U.S. patent application number 15/351802 was filed with the patent office on 2017-10-05 for composition for administering an nmda receptor antagonist to a subject.
The applicant listed for this patent is Adamas Pharma, LLC. Invention is credited to Timothy S. Burkoth, Timothy J. Fultz, Laurence R. Meyerson, Seth Porter, Gregory T. Went.
Application Number | 20170281565 15/351802 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 36612605 |
Filed Date | 2017-10-05 |
United States Patent
Application |
20170281565 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Went; Gregory T. ; et
al. |
October 5, 2017 |
Composition for Administering an NMDA Receptor Antagonist to a
Subject
Abstract
The invention provides extended release amantadine compositions
for once daily administration of amantadine to a subject.
Inventors: |
Went; Gregory T.; (Mill
Valley, CA) ; Fultz; Timothy J.; (Jasper, GA)
; Meyerson; Laurence R.; (Las Vegas, NV) ; Porter;
Seth; (San Carlos, CA) ; Burkoth; Timothy S.;
(San Francisco, CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Adamas Pharma, LLC |
Emeryville |
CA |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
36612605 |
Appl. No.: |
15/351802 |
Filed: |
November 15, 2016 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
15089062 |
Apr 1, 2016 |
|
|
|
15351802 |
|
|
|
|
14052507 |
Oct 11, 2013 |
|
|
|
15089062 |
|
|
|
|
12840132 |
Jul 20, 2010 |
|
|
|
14052507 |
|
|
|
|
12512701 |
Jul 30, 2009 |
8168209 |
|
|
12840132 |
|
|
|
|
11285905 |
Nov 22, 2005 |
7619007 |
|
|
12512701 |
|
|
|
|
11399879 |
Apr 6, 2006 |
8058291 |
|
|
12512701 |
|
|
|
|
11285905 |
Nov 22, 2005 |
7619007 |
|
|
11399879 |
|
|
|
|
60630885 |
Nov 23, 2004 |
|
|
|
60635365 |
Dec 10, 2004 |
|
|
|
60701857 |
Jul 22, 2005 |
|
|
|
60669290 |
Apr 6, 2005 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61P 25/28 20180101;
A61P 25/24 20180101; A61K 9/4891 20130101; A61P 25/30 20180101;
A61K 31/13 20130101; A61P 25/00 20180101; A61P 25/02 20180101; A61P
25/08 20180101; Y10S 514/964 20130101; A61P 25/16 20180101; A61P
25/04 20180101 |
International
Class: |
A61K 31/13 20060101
A61K031/13; A61K 9/48 20060101 A61K009/48 |
Claims
1. An extended release pharmaceutical composition in tablet or
capsule form for oral administration to a human subject in need of
amantadine therapy consisting of: a. amantadine, or a
pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof; b. one or more
excipients, wherein at least one of said excipients modifies the
release of the amantadine from the composition; and c. if the
composition is in capsule form, a capsule; wherein the composition
has an in vitro dissolution profile in water that is less than 5%
in 15 minutes, less than 10% in 30 minutes, 40% to 80% in 6 hours,
and greater than or equal to 90% in 12 hours as measured using a
USP type II (paddle) dissolution system at 50 rpm, at a temperature
of 37.+-.0.5.degree. C.; and wherein the composition is designed
for once daily administration of a therapeutically effective amount
of amantadine, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
2. The composition of claim 1, wherein the rate of release of the
amantadine from said composition is less than 10% of the rate for
an IR formulation of amantadine over the first hour.
3. The composition of claim 1 or 2, wherein the therapeutically
effective amount of the amantadine, or the pharmaceutically
acceptable salt thereof, is 25 mg to 500 mg.
4. The composition of claim 1 or 2, wherein the therapeutically
effective amount of the amantadine, or the pharmaceutically
acceptable salt thereof, is 200 mg to 500 mg.
5. The composition of claim 1 or 2, wherein the therapeutically
effective amount of the amantadine, or the pharmaceutically
acceptable salt thereof, is 300 mg to 500 mg.
6. The composition of claim 1 or 2, wherein said composition has an
in vitro dissolution of at least 70% at 10 hours in a dissolution
media having a pH of 1.2 as measured using a USP type II (paddle)
dissolution system at 50 rpm, at a temperature of 37.+-.0.5.degree.
C.
7. The composition of claim 1 or 2, wherein said composition has an
in vitro dissolution of at least 80% at 10 hours in a dissolution
media having a pH of 1.2 as measured using a USP type II (paddle)
dissolution system at 50 rpm, at a temperature of 37.+-.0.5.degree.
C.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser.
No. 15/089,062, filed Apr. 1, 2016, which is a continuation of U.S.
application Ser. No. 14/052,507, filed Oct. 11, 2013, which is a
continuation of Ser. No. 12/840,132, filed Jul. 20, 2010, which is
a division of U.S. application Ser. No. 12/512,701, filed Jul. 30,
2009, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,168,209, issued May 1, 2012, which is a
division of U.S. application Ser. No. 11/285,905, filed Nov. 22,
2005, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,619,007, issued Nov. 17, 2009, which
claims priority to U.S. Provisional Applications 60/630,885, filed
Nov. 23, 2004, 60/635,365, filed Dec. 10, 2004, and 60/701,857,
filed Jul. 22, 2005, each of which applications is incorporated
herein by reference in its entirety; U.S. application Ser. No.
12/512,701 is also a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser.
No. 11/399,879, filed Apr. 6, 2006, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,058,291,
issued Nov. 15, 2011, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional
Application 60/669,290, filed Apr. 6, 2005, and which is a
continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 11/285,905, filed
Nov. 22, 2005, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,619,007, issued Nov. 17,
2009.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The invention relates to compositions containing
N-methyl-D-. Aspartate receptor (NMDAr) antagonists and methods for
using such compositions.
[0003] Acute and chronic neurological and neuropsychiatric diseases
are among the leading causes of death, disability, and economic
expense in the world. One of the key challenges in treating these
disorders is the high degree of interplay amongst the pathways that
control both normal and abnormal neuronal function.
[0004] Excitatory amino acid receptors, including the
N-Methyl-D-Aspartate (NMDA) receptor, are important mediators of
excitatory synaptic transmissions (i.e., stimulation of neurons) in
the brain, participating in wide-ranging aspects of both normal and
abnormal central nervous system (CNS) function. The NMDA receptor
and its associated calcium (Ca2+) permeable ion channel are
activated by glutamate, a common excitatory neurotransmitter in the
brain and the spinal cord, and the co-agonist glycine. NMDA
receptor (NMDAr) activity and consequent Ca2+ influx are necessary
for long-term potentiation (a correlate of learning and
memory).
[0005] Aberrant glutamate receptor activity has been implicated in
a large number of CNS-related conditions including, for example,
depression and other neuropsychiatric conditions, Parkinson's
disease, epilepsy, pain, ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis or Lou
Gehrig's disease), and Huntington's disease. In such conditions,
the abnormal activation of the NMDA receptor resulting from
elevated levels of glutamate may lead to sustained activity of the
receptor's ion channel (often lasting for minutes rather than
milliseconds), thereby allowing Ca2+ to build-up. This creates both
symptomatic and neuro-destructive effects on a patient.
[0006] Certain NMDAr antagonists, such as memantine and amantadine,
readily cross the blood-brain barrier, achieving similar
concentrations in the extra cellular fluid surrounding brain tissue
and systemic serum. Ideally, NMDAr antagonists should be present at
a concentration sufficient to reduce the symptoms or damaging
effects of the disease in the absence of debilitating side effects.
In the present dosage forms however, these drugs, despite having a
relatively long half-lives, need to be administered frequently and
require dose escalation at the initiation of therapy to avoid side
effects associated with initial exposure to the therapeutic agent.
This leads to difficulty in achieving adequate patient compliance,
which is further exacerbated by the complicated dosing schedules of
therapeutic modalities used for neurological or neuropsychiatric
disorders.
[0007] Thus, better methods and compositions are needed to treat
and delay the progression of neurological disorders.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] In general, the present invention provides pharmaceutical
compositions that are administered so as to deliver to a subject,
an amount of an NMDAr antagonist that is high enough to treat
symptoms or damaging effects of an underlying disease while
avoiding undesirable side effects, particularly CNS side effects.
These compositions may be employed to administer the NMDAr
antagonist at a lower frequency than presently employed (i.e., once
a day (q.d.) versus twice a day (b.i.d) or three times a day
(t.i.d)), improving patient compliance and caregiver convenience.
These compositions are particularly useful as they provide the
NMDAr antagonist at a therapeutically effective amount from the
onset of therapy further improving patient compliance and adherence
and enable the achievement of a therapeutically effective
steady-state concentration of the NMDAr antagonist in a shorter
period of time. This results in an earlier indication of
effectiveness and increasing the utility of these therapeutic
agents for diseases and conditions where time is of the essence.
Furthermore, the compositions of the present invention, by virtue
of their design, allow for higher doses of NMDAr antagonist to be
safely administered, again increasing the utility of these agents
for a variety of indications. Also provided are methods for making,
dosing and using such compositions.
[0009] The NMDAr antagonist is desirably provided in a controlled
or extended release form, with or without an immediate release
component in order to maximize the therapeutic benefit of the NMDAr
antagonist, while reducing unwanted side effects. In the absence of
modified release components (referred to herein as controlled,
extended or delayed release components), the NMDAr antagonist is
released and transported into the body fluids over a period of
minutes to several hours. In a preferred embodiment, the
composition of the invention contains an NMDAr antagonist and a
sustained release component, such as a coated sustained release
matrix, a sustained release matrix, or a sustained release bead
matrix. In one example, memantine (e.g., 5-80 mg) is formulated
without an immediate release component using a polymer matrix
(e.g., Eudragit), Hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose (HPMC) and a
polymer coating (e.g., Eudragit). Such formulations are compressed
into solid tablets or granules and coated with a controlled release
material such as Opadry.RTM. or Surelease.RTM..
[0010] NMDAr Antagonists.
[0011] The NMDAr antagonist may be an aminoadamantine derivative
such as memantine (1-amino-3,5-dimethyladamaritane), rimantadine
(1-(1-aminoethyl)adamantane), or amantadine (1-amino-adamantane) as
well as others described below.
[0012] Excipients
[0013] The excipients used to produce the formulation may include
bulking agents, lubricants, glidants, and release controlling
agents. Many such materials are found in "Remington: The Science
and Practice of Pharmacy, Twentieth Edition," Lippincott Williams
& Wilkins, Philadelphia, Pa. and commonly known to the skilled
artisan. The specific excipients used will be determined by the
requirements for administration of the dosage, including the
targeted dosing frequency, slope of drug release and absorption,
and route of administration. In one embodiment, the formulation
does not contain a casein salt.
[0014] Dosage Form
[0015] The NMDAr antagonist may be formulated as a suspension,
capsule, tablet, suppository, lotion, patch, or device (e.g., a
subdermally implantable delivery device or an inhalation pump). In
preferred embodiments, the dosage form is provided for oral
administration, e.g. as a capsule.
[0016] Release Profile
[0017] The compositions described herein are formulated such the
NMDAr antagonist has an in vitro dissolution profile that is slower
than that for an immediate release (IR) formulation. As used
herein, the immediate release (IR) formulation for memantine means
the present commercially available 5 mg and 10 mg tablets (i.e.,
Namenda from Forest Laboratories, Inc. or formulations having
substantially the same release profiles as Namenda); and for the
immediate release (IR) formulation of amantadine means the present
commercially available 100 mg tablets (i.e., Symmetrel from Endo
Pharmaceuticals, Inc. or formulations having substantially the same
release profiles as Symmetrel). These compositions may contain
immediate release, sustained or extended release, delayed release
components, or combinations thereof. Thus, the present compositions
may be formulated such that the fraction of the NMDAr antagonist
released is greater or equal to 0.01(0.297+0.0153*e.sup.(0.515*t))
and less than 1-e.sup.(-10.9*t), as measured using a USP type 2
(paddle) dissolution system at 50 rpm, at a temperature of
37.+-.0.5.degree. C., in water, where t is the time in hours and t
is greater than zero and equal or less than 17. Thus, the fraction
of NMDAr antagonist that is released is less than 93% in 15 minutes
and 7.7%-100% in 12 hours using a USP type 2 (paddle) dissolution
system at 50 rpm, at a temperature of 37.+-.0.5.degree. C. in a
neutral pH (e.g. water or buffered aqueous solution) or acidic
(e.g. 0.1 N HCl) dissolution medium. Optionally, the fraction of
released NMDAr antagonist is greater or equal to
0.01(0.297+0.0153*e.sup.(0.515.t) and less than or equal to
1-e.sup.(-0.972*t) as measured using a USP type 2 (paddle)
dissolution system at 50 rpm, at a temperature of 37.+-.0.5.degree.
