U.S. patent application number 16/040691 was filed with the patent office on 2018-11-15 for thermoformed, tamper-resistant pharmaceutical dosage form containing zinc.
This patent application is currently assigned to GRUNENTHAL GMBH. The applicant listed for this patent is GRUNENTHAL GMBH. Invention is credited to LUTZ BARNSCHEID, JULIA BARONSKY-PROBST, ERIC GALIA, ANJA GEI LER, JANA PATZ, SEBASTIAN SCHWIER.
Application Number | 20180326067 16/040691 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 49549098 |
Filed Date | 2018-11-15 |
United States Patent
Application |
20180326067 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
BARNSCHEID; LUTZ ; et
al. |
November 15, 2018 |
THERMOFORMED, TAMPER-RESISTANT PHARMACEUTICAL DOSAGE FORM
CONTAINING ZINC
Abstract
A thermoformed, tamper-resistant pharmaceutical dosage form
comprises: a) a pharmacologically active ingredient; b) a
polyalkylene oxide having a weight average molecular weight of more
than 200,000 g/mol; and c) a zinc component, wherein the content of
said zinc component is at least 1 ppm, relative to the total weight
of the pharmaceutical dosage form. When the pharmacologically
active ingredient is effective against pain, the pharmaceutical
dosage form may be used in a method of treating pain. When the
pharmacologically active ingredient has abuse potential, the
pharmaceutical dosage form may be used in a method of reducing the
incidence of the abuse of said pharmacologically active
ingredient.
Inventors: |
BARNSCHEID; LUTZ;
(Monchengladbach, DE) ; GALIA; ERIC; (Aachen,
DE) ; GEI LER; ANJA; (Stolberg, DE) ; PATZ;
JANA; (Bonn, DE) ; SCHWIER; SEBASTIAN;
(Aachen, DE) ; BARONSKY-PROBST; JULIA; (Aachen,
DE) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
GRUNENTHAL GMBH |
Aachen |
|
DE |
|
|
Assignee: |
GRUNENTHAL GMBH
Aachen
DE
|
Family ID: |
49549098 |
Appl. No.: |
16/040691 |
Filed: |
July 20, 2018 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
13891306 |
May 10, 2013 |
10064945 |
|
|
16040691 |
|
|
|
|
61645659 |
May 11, 2012 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61K 47/10 20130101;
A61K 9/2031 20130101; A61K 31/137 20130101; A61K 9/2054
20130101 |
International
Class: |
A61K 47/10 20060101
A61K047/10; A61K 9/20 20060101 A61K009/20; A61K 31/137 20060101
A61K031/137 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
May 11, 2012 |
EP |
12 003 743.7 |
Claims
1. A thermoformed, tamper-resistant pharmaceutical dosage form
comprising: a) a pharmacologically active ingredient; b) a
polyalkylene oxide having a weight average molecular weight of more
than 200,000 g/mol; and c) a zinc component, wherein the content of
said zinc component is at least 1 ppm, relative to the total weight
of the pharmaceutical dosage form.
2. The pharmaceutical dosage form according to claim 1, which
comprises a polyalkylene oxide composition comprising the
polyalkylene oxide and the zinc component, and/or wherein the
content of said zinc component is in the range of from 0.01 to 1
mol-% based on the zinc atom content per mol of alkylene oxide
units contained in the polyalkylene oxide.
3. The pharmaceutical dosage form according to claim 2, wherein the
polyalkylene oxide is obtainable by polymerizing alkylene oxide in
presence of the zinc component.
4. The pharmaceutical dosage form according to claim 2, wherein an
aqueous dispersion of the pure polyalkylene oxide composition in
pure water at 25.degree. C. and at a concentration of 1 wt.-% has a
pH value of at most 7.7.
5. The pharmaceutical dosage form according to claim 2, wherein the
content of said zinc component is at least 10 ppm relative to the
total weight of the polyalkylene oxide composition.
6. The pharmaceutical dosage form according to claim 1, which has a
breaking strength of at least 300 N.
7. The pharmaceutical dosage form according to claim 1, wherein the
content of the zinc component is at most 10,000 ppm, relative to
the total weight of the pharmaceutical dosage form.
8. The pharmaceutical dosage form according to claim 1, wherein the
pharmacologically active ingredient is an opioid.
9. The pharmaceutical dosage form according to claim 1, wherein the
pharmacologically active ingredient is embedded in a
controlled-release matrix comprising the polyalkylene oxide and the
zinc component.
10. The pharmaceutical dosage form according to claim 1, which is
monolithic or multiparticulate.
11. The pharmaceutical dosage form according to claim 1, which is
melt-extruded.
12. The pharmaceutical dosage form according to claim 1, which is
adapted for administration once daily, twice daily or thrice
daily.
13. A process for the manufacture of a pharmaceutical dosage form
according to claim 1 comprising the steps of: (a) mixing the
pharmacologically active ingredient, the polyalkylene oxide
composition, and optionally present excipients to obtain a mixture;
and (b) press-forming the mixture obtained in step (a) with
preceding, simultaneous, or subsequent exposure to heat.
14. The process according to claim 13, wherein step (b) is
performed by means of an extruder.
15. A pharmaceutical dosage form obtainable by the process of claim
13.
16. A method of treating pain in a patient in need thereof, said
method comprising administering to said patient a pharmaceutical
dosage form according to claim 1, said pharmaceutical dosage form
comprising a pharmacologically active ingredient effective to treat
pain.
17. A method of reducing the incidence of drug abuse of a
pharmacologically active ingredient with abuse potential, said
method comprising providing said pharmacologically active
ingredient in the form of a pharmaceutical dosage form according to
claim 1.
Description
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 13/891,306 filed May 10, 2013, which claims
priority of Provisional Patent Application No. 61/645,659, filed on
May 11, 2012, and European Patent Application No. 12 003 743.7,
filed on May 11, 2012, the entire contents of which patent
applications are incorporated herein by reference.
[0002] The invention relates to a thermoformed, tamper-resistant
pharmaceutical dosage form comprising a pharmacologically active
ingredient; a polyalkylene oxide having a weight average molecular
weight of more than 200,000 g/mol; and a zinc component, wherein
the content of said zinc component is at least 1 ppm, relative to
the total weight of the pharmaceutical dosage form.
[0003] Many pharmacologically active ingredients have a potential
of being abused and thus, are advantageously provided in form of
tamper resistant pharmaceutical dosage forms. Prominent examples of
such pharmacologically active ingredients are opioids.
[0004] It is known that abusers crush conventional tablets, which
contain opioids, to defeat the time-release "micro-encapsulation"
and then ingest the resulting powder orally, intra-nasally,
rectally, or by injection.
[0005] Various concepts for the avoidance of pharmacologically
active ingredient abuse have been developed. One concept relies on
the mechanical properties of the pharmaceutical dosage forms,
particularly an increased breaking strength (resistance to
crushing). The major advantage of such pharmaceutical dosage forms
is that comminuting, particularly pulverization, by conventional
means, such as grinding in a mortar or fracturing by means of a
hammer, is impossible or at least substantially impeded.
[0006] Such pharmaceutical dosage forms are useful for avoiding
pharmacologically active ingredient abuse of the pharmacologically
active ingredient contained therein, as they may not be powdered by
conventional means and thus, cannot be administered in powdered
form, e.g. nasally. The mechanical properties, particularly the
high breaking strength of these pharmaceutical dosage forms renders
them tamper resistant. In the context of such tamper-resistant
pharmaceutical dosage forms it can be referred to, e.g., WO
2005/016313, WO 2005/016314, WO 2005/063214, WO 2005/102286, WO
2006/002883, WO 2006/002884 (corresponding to US 2006/0002860), WO
2006/002886, WO 2006/082097, WO 2006/082099, WO 2008/107149, WO
2009/092601, and WO 2011/009 603.
[0007] Methods and compositions for deterring abuse of orally
administered pharmaceutical products are disclosed in WO 2006/058
249 and EP 2 402 004.
[0008] The release kinetics of the pharmacologically active
ingredients from such tamper-resistant dosage forms is an important
factor. It is well known that depending on how a pharmaceutically
pharmacologically active ingredient is formulated into a tablet its
release pattern can be modified.
[0009] On the one hand, formulations providing immediate release
upon oral administration have the advantage that they lead to a
fast release of the pharmacologically active ingredient in the
gastrointestinal tract. As a result, a comparatively high dose of
the pharmacologically active ingredient is quickly absorbed leading
to high plasma levels within a short period of time and resulting
in a rapid onset of medicinal action, i.e. medicinal action begins
shortly after administration. At the same time, however, a rapid
reduction in the medicinal action is observed, because
metabolization and/or excretion of the pharmacologically active
ingredient cause a decrease of plasma levels. For that reason,
formulations providing immediate release of pharmacologically
active ingredients typically need to be administered frequently,
e.g. six times per day. This may cause comparatively high peak
plasma pharmacologically active ingredient concentrations and high
fluctuations between peak and trough plasma pharmacologically
active ingredient concentrations which in turn may deteriorate
tolerability.
[0010] Controlled release (e.g. delayed release, prolonged release,
sustained release, and the like) may be based upon various concepts
such as coating the pharmaceutical dosage form with a controlled
release membrane, embedding the pharmacologically active ingredient
in a matrix, binding the pharmacologically active ingredient to an
ion-exchange resin, forming a complex of the pharmacologically
active ingredient, and the like. In this context it can be referred
to, e.g., W. A. Ritschel, Die Tablette, 2. Auflage, Editio Cantor
Verlag Aulendorf, 2002.
[0011] In comparison to formulations providing immediate release,
formulations providing prolonged release upon oral administration
have the advantage that they need to be administered less
frequently, typically once daily or twice daily. This can reduce
peak plasma pharmacologically active ingredient concentrations and
fluctuations between peak and trough plasma pharmacologically
active ingredient concentrations which in turn may improve
tolerability.
[0012] The ideal goal in designing a prolonged-release system is to
deliver the pharmacologically active ingredient to the desired site
at a rate according to the needs of the body. In the absence of
feed-back control, one is left with a simple prolonging effect,
where the pivotal question is at what rate a pharmacologically
active ingredient should be delivered to maintain a constant blood
pharmacologically active ingredient level. This constant rate
should be the same as that achieved by continuous intravenous
infusion where a pharmacologically active ingredient is provided to
the patient at a constant rate just equal to its rate of
elimination. This implies that the rate of delivery must be
independent from the amount of pharmacologically active ingredient
remaining in the pharmaceutical dosage form and constant
overtime.
[0013] A perfectly invariant pharmacologically active ingredient
blood or tissue level versus time profile is the ideal starting
goal of a prolonged-release system. The way to achieve this, in the
simplest case, is use of a maintenance dose that releases its
pharmacologically active ingredient by zero-order kinetics.
[0014] U.S. Pat. No. 5,082,668 discloses an osmotically driven
dosage form, namely a device comprising a wall that surrounds a
compartment. The compartment comprises a beneficial agent
composition and a push composition. A passageway in the wall
connects the compartment with the exterior of the device for
delivering the beneficial agent at a rate governed, in combination,
by the wall, the beneficial agent composition and the push
composition through the passageway of the device over time.
[0015] U.S. Pat. No. 7,300,668 relates to a dosage form comprising:
a three-dimensionally printed innermost region comprising a first
regional concentration of at least one active pharmaceutical
ingredient; and plural three-dimensionally printed non-innermost
regions in nested arrangement and comprising: a) one or more nested
internal regions, wherein an internal region completely surrounds
and is in contact with the innermost regions, and any other
internal region present completely surrounds another internal
region located to the interior thereof; and b) an outermost region
completely surrounding an internal region, wherein the internal and
outermost regions are in nested arrangement, wherein the at least
one active pharmaceutical ingredient is released in approximately a
zero-order release.
[0016] WO 2008/086804 discloses abuse resistant polyglycol-based
pharmaceutical compositions. The composition contains one or more
polyglycols and one or more active substances and it is resistant
to crushing, melting and/or extraction. Moreover, such compositions
have the same or lower solubility in ethanolic-aqueous medium, i.e.
they are not subject to ethanol-induced dose dumping effect.
[0017] WO 2008/148798 discloses a layered pharmaceutical
composition suitable for oral use in the treatment of diseases
where absorption takes place over a large part of the
gastrointestinal tract.
[0018] WO 03/024426 discloses a controlled release pharmaceutical
composition for oral use comprising a solid dispersion of: i) at
least one therapeutically, prophylactically and/or diagnostically
active substance, which at least partially is in an amorphous form,
ii) a pharmaceutically acceptable polymer that has plasticizing
properties, and iii) optionally, a stabilizing agent, the at least
one active substance having a limited water solubility, and the
composition being designed to release the active substance with a
substantially zero order release. Zero order release is provided by
a coating that remains intact during the release phase and covers
the matrix composition in such a manner that only a specific
surface area is subject to erosion. Thereby the surface area from
which the active substance is released is kept substantially
constant during the time period.
[0019] WO 2010/057036 discloses a solid composition and methods for
making and using the solid composition are provided. The solid
composition comprises: (a) at least one active agent with a
solubility of less than about 0.3 mg/ml in an aqueous solution with
a pH of at most about 6.8 at a temperature of about 37.degree. C.;
and (b) a hydrophilic polymer matrix composition comprising: i) a
hydrophilic polymer selected from the group consisting of
METHOCEL.RTM., POLYOX.RTM. WSR 1105 and combinations thereof; and
optionally ii) a hydrophobic polymer selected from the group
consisting of Ethocel 20 premium; and (c) an alkalizer selected
from the group consisting of calcium carbonate, magnesium oxide
heavy and sodium bicarbonate; wherein the composition provides at
least about 70% release of the active between about 7 to about 12
hours following oral administration.
[0020] WO 2005/105036 discloses controlled release oral
pharmaceutical mucoadhesive matrix formulation containing a
therapeutically effective amount of tolterodine or its
pharmaceutically acceptable salts, prodrugs and metabolites thereof
dispersed in a rate controlling polymeric matrix comprising (1) a
pH independent gelling polymer, such as polyethylene oxide, (2) a
pH dependent gelling polymer, such as sodium of
carboxymethylcellulose, (3) a film coating polymer component, such
as Eudragit RS100 and other conventional tablet functional
excipients.
[0021] V. Pillay et al., Journal of Controlled Release, 67 (2000)
67-78 disclose an approach for constant rate delivery of highly
soluble bioactives from a simple monolithic system prepared by
direct compression at ambient conditions.
[0022] M. E. McNeill et al., J Biomater Sci Polym 1996, 7(11),
953-63 relate to properties controlling the diffusion and release
of water-soluble solutes from poly(ethylene oxide) hydrogels. Part
4 deals with extended constant rate release from partly-coated
spheres.
[0023] D. Henrist et al. relate to in vitro and in vivo evaluation
of starch-based hot stage extruded double matrix systems. The
objective of developing a double matrix system consisting of a hot
stage extruded starch pipe surrounding a hot stage extruded and
drug-containing starch core, was to obtain a monolithic matrix
system applicable in the domain of sustained drug release. The
behaviour of the systems was evaluated through dissolution testing
and through a randomised crossover bioavailability study on nine
male volunteers. All double matrix systems showed in vitro a nearly
constant drug release profile after an initial slower release phase
of 4 h. This initial slower release phase was avoided by loading
the starch pipe with a small amount of drug.
[0024] L. Yang et al., J. Pharm. Sciences, 85(2), 1996, 170-173
relate to zero-order release kinetics from a self-correcting
floatable asymmetric configuration drug delivery system.
[0025] It is an object of the invention to provide pharmaceutical
dosage forms having advantages compared to pharmaceutical dosage
forms of the prior art.
[0026] This object has been achieved by the subject-matter
described hereinbelow.
[0027] It has been surprisingly found that polyalkylene oxide
compositions which are composed of a polyalkylene oxide having a
weight average molecular weight of more than 200,000 g/mol and a
zinc component are useful in the manufacture of pharmaceutical
dosage forms and have advantages compared to the polyalkylene oxide
compositions of the prior art. In particular, it has been
surprisingly found that aqueous dispersions of polyalkylene oxide
compositions which are composed of a polyalkylene oxide having a
weight average molecular weight of more than 200,000 g/mol and a
zinc component have lower pH values than aqueous dispersions of
polyakylene oxide compositions containing substantially no zinc
component. It appears that the lower pH value can enhance the
stability of the pharmacologically active ingredients and the
polyalkylene oxide polymers that are contained in the
pharmaceutical dosage forms. Thus, there is evidence that
polyalkylene oxide compositions which are composed of a
polyalkylene oxide having a weight average molecular weight of more
than 200,000 g/mol and a zinc component have positive effects on
the shelf life of the pharmaceutical dosage forms.
[0028] A first aspect of the invention relates to a thermoformed,
tamper-resistant pharmaceutical dosage form comprising [0029] a) a
pharmacologically active ingredient; [0030] b) a polyalkylene oxide
having a weight average molecular weight of more than 200,000
g/mol; and [0031] c) a zinc component, wherein the content of said
zinc component is at least 1 ppm, relative to the total weight of
the pharmaceutical dosage form.
[0032] The pharmaceutical dosage form according to the invention
contains a pharmacologically active ingredient.
[0033] For the purpose of specification, the term
"pharmacologically active ingredient" may refer to either one or
more pharmacologically active ingredients. There are generally no
limitations as to the pharmacologically active ingredient
(pharmacologically active compound) which can be incorporated into
the pharmaceutical dosage form according to the invention.
[0034] In a preferred embodiment, the pharmaceutical dosage form
contains only a single pharmacologically active ingredient. In
another preferred embodiment, the pharmaceutical dosage form
contains a combination of two or more pharmacologically active
ingredients.
[0035] Preferably, the pharmacologically active ingredient has
potential for being abused. Pharmacologically active ingredients
with potential for being abused are known to the person skilled in
the art and comprise e.g. tranquillizers, stimulants, barbiturates,
narcotics, opioids or opioid derivatives.
[0036] Preferably, the pharmacologically active ingredient exhibits
psychotropic action.
[0037] Preferably, the pharmacologically active ingredient is
selected from the group consisting of opioids, stimulants,
tranquilizers, and other narcotics.
