR spectra. A suitable method
may be selected at least in part based on the approximate molecular
weight of the polymer. For example, determination of molecular
weight from NMR spectra may be suitable where the molecular weight
of the polymer is less than about 45 kDa, while gel permeation
chromatography may be suitable for polymers having a molecular
weight of greater than about 45 kDa.
[0101] An exemplary "gel permeation chromatography" (GPC) method
utilizing an Agilent 1100 series liquid chromatography system is
described below. The system includes a pump, a solvent degasser, an
automated injector, a column oven, and a differential refractive
index detector. Agilent Mixed D columns are used with polystyrene
calibration standards. Tetrahydrofuran is used as the eluent. Both
the columns and the detector are maintained at 30.degree. C.
Calibration and calculation of polymer molecular weights are
accomplished using the Chemstation.RTM. software.
[0102] The GPC method parameters are generally as follows:
[0103] Instrumentation: Agilent 1100 Series LC, equipped with a
refractive index (RI) detector and solvent degasser.
[0104] Column Set: Agilent Mixed DC.RTM. columns, 300.times.7.5 mm,
Part No. PL1110-6504, two columns in series.
[0105] Eluent: 100% THF, stabilized, B&J Honeywell Cat. No.
341-4.
[0106] Calibrants: Agilent polystyrene EasiCal PS 2 standards, Part
No. PL12010-0601, concentration 0.10% w/v
[0107] Sample Preparation: Weigh 0.045 to 0.055 grams of sample
into a 20 mL vial and add 10 mL of THF (0.45-0.55% (w/v))
[0108] Instrument Conditions: [0109] System Temperature: 30.degree.
C. [0110] RI Detector: Polarity=positive [0111] Flow rate: 1.0
mL/min [0112] Injection Volume: 50 .mu.L [0113] Run Time: 25
min.
[0114] As discussed above, molecular weights (Mn) may be calculated
using "NMR." As an example, the spectra are obtained on a Bruker
NMR spectrometer operating at 300 MHz. Mn is calculated from the
integrations of resonances assigned to polymer repeat units and
polymer end groups. A sample calculation for a simple
poly(DL-lactide-co-glycolide) is shown below. Values of Mn for
polymer and copolymers of .alpha.-chloro-.epsilon.-caprolactone can
be calculated in a similar fashion.
[0115] The number of repeat units of DL-lactide (x), the number of
repeat units of glycolide (y) and the value of the degree of
polymerization (DP), and the value of Mn from x and y are
calculated from resonances assigned to polymer repeat units and
polymer end groups. The structure below shows, the NMR assignments
for the copolymer.
##STR00001##
[0116] A=Intensity of 2 protons for Lactide Polymer (PLA) at 5.2
ppm
[0117] B=Intensity of 4 protons for Glycolide Polymer (PGY) at 4.95
ppm
[0118] C=Intensity of 2 (OCH2) protons for the 1-dodecanol end
group between 4.0 and 4.2 ppm
[0119] D=Intensity of 3 (CH3) protons for the 1-dodecanol end group
between 0.80 and 0.95 ppm
[0120] The values of x, y, DP, and Mn are calculated using the
values of the integrals from the NMR spectrum, A, B, and C:
x=(A/2)/(C/2)=NC
y=(B/4)/(C/2)=B/2C
DP=x+y
Mn(Da)=144.13*x+116.07*y+186.34
where 144.13 is the formula weight of DL-lactide in grams per mole,
116.07 is the formula weight of glycolide in grams per mole, and
186.34 is the formula weight of the 1-dodecanol residue in grams
per mole.
[0121] Calculation of x, y, DP, and Mn using A, B, and D:
x=(A/2)/(D/3)
y=(B/4)/(D/3)
DP=x+y
Mn(Da)=144.13*x+116.07*y+186.34
where 144.13 is the formula weight of DL-lactide in grams per mole,
116.07 is the formula weight of glycolide in grams per mole, and
186.34 is the formula weight of the 1-dodecanol residue in grams
per mole.
[0122] As used herein, the term "zero shear viscosity" means
viscosity at zero shear rate. A skilled artisan would be able to
determine zero shear viscosity by measuring viscosity at low shear
rate (e.g., around 1 sec.sup.-1 to 7 sec.sup.-1) using a plate and
cone viscometer (e.g., Brookfield Model DV-III +(LV)) and then
extrapolating a plot of viscosity versus shear rate to a shear rate
of zero at a temperature of interest.
[0123] Before the present invention is further described, it is to
be understood that this invention is not limited to particular
embodiments described, as such may, of course, vary. It is also to
be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose
of describing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to
be limiting.
[0124] Where a range of values is provided, it is understood that
each intervening value, to the tenth of the unit of the lower limit
unless the context clearly dictates otherwise, between the upper
and lower limit of that range and any other stated or intervening
value in that stated range, is encompassed within the invention.
The upper and lower limits of these smaller ranges may
independently be included in the smaller ranges, and are also
encompassed within the invention, subject to any specifically
excluded limit in the stated range. Where the stated range includes
one or both of the limits, ranges excluding either or both of those
included limits are also included in the invention.
[0125] Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms
used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of
ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. Although
any methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described
herein can also be used in the practice or testing of the present
invention, the preferred methods and materials are now described.
All publications mentioned herein are incorporated herein by
reference to disclose and describe the methods and/or materials in
connection with which the publications are cited.
[0126] The publications discussed herein are provided solely for
their disclosure prior to the filing date of the present
application. Nothing herein is to be construed as an admission that
the present invention is not entitled to antedate such publication
by virtue of prior invention. Further, the dates of publication
provided may be different from the actual publication dates which
may need to be independently confirmed.
[0127] To the extent the disclosure or the definition or usage of
any term herein conflicts with the disclosure or the definition or
usage of any term in an application or publication incorporated by
reference herein, the instant application shall control.
[0128] As will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon
reading this disclosure, each of the individual embodiments
described and illustrated herein has discrete components and
features which may be readily separated from or combined with the
features of any of the other several embodiments without departing
from the scope or spirit of the present invention. Any recited
method can be carried out in the order of events recited or in any
other order which is logically possible.
[0129] As an overview, the present disclosure relates to complexes
including a pharmaceutically active agent and a functionalized
polymer, wherein the functionalized polymer includes repeat units,
the repeat units including ionizable repeat units including at
least one ionizable side group, a plurality of the at least one
ionizable side groups forming a plurality of non-covalent bonds
with the pharmaceutically active agent. Among the preferred
embodiments of the present disclosure are embodiments in which at
least 10% of the repeat units include at least one ionizable side
group.
[0130] The present disclosure also provides complexes including a
pharmaceutically active agent and a functionalized polymer, the
functionalized polymer including repeat units, the functionalized
polymer including at least one of: (a) ionizable repeat units
including at least one ionizable side group, wherein the at least
one ionizable side group includes at least one member selected from
ammonium, carboxylate, hydrazinium, guanidinium, sulfate,
sulfonate, and phosphate; and (b) at least one ionizable end
group.
[0131] The present disclosure also provides compositions including
a vehicle and complexes including a pharmaceutically active agent
and a functionalized polymer complexed with the pharmaceutically
active agent through non-covalent bonding.
[0132] The present disclosure also provides methods including the
steps of: providing a precursor polymer comprising repeat units,
the repeat units comprising functionalizable repeat units
comprising at least one functionalizable side group; obtaining a
functionalized polymer by transforming, using click chemistry, said
functionalizable repeat units into ionizable repeat units
comprising at least one ionizable side group; and combining the
functionalized polymer with a pharmaceutically active agent to form
a complex in which a plurality of the at least one ionizable side
groups form a plurality of non-covalent bonds with the
pharmaceutically active agent.
[0133] The present disclosure also provides methods including the
steps of: combining a functionalized polymer with a
pharmaceutically active agent, the functionalized polymer
comprising ionizable repeat units comprising at least one ionizable
side group, to form a complex in which a plurality of the at least
one ionizable side groups form a plurality of non-covalent bonds
with the pharmaceutically active agent.
[0134] Additional information related to the disclosure outlined
above is now provided.
[0135] Complexes
[0136] The complexes of the present disclosure may be formed based
on non-covalent interaction (e.g., electrostatic, steric, hydrogen
bonding, and van der Waals interactions) between a functionalized
polymer including ionizable repeat units and/or ionizable end
groups as described herein and a pharmaceutically active agent. The
complex may be a salt. Ideally, the complex reduces the solubility
of the pharmaceutically active agent in the depot and/or in the
body to prolong drug release. The complex may also increase the
stability of the pharmaceutically active agent, e.g., the radiation
stability of the pharmaceutically active agent, either alone or
when present in a depot. In addition to reducing the solubility,
the complex achieves a vastly increased molecular weight such that
its diffusion coefficient is reduced to slow movement of the
pharmaceutically active agent. The solubility of the complex and
its mobility in the environment can be further modulated by the
molecular weight of the complexing polymer and the
hydrophilic/hydrophobic nature of the polymer.
[0137] In some embodiments, the complex has a solubility of less
than 0.01 mg/mL in water at 25.degree. C. at pH 7.4.
[0138] Functionalized Polymers for Complexes
[0139] To form the complexes of the present disclosure,
functionalized polymers having positively or negatively charged
groups (or ionizable groups which may be ionized to positively or
negatively charged groups) are provided. Functionalized polymers
having positively charged groups (or ionizable groups which may be
ionized to positively charged groups) are generally used to form
complexes with negatively charged pharmaceutically active agents
and functionalized polymers having negatively charged groups (or
ionizable groups which may be ionized to negatively charged groups)
are generally used to form complexes with positively charged
pharmaceutically active agents. Thus, in some embodiments the
functionalized polymer has a net positive charge (or is ionizable
to provide a net positive charge). In other embodiments, the
functionalized polymer has a net negative charge (or is ionizable
to provide a net negative charge). In some embodiments, the at
least one ionizable side group is covalently bound to a precursor
or intermediate polymer through click chemistry to provide the
functionalized polymer, for example the at least one ionizable side
group is covalently bound to the precursor or intermediate polymer
through click chemistry catalyzed with copper to provide the
functionalized polymer.
[0140] In some embodiments, the ionizable repeat units of the
functionalized polymer comprise one or more ionizable side groups
that comprise an optionally substituted heteroarylene ring, for
example a 1,2,3-triazole ring.
[0141] In some embodiments, the functionalized polymer
functionalized with ionizable groups is hydrophilic or water
soluble. For instance, the functionalized polymer may have a water
solubility ranging from 0.001 mg/mL to 1000 mg/mL at 25.degree. C.
and pH 7.4, such as 0.01 mg/mL to 100 mg/mL, 0.1 mg/mL to 10 mg/mL,
or 1 mg/mL to 5 mg/mL. In some embodiments the functionalized
polymer is biodegradable.
[0142] In some embodiments, the functionalized polymer is a
polyester. Methods for producing polyesters are well known in the
art. The functionalized polymers may include at least one repeat
unit derived from a monomer selected from caprolactone, lactic
acid, glycolic acid, lactide, glycolide, vinyl pyrrolidone,
butyrolactone, and valerolactone, as well as derivatives of these
monomers that: (a) comprise ionizable side groups; and/or (b)
comprise functionalizable side groups that can be transformed into
ionizable side groups after polymerization has been effected (e.g.
alpha-chlorocaprolactone). In some embodiments, the functionalized
polymer is not derived from amino acid monomers. Thus, in some
embodiments, the functionalized polymer is not a polyamino
acid.
[0143] Examples of ionizable side groups include, but are not
limited to, ammonium, carboxylate, hydrazinium, guanidinium,
sulfate, sulfonate, phosphonate and phosphate.
[0144] The percentage of repeat units making up a functionalized
polymer which include at least one ionizable side group may vary.
For example, the percentage of repeat units making up a
functionalized polymer and which include at least one ionizable
side group may be 100%, 50%, 25%, or 12.5%. The percentage of
repeat units making up a functionalized polymer and which include
at least one ionizable side group may range from 10% to 90%, such
as 20% to 80%, 30% to 70%, or 40% to 60%.
[0145] Accordingly, in some embodiments a complex according to the
present disclosure, prepared using functionalized polymers such as
those described herein, includes a functionalized polymer, the
functionalized polymer including repeat units, the repeat units
including ionizable repeat units including at least one ionizable
side group, a plurality of the at least one ionizable side groups
forming a plurality of non-covalent bonds with the pharmaceutically
active agent, wherein at least 10% of the repeat units comprise at
least one ionizable side group, e.g., at least 20%, at least 30%,
at least 40%, at least 50%, at least 60%, at least 70%, at least
80% or at least 90%.
[0146] In some embodiments, less than 100% of the repeat units
comprise at least one ionizable side group. In some embodiments,
the % of the repeat units comprising at least one ionizable side
group ranges from 10% to 90%, e.g., 20% to 80%, 30% to 70%, or 40%
to 60%. In some embodiments, the % of the repeat units comprising
at least one ionizable side group ranges from 10% to 20%, 20% to
30%, 30% to 40%, 40% to 50%, 50% to 60%, 60% to 70%, 70% to 80%,
80% to 90%, or 90% to 100%.
[0147] The weight average molecular weight of the functionalized
polymers is not particularly limited and may range for example from
1000 Daltons to 200,000 Daltons, as measured by gel permeation
chromatography, e.g., from 2000 Daltons to 50,000 Daltons, from
1000 Daltons to 100,000 Daltons, from 1000 Daltons to 50,000
Daltons, from 1000 Daltons to 40,000 Daltons, from 1000 Daltons to
30,000 Daltons, from 1000 Daltons to 25,000 Daltons, from 1000
Daltons to 20,000 Daltons, from 1000 Daltons to 10,000 Daltons, or
from 1000 Daltons to 5000 Daltons.
[0148] In some embodiments, the functionalized polymer has a weight
average molecular weight ranging from 100,000 Daltons to 200,000
Daltons, from 50,000 Daltons to 200,000 Daltons, from 10,000
Daltons to 200,000 Daltons, or from 5,000 Daltons to 200,000
Daltons, as measured by gel permeation chromatography.
[0149] In some embodiments, the functionalized polymer has a number
average molecular weight ranging from 5000 Daltons to 45,000
Daltons, as measured by NMR spectroscopy, e.g., from 10,000 Daltons
to 45,000 Daltons, from 20,000 Daltons to 45,000 Daltons, or from
30,000 Daltons to 45,000 Daltons. In some embodiments, the
functionalized polymer has a number average molecular weight
ranging from 10,000 Daltons to 20,000 Daltons, or from 20,000
Daltons to 30,000 Daltons, as measured by NMR spectroscopy.
[0150] In some embodiments, the repeat units making up the
functionalized polymer comprise repeat units comprising at least
one pendant hydrophilicity modifier. Examples of these pendant
hydrophilicity modifiers include, but are not limited to,
polyethyleneglycols (PEG), hydroxyl groups, and hydroxyalkyl
groups.
[0151] In some embodiments, the functionalized polymer comprises at
least one ionizable end group, for example the functionalized
polymer may comprise ionizable end groups at each of its ends.
Examples of suitable ionizable end groups include ammonium,
carboxylate, hydrazinium, guanidinium, sulfate, sulfonate,
phosphonate and phosphate.
[0152] In some embodiments, the repeat units comprise repeat units
of the formula (I):
##STR00002##
wherein
[0153] m is an integer from 1 to 10, and
[0154] each R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 is independently selected from
hydrogen, hydroxyl, optionally substituted alkyl, optionally
substituted alkenyl, optionally substituted alkynyl, optionally
substituted alkoxy, optionally substituted carbocyclyl, optionally
substituted aryl, optionally substituted heterocyclyl, optionally
substituted heteroaryl, and a ionizable side group.
[0155] The repeat units may, for example, comprise repeat units of
the formula (I) wherein each R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 is independently
selected from hydrogen, C.sub.1-5 alkyl and a ionizable side group.
The repeat units may comprise repeat units of the formula (I)
wherein m is an integer from 1 to 5. The repeat units may comprise
repeat units of the formula (I) wherein one of the R.sup.1s and
R.sup.2s is a ionizable side group and all of the remaining
R.sup.1s and R.sup.2s are not ionizable side groups. The repeat
units may comprise repeat units of the formula (I) wherein m is 5,
one R.sup.1 is a ionizable side group and all of the remaining
R.sup.1s and R.sup.2s are hydrogen. Such repeat units can readily
be provided using the methods described herein by using a
caprolactone derivative as a monomer when preparing the
functionalized polymer.
[0156] The ionizable side group in the formula (I) may comprise a
positively charged side group or a negatively charged side group
(or a side group which ionizes to a positively charged or
negatively charged side group). For example, the charged side group
may comprise ammonium, carboxylate, hydrazinium, guanidinium,
sulfate, sulfonate, phosphonate and phosphate.
[0157] The ionizable side group in the formula (I) may comprise an
optionally substituted heteroarylene ring. For example, the
ionizable side group may have the formula (II):
##STR00003##
wherein R.sup.3 comprises a ionizable functional group. R.sup.3 may
comprise at least one selected from ammonium, carboxylate,
guanidinium, sulfate, phosphonate and phosphate, either attached
directly to the ring or via a linker group.
[0158] Further examples of repeat units of the formula (I), one or
more of which may be present in the functionalized polymer,
include: repeat units wherein m is 5 and all of the R.sup.1s and
R.sup.2s are hydrogen; repeat units wherein m is 1, R.sup.1 is
hydrogen and R.sup.2 is hydrogen; repeat units wherein m is 1,
R.sup.1 is methyl and R.sup.2 is hydrogen; repeat units wherein m
is 2, the R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 alpha to the carbonyl group are each
hydrogen, the R.sup.1 beta to the carbonyl group is methyl and the
R.sup.2 beta to the carbonyl group is hydrogen; repeat units
wherein m is 3 and all of the R.sup.1s and R.sup.2s are hydrogen;
repeat units wherein m is 4, and all of the R.sup.1s and R.sup.2s
are hydrogen; and repeat units wherein m is 3, the R.sup.1 and
R.sup.2 alpha to the carbonyl group are each hydrogen, the R.sup.1
and R.sup.2 beta to the carbonyl group are each hydrogen, and the
R.sup.1 gamma to the carbonyl group is methyl and the R.sup.2 gamma
to the carbonyl group is hydrogen. Such repeat units can readily be
provided using the methods described herein by using caprolactone,
glycolic acid or glycolide, lactic acid or lactide, butyrolactone
(e.g., beta-butyrolactone, gamma-butyrolactone, etc.) and
valerolactone (e.g., delta-valerolactone, gamma-valerolactone,
etc.), or derivatives therefore, respectively as monomers when
preparing the functionalized polymer. By "alpha" is meant the first
position from a designated carbon in an organic chemical structure
at which an atom or a radical may be substituted. By "beta" is
meant the second position from a designated carbon in an organic
chemical structure at which an atom or a radical may be
substituted. By "gamma" is meant the third position from a
designated carbon in an organic chemical structure at which an atom
or a radical may be substituted. By "delta" is meant the fourth
position from a designated carbon in an organic chemical structure
at which an atom or a radical may be substituted.
[0159] In some embodiments, the functionalized polymer is a
homopolymer of repeat units of formula (I). Alternatively, the
functionalized polymer is a copolymer comprising at least two
different repeat units. For example, each of the at least two
different repeat units in copolymer may be of formula (I) (but with
different m, R.sup.1 and/or R.sup.2s).
[0160] In some embodiments, the functionalized polymer includes one
or more repeat units. For example, the functionalized polymer may
include 1 to 10 repeat units, such as 1 to 7 repeat units,
including 1 to 5 repeat units, or 1 to 3 repeat units. In some
instances, the functionalized polymer includes 1 to 3 repeat units,
such as 1 repeat unit, 2 repeat units or 3 repeat units. The repeat
units may be any of the repeat units as described herein.
Embodiments that include 1 repeat unit may also be referred to as
monomers rather than a polymer. In some instances, the
functionalized polymer may include repeat units where each repeat
unit is of the same formula, e.g., a homopolymer of the same repeat
unit. For example, the functionalized polymer may include 2 repeat
units where each repeat unit is of the same formula. In some
instances, the functionalized polymer includes 3 repeat units where
each repeat unit is of the same formula. In other embodiments, the
functionalized polymer is a copolymer that includes at least two
different repeat units. For instance, the functionalized polymer
may include 2 repeat units, where the repeat units are different
repeat units. In some cases, the functionalized polymer incldues 3
repeat units, where two repeat units are of the same formula and
the third repeat unit is of a different formula. In some instances,
the functionalized polymer includes 3 repeat units where each
repeat unit is of a different formula. In embodiments that includes
repeat units with different formulae, different arrangements (i.e.,
permutations) of the repeat units are possible. For example, in
embodiments that include 2 repeat units with different formula
(e.g., repeat unit 1 and repeat unit 2), the 2 repeat units may be
arranged in the polymer as: (repeat unit 1)-(repeat unit 2); or
(repeat unit 2)-(repeat unit 1). Similarly, in embodiments that
include 3 repeat units where two repeat units are of the same
formula and the third repeat unit is of a different formula (e.g.,
repeat unit 1, repeat unit 1 and repeat unit 2; or repeat unit 1,
repeat unit 2 and repeat unit 2), the 3 repeat units may be
arranged in the polymer in one of 6 different permutations:
[0161] (repeat unit 1)-(repeat unit 1)-(repeat unit 2);
[0162] (repeat unit 1)-(repeat unit 2)-(repeat unit 1);
[0163] (repeat unit 2)-(repeat unit 1)-(repeat unit 1);
[0164] (repeat unit 1)-(repeat unit 2)-(repeat unit 2);
[0165] (repeat unit 2)-(repeat unit 1)-(repeat unit 2); or
[0166] (repeat unit 2)-(repeat unit 2)-(repeat unit 1).
[0167] Similarly, in embodiments that include 3 repeat units where
each repeat unit is of a different formula (e.g., repeat unit 1,
repeat unit 2 and repeat unit 3, the 3 repeat units may be arranged
in the polymer in one of 6 different permutations:
[0168] (repeat unit 1)-(repeat unit 2)-(repeat unit 3);
[0169] (repeat unit 1)-(repeat unit 3)-(repeat unit 2);
[0170] (repeat unit 2)-(repeat unit 1)-(repeat unit 3);
[0171] (repeat unit 2)-(repeat unit 3)-(repeat unit 1);
[0172] (repeat unit 3)-(repeat unit 1)-(repeat unit 2); or
[0173] (repeat unit 3)-(repeat unit 2)-(repeat unit 1).
[0174] The repeat units in the examples above (e.g., repeat unit 1,
repeat unit 2 and repeat unit 3) may be any of the repeat units as
described herein. In certain embodiments, the functionalized
polymer includes an optional ionizable group between the repeat
units, such that a repeat unit is linked to an adjacent repeat unit
through a linking ionizable unit. In these instances, the optional
linking ionizable unit may be selected from ammonium, carboxylate,
hydrazinium, guanidinium, sulfate, sulfonate, phosphonate and
phosphate.
[0175] An example of a functionalized polymer is
poly(.epsilon.-caprolactone) (PCL) with amine pendant groups
capable of complexing with a pharmaceutically active agent (shown
below in salt form):
##STR00004##
[0176] Another example of a functionalized polymer is PCL copolymer
with amine pendant groups on a certain fraction of the repeat units
capable of complexing with a pharmaceutically active agent (shown
below in salt form):
##STR00005##
[0177] While the immediately preceding structure depicts a block
copolymer structure, it should be understood that, as with other
block copolymer structures described herein, the repeat units may
alternatively be randomly distributed in the polymer.
[0178] Yet another example of a functionalized polymer is
poly(c-caprolactone) (PCL) with carboxylate pendant groups capable
of complexing with a pharmaceutically active agent (shown below in
salt form):
##STR00006##
[0179] A further example of a functionalized polymer is
poly(.epsilon.-caprolactone) (PCL) with guanidinium pendant groups
capable of complexing with a pharmaceutically active agent (shown
below in salt form):
##STR00007##
[0180] Pharmaceutically Active Agents for Complexes
[0181] A wide variety of pharmaceutically active agents may be
utilized in the complexes and compositions described herein,
including, but not limited to, peptides, proteins, and small
molecules, e.g., small molecules having a molecular weight less
than 500 Daltons.
[0182] General classes of pharmaceutically active agents which may
be utilized include, for example, proteins, peptides, nucleic
acids, nucleotides, nucleosides and analogues thereof, antigens,
antibodies, and vaccines; as well as low molecular weight
compounds.
[0183] Pharmaceutically active agents which may be utilized in the
complexes and compositions disclosed herein include, but are not
limited to, agents which act on the peripheral nerves, adrenergic
receptors, cholinergic receptors, the skeletal muscles, the
cardiovascular system, smooth muscles, the blood circulatory
system, synaptic sites, neuroeffector junction sites, endocrine and
hormone systems, the immunological system, the reproductive system,
the skeletal system, autacoid systems, the alimentary and excretory
systems, the histamine system and the central nervous system.
[0184] Suitable pharmaceutically active agents may be selected, for
example, from chemotherapeutic agents, epigenetic agents,
proteasome inhibitors, adjuvant drugs, anti-emetics, appetite
stimulants, anti-wasting agents and high potency opioids.
[0185] Suitable pharmaceutically active agents may also be
selected, for example, from anti-neoplastic agents, cardiovascular
agents, renal agents, gastrointestinal agents, rheumatologic agents
and neurological agents among others.