C., in water, where t is the time in hours and t is greater than
zero and equal or less than 17. Optionally, the fraction of
released NMDAr antagonist is greater or equal to
0.01(-2.75+2.75*e.sup.(0.21*t)) and less than or equal to
1-e.sup.(-0.40*t) as measured using a USP type 2 (paddle)
dissolution system at 50 rpm, at a temperature of 37.+-.0.5.degree.
C., in water, where t is the time in hours and t is greater than
zero and equal or less than 17. Thus, the fraction of NMDAr
antagonist that is released may range between 0.1%-62% in one hour,
0.2%-86% in two hours, 0.6%-100% in six hours, 2.9%-100% in 10
hours, and 7.7%-100% in 12 hours using a USP type 2 (paddle)
dissolution system at 50 rpm, at a temperature of 37.+-.0.5.degree.
C. in a neutral pH (e.g. water or buffered aqueous solution) or
acidic (e.g. 0.1 N HCl) dissolution medium. Optionally, the
fraction of NMDAr antagonist that is released may range between
0.6%-33% in one hour, 1.4%-55% in two hours, 6.9%-91% in six hours,
19.7%-98% in 10 hours, and 31%-100% in 12 hours using a USP type 2
(paddle) dissolution system at 50 rpm, at a temperature of
37.+-.0.5.degree. C. in a neutral pH (e.g. water or buffered
aqueous solution) or acidic (e.g. 0.1 N HCl) dissolution medium.
Optionally, the NMDA receptor antagonist has a release profile
ranging between 0.1%-20% in one hour, 5%-30% in two hours, 40%-80%
in six hours, 70% or greater (e.g., 70%-90%) in 10 hours, and 90%
or greater (e.g., 90-95%) in 12 hours as measured in a dissolution
media having a neutral pH (e.g. water or buffered aqueous solution)
or in an acidic (e.g. 0.1 N HCl) dissolution medium. For example, a
formulation containing memantine may have a release profile ranging
between 0-60% or 0.1-20% in one hour, 0-86% or 5-30% at two hours,
0.6-100% or 40-80% at six hours, 3-100% or 50% or more (e.g.,
50-90%) at ten hours, and 7.7-100% at twelve hours in a dissolution
media having a neutral pH (e.g. water or buffered aqueous solution)
or in an acidic (e.g. 0.1 N HCl) dissolution medium.
[0018] In one embodiment, the NMDAr antagonist has an in vitro
dissolution profile of less than 25%, 15%, 10%, or 5% in fifteen
minutes; 50%, 30%, 25%, 20%, 15%, or 10% in 30 minutes and more
than 60%, 65% 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95% at 16 hours as obtained
using a USP type II (paddle) dissolution system at 50 rpm, at a
temperature of 37.+-.0.5.degree. C. in water. Desirably, the NMDAr
antagonist has a dissolution of at least 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%,
90%, or 95% in a dissolution media having a pH of 1.2 at 10
hours.
[0019] Desirably, the compositions described herein have an in
vitro profile that is substantially identical to the dissolution
profile shown in FIGS. 2A-2C and, upon administration to a subject
at a substantially constant daily dose, achieves a serum
concentration profile that is substantially identical to that shown
in FIG. 2D.
Initial Rate of Release In Vivo
[0020] As used herein, "C" refers to the concentration of an active
pharmaceutical ingredient in a biological sample, such as a patient
sample (e.g. blood, serum, and cerebrospinal fluid). The
concentration of the drug in the biological sample may be
determined by any standard assay method known in the art. The term
"Cmax" refers to the maximum concentration reached by a given dose
of drug in a biological sample. The term "Cmean" refers to the
average concentration of the drug in the sample over time. Cmax and
Cmean may be further defined to refer to specific time periods
relative to administration of the drug. The time required to reach
the maximal concentration ("Cmax") in a particular patient sample
type is referred to as the "Tmax". The change in concentration is
termed "dC" and the change over a prescribed time is "dC/dT".
[0021] Desirably, the NMDAr antagonist is released into a subject
sample at a slower rate than observed for an immediate release (IR)
formulation of the same quantity of the antagonist, such that the
rate of change in the biological sample measured as the dC/dT over
a defined period within the period of 0 to Tmax for the IR
formulation and the dC/dT rate is less than about 80%, 70%, 60%,
50%, 40%, 30%, 20%, or 10% of the rate for the IR formulation
(e.g., Namenda, a commercially available IR formulation of
memantine). In some embodiments, the dC/dT rate is less than about
80%, 70%, 60%, 50%, 40%, 30%, 20%, or 10% of the rate for the IR
formulation. Similarly, the rate of release of the NMDAr antagonist
from the present invention as measured in dissolution studies is
less than 80%, 70%, 60% 50%, 40%, 30%, 20%, or 10% of the rate for
an IR formulation of the same NMDAr antagonist over the first 1, 2,
4, 6, 8, 10, or 12 hours.
[0022] In a preferred embodiment, the dosage form is provided in a
non-dose escalating, twice per day or once per day form. In such
cases, the concentration ramp (or Tmax effect) may be reduced so
that the change in concentration as a function of time (dC/dT) is
altered to reduce or eliminate the need to dose escalate the drug.
A reduction in dC/dT may be accomplished, for example, by
increasing the Tmax in a relatively proportional manner.
Accordingly, a two-fold increase in the Tmax value may reduce dC/dT
by approximately a factor of 2. Thus, the NMDAr antagonist may be
provided so that it is released at a rate that is significantly
reduced over an immediate release (so called IR) dosage form, with
an associated delay in the Tmax. The pharmaceutical composition may
be formulated to provide a shift in Tmax by 24 hours, 16 hours, 8
hours, 4 hours, 2 hours, or at least 1 hour. The associated
reduction in dC/dT may be by a factor of approximately 0.05, 0.10,
0.25, 0.5 or at least 0.8. In certain embodiments, this is
accomplished by releasing less than 30%, 50%, 75%, 90%, or 95% of
the NMDAr antagonist into the circulatory or neural system within
one hour of such administration.
[0023] Optionally, the modified release formulations exhibit plasma
concentration curves having initial (e.g., from 2 hours after
administration to 4 hours after administration) slopes less than
75%, 50%, 40%, 30%, 20% or 10% of those for an IR formulation of
the same dosage of the same NMDAr antagonist. The precise slope for
a given individual will vary according to the NMDAr antagonist
being used, the quantity delivered, or other factors, including,
for some active pharmaceutical agents, whether the patient has
eaten or not. For other doses, e.g., those mentioned above, the
slopes vary directly in relationship to dose.
[0024] Using the sustained release formulations or administration
methods described herein, the NMDAr antagonist reaches a
therapeutically effective steady state plasma concentration in a
subject within the course of the first three, five, seven, nine,
ten, twelve, fifteen, or twenty days of administration. For
example, the formulations described herein, when administered at a
substantially constant daily dose (e.g., at a dose ranging between
15 mg and 80 mg, preferably between 20 mg and 65 mg, and more
preferably between 20 mg and 45 mg per day) may reach a steady
state plasma concentration in approximately 70%, 60%, 50%, 40%,
30%, or less of the time required to reach such plasma
concentration when using a dose escalating regimen.
Reduced Cmax, Extented Tmax
[0025] In a preferred embodiment of this invention, at least 75%,
90%, 95%, 97%, 98%, 99% or even 100% of the NMDAr antagonist is
provided in a modified or extended release dosage form and upon the
administration of this composition to a subject (e.g., a mammal
such as a human), the NMDAr antagonist has a Cmax/C mean of
approximately 2.5, 2, 1.5, or 1.0, approximately 1, 1.5, 2 hours to
at least 6, 9, 12, 18, 21, 24 hours following such administration.
If desired, the release of the NMDAr antagonist may be monophasic
or multiphasic (e.g., biphasic). Desirably, 99%, 98%, 95%, 90%,
85%, 80%, 70%, 50%, or 30% of the NMDAr antagonist remains in an
extended release dosage form within one hour of such
administration.
Dosing Frequency Reduction
[0026] The compositions and methods of the instant invention also
enable a reduction in the dosing frequency. For example, an NMDAr
antagonist ordinarily administered two to four times per day when
dosing in an IR form may be provided to the subject once or twice
per day using the formulations described herein. In some
embodiments, the compositions described herein are administered
even less frequently, e.g. every 2 days, every 3 days, every week,
or every month.
Non-Dose Escalation
[0027] Immediate release (IR) formulations of NMDAr antagonists are
typically administered in a dose-escalating fashion, frequently
starting with subtherapeutic amounts of the agent. Although dosing
adjustments or individualization may be managed by a physician for
a pharmaceutical composition the compositions described herein may
be administered at an essentially constant,
therapeutically-effective dose from the initiation of therapy,
thereby improving patient and caregiver compliance, adherence, and
convenience.
[0028] Furthermore, the compositions described herein enable the
use of higher doses of NMDAr antagonist equal or fewer adverse
effects than observed for IR formulations of the same agent,
increasing the utility of the NMDAr antagonist for indications
described herein.
Reduced Time to Therapeutic Concentration and Efficacy
[0029] The administration of the compositions described herein at
therapeutically effective doses from the initiation of therapy
enables the attainment of a steady state level of the agent in a
shorter time period (e.g. 20%, 30%, 50%, 70%, 90% less time than
for dose-escalated regimens), thus enabling the treatment of more
acute disorders such as pain and neuropsychiatric disorders,
including depression, agitation, bipolar disorder, and drug
dependency, withdrawal, or tolerance.
Conditions Amenable to Treatment
[0030] The compositions of the present invention may be employed to
treat or reduce the symptoms associated with deregulation in NMDA
receptor activity or conditions that would benefit from a reduction
in such activity. Further, many NMDAr antagonists have other known
activities (e.g. the dopaminergic activity of amantadine, the
antiviral activity of rimantadine). The compositions of the present
invention are also useful to treat, prevent, or reduce conditions
associated with such activities in any subject having or at risk of
having a such condition. Exemplary conditions include seizure
disorders, pain syndromes, neurodegenerative diseases (including
motor neuron diseases, myelopathies, radiculopathies, and disorders
of the sympathetic nervous system), dementias, cerebrovascular
conditions, movement disorders, brain trauma, cranial nerve
disorders, neuropsychiatric disorders, and other disease
neuropathies (including viral associated neuropathies, diabetes
associated neuropathies, Guillian-Barre syndrome, dysproteinemias,
transthyretin-induced neuropathies, and carpal tunnel
syndrome).
Alternate Routes of Administration
[0031] In one embodiment, the compositions described herein are
formulated as tablets or capsules for oral administration or
patches for transdermal delivery of the NMDAr antagonist.
[0032] Alternatively, the compositions may be prepared in other
ways for these routes of administration (e.g. as a suspension for
oral administration) or specifically for other administrative
routes intravenous, topical, intranasal, subtopical
transepithelial, subdermal, or inhalation delivery.
[0033] Unless otherwise defined, 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
methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described
herein can be used in the practice or testing of the invention,
suitable methods and materials are described below. All
publications, patent applications, patents, and other references
mentioned herein are incorporated by reference in their entirety.
In the case of conflict, the present Specification, including
definitions, will control. In addition, the materials, methods, and
examples are illustrative only and not intended to be limiting. All
parts and percentages are by weight unless otherwise specified.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0034] The novel features of the invention are set forth with
particularity in the appended claims. A better understanding of the
features and advantages of the present invention will be obtained
by reference to the following detailed description that sets forth
illustrative embodiments, in which the principles of the invention
are utilized, and the accompanying drawings of which:
[0035] FIG. 1A is a graph showing the memantine plasma
concentration over a period of 24 hours, as predicted by
Gastro-Plus software package v.4.0.2, following the administration
of a single dose of an immediate release (IR) formulation of
memantine (Namenda) or a sustained release formulation of memantine
(NPI-6701). The sustained release formulation exhibits a dC/dT
during the initial phase that is about 20% of that for the
immediate release (IR) formulation.
[0036] FIG. 1B is a graph showing the memantine plasma
concentration over a period of 28 days, as predicted by Gastro-Plus
software package v.4.0.2, following the administration of an
immediate release (IR) formulation of memantine (Namenda) and a
sustained release formulation of memantine (NPI-6701). When Namenda
is administered using a dose escalation regimen pursuant to the
manufacturer's US FDA approved label, a steady-state
therapeutically effective plasma concentration is reached within
about 30 days. The administration of a sustained release
formulation of memantine at a constant dose (e.g., 22.5 mg/day)
achieves a steady therapeutically effective plasma concentration
within about 13 days, a reduction of about 60%.