[0038] Particularly preferably, the pharmacologically active
ingredient is an opioid. According to the ATC index, opioids are
divided into natural opium alkaloids, phenylpiperidine derivatives,
diphenylpropylamine derivatives, benzomorphan derivatives,
oripavine derivatives, morphinan derivatives and others.
[0039] The following opioids, tranquillizers or other narcotics are
substances with a psychotropic action, i.e. have a potential of
abuse, and hence are preferably contained in the pharmaceutical
dosage form according to the invention: alfentanil, allobarbital,
allylprodine, alphaprodine, alprazolam, amfepramone, amphetamine,
amphetaminil, amobarbital, anileri-dine, apocodeine, axomadol,
barbital, bemidone, benzylmorphine, bezitramide, bromaze-pam,
brotizolam, buprenorphine, butobarbital, butorphanol, camazepam,
carfentanil, cathine/D-norpseudoephedrine, chlordiazepoxide,
clobazam clofedanol, clonazepam, clonita-zene, clorazepate,
clotiazepam, cloxazolam, cocaine, codeine, cyclobarbital,
cyclorphan, cyprenorphine, delorazepam, desomorphine,
dextromoramide, dextropropoxyphene, dezocine, diampromide,
diamorphone, diazepam, dihydrocodeine, dihydromorphine,
dihydro-morphone, dimenoxadol, dimephetamol, dimethylthiambutene,
dioxaphetylbutyrate, dipipa-none, dronabinol, eptazocine,
estazolam, ethoheptazine, ethylmethylthiambutene, ethyl
loflazepate, ethylmorphine, etonitazene, etorphine, faxeladol,
fencamfamine, fenethylline, fenpipramide, fenproporex, fentanyl,
fludiazepam, flunitrazepam, flurazepam, halazepam, haloxazolam,
heroin, hydrocodone, hydromorphone, hydroxypethidine, isomethadone,
hydroxymethylmorphinan, ketazolam, ketobemidone, levacetylmethadol
(LAAM), levo-methadone, levorphanol, levophenacylmorphane,
levoxemacin, lisdexamfetamine dimesylate, lofentanil, loprazolam,
lorazepam, lormetazepam, mazindol, medazepam, mefenorex,
meperidine, meprobamate, metapon, meptazinol, metazocine,
methylmorphine, metamphetamine, methadone, methaqualone,
3-methylfentanyl, 4-methylfentanyl, methylphenidate,
methylphenobarbital, methyprylon, metopon, midazolam, modafinil,
morphine, myrophine, nabilone, nalbuphene, nalorphine, narceine,
nicomorphine, nimetazepam, nitrazepam, nordazepam, norlevorphanol,
normethadone, normorphine, norpipanone, opium, oxazepam, oxazolam,
oxycodone, oxymorphone, Papaver somniferum, papaveretum, pernoline,
pentazocine, pentobarbital, pethidine, phenadoxone, phenomorphane,
phenazocine, phenoperidine, piminodine, pholcodeine, phenmetrazine,
phenobarbital, phentermine, pinazepam, pipradrol, piritramide,
prazepam, profadol, proheptazine, promedol, properidine,
propoxyphene, remifentanil, secbutabarbital, secobarbital,
sufentanil, tapentadol, temazepam, tetrazepam, tilidine (cis and
trans), tramadol, triazolam, vinylbital,
N-(1-methyl-2-piperidinoethyl)-N-(2-pyridyl)propionamide,
(1R,2R)-3-(3-dimethylamino-1-ethyl-2-methyl-propyl)phenol,
(1R,2R,4S)-2-(dimethylamino)-methyl-4-(p-fluorobenzyloxy)-1-(m-methoxyphe-
nyl)cyclohexanol,
(1R,2R)-3-(2-dimethylami-nomethyl-cyclohexyl)phenol,
(1S,2S)-3-(3-dimethylamino-1-ethyl-2-methyl-propyl)phenol,
(2R,3R)-1-dimethylamino-3(3-methoxyphenyl)-2-methyl-pentan-3-ol,
(1RS,3RS,6RS)-6-dimethylaminomethyl-1-(3-methoxyphenyl)-cyclohexane-1,3-d-
iol, preferably as racemate,
3-(2-dimethylaminomethyl-1-hydroxy-cyclohexyl)phenyl
2-(4-isobutyl-phenyl)propionate,
3-(2-dimethylaminomethyl-1-hydroxy-cyclohexyl)phenyl
2-(6-methoxy-naphthalen-2-yl)propionate,
3-(2-dimethylaminomethyl-cyclohex-1-enyl)-phenyl
2-(4-isobutyl-phenyl)propionate,
3-(2-dimethylaminomethyl-cyclohex-1-enyl)-phenyl
2-(6-methoxy-naphthalen-2-yl)propionate,
(RR-SS)-2-acetoxy-4-trifluoromethyl-benzoic acid
3-(2-dimethylaminomethyl-1-hydroxy-cyclohexyl)-phenyl ester,
(RR-SS)-2-hydroxy-4-trifluoromethyl-benzoic acid
3-(2-dimethylaminomethyl-1-hydroxy-cyclohexyl)-phenyl ester,
(RR-SS)-4-chloro-2-hydroxy-benzoic acid
3-(2-dimethylaminomethyl-1-hydroxy-cyclohexyl)-phenyl ester,
(RR-SS)-2-hydroxy-4-methyl-benzoic acid
3-(2-dimethylaminomethyl-1-hydroxy-cyclohexyl)-phenyl ester,
(RR-SS)-2-hydroxy-4-methoxy-benzoic acid
3-(2-dimethylaminomethyl-1-hydroxy-cyclohexyl)-phenyl ester,
(RR-SS)-2-hydroxy-5-nitro-benzoic acid
3-(2-dimethylaminomethyl-1-hydroxy-cyclohexyl)-phenyl ester,
(RR-SS)-2',4'-difluoro-3-hydroxy-biphenyl-4-carboxylic acid
3-(2-dimethylaminomethyl-1-hydroxy-cyclohexyl)-phenyl ester, and
corresponding stereoisomeric compounds, in each case the
corresponding derivatives thereof, physiologically acceptable
enantiomers, stereoisomers, diastereomers and racemates and the
physiologically acceptable derivatives thereof, e.g. ethers, esters
or amides, and in each case the physiologically acceptable
compounds thereof, in particular the acid or base addition salts
thereof and solvates, e.g. hydrochlorides.
[0040] In a preferred embodiment, the pharmaceutical dosage form
according to the invention contains an opioid selected from the
group consisting of DPI-125, M6G (CE-04-410), ADL-5859, CR-665,
NRP290 and sebacoyl dinalbuphine ester.
[0041] In a preferred embodiment, the pharmaceutical dosage form
according to the invention contains one pharmacologically active
ingredient or more pharmacologically active ingredients selected
from the group consisting of oxymorphone, hydromorphone, morphine
and the physiologically acceptable salts thereof.
[0042] In another preferred embodiment, the pharmacologically
active ingredient is selected from the group consisting of
tapentadol, faxeladol, axomadol and the physiologically acceptable
salts thereof.
[0043] In still another preferred embodiment, the pharmacologically
active ingredient is selected from the group consisting of
1,1-(3-dimethylamino-3-phenylpentamethylene)-6-fluoro-1,3,4,9-tetrahydrop-
yrano[3,4-b]indole, particularly its hemicitrate;
1,1-[3-dimethylamino-3-(2-thienyl)-pentamethylene]-1,3,4,9-tetrahydropyra-
no[3,4-b]indole, particularly its citrate; and
1,1-[3-dimethylamino-3-(2-thienyl)pentamethylene]-1,3,4,9-tetrahydropyran-
o[3,4-b]-6-fluoroindole, particularly its hemicitrate. These
compounds are known from, e.g., WO 2004/043967, WO 2005/066183.
[0044] The pharmacologically active ingredient may be present in
form of a physiologically acceptable salt, e.g. physiologically
acceptable acid addition salt.
[0045] Physiologically acceptable acid addition salts comprise any
acid addition salts which can conveniently be obtained by treating
the base form of the pharmacologically active ingredient with
appropriate organic and inorganic acids. Pharmacologically active
ingredients containing an acidic proton may be converted into their
non-toxic metal or amine addition salt forms by treatment with
appropriate organic and inorganic bases. The term addition salt
also comprises the hydrates and solvent addition forms which the
pharmacologically active ingredients are able to form. Examples of
such forms are e.g. hydrates, alcoholates and the like.
[0046] Unless explicitly stated otherwise, all amounts of the
pharmacologically active ingredient specified in the following are
given according to the corresponding amount of the free
compound.
[0047] The pharmacologically active ingredient is present in the
pharmaceutical dosage form in a therapeutically effective amount.
The amount that constitutes a therapeutically effective amount
varies according to the pharmacologically active ingredients being
used, the condition being treated, the severity of said condition,
the patient being treated, and whether the pharmaceutical dosage
form is designed for an immediate or retarded release. The amount
of pharmacologically active ingredient(s) used in the present
invention preferably ranges from about 0.01 wt.-% to about 95
wt.-%, more preferably from about 0.1 wt.-% to about 80 wt.-%, even
more preferably from about 1.0 wt.-% to about 50 wt.-%, yet more
preferably from about 1.5 wt.-% to about 30 wt.-%, and most
preferably from about 2.0 wt.-% to 20 wt.-%, based on the total
weight of the pharmaceutical dosage form.
[0048] The content of the pharmacologically active ingredient in
the pharmaceutical dosage form is not limited. The dose of the
pharmacologically active ingredient which is adapted for
administration preferably is in the range of 0.1 mg to 2,000 mg or
0.1 mg to 1,000 mg or 0.1 mg to 500 mg, more preferably in the
range of 1.0 mg to 400 mg, even more preferably in the range of 5.0
mg to 300 mg, and most preferably in the range of 10 mg to 250 mg.
In a preferred embodiment, the total amount of the
pharmacologically active ingredient which is contained in the
pharmaceutical dosage form is within the range of from 0.01 to 200
mg, more preferably 0.1 to 190 mg, still more preferably 1.0 to 180
mg, yet more preferably 1.5 to 160 mg, most preferably 2.0 to 100
mg and in particular 2.5 to 80 mg. In another preferred embodiment,
the total amount of the pharmacologically active ingredient that is
contained in the pharmaceutical dosage form is within the range of
from 10 to 500 mg, more preferably 12 to 450 mg, still more
preferably 14 to 400 mg, yet more preferably 16 to 350 mg, most
preferably 18 to 325 mg and in particular 20 to 300 mg.
[0049] Preferably, the content of the pharmacologically active
ingredient is within the range of from 0.01 to 80 wt.-%, more
preferably 0.1 to 50 wt.-%, still more preferably 1 to 25 wt.-%,
based on the total weight of the pharmaceutical dosage form. In a
preferred embodiment, the content of pharmacologically active
ingredient is within the range of from 7.+-.6 wt.-%, more
preferably 7.+-.5 wt.-%, still more preferably 5.+-.4 wt.-%, 7.+-.4
wt.-% or 9.+-.4 wt.-%, most preferably 5.+-.3 wt.-%, 7.+-.3 wt.-%
or 9.+-.3 wt.-%, and in particular 5.+-.2 wt.-%, 7.+-.2 wt.-% or
9.+-.2 wt.-%, based on the total weight of the pharmaceutical
dosage form. In another preferred embodiment, the content of
pharmacologically active ingredient is within the range of from
11.+-.10 wt.-%, more preferably 11.+-.9 wt.-%, still more
preferably 9.+-.6 wt.-%, 11.+-.6 wt.-%, 13.+-.6 wt.-% or 15.+-.6
wt.-%, most preferably 11.+-.4 wt.-%, 13.+-.4 wt.-% or 15.+-.4
wt.-%, and in particular 11.+-.2 wt.-%, 13.+-.2 wt.-% or 15.+-.2
wt.-%, based on the total weight of the pharmaceutical dosage form.
In a further preferred embodiment, the content of pharmacologically
active ingredient is within the range of from 20.+-.6 wt.-%, more
preferably 20.+-.5 wt.-%, still more preferably 20.+-.4 wt.-%, most
preferably 20.+-.3 wt.-%, and in particular 20.+-.2 wt.-%, based on
the total weight of the pharmaceutical dosage form.
[0050] In a preferred embodiment, the pharmacologically active
ingredient is contained in the pharmaceutical dosage form in an
amount of 7.5.+-.5 mg, 10.+-.5 mg, 20.+-.5 mg, 30.+-.5 mg, 40.+-.5
mg, 50.+-.5 mg, 60.+-.5 mg, 70.+-.5 mg, 80.+-.5 mg, 90.+-.5 mg,
100.+-.5 mg, 110.+-.5 mg, 120.+-.5 mg, 130.+-.5, 140.+-.5 mg,
150.+-.5 mg, 160.+-.5 mg, 170.+-.5 mg, 180.+-.5 mg, 190.+-.5 mg,
200.+-.5 mg, 210.+-.5 mg, 220.+-.5 mg, 230.+-.5 mg, 240.+-.5 mg, or
250.+-.5 mg. In another preferred embodiment, the pharmacologically
active ingredient is contained in the pharmaceutical dosage form in
an amount of 5.+-.2.5 mg, 7.5.+-.2.5 mg, 10.+-.2.5 mg, 15.+-.2.5
mg, 20.+-.2.5 mg, 25.+-.2.5 mg, 30.+-.2.5 mg, 35.+-.2.5 mg,
40.+-.2.5 mg, 45.+-.2.5 mg, 50.+-.2.5 mg, 55.+-.2.5 mg, 60.+-.2.5
mg, 65.+-.2.5 mg, 70.+-.2.5 mg, 75.+-.2.5 mg, 80.+-.2.5 mg,
85.+-.2.5 mg, 90.+-.2.5 mg, 95.+-.2.5 mg, 100.+-.2.5 mg, 105.+-.2.5
mg, 110.+-.2.5 mg, 115.+-.2.5 mg, 120.+-.2.5 mg, 125.+-.2.5 mg,
130.+-.2.5 mg, 135.+-.2.5 mg, 140.+-.2.5 mg, 145.+-.2.5 mg,
150.+-.2.5 mg, 155.+-.2.5 mg, 160.+-.2.5 mg, 165.+-.2.5 mg,
170.+-.2.5 mg, 175.+-.2.5 mg, 180.+-.2.5 mg, 185.+-.2.5 mg,
190.+-.2.5 mg, 195.+-.2.5 mg, 200.+-.2.5 mg, 205.+-.2.5 mg,
210.+-.2.5 mg, 215.+-.2.5 mg, 220.+-.2.5 mg, 225.+-.2.5 mg,
230.+-.2.5 mg, 235.+-.2.5 mg, 240.+-.2.5 mg, 245.+-.2.5 mg, or
250.+-.2.5 mg. In still another preferred embodiment, the
pharmacologically active ingredient is contained in the
pharmaceutical dosage form in an amount of 250.+-.10 mg, 275.+-.10
mg, 300.+-.10 mg, 325.+-.10 mg, 350.+-.10 mg, 375.+-.10 mg,
400.+-.10 mg, 425.+-.10 mg, 450.+-.10 mg, 475.+-.10 mg, 500.+-.10
mg, 525.+-.10 mg, 550.+-.10 mg, 575.+-.10 mg or 600.+-.10 mg.
[0051] Preferably, the pharmaceutically dosage form provides a
release of the pharmacologically active ingredient after 1 hour of
preferably at most 60%, more preferably at most 40%, yet more
preferably at most 30%, still more preferably at most 20% and most
preferably at most 17%; after 2 hours preferably at most 80%, more
preferably at most 60%, yet more preferably at most 50%, still more
preferably at most 40% and most preferably at most 32%; after 3
hours preferably at most 85%, more preferably at most 65%, yet more
preferably at most 55%, still more preferably at most 48% and most
preferably at most 42%; after 4 hours preferably at most 90%, more
preferably at most 75%, yet more preferably at most 65%, still more
preferably at most 55% and most preferably at most 49%; after 7
hours preferably at most 95%, more preferably at most 85%, yet more
preferably at most 80%, still more preferably at most 70% and most
preferably at most 68%; after 10 hours preferably at most 99%, more
preferably at most 90%, yet more preferably at most 88%, still more
preferably at most 83% and most preferably at most 80%; and after
13 hours preferably at most 99%, more preferably at most 95%, yet
more preferably at most 93%, still more preferably at most 91% and
most preferably at most 89%.
[0052] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the
pharmacologically active ingredient is tapentadol, preferably its
HCl salt, and the pharmaceutical dosage form is adapted for
administration once daily or twice daily. In this embodiment, the
pharmacologically active ingredient is preferably contained in the
pharmaceutical dosage form in an amount of from 25 to 250 mg.
[0053] In another particularly preferred embodiment, the
pharmacologically active ingredient is oxymorphone, preferably its
HCl salt, and the pharmaceutical dosage form is adapted for
administration twice daily. In this embodiment, the
pharmacologically active ingredient is preferably contained in the
pharmaceutical dosage form in an amount of from 5 to 40 mg. In
another particularly preferred embodiment, the pharmacologically
active ingredient is oxymorphone, preferably its HCl salt, and the
pharmaceutical dosage form is adapted for administration once
daily. In this embodiment, the pharmacologically active ingredient
is preferably contained in the pharmaceutical dosage form in an
amount of from 10 to 80 mg.
[0054] In another particularly preferred embodiment, the
pharmacologically active ingredient is oxycodone, preferably its
HCl salt, and the pharmaceutical dosage form is adapted for
administration twice daily. In this embodiment, the
pharmacologically active ingredient is preferably contained in the
pharmaceutical dosage form in an amount of from 5 to 80 mg. In
another particularly preferred embodiment, the pharmacologically
active ingredient is oxycodone, preferably its HCl salt, and the
pharmaceutical dosage form is adapted for administration once
daily. In this embodiment, the pharmacologically active ingredient
is preferably contained in the pharmaceutical dosage form in an
amount of from 10 to 320 mg.
