U.S. patent application number 17/126993 was filed with the patent office on 2021-08-12 for formulations and methods for lyophilization and lyophilates provided thereby.
This patent application is currently assigned to BIOGEN CHESAPEAKE LLC. The applicant listed for this patent is BIOGEN CHESAPEAKE LLC. Invention is credited to Sven Martin Jacobson.
Application Number | 20210244669 17/126993 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000005541153 |
Filed Date | 2021-08-12 |
United States Patent
Application |
20210244669 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Jacobson; Sven Martin |
August 12, 2021 |
FORMULATIONS AND METHODS FOR LYOPHILIZATION AND LYOPHILATES
PROVIDED THEREBY
Abstract
The present invention provides compositions, methods for
lyophilizing compounds and making pharmaceutical compositions, and
kits providing solutions and lyophilized formulations of compounds.
The compositions, methods, and kits are particularly useful in
pharmaceutical applications involving therapeutic agents that have
low solubility at low pH and medium pH values. Certain embodiments
provide methods for lyophilizing compounds in liquid solutions,
which include the steps of a) preparing aqueous solutions of a
compound of interest in the absence of buffer; b) adjusting the pH
to high values of pH in order to increase the solubility of the
compound of interest; and c) freeze-drying the solution to provide
a lyophilized solid composition. Aqueous solutions including buffer
are also disclosed. Lyophilized formulations, including micronized
and non-micronized powders, are provided.
Inventors: |
Jacobson; Sven Martin; (New
York, NY) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
BIOGEN CHESAPEAKE LLC |
Cambridge |
MA |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
BIOGEN CHESAPEAKE LLC
Cambridge
MA
|
Family ID: |
1000005541153 |
Appl. No.: |
17/126993 |
Filed: |
December 18, 2020 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
16585255 |
Sep 27, 2019 |
10869835 |
|
|
17126993 |
|
|
|
|
16138173 |
Sep 21, 2018 |
10426729 |
|
|
16585255 |
|
|
|
|
14508488 |
Oct 7, 2014 |
10117834 |
|
|
16138173 |
|
|
|
|
13610335 |
Sep 11, 2012 |
8858997 |
|
|
14508488 |
|
|
|
|
12746164 |
Jun 3, 2010 |
8277845 |
|
|
PCT/US2008/085384 |
Dec 3, 2008 |
|
|
|
13610335 |
|
|
|
|
60992241 |
Dec 4, 2007 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
Y10S 514/96 20130101;
A61K 9/1611 20130101; A61K 31/451 20130101; A61K 9/1682 20130101;
A61K 9/0019 20130101; A61K 9/19 20130101; A61K 9/1623 20130101;
A61K 31/64 20130101; A61K 31/175 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A61K 9/16 20060101
A61K009/16; A61K 9/00 20060101 A61K009/00; A61K 9/19 20060101
A61K009/19; A61K 31/175 20060101 A61K031/175; A61K 31/451 20060101
A61K031/451; A61K 31/64 20060101 A61K031/64 |
Claims
1. A method for preparing an infusion solution, the method
comprising: a) reconstituting a lyophilized composition comprising:
i) glibenclamide or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, ii)
at least one substantially pharmaceutically inert compound selected
from the group consisting of glucose, fructose, mannose, galactose,
mannitol, sorbitol, lactose, trehalose, sucrose, sodium chloride
and potassium chloride, and iii) one or more alkali bases, in water
at a concentration of about 0.2 mg/mL to about 1.0 mg/mL of the
glibenclamide or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof to form
a reconstituted pharmaceutical formulation having a pH greater than
8, wherein the lyophilized composition is stable for at least 3
months at 25.degree. C. and 60% relative humidity; and b) diluting
the reconstituted pharmaceutical formulation in a saline solution
to form the infusion solution.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein the weight of the one or more of
glucose, fructose, mannose, galactose, mannitol, sorbitol, lactose,
trehalose, sucrose, sodium chloride, and potassium chloride is at
least about 10 times the weight of glibenclamide or a
pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof in the lyophilized
composition.
3. The method of claim 1, wherein the lyophilized composition is a
powder.
4. The method of claim 1, wherein the at least one substantially
pharmaceutically inert compound is mannitol.
5. The method of claim 1, wherein the one or more alkali bases is
sodium hydroxide or potassium hydroxide.
6. The method of claim 1, wherein the at least one substantially
pharmaceutically inert compound is mannitol and the one or more
alkali bases comprise sodium hydroxide.
7. The method of claim 1, wherein the lyophilized composition
contains said one or more alkali bases in an amount sufficient such
that when said lyophilized composition is reconstituted at a
concentration of about 0.2 mg/mL to about 1.0 mg/mL of the
glibenclamide or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, its pH
is greater than 10.
8. The method of claim 1, wherein the lyophilized composition
further includes a buffer.
9. The method of claim 1, wherein glibenclamide is in the form of a
pharmaceutically acceptable salt.
10. The method of claim 1, wherein the lyophilized composition
contains less than 0.1% w/w of agents that enhance the solubility
of glibenclamide.
11. The method of claim 1, wherein said reconstituted
pharmaceutical formulation comprises glibenclamide or a
pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof at a concentration of
about 1 mg/ml.
12. The method of claim 1, wherein said reconstituted
pharmaceutical formulation comprises glibenclamide or a
pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, mannitol, sodium
hydroxide, and water, and has an osmolality of 200 mOsm to 400
mOsm.
13. The method of claim 1, wherein said reconstituted
pharmaceutical formulation is suitable for intravenous
administration, bolus injection, or intravenous infusion.
14. The method of claim 1, wherein said reconstituted
pharmaceutical formulation comprises a second pharmaceutically
active compound.
15. A container containing a lyophilized composition that
comprises: a) glibenclamide or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt
thereof; b) at least one substantially pharmaceutically inert
compound selected from the group consisting of glucose, fructose,
mannose, galactose, mannitol, sorbitol, lactose, trehalose,
sucrose, sodium chloride and potassium chloride; and c) one or more
alkali bases, wherein the lyophilized composition is stable for at
least 3 months at 25.degree. C. and 60% relative humidity.
16. The container of claim 15, wherein the at least one
substantially pharmaceutically inert compound is mannitol.
17. The container of claim 15, wherein the one or more alkali bases
is sodium hydroxide or potassium hydroxide.
18. The container of claim 15, wherein the at least one
substantially pharmaceutically inert compound is mannitol and the
one or more alkali bases comprise sodium hydroxide.
19. The container of claim 15, wherein glibenclamide is in the form
of a pharmaceutically acceptable salt of glibenclamide.
20. A kit comprising the container of claim 15 and a vial
containing a diluent.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 16/585,255 filed Sep. 27, 2019, which is a
continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/138,173, filed
Sep. 21, 2018, now granted as U.S. Pat. No. 10,426,729 which is a
continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/508,488, filed
Oct. 7, 2014, now granted as U.S. Pat. No. 10,117,834, which is a
continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/610,335, filed
Sep. 11, 2012, now granted as U.S. Pat. No. 8,858,997, which is a
continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/746,164, filed
Jun. 3, 2010, now granted as U.S. Pat. No. 8,277,845, which is a
United States national phase application of International Patent
Application No. PCT/US2008/085384, filed Dec. 3, 2008, which
claimed priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No.
60/992,241, filed on Dec. 4, 2007, all of which are hereby
incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Compounds that are weak acids are often poorly soluble at
low (e.g., less than about pH 4 or pH 5) and at medium pH values
(e.g., pH values of about 6 or 7). Such compounds are often
difficult to use as pharmaceuticals due to, for example, poor
solubility in pharmaceutically acceptable solutions. Thus, despite
possible theoretical therapeutic efficacy, some compounds are not
useful in clinical practice, or not as useful as they might be if
methods and compositions were available to provide such compounds
in pharmaceutically acceptable forms. In addition, formulations of
such compounds may be unstable, and may be difficult to store for
use, even if it were possible to prepare pharmaceutically
acceptable formulations of such compounds.
[0003] Sulphonylureas and other compounds that act on sulphonylurea
receptors (SURs) are useful in medical treatment of diabetes and
other disorders. SURs may be of different types, including, for
example, sulphonylurea receptor type 1 (SUR1) and sulphonylurea
receptor type 2 (SUR2). Compounds that act at SURs include
sulphonylureas (such as glibenclamide) and other compounds (e.g.,
repaglinide and taglizide). Sulphonylureas and other compounds
active at SURs include glibenclamide (also known as glyburide),
4-trans-hydroxy-glibenclamide, 3-cis-hydroxy-glibenclamide,
tolbutamide, repaglinide, nateglinide, meglitinide, midaglizole,
LY397364, LY389382, glyclazide, glimepiride and other drugs or
metabolites of drugs which interact with SURs.
[0004] In addition, ion channels such as potassium channels and
non-selective channels may be associated with SURs (e.g., a
NC.sub.Ca-ATP channel; see, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 7,285,574,
hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety, or an
ATP-sensitive potassium channel (K.sub.ATP channel)). Compounds
active towards ion channels associated with SURs are also useful in
medical treatments. Some compounds that act on non-selective
channels that may be associated with SURs include, for example,
pinkolant, flufenamic acid, mefanamic acid, niflumic acid,
rimonabant, and SKF 9635. In addition, other compounds may act on
or affect the action of SURs and/or ion channels associated with
SURS, including, without limitation, for example, steroids and
steroid derivatives and related compounds such as estrogen,
estradiol, estrone, estriol, genistein, diethystilbestrol,
coumestrol, zearalenone, non-steroidal estrogens, and
phytoestrogens.
Glibenclamide Solubility
[0005] Glibenclamide solubility in various solutions has been
reported, and is typically reported as being very poorly soluble in
buffered aqueous solutions. For example, the solubility of
glibenclamide in buffered aqueous solutions has been reported by
Glomme at al. (Glomre A, Marz J, Dressman J B. Comparison of a
miniaturized shake-flask solubility method with automated
potentiometric acid/base titrations and calculated solubilities. J
Pharm Sci. 2005 January; 94(1):1-16). The buffered aqueous solution
was made with distilled water to form a potassium chloride (220 mM)
solution buffered with potassium phosphate (29 mM), and the pH
adjusted to pH 5, 6, or 7 with sodium hydroxide. These solutions
had osmolarities of between about 280 to 310 milliOsmolar and had
buffer capacities of about 10.+-.2 milliEquvialents/L/pH. Glomme et
al. report that glibenclamide is only sparingly soluble in such
solutions, with extremely low solubilities at pH 2, 3, 5, 6, and 7,
and relatively greater (although still very low) solubilities at pH
8, 9 and 11.8. These solubilities are shown in TABLE 1:
TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 Solubility of Glibenclamide at 37.degree. C.
(aqueous). pH Solubility (mg/mL) 2 0.00007 3 0.00006 5 0.0001 6
0.00062 7 0.00562 8 0.0512 9 0.0986 11.8 0.5316
[0006] It can be seen that glibenclamide in such aqueous solutions
is poorly soluble, that the solubility is less at acidic pH, and
that the solubility increases by an order of magnitude from pH6 to
pH 7, from pH 7 to pH 8, and from pH 8 to pH 11.8.
[0007] Similarly, low glibenclamide solubilities in aqueous
solutions were reported by Kaiser et al. (Kaiser D G, Forist, AA. A
review of Glibenclamide Metabolism in Man and Laboratory Animals.
Physical and Analytical Chemistry Research, The Upjohn Company,
1975), with solubilities of below 1 mg/mL at all measured pH values
from pH 4 to pH 9. Glibenclamide was dissolved in Britton-Robinson
buffer. (Britton-Robinson buffer is an aqueous buffer solution
including phosphoric acid, acetic acid and boric acid, with the pH
adjusted with sodium hydroxide.) These solubilities are reported in
TABLE 2.
TABLE-US-00002 TABLE 2 Solubility of Glibenclamide at 27.degree. C.
(aqueous). pH Solubility (mg/mL) 4 0.004 6 0.005 7 0.011 8 0.080 9
0.600
[0008] Rydberg et al. (Rydberg T, Jonsson A, Roder M, Melander A.
Hypoglycemic activity of glibenclamide (Glibenclamide) metabolites
in humans. Diabetes Care. 1994 September; 17(9):1026-30) also
reported a glibenclamide solubility of 0.5 mg/mL in a 0.1 M, pH 10
phosphate-buffered aqueous solution (300 mOsm/L).
[0009] The following formulation for intravenous glibenclamide (1
mg/nL) was developed for a Mayo study (Schrage W G, Dietz N M,
Joyner M J. Effects of combined inhibition of ATP-sensitive
potassium channels, nitric oxide, and prostaglandins on hyperemia
during moderate exercise. J Appl Physiol. 2006 May; 100(5):1506-12.
Epub 2006 Feb. 9):
TABLE-US-00003 Ingredient Amount Glibenclamide 500 mg Sodium
Chloride 0.9% 450 mL 0.1N Sodium Hydroxide 50 mL Above formula
makes 500 mL Type of container 5 mL amber vial Amount in each 5 mL
Shelf life Unknown
[0010] The formulation can be prepared by: i) mixing sodium
hydroxide and sodium chloride in water; ii) dissolving
glibenclamide in the mixture, with slight warming to help dissolve
it; iii) filter the solution through a 0.22 micron filter into
sterile 5 mL amber vials; iv) stopper, cap and crimp. Sterility can
be tested by using a Millipore system, and while working in the
laminar flow hood: i) pass the test solution through the filter and
flush with sterile saline injection three times; ii) crimp the
hoses and inject the culture media into the container; iii) record
the product information on form #11.31, and staple to the
compounding formula; iv) perform a LAL test using a 1:20 dilution;
v) quarantine for 14 days and check daily for presence or absence
of growth; vi) record all culture results on the culture report
form and the Microbial Culture Journal.
[0011] Betageri at al. (Betageri, G. V. et al. Enhancement of
dissolution of glibenclamide by solid dispersion and lyophilization
techniques, Int. J. Pharm. 126, 155-160 (1995)) evaluated
increasing solubility of glibenclamide first by addition of various
polyethylene glycol (PEG) and then via various PEG forms plus
lyophilization. Betageri did not lyophilize glibenclamide on its
own, and the procedures were performed at pH 7.4 in buffered
solutions. Glibenclamide-PEG was found to be more soluble than
glibenclamide alone. It is to be noted that all the Betageri
formulations involve one or more PEG, and that the concentrations
are very low.