[0037] FIG. 2A is a graph and a table showing the in vitro
dissolution profiles for various sustained release formulations of
memantine (NPI-6601, NPI-6701, NPI-6801, NPI-6990, and NPI-6804)
and Namenda. Dissolution profiles were obtained with a USP II
(Paddle) system using water as a dissolution medium.
[0038] FIG. 2B is a graph showing the dissolution profiles for
various sustained release formulations of memantine (NPI-6601,
NPI-6701, NPI-6801, NPI-6990, and NPI-6804) and Namenda obtained
with a USP II (Paddle) system using 0.1N hydrochloride solution
pH=1.2 as the dissolution medium.
[0039] FIG. 2C is a graph showing the dissolution profile of
memantine formulated as a sustained release form using a neutral
(e.g., water) and acidic (pH 1.2) dissolution medium.
[0040] FIG. 2D is a graph and table showing the memantine plasma
concentration over a period of 24 hours, as predicted by
Gastro-Plus software package v.4.0.2, following the administration
of Namenda (10 mg b.i.d. or single dose of 20 mg) or various
sustained release formulations of memantine (i.e., NPI-6601,
NPI-6701, NPI-6801, NPI-6804, and NPI-6990 administered at a single
dose of 22.5 mg).
[0041] FIG. 3A is a graph and table showing the dissolution
profiles for various sustained released memantine bead/capsule
formulations. The experimental dissolution profiles were obtained
from a USP II Paddle system using water (pH=7) as the medium.
[0042] FIG. 3B is a graph and table showing the predicted
dissolution profile for a simple two-bead composite capsule (13% of
5001-6991 & 87% of 5001-6992).
[0043] FIG. 4 is a graph showing dissolution profiles for modified
release formulations of memantine and an IR formulation of
memantine (Namenda).
[0044] Other features and advantages of the invention will be
apparent from the following detailed description and claims.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0045] In general, the present invention features pharmaceutical
compositions that contain an NMDAr antagonist formulated for
extended or modified release to provide a serum or plasma
concentration over a desired time period that is high enough to be
therapeutically effective but at a rate low enough so as to avoid
adverse events associated with the NMDAr antagonist. Control of
drug release is particularly desirable for reducing and delaying
the peak plasma level while maintaining the extent of drug
bioavailability. Therapeutic levels are therefore achieved while
minimizing debilitating side-effects that are usually associated
with immediate release formulations. Furthermore, as a result of
the delay in the time to obtain peak serum or plasma level and the
extended period of time at the therapeutically effective serum or
plasma level, the dosage frequency is reduced to, for example, once
or twice daily dosage, thereby improving patient compliance and
adherence. For example, side effects including psychosis and
cognitive deficits associated with the administration of NMDAr
antagonists may be lessened in severity and frequency through the
use of controlled-release methods that shift the Tmax to longer
times, thereby reducing the dC/dT of the drug. Reducing the dC/dT
of the drug not only increases Tmax, but also reduces the drug
concentration at Tmax and reduces the Cmax/Cmean ratio providing a
more constant amount of drug to the subject being treated over a
given period of time enabling a increased dosages for appropriate
indications.
Making NMDAr Antagonist Controlled Release Formulations
[0046] A pharmaceutical composition according to the invention is
prepared by combining a desired NMDAr antagonist or antagonists
with one or more additional ingredients that, when administered to
a subject, causes the NMDAr antagonist to be released at a targeted
rate for a specified period of time. A release profile, i.e., the
extent of release of the NMDAr antagonist over a desired time, can
be conveniently determined for a given time by measuring the
release using a USP dissolution apparatus under controlled
conditions. Preferred release profiles are those which slow the
rate of uptake of the NMDAr antagonist in the neural fluids while
providing therapeutically effective levels of the NMDAr antagonist.
One of ordinary skill in the art can prepare combinations with a
desired release profile using the NMDAr antagonists and formulation
methods described below.
[0047] NMDAr Antagonists
[0048] Any NMDAr antagonist can be used in the methods and
compositions of the invention, particularly those that are
non-toxic when used in the compositions of the invention. The term
"nontoxic" is used in a relative sense and is intended to designate
any substance that has been approved by the United States Food and
Drug Administration ("FDA") for administration to humans or, in
keeping with established regulatory criteria and practice, is
susceptible to approval by the FDA or similar regulatory agency for
any country for administration to humans or animals.
[0049] The term "NMDAr antagonist", as used herein, includes any
amino-adamantane compound including, for example, memantine
(1-amino-3,5-dimethyladamantane), rimantadine
(1-(1-aminoethyl)adamantane), amantadine (1-amino-adamantane), as
well as pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof. Memantine is
described, for example, in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,391,142, 5,891,885,
5,919,826, and 6,187,338. Amantadine is described, for example, in
U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,152,180, 5,891,885, 5,919,826, and 6,187,338.
Additional aminoadamantane compounds are described, for example, in
U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,346,112, 5,061,703, 5,334,618, 6,444,702,
6,620,845, and 6,662,845. All of these patents are hereby
incorporated by reference.
[0050] Further NMDAr antagonists that may be employed include, for
example, amino cyclohexanes (i.e., neramexane), ketamine,
eliprodil, ifenprodil, dizocilpine, remacemide, iamotrigine,
riluzole, aptiganel, phencyclidine, flupirtine, celfotel,
felbamate, spermine, spermidine, levemopamil, dextromethorphan
((+)-3-hydroxy-N-methylmorphinan) and its metabolite, dextrorphan
((+)-3-hydroxy-N-methylmorphinan), a pharmaceutically acceptable
salt, derivatives or ester thereof, or a metabolic precursor of any
of the foregoing.
[0051] Optionally, the NMDAr antagonist in the instant invention is
memantine and not amantadine or dextromethorphan
Dosing, PK, & Tox
[0052] The pharmaceutical composition may be formulated to provide
memantine in an amount ranging between 1-200 mg/day, 1 and 80
mg/day, 2-80 mg/day, 5-80 mg/day, 5 and 65 mg/day, 5 and 40 mg/day,
15 and 45 mg/day, or 10 and 20 mg/day; amantadine in an amount
ranging between 15 and 900 mg/day, 15 mg and 800 mg/day, 15 mg and
700 mg/day, 15 mg and 600 mg/day, 15 and 500 mg/day, 25 and 500
mg/day, 15 and 400 mg/day, 25 and 300 mg/day, 100 and 300 mg/day,
or 100 and 200 mg/day; dextromethorphan in an amount ranging
between 1-5000 mg/day, 1-1000 mg/day, and 100-800 mg/day, or
200-500 mg/day. Pediatric doses will typically be lower than those
determined for adults.
[0053] Table 1 shows exemplary the pharmacokinetic properties
(e.g., Tmax and T1/2) of memantine, amantadine, and
rimantadine.
TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 Pharmacokinetics and Tox in humans for
selected NMDAr antagonists Human PK (t1/2) Tmax Dose Dependent
Compound (hours) (hours) Normal Dose Tox Memantine 60 3 10-20
mg/day, Dose escalation starting at 5 mg required, hallucination
Amantadine 15 3 100-300 mg/day, Hallucination starting at 100
mg/day Rimantadine 25 6 100-200 mg/day Insomnia
Excipients
[0054] "Pharmaceutically or Pharmacologically Acceptable" includes
molecular entities and compositions that do not produce an adverse,
allergic or other untoward reaction when administered to an animal,
or a human, as appropriate. "Pharmaceutically Acceptable Carrier"
includes any and all solvents, dispersion media, coatings,
antibacterial and antifungal agents, isotonic and absorption
delaying agents and the like. The use of such media and agents for
pharmaceutical active substances is well known in the art. Except
insofar as any conventional media or agent is incompatible with the
active ingredient, its use in the therapeutic compositions is
contemplated. Supplementary active ingredients can also be
incorporated into the compositions. "Pharmaceutically Acceptable
Salts" include acid addition salts and which are formed with
inorganic acids such as, for example, hydrochloric or phosphoric
acids, or such organic acids as acetic, oxalic, tartaric, mandelic,
and the like. Salts formed with the free carboxyl groups can also
be derived from inorganic bases such as, for example, sodium,
potassium, ammonium, calcium, or ferric hydroxides, and such
organic bases as isopropylamine, trimethylamine, histidine,
procaine and the like.
[0055] The preparation of pharmaceutical or pharmacological
compositions are known to those of skill in the art in light of the
present disclosure. General techniques for formulation and
administration are found in "Remington: The Science and Practice of
Pharmacy, Twentieth Edition," Lippincott Williams & Wilkins,
Philadelphia, Pa. Tablets, capsules, pills, powders, granules,
dragees, gels, slurries, ointments, solutions suppositories,
injections, inhalants and aerosols are examples of such
formulations.
[0056] By way of example, extended or modified release oral
formulation can be prepared using additional methods known in the
art. For example, a suitable extended release form of the either
active pharmaceutical ingredient or both may be a matrix tablet or
capsule composition. Suitable matrix forming materials include, for
example, waxes (e.g., carnauba, bees wax, paraffin wax, ceresine,
shellac wax, fatty acids, and fatty alcohols), oils, hardened oils
or fats (e.g., hardened rapeseed oil, castor oil, beef tallow, palm
oil, and soya bean oil), and polymers (e.g., hydroxypropyl
cellulose, polyvinylpyrrolidone, hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose,
and polyethylene glycol). Other suitable matrix tabletting
materials are microcrystalline cellulose, powdered cellulose,
hydroxypropyl cellulose, ethyl cellulose, with other carriers, and
fillers. Tablets may also contain granulates, coated powders, or
pellets. Tablets may also be multi-layered. Multi-layered tablets
are especially preferred when the active ingredients have markedly
different pharmacokinetic profiles. Optionally, the finished tablet
may be coated or uncoated.
[0057] The coating composition typically contains an insoluble
matrix polymer (approximately 15-85% by weight of the coating
composition) and a water soluble material (e.g., approximately
15-85% by weight of the coating composition). Optionally an enteric
polymer (approximately 1 to 99% by weight of the coating
composition) may be used or included. Suitable water soluble
materials include polymers such as polyethylene glycol,
hydroxypropyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose,
polyvinylpyrrolidone, polyvinyl alcohol, and monomeric materials
such as sugars (e.g., lactose, sucrose, fructose, mannitol and the
like), salts (e.g., sodium chloride, potassium chloride and the
like), organic acids (e.g., fumaric acid, succinic acid, lactic
acid, and tartaric acid), and mixtures thereof. Suitable enteric
polymers include hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose, acetate succinate,
hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose, phthalate, polyvinyl acetate
phthalate, cellulose acetate phthalate, cellulose acetate
trimellitate, shellac, zein, and polymethacrylates containing
carboxyl groups.
[0058] The coating composition may be plasticised according to the
properties of the coating blend such as the glass transition
temperature of the main component or mixture of components or the
solvent used for applying the coating compositions. Suitable
plasticisers may be added from 0 to 50% by weight of the coating
composition and include, for example, diethyl phthalate, citrate
esters, polyethylene glycol, glycerol, acetylated glycerides,
acetylated citrate esters, dibutylsebacate, and castor oil. If
desired, the coating composition may include a filler. The amount
of the filler may be 1% to approximately 99% by weight based on the
total weight of the coating composition and may be an insoluble
material such as silicon dioxide, titanium dioxide, talc, kaolin,
alumina, starch, powdered cellulose, MCC, or polacrilin
potassium.
[0059] The coating composition may be applied as a solution or
latex in organic solvents or aqueous solvents or mixtures thereof.
If solutions are applied, the solvent may be present in amounts
from approximate by 25-99% by weight based on the total weight of
dissolved solids. Suitable solvents are water, lower alcohol, lower
chlorinated hydrocarbons, ketones, or mixtures thereof. If latexes
are applied, the solvent is present in amounts from approximately
25-97% by weight based on the quantity of polymeric material in the
latex. The solvent may be predominantly water.