[0055] In still another particularly preferred embodiment, the
pharmacologically active ingredient is hydromorphone, preferably
its HCl salt, and the pharmaceutical dosage form is adapted for
administration twice daily. In this embodiment, the
pharmacologically active ingredient is preferably contained in the
pharmaceutical dosage form in an amount of from 2 to 52 mg. In
another particularly preferred embodiment, the pharmacologically
active ingredient is hydromorphone, preferably its HCl salt, and
the pharmaceutical dosage form is adapted for administration once
daily. In this embodiment, the pharmacologically active ingredient
is preferably contained in the pharmaceutical dosage form in an
amount of from 4 to 104 mg.
[0056] In yet another particularly preferred embodiment, the
pharmacologically active ingredient is tramadol, preferably its HCl
salt, and the pharmaceutical dosage form is adapted for
administration twice daily. In this embodiment, the
pharmacologically active ingredient is preferably contained in the
pharmaceutical dosage form in an amount of from 5 to 300 mg. In
another particularly preferred embodiment, the pharmacologically
active ingredient is tramadol, preferably its HCl salt, and the
pharmaceutical dosage form is adapted for administration once
daily. In this embodiment, the pharmacologically active ingredient
is preferably contained in the pharmaceutical dosage form in an
amount of from 10 to 500 mg.
[0057] The pharmaceutical dosage form according to the invention is
characterized by excellent durability of the pharmacologically
active ingredient. Preferably, after storage for 4 weeks, more
preferably 6 months, at 40.degree. C. and 75% rel. humidity, the
content of pharmacologically active ingredient amounts to at least
98.0%, more preferably at least 98.5%, still more preferably at
least 99.0%, yet more preferably at least 99.2%, most preferably at
least 99.4% and in particular at least 99.6%, of its original
content before storage.
[0058] Furthermore, the pharmaceutical dosage form according to the
invention is characterized by excellent durability of the
polyalkylene oxide. Preferably, after storage for 6 months at
40.degree. C. and 75% rel. humidity, the content of polyalkylene
oxide amounts to at least 98.0%, more preferably at least 98.5%,
still more preferably at least 99.0%, yet more preferably at least
99.2%, most preferably at least 99.4% and in particular at least
99.6%, of its original content before storage.
[0059] Suitable parameters for observing the degradation of
polyalkylene oxide upon storage include the viscosity of an aqueous
gel of the pharmaceutical dosage form or the content of antioxidant
in the pharmaceutical dosage form, if applicable. When the polymer
chains of the polyalkylene oxide deteriorate, the viscosity of an
aqueous gel of the pharmaceutical dosage form decreases. The
aqueous gel of the pharmaceutical dosage form is preferably
prepared as described in the experimental section. Since the
degradation of polyalkylene oxide is an oxidative process, it may
also be followed by a decrease of the content of antioxidant, if
applicable.
[0060] In a preferred embodiment, after storage for 6 months at
40.degree. C. and 75% rel. humidity, the viscosity of the aqueous
gel of the pharmaceutical dosage form according to the invention
decreases by at most 15%, more preferably at most 12%, still more
preferably at most 10%, even more preferably at most 8%, yet more
preferably at most 7 or 6%, most preferably at most 4% and in
particular at most 2 or 1% with respect to the viscosity of the
aqueous gel of the pharmaceutical dosage form before storage.
[0061] In a preferred embodiment, when the pharmaceutical dosage
form according to the invention contains an antioxidant, preferably
.alpha.-tocopherol, the relative weight content of antioxidant in
the pharmaceutical dosage form after storage for 6 months at
40.degree. C. and 75% rel. humidity, decreases by at most 19 wt.-%,
more preferably at most 18 wt.-%, still more preferably at most 17
wt.-%, even more preferably at most 16 wt.-%, yet more preferably
at most 15 wt.-%, most preferably at most 10 wt.-% and in
particular at most 5 wt.-% with respect to the relative weight
content of antioxidant in the pharmaceutical dosage form before
storage.
[0062] Suitable methods for measuring the content of the
pharmacologically active ingredient, the polyalkylene oxide and
antioxidant in the pharmaceutical dosage form are known to the
skilled artisan. In this regard it is referred to the Eur. Ph. or
the USP, especially to reversed phase HPLC analysis. Preferably,
the pharmaceutical dosage form is stored in closed, preferably
sealed containers, preferably as described in the experimental
section, most preferably being equipped with an oxygen scavenger,
in particular with an oxygen scavenger that is effective even at
low relative humidity.
[0063] In a preferred embodiment, the pharmaceutical dosage form
according to the invention displays improved durability of the
pharmacologically active ingredient and/or the polyalkylene oxide
in particular at accelerated storage conditions at 40.degree. C.
and 75% r.h., while the improved durability of the
pharmacologically active ingredient and/or the polyalkylene oxide
is preferably less pronounced at milder storage conditions, such as
at 25.degree. C./60% r.h. or at 30.degree. C./65% r.h.
[0064] The pharmaceutical dosage form according to the invention
contains a polyalkylene oxide and a zinc component.
[0065] Preferably, the polyalkylene oxide is selected from
polymethylene oxide, polyethylene oxide and polypropylene oxide, or
copolymers or mixtures thereof.
[0066] The polyalkylene oxide has a weight average molecular weight
(M.sub.w), preferably also a viscosity average molecular weight
(M.sub..eta.) of more than 200,000 g/mol or at least 500,000 g/mol,
preferably at least 1,000,000 g/mol or at least 2,500,000 g/mol,
more preferably in the range of about 1,000,000 g/mol to about
15,000,000 g/mol, and most preferably in the range of about
5,000,000 g/mol to about 10,000,000 g/mol. Suitable methods to
determine M.sub.w and M.sub..eta. are known to a person skilled in
the art. M.sub..eta. is preferably determined by rheological
measurements, whereas M.sub.w can be determined by gel permeation
chromatography (GPC).
[0067] Preferably, the molecular weight dispersity
M.sub.w/M.sub..eta. of the polyalkylene oxide is within the range
of 2.5.+-.2.0, more preferably 2.5.+-.1.5, still more preferably
2.5.+-.1.0, yet more preferably 2.5.+-.0.8, most preferably
2.5.+-.0.6, and in particular 2.5.+-.0.4.
[0068] The polyalkylene oxide preferably has a viscosity at
25.degree. C. of 30 to 17,600 mPas, more preferably 55 to 17,600
mPas, still more preferably 600 to 17,600 mPas, yet more preferably
4,500 to 17,600 mPas, even more preferably 4,500 to 12,000 mPas,
most preferably 5,000 to 10,500 mPas and in particular 5,500 to
7,500 mPas or 7,500 to 10,000 mPas, measured in a 1 wt.-% aqueous
solution.
[0069] The polyalkylene oxide may comprise a single polyalkylene
oxide having a particular average molecular weight, or a mixture
(blend) of different polymers, such as two, three, four or five
polymers, e.g., polymers of the same chemical nature but different
average molecular weight, polymers of different chemical nature but
same average molecular weight, or polymers of different chemical
nature as well as different molecular weight.
[0070] For the purpose of specification, a polyalkylene glycol has
a molecular weight of up to 20,000 g/mol whereas a polyalkylene
oxide has a molecular weight of more than 20,000 g/mol. The weight
average over all molecular weights of all polyalkylene oxides that
are contained in the pharmaceutical dosage form is more than
200,000 g/mol. Thus, polyalkylene glycols, if any, are preferably
not taken into consideration when determining the weight average
molecular weight of polyalkylene oxide.
[0071] For the purpose of specification, the term "zinc component"
is meant to include elemental zinc as well as any kind of zinc
containing component, e.g. inorganic or organic salts, complexes,
alloys, oxides, chelates and organozinc compounds. Furthermore, the
term "zinc component" comprises polymers which contain zinc, i.e.
covalently bound, in ionic form or intercalated in form of a
further zinc containing component.
[0072] In a preferred embodiment, the zinc component is or
comprises an organo-zinc compound of the general formula R.sub.2Zn
in which preferably R respectively independently stands for
--C.sub.1-8-aliphatic, --C.sub.3-12-cycloaliphatic, -aryl,
-heteroaryl, --C.sub.1-8-aliphatic-C.sub.3-12-cycloaliphatic,
--C.sub.1-8-aliphatic-aryl, --C.sub.1-8-aliphatic-heteroaryl,
--C.sub.3-8-cycloaliphatic-C.sub.1-8-aliphatic,
--C.sub.3-8-cycloaliphatic-aryl or
--C.sub.3-8-cycloaliphatic-heteroaryl; wherein "aliphatic"
respectively is a branched or unbranched, saturated or a mono- or
polyunsaturated, unsubstituted or mono- or polysubstituted,
aliphatic hydrocarbon residue; "cycloaliphatic" respectively is a
saturated or a mono- or polyunsaturated, unsubstituted or mono- or
polysubstituted, alicyclic, mono- or multicyclic hydrocarbon
residue; wherein with respect to "aliphatic" and "cycloaliphatic",
"mono- or polysubstituted" means the mono- or polysubstitution of
one or more hydrogen atoms by substituents selected independently
of one another from the group consisting of --F, --Cl, --Br, --I,
--CN, --NO.sub.2, --CHO, --O, --R, --C(.dbd.O)R, --C(.dbd.O)H,
--C(.dbd.O)OH, --C(.dbd.O)OR, --C(.dbd.O)NH.sub.2, --C(.dbd.O)NHR,
--C(.dbd.O)N(R).sub.2, --OH, --OR, --OC(.dbd.O)H, --OC(.dbd.O)R,
--OC(.dbd.O)OR, --OC(.dbd.O)NHR, --OC(.dbd.O)NR.sub.2, --SH, --SR,
--SO.sub.3H, --S(.dbd.O).sub.1-2--R, --S(.dbd.O).sub.1-2NH.sub.2,
--NH.sub.2, --NHR, --NR.sub.2, --N.sup.+R.sub.3,
--N.sup.+(R).sub.2O.sup.-, --NHC(.dbd.O)R, --NHC(.dbd.O)OR,
--NHC(.dbd.O)NH.sub.2, --NHC(.dbd.O)--NHR, --NH--C(.dbd.O)NR.sub.2,
--SiR.sub.3 and --PO(OR).sub.2 with each "R" as defined above;
"aryl", respectively independently, stands for a carbocyclic ring
system with at least one aromatic ring, but without heteroatoms in
this ring, wherein, optionally, the aryl residues can be condensed
with further saturated, (partially) unsaturated or aromatic ring
systems, and each aryl residue can be present in unsubstituted or
mono- or polysubstituted form, wherein the aryl substituents can be
the same or different and in any desired and possible position of
the aryl; "heteroaryl" stands for a 5-, 6- or 7-membered cyclic
aromatic residue, which contains 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 heteroatoms,
wherein the heteroatoms, the same or different, are nitrogen,
oxygen or sulphur, and the heterocycle can be unsubstituted or
mono- or polysubstituted; wherein in the case of the substitution
on the heterocycle the substituents can be the same or different
and can be in any desired and possible position of the heteroaryl;
and wherein the heterocycle can also be part of a bi- or polycyclic
system; wherein with respect to "aryl" and "heteroaryl", "mono- or
polysubstituted" means the mono- or polysubstitution of one or more
hydrogen atoms of the ring system by substituents selected from the
group consisting of --F, --Cl, --Br, --I, --CN, --NO.sub.2, --CHO,
--O, --R, --C(.dbd.O)R, --C(.dbd.O)H, --C(.dbd.O)OH, --C(.dbd.O)OR,
--C(.dbd.O)NH.sub.2, --C(.dbd.O)NHR, --C(.dbd.O)--NR.sub.2, --OH,
--O(CH.sub.2).sub.1-2O--, --OR, --OC(.dbd.O)H, --OC(.dbd.O)R,
--OC(.dbd.O)OR, --OC(.dbd.O)NHR, --OC(.dbd.O)NR.sub.2, --SH, --SR,
--SO.sub.3H, --S(.dbd.O).sub.1-2--R, --S(.dbd.O).sub.1-2NH.sub.2,
--NH.sub.2, --NHR, --NR.sub.2, --N+R.sub.3, --N+R.sub.2O.sup.-,
--NHC(.dbd.O)R, --NHC(.dbd.O)OR, --NH--C(.dbd.O)NH.sub.2,
--NHC(.dbd.O)NHR, --NHC(.dbd.O)NR.sub.2, --SiR.sub.3 or
--PO(OR).sub.2 with each "R" as defined above; wherein any N-ring
atoms present can be respectively oxidized.
[0073] More preferably, R respectively independently stands for (i)
an alkyl group containing from 1 to about 8 carbon atoms,
preferably 1 to 6 carbon atoms, and most preferably 2 or 3 carbon
atoms, or (ii) phenyl or naphthyl, or alkyl-substituted phenyl or
naphthyl groups in which the alkyl groups contain from 1 to about 3
carbon atoms, or (iii) cycloalkyl groups containing from 4 to 6
ring carbon atoms; or (iv) the dicyclopentadienyl group; or (v) an
alkoxide group containing from 1 to about 8 carbon atoms. Examples
include, but are not limited to zinc carboxylates (e.g. zinc
glutarate, zinc adipate, zinc isophthalate, zinc propionate), zinc
alkyl, zinc alkoxide of monohydric and/or polyhydric alcohols, zinc
cycloalkyl, zinc aryl or dicyclopentadienyl compounds (e.g.
dimethylzinc, diethylzinc, dipropylzinc, di-isopropylzinc,
dibutylzinc, di-isobutylzinc, di-t-butylzinc, dipentylzinc salts,
dihexyl- and diheptyl- and dioctylzinc salts, di-2-ethylhexylzinc,
diphenylzinc, ditolylzinc, dicyclobutylzinc, dicyclopentylzinc,
di-methylcyclopentylzinc, dicyclohexylzinc, methyl phenylzinc,
methyl tolylzinc, methyl naphthylzinc, ethyl phenylzinc), zinc
salts of a strong acid (e.g. zinc nitrate) or an organic acid (e.g.
zinc acetylacetonate, zinc acetate, zinc salts of fatty acids),
zinc phthalocyanines, zinc halides, organic zinc halides (e.g.
alkyl or aryl zinc halides), zinc naphthalocyanines, zinc
porphyrins, zinc (meth)acrylates (e.g. zinc acrylate, zinc
diacrylate, zinc methacrylate, zinc dimethacrylate), halogenated
thiophenol zinc salts (e.g. zinc salt of pentachlorothiophenol),
and mixtures thereof.
[0074] In a preferred embodiment, the polyalkylene oxide is
obtainable by polymerizing alkylene oxide in the presence of the
zinc component of the general formula R.sub.2Zn. Particularly
preferably, the polyalkylene oxide is obtainable by polymerizing
alkylene oxide in the presence of the zinc component, wherein the
zinc component is a zinc alkoxide of monohydric and/or polyhydric
alcohols.
[0075] In another preferred embodiment, the polyalkylene oxide is
obtainable by polymerizing alkylene oxide in the presence of the
zinc component, wherein the amount of the zinc component is in the
range of from 0.01 to 1 mol-% based on the zinc atom content per
mol of the alkylene oxide monomers.
[0076] If the polyalkylene oxide is obtained by polymerizing
alkylene oxide in the presence of the zinc component, the zinc
component is preferably present in a deactivated form after the
polymerization reaction, most preferably in a hydrolyzed form and
even more preferably as Zn(OH).sub.2, Zn(OH).sub.4.sup.2-, ZnO or
mixtures thereof.
[0077] In a preferred embodiment, the zinc component comprises
substantially no zinc stearate and/or zinc sulfate. In a
particularly preferred embodiment, the pharmaceutical dosage form
according to the invention comprises substantially no zinc stearate
and/or zinc sulfate.
[0078] For the purpose of specification, unless expressly stated
otherwise, "substantially no" is preferably to be regarded as below
1 ppm relative to the total weight of the dosage form, more
preferably below 0.1 ppm relative to the total weight of the dosage
form, still more preferably "not detectable", i.e. below the
detection limit.
[0079] In a preferred embodiment, the zinc component is or
comprises the reaction product of a dihydrocarbyl zinc compound and
a linear alkanediol such as 1,4-butanediol. Such reaction products
are useful as catalysts in the polymerization of cyclic oxides such
as ethylene oxide and are known for example from U.S. Pat. No.
4,667,013, which is hereby incorporated as reference.
[0080] In another preferred embodiment the zinc component is or
comprises the reaction product of a dihydrocarbyl zinc compound and
an emulsion of a polyol-surfactant-dispersion aid. Such reaction
products are useful as catalysts in the polymerization of alkylene
oxides and are known for example from EP 0 239 973, which is hereby
incorporated as reference.
[0081] In still another preferred embodiment, the zinc component is
obtainable by reacting [0082] a dialkyl zinc (e.g. dimethyl zinc,
diethyl zinc, dipropyl zinc or dibutyl zinc), diphenyl zinc or
dicyclobutyl zinc with [0083] an aliphatic polyhydric alcohol (e.g.
ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, 1,2-butanediol, 1,3-butanediol,
1,4-butanediol, 2,3-butanediol, 1,5-pentanediol,
2,3,4-pentanetriol, glycerol or pentaerythritol), and [0084] a
monohydric alcohol (e.g. methanol, ethanol, propanol, butanol or
pentanol).
[0085] According to this embodiment, the zinc component is
preferably obtainable as is described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,326,852
and U.S. Pat. No. 6,979,722, both which are hereby incorporated by
reference.
[0086] In a further preferred embodiment, the zinc component is the
remainder of the polymerization catalyst that was used in the
course of the polymerization of the polyalkylene oxide when the
polyalkylene oxide was manufactured, wherein preferably the amount
of the zinc component is in the range of from 0.01 to 1 mol-% based
on the zinc atom content per mol of the alkylene oxide units
contained in the polyalkylene oxide. According to this embodiment,
after the polymerization reaction, the remainder of the catalyst is
preferably present in a deactivated form, preferably in a
hydrolyzed form, more preferably as Zn(OH).sub.2,
Zn(OH).sub.4.sup.2-, ZnO or mixtures thereof.