Lyophilization
[0012] Lyophilization is a term used to describe methods and
actions that provide dried materials, such as powders, from liquids
containing solids or dissolved materials by freeze-drying (freezing
a liquid containing dissolved or suspended material, and drying
while frozen by sublimation) to provide a dry solid containing the
dissolved or suspended material in solid form. Typically, aqueous
solutions are used in lyophilization, although mixed
aqueous/solvent solutions, and other liquid solutions, may be used.
For example, a biological material may be lyophilized from a
solution or suspension in which it is mixed with protective agents.
Such a solution or suspension may then be frozen, and subsequently
dehydrated by sublimation. Sublimation may optionally be followed
by further drying steps.
[0013] Many materials and chemicals may be lyophilized. For
example, dilute chemicals, including organic molecules such as
drugs, hormones, proteins, nucleic acids (e.g., DNA and RNA),
lipids, and carbohydrates or other molecules, may be lyophilized to
provide a dried form of a chemical or mixture of chemicals.
Biological samples may also be lyophilized. Typically,
lyophilization methods include freeze-drying a liquid solution or
suspension to provide a dry residue containing a high concentration
of the dissolved or suspended compounds. In some cases, the solid
provided by lyophilization may be or include a salt.
[0014] Lyophilization processes provide solids, such as powders,
dried films, or cakes. Small particles may be obtained, if desired,
from such powders, films, or cakes by procedures such as grinding
or flaking.
[0015] However, some methods of lyophilization may be improved.
[0016] In addition, some materials may be difficult to lyophilize.
Some materials, including some organic molecules useful in
pharmaceutical applications and as medicaments, are difficult to
dissolve or suspend in a solution, particularly in aqueous
solutions of neutral or near-neutral pH, or in buffered aqueous
solutions.
[0017] Thus, the need exists for improved methods of lyophilizing
materials suitable for a wider range of materials than is presently
available, and for particular desired materials and for desired
types of materials.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0018] Methods, compositions, and kits providing solutions and
lyophilized formulations of compounds of interest are taught
herein. Compounds of interest are often compounds that are poorly
soluble at low and medium pH values, although more soluble at
higher pH values. The methods, compositions, and kits provided
herein provide pharmaceutically acceptable formulations, including
solutions and lyophilized formulations, that solve the low
solubility and low stability problems associated with
pharmaceutical formulations of compounds that are poorly soluble at
low and medium pH values.
[0019] Compounds of interest may be, for example, sulphonylurea
compounds, ion channel-blocking compounds, steroid compounds, and
other compounds having pharmaceutical activity. For example,
methods, compositions and kits providing lyophilized formulations
of sulphonylurea compounds are taught herein. In a further example,
methods, compositions and kits providing lyophilized formulations
of ion-channel blocking compounds are taught herein. In a still
further example, methods, compositions and kits providing
lyophilized formulations of sulphonylurea compounds together with
steroid compounds are taught herein. In a yet further example,
methods, compositions and kits providing lyophilized formulations
of sulphonylurea compounds together with ion-channel blocking
compounds and/or steroid compounds are taught herein. In another
example, methods, compositions and kits providing lyophilized
formulations of sulphonylurea compounds and/or ion channel blocking
compounds, optionally along with a substantially pharmaceutically
inert compound are taught herein.
[0020] Methods for lyophilizing compounds from liquid solutions,
and products comprising lyophilized solids obtained from such
lyophilized liquid solutions, are provided herein. In certain
embodiments, hydrophobic organic molecules re dissolved in aqueous
solutions and lyophilized to provide solid compositions containing
high concentrations of the hydrophobic organic molecules. In
certain embodiments, these solid compositions containing high
concentrations of hydrophobic organic molecules are stable and are
suitable for storage, e.g., suitable for storage for long periods
of time. Such storage may be at ambient conditions, may be under
controlled temperature, may be under controlled humidity, or other
condition or set of conditions; and may be stored in a sealed
container (e.g., a bottle or jar with a removable lid, a tubes, a
capsule, a caplet, a vial, or other container), and may be in a
sealed container under an inert gas (e.g., nitrogen, argon, helium,
or other inert gas), or other container with or without other
element or compound in the container.
[0021] Sulphonylureas and other compounds active at sulphonylurea
receptors (SURs) include many chemicals that may be difficult to
dissolve or suspend in an aqueous solution. Sulphonylureas and
other compounds active at SURs include glibenclamide (also known as
glyburide), tolbutamide, repaglinide, nateglinide, meglitinide,
midaglizole, LY397364, LY389382, glyclazide, glimepiride and other
drugs or metabolites of drugs which interact with SURs. Other
compounds which may also exhibit similar problems with going into
solution, and which may be suitable for use in the practice of
embodiments of the invention, include compounds termed herein "ion
channel-blocking" compounds, such as, for example, pinkolant,
flufenamic acid, mefanamic acid, niflumic acid, rimonabant, and SKF
9635. In addition, steroids and steroid derivatives and related
compounds may also be lyophilized following embodiments of methods
of the invention; such steroids, steroid derivatives and related
compounds include, without limitation, estrogen, estradiol,
estrone, estriol, genistein, diethystilbestrol, coumestrol,
zearalenone, non-steroidal estrogens, and phytoestrogens. In
addition, mixed solutions, containing combinations of these
compounds, or these compounds in combination with other compounds,
may be lyophilized in embodiments of the methods and compositions
having features of the invention.
[0022] In addition, solutions and lyophilized formulations having
features of the invention may include compounds which act to
maintain, or aid in maintaining, proper levels of blood glucose, or
which act to raise, or aid in raising, blood levels of glucose,
preferably to maintain or raise glucose levels in the blood of a
subject at or near normal physiological levels. Such compounds
include, for example, glucose itself other carbohydrates, glucagon,
and other compounds, and combinations thereof.
[0023] As disclosed herein, glucose thus may be included in
solutions and lyophilized formulations having features of the
invention as an element having pharmaceutical activity, and may
also be included in solutions and lyophilized formulations having
features of the invention for purposes other than as an element
having pharmaceutical activity. Thus, glucose, which has
physiological activity, and may act as a pharmaceutically active
element of solutions and lyophilized formulations having features
of the invention, may also be included in solutions and lyophilized
formulations having features of the invention for purposes other
than its physiological effects. For example, glucose may be
included, and may be discussed herein as a "pharmaceutically inert"
compound or a "substantially pharmaceutically inert" compound. Such
reference to glucose recognizes, e.g., its osmotic, bulking, or
other properties in addition to its pharmaceutical activities. It
will be understood that glucose is an element that may be included
both where active ingredients are discussed herein, and where
substantially pharmaceutically inert ingredients are discussed
herein.
[0024] In addition, solutions and lyophilized formulations having
features of the invention may include compounds which are
substantially pharmaceutically inert. As used herein, compounds
that are "substantially pharmaceutically inert" include sugars such
as glucose, fructose, mannose, galactose, mannitol, sorbitol,
lactose, sucrose, trehalose, and other sugars, including
mono-saccharides, di-saccharides, and other sugars; salts such as
sodium chloride, potassium chloride, and other compounds which may
be used in pharmaceutical solutions with little or no effect on the
pharmacological activity of an active ingredient, but which may
have effects on, for example, the osmolarity of the solution in
which the substantially pharmaceutically inert compounds are
included. Note that the designation of glucose as a "substantially
pharmaceutically inert" compound is for convenience of reference
only; glucose has physiological activity and may be included for
pharmaceutical activity at the same time as, or in addition to, its
utility as a "substantially pharmaceutically inert" compound.
[0025] Thus, for example, in embodiments, solutions and methods
suitable for the practice of the invention may include solutions,
lyophilized formulations, and kits including solutions and/or
lyophilized formulations of glibenclamide,
4-trans-hydroxy-glibenclamide, 3-cis-hydroxy-glibenclamide,
tolbutamide, chlorpropamide, tolazamide, repaglinide, nateglinide,
meglitinide, midaglizole, tolazamide, gliquidone, LY397364,
LY389382, glyclazide, glimepiride, estrogen, estradiol, estrone,
estriol, genistein, diethystilbestrol, coumestrol, zearalenone,
non-steroidal estrogens, phytoestrogens, pinkolant, flufenamic
acid, mefanamic acid, niflumic acid, rimonabant, SKF 9635, and
combinations thereof. Furthermore, solutions and methods suitable
for the practice of the invention may include solutions,
lyophilized formulations, and kits including solutions and/or
lyophilized formulations of glibenclamide,
4-trans-hydroxy-glibenclamide, 3-cis-hydroxy-glibenclamide,
tolbutamide, chlorpropamide, tolazamide, repaglinide, nateglinide,
meglitinide, midaglizole, tolazamide, gliquidone, LY397364,
LY389382, glyclazide, glimepiride, estrogen, estradiol, estrone,
estriol, genistein, diethystilbestrol, coumestrol, zearalenone,
non-steroidal estrogens, phytoestrogens, pinkolant, flufenamic
acid, mefanamic acid, niflumic acid, rimonabant, SKF 9635, and
combinations thereof in which one or more substantially
pharmaceutically inert compound is also present in the solution,
lyophilized formulation, or kit.
[0026] Methods for lyophilizing compounds in liquid solutions may
include steps of a) preparing aqueous solutions of a compound of
interest in the absence of buffer or in the presence of a weak
buffer (e.g., less than about 2 mM); b) adjusting the pH to high
values of pH in order to increase the solubility of the compound of
interest; and c) freeze-drying the solution to provide a
lyophilized solid composition. It will be understood that the term
"compound of interest" as used herein may be any one of the
compounds named in the previous paragraph, and may include mixtures
and combinations of more than one compound, and may include
mixtures and combinations including one or more of, for example,
the compounds named in the preceding paragraph. For example,
methods for lyophilizing compounds in liquid solutions include
preparing aqueous solutions of glibenclamide in the absence of
buffer, adjusting the pH to high values of pH in order to increase
the solubility of the glibenclamide. In a further example, methods
for lyophilizing compounds in liquid solutions may include steps of
preparing aqueous solutions of glibenclamide and another compound
such as, for example, pinkolant, in the absence of buffer,
adjusting the pH to high values of pH in order to increase the
solubility of these compounds. Adjusting the pH of the solution to
high pH values may be achieved using sodium hydroxide, potassium
hydroxide, lithium hydroxide, calcium hydroxide, magnesium
hydroxide, or other agent suitable for increasing the pH of an
aqueous solution. Once the compound of interest (or mixture of
compounds) is dissolved, the pH of the solution may optionally be
lowered, e.g., by addition of acid such as hydrochloric acid,
sulfuric acid, acetic acid, or other acid. The resulting solution,
prepared by any of the optional methods and having any of the
optional compositions discussed herein, may be freeze-dried
effective to provide a lyophilized solid. The reconstituted liquid
may have a lower pH than that of the pre-lyophilized solution due
to the lyophilization process, with the compound or compounds
remaining in solution despite the lower pH.
[0027] Methods for lyophilizing compounds in liquid solutions may
include steps of: a) adding a compound of interest to water in the
absence of buffer; b) adjusting the pH to high values of pH in
order to increase the solubility of the compound of interest; c)
adding further amounts of a compound of interest; and d)
freeze-drying the solution to provide a lyophilized solid
composition. Methods for lyophilizing compounds in liquid solutions
may also include steps of: a) adding a compound of interest to
water in the absence of buffer; b) adjusting the pH to high values
of pH in order to increase the solubility of the compound of
interest; c) adding further amounts of a compound of interest; d)
repeating steps a), b), and c) one or more times as needed to
achieve a desired, or to achieve a maximal, concentration of the
compound of interest in the aqueous solution; and d) freeze-drying
the solution to provide a lyophilized solid composition.
[0028] Methods for lyophilizing compounds in liquid solutions may
include steps of a) adding a compound of interest to water in the
absence of buffer or in the presence of a weak buffer (less than
about 2 mM); b) adjusting the pH to high values of pH in order to
increase the solubility of the compound of interest; c) allowing
the liquid to sit for a period sufficient for the pH to reduce; (d)
further adjusting the pH to high values of pH in order to increase
the solubility of the compound of interest; and e) freeze-drying
the solution to provide a lyophilized solid composition. Methods
for lyophilizing compounds in liquid solutions may also include
steps of: a) adding a compound of interest to water in the absence
of buffer b) adjusting the pH to high values of pH in order to
increase the solubility of the compound of interest; c) allowing
the liquid to sit for a period sufficient for the pH to reduce; (d)
further adjusting the pH to high values of pH in order to increase
the solubility of the compound of interest; e) repeating steps a),
b), c) and d) one or more times as needed to achieve a desired, or
to achieve a maximal, concentration of the compound of interest in
the aqueous solution; and f) freeze-drying the solution to provide
a lyophilized solid composition.
[0029] The pH can be measured at any of the aforementioned steps, a
single time or multiple times. The pH can be adjusted at any of the
aforementioned steps, a single time or multiple times. A compound
of interest may be added to water, or to a water solution
containing compound of interest, in the absence of buffer, a single
time or multiple times. A compound of interest may be added to
high-pH water, or a high-pH water solution, or to a high-pH water
solution containing compound of interest, in the absence of buffer,
a single time or multiple times.
[0030] Thus, in embodiments of the methods, compositions and kits
of the invention, solutions and lyophilized formulations, and kits
including such solutions and lyophilized formulations, may include,
for example, sulphonylureas and other compounds active at SURs such
as glibenclamide, tolbutamide, repaglinide, nateglinide,
meglitinide, midaglizole, LY397364, LY389382, glyclazide,
glimepiride and other drugs or metabolites of drugs which interact
with SURs; may include ion channel blockers such as, for example,
pinkolant, flufenamic acid, mefanamic acid, niflumic acid,
rimonabant, and SKF 9635; may include estrogen, estradiol, estrone,
estriol, genistein, diethystilbestrol, coumestrol, zearalenone,
non-steroidal estrogens, phytoestrogens or other steroid compound,
and may also include one or more substantially pharmaceutically
inert compound such as, for example, glucose, fructose, mannose,
galactose, mannitol, sorbitol, lactose, trehalose, sucrose, and
other sugars, including mono-saccharides, di-saccharides, and other
sugars, sodium chloride, potassium chloride, or other substantially
pharmaceutically inert compound.
