U.S. patent application number 17/228480 was filed with the patent office on 2021-11-04 for ophthalmic compositions.
This patent application is currently assigned to Aurinia Pharmaceuticals Inc.. The applicant listed for this patent is Aurinia Pharmaceuticals Inc.. Invention is credited to Ashim K. MITRA, Subramanian NATESAN, Poonam R. VELAGALETI.
Application Number | 20210338769 17/228480 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000005705160 |
Filed Date | 2021-11-04 |
United States Patent
Application |
20210338769 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
MITRA; Ashim K. ; et
al. |
November 4, 2021 |
OPHTHALMIC COMPOSITIONS
Abstract
The embodiments disclosed herein relate to ophthalmic
compositions comprising calcineurin inhibitors or mTOR inhibitors,
and more particularly to methods for treating an ocular disease
and/or condition using the disclosed compositions. According to
aspects illustrated herein, there is provided a pharmaceutical
composition that includes a calcineurin inhibitor or an mTOR
inhibitor; a first surfactant with an HLB index greater than about
10; and a second surfactant with an HLB index of greater than about
13, wherein an absolute difference between the HLB index of the
first surfactant and the HLB index of the second surfactant is
greater than about 3, and wherein the composition forms mixed
micelles.
Inventors: |
MITRA; Ashim K.; (Overland
Park, KS) ; VELAGALETI; Poonam R.; (Randolph, NJ)
; NATESAN; Subramanian; (Triuchirappalli, IN) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Aurinia Pharmaceuticals Inc. |
Victoria |
|
CA |
|
|
Assignee: |
Aurinia Pharmaceuticals
Inc.
Victoria
CA
|
Family ID: |
1000005705160 |
Appl. No.: |
17/228480 |
Filed: |
April 12, 2021 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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16270760 |
Feb 8, 2019 |
10973871 |
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17228480 |
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14627063 |
Feb 20, 2015 |
10265375 |
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16270760 |
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13974241 |
Aug 23, 2013 |
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14627063 |
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13213451 |
Aug 19, 2011 |
8535694 |
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13974241 |
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12247701 |
Oct 8, 2008 |
8435544 |
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13213451 |
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61099420 |
Sep 23, 2008 |
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61038223 |
Mar 20, 2008 |
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60992205 |
Dec 4, 2007 |
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60997796 |
Oct 8, 2007 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61K 31/355 20130101;
A61K 9/1075 20130101; A61K 38/13 20130101; A61K 31/56 20130101;
A61K 47/32 20130101; A61K 31/436 20130101; A61K 9/0048
20130101 |
International
Class: |
A61K 38/13 20060101
A61K038/13; A61K 9/00 20060101 A61K009/00; A61K 9/107 20060101
A61K009/107; A61K 31/436 20060101 A61K031/436; A61K 47/32 20060101
A61K047/32; A61K 31/355 20060101 A61K031/355; A61K 31/56 20060101
A61K031/56 |
Claims
1. A pharmaceutical composition comprising: a calcineurin inhibitor
or an mTOR inhibitor; a first surfactant with an HLB index greater
than about 10; and a second surfactant with an HLB index of greater
than about 13, wherein an absolute difference between the HLB index
of the first surfactant and the HLB index of the second surfactant
is greater than about 3, and wherein the composition is in the form
of mixed micelles.
2. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 1 wherein the
calcineurin inhibitor or the mTOR inhibitor is selected from one or
more of voclosporin, cyclosporine A, pimecrolimus, tacrolimus,
sirolimus, temsirolimus, everolimus, analogs thereof,
pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, or combinations
thereof.
3. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 1 wherein the
composition is in the form of optically clear mixed micelles.
4. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 1 wherein the first
surfactant is selected from a polyethylene glycol (PEG)-5-100 nonyl
phenyl ether, tyloxapol, a PEG-fatty acid monoester surfactant, a
PEG-glycerol fatty acid ester, and a PEG-sorbiton fatty acid
ester.
5. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 4 wherein the PEG-fatty
acid monoester surfactant is selected from PEG-15 oleate, PEG-20
laurate, PEG-20 oleate, PEG-20 stearate, PEG-32 laurate, PEG-32
oleate, PEG-32 stearate, PEG-40 laurate, PEG-40 oleate, and PEG-40
stearate.
6. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 4 wherein the
PEG-glycerol fatty acid ester is selected from PEG-15 glyceryl
laurate, PEG-20 glyceryl laurate, PEG-30 glyceryl laurate, PEG-40
glyceryl laurate, and PEG-20 glyceryl stearate.
7. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 4 wherein the
PEG-sorbiton fatty acid ester is selected from PEG-4 sorbiton
monolaurate, PEG-4 sorbiton monostearate, PEG-5 sorbiton
monooleate, PEG-20 sorbiton monolaurate, PEG-20 sorbiton
monopalmitate, PEG-20 sorbiton monostearate, and PEG-20 sorbiton
monooleate.
8. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 1 wherein the second
surfactant is a polyethylene glycol (PEG)-alkyl ether surfactant or
PEG-alkyl aryl ether surfactant.
9. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 8 wherein the second
surfactant is a PEG 5-100 octyl phenyl ether.
10. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 9 wherein the PEG 5-100
octyl phenyl compound is selected from octoxynol-9, octoxynol-10,
octoxynol-11, octoxynol-12, octoxynol-13, octoxynol-16,
octoxynol-20, octoxynol-25, octoxynol-30, octoxynol-33,
octoxynol-40, and octoxynol-70.
11. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 1 wherein the
composition is an aqueous solution.
12. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 1 wherein the
calcineurin inhibitor or mTOR inhibitor is delivered to a back of
an eye.
13. A method for treating an ocular disease in a patient in need
thereof, comprising administering topically to an eye of the
patient a mixed micelle pharmaceutical composition comprising: a
calcineurin inhibitor or an mTOR inhibitor; a first surfactant with
an HLB index greater than about 10; and a second surfactant with an
HLB index of greater than about 13, wherein an absolute difference
between the HLB index of the first surfactant and the HLB index of
the second surfactant is greater than about 3.
14. The method of claim 13 wherein the calcineurin inhibitor or the
mTOR inhibitor is selected from one or more of voclosporin,
cyclosporine A, pimecrolimus, tacrolimus, sirolimus, temsirolimus,
everolimus, analogs thereof, pharmaceutically acceptable salts
thereof, or combinations thereof.
15. The method of claim 13 wherein the first surfactant is selected
from a polyethylene glycol (PEG)-5-100 nonyl phenyl ether,
tyloxapol, a PEG-fatty acid monoester surfactant, a PEG-glycerol
fatty acid ester, and a PEG-sorbiton fatty acid ester.
16. The method of claim 15 wherein the PEG-fatty acid monoester
surfactant is selected from PEG-15 oleate, PEG-20 laurate, PEG-20
oleate, PEG-20 stearate, PEG-32 laurate, PEG-32 oleate, PEG-32
stearate, PEG-40 laurate, PEG-40 oleate, and PEG-40 stearate; the
PEG-glycerol fatty acid ester is selected from PEG-15 glyceryl
laurate, PEG-20 glyceryl laurate, PEG-30 glyceryl laurate, PEG-40
glyceryl laurate, and PEG-20 glyceryl stearate; and the
PEG-sorbiton fatty acid ester is selected from PEG-4 sorbiton
monolaurate, PEG-4 sorbiton monostearate, PEG-5 sorbiton
monooleate, PEG-20 sorbiton monolaurate, PEG-20 sorbiton
monopalmitate, PEG-20 sorbiton monostearate, and PEG-20 sorbiton
monooleate.
17. The method of claim 13 wherein the second surfactant is a
polyethylene glycol (PEG)-alkyl ether surfactant or PEG-alkyl aryl
ether surfactant.
18. The method of claim 17 wherein the second surfactant is aPEG
5-100 octyl phenyl ether selected from octoxynol-9, octoxynol-10,
octoxynol-11, octoxynol-12, octoxynol-13, octoxynol-16,
octoxynol-20, octoxynol-25, octoxynol-30, octoxynol-33,
octoxynol-40, and octoxynol-70.
19. The method of claim 13 further comprising delivering the
calcineurin inhibitor or mTOR inhibitor to a back of an eye via the
mixed micelle pharmaceutical composition.
20. The method of claim 13 wherein the ocular disease is an
inflammatory ocular surface disease selected from the group
consisting of dry eye syndrome (DES), Sjogren's syndrome, uveitis,
conjunctivitis (pink eye), keratitis, keratoconjunctivitis, vernal
keratoconjunctivitis (VKC), atopic keratoconjunctivitis (AKC),
autoimmune disorders of the ocular surface, including cicatrizing
conjunctivitis, blepharitis, and scleritis, or an immune rejection
of a corneal allograft.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 16/270,760, filed Feb. 8, 2019, which is a
continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/627,063, filed
Feb. 20, 2015, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,265,375, which is a
continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/974,241, filed
Aug. 23, 2013, now abandoned, which is a continuation of U.S.
patent application Ser. No. 13/213,451, filed Aug. 19, 2011, now
U.S. Pat. No. 8,535,694, which is a divisional application of U.S.
patent application Ser. No. 12/247,701, filed Oct. 8, 2008, now
U.S. Pat. No. 8,435,544, which claims the benefit of and priority
to U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/997,796, filed Oct. 8, 2007,
U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/992,205, filed Dec. 4, 2007,
U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/038,223, filed Mar. 20, 2008,
and U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/099,420, filed Sep. 23,
2008, the disclosures of each of these applications are hereby
incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.