[0087] In a preferred embodiment, the polyalkylene oxide contained
in the pharmaceutical dosage form according to the invention is
obtainable by polymerizing alkylene oxide in presence of the zinc
component, preferably of the zinc component according to U.S. Pat.
No. 4,667,013 or U.S. Pat. No. 5,326,852 or U.S. Pat. No. 6,979,722
or EP 0 239 973 as described above. In a particularly preferred
embodiment, the polyalkylene oxide contained in the pharmaceutical
dosage form according to the invention is obtainable by
polymerizing alkylene oxide in presence of the zinc component,
which is preferably obtainable by reacting a dialkyl zinc with an
aliphatic polyhydric alcohol and a monohydric alcohol, as disclosed
in U.S. Pat. No. 5,326,852 or U.S. Pat. No. 6,979,722, wherein
preferably the amount of the zinc component is in the range of from
0.01 to 1 mol-% based on the zinc atom content per mol of the
alkylene oxide monomers.
[0088] In a preferred embodiment, the zinc component is the
constituent of a polyalkylene oxide composition also comprising the
polyalkylene oxide, wherein an aqueous dispersion of the pure
polyalkylene oxide composition has a lower pH value than a
dispersion of an otherwise comparable polyalkylene oxide not
containing the zinc component, typically containing substantially
no zinc.
[0089] Preferably, the pH value is measured several days after
dispersing the pure polyalkylene oxide composition in water,
preferably after four days.
[0090] In a preferred embodiment, an aqueous dispersion of the pure
polyalkylene oxide composition in pure water at 25.degree. C. and
at a concentration of 1 wt.-% has a pH value of at most 7.7.
[0091] Preferably, an aqueous dispersion of the pure polyalkylene
oxide composition in pure water at 25.degree. C. and at a
concentration of 1 wt.-% after several days, preferably after four
days, has a pH value of at most 7.7. Preferably, an aqueous
dispersion of the pure polyalkylene oxide composition in pure water
at 25.degree. C. and at a concentration of 1 wt.-% after several
days, preferably after four days, has a pH value of at most 7.6,
more preferably at most 7.5, still more preferably at most 7.4, yet
more preferably at most 7.3, even more preferably at most 7.2, most
preferably at most 7.1 and in particular at most 7.0. In still
another preferred embodiment, an aqueous dispersion of the pure
polyalkylene oxide composition in pure water at 25.degree. C. and
at a concentration of 1 wt.-% after several days, preferably after
four days, has a pH value of at most 6.9, more preferably at most
6.8 and most preferably at most 6.7.
[0092] In a preferred embodiment, the content of the zinc component
in the pharmaceutical dosage form according to the invention is at
least 1 ppm, more preferably at least 2 ppm, still more preferably
at least 5 ppm, yet more preferably at least 7 ppm, even more
preferably at least 10 ppm, most preferably at least 15 ppm, and in
particular at least at least 20 ppm, relative to the total weight
of the pharmaceutical dosage form.
[0093] Preferably, the content of the zinc component in the
pharmaceutical dosage form according to the invention is below 0.01
g, more preferably below 8 mg and most preferably below 5 mg.
[0094] Preferably, the content of the zinc component in the
pharmaceutical dosage form according to the invention is at most
10,000 ppm, more preferably at most 8,000 ppm, still more
preferably at most 6,000 ppm, yet more preferably at most 5,000
ppm, even more preferably at most 4,000 ppm, most preferably at
most 3,000 ppm, and in particular at most 2,000 ppm, relative to
the total weight of the pharmaceutical dosage form.
[0095] Preferably, the content of the zinc component in the
pharmaceutical dosage form according to the invention is at most
1,000 ppm, more preferably at most 950 ppm, still more preferably
at most 900 ppm, yet more preferably at most 850 ppm, even more
preferably at most 800 ppm, most preferably at most 750 ppm, and in
particular at most 700 ppm, relative to the total weight of the
pharmaceutical dosage form.
[0096] In another preferred embodiment, the content of the zinc
component in the pharmaceutical dosage form according to the
invention is preferably at most 600 ppm, more preferably at most
400 ppm, still more preferably at most 200 ppm, most preferably at
most 100 ppm and in particular at most 80 ppm, relative to the
total weight of the pharmaceutical dosage form.
[0097] Preferably, the content of the zinc component in the
pharmaceutical dosage form according to the invention is below 200
ppm, more preferably below 200 ppm.
[0098] For the purpose of specification, unless expressly stated
otherwise, "ppm" is to be regarded as ppmw, i.e. parts per million
by weight, so that 1 ppm corresponds to 0.0001 wt.-%.
[0099] In a preferred embodiment, the pharmaceutical dosage form
according to the invention contains a polyalkylene oxide
composition that comprises the polyalkylene oxide and the zinc
component. According to this embodiment, preferably the content of
said zinc component is at least 1 ppm, more preferably at least 2
ppm, still more preferably at least 5 ppm, yet more preferably at
least 7 ppm, even more preferably at least 10 ppm, most preferably
at least 15 ppm, and in particular at least 20 ppm, relative to the
total weight of the polyalkylene oxide composition. Further
according to this embodiment, preferably the content of said zinc
component is at least 50 ppm, more preferably at least 100 ppm,
still more preferably at least 200 ppm, yet more preferably at
least 400 ppm, even more preferably at least 600 ppm, most
preferably at least 700 ppm, and in particular at least 800 ppm,
relative to the total weight of the polyalkylene oxide
composition.
[0100] In a preferred embodiment, the content of the zinc component
in the pharmaceutical dosage form according to the invention is in
the range of from 0.01 to 1 mol-%, more preferably 0.015 to 0.5
mol-%, most preferably 0.015 to 0.1 mol-% and in particular 0.018
to 0.05 mol-% based on the zinc atom content per mol of the
alkylene oxide units which are contained in the polyalkylene
oxide.
[0101] In another preferred embodiment, the content of the zinc
component in the pharmaceutical dosage form according to the
invention amounts to 860.+-.700 ppm, more preferably 860.+-.600
ppm, still more preferably 860.+-.500 ppm, yet more preferably
860.+-.400 ppm, even more preferably 860.+-.300 ppm, most
preferably 860.+-.200 ppm and in particular 860.+-.100 ppm,
relative to the total weight of the polyalkylene oxide
composition.
[0102] Preferably, the content of the zinc component in the
pharmaceutical dosage form according to the invention is at most
20,000 ppm, more preferably at most 18,000 ppm, most preferably at
most 15,000 ppm and in particular at most 12,000 ppm, relative to
the total weight of the polyalkylene oxide composition. Preferably,
the content of the zinc component in the pharmaceutical dosage form
according to the invention is at most 1,000 ppm, more preferably at
most 950 ppm, still more preferably at most 900 ppm, yet more
preferably at most 850 ppm, even more preferably at most 800 ppm,
most preferably at most 750 ppm, and in particular at most 700 ppm,
relative to the total weight of the polyalkylene oxide composition.
Preferably, the content of the zinc component in the pharmaceutical
dosage form according to the invention is at most 600 ppm, more
preferably at most 500 ppm, still more preferably at most 400 ppm,
yet more preferably at most 300 ppm, most preferably at most 250
ppm and in particular at most 200 ppm, relative to the total weight
of the polyalkylene oxide composition.
[0103] Preferably, the zinc component is contained in the
pharmaceutical dosage form according to the invention in an amount
which does not have any physiological effect, in particular adverse
effects such as causing emesis. According to this embodiment, the
zinc component, preferably zinc sulfate, is preferably contained in
the pharmaceutical dosage form according to the invention in an
amount of less than 0.01 g, more preferably less than 1 mg, still
more preferably less than 0.1 mg, even more preferably less than
0.01 mg, yet more preferably less than 1 .mu.g, most preferably
less than 0.1 .mu.g and in particular less than 0.01 .mu.g.
[0104] Preferably, the zinc component is contained in the
pharmaceutical dosage form according to the invention in an amount
which does not have any physiological effect, in particular adverse
effects such as causing emesis. According to this embodiment, the
zinc component, preferably zinc sulfate, is preferably contained in
the pharmaceutical dosage form according to the invention in an
amount of less than 10,000 ppm, more preferably less than 1,000
ppm, most preferably less than 500 ppm and in particular less than
100 ppm.
[0105] In a preferred embodiment, the zinc component is
homogeneously distributed in the pharmaceutical dosage form
according to the invention. Preferably, the polyalkylene oxide or
the polyalkylene oxide composition and the zinc component are
intimately homogeneously distributed in the pharmaceutical dosage
form so that the pharmaceutical dosage form does not contain any
segments where either zinc component is present in the absence of
polyalkylene oxide and polyalkylene oxide composition,
respectively, or where the polyalkylene oxide and the polyalkylene
oxide composition, respectively, is present in the absence of the
zinc component.
[0106] When the pharmaceutical dosage form is film coated, the zinc
component is preferably homogeneously distributed in the core of
the pharmaceutical dosage form, i.e. the film coating preferably
does not contain a zinc component.
[0107] In a preferred embodiment, the polyalkylene oxide
composition according to the invention provides an enhanced shelf
life to the pharmaceutical dosage form according to the
invention.
[0108] In a preferred embodiment, the content of elemental zinc,
either in cationic or neutral form, in the pharmaceutical dosage
form according to the invention is at least 1 ppm, more preferably
at least 2 ppm, still more preferably at least 5 ppm, yet more
preferably at least 7 ppm, even more preferably at least 10 ppm,
most preferably at least 15 ppm, and in particular at least 20 ppm,
relative to the total weight of the pharmaceutical dosage form. In
another preferred embodiment, the content of elemental zinc, either
in cationic or neutral form, in the pharmaceutical dosage form
according to the invention is at least 25 ppm, more preferably at
least 35 ppm, still more preferably at least 45 ppm, yet more
preferably at least 55 ppm, even more preferably at least 65 ppm,
most preferably at least 75 ppm, and in particular at least 85 ppm,
relative to the total weight of the pharmaceutical dosage form. In
a further preferred embodiment, the content of elemental zinc,
either in cationic or neutral form, in the pharmaceutical dosage
form according to the invention is at least 100 ppm, more
preferably at least 300 ppm, still more preferably at least 500
ppm, yet more preferably at least 800 ppm, even more preferably at
least 1,000 ppm, most preferably at least 3,000 ppm, and in
particular at least 5,000 or 8,000 ppm, relative to the total
weight of the pharmaceutical dosage form.
[0109] Particularly preferably, the content of elemental zinc,
either in cationic or neutral form, in the pharmaceutical dosage
form according to the invention is in the range of from 200 ppm to
800 ppm. In a preferred embodiment, the content of elemental zinc,
either in cationic or neutral form, in the pharmaceutical dosage
form according to the invention is 250.+-.200 ppm, more preferably
250.+-.150 ppm, still more preferably 250.+-.130 ppm, even more
preferably 250.+-.110 ppm, yet more preferably 250.+-.90 ppm, most
preferably 250.+-.70 ppm and in particular 250.+-.50 ppm, relative
to the total weight of the pharmaceutical dosage form. In another
preferred embodiment, the content of elemental zinc, either in
cationic or neutral form, in the pharmaceutical dosage form
according to the invention is 300.+-.200 ppm, more preferably
300.+-.150 ppm, still more preferably 300.+-.130 ppm, even more
preferably 300.+-.110 ppm, yet more preferably 300.+-.90 ppm, most
preferably 300.+-.70 ppm and in particular 300.+-.50 ppm, relative
to the total weight of the pharmaceutical dosage form. In still
another preferred embodiment, the content of elemental zinc, either
in cationic or neutral form, in the pharmaceutical dosage form
according to the invention is 500.+-.400 ppm, more preferably
500.+-.300 ppm, still more preferably 500.+-.250 ppm, even more
preferably 500.+-.200 ppm, yet more preferably 500.+-.150 ppm, most
preferably 500.+-.100 ppm and in particular 500.+-.50 ppm, relative
to the total weight of the pharmaceutical dosage form. In yet
another preferred embodiment, the content of elemental zinc, either
in cationic or neutral form, in the pharmaceutical dosage form
according to the invention is 700.+-.600 ppm, more preferably
700.+-.500 ppm, still more preferably 700.+-.400 ppm, even more
preferably 700.+-.300 ppm, yet more preferably 700.+-.200 ppm, most
preferably 700.+-.100 ppm and in particular 700.+-.50 ppm, relative
to the total weight of the pharmaceutical dosage form.
[0110] Preferably, the content of elemental zinc, either in
cationic or neutral form, in the pharmaceutical dosage form
according to the invention is at most 2 wt.-%, more preferably at
most 1.8 wt.-%, still more preferably at most 1.5 wt.-%, yet more
preferably at most 1.3 wt.-%, even more preferably at most 1.0
wt.-% (10,000 ppm), most preferably at most 0.8 wt.-% relative to
the total weight of the pharmaceutical dosage form. Preferably, the
content of elemental zinc, either in cationic or neutral form, in
the pharmaceutical dosage form according to the invention is at
most 1,000 ppm, more preferably at most 950 ppm, still more
preferably at most 900 ppm, yet more preferably at most 850 ppm,
even more preferably at most 800 ppm, most preferably at most 750
ppm, and in particular at most 700 ppm, relative to the total
weight of the pharmaceutical dosage form.
[0111] Preferably, the content of elemental zinc, either in
cationic or neutral form, preferably zinc (II), in the
pharmaceutical dosage form according to the invention is in the
range of from 0.01 to 1 mol-% based on the zinc atom content per
mol of the alkylene oxide units contained in the polyalkylene
oxide.
[0112] In a preferred embodiment, the content of zinc (II) in the
pharmaceutical dosage form according to the invention is at least
0.01 mol-%, more preferably at least 0.03 mol-%, still more
preferably at least 0.06 mol-%, yet more preferably at least 0.10
mol-%, even more preferably at least 0.15 mol-%, most preferably at
least 0.20 mol-%, and in particular at least 0.5 mol-%, relative to
the amount of substance of the pharmacologically active ingredient.
In another preferred embodiment, the content of zinc (II) in the
pharmaceutical dosage form according to the invention is at least 1
mol-%, more preferably at least 4 mol-%, still more preferably at
least 8 mol-%, yet more preferably at least 12 mol-%, even more
preferably at least 15 mol-%, most preferably at least 18 mol-%,
and in particular at least 20 mol-%, relative to the amount of
substance of the pharmacologically active ingredient.
[0113] Preferably, the content of zinc (II) in the pharmaceutical
dosage form according to the invention is at most 50 mol-%, more
preferably at most 45 mol-%, still more preferably at most 40
mol-%, yet more preferably at most 35 mol-%, even more preferably
at most 30 mol-%, most preferably at most 25 mol-%, and in
particular at most 20 mol-%, relative to the amount of substance of
the pharmacologically active ingredient.
[0114] In a preferred embodiment, the content of zinc (II) in the
pharmaceutical dosage form according to the invention is at least
110.sup.-7 mol, more preferably at least 210.sup.-7 mol, still more
preferably at least 310.sup.-7 mol, yet more preferably at least
410.sup.-7 mol, even more preferably at least 510.sup.-7 mol, most
preferably at least 710.sup.-7 mol, and in particular at least
110.sup.-6 mol. In another preferred embodiment, the content of
zinc (II) in the pharmaceutical dosage form according to the
invention is at least 110.sup.-6 mol, more preferably at least
110.sup.-4 mol, still more preferably at least 110.sup.-3 mol, yet
more preferably at least 510.sup.-3 mol, even more preferably at
least 810.sup.-3 mol, most preferably at least 910.sup.-3 mol, and
in particular at least 110.sup.-2 mol.
[0115] Preferably, the content of zinc (II) in the pharmaceutical
dosage form according to the invention is at most 10010.sup.-3 mol,
more preferably at most 8010.sup.-3 mol, still more preferably at
most 7010.sup.-3 mol, yet more preferably at most 6010.sup.-3 mol,
even more preferably at most 5010.sup.-3 mol, most preferably at
most 4010.sup.-3 mol, and in particular at most 3510.sup.-3 mol.
Preferably, the content of zinc (II) in the pharmaceutical dosage
form according to the invention is at most 110.sup.-3 mol, more
preferably at most 710.sup.-4 mol, still more preferably at most
510.sup.-4 mol, yet more preferably at most 410.sup.-4 mol, even
more preferably at most 310.sup.-4 mol, most preferably at most
210.sup.-4 mol, and in particular at most 110.sup.-4 mol.
[0116] Preferably, the content of the polyalkylene oxide or of the
polyalkylene oxide composition is at least 10 wt.-%, more
preferably at least 15 wt.-%, still more preferably at least 20
wt.-%, even more preferably at least 25 wt.-%, most preferably at
least 30 wt.-% and in particular at least 35 wt.-% based on the
total weight of the pharmaceutical dosage form, wherein the content
of the zinc component is in the range of from 0.01 to 1 mol-% based
on the zinc atom content per mol of the alkylene oxide units
contained in the polyalkylene oxide.
[0117] Preferably, the content of the polyalkylene oxide or of the
polyalkylene oxide composition is within the range of from 20 to 99
wt.-%, more preferably 25 to 95 wt.-%, still more preferably 30 to
90 wt.-%, yet more preferably 30 to 85 wt.-%, most preferably 30 to
80 wt.-% and in particular 30 to 75 wt.-% or 45 to 70 wt.-%, based
on the total weight of the pharmaceutical dosage form. The content
of the polyalkylene oxide or of the polyalkylene oxide composition
is at least 20 wt.-%, preferably at least 25 wt.-%, more preferably
at least 30 wt.-%, still more preferably at least 35 wt.-% and in
particular at least 40 wt.-%, based on the total weight of the
pharmaceutical dosage form.