[0031] In further particular embodiments, methods for lyophilizing
compounds in liquid solutions include a) preparing, in the absence
of buffer, aqueous solutions of a compound of interest together
with a substantially pharmaceutically inert compound, b) adjusting
the pH to high values of pH in order to increase the solubility of
the compound of interest, and c) freeze-drying the solution to
provide a lyophilized solid composition. For example, methods for
lyophilizing compounds in liquid solutions include preparing
aqueous solutions of glibenclamide and mannitol in the absence of
buffer, adjusting the pH to high values of pH in order to increase
the solubility of the glibenclamide and mannitol compounds. In a
further example, methods for lyophilizing compounds in liquid
solutions include preparing aqueous solutions of glibenclamide and
another compound in the absence of buffer, adjusting the pH to high
values (e.g., pH of 8, 9, 10, or 11) in order to increase the
solubility of the compound of interest. Adjusting the pH of the
solution to a high pH value may be achieved using sodium hydroxide,
potassium hydroxide, lithium hydroxide, calcium hydroxide,
magnesium hydroxide, or other agent suitable for increasing the pH
of an aqueous solution. Once the compound of interest (or mixture
of compounds) is dissolved, the pH of the solution may optionally
be lowered, e.g., by addition of acid such as hydrochloric acid,
sulfuric acid, acetic acid, or other acid. The resulting solution,
containing a compound of interest together with a substantially
pharmaceutically inert compound, prepared by any of the optional
methods and having any of the optional compositions discussed
herein, may be freeze-dried effective to provide a lyophilized
solid.
[0032] In further embodiments, methods for lyophilizing compounds
in liquid solutions include a) preparing, in the presence of a
buffer, aqueous solutions of a compound of interest (which may
comprise a mixture of compounds of interest), b) adjusting the pH
to high values of pH in order to increase the solubility of the
compound of interest, and c) freeze-drying the solution to provide
a lyophilized solid composition. Once the compound of interest is
dissolved, the pH of the solution may optionally be lowered, e.g.,
by addition of acid. The resulting solution, containing a compound
of interest together with a substantially pharmaceutically inert
compound, prepared by any of the optional methods and having any of
the optional compositions discussed herein, may be freeze-dried
effective to provide a lyophilized solid.
[0033] In further embodiments, methods for lyophilizing compounds
in liquid solutions include a) preparing, in the presence of a
buffer, aqueous solutions of a compound of interest (which may
comprise a mixture of compounds of interest) together with a
substantially pharmaceutically inert compound, b) adjusting the pH
to high values of pH in order to increase the solubility of the
compound of interest, and c) freeze-drying the solution to provide
a lyophilized solid composition. Once the compound of interest is
dissolved, the pH of the solution may optionally be lowered, e.g.,
by addition of acid. The resulting solution, containing a compound
of interest together with a substantially pharmaceutically inert
compound, prepared by any of the optional methods and having any of
the optional compositions discussed herein, may be freeze-dried
effective to provide a lyophilized solid.
[0034] Kits having features of the invention may include liquid
solutions of compounds of interest, and/or liquid solutions of
mixtures of compounds of interest, and/or liquid solutions of
compounds of interest together with one or more substantially
pharmaceutically inert compound, and may include instructions for
the use of such liquid solutions. For example, instructions for the
use of such liquid solutions may include instructions for
freeze-drying such solutions in order to obtain a lyophilized
formulation of the compound or compounds of interest.
Alternatively, or in addition, kits having features of the
invention may include lyophilized formulations of compounds of
interest, and/or lyophilized formulations of mixtures of compounds
of interest, and/or lyophilized formulations of compounds of
interest together with one or more substantially pharmaceutically
inert compound, and may include instructions for the use of such
lyophilized formulations. For example, instructions for the use of
such lyophilized formulations may include instructions for
re-constituting such lyophilized formulations to provide solutions,
preferably sterile solutions, suitable for use in research and/or
in pharmaceutical, medical, veterinary, or other clinical
application. Kits may include in separate vials of a pH adjuster or
of pH adjusters which are able to reduce the pH of the
reconstituted solution, where a "pH adjuster" is a compound able to
alter the pH of a water solution (e.g., sodium hydroxide, potassium
hydroxide, hydrochloric acid, or other compounds effective to alter
the pH of a water solution).
[0035] Solutions, formulations, lyophilates, and methods for making
the same, as disclosed herein, are useful to provide, for example,
materials that may be used as medicaments, and to prepare
medicaments, for the treatment of diseases, disorders, and
conditions. Sulphonylurea solutions, formulations, lyophilates, and
methods for making the same, may be used as medicaments, and to
prepare medicaments for treating, for example, stroke, brain
trauma, spinal cord injury, ischemia (of the brain, of the spinal
cord, of the heart, and of other organs), and any other disease or
condition in which cells may express a SUR1-sensitive non-selective
channel such as the N.sub.Ca-ATP channel. Sulphonylurea solutions,
formulations, lyophilates, and methods for making the same, may be
used as medicaments, and to prepare medicaments for treating, for
example, diabetes, for treating diseases or conditions affecting Kw
channels or which may be treated by modulating K.sub.ATP channels,
and other conditions. Accordingly, the materials disclosed herein
provide improved medicaments and treatments, and the methods
disclosed herein provide improved methods for making medicaments
and for treating patients.
[0036] Further embodiments relate to a lyophilized glibenclamide
powder substantially free of buffer and including one or more
substantially pharmaceutically inert compounds. In certain
instances, the substantially pharmaceutically inert compounds are
independently a sugar or a salt. In certain instances, the
substantially pharmaceutically inert compounds are independently
glucose, fructose, mannose, galactose, mannitol, sorbitol, lactose,
trehalose, sucrose, sodium chloride, or potassium chloride. In
certain instances, one of the substantially pharmaceutically inert
compounds is mannitol. In certain instances, the powder includes
only one substantially pharmaceutically inert compound, which is a
sugar or a salt. In certain instances, the substantially
pharmaceutically inert compound is mannitol. In certain instances,
the amount of buffer is less than 1% w/w. In certain instances, the
amount of buffer is less than 0.1% w/w. In certain instances, the
amount of substantially pharmaceutically inert compounds is less
than 10% w/w. In certain instances, the amount of substantially
pharmaceutically inert compounds is less than 5% w/w. In certain
instances, the amount of substantially pharmaceutically inert
compounds is between 2% w/w and 6% w/w. In certain instances, the
glibenclamide has a water solubility of at least about 0.01 mg/mL
at 20.degree. C. in an aqueous solution having a pH of 7. In
certain instances, the substantially pharmaceutically inert
compound is mannitol provided in the aqueous solution from which
the glibenclamide powder was lyophilized in the amount of about 3
mg/100 mL (3%). In certain instances, the substantially
pharmaceutically inert compound is glucose. In certain instances,
the substantially pharmaceutically inert compound is glucose
provided in the aqueous solution from which the glibenclamide
powder was lyophilized in the amount of about 3 mg/100 mL (3%). In
certain instances, the substantially pharmaceutically inert
compound is a salt provided in the aqueous solution from which the
glibenclamide powder was lyophilized in the amount of less than
about 10 mg/100 mL (10%). In certain instances, the substantially
pharmaceutically inert compound is sodium chloride or potassium
chloride.
[0037] In certain instances, lyophilized glibenclamide powder is
substantially free of agents enhancing the solubility of
glibenclamide. Representative agents that may enhance the
solubility of glibenclamide include cyclodextrins and solubilizing
polymers, such as polyethylene glycol. In certain instances,
lyophilized glibenclamide powder contains less than 1% w/w of
agents enhancing the solubility of glibenclamide. In certain
instances, lyophilized glibenclamide powder contains less than 0.1%
w/w or less than 0.01% w/w of agents enhancing the solubility of
glibenclamide.
[0038] Further embodiments relate to a solid pharmaceutical
composition consisting essentially of a lyophilized glibenclamide
powder, an alkali metal base, and optionally a substantially
pharmaceutically inert bulking agent selected from the group
consisting of a mono-saccharide and di-saccharide. In certain
instances, the alkali metal base is sodium hydroxide or potassium
hydroxide, and the substantially pharmaceutically inert bulking
agent is mannitol, glucose, fructose, mannose, galactose, sorbitol,
lactose, trehalose, or sucrose. In certain instances, the
substantially pharmaceutically inert bulking agent is mannitol. In
certain instances, the amount of substantially pharmaceutically
inert bulking agent is between 2% w/w and 6% w/w. In certain
instances, the amount of alkali metal base is less than 10% w/w. In
certain instances, the amount of alkali metal base is less than 5%
w/w.
[0039] Further embodiments relate to a pharmaceutical composition
comprising a lyophilized glibenclamide powder and another
pharmaceutically active compound, the composition being
substantially free of buffer. In certain instances, the other
pharmaceutically active compound is 4-trans-hydroxy-glibenclamide,
3-cis-hydroxy-glibenclamide, tolbutamide, chlorpropamide,
tolazamide, repaglinide, nateglinide, meglitinide, midaglizole,
tolazamide, gliquidone, LY397364, LY389382, glyclazide,
glimepiride, estrogen, estradiol, estrone, estriol, genistein,
diethystilbestrol, coumestrol, zearalenone, non-steroidal
estrogens, phytoestrogens, pinkolant, flufenamic acid, mefanamic
acid, niflumic acid, rimonabant, or SKF 9635. In certain instances,
the other pharmaceutically active compound is
4-trans-hydroxy-glibenclamide, 3-cis-hydroxy-glibenclamide,
tolbutamide, repaglinide, nateglinide, meglitinide, midaglizole,
LY397364, LY389382, glyclazide, or glimepiride.
[0040] Further embodiments relate to a method for lyophilizing a
compound, comprising: a) preparing an aqueous solution of a
compound in the absence of buffer, b) adjusting the pH to greater
than about 8 in order to increase the solubility of the compound,
and c) freeze-drying the solution to provide a lyophilized solid
composition. In certain instances, the pH is greater than about 9.
In certain instances, the pH is greater than about pH 10. In
certain instances, the concentration of the compound in solution is
greater than about 0.5 mg/mL. In certain instances, the
concentration of the compound in solution is greater than about 1
mg/mL. In certain instances, the concentration of the compound in
solution is greater than about 2 mg/mL. In certain instances, the
concentration of the compound in solution is greater than about 4
mg/mL. In certain instances, the compound is glibenclamide,
4-trans-hydroxy-glibenclamide, 3-cis-hydroxy-glibenclamide,
tolbutamide, chlorpropamide, tolazamide, repaglinide, nateglinide,
meglitinide, midaglizole, tolazamide, gliquidone, LY397364,
LY389382, glyclazide, glimepiride, estrogen, estradiol, estrone,
estriol, genistein, diethystilbestrol, coumestrol, zearalenone,
non-steroidal estrogens, phytoestrogens, pinkolant, flufenamic
acid, mefanamic acid, niflumic acid, rimonabant, or SKF 9635. In
certain instances, the compound is glibenclamide.
[0041] Further embodiments relate to an aqueous pharmaceutical
composition comprising lyophilized glibenclamide powder, water, an
alkali metal salt, and a substantially pharmaceutically inert
bulking agent selected from the group consisting of a
mono-saccharide and di-saccharide, the composition containing less
than 1% w/v of a buffering agent. In certain instances, the alkali
metal salt is sodium chloride or potassium chloride, and the
substantially pharmaceutically inert bulking agent is mannitol,
glucose, fructose, mannose, galactose, sorbitol, lactose,
trehalose, or sucrose. In certain instances, the substantially
pharmaceutically inert bulking agent is mannitol. In certain
instances, the amount of substantially pharmaceutically inert
bulking agent is between 2% w/v and 15% w/v. In certain instances,
the amount of substantially pharmaceutically inert bulking agent is
between 2% w/v and 6% w/v. In certain instances, the amount of
alkali metal salt is less than 5% w/v. In certain instances, the pH
of the composition is about 6 to about 8. In certain instances, the
pH of the composition is 6.5 to 8.0. In certain instances, the
osmolality of the composition is 200 mOsm to 400 mOsm. In certain
instances, the osmolality of the composition is 250 mOsm to 330
mOsm. In certain instances, the composition further comprises
glucose in the amount of 2% w/v to 10% w/v. In certain instances,
the substantially pharmaceutically inert bulking agent is
glucose.
[0042] In certain embodiments, the compositions described herein
include glucose or a related carbohydrate, glucagon, or a
combination thereof. Glucose or a related carbohydrate, glucagon,
or a combination thereof may serve as excipients. In certain
embodiments, the glucose or related carbohydrate, glucagon, or
combination thereof may be present in an amount sufficient to
provide a therapeutic effect and/or therapeutic benefit along with
the sulphonylurea compound. For example, co-administration of a
sulphonylurea with a therapeutically effective amount of glucose or
a related carbohydrate, glucagon, or combination thereof may be
helpful and/or effective to maintain appropriate levels of serum
glucose in the blood of a patient to which the formulation is
administered. Appropriate levels of blood glucose are, for example,
within the range of about 60 mg/dl (milligrams per deciliter) to
about 150 mg/dl (about 3.3 mM (millimoles per liter) to about 8 mM
glucose). Thus, glucose or a related carbohydrate, glucagon, or
combinations thereof when further combined with a sulphonylurea
compound may be administered in combination to maintain the serum
glucose within this range while providing the therapeutic benefits
of the sulphonylurea compounds.
[0043] For example, as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,285,574,
administration of sulphonylurea compounds to a subject in need
thereof may be helpful and/or effective to reduce the risk of
stroke and/or hypoxia/ischemia, reduce the amount of damage
following stroke and/or hypoxia/ischemia (e.g., reduce intracranial
pressure, reduce cell death, reduce stroke size, and/or reduce
spinal cord injury, etc). A suitable amount of glucose, related
carbohydrate, glucagon, or combination thereof comprises an amount
that maintains a reasonable level of blood glucose in the patient,
for example, the amount of glucose, related carbohydrate, glucagon,
or a combination thereof maintains a blood glucose level of at
least about 60 mg/dl, more preferably, is effective to maintain
blood glucose levels within an acceptable range, such as, for
example, between about 60 mg/dl and about 150 mg/dl. Thus, the
amount of glucose, related carbohydrate, glucagon, or a combination
thereof is helpful and/or effective to prevent the subject from
becoming hypoglycemic.