FIELD
[0002] The embodiments disclosed herein relate to stable ophthalmic
compositions comprising calcineurin inhibitors or mTOR inhibitors,
and more particularly to methods for treating an ocular disease
and/or condition using the disclosed compositions.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Disease and injury to the anterior surface of the eye are
the leading causes of visits to physicians for medical eye care in
the United States. These diseases and injuries rank among the most
painful of eye conditions and can lead to disability and blindness.
Major clinical problems of the surface of the eye include ocular
surface drying, tear film abnormalities, and related complications;
ocular surface wounds with resultant pathology and scarring;
corneal dysfunction dystrophies and inherited disease; inflammatory
disease; and external ocular infections. Eye diseases and injuries
can have symptoms ranging from itchy, runny eyes to impaired
vision. Therefore, it is important to address eye problems right
away, as some diseases can progressively worsen or even trigger
other serious problems. Most pharmacologic management of ocular
disease includes the topical application of solutions to the
surface of the eye as drops. Despite the relatively small
proportion of a topically applied drug dose that ultimately reaches
anterior segment ocular tissues, topical formulations remain
effective, largely because of the very high concentrations of drugs
that are administered.
[0004] Disease and injury to tissues of the posterior segment of
the eye, including the retina and choroid, is involved in many of
the most common blinding diseases in the industrialized world.
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) alone impacts more than 10
million Americans. Severe vision loss from AMD and other diseases
affecting the posterior segment, including diabetic retinopathy,
glaucoma, and retinitis pigmentosa accounts for most cases of
irreversible blindness worldwide. Currently, the treatment of
posterior segment disease is to a significant extent limited by the
difficulty in delivering effective doses of drugs to target tissues
in the posterior eye.
SUMMARY
[0005] Ophthalmic compositions comprising calcineurin inhibitors or
mTOR inhibitors are disclosed herein. The ophthalmic compositions
of the present disclosure are aqueous solutions of mixed micelles.
The ophthalmic compositions disclosed herein are biocompatible, and
are particularly useful for topical application to the eye for the
treatment of an eye condition. According to aspects illustrated
herein, there is provided a pharmaceutical composition that
includes a calcineurin inhibitor or an mTOR inhibitor; a first
surfactant with an HLB index greater than about 10; and a second
surfactant with an HLB index of greater than about 13, wherein an
absolute difference between the HLB index of the first surfactant
and the HLB index of the second surfactant is greater than about 3,
and wherein the composition forms mixed micelles.
[0006] According to aspects illustrated herein, there is provided a
pharmaceutical composition that includes a calcineurin inhibitor;
vitamin E TPGS; and octoxynol 40, wherein the composition is
suitable for topical application to ocular tissue.
[0007] According to aspects illustrated herein, there is provided a
pharmaceutical composition that includes an mTOR inhibitor; vitamin
E TPGS; and octoxynol 40, wherein the composition is suitable for
topical application to ocular tissue.
[0008] According to aspects illustrated herein, there is provided a
method of preparing a mixed micelle composition that includes
mixing a calcineurin inhibitor or a mTOR inhibitor with a first
surfactant having an HLB index greater than about 10 and a second
surfactant having an HLB index of greater than about 13 in a
solvent to form a solvent solution; evaporating the solvent
solution to form a near-solid matter; hydrating the near-solid
matter with an aqueous solution; and dissolving the near-solid
mixture to produce the mixed micelle composition, wherein the
composition is optically clear.
[0009] According to aspects illustrated herein, there is provided a
method for treating an ocular disease in a patient in need thereof
that includes administering topically to an eye of the patient a
composition comprising a therapeutically effective amount of a
calcineurin inhibitor or mTOR inhibitor, the composition further
having vitamin E TPGS and octoxynol-40, wherein the composition is
an aqueous solution of mixed micelles.
[0010] According to aspects illustrated herein, there is provided a
method for treating, reducing, ameliorating, or alleviating an
inflammatory ocular disease in an animal that includes providing a
mixed micellar pharmaceutical composition having a calcineurin
inhibitor or an mTOR inhibitor encapsulated in micelles, the
micelles formed with a first surfactant with an HLB index greater
than about 10 and a second surfactant with an HLB index of greater
than about 13; and administering to the animal an amount of the
pharmaceutical composition at a frequency sufficient to treat,
reduce, ameliorate, or alleviate the inflammatory ocular
disease.
[0011] According to aspects illustrated herein, there is provided a
method for treating, reducing, ameliorating, or alleviating a
back-of-the-eye condition or disorder in a subject that includes
providing a mixed micellar pharmaceutical composition having a
calcineurin inhibitor encapsulated in micelles formed with a first
surfactant with an HLB index greater than about 10 and a second
surfactant with an HLB index of greater than about 13; and
administering to the subject an amount of the pharmaceutical
composition at a frequency sufficient to treat, reduce, ameliorate,
or alleviate the back-of-the-eye condition or disorder.
[0012] According to aspects illustrated herein, there is provided
an artificial tear composition that includes an aqueous solution of
mixed micelles, the mixed micelles formed from a vitamin E
tocopherol polyethylene glycol succinate (TPGS) derivative and an
ethoxylated octylphenol surfactant.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] The presently disclosed embodiments will be further
explained with reference to the attached drawings, wherein like
structures are referred to by like numerals throughout the several
views. The drawings shown are not necessarily to scale, with
emphasis instead generally being placed upon illustrating the
principles of the presently disclosed embodiments.
[0014] FIG. 1 shows a graphical representation of Mean Schirmer
Tear Test (STT) values of canine KCS patients through 30 days of
treatment with an embodiment of a mixed micellar formulation
containing 0.2% voclosporin of the present disclosure.
[0015] FIG. 2 shows tissue levels of voclosporin after a single (1
day) topical dose of a mixed micellar pharmaceutical composition of
the presently disclosed embodiments having .sup.14C-voclosporin to
female New Zealand White Rabbits. Therapeutic levels of voclosporin
were noticed even at the 24-hour mark, supporting once daily (QD)
dosing is possible with the aqueous mixed micellar composition of
the presently disclosed embodiments. The experiment included male
rabbits also with similar result (data not shown).
[0016] FIGS. 3A-D show mean ocular tissue concentrations of
voclosporin after a single (1 day) or repeat (7 days), bilateral,
once daily, topical dose of a mixed micellar pharmaceutical
composition of the presently disclosed embodiments having
.sup.14C-voclosporin to female New Zealand White Rabbits. FIG. 3A
shows the mean ocular tissue concentration of voclosporin in the
cornea. FIG. 3B shows the mean ocular tissue concentration of
voclosporin in the iris/ciliary body. FIG. 3C shows the mean ocular
tissue concentration of voclosporin in the lacrimal gland. FIG. 3D
shows the mean ocular tissue concentration of voclosporin in the
lens.
[0017] FIGS. 4A-D show mean ocular tissue concentrations of
voclosporin after a single (1 day) or repeat (7 days), bilateral,
once daily, topical dose of a mixed micellar pharmaceutical
composition of the presently disclosed embodiments having
.sup.14C-voclosporin to female New Zealand White Rabbits. FIG. 4A
shows the mean ocular tissue concentration of voclosporin in the
lower conjunctiva. FIG. 4B shows the mean ocular tissue
concentration of voclosporin in the lower eyelid. FIG. 4C shows the
mean ocular tissue concentration of voclosporin in the nictitating
membrane. FIG. 4D shows the mean ocular tissue concentration of
voclosporin in the sclera.
[0018] FIGS. 5A-D show mean ocular tissue and fluid concentrations
of voclosporin after a single (1 day) or repeat (7 days),
bilateral, once daily, topical dose of a mixed micellar
pharmaceutical composition of the presently disclosed embodiments
having .sup.14C-voclosporin to female New Zealand White Rabbits.
FIG. 5A shows the mean ocular tissue concentration of voclosporin
in the upper conjunctiva. FIG. 5B shows the mean ocular tissue
concentration of voclosporin in the upper eyelid. FIG. 5C shows the
mean ocular fluid concentration of voclosporin in the aqueous
humor. FIG. 5D shows the mean ocular fluid concentration of
voclosporin in the vitreous humor.
[0019] FIGS. 6A-D show mean ocular tissue and fluid concentrations
of voclosporin after a single (1 day) or repeat (7 days),
bilateral, once daily, topical dose of a mixed micellar
pharmaceutical composition of the presently disclosed embodiments
having .sup.14C-voclosporin to female New Zealand White Rabbits.
FIG. 6A shows the mean ocular fluid concentration of voclosporin in
tears. FIG. 6B shows the mean ocular tissue concentration of
voclosporin in the submandibular lymph node. FIG. 6C shows the mean
ocular tissue concentration of voclosporin in the optic nerve. FIG.
6D shows the mean ocular tissue concentration of voclosporin in the
choroid/retina.
[0020] FIG. 7 is a graph showing C.sub.max values of voclosporin
after repeat (7 day), bilateral, once daily, topical dose of a
mixed micellar pharmaceutical composition of the presently
disclosed embodiments having .sup.14C-voclosporin to female New
Zealand White Rabbits.