[0186] Protein, Polypeptides and Peptides as Pharmaceutically
Active Agents: Proteins useful in the disclosed complexes and
compositions may include, for example, molecules such as cytokines
and their receptors, as well as chimeric proteins comprising
cytokines or their receptors, including, for example tumor necrosis
factor alpha and beta, their receptors and their derivatives;
renin; growth hormones, including human growth hormone (e.g.,
rhGH), bovine growth hormone, methione-human growth hormone,
des-phenylalanine human growth hormone, and porcine growth hormone;
growth hormone releasing factor (GRF); octreotide, parathyroid and
pituitary hormones; thyroid stimulating hormone; human pancreas
hormone releasing factor; lipoproteins; colchicine; prolactin;
corticotrophin; thyrotropic hormone; oxytocin; vasopressin;
somatostatin; lypressin; pancreozymin; leuprolide;
alpha-1-antitrypsin; insulin; insulin analogs; insulin derivatives;
insulin prodrugs; glargine; insulin A-chain; insulin B-chain;
proinsulin; follicle stimulating hormone; calcitonin; luteinizing
hormone; luteinizing hormone releasing hormone (LHRH); LHRH
agonists and antagonists; glucagon; clotting factors such as factor
VIIIC, factor IX, tissue factor, and von Willebrands factor;
anti-clotting factors such as Protein C; atrial natriuretic factor;
lung surfactant; a plasminogen activator other than a tissue-type
plasminogen activator (t-PA), for example a urokinase; bombesin;
thrombin; hemopoietic growth factor; enkephalinase; RANTES
(regulated on activation normally T-cell expressed and secreted);
human macrophage inflammatory protein (MIP-1-alpha); a serum
albumin such as human serum albumin; mullerian-inhibiting
substance; relaxin A-chain; relaxin B-chain; prorelaxin; mouse
gonadotropin-associated peptide; chorionic gonadotropin;
gonadotropin releasing hormone; bovine somatotropin; porcine
somatotropin; a microbial protein, such as beta-lactamase; DNase;
inhibin; activin; vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF);
receptors for hormones or growth factors; integrin; protein A or D;
rheumatoid factors; a neurotrophic factor such as bone-derived
neurotrophic factor (BDNF), neurotrophin-3, -4, -5, or -6 (NT-3,
NT-4, NT-5, or NT-6), or a nerve growth factor such as NGF-.beta.;
platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF); fibroblast growth factor
such as acidic FGF and basic FGF; epidermal growth factor (EGF);
transforming growth factor (TGF) such as TGF-alpha and TGF-beta,
including TGF-.beta.1, TGF-.beta.2, TGF-.beta.3, TGF-.beta.4, or
TGF-.beta.5; insulin-like growth factor-I and -II (IGF-I and
IGF-II); des(1-3)-IGF-I (brain IGF-I), insulin-like growth factor
binding proteins; CD proteins such as CD-3, CD-4, CD-8, and CD-19;
erythropoietin; osteoinductive factors; immunotoxins; a bone
morphogenetic protein (BMP); an interferon such as interferon-alpha
(e.g., interferona2A or interferona2B), -beta, -gamma, -lambda and
consensus interferon; colony stimulating factors (CSFs), e.g.,
M-CSF, GM-CSF, and G-CSF; interleukins (ILs), e.g., IL-1 to IL-10;
superoxide dismutase; T-cell receptors; surface membrane proteins;
decay accelerating factor; viral antigen such as, for example, a
portion of the HIV-1 envelope glycoprotein, gp120, gp160 or
fragments thereof; transport proteins; homing receptors;
addressins; fertility inhibitors such as the prostaglandins;
fertility promoters; regulatory proteins; antibodies and chimeric
proteins, such as immunoadhesins; precursors, derivatives, prodrugs
and analogues of these compounds, and pharmaceutically acceptable
salts of these compounds, or their precursors, derivatives,
prodrugs and analogues.
[0187] Suitable proteins or peptides may be native or recombinant
and include, e.g., fusion proteins.
[0188] In some embodiments, the protein is a growth hormone, such
as human growth hormone (hGH), recombinant human growth hormone
(rhGH), bovine growth hormone, methione-human growth hormone,
des-phenylalanine human growth hormone, and porcine growth hormone;
insulin, insulin A-chain, insulin B-chain, and proinsulin; or a
growth factor, such as vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF),
nerve growth factor (NGF), platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF),
fibroblast growth factor (FGF), epidermal growth factor (EGF),
transforming growth factor (TGF), and insulin-like growth factor-I
and -II (IGF-I and IGF-II).
[0189] Suitable peptides for use as the complexes and compositions
disclosed herein include, but are not limited to, exenatide and
Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and precursors, derivatives,
prodrugs and analogues thereof. For instance, the peptide may be
one or more of liraglutide, lixisenatide, albiglutide, dulaglutide,
CJC-1134-PC, ACP-03, and semaglutide.
[0190] Nucleic Acids as Pharmaceutically Active Agents: Nucleic
acid pharmaceutically active agents include nucleic acids as well
as precursors, derivatives, prodrugs and analogues thereof, e.g.,
therapeutic nucleotides, nucleosides and analogues thereof;
therapeutic oligonucleotides; and therapeutic polynucleotides.
Pharmaceutically active agents selected from this group may find
particular use as anticancer agents and antivirals. Suitable
nucleic acid pharmaceutically active agents may include for example
ribozymes, antisense oligodeoxynucleotides, aptamers and siRNA.
Examples of suitable nucleoside analogues include, but are not
limited to, cytarabine (araCTP), gemcitabine (dFdCTP), and
floxuridine (FdUTP).
[0191] Other Pharmaceutically Active Agents: A variety of other
pharmaceutically active agents may be used in the compositions
disclosed herein. Suitable compounds may include, but are not
limited to, compounds directed to one or more of the following drug
targets: Kringle domain, Carboxypeptidase, Carboxylic ester
hydrolases, Glycosylases, Rhodopsin-like dopamine receptors,
Rhodopsin-like adrenoceptors, Rhodopsin-like histamine receptors,
Rhodopsin-like serotonin receptors, Rhodopsin-like short peptide
receptors, Rhodopsin-like acetylcholine receptors, Rhodopsin-like
nucleotide-like receptors, Rhodopsin-like lipid-like ligand
receptors, Rhodopsin-like melatonin receptors, Metalloprotease,
Transporter ATPase, Carboxylic ester hydrolases, Peroxidase,
Lipoxygenase, DOPA decarboxylase, A/G cyclase, Methyltransferases,
Sulphonylurea receptors, other transporters (e.g., Dopamine
transporter, GABA transporter 1, Norepinephrine transporter,
Potassium-transporting ATPase .alpha.-chain 1,
Sodium-(potassium)-chloride cotransporter 2, Serotonin transporter,
Synaptic vesicular amine transporter, and Thiazide-sensitive
sodium-chloride cotransporter), Electrochemical nucleoside
transporter, Voltage-gated ion channels, GABA receptors (Cys-Loop),
Acetylcholine receptors (Cys-Loop), NMDA receptors, 5-HT3 receptors
(Cys-Loop), Ligand-gated ion channels Glu: kainite, AMPA Glu
receptors, Acid-sensing ion channels aldosterone, Ryanodine
receptors, Vitamin K epoxide reductase, MetGluR-like GABA.sub.B
receptors, Inwardly rectifying K.sup.+channel, NPC1 L1,
MetGluR-like calcium-sensing receptors, Aldehyde dehydrogenases,
Tyrosine 3-hydroxylase, Aldose reductase, Xanthine dehydrogenase,
Ribonucleoside reductase, Dihydrofolate reductase, IMP
dehydrogenase, Thioredoxin reductase, Dioxygenase, Inositol
monophosphatase, Phosphodiesterases, Adenosine deaminase,
Peptidylprolyl isomerases, Thymidylate synthase, Aminotransferases,
Farnesyl diphosphate synthase, Protein kinases, Carbonic anhydrase,
Tubulins, Troponin, Inhibitor of I.kappa.KB kinase-.beta., Amine
oxidases, Cyclooxygenases, Cytochrome P450s, Thyroxine
5-deiodinase, Steroid dehydrogenase, HMG-CoA reductase, Steroid
reductases, Dihydroorotate oxidase, Epoxide hydrolase, Transporter
ATPase, Translocator, Glycosyltransferases, Nuclear receptors NR3
receptors, Nuclear receptors: NR1 receptors, and Topoisomerase.
[0192] In some embodiments, pharmaceutically active agent is a
compound targeting one of rhodopsin-like GPCRs, nuclear receptors,
ligand-gated ion channels, voltage-gated ion channels,
penicillin-binding protein, myeloperoxidase-like, sodium:
neurotransmitter symporter family, type II DNA topoisomerase,
fibronectin type III, and cytochrome P450.
[0193] In some embodiments, the pharmaceutically active agent is an
anticancer agent. Suitable anticancer agents include, but are not
limited to, Actinomycin D, Alemtuzumab, Allopurinol sodium,
Amifostine, Amsacrine, Anastrozole, Ara-CMP, Asparaginase,
Azacytadine, Bendamustine, Bevacizumab, Bicalutimide, Bleomycin
(e.g., Bleomycin A.sub.2 and B.sub.2), Bortezomib, Busulfan,
Camptothecin sodium salt, Capecitabine, Carboplatin, Carmustine,
Cetuximab, Chlorambucil, Cisplatin, Cladribine, Clofarabine,
Cyclophosphamide, Cytarabine, Dacarbazine, Dactinomycin,
Daunorubicin, Daunorubicin liposomal, Dacarbazine, Decitabine,
Docetaxel, Doxorubicin, Doxorubicin liposomal, Epirubicin,
Estramustine, Etoposide, Etoposide phosphate, Exemestane,
Floxuridine, Fludarabine, Fluadarabine phosphate, 5-Fluorouracil,
Fotemustine, Fulvestrant, Gemcitabine, Goserelin,
Hexamethylmelamine, Hydroxyurea, Idarubicin, Ifosfamide, Imatinib,
Irinotecan, Ixabepilone, Lapatinib, Letrozole, Leuprolide acetate,
Lomustine, Mechlorethamine, Melphalan, 6-Mercaptopurine,
Methotrexate, Mithramycin, Mitomycin C, Mitotane, Mitoxantrone,
Nimustine, Ofatumumab, Oxaliplatin, Paclitaxel, Panitumumab,
Pegaspargase, Pemetrexed, Pentostatin, Pertuzumab, Picoplatin,
Pipobroman, Plerixafor, Procarbazine, Raltitrexed, Rituximab,
Streptozocin, Temozolomide, Teniposide, 6-Thioguanine, Thiotepa,
Topotecan, Trastuzumab, Treosulfan, Triethylenemelamine,
Trimetrexate, Uracil Nitrogen Mustard, Valrubicin, Vinblastine,
Vincristine, Vindesine, Vinorelbine, and analogues, precursors,
derivatives and pro-drugs thereof. It should be noted that two or
more of the above compounds may be used in combination in the
compositions of the present disclosure.
[0194] Pharmaceutically active agents of interest for use in the
disclosed compositions may also include opioids and derivatives
thereof as well as opioid receptor agonists and antagonists, e.g.,
methadone, naltrexone, naloxone, nalbuphine, fentanyl, sufentanil,
oxycodone, oxymorphone, hydrocodone, hydromorphone, and
pharmaceutically acceptable salts and derivatives thereof.
[0195] In some embodiments the pharmaceutically active agent is a
low molecular weight compound, e.g., a compound having a molecular
weight of less than or equal to about 800 Daltons, e.g., less than
or equal to about 500 Daltons. In some embodiments, the
pharmaceutically active agent is a compound having a molecular
weight ranging from 800 Daltons to 100 Daltons, e.g., 700 Daltons
to 200 Daltons, 600 Daltons to 300 Daltons, or 500 Daltons to 400
Daltons.
[0196] In some embodiments, the pharmaceutically active agent
comprises at least one member selected from a peptide, protein, and
small molecule, the small molecule having a molecular weight less
than 500 Daltons.
[0197] The pharmaceutically active agent may contain one functional
group that is capable of forming a non-covalent bond with the
functionalized polymer. The pharmaceutically active agent may
contain more than one functional group that is capable of forming
non-covalent bonds with the functionalized polymer.
[0198] In some embodiments, the pharmaceutically active agent is
stable in water. For instance, when the pharmaceutically active
agent is placed in water at 25.degree. C. for 1 hour, 12 hours, or
24 hours, the purity of the pharmaceutically active agent is
degraded less than 5%, such as less than 3% or less than 2%.
[0199] The pharmaceutically active agent or pharmaceutically active
agent complex may be present in any suitable concentration in the
compositions disclosed herein. Suitable concentrations may vary
depending on the potency of the pharmaceutically active agent,
pharmacokinetic half-life, etc. For example, the pharmaceutically
active agent may be present in a range of from about 1% to about
50% by weight of the composition, e.g., from about 5% to about 45%,
from about 10% to about 40%, from about 15% to about 35%, or from
about 20% to about 30% by weight of the composition. The complex
including the pharmaceutically active agent may be present at a
concentration ranging from about 10 mg/mL to about 500 mg/mL, such
as from about 50 mg/mL to about 450 mg/mL, about 100 mg/mL to about
400 mg/mL, about 150 mg/mL to about 350 mg/mL, or about 200 mg/mL
to about 300 mg/mL.
[0200] In some embodiments, the complex comprising the
functionalized polymer and pharmaceutically active agent has a
solubility of less than 0.01 mg/mL in water at 25.degree. C. at pH
7.4.
[0201] In some embodiments, in the complex comprising the
functionalized polymer and pharmaceutically active agent, the ratio
of the amount of the pharmaceutically active agent to the amount of
the functionalized polymer in the complex is from 1:1 to 1:10 by
weight, e.g., from 1:1 to 1:9 by weight, from 1:1 to 1:8 by weight,
from 1:1 to 1:7 by weight, from 1:1 to 1:6 by weight, from 1:1 to
1:5 by weight, from 1:1 to 1:4 by weight, from 1:1 to 1:3 by
weight, or from 1:1 to 1:2 by weight. In some embodiments, in the
complex comprising the functionalized polymer and pharmaceutically
active agent, the ratio of the amount of the pharmaceutically
active agent to the amount of the functionalized polymer in the
complex is from 1:1 to 1:2 by weight, from 1:2 to 1:3 by weight,
from 1:3 to 1:4 by weight, from 1:4 to 1:5 by weight, from 1:5 to
1:6 by weight, from 1:6 to 1:7 by weight, from 1:7 to 1:8 by
weight, from 1:8 to 1:9 by weight, or from 1:9 to 1:10 by
weight.
[0202] In one aspect, the complex may have a median particle size,
as measured by laser diffraction, of less than 10 micrometers, such
as less than 5 micrometers, less than 3 micrometers, less than 2
micrometers, or less than 1 micrometer. In some aspects, a process
comprises milling the complex to achieve the desired particle
size.
[0203] Pharmaceutical Compositions
[0204] The present disclosure provides pharmaceutical compositions
including a vehicle and a complex, the complex including a
pharmaceutically active agent and a functionalized polymer
complexed with the pharmaceutically active agent through
non-covalent bonding.
[0205] Polymers
[0206] In some embodiments, the amount of the functionalized
polymer present in the composition is less than 50% by weight based
on the total weight of the composition, e.g., less than 40%, less
than 30%, less than 20%, less than 10%, or less than 5%.
[0207] In some embodiments, the amount of the functionalized
polymer present in the composition ranges from 5% by weight to 50%
by weight based on the total weight of the composition, e.g., 10%
by weight to 40% by weight, or 20% by weight to 30% by weight.
[0208] In some embodiments, the amount of the functionalized
polymer present in the composition ranges from 5% to 10% by weight
based on the total weight of the composition, e.g., 10% by weight
to 20% by weight, 20% by weight to 30% by weight, 30% by weight to
40% by weight, or 40% by weight to 50% by weight.
[0209] Vehicle Polymers: In some embodiments, the vehicle includes
a "vehicle" polymer, e.g., a biocompatible and/or biodegradable
polymer. As described herein, the term "vehicle" polymer is used to
distinguish this component from the functionalized polymer
comprised in the complex. The vehicle polymer is a polymer other
than the functionalized polymer comprised in the complex. Suitable
vehicle polymers may include, but are not limited to, homopolymers,
block-copolymers and random copolymers. Suitable polymers include
those polymers or combinations of polymers which have solubility of
at least about 20 weight %, 30 weight %, or 40 weight % in a
selected solvent or solvent combination. In some embodiments,
suitable polymers include polymers having both hydrophilic and
hydrophobic regions, e.g., an AB-type block copolymer composed of
hydrophobic and hydrophilic components. Such polymers may have a
tendency to form micelles when exposed to an aqueous environment as
a result of the amphiphilic character of the polymer. Suitable
polymers may include, but are not limited to, polylactides,
polyglycolides, polycaprolactones, copolymers including any
combination of two or more monomers involved in the above, e.g.,
terpolymers of lactide, glycolide and c-caprolactone, and mixtures
including any combination of two or more of the above. In other
words, suitable polymers may also include, for example, polylactic
acids, polyglycolic acids, polycaprolactones, copolymers including
any combination of two or more monomers involved in the above,
e.g., terpolymers of lactic acid, glycolic acid and c-caprolactone,
and mixtures including any combination of two or more of the
above.
[0210] In some embodiments, a suitable vehicle polymer is
polylactic acid (PLA), e.g., a PLA including an ionizable end-group
(e.g., an acid end-group, e.g., in an acid-terminated PLA). Acid
end-group PLAs include, e.g., lactate initiated PLAs described
herein. In some embodiments, the PLA includes an unionizable
end-group (e.g., an ester end-group, e.g., in an ester terminated
PLA). Ester end-group PLAs include, but are not limited to,
dodecanol-initiated (dd) PLAs described herein. In some
embodiments, the PLA is DL-PLA. In other embodiments, the
biodegradable polymer is poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA),
e.g., dl-PLGA. In some embodiments, the PLGA includes an ionizable
end-group, e.g., an acid end-group. Acid end-group PLGAs include,
but are not limited to, the glycolate initiated (ga) PLGAs
described herein. In some embodiments, the PLGA includes an
unionizable end-group, e.g., an ester end group. Ester end-group
PLGAs include, but are not limited to, dodecanol initiated PLGAs
described herein. In one embodiment, where the polymer is a
polycaprolactone, the polycaprolactone is poly(c)caprolactone.
[0211] The vehicle polymer may be present in the vehicle in an
amount ranging from about 5% to about 40% by weight of the vehicle,
for example, from about 6% to about 35%, from about 7% to about
30%, from about 8% to about 27%, from about 9% to about 26%, from
about 10% to about 25%, from about 11% to about 24%, from about 12%
to about 23%, from about 13% to about 22%, from about 14% to about
21%, from about 15% to about 20%, from about 16% to about 19%, or
at about 17% by weight of the vehicle. In some embodiments, the
polymer is present in an amount of about 20% by weight of the
vehicle.
[0212] In some embodiments, the vehicle polymer has a weight
average molecular weight of from about 2 kDa to about 20 kDa, e.g.,
from about 2 kDa to about 5 kDa, from about 2 kDa to about 10 kDa,
or from about 2 kDa to about 15 kDa. Additional embodiments include
a biocompatible, biodegradable polymer having a weight average
molecular weight of from about 5 kDa to about 15 kDa, e.g., about
10 kDa, e.g., as determined by gel permeation chromatography or NMR
spectroscopy.
[0213] In some embodiments, the pharmaceutical composition, which
includes vehicle polymer, has a low amount of functionalized
polymer. For instance, the amount of functionalized polymer in the
pharmaceutical composition may be less than 50 wt %, such as less
than 40 wt %, less than 30 wt %, less than 20 wt %, less than 10 wt
% or less than 5 wt %, and may range from 5 wt % to 50 wt %, based
on total weight of the pharmaceutical composition.
[0214] Also, the pharmaceutical composition may be free of polymer
other than the functionalized polymer, e.g., free of vehicle
polymer.
[0215] Solvents
[0216] Vehicle Solvents: In some embodiments the vehicle includes
one or more solvents in addition to, or to the exclusion of, one or
more vehicle polymers as discussed herein. In some embodiments, the
solvent is present in the vehicle in an amount ranging from 60% to
100% by weight of the vehicle, e.g., from 70% to 100%, from 80% to
100% or from 90% to 100%.
[0217] In some embodiments, the solvent includes at least one
hydrophilic/polar solvent. In addition to, or as an alternative to
the at least one hydrophilic/polar solvent, the solvent may include
at least one hydrophobic solvent.
[0218] In some embodiments, the solvent includes at least one
member selected from water, a buffered aqueous system,
dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO), benzyl alcohol (BA), benzyl benzoate
(BB), hydrogenated castor oil, polyethoxylated castor oil,
dimethylacetamide, ethanol, ethyl acetate, glycofurol, isopropyl
myristate, ethyl benzoate, caprylic/capric triglyceride,
n-methyl-pyrrolidone (NMP), propylene glycol monocaprylate,
propylene carbonate, 2-pyrrolidone, triacetin, and triethyl
citrate.
[0219] In some embodiments, the solvent is a benign vehicle
solvent, such as an aqueous medium, BA, BB, DMSO, ethanol, ethyl
acetate, glycofurol, propylene carbonate or NMP. The complexes may
therefore improve injection site compatibility, which is sometimes
an issue with drug depots.
[0220] A wide variety of vehicle solvents may be used. Water or
buffered aqueous systems may suffice. Thus, the vehicle solvent may
involve aqueous or non-aqueous systems comprising at least one of
the following: dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO), benzyl alcohol (BA),
benzyl benzoate (BB), Cremophor EL (polyethoxylated castor oil),
dimethylacetamide, ethanol, ethyl acetate, glycofurol, isopropyl
myristate, ethyl benzoate, Miglyol 810 (caprylic/capric
triglyceride), n-methyl-pyrrolidone, Capryol 90 (propylene glycol
monocaprylate), propylene carbonate, 2-pyrrolidone, triacetin, and
triethyl citrate.
[0221] In some embodiments, the pharmaceutical composition is free
of organic solvent. In other embodiments the pharmaceutical
composition has a relatively low amount of organic solvent. For
instance, the amount of organic solvent in the pharmaceutical
composition may be less than 10 wt %, such as less than 5 wt % or
less than 1 wt %, based on total weight of the pharmaceutical
composition. The amount of organic solvent may range from 60 wt %
to 95 wt %, based on total weight of the pharmaceutical
composition, e.g., 65 wt % to 90 wt %, 70 wt % to 85 wt %, or 75 wt
% to 80 wt %.
[0222] In some embodiments, the vehicle includes a hydrophobic
solvent. Hydrophobic solvents suitable for use in the vehicles of
the present disclosure may be selected based on their ability to
solubilize a polymer component of the vehicles described herein.
Hydrophobic solvents can be characterized as being insoluble or
substantially insoluble in water. For example, suitable hydrophobic
solvents have solubility in water of less than 5% by weight, less
than 4% by weight, less than 3% by weight, less than 2% by weight
or less than 1% by weight, e.g. as measured at 25.degree. C. A
suitable hydrophobic solvent may also be characterized as one which
has a solubility in water of about 5% or less, about 4% or less,
about 3% or less, about 2% or less, or about 1% or less, at
25.degree. C. For example, in some embodiments, a suitable
hydrophobic solvent has a solubility in water of from about 1% to
about 7%, from about 1% to about 6%, from about 1% to about 5%,
from about 1% to about 4%, from about 1% to about 3%, and from
about 1% to about 2%, at 25.degree. C. A suitable hydrophobic
solvent may also be characterized as a solvent in which water has
limited solubility, e.g., a solvent in which water has solubility
of less than 10% by weight, less than 5% by weight, or less than 1%
by weight, at 25.degree. C.
[0223] In some embodiments, suitable hydrophobic solvents include
derivatives of benzoic acid including, but not limited to, benzyl
alcohol, methyl benzoate, ethyl benzoate, n-propyl benzoate,
isopropyl benzoate, butyl benzoate, isobutyl benzoate, sec-butyl
benzoate, tert-butyl benzoate, isoamyl benzoate and benzyl
benzoate.
[0224] In some embodiments, benzyl benzoate is selected as the
hydrophobic solvent for use in the vehicles of the present
disclosure.
[0225] A suitable solvent may be a single solvent selected from
among the following or a combination of two or more of the
following: benzyl alcohol, benzyl benzoate, ethyl benzoate, and
ethanol.
[0226] Where the solvent is a hydrophobic solvent, it may be used
in combination with one or more additional solvents, e.g., one or
more hydrophobic solvents and/or one or more polar/hydrophilic
solvents.
[0227] In some embodiments, the compositions include a single
hydrophobic solvent as described herein without including any
additional solvents.
[0228] Where the solvent is a polar/hydrophilic solvent, it may be
used alone in the vehicle or in combination with one or more
hydrophobic solvents as described herein. In some embodiments,
where the polar/hydrophilic solvent is used in combination with one
or more hydrophobic solvents as described herein, the
polar/hydrophilic solvent is present in a relatively small amount
relative to the hydrophobic solvent, e.g., less than 5% (e.g., less
than 4%, less than 3%, less than 2%, or less than 1%) by weight of
the vehicle. For example, a polar/hydrophilic solvent may be
present in the vehicle in an amount of from about 5% to about 1%
(e.g., from about 4% to about 1%, from about 3% to about 1%, or
from about 2% to about 1%) by weight of the vehicle.
[0229] In some embodiments, the total amount of solvent in the
composition is at least 70% by weight based on the total weight of
the composition, e.g., at least 80% by weight, at least 90% by
weight, at least 95% by weight, or at least 99% by weight. In some
embodiments, the total amount of solvent in the composition ranges
from 70% to 99% by weight based on the total weight of the
composition, e.g., 75% to 99%, 80% to 99%, 90% to 99%, or 95% to
99%. The amount of solvent typically ranges from 60 wt % to 95 wt
%, based on total weight of the pharmaceutical composition.
[0230] In some embodiments, the polymer-pharmaceutically active
agent complex may allow for the use of reduced amounts of solvent
in the pharmaceutical composition. For instance, the amount of
solvent in the pharmaceutical composition may be less than 10 wt %,
such as less than 5 wt % or less than 1 wt %, based on total weight
of the pharmaceutical composition.