[0060] The NMDAr antagonist may be formulated using any of the
following excipients or combinations thereof
TABLE-US-00002 Excipient name Chemical name Function Avicel PH102
Microcrystalline Cellulose Filler, binder, wicking, disintegrant
Avicel PH101 Microcrystalline Cellulose Filler, binder,
disintegrant Eudragit RS- Polymethacrylate Film former, tablet
binder, tablet diluent; Rate controlling 30D Poly(ethyl acrylate,
nethyl polymer for controlled release methacrylate,
timethylammonioethyl methacrylate chloride) 1:2:0.1 Methocel
Hydroxypropyl Rate controlling polymer for controlled release;
binder; K100M methylcellulose viscosity-increasing agent Premium CR
Methocel Hydroxypropyl Rate controlling polymer for controlled
release; binder; K100M methylcellulose viscosity-increasing agent
Magnesium Magnesium Stearate Lubricant Stearate Talc Talc
Dissolution control; anti-adherent, glidant Triethyl Citrate
Triethyl Citrate Plasticizer Methocel E5 Hydroxypropyl Film-former
methylcellulose Opadry .RTM. Hydroxypropyl One-step customized
coating system which combines methylcellulose polymer, plasticizer
and, if desired, pigment in a dry concentrate. Surelease .RTM.
Aqueous Ethylcellulose Film-forming polymer; plasticizer and
stabilizers. Rate Dispersion controlling polymer coating.
[0061] The pharmaceutical composition described herein may also
include a carrier such as a solvent, dispersion media, coatings,
antibacterial and antifungal agents, isotonic and absorption
delaying agents. The use of such media and agents for
pharmaceutically active substances is well known in the art.
Pharmaceutically acceptable salts can also be used in the
composition, for example, mineral salts such as hydrochlorides,
hydrobromides, phosphates, or sulfates, as well as the salts of
organic acids such as acetates, proprionates, malonates, or
benzoates. The composition may also contain liquids, such as water,
saline, glycerol, and ethanol, as well as substances such as
wetting agents, emulsifying agents, or pH buffering agents.
Liposomes, such as those described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,422,120, WO
95/13796, WO 91/14445, or EP 524,968 B1, may also be used as a
carrier.
Methods for Preparing Modified or Extended Release Formulations
[0062] Suitable methods for preparing the compositions described
herein in which the NMDAr antagonist is provided in extended
release-formulations include those described in U.S. Pat. No.
4,606,909 (hereby incorporated by reference). This reference
describes a controlled release multiple unit formulation in which a
multiplicity of individually coated or microencapsulated units are
made available upon disintegration of the formulation (e.g., pill
or tablet) in the stomach of the subject (see, for example, column
3, line 26 through column 5, line 10 and column 6, line 29 through
column 9, line 16). Each of these individually coated or
microencapsulated units contains cross-sectionally substantially
homogenous cores containing particles of a sparingly soluble active
substance, the cores being coated with a coating that is
substantially resistant to gastric conditions but which is erodable
under the conditions prevailing in the gastrointestinal tract.
[0063] The composition of the invention may alternatively be
formulated using the methods disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,769,027,
for example. Accordingly, extended release formulations involve
prills of pharmaceutically acceptable material (e.g., sugar/starch,
salts, and waxes) may be coated with a water permeable polymeric
matrix containing an NMDAr antagonist and next overcoated with a
water-permeable film containing dispersed within it a water soluble
particulate pore forming material.
[0064] The NMDAr antagonist composition may additionally be
prepared as described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,897,268, involving a
biocompatible, biodegradable microcapsule delivery system. Thus,
the NMDAr antagonist may be formulated as a composition containing
a blend of free-flowing spherical particles obtained by
individually microencapsulating quantities of memantine, for
example, in different copolymer excipients which biodegrade at
different rates, therefore releasing memantine into the circulation
at a predetermined rates. A quantity of these particles may be of
such a copolymer excipient that the core active ingredient is
released quickly after administration, and thereby delivers the
active ingredient for an initial period. A second quantity of the
particles is of such type excipient that delivery of the
encapsulated ingredient begins as the first quantity's delivery
begins to decline. A third quantity of ingredient may be
encapsulated with a still different excipient which results in
delivery beginning as the delivery of the second quantity beings to
decline. The rate of delivery may be altered, for example, by
varying the lactide/glycolide ratio in a
poly(D,L-lactide-co-glycolide) encapsulation. Other polymers that
may be used include polyacetal polymers, polyorthoesters,
polyesteramides, polycaprolactone and copolymers thereof,
polycarbonates, polyhydroxybuterate and copolymers thereof,
polymaleamides, copolyaxalates and polysaccharides.
[0065] Alternatively, the composition may be prepared as described
in U.S. Pat. No. 5,395,626, which features a multilayered
controlled release pharmaceutical dosage form. The dosage form
contains a plurality of coated particles wherein each has multiple
layers about a core containing an NMDAr antagonist whereby the drug
containing core and at least one other layer of drug active is
overcoated with a controlled release barrier layer therefore
providing at least two controlled releasing layers of a water
soluble drug from the multilayered coated particle.
Release Profile (Dissolution Rate)
[0066] As described above, the NMDAr antagonist may be provided in
a modified or extended release form. Extended or modified drug
release is generally controlled either by diffusion through a
coating or matrix or by erosion of a coating or matrix by a process
dependent on, for example, enzymes or pH. The NMDAr antagonist may
be formulated for extended or modified release as described herein
or using standard techniques in the art. In one example, at least
50%, 75%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or even in excess of 99% of
the NMDAr antagonist is provided in an extended release dosage
form.
[0067] Optionally, the compositions described herein have an in
vitro profile that is substantially identical to the dissolution
profile shown in FIGS. 2A-2C and, upon administration to a subject
at a substantially constant daily dose, achieves a serum
concentration profile that is substantially identical to that shown
in FIG. 2D. The dissolution profile of the composition of the
invention may be determined using a USP type 2 (paddle) dissolution
system at 50 rpm, at a temperature of 37.+-.0.5.degree. C. in
various dissolution media. In one example, the release fraction is
greater or equal to 0.01(0.297+0.0153*e.sup.(0.515*t) and less than
1-e.sup.(-10.9*t). In another example, the release fraction is
greater or equal to 0.01(0.297+0.0153*e.sup.(0.515*t) and less than
or equal to 1-e.sup.(0.972*t). In both examples, the term "t" is
the time in hours and t is greater than zero and equal or less than
17. Thus, the NMDAr antagonist may have an in vitro dissolution
profile that ranges between 0.1%-62% in one hour, 0.2%-86% in two
hours, 0.6%-100% in six hours, 2.9%-100% in 10 hours, and 7.7%-100%
in 12 hours using a USP type 2 (paddle) dissolution. Optionally,
the release profile may range between 0.1%-20% in one hour, 5%-30%
in two hours, 40%-80% in six hours, 50%-90% in 10 hours, and
90%-95% in 12 hours. Desirably, the NMDAr antagonist has an in
vitro dissolution profile in a solution with a neutral pH (e.g.,
water) that is substantially the same as its dissolution profile in
an acidic dissolution medium (see FIGS. 2A-2C).
[0068] In one embodiment, the NMDAr antagonist has an in vitro
dissolution profile of less than 15%, 10%, or 5% in fifteen
minutes, 25%, 20%, 15%, or 10% in 30 minutes, and more than 60% at
16 hours as obtained using a USP type II (paddle) dissolution
system at 50 rpm, at a temperature of 37.+-.0.5.degree. C. in
water. Desirably, the NMDAr antagonist has a dissolution of at
least 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, or 95% at 10 hours in a
dissolution medium having a pH of 1.2.
Initial Rate in vivo, Delayed Tmax, Reduced Cmax/Cmean
[0069] The NMDAr antagonist is provided as a modified release
formulation that may or may not contain an immediate release
formulation. If desired, the NMDAr antagonist may formulated so
that it is released at a rate that is significantly reduced over an
immediate release (IR) dosage form, with an associated delay in the
Tmax. The pharmaceutical composition may be formulated to provide a
shift in Tmax by 24 hours, 16 hours, 8 hours, 4 hours, 2 hours, or
at least 1 hour. The associated reduction in dC/dT may be by a
factor of approximately 0.05, 0.10, 0.25, 0.5 or at least 0.8. In
addition, the NMDAr antagonist may be provided such that it is
released at rate resulting in a Cmax/C mean of approximately 2 or
less for approximately 2 hours to at least 8 hours after the NMDAr
antagonist is introduced into a subject. Optionally, the sustained
release formulations exhibit plasma concentration curves having
initial (e.g., from 0, 1, 2 hours after administration to 4, 6, 8
hours after administration) slopes less than 75%, 50%, 40%, 30%,
20% or 10% of those for an IR formulation of the same dosage of the
same NMDAr antagonist. The precise slope for a given individual
will vary according to the NMDAr antagonist being used or other
factors, including whether the patient has eaten or not. For other
doses, e.g., those mentioned above, the slopes vary directly in
relationship to dose. The determination of initial slopes of plasma
concentration is described, for example, by U.S. Pat. No.
6,913,768, hereby incorporated by reference.
[0070] Thus, upon the administration to a subject (e.g., a mammal
such as a human), the NMDAr antagonist has a Cmax/Cmean of
approximately 2.5, 2, 1.5, or 1.0 approximately 1, 1.5, 2 hours to
at least 6, 8, 9, 12, 18, 21, 24 hours following such
administration. If desired, the release of the NMDAr antagonist may
be monophasic or multiphasic (e.g., biphasic). One of ordinary
skill in the art can prepare compositions with a desired release
profile using the NMDAr antagonists and formulation methods known
in the art or described below.
Dosing Frequency and Dose Escalation
[0071] According to the present invention, a subject (e.g., human)
having or at risk of having such conditions is administered any of
the compositions described herein (e.g., once a day, every 2 days,
every 3 days, every week, or every month). While immediate
formulations of NMDAr antagonists are typically administered in a
dose-escalating fashion, the compositions described herein may be
essentially administered at a constant, therapeutically-effective
dose over a set period of time. For example, a composition
containing a sustained release formulation of memantine may be
administered twice a day, once a day, once every two days, or once
every three days in a unit dose containing 10-300 mg, 10-200 mg,
10-100 mg, or 10-50 mg of memantine (e.g., 10 mg, 11.25 mg, 12.5
mg, 15 mg, 20 mg, 22.5 mg, 25 mg, 30 mg, 33.75 mg, 37.5 mg, 40 mg,
45 mg, 50 mg, 60 mg, 65 mg, 67.5 mg, 70 mg, 75 mg, 80 mg, 120 mg,
180 mg, 240 mg or 300 mg).
[0072] In one embodiment, a composition is prepared using the
methods described herein, wherein such composition comprises
memantine or amantadine and a release modifying excipient. The
excipient is present in an amount sufficient to ameliorate or
reduce acute toxicity associated with the memantine or amantadine
relative to an immediate release (IR) formulation of memantine
(e.g., Namenda) or amantadine (e.g., Symmetrel). The use of such
composition increases the safety in the administration of such
agents, enabling reduced dosing frequency with similar or higher
doses of the NMDAr antagonist as compared with the presently
available forms of these pharmaceutical products.
Reduced Time to Therapeutic Concentration and Efficacy
[0073] Immediate release (IR) formulations of memantine (e.g.,
Namenda) are typically administered at low doses (e.g., 5 mg/day)
and progressively administered at increasing frequency and dose
over time to reach a steady state serum concentration that is
therapeutically effective. According to the manufacturer's FDA
approved label, Namenda, an immediate release (IR) formulation of
memantine, is first administered to subjects at a dose of 5 mg per
day. After a period of timeone week acclimation period, subjects
are administered with this dose twice daily. Subjects are next
administered with a 5 mg and 10 mg dosing per day and finally
administered with 10 mg Namenda twice daily. FIG. 2D shows the
average serum concentration each day as predicted by the
pharmacokinetic software, GastroPlus, from Simulations Plus. Using
this dosing regimen, a therapeutically effective steady state serum
concentration may be achieved within 30 days of the onset of
therapy. Using a modified release formulation comprising (22.5 mg
memantine,) however, a therapeutically effective steady state
concentration may be achieved substantially sooner, without using a
dose escalating regimen. As shown in FIG. 2D, such concentration is
predicted to be achieved within thirteen days of the onset of
therapy. Furthermore, the slope during each absorption period for
the sustained release formulation is less (i.e. not as steep) as
the slope for Namenda. Accordingly, the dC/dT of the sustained
release formulation is reduced relative to the immediate release
formulation even though the dose administered is larger than for
the immediate release formulation. Based on this model, a sustained
release formulation of memantine may be administered to a subject
in an amount that is approximately the full strength dose (or that
effectively reaches a therapeutically effective dose) from the
onset of therapy and throughout the duration of treatment.
Accordingly, a dose escalation would not be required.