[0118] In a preferred embodiment, the overall content of the
polyalkylene oxide or of the polyalkylene oxide composition is
within the range of 25.+-.5 wt.-%. In another preferred embodiment,
the overall content of the polyalkylene oxide or of the
polyalkylene oxide composition is within the range of 35.+-.15
wt.-%, more preferably 35.+-.10 wt.-%, and in particular 35.+-.5
wt.-%. In still another preferred embodiment, the overall content
of the polyalkylene oxide or of the polyalkylene oxide composition
is within the range of 45.+-.20 wt.-%, more preferably 45.+-.15
wt.-%, most preferably 45.+-.10 wt.-%, and in particular 45.+-.5
wt.-%. In yet another preferred embodiment, the overall content of
the polyalkylene oxide or of the polyalkylene oxide composition is
within the range of 55.+-.20 wt.-%, more preferably 55.+-.15 wt.-%,
most preferably 55.+-.10 wt.-%, and in particular 55.+-.5 wt.-%. In
a further preferred embodiment, the overall content of the
polyalkylene oxide or of the polyalkylene oxide composition is
within the range of 65.+-.20 wt.-%, more preferably 65.+-.15 wt.-%,
most preferably 65.+-.10 wt.-%, and in particular 65.+-.5 wt.-%. In
still a further a preferred embodiment, the overall content of the
polyalkylene oxide or of the polyalkylene oxide composition is
within the range of 75.+-.20 wt.-%, more preferably 75.+-.15 wt.-%,
most preferably 75.+-.10 wt.-%, and in particular 75.+-.5 wt.-%. In
yet a further a preferred embodiment, the overall content of the
polyalkylene oxide or of the polyalkylene oxide composition is
within the range of 80.+-.15 wt.-%, more preferably 80.+-.10 wt.-%,
and most preferably 80.+-.5 wt.-%.
[0119] In a preferred embodiment, the polyalkylene oxide or the
polyalkylene oxide composition is homogeneously distributed in the
pharmaceutical dosage form according to the invention. Preferably,
the pharmacologically active ingredient and the polyalkylene oxide
or the polyalkylene oxide composition are intimately homogeneously
distributed in the pharmaceutical dosage form so that the
pharmaceutical dosage form does not contain any segments where
either pharmacologically active ingredient is present in the
absence of polyalkylene oxide and polyalkylene oxide composition,
respectively, or where the polyalkylene oxide and the polyalkylene
oxide composition, respectively, is present in the absence of the
pharmacologically active ingredient.
[0120] When the pharmaceutical dosage form is film coated, the
polyalkylene oxide or the polyalkylene oxide composition is
preferably homogeneously distributed in the core of the
pharmaceutical dosage form, i.e. the film coating preferably does
not contain polyalkylene oxide or polyalkylene oxide composition.
Nonetheless, the film coating as such may of course contain one or
more polymers, which however, preferably differ from the
polyalkylene oxide or polyalkylene oxide composition contained in
the core.
[0121] The polyalkylene oxide may be combined with or the
polyalkylene oxide composition may additionally comprise one or
more different polymers selected from the group consisting of
polyalkylene oxide, preferably polymethylene oxide, polyethylene
oxide, polypropylene oxide; polyethylene, polypropylene, polyvinyl
chloride, polycarbonate, polystyrene, polyvinylpyrrolidone,
poly(alk)acrylate, poly(hydroxy fatty acids), such as for example
poly(3-hydroxy-butyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) (Biopor),
poly(hydroxyvaleric acid); polycaprolactone, polyvinyl alcohol,
polyesteramide, polyethylene succinate, polylactone, polyglycolide,
polyurethane, polyamide, polylactide, polyacetal (for example
polysaccharides optionally with modified side chains),
hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (Hypromellose);
polylactide/glycolide, polylactone, polyglycolide, polyorthoester,
polyanhydride, block polymers of polyethylene glycol and
polybutylene terephthalate (Polyactive.RTM.), polyanhydride
(Polifeprosan), copolymers thereof, block-copolymers thereof, and
mixtures of at least two of the stated polymers, or other polymers
with the above characteristics.
[0122] Preferably, the relative weight ratio of the polyalkylene
oxide or polyalkylene oxide composition to the pharmacologically
active ingredient is at least 0.5:1, more preferably at least 1:1,
at least 2:1, at least 3:1, at least 4:1, at least 5:1, at least
6:1, at least 7:1, at least 8:1 or at least 9:1; still more
preferably at least 10:1 or at least 15:1, yet more preferably at
least 20:1, most preferably at least 30:1 and in particular at
least 40:1. In a preferred embodiment, the relative weight ratio of
the polyalkylene oxide or polyalkylene oxide composition to the
pharmacologically active ingredient is within the range of from 3:1
to 50:1, more preferably 3:1 to 40:1 and in particular 3:1 to
30:1.
[0123] In a preferred embodiment, the polyalkylene oxide
composition according to the invention provides an enhanced
stability to the pharmacologically active ingredient.
[0124] Besides the pharmacologically active ingredient and the
polyalkylene oxide or the polyalkylene oxide composition, the
pharmaceutical dosage form according to the invention may contain
further ingredients, e.g. one or more conventional pharmaceutical
excipient(s), e.g. inorganic salts, fillers, glidants, binding
agents, granulating agents, anti-caking agents, lubricants,
flavours, dyes, and/or preservatives.
[0125] Preferably, the pharmaceutical dosage form according to the
invention does not contain a zinc component as a lubricant or
glidant. More preferably, the pharmaceutical dosage form according
to the invention contains substantially no zinc stearate as a
lubricant or glidant which is particularly used to obtain desired
flow and less friction during compressing operation.
[0126] In a preferred embodiment, the pharmaceutical dosage form
according to the invention contains at most 1,000 ppm, more
preferably at most 500 ppm, still more preferably at most 100 ppm,
even more preferably at most 10 ppm, yet more preferably at most 1
ppm, most preferably at most 0.1 ppm and in particular at most 0.01
ppm of a calcium component. In a particularly preferred embodiment,
the pharmaceutical dosage form according to the invention contains
substantially no calcium component.
[0127] Preferably, the pharmaceutical dosage form comprises a
plasticizer. The plasticizer improves the processability of the
polyalkylene oxide or polyalkylene oxide composition. A preferred
plasticizer is polyalkylene glycol, like polyethylene glycol,
triacetin, fatty acids, fatty acid esters, waxes and/or
microcrystalline waxes. Particularly preferred plasticizers are
polyethylene glycols, such as PEG 6000.
[0128] Preferably, the content of the plasticizer is within the
range of from 0.1 to 25 wt.-%, more preferably 0.5 to 22.5 wt.-%,
still more preferably 1.0 to 20 wt.-%, yet more preferably 2.5 to
17.5 wt.-%, most preferably 5.0 to 15 wt.-% and in particular 7.5
to 12.5 wt.-%, based on the total weight of the pharmaceutical
dosage form.
[0129] In a preferred embodiment, the plasticizer is a polyalkylene
glycol having a content within the range of 10.+-.8 wt.-%, more
preferably 10.+-.6 wt.-%, still more preferably 10.+-.5 wt.-%, yet
more preferably 10.+-.4 wt.-%, most preferably 10.+-.3 wt.-%, and
in particular 10.+-.2 wt.-%, based on the total weight of the
pharmaceutical dosage form.
[0130] In another preferred embodiment, the plasticizer is a
polyalkylene glycol having a content within the range of 15.+-.8
wt.-%, more preferably 15.+-.6 wt.-%, still more preferably 15.+-.5
wt.-%, yet more preferably 15.+-.4 wt.-%, most preferably 15.+-.3
wt.-%, and in particular 15.+-.2 wt.-%, based on the total weight
of the pharmaceutical dosage form.
[0131] In a preferred embodiment, the relative weight ratio of the
polyalkylene oxide or polyalkylene oxide composition to the
optionally contained polyalkylene glycol is within the range of
4.2.+-.2:1, more preferably 4.2.+-.1.5:1, still more preferably
4.2.+-.1:1, yet more preferably 4.2.+-.0.5:1, most preferably
4.2.+-.0.2:1, and in particular 4.2.+-.0.1:1. This ratio satisfies
the requirements of relative high polyalkylene oxide content and
good extrudability.
[0132] When manufacturing the pharmaceutical dosage forms from
slices that are obtained by cutting an extrudate strand, the weight
of the slices determines the weight of the resulting dosage form.
Pronounced variation in weight of these slices results in an
accordant weight deviation of dosage forms from the target weight.
The weight variation of slices depends strongly on the surface
properties of the extrudate strand. A strand with a thoroughly
smooth surface allows the generation of slices exhibiting a low
weight variation. In contrast, a wavy or shark skinned strand
results in slices exhibiting a higher weight variation thereby
increasing the number of rejects.
[0133] In a preferred embodiment, the surface properties of the
extrudate strand can be triggered by the polyalkylene oxide:
polyalkylene glycol weight ratio.
[0134] Preferably, the pharmaceutical dosage form further comprises
an anti-oxidant. Suitable antioxidants include ascorbic acid,
butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA), butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT),
salts of ascorbic acid, monothioglycerol, phosphorous acid, vitamin
C, vitamin E and the derivatives thereof, coniferyl benzoate,
nordihydroguajaretic acid, gallus acid esters, sodium bisulfite,
particularly preferably butylhydroxytoluene or butylhydroxyanisole
and .alpha.-tocopherol. The antioxidant is preferably used in
quantities of 0.01 to 10 wt.-%, preferably of 0.03 to 5 wt.-%,
relative to the total weight of the pharmaceutical dosage form.
[0135] In a preferred embodiment, the pharmaceutical dosage form
further comprises an acid, preferably citric acid. The amount of
acid is preferably in the range of 0.01 to about 20 wt.-%, more
preferably in the range of 0.02 to about 10 wt.-%, and most
preferably in the range of 0.05 to about 5 wt.-% relative to the
total weight of the pharmaceutical dosage form.
[0136] In a preferred embodiment, the pharmaceutical dosage form
contains a natural, semi-synthetic or synthetic wax. Waxes with a
softening point of at least 50.degree. C., more preferably
60.degree. C. are preferred. Carnauba wax and beeswax are
particularly preferred, especially carnauba wax.
[0137] In a preferred embodiment, the pharmaceutical dosage form
further comprises another polymer which is preferably selected from
cellulose esters and cellulose ethers, in particular hydroxypropyl
methylcellulose (HPMC). The amount of the further polymer,
preferably hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, preferably ranges from
0.1 wt.-% to about 30 wt.-%, more preferably in the range of 1.0
wt.-% to about 20 wt.-%, and most preferably in the range of 2.0
wt.-% to about 15 wt.-% relative to the total weight of the
pharmaceutical dosage form.
[0138] In another preferred embodiment, the pharmaceutical dosage
form according to the invention does not contain any further
polymer besides the polyalkylene oxide or polyalkylene oxide
composition and optionally, the polyethylene glycol.
[0139] The pharmaceutical dosage form according to the invention is
preferably an oral dosage form, particularly a tablet. It is also
possible, however, to administer the pharmaceutical dosage form via
different routes and thus, the pharmaceutical dosage form may
alternatively be adapted for buccal, lingual, rectal or vaginal
administration. Implants are also possible.
[0140] In a preferred embodiment, the pharmaceutical dosage form
according to the invention is monolithic or multiparticulate.
[0141] In a preferred embodiment, the pharmaceutical dosage form
according to the invention is monolithic.
[0142] Preferably, the pharmaceutical dosage form is neither in
film form, nor multiparticulate.
[0143] In a preferred embodiment, the pharmaceutical dosage form
according to the invention is a round tablet. Tablets of this
embodiment preferably have a diameter in the range of about 1 mm to
about 30 mm, in particular in the range of about 2 mm to about 25
mm, more in particular about 5 mm to about 23 mm, even more in
particular about 7 mm to about 13 mm; and a thickness in the range
of about 1.0 mm to about 12 mm, in particular in the range of about
2.0 mm to about 10 mm, even more in particular from 3.0 mm to about
9.0 mm, even further in particular from about 4.0 mm to about 8.0
mm.
[0144] In another preferred embodiment, the pharmaceutical dosage
form according to the invention is an oblong tablet. Tablets of
this embodiment preferably have a lengthwise extension
(longitudinal extension) of about 1 mm to about 30 mm, in
particular in the range of about 2 mm to about 25 mm, more in
particular about 5 mm to about 23 mm, even more in particular about
7 mm to about 20 mm; and a thickness in the range of about 1.0 mm
to about 12 mm, in particular in the range of about 2.0 mm to about
10 mm, even more in particular from 3.0 mm to about 9.0 mm, even
further in particular from about 4.0 mm to about 8.0 mm.
[0145] The pharmaceutical dosage form according to the invention
has preferably a weight in the range of 0.01 to 1.5 g, more
preferably in the range of 0.05 to 1.2 g, still more preferably in
the range of 0.1 g to 1.0 g, yet more preferably in the range of
0.2 g to 0.9 g, and most preferably in the range of 0.25 g to 0.8
g.
[0146] The pharmaceutical dosage form according to the invention is
prepared by thermoforming.
[0147] Preferably, the pharmaceutical dosage form according to the
invention is prepared by hot-melt extrusion, although also other
methods of thermoforming may be used in order to manufacture the
pharmaceutical dosage form according to the invention such as
press-molding at elevated temperature or heating of tablets that
were manufactured by conventional compression in a first step and
then heated above the softening temperature of the polymer in the
tablet in a second step to form hard tablets. In this regards,
thermoforming means the forming or molding of a mass after the
application of heat. In a preferred embodiment, the pharmaceutical
dosage form is thermoformed by hot-melt extrusion.
[0148] In a preferred embodiment, the pharmaceutical dosage form is
prepared by hot melt-extrusion, preferably by means of a
twin-screw-extruder. Melt extrusion preferably provides a
melt-extruded strand that is preferably cut into monoliths, which
are then compressed and formed into tablets. In this regard, the
term "tablets" is preferably not to be understood as dosage forms
being made by compression of powder or granules (compressi) but
rather, as shaped extrudates. Preferably, compression is achieved
by means of a die and a punch, preferably from a monolithic mass
obtained by melt extrusion. If obtained via melt extrusion, the
compressing step is preferably carried out with a monolithic mass
exhibiting ambient temperature, that is, a temperature in the range
from 20 to 25.degree. C. The strands obtained by way of extrusion
can either be subjected to the compression step as such or can be
cut prior to the compression step. This cutting can be performed by
usual techniques, for example using rotating knives or compressed
air. Alternatively, the shaping can take place as described in EP-A
240 906 by the extrudate being passed between two counter-rotating
calender rolls and being shaped directly to tablets. It is of
course also possible to subject the extruded strands to the
compression step or to the cutting step when still warm, that is
more or less immediately after the extrusion step. The extrusion is
preferably carried out by means of a twin-screw extruder.
[0149] The pharmaceutical dosage form of the invention can
optionally be provided, partially or completely, with a
conventional coating. The pharmaceutical dosage forms of the
present invention are preferably film coated with conventional film
coating compositions. Particularly preferably, the pharmaceutical
dosage forms according to the invention are either not coated at
all or completely coated, but preferably not partially coated.
[0150] Suitable coating materials are commercially available, e.g.
under the trademarks Opadry.RTM. and Eudragit.RTM..
[0151] Examples of suitable materials include cellulose esters and
cellulose ethers, such as methylcellulose (MC),
hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (HPMC), hydroxypropylcellulose (HPC),
hydroxyethylcellulose (HEC), sodium carboxymethylcellulose
(Na-CMC), ethylcellulose (EC), cellulose acetate phthalate (CAP),
hydroxypropylmethylcellulose phthalate (HPMCP);
poly(meth)acrylates, such as aminoalkylmethacrylate copolymers,
ethylacrylate methylmethacrylate copolymers, methacrylic acid
methylmethacrylate copolymers, methacrylic acid methylmethacrylate
copolymers; vinyl polymers, such as polyvinylpyrrolidone,
polyvinyl-acetatephthalate, polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinylacetate;
and natural film formers, such as shellack.
[0152] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the coating is
water-soluble. In a preferred embodiment, the coating is based on
polyvinyl alcohol, such as polyvinyl alcohol-part. Hydrolyzed, and
may additionally contain polyethylene glycol, such as macrogol
3350, and/or pigments. In another preferred embodiment, the coating
is based on hydroxypropylmethylcellulose, preferably hypromellose
type 2910 having a viscosity of 3 to 15 mPas.
[0153] The coating can be resistant to gastric juices and dissolve
as a function of the pH value of the release environment. By means
of this coating, it is possible to ensure that the pharmaceutical
dosage form according to the invention passes through the stomach
undissolved and the pharmacologically active ingredient is only
released in the intestines. The coating which is resistant to
gastric juices preferably dissolves at a pH value of between 5 and
7.5. Corresponding materials and methods for the delayed release of
pharmacologically active ingredients and for the application of
coatings which are resistant to gastric juices are known to the
person skilled in the art, for example from "Coated Pharmaceutical
dosage forms--Fundamentals, Manufacturing Techniques,
Biopharmaceutical Aspects, Test Methods and Raw Materials" by Kurt
H. Bauer, K. Lehmann, Hermann P. Osterwald, Rothgang, Gerhart, 1st
edition, 1998, Medpharm Scientific Publishers.
[0154] The coating can also be applied e.g. to improve the
aesthetic impression and/or the taste of the pharmaceutical dosage
forms and the ease with which they can be swallowed. Coating the
pharmaceutical dosage forms of the present invention can also serve
other purposes, e.g. improving stability and shelf-life. Suitable
coating formulations comprise a film forming polymer such as, for
example, polyvinyl alcohol or hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, e.g.
hypromellose, a plasticizer such as, for example, a glycol, e.g.
propylene glycol or polyethylene glycol, an opacifier, such as, for
example, titanium dioxide, and a film smoothener, such as, for
example, talc. Suitable coating solvents are water as well as
organic solvents. Examples of organic solvents are alcohols, e.g.
ethanol or isopropanol, ketones, e.g. acetone, or halogenated
hydrocarbons, e.g. methylene chloride. Optionally, the coating can
contain a therapeutically effective amount of one or more
pharmacologically active ingredients to provide for an immediate
release of said pharmacologically active ingredient and thus for an
immediate relief of the symptoms treated by said pharmacologically
active ingredient. Coated dosage forms of the present invention are
preferably prepared by first making the cores and subsequently
coating said cores using conventional techniques, such as coating
in a coating pan.
[0155] In a preferred embodiment, the pharmaceutical dosage form
according to the invention provides immediate release of the
pharmacologically active ingredient contained therein.