[0231] Since the functionalized polymer of the disclosed
compositions is directly complexed with the pharmaceutically active
agent, the compositions may be free of other complexing agents,
such as protamine, Zn.sup.2+, carboxymethylcellulose (CMC), or
other stabilizers. In other cases, the composition comprises less
than 5 wt %, less than 4 wt %, less than 3 wt %, less than 2 wt %,
less than 1 wt %, less than 0.5 wt %, less than 0.2 wt %, or less
than 0.1 wt % of other complexing agents, such as protamine,
Zn.sup.2+, carboxymethylcellulose (CMC), or other stabilizers.
[0232] Excipients
[0233] In some embodiments, the pharmaceutical compositions
according to the present disclosure include one or more excipients,
e.g., stabilizers, dyes, fillers, preservatives, buffering agents,
antioxidants, wetting agents, anti-foaming agents, surfactants, and
the like. Excipients may include, e.g., sucrose, polysorbate,
methionine, mannitol, trehalose, etc. An example of a preferred
excipient is sucrose acetate isobutyrate (SAIB).
[0234] Methionine may be included in a composition of the present
disclosure as an antioxidant, and in some embodiments sucrose is
included as a stabilizer. Methionine may be combined with a
pharmaceutically active agent complex as described herein to form a
radiation stable powder or a radiation stable composition.
[0235] In some embodiments, the pharmaceutical composition has a
low excipient to pharmaceutically active agent ratio. For instance,
the weight ratio of excipient to pharmaceutically active agent may
range from 1:10 to 1:1000, e.g., 1:50 to 1:1000, 1:100 to 1:1000,
or 1:500 to 1:1000.
[0236] Additional description of vehicles and vehicle components
which may be used in connection with the disclosed compositions is
provided in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2012/0225033,
filed Nov. 23, 2011, which application is incorporated by reference
herein in its entirety and for all purposes.
[0237] Radiation-Sterilized Compositions
[0238] As discussed briefly above, methionine may be combined with
a pharmaceutically active agent complex as described herein to form
a radiation stable powder or a radiation stable composition.
Additional description of radiation-stable compositions into which
the complexes of the present disclosure may be incorporated is
provided in International PCT Application No. WO2013/078396, filed
Nov. 21, 2012, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference
herein in its entirety and for all purposes.
[0239] For example, a radiation stable composition may be prepared
by 1) combining a biodegradable polymer and a hydrophobic solvent
to form a single-phase vehicle of the composition, wherein the
biodegradable polymer is included in an amount of from about 5% to
about 40% by weight of the vehicle, and the hydrophobic solvent is
included in an amount of from about 95% to about 60% by weight of
the vehicle; 2) dispersing a complex according to the present
disclosure in the vehicle to form the composition; and irradiating
the composition with ionizing radiation, wherein the
pharmaceutically active agent maintains a purity of about 90% or
greater when stored at 25.degree. C. for a period of 24 hours after
irradiation. In some embodiments antioxidant is added to the
composition prior to irradiating the composition with ionizing
radiation, e.g., at a dose of 10 kGy to 25 kGy. In some
embodiments, the antioxidant is added in an amount ranging from
about 1 wt % to about 45 wt %, relative to the amount of
pharmaceutically active agent. In some embodiments, methionine is
added to the composition prior to irradiating the composition,
e.g., in an amount of from 0.1 wt % to about 45 wt %, relative to
the amount of pharmaceutically active agent.
[0240] Pharmaceutical Composition Properties
[0241] In one aspect, the complex is present in the pharmaceutical
composition in the form of particles. The particles optionally
include at least one excipient in addition to the complex. The
particles may have a median particle size, as measured by laser
diffraction, of less than 10 micrometers, such as less than 5
micrometers, less than 3 micrometers, less than 2 micrometers, or
less than 1 micrometer. In some aspects, a process comprises
milling the complex to achieve the desired particle size.
[0242] The pharmaceutical compositions of the present invention
typically have relatively low viscosity. For instance, the
pharmaceutical compositions may have a zero shear viscosity less
than 1,200 centipoise (cP), e.g., less than 1000 cP, less than 500
cP, less than 100 cP, less than 50 cP, or less than 10 cP, at
25.degree. C. The zero shear viscosity of the pharmaceutical
compositions typically range from about 10 cP to about 1200 cP,
e.g., about 50 cP to about 1000 cP, or about 100 cP to about 500
cP, at 25.degree. C.
[0243] Surprisingly, the disclosed pharmaceutical compositions
typically demonstrate good syringeability and injectability while
providing for sustained release of the pharmaceutically active
agent in-vivo with minimal burst. Syringeability and injectability
may be characterized by the time it takes to inject a known volume
of the pharmaceutical composition through a syringe of known size
fitted with a relatively small gauge needle, e.g., a 1-5 mL syringe
fitted with a needle having a gauge of about 21 to about 27. In
some embodiments, the pharmaceutical compositions of the present
disclosure may be characterized as having good syringeability and
injectability based on their ability to be injected through a 1 ml
syringe fitted with an approximately 0.5 in needle having a gauge
of about 21 to about 27, wherein a 0.5 ml volume of the
pharmaceutical composition can be injected in less than 25 sec
(e.g., less than 20 sec., less than 15 sec, less than 10 sec, or
less than 5 sec) at 25.degree. C. with the application of a 5 to 10
lb-force. In some embodiments, under the above conditions, the
pharmaceutical composition can be injected in a range of from about
1.5 sec to about 25 sec, e.g., from about 1.5 sec to about 20 sec,
from about 1.5 sec to about 15 sec, from about 1.5 sec to about 10
sec, or from about 1.5 sec to about 5 sec.
[0244] In addition to good injectability and syringeability as
described herein, in some embodiments, the pharmaceutical
compositions of the present disclosure demonstrate minimal burst
and sustained delivery of pharmaceutically active agent over time.
"Minimal burst" may be characterized in terms of Cmax/Cmin, wherein
the acceptable Cmax/Cmin upper limit may vary depending on the
pharmaceutically active agent to be delivered. In some embodiments,
the weight % of pharmaceutically active agent released as burst
over the first 24 hours is less than 30% of the total amount
released over one week, e.g., less than 20% or less than 10%, of
the total amount released over one week. For example, the weight %
of pharmaceutically active agent released as burst over the first
24 hours may be less than about 30%, less than about 20%, less than
about 20%, or less than about 10%, of the total amount released
over one week. In some embodiments, the weight % of
pharmaceutically active agent released as burst over the first 24
hours is less than 10% of the total amount released over one month,
e.g., less than 8% or less than 5%, of the total amount released
over one month. For example, the weight % of pharmaceutically
active agent released as burst over the first 24 hours may be less
than 10% to about 8% or from about 8% to about 5%, of the total
amount released over one month. In some embodiments, the Cmax to
Cmin ratio of the pharmaceutically active agent, as measured over
28 days, 21 days, 14 days, or 7 days after administration, may
range from 2 to 40, such as from 5 to 30, or 10 to 20. In some
embodiments, the Cmax to Cmin ratio of the pharmaceutically active
agent, as measured over 7 days after administration, may be less
than 10, less than 5, less than 4, or less than 2. As used herein,
"sustained delivery" refers to durations which are at least several
fold, e.g., at least 5 fold to at least 10 fold, longer than the
duration obtained from a single dose of an immediate-release (IR)
formulation of the same pharmaceutically active agent (determined
by Adsorption, Distribution, Metabolism, and Excretion (ADME)
characteristics of the pharmaceutically active agent itself).
[0245] As mentioned above, the disclosed biodegradable compositions
provide for sustained release of the pharmaceutically active agent
in-vivo with minimal burst effect in addition to possessing good
injectability, syringeability and chemical stability as discussed
above. This is an unexpected and surprising result as currently
available formulations generally provide either controlled release
or injectability/syringeability but not both. For example,
commercially available depot formulations may rely on the formation
of an extremely viscous polymer matrix to provide controlled
release of a pharmaceutically active agent. However, such
formulations have poor injectability/syringeability due to the
viscous nature of the depot. Alternatively, other commercially
available formulations utilize vehicles which may have good
injectability/syringeability due to a high-solvent content but poor
control over release of the pharmaceutically active agent.
Moreover, one would expect a low viscosity liquid composition such
as those disclosed herein to have poor release kinetics in the form
of a substantial burst effect and an exponentially declining
delivery profile. Contrary to this expectation, the present
compositions demonstrate low burst effect and good control over
release of the pharmaceutically active agent over a period of one
day to one month or longer.
[0246] Administration of Pharmaceutical Compositions
[0247] As discussed previously herein, the disclosed compositions
typically possess low viscosity along with good injectability and
syringeability making them well suited for delivery via a syringe
(e.g., a 1-5 mL syringe) with a needle, e.g., 18 gauge to 27 gauge,
such as a narrow gauge needle, e.g., 21 to 27 gauge. In addition,
the pharmaceutical compositions may also be delivered via one or
more pen injectors or needleless injectors known in the art.
[0248] The pharmaceutical formulations of the present invention
allow for low injection volume. For instance, the injection volume
may be less than 1 mL, such as less than 750 .mu.L, less than 500
.mu.L, or less than 250 .mu.L.
[0249] Suitable routes of administration include, but are not
limited to, subcutaneous injection and intramuscular injection.
Suitable routes of administration also include, for example,
intra-articular and intra-ocular, e.g., intra-vitreal,
administration for local delivery.
[0250] The pharmaceutical compositions disclosed herein may also
find use in oral compositions, e.g., compositions delivered in a
gel-cap (soft or hard) or as a mouthwash.
[0251] The compositions of the present disclosure may be formulated
such that a desired pharmacological effect is achieved via
administration on a periodic basis. For example, the compositions
may be formulated for administration on a daily, weekly or monthly
basis.
[0252] The actual dose of the pharmaceutically active agent to be
administered will vary depending on the pharmaceutically active
agent, the condition being treated, as well as the age, weight, and
general condition of the subject as well as the severity of the
condition being treated, and the judgment of the health care
professional. Therapeutically effective amounts are known to those
skilled in the art and/or are described in the pertinent reference
texts and literature.
[0253] For example, in the case of proteins and peptides
pharmaceutically active agents, the pharmaceutically active agent
will typically be delivered such that plasma levels of the
pharmaceutically active agent are within a range of about 1
picomole/liter to about 1 micromole/liter, such as about 5
picomoles/liter to about 1 nanomole/liter or about 50
picomoles/liter to about 200 picomoles/liter. On a weight basis, a
therapeutically effective dosage amount of protein or peptide will
typically range from about 0.01 mg per day to about 1000 mg per day
for an adult. For example, peptide or protein dosages may range
from about 0.1 mg per day to about 100 mg per day, or from about
1.0 mg per day to about 10 mg/day.
[0254] In some embodiments, a suitable low molecular weight
compound may be characterized as one which can provide the desired
therapeutic effect with a dose of less than or equal to about 30
mg/day as delivered from a depot administered once a week, or a
dose of less than or equal to about 10 mg/day as delivered from a
depot administered once a month. For example, a suitable low
molecular weight compound may be one which can provide the desired
therapeutic effect with a dose of less than about 30 mg/day, e.g.,
less than about 25 mg/day, less than about 20 mg/day, less than
about 15 mg/day, less than about 10 mg/day, less than about 5
mg/day or less than about 1 mg/day as delivered from a depot
administered once a week. In some embodiments, a suitable low
molecular weight compound is one which can provide the desired
therapeutic effect with a dose of from about 1 mg/day to about 30
mg/day, e.g., from about 5 mg/day to about 25 mg/day, or from about
10 mg/day to about 20 mg/day as delivered from a depot administered
once a week. In some embodiments, the dose may range from 0.1 mg/kg
to 10 mg/kg, such as 0.5 mg/kg to 5 mg/kg or 1 mg/kg to 3
mg/kg.
[0255] Similarly, a suitable low molecular weight compound may be
one which can provide the desired therapeutic effect with a dose of
less than about 10 mg/day, less than about 9 mg/day, less than
about 8 mg/day, less than about 7 mg/day, less than about 6 mg/day,
less than about 5 mg/day, less than about 4 mg/day, less than about
3 mg/day, less than about 2 mg/day or less than about 1 mg/day as
delivered from a depot administered once a month. In some
embodiments, a suitable low molecular weight compound may be one
which can provide the desired therapeutic effect with a dose of
from about 1 mg/day to about 10 mg/day, e.g., from about 2 mg/day
to about 9 mg/day, from about 3 mg/day to about 8 mg/day, from
about 4 mg/day to about 7 mg/day, or from about 5 mg/day to about 6
mg/day as delivered from a depot administered once a month.
[0256] In some embodiments, the Cmax to Cmin ratio of the
pharmaceutical active agent, as measured over 28 days, 21 days, 14
days, or 7 days after administration, typically ranges from 2 to
40, such as from 5 to 30 or 10 to 20, and may be less than 10, less
than 5, less than 4, or less than 2.
[0257] In some embodiments, e.g., where the composition may have
been in storage for a period of time prior to injection, the
composition may be mixed, e.g., via shaking, prior to
administration to ensure that the complex comprising
pharmaceutically active agent is sufficiently dispersed in the
vehicle carrier.
[0258] In some embodiments the pharmaceutical compositions
disclosed herein (or components thereof) are sterilized prior to
use, e.g., via the application of a sterilizing dose of ionizing
radiation. For example, in one embodiment one or both of the
complex and pharmaceutical composition as disclosed herein are
sterilized with ionizing radiation, e.g., gamma radiation, e-beam
radiation, or x-ray radiation.
[0259] One of ordinary skill in the art will be able to determine
an appropriate sterilizing dose of radiation based on a variety of
factors including, e.g., the type of radiation, the shape, size,
and/or composition of the material to be sterilized, the desired
level of sterility and the amount of contamination present prior to
sterilization. The irradiation may be conducted with the complex or
the pharmaceutical composition maintained at from about 0.degree.
C. to about 30.degree. C., e.g., from about 5.degree. C. to about
20.degree. C. or about about 10.degree. C. to about 15.degree.
C.
[0260] In some embodiments, a suitable dose of sterilizing
radiation is a dose of about 10 kGy to about 25 kGy, e.g., about 15
kGy to about 20 kGy.
[0261] In some embodiments, when stored at 2.degree. C., 8.degree.
C., or 25.degree. C., the composition maintains a purity of at
least 90% or greater (e.g., at least 95% or greater) for a period
of at least 24 hours following exposure to gamma irradiation at a
dose of about 10 kGy to about 25 kGy, e.g., about 15 kGy to about
20 kGy. For example, the period may be 3 months, 6 months, 1 year,
or 2 years. In some embodiments, a purity of at least 90% or
greater (e.g., 95% or greater) is maintained for a period of at
least one month, e.g., following exposure to gamma irradiation at a
dose of about 10 kGy to about 25 kGy, e.g., about 15 kGy to about
20 kGy. For example, the period may be from about one month to
about two months, from about two months to about three months, from
about three months to about four months, from about four months to
about five months, from about five months to about six months, from
about six months to about one year, or from about one year to about
two years.
[0262] Purity may be determined, for example, based on Reverse
Phase High Pressure Liquid Chromatographic (RPLC) analysis of the
composition. For example, RPLC spectra for the active agent in the
irradiated composition can be compared with RPLC spectra for a USP
standard of the active agent. Peak retention times for the active
agent in the irradiated composition can be matched to the USP
standard for the active agent, and impurity peaks can be subtracted
to obtain % purity levels.
[0263] Kits
[0264] A variety of kits may be provided which include one or more
components of the pharmaceutical compositions disclosed herein
along with instructions for preparing and/or using the same. For
example, in one embodiment, a suitable kit may include a vehicle as
described herein in a first container and a complex comprising
pharmaceutically active agent as described herein in a second
container, e.g., in powder form. These components may then be mixed
together prior to injection to form a pharmaceutical composition
according to the present disclosure. In some embodiments, the first
container is a syringe which may be coupled to the second
container, e.g., a vial with a luer lock, to provide a mechanism
for mixing the vehicle and the complex comprising pharmaceutically
active agent. In other embodiments, both the first and second
containers are syringes which may be coupled, e.g., via a luer
lock, to provide a mechanism for mixing the vehicle and the complex
comprising pharmaceutically active agent.
[0265] In another embodiment, the pharmaceutical composition may be
provided pre-mixed in a single container, e.g., a single
syringe.
[0266] In another embodiment, the pharmaceutical composition may be
provided un-mixed in a pre-filled, dual-chamber syringe including a
first chamber containing the vehicle and a second chamber
containing the complex comprising pharmaceutically active agent.
The syringe may be provided such that a user can initiate contact
and subsequent mixing of the vehicle and the complex comprising
pharmaceutically active agent.
[0267] The instructions for use of the kit and/or kit components
may be provided as complete written instructions along with the
kit, e.g., as an insert card or printed on the kit packaging; or
stored on a computer readable memory device provided with the kit.
Alternatively, the kit may include instructions which provide a
brief instruction to the user and direct the user to an alternate
source for more complete use instructions. For example, the kit may
include a reference to an internet site where the complete
instructions for use may be accessed and/or downloaded.
[0268] Tissue Engineering and Medical Devices
[0269] In addition to pharmaceutical compositions, the complexes of
the present invention may be used for tissue engineering and
medical devices. Possible functional groups used for this
application include PEGs, peptides, amino acids, amines,
guanidiniums, PEGs, etc. For instance, scaffolds made from PCLs
modified with the functional groups described above could be of
great benefit by imparting greater hydrophilicity and
biocompatibility. Active pharmaceutical substances attached as
prodrugs to the polymer chains could provide enhanced
performance.
[0270] By functionalizing the polymers along the length of the
chain, multiple potential interaction sites are created, as opposed
to only a few with traditional polymers. For instance, precursor
polymers (homopolymers or copolymers) may be synthesized with
pendant azide or alkyne groups, and then these precursor polymers
may be functionalized with alkyne-containing or azide-containing
substrates using "click" chemistry.
[0271] The compositions disclosed herein may find use as coatings
for medical devices, e.g., implantable medical devices. Such
coatings may be applied, e.g., by dip-coating the medical device
prior to implantation.
[0272] As noted above, the compositions disclosed herein may find
use as biomaterials in tissue engineering. Tissue scaffolds and
other useful structures may be fabricated by various methods
including melt spinning, solvent spinning, electrospinning, and 3-D
printing. Incorporation of various functional groups could render
scaffolds and other structures more hydrophilic, adhesive, and more
biocompatible than materials that are currently available.
[0273] Precursor Polymer Synthesis
[0274] In certain embodiments, precursor polymers according to the
present disclosure are synthesized by an alcohol-initiated
polymerization reaction. For example, monomer starting material
(e.g., .alpha.-chloro-.epsilon.-caprolactone,
.epsilon.-caprolactone, and the like) may be mixed with an alcohol,
e.g., a mono or a poly-functional alcohol, such as but not limited
to, 1-dodecanol, 1,6-hexanediol, and the like. In some instances, a
catalyst is included in the polymerization reaction. Catalysts
suitable for precursor polymer synthesis according to embodiments
of the present disclosure include, but are not limited to, stannous
2-ethylhexanoate, stannic chloride dihydrate, and the like. Other
catalysts may also be used, such as Lewis acids, alkyl metals, and
organic acids. In certain cases, the catalyst is included in the
reaction in an amount ranging from 0.01 wt % to 5 wt %, such as
0.05 wt % to 3 wt %, including 0.1 wt % to 1 wt %. In some
instances, the catalyst is included in the reaction in an amount of
0.1 wt %. In certain embodiments, the polymerization reaction is
heated to a temperature of 100.degree. C. or more, such as a
temperature ranging from 100.degree. C. to 200.degree. C., or from
110.degree. C. to 175.degree. C., or from 120.degree. C. to
150.degree. C. In some instances, the polymerization reaction is
heated to a temperature of 130.degree. C. In certain embodiments,
the polymerization reaction is allowed to proceed for a time period
of overnight or longer. For example, the polymerization reaction
may be allowed to proceed for 12 hours or more, such as 18 hours or
more, or 24 hours or more, or 30 hours or more, or 36 hours or
more, or 42 hours or more, or 48 hours or more.
[0275] Examples of precursor polymer synthesis according to the
present disclosure are described below in, e.g., Example 1.
[0276] Functional Polymers
[0277] In certain embodiments, precursor polymers as described
above may be functionalized, i.e. their functionalizable side
groups may be transformed into ionizable side groups to thereby
provide the functionalized polymers described herein.
Functionalization of the precursor polymers may be performed using
any of the various methods and techniques known and available to
those skilled in the art. For example, click chemistry reactions
may be used to functionalize the precursor polymers. In certain
instances, a Huisgen 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition reaction (e.g., an
azide-alkyne Huisgen cycloaddition reaction) may be used to
functionalize the precursor polymers. In some instances, the
precursor polymers as described above may include a leaving group,
such as a halogen (e.g., chloro, bromo, iodo), a tosyl leaving
group, and the like. In some instances, the leaving group may be
displaced by an azide moiety (e.g., sodium azide) to form an azido
substituted precursor polymer, which may then undergo a click
chemistry reaction with an alkyne, such as in a Huisgen 1,3-dipolar
cycloaddition reaction as described above. In certain embodiments,
a catalyst may be included in the cycloaddition reaction. Catalysts
suitable for cycloaddition reactions according to embodiments of
the present disclosure include, but are not limited to, copper
catalysts, such as copper iodide, and the like. In certain cases,
the catalyst is included in the reaction in an amount ranging from
0.01 equiv. to 1 equiv., such as 0.05 equiv. to 0.5 equiv.,
including 0.1 equiv. to 0.3 equiv. In some instances, the catalyst
is included in the reaction in an amount of 0.1 equiv.
[0278] The functionalizing typically involves a solvent in which
the precursor polymer is soluble. In some embodiments, the solvent
used during the functionalizing may comprise at least one member
selected from an amide, cyclic amide, chlorinated hydrocarbon,
ketone, ether, cyclic ether, polar aprotic, or protic solvent. Such
solvents could include, but are not limited to, DMF, NMP,
chloroform, dichloromethane (DCM), acetone, tetrahydrofuran (THF),
acetonitrile, dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO), water, and combinations
thereof.
[0279] In many embodiments, the functionalizing comprises an
exothermic reaction. In many embodiments, the functionalizing
involves cooling and mixing. In some embodiments, the temperature
of the functionalizing ranges from 10.degree. C. to 40.degree. C.,
such as 20.degree. C. to 30.degree. C.
[0280] The purification may comprise dialysis, stirred cell
purification, and/or tangential flow filtration. The pH of the
purification typically falls within the range of 3 to 10. For
instance, purification of amine-containing functionalized polymers
often ranges from 4 to 5. The purification of acid-containing
functionalized polymers often ranges from 8 to 9.
[0281] Examples of reactions for functionalizing polymers according
to the present disclosure are described below in, e.g., Example
2.
[0282] In one specific aspect, there is provided a method
comprising: providing a precursor polymer comprising repeat units,
the repeat units comprising functionalizable repeat units
comprising at least one functionalizable side group; obtaining a
functionalized polymer by transforming, using click chemistry, said
functionalizable repeat units into ionizable repeat units
comprising at least one ionizable side group; and combining the
functionalized polymer with a pharmaceutically active agent to form
a complex in which a plurality of the at least one ionizable side
groups form a plurality of non-covalent bonds with the
pharmaceutically active agent. The complex may be a complex as
defined elsewhere herein.
[0283] In this aspect, the transforming, using click chemistry, may
comprise effecting a cycloaddition reaction. The cycloaddition
reaction may be a Diels-Alder cycloaddition reaction. The
cycloaddition reaction may be a Huisgen 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition
reaction. The cycloaddition reaction may be a cycloaddition
reaction between an azide and an alkyne to form a linkage
comprising a 1,2,3-triazole.
[0284] The functionalizable side group may be an azido group and
the transforming, using click chemistry, may comprise reacting the
precursor polymer with an alkyne to form the functionalized
polymer, the functionalized polymer comprising at least one
1,2,3-triazole ring. Alternatively, the functionalizable side group
may be a leaving group and the transforming, using click chemistry,
may comprise: (a) transforming the leaving group into an azido
group and thereby providing a polymer intermediate; and (b)
reacting the polymer intermediate with an alkyne to form the
functionalized polymer, the functionalized polymer comprising at
least one 1,2,3-triazole ring. Examples of leaving group include a
halogen (e.g., chloro, bromo, iodo), a tosyl leaving group, and the
like. In some embodiments the leaving group is a halogen, for
example chloro. The leaving group may be transformed into an azido
group by reacting the precursor polymer with sodium azide. The
alkyne may be a terminal alkyne.
[0285] In some embodiments, the functionalizable side group may be
an alkynyl group and the transforming, using click chemistry, may
comprise reacting the precursor polymer with an azide to form the
functionalized polymer, the functionalized polymer comprising at
least one 1,2,3-triazole ring. The alkynyl group may, for example,
be a terminal alkynyl group.
[0286] In some embodiments, the transforming, using click
chemistry, comprises a monovalent copper catalyzed reaction or a
ruthenium catalyzed reaction. For example, the transforming, using
click chemistry, may comprise a monovalent copper catalyzed
reaction, wherein a monovalent copper catalyst is provided in the
reaction through the ionization of copper iodide or copper
bromide.
[0287] In some embodiments, the transforming, using click
chemistry, comprises a copper catalyzed azide-alkyne cycloaddition
reaction. In some embodiments, the transforming, using click
chemistry, occurs at least partially under degassing
conditions.