[0074] Thus in one embodiment, a composition is prepared using the
methods described herein, wherein such composition comprises a
therapeutically effective amount of memantine or amantadine and an
excipient for administration to a subject without prior
administration of a subtherapeutic amount of same active agent
(i.e. memantine or amantadine) to the same subject. Specifically,
for an indication such as Alzheimer's disease, where a
therapeutically effective amount of memantine is typically 20 mg
per day, the administration of memantine to the subject is
initiated at 22.5 mg per day or more, instead of a subtherapeutic
amount (e.g., 5 mg per day as currently indicated in the
manufacturer's FDA-approved label for Namenda).
[0075] Treatment of a subject with the subject of the present
invention may be monitored using methods known in the art. The
efficacy of treatment using the composition is preferably evaluated
by examining the subject's symptoms in a quantitative way, e.g., by
noting a decrease in the frequency or severity of symptoms or
damaging effects of the condition, or an increase in the time for
sustained worsening of symptoms. In a successful treatment, the
subject's status will have improved (i.e., frequency or severity of
symptoms or damaging effects will have decreased, or the time to
sustained progression will have increased). In the model described
in the previous paragraph, the steady state (and effective)
concentration of the NMDAr antagonist is reached in 25% 40% 50% 60%
70% 75% 80% less time than the dose escalated approach.
[0076] In another embodiment, a composition is prepared using the
methods described herein, wherein such composition comprises
memantine or amantadine and a release modifying excipient, wherein
the excipient is present in an amount sufficient to ameliorate or
reduce the dose-dependent toxicity associated with the memantine or
amantadine relative to an immediate release (IR) formulation of
memantine, such as Namenda, or amantadine, such as Symmetrel. The
use of these compositions enables safer administration of these
agents, and even permits the safe use of higher levels for
appropriate indications, beyond the useful range for the presently
available versions of memantine (5 mg and 10 mg per dose to 20 mg
per day) and amantadine (100 mg to 300 mg per day with
escalation).
Indications Suitable for Treatment
[0077] Conditions suitable for treatment according to this
invention include seizure disorders, pain syndromes,
neurodegenerative diseases (including motor neuron diseases,
myelopathies, radiculopathies, and disorders of the sympathetic
nervous system), dementias, cerebrovascular conditions, movement
disorders, brain trauma, cranial nerve disorders, neuropsychiatric
disorders, and other disease neuropathies (including viral
associated neuropathies, diabetes associated neuropathies,
Guillian-Barre syndrome, dysproteinemias, transthyretin-induced
neuropathies, and carpal tunnel syndrome).
[0078] As used herein, seizure disorders include complex partial
seizures, simple partial seizures, partial seizures with secondary
generalization, generalized seizures (including absence, grand mal
(tonic clonic), status epilepticus, tonic, atonic, myoclonic),
neonatal and infantile spasms, drug-induced seizures,
trauma-induced seizures, and febrile seizures, and additional
specific epilepsy syndromes such as juvenile myoclonic epilepsy,
Lennox-Gastaut, mesial temporal lobe epilepsy, nocturnal frontal
lobe epilepsy, progressive epilepsy with mental retardation, and
progressive myoclonic epilepsy, as well as seizures associated with
CNS mass lesions.
[0079] Pain syndromes include, for example, headaches (e.g.,
migraine, tension, and cluster), acute pain, chronic pain,
neuropathic pain, nociceptive pain, central pain and inflammatory
pain, drug-induced neuropathic pain, causalgia, complex regional
pain syndrome types I and II, and reflex sympathetic dystrophy
(RSDS).
[0080] Neurodegenerative diseases include Alzheimer's disease,
Parkinson's Disease, multiple sclerosis, Huntington's Disease, ALS,
spinal muscular atrophy, muscular dystrophies prion-related
diseases, cerebellar ataxia, Friedrich's ataxia, SCA, Wilson's
disease, RP, Gullian Barre syndrome, Adrenoleukodystrophy, Menke's
Sx, cerebral autosomal dominant arteriopathy with subcortical
infarcts (CADASIL), Charcot Marie Tooth diseases,
neurofibromatosis, von-Hippel Lindau, Fragile X, spastic
paraplegia, tuberous sclerosis complex, Wardenburg syndrome, spinal
motor atrophies, Tay-Sach's, Sandoff disease, familial spastic
paraplegia, myelopathies, radiculopathies, encephalopathies
associated with trauma, radiation, drugs and infection, and
disorders of the sympathetic nervous system (e.g., Shy Drager
(familial dysautonomia), diabetic neuropathy, drug-induced and
alcoholic neuropathy).
[0081] Dementias include Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease,
Pick's disease, fronto-temporal dementia, vascular dementia, normal
pressure hydrocephalus, Huntington's disease, and MCI.
[0082] Cerebrovascular conditions amenable to treatment according
to the present invention include Cerebrovascular disease and
strokes (e.g, thrombotic, embolic, thromboembolic, hemorrhagic
(including AVM and berry aneurysms), venoconstrictive, and
venous).
[0083] Included in movement disorders are Parkinson's disease,
dystonias, benign essential tremor, tardive dystonia, tardive
dyskinesia, and Tourette's syndrome.
[0084] Brain trauma as used herein includes traumatic brain and
spinal cord injuries as well as brain injuries from radiation.
[0085] Cranial nerve disorders include trigeminal neuropathy,
trigeminal neuralgia, Menier's syndrome, glossopharangela
neuralgia, dysphagia, dysphonia, cranial nerve palsies and Bell's
palsy.
[0086] Neuropsychiatric disorders include panic syndrome, general
anxiety disorder, phobic syndromes of all types, mania, manic
depressive illness, hypomania, unipolar depression, depression,
stress disorders, PTSD, somatoform disorders, personality
disorders, psychosis, and schizophrenia), and drug
dependence/additiction (e.g., alcohol, psychostimulants (eg, crack,
cocaine, speed, meth), opioids, and nicotine), and drug-induced
psychiatric disorders.
[0087] Other disease neuropathies that may be treated with the
compositions and methods described herein include Guillian-Barre,
diabetes associated neuropathies, dysproteinemias,
transthyretin-induced neuropathies, neuropathy associated with HIV,
herpes viruses (including herpes zoster) or other viral infection,
neuropathy associated with Lyme disease, carpal tunnel syndrome,
tarsal tunnel syndrome, amyloid-induced neuropathies, leprous
neuropathy, Bell's palsy, compression neuropathies,
sarcoidosis-induced neuropathy, polyneuritis cranialis, heavy metal
induced neuropathy, transition metal-induced neuropathy,
drug-induced neuropathy, post-menengitis syndrome, post-polio
syndrome, prion diseases, and radiation associated neuropathic
syndromes.
[0088] Other diseases amenable to treatment with the present
invention include fatigue syndromes (e.g., chronic fatigue syndrome
and fibromyalgia), ataxic syndromes, olivopontoicerebellar
degeneration, striatonigral degeneration, and axonic brain
damage.
[0089] Because the NMDAr antagonist in the present compositions
reaches a therapeutically effective steady state in a shorter
period of time than immediate release formulations (e.g., within
the course of the first five, seven, nine, ten, twelve, fifteen, or
twenty days of administration), the present invention is
particularly useful for the treatment of neuropsychiatric disorders
such as depression, agitation, anxiety, seizure disorders such as
grand mal seizures, status epilepticus, migraine pain treatment and
prophylaxis, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and
traumatic brain and spinal cord injury.
[0090] Also, the higher doses enabled by the present invention are
expected to be of particular importance for dementias including
Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and vascular dementia,
pain syndromes, including headaches and migraines, seizure
disorders, movement disorders, and brain trauma.
[0091] Furthermore, the ease of use and convenience of a dosage
form provided developed to be delivered at once per day or less
frequent administration at a therapeutically effective quantity
from the onset of therapy is of value in treatment of dementias
including Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease, seizure
disorders, pain syndromes, and cerebrovascular conditions.
Formulations for Alternate Specific Routes of Administration
[0092] The pharmaceutical compositions may be optimized for
particular types of delivery. For example, pharmaceutical
compositions for oral delivery are formulated using
pharmaceutically acceptable carriers that are well known in the
art. The carriers enable the agents in the composition to be
formulated, for example, as a tablet, pill, capsule, solution,
suspension, sustained release formulation; powder, liquid or gel
for oral ingestion by the subject.
[0093] The NMDAr antagonist may also be delivered in an aerosol
spray preparation from a pressurized pack, a nebulizer or from a
dry powder inhaler. Suitable propellants that can be used in a
nebulizer include, for example, dichlorodifluoro-methane,
trichlorofluoromethane, dichlorotetrafluoroethane and carbon
dioxide. The dosage can be determined by providing a valve to
deliver a regulated amount of the compound in the case of a
pressurized aerosol.
[0094] Compositions for inhalation or insufflation include
solutions and suspensions in pharmaceutically acceptable, aqueous
or organic solvents, or mixtures thereof, and powders. The liquid
or solid compositions may contain suitable pharmaceutically
acceptable excipients as set out above. Preferably the compositions
are administered by the oral, intranasal or respiratory route for
local or systemic effect. Compositions in preferably sterile
pharmaceutically acceptable solvents may be nebulized by use of
inert gases. Nebulized solutions may be breathed directly from the
nebulizing device or the nebulizing device may be attached to a
face mask, tent or intermittent positive pressure breathing
machine. Solution, suspension or powder compositions may be
administered, preferably orally or nasally, from devices that
deliver the formulation in an appropriate manner.
[0095] In some embodiments, for example, the composition may be
delivered intranasally to the cribriform plate rather than by
inhalation to enable transfer of the active agents through the
olfactory passages into the CNS and reducing the systemic
administration. Devices commonly used for this route of
administration are included in U.S. Pat. No. 6,715,485.
Compositions delivered via this route may enable increased CNS
dosing or reduced total body burden reducing systemic toxicity
risks associated with certain drugs.
[0096] Additional formulations suitable for other modes of
administration include rectal capsules or suppositories. For
suppositories, traditional binders and carriers may include, for
example, polyalkylene glycols or triglycerides; such suppositories
may be formed from mixtures containing the active ingredient in the
range of 0.5% to 10%, preferably 1%-2%.
[0097] The composition may optionally be formulated for delivery in
a vessel that provides for continuous long-term delivery, e.g., for
delivery up to 30 days, 60 days, 90 days, 180 days, or one year.
For example the vessel can be provided in a biocompatible material
such as titanium. Long-term delivery formulations are particularly
useful in subjects with chronic conditions, for assuring improved
patient compliance, and for enhancing the stability of the
compositions.
[0098] Optionally, the NMDA receptor antagonist is prepared using
the OROS.RTM. technology, described for example, in U.S. Pat. Nos.
6,919,373, 6,923,800, 6,929,803, 6,939,556, and 6,930,128, all of
which are hereby incorporated by reference. This technology employs
osmosis to provide precise, controlled drug delivery for up to 24
hours and can be used with a range of compounds, including poorly
soluble or highly soluble drugs. OROS.RTM. technology can be used
to deliver high drug doses meeting high drug loading requirements.
By targeting specific areas of the gastrointestinal tract,
OROS.RTM. technology may provide more efficient drug absorption and
enhanced bioavailability. The osmotic driving force of OROS.RTM.
and protection of the drug until the time of release eliminate the
variability of drug absorption and metabolism often caused by
gastric pH and motility.
[0099] Formulations for continuous long-term delivery are provided
in, e.g., U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,797,283; 6,764,697; 6,635,268, and
6,648,083.
[0100] If desired, the components may be provided in a kit. The kit
can additionally include instructions for using the kit.
Additional Methods for Making Modified Release Formulations
[0101] Additional methods for making modified release formulations
are described in, e.g., U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,422,123, 5,601,845,
5,912,013, and 6,194,000, all of which are hereby incorporated by
reference.
[0102] Alternatively, the compositions of the present invention may
be administered transdermally. Preparation for delivery in a
transdermal patch can be performed using methods also known in the
art, including those described generally in, e.g., U.S. Pat. Nos.
5,186,938 and 6,183,770, 4,861,800, 6,743,211, 6,945,952,
4,284,444, and WO 89/09051, incorporated herein by reference in
their entireties. A patch is a particularly useful embodiment with
drugs having absorption problems. Patches can be made to control
the release of skin-permeable active ingredients over a 12 hour, 24
hour, 3 day, and 7 day period. In one example, a 2-fold daily
excess of an NMDAr antagonist is placed in a non-volatile fluid.
Given the amount of the agents employed herein, a preferred release
will be from 12 to 72 hours.