[0021] While the above-identified drawings set forth presently
disclosed embodiments, other embodiments are also contemplated, as
noted in the discussion. This disclosure presents illustrative
embodiments by way of representation and not limitation. Numerous
other modifications and embodiments can be devised by those skilled
in the art which fall within the scope and spirit of the principles
of the presently disclosed embodiments.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0022] The presently disclosed embodiments are directed towards
pharmaceutical compositions comprising calcineurin inhibitors or
mTOR inhibitors in a mixed micellar topical dosage form. The
pharmaceutical compositions of the present disclosure have been
found to treat, reduce, ameliorate and alleviate ocular conditions
in a patient or subject. In an embodiment, the compositions can be
used for the treatment of ocular diseases, including inflammatory
ocular surface diseases. Examples of such diseases include, but are
not limited to, dry eye syndrome (DES), Sjogren's syndrome,
uveitis, conjunctivitis (pink eye), keratitis,
keratoconjunctivitis, vernal keratoconjunctivitis (VKC), atopic
keratoconjunctivitis (AKC), autoimmune disorders of the ocular
surface, such as cicatrizing conjunctivitis, blepharitis, and
scleritis.
[0023] In an embodiment, the compositions can be used for the
treatment of a back-of-the eye condition and/or disorder. Examples
of such conditions/disorders include, but are not limited to,
posterior uveitis, age-related macular degeneration (AMD, wet and
dry), diabetic eye conditions such as diabetic retinopathy (DR) and
diabetic macular edema (DME), glaucoma, ocular hypertension,
post-operative eye pain and inflammation, ocular neovascularization
such as posterior segment neovascularization (PSNV), proliferative
vitreoretinopathy (PVR), cytomegalovirus (CMV) retinitis, choroidal
neovascular membranes (CNVM), vascular occlusive diseases,
retinitis pigmentosa, optic neuritis, cicatrizing ocular surface
diseases, ocular infections, inflammatory ocular diseases, ocular
surface diseases, corneal diseases, retinal diseases such as
epiretinal membrane, ocular manifestations of systemic diseases,
hereditary eye conditions, and ocular tumors.
[0024] In an embodiment, the compositions can be used for
preventing transplant rejection of, for example, corneal allografts
following transplantation. It is well known that in inflammation
T-lymphocytes play a critical role in mediating rejection of
foreign tissues. Prevention of rejection is of paramount importance
in maintaining the health of transplanted corneas. Rejection may
occur in any of the layers comprising the cornea, for example, the
corneal epithelium, the corneal stroma or the corneal endothelium.
The functioning of the cornea can be compromised following
endothelial rejection. The endothelial layer serves to maintain the
cornea in a compact state, acting as a pump by removing water from
the corneal stroma. If the function of the endothelial layer is
compromised, disorientation of collagen fibers can ensue, and
transparency of the cornea can be lost. Human endothelial cells are
non-replicative, and as a consequence, donor cell loss in the
setting of rejection is irreversible and may lead to diminished
graft function and survival. Thus, the goal of either prevention or
treatment of rejection in corneal transplant recipients is to
minimize endothelial cell loss. The compositions of the present
disclosure can be used for the prevention of rejection following
corneal allograft transplantation.
[0025] A patient or subject to be treated by any of the
compositions or methods of the present disclosure can mean either a
human or a non-human animal. In an embodiment, the present
disclosure provides methods for the treatment of an ocular disease
in a human patient in need thereof. In an embodiment, the present
disclosure provides methods for the treatment of an inflammatory
ocular disease in a human patient in need thereof. In another
embodiment, the present disclosure provides methods for the
treatment of an ocular disease in a veterinary patient in need
thereof, including, but not limited to dogs, horses, cats, rabbits,
gerbils, hamsters, rodents, birds, aquatic mammals, cattle, pigs,
camelids, and other zoological animals.
[0026] As used herein, the terms "ocular disease," "ocular
condition," "eye disease," and "eye condition" refer to
diseases/conditions of the eye(s) that can be sight threatening,
lead to eye discomfort, and may signal systemic health
problems.
[0027] As used herein, the term "anterior segment disease" refers
to all disorders that affect the eye surface, anterior chamber,
iris and ciliary body and lens of the eye. The eye surface is
composed of the cornea, conjunctiva, eyelids, lacrimal and
meibomian glands, and the interconnecting nerves.
[0028] As used herein, the terms "posterior segment eye disease"
and "back-of-the-eye disease" refer to all disorders that affect
the posterior segment of the eye. A posterior eye disease is a
disease which primarily affects a posterior ocular site such as
choroid or sclera, vitreous, vitreous chamber, retina, optic nerve,
and blood vessels and nerves which vascularize or innervate a
posterior ocular site.
[0029] As used herein, the terms "biocompatible" and
"nonirritating" refer to the property of being biologically
compatible by not producing a toxic, injurious or immunological
response in living tissue. The compositions of the present
disclosure are biocompatible. Similarly, none of the components of
the compositions of the present disclosure are inherently
irritating to ocular tissues.
[0030] As used herein, the term "emulsion" refers to a mixture of
two or more immiscible liquids, where one liquid is dispersed in
another. An emulsion, for example, an intimate mixture of oil and
water, is generally of a cloudy or milky appearance.
[0031] As used herein, the term "micelle" refers to an aggregate
(or cluster) of surfactant molecules. Micelles only form when the
concentration of surfactant is greater than the critical micelle
concentration (CMC). Surfactants are chemicals that are
amphipathic, which means that they contain both hydrophobic and
hydrophilic groups. Micelles can exist in different shapes,
including spherical, cylindrical, and discoidal. A micelle
comprising at least two different molecular species is a mixed
micelle. The ophthalmic compositions of the present disclosure
include an aqueous, clear, mixed micellar solution.
[0032] Polymeric micelles are exploited as pharmaceutical
nanocarriers for the delivery of poorly water-soluble (i.e.,
water-insoluble) or hydrophobic drugs, which can be solubilized in
the hydrophobic inner core of a micelle. Micelles can therefore
serve to improve solubility and bioavailability of various
hydrophobic drugs. The small size of micelles (typically about 10
to about 100 nm) allows for efficient accumulation of an associated
active moiety into targeted tissues. Also, the small size of
micelles allows the advantage of sterilization of micelles by
filtration through membranes with the cut off size 0.22 .mu.m.
Micelles can be formed from one or more polymeric nonionic
surfactants. Since the micelle size is smaller than visible light
wavelengths, it is believed that the light is not scattered by the
small micelles resulting in a transparent, clear solution.
[0033] As used herein, the term "optical clarity" refers to 90% or
greater transmission of light of 400 nm wavelength in a 1.0
centimeter path. The clarity of the solution results from the
micelle size which is typically smaller than the smallest
wavelength of a visible light radiation (about 350 nm). In an
embodiment, the ophthalmic compositions of the present disclosure
are substantially clear with an absorption in general, below 0.1;
preferably with absorption, below 0.05 measured at 400 nm.
[0034] The HLB (hydrophilic/lipophilic balance) index value is a
concept introduced by Griffin in 1950 as a measure of the
hydrophilicity or lipophilicity of nonionic surfactants. It can be
determined experimentally by the phenol titration method of
Marszall; see "Parfumerie, Kosmetik", Vol. 60, 1979, pp. 444-448;
further literature references can be found in Rompp, Chemistry
Lexicon, 8th Edition 1983, p. 1750. See also, for example, U.S.
Pat. No. 4,795,643 (Seth).
[0035] Dry eye syndrome (DES, Chronic dry eye, Keratitis sicca;
Xerophthalmia; Keratoconjunctivitis sicca) can be defined as a
condition that includes a variety of disorders that result in a
loss of, or altered composition of, the natural tear film, which
maintains the surface of the eye. Without this tear film, vision is
impaired and patients may suffer severe ocular discomfort. DES can
be caused by excessive tear evaporation or by a reduction of tear
production in the lacrimal gland, which is the site of tear
production. Though the exact causes of this condition are unknown,
there is evidence supporting the link between reduced tear
production and lacrimal gland inflammation. Currently available
medications for DES are leaving substantial room for more effective
and better tolerated products.
[0036] DES may also be a symptom of Sjogren's syndrome which is an
autoimmune disorder in which the glands that produce tears and
saliva are destroyed. This leads to dry mouth, decreased tearing,
and other dry mucous membranes.
[0037] Uveitis is an inflammation inside the eye affecting the
uvea. The uvea is the layer of the eye between the sclera and the
retina, and includes the iris, ciliary body and the choroid. The
uvea supplies most of the blood supply to the retina. Uveitis can
be considered an autoimmune disease resulting in chronic
inflammation of the eye. There is substantial evidence indicating
the involvement of T-lymphocytes, key cells involved in
inflammatory processes, in the development of uveitis. The
inflammation can cause areas of scarring on the choroid and retina
that cause areas of vision loss. There are various forms of uveitis
including anterior uveitis, pars planitis, and posterior uveitis.
Serious complications may occur if uveitis is left untreated;
including cataracts, glaucoma, retinal detachment, retinal edema
and permanent vision loss.
[0038] Anterior uveitis (iritis) occurs in the front of the eye and
is the most common form of uveitis. Par planitis is an inflammation
of the pars plana, a narrow area between the iris and the choroid.
This condition occurs more frequently in young men, but is usually
not associated with another disease. Posterior uveitis
(chondroitis) affects primarily the choroid; the back portion of
the uveal tract. If the retina is also involved, it is called
chorioretinitis. Posterior uveitis may occur in association with an
autoimmune disease, or follow a systemic infection. In posterior
uveitis, inflammation can last from months to years and may cause
permanent vision damage, even with treatment.