[0288] In some embodiments, the precursor polymer comprises repeat
units of the formula (I'):
##STR00008##
wherein m' is an integer from 1 to 10, and each R.sup.1' and
R.sup.2' is independently selected from hydrogen, hydroxyl,
optionally substituted alkyl, optionally substituted alkenyl,
optionally substituted alkynyl, optionally substituted alkoxy,
optionally substituted carbocyclyl, optionally substituted aryl,
optionally substituted heterocyclyl, optionally substituted
heteroaryl, a ionizable side group, and a functionalizable side
group. Such precursor polymers can readily be obtained by
polymerization of monomers, such as monomers that are or are
derivatives of caprolactone, lactic acid, glycolic acid, lactide,
glycolide, butyrolactone, and valerolactone.
[0289] In some embodiments, the precursor polymer comprises
functionalizable repeat units of the formula (I') wherein at least
one of the R.sup.1's and R.sup.2's is a functionalizable side
group. In some embodiments, the precursor polymer comprises repeat
units of the formula (I') wherein each R.sup.1' and R.sup.2' is
independently selected from hydrogen, C.sub.1-5 alkyl and a
functionalizable side group. In some embodiments, the precursor
polymer comprises repeat units of the formula (I') wherein m' is an
integer from 1 to 5. In some embodiments, the precursor polymer
comprises repeat units of the formula (I') wherein one of the
R.sup.1's and R.sup.2's is a functionalizable side group and all of
the remaining R.sup.1's and R.sup.2's are not functionalizable side
groups.
[0290] In some embodiments, the precursor polymer comprises repeat
units of the formula (I') wherein m' is 5, one R.sup.1' is a
functionalizable side group and all of the remaining R.sup.1's and
R.sup.2's are hydrogen. Alternatively or additionally, the
precursor polymer may comprise repeat units of the formula (I')
wherein m' is 5 and all of the R.sup.1's and R.sup.2's are
hydrogen.
[0291] In some embodiments, the precursor polymer comprises repeat
units of the formula (I') wherein m' is 1, R.sup.1' is hydrogen and
R.sup.2' is hydrogen. In some embodiments, the precursor polymer
comprises repeat units of the formula (I') wherein m' is 1,
R.sup.1' is methyl and R.sup.2' is hydrogen. In some embodiments,
the precursor polymer comprises repeat units of the formula (I')
wherein m' is 2, the R.sup.1' and R.sup.2' alpha to the carbonyl
group in formula (I') are each hydrogen, the R.sup.1' beta to the
carbonyl group is methyl and the R.sup.2' beta to the carbonyl
group is hydrogen. In some embodiments, the precursor polymer
comprises repeat units of the formula (I') wherein m is 3 and all
of the R.sup.1's and R.sup.2's are hydrogen. In some embodiments,
the precursor polymer comprises repeat units of the formula (I')
wherein m' is 4, and all of the R.sup.1's and R.sup.2's are
hydrogen. In some embodiments, the precursor polymer comprises
repeat units of the formula (I') wherein m is 3, the R.sup.1' and
R.sup.2' alpha to the carbonyl group in formula (I') are each
hydrogen, the R.sup.1' and R.sup.2' beta to the carbonyl group are
each hydrogen, and the R.sup.1' gamma to the carbonyl group is
methyl and the R.sup.2' gamma to the carbonyl group is
hydrogen.
[0292] In some embodiments, the functionalizable group is selected
from a leaving group, an azido group or an alkynyl group.
[0293] In some embodiments, the precursor polymer is a homopolymer
of repeat units of formula (I') wherein at least one of the
R.sup.1's and R.sup.2's is a functionalizable side group. In other
embodiments, the precursor polymer is a copolymer comprising at
least two different repeat units. For example the precursor polymer
may be a copolymer wherein each of said at least two different
repeat units is of formula (I') and wherein at least one of said at
least two different repeat units has a formula (I') in which at
least one of the R.sup.1's and R.sup.2's is a functionalizable side
group.
[0294] In some embodiments, synthesis of the functionalized
polymers involves click chemistry. In other embodiments, the
synthesis of functionalized polymers does not involve click
chemistry. Thus, in some embodiments, the ionizable groups may be
included in the functionalized polymer using click chemistry.
Alternatively, the ionizable groups may be added via non-click
chemistry routes.
[0295] Copper Catalyzed Click Chemistry
[0296] Monovalent copper catalyzed "click chemistry" cycloaddition
reactions may be used to functionalize polymers with ionizable side
groups to provide functionalized polymers capable of forming
complexes with pharmaceutically active agents as described herein.
In some embodiments, ionizable side groups are bonded to precursor
polymers via a monovalent copper catalyzed azide-alkyne
cycloaddition reaction. The monovalent copper catalyst may be
provided in the reaction through the ionization of copper iodide or
copper bromide.
[0297] Other Metal Catalysts
[0298] Cu is not the only metal capable of catalyzing this type of
cycloaddition. As long as the metal is or can become coordinatively
unsaturated, other metals known to form stable acetylides may also
be employed. Exemplary metals that can form stable acetylides
include Cu, Au, Ag, Hg, Cd, Zr, Ru, Fe, Co, Pt, Pd, Ni, Rh, and W.
It is a matter of finding the right metal/ligand combination.
[0299] Catalysis of Ligation Reaction by Metallic Container:
Metallic containers can also be used as a source of the catalytic
species to catalyze the ligation reaction. For example, a copper
container (Cu.sup.0) may be employed to catalyze the reaction. In
order to supply the necessary ions, the reaction solution must make
physical contact with the copper surface of the container.
Alternatively, the reaction may be run in a non-metallic container,
and the catalytic metal ions supplied by contacting the reaction
solution with a copper wire, copper shavings, or other structures.
Although these reactions may take longer to proceed to completion,
the experimental procedure is relatively simple.
[0300] Alternative Reducing Agents: Metals may be employed as
reducing agents to maintain the oxidation state of the Cu (I)
catalyst or of other metal catalysts. Preferred metallic reducing
agents include Cu, Al, Be, Co, Cr, Fe, Mg, Mn, Ni, and Zn.
Alternatively, an applied electric potential may be employed to
maintain the oxidation state of the catalyst.
[0301] Cu(I) Salt Used Directly: If Cu(I) salt is used directly, no
reducing agent is necessary, but acetonitrile or one of the other
ligands indicated above should be used as a solvent (to prevent
rapid oxidation of Cu(I) to Cu(II) and one equivalent of an amine
should be added (to accelerate the otherwise extremely slow
reaction--vide supra). In this case, for better yields and product
purity, oxygen should be excluded. Therefore, the ascorbate (or any
other reducing) procedure is often preferred over the unreduced
procedure. The use of a reducing agent is procedurally simple, and
furnishes triazole products in excellent yields and of high purity.
For instance, in some cases, the yield of the functionalizing step
may range from 40% to 90%, such as 45% to 80% or 50% to 75%. In the
exemplary click chemistry synthesis route shown below, an azide
(--N.sub.3) is placed on the polymer chain and functionalized via
click reaction. It may be accomplished in an advantageous "one pot"
approach. It is also advantageous in that it negates the need for
synthesizing small molecule azides that are potentially
explosive.
##STR00009##
[0302] Another exemplary click chemistry reaction scheme is shown
below:
##STR00010##
[0303] In the above reaction scheme, Baeyer-Villiger oxidation was
performed on .alpha.-chlorocyclohexanone. The crude reaction
product may be purified to give desired monomer.
[0304] Also in the above reaction scheme, copolymer was reacted
with the "click" reagents to form the desired amine-functionalized
complexation polymer.
[0305] The click reaction is typically followed by purification.
Purification may involve dialysis, stirred cell, ultrafiltration,
and/or tangential flow filtration. The purification may be
conducted at various pH, such as from 4 to 9, such as 4 to 5 for
amine functionalized polymers, and such as 8 to 9 for acid
functionalized polymers.
[0306] Polymer Synthesis via Non-Click Chemistry
[0307] The below exemplary reaction scheme, which does not involve
click chemistry, has been used to form a functionalized polymer,
i.e., an amine-terminated polymer.
##STR00011##
[0308] In some embodiments, a functionalized polymer according to
the present disclosure, which is not produced via click chemistry,
comprises at least one terminal repeat unit that has the formula
(I'').
##STR00012##
[0309] wherein m'' is an integer from 1 to 10, each R.sup.1'' and
R.sup.2'' is independently selected from hydrogen, hydroxyl,
optionally substituted alkyl, optionally substituted alkenyl,
optionally substituted alkynyl, optionally substituted alkoxy,
optionally substituted carbocyclyl, optionally substituted aryl,
optionally substituted heterocyclyl, optionally substituted
heteroaryl, and a ionizable side group; and R.sup.3 is an ionizable
end group.
[0310] By "terminal repeat unit" is meant a repeat unit that is at
the end of the polymer chain. In some embodiments a repeat unit of
the formula (I'') is present at both ends of the polymer chain. In
some embodiments a repeat unit of the formula (I'') is present at
one end of the polymer chain.
[0311] In some embodiments, the chemical identities and
combinations of the groups m'' and R.sup.1'' and R.sup.2'' are as
described herein with reference to the formula (I) (i.e., with
reference to the groups m and R.sup.1 and R.sup.2). In some
embodiments, the ionizable end group R.sup.3 comprises at least one
member selected from ammonium, carboxylate, hydrazinium,
guanidinium, sulfate, sulfonate, phosphonate and phosphate. Methods
for attaching chemical end groups, including ionizable end groups,
to polymers are well known in the art and can be adopted in order
to prepare the above-described polymers.
[0312] In some embodiments, these functionalized, ionizable end
group comprising polymers find use in the formation of complexes
with relatively low molecular weight pharmaceutically active
agents, e.g., pharmaceutical active agents having a weight average
molecular weight or number average molecular weight ranging from
300 Daltons to 2,500 Daltons, e.g., from 500 Daltons to 2,000
Daltons, or from 1,000 Daltons to 1,500 Daltons, as determined
using gel permeation chromatography or NMR spectra
respectively.
[0313] Further examples of functionalized polymers made through
non-click chemistry techniques include, but are not limited to,
poly(L-serine) or poly (L-serine ester) (JACS 1992, 114, 3962-3965;
Macromolecules 1990, 23, 3399-3406; Polymer Bulletin 1990, 24,
349-353); synthetic poly(amino acids) (Kohn, Biodegradable Polymers
as Drug Delivery Systems, 1990, 195-229); polycondensation of
serinol (J Control Release 2005, 101, 21-34); poly(vinylpyridine)
(Sigma Aldrich Part #472352); and poly (vinylamine) analogs (PCT
Publication No. WO 1998/018833).
[0314] Preparation of Complexes
[0315] In certain embodiments, functionalized polymers as described
above may form a complex with a pharmaceutically active agent. In
some instances, the pharmaceutically active agent may be dissolved
in a solution. Suitable solvents for dissolving the
pharmaceutically active agent include solvents in which the
pharmaceutically active agent is soluble. In some cases, the
solvent is compatible with the pharmaceutically active agent, such
that the solvent is non-reactive with the pharmaceutically active
agent and does not cause significant degradation of the
pharmaceutically active agent or the product complex. Examples of
suitable solvents include water, which may also include a buffer
(e.g., NaHCO.sub.3). In some instances, the functionalized polymer
may be dissolved in a solution. Suitable solvents for dissolving
the functionalized polymer include solvents in which the
functionalized polymer is soluble. In some cases, the solvent is
compatible with the functionalized polymer, such that the solvent
is non-reactive with the functionalized polymer and does not cause
significant degradation of the functionalized polymer or the
product complex. Examples of suitable solvents include water, which
may also include a buffer (e.g., NaHCO.sub.3), DMSO, NMP, ethyl
acetate, and benzyl alcohol.
[0316] In certain embodiments, a solution of the functionalized
polymer and the pharmaceutically active agent may be combined to
form a complex between the functionalized polymer and the
pharmaceutically active agent. In some instances, the complex
between the functionalized polymer and the pharmaceutically active
agent is less soluble in the complexation solvent than the
functionalized polymer and/or the pharmaceutically active agent
themselves. The term "complexation solvent" is used herein to
differentiate between the solvent or solvents used in the
complexation of the functionalized polymer with the
pharmaceutically active agent and other solvents described herein,
e.g., solvents utilized in a vehicle component of a composition.
For instance, the complex between the functionalized polymer and
the pharmaceutically active agent may be substantially insoluble in
the complexation solvent and form an isolatable precipitate.
Isolation of the complex (e.g., separation of the precipitate from
the supernatant) may be performed by any convenient isolation
method, such as centrifugation, filtration, etc. In certain
instances, the isolated complex is dried to form a dried
composition of the complexed pharmaceutically active agent. For
example, the isolated complex may be dried by any convenient drying
method, such as, but not limited to, spray drying, freeze drying
(i.e., lyophilization), drying under reduced atmospheric pressure
(e.g., drying under vacuum), thin film evaporation, combinations
thereof, and the like. In certain instances, the complex is a
spray-dried complex. In certain instances, the complex is a
lyophilized complex.
[0317] In some embodiments, the formation of the complex occurs at
a temperature ranging from 10.degree. C. to 40.degree. C., such as
20.degree. C. to 30.degree. C.
[0318] Examples of the preparation of complexes according to the
present disclosure are described below in, e.g., Example 3.
[0319] The present invention will be further illustrated by way of
the following Examples. These examples are non-limiting and do not
restrict the scope of the invention. Unless stated otherwise, all
percentages, parts, etc. presented in the examples are by
weight.
EXAMPLES
Example 1
Examples of Precursor Polymer Synthesis
[0320] The following are examples of precursor polymer synthesis.
The resulting precursor polymers are then used to form complexing
polymers, e.g., as described in Example 2.
Example 1A
[0321] In a 40 mL-screw top vial, 29.73 g of
.alpha.-chloro-.epsilon.-caprolactone (made according to R. Jerome,
Macromolecules, vol. 37, 2004, p. 4055), and 0.28 grams 1-dodecanol
were mixed at ambient temperature. Stannous 2-ethylhexanoate was
added as a solution in dry toluene. The amount of catalyst added
was approximately 0.1 wt %. The vial was then placed in a block
heater at 130.degree. C. and agitated by hand periodically. The
polymerization was allowed to proceed for 19.5 hours, and the vial
was removed from the heating block. The resulting polymer had a
number average molecular weight (Mn) of 20.8 kDa as measured by
.sup.1H NMR and a weight average molecular weight (Mw) of 30.5 kDa
as measured by GPC in THF. Similar lots were prepared with varying
amounts of 1-dodecanol to provide polymers having an Mn by NMR of
25.2 kDa and a Mw by GPC of 29.2 kDa, an Mn by NMR of 22.0 kDa and
a Mw by GPC of 41.9 kDa, an Mn by NMR of 14.0 kDa and a Mw by GPC
of 20.6 kDa,and an Mn by NMR of 24.0 kDa and a Mw by GPC of 27.8
kDa.
Example 1B
[0322] In a 20 mL-screw top vial, 4.95 g of
.alpha.-chloro-.epsilon.-caprolactone, 4.95 g of DL-lactide, and
0.09 grams 1-dodecanol were mixed at ambient temperature. Stannous
2-ethylhexanoate was added as a solution in dry toluene. The amount
of catalyst added was approximately 0.1 wt %. The vial was then
placed in a block heater at 130.degree. C. and agitated by hand
periodically. The polymerization was allowed to proceed for 19.5
hours, and the vial was removed from the heating block. The
resulting polymer had a number average molecular weight (Mn) of
18.0 kDa as measured by .sup.1H NMR and a weight average molecular
weight (Mw) of 32.9 kDa as measured by GPC in THF. The molar ratio
of .alpha.-chloro-.epsilon.-caprolactone to DL-lactide was 50:50.
Similar lots were prepared with varying ratios of monomers and
amounts of 1-dodecanol to provide polymers having weight average
molecular weight (Mw) of 5.6 and 31.8 kDa.
Example 1C
[0323] The procedure in Example 1B was repeated except that the
components of the synthesis were: c-caprolactone (4.95 grams),
.alpha.chloro-.epsilon.-caprolactone (4.96 grams), and 1-dodecanol
(0.09 grams). The resulting polymer had a number average molecular
weight (Mn) of 17.2 kDa as measured by .sup.1H NMR and a Mw by GPC
of 42.7 kDa. The molar ratio of
.alpha.-chloro-.epsilon.-caprolactone to .epsilon.-caprolactone was
44:56. Similar lots were prepared with varying amounts of
1-dodecanol to provide polymers having weight average molecular
weight (Mw) of 5.4 kDa, 5.6 kDa, 11.4 kDa, 12 kDa, 15.9 kDa, 16.0
kDa, and 16.8 kDa.
Example 1D
[0324] The procedure in Example 1B was repeated except that the
components of the synthesis were: glycolide (3.40 grams),
.alpha.-chloro-.epsilon.-caprolactone (6.52 grams), and 1-dodecanol
(0.09 grams). The resulting polymer had a number average molecular
weight (Mn) of 20.0 kDa as measured by .sup.1H NMR. The molar ratio
of .alpha.-chloro-.epsilon.-caprolactone to glycolide was
60:40.
Example 1E
[0325] .epsilon.-Caprolactone (62.97 grams),
.alpha.-chloro-.epsilon.-caprolactone (62.98 grams), and
1-dodecanol (4.02 grams) were added to a 250-mL, 3-neck round
bottom flask. The flask was sealed with a glass stopper, a gas
joint with a stopcock, and a stirrer bearing with a glass shaft and
Teflon.RTM. paddle. The ambient atmosphere was removed from the
flask under vacuum, and the flask was back-filled with nitrogen
gas. The flask was placed in an oil batch at 130.degree. C. and
stirred under a positive pressure of nitrogen gas. After 30
minutes, stannous 2-ethylhexanoate was added as a solution in dry
toluene. The amount of catalyst added was approximately 0.05 wt %.
The polymerization was allowed to proceed for 29 hours. Next, the
solid polymer was subjected to vacuum to remove residual monomer
for 30 minutes. Then the contents of the flask were discharged from
the flask into glass containers and allowed to cool. The total
yield of polymer was 116.9 g, 90%. The resulting polymer had a
number average (Mn) molecular weight of 5.3 kDa as measured by
.sup.1H NMR and a weight average molecular weight (Mw) of 15.7 kDa
by GPC in THF. The molar ratio of
.alpha.-chloro-.epsilon.-caprolactone to .epsilon.-caprolactone was
43:57.
Example 1F
[0326] The procedure in Example 1E was repeated except that the
components of the synthesis were: c-Caprolactone (64.40 grams),
.alpha.-chloro-.epsilon.-caprolactone (64.41 grams), and
1-dodecanol (1.21 grams). The polymerization was allowed to proceed
for 40 hours. Next, the solid polymer was subjected to vacuum to
remove residual monomer for 30 minutes. Then the contents of the
flask were discharged from the flask into glass containers and
allowed to cool. The total yield of polymer was 107.88 g, 83%. The
resulting polymer had a number average molecular weight (Mn) of
17.0 kDa as measured by .sup.1H NMR and a weight average molecular
weight (Mw) of 44.0 kDa by GPC in THF. The molar ratio of
.alpha.-chloro-.epsilon.-caprolactone to .epsilon.-caprolactone was
44:56.
Example 1G
[0327] In a 40 mL-screw top vial, 7.31 g of
.alpha.-chloro-.epsilon.-caprolactone, 17.5 g of DL-lactide, 4.38 g
of glycolide, and 0.08 g of 1-dodecanol were mixed at ambient
temperature. The catalyst stannous 2-ethylhexanoate was added as a
solution in dry toluene. The amount of catalyst added was
approximately 0.1 wt %. The vial was then placed in a block heater
at 130.degree. C. and agitated by hand periodically. The
polymerization was allowed to proceed for 42 hours, and the vial
was removed from the heating block. The resulting polymer had a
number average molecular weight (Mn) of 5.1 kDa as measured by
.sup.1H NMR and a weight average molecular weight (Mw) of 17.5 kDa
as measured by GPC in THF. The molar ratio of
.alpha.-chloro-.epsilon.-caprolactone to DL-lactide to glycolide
was 26:56:18.
Example 2
Synthesis of Complexation Polymers
[0328] The following examples involve converting precursor
polymers, such as those formed in above Example 1, to form
functionalized complexation polymers.
Example 2A
Amine Functionalized Copolymer
[0329] The precursor polymers utilized in this Example were
prepared as described above in Examples 1E and 1F.
[0330] To a solution of the precursor
.alpha.-chloro-.epsilon.-caprolactone-co-.epsilon.-caprolactone
copolymer in N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF; 4 mL solvent/g polymer)
was added sodium azide (NaN.sub.3, 1.2 equiv.) with vigorous
stirring via a magnetic stir bar. The flask was evacuated and
back-filled with nitrogen five times and was stirred overnight at
room temperature. The presence of a new organic azide moiety was
confirmed by FT-IR (at .about.2100 cm.sup.-1). The flask was cooled
to 0.degree. C. in an ice bath and was evacuated and back-filled
with nitrogen five times. Under a stream of nitrogen, propargyl
amine (1.0 equiv.), triethylamine (0.1 equiv.), and copper iodide
(0.1 equiv.) were added sequentially. The flask was again evacuated
and back-filled with nitrogen. The exothermic reaction was stirred
at 0.degree. C. for an hour; the ice bath was then removed, and the
reaction was stirred vigorously overnight under nitrogen. FT-IR
confirmed the disappearance of the organic azide at .about.2100
cm.sup.-1, indicating the reaction was complete. The solids were
filtered out of the reaction mixture and were washed with ample
DMF. The filtrate was diluted with 0.01 N hydrochloric acid until
the solution was homogeneous and the pH was 4-5. A metal scavenger
(SiliaMetS.RTM. Thiol, 8 equiv.) was added to the polymer solution,
and the mixture was stirred overnight. The scavenger was filtered
out, and the resulting filtrate was purified via ultrafiltration in
a stirred cell using 1.5 diavolumes of purified water as the
dialysate. The purified polymer solution was then transferred to
VirTis.RTM. jars, shell-frozen, and lyophilized until dry. The
resulting functionalized complexation polymers were called AFCP-1
(prepared using 15.7 kDa precursor polymer described in Example 1E)
and AFCP-2 (prepared using 44.0 kDa precursor polymer described in
Example 1F). A chemical formula for the amine functionalized
complexation polymers produced in this example is provided
below.
##STR00013##
Example 2B
Amine Functionalized Homopolymer
[0331] The precursor polymer utilized in this Example was the 29.2
kDa polymer prepared as described above in Example 1A.
[0332] To a solution of the precursor
poly(.alpha.-chloro-.epsilon.-caprolactone) in N-methylpyrrolidone
(NMP; 5 mL solvent/g polymer) was added sodium azide (NaN.sub.3,
1.2 equiv.) with vigorous stirring via a magnetic stir bar. The
flask was evacuated and back-filled with nitrogen five times and
was stirred overnight at room temperature. The presence of a new
organic azide moiety was confirmed by FT-IR (at .about.2100
cm.sup.-1). The flask was cooled to 0.degree. C. in an ice bath and
was evacuated and back-filled with nitrogen five times. Under a
stream of nitrogen, propargyl amine (1.0 equiv.), triethylamine
(0.1 equiv.), and copper iodide (0.1 equiv.) were added
sequentially. The flask was again evacuated and back-filled with
nitrogen. The exothermic reaction stirred at 0.degree. C. for an
hour; the ice bath was then removed, and the reaction continued to
stir vigorously overnight under nitrogen. FT-IR confirmed the
disappearance of the organic azide at .about.2100 cm.sup.-1,
indicating the reaction was complete. The solids were filtered out
of the reaction mixture and were washed with ample NMP. The
filtrate was diluted with 0.01 N hydrochloric acid until the
solution was homogeneous and the pH was 4-5. A metal scavenger
(SiliaMetS.RTM. Thiol, 8 equiv.) was added to the polymer solution,
and the mixture was stirred overnight. The scavenger was filtered
out, and the resulting filtrate was purified via ultrafiltration in
a stirred cell using 1.5 diavolumes of purified water as the
dialysate. The purified polymer solution was then transferred to
VirTis.RTM. jars, shell-frozen, and lyophilized until dry.
Example 2C
Amine Functionalized Copolymer
[0333] The precursor polymers utilized in this Example were the 5.4
kDa, 11.4 kDa, and 16.8 kDa polymers prepared as described above in
Example 1C. The procedure from Example 2A was followed, but the
polymer solution was purified with conventional dialysis membrane
tubing (Spectra/Por.RTM. MWCO=1 kDa or 3.5 kDa).
Example 2D
Amine Functionalized Copolymer
[0334] The precursor polymer utilized in this Example was the 15.7
kDa polymer prepared as described above in Example 1E. The
procedure from Example 2B was followed, but the polymer solution
was purified with a tangential flow filtration (TFF) system using
deionized water as the dialysate.
Example 2E
Carboxylate Functionalized Copolymer
[0335] The precursor polymers utilized in this Example were the 5.6
kDa, 12 kDa and the 15.9 kDa polymers prepared as described above
in Example 1C.
[0336] To a solution of the precursor
.alpha.-chloro-.epsilon.-caprolactone-co-.epsilon.-caprolactone
copolymer in N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF; 4 mL solvent/g polymer)
was added sodium azide (NaN.sub.3, 1.2 equiv.) with vigorous
stirring via a magnetic stir bar. The flask was evacuated and
back-filled with nitrogen five times and was stirred overnight at
room temperature. The presence of a new organic azide moiety was
confirmed by FT-IR (at .about.2100 cm.sup.-1). The flask was cooled
to 0.degree. C. in an ice bath and was evacuated and back-filled
with nitrogen five times. Under a stream of nitrogen, 5-hexynoic
acid (1.0 equiv.), triethylamine (0.1 equiv.), and copper iodide
(0.1 equiv.) were added sequentially. The flask was again evacuated
and back-filled with nitrogen. The exothermic reaction was stirred
at 0.degree. C. for an hour; the ice bath was then removed, and the
reaction was stirred vigorously overnight under nitrogen. FT-IR
confirmed the disappearance of the organic azide moiety, indicating
the reaction was complete. The solids were filtered out of the
reaction mixture and were washed with ample DMF. The filtrate was
diluted with saturated aqueous sodium bicarbonate solution until
the solution was homogeneous and the pH was 8-9. DOWEXTM
Marathon.TM. C sulfonic acid ion exchange resin was washed with
ample methanol to remove all color, then added to the polymer
solution, and the mixture was stirred overnight. The resin was
filtered out, and the resulting filtrate was purified via dialysis
against deionized water using Spectra/Por.RTM. dialysis tubing
overnight. The purified polymer solution was then transferred to
VirTis.RTM. jars, shell-frozen, and lyophilized until dry. The
carboxylate functionalized copolymers prepared with the 5.6 kDa, 12
kDa and 15.9 kDa precursor polymers correspond to the CFCP-3,
CFCP-2, and CFCP-1 copolymers, respectively.