[0103] Transdermal preparations of this form will contain from 1%
to 50% active ingredients. The compositions of the invention are
provided in the form of a viscous, non-volatile liquid. Preferably,
the NMDAr antagonist will have a skin penetration rate of at least
10-9 mole/cm2/hour. At least 5% of the active material will flux
through the skin within a 24 hour period. The penetration through
skin of specific formulations may be measures by standard methods
in the art (for example, Franz et al., J. Invest. Derm. 64:194-195
(1975)). Providing the NMDAr antagonist in the form of patches is
useful given that these agents have relatively high skin
fluxes.
[0104] In some embodiments, for example, the composition may be
delivered via intranasal, buccal, or sublingual routes to the brain
rather than by inhalation to enable transfer of the active agents
through the olfactory passages into the CNS and reducing the
systemic administration. Devices commonly used for this route of
administration are included in U.S. Pat. No. 6,715,485.
Compositions delivered via this route may enable increased CNS
dosing or reduced total body burden reducing systemic toxicity
risks associated with certain drugs.
[0105] Preparation of a pharmaceutical composition for delivery in
a subdermally implantable device can be performed using methods
known in the art, such as those described in, e.g., U.S. Pat. Nos.
3,992,518; 5,660,848; and 5,756,115.
[0106] Using the formulations and methods described herein, we have
produced numerous formulations of NMDAr antagonists (e.g.,
memantine and amantadine) having modified release profiles (more
than 50). Exemplary formulations are provided in the Examples.
[0107] The invention will be illustrated in the following
non-limiting examples.
Examples
Example 1: Measuring Release Profiles for Aminoadamantanes In
Vitro
[0108] Compositions containing an aminoadamantane were analyzed for
release of the aminoadamantane, according to the USP type II
apparatus at a speed of 50 rpm. The dissolution media used were
water, 0.1N HCl, or 0.1N HCl adjusted to pH 6.8 at 2 hours with
phosphate buffer. The dissolution medium was equilibrated to
37.+-.0.5.degree. C.
[0109] The USP reference assay method for amantadine was used to
measure the fraction of memantine released from the compositions
prepared herein. Briefly, 0.6 mL sample (from the dissolution
apparatus at a given time point) was placed into a 15 mL culture
tube. 1.6 mL 0.1% Bromocresol Purple (in acetic acid) was added and
vortexed for five seconds. The mixture was allowed to stand for
approximately five minutes. 3 mL Chloroform was added and vortexed
for five seconds. The solution was next centrifuged (speed 50 rpm)
for five minutes. The top layer was removed with a disposable
pipette. A sample was drawn into 1 cm flow cell and the absorbance
was measured at 408 nm at 37.degree. C. and compared against a
standard curve prepared with known quantities of the same
aminoadamantane. The quantity of determined was plotted against the
dissolution time for the sample.
Example 2: Preparation of Memantine-Containing Cores to be Coated
with an Enteric Coating
[0110] Memantine-containing cores are prepared as follows and as
described, for example, in U.S. Pat. No. 4,606,909. Cores
(containing 24% talc) are prepared using 0.97 kg memantine, 0.2 kg
sodium laurylsulphate, 0.5 kg microcrystalline cellulose, 5.93 kg
saccharose powder, and 2.4 kg talc. Memantine and sodium
laurylsulphate are co-comminuted by passage through a grinder using
a 0.5 mm sieve. The ground mixture is mixed with microcrystalline
cellulose, saccharose, and talc in a planet mixer. 10 kg of the
resulting mixture is moistened with 0.8 kg purified water and mixed
in a planet mixer until the mixture is slightly lumpy. The moist
mixture is extruded through a 0.5 mm sieve. The first kilograms of
extrudate passing the sieve is powdery and re-extruded. The
resulting extrudates form strings, breaking off in lengths of 10-30
cm. 2 kg of the extruded strings is formed into compact-shaped
cores in a Marumerizer.TM. and the resulting compact-shaped cores
are dried in a fluidized bed dryer and sieved through a separator
(the upper sieve (0.71 mm) and the bottom sieve (0.46 mm). Using
the same technique, cores (containing 10% talc) are prepared using
0.97 kg memantine, 0.2 kg sodium laurylsulphate, 1.0 kg
microcrystalline cellulose, 6.83 kg saccharose powder, and 1.0 kg
talc.
[0111] The release of memantine is measured, at a pH 7.5 for the
cores containing 24% talc and 10% talc, respectively. The reduction
in the talc content from 24% to 10% decreases the release weight of
memantine from the core.
[0112] An enteric coating suspension, which further delays the
release of memantine, is prepared by homogenizing 9.0 kg
Eudragit.TM. S 12,5 together with 0.135 kg acetyltributylcitrate,
0.9 kg talc, and 7.965 kg isopropanol. 10 kg of the above-described
cores containing 10% talc are coated with 4.167 kg of this coating
suspension in a fluidized bed and the resulting pellets are covered
with talcum. For the preparation of a pharmaceutical dosage form,
1000 of these pellets are filled in a capsule No. 1, such that each
of the capsule contains 25 mg memantine.
Example 3: Preparation of Amantadine Extended Release Capsules
[0113] Amantadine extended release capsules may be formulated as
follows or as described, for example, in U.S. Pat. No.
5,395,626.
[0114] A. Composition: Unit Dose
[0115] The theoretical quantitative composition (per unit dose) for
amantadine extended release capsules is provided below.
TABLE-US-00003 Component % weight/weight mg/Capsule Amantadine
68.34 200.00 OPADRY .RTM. Clear YS-3-7011.sup.1 1.14 5.01
(Colorcon, Westpoint, PA) Purified Water, USP.sup.2 -- -- Sugar
Spheres, NF 12.50 54.87 OPADRY .RTM. Clear YS-1-7006.sup.3 4.48
19.66 (Colorcon, Westpoint, PA) SURELEASE .RTM. E-7-7050.sup.4
13.54 59.44 (Colorcon, Westpoint, PA) Capsules.sup.5 -- -- TOTAL
100.00% 338.98 mg.sup.6 .sup.1A mixture of hydroxypropyl
methylcellulose, polyethylene glycol, propylene glycol.
.sup.2Purified Water, USP is evaporated during processing. .sup.3A
mixture of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose and polyethylene glycol
.sup.4Solid content only of a 25% aqueous dispersion of a mixture
of ethyl cellulose, dibutyl sebacate, oleic acid, ammoniated water
and fumed silica. The water in the dispersion is evaporated during
processing. .sup.5White, opaque, hard gelatin capsule, size 00.
.sup.6Each batch is assayed prior to filling and the capsule weight
is adjusted as required to attain 200 mg amantadine per
capsule.
[0116] The quantitative batch composition for amantadine extended
release capsule is shown below. (Theoretical batch quantity 25,741
capsules):
TABLE-US-00004 Step 1: Prep of Amantadine HCl Beads (bead Build-up
#1) Component Weight (kg) Amantadine 12.000 OPADRY .RTM. Clear
YS-3-7011 0.200 Purified Water, USP 5.454 Sugar Sphere, NF 4.000
Total Weight Amantadine Beads 16.200 kg
[0117] The amantadine beads obtained from step 1 are used as
follows.
TABLE-US-00005 Step 2: Clear & Sustained Release Bead Coating
#1 Component Weight (kg) Amantadine Beads 8.000 OPADRY .RTM. Clear
YS-1-7006 0.360 Purified Water, USP 5.928 Surelease .RTM. E-7-7050
0.672 Total Weight Clear Coated 9.032 kg Sustained Release
Beads
[0118] The sustained release beads obtained from step 2 are used as
follows.
TABLE-US-00006 Step 3: Amantadine HCl Beads (Build-up #2) Component
Weight (kg) Sustained Release Beads 8.000 Amantadine 4.320 OPADRY
.RTM. Clear YS-3-7011 0.072 Purified Water, USP 1.964 Total Weight
Amantadine Beads 12.392 kg
[0119] The amantadine beads obtained from step 3 are formulated as
follows.
TABLE-US-00007 Step 4: Clear & Sustained Release Bead Coating
#2 Component Weight (kg) Amantadine Beads 10.000 OPADRY .RTM. Clear
YS-1-7006 0.250 Purified Water, USP 6.450 Surelease .RTM. E-7-7050
1.050 Total Weight Amantadine 11.300 kg Extended Release Beads
[0120] Step 5: Capsule Filling--Gelatin capsules, size 00, are
filled with 339 mg of the amantadine beads prepared in step 4.
Examples 4-11: Extended Release Formulation of Rimantidine
[0121] The NMDAr antagonist, rimantidine, is formulated for
extended release as follows (see, for example, U.S. Pat. No.
5,912,013).
Example 4: Core Pellets
TABLE-US-00008 [0122] Example 4: Core Pellets Weight Percent
Kilograms MCC 25.0 0.25 Hydroxypropylmethylcellulose 10.0 0.10
Phthalate (HPMCP) Tartaric Acid 10.0 0.10 Sodium Monoglycerate 7.5
0.075 DSS 0.5 0.005 Rimantadine 47.0 0.47 TOTAL 100.0% 1.00 kg
Coating Cellulose Acetate Phthalate (CAP) 60.0 0.60 Ethylcellulose
25.0 0.25 PEG-400 15.0 0.15 TOTAL 100.0% 1.00 kg
Example 5: Coating for Core Pellets from Example 4
TABLE-US-00009 [0123] Example 5: Coating for Core Pellets from
Example 4 Weight Percent Kilograms Ethacrylic/Methacrylic Acid
Esters 85.0 0.85 (Eudragit line of enteric polymers) Propylene
Glycol 14.0 0.14 Talc 1.0 0.01 TOTAL 100.0% 1.00 kg
Example 6: Coating for Core Pellets from Example 4
TABLE-US-00010 [0124] Example 6: Coating for Core Pellets from
Example 4 Weight Percent Kilograms CAP 65.0 0.65 HPMCP 15.0 0.15
PEG-400 10.0 0.10 PEG-8000 10.0 0.10 TOTAL 100.0% 1.00 kg
Example 7: Core Pellet
TABLE-US-00011 [0125] Example 7: Core Pellet Weight Percent
Kilograms MCC 25.0 0.25 Mono/Di/Tri-glyceride Mixture 15.0 0.15
Tartaric Acid 10.0 0.10 CAP 10.0 0.10 DSS 0.8 0.008 Rimantadine
39.2 0.392 TOTAL 100.0% 1.00 kg Coating as in Example 4
Example 8: Core Pellet as in Example 8, Coating as in Example 5
Example 9: Core Pellet as in Example 8, Coating as in Example 6
Example 10: Coating for Core Pellet as in Example 9
TABLE-US-00012 [0126] Example 10: Coating for Core Pellet as in
Example 9 Weight Percent Kilograms Shellac 85.0 0.85 Mineral Oil
13.0 0.13 SLS 0.5 0.005 Talc 1.5 0.015 TOTAL 100.0% 1.00 kg
Example 11: Core Pellet as in Example 4, Coating as in Example
10
Example 12: Preparation of Memantine Controlled Release
[0127] Different sustained release tablet formulations of memantine
were developed, each of which is associated with a characteristic
in vitro dissolution profile. As described in further detail below,
the sustained release formulations reach a superior pharmacokinetic
profile therapeutically. The sustained release profile was achieved
using a sustained release matrix or a sustained release coated
tablet. The physical characteristics of the active, a description
of the formulation composition, an outline of the small scale
production process, and the validated analytical methods are
presented below.
[0128] Drug Substance Information
TABLE-US-00013 API Name Memantine Molecular Weight 215.8 for HCl
salt, 178.3 for free base Melting Point .degree. C. 258-295.degree.
C. pK.sub.a 10.27 Aqueous Solubility 40-45 mg/ml at pH 2-9
Stability T.sub.1/2 > 24 hours in aqueous buffer, pH 4.0-7.4 and
rat plasma
[0129] Formulation Composition
TABLE-US-00014 Formulation # 1 Formulation # 2 Type of Tablet
Sustained release Sustained release matrix coated tablet Memantine
HCL 13.5% 15.25% (22.5 mg) Avicel PH102 60.0% 69.0% Eudragit RS-30D
15.4% 14.8% (aqueous dispersion) HPMC K100M 10.1% -- Magnesium
Stearate 1.0% 1.0% Coating: -- Additional 6% coat 70% Eudragit
RL-30D 21% (aqueous dispersion) 30% Eudragit RS-30D 9% (aqueous
dispersion) Talc 9% TEC 2% H.sub.2O 59% Total Tablet Weight 150 mg
159 mg
[0130] Formulation #1: Memantine formulated with a sustained
release matrix
[0131] Formulation #1 was produced as follows. Memantine was
formulated as shown in the table below.