[0039] Uveitis can cause vision impairment, ocular pain, and loss
of vision. It is estimated that about 10% of new cases of blindness
in the U.S. are caused by uveitis. Approximately 300,000 people
suffer from uveitis in the U.S. alone, the majority of whom are
affected by anterior uveitis. The only therapeutic class approved
by the FDA for treatment of uveitis is corticosteroids, which are
noted for multiple side effects, such as hypertension,
hyperglycemia, and hypercholesterolemia, and in the eye, glaucoma
and cataract formation.
[0040] Conjunctivitis (pink eye) describes a group of diseases that
cause swelling, itching, burning, and redness of the conjunctiva,
the protective membrane that lines the eyelids and covers exposed
areas of the sclera, or white of the eye.
[0041] Keratitis is an inflammation of the cornea (clear portion in
the front of the eye). Keratitis can be caused by an infection
(bacterial, fungal, viral, parasite, etc.) or a non-infectious
agent (e.g., certain types of auto-immune diseases are associated
with a variety of non-infectious keratitises).
[0042] Keratoconjunctivitis refers to an inflammation of the cornea
and conjunctiva.
[0043] Vernal keratoconjunctivitis (VKC) is a recurrent ocular
inflammatory disease characterized by hard, elevated, cobblestone
like bumps on the upper eyelid. There may also be swellings and
thickening of the conjunctiva. The conjunctiva is the outermost
membrane which lines the eyelids as well as the exposed parts of
the eye, except for the cornea.
[0044] Atopic keratoconjunctivitis is the result of a condition
called atopy. Atopy is a genetic condition whereby the immune
system produces higher than normal antibodies in response to a
given allergen.
[0045] Systemic immune mediated diseases such as cicatrizing
conjunctivitis and other autoimmune disorders of the ocular surface
represent a clinically heterogeneous group of conditions where
acute and chronic autoreactive mechanisms can cause significant
damage to the eye. When severe and affecting the epithelium and
substantia propria of the conjunctiva, cicatrization can ensue,
leading to significant mechanical alterations as a result of the
fibrosis. These conditions, though generally infrequent, can be the
cause of profound pathology and visual disability.
[0046] Blepharitis is a common condition that causes inflammation
of the eyelids.
[0047] Scleritis is a serious inflammatory disease that affects the
white outer coating of the eye, known as the sclera.
[0048] Calcineurin is a calcium/calmodulin-regulated protein
phosphatase involved in intracellular signaling. Calcineurin
inhibitors are substances which block calcineurin dephosphorylation
of appropriate substrates, by targeting calcineurin phosphatase
(PP2B, PP3), a cellular enzyme that is involved in gene regulation.
Another class of compounds that exhibit this general therapeutic
profile are the mTOR inhibitors. mTOR inhibitors target a molecular
target known as "mammalian target of rapamycin" (mTOR). A
prototypical compound of this class is sirolimus.
[0049] Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a disease
associated with aging that gradually destroys sharp, central
vision. AMD affects the macula, which is located at the center of
the retina. AMD occurs in two forms: wet and dry. Wet AMD occurs
when abnormal blood vessels behind the retina start to grow under
the macula. These new blood vessels tend to be very fragile and
often leak blood and fluid. The blood and fluid raise the macula
from its normal place at the back of the eye. Damage to the macula
occurs rapidly. Dry AMD occurs when the light-sensitive cells in
the macula slowly break down, gradually blurring central vision in
the affected eye.
[0050] Diabetes can affect the eye in a number of ways. Diabetic
retinopathy (DR) is a complication of diabetes that results from
damage to the blood vessels of the light-sensitive tissue at the
back of the eye (the retina). At first, diabetic retinopathy may
cause no symptoms or only mild vision problems. Eventually,
however, diabetic retinopathy can result in blindness. Diabetic
macular edema (DME) is the swelling of the retina in diabetes
mellitus due to leaking of fluid from blood vessels within the
macula.
[0051] Ocular neovascularization is the abnormal or excessive
formation of blood vessels in the eye. Ocular neovascularization
has been shown in diabetic retinopathy and age-related macular
degeneration (ARMD).
[0052] Proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR) is scar tissue
formation within the eye. "Proliferative" because cells proliferate
and "vitreoretinopathy" because the problems involve the vitreous
and retina. In PVR scar tissue forms in sheets on the retina which
contract. This marked contraction pulls the retina toward the
center of the eye and detaches and distorts the retina severely.
PVR can occur both posteriorly and anteriorly with folding of the
retina both anteriorly and circumferentially.
[0053] The cytomegalovirus (CMV) is related to the herpes virus and
is present in almost everyone. When a person's immune system is
suppressed because of disease (HIV), organ or bone marrow
transplant, or chemotherapy, the CMV virus can cause damage and
disease to the eye and the rest of the body. CMV affects the eye in
about 30% of the cases by causing damage to the retina. This is
called CMV retinitis.
[0054] Optic neuritis occurs when the optic nerve becomes inflamed
and the myelin sheath becomes damaged or is destroyed. Nerve damage
that occurs in the section of the optic nerve located behind the
eye, is called retrobulbar neuritis, which is another term
sometimes used for optic neuritis.
[0055] Also known as macular pucker, epiretinal membrane is a
scar-tissue like membrane that forms over the macula. It typically
progresses slowly and affects central vision by causing blurring
and distortion. As it progresses, the pulling of the membrane on
the macula may cause swelling.
[0056] A calcineurin inhibitor of the present disclosure is
preferably an immunophilin-binding compound having calcineurin
inhibitory activity. Immunophilin-binding calcineurin inhibitors
are compounds forming calcineurin inhibiting complexes with
immunophilins, e.g. cyclophilin and macrophilin. Examples of
cyclophilin-binding calcineurin inhibitors are cyclosporines or
cyclosporine derivatives (hereinafter cyclosporines) and examples
of macrophilin-binding calcineurin inhibitors are ascomycin (FR
520) and ascomycin derivatives (hereinafter ascomycins). A wide
range of ascomycin derivatives are known, which are either
naturally occurring among fungal species or are obtainable by
manipulation of fermentation procedures or by chemical
derivatization. Ascomycin-type macrolides include ascomycin,
tacrolimus (FK506), sirolimus and pimecrolimus.
[0057] Cyclosporine, originally extracted from the soil fungus
Potypaciadium infilatum, has a cyclic 11-amino acid structure and
includes e.g. Cyclosporines A through I, such as Cyclosporine A, B,
C, D and G. Cyclosporine binds to the cytosolic protein cyclophilin
of immunocompetent lymphocytes, especially T-lymphocytes, forming a
complex. The complex inhibits calcineurin, which under normal
circumstances induces the transcription of interleukin-2 (IL-2).
Cyclosporine also inhibits lymphokine production and interleukin
release, leading to a reduced function of effector T-cells.
[0058] Voclosporin is a next-generation calcineurin inhibitor that
is a more potent and less toxic semi-synthetic derivative of
cyclosporine A. Like other molecules of this class, voclosporin
reversibly inhibits immunocompetent lymphocytes, particularly
T-lymphocytes, and also inhibits lymphokine production and release.
This action is primarily mediated through inhibition of
calcineurin, a phosphatase enzyme found in the cytoplasm of cells.
Voclosporin has a single carbon extension with double bond that has
been shown to extend deeper into the latch/regulatory region of
calcineurin. In an embodiment, the compositions of the present
disclosure comprise the trans-version of voclosporin, trans-ISA247
CAS RN 368455-04-3 which is described in, for example, US Patent
Publication No.: 2006/0217309, which is hereby incorporated herein
by reference. Further compositions of voclosporin are described,
for example, in U.S. Pat. No. 7,060,672, which is hereby
incorporated herein by reference.
[0059] Tacrolimus (FK506) is another calcineurin inhibitor which is
also a fungal product, but has a macrolide lactone structure.
Tacrolimus has been used as an immunosuppressant in conjunction
with liver, kidney, heart, lung and heart/lung transplants.
Tacrolimus has also been shown to inhibit the production of IL-2.
Tacrolimus binds to an immunophilin (FK-binding protein 12,
FKBP12), followed by binding of the complex to calcineurin to
inhibit its phosphatase activity.
[0060] Sirolimus (rapamycin) is a microbial product isolated from
the actinomycete Streptomyces hygroscopicus. Sirolimus binds to an
immunophilin (FK-binding protein 12, FKBP12) forming a complex,
which inhibits the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway
through directly binding the mTOR Complexi (mTORC1). Sirolimus
inhibits the response to interleukin-2 (IL-2) and thereby blocks
activation of T- and B-cells. By contrast, tacrolimus and
cyclosporine inhibit the production of IL-2.
[0061] Pimecrolimus is a new calcineurin inhibitor which has been
found to have antifungal properties against Malassezia spp., as
does tacrolimus.
[0062] Calcineurin inhibitors such as cyclosporine A, voclosporin,
ascomycin, tacrolimus, pimecrolimus, an analog thereof, or a
pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, can be utilized in a
mixed micellar composition of the present disclosure. In an
embodiment, the calcineurin inhibitor is voclosporin.
[0063] mTOR inhibitors such as sirolimus (rapamycin), temsirolimus,
everolimus, an analog thereof, or a pharmaceutically acceptable
salt thereof, can be utilized in a mixed micellar composition of
the present disclosure.