Example 2F
Guanidinium Functionalized Copolymer
[0337] The precursor polymers utilized in this Example were the 5.4
kDa, 11.4 kDa, and 16.8 kDa polymers prepared as described above in
Example 1C.
[0338] To a solution of the precursor
.alpha.-chloro-.epsilon.-caprolactone-co-.epsilon.-caprolactone
copolymer in N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF; 4 mL solvent/g polymer)
was added sodium azide (NaN.sub.3, 1.2 equiv.) with vigorous
stirring via a magnetic stir bar. The flask was evacuated and
back-filled with nitrogen five times and was stirred overnight at
room temperature. The presence of a new organic azide moiety was
confirmed by FT-IR (at .about.2100 cm.sup.-1). The flask was cooled
to 0.degree. C. in an ice bath and was evacuated and back-filled
with nitrogen five times. Under a stream of nitrogen, the propargyl
amide of arginine dihydrochloride (structure shown below; 1.0
equiv.), triethylamine (10 equiv.), and copper iodide (0.1 equiv.)
were added sequentially.
##STR00014##
[0339] The flask was again evacuated and back-filled with nitrogen.
The exothermic reaction was stirred at 0.degree. C. for an hour;
the ice bath was then removed, and the reaction was stirred
vigorously overnight under nitrogen. FT-IR confirmed the
disappearance of the organic azide moiety, indicating the reaction
was complete. The solids were filtered out of the reaction mixture
and were washed with ample DMF. The filtrate was diluted with 0.01
N HCI until the solution was homogeneous and the pH was 3-4. The
resulting solution was purified via dialysis using Spectra/Por.RTM.
dialysis membrane tubing with MWCO=100-500 Da against 0.01 N HCl
overnight, then with MWCO=1000 Da tubing for one hour. The purified
polymer solution was then transferred to VirTis.RTM. jars,
shell-frozen, and lyophilized until dry.
Example 2G
Amine Functionalized Homopolymer
[0340] The precursor polymer utilized in this Example was the 41.9
kDa polymer prepared according to the method described in Example
1A above.
[0341] A solution of the precursor
poly(.alpha.-chloro-.epsilon.-caprolactone) in DMF (4 mL solvent /g
polymer) was evacuated and back-filled with nitrogen five times.
Sodium azide (NaN.sub.3, 1.2 equiv.) was added and stirred
overnight at room temperature via a magnetic stir bar. The presence
of a new organic azide moiety was confirmed by FT-IR (at 2106
cm.sup.-1). Under a stream of nitrogen, propargyl amine (1.0
equiv.) and triethylamine (0.1 equiv.) were added sequentially. The
flask was again evacuated and back-filled with nitrogen 5 times
then copper iodide (0.1 equiv.) was added, followed by one
additional evacuate/back-fill cycle. The reaction immediately
became hot and was placed in an ice bath to control the exotherm.
After 2 hours, the ice bath was removed, and the reaction was
stirred overnight at room temperature under nitrogen. FT-IR
confirmed the disappearance of the organic azide peak at
.about.2106 cm.sup.-1, indicating the reaction was complete. The
contents of the flask were centrifuged, and the green supernatant
was decanted off; the solid bed was washed with ample DMF,
centrifuged again, and the supernatants combined. The DMF was
largely removed via rotary evaporation, and the thick green oil was
dissolved in 0.01 N HCl over many hours. This solution was dialyzed
in MWCO=3500 Spectra/Por.RTM. dialysis tubing against 0.01 N HCl
for two days, changing the dialysate 4 times. The polymer solution
was then freeze-dried for three days until dry.
Example 2H
Amine Functionalized Copolymer
[0342] The precursor polymer utilized in this Example was the 16.0
kDa polymer prepared according to the method described in Example
1C above.
[0343] A solution of the precursor
poly(.alpha.-chloro-.epsilon.-caprolactone-co-.epsilon.-caprolactone)
in DMF (4 mL solvent/g polymer) was evacuated and back-filled with
nitrogen five times. Sodium azide (NaN.sub.3, 1.2 equiv.) was added
and stirred overnight at room temperature via a magnetic stir bar.
The presence of a new organic azide moiety was confirmed by FT-IR
(at 2105 cm.sup.-1). The flask was cooled to 0.degree. C. in an ice
bath and was evacuated and back-filled with nitrogen five times.
Under a stream of nitrogen, propargyl amine (1.0 equiv.) and sodium
ascorbate (0.12 equiv.) were added sequentially. The flask was
again evacuated and back-filled with nitrogen 5 times, then copper
sulfate (0.05 equiv.) was added, followed by one additional
evacuate/back-fill cycle. The reaction was stirred at 0.degree. C.
for 1 hour, then overnight at room temperature under nitrogen.
FT-IR confirmed the disappearance of the organic azide peak at
.about.2106 cm.sup.-1, indicating the reaction was complete. The
thick green polymer ball was then directly dissolved in 0.01 N HCI
and dialyzed using Spectra/Por.RTM. regenerated cellulose tubing
with MWCO=3500 against 0.01 N HCl for two days, changing the
dialysate 2 times. The polymer solution was then lyophilized until
dry.
Example 21
Carboxylate Functionalized Homopolymer
[0344] The precursor polymer utilized in this example was the 30.5
kDa polymer prepared according to the method described in Example
1A above.
[0345] A solution of the precursor
poly(.alpha.-chloro-.epsilon.-caprolactone) in DMF (4 mL solvent/g
polymer) was evacuated and back-filled with nitrogen five times.
Sodium azide (NaN.sub.3, 1.2 equiv.) was added and stirred
overnight at room temperature via a magnetic stir bar. The presence
of a new organic azide moiety was confirmed by FT-IR (at 2107
cm.sup.-1). The flask was cooled to 0.degree. C. in an ice bath and
was evacuated and back-filled with nitrogen five times. Under a
stream of nitrogen, 5-hexynoic acid (1.2 equiv.) and triethylamine
(0.1 equiv.) were added sequentially. The flask was again evacuated
and back-filled with nitrogen 5 times then copper iodide (0.1
equiv.) was added, followed by one additional evacuate/back-fill
cycle. The reaction was stirred at 0.degree. C. for 1 hour, then
overnight at room temperature under nitrogen. FT-IR confirmed the
disappearance of the organic azide peak at .about.2106 cm.sup.-1,
indicating the reaction was complete. The contents of the flask
were centrifuged, and the green supernatant was decanted off; the
solid bed was washed with ample DMF, centrifuged again, and the
supernatants combined. The DMF was largely removed via rotary
evaporation, and the thick green oil was dissolved in a 12:1
mixture of water:triethylamine over many hours. The brownish green
polymer solution was dialyzed using Spectra/Por.RTM. regenerated
cellulose tubing with MWCO=3500 against deionized water for two
days, changing the dialysate 3 times. The polymer solution was then
lyophilized until dry. The green polymer was then dissolved in
methanol and stirred with Marathon .sup.TM C cation exchange resin
for 3 hours. The resin was filtered out, and the methanol was
removed via rotary evaporation. To the polymer residue was added
purified water, causing the polymer to precipitate. Ammonium
hydroxide was added dropwise until the polymer went into solution;
the final pH was 8. This solution was dialyzed for two days using
MWCO=1000 Spectra/Por.RTM. dialysis tubing with water as the
dialysate, replacing the dialysate 2 times. The polymer solution
was then transferred to VirTis.RTM. jars, shell-frozen, and
lyophilized until dry.
Example 2J
Guanidinium Functionalized Homopolymer
[0346] The precursor polymer utilized in this example was the 29.2
kDa polymer prepared according to the method described in Example
1A above.
[0347] To a solution of the precursor
poly(.alpha.-chloro-.epsilon.-caprolactone) in
N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF; 4 mL solvent/g polymer) was added
sodium azide (NaN.sub.3, 1.2 equiv.) with vigorous shaking on an
orbital shaker. The vial was evacuated and back-filled with
nitrogen five times and was shaken overnight at room temperature.
The presence of a new organic azide moiety was confirmed by FT-IR
(at 2106 cm.sup.-1). Under a stream of nitrogen, the propargyl
amide of arginine dihydrochloride and triethylamine (3 equiv.) were
added sequentially. The flask was again evacuated and back-filled
with nitrogen five times, and copper iodide (0.1 equiv.) was added.
The reaction shook overnight under nitrogen, with close temperature
monitoring over the first hour. FT-IR confirmed the disappearance
of the organic azide moiety, indicating the reaction was complete.
The contents of the vial were directly dissolved in 0.01 N HCl
until the solution was homogeneous and the pH was 3-4. The
resulting solution was purified via dialysis using Spectra/Por.RTM.
dialysis membrane tubing with MWCO=1000 Da against 0.01 N HCl over
2 nights, changing the dialysate twice. The purified polymer
solution was then transferred to a VirTis.RTM. jar, shell-frozen,
and lyophilized until dry.
Example 2K
[0348] The precursor polymer utilized in this example was a 27.8
kDa Mw polymer prepared according to the method described in
Example 1A above.
[0349] A solution of intermediate
poly(.alpha.-chloro-.epsilon.-caprolactone) in DMF (4 mL solvent/g
polymer) was evacuated and back-filled with nitrogen five times.
Sodium azide (NaN.sub.3, 1.2 equiv.) was added and stirred
overnight at room temperature via a magnetic stir bar. The presence
of a new organic azide moiety was confirmed by FT-IR (at 2106
cm.sup.-1). Under a stream of nitrogen, propargyl amine (1.0
equiv.) and sodium ascorbate (0.12 equiv.) were added sequentially.
The vial was again evacuated and back-filled with nitrogen 5 times,
then copper sulfate (0.05 equiv.) was added, followed by one
additional evacuate/back-fill cycle. The reaction stirred overnight
under nitrogen. FT-IR confirmed the disappearance of the organic
azide peak at .about.2106 cm.sup.-1, indicating the reaction was
complete. The contents of the vial were centrifuged and the green
supernatant decanted off; the solid bed was washed with ample DMF,
centrifuged again, and the two supernatants combined. The DMF was
largely removed via rotary evaporation, and the polymer was
precipitated into water as a dark green semi-solid. The polymer was
washed several times with fresh water and dried under vacuum
overnight. The polymer was then dissolved in a 1:1 mixture of
acetone/water and dialyzed using Spectra/Por.RTM. regenerated
cellulose tubing with MWCO=1000 against 1:1 acetone/water. The
dialysate was replaced after 5 hours, and dialysis continued
overnight. The dialysate was then replaced with fresh water, and
within minutes, polymer began to precipitate within the membrane.
The solution was drained from the dialysis tube, shell-frozen at
-6.degree. C., and placed under vacuum. After 7 days, the polymer
appeared to be dry, but was still dark green and insoluble in most
common organic solvents. Assuming it was still impure, the polymer
was dissolved in 0.01 N HCl, and the solution color began to change
from dark green to amber almost immediately. This solution was
dialyzed in MWCO=3500 dialysis tubing against 0.01 N HCl for two
days, changing the dialysate 4 times. The polymer solution was then
freeze-dried for two days until dry.
Example 2L
[0350] The precursor polymer utilized in this example was the 44.0
kDa Mw polymer prepared according to the method described in
Example 1F above.
[0351] A solution of intermediate
poly(.alpha.-chloro-.epsilon.-caprolactone-co-.epsilon.-caprolactone)
in DMF (4 mL solvent/g polymer) was evacuated and back-filled with
nitrogen five times. Sodium azide (NaN.sub.3, 1.2 equiv.) was added
and stirred overnight at room temperature via a magnetic stir bar.
The presence of a new organic azide moiety was confirmed by FT-IR
(at 2104 cm.sup.-1). The flask was cooled to 0.degree. C. in an ice
bath and was evacuated and back-filled with nitrogen five times.
Under a stream of nitrogen, propargyl alcohol (1.0 equiv.) and
triethylamine (0.1 equiv.) were added sequentially. The flask was
again evacuated and back-filled with nitrogen 5 times then copper
iodide (0.1 equiv.) was added, followed by one additional
evacuate/back-fill cycle. The reaction stirred at 0.degree. C. for
1 hour, then overnight at room temperature under nitrogen. FT-IR
confirmed the disappearance of the organic azide peak at
.about.2104 cm.sup.-1, indicating the reaction was complete. The
contents of the flask were centrifuged and the green supernatant
decanted off; the solid bed was washed with ample DMF, centrifuged
again, and the supernatants were combined. The DMF was largely
removed via rotary evaporation, and the thick green oil was
suspended in water. The flask was rotated in a warm water bath
overnight, but the polymer did not dissolve. The water was poured
off, and dissolution was attempted in chloroform, acetonitrile,
tetrahydrofuran, and acetone. Each time, the polymer did not
dissolve. The polymer eventually dissolved in NMP, and the solution
was transferred to a beaker and treated with SiliaMetS.RTM. Thiol
resin overnight. The resin was filtered out, and the polymer
solution was transferred to Spectra/Por.RTM. dialysis tubing with
MWCO=3500. The material dialyzed against NMP for 5 hours. The
dialysate was discarded and replaced with purified water and
dialyzed for 2 days. At this point, much of the polymer had begun
to precipitate as a sticky substance and was leaking out of the
dialysis membranes. What remained in the dialysis tubes was poured
into a Virtis jar and lyophilized for 1 week until dry.
Example 2M
[0352] A solution of intermediate
poly(.alpha.-chloro-.epsilon.-caprolactone) in THF (4 mL solvent/g
polymer) was evacuated and back-filled with nitrogen five times.
Sodium azide (NaN.sub.3, 1.2 equiv.) was added and stirred
overnight at room temperature via a magnetic stir bar, but no
organic azide peak (2100 cm.sup.-1) appeared. The reaction vial was
transferred to a tumbler and tumbled to effect more efficient
mixing, but still no azide peak appeared. The reaction was heated
to 40.degree. C. and shaken every hour by hand, but after 6 hours,
no azide peak could be observed in the FT-IR. The reaction was
discarded. While not intending to be bound by any particular
theory, it was proposed that NaN.sub.3 is not sufficiently soluble
in THF to react with the chlorinated polymer.
Example 2N
[0353] To a solution of intermediate
poly(.alpha.-chloro-.epsilon.-caprolactone) in THF (4 mL solvent/g
polymer) was added purified water (10:1 THF:water). The vial was
evacuated and back-filled with nitrogen five times. Sodium azide
(NaN.sub.3, 1.2 equiv.) was added and stirred overnight at room
temperature via a magnetic stir bar, but no organic azide peak
(2100 cm.sup.-1) appeared. The reaction vial was transferred to a
tumbler and tumbled to effect more efficient mixing, but still no
azide peak appeared; the sodium azide clumped together with the
water and was not free-flowing in the reaction vial. The reaction
was heated to 40.degree. C. and shaken every hour by hand, but
after 6 hours, no azide peak could be observed in the FT-IR. While
not intending to be bound by any particular theory, it was proposed
that the addition of more water to the reaction could have
increased the solubility of sodium azide, however the polymer would
likely have precipitated under those conditions. Therefore, the
reaction was discarded.
[0354] Yields for Examples 2A to 2F ranged from 43% to 70%,
depending on the nature of the "clicked" group and the method of
purification.
Example 3
Complexation of Exenatide or GLP-1 Analog with Functionalized
Complexation Polymers
[0355] Complexation between exenatide or GLP-1 analog and
functionalized complexation polymers was determined as set forth
below.
[0356] Materials and Methods
[0357] Pharmaceutically active agents (exenatide and a GLP-1
analog) were combined as set forth below with an
amine-functionalized homopolymer, an amine-functionalized
copolymer, a carboxylate-functionalized homopolymer, and a
guanidinium-functionalized homopolymer.
[0358] Preparation of either lyophilized (exenatide) or spray dried
(GLP-1 analog) powder of complexed pharmaceutically active agents:
1.00 g of biologically active powder was placed in a 150mL
wide-mouth glass jar. 100 mL of 50 mM NH.sub.4HCO.sub.3 solution
were added, and the mixture was stirred at 400 rpm for 30 min at
room temperature (until it became a visibly clear solution).
[0359] 100 mL of a 10 mg/mL solution of functionalized complexation
polymer were then prepared by stirring 1.00 g of polymer in 100 mL
of MilliQ water at 400 rpm (until it became a visibly clear
solution).
[0360] The pharmaceutically active agent solution was combined with
the functionalized complexation polymer solution at specific ratios
as set forth below and monitored for precipitation. The combined
materials were stirred for 30 min and then centrifuged in 50 mL
Falcon.TM. tubes. The supernatant solution was removed for HPLC
analysis to determine the quantity of free pharmaceutically active
agent (not complexed). Where obtained, the resultant precipitate
was resuspended in 50-100 mL of 50 mM NH.sub.4HCO.sub.3 solution
and either lyophilized or spray dried as set forth below.
[0361] Lyophilization: Aliquots of 3 mL each of the bulk suspension
obtained from the above step were transferred into 5 mL, type-BD
Hypak.TM. glass syringes and lyophilized using the lyophilization
cycle of a program P90 (optimized for each pharmaceutically active
agent) to fit the steps provided with FTS lyophilizer (Dura Stop
model), MP Stoppering Tray Dryer, Stone Ridge, N.Y. The
lyophilization cycle is provided in Table 1 below. The final amount
of complexed pharmaceutically active agent in each syringe is based
on the appropriate dose of the pharmaceutically active agent. The
syringes were seal pouched and stored in a -20.degree. C. freezer
until further study.
TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 Lyophilization Cycle SHELF Chamber Modified
TEMP TIME pressure lyophilization STEP (.degree. C.) (HOUR) (mT)
protocol FREEZING PRECOOL @ -40 Not controlled 1 hr prior to
loading instrument was pre- cooled -40 2.0 3000 Modified to fit the
freezing steps available for FTS Lyophilizer PRIMARY -25 2.0 100
DRYING -30 35.0 SECONDARY 25 2.0 Actual time was DRYING about 25
hours 25 10.0 5 10.0 200 Actual hold time was 8 hours
[0362] Spray Dry Conditions:
[0363] Inlet temperature set up: 140.degree. C.
[0364] Actual outlet temperature: 50-80.degree. C.
[0365] Aspirator 100%
[0366] Pump: 13%
[0367] Nozzle Cleaner: 3-5 pulses
[0368] The active content in the complexed powder was determined by
running it on HPLC. The powder was dissolved in 2% phosphoric acid,
and the clear solution was run on HPLC system.
[0369] Results
[0370] The results of the above complexation experiments are
provided in part in Table 2 below. The complexation efficiency for
exenatide and GLP-1 analog with an amine functionalized 50:50
copolymer (Example 2H) as a function of polymer to peptide ratio is
provided in FIG. 1.
TABLE-US-00002 TABLE 2 Pharma- ceutically active agent Complex
Ratio Outcome Exenatide Amine functionalized 47 mg of No
homopolymer Peptide, Precipitation (Example 2G) 30 mg of PCL--
NH.sub.2 GLP-1 analog Amine functionalized 11.4 mg of Instantaneous
homopolymer Peptide, Precipitation (Example 2G) 2.7 mg of (>99%)
PCL--NH.sub.2 Exenatide Amine functionalized 47 mg of Instantaneous
copolymer, 50:50 Peptide, Precipitation (Example 2H) 30 mg of PCL--
(~76%) NH.sub.2 GLP-1 analog Amine functionalized 11.4 mg of
Instantaneous copolymer, 50:50 Peptide, Precipitation (Example 2H)
2.7 mg of (>99%) PCL--NH.sub.2 Exenatide Carboxylate 10 mg of No
functionalized Peptide, Precipitation homopolymer 20 mg of PCL--
(Example 2I) COOH GLP-1 analog Carboxylate 10 mg of No
functionalized Peptide, Precipitation homopolymer 20 mg of PCL--
(Example 2I) COOH Exenatide Guanidinium 10 mg of No functionalized
Peptide Precipitation homopolymer 20 mg of PCL-- (Example 2J) GuHCl
GLP-1 analog Guanidinium 10 mg of No functionalized Peptide
Precipitation homopolymer 20 mg of PCL-- (Example 2J) GuHCl
Example 4
Complexation of Liraqlutide with Functionalized Complexation
Polymers
[0371] Complexes between liraglutide and functionalized
complexation polymers were prepared as set forth below.
[0372] Preparation of Lyophilized Powder of Complexed Liraglutide:
10 mg of Liraglutide was placed in a 20mL wide-mouth glass jar. 1
mL of 50mM NaHCO.sub.3 (pH 9.5) solution was added, and the mixture
was stirred at 400 rpm for 5 min at room temperature (until it
became a visibly clear solution).
[0373] 10 mg of Amine-functionalized complexation polymer ((Example
2C, prepared using 5.4 kDa precursor polymer) or (Example 2C,
prepared using 11.4 kDa precursor polymer) or (Example 2C, prepared
using 16.8 kDa precursor polymer) or (Example 2H, prepared using
17.2 kDa precursor polymer)) was then added to 1 mL of deionized
water, and the mixture was stirred at 400rpm (until it became a
visibly clear solution). The weight ratio of peptide to polymer was
1:1.0. 1 mL of 10 mg/mL of amine functionalized polymer solution
was added to liraglutide solution (ratio of 1:1), and the mixture
was stirred at 400 rpm (until it formed a white precipitate). The
suspension was stirred for 30 min before centrifuging the whole
suspension in a 50 mL Falcon.TM. tube and removing the supernatant
solution for HPLC analysis to determine the amount of free (not
complexed) active. The resultant precipitate was resuspended in
50-100 mL of 50 mM NH.sub.4HCO.sub.3 solution and was lyophilized
using the procedure in Example 3 above.
Example 5
Complexation of Liraqlutide with Functionalized Complexation
Polymer (AFCP-1)
[0374] Complexes between liraglutide and functionalized
complexation polymers were prepared as set forth below.
[0375] Preparation of Lyophilized powder of Complexed Liraglutide:
92.3 mg of liraglutide were placed in a 20 mL wide-mouth glass jar.
6.5 mL of 50 mM NaHCO.sub.3 (pH 9.5) solution were added, and the
mixture was stirred at 400 rpm for 5 min at room temperature (until
it became a visibly clear solution).
[0376] 203.7 mg of Amine-functionalized complexation polymer,
AFCP-1 (Example 2A, prepared using 15 kDa precursor polymer) were
then added to 20 mL of deionized water, and the mixture was stirred
at 400 rpm (until it became a visibly clear solution). The weight
ratios of peptide to polymer were 1:0.3, 1:0.6, 1:0.8, 1:1.0, and
1:1.4, respectively. By way of example, 9.2 mL of 10 mg/mL AFCP-1
solution were added to liraglutide solution (ratio of 1:0.8), and
the mixture was stirred at 400 rpm (until it formed a white
precipitate). The suspension was stirred for 30 min before
centrifuging the whole suspension in a 50 mL Falcon.TM. tube and
removing the supernatant solution for HPLC analysis to determine
how much of active was free (not complexed). The resultant
precipitate was resuspended in 50-100 mL of 50 mM NH.sub.4HCO.sub.3
solution, and the mixture was lyophilized using the procedure in
Example 3 above.
[0377] The complexation efficiencies for liraglutide with the amine
functionalized PCL copolymer (AFCP-1) prepared in Example 2A as a
function of polymer to peptide ratio are provided in FIG. 2.
Example 6
Complexation of Liraqlutide with Functionalized Complexation
Polymer (AFCP-2)
[0378] Complexes between liraglutide and functionalized
complexation polymers were prepared as set forth below.
[0379] Preparation of Lyophilized Powder of Complexed Liraglutide:
107.3 mg of liraglutide were placed in a 60 mL wide-mouth glass
bottle. 10.7 mL of 50 mM NH.sub.4HCO.sub.3 (pH 8.12) solution were
added, and the mixture was stirred at 400 rpm for 30 min at room
temperature (until it became a visibly clear solution).
[0380] 276.4 mg of Amine-functionalized complexation polymer,
AFCP-2 (Example 2A, 44 kD) were then added to 27.6 mL of deionized
water, and the mixture was stirred at 400 rpm (until it became a
visibly clear solution). The weight ratios of peptide to polymer
were 1:0.3, 1:0.6, 1:0.8 and 1:1.0, respectively. By way of
example,10.73 mL of 10 mg/mL AFCP-2 solution were added to
liraglutide solution (1:1 ratio), stirred at 400 rpm (until it
formed a white precipitate) and kept at -10.degree. C. overnight to
complete the precipitation. The whole suspension was centrifuged in
a 50 mL Falcon.TM. tube, and the supernatant solution was removed
for HPLC analysis to determine how much of active was free (not
complexed). The resultant precipitate was resuspended in 50-100 mL
of 50 mM NH.sub.4HCO.sub.3 solution, and the mixture was vortexed
and sonicated for 10 min before placing it in a lyophilizer for
lyophilization using the procedure in Example 3 above.