TABLE-US-00015 Component % Comp. mg/tablet Total Core Tablets -
22.5 mg - Solid Solid weight Formulation 1292-22.5-10A weight
weight (g) Granulation from 1292-12 - 150 grams Memantine HCl 13.51
22.5 22.79 Avicel .RTM. PH102 60.04 100.0 101.28 Eudragit RS-30D
(30% w/v 15.37 25.6 25.92 aqueous dispersion) Extragranular
Excipient HPMC K100M 10.08 16.8 17.00 Magnesium Stearate 1.01 1.6
1.7 Total 100.0 166.5 168.7 (solid weight)
[0132] API is bag blended with Avicel PH102 and sieved through an
18-mesh screen. The mix is next dried in a low shear mixer. The
blend is wet massed with Eudragit and the granulation is dried in
an oven at 40-45.degree. C. for 12 hours. The granulation is next
pass dried through an Alexanderwerk Mill set up with 0.8 mm screen,
producing the intermediate active blend. HPMC was sieved through a
30 mesh screen. The screened HPMC was premixed with an equal amount
of the intermediate active blend, referred to herein as 1292-12 and
bag blended for two minutes. The blend was next lubricated with
Magnesium Stearate in a low shear blender. A sample from this blend
was collected for LOD (Loss on Drying) testing on Computrac MAx
2000 set at 105.degree. C. The final blend is then compressed and
tables are punched using a D3B set up with 0.25 inch standard round
concave punch tooling. The dissolution profile of this formulation
is provided in FIG. 6 (% Label claim vs. time).
Formulation 2: Memantine Formulated Using a Sustained Release
Coated Matrix
TABLE-US-00016 [0133] Component % Comp. mg/tablet Total Core
Tablets - 22.5 mg - Solid weight Solid weight weight (g) Memantine
HCl active 15.25 22.5 93.80 Avicel .RTM. PH102 68.96 101.75 424.20
Eudragit RS-30D (30% w/v 14.79 21.83 303.3* aqueous dispersion)
Extragranular Excipient HPMC K100M 10.08 16.8 17.00 Magnesium
Stearate 1.01 1.6 1.7 Total 100.0 166.5 168.7 (solid weight) *303.3
g of Eudragit RS-30D aqueous dispersion contains 91 g of solid
polymer and 212.3 g of liquid.
[0134] Memantine HCl is first bag blended with Avicel PH102 for one
minute. The dry blend is sieved through an 18 mesh screen into a
poly bag and bag blended for one minute. The mixture is loaded into
a low-shear mixer and dried for two minutes. The blend was wet
massed with Eudragit and the granulation was next dried in an oven
at 40-45.degree. C. for 12 hours. The dried granulation is next
passed through an Alexanderwerk Mill set up with a 0.8 mm screen.
Sieved magnesium stearate (30-mesh) was next added to the milled
mix and bag blended. The final blend was next compressed and
tablets were punched using a D3B 0.25 inch standard round
punch.
[0135] The coat tablet was prepared as follows. To prepare the
coat, Eudragit RL-30D & Eudragit RS-30D was added to bubble
free purified water while vortexing. TEC is next added and mixed
for >30 minutes. Talc is slowly added and mixed to obtain
homogenous dispersion. The coating desertion was next screened
through 60-mesh sieve. The coating parameters are as follows
(O'Hara Lab II-X 15''pna): inlet temp: 37-40.degree. C.; outlet
temp: 25-28.degree. C.; air flow rate: 150-175 CFM; pan speed: 8-9
rpm; and spray distance: 6-8''.
[0136] Tablets were next coated. The exhaust temperature and
coating speed (weight change/minute) were first calibrated and
tables were coated for a set amount of time. Tablets were allowed
to roll for 3 minutes at a constant temperature (37-40.degree. C.)
and tablets were next cooled and transferred to a forced air oven
(40.degree. C.) for 24 hours to dry.
Example 13: Film-Coated Formulation
[0137] Film-coated tablets were formulated by coating a memantine
tablet with or without an Opadry.RTM. subcoat and with a
Surelease.RTM. overcoat. 2% Opadry.RTM. based coating with 2%
Surelease.RTM. overcoat presented a desired release profile.
Example 14: Matrix Core Tablet
[0138] Matrix Core tablets were formulated as shown in the table
below. (Appearance=good, weight=167 mg; hardness=5.1 kg; friability
100 revs: 0.6%). Low coating weight gain was associated with rapid
hydration of coating, whereas high coating weight gain was
associated with slow hydration of coating.
TABLE-US-00017 % w/w mG/Tablet Granulation Memantine HCL 14 22.5
Avicel PH102 60 100.0 Eudragit RS-30D 15 25.6 Extragranular
Methocel K100M* 10 16.8 Mg Stearate 1 1.6 Total 100 166.5
[0139] Coated beads or granules were compressed into a tablet. A
honeycomb-like structure is established during compression. The
tablet disintegrates into beads and granules, whose individual
properties then control release of memantine. A HPMC subcoat may
optionally be used. Water penetrates the Surelease coating, which
remains intact therefore trapping the HPMC subcoat between the core
and the external coating. The water-soluble HPMC subcoating
hydrates. While it is water soluble it is a large molecular weight
polymer which cannot diffuse out through the water insoluble
ethycellulose coating. Release of drug will not occur until water
reaches the core. The delay should therefore vary as a function of
the amount of HMPC in the tablet. Water reaches the outside surface
of the core and memantine dissolves. High water solubility
establishes a high concentration gradient. Dissolved memantine next
diffuses through the hydrated HPMC layer and the porous
ethylcellulose coating. Accordingly, a high level of ethylcellulose
coating controls the release rate by the external coating whereas a
lower level of ethylcellulose coating results in erosion, sloughing
off of the hydrated HPMC, and the control of release being governed
by the matrix bead.
Example 15: In Vitro Dissolution Profile of Sustained Release
FormUlations of Memantine
[0140] Various sustained release formulations of memantine were
prepared as follows.
[0141] Matrix Tablet Formulation 5001-6601
TABLE-US-00018 Memantine HCL (22.5 mg) 13.51% Avicel PH102 60.04%
Eudragit RS-30D (30% w/w aqueous dispersion) 15.37% HPMC K100M
10.08% Magnesium Stearate 1.00% Total Component Weight 166.5 mg
[0142] Coated Tablet Formulation 5001-6701
TABLE-US-00019 Memantine HCL (22.5 mg) 13.21% Avicel PH102 58.72%
Eudragit RS-30D (30% w/w aqueous dispersion) 15.03% HPMC K100M
9.86% Magnesium Stearate 0.98% Surelease .RTM. Clear, (Formulation
E-7-19010, Colorcon) 2.20% Total Component Weight 170.2 mg
[0143] Coated Tablet Formulation 5001-680
TABLE-US-00020 Memantine HCL (22.5 mg) 12.73% Avicel PH102 56.55%
Eudragit RS-30D (30% w/w aqueous dispersion) 14.48% HPMC K100M
9.50% Magnesium Stearate 0.94% Opadry .RTM. Clear, (Formulation
YS-1-7006, Colorcon) 3.00% Surelease .RTM. Clear, (Formulation
E-7-19010, Colorcon) 2.80% Total Component Weight 176.2 mg
[0144] Coated Tablet Formulation 5001-6804
TABLE-US-00021 Memantine HCL (22.5 mg) 12.64% Avicel PH102 55.98%
Eudragit RS-30D (30% w/w aqueous dispersion) 14.33% HPMC K100M
9.40% Magnesium Stearate 0.93% Opadry .RTM. Clear, (Formulation
YS-1-7006, Colorcon) 3.00% Surelease .RTM. Clear, (Formulation
E-7-19010, Colorcon) 3.80% Total Component Weight 178 mg
[0145] Coated Bead Formulation 5001-6990
TABLE-US-00022 20% Memantine HCL (22.5 mg) & 75% Eudragit
RS-30D (30% w/w aqueous dispersion) Opadry .RTM. Clear,
(Formulation YS-1-7006, Colorcon) 2.00%.sup. Surelease .RTM. Clear,
(Formulation E-7-19010, Colorcon) 10% Total Component Weight NA
[0146] Coated Bead Formulation 5001-6991
TABLE-US-00023 20% Memantine HCL (22.5 mg) & 65% Eudragit
RS-30D (30% w/w aqueous dispersion) Opadry .RTM. Clear,
(Formulation YS-1-7006, Colorcon) 10.00% Eudragit RS-30D coat(30%
w/w aqueous dispersion) 25% Total Component Weight NA
[0147] Coated Bead Formulation 5001-6992
TABLE-US-00024 20% Memantine HCL (22.5 mg) & 55% Eudragit
RS-30D (30% w/w aqueous dispersion) Opadry .RTM. Clear,
(Formulation YS-1-7006, Colorcon) 10.00% Eudragit RS-30D coat(30%
w/w aqueous dispersion) 35% Total Component Weight NA
[0148] Coated Bead Formulation 5001-6993
TABLE-US-00025 20% Memantine HCL (22.5 mg) & 53% Eudragit
RS-30D (30% w/w aqueous dispersion) Opadry .RTM. Clear,
(Formulation YS-1-7006, Colorcon) 30.00% Surelease .RTM. Clear,
(Formulation E-7-19010, Colorcon) 17% Total Component Weight NA
[0149] Exemplary in vitro dissolution profiles of sustained release
formulations of memantine and Namenda are shown in FIGS. 2A-2C and
3A-3B. The dissolution profiles of the sustained release memantine
formulations in neutral medium (FIG. 2A) are substantially
identical to their dissolution profiles in an acidic dissolution
medium (FIG. 2B).
[0150] FIG. 2C is a graph showing effect of medium on the release
profile of memantine from matrix tablets. Testing was performed
using the R&D method using Apparatus 2 at 50 RPM. Three media
were employed: Vessels 1&2=Water; Vessels 3&4=pH 1.2
Buffer; Vessels 5&6=pH 1.2 Buffer for 2 hours, then pH adjusted
to 6.8. There were no significant differences in the profiles for
the first two hours or between the profile obtained in a pH 1.2
buffer and water. The switch to a buffer having a pH 6.8, however,
slowed down release. Accordingly, optimal media testing may be
water (pH of a solution containing approximately 22.5 mg Memantine
HCl in water is 7.7, consistent with a dilute solution of a base
that has a pKa of about 9-10).
[0151] Formulation of Memantine HCl SR Capsules as Coated Pellets
(22.5 mg)
[0152] Memantine was formulated as shown in the table below.
TABLE-US-00026 Qty/unit Ingredients (mg) Memantine Hydrochloride
22.5 HPMC 5 cps 9.5 Non-pareils (Celpheres) 90.0 Isopropyl alcohol
q.s. Dichloromethane q.s Total 122.0
[0153] The memantine pellets were next coated using a Wurster
coater. The Ethylcellulose: HPMC ratios of coating formulation I
and coating formulation II were 9:1 and 8:2, respectively (see
table below).
TABLE-US-00027 % Ingredients Coating Formula I Coating Formula II
Ethylcellulose 7 cps 8.10 6.46 HPMC 5 cps 0.92 1.61 Miglyol 812 N
0.42 0.32 Isopropyl alcohol 72.54 67.31 Dichloromethane 18.02 24.30
Coating levels (%) 8.7, 11.2, 13.0 & 16.5 8.0, 11.6, 14.4 &
16.11
[0154] Once coated, the memantine pellets were encapsulated by hand
filling, such. Each capsule contained 22.5 mg of memantine. The
capsule size was `3.`
[0155] The dissolution profiles of the above formulations were next
determined with a USP II (Paddle) system, using water (500 mL) as a
dissolution medium at 50 rpm. Different coating levels (% w/w) were
employed. The release profile of each memantine capsule (22.5 mg)
was determined at 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, and 12 hours (see tables
below).
[0156] Release Data of Memantine HCl SR Capsules 22.5 mg Filled
with Pellets Coated with Coating Formula I at Different Coating
Levels (% w/w)
TABLE-US-00028 Time (hours) 8.70% 11.20% 13% 16.50% 0 0 0 0 0 1 11
8 6 4 2 34 23 18 11 4 69 51 41 28 6 82 68 57 42 8 88 76 67 54 12 95
86 80 68
[0157] Release Data of Memantine HCl SR Capsules 22.5 mg Filled
with Pellets Coated with Coating Formula II at Different Coating
Levels (% w/w)
TABLE-US-00029 Time (Hours) 8% 11.60% 14.40% 16.60% 0 0 0 0 0 1 30
14 11 5 2 65 39 31 17 4 93 69 63 40 6 99 83 76 57 8 100 90 86 65 12
100 99 95 83
[0158] Drug release was sustained up to 12 hours, in a non-linear
fashion. In most cases, pellets showed faster release after 2
hours. To linearise the release profile up to 12 hours with around
100% drug release, drug layering and coating compositions may be
varied.