[0156] In another preferred embodiment, the pharmaceutical dosage
form according to the invention contains the pharmacologically
active ingredient in a controlled-release matrix that provides
controlled release of the pharmacologically active ingredient
contained therein.
[0157] The controlled release of the pharmaceutical dosage form
according to the invention preferably does not rely on a coating
that remains intact during the release phase and covers the matrix
composition in such a manner that only a specific surface area is
subject to erosion. Thus, the surface area of the pharmaceutical
dosage form according to the invention from which the active
substance is released is preferably not kept substantially constant
by means of such a coating. On the contrary, the controlled release
of the pharmaceutical dosage form according to the invention is
preferably based on the properties of the matrix in which the
pharmacologically active ingredient is embedded so that inert
coatings can be completely omitted. Thus, while the pharmaceutical
dosage form according to the invention may be coated with
conventional coating materials such as polyvinyl alcohol, it is
preferably not coated with inert coating materials that serve the
purpose of permanently covering a substantial portion of the outer
surface of the pharmaceutical dosage form in order to allow drug
release only through a predetermined, uncoated portion. Thus, in a
preferred embodiment, the pharmaceutical dosage form according to
the invention is uncoated, or it is coated with a coating material
that substantially covers the complete outer surface of the
pharmaceutical dosage form, but does not leave a certain portion
uncoated.
[0158] In a preferred embodiment, the pharmacologically active
ingredient is embedded in a controlled-release matrix comprising
the polyalkylene oxide and the zinc component, preferably of the
polyalkylene oxide composition that is composed of the polyalkylene
oxide and the zinc component.
[0159] Controlled release of an pharmacologically active ingredient
from an oral dosage form is known to a person skilled in the art.
For the purpose of specification, controlled release encompasses
delayed release, retarded release, sustained release, extended
release, prolonged release, and the like.
[0160] Controlled or prolonged release is understood according to
the invention preferably to mean a release profile in which the
pharmacologically active ingredient is released over a relatively
long period with reduced intake frequency with the purpose of
extended therapeutic action. Preferably, the meaning of the term
"prolonged release" is in accordance with the European guideline on
the nomenclature of the release profile of pharmaceutical dosage
forms (CHMP). This is achieved in particular with peroral
administration. The expression "at least partially delayed or
prolonged release" covers according to the invention any
pharmaceutical dosage forms which ensure modified release of the
pharmacologically active ingredient contained therein. The
pharmaceutical dosage forms preferably comprise coated or uncoated
pharmaceutical dosage forms, which are produced with specific
auxiliary substances, by particular processes or by a combination
of the two possible options in order to purposefully change the
release rate or location of release.
[0161] In the case of the pharmaceutical dosage forms according to
the invention, the release time profile of a controlled-release
form may be modified e.g. as follows: extended release, repeat
action release, prolonged release and sustained release.
[0162] For the purpose of specification, "controlled release"
preferably means a product in which the release of
pharmacologically active ingredient over time is controlled by the
type and composition of the formulation. For the purpose of
specification "extended release" preferably means a product in
which the release of pharmacologically active ingredient is delayed
for a finite lag time, after which release is unhindered. For the
purpose of specification "repeat action release" preferably means a
product in which a first portion of pharmacologically active
ingredient is released initially, followed by at least one further
portion of pharmacologically active ingredient being released
subsequently. For the purpose of specification "prolonged release"
preferably means a product in which the rate of release of
pharmacologically active ingredient from the formulation after
administration has been reduced over time, in order to maintain
therapeutic activity, to reduce toxic effects, or for some other
therapeutic purpose. For the purpose of specification "sustained
release" preferably means a way of formulating a medicine so that
it is released into the body steadily, over a long period of time,
thus reducing the dosing frequency. For further details, reference
may be made, for example, to K. H. Bauer, Lehrbuch der
Pharmazeutischen Technologie, 6th edition, WVG Stuttgart, 1999; and
Eur. Ph.
[0163] Preferably, under physiological conditions the
pharmaceutical dosage form according to the invention has released
after 30 minutes 0.1 to 75%, after 240 minutes 0.5 to 95%, after
480 minutes 1.0 to 100% and after 720 minutes 2.5 to 100% of the
pharmacologically active ingredient. Further preferred release
profiles R.sub.1 to R.sub.6 are summarized in the table here below
[all data in wt.-% of released pharmacologically active
ingredient]:
TABLE-US-00001 time R.sub.1 R.sub.2 R.sub.3 R.sub.4 R.sub.5 R.sub.6
60 min 0-30 0-50 0-50 15-25 20-30 20-50 120 min 0-40 0-75 0-75
25-40 35-50 40-75 240 min 3-55 3-95 10-95 40-70 55-75 60-95 480 min
10-65 10-100 35-100 60-90 80-95 80-100 720 min 20-75 20-100 55-100
70-100 90-100 90-100 960 min 30-88 30-100 70-100 >80 95-100
1,440 min 50-100 50-100 >90 2,160 min >80 >80
[0164] Further preferred release profiles R.sub.1 to R.sub.6 are
summarized in the table here below [all data in wt.-% of released
pharmacologically active ingredient]:
TABLE-US-00002 time R.sub.7 R.sub.8 R.sub.9 R.sub.10 R.sub.11
R.sub.12 30 min 17.5 .+-. 7.5 17.5 .+-. 6.5 17.5 .+-. 5.5 17.5 .+-.
4.5 17.5 .+-. 3.5 17.5 .+-. 2.5 60 min 27.0 .+-. 8.0 27.0 .+-. 7.0
27.0 .+-. 6.0 27.0 .+-. 5.0 27.0 .+-. 4.0 27.0 .+-. 3.0 120 min
41.5 .+-. 9.5 41.5 .+-. 8.5 41.5 .+-. 7.5 41.5 .+-. 6.5 41.5 .+-.
5.5 41.5 .+-. 4.5 240 min 64.5 .+-. 12.5 64.5 .+-. 11.5 64.5 .+-.
10.5 64.5 .+-. 9.5 64.5 .+-. 8.5 64.5 .+-. 7.5 480 min 88.0 .+-.
12.0 88.0 .+-. 11.0 88.0 .+-. 10.0 88.0 .+-. 9.0 88.0 .+-. 8.0 88.0
.+-. 7.0 720 min 96.0 .+-. 9.0 96.0 .+-. 8.0 96.0 .+-. 7.0 96.0
.+-. 6.0 96.0 .+-. 5.0 96.0 .+-. 4.0 840 min 97.5 .+-. 7.5 97.5
.+-. 6.5 97.5 .+-. 5.5 97.5 .+-. 4.5 97.5 .+-. 3.5 97.5 .+-.
2.5
[0165] Preferably, the release profile of the pharmaceutical dosage
form according to the invention is stable upon storage, preferably
upon storage at elevated temperature, e.g. 40.degree. C., for 3
months in sealed containers. In this regard "stable" means that
when comparing the initial release profile with the release profile
after storage, at any given time point the release profiles deviate
from one another by not more than 20%, more preferably not more
than 15%, still more preferably not more than 10%, yet more
preferably not more than 7.5%, most preferably not more than 5.0%
and in particular not more than 2.5%.
[0166] Preferably, under in vitro conditions the pharmaceutical
dosage form has released after 0.5 h 1.0 to 35 wt.-%, after 1 h 5.0
to 45 wt.-%, after 2 h 10 to 60 wt.-%, after 4 h at least 15 wt.-%,
after 6 h at least 20 wt.-%, after 8 h at least 25 wt.-% and after
12 h at least 30 wt.-% of the pharmacologically active ingredient
that was originally contained in the pharmaceutical dosage
form.
[0167] Suitable in vitro conditions are known to the skilled
artisan. In this regard it can be referred to, e.g., the Eur. Ph.
Preferably, the release profile is measured under the following
conditions: Paddle apparatus equipped with sinker, 75 rpm,
37.+-.5.degree. C., 600 mL simulated intestinal fluid pH 6.8
(phosphate buffer) or pH 4.5. In a preferred embodiment, the
rotational speed of the paddle is increased to 100 rpm.
[0168] In a preferred embodiment, the pharmaceutical dosage form
according to the invention is adapted for administration once
daily. In another preferred embodiment, the pharmaceutical dosage
form according to the invention is adapted for administration twice
daily. In still another preferred embodiment, the pharmaceutical
dosage form according to the invention is adapted for
administration thrice daily.
[0169] For the purpose of specification, "twice daily" means equal
or nearly equal time intervals, i.e., about every 12 hours, or
different time intervals, e.g., 8 and 16 hours or 10 and 14 hours,
between the individual administrations.
[0170] For the purpose of specification, "thrice daily" means equal
or nearly equal time intervals, i.e., about every 8 hours, or
different time intervals, e.g., 6, 6 and 12 hours; or 7, 7 and 10
hours, between the individual administrations.
[0171] A skilled person is fully aware that the above
administration regimens twice daily or thrice daily, respectively,
require an adaption of the dose of the pharmacologically active
ingredient contained in the pharmaceutical dosage forms so that the
total administered daily dose of the pharmacologically active
ingredient, i.e. the sum of the doses contained in two or three,
respectively, adapted pharmaceutical dosage forms, does not exceed
the dose of the pharmacologically active ingredient contained in
the dosage form which is adapted for administration once daily.
[0172] Preferably, the pharmaceutical dosage form according to the
invention releases after 5 h at most 99%, more preferably at most
90%, still more preferably at most 75%, and most preferably at most
60% of the pharmacologically active ingredient.
[0173] In a particular preferred embodiment, [0174] the
thermoformed pharmaceutical dosage form is prepared by hot
melt-extrusion; and/or [0175] the pharmaceutical dosage form
exhibits a breaking strength of at least 300 N; and/or [0176] the
pharmaceutical dosage form is adapted for administration once
daily, twice daily or thrice daily; and/or [0177] the
pharmacologically active ingredient is selected from the group of
opioids and opioid derivatives; and/or [0178] the polyalkylene
oxide is selected from polymethylene oxide, polyethylene oxide and
polypropylene oxide, or copolymers or mixtures thereof; having a
weight average molecular weight (M.sub.w) of more than 200,000
g/mol, preferably of at least 500,000 g/mol, more preferably within
the range of from 1,000,000 g/mol to 10,000,000 g/mol; and/or
[0179] the pharmaceutical dosage form contains a polyalkylene oxide
composition including the polyalkylene oxide and the zinc
component; and/or [0180] the content of said zinc component is at
least 1 ppm and at most 10,000 ppm relative to the total weight of
the pharmaceutical dosage form; and/or [0181] the content of the
zinc component in the pharmaceutical dosage form is in the range of
from 0.01 to 1 mol-% based on the zinc atom content per mol of the
alkylene oxide units contained in the polyalkylene oxide; and/or
[0182] the polyalkylene oxide is obtainable by polymerizing
alkylene oxide in presence of the zinc component; and/or [0183] the
polyalkylene oxide is obtainable by polymerizing alkylene oxide in
presence of the zinc component, wherein the amount of said zinc
component is in the range of from 0.01 to 1 mol-% based on the zinc
atom content per mol of alkylene oxide; and/or [0184] an aqueous
dispersion of the pure polyalkylene oxide composition according to
the invention containing the zinc component in pure water having a
pH value that is lower than the dispersion of a polyalkylene oxide
containing substantially no zinc; and/or [0185] the content of the
polyalkylene oxide or of the polyalkylene oxide composition is at
least 30 wt.-%, based on the total weight of the pharmaceutical
dosage form.
[0186] In a preferred embodiment, the pharmaceutical dosage form
according to the invention contains no substances which irritate
the nasal passages and/or pharynx, i.e. substances which, when
administered via the nasal passages and/or pharynx, bring about a
physical reaction which is either so unpleasant for the patient
that he/she does not wish to or cannot continue administration, for
example burning, or physiologically counteracts taking of the
corresponding pharmacologically active ingredient, for example due
to increased nasal secretion or sneezing. Further examples of
substances which irritate the nasal passages and/or pharynx are
those which cause burning, itching, urge to sneeze, increased
formation of secretions or a combination of at least two of these
stimuli. Corresponding substances and the quantities thereof which
are conventionally to be used are known to the person skilled in
the art. Some of the substances which irritate the nasal passages
and/or pharynx are accordingly based on one or more constituents or
one or more plant parts of a hot substance pharmacologically active
ingredient. Corresponding hot substance pharmacologically active
ingredients are known per se to the person skilled in the art and
are described, for example, in "Pharmazeutische Biologie--Drogen
und ihre Inhaltsstoffe" by Prof. Dr. Hildebert Wagner, 2nd.,
revised edition, Gustav Fischer Verlag, Stuttgart-New York, 1982,
pages 82 et seq. The corresponding description is hereby introduced
as a reference and is deemed to be part of the disclosure.
[0187] The pharmaceutical dosage form according to the invention
furthermore preferably contains no antagonists for the
pharmacologically active ingredient, preferably no antagonists
against psychotropic substances, in particular no antagonists
against opioids. Antagonists suitable for a given pharmacologically
active ingredient are known to the person skilled in the art and
may be present as such or in the form of corresponding derivatives,
in particular esters or ethers, or in each case in the form of
corresponding physiologically acceptable compounds, in particular
in the form of the salts or solvates thereof. The pharmaceutical
dosage form according to the invention preferably contains no
antagonists selected from among the group comprising naloxone,
naltrexone, nalmefene, nalide, nalmexone, nalorphine or naluphine,
in each case optionally in the form of a corresponding
physiologically acceptable compound, in particular in the form of a
base, a salt or solvate; and no neuroleptics, for example a
compound selected from among the group comprising haloperidol,
promethacine, fluphenazine, perphenazine, levomepromazine,
thioridazine, perazine, chlorpromazine, chlorprothixine,
zuclopenthixol, flupentixol, prothipendyl, zotepine, benperidol,
pipamperone, melperone and bromperidol.
[0188] The pharmaceutical dosage form according to the invention
furthermore preferably contains no emetic. Emetics are known to the
person skilled in the art and may be present as such or in the form
of corresponding derivatives, in particular esters or ethers, or in
each case in the form of corresponding physiologically acceptable
compounds, in particular in the form of the salts or solvates
thereof. The pharmaceutical dosage form according to the invention
preferably contains no emetic based on one or more constituents of
ipecacuanha (ipecac) root, for example based on the constituent
emetine, as are, for example, described in "Pharmazeutische
Biologie--Drogen und ihre Inhaltsstoffe" by Prof. Dr. Hildebert
Wagner, 2nd, revised edition, Gustav Fischer Verlag, Stuttgart,
N.Y., 1982. The corresponding literature description is hereby
introduced as a reference and is deemed to be part of the
disclosure. The pharmaceutical dosage form according to the
invention preferably also contains no apomorphine as an emetic.
Preferably, the pharmaceutical dosage form according to the
invention does not contain a zinc component as an emetic.
Particularly preferably, the pharmaceutical dosage form according
to the invention does not contain zinc sulfate, which is useful as
an emetic.
[0189] Finally, the pharmaceutical dosage form according to the
invention preferably also contains no bitter substance. Bitter
substances and the quantities effective for use may be found in
US-2003/0064099 A1, the corresponding disclosure of which should be
deemed to be the disclosure of the present application and is
hereby introduced as a reference. Examples of bitter substances are
aromatic oils, such as peppermint oil, eucalyptus oil, bitter
almond oil, menthol, fruit aroma substances, aroma substances from
lemons, oranges, limes, grapefruit or mixtures thereof, and/or
denatonium benzoate.
[0190] The pharmaceutical dosage form according to the invention
accordingly preferably contains neither substances which irritate
the nasal passages and/or pharynx, nor antagonists for the
pharmacologically active ingredient, nor emetics, nor bitter
substances.
[0191] The pharmaceutical dosage form according to the invention is
tamper resistant. Preferably, tamper-resistance is achieved based
on the mechanical properties of the pharmaceutical dosage form so
that comminution is avoided or at least substantially impeded. The
pharmaceutical dosage form according to the invention preferably
has a breaking strength of at least 300 N. According to the
invention, the term comminution means the pulverization of the
pharmaceutical dosage form using conventional means usually
available to an abuser, for example a pestle and mortar, a hammer,
a mallet or other conventional means for pulverizing under the
action of force. Thus, tamper-resistance preferably means that
pulverization of the pharmaceutical dosage form using conventional
means is avoided or at least substantially impeded.
[0192] Preferably, the mechanical properties of the pharmaceutical
dosage form according to the invention, particularly its breaking
strength, substantially rely on the presence and spatial
distribution of the polyalkylene oxide and of the polyalkylene
oxide composition, respectively, although their mere presence does
typically not suffice in order to achieve said properties. The
advantageous mechanical properties of the pharmaceutical dosage
form according to the invention may not automatically be achieved
by simply processing pharmacologically active ingredient,
polyalkylene oxide, a zinc component, and optionally further
excipients by means of conventional methods for the preparation of
pharmaceutical dosage forms. In fact, usually suitable apparatuses
must be selected for the preparation and critical processing
parameters must be adjusted, particularly pressure/force,
temperature and time. Thus, even if conventional apparatuses are
used, the process protocols usually must be adapted in order to
meet the required criteria.
[0193] In general, the pharmaceutical dosage forms exhibiting the
desired properties may be obtained only if, during preparation of
the pharmaceutical dosage form, [0194] suitable components [0195]
in suitable amounts are exposed to [0196] sufficient pressure
[0197] at sufficient temperature [0198] for a sufficient period of
time.
[0199] Thus, regardless of the apparatus used, the process
protocols must be adapted in order to meet the required criteria.
Therefore, the breaking strength is separable from the
composition.
[0200] The pharmaceutical dosage form according to the invention
preferably has a breaking strength of at least 300 N, preferably at
least 400 N, more preferably at least 500 N, still more preferably
at least 600 N, yet more preferably at least 700 N, even more
preferably at least 800 N most preferably at least 900 N and in
particular at least 1,000 N. In another preferred embodiment, the
pharmaceutical dosage form according to the invention has a
breaking strength of at least 1,100 N, preferably at least 1,200 N,
more preferably at least 1,300 N, most preferably at least 1,400 N
and in particular at least 1,500 N.