[0381] The complexation efficiencies for liraglutide with the amine
functionalized PCL copolymer AFCP-2 prepared in Example 2A as a
function of polymer to peptide ratio are provided in FIG. 2.
Example 7
(Control): Complexation of Liraglutide with Zn/Protamine
[0382] Complexes between liraglutide and Zn/Protamine were prepared
as set forth below.
[0383] Preparation of Spray Dried Powder of Liraglutide Complexed
with Zn/Protamine: 104.9 mg of liraglutide were placed in a 60 mL
wide-mouth glass jar. 6.5 mL of 50 mM NH.sub.4HCO.sub.3 (pH 8.13)
solution were added, and the mixture was stirred at 400 rpm for 30
min at room temperature (until it became a visibly clear
solution).
[0384] 100 mM Zinc acetate dehydrate solution was added to 20 mL of
deionized water. The molar ratio of peptide to Zn was 1:2. 556
.mu.L of 100 mM Zinc acetate solution were added to the liraglutide
solution, and the mixture was stirred at 400 rpm (until it formed a
white precipitate). Subsequently, 6.2 mL of 10 mg/mL protamine
sulfate solution in water were added to the Zinc-Lira suspension.
The suspension was allowed to stir for 30 min before centrifuging
the whole suspension in a 50 mL Falcon tube and removing the
supernatant solution for HPLC analysis to determine how much of
active was free (not complexed). The resultant precipitate was
resuspended in 50-100 mL of 50mM NH.sub.4HCO.sub.3 solution and was
spray-dried.
[0385] Spray dry conditions:
[0386] Inlet temperature set up: 140.degree. C.,
[0387] Actual outlet temperature: 50-80.degree. C.,
[0388] Aspirator 100%,
[0389] Pump: 13%,
[0390] Nozzle Cleaner: 3 to 5 pulses
Example 8
In vitro Analysis of Exenatide Complexed with an
Amine-Functionalized Copolymer
[0391] Dissolution experiments were conducted as set forth below to
determine the in vitro release of exenatide from a polymer complex
including an amine functionalized 50:50 copolymer (Example 2H).
[0392] Materials and Methods
[0393] 1.00g of exenatide powder was placed in a 150 mL wide-mouth
glass jar. 100 mL of 50 mM NH.sub.4HCO.sub.3 solution were added,
and the mixture was stirred at 400 rpm for 30min at room
temperature (until it became a visibly clear solution).
[0394] 100 mL of a 10 mg/mL solution of functionalized complexation
polymer were then prepared by stirring 1.00 g of polymer in 100 mL
of MilliQ water at 400 rpm (until it became a clear solution).
[0395] The exenatide solution was combined with the complexation
polymer solution at specific ratios as set forth below and
monitored for precipitation. The combined materials were stirred
for 30 min and then centrifuged in 50 mL Falcon.TM. tubes. The
supernatant solution was removed for HPLC analysis to determine the
quantity of free pharmaceutically active agent (not complexed). The
resultant precipitate was resuspended in 50-100 mL of 50 mM
NH.sub.4HCO.sub.3 solution and lyophilized according to the method
described in Example 3.
[0396] Lyophilized complex powder was suspended in 1 mL ammonium
bicarbonate (50 mM).
[0397] For dissolution or in vitro release testing, PBS (Phosphate
buffered saline) pH.about.7.4 was used as the medium, and the
complexed powder was dispersed into the dissolution medium. For the
dissolution study, a known amount of complexed powder was placed
into 2 mL conical shaped polypropylene vials. 1 mL release medium
(0.01 M PBS at pH 7.4 equilibrated at 37.degree. C.) was added
gently to each vial such that the surface of the formulation was
not disturbed. The samples were placed at 37.degree. C/100 rpm in
an orbital shaker. At every time point essentially all the release
medium was removed and replaced by fresh solution. The amount of
exenatide in solution at each time point was determined by
HPLC.
[0398] Results
[0399] The in vitro dissolution profile for exenatide from the
polymer complex is provided in FIG. 3. The in vitro dissolution
rate for exenatide:PcCL-NH.sub.2 was somewhat increased relative to
the exenatide:Zn.sup.2+:protamine complex prepared as described in
Example 7.
Example 9
In vitro Analysis of a GLP-1 Analog Complexed with
Amine-Functionalized Copolymers
[0400] Dissolution experiments were conducted as set forth below to
determine the in vitro release of a GLP-1 analog from polymer
complexes including an amine-functionalized 50:50 copolymer
(Example 2H) and an amine-functionalized homopolymer (Example 2G),
respectively.
[0401] Materials and Methods
[0402] 1.00 g of GLP-1 analog powder was placed in a 150 mL
wide-mouth glass jar. 100 mL of 50 mM NH.sub.4HCO.sub.3 solution
were added, and the mixture was stirred at 400 rpm for 30min at
room temperature (until it became a visibly clear solution).
[0403] 100 mL of a 10 mg/mL solution of functionalized complexation
polymer were then prepared by stirring 1.00 g of polymer in 100 mL
of MilliQ water at 400 rpm (until it became a clear solution).
[0404] The GLP-1 analog solution was combined with the complexation
polymer solution at specific ratios as set forth below and
monitored for precipitation. The combined materials were stirred
for 30 min and then centrifuged in 50 mL Falcon.TM. tubes. The
supernatant solution was removed for HPLC analysis to determine the
quantity of free pharmaceutically active agent (not complexed). The
resultant precipitate was resuspended in 50-100 mL of 50 mM
NH.sub.4HCO.sub.3 solution and spray dried according to the method
described in Example 3.
[0405] Spray dried complex powder was suspended in 1 mL ammonium
bicarbonate (50 mM).
[0406] For dissolution or in vitro release testing, PBS (Phosphate
buffered saline) pH.about.7.4 was used as the medium, and the
complexed powder was dispersed into the dissolution medium. For the
dissolution study, a known amount of complexed powder was placed
into 2 mL conical shaped polypropylene vials. 1 mL release medium
(0.01 M PBS at pH 7.4 equilibrated at 37.degree. C.) was added
gently to each vial such that the surface of the formulation was
not disturbed. The samples were placed at 37.degree. C/100rpm in an
orbital shaker. At every time point essentially all the release
medium was removed and replaced by fresh solution. The amount of
GLP-1 analog in solution at each time point was determined by
HPLC.
[0407] Results
[0408] The in vitro dissolution profile for the GLP-1 analog from
the polymer complexes is provided in FIG. 4. The in vitro
dissolution rate for GLP-1 analog from the amine-functionalized
homopolymer complex was increased relative to that for the
amine-functionalized copolymer complex.
Example 10
(Control): In Vitro Analysis of Risperidone Mixed with a
Carboxylate-Functionalized Copolymer
[0409] Dissolution experiments were conducted as set forth below to
determine the in vitro release from a mixture of risperidone and a
carboxylate-functionalized 50:50 copolymer prepared as described in
Example 2E. Although the risperidone and copolymer mixture was
originally believed to involve a complex, further analysis
indicated that the risperidone and copolymer precipitated
separately at the relevant pH. This observation is mainly due to
the limited solubilities of risperidone and the copolymer in the
reaction mixture at pH.about.5.
[0410] Materials and Methods
[0411] 1.00 g of a risperidone powder was placed in a 150 mL
wide-mouth glass jar. 100 mL of 50mM NH.sub.4COOCH.sub.3 solution
were added, and the mixture was stirred at 400 rpm for 30 min at
room temperature (until it became a visibly clear solution).
[0412] 100 mL of a 10 mg/mL solution of functionalized polymer were
then prepared by stirring 1.00 g of polymer in 100 mL of MilliQ
water at 400 rpm (until it became a clear solution).
[0413] The pharmaceutically active agent solution was combined with
the polymer solution at specific ratios as set forth below and
monitored for precipitation. The combined materials were stirred
for 30 min and then centrifuged in 50 mL Falcon.TM. tubes. The
supernatant solution was removed for HPLC analysis to determine the
quantity of free pharmaceutically active agent (not precipitated).
The resultant precipitate was resuspended in 50-100 mL of 50 mM
NH.sub.4COOCH.sub.3 solution and lyophilized according to the
method described in Example 3.
[0414] Lyophilized powder was suspended in 1 mL ammonium
bicarbonate (50 mM).
[0415] For dissolution or in vitro release testing, PBS (Phosphate
buffered saline) pH.about.7.4 was used as the medium, and the
powder was dispersed into the dissolution medium. For the
dissolution study, a known amount of powder was placed into 2 mL
conical shaped polypropylene vials. 1 mL release medium (0.01 M PBS
at pH 7.4 equilibrated at 37.degree. C.) was added gently to each
vial such that the surface of the formulation was not disturbed.
The samples were placed at 37.degree. C./100.rpm in an orbital
shaker. At every time point essentially all the release medium was
removed and replaced by fresh solution. The amount of risperidone
in solution at each time point was determined by HPLC.
[0416] Results
[0417] The in vitro dissolution profile for risperidone from the
mixture with the polymer is provided in FIG. 5. The in vitro
dissolution rate was relatively low with a cumulative release of
between 4% and 8% out to 130 hours. Most of the release from
risperidone polymer mixture is due to slow dissolution of
risperidone at pH 7.4
Example 11
In Vitro Analysis of Liraqlutide Complexed with
Amine-Functionalized Copolymers
[0418] Dissolution experiments were conducted as set forth below to
determine the in vitro release of liraglutide from a polymer
complex including an amine-functionalized 50:50 copolymer.
[0419] Materials and Methods
[0420] 1.00 g of liraglutide powder was placed in a 150 mL
wide-mouth glass jar. 100 mL of 50 mM NH.sub.4HCO.sub.3 solution
were added, and the mixture was stirred at 400 rpm for 30 min at
room temperature (until it became a visibly clear solution).
[0421] 100 mL of a 10 mg/mL solution of functionalized complexation
polymer were then prepared by stirring 1.00 g of polymer in 100 mL
of MilliQ water at 400 rpm (until it became a clear solution).
[0422] The liraglutide solution was combined with the complexation
polymer solution at specific ratios as set forth below and
monitored for precipitation. The combined materials were stirred
for 30 min and then centrifuged in 50 mL Falcon.TM. tubes. The
supernatant solution was removed for HPLC analysis to determine the
quantity of free pharmaceutically active agent (not complexed). The
resultant precipitate was resuspended in 50-100 mL of 50 mM
NH.sub.4HCO.sub.3 solution and spray dried according to the method
described in Example 3.
[0423] Complexes based on four different amine-functionalized 50:50
copolymers were tested as described below. Three of these
copolymers were prepared according to Example 2C, the precursor
polymers having molecular weights of 5.4 kDa, 11.4 kDa, and 16.8
kDa, respectively. In addition, a complex based on the
amine-functionalized 50:50 copolymer (Example 2H, prepared using
16.0 kDa precursor polymer) was tested.
[0424] Spray dried complex powder was suspended in 1 mL ammonium
bicarbonate (50 mM).
[0425] For dissolution or in vitro release testing, PBS (Phosphate
buffered saline) pH.about.7.4 was used as the medium, and the
complexed powder was dispersed into the dissolution medium. For the
dissolution study, a known amount of complexed powder was placed
into 2 mL conical shaped polypropylene vials. 1 mL release medium
(0.01 M PBS at pH 7.4 equilibrated at 37.degree. C.) was added
gently to each vial such that the surface of the formulation was
not disturbed. The samples were placed at 37.degree. C/100 rpm in
an orbital shaker. At every time point essentially all the release
medium was removed and replaced by fresh solution. The amount of
liraglutide in solution at each time point was determined by
HPLC.
[0426] Results
[0427] The in vitro dissolution profiles for liraglutide from the
polymer complexes are provided in FIG. 6. The in vitro dissolution
rates for liraglutide from the complexes based on copolymers
prepared using the 5.4 kDa, 11.4 kDa, and 16.8 kDa precursor
polymers were reduced relative to the dissolution rate for
liraglutide from the complex based on the Example 2H copolymer
prepared using the 16.0 kDa precursor polymer, but greater than
that for liraglutide from a Zn:Protamine based complex prepared
according to Example 7.
Example 12
In Vitro Analysis of Decitabine and AzaCytidine Complexed with an
Amine-Functionalized Copolymer
[0428] Dissolution experiments were conducted as set forth below to
determine the in vitro release of decitabine and azacytidine from a
polymer complex including an amine functionalized copolymer
(Example 2H).
[0429] Materials and Methods
[0430] 1.00 g of decitabine or azacytidine powder was placed in a
150 mL wide-mouth glass jar. 100 mL of 50 mM NH.sub.4HCO.sub.3
solution were added, and the mixture was stirred at 400 rpm for 30
min at room temperature (until it became a visibly clear
solution).
[0431] 100 mL of a 10 mg/mL solution of functionalized complexation
polymer were then prepared by stirring 1.00 g of polymer in 100 mL
of MilliQ water at 400 rpm (until it became a clear solution).
[0432] The decitabine or azacytidine solution was combined with the
complexation polymer solution at specific ratios as set forth below
and monitored for precipitation. The combined materials were
stirred for 30min and then centrifuged in 50 mL Falcon.TM. tubes.
The supernatant solution was removed for HPLC analysis to determine
the quantity of free pharmaceutically active agent (not complexed).
The resultant precipitate was resuspended in 50-100 mL of 50 mM
NH.sub.4HCO.sub.3 solution and lyophilized according to the method
described in Example 3.
[0433] Lyophilized complex powder was suspended in 1 mL ammonium
bicarbonate (50 mM).
[0434] For dissolution or in vitro release testing, PBS (Phosphate
buffered saline) pH.about.7.4 was used as the medium, and the
complexed powder was dispersed into the dissolution medium. For the
dissolution study, a known amount of complexed powder was placed
into 2 mL conical shaped polypropylene vials. 1 mL release medium
(0.01 M PBS at pH 7.4 equilibrated at 37.degree. C.) was added
gently to each vial such that the surface of the formulation was
not disturbed. The samples were placed at 37.degree. C./100 rpm in
an orbital shaker. At every time point essentially all the release
medium was removed and replaced by fresh solution. The amount of
decitabine or azacytidine in solution at each time point was
determined by HPLC.
[0435] Results
[0436] The in vitro dissolution profiles for decitabine and
azacytidine from the polymer complexes are provided in FIG. 7.
However, under the tested conditions, decitabine and azacytidine
are believed to be significantly degraded, possibly due to the
relative instability of these compounds in water. Accordingly, the
curves in FIG. 7 do not accurately represent the dissolution of
intact decitabine and azacytidine from the polymer complex. Further
analysis of decitabine complexation and dissolution was performed
as described below in Example 13.
Example 13
Complexation of Decitabine with Functionalized Copolymers and
Dissolution Analysis in Connection with Same
[0437] Complexation of decitabine with various functionalized
copolymers was attempted, and the resulting product was analyzed
for in vitro dissolution characteristics as described below.
[0438] Materials and Methods
[0439] Decitabine powder (5mg each) was dissolved in 100 .mu.L of
DMSO and mixed with different weight ratios (e.g., 5.0 mg for a 1:1
ratio) of complexation polymer in 1 mL of water for each of AFCP-1,
AFCP-2, CFCP-1 and CFCP-4. The weight ratios of decitabine to
polymer were 1:1, 1:1, 1:1 and 1:4, respectively.
[0440] After mixing each solution was vortexed for 20 s and
centrifuged to separate the precipitate from any un-reacted polymer
and decitabine in the supernatant.
[0441] The precipitates were lyophilized to dryness. Known amounts
of decitabine-polymer complex were dispersed in 1 mL of PBS and
placed on an orbital shaker at 37.degree. C./100 rpm. Dissolution
of the complex was monitored over time, with complete replacement
of the aqueous medium at every time point.
[0442] Results
[0443] The tested complexation conditions resulted in relatively
poor decitabine complex yields. The results of the dissolution
assay are provided in FIGS. 9 and 10 and further demonstrate the
unstable nature of decitabine complexed with both
amine-functionalized and carboxyl-functionalized complexable
polymers (AFCP and CFCP).
[0444] While the AFCP-decitabine complexes dissolved faster in PBS
at 37.degree. C. than the CFCP-decitabine complex, both complexes
were relatively unstable under the tested aqueous conditions.
Example 14
In Vitro Analysis of GLP-1 Analog Complexed with a Non-Click
Chemistry-Based Functionalized Polymer
[0445] Dissolution experiments were conducted as set forth below to
determine the in vitro release of a GLP-1 analog from a polymer
complex including a non-click chemistry based
hydrazide-functionalized polymer (NH.sub.2--NH-PLGA-NH--NH.sub.2, 5
kDa) available from Polyscitech, West Lafayette, Indiana.
[0446] Materials and Methods
[0447] 1.00 g of GLP-1 analog powder was placed in a 150 mL
wide-mouth glass jar. 100 mL of 50 mM NH.sub.4HCO.sub.3 solution
were added, and the mixture was stirred at 400 rpm for 30min at
room temperature (until it became a visibly clear solution).
[0448] 100 mL of a 10 mg/mL solution of functionalized complexation
polymer were then prepared by stirring 1.00 g of polymer in 100 mL
of MilliQ water at 400 rpm (until it became a clear solution).
[0449] The GLP-1 analog solution was combined with the complexation
polymer solution at specific ratios as set forth below and
monitored for precipitation. The combined materials were stirred
for 30 min and then centrifuged in 50 mL Falcon.TM. tubes. The
supernatant solution was removed for HPLC analysis to determine the
quantity of free pharmaceutically active agent (not complexed). The
resultant precipitate was resuspended in 50-100 mL of 50 mM
NH.sub.4HCO.sub.3 solution and spray dried according to the method
described in Example 3.
[0450] Spray dried complex powder was suspended in 1 mL ammonium
bicarbonate (50 mM).
[0451] For dissolution or in vitro release testing, PBS (Phosphate
buffered saline) pH-7.4 was used as the medium, and the complexed
powder was dispersed into the dissolution medium. For the
dissolution study, a known amount of complexed powder was placed
into 2mL conical shaped polypropylene vials. 1 mL release medium
(0.01 M PBS at pH 7.4 equilibrated at 37.degree. C.) was added
gently to each vial such that the surface of the formulation was
not disturbed. The samples were placed at 37.degree. C./100 rpm in
an orbital shaker. At every time point essentially all the release
medium was removed and replaced by fresh solution. The amount of
GLP-1 analog in solution at each time point was determined by
HPLC.
[0452] Results
[0453] The in vitro dissolution profiles for the GLP-1 analog from
the polymer complexes are provided in FIG. 8 along with the
dissolution profile of the GLP-1 analog from a Zn:protamine complex
prepared as described in Example 7. In FIG. 8, "SUPE"=supernatant
and "PPT"=precipitate, where PPT represents polymer complexed with
the GLP-1 analog and SUPE represents primarily GLP-1
analog+uncomplexed polymer. The PPT (complex) showed controlled
release up to 7 days, while the SUPE showed a significantly more
rapid release.
Example 15
In Vitro Analysis of Liraqlutide Complexed with Additional
Amine-Functionalized Copolymers
[0454] Dissolution experiments were conducted as set forth below to
determine the in vitro release of liraglutide from a polymer
complex including an amine-functionalized copolymer.
[0455] Materials and Methods
[0456] 1.00 g of liraglutide powder was placed in a 150 mL
wide-mouth glass jar. 100 mL of 50 mM NH.sub.4HCO.sub.3 solution
were added, and the mixture was stirred at 400 rpm for 30 min at
room temperature (until it became a visibly clear solution).
[0457] 100 mL of a 10 mg/mL solution of functionalized complexation
polymer were then prepared by stirring 1.00g of polymer in 100 mL
of MilliQ water at 400 rpm (until it became a visibly clear
solution). The functionalized complexation polymers were two
different amine-functionalized PCL copolymers, which were prepared
according to Example 2A (AFCP-1 and AFCP-2).
[0458] The liraglutide solution was combined with the complexation
polymer solution at specific ratios as set forth below and
monitored for precipitation. The combined materials were stirred
for 30 min and then centrifuged in 50 mL Falcon.TM. tubes. The
supernatant solution was removed for HPLC analysis to determine the
quantity of free pharmaceutically active agent (not complexed). The
resultant precipitate was resuspended in 50-100 mL of 50mM
NH.sub.4HCO.sub.3 solution and lyophilized according to the method
described in Example 3.
[0459] Lyophilized complex powder was suspended in 1 mL ammonium
bicarbonate (50 mM).
[0460] For dissolution or in vitro release testing, PBS (Phosphate
buffered saline) pH-7.4 was used as the medium, and the complexed
powder was dispersed into the dissolution medium. For the
dissolution study, a known amount of complexed powder was placed
into 2 mL conical shaped polypropylene vials. 1 mL release medium
(0.01 M PBS at pH 7.4 equilibrated at 37.degree. C.) was added
gently to each vial such that the surface of the formulation was
not disturbed. The samples were placed at 37.degree. C./100 rpm in
an orbital shaker. At every time point essentially all the release
medium was removed and replaced by fresh solution. The amount of
liraglutide in solution at each time point was determined by
HPLC.
[0461] Results
[0462] The in vitro dissolution profiles for liraglutide from the
polymer complexes are provided in FIGS. 11 and 12 relative to those
for uncomplexed liraglutide (Lira) and liraglutide complexed with
Zn:Protamine prepared in accordance with Example 7.
Example 16
In Vivo Analysis of Liraqlutide Complexed with Amine-Functionalized
Copolymers
[0463] The following materials and methods were utilized in rat PK
studies. Materials and Methods
[0464] 1.00 g of liraglutide powder was placed in a 150 mL
wide-mouth glass jar. 100 mL of 50 mM NH.sub.4HCO.sub.3 solution
were added, and the mixture was stirred at 400 rpm for 30 min at
room temperature (until it became a visibly clear solution).
[0465] For each of two polymers, 100 mL of a 10 mg/mL solution of
functionalized complexation polymer were then prepared by stirring
1.00 g of polymer in 100 mL of MilliQ water at 400 rpm (until it
became a clear solution). The functionalized complexation polymers
were two different amine-functionalized copolymers, which were
prepared according to Example 2A (AFCP-1 and AFCP-2).
[0466] The liraglutide solution was combined with the complexation
polymer solution at specific ratios as set forth below and
monitored for precipitation. The combined materials were stirred
for 30 min and then centrifuged in 50 mL Falcon.TM. tubes. The
supernatant solution was removed for HPLC analysis to determine the
quantity of free pharmaceutically active agent (not complexed). The
resultant precipitate was resuspended in 50-100 mL of 50 mM
NH.sub.4HCO.sub.3 solution and lyophilized according to the method
described in Example 3.
[0467] Lyophilized complex powder was suspended in 1 mL ammonium
bicarbonate (50 mM) or a vehicle comprising benzyl benzoate
(BB)/poly (DL-Lactide) (Mw 15,100 Da) (PLA) in a 90/10 weight
ratio, which was previously prepared by mixing BB and PLA in the
desired ratio.
[0468] Liraglutide complexed powders were reconstituted in aqueous
and non-aqueous vehicles prior to SC injections in rats. The
following formulations were prepared for use in the in vivo
experiments.
[0469] F1. aqueous solution of Liraglutide (Bachem) in 50 mM
NH.sub.4HCO.sub.3
[0470] F2. aqueous slurry of Lira-Zn/Pro(1/2/0.3, m/m) in 50 mM
NH.sub.4HCO.sub.3
[0471] F3. aqueous slurry of Lira-AFCP-1 (1/1 wt/wt) in 50 mM
NH.sub.4HCO.sub.3
[0472] F4. aqueous slurry of Lira-AFCP-2 (1/1 wt/wt) in 50 mM
NH.sub.4HCO.sub.3
[0473] F5. non-aqueous slurry of Lira-AFCP-1 (1/1 wt/wt) in BB/PLA
(90/10)
[0474] F6. non-aqueous slurry of Lira-AFCP-2 (1/1 wt/wt) in BB/PLA
(90/10)
[0475] F7. non-aqueous slurry of Lira-Zn/Pro(1/2/0.3, m/m) in
BB/PLA (90/10)
[0476] The targeted dosing regimen for the in vivo experiments was
as provided below in Table 3.
TABLE-US-00003 TABLE 3 Dose No. and Dose Regimen Group Sex of Dose
Volume and Blood Collection No. Animals Treatment (mg/rat) *
(.mu.L/rat) * Route (n = 5 per timepoint) 1 5M Liraglutide in
Buffer 2 100 Once, SC Pre-dose (-24 hr), 15, (SQ Bolus) 30 min, 1,
2, 4, 8, 12 hours, 1, 2, 3, 5, and 7 days 2 5M Liraglutide + Target
= 100 Once, SC Pre-dose (-24 hr), 15, Zn/Protamine in 2 30 min, 1,
2, 4, 8, 12 Buffer hours, 1, 2, 3, 5, and 7 days 3 5M Liraglutide +
AFCP- Target = 100 Once, SC Pre-dose (-24 hr), 30 1 in Buffer 2
min, 1, 2, 4, 8, 12 hours, 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 10, 14 and 29 days 4 5M
Liraglutide + AFCP- Target = 100 Once, SC Pre-dose (-24 hr), 30 2
in Buffer 2 min, 1, 2, 4, 8, 12 hours, 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 10, 14 and 29
days 5 5M Liraglutide + AFCP- Target = 100 Once, SC Pre-dose (-24
hr), 30 1 + BB/PLA 2 min, 1, 2, 4, 8, 12 (90/10) hours, 1, 2, 3, 5,
7, 10, 14 and 29 days 6 5M Liraglutide + AFCP- Target = 100 Once,
SC Pre-dose (-24 hr), 30 2 + BB/PLA 2 min, 1, 2, 4, 8, 12 (90/10)
hours, 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 10, 14 and 29 days 7 5M Liraglutide + Target
= 100 Once, SC Pre-dose (-24 hr), 30 Zn/Protamine + 2 min, 1, 2, 4,
8, 12 BB/PLA (90/10) hours, 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 10, 14 and 29 days
Buffer = 50 mM Ammonium Bicarbonate (pH~8.1) * The target 1 week
dose of Liraglutide in human is 14 mg. The Victoza dose is 0.6-1.8
mg/day in 200-300 .mu.L.