[0044] In certain embodiments, formulations having features of the
invention may include a sulphonylurea compound or compounds, in
combination with an additional therapeutic agent, such as tissue
plasminogen activator (tPA) or functionally related compound,
aspirin, statins, diuretics, warfarin, Coumadin, mannitol, etc.
Further embodiments may include formulations including a) a
sulphonylurea compound or compounds, b) a thrombolytic agent, and
c) glucose, a related carbohydrate, glucagon, or a combination
thereof. Further embodiments relate to a method of treating a
patient suffering from a disorder selected from the group
consisting of stroke, neuronal cell swelling, traumatic brain
injury, spinal cord injury, organ ischemia, acute coronary
syndrome, myocardial infarction, sepsis, and diabetes, comprising
administering intravenously to a patient in need thereof an
effective amount of an aqueous pharmaceutical composition described
herein. In certain instances, the disorder is stroke. In certain
instances, the patient is a human. In certain other instances, the
disorder is stroke, ischemia, hypoxia/ischemia, spinal cord injury,
brain trauma, or other brain injury. In certain embodiments, the
composition administered to the patient comprises a sulphonylurea
compound and optionally glucose, carbohydrate related to glucose,
glucagon, or a combination thereof. In further embodiments, such
formulations may comprise a) a sulphonylurea compound or compounds,
b) glucose, a carbohydrate related to glucose, glucagon, or a
combination thereof, and c) another therapeutic agent. In certain
instances, the glucose, carbohydrate related to glucose, glucagon,
or a combination thereof is present in a therapeutically effective
amount.
[0045] Further embodiments relate to a vial of glibenclamide powder
packaged with a vial of diluent. Further embodiments relate to a
vial of glibenclamide powder packaged with a vial of diluent, where
the diluent is selected from the group consisting of water; water
and alcohol; water and glucose; and water, PEG and alcohol. In
certain instances, the diluent is water and glucose. In certain
instances, the glucose is present in the amount of between about 2%
and about 15% as measured by weight per volume (w/v). In certain
instances, the diluent is a 5% dextrose solution. Other embodiments
relate to a vial of glibenclamide powder packaged with a vial of
diluent, where the pH of the diluent has a pH of about 7.4 or
greater. Still other embodiments relate to a vial of glibenclamide
powder packaged with a vial of diluent, where the diluent has a pH
of about pH 7.4 or greater and is buffered. In certain instances,
the buffer concentration is between about 1 mM and about 100 mM. In
certain instances, the buffer concentration is less than about 15
mM. In certain instances, the buffer concentration is between about
5 mM and about 10 mM.
[0046] Further embodiments relate to a vial of glibenclamide powder
packaged with a vial of diluent, where the diluent has a pH of
about 7.4 or greater and is buffered with a pharmaceutically
acceptable buffer. Further embodiments relate to a vial of
glibenclamide powder packaged with a vial of diluent, where the
diluent has a pH of about 7.4 or greater and is buffered with a
buffer selected from meglumine and diethanolamine. Further
embodiments relate to a vial of glibenclamide powder packaged with
a vial of diluent, where the diluent has a pH of about 7.4 and is
buffered with a buffer selected from meglumine and diethanolamine.
Further embodiments relate to a vial of micronized glibenclamide
powder packaged with a vial of diluent, where the diluent has a pH
of about 7.4 or greater and is buffered with a buffer selected from
meglumine and diethanolamine. Further embodiments relate to a vial
of micronized glibenclamide powder packaged with a vial of diluent,
where the diluent has a pH of about 7.4 and is buffered with a
buffer selected from meglumine and diethanolamine. Further
embodiments relate to a vial containing lyophilized glibenclamide,
a bulking agent, and a pH adjuster. Further embodiments relate to a
vial containing lyophilized glibenclamide, a bulking agent, and a
pH adjuster, wherein the pH is adjusted using NaOH. Further
embodiments relate to a vial containing lyophilized glibenclamide,
a bulking agent, and a pH adjuster, wherein the concentration of
glibenclamide is about 1 mg/mL. In certain instances, the bulking
agent is mannitol. In certain instances, the pH prior to
lyophilization is about pH 11.4. In certain instances, the starting
material is micronized glibenclamide. In certain instances, the
vial is packaged with a vial of diluent (buffered or not) with a pH
of 7.4-8.0 to add to the product above following reconstitution to
reduce pH.
[0047] Further embodiments relate to a kit comprising: a
lyophilized formulation of a compound as described herein; a
diluent solution; and instructions for the use of such liquid
solutions. In certain instances, said diluent solution is selected
from water; water and alcohol; water and polyethylene glycol (PEG);
water and glucose; and water, alcohol and PEG. In certain
instances, the diluent solution is water and glucose. In certain
instances, the glucose is present in the amount of between about 2%
and about 15% as measured by weight per volume (w/v). In certain
instances, the diluent is a 5% dextrose solution. In certain
instances, the diluent comprising alcohol, where alcohol is
ethanol. In certain instances the pH of the diluent is about 7.4 or
greater. In certain instances, the diluent is buffered. In certain
instances, the buffer concentration is between about 1 mM and about
100 mM. In certain instances, the buffer concentration is less than
about 15 mM. In certain instances, the buffer concentration is
between about 5 mM and about 10 mM. In certain instances, the
diluent has a pH of about 7.4 or greater and is buffered with a
pharmaceutically acceptable buffer.
[0048] Further embodiments relate to a liquid formulation
consisting essentially of glibenclamide and water, the formulation
having a pH that is sufficiently high so that a change in pH of
about 1 does not cause glibenclamide to precipitate from the
solution. In certain instances, the formulation contains less than
about 0.01% w/v of a buffer. In certain instances, the formulation
contains less than about 0.01% w/v of a surfactant. In certain
instances, the formulation contains less than about 0.01% w/v of a
cosolvent. In certain instances, the pH of the formulation is
greater than about 9. In certain instances, the pH of the
formulation is greater than about 10. Further embodiments relate to
a lyophilate composition produced by lyophilizing one of the
formulations described above. Still further embodiments relate to a
a liquid pharmaceutical composition produced by reconstituting a
lyophilate composition described herein, wherein the pH of said
liquid pharmaceutical composition is sufficiently high to dissolve
at least about 98% by weight of the lyophilate composition. In
certain instances, the liquid pharmaceutical composition has a pH
in the range of about 6 to about 8, comprises saline, and at least
98% w/v of glibenclamide is dissolved.
[0049] Further embodiments relate to a liquid formulation
consisting essentially of glibenclamide and water, the formulation
having a pH that is sufficiently high so that a change in pH of
about 1 does not cause glibenclamide to precipitate from the
solution, the formulation further characterized in that the
solution is suitable for lyophilization to form a lyophilate that
can be reconstituted and diluted with saline to form a solution
having a pH in the range about 6 to about 8 and the glibenclamide
remains dissolved in solution. Other embodiments relate to a
lyophilized glibenclamide powder produced by lyophilizing a liquid
solution consisting essentially of glibenclamide and one or more
substantially pharmaceutically inert compounds, the liquid solution
having a pH greater than 9. In certain instances, the liquid
solution contains less than about 0.01% w/v of a buffer. In certain
instances, the liquid solution has a pH greater than 10.
[0050] Further embodiments relate to a liquid formulation
consisting essentially of an active therapeutic agent and one or
more substantially pharmaceutically inert compounds, the liquid
formulation having a pH greater than 8, and wherein the active
therapeutic agent is a weak acid. In certain instances, the liquid
formulation contains less than about 0.01% w/v of a buffer. In
certain instances, the liquid formulation has a pH greater than 9.
In certain instances, the active compound is an organic compound
having a molecular weight of less than 500 g/MOL and comprising a
sulphonylurea group. In certain instances, the active compound is
glibenclamide. Other embodiments relate to a lyophilized
glibenclamide powder produced by lyophilizing the liquid
formulation described above.
[0051] Formulations, compositions, and contents of kits as
disclosed herein are suitable as formulations and compositions,
and/or for use in preparing pharmaceutical formulations and
compositions, for administration to a patient in need of treatment.
For example, a patient in need of treatment may be a patient in
need of treatment with an effective amount of an aqueous
pharmaceutical composition described herein. A patient in need of
treatment may be, for example, any patient for whom a sulphonylurea
compound may provide therapeutic benefit, including, for example, a
patient suffering from diabetes, ischemia, hemorrhage, or other
disorder or condition susceptible of treatment with a sulphonylurea
compound. A patient in need of treatment may be, for example, any
patient for whom a combination of a sulphonylurea compound together
with an ion-channel blocking compound may provide therapeutic
benefit. A patient in need of treatment may be, for example, any
patient for whom a combination of a sulphonylurea compound together
with an ion-channel blocking compound and/or steroid compound may
provide therapeutic benefit. In another example, a patient in need
of treatment may be, for example, any patient for whom a
combination of a sulphonylurea compound and/or an ion channel
blocking compound, along with a substantially pharmaceutically
inert compound may provide therapeutic benefit.
[0052] A patient in need of treatment may be, for example, a
patient suffering from diabetes, or from hemorrhage, or other
disorder or condition. A patient in need of treatment may be, for
example, a patient suffering from ischemia of any organ, or organs,
or system. Such a system may be, for example, the nervous system,
including a portion of the nervous system, or the cardiovascular
system, or a part of the cardiovascular system. Such an organ may
be, for example, the brain, the heart, a muscle, or other organ. A
patient in need of treatment may be any patient who may benefit
from administration of the formulations, compositions, and/or
contents of the kits disclosed herein. Further examples of a
patient in need of treatment include patients suffering from a
disorder selected from the group consisting pf stroke, hemorrhage,
neuronal cell swelling, traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury,
organ ischemia, acute coronary syndrome, myocardial infarction,
sepsis, and diabetes.
[0053] Another aspect of the invention relates to methods of
processing a claim under a health insurance policy. In general, the
processing of an insurance claim for the coverage of a medical
treatment or drug therapy involves notification of the insurance
company, or any other entity, that has issued the insurance policy
against which the claim is being filed, that the medical treatment
or drug therapy will be performed. A determination is then made as
to whether the medical treatment or drug therapy that will be
performed is covered under the terms of the policy. If covered, the
claim is then processed, which can include payment, reimbursement,
or application against a deductible. Accordingly, certain
embodiments relate to a method for processing a claim under a
health insurance policy submitted by a claimant seeking
reimbursement for costs associated with treatment using a
composition or kit described herein, the method comprising: a)
reviewing said claim; b) determining whether said treatment is
reimbursable under said insurance policy and c) processing said
claim to provide partial or complete reimbursement of said
costs.
[0054] For example, embodiments of the invention include methods
for processing claims for medical insurance and/or reimbursement
for purchase or prescription of any of the formulations,
compositions and kits disclosed herein. In specific embodiments,
the methods employ a computer for said processing of an insurance
claim and/or for reimbursement for purchase or for prescription of
any of the formulations, compositions and kits disclosed herein.
Further embodiments relate to methods for processing claims for
medical insurance and/or reimbursement for purchase or prescription
of any of the formulations, compositions and kits disclosed herein
for treating a patient in need of treatment.
[0055] As disclosed herein, a method for processing claims for
medical insurance and/or reimbursement for purchase or prescription
of any of the formulations, compositions and kits disclosed herein
may include the steps of:
i) receiving a claim for medical insurance and/or reimbursement for
purchase or prescription of a formulation, composition, or kit as
disclosed herein; and ii) providing reimbursement for the medical
treatment, procedure, and/or medicament.
[0056] In a further embodiment, a method for processing claims for
medical insurance and/or reimbursement for purchase or prescription
of any of the formulations, compositions and kits disclosed herein
may include the steps of:
i) receiving a claim for medical insurance and/or reimbursement for
purchase or prescription of a formulation, composition, or kit as
disclosed herein; ii) evaluating the claim; and iii) providing
reimbursement for the medical treatment, procedure, and/or
medicament.
[0057] In embodiments of these methods for processing an insurance
claim, any one or more of the steps may involve the use of a
computer; any one or more of the steps may involve the use of
electronic data transfer; any one or more of the steps may involve
the use of a telephone and/or facsimile device; any one or more of
the steps may involve the use of mail and/or of a delivery service;
and any one or more of the steps may involve the use of electronic
fund transfer devices and/or methods.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0058] FIG. 1 shows glibenclamide concentration (shown in units of
mg/mL on the vertical axis) plotted as a function of pH in an
aqueous sucrose solution (2% sucrose in water, where "%" means
g/100 mL) and in water alone.
[0059] FIG. 2 shows the amount of glibenclamide in solution (in
mg/mL) at various pH values, plotted with glibenclamide amounts on
the vertical axis, and pH shown as increasing from left to right
along the horizontal axis.
[0060] FIG. 3 shows the amount of glibenclamide in solution (in
mg/mL) in saline, sucrose, and buffered (Britton Robinson) water
solutions at various pH values, plotted with glibenclamide amounts
on the vertical axis, and pH shown as increasing from left to right
along the horizontal axis.
[0061] FIG. 4 is a table listing characterization data obtained
from a study evaluating the stability of lyophilized glibenclamide
as described in example 7.
[0062] FIG. 5 is a table listing characterization data obtained
from a study evaluating the stability of lyophilized glibenclamide
as described in example 7.
[0063] FIG. 6 is a table listing characterization data obtained
from a study evaluating the stability of lyophilized glibenclamide
as described in example 7.
[0064] FIG. 7 is a table listing characterization data obtained
from a study evaluating the stability of lyophilized glibenclamide
as described in example 7.
[0065] FIG. 8 is a table listing characterization data obtained
from a study evaluating the stability of lyophilized glibenclamide
as described in example 7.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0066] Methods for lyophilization, solutions suitable as starting
materials for lyophilization, dry materials and formulations
resulting from lyophilization, including powders, cakes, films, and
salts, and other methods, materials, and formulations are provided
herein.
[0067] An exemplary compound which may be formulated into a
solution suitable for lyophilization according to embodiments of
the methods disclosed herein is glibenclamide. Glibenclamide
(5-chloro-N-[2-[4-(cyclohexylcarbamoylsulfamoyl)
phenyl]ethyl]-2-methoxy-benzamide; also known as glyburide) is a
sulphonylurea compound having a molecular weight of 494 g/mol, a
pKa of 6.8, a melting point of about 169-174.degree. C., and has
the following chemical structure:
##STR00001##
[0068] Glibenclamide has a water solubility of 4 mg/L and an
ethanol solubility of 5 mg/nL. As such, glibenclamide is about
three orders of magnitude more soluble in ethanol than in water.