[0064] The present disclosure provides pharmaceutical compositions
that include a calcineurin inhibitor or an mTOR inhibitor, a first
surfactant with an HLB index greater than about 10, and a second
surfactant with an HLB index of greater than about 13, wherein the
pharmaceutical composition forms mixed micelles. Typically, the
mixed micelles are provided in an aqueous solution such that
topical application of the compositions is achieved. In an
embodiment, an absolute difference between the HLB index of the
first surfactant and the HLB index of the second surfactant is
greater than about 3. The compositions can be used in topical
application to the eye to treat a variety of ocular conditions,
including both anterior segment and posterior segment
conditions.
[0065] In an embodiment, a pharmaceutical composition of the
present disclosure comprises cyclosporine A, a first surfactant
with an HLB index greater than about 10, and a second surfactant
with an HLB index of greater than about 13. In an embodiment, the
composition comprises cyclosporine A, vitamin E TPGS and
octoxynol-40. In an embodiment, a mixed micellar composition of the
present disclosure comprises voclosporin, a first surfactant with
an HLB index greater than about 10, and a second surfactant with an
HLB index of greater than about 13. In an embodiment, the
composition comprises voclosporin, vitamin E TPGS and octoxynol-40.
In an embodiment, a mixed micellar composition of the present
disclosure comprises tacrolimus, a first surfactant with an HLB
index greater than about 10, and a second surfactant with an HLB
index of greater than about 13. In an embodiment, the composition
comprises tacrolimus, vitamin E TPGS and octoxynol-40. In an
embodiment, a mixed micellar composition of the present disclosure
comprises an mTOR inhibitor, a first surfactant with an HLB index
greater than about 10, and a second surfactant with an HLB index of
greater than about 13. In an embodiment, the mTOR inhibitor is
selected from one of sirolimus, temsirolimus, everolimus, an analog
thereof, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. In an
embodiment, the composition comprised sirolimus, vitamin E TPGS and
octoxynol-40. In another embodiment, a mixed micellar composition
of the present disclosure comprises pimecrolimus, a first
surfactant with an HLB index greater than about 10, and a second
surfactant with an HLB index of greater than about 13. In an
embodiment, the composition comprises pimecrolimus, vitamin E TPGS
and octoxynol-40 is disclosed.
[0066] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, two surfactants
are used to generate a mixed micellar formulation of voclosporin,
resulting in an increase in voclosporin's aqueous solubility and
bioavailability. In an embodiment, the mixed micellar structure
includes a first surfactant with an HLB index greater than about
10, and a second surfactant with an HLB index of greater than about
13. In an embodiment, an absolute difference between the HLB index
of the first surfactant and the HLB index of the second surfactant
is greater than about 3.
[0067] In an embodiment, the first surfactant having an HLB greater
than about 10 is selected from various chemical derivatives of
vitamin E with ester and ether linkages of various chemical
moieties to polyethylene glycol of various lengths. Particularly
preferred are vitamin E tocopherol polyethylene glycol succinate
(TPGS) derivatives with PEG molecular weights between about 500 and
6000 Da. In a preferred embodiment, the vitamin E polymeric
derivative with an HLB index greater than about 10 is vitamin E
tocopherol polyethylene glycol 1000 succinate (Vitamin E TPGS,
tocopherlosan). In an embodiment, the vitamin E TPGS is present in
the composition from about 0.01 wt % to about 20 wt %/volume. In an
embodiment, the vitamin E TPGS is present in the composition from
about 0.1 wt % to about 10 wt %/volume. It should be understood
that throughout the specification the term weight percent (wt %)
refers to mass per unit volume, unless otherwise specified.
[0068] Vitamin E Tocopherol Polyethylene Glycol 1000 Succinate
(Vitamin E TPGS) is an amphipathic excipient which is a water
soluble derivative of natural-source vitamin E. Vitamin E TPGS, or
PEGylated vitamin E, is a vitamin E derivative in which
polyethylene glycol subunits are attached by a succinic acid
diester at the ring hydroxyl of the vitamin E molecule. Vitamin E
TPGS is a hydrophilic non-ionic surfactant with an HLB index of
about 13. Various chemical derivatives of vitamin E TPGS including
ester and ether linkages of various chemical moieties are included
within the definition of vitamin E TPGS. In addition to serving as
a source of water-soluble vitamin E, vitamin E TPGS has been
suggested for use as an emulsifier, solubilizer, absorption
enhancer, and a vehicle for lipid-soluble drug delivery
formulations.
[0069] In an embodiment, the second surfactant has a HLB greater
than 13 is a hydrophilic polyethylene glycol (PEG)-alkyl ether
surfactant or polyethylene glycol (PEG)-alkyl aryl ether
surfactant. In an embodiment, this surfactant is selected from a
PEG 5-100 octyl phenyl ether which has an HLB greater than about
13. The PEG octylphenyl compound is selected from the group
consisting of octoxynol-9, octoxynol-10, octoxynol-11,
octoxynol-12, octoxynol-13, octoxynol-16, octoxynol-20,
octoxynol-25, octoxynol-30, octoxynol-33, octoxynol-40, and
octoxynol-70. In an embodiment, the PEG-alkyl phenyl ether
surfactant is octoxynol-40. In an embodiment, the surfactant with
an HLB greater than about 10 is selected from a PEG-5-100 nonyl
phenyl ether; tyloxapol (ethoxylated p-tert-octylphenol
formaldehyde polymer), a PEG-fatty acid monoester surfactant, a
PEG-glycerol fatty acid ester, and a PEG-sorbiton fatty acid ester.
PEG-Fatty acid monoester surfactants include, but are not limited
to, PEG-15 oleate, PEG-20 laurate, PEG-20 oleate, PEG-20 stearate,
PEG-32 laurate, PEG-32 oleate, PEG-32 stearate, PEG-40 laurate,
PEG-40 oleate, and PEG-40 stearate. PEG-Glycerol fatty acid esters
include, but are not limited to, PEG-15 glyceryl laurate PEG-20
glyceryl laurate, PEG-30 glyceryl laurate, PEG-40 glyceryl laurate,
and PEG-20 glyceryl stearate. PEG-sorbiton fatty acid esters
include, but are not limited to, PEG-4 sorbiton monolaurate, PEG-4
sorbiton monostearate, PEG-5 sorbiton monooleate, PEG-20 sorbiton
monolaurate, PEG-20 sorbiton monopalmitate, PEG-20 sorbiton
monostearate, and PEG-20 sorbiton monooleate. In an embodiment, the
second surfactant with HLB greater than about 13 is octoxynol-40.
Octoxynol-40 (IGEPAL CA-897) has an HLB index of about 18. In an
embodiment, the octoxynol-40 is present in the composition from
about 0.001 wt % to about 10 wt %/volume. In an embodiment, the
octoxynol-40 is present in from about 0.01 wt % to about 5.0 wt
%/volume.
[0070] Calcineurin inhibitors and mTOR inhibitors which can be
formulated according to the present disclosure include, but are not
limited to, cyclosporine A, voclosporin (LX211), ascomycin,
tacrolimus (FK506), sirolimus, everolimus, and pimecrolimus,
including their analogs, pharmaceutically acceptable salts, esters,
and prodrugs. Further contemplated are mixtures of a calcineurin or
an mTOR inhibitor with one or more drugs, vitamins, and diagnostic
agents. A preservative may or may not be used to preserve the
formulations. In an embodiment, a mixture of defined amounts of
octoxynol-40 forms mixed micelles with vitamin E TPGS, creating
stability and solubility for a water-insoluble drug that fills the
inner core of the mixed micelle. In an embodiment, the mixed
micellar composition comprises a calcineurin inhibitor, vitamin E
TPGS and octoxynol-40. The mixed micellar formulation is a clear,
homogenous aqueous solution of the calcineurin inhibitor or mTOR
inhibitor. In an embodiment, the Vitamin E TPGS contributes to the
solubilization of the calcineurin inhibitor or mTOR inhibitor and
may reduce ocular discomfort in aqueous conditions. In an
embodiment, the octoxynol-40 contributes to the reduction of ocular
discomfort, and to the formation of a stable, mixed micellar
formulation that is optically clear.
[0071] In the compositions of the presently disclosed embodiments,
the calcineurin inhibitor or mTOR inhibitor is present at
concentrations ranging from about 0.01 weight percent (wt %) to
about 10 wt %, from about 0.1 to about 3.0 wt %. In an embodiment,
the compositions of the present disclosure comprise voclosporin at
about 0.2 to about 0.5 wt %, as illustrated in the examples. In an
embodiment, the Vitamin E TPGS concentration is from about 0.01 to
about 20 wt %, from about 0.1 to about 5 wt %. Octoxynol-40 or its
homolog mixtures are present at concentrations from about 0.001 to
about 10 wt %, from about 0.01 to about 3.0 wt %. In an embodiment,
the total amount of surfactants in the compositions of the present
disclosure is 30 percent or less of the total composition with the
remaining major component being water.
[0072] In an embodiment, a composition of the present disclosure
comprises about 0.2 wt % of voclosporin, about 2.5 wt % of vitamin
E TPGS, and about 2.0 wt % octoxynol-40. In an embodiment. a
composition of the present disclosure comprises about 0.5 wt % of
voclosporin, about 3.5 wt % of vitamin E TPGS, and about 2.0 wt %
octoxynol-40. In another embodiment, a composition of the present
disclosure comprises about 2.0 wt % voclosporin.