[0477] Results
[0478] PK profiles for liraglutide complexed with
amine-functionalized copolymers are provided in FIGS. 13 and 14.
Dosing rates (mg/kg) varied across the test groups and among
animals within a given test group. Accordingly, the plasma data
provided in FIGS. 13 and 14 has been dose rate normalized to allow
a fairer comparison of the performance of the formulations.
[0479] FIGS. 13 and 14 provide geometric mean data for the aqueous
and BB:PLA vehicle suspensions of the liraglutide-counter-ion
complexes, respectively. A clear progression emerges in the ability
of the counter-ions to control the dissolution of the complexes in
aqueous suspension: AFCP2 >AFCP1>Zn2+/protamine (FIG.
13).
[0480] A progression also emerges in the contribution of the depot
vehicle (or complex+vehicle) to overall control of peptide
delivery: AFCP2<AFCP1<Zn2+/protamine (FIG. 14).
[0481] These data suggest preliminarily that an aqueous suspension
of Lira:AFCP2 would be an adequate formulation for weekly
delivery.
[0482] FIG. 14 emphasizes that the contribution the BB:la-PLA 90:10
(%, w/w) vehicle makes to the control of liraglutide delivery
depends strongly on the particular complex suspended in the
vehicle. The vehicle makes a strong contribution in the case of the
Zn.sup.2+/protamine complex, a moderate contribution for AFCP1, and
a small (though important) contribution for AFCP2.
[0483] Using iv bolus data, the absolute BA of liraglutide obtained
from these formulations was calculated up to the last time point
for which quantifiable data were available for each animal. These
results are provided in FIG. 15. Except for several animals, BA was
generally <12%, which is consistent with results obtained in
rats for several liraglutide formulations that comprised free
peptide suspended in vehicles comprising sucrose acetate
isobutyrate (absolute BA ranged from 5-28%).
Example 17
Local Tolerability Following Injection in Rats
[0484] Histopathological assessment of skins from the rats injected
in Example 15 was performed using standard procedures. In general,
there was minimal to mole inflammation present in the deep dermis
in all groups at both the vehicle and active sites. This indicates
that there is some nonspecific local multifocal inflammation
induced by all of the vehicles and the test article. There were
also low numbers of small granulomas present in the deep dermis in
a few animals in most groups in both the vehicle and active groups.
These are considered to be a resolving foreign body reaction or
granuloma formulation reaction to the test and vehicle articles.
This indicates that both the test article and the various vehicles
alone or with test article will induce a small local foreign body
reaction or granuloma formation particularly in Groups 3, 5, and
6.
Example 18
Preparation of Amine Functionalized Copolymer (30:70 Poly
(.alpha.-Cl-.epsilon.-caprolactone-co-DL-lactide)) (AFCP-3)
[0485] The precursor polymer utilized in this Example was the 31.8
kDa polymer prepared according to the method described in Example
1B above.
[0486] A solution of the precursor
poly(.alpha.-chloro-.epsilon.-caprolactone-co-DL-lactide) in DMF (4
mL solvent/g polymer) was evacuated and back-filled with nitrogen
five times. Sodium azide (NaN.sub.3, 1.2 equiv.) was added and
stirred overnight at room temperature via a magnetic stir bar. The
presence of a new organic azide moiety was confirmed by FT-IR (at
2107 cm.sup.-1). The flask was cooled to 0.degree. C. in an ice
bath and was evacuated and back-filled with nitrogen five times.
Under a stream of nitrogen, propargyl amine (1.0 equiv.) and sodium
ascorbate (0.12 equiv.) were added sequentially. The flask was
again evacuated and back-filled with nitrogen 5 times, then copper
sulfate (0.05 equiv.) was added, followed by one additional
evacuate/back-fill cycle. The reaction was stirred at 0.degree. C.
for 1 hour, then overnight at room temperature under nitrogen.
FT-IR confirmed the disappearance of the organic azide peak at
.about.2107 cm.sup.-1, indicating the reaction was complete. DMF
was removed under vacuum, and the thick green polymer ball was then
directly dissolved in 0.01 N HCl and dialyzed using regenerated
cellulose tubing with MWCO=3500 against 0.01 N HCl for two days,
changing the dialysate 2 times. The polymer solution was then
freeze-dried until dry.
[0487] Analysis of the polymer indicated it was impure, so it was
then redissolved in 0.01 N HCl. A metal scavenger (SiliaMetS.RTM.
Thiol, 8 equiv.) was added to the polymer solution, and the mixture
was stirred overnight. The scavenger was filtered out, and the
resulting filtrate was purified via ultrafiltration in a stirred
cell using 1.5 diavolumes of purified water as the dialysate. The
purified polymer solution was then transferred to VirTis.RTM. jars,
shell-frozen, and lyophilized until dry.The resulting amine
functionalized copolymer had a M.sub.w of 31.8 kDa (M.sub.w of
precursor polymer), a Pendant/Polymer ratio of 1.81.times.10.sup.-3
mol/g, and a % substitution of .about.30.
Example 19
Preparation of Amine Functionalized Copolymer (12.5:87.5
Poly(.alpha.-Cl-.epsilon.-caprolactone-co-DL-lactide)) (AFCP-4)
[0488] The precursor polymer utilized in this Example was the 5.6
kDa polymer prepared according to the method described in Example
1B above.
[0489] To a solution of the precursor
poly(.alpha.-Cl-.epsilon.-caprolactone-co-DL-lactide) in
N-methylpyrrolidone (NMP; 5 mL solvent/g polymer) was added sodium
azide (NaN.sub.3, 1.2 equiv.) with vigorous stirring via a magnetic
stir bar. The flask was evacuated and back-filled with nitrogen
five times and was stirred overnight at room temperature. The
presence of a new organic azide moiety was confirmed by FT-IR (at
.about.2100 cm.sup.-1). The flask was cooled to 0.degree. C. in an
ice bath and was evacuated and back-filled with nitrogen five
times. Under a stream of nitrogen, propargyl amine (1.0 equiv.),
triethylamine (0.1 equiv.), and copper iodide (0.1 equiv.) were
added sequentially. The flask was again evacuated and back-filled
with nitrogen. The exothermic reaction stirred at 0.degree. C. for
an hour; the ice bath was then removed, and the reaction continued
to stir vigorously overnight under nitrogen. FT-IR confirmed the
disappearance of the organic azide at .about.2100 cm.sup.-1,
indicating the reaction was complete. The solids were filtered out
of the reaction mixture and were washed with ample DMF. The
filtrate was diluted with 0.01 N hydrochloric acid until the
solution was homogeneous and the pH was 4-5. A metal scavenger
(SiliaMetS.RTM. Thiol, 8 equiv.) was added to the polymer solution,
and the mixture was stirred overnight. The scavenger was filtered
out, and the resulting filtrate was purified via ultrafiltration in
a stirred cell using 1.5 diavolumes of purified water as the
dialysate. The purified polymer solution was then transferred to
VirTis.RTM. jars, shell-frozen, and lyophilized until dry.
[0490] The resulting amine functionalized copolymer had a M.sub.w
of 5.6 kDa (M.sub.w of precursor polymer), a Pendant/Polymer ratio
of 7.59.times.10.sup.-4 mol/g, and a % substitution of 12.5. The
resulting amine functionalized copolymer was marginally soluble in
aqueous medium at pH 5.
Example 20
Preparation of Amine Functionalized Copolymer (25:60:15
Poly(.alpha.-Cl-.epsilon.-caprolactone-co-DL-lactide-co-qlycolide))
(AFCP-5)
[0491] The precursor polymer utilized in this Example was the 17.5
kDa polymer prepared according to the method described in Example
1G above.
[0492] To a solution of the precursor
poly(.alpha.-Cl-.epsilon.-caprolactone-co-DL-lactide-co-glycolide)
in N-methylpyrrolidone (NMP; 5 mL solvent/g polymer) was added
sodium azide (Na N.sub.3, 1.2 equiv.) with vigorous stirring via a
magnetic stir bar. The flask was evacuated and back-filled with
nitrogen five times and was stirred overnight at room temperature.
The presence of a new organic azide moiety was confirmed by FT-IR
(at .about.2100 cm.sup.-1). The flask was cooled to 0.degree. C. in
an ice bath and was evacuated and back-filled with nitrogen five
times. Under a stream of nitrogen, propargyl amine (1.0 equiv.),
triethylamine (0.1 equiv.), and copper iodide (0.1 equiv.) were
added sequentially. The flask was again evacuated and back-filled
with nitrogen. The exothermic reaction stirred at 0.degree. C. for
an hour; the ice bath was then removed, and the reaction continued
to stir vigorously overnight under nitrogen. FT-IR confirmed the
disappearance of the organic azide at .about.2100 cm.sup.-1,
indicating the reaction was complete. The solids were filtered out
of the reaction mixture and were washed with ample DMF. The
filtrate was diluted with 0.01 N hydrochloric acid until the
solution was homogeneous and the pH was 4-5. A metal scavenger
(SiliaMetS.RTM. Thiol, 8 equiv.) was added to the polymer solution,
and the mixture was stirred overnight. The scavenger was filtered
out, and the resulting filtrate was purified via ultrafiltration in
a stirred cell using 1.5 diavolumes of purified water as the
dialysate. The purified polymer solution was then transferred to
VirTis.RTM. jars, shell-frozen, and lyophilized until dry.
[0493] The resulting amine functionalized copolymer had a M.sub.w
of 17.5 kDa (M.sub.w of precursor polymer), a Pendant/Polymer ratio
of 1.48.times.10.sup.-3 mol/g, and a .degree. A) substitution of
25. The resulting amine functionalized copolymer was insoluble at
any pH in purely aqueous media. It was purified as a solution in
1:1 Acetone/Water.
Example 21
Preparation of Carboxylate Functionalized Copolymer (CFCP-4)
[0494] The precursor polymer utilized in this Example was the 15.7
kDa polymer prepared according to the method described in Example
1E above.
[0495] A solution of the precursor
poly(.alpha.-chloro-.epsilon.-caprolactone-co-.epsilon.-caprolactone)
in NMP (4 mL solvent/g polymer) was evacuated and back-filled with
nitrogen five times. Sodium azide (NaN.sub.3, 1.2 equiv.) was added
and stirred overnight at room temperature via a magnetic stir bar.
The presence of a new organic azide moiety was confirmed by FT-IR
(at 2105 cm.sup.-1). The flask was cooled to 0.degree. C. in an ice
bath and was evacuated and back-filled with nitrogen five times.
Under a stream of nitrogen, 5-hexynoic acid (1.2 equiv.) and
triethylamine (1.3 equiv.) were added sequentially. The flask was
again evacuated and back-filled with nitrogen 5 times and copper
iodide (0.1 equiv.) was added, followed by one additional
evacuate/back-fill cycle. The reaction was stirred at 0.degree. C.
for 2 hours, then overnight at room temperature under nitrogen.
FT-IR confirmed the disappearance of the organic azide peak,
indicating the reaction was complete. The reaction was filtered
through a 0.45 .mu.m hydrophilic PTFE membrane using a pressure
filter; the solid bed was rinsed with an equal amount of NMP, and
the resulting solution was slowly and carefully dissolved (with
excessive foaming) in a saturated aqueous solution of sodium
bicarbonate until the resulting pH=8. Activated charcoal
(Norit.RTM. PK3-5, 4-14 mesh, granular; 1:1 carbon to polymer, w:w,
ratio) was added and stirred vigorously for 5 hours as an attempt
to decolorize the solution. The mixture was refrigerated overnight;
it was then warmed to room temperature and filtered through a bed
of celite and medium porosity filter paper. The filtrate was
purified via TFF with a 3 kDa MWCO membrane cassette using
deionized water as the dialysate. After purification for two days
(3.5 diavolumes), the green color still remained. The solution was
then treated with a metal scavenger (SiliaMetS.RTM. Thiol, 10
equiv.), and the color began to fade almost immediately; the
mixture was stirred at room temperature overnight. The scavenger
was filtered out, and the resulting filtrate was purified via
tangential flow filtration (TFF) using a 3 kDa MWCO membrane and
deionized water as the dialysate. Purification continued until the
pH of the permeate solution was neutral; a total of 9 diavolumes of
deionized water was used. The purified polymer solution was then
transferred to VirTis.RTM. jars, shell-frozen, and lyophilized
until dry.
[0496] The resulting carboxylate functionalized copolymer had a
M.sub.w of 15.7 kDa (M.sub.w of precursor polymer), a
Pendant/Polymer ratio of 2.64.times.10.sup.-3 mol/g, and a %
substitution of 44.
Example 22
Preparation of Carboxylate Functionalized Copolymer CF(CP-5
[0497] The precursor polymer utilized in this Example was the 44.0
kDa polymer prepared according to the method described in Example
1F above.
[0498] A solution of the precursor
poly(.alpha.-chloro-.epsilon.-caprolactone-co-.epsilon.-caprolactone)
in NMP (4 mL solvent/g polymer) was evacuated and back-filled with
nitrogen five times. Sodium azide (NaN.sub.3, 1.2 equiv.) was added
and stirred overnight at room temperature via a magnetic stir bar.
The presence of a new organic azide moiety was confirmed by FT-IR
(at 2104 cm.sup.-1). The flask was cooled to 0.degree. C. in an ice
bath and was evacuated and back-filled with nitrogen five times.
Under a stream of nitrogen, 5-hexynoic acid (1.2 equiv.) and
triethylamine (0.1 equiv.) were added sequentially. The flask was
again evacuated and back-filled with nitrogen 5 times and copper
iodide (0.1 equiv.) was added, followed by one additional
evacuate/back-fill cycle. The reaction was stirred at 0.degree. C.
for 3 hours, then overnight at room temperature under nitrogen.
FT-IR showed the organic azide peak at .about.2104 cm.sup.-1 was
less intense, but was still present. Triethylamine (1.1 equiv.) was
added; the flask was evacuated/back-filled with nitrogen 3 times;
and copper iodide (0.01 equiv.) was again added. After stirring for
three additional days, FT-IR confirmed the disappearance of the
organic azide peak, indicating the reaction was complete. The
reaction was filtered through a 0.45 .mu.m hydrophilic PTFE
membrane using a pressure filter; the solid bed was rinsed with an
equal amount of NMP, and the resulting solution was slowly and
carefully dissolved (with excessive foaming) in a saturated aqueous
solution of sodium bicarbonate until the resulting pH=8. A metal
scavenger (SiliaMetS.RTM. Thiol, 10 equiv.) was added to the
polymer solution, and the mixture was stirred overnight. The
scavenger was filtered out, and the resulting filtrate was purified
via tangential flow filtration (TFF) using a 3 kDa MWCO membrane
and deionized water as the dialysate. Purification continued until
the pH of the permeate solution was neutral; a total of 15
diavolumes of deionized water was used. The purified polymer
solution was then transferred to VirTis.RTM. jars, shell-frozen,
and lyophilized until dry.
[0499] The resulting carboxylate functionalized copolymer had a
M.sub.w of 44.0 kDa (M.sub.w of precursor polymer), a
Pendant/Polymer ratio of 2.7.times.10.sup.-3 mol/g, and a %
substitution of 44.
Example 23
Complexation of Human Growth Hormone (hGH) with Amine
Functionalized Copolymers and Dissolution Analysis of Complexed
hGH
[0500] HGH was complexed with various amine functionalized
copolymers and analyzed for in vitro dissolution characteristics as
described below.
[0501] Materials and Methods
[0502] Recombinant hGH powder (5 mg each) was dissolved in 1 mL of
50 mM Ammonium Bicarbonate (pH.about.8.1) and mixed with different
weight ratios (2.5, 5, 10 and 20 mg) (1:0.5, 1:1, 1:2 and 1:4) of
complexable polymers including AFCP-2, AFCP-3 and AFCP-5 in 1 mL of
water.
[0503] After mixing, each solution was vortexed for 20 sec and
centrifuged to remove supernatant containing unreacted polymer and
hGH from the precipitate.
[0504] The precipitate was lyophilized until dry and known amounts
of hGH complexed with polymer were dispersed in 1 mL of PBS at
37.degree. C./100 rpm in an orbital shaker to assess dissolution.
The PBS media was replenished at every time point.
[0505] Results
[0506] The results of the complexation reactions are shown in FIGS.
16 and 17. As shown, AFCP-2 exhibited the highest complexation
efficiency with respect to hGH with over 90% of the hGH
precipitated. AFCP-3 and AFCP-5 each exhibited a complexation
efficiency between 30% and 50%. As shown, AFCP-4 did not form a
complex under these conditions. Without intending to be bound by
any particular theory, it is possible that the relatively low level
of amine substation in AFCP-4 was insufficient for complexation
with hGH. FIG. 17 shows the complexation efficiency of AFCP-2 with
hGH at various w/w ratios. As shown, ratios of 1:1 and 1:2 resulted
in over 92% of the hGH precipitated.
[0507] The results of the in vitro dissolution analysis are
provided in FIG. 18. As shown, each of the AFCP-2-hGH, AFCP-3-hGH,
and AFCP-5-hGH complexes provided for lower initial release of hGH
(within the first 24 hours) relative to native hGH, with the
AFCP-2-hGH complex providing a significantly lower initial release
than AFCP-3-hGH or AFCP-5-hGH complex.
Example 24
Complexation of Liraqlutide with Amine Functionalized Copolymers
AFCP-2 and AFCP-3
[0508] Liraglutide was complexed with AFCP-2 and AFCP-3 amine
functionalized copolymers at different weight ratios and
complexation efficiency was determined.
[0509] Materials and Methods
[0510] Liraglutide (5 mg) was dissolved in 1 mL of 50 mM
NH.sub.4HCO.sub.3 (pH 8.1) and mixed with AFCP-2 or AFCP-3 in 1 mL
of water, at weight ratios 1:0.25, 1:0.5, 1:1 and 1:2. AFCP-2 is
45% functionalized, M.sub.w.about.44 kD PCL; AFCP-3 is 30%
functionalized, 30:70 POLL, M.sub.w.about.32 kD.
[0511] After mixing, each preparation was vortexed for 20 s and
centrifuged to separate supernatant containing un-reacted peptide
and polymer from the precipitate. Supernatant samples were diluted
10.times. in water to quantify un-reacted peptide via RP-HPLC.
[0512] Results
[0513] The results of the complexation reactions are shown in FIGS.
19 and 20. FIG. 19 shows the % Liraglutide precipitated using
AFCP-2 and AFCP-3 at the various weight ratios. As shown, the %
Liraglutide precipitated using AFCP-2 was relatively constant
across the different weight ratios, while the complexation
efficiency of AFCP-3 increased with an increase in the relative
amount of the AFCP-3 polymer. FIG. 20 shows the fraction
precipitated based on the molar ratio Liraglutide to AFCP-2 and
AFCP-3.
Example 25
Complexation of Immunoglobulin G (IgG) with Amine Functionalized
Copolymers and Dissolution Analysis of Complexed IgG
[0514] IgG was complexed with various amine functionalized
copolymers and analyzed for in vitro dissolution characteristics as
described below.
[0515] Materials and Methods
[0516] IgG powder (5 mg each) was dissolved in 1 mL of 50 mM
NH.sub.4HCO.sub.3 (pH 8.1) and mixed with a different amine
functionalized PCL polymer (AFCP-2, AFCP-3, AFCP-4 and AFCP-5) at 5
mg in 1 mL of water.
[0517] After mixing, each solution was vortexed for 20 sec and
centrifuged to remove supernatant containing unreacted polymer and
IgG from the precipitate.
[0518] The precipitate was lyophilized until dry and known amounts
of IgG-polymer complex were dispersed in 1 mL of PBS at 37.degree.
C./100 rpm in an orbital shaker to assess dissolution. The PBS
media was replenished at every time point.
[0519] Results
[0520] The results of the dissolution assays are shown in FIG. 21.
Initial release of IgG (within the first 24 hours) was lowest for
AFCP-3. Initial release of IgG for AFCP-2 and AFCP-4 complexes was
higher than for AFCP-3, but lower than for AFCP-5, which showed a
relatively high initial release of IgG (about 80% cumulative
release within the first 24 hours).
Example 26
Complexation of a Somatostatin Analogue with a Carboxylate
Functionalized Copolymer and Dissolution Analysis of Complexed
Somatostatin Analogue
[0521] A synthetic somatostatin analogue was complexed with a
carboxylate functionalized copolymer (CFCP-1) and analyzed for in
vitro dissolution characteristics as described below.
[0522] Materials and Methods
[0523] Somatostatin analogue powder (5 mg) was dissolved in 1 mL of
NH.sub.4HCO.sub.3 and mixed 1:1 (w/w) with COOH-functionalized
CFCP-1(50% pendant, Mw .about.15.9 kDa PCL (M.sub.w of precursor
polymer)) in 1 mL of water.
[0524] After mixing, each preparation was vortexed for 20 sec and
centrifuged to remove supernatant containing unreacted polymer and
somatostatin analogue from the precipitate.
[0525] The precipitate was lyophilized until dry and a known amount
of somatostatin analogue-CFCP-1 complex was suspended in 1 mL of
PBS at 37.degree. C./100 rpm in an orbital shaker to assess
dissolution. The PBS media was replenished at every time point.
[0526] Results
[0527] The results of the dissolution assay are shown in FIG. 22,
which compares the % cumulative release of the somatostatin
analogue from the somatostatin analogue-CFCP-1 complex relative to
the somatostatin analogue alone in powder form. As seen in FIG. 22,
the somatostatin analogue-CFCP-complex powder dissolves in PBS at a
slower rate than the somatostatin analogue alone in powder form,
making the complex a viable option for an extended release depot,
e.g., for the delivery of a somatostatin analogue over a one month
period.
Example 27
Complexation of Cromolyn with a Amine Functionalized Copolymers and
Dissolution Analysis of Complexed Cromolyn
[0528] Cromolyn was complexed with various amine functionalized
copolymers and analyzed for in vitro dissolution characteristics as
described below.
[0529] Materials and Methods
[0530] Cromolyn powder (5 mg each) was dissolved in 1 mL of
Ammonium Acetate and mixed with 5.0 mg (1:1) of complexable polymer
(AFCP-2, AFCP-3, AFCP-4 and AFCP-5) in 1 mL of water.
[0531] After mixing, each preparation was vortexed for 20 s, then
centrifuged to separate supernatant, containing un-reacted cromolyn
and polymer, from the precipitate.
[0532] Recovered precipitate was then lyophilized to dryness, and
its dissolution rate in aqueous medium assessed: A known amount of
Cromolyn-AFCP complex was suspended in 1 mL of PBS at 37.degree. C.
on an orbital shaker. The % cumulative release of cromolyn over
time was followed, with complete medium replacement at every time
point.
[0533] Results
[0534] The results of the dissolution assays are shown in FIG. 23.
Cromolyn complexed with AFCP2 dissolves in PBS at 37.degree. C. at
a slower rate than cromolyn complexed with the other AFCP complexes
(30% initial release compared to 50-80%), which makes it a viable
option for a depot administered on a weekly basis.
Example 28
Solubility of AFCP-2 and CFCP-1
[0535] Solubility of AFCP-2 and CFCP-1 copolymers in water at
various pH values was determined.
[0536] Materials and Methods
[0537] .about.40 mg/mL of AFCP-2 or CFCP-1 in water was provided at
room temperature and sonicated for 10 min. To the above solutions,
either 0.05 N sodium Hydroxide solution or 0.05N Hydrochloric acid
solution was added to increase or decrease the pH of the starting
solutions as measured by Orion 3 Star pH Benchtop (Thermo Electron
Corporation). The physical appearance was observed visually.
[0538] Results
[0539] The results of the above measurements are provided in Table
4 below.
TABLE-US-00004 TABLE 4 AFCP-2 (40 mg/mL) CFCP-1 (40 mg/mL) Physical
Physical pH Appearance pH Appearance 2.6 Solution 1.3 Colloidal 2.9
Solution 2.6 Colloidal 3.0 Solution 3.3 Colloidal 3.4 Solution 5.9
Colloidal 7.0 Solution 6.1 Colloidal 9.4 Solution 6.7 Solution 11.9
Solution 8.2 Solution Solution 9.1 Solution
Example 29
Computational Toxicology Assessment
[0540] Degradation products for select amine and carboxylate
functionalized polymers containing a 1,2,3 triazole were analyzed
using Derek Nexus software in the Lhasa Knowledge Suite available
from Lhasa Limited, Leeds, U.K. The Derek Nexus prediction includes
an overall conclusion about the likelihood of toxicity in a
structure and detailed reasoning information for the likelihood.
The prediction is generated by applying expert knowledge rules in
toxicology to the data returned from the certified Lhasa knowledge
base.
##STR00015##
[0541] The above structures were analyzed using the Derek Nexus
software, and no alerts for mutagenicity, genotoxicity, chromosomal
damage or carcinogenicity were present in connection with the_1,2,3
triazole degradation products.
Example 30
Stability of AFCP and CFCP-Complexed Active Agents Following
Exposure to Gamma Radiation
[0542] Glatiramer bromide, insulin, liraglutide, and human growth
hormone (hGH) were complexed with AFCP-2, CFCP-5, AFCP-2, and
AFCP-2 respectively and analyzed for stability following exposure
to gamma radiation.