[0201] The "breaking strength" (resistance to crushing) of a
pharmaceutical dosage form is known to the skilled person. In this
regard it can be referred to, e.g., W. A. Ritschel, Die Tablette,
2. Auflage, Editio Cantor Verlag Aulendorf, 2002; H Liebermann et
al., Pharmaceutical dosage forms: Tablets, Vol. 2, Informa
Healthcare; 2 edition, 1990; and Encyclopedia of Pharmaceutical
Technology, Informa Healthcare; 1 edition.
[0202] For the purpose of specification, the breaking strength is
preferably defined as the amount of force that is necessary in
order to fracture the pharmaceutical dosage form (=breaking force).
Therefore, for the purpose of specification the pharmaceutical
dosage form does preferably not exhibit the desired breaking
strength when it breaks, i.e., is fractured into at least two
independent parts that are separated from one another. In another
preferred embodiment, however, the pharmaceutical dosage form is
regarded as being broken if the force decreases by 25% (threshold
value) of the highest force measured during the measurement (see
below).
[0203] The pharmaceutical dosage forms according to the invention
are distinguished from conventional pharmaceutical dosage forms in
that, due to their breaking strength, they cannot be pulverized by
the application of force with conventional means, such as for
example a pestle and mortar, a hammer, a mallet or other usual
means for pulverization, in particular devices developed for this
purpose (tablet crushers). In this regard "pulverization" means
crumbling into small particles that would immediately release the
pharmacologically active ingredient in a suitable medium. Avoidance
of pulverization virtually rules out oral or parenteral, in
particular intravenous or nasal abuse.
[0204] Conventional tablets typically have a breaking strength well
below 200 N in any direction of extension. The breaking strength of
conventional round tablets may be estimated according to the
following empirical formula: Breaking Strength [in N]=10.times.
Diameter Of The Tablet [in mm]. Thus, according to said empirical
formula, a round tablet having a breaking strength of at least 300
N would require a diameter of at least 30 mm). Such a tablet,
however, could not be swallowed. The above empirical formula
preferably does not apply to the pharmaceutical dosage forms of the
invention, which are not conventional but rather special.
[0205] Further, the actual mean chewing force is about 220 N (cf.,
e.g., P. A. Proeschel et al., J Dent Res, 2002, 81(7), 464-468).
This means that conventional tablets having a breaking strength
well below 200 N may be crushed upon spontaneous chewing, whereas
the pharmaceutical dosage forms according to the invention may
not.
[0206] Still further, when applying a gravitational acceleration of
about 9.81 m/s.sup.2, 300 N correspond to a gravitational force of
more than 30 kg, i.e. the pharmaceutical dosage forms according to
the invention can preferably withstand a weight of more than 30 kg
without being pulverized.
[0207] Methods for measuring the breaking strength of a
pharmaceutical dosage form are known to the skilled artisan.
Suitable devices are commercially available.
[0208] For example, the breaking strength (resistance to crushing)
can be measured in accordance with the Eur. Ph. 5.0, 2.9.8 or 6.0,
2.09.08 "Resistance to Crushing of Tablets". The test is intended
to determine, under defined conditions, the resistance to crushing
of tablets, measured by the force needed to disrupt them by
crushing. The apparatus consists of 2 jaws facing each other, one
of which moves towards the other. The flat surfaces of the jaws are
perpendicular to the direction of movement. The crushing surfaces
of the jaws are flat and larger than the zone of contact with the
tablet. The apparatus is calibrated using a system with a precision
of 1 Newton. The tablet is placed between the jaws, taking into
account, where applicable, the shape, the break-mark and the
inscription; for each measurement the tablet is oriented in the
same way with respect to the direction of application of the force
(and the direction of extension in which the breaking strength is
to be measured). The measurement is carried out on 10 tablets,
taking care that all fragments of tablets have been removed before
each determination. The result is expressed as the mean, minimum
and maximum values of the forces measured, all expressed in
Newton.
[0209] A similar description of the breaking strength (breaking
force) can be found in the USP. The breaking strength can
alternatively be measured in accordance with the method described
therein where it is stated that the breaking strength is the force
required to cause a tablet to fail (i.e., break) in a specific
plane. The tablets are generally placed between two platens, one of
which moves to apply sufficient force to the tablet to cause
fracture. For conventional, round (circular cross-section) tablets,
loading occurs across their diameter (sometimes referred to as
diametral loading), and fracture occurs in the plane. The breaking
force of tablets is commonly called hardness in the pharmaceutical
literature; however, the use of this term is misleading. In
material science, the term hardness refers to the resistance of a
surface to penetration or indentation by a small probe. The term
crushing strength is also frequently used to describe the
resistance of tablets to the application of a compressive load.
Although this term describes the true nature of the test more
accurately than does hardness, it implies that tablets are actually
crushed during the test, which is often not the case.
[0210] Alternatively, the breaking strength (resistance to
crushing) can be measured in accordance with WO 2005/016313, WO
2005/016314, and WO 2006/082099, which can be regarded as a
modification of the method described in the Eur. Ph. The apparatus
used for the measurement is preferably a "Zwick Z 2.5" materials
tester, F.sub.max=2.5 kN with a maximum draw of 1,150 mm, which
should be set up with one column and one spindle, a clearance
behind of 100 mm and a test speed adjustable between 0.1 and 800
mm/min together with testControl software. Measurement is performed
using a pressure piston with screw-in inserts and a cylinder
(diameter 10 mm), a force transducer, F.sub.max. 1 kN, diameter=8
mm, class 0.5 from 10 N, class 1 from 2 N to ISO 7500-1, with
manufacturers test certificate M according to DIN 55350-18 (Zwick
gross force F.sub.max=1.45 kN) (all apparatus from Zwick GmbH &
Co. KG, Ulm, Germany) with Order No BTC-FR 2.5 TH. D09 for the
tester, Order No BTC-LC 0050N. P01 for the force transducer, Order
No BO 70000 S06 for the centering device.
[0211] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the breaking
strength is measured by means of a breaking strength tester e.g.
Sotax.RTM., type HT100 or type HT1 (Allschwil, Switzerland). Both,
the Sotax.RTM. HT100 and the Sotax.RTM. HT1 can measure the
breaking strength according to two different measurement
principles: constant speed (where the test jaw is moved at a
constant speed adjustable from 5-200 mm/min) or constant force
(where the test jaw increases force linearly adjustable from 5-100
N/sec). In principle, both measurement principles are suitable for
measuring the breaking strength of the pharmaceutical dosage form
according to the invention. Preferably, the breaking strength is
measured at constant speed, preferably at a constant speed of 120
mm/min.
[0212] In a preferred embodiment, the pharmaceutical dosage form is
regarded as being broken if it is fractured into at least two
separate pieces.
[0213] The pharmaceutical dosage form according to the invention
preferably exhibits mechanical strength over a wide temperature
range, in addition to the breaking strength (resistance to
crushing) optionally also sufficient hardness, impact resistance,
impact elasticity, tensile strength and/or modulus of elasticity,
optionally also at low temperatures (e.g. below -24.degree. C.,
below -40.degree. C. or in liquid nitrogen), for it to be virtually
impossible to pulverize by spontaneous chewing, grinding in a
mortar, pounding, etc. Thus, preferably, the comparatively high
breaking strength of the pharmaceutical dosage form according to
the invention is maintained even at low or very low temperatures,
e.g., when the pharmaceutical dosage form is initially chilled to
increase its brittleness, for example to temperatures below
-25.degree. C., below -40.degree. C. or even in liquid
nitrogen.
[0214] The pharmaceutical dosage form according to the invention is
characterized by a certain degree of breaking strength. This does
not mean that the pharmaceutical dosage form must also exhibit a
certain degree of hardness. Hardness and breaking strength are
different physical properties. Therefore, the tamper resistance of
the pharmaceutical dosage form does not necessarily depend on the
hardness of the pharmaceutical dosage form. For instance, due to
its breaking strength, impact strength, elasticity modulus and
tensile strength, respectively, the pharmaceutical dosage form can
preferably be deformed, e.g. plastically, when exerting an external
force, for example using a hammer, but cannot be pulverized, i.e.,
crumbled into a high number of fragments. In other words, the
pharmaceutical dosage form according to the invention is
characterized by a certain degree of breaking strength, but not
necessarily also by a certain degree of form stability.
[0215] Therefore, in the meaning of the specification, a
pharmaceutical dosage form that is deformed when being exposed to a
force in a particular direction of extension but that does not
break (plastic deformation or plastic flow) is preferably to be
regarded as having the desired breaking strength in said direction
of extension.
[0216] In a preferred embodiment, the invention relates to a
tamper-resistant pharmaceutical dosage form having a retarded
release profile, especially a tamper-resistant oral dosage form
having a retarded release profile, particularly a tamper-resistant
tablet having a retarded release profile comprising at least one
pharmaceutically pharmacologically active ingredient
(pharmacologically active compound) with potential for abuse.
[0217] The pharmaceutical dosage form according to the invention
may be produced by different processes, the particularly preferred
of which are explained in greater detail below. Several suitable
processes have already been described in the prior art. In this
regard it can be referred to, e.g., WO 2005/016313, WO 2005/016314,
WO 2005/063214, WO 2005/102286, WO 2006/002883, WO 2006/002884, WO
2006/002886, WO 2006/082097, and WO 2006/082099.
[0218] The present invention also relates to pharmaceutical dosage
forms that are obtainable by any of the processes described here
below.
[0219] In a preferred embodiment, the pharmaceutical dosage form is
manufactured in a process comprising the steps of [0220] (a) mixing
a pharmacologically active ingredient, a polyalkylene oxide
composition comprising a polyalkylene oxide having a weight average
molecular weight of more than 200,000 g/mol and a zinc component,
and optionally present excipients, wherein the content of the zinc
component is at least 1 ppm, relative to the total weight of the
mixture prepared in step (a); [0221] (b) press-forming the mixture
obtained in step (a) with preceding, simultaneous, or subsequent
exposure to heat.
[0222] In general, the process for the production of the
pharmaceutical dosage form according to the invention preferably
comprises the following steps: [0223] (a) mixing all ingredients;
[0224] (b) optionally pre-forming the mixture obtained from step
(a), preferably by applying heat and/or force to the mixture
obtained from step (a), the quantity of heat supplied preferably
not being sufficient to heat the polyalkylene oxide up to its
softening point; [0225] (c) hardening the mixture by applying heat
and force, it being possible to supply the heat during and/or
before the application of force and the quantity of heat supplied
being sufficient to heat the polyalkylene oxide at least up to its
softening point; [0226] (d) optionally singulating the hardened
mixture; [0227] (e) optionally shaping the pharmaceutical dosage
form; and [0228] (f) optionally providing a film coating.
[0229] Heat may be supplied directly, e.g. by contact or by means
of hot gas such as hot air, or with the assistance of ultrasound.
Force may be applied and/or the pharmaceutical dosage form may be
shaped for example by direct tabletting or with the assistance of a
suitable extruder, particularly by means of a screw extruder
equipped with two screws (twin-screw-extruder) or by means of a
planetary gear extruder.
[0230] Preferably, hot-melt extrusion is performed in the absence
of additional water.
[0231] The final shape of the pharmaceutical dosage form may either
be provided during the hardening of the mixture by applying heat
and force (step (c)) or in a subsequent step (step (e)). In both
cases, the mixture of all components is preferably in the
plastified state, i.e. preferably, shaping is performed at a
temperature at least above the softening point of the polyalkylene
oxide. However, extrusion at lower temperatures, e.g. ambient
temperature, is also possible and may be preferred.
[0232] Shaping can be performed, e.g., by means of a tabletting
press comprising die and punches of appropriate shape.
[0233] A particularly preferred process for the manufacture of the
pharmaceutical dosage form of the invention involves hot-melt
extrusion. In this process, the pharmaceutical dosage form
according to the invention is produced by thermoforming with the
assistance of an extruder, preferably without there being any
observable consequent discoloration of the extrudate.
[0234] This process is characterized in that [0235] a) all
components are mixed, [0236] b) the resultant mixture is heated in
the extruder at least up to the softening point of the polyalkylene
oxide and extruded through the outlet orifice of the extruder by
application of force, [0237] c) the still plastic extrudate is
singulated and formed into the pharmaceutical dosage form or [0238]
d) the cooled and optionally reheated singulated extrudate is
formed into the pharmaceutical dosage form.
[0239] Mixing of the components according to process step a) may
also proceed in the extruder.
[0240] The components may also be mixed in a mixer known to the
person skilled in the art. The mixer may, for example, be a roll
mixer, shaking mixer, shear mixer or compulsory mixer.
[0241] The preferably molten mixture which has been heated in the
extruder at least up to the softening point of the polyalkylene
oxide is extruded from the extruder through a die with at least one
bore.
[0242] The extrusion process according to the invention requires
the use of suitable extruders, preferably screw extruders. Screw
extruders which are equipped with two screws (twin-screw-extruders)
are particularly preferred.
[0243] The extrusion is preferably performed so that the expansion
of the strand due to extrusion is not more than 30%, i.e. that when
using a die with a bore having a diameter of e.g. 6 mm, the
extruded strand should have a diameter of not more than 8 mm. More
preferably, the expansion of the strand is not more than 25%, still
more preferably not more than 20%, most preferably not more than
15% and in particular not more than 10%.
[0244] Preferably, extrusion is performed in the absence of water,
i.e., no water is added. However, traces of water (e.g., caused by
atmospheric humidity) may be present.
[0245] The extruder preferably comprises at least two temperature
zones, with heating of the mixture at least up to the softening
point of the polyalkylene oxide proceeding in the first zone, which
is downstream from a feed zone and optionally mixing zone. The
throughput of the mixture is preferably from 1.0 kg to 30 kg/hour,
more preferably 1.0 kg to 15 kg/hour. In a preferred embodiment,
the throughput is from 1 to 3.5 kg/hour. In another preferred
embodiment, the throughput is from 4 to 15 kg/hour.
[0246] In a preferred embodiment, the die head pressure is within
the range of from 25 to 200 bar, more preferably 25 to 100 bar. The
die head pressure can be adjusted inter alia by die geometry,
temperature profile and extrusion speed.
[0247] The die geometry or the geometry of the bores is freely
selectable. The die or the bores may accordingly exhibit a round,
oblong or oval cross-section, wherein the round cross-section
preferably has a diameter of 0.1 mm to 15 mm and the oblong
cross-section preferably has a maximum lengthwise extension of 21
mm and a crosswise extension of 10 mm. Preferably, the die or the
bores have a round cross-section. The casing of the extruder used
according to the invention may be heated or cooled. The
corresponding temperature control, i.e. heating or cooling, is so
arranged that the mixture to be extruded exhibits at least an
average temperature (product temperature) corresponding to the
softening temperature of the polyalkylene oxide and does not rise
above a temperature at which the pharmacologically active
ingredient to be processed may be damaged. Preferably, the
temperature of the mixture to be extruded is adjusted to below
180.degree. C., preferably below 150.degree. C., but at least to
the softening temperature of the polyalkylene oxide. Typical
extrusion temperatures are 120.degree. C. and 130.degree. C.
[0248] In a preferred embodiment, the extruder torque is within the
range of from 30 to 95%. Extruder torque can be adjusted inter alia
by die geometry, temperature profile and extrusion speed.
[0249] After extrusion of the molten mixture and optional cooling
of the extruded strand or extruded strands, the extrudates are
preferably singulated. This singulation may preferably be performed
by cutting up the extrudates by means of revolving or rotating
knives, water jet cutters, wires, blades or with the assistance of
laser cutters.
[0250] Preferably, intermediate or final storage of the optionally
singulated extrudate or the final shape of the pharmaceutical
dosage form according to the invention is performed under
oxygen-free atmosphere which may be achieved, e.g., by means of
oxygen-scavengers.
[0251] The singulated extrudate may be press-formed into tablets in
order to impart the final shape to the pharmaceutical dosage
form.
[0252] The application of force in the extruder onto the at least
plasticized mixture is adjusted by controlling the rotational speed
of the conveying device in the extruder and the geometry thereof
and by dimensioning the outlet orifice in such a manner that the
pressure necessary for extruding the plasticized mixture is built
up in the extruder, preferably immediately prior to extrusion. The
extrusion parameters which, for each particular composition, are
necessary to give rise to a pharmaceutical dosage form with desired
mechanical properties, may be established by simple preliminary
testing.
[0253] For example but not limiting, extrusion may be performed by
means of a twin-screw-extruder type ZSE 18 or ZSE27 (Leistritz,
Nurnberg, Germany), screw diameters of 18 or 27 mm. Screws having
eccentric ends may be used. A heatable die with a round bore having
a diameter of 7, 8, or 9 mm may be used. The extrusion parameters
may be adjusted e.g. to the following values: rotational speed of
the screws: 120 Upm; delivery rate 2 kg/h for a ZSE 18 or 8 kg/h
for a ZSE27; product temperature: in front of die 125.degree. C.
and behind die 135.degree. C.; and jacket temperature: 110.degree.
C. In another preferred embodiment, extrusion is performed by means
of a twin-screw-extruder, type ZSE 27 PH 40 D (Leistritz, Nurnberg,
Germany), with a diameter of the extrusion die of 5.5 mm or 7 mm at
a temperature of the extrusion die of 135.degree. C.).
[0254] Preferably, extrusion is performed by means of
twin-screw-extruders or planetary-gear-extruders, twin-screw
extruders (co-rotating or contra-rotating) being particularly
preferred.
[0255] The pharmaceutical dosage form according to the invention is
preferably produced by thermoforming with the assistance of an
extruder without any observable consequent discoloration of the
extrudates.
[0256] The process for the preparation of the pharmaceutical dosage
form according to the invention is preferably performed
continuously. Preferably, the process involves the extrusion of a
homogeneous mixture of all components. It is particularly
advantageous if the thus obtained intermediate, e.g. the strand
obtained by extrusion, exhibits uniform properties. Particularly
desirable are uniform density, uniform distribution of the
pharmacologically active ingredient, uniform mechanical properties,
uniform porosity, uniform appearance of the surface, etc. Only
under these circumstances the uniformity of the pharmacological
properties, such as the stability of the release profile, may be
ensured and the amount of rejects can be kept low.