Example 16: Predicted Plasma Profile of Memantine Sustained
Release
[0159] Using the formulations and dissolution profiles described in
Example 14, the serum concentrations resulting from single or
multiple administrations of memantine were calculated using the
pharmacokinetic software, GastroPlus, from Simulations Plus (see
FIG. 2D). The administration of either of the sustained release
formulations achieves a therapeutically effective steady state
serum concentration much sooner than with Namenda (13 days versus
30 days from the start of treatment therapy). Furthermore, the
initial slope of the sustained release formulation is less than the
slope obtained with the immediate release formulation.
Example 17: Patch Providing Extended Release of Memantine
[0160] As described above, extended release formulations of an NMDA
antagonist may be formulated for topical administration. Memantine
transdermal patch formulations may be prepared as described, for
example, in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,770,295 and 6,746,689, hereby
incorporated by reference.
[0161] For the preparation of a drug-in-adhesive acrylate, 5 g of
memantine is dissolved in 11 g of ethanol and is added to 20 g of
Durotak 387-2287 (National Starch & Chemical, U.S.A.). The drug
gel is coated onto a backing membrane (Scotchpak 1012; 3M Corp.,
U.S.A.) using a coating equipment (e.g., RK Print Coat Instr. Ltd,
Type KCC 202 control coater). The wet layer thickness is 400 .mu.m.
The laminate is dried for 20 minutes at room temperature and then
for 30 minutes at 40.degree. C. A polyester release liner is
laminated onto the dried drug gel. The sheet is cut into patches
and stored at 2-8.degree. C. until use (packed in pouches). The
concentration of memantine in the patches ranges between 5.6 and 8
mg/cm2.
Example 18: Patch Providing Extended Release of Memantine
[0162] A patch allowing the extended release of memantine may be
prepared as follows. The matrix patch is composed of 1 mm thick
polyolefin foam (as an occlusive backing) coated with an acrylate
matrix that includes a mixture of memantine and an
intradermal-penetration agent in an acrylate polymer. The matrix is
prepared by mixing memantine (20 weight percent); acrylate polymer
(Durotak.RTM. 387-2052, 75 weight percent); intradermal-penetration
agent; aluminumacetylacetonate (Al(ACAC).sup.3, 0.4 weight percent,
as a crosslinker); and ethanol until homogeneous. The homogeneous
mixture is then coated on polyolefin foil with a hand-coater
machine to an average thickness of about 270 .mu.m. The coated foil
is dried for about one hour at about 50.degree. C. to evaporate the
ethanol. The resulting patch weighs approximately 50 g/m.sup.2
dry.
Example 19: Determination of Increased-Dose Tolerability for
Memantine SR Formulations
[0163] A study to determine safety and tolerability of increased
dosing for Memantine SR is described below. The study results are
expected establish a maximum administerable dose greater than 20 mg
when given once per day, as well as confirm tolerability of a
non-dose escalating dosing regimen (i.e., administration of
substantially identical doses of memantine throughout the term of
dosing).
TABLE-US-00030 Purpose Multiple Dose Tolerability Dosage: 11.25,
22.5, 33.75, 45.0, 56.25, 67.5, 78.75 and 90.0 mg memantine SR
Concurrent Control: Placebo Route: Oral Subject Population:
Healthy, drug-naive male subjects Structure: Placebo-controlled,
Sequential dose escalation in Study Sites: Single center Blinding:
Open label Method of Subject Assignment: Subjects in each Cohort
will be randomized to either active drug (n = 8-10) or placebo (n =
2) Total Sample Size: 80-100 subjects Primary Efficacy Endpoint:
None Adverse Events: Monitored with reports by clinic personnel at
least 2 or 3 times per day throughout the study, as well as
volunteered by subjects. Blood Collection Blood sampling and plasma
preparations at the following time points: Day 1: 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 6,
7, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 20 Days 2-6: pre-dose trough Day 7: 0, 1, 2,
3, 4, 6, 7, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 20, 24, 48, 72, 96, 120, 144, and
168 hours Analysis Adverse events (including dizziness, headache,
confusion, constipation, hypertension, coughing), tolerability,
Pharmacokinetics
Example 20: Determination of Increased-Dose Tolerability for
Amantadine SR Formulations
[0164] A study to determine safety and tolerability of increased
dosing for Amantadine SR is described below. The study results are
expected establish a maximum administerable dose greater than 200
mg when given once per day, as well as confirm tolerability of a
non-dose escalating dosing regimen (i.e., administration of
substantially identical doses of memantine throughout the term of
dosing).
TABLE-US-00031 Purpose Multiple Dose Tolerability Dosage: 100, 200,
300, 400, 500, 600, 700, and 800 mg amantadine SR Concurrent
Control: Placebo Route: Oral Subject Population: Healthy,
drug-naive male subjects Structure: Placebo-controlled, Sequential
dose escalation Study Sites: Single center Blinding: Open label
Method of Subject Assignment: Subjects in each Cohort will be
randomized to either active drug (n = 8) or placebo (n = 2) Total
Sample Size: 80-100 subjects Primary Efficacy Endpoint: None
Adverse Events: Monitored with reports by clinic personnel at least
2 or 3 times per day throughout the study, as well as volunteered
by subjects. Blood Collection Blood sampling and plasma
preparations at the following time points: Day 1: 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 6,
7, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 20 Days 2-6: pre-dose trough Day 7: 0, 1, 2,
3, 4, 6, 7, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 20, 24, 48, 72, 96, 120, 144, and
168 hours Analysis Adverse events (including dizziness, headache,
confusion, constipation, hypertension, coughing), tolerability,
Pharmacokinetics
Example 21: Treating NMDA-Receptor Related Disorders with
Controlled Release Formulations
[0165] A patient diagnosed with dementia of the Alzheimer's type is
administered 22.5 mg of memantine in a sustained release
formulation (e.g., formulated as described in Example 13) once a
day. Memantine plasma concentrations can be determined using HPLC
coupled to mass spectrometric detection as described in Periclou et
al., Annals of Pharmacotherapy 38:1389-94 (2004). A therapeutically
effective steady state serum concentration is reached within ten
days of the start of this therapy.
Example 22: Treating Major Depression
[0166] A patient diagnosed with Major Depression is administered
22.5 mg or more, up to a maximum tolerated dose (as determined
using the protocol in Example 20) of memantine formulated as
described in Example 13, once daily. A therapeutically effective
steady state serum concentration is reached within ten days of the
start of this therapy.
Example 23: Treating Dyskinesia in Patients with Parkinson's
Disease
[0167] A Parkinson's patient experiencing dyskinesia is
administered a daily dose of 400 mg of a sustained released
amantadine formulation. Improvements in dyskinesia are measured
using UPDRS scoring.
Example 24: Clinical Trial to Compare Memantine SR Formulation to
Namenda.RTM. in Patients with Alzheimer's Disease or Refractory
Depression
TABLE-US-00032 [0168] Protocol Objective: Confirm the improvement
in onset to efficacy for a QD, non-dose escalating treatment
regimen Inclusion Criteria: Chosen from the following indications:
Alzheimer's - moderate to severe AD patients (see Tariot et al.,
JAMA 291: 317-24 (2004)) Refractory depression/MADD - unresponsive
to SSRIs, HamD 20-24. (see Mann N Engl J Med 353: 1819-34 (2005),
Berman Biol Psychiatry 47: 351-4 (2000), Gauthier et al., Int J
Geriatr Psychiatry 20, 459-64 (2005)) Dosage: 22.5 mg (20 mg
delivered) Memantine SR given once per day from the onset of
therapy; Concurrent Control: 10 mg Memantine IR given twice per day
after manufacturer's recommended dose escalation Route: Orally or
transdermally Blinding: Double blinding Total Sample Size: 120
patients and 120 controls for each indication group Primary
Efficacy Endpoint: HAMD, MADRS, NPI measured at weekly visits
Secondary Efficacy Endpoint: Fatigue
[0169] In each of the above active controlled, double blind trial,
the time required to reach a steady state plasma therapeutic level
for Memantine SR is compared to that of memantine IR. Patients are
screened against the inclusion criteria and admitted to the trial
population. After a 4 week washout of interfering medications,
patients are scored at baseline and administered the test
medication in a blinded fashion using an over-encapsulation
procedure. Measurements of the endpoints are made at weekly
intervals on each patient.
[0170] Based on our computer simulations, patients receiving a full
dose of Memantine SR are expected to reach steady state in 8 days,
rather than the 40 days required in patients being administered
memantine IR. Thus, beneficial effects are expected earlier in
their treatment course.
Example 25: Clinical Trial to Assess Efficacy of Amantadine SR
formulation in Patients with Multiple
[0171] Sclerosis.
TABLE-US-00033 Protocol Objective: Confirm the improvement in
depression, neuropsychiatric complications, and fatigue for a QD,
non-dose escalating treatment regimen of amantadine Inclusion
Criteria: MS - relapsing/remitting on interferon treatment with
concomitant fatigue (see Bashki et al., Mult Scler 6: 181-5 (2000),
Siegert et al., J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry 76: 469-75 (2005))
Dosage: 400 mg Amantadine SR given once per day from the onset of
therapy. Concurrent Control: Placebo Route: Orally Blinding: Double
blinding Total Sample Size: 40 patients and 40 controls Primary
Efficacy Endpoint: HAMD, MADRS, NPI measured at weekly visits
Secondary Efficacy Endpoint: Fatigue
[0172] In each of the above active controlled, double blind trial,
Amantadine SR is compared to placebo to measure the effect.
Patients are screened against the inclusion criteria and admitted
to the trial population. After a 4 week washout of interfering
medications, patients are scored at baseline and administered the
test medication in a blinded fashion using an overcapsulation
procedure. Measurements of the endpoints are made at weekly
intervals on each patient.
[0173] Patients receiving the Amantadine SR are expected to show an
improved score in the test criteria correlating to an improvement
in depression or fatigue.
Example 26: Clinical Trial to Assess Efficacy of Amantadine SR
Formulation in Patients with Drug Induced Dyskinesia
TABLE-US-00034 [0174] Title: High Dose Amantadine for the treatment
of Drug-Induced Dyskinesia Study Phase: II Purpose This study will
evaluate the effects of amantadine on Parkinson's disease symptoms
and on dyskinesias (involuntary movements) that develop as a result
of long- term levodopa treatment. Amantadine inhibits the activity
of glutamate which is thought to be elevated in patients with
Parkinson's disease. The study objective is to test the hypothesis
that blockade of glutamate receptors by high doses of amantadine
will lessen the severity of Parkinsonian signs and
levodopa-associated motor response complications in PD patients to
a greater extent than current amantadine doses and dose forms. Name
of Drug: Amantadine SR Dosage: 400 mg QD Concurrent Control:
Symmetrel (amantadine immediate release) Route: Oral Subject
Population: Patients with relatively advanced Parkinson's disease
and dyskinesias who are between 30 and 80 years of age having a
URPDS-3 score of between 16 and 20. Candidates are screened with a
complete medical history and physical examination, neurological
evaluation, blood and urine tests, and electrocardiogram (ECG).
Structure: Two arm study, treatment and placebo arms. Study Sites:
Multiple Blinding: Double blind Method of Subject Assignment:
Random Total Sample Size: 40 patients per arm Study Term Two weeks
Primary Efficacy Endpoint: Parkinsonian symptoms and choreiform
dyskinesias are scored every 10 minutes by a masked neurologist
using an abbreviated UPDRS-3 rating scale. A modified abnormal
movement scale (AIMS) describing involuntary movements in all
extremities and trunk and face on a scale from 1-4. Secondary
Efficacy Endpoints: Efficacy is assessed using validated motor
function scales. Safety is monitored by means of frequent clinical
evaluations and laboratory tests. Adverse Events: Standard battery
of AE assessments collected throughout study period Blood
Collection: To determine blood levels of amantadine, samples are
drawn intermittently throughout the study. Analysis: Standard
assays to determine concentration of amantadine in blood
samples.
Other Embodiments
[0175] While the invention has been described in conjunction with
the detailed description thereof, the foregoing description is
intended to illustrate and not limit the scope of the invention,
which is defined by the scope of the appended claims. Other
aspects, advantages, and modifications are within the scope of the
following claims.
* * * * *