The terms "glibenclamide" and "glyburide" ae intended to encompass
both the free base compound and pharmaceutically acceptable basic
salts thereof. In certain embodiments, the glibenclamide is present
substantially in the form of the free base compound.
[0069] It is desirable to provide aqueous solutions of
glibenclamide and of other drugs and compounds that are only
sparingly soluble in aqueous solutions. For example, it is
desirable to provide aqueous solutions of glibenclamide,
4-trans-hydroxy-glibenclamide, 3-cis-hydroxy-glibenclamide,
tolbutamide, chlorpropamide, tolazamide, repaglinide, nateglinide,
meglitinide, midaglizole, tolazamide, gliquidone, LY397364,
LY389382, glyclazide, glimepiride, estrogen, estradiol, estrone,
estriol, genistein, diethystilbestrol, coumestrol, zearalenone,
non-steroidal estrogens, phytoestrogens, pinkolant, flufenamic
acid, mefanamic acid, niflumic acid, rimonabant, SKF 9635, and
combinations thereof.
[0070] For example, glibenclamide solutions, formulations, and
lyophilates may be prepared, including solutions and formulation
which may be water solutions of glibenclamide, without sugars,
salts, or buffers; may be water solutions of glibenclamide also
including a sugar (e.g., one or more of glucose, fructose, mannose,
galactose, mannitol, sorbitol, lactose, trehalose, sucrose, and
other sugars, including mono-saccharides, di-saccharides, and other
sugars), may be water solutions of glibenclamide also including a
salt (e.g., sodium chloride or potassium chloride), may be water
solutions of glibenclamide also including a buffer (e.g., a
Britton-Robinson buffer, a phosphate buffer, a "Tris" buffer
(containing Tris(hydroxymethyl)aminomethane), a HEPES buffer
(containing N-(2-Hydroxyethyl)piperazine-N'-(2-ethanesulfonic
acid), or other buffer). It will be understood that such solutions,
formulations, and lyophilates made from such solutions and
formulations, may include combinations of the above.
[0071] As discussed above, Rydberg et al. report formulations of
glibenclamide in phosphate-buffered solutions. However, attempts by
the present inventor to prepare formulations similar to those of
Rydberg et al. revealed that phosphate-buffered glibenclamide
lyophilizates did not reconstitute sufficiently. In addition,
attempts by the present inventor to replicate the formulation of
Schrage et al. (as reported in the Mayo study) were unsuccessful,
possibly because the glibenclamide would not dissolve
sufficiently.
[0072] In contrast to previous pH-adjusted, lyophilized products
that use pH stabilizers or buffers to keep the pH constant, one
aspect of the invention features a glibenclamide formulation
lacking a buffering agent because it has been surprisingly
discovered that such formulations are better suited for
lyophilization and subsequent reconstitution to make a formulation
suitable for intravenous administration. It has been found that a
reduction in pH during lyophilization of glibenclamide formulations
described herein does not adversely affect the ability to
reconstitute the end product. Moreover, the invention overcomes a
disadvantage of certain previously described buffered
solutions--the disadvantage being that such buffered solution are
often not suitable for dilution following reconstitution to form
solutions with suitable pH values for extended-length intravenous
infusion (e.g., 1 day, 3 days, 5 days). It is noted that very
lightly buffered solutions (e.g., less than about 2 mM of buffering
agent) are contemplated to be amenable to the present
invention.
[0073] Accordingly, new methods and compositions providing aqueous
solutions of glibenclamide and of other drugs and compounds that
are otherwise only sparingly soluble in aqueous solutions are
described herein. Exemplary methods, solutions, formulations,
lyophilates, and compositions are described with particularity in
the following examples.
[0074] The invention having been described generally will be
described in reference to the various embodiments described below.
The embodiments described below are presented for the purpose of
further describing various aspects of the invention and should not
be construed as limiting the scope of the invention.
[0075] One aspect of the invention relates to a formulation
suitable for lyophilization which contains glibenclamide, one or
more pH adjusters and a bulking agent. In certain instances, the pH
adjuster is NaOH and the bulking agent is mannitol, sucrose,
lactose or trehalose. In certain instances, the concentration of
glibenclamide is 1 mg/mL, and the pH is 11.4. In certain instances,
the pH adjusters are NaOH and HCl and the bulking agent is
mannitol, sucrose, lactose or trehalose. In certain instances, the
concentration of glibenclamide is 0.2 mg/mL and the pH is 9.4.
[0076] Another aspect of the invention relates to a vial containing
the lyophilized contents of the above formulation. In certain
instances, said vial is packaged with a vial of diluent. In certain
instances, the diluent has a pH of about pH 7.4 or greater and is
buffered.
[0077] Another aspect of the invention relates to a method of
preparing a solution suitable for lyophilization of a drug active
at a sulphonylurea receptor (SUR), comprising the steps of a)
preparing a water solution having a pH of about pH 8 or greater; b)
adding a drug to the water solution; and c) adjusting the pH of the
resulting solution to have a pH of about 8 or greater; whereby a
solution suitable for lyophilization of a drug active at a
sulphonylurea receptor (SUR) is obtained. In certain instances, the
pH is about 9 or greater.
[0078] Another aspect of the invention relates to a vial of
Glibenclamide powder packaged with a vial of diluent. Certain other
aspects of the invention relate to a vial of Glibenclamide powder
packaged with a vial of diluent, where the diluent is selected from
the group consisting of water; water and alcohol; and water, PEG
and alcohol. Certain other aspects of the invention relate to a
vial of Glibenclamide powder packaged with a vial of diluent, where
the pH of the diluent has a pH of about pH 7.4 or greater. Still
other aspects of the invention relate to a vial of Glibenclamide
powder packaged with a vial of diluent, where the diluent has a pH
of about pH 7.4 or greater and is buffered. In certain instances,
the buffer concentration is between about 1 mM and about 100 mM. In
certain instances, the buffer concentration is less than about 15
mM. In certain instances, the buffer concentration is between about
5 mM and about 10 mM.
[0079] Another aspect of the invention relates to a vial of
glibenclamide powder packaged with a vial of diluent, where the
diluent has a pH of about pH 7.4 or greater and is buffered with a
pharmaceutically acceptable buffer. Certain other aspects of the
invention relate to a vial of Glibenclamide powder packaged with a
vial of diluent, where the diluent has a pH of about pH 7.4 or
greater and is buffered with a buffer selected from meglumine and
diethanolamine. Still other aspects of the invention relate to a
vial of Glibenclamide powder packaged with a vial of diluent, where
the diluent has a pH of about pH 7.4 or greater and is buffered
with a buffer selected from meglumine and diethanolamine.
[0080] Another aspect of the invention relates to a glibenclamide
powder substantially free of buffer. Certain other aspects of the
invention relate to a glibenclamide powder substantially free of
buffer and including a substantially pharmaceutically inert
compound. In certain instances, the substantially pharmaceutically
inert compound is selected from a sugar and a salt. In certain
instances, the substantially pharmaceutically inert compound is
selected from glucose, fructose, mannose, galactose, mannitol,
sorbitol, lactose, trehalose, sucrose, and other sugars, including
mono-saccharides, di-saccharides, and other sugars, sodium
chloride, and potassium chloride. In certain instances, the
substantially pharmaceutically inert compound is mannitol. In
certain instances, the substantially pharmaceutically inert
compound is mannitol provided in the aqueous solution from which
the glibenclamide powder was lyophilized in the amount of about 3
mg/100 mL (3%). In certain instances, the substantially
pharmaceutically inert compound is glucose. In certain instances,
the substantially pharmaceutically inert compound is glucose
provided in the aqueous solution from which the glibenclamide
powder was lyophilized in the amount of about 3 mg/100 mL (3%). In
certain instances, the substantially pharmaceutically inert
compound is a sugar provided in the aqueous solution from which the
glibenclamide powder was lyophilized in the amount of less than
about 10 mg/100 mL (10%). In certain instances, the substantially
pharmaceutically inert compound is a sugar provided in the aqueous
solution from which the glibenclamide powder was lyophilized in the
amount of less than about 5 mg/100 mL (5%). In certain instances,
the substantially pharmaceutically inert compound is a salt. In
certain instances, the substantially pharmaceutically inert
compound is a salt selected from sodium chloride and potassium
chloride. In certain instances, the substantially pharmaceutically
inert compound is a salt provided in the aqueous solution from
which the glibenclamide powder was lyophilized in the amount of
less than about 10 mg/100 mL (10%). In certain instances, the
substantially pharmaceutically inert compound is a salt provided in
the aqueous solution from which the glibenclamide powder was
lyophilized in the amount of less than about 5 mg/100 mL (5%). In
certain instances, the substantially pharmaceutically inert
compound is a salt provided in the aqueous solution from which the
glibenclamide powder was lyophilized in the amount of less than or
equal to about 2 mg/100 mL (2%).
[0081] Another aspect of the invention relates to a glibenclamide
powder (micronized or non micronized) substantially free of buffer
and including another pharmaceutically active compound. In certain
instances, the other pharmaceutically active compound is selected
from 4-trans-hydroxy-glibenclamide, 3-cis-hydroxy-glibenclamide,
tolbutamide, chlorpropamide, tolazamide, repaglinide, nateglinide,
meglitinide, midaglizole, tolazamide, gliquidone, LY397364,
LY389382, glyclazide, glimepiride, estrogen, estradiol, estrone,
estriol, genistein, diethystilbestrol, coumestrol, zearalenone,
non-steroidal estrogens, phytoestrogens, pinkolant, flufenamic
acid, mefanamic acid, niflumic acid, rimonabant, and SKF 9635. In
certain instances, the other pharmaceutically active compound is
selected from 4-trans-hydroxy-glibenclamide,
3-cis-hydroxy-glibenclamide, tolbutamide, repaglinide, nateglinide,
meglitinide, midaglizole, LY397364, LY389382, glyclazide, and
glimepiride. In certain instances, the other pharmaceutically
active compound is selected from pinkolant, flufenamic acid,
mefanamic acid, niflumic acid, rimonabant, and SKF 9635. In certain
instances, the other pharmaceutically active compound is selected
from estrogen, estradiol, estrone, estriol, genistein,
diethystilbestrol, coumestrol, zearalenone, non-steroidal
estrogens, and phytoestrogens.
[0082] Another aspect of the invention relates to a method for
lyophilizing a compound, comprising: a) preparing an aqueous
solution of a compound of interest in the absence of buffer, b)
adjusting the pH to high values of pH in order to increase the
solubility of the compound, and c) freeze-drying the solution to
provide a lyophilized solid composition.
[0083] In certain instances, a high value of pH comprises a pH
value greater than about pH 7.4. In certain instances, a high value
of pH comprises a pH value greater than about pH 8. In certain
instances, a high value of pH comprises a pH value greater than
about pH 8.5. In certain instances, a high value of pH comprises a
pH value greater than about pH 9. In certain instances, a high
value of pH comprises a pH value greater than about pH 9.5. In
certain instances, a high value of pH comprises a pH value greater
than about pH 10. In certain instances, the concentration of the
compound in solutions having high values of pH is greater than
about 0.3 mg/mL. In certain instances, the concentration of the
compound in solutions having high values of pH is greater than
about 0.5 mg/mL. In certain instances, the concentration of the
compound in solutions having high values of pH is greater than
about 1 mg/mL. In certain instances, the concentration of the
compound in solutions having high values of pH is greater than
about 2 mg/mL. In certain instances, the concentration of the
compound in solutions having high values of pH is greater than
about 3 mg/mL. In certain instances, the concentration of the
compound in solutions having high values of pH is greater than
about 4 mg/mL. In certain instances, the concentration of the
compound in solutions having high values of pH is greater than
about 5 mg/mL. In certain instances, the compound of interest is
selected from glibenclamide, 4-trans-hydroxy-glibenclamide,
3-cis-hydroxy-glibenclamide, tolbutamide, chlorpropamide,
tolazamide, repaglinide, nateglinide, meglitinide, midaglizole,
tolazamide, gliquidone, LY397364, LY389382, glyclazide,
glimepiride, estrogen, estradiol, estrone, estriol, genistein,
diethystilbestrol, coumestrol, zearalenone, non-steroidal
estrogens, phytoestrogens, pinkolant, flufenamic acid, mefanamic
acid, niflumic acid, rimonabant, and SKF 9635. In certain
instances, the compound of interest comprises more than one
pharmaceutically active compound.
[0084] Another aspect of the invention relates to a method for
lyophilizing a compound, comprising: a) adding a compound of
interest to water in the absence of buffer to provide an aqueous
solution of the compound of interest; b) adjusting the pH to high
values of pH; c) adding an additional amount of the compound of
interest to said aqueous solution water of the compound of
interest; and d) freeze-drying the solution to provide a
lyophilized solid composition. Certain other aspects of the
invention relate to a method for lyophilizing a compound,
comprising: a) adding a compound of interest to water in the
absence of buffer to provide an aqueous solution of the compound of
interest; b) adjusting the pH to high values of pH; c) adding an
additional amount of the compound of interest to said aqueous
solution water of the compound of interest; d) repeating steps a),
b), and c) one or more times as needed to achieve a desired, or to
achieve a maximal, concentration of the compound of interest in the
aqueous solution; and e) freeze-drying the solution to provide a
lyophilized solid composition.
[0085] In certain instances, the compound of interest is selected
from glibenclamide, 4-trans-hydroxy-glibenclamide,
3-cis-hydroxy-glibenclamide, tolbutamide, chlorpropamide,
tolazamide, repaglinide, nateglinide, meglitinide, midaglizole,
tolazamide, gliquidone, LY397364, LY389382, glyclazide,
glimepiride, estrogen, estradiol, estrone, estriol, genistein,
diethystilbestrol, coumestrol, zearalenone, non-steroidal
estrogens, phytoestrogens, pinkolant, flufenamic acid, mefanamic
acid, niflumic acid, rimonabant, and SKF 9635. In certain
instances, the compound of interest comprises more than one
pharmaceutically active compound. In certain instances, the aqueous
solution comprises a substantially pharmaceutically inert compound.