[0073] Site-specific delivery to the back-of-the-eye, including the
choroid, and particularly the retina, is one of the challenges
facing researchers in the field of therapeutic ophthalmology. There
is growing but unmet need for drug carriers that reach the retina
at appropriate therapeutic levels following topical administration.
As will be shown in the Examples that follow, it has been found
that after topical administration of a composition of the presently
disclosed embodiments, the calcineurin inhibitor or mTOR inhibitor
drug is able to reach the back of the eye, thus providing a
treatment for back-of-the-eye ocular conditions.
[0074] The compositions of the present disclosure can be used as a
topically applied drug delivery platform for delivery of a variety
of hydrophobic, water-insoluble drugs, such as a calcineurin
inhibitor or mTOR inhibitor to the back-of-the-eye for various
back-of-the-eye conditions. Suitable classes of water-insoluble
drugs include, but are not limited to, peptides, eicosanoids (e.g.
prostacyclins and prostaglandins), anti-inflammatory drugs,
autonomic drugs (e.g. beta-blockers, alpha-blockers, beta-agonists,
and alpha-agonists), biologics, gene therapy agents (e.g. viral
vectors), anti-infectives (e.g. antifungals, antibiotics, and
antivirals), retinoids, RNAi, photo sensitizers, steroids (e.g.,
estrogens and derivatives thereof), mixture drugs,
immuno-modulators, chemotherapeutic agents, G-coupled protein
receptor antagonists, receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) inhibitors,
growth hormone inhibitors, integrin inhibitors, Sdfl/CXCR4 pathway
inhibitors, and nACh receptor antagonists. Preferably, the
water-insoluble drug is a calcineurin inhibitor or an mTOR
inhibitor.
[0075] The compositions of the present disclosure can be used as a
topically applied drug delivery platform for delivery of a
corticosteroid to the back-of-the-eye to treat, for example, DME.
Examples of corticosteroids include, but are not limited to,
prednisolone, hydrocortisone, triamcinolone and budesonide.
[0076] The compositions of the present disclosure can be used as a
topically applied drug delivery platform for delivery of a
non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) to the back-of-the-eye
to treat, for example, DME. Examples of NSAIDs include, but are not
limited to, Cox-2 inhibitors such as celecoxib, ruboxistaurin and
nimesulide.
[0077] The compositions of the present disclosure can be used as a
topically applied drug delivery platform for delivery of an
anti-growth factor molecule to the back-of-the-eye to treat, for
example, AMD. Examples of anti-growth factor molecules include, but
are not limited to, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)
inhibitors such as, pegaptanib (macugen), ranibizumab (lucentis),
and bevacizumab (avastin).
[0078] In an embodiment, a mixed micellar composition of the
present disclosure having either a calcineurin inhibitor or mTOR
inhibitor that fills the inner core of the mixed micelle, can be
used in topical application to the eye in a method to treat a
back-of-the-eye ocular condition. In an embodiment, calcineurin
inhibitor or mTOR inhibitor is present in the composition at
concentrations from about 0.01 weight percent (wt %) to about 10 wt
%, preferably from about 0.1 wt % to about 3.0 wt %. In an
embodiment, the calcineurin inhibitor or mTOR inhibitor is
voclosporin, and the voclosporin is present in the composition at a
concentration from about 0.2 wt % to about 0.5 wt %. In an
embodiment, Vitamin E TPGS is present in the composition at
concentrations from about 0.01 wt % to about 20 wt %, preferably
from about 0.1 wt % to about 5 wt %. In an embodiment, Octoxynol-40
or its homolog mixtures are present in the composition at
concentrations from about 0.001 wt % to about 10 wt %, preferably
from about 0.01 wt % to about 3.0 wt %. Preferably, the total
amount of surfactants in the compositions of the presently
disclosed embodiments is about 30 percent or less of the total
composition with the remaining major component being water.
[0079] In an embodiment, a mixed micellar composition of the
presently disclosed embodiments comprises about 0.2 wt % of
voclosporin, about 2.5 wt % of vitamin E TPGS, and about 2.0 wt %
octoxynol-40. In an embodiment, a mixed micellar composition of the
presently disclosed embodiments comprises about 0.5 wt % of
voclosporin, about 3.5 wt % of vitamin E TPGS, and about 2.0 wt %
octoxynol-40. In another embodiment, a mixed micellar composition
of the presently disclosed embodiments comprises voclosporin at
about 2.0 wt %.
[0080] At present, most ocular diseases are treated with the
topical application of solutions administered as eye drops for
water-soluble drugs and as ointments or aqueous suspensions for
water-insoluble drugs. These dosage forms account for approximately
90% of currently marketed formulations. The cornea represents a
primary pathway for ocular penetration of topically applied drugs.
Drug absorption primarily takes place through the cornea and into
the aqueous humor and diffuses to the posterior segment. Drug can
diffuse into the iris root and subsequently into the posterior
chamber aqueous humor and into the posterior tissues. Drug can
enter directly through the pars plana without encountering the
blood-retinal barrier. Drug can diffuse across the sclera by
lateral diffusion followed by penetration of Bruch's membrane and
the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE). To a lesser extent, drug can
be absorbed into the systemic circulation either through the
conjunctival vessels or via nasolacrimal duct and gain systemic
access to the retinal vessels.
[0081] As shown in the Examples below, therapeutic levels of
voclosporin were noticed 24-hours post-administration of a
pharmaceutical composition of the present disclosure, indicating
that once daily (QD) dosing with the aqueous mixed micellar
compositions of the presently disclosed embodiments is possible. As
shown in the Examples, voclosporin, given in the mixed micellar
composition of the present disclosure, can be detected at high
levels in the choriod/retina, while low levels of voclosporin are
detected in the vitreous humor. The calcineurin inhibitor
voclosporin is reaching the back of the eye when topically applied
in the mixed micellar formulations described herein.
[0082] The compositions of the present disclosure may also contain
other components such as, but not limited to, additives, adjuvants,
buffers, tonicity agents, bioadhesive polymers, and preservatives.
In any of the compositions of this disclosure for topical to the
eye, the mixtures are preferably formulated at about pH 5 to about
pH 8. This pH range may be achieved by the addition of buffers to
the composition as described in the examples. In an embodiment, the
pH range in the composition in a formulation is about pH 6.6 to
about pH 7.0. It should be appreciated that the compositions of the
present disclosure may be buffered by any common buffer system such
as phosphate, borate, acetate, citrate, carbonate and borate-polyol
complexes, with the pH and osmolality adjusted in accordance with
well-known techniques to proper physiological values. The mixed
micellar compositions of the present disclosure are stable in
buffered aqueous solution. That is, there is no adverse interaction
between the buffer and any other component that would cause the
compositions to be unstable.
[0083] Tonicity agents include, for example, mannitol, sodium
chloride, xylitol, etc. These tonicity agents may be used to adjust
the osmolality of the compositions. In one aspect, the osmolality
of the formulation is adjusted to be in the range of about 250 to
about 350 mOsmol/kg. In a preferred aspect, the osmolality of the
formulation is adjusted to between about 280 to about 300
mOsmol/kg.
[0084] An additive such as a sugar, a glycerol, and other sugar
alcohols, can be included in the compositions of the present
disclosure. Pharmaceutical additives can be added to increase the
efficacy or potency of other ingredients in the composition. For
example, a pharmaceutical additive can be added to a composition of
the present disclosure to improve the stability of the calcineurin
inhibitor or mTOR inhibitor, to adjust the osmolality of the
composition, to adjust the viscosity of the composition, or for
another reason, such as effecting drug delivery. Non-limiting
examples of pharmaceutical additives of the present disclosure
include sugars, such as, trehalose, mannose, D-galactose, and
lactose. In an embodiment, the sugars can be incorporated into a
composition prior to hydrating the thin film (i.e., internally). In
another embodiment, the sugars can be incorporated into a
composition during the hydration step (i.e., externally) (see
Example 17). In an embodiment, an aqueous, clear, mixed micellar
solution of the present disclosure includes additives such as
sugars.
[0085] In an embodiment, compositions of the present disclosure
further comprise one or more bioadhesive polymers. Bioadhesion
refers to the ability of certain synthetic and biological
macromolecules and hydrocolloids to adhere to biological tissues.
Bioadhesion is a complex phenomenon, depending in part upon the
properties of polymers, biological tissue, and the surrounding
environment. Several factors have been found to contribute to a
polymer's bioadhesive capacity: the presence of functional groups
able to form hydrogen bridges (--OH, COOH), the presence and
strength of anionic charges, sufficient elasticity for the
polymeric chains to interpenetrate the mucous layer, and high
molecular weight. Bioadhesion systems have been used in dentistry,
orthopedics, ophthalmology, and in surgical applications. However,
there has recently emerged significant interest in the use of
bioadhesive materials in other areas such as soft tissue-based
artificial replacements, and controlled release systems for local
release of bioactive agents. Such applications include systems for
release of drugs in the buccal or nasal cavity, and for intestinal
or rectal administration.