[0257] A further aspect of the invention relates to the use of a
pharmacologically active ingredient for the manufacture of the
pharmaceutical dosage form as described above for the treatment of
pain.
[0258] A further aspect of the invention relates to the use of a
pharmaceutical dosage form as described above for avoiding or
hindering the abuse of the pharmacologically active ingredient
contained therein.
[0259] A further aspect of the invention relates to the use of a
pharmaceutical dosage form as described above for avoiding or
hindering the unintentional overdose of the pharmacologically
active ingredient contained therein.
[0260] In this regard, the invention also relates to the use of a
pharmacologically active ingredient as described above and a
polyalkylene oxide composition as described above for the
manufacture of the pharmaceutical dosage form according to the
invention for the prophylaxis and/or the treatment of a disorder,
thereby preventing an overdose of the pharmacologically active
ingredient, particularly due to comminution of the pharmaceutical
dosage form by mechanical action.
[0261] Further, the invention relates to a method for the
prophylaxis and/or the treatment of a disorder comprising the
administration of the pharmaceutical dosage form according to the
invention, while at the same time preventing an overdose of the
pharmacologically active ingredient, particularly due to
comminution of the pharmaceutical dosage form by mechanical action.
Preferably, the mechanical action is selected from the group
consisting of chewing, grinding in a mortar, pounding, and using
apparatuses for pulverizing conventional pharmaceutical dosage
forms.
[0262] The following examples further illustrate the invention but
are not to be construed as limiting its scope:
EXAMPLE 1
[0263] Four samples containing different types of polyethylene
oxides were prepared by dispersing the polyethylene oxide (1.0 g)
in water (99.0 g) using an IKA Ultra-Turrax T-25 disperser.
Afterwards, the dispersion was stirred for 1 h using an IKA RCT
basic safety control magnetic stirrer. When using PEO 20NF, PEO
18NF and PEO Coagulant, dispersion was repeated followed by
stirring for 15 min. After four days, gel formation was complete
and the pH values were measured using a Knick type 765 laboratory
pH meter. All measurements were conducted at 25.degree. C. The pH
values of the different samples are summarized in the following
table:
TABLE-US-00003 M.sub.W viscosity polyethylene oxide product [g
mol.sup.-1] [mPa s] pH inventive PEO 18NF 4,500,000 5,500-7,500
6.31 PEO 20NF 5,000,000 7,500-10,000 6.41 comparative Polyox .RTM.
Coagulant 5,000,000 5,500-6,280 7.78 Polyox .RTM. WSR303 7,000,000
7,500-10,000 8.25
[0264] The aqueous dispersions of polyethylene oxides PEO 20NF and
PEO 18NF (commercialized by Sumitomo) had pH values of 6.41 and
6.31, respectively. According to the product specification, zinc
was present at a zinc content below 1,000 ppm.
[0265] The pH values of the comparative examples Polyox.RTM. WSR303
and Polyox.RTM. Coagulant (commercialized by Dow) amounted to 8.25
and 7.78, respectively. According to the manufacturer, zinc is not
used in any part of the Polyox.RTM. WSR301 manufacturing process
and although not specifically tested, it is not expected to be
present. Polyox.RTM. WSR301 is a homologue of Polyox.RTM.
WSR303.
EXAMPLE 2
[0266] A stability study was conducted comparing pharmaceutical
dosage forms manufactured at commercial scale (batch sizes 15 kg or
85 kg) using polyethylene oxide containing zinc (inventive
examples) or zinc-free polyethylene oxide (comparative examples).
All tablets had a high breaking strength of above 500 N.
[0267] Two different formulations were prepared, containing 56.29
wt.-% and 35.00 wt.-% of polyethylene oxide (zinc containing or
zinc free), respectively.
[0268] The zinc-containing polyethylene oxide was PEO 20NF
(7,500-10,000 mPas) of Sumitomo and is referred to in the following
as "PEO, Zn containing". The zinc-free polyethylene oxide was
Polyox.RTM. WSR303 (7,500-10,000 mPas) of Dow and is referred to in
the following as "PEO, Zn free".
[0269] In order to exclude batch-specific differences, each
formulation was prepared at least twice by using the same type of
chemical compounds in the same amounts only partially differing in
the commercially available batches, i.e. lot numbers.
[0270] According to the manufacturer's certificates of analysis,
the Zn content in the zinc-containing polyethylene oxide batches
was about 0.086%.
[0271] The mixtures of the pharmacologically active ingredient,
polyalkylene oxide and excipients were extruded by means of a
twin-screw-extruder (type ZSE 27 PH 40 D, diameter of extrusion die
5.5 mm for the compositions I/C 1-x and 7 mm for the compositions
I/C 2-x, temperature of extrusion die 135.degree. C.).
[0272] Details on the formulations tested can be found in the
following table:
TABLE-US-00004 1: amount in % up to 103% with tablet core equaling
100% (amount per tablet in mg with total weight of tablet of 412.00
mg) PEO PEO Tapentadol- Hypromellose 100000 Macrogol .alpha.-Toco-
Opadry .RTM. II white Zn containing Zn free HCl mPas, Ph.Eur. 6000,
Ph.Eur. pherol PEG 85F18422 I 1-1 and 56.29 -- 14.56 14.00 14.08
0.15 0.92 3.00 I 1-2 (225.16) (58.24) (56.00) (56.31) (0.60) (3.69)
(12.00) C 1-1, -- 56.29 C 1-2, (225.16) C 1-3 and C 1-4 2: amount
in % up to 103% with tablet core equaling 100% (amount per tablet
in mg with total weight of tablet of 721.00 mg) PEO PEO Tapentadol-
Hypromellose 100000 Macrogol .alpha.-Toco- Opadry .RTM. II red Zn
containing Zn free HCl mPas, Ph.Eur. 6000, Ph.Eur. pherol PEG
85F35244 I 2-1 and 35.00 -- 41.60 14.00 8.69 0.10 0.61 3.00 I 2-2
(245.00) (291.20) (98.00) (60.80) (0.70) (4.30) (21.00) C 2-1, --
35.00 C 2-2, (245.00) C 2-3 and C 2-4
[0273] The film-coated tablets were packaged into blisters and put
on stability. Storage conditions were 25.degree. C./60% r.h.,
30.degree. C./75% r.h., and 40.degree. C./75% r.h.
[0274] As indicative parameters for the degradation of polyethylene
oxide viscosity and .alpha.-tocopherol consumption were identified.
When the polymer chains detonate, the viscosity of the aqueous gel
of the tablet decreases. The degradation of polyethylene oxide is
an oxidative process, therefore it is linked to a decrease in the
content of the antioxidant .alpha.-tocopherol in the
formulation.
[0275] In particular, the beneficial effects of the zinc containing
dosage forms according to the invention become evident at the
harsher storage conditions (40.degree. C./75% r.h.).
[0276] After storage for 6 months at 40.degree. C./75% r.h., the
tablets still had a high breaking strength of above 500 N.
Description of the Method for Determining the Viscosity:
[0277] One or two tablets are cut into smaller pieces and
accurately weighed (242+/-3 mg for I/C 1-x, 388+/-3 mg for I/C 2-x)
and dissolved in 2 mL 2-Propanole and 10 mL water. Dissolving takes
place over 72 hours while shaking on a mechanical agitator at 175
to 250 rpm. 2 mL of the formed solution are measured in the
viscosimeter.
[0278] Apparatus: Thermo Scientific HAAKE RotoViscol, equipped with
a RV1 plate system and a C60/1.degree. cone with a split of 0.052
mm. Temperature is 25.0.degree. C.+/-0.1.degree. C. The measurement
takes place in CR mode, starting at a shear rate of 0.0001/sec,
ending at a shear rate of 200.01/sec with linear distribution. The
duration is 180 sec, 180 data points are collected linear over the
measurement. Measurement takes place at shear rates of 40.00,
80.00. 120.00, and 160.00 1/s. The result is reported as the
viscosity in mPas at a shear rate of 160/s.
Description of the Method for the .alpha.-Tocopherol Assay:
[0279] The .alpha.-tocopherol content is determined by a HPLC
method as follows:
Chromatographic System
[0280] Column: Lichrospher 100-5 RP8 250*4.0 mm 5 .mu.m or
equivalent Eluent: 10% Trifluor acetic acid 0.3% in water, 90%
Trifluor acetic acid 0.3% in acetonitrile
Detection: UV-210 nm
[0281] Flow: 1.5 mL/min Injection volume: 50 .mu.L Column
temperature: 35.degree. C.
[0282] Viscosity [mPas] @25.degree. C./60% r.h.:
TABLE-US-00005 viscosity [mPa s] decrease start absolute over
content of of after change over 6 months PEO [%] storage 6 months 6
months [%] I 1-1 56.29 314 273 -41 13 (Zn containing) C 1-1 56.29
390 377 -13 3 C 1-2 (Zn free) 375 305 -70 19 C 1-4 418 396 -22 5 I
2-1 35.00 402 361 -41 10 I 2-2 (Zn containing) 382 289 -93 24 C 2-1
35.00 464 444 -20 4 C 2-2 (Zn free) 443 405 -38 9 C 2-3 508 404
-104 20 C 2-4 506 400 -106 21
[0283] Viscosity [mPas] @ 30.degree. C./75% r.h.:
TABLE-US-00006 viscosity [mPa s] absolute decrease change over 6
content of start of after 3 after 6 over 6 months PEO [%] storage
months months months [%] I 1-1 56.29 314 317 250 -64 20 (Zn
containing) C 1-1 56.29 390 371 344 -46 12 C 1-2 (Zn free) 375 324
301 -74 20 C 1-3 382 389 358 -24 6 C 1-4 418 367 333 -85 20 I 2-2
35.00 382 399 357 -25 7 (Zn containing) C 2-1 35.00 464 459 457 -7
2 C 2-2 (Zn free) 443 440 378 -65 15 C 2-3 508 447 420 -88 17 C 2-4
506 444 395 -111 22
[0284] Viscosity [mPas] @ 40.degree. C./75% r.h.:
TABLE-US-00007 viscosity [mPa s] content absolute decrease of
change over 6 PEO start of after 1 after 3 after 6 over 6 months
[%] storage month months months months [%] I 1-1 56.29 314 344 327
308 -6 2 I 1-2 (Zn 272 344 312 254 -18 7 contain- ing) C 1-1 56.29
390 356 329 282 -108 28 C 1-2 (Zn 375 415 304 263 -112 30 C 1-3
free) 382 343 350 276 -106 28 C 1-4 418 400 400 270 -148 35 I 2-1
35.00 402 412 405 397 -5 1 I 2-2 (Zn 382 396 387 359 -23 6 contain-
ing) C 2-1 35.00 464 477 430 356 -108 23 C 2-2 (Zn 443 471 403 342
-101 23 C 2-3 free) 508 481 411 372 -136 27 C 2-4 506 449 401 364
-142 28
[0285] It becomes evident from the data summarized in above table,
that the zinc containing dosage forms according to the invention
display improved stability in comparison to dosage forms not
containing zinc, in particular at accelerated storage conditions at
40.degree. C. and 75% r.h.
[0286] While all inventive examples showed a decrease in viscosity
after 6 months of storage (40.degree. C./75% r.h.) of only 1% (I
2-1) up to a maximum decrease of 7% (I 1-2), all comparative
examples not containing zinc exhibited a decrease in viscosity of
at least 23% (C 2-1 and C 2-2) up to 35% (C 1-4), relative to the
respective viscosity at the start of the storage.
[0287] In the following, the content of .alpha.-tocopherol is given
in wt.-% relative to the given theoretical content of
.alpha.-tocopherol in the pharmaceutical dosage form.
[0288] For the purpose of specification, the "given theoretical
content of .alpha.-tocopherol" shall refer to the weight content
the .alpha.-tocopherol should have in theory according to the
specification of the composition of the pharmaceutical dosage
form.
[0289] Content (wt.-%) .alpha.-tocopherol @25.degree. C./60%
r.h.
TABLE-US-00008 content of .alpha.-tocopherol absolute content of
start of storage after 6 months change over 6 decrease over PEO [%]
[wt.-%] [wt.-%] months [wt.-%] 6 months [%] I 1-1 56.29 94 90 -4 4
I 1-2 (Zn containing) 93 88 -5 5 C 1-1 56.29 93 87 -6 6 C 1-2 (Zn
free) 97 91 -6 6 C 1-3 94 89 -5 5 C 1-4 97 90 -7 7 I 2-1 35.00 90
87 -3 3 I 2-2 (Zn containing) 89 87 -2 2 C 2-1 35.00 87 85 -2 2 C
2-2 (Zn free) 93 85 -8 9 C 2-3 89 87 -2 2 C 2-4 92 86 -6 7
[0290] Content (wt.-%) .alpha.-tocopherol @30.degree. C./75%
r.h.
TABLE-US-00009 content of .alpha.-tocopherol absolute change
decrease start of after 3 after 6 over over 6 content of storage
months months 6 months months PEO [%] [wt.-%] [wt.-%] [wt.-%]
[wt.-%] [wt.-%] I 1-1 56.29 94 90 88 -6 6 I 1-2 (Zn containing) 93
89 86 -7 8 C 1-1 93 89 83 -10 11 C 1-2 56.29 97 91 88 -9 9 C 1-3
(Zn free) 94 92 86 -8 9 C 1-4 97 93 86 -11 11 I 2-1 35.00 90 88 85
-5 6 I 2-2 (Zn containing) 89 88 85 -4 4 C 2-1 87 86 81 -6 7 C 2-2
35.00 93 87 80 -13 14 C 2-3 (Zn free) 89 88 83 -6 7 C 2-4 92 88 82
-10 11
[0291] Content (wt.-%) .alpha.-tocopherol @40.degree. C./75%
r.h.
TABLE-US-00010 content of .alpha.-tocopherol absolute de- content
change crease of start of after 1 after 3 after 6 over 6 over 6 PEO
storage month months months months months [%] [wt.-%] [wt.-%]
[wt.-%] [wt.-%] [wt.-%] [%] I 1-1 56.29 (Zn 94 93 86 79 -15 16 I
1-2 containing) 93 93 84 77 -16 17 C 1-1 56.29 93 89 85 73 -20 22 C
1-2 (Zn free) 97 93 88 78 -19 20 C 1-3 94 94 89 72 -22 23 C 1-4 97
93 90 76 -21 22 I 2-1 35.00 (Zn 90 89 85 76 -14 16 I 2-2
containing) 89 91 84 75 -14 16 C 2-1 35.00 87 90 85 66 -21 24 C 2-2
(Zn free) 93 91 79 64 -29 31 C 2-3 89 90 83 71 -18 20 C 2-4 92 89
82 69 -23 25
[0292] In the data presented it is shown that for the inventive
formulations the degradation of the polyethylene oxide is reduced
compared to the comparative formulations.
[0293] It becomes evident from the data summarized in above table,
that the zinc containing dosage forms according to the invention
display improved stability in comparison to dosage forms not
containing zinc, in particular at accelerated storage conditions at
40.degree. C. and 75% r.h.
[0294] While all inventive examples showed a decrease of the
.alpha.-tocopherol content after 6 months of storage (40.degree.
C./75% r.h.) of only 14% (I 1-1) up to a maximum decrease of 17% (I
1-2), all comparative examples not containing zinc exhibited a
decrease of the .alpha.-tocopherol content of at least 20% (C 2-3
and C 1-2) up to 31% (C 2-2), relative to the respective content of
.alpha.-tocopherol at the start of the storage.
EXAMPLE 3
[0295] The correlation was determined between the breaking strength
of the pharmaceutical dosage form and the polyalkylene oxide
(irrespective of containing zinc or not).
[0296] Mixtures of pharmacologically active ingredient,
polyalkylene oxide (not containing zinc) and excipients
(Hypromellose and PEG 6000) were extruded by means of a
twin-screw-extruder (type ZSE 18 PH 40 D, diameter of extrusion die
9 mm, temperature of extrusion die 120-130.degree. C.).
[0297] The composition of the individual mixtures, the respective
extrusion conditions and the breaking strengths of the thus
obtained dosage forms are summarized in the table here below:
TABLE-US-00011 revolution breaking composition velocity throughput
strength Ex. ingredient [wt.-%] [rpm] [g/min] [N] 1 Polyethylene
oxide (M.sub.w 5 .times. 10.sup.6) 5.00 120 16.66 235 [5%] Tramadol
HCl 50.00 Hypromellose (M.sub.w 1 .times. 10.sup.5) 30.00 PEG 6000
15.00 2 Polyethylene oxide (M.sub.w 5 .times. 10.sup.6) 15.00 100
20 785 [15%] Tramadol HCl 45.00 Hypromellose (M.sub.w 1 .times.
10.sup.5) 30.00 PEG 6000 10.00 3 Polyethylene oxide (M.sub.w 5
.times. 10.sup.6) 35.00 100 33.33 >1500 [35%] Tramadol HCl 45.00
Hypromellose (M.sub.w 1 .times. 10.sup.5) 10.00 PEG 6000 10.00 4
Polyethylene oxide (M.sub.w 5 .times. 10.sup.6) 55.00 100 33.33
>1500 [55%] Tramadol HCl 25.00 Hypromellose (M.sub.w 1 .times.
10.sup.5) 10.00 PEG 6000 10.00 5 Polyethylene oxide (M.sub.w 5
.times. 10.sup.6) 80.00 100 33.33 >1500 [80%] Tramadol HCl 5.00
Hypromellose (M.sub.w 1 .times. 10.sup.5) 5.00 PEG 6000 10.00 6
Polyethylene oxide (M.sub.w 7 .times. 10.sup.6) 55.00 100 33.33
>1500 [55%] Tramadol HCl 24.90 Hypromellose (M.sub.w 1 .times.
10.sup.5) 10.00 PEG 6000 10.00
[0298] The above data demonstrate that under the given experimental
conditions high breaking strengths could only be achieved at
contents of polyethylene oxide (5.times.10.sup.6 and
7.times.10.sup.6) of 15 wt.-% and above.
* * * * *