In certain instances, the substantially pharmaceutically inert
compound is selected from a sugar and a salt. In certain instances,
the substantially pharmaceutically inert compound is selected from
glucose, fructose, mannose, galactose, mannitol, sorbitol, lactose,
trehalose, sucrose, and other sugars, including mono-saccharides,
di-saccharides, and other sugars, sodium chloride, and potassium
chloride. In certain instances, the substantially pharmaceutically
inert compound in the aqueous solution has a concentration of about
10 mg/100 mL (10%). In certain instances, the substantially
pharmaceutically inert compound in the aqueous solution has a
concentration of about 5 mg/100 mL (5%). In certain instances, the
substantially pharmaceutically inert compound in the aqueous
solution has a concentration of about 3 mg/100 mL (3%). In certain
instances, the substantially pharmaceutically inert compound in the
aqueous solution has a concentration of about 1 mg/100 mL (1%).
[0086] Another aspect of the invention relates to a kit comprising:
a liquid formulation of a compound of interest as described herein;
and instructions for the use of such liquid solutions. Certain
other aspects of the invention relate to a kit comprising: a
lyophilized formulation of a compound of interest as described
herein; a diluent solution; and instructions for the use of such
liquid solutions. In certain instances, said diluent solution is
selected from water, water and alcohol; water and polyethylene
glycol (PEG); water, alcohol and PEG. In certain instances, the
diluent solution comprises alcohol, where alcohol is ethanol. In
certain instances, the pH of the diluent has a pH of about pH 7.4
or greater. In certain instances, the diluent has a pH of about pH
7.4 or greater and is buffered. In certain instances, the buffer
concentration is between about 1 mM and about 100 mM. In certain
instances, the buffer concentration is less than about 15 mM. In
certain instances, the buffer concentration is between about 5 mM
and about 10 mM. In certain instances, the diluent has a pH of
about pH 7.4 or greater and is buffered with a pharmaceutically
acceptable buffer.
[0087] Another aspect of the invention relates to a vial of
Glibenclamide powder (micronized or non micronized) packaged with a
vial of diluent, where the diluent has a pH of about pH 7.4 or
greater and is buffered with a buffer selected from meglumine and
diethanolamine. Certain other aspects of the invention relate to a
vial of Glibenclamide powder (micronized or non micronized)
packaged with a vial of diluent, where the diluent has a pH of
about pH 7.4 or greater and is buffered with a buffer selected from
meglumine and diethanolamine.
[0088] Another aspect of the invention relates to a glibenclamide
powder (micronized or non micronized) comprising a buffer. Certain
other aspects of the invention relate to a glibenclamide powder
(micronized or non micronized) comprising a buffer and including a
substantially pharmaceutically inert compound. In certain
instances, the substantially pharmaceutically inert compound is
selected from a sugar and a salt. In certain instances, the
substantially pharmaceutically inert compound is selected from
glucose, fructose, trehalose, sucrose, mannose, galactose,
mannitol, sorbitol, sodium chloride, and potassium chloride.
[0089] Another aspect of the invention relates to a glibenclamide
powder (micronized or non micronized) comprising a buffer and
including another pharmaceutically active compound. In certain
instances, the other pharmaceutically active compound is selected
from 4-trans-hydroxy-glibenclamide, 3-cis-hydroxy-glibenclamide,
tolbutamide, chlorpropamide, tolazamide, repaglinide, nateglinide,
meglitinide, midaglizole, tolazamide, gliquidone, LY397364,
LY389382, glyclazide, glimepiride, estrogen, estradiol, estrone,
estriol, genistein, diethystilbestrol, coumestrol, zearalenone,
non-steroidal estrogens, phytoestrogens, pinkolant, flufenamic
acid, mefanamic acid, niflumic acid, rimonabant, and SKF 9635. In
certain instances, the other pharmaceutically active compound is
selected from 4-trans-hydroxy-glibenclamide,
3-cis-hydroxy-glibenclamide, tolbutamide, repaglinide, nateglinide,
meglitinide, midaglizole, LY397364, LY389382, glyclazide, and
glimepiride. In certain instances, the other pharmaceutically
active compound is selected from pinkolant, flufenamic acid,
mefanamic acid, niflumic acid, rimonabant, and SKF 9635. In certain
instances, the other pharmaceutically active compound is selected
from estrogen, estradiol, estrone, estriol, genistein,
diethystilbestrol, coumestrol, zearalenone, non-steroidal
estrogens, and phytoestrogens.
[0090] Another aspect of the invention relates to a vial containing
lyophilized glibenclamide, a bulking agent, and a pH adjuster.
Certain other aspects of the invention relate to a vial containing
lyophilized glibenclamide, a bulking agent, and a pH adjuster,
wherein the pH is adjusted using NaOH. Still other aspects of the
invention relate to a vial containing lyophilized glibenclamide, a
bulking agent, and a pH adjuster, wherein the concentration of
glibenclamide is about 1 mg/mL. In certain instances, the bulking
agent is mannitol. In certain instances, the pH prior to
lyophilization is about pH 11.4. In certain instances, the starting
material is micronized glibenclamide. In certain instances,
packaged with a vial of diluent (buffered or not) with a pH of
7.4-8.0 to add to the product above following reconstitution to
reduce pH.
Definitions
[0091] To facilitate an understanding of the present invention, a
number of terms and phrases are defined below.
[0092] As used herein, the term "patient" refers to organisms to be
treated by the methods of the present invention. Such organisms
preferably include, but are not limited to, mammals (e.g., murines,
simians, equines, bovines, porcines, canines, felines, and the
like), and most preferably includes humans.
[0093] As used herein, the term "effective amount" refers to the
amount of a compound (e.g., a compound of the present invention)
sufficient to effect beneficial or desired results. An effective
amount can be administered in one or more administrations,
applications or dosages and is not intended to be limited to a
particular formulation or administration route. As used herein, the
term "treating" includes any effect, e.g., lessening, reducing,
modulating, ameliorating or eliminating, that results in the
improvement of the condition, disease, disorder, and the like, or
ameliorating a symptom thereof.
[0094] As used herein, the term "pharmaceutical composition" refers
to the combination of an active agent with a carrier, inert or
active, making the composition especially suitable for diagnostic
or therapeutic use in vivo or ex vivo.
[0095] As used herein, the term "pharmaceutically acceptable
carrier" refers to standard pharmaceutical carriers, such as saline
solution, water, emulsions (e.g., such as an oil/water or water/oil
emulsions), and various types of wetting agents. The compositions
can, in certain instances, include stabilizers and preservatives.
For examples of carriers, stabilizers and adjuvants. (See e.g.,
Martin, Remington's Pharmaceutical Sciences, 15th Ed., Mack Publ.
Co., Easton, Pa. [1975]).
[0096] As used herein, the term "pharmaceutically acceptable basic
salt" refers to any pharmaceutically acceptable basic salts of a
compound of the present invention which, upon administration to a
subject, is capable of providing a compound of this invention or an
active metabolite or residue thereof. As is known to those of skill
in the art, "salts" of the compounds of the present invention may
be derived from inorganic or organic bases. Examples of bases
include, but are not limited to, alkali metals (e.g., sodium and
potassium) hydroxides, alkaline earth metals (e.g., magnesium),
hydroxides, ammonia, and compounds of formula NW.sub.4.sup.+,
wherein W is C.sub.1-4 alkyl, and the like.
EXAMPLES
[0097] The invention now being generally described, will be more
readily understood by reference to the following examples, which
are included merely for purposes of illustration of certain aspects
and embodiments of the present invention, and are not intended to
limit the invention.
Example 1--Lyophilized Glibenclamide
TABLE-US-00004 [0098] TABLE 3 Low concentration formulation High
concentration formulation Concentration of 0.2 mg/mL (0.1 mg/mL for
NaCl 1.0 mg/mL glibenclamide bulking agent) (0.4 to 8 mg/mL) (0.05
to 0.4 mg/mL) pH prior to 9.4 11.4 lyophilization (7+) (11+)
Bulking agents Lactose Mannitol (NaCl, Sucrose, Mannitol, (Sucrose,
Lactose, Trehalose. No Trehalose) NaCl) Bulking agent 2% 3% w/v %
(1%+) (1%+) pH Adjustments Begin compounding by raising Begin
compounding by raising pH pH to 11.3 using NaOH, add to 11.3 using
NaOH, add glibenclamide and excipients, glibenclamide and
excipients, adjusting up to pH 11.3 adjusting up to pH 11.3
regularly. regularly. Then reduce to 9.4 No HCl. with HCl Buffer No
buffer No buffer (or can be lightly buffered, e.g., (or can be
lightly buffered, e.g., 2 mM) 2 mM) Reconstitute WFI (water for
injection) WFI pH after 8.4 to 9.4 10 to 11.4 reconstitution (can
drop as low as 7 and still reconstitute) Dilution for Dilute 1:1
with 0.9% Saline Dilute 1:10 with 0.9% Saline bolus (1:1+) (1:1+)
Dilution for Further dilute until pH <8.0, i.e., Further dilute
until pH <8.0, i.e., infusion physiologically suitable.
physiologically suitable. Solvents None None (or PEG or alcohol)
(or PEG or alcohol) Variations tried 0.25 mg/mL, pH 9.5 and pH 10.5
0.5 mg/mL, pH 11.3 successfully 0.20 mg/mL, pH 9.5 and pH 10.5 0.1
mg/mL, pH 9.5 and pH 10.5 Key: ranges or alternatives are shown in
parenthesis. "Water for injection" includes purified, sterilized,
filtered, and other water that is suitable and safe for
administration to a patient.
Example 24--Solubility Studies Using Micronized Glibenclamide
Sucrose
[0099] Micronized glibenclamide in 2% sucrose (as a proxy for
glucose, fructose, mannose, galactose, mannitol, sorbitol, lactose,
trehalose, and other sugars, including mono-saccharides,
di-saccharides) in water was prepared, as recorded in the left-hand
column of Table 4. In addition, micronized glibenclamide was
prepared in water without a bulking agent (see Table 4, right
column). These were unbuffered solutions, so that 1) pH was
adjusted to the target value, then 2) glibenclamide was added
(which lowered the pH) and then 3) pH was re-adjusted up to the
target. This was done iteratively until the pH was stable.
TABLE-US-00005 TABLE 4 Solutions of Glibenclamide (GLB). Sucrose
Water pH GLB mg/ml pH GLB mg/ml 7.45 0.051 7.36 0.019 7.50 0.099
7.55 0.096 8.24 0.310 8.65 0.799 8.66 1.069 8.73 0.087 9.16 2.608
9.13 0.205 9.53 3.060 9.57 3.968 9.74 4.103 10.28 4.871 11.30 3.416
11.19 4.673 11.23 3.811 11.44 4.841 11.99 1.904 12.27 2.513
[0100] Glibenclamide concentration (shown in units of mg/mL on the
vertical axis) is plotted in FIG. 1 as a function of pH in an
aqueous sucrose solution (2% sucrose in water, where "%" means
g/100 mL) and in water alone.
[0101] The results for lactose and mannitol and other sugars (e.g.,
glucose, fructose, mannose, galactose, trehalose, sorbitol, and
other sugars, including mono-saccharides, di-saccharides) is
contemplated to be similar to those shown for sucrose.
Saline
[0102] Micronized glibenclamide in 2% saline and in 0.9% saline in
water was prepared and analyzed (see Table 5). These solutions were
unbuffered solutions, so the following method was used: 1) pH was
adjusted to the target, then 2) glibenclamide was added (which
lowered the pH) and then 3) pH was re-adjusted up to the target.
This was done iteratively until pH was stable. "GLB" indicates
glibenclamide.
TABLE-US-00006 TABLE 5 Solutions of Glibenclamide (GLB). Saline 2%
Saline 0.9% pH GLB mg/ml pH GLB mg/ml 7.24 0.012 7.97 0.028 8.34
0.087 8.070 0.024 8.89 0.214 8.440 0.109 8.94 0.233 9.180 0.435
9.49 0.205 9.920 0.420 10.31 0.215 10.480 0.456 10.98 0.192 11.060
0.445 11.49 0.194 11.610 0.538 12.10 0.216 12.070 0.476
[0103] The amount of glibenclamide (in mg/mL) was plotted on the
vertical axis in FIG. 2 as a function of pH (along the horizontal
axis) for solutions of glibenclamide in saline solutions in and in
water.
[0104] As can be seen in FIG. 2, the solubility of glibenclamide
was less is saline solutions, with higher concentrations of NaCl
further reducing the solubility of glibenclamide. That is, the
maximal amounts of glibenclamide in the 0.9% saline solution were
greater than the maximal amounts of glibenclamide in the 2% saline
solution.
Buffered Solutions
[0105] Buffered water solutions (Britton Robinson buffers) were
used to determine the amounts of glibenclamide soluble in buffered
solutions without added salt or added sugar. Experiments using
buffered water plus glibenclamide resulted in the following
concentrations by pH:
TABLE-US-00007 TABLE 6 Buffered (Britton Robinson) pH GLB mg/mL 5.3
0.01 6.200 0.01 7.100 0.01 8.000 0.02 8.3 0.02 9.000 0.14 9.700
0.85 10.100 2.35
[0106] When compared with the 2% sucrose and water-only versions,
it appears that the solubility is slightly shifted in the buffered
version, and that higher solubility can be achieved using NaOH
adjustment without buffering:
Solution Containing 3% Mannitol, 1 Mg/mL Glibenclamide, and Having
a pH of 11.3
[0107] Glibenclamide--Trial Formulations (JC No.: R08-02682) and
Lyophilization and Reconstitution (JC.: R08-02683)
Experimental Details
[0108] Two bulk solutions of Glibenclamide in deionized water
(Formula A, 1 mg/mL; Formula B, 0.5 mg/mL) were prepared, both with
3% mannitol Dilutions were prepared from each bulk solution. The
bulk solutions were assessed for appearance and pH immediately
after preparation (0 hours), and after 5 (bulk solutions only) and
24 hours. Ten vials were filled from each of the two bulk solutions
and subsequently lyophilized. Two vials from each batch were
reconstituted with deionized water and assessed for appearance and
pH In the following, note that dilutions were made using 0.9%
saline solution.
[0109] The results are summarized below:
Results and Discussion
[0110] BN 838-097 (Glibenclamide 1.0 mg/mL in 3% mannitol, pH 11.4)
and BN 838-099 (Glibenclamide 0.01 mg/mL (1:99 Dilution of BN
838-097))
TABLE-US-00008 Time + Initial (0 hours) Experiment No. Dilution
Appearance pH 838-097 Undiluted Clear colourless solution 11.5
838-099 1.99 Clear colourless solution 6.5
TABLE-US-00009 Time = 5 hours Experiment No. Dilution Appearance pH
838-097 Undiluted Clear colourless solution 11.4
TABLE-US-00010 Time = 24 hours Experiment No. Dilution Appearance
pH 838-097 Undiluted Clear colourless solution 11.4 838-099 1.99
Clear colourless solution 6.7
[0111] Samples assessed at 0, 5 and 24 hours were clear colourless
solutions with no precipitate. The pH of the undiluted and diluted
samples were stable over 24 hours.