[0086] In an embodiment, a composition of the present disclosure
includes at least one bioadhesive polymer. The bioadhesive polymer
can enhance the viscosity of the composition and thereby increase
residence time in the eye. Bioadhesive polymers of the present
disclosure include, for example, carboxylic polymers like
Carbopol.RTM. (carbomers), Noveon.RTM. (polycarbophils), cellulose
derivatives including alkyl and hydroxyalkyl cellulose like
methylcellulose, hydroxypropylcellulose, carboxymethylcellulose,
gums like locust beam, xanthan, agarose, karaya, guar, and other
polymers including but not limited to polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinyl
pyrollidone, polyethylene glycol, Pluronic.RTM. (Poloxamers),
tragacanth, and hyaluronic acid; phase-transition polymers for
providing sustained and controlled delivery of enclosed medicaments
to the eye (e.g., alginic acid, carrageenans (e.g., Eucheuma),
xanthan and locust bean gum mixtures, pectins, cellulose acetate
phthalate, alkylhydroxyalkyl cellulose and derivatives thereof,
hydroxyalkylated polyacrylic acids and derivatives thereof,
poloxamers and their derivatives, etc. Physical characteristics in
these polymers can be mediated by changes in environmental factors
such as ionic strength, pH, or temperature alone or in combination
with other factors. In an embodiment, the optional one or more
bioadhesive polymers is present in the composition from about 0.01
wt % to about 10 wt %/volume, preferably from about 0.1 to about 5
wt %/volume. In an embodiment, the compositions of the present
disclosure further comprise at least one hydrophilic polymer
excipient selected from, for example, PVP-K-30, PVP-K-90, HPMC,
HEC, and polycarbophil. In an embodiment, the polymer excipient is
selected from PVP-K-90, PVP-K-30 or HPMC. In an embodiment, the
polymer excipient is selected from PVP-K-90 or PVP-K-30.
[0087] In an embodiment, if a preservative is desired, the
compositions may optionally be preserved with any well-known system
such as benzyl alcohol with/without EDTA, benzalkonium chloride,
chlorhexidine, Cosmocil.RTM. CQ, or Dowicil.RTM. 200.
[0088] The ophthalmic compositions can be administered topically to
the eye as biocompatible, aqueous, clear mixed micellar solutions.
The compositions have the drugs incorporated and/or encapsulated in
micelles which are dispersed in an aqueous medium.
[0089] In an embodiment, the present disclosure provides a method
of preparing a mixed micelle composition that includes mixing a
calcineurin or mTOR inhibitor with a first surfactant having an HLB
index greater than 10 in a solvent to form a solvent solution;
evaporating the solvent solution to form a near-solid matter;
hydrating the near-solid matter with an aqueous solution comprising
a second surfactant having an HLB index greater than 13 to form a
mixture; and dissolving the mixture to produce the mixed micelle
composition, where the resulting composition is optically
clear.
[0090] Suitable solvents that can be used in preparing the mixed
micelle compositions of the present disclosure include short-chain
alcohols, for example, methanol, ethanol, n-propanol, isopropanol,
and butanol, as well as, chloroform, acetone, methylene chloride,
dimethyl dulfoxide, dimethyl formamide and propylene glycol. The
combination of two or three short chain alcohols may be used.
Volatile organic solvents like chloroform and acetone may be used
in combination with short chain alcohols. In an embodiment, the
present disclosure provides a method of preparing a mixed micelle
composition that includes mixing a calcineurin inhibitor with
vitamin E TPGS in a short-chain alcohol to form a short-chain
alcoholic solution; evaporating the short-chain alcoholic solution
to form a near-solid matter; hydrating the near-solid matter with
an aqueous solution comprising octoxynol-40 to form a mixture; and
dissolving the mixture to produce the mixed micelle composition,
where the resulting composition is optically clear.
[0091] In an embodiment, the short-chain alcohol is ethanol. In an
embodiment, the present disclosure provides a method of preparing a
mixed micelle composition that includes mixing a calcineurin
inhibitor with vitamin E TPGS and octoxynol-40 in ethanol to form
an ethanolic solution. In an embodiment, the ethanol is 95%
ethanol. In another embodiment, the method provides for evaporating
the ethanolic solution to form a near-solid matter. The near-solid
matter may be resultant from rotary vacuum evaporation of the
ethanolic solution, in which case the near-solid matter may be a
thin film. The near-solid matter can also be resultant from
evaporation of the ethanolic solution by, for example,
lyophilization, freeze-drying, spray-drying, or by use of large and
small scale evaporators, such as film evaporators, centrifugal
evaporators, and vortex evaporators. The near-solid matter will be
essentially free of ethanol (about<2% EtOH), but may contain up
to about 5% water. In an embodiment, the method provides for
hydrating the near-solid matter with an aqueous solution; and
dissolving the mixture to produce the mixed micelle composition,
wherein the resulting composition is optically clear. The
dissolving step may be performed by sonication, mixing, vortexing,
stirring, mixing by rotary motion in a rotary evaporator and/or
shaking the near-solid matter in the aqueous solution, or by other
methods known in the art. In an embodiment, the method further
comprises mixing a bioadhesive polymer into the aqueous solution
prior to the hydrating step. In an embodiment, the bioadhesive
polymer is selected from PVP-K-30, PVP-K-90, HPMC, HEC, and
polycarbophil. In an embodiment, the bioadhesive polymer is
selected from PVP-K-30 or PVP-K-90. In an embodiment, the
calcineurin inhibitor in the mixed micellar composition is
voclosporin. In an embodiment, the voclosporin is present from
about 0.001% to about 10% in the mixed micelle composition.
[0092] Pharmaceutically acceptable packaging materials for the
compositions include, but are not limited to, polypropylene,
polystyrene, low density polyethylene (LDPE), high density
polyethylene (HDPE), polycarbonate, polyvinylidine chloride, and
other materials known to those skilled in the art. The compositions
can be packaged aseptically employing blow-fill-seal technology.
Blow-fill-seal (BFS) describes an aseptic filling process in which
hollow containers are blow molded, filled with sterile product, and
sealed, all in one continuous machine cycle. The technology is an
alternative to conventional aseptic filling and capping operations,
often providing cost savings through high output and process
efficiency. In an embodiment, the compositions of the present
disclosure are filled to single-use bottles, packets, vials,
ampoules, LDPE BFS containers, or HDPE BFS containers.
[0093] In an embodiment, multiple doses can be supplied as a
plurality of single-use packages. In another embodiment, the
compositions are conveniently packaged in a bottle, container or
device that allows for metered application, including containers
equipped with a dropper for topical ophthalmic application.
[0094] While the precise regimen is left to the discretion of the
clinician, it is recommended that the compositions of the present
disclosure be topically applied by placing one to two drops, or
more, in each eye 1 to 4 times daily. For example, the composition
may be applied 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 or 8 times a day, or more. In an
embodiment, the composition are topically applied by placing one to
two drops in each eye once or twice daily.
[0095] Artificial tears are lubricant eye drops used to treat,
among other things, the dryness and irritation associated with
deficient tear production in keratoconjunctivitis sicca (dry eyes).
Artificial tears can also be used to moisten contact lenses, as
well as, moisten eyes during an eye examination. Typically,
artificial tears contain water, salts and polymers but lack the
proteins found in natural tears. Various artificial tears are
available over-the-counter that contain ingredients such as
carboxymethyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (a.k.a. HPMC
or hypromellose), and hydroxypropyl cellulose. Adverse effects have
been shown in the known over-the-counter artificial tears, which
are usually a consequence of the carboxymethyl cellulose component
and other similar lubricants. These adverse effects include, for
example, eye pain, irritation, continued redness, or vision
changes.
[0096] In one aspect, unique biocompatible artificial tear
compositions are disclosed herein. The artificial tear compositions
of the present disclosure are formulated as sterile, mixed
micellar, aqueous solutions that include micelles formed from a
first surfactant with an HLB index greater than about 10, and a
second surfactant with an HLB index of greater than about 13. In an
embodiment, the aqueous solution includes various ingredients
chosen from one of hydrophilic polymer excipients, tonicity agents,
buffers, preservatives, co-solvents or antioxidants. The
biocompatible artificial tear compositions can be used to treat
irritation, redness, swelling, allergic reaction, irritation due to
contact lens use, and corneal scratches and abrasions of the
eyes.
[0097] Various hydrophilic polymer excipients may be employed
including, but not limited to, PVP-K-30, PVP-K-90, HPMC, HEC, and
polycarbophil. In an embodiment, the hydrophilic polymer excipient
is PVP-K-90.
[0098] Various tonicity agents may be employed to adjust the
tonicity of the artificial tear compositions, preferably to that of
natural tears. For example, sodium chloride, potassium chloride,
magnesium chloride, calcium chloride and/or mannitol may be added
to the compositions to approximate physiological tonicity. In an
embodiment, the tonicity agent is sodium chloride. Such an amount
of tonicity agent will vary, depending on the particular agent to
be added. In general, however, the compositions will have a
tonicity agent concentration of about 0.1-1.5% w/v.
[0099] An appropriate buffer system (e.g., sodium phosphate, sodium
acetate, sodium citrate, sodium borate or boric acid in water) may
be added to prevent pH drift under storage conditions. The
particular concentration will vary, depending on the agent
employed. In general, such a concentration will range from about
0.02 to 2.0% w/v. In an embodiment, the buffer system includes
sodium phosphate. Further, the sodium phosphate may include both
monosodium phosphate (i.e., monobasic) and disodium phosphate
(i.e., dibasic). In an embodiment, the pH of the buffer system is
adjusted such that an artificial tear composition of the presently
disclosed embodiments ranges from about 6.5 to about 7.5.
[0100] Preservatives can be added to the artificial tear
compositions of the present disclosure to increase the compositions
shelf life and to facilitate the use of multi-dose bottles.