[0543] Materials and Methods
[0544] Active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) including
Liraglutide (Bachem, >99% pure), Human Growth Hormone (HGH,
Biosolutions, >95% pure), Poly (AGLT) Bromide (Sigma, >99%
pure) and Insulin (Sigma, >95% pure) were obtained from their
respective vendors and dissolved ammonium bicarbonate buffer
(pH.about.8) in appropriate concentrations. Amine-functionalized
complexable polymer (AFCP-2) and carboxyl-functionalized
complexable polymer (CFCP-5) were synthesized and dissolved in
MilliQ water in appropriate concentrations (10-20 mg/mL). The APIs
were mixed with the complexable polymers at a ratio of 1:1, 1:4 or
1:10. The instantaneous precipitation was separated from reaction
media (ammonium bicarbonate in water) and dried via lyophilization.
The dried powder or the dried powder suspended in Benzyl Benzoate
were loaded either in glass vial or plastic syringes (Intervene)
and packed in aluminum pouches. These samples were exposed to gamma
radiation (12.5 kGy-17.5 kGy) for more than 8 hrs at room
temperature with radiation indicator sticker (Sterigenics, Corona,
Calif.). These gamma irradiated samples were then analyzed for
purity using reverse phase liquid chromatography (RPLC) in
reference to non-gamma irradiated samples.
[0545] Results
[0546] The results of the stability analyses are provided in FIGS.
24-27. The above active agents each showed good stability following
exposure to 15 kGy gamma radiation as evidenced by the relative
lack of degradants shown in the RPLC spectra. As seen in the
Figures, non-complexed APIs such as Liraglutide, HGH, Poly(AGLT)
bromide (Glatiramer bromide) and Insulin degraded faster (with a
corresponding reduction in potency) after 15 kGy gamma irradiation.
These APIs complexed either with AFCP or CFCP showed Gamma
irradiation stability (1 kGy) as seen in FIGS. 24-27. RPLC spectra
for the uncomplexed, non-irradiated APIs are provided in FIGS. 28
and 29.
[0547] The foregoing embodiments and advantages are merely
exemplary and are not to be construed as limiting the present
invention. The description of the present invention is intended to
be illustrative, and not to limit the scope of the claims. Many
alternatives, modifications, and variations will be apparent to
those skilled in the art.
[0548] Having now fully described this invention, it will be
understood to those of ordinary skill in the art that the methods
of the present invention can be carried out with a wide and
equivalent range of conditions, formulations, and other parameters
without departing from the scope of the invention or any
embodiments thereof.
[0549] Aspects, including embodiments, of the present subject
matter described herein may be beneficial alone or in combination,
with one or more other aspects or embodiments. Without limiting the
foregoing or subsequent description, certain non-limiting aspects
of the disclosure numbered 1-123 are provided below. As will be
apparent to those of skill in the art upon reading this disclosure,
each of the individually numbered aspects may be used or combined
with any of the preceding or following individually numbered
aspects. This is intended to provide support for all such
combinations of aspects and is not limited to combinations of
aspects explicitly provided below.
ASPECTS OF THE INVENTION
[0550] 1. A complex comprising:
[0551] a pharmaceutically active agent, and
[0552] a functionalized polymer, the functionalized polymer
comprising repeat units, the repeat units comprising ionizable
repeat units comprising at least one ionizable side group, a
plurality of the at least one ionizable side groups forming a
plurality of non-covalent bonds with the pharmaceutically active
agent,
[0553] wherein at least 10% of the repeat units comprise at least
one ionizable side group,
[0554] wherein the functionalized polymer is optionally
synthetic,
[0555] wherein the functionalized polymer is optionally a
polyester,
[0556] wherein the functionalized polymer is optionally linear,
and
[0557] wherein the functionalized polymer optionally has a weight
average molecular weight greater than 15,000 Daltons, as measured
by gel permeation chromatography. [0558] 2. The complex of 1,
wherein the at least one ionizable side group comprises at least
one member selected from ammonium, carboxylate, hydrazinium,
guanidinium, sulfate, sulfonate, phosphonate, and phosphate. [0559]
3. A complex comprising:
[0560] a pharmaceutically active agent; and
[0561] a functionalized polymer, the functionalized polymer
comprising repeat units, the functionalized polymer comprising at
least one of: (a) ionizable repeat units comprising at least one
ionizable side group, wherein the at least one ionizable side group
comprises at least one member selected from ammonium, carboxylate,
hydrazinium, guanidinium, sulfate, sulfonate, phosphonate, and
phosphate; and (b) at least one ionizable end group;
[0562] wherein a plurality of the at least one ionizable groups
form a plurality of non-covalent bonds with the pharmaceutically
active agent,
[0563] wherein the functionalized polymer is optionally
synthetic,
[0564] wherein the functionalized polymer is optionally a
polyester,
[0565] wherein the functionalized polymer is optionally linear,
and
[0566] wherein the functionalized polymer optionally has a weight
average molecular weight greater than 15,000 Daltons, as measured
by gel permeation chromatography. [0567] 4. The complex of 3,
wherein at least 10% of the repeat units comprise at least one
ionizable side group. [0568] 5. The complex of any one of 1-4,
wherein at least 20% of the repeat units comprise at least one
ionizable side group. [0569] 6. The complex of any one of 1-5,
wherein at least 40% of the repeat units comprise at least one
ionizable side group. [0570] 7. The complex of any one of 1-6,
wherein less than 100% of the repeat units comprise at least one
ionizable side group. [0571] 8. The complex of any one of 1-4,
wherein the percentage of the repeat units comprising at least one
ionizable side group ranges from 10% to 90%. [0572] 9. The complex
of any one of 1-4, wherein the percentage of the repeat units
comprising at least one ionizable side group ranges from 20% to
80%. [0573] 10. The complex of any one of 1-9, wherein the at least
one ionizable side group is covalently bound to the polymer through
click chemistry. [0574] 11. The complex of any one of 1-10, wherein
the at least one ionizable side group is covalently bound to the
polymer through click chemistry catalyzed with copper. [0575] 12.
The complex of any one of 1-11, wherein the non-covalent bonds
comprise electrostatic interactions. [0576] 13. The complex of any
one of 1-11, wherein the non-covalent bonds comprise steric
interactions. [0577] 14. The complex of any one of 1-11, wherein
the non-covalent bonds comprise hydrogen bonding. [0578] 15. The
complex of any one of 1-11, wherein the non-covalent bonds comprise
van der Waals forces. [0579] 16. The complex of any one of 1-15,
wherein the complex is a salt. [0580] 17. The complex of any one of
1-16, wherein the pharmaceutically active agent comprises at least
one member selected from a peptide, protein, and small molecule,
the small molecule having a molecular weight less than 500 Daltons.
[0581] 18. The complex of any one of 1-17, wherein the at least one
ionizable side group comprises a positively ionizable side group.
[0582] 19. The complex of any one of 1-17, wherein the
functionalized polymer has a net positive charge. [0583] 20. The
complex of any one of 1-17, wherein the at least one ionizable side
group comprises a negatively ionizable side group. [0584] 21. The
complex of any one of 1-17, wherein the functionalized polymer has
a net negative charge. [0585] 22. The complex of any one of 1-21,
wherein the repeat units comprise repeat units comprising at least
one pendant hydrophilicity modifier. [0586] 23. The complex of 22,
wherein the at least one pendant hydrophilicity modifier is
selected from polyethyleneglycol (PEG), hydroxyl and hydroxyalkyl.
[0587] 24. The complex of any one of 1-23, wherein the
functionalized polymer has a weight average molecular weight
ranging from 1000 Daltons to 200,000 Daltons, as measured by gel
permeation chromatography. [0588] 25. The complex of any one of
1-24, wherein the functionalized polymer has a weight average
molecular weight ranging from 2000 Daltons to 50,000 Daltons, as
measured by gel permeation chromatography. [0589] 26. The complex
of any one of 1-25, wherein the functionalized polymer has a number
average molecular weight ranging from 5000 Daltons to 45,000
Daltons, as measured by NMR spectroscopy. [0590] 27. The complex of
any one of 1-26, wherein the functionalized polymer has a
solubility in water of at least 0.01 mg/ml and less than or equal
to 10 mg/ml at 25.degree. C. and pH 7.4. [0591] 28. The complex of
any one of 1-27, wherein the functionalized polymer is
biodegradable. [0592] 29. The complex of any one of 1-28, wherein
the complex has a solubility of less than 0.01 mg/mL in water at
25.degree. C. at pH 7.4. [0593] 30. The complex of any one of 1-29,
wherein the ratio of the amount of the pharmaceutically active
agent to the amount of the functionalized polymer in the complex is
from 1:1 to 1:10 by weight. [0594] 31. The complex of any one of
1-30, wherein the functionalized polymer comprises at least one
ionizable end group comprising at least one member selected from
ammonium, carboxylate, hydrazinium, guanidinium, sulfate,
sulfonate, and phosphate. [0595] 32. The complex of any one of
1-31, wherein the ionizable repeat units comprise one or more
ionizable side groups that comprise an optionally substituted
heteroarylene ring. [0596] 33. The complex of 32, wherein the
optionally substituted heteroarylene ring is a 1,2,3-triazole ring.
[0597] 34. The complex of any one of 1-33, wherein the
functionalized polymer is a polyester. [0598] 35. The complex any
one of 1-34, wherein the repeat units comprise repeat units of the
formula (I):
##STR00016##
[0598] wherein
[0599] m is an integer from 1 to 10, and
[0600] each R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 is independently selected from
hydrogen, hydroxyl, optionally substituted alkyl, optionally
substituted alkenyl, optionally substituted alkynyl, optionally
substituted alkoxy, optionally substituted carbocyclyl, optionally
substituted aryl, optionally substituted heterocyclyl, optionally
substituted heteroaryl, and a ionizable side group. [0601] 36. The
complex of 35, wherein the repeat units comprise repeat units of
the formula (I) wherein each R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 is independently
selected from hydrogen, C.sub.1-5 alkyl and a ionizable side group.
[0602] 37. The complex of 35 or 36, wherein the repeat units
comprise repeat units of the formula (I) wherein m is an integer
from 1 to 5. [0603] 38. The complex of any one of 35-37, wherein
the repeat units comprise repeat units of the formula (I) wherein
one of the R.sup.1s and R.sup.2s is a ionizable side group and all
of the remaining R.sup.1s and R.sup.2s are not ionizable side
groups. [0604] 39. The complex of any one of 35-38, wherein the
repeat units comprise repeat units of the formula (I) wherein m is
5, one R.sup.1 is a ionizable side group and all of the remaining
R.sup.1s and R.sup.2s are hydrogen. [0605] 40. The complex of any
one of 35-39, wherein the ionizable side group comprises a
positively charged side group. [0606] 41. The complex of any one of
35-39, wherein the ionizable side group comprises a negatively
charged side group. [0607] 42. The complex of any one of 35-39,
wherein the ionizable side group comprises ammonium, carboxylate,
guanidinium, sulfate, or phosphate. [0608] 43. The complex of any
one of 35-42, wherein the ionizable side group comprises an
optionally substituted heteroarylene ring. [0609] 44. The complex
of any one of 35-43, wherein the ionizable side group has the
formula (II):
##STR00017##
[0609] wherein R.sup.3 comprises a ionizable functional group.
[0610] 45. The complex of 44, wherein R.sup.3 comprises at least
one member selected from ammonium, carboxylate, guanidinium,
sulfate and phosphate. [0611] 46. The complex of any one of 35-45,
wherein the repeat units comprise repeat units of the formula (I)
wherein m is 5 and all of the R.sup.1s and R.sup.2s are hydrogen.
[0612] 47. The complex of any one of 35-46, wherein the repeat
units comprise repeat units of the formula (I) wherein m is 1,
R.sup.1 is hydrogen and R.sup.2 is hydrogen. [0613] 48. The complex
of any one of 35-47, wherein the repeat units comprise repeat units
of the formula (I) wherein m is 1, R.sup.1 is methyl and R.sup.2 is
hydrogen. [0614] 49. The complex of any one of 35-48, wherein the
repeat units comprise repeat units of the formula (I) wherein m is
2, the R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 alpha to the carbonyl group in formula
(I) are each hydrogen, the R.sup.1 beta to the carbonyl group is
methyl and the R.sup.2 beta to the carbonyl group is hydrogen.
[0615] 50. The complex of any one of 35-49, wherein the repeat
units comprise repeat units of the formula (I) wherein m is 3 and
all of the R.sup.1s and R.sup.2s are hydrogen. [0616] 51. The
complex of any one of 35-50, wherein the repeat units comprise
repeat units of the formula (I) wherein m is 4, and all of the
R.sup.1s and R.sup.2s are hydrogen. [0617] 52. The complex of any
one of 35-51, wherein the repeat units comprise repeat units of the
formula (I) wherein m is 3, the R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 alpha to the
carbonyl group in formula (I) are each hydrogen, the R.sup.1 and
R.sup.2 beta to the carbonyl group are each hydrogen, and the
R.sup.1 gamma to the carbonyl group is methyl and the R.sup.2 gamma
to the carbonyl group is hydrogen. [0618] 53. The complex of any
one of 35-52, wherein the functionalized polymer is a homopolymer
of repeat units of formula (I). [0619] 54. The complex of any one
of 35-52, wherein the functionalized polymer is a copolymer
comprising at least two different repeat units. [0620] 55. The
complex of 54, wherein each of said at least two different repeat
units is of formula (I). [0621] 56. A composition comprising:
[0622] a complex comprising: [0623] a pharmaceutically active
agent, and [0624] a functionalized polymer complexed with the
pharmaceutically active agent through non-covalent bonding; and
[0625] a vehicle,
[0626] wherein the functionalized polymer is optionally
synthetic,
[0627] wherein the functionalized polymer is optionally a
polyester,
[0628] wherein the functionalized polymer is optionally linear,
and
[0629] wherein the functionalized polymer optionally has a weight
average molecular weight ranging from 2000 Daltons to 20,000
Daltons, as measured by gel permeation chromatography. [0630] 57.
The composition of 56, wherein the complex is a complex of any one
of 1-55. [0631] 58. The composition of 56 or 57, wherein the amount
of the functionalized polymer present in the composition is less
than 50% by weight based on the total weight of the composition.
[0632] 59. The composition of any one of 56-58, wherein the amount
of the functionalized polymer present in the composition is less
than 40% by weight based on the total weight of the composition.
[0633] 60. The composition of any one of 56-59, wherein the amount
of the functionalized polymer present in the composition is less
than 30% by weight based on the total weight of the composition.
[0634] 61. The composition of any one of 56-60, wherein the amount
of the functionalized polymer present in the composition is less
than 20% by weight based on the total weight of the composition.
[0635] 62. The composition of any one of 56-61, wherein the amount
of the functionalized polymer present in the composition is less
than 10% by weight based on the total weight of the composition.
[0636] 63. The composition of any one of 56-62, wherein the amount
of the functionalized polymer present in the composition is less
than 5% by weight based on the total weight of the composition.
[0637] 64. The composition of 56 or 57, wherein the amount of the
functionalized polymer present in the composition ranges from 1% by
weight to 50% by weight based on the total weight of the
composition. [0638] 65. The composition of 56 or 57, wherein the
amount of the functionalized polymer present in the composition
ranges from 5% by weight to 50% by weight based on the total weight
of the composition. [0639] 66. The composition of 56 or 57, wherein
the amount of the pharmaceutically active agent present in the
composition ranges from 1% to 30% by weight based on the total
weight of the composition. [0640] 67. The composition of any one of
56-66, wherein the vehicle comprises a vehicle polymer that is
different from the functionalized polymer. [0641] 68. The
composition of 67, wherein the vehicle polymer is present in the
vehicle in an amount from about 5% to about 40% by weight of the
vehicle. [0642] 69. The composition of any one of 56-68 or 120,
wherein the vehicle comprises a solvent. [0643] 70. The composition
of 69, wherein the solvent is present in an amount ranging from 60%
to 100% by weight of the vehicle. [0644] 71. The composition of 69
or 70, wherein the solvent is a hydrophobic solvent. [0645] 72. The
composition of 69 or 70, wherein the solvent is a hydrophilic
solvent. [0646] 73. The composition of 69 or 70, wherein the
solvent comprises at least one member selected from water, buffered
aqueous system, dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO), benzyl alcohol (BA),
benzyl benzoate (BB), hydrogenated castor oil, polyethoxylated
castor oil, dimethylacetamide, ethanol, ethyl acetate, glycofurol,
isopropyl myristate, ethyl benzoate, caprylic/capric triglyceride,
n-methyl-pyrrolidone, propylene glycol monocaprylate, propylene
carbonate, diethyl carbonate, 2-pyrrolidone, triacetin, and
triethyl citrate. [0647] 74. The composition of 69 or 70, wherein
the solvent comprises water. [0648] 75. The composition of any one
of 56-68, wherein the vehicle comprises a buffered aqueous system.
[0649] 76. The composition of 75, wherein the buffered aqueous
system comprises at least one of phosphate buffered saline (PBS),
ammonium bicarbonate, cresols, HPMC, ammonium acetate, sulfuric
acid, and HCl. [0650] 77. The composition of any one of 56-76,
comprising at least one member selected from sucrose acetate
isobutyrate (SAIB), sucrose, mannitol, trehalose, surfactant, and
antioxidant. [0651] 78. The composition of any one of 56-77,
wherein the composition is free of other complexing agents. [0652]
79. The composition of any one of 56-78, wherein the composition is
free of protamine and, optionally, wherein the composition is free
of polymer other than the functionalized polymer. [0653] 80. The
composition of any one of 56-79, wherein the composition is free of
divalent metal ions. [0654] 81. The composition of any one of
56-80, wherein the composition is free of zinc. [0655] 82. The
composition of any one of 56-81, wherein the composition is free of
carboxymethylcellulose (CMC). [0656] 83. A method comprising:
[0657] providing a precursor polymer comprising repeat units, the
repeat units comprising functionalizable repeat units comprising at
least one functionalizable side group;
[0658] obtaining a functionalized polymer by transforming, using
click chemistry, said functionalizable repeat units into ionizable
repeat units comprising at least one ionizable side group; and
[0659] combining the functionalized polymer with a pharmaceutically
active agent to form a complex in which a plurality of the at least
one ionizable side groups form a plurality of non-covalent bonds
with the pharmaceutically active agent. [0660] 84. The method of
83, 121 or 122, wherein the complex is a complex of any one of
1-55. [0661] 85. The method of 83 or 84, wherein said transforming,
using click chemistry, comprises effecting a cycloaddition
reaction. [0662] 86. The method of 85 wherein said cycloaddition
reaction is a Diels-Alder cycloaddition reaction. [0663] 87. The
method of 85, wherein said cycloaddition reaction is a Huisgen
1,3-dipolar cycloaddition reaction. [0664] 88. The method of 85,
wherein said cycloaddition reaction is a cycloaddition reaction
between an azide and an alkyne to form a linkage comprising a
1,2,3-triazole. [0665] 89. The method of any one of 83 to 88,
wherein the functionalizable side group is an azido group and
wherein the transforming, using click chemistry, comprises reacting
the precursor polymer with an alkyne to form the functionalized
polymer, the functionalized polymer comprising at least one
1,2,3-triazole ring. [0666] 90. The method of any one of 83 to 88,
wherein the functionalizable side group is a leaving group and
wherein the transforming, using click chemistry, comprises: (a)
transforming the leaving group into an azido group and thereby
providing a polymer intermediate; and (b) reacting the polymer
intermediate with an alkyne to form the functionalized polymer, the
functionalized polymer comprising at least one 1,2,3-triazole ring.
[0667] 91. The method of 90, wherein the leaving group is a halogen
group. [0668] 92. The method of 90 or 91, wherein the leaving group
is transformed into an azido group by reacting the precursor
polymer with sodium azide. [0669] 93. The method of any one of
89-92, wherein the alkyne is a terminal alkyne. [0670] 94. The
method of any one of 83 to 88, wherein the functionalizable side
group is an alkynyl group and wherein the transforming, using click
chemistry, comprises reacting the precursor polymer with an azide
to form the functionalized polymer, the functionalized polymer
comprising at least one 1,2,3-triazole ring. [0671] 95. The method
of 94, wherein the alkynyl group is a terminal alkynyl group.
[0672] 96. The method of any one of 83-95, wherein the
transforming, using click chemistry, comprises a monovalent copper
catalyzed reaction or a ruthenium catalyzed reaction. [0673] 97.
The method of 96, wherein the transforming, using click chemistry,
comprises a monovalent copper catalyzed reaction, and wherein a
monovalent copper catalyst is provided in the reaction through the
ionization of copper iodide or copper bromide. [0674] 98. The
method of any one of 83-97, wherein the transforming, using click
chemistry, comprises a copper catalyzed azide-alkyne cycloaddition
reaction. [0675] 99. The method of any one of 83-98, wherein the
transforming, using click chemistry, comprises occurs at least
partially under degassing conditions. [0676] 100. The method of any
one of 83-99, wherein the combining occurs at a temperature ranging
from 10.degree. C. to 40.degree. C. [0677] 101. The method of any
one of 83-99, wherein the precursor polymer comprises repeat units
of the formula (I'):
##STR00018##
[0677] wherein
[0678] m' is an integer from 1 to 10, and
[0679] each R.sup.1' and R.sup.2' is independently selected from
hydrogen, hydroxyl, optionally substituted alkyl, optionally
substituted alkenyl, optionally substituted alkynyl, optionally
substituted alkoxy, optionally substituted carbocyclyl, optionally
substituted aryl, optionally substituted heterocyclyl, optionally
substituted heteroaryl, a ionizable side group, and a
functionalizable side group. [0680] 102. The method of 101, wherein
the precursor polymer comprises functionalizable repeat units of
the formula (I') wherein at least one of the R.sup.1' s and
R.sup.2's is a functionalizable side group. [0681] 103. The method
of 101 or 102, wherein the precursor polymer comprises repeat units
of the formula (I') wherein each R.sup.1' and R.sup.2' is
independently selected from hydrogen, C.sub.1-5 alkyl and a
functionalizable side group. [0682] 104. The method of any one of
101-103, wherein the precursor polymer comprises repeat units of
the formula (I') wherein m' is an integer from 1 to 5. [0683] 105.
The method of any one of 101-104, wherein the precursor polymer
comprises repeat units of the formula (I') wherein one of the
R.sup.1's and R.sup.2's is a functionalizable side group and all of
the remaining R.sup.1's and R.sup.2's are not functionalizable side
groups. [0684] 106. The method of any one of 101-105, wherein the
precursor polymer comprises repeat units of the formula (I')
wherein m' is 5, one R.sup.1' is a functionalizable side group and
all of the remaining R.sup.1's and R.sup.2's are hydrogen. [0685]
107. The method of any one of 101-106, wherein the precursor
polymer comprises repeat units of the formula (I') wherein m' is 5
and all of the R.sup.1's and R.sup.2's are hydrogen. [0686] 108.
The method of any one of 101-107, wherein the precursor polymer
comprises repeat units of the formula (I') wherein m' is 1,
R.sup.1' is hydrogen and R.sup.2' is hydrogen. [0687] 109. The
method of any one of 101-108, wherein the precursor polymer
comprises repeat units of the formula (I') wherein m' is 1,
R.sup.1' is methyl and R.sup.2' is hydrogen. [0688] 110. The method
of any one of 101-109, wherein the precursor polymer comprises
repeat units of the formula (I') wherein m' is 2, the R.sup.1' and
R.sup.2' alpha to the carbonyl group in formula (I') are each
hydrogen, the R.sup.1' beta to the carbonyl group is methyl and the
R.sup.2' beta to the carbonyl group is hydrogen. [0689] 111. The
method of any one of 101-110, wherein the repeat units comprise
repeat units of the formula (I') wherein m is 3 and all of the
R.sup.1's and R.sup.2's are hydrogen. [0690] 112. The method of any
one of 101-111, wherein the precursor polymer comprises repeat
units of the formula (I') wherein m' is 4, and all of the R.sup.1's
and R.sup.2's are hydrogen. [0691] 113. The method of any one of
101-112, wherein the repeat units comprise repeat units of the
formula (I') wherein m is 3, the R.sup.1' and R.sup.2' alpha to the
carbonyl group in formula (I') are each hydrogen, the R.sup.1' and
R.sup.2' beta to the carbonyl group are each hydrogen, and the
R.sup.1' gamma to the carbonyl group is methyl and the R.sup.2'
gamma to the carbonyl group is hydrogen. [0692] 114. The method of
any one of 101-113, wherein the functionalizable group is selected
from a leaving group, an azido group or an alkynyl group. [0693]
115. The method of any one of 101-114, wherein the precursor
polymer is a homopolymer of repeat units of formula (I') wherein at
least one of the R.sup.1's and R.sup.2's is a functionalizable side
group. [0694] 116. The method of any one of 101-114, wherein the
precursor polymer is a copolymer comprising at least two different
repeat units. [0695] 117. The method of 116, wherein each of said
at least two different repeat units is of formula (I') and wherein
at least one of said at least two different repeat units has a
formula (I') in which at least one of the R.sup.1's and R.sup.2's
is a functionalizable side group. [0696] 118. A complex as defined
in any one of 1-55 for use as a medicament. [0697] 119. A
composition as defined in any one of 56-82 for use as a medicament.
[0698] 120. The composition of 67 or 68, wherein the vehicle
polymer is a biodegradable polymer. [0699] 121. A method
comprising:
[0700] combining a functionalized polymer with a pharmaceutically
active agent, the functionalized polymer comprising ionizable
repeat units comprising at least one ionizable side group, to form
a complex in which a plurality of the at least one ionizable side
groups form a plurality of non-covalent bonds with the
pharmaceutically active agent. [0701] 122. The method of 121,
comprising preparing the functionalized polymer from a precursor
polymer, the precursor polymer comprising repeat units, the repeat
units comprising functionalizable repeat units comprising at least
one functionalizable side group, wherein the preparing comprises
transforming, using click chemistry, said functionalizable repeat
units into ionizable repeat units comprising at least one ionizable
side group. [0702] 123. The complex of any one of 1-55, wherein the
functionalized polymer is not a polyamino acid.
* * * * *