[0112] BN 838-101 (Glibenclamide 0.5 mg/mL in 3% mannitol, pH
11.4), BN 838-103 (Glibenclamide 0.01 mg/mL (1:49 Dilution of BN
838-101)), and BN 838-105 (0.003 mg/mL (1:2 Dilution of BN
838-103))
[0113] The pH on dilution of BN 838-101 was noted to be above pH 8
(BN 838-103), therefore a further 1:2 dilution was done of BN
838-103 (therefore BN 838-105).
Time Zero
TABLE-US-00011 [0114] Time = Initial (0 hours) Experiment No.
Dilution Appearance pH 838-101 Undiluted Clear colourless solution
11.4 838-103 1.49 Clear colourless solution 9.4 838-105 1:2 (of BN
838-103) Clear, colourless solution 6.5
TABLE-US-00012 Time = 4 hours Experiment No. Dilution Appearance pH
838-101 Undiluted Clear colourless solution 11.4
TABLE-US-00013 Time + Initial (0 hours) Experiment No. Dilution
Appearance pH 838-101 Undiluted Clear colourless solution 11.4
838-103 1.49 Clear colourless solution 8.4 838-105 1:2 (of BN
838-103) Clear colourless solution 7.5
[0115] Samples assessed at 0, 4 and 24 hours were clear colourless
solutions with no precipitate. The pH of the undiluted sample was
stable over 24 hours. The pH of the diluted sample (BN 838-103
(1:49 Dilution of BN 838-101)), showed a drop in pH by
approximately 1 pH unit over 24 hours.
[0116] As described above, batch 838-103 was further diluted 1:2
due to the pH of batch 838-103 being above pH 8. The pH of this
diluted sample increased by approximately 1 pH unit over 24 hours,
but remained below pH 8.
Lyophilization and Reconstitution
TABLE-US-00014 [0117] Experiment No. Dilution Appearance (n = 2) pH
(n = 2) 838-097 Undiluted Clear colourless solution 11.4, 11.4
838-101 Undiluted Clear colourless solution 11.4, 11.4
[0118] As described above, vials were filled from each of the bulk
solutions above and lyophilized. At the end of the drying cycle,
the vials were unloaded from the dryer, and 2 vials from each batch
reconstituted with deionized water.
[0119] The freeze dried cakes dissolved very rapidly upon addition
of deionized water to give clear colourless solutions with no
precipitate. The pH was measured and found to be 11.4 for both
batches. A similar exercise was undertaken at another laboratory,
and the resultant pH following reconstitution of the lyophilized
material was 10.7. Therefore, these results indicate that the
formulations can be successfully lyophilized.
Example 2B
[0120] EXEMPLARY FORMULATION: Glibenclamide (1 mg/mL), NaOH, and
water; the formulation having a pH of 11.3.
TABLE-US-00015 TABLE 7 API (active pharmaceutical ingredient)
Micronized Glibenclamide (Cambrex) API Concentration 1.0 mg/mL pH
11.4 .+-. 0.1 pH adjustment NaOH Bulking Agent Mannitol Bulking
Agent % 3% Water WFI (water for injection) Specific Exclusions No
HCl
Preparation
[0121] Lyophilized glibenclamide was produced by the following
method: [0122] 1. Adjusted 95 mL WFI to pH 11.4.+-.0.1 using 0.2M
sodium hydroxide solution, while stirring at medium speed. [0123]
2. Add mannitol and glibenclamide with continued stirring. Adjust
pH to 11.4.+-.0.1. [0124] 3. During stirring, adjust pH of solution
to 11.4 using 0.2M sodium hydroxide solution every few minutes.
Time taken for glibenclamide to go into solution is approximately
30 minutes. [0125] 4. Add WFI to bring volume to 100 mL. [0126] 5.
Adjust pH to 11.4 if required. [0127] 6. The solution of step 5 is
lyophilized. A white or off-white cake is formed. The lyophilized
material has a sufficiently large surface area that there is no
need to further grind it.
[0128] Note: No HCl is used. Glibenclamide causes some lowering of
the pH; no further reduction in pH is needed.
[0129] However, if desired, a further, optional, grinding step
after step 6 may be performed to grind the lyophilized cake into a
micronized powder. Such a grinding step may be useful, for example,
with large amounts of lyophilate, and may be omitted in any case,
and particularly where the cake is small in size, within a vial, or
for any other reason.
[0130] In experiments performed by the applicant, micronized
glibenclamide was obtained from Cambrex (supplied in micronized
form; obtained from Cambrex Profarmaco Milano, Sri, Via Curiel, 34,
20067 Paullo (MI), Italy, a division of Cambrex Corporation of East
Rutherford, N.J. 07073). This micronized glibenclamide was then put
into solution, and that solution was then lyophilized according to
the methods disclosed herein.
Unbuffered Solutions and Formulations
[0131] Unbuffered solutions and formulations were prepared --that
is, the solutions or formulations lacking a buffer. However, it is
contemplated that solutions and formulations containing only low
concentrations of buffer (e.g., less than about 2 mM) or only weak
buffers or buffers with low buffering capacity, so that the
solution pH was not well-regulated, if regulated at all, by a
buffer, are amenable to the present solutions and formulations.
[0132] In certain embodiments of the methods disclosed herein,
solution pH is to be continually increased during the manufacturing
process as more glibenclamide goes into solution.
[0133] Even though the pH is high following reconstitution, when
the reconstituted solution is diluted in 0.9% Saline (e.g., diluted
50 times to about 100 times, for example), the pH comes down to
physiologically acceptable levels. Thus, such reconstituted
solutions, upon dilution, are suitable for use, for example, in a
3-day infusion. This suitability is surprising due to the lack of
buffering, which allows the pH to fall to acceptable levels upon
dilution in a physiologically acceptable solution, without further
effort on the part of those diluting the solution.
No HCl (Hydrochloric Acid)
[0134] Use of NaOH to increase pH, together with use of HCl to
reduce pH can reduce the collapse temperature during
lyophilization. Accordingly, it is preferable to use only NaOH for
pH adjustment. Thus, in certain embodiments, HCl is not used: i.e.,
there is no use of HCl to adjust the pH of a solution or
formulation for lyophilization.
No PEG (Polyethylene Glycol) or Other Organic Solvent
[0135] Unlike other examples of lyophilized glibenclamide in the
art, the use organic solvents is not required in the methods and
compositions disclosed herein. The absence of organic solvents is
believed to be an advantage over prior art formulations, and may
simplify the FDA regulatory pathway (e.g., simplify the efforts
needed to obtain regulatory approval for the use of solutions,
formulations, lyophilates, etc., according to the methods disclosed
herein, for use in treating patients and in producing medicaments
for the treatment of diseases and conditions of patients) and so
allow for rapid adoption of these methods in clinical
applications.
Relationship Between Starting pH, Starting Concentration, Total
Dose, and Maximum Infusible Volume Per Day
[0136] For a particular starting concentration (e.g., 0.5 mg/mL),
the starting pH that is high enough to maintain that concentration
(e.g., pH 11.3) and total intended dose (e.g., 3 mg per day), the
maximum infusible volume per day (e.g., 1,000 mL) has to be
sufficiently high that when the drug is diluted in 0.9% Saline to
get to the maximum infusible volume per day, the dilution ratio
(994:6, i.e., 166:1) is higher than the minimum dilution ratio
required to reach a pH of less than or equal to pH 8.5 or most
preferentially pH 7.0 (in this case, the minimum dilution ratio is
somewhere between 50-100 based on the experiments discussed
above).
Example 3
[0137] EXEMPLARY FORMULATION: Glibenclamide (0.2 mg/mL), NaOH, HCl,
and water; the formulation having a pH of 9.4.
[0138] This formulation is prepared as described for the 1 mg/mL
glibenclamide formulation of Example 2B except that HCl is used as
final step before lyophilization to reduce the pH to 9.4.
Example 4
[0139] EXEMPLARY FORMULATION: Glibenclamide (0.1 mg/mL), NaOH, HCl,
and saline; the formulation having a pH of 9.4.
[0140] This formulation is prepared as described for the 1 g/mL
glibenclamide formulation of Example 2B except that HCl is used as
final step before lyophilization to reduce the pH to 9.4.
[0141] In addition, this formulation, and others of similar
concentration, is immediately isotonic upon reconstitution and
contains no carbohydrates, which is believed to provide a clinical
advantage in treating stroke patients, for example, as clinicians
are often not comfortable giving carbohydrates to stroke patients
who are often hyperglycemic.
Freeze-Drying (Lyophilization)
[0142] Freeze drying (also known as lyophilization) is a process in
which a material is first frozen, and then dried by sublimation (by
reducing the air pressure around the frozen solid) and adding
enough heat to cause the frozen water in the material to sublime
directly from the solid phase to gas, leaving a dried material.
Lyophilates often appear as dry flakes or other particles, which
may then be further broken into smaller particles to form, for
example, a powder. A thorough description of lyophilization is
found in the book Lyophilization--Introduction and Basic Principles
by Thomas Jennings (published by CRC Press LLC, Boca Raton, Fla.,
USA (1999), ISBN: 9781574910810 and ISBN-10: 574910817).
[0143] The freeze-drying process may be thought of as including
three steps: Freezing, Primary Drying, and Secondary Drying.
[0144] The first step, freezing, is, as its name implies, simply
the process of freezing the material. The material should be cooled
to a temperature below the cutectic point (the lowest temperature
at which the solid and liquid phase of the material coexist) of the
material to freeze it and to insure that sublimation rather than
melting will occur with subsequent heating of the frozen material
under vacuum or low pressure. Since the eutectic point occurs at
the lowest temperature where the solid and liquid phase of the
material can coexist, freezing the material at a temperature below
this point ensures that sublimation rather than melting will occur
in the following steps. Cooling of amorphous (glassy) materials
(which lack a eutectic point) should be to below the critical
temperature of the material.
[0145] For example, a material may be frozen in a freeze-drying
flask cooled by any suitable method (e.g., refrigeration, placement
in a bath of dry ice and methanol, or placement in a liquid
nitrogen bath).
[0146] In the initial drying step (the primary drying phase) the
pressure is lowered and enough heat is supplied for the frozen
water in the material to sublimate. Most of the water is removed in
this initial drying phase. In this phase, pressure is controlled
through the application of partial vacuum to speed sublimation.
[0147] Following the initial drying phase, further drying (the
secondary drying phase) is done by raising the temperature higher
than the temperature used in the primary drying phase. The
secondary drying phase may remove water that has condensed or moved
from an initial location during the primary drying phase. Low
pressure is typically used in this phase as well.
[0148] Lyophilized products are often very stable, particularly if
measures are taken to prevent reabsorption of water. For example,
lyophilization is useful for providing pharmaceuticals that may be
stored for many years. However, when needed, lyophilized materials
products can be readily rehydrated (reconstituted) as the process
produces many microscopic pores in the material that aid
reintroduction of water. Lyophilized material can be easily stored,
shipped and later reconstituted to its original form for
injection.
Micronizing
[0149] Reduction of the average particle size of a granulated or
powdered solid may be termed micronization, that is, for example,
reducing the drug's particle size or micronizing the drug to have
an average particle size of a few microns. It is often found that
dosage forms which contain micronized drug particles exhibit
enhanced solubility and consequently an increase in the
bioavailability of the drugs.
[0150] Traditionally, dry materials were ground into fine powders
(micronized) by hand by action of a mortar and pestle, in which the
material was crushed into finer and finer particles between the
hard pestle and the hard mortar. Many mechanized micronization
techniques (e.g., milling and grinding) use friction to reduce
particle size. A typical industrial mill is composed of a
cylindrical metallic drum that contains grinding elements (e.g.
steel spheres). As the drum rotates the grinding elements inside
the drum collide with the particles of the solid, and, when trapped
between two grinding elements, the particles are crushed to produce
smaller particles having smaller diameters. Alternatively, grinding
wheels or other grinding elements may be used to micronize
particles, such as powders or flakes, into smaller particles.
[0151] Methods like crushing and cutting are also used for reducing
particle diameter, but produce rougher particles compared to
milling and grinding (and are therefore the early stages of the
micronization process). Crushing employs hammer-like tools to break
the solid into smaller particles by means of impact. Cutting uses
sharp blades to cut the rough solid pieces into smaller ones.
[0152] The micronization of solid materials, including proteins and
drugs, to form solid particles suitable for microencapsulation
(e.g., particles having an average particle size less than about
less than 20 .mu.m, or less than about 10 .mu.m) has been achieved
using a variety of approaches including milling, as discussed
above, and by spray-drying, spray freeze-drying, and supercritical
anti-solvent (SAS) precipitation techniques as well.
[0153] Various milling techniques are known. For example, in U.S.
Pat. No. 5,952,008 to Backstrom et al. jet milling is used to
produce particles smaller than 10 .mu.m for inhalation
administration. U.S. Pat. No. 5,354,562 to Platzer al. discloses
solid particle aerosol formulations of polypeptide drugs made by
lyophilizing solutions of the drugs which contain milling
stabilizers that inhibit degradation of the drug during subsequent
milling. The lyophilized drug is milled in fluid energy mills that
have been fitted with abrasion resistant materials. The resulting
particles are between 0.5 to 4 .mu.m when milled at high pressure
and between 4 .mu.m to 15 .mu.m when milled at low pressure. U.S.
Pat. No. 5,747,002 to Clark et al. discloses jet milling of sodium
chloride to produce particles with a size distribution smaller than
7 .mu.m.
[0154] U.S. Pat. No. 5,817,343 to Burke discloses a method for
forming polymer/drug microparticles by forming a polymer
solution/insoluble drug mixture; removing solvent from the mixture
to form a hard matrix containing the drug particles in polymer; and
micronizing the matrix by fragmenting (e.g., grinding or milling)
the matrix below the glass-transition point of the polymer.
[0155] Sonication is another technique employed to micronize
particles. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,384,975 to Fong et al.
discloses the preparation of microspheres by solvent removal using
sodium oleate as the emulsifier. Micronization of core material by
milling or ultrasonic probe sonication of solid drug particles in
polymer solution is disclosed. Tracy, Biotechnol. Prog, 14:108 15
(1998) discloses atomizing growth hormone in solution using an
ultrasonic nozzle, freezing the dispersed droplets in a slurry of
frozen ethanol, and then lyophilizing to remove the non-solvent and
harden the droplets. The resulting hollow spheres are further
micronized by ultrasonic probe treatment to fragment the spheres,
which fragments are then encapsulated.
Example 5--Water Formulations for Preparing Lyophilized
Tolbutamide
[0156] Tolbutamide is 24 times more soluble in water than
glibenclamide (109 mg/L vs. 4 mg/L) and so is more easily used in
water solutions. However, about 100 times as much tolbutamide as
glibenclamide is needed to have the same clinical effect as
glibenclamide. Thus, although in some embodiments, similar amounts
of tolbutamide as glibenclamide may be included in the formulations
and lyophilates having features of the invention, or greater
tolbutamide (or other drugs, as desired, including for example,
repaglinide, nateglinide, meglitinide, midaglizole, LY397364,
LY389382, glyclazide, glimepiride and other drugs or metabolites of
drugs which interact with SURs; may include ion channel blockers
such as, for example, pinkolant, flufenamic acid, mefanamic acid,
niflumic acid, rimonabant, and SKF 9635; may include estrogen,
estradiol, estrone, estriol, genistein, diethytilbestrol,
coumestrol, zearalenone, non-steroidal estrogens, phytoestrgens or
other steroid compound) are included as compared to the amounts of
glibenclamide discussed above.
[0157] In addition, formulations may include mixtures of drugs
(e.g., glibenclamide plus pinkolant; or glibenclamide plus
flufenamic acid, or glibenclamide plus mefanamic acid; or
glibenclamide plus niflumic acid, or glibenclamide plus rimonabant;
or glibenclamide plus SKF 9635; or glibenclamide plus estrogen; or
glibenclamide plus estradiol; or glibenclamide plus estrone; or
glibenclamide plus estriol; or glibenclamide plus genistein; or
glibenclamide plus diethystilbestrol; or glibenclamide plus
coumestrol; or glibenclamide plus zearalenone; or glibenclamide
plus a non-steroidal estrogen; or glibenclamide plus a
phytoestrogen; or glibenclamide plus another drug or metabolite of
a drug which interacts with SURs)
TABLE-US-00016 TABLE 8 Tolbutamide Formulations. Low Concentration
formulation High concentration formulation Concentration of 0.2
mg/mL (0.1 mg/mL for NaCl 1.0 mg/mL Tolbutamide bulking agent) (0.4
to 8 mg/mL) (0.05 to 0.4 mg/mL) pH prior to expected to be 9-10
expected to be 11 or more lyophilization Bulking agents Lactose
Mannitol (or NaCl, Sucrose, Mannitol, or (or Sucrose, Lactose, or
Trehalose. Trehalose) No NaCl) Bulking agent 2% to 3% 3% to 4% w/v
% pH Adjustments Begin compounding by raising Begin compounding by
raising pH pH to pH 11 or above using to 11 or above using NaOH,
add NaOH, add tolbutamide and tolbutamide and excipients,
excipients, adjusting up to pH 11 adjusting up to pH 11 regularly
as regularly. Then reduce to 9-10 necessary. No HCl added. with
HCl. Buffer No buffer No buffer (or the solution can be lightly (or
the solution can be lightly buffered, e.g., 2 mM) buffered, e.g.,
2mM) Reconstitute WFI (water for injection) WFI pH after expected
to be 8 to 9 expected to be 10 to 12 reconstitution (can reduce pH
to 7 and still reconstitute) Dilution for Dilute 1:1 or greater
with 0.9% Dilute 1:10 or greater with 0.9% bolus Saline Saline
Dilution for Further dilute until pH <8.0, i.e., Further dilute
until pH <8.0, i.e., infusion physiologically suitable.
physiologically suitable. Solvents None None (or an alcohol or
polyethylene (or an alcohol or polyethylene glycol) glycol) Key:
ranges or alternatives are shown in parenthesis.
[0158] Similar to the glibenclamide solutions, formulations, and
lyophilates discussed above, tolbutamide solutions, formulations,
and lyophilates may be prepared. Such tolbutamide solutions and
formulations may be water solutions of tolbutamide, without sugars,
salts, or buffers; may be water solutions of tolbutamide also
including a sugar (e.g., one or more of glucose, fructose, mannose,
galactose, mannitol, sorbitol, lactose, trehalose, sucrose, and
other sugars, including mono-saccharides, di-saccharides, and other
sugars), may be water solutions of tolbutamide also including a
salt (e.g., sodium chloride or potassium chloride), may be water
solutions of tolbutamide also including a buffer (e.g., a
Britton-Robinson buffer, a phosphate buffer, a "Tris" buffer
(containing Tris(hydroxymethyl)aminomethane), a HEPES buffer
(containing N-(2-Hydroxyethyl)piperazine-N'-(2-ethanesulfonic
acid), or other buffer). It will be understood that such solutions,
formulations, and lyophilates made from such solutions and
formulations, may include combinations of the above.
Example 5--Water Formulations for Preparing Lyophilized
Repaglinide
[0159] Repaglinide is another pharmaceutically active ingredient
that acts on SURs and is suitable for the practice of the
invention. Repaglinide has a water solubility of 0.6 mg/mL at pH 9,
which is a bit lower than the solubility of glibenclamide in water
at this pH. Accordingly, repaglinide water formulations are
contemplated to be similar to glibenclamide water formulations.
TABLE-US-00017 TABLE 9 Repaglinide Formulations. Low
ConcentrationFormulation High concentration formulation
Concentration 0.2 mg/mL (0.1 mg/mL for NaCl 1.0 mg/mL of
repaglinide bulking agent) (or 0.4 to 8 mg/mL) (or 0.05 to 0.4
mg/mL) pH prior to expected to be 9-10 expected to be 11 or more
lyophilization Bulking agents Lactose Mannitol (or NaCl, Sucrose,
Mannitol, or (or Sucrose, Lactose, or Trehalose. Trehalose) No
NaCl) Bulking agent 2% to 3% 3% to 4% % pH Begin compounding by
raising pH Begin compounding by raising pH Adjustments to pH 11 or
above using NaOH, to 11 or above using NaOH, add add repaglinide
and excipients, repaglinide and excipients, adjusting adjusting up
to pH 11 regularly. up to pH 11 regularly as necessary. Then reduce
to 9-10 with HCl No HCl added. Buffer No buffer No buffer (can be
lightly buffered e.g. 2 mM) (can be lightly buffered e.g. 2 mM)
Reconstitute WFI (water for injection) WFI pH after expected to be
8 to 9 expected to be 10 to 12 reconstitution (can drop as low as 7
and still reconstitute) Dilution for Dilute 1:1 or greater with
0.9% Dilute 1:10 or greater with 0.9% bolus Saline Saline Dilution
for Further dilute until pH <8.0 i.e. Further dilute until pH
<8.0 i.e. infusion physiologically suitable. physiologically
suitable. Solvents None None (or PEG or alcohol) (or PEG or
alcohol) Key: ranges or alternatives are shown in parenthesis.
[0160] Similarly to the glibenclamide and tolbutamide solutions,
formulations, and lyophilates discussed above, repaglinide
solutions, formulations, and lyophilates may be prepared. Such
repaglinide solutions and formulations may be water solutions of
repaglinide, without sugars, salts, or buffers; may be water
solutions of repaglinide also including a sugar (e.g., one or more
of glucose, fructose, mannose, galactose, mannitol, sorbitol,
lactose, trehalose, sucrose, and other sugars, including
mono-saccharides, di-saccharides, and other sugars), may be water
solutions of repaglinide also including a salt (e.g., sodium
chloride or potassium chloride), may be water solutions of
repaglinide also including a buffer (e.g., a Britton-Robinson
buffer, a phosphate buffer, a "Tris" buffer (containing
Tris(hydroxymethyl)aminomethane), a HEPES buffer (containing
N-(2-Hydroxyethyl)piperazine-N'-(2-ethanesulfonic acid), or other
buffer). It will be understood that such solutions, formulations,
and lyophilates made from such solutions and formulations, may
include combinations of the above.
[0161] Similarly, solutions and formulations, and lyophilates made
from such solutions and formulations, may be made from other drugs
and pharmaceutically active compounds and ingredients. Thus, for
example, similar solutions and formulations, and lyophilates made
from such solutions and formulations, may be made from, e.g.,
nateglinide, meglitinide, midaglizole, LY397364, LY389382,
glyclazide, glimepiride and other drugs or metabolites of drugs
which interact with SURs; ion channel blockers such as, for
example, pinkolant, flufenamic acid, mefanamic acid, niflumic acid,
rimonabant, and SKF 9635; estrogen, estradiol, estrone, estriol,
genistein, diethystilbestrol, coumestrol, zearalenone,
non-steroidal estrogens, phytoestrogens or other steroid compound;
or other pharmaceutically active compound.
[0162] Kits may be prepared including solutions, formulations, and
lyophilates having features of the invention. For example, a kit
may include a liquid formulation of a compound of interest (e.g.,
as discussed above, including, for example, glibenclamide,
tolbutamide, repaglinide, nateglinide, meglitinide, midaglizole,
LY397364, LY389382, glyclazide, glimepiride and other drugs or
metabolites of drugs which interact with SURs; ion channel blockers
such as, for example, pinkolant, flufenamic acid, mefanamic acid,
niflumic acid, rimonabant, and SKF 9635; estrogen, estradiol,
estrone, estriol, genistein, diethystilbestrol, coumestrol,
zearalenone, non-steroidal estrogens, phytoestrogens or other
steroid compound; or other pharmaceutically active compound; and
instructions for the use of such liquid solutions. For example, the
instructions may include methods and description as described
above, including methods for providing water solutions containing
an active pharmaceutical ingredient. In embodiments, the
instructions may simply describe how one may add appropriate
amounts of water to a dry lyophilate to provide a water solution.
In embodiments, the instructions may further describe how one may
measure the pH of such a solution, and may describe how one may
adjust the pH of such a solution as desired or as appropriate, as
described above. In embodiments, the instructions may describe how
one may add appropriate further ingredients, including buffers,
salts, excipients, extenders, or other ingredients, as described
above, to such a solution. In embodiments, the instructions may
describe how one may add such a solution to a suitable solution for
injection, either as bolus or for infusion, as described above.
[0163] In further embodiments, a kit may include a lyophilized
formulation of a compound of interest (e.g., as discussed above); a
diluent solution; and instructions for the use of such liquid
solutions. For example, such a diluent solution may be selected
from water; water and alcohol (e.g., ethanol); water and
polyethylene glycol (PEG); water, alcohol and PEG. In embodiments,
the pH of the diluent may be a pH of about pH 7.4 or greater.
[0164] In further embodiments, the pH of the diluent is about pH
7.4 or greater and the diluent is buffered; the buffer may be a
pharmaceutically acceptable buffer. In yet further embodiments, the
diluent of the kit is buffered, and the buffer concentration is
between about 1 mM and about 100 mM. In embodiments, the buffer
concentration may be less than about 15 mM; and in embodiments, the
buffer concentration is between about 5 mM and about 10 mM.
Example 7--Stability of Lyophilized Glibenclamide
[0165] A study was carried out to asses the stability of
lyophilized glibenclamide to extended storage at various
temperatures and relative humidity. The data obtained from this
study indicate that lyophilized glibenclamide has good stability
over at least 3 months at the temperatures and relative humidity
conditions tested. Experimental procedures and results from the
study are described in detail below.
[0166] Experimental Procedures: Vials containing lyophilized
glibenclamide powder were used in this study. The lyophilized
glibenclamide powder was obtained by lyophilization of an aqueous
mixture containing 4.7-5.0 mg glibenclamide (The experiment started
with 6 mg of glibenclamide, but some glibenclamide remained on the
filter following filtration of the aqueous mixture. As a result,
the filtrate used for lyophilization contained 4.7-5.0 mg of
glibenclamide.), 180 mg mannitol, and sodium hydroxide as needed to
adjust the pH to 11.3 prior to lyophilization. Lyophilization of
this aqueous mixture removed 6 mL of water per vial.
[0167] The lyophilized glibenclamide powder was evaluated at the
following time points for appearance, reconstitution time, p1-1
after reconstitution, moisture content, amount of glibenclamide as
analyzed by HPLC, and the amount of substances related to
glibenclamide:
[0168] Time--initial at 2-8.degree. C.
[0169] Time--6 weeks at 2-8.degree. C.
[0170] Time--6 weeks at 25.degree. C. and 60% RH
[0171] Time--6 weeks at 40.degree. C. and 75% RH
[0172] Time--6 weeks and 13 days at 25.degree. C. and 60% RH
[0173] Time--6 weeks and 13 days at 40.degree. C. and 75% RH
[0174] Time--3 months at 2-8.degree. C.
[0175] Time--3 months at 25.degree. C. and 60% RH
[0176] Time--3 months at 40.degree. C. and 75% RH
[0177] The analyses were carried out as follows:
[0178] Appearance and Particulates: Lyophilized vials were
inspected visually (before and after reconstitution with 6 mL of
water for injection).
[0179] Reconstitution Time: Reconstitution time of duplicate
samples from 2 separate vials were measured after adding 6 mL of
water for injection.
[0180] RH: The pH of duplicate samples from two separate vials used
for the reconstitution were measured.
[0181] Assay for Amount of Glibenclamide and Assay for Substances
Related to Glibenclamide: The assay for glibenclamide in injection
samples was determined by an isocratic HPLC method. A Zorbax
XDB-C18, 5.0 vun, 150 mm.times.4.6 mm column was used, operated at
50.degree. C., eluting with an acetonitrile/water/formic acid
eluent. Methanol was used as diluent. The glibenclamide content was
assayed by comparison with similarly chromatographed reference
solutions. Related substances were evaluated as area % with
reference to the Glibenclamide peak at 230 nm.
[0182] Moisture Content Analyzed by Coulometric Karl Fischer: The
moisture content was evaluated by dispersing the lyophilized cake
in benzyl alcohol and analyzing this solution by coulometric Karl
Fischer titration. Results are reported as mg/vial.
* * * * *