Examples of preservatives include, but are not limited to,
Benzalkonium Chloride (BAC), Chlorobutanol, GenAqua (Sodium
Perborate) and Polyquad (Polyquaternium-1).
[0101] A representative formulation for an artificial tear
composition according to the presently disclosed embodiments is
shown in Example 16. Although specific concentration values are
listed, those skilled in the art will recognize that the
concentrations of the various ingredients can be varied. Similarly,
it may not be necessary to include all of the ingredients listed in
Example 16 in each artificial tear composition.
[0102] A method of preparing a mixed micelle composition includes
mixing a calcineurin inhibitor or a mTOR inhibitor with a first
surfactant having an HLB index greater than about 10 and a second
surfactant having an HLB index of greater than about 13 in a
solvent to form a solvent solution; evaporating the solvent
solution to form a near-solid matter; hydrating the near-solid
matter with an aqueous solution; and dissolving the near-solid
mixture to produce the mixed micelle composition, wherein the
composition is optically clear.
[0103] A method for treating an ocular disease in a patient in need
thereof includes administering topically to an eye of the patient a
composition comprising a therapeutically effective amount of a
calcineurin inhibitor or mTOR inhibitor, the composition further
having vitamin E TPGS and octoxynol-40, wherein the composition is
an aqueous solution of mixed micelles.
[0104] A method for treating, reducing, ameliorating, or
alleviating an inflammatory ocular disease in an animal includes
providing a mixed micellar pharmaceutical composition having a
calcineurin inhibitor or an mTOR inhibitor encapsulated in
micelles, the micelles formed with a first surfactant with an HLB
index greater than about 10 and a second surfactant with an HLB
index of greater than about 13; and administering to the animal an
amount of the pharmaceutical composition at a frequency sufficient
to treat, reduce, ameliorate, or alleviate the inflammatory ocular
disease.
[0105] A method for treating, reducing, ameliorating, or
alleviating a back-of-the-eye condition or disorder in a subject
includes providing a mixed micellar pharmaceutical composition
having a calcineurin inhibitor encapsulated in micelles formed with
a first surfactant with an HLB index greater than about 10 and a
second surfactant with an HLB index of greater than about 13; and
administering to the subject an amount of the pharmaceutical
composition at a frequency sufficient to treat, reduce, ameliorate,
or alleviate the back-of-the-eye condition or disorder.
EXAMPLES
[0106] In general, all reagents used are commercially available and
used without further purification unless indicated otherwise.
Voclosporin (voclosporin, LX211, ISA247) was obtained from
Isotechnika, Inc., Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. The stock obtained
from Isotechnika was stored by Lux Biosciences at the New Jersey
Center for Biomaterials; Cyclosporine A was obtained from Xenos
Bioresources, Inc., Santa Barbara, Calif.; Sirolimus and Tacrolimus
were obtained from Haorui Pharma-Chem, Inc. Vitamin E TPGS (NF
Grade) was obtained from Eastman Chemical Company, IGEPAL CA-897
(Octoxynol-40) was obtained from Rhodia, Inc., Distilled Deionized
Water was prepared in house by use of EASY Pure UV Compact Ultra
Pure Water System, (Barnstead, Iowa). Kollidon.RTM. 30 (PVP), and
Kollidon.RTM. 90 F (Povidone K 90) were obtained from BASF.
Hydroxyethyl Cellulose, 100 cps, and 5000 cps were obtained from
Spectrum, Methocel.RTM., HPMC was obtained from Colorcon,
Noveon.RTM., Polycarbophil was obtained from Lubrizol Advanced
Materials.
Example 1
General Preparation of a Basic Formulation
[0107] In order to make formulations at drug concentration of 0.02,
0.2, 0.4, 0.5, and 1.0 wt %, the following protocols were employed.
Drug basic formulations were made in the ratios shown in Table 1.
In a first protocol, for example, calcineurin inhibitor and vitamin
E TPGS required for 50 mL were calculated, weighed, then mixed in 5
mL 95% ethanol, until a clear solution was obtained. The ethanolic
solution was evaporated under vacuum to get a thin film near-solid
matter. Deionized water, 25 mL, was mixed with octoxynol-40 and the
solution was added to the thin film near-solid matter and sonicated
for approximately 20 min to ensure complete formation of mixed
micelles. The prepared 2.times. formulations were stored at room
temperature. Alternatively, in a second protocol, amounts of drug,
vitamin E TPGS and octoxynol-40 required for 50 mL were calculated,
weighed, then mixed in 5 mL 95% ethanol, and evaporated under
vacuum to form a thin film near-solid matter. The thin film
near-solid matter was then dissolved in 25 mL deionized water and
sonicated or mixed by rotary motion in a rotary evaporator for
approximately 20 min to ensure complete formation of mixed
micelles. The prepared 2.times. formulations were stored at room
temperature.
TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 Basic 2X Formulations (wt %/volume).
Label/Ingredients 1 2 3 Drug 0.4 0.8 1.0 Vitamin E TPGS 4.0 6.0 7.0
Octoxynol-40 1.0 1.0 1.0
Example 2
General Preparation of Formulations
[0108] Basic 2.times. Formulations shown in Table 1 were prepared
as described in the second protocol described in Example 1. Basic
formulations were prepared where the calcineurin or mTOR inhibitor
was voclosporin, cyclosporine A, sirolimus and tacrolimus. In one
preparation for 50 mL of formulation; a buffer mixture was prepared
by dissolving amounts of components shown in Table 2 in 25 mL of
deionized water to prepare a 2.times. buffer. The 2.times. buffer
mixture was prepared both with and without added preservatives.
TABLE-US-00002 TABLE 2 Buffer Mixture. Amount Amount Amount Amount
Components for 50 mL for 50 mL for 50 mL for 50 mL Sodium 0.4048 g
0.4048 g 0.4048 g 0.4048 g Phosphate, Dibasic Sodium 0.4645 g
0.4645 g 0.4645 g 0.4645 g Phosphate, Monobasic EDTA 10 mg N.A. 10
mg N.A. Benzalkonium 10 mg N.A. N.A. 10 mg chloride N.A. = not
added
[0109] The required amount of polymer excipient shown in Table 3A
was dispersed in 2.5 mL 2.times. buffer mixture and gently vortexed
to get a clear solution. The basic 2.times. formulation was added
in equal volume and mixed to get uniform solution. The pH of the
solution was adjusted with NaOH or HCl to a target of about 6.8.
The osmolality of the solution was adjusted with NaCl to be in the
range of about 280-300 mOsmol/kg. The formulation was sterilized by
a nylon membrane filter (0.22 .mu.m) and then stored at room
temperature until use.
TABLE-US-00003 TABLE 3A Formulations. Label/Ingredients 1 2 3 4 5 6
Basic Formulation (2X) 2.5 mL 2.5 mL 2.5 mL 2.5 mL 2.5 mL 2.5 mL
Buffer Mixture (2X) 2.5 mL 2.5 mL 2.5 mL 2.5 mL 2.5 mL PVP- K-30
(1.8%) 90 mg PVP-K-90 (1.2%) 60 mg HPMC (0.5%) 25 mg HEC (0.5%) 25
mg Polycarbophil (0.5%) 25 mg Water 2.5 mL Total Approx. Vol. 5 mL
5 mL 5 mL 5 mL 5 mL 5 mL
[0110] In an alternative procedure for preparation of 100 mL of
formulations, the basic 2.times. formulations shown in Table 1 were
prepared using voclosporin. In order to make formulations at
voclosporin concentrations of 0.2, 0.4 and 0.5 wt %/volume,
appropriate amounts of drug, vitamin E TPGS and octoxynol-40
required for 100 mL were calculated, weighed, then mixed in 10 mL
95% ethanol, and evaporated under vacuum for approximately 12 hours
to form a thin film near-solid matter. The thin film near-solid
matter was then dissolved in 50 mL deionized water and sonicated,
or mixed by rotary motion in a rotary evaporator, for approximately
20 minutes to ensure complete formation of mixed micelles; then
stored at room temperature. The required amount of polymer
excipient shown in Tables 3B and 3C was dispersed in 40 mL
deionized water and stirred to get a clear polymer solution. The
other components shown in Tables 3B and 3C were added to the 50 mL
basic 2.times. formulation and stirred well to get clear buffered
solution. The clear buffered solution was slowly transferred into
the clear polymer solution and mixed well. The pH of the solution
was adjusted with NaOH or HCl to a target of about 6.8. The
osmolality of the solution was maintained in the range of 280-300
mOsmol/kg. The volume was brought up to 100 mL with water. The
formulation was sterilized by a nylon membrane filter (0.22 .mu.m)
and then stored at room temperature until use.
TABLE-US-00004 TABLE 3B Formulations. Label/Ingredients 1 2 3 4 5 6
Basic Formulation (2X) 50 mL 50 mL 50 mL 50 mL 50 mL 50 mL
Povidone-K-30 1.8 g Povidone-K-90 1.2 g Hydroxy propyl methyl 0.5 g
cellulose Hydroxyethyl cellulose 0.5 g Polycarbophil 0.9 g Sodium
phosphate, 0.81 g 0.81 g 0.81 g 0.81 g 0.81 g 0.81 g dibasic
heptahydrate Sodium phosphate, 0.93 g 0.93 g 0.93 g 0.93 g 0.93 g
0.93 g monobasic Sodium chloride 0.2 g 0.2 g 0.2 g 0.2 g 0.2 g 0.2
g Water up to 100 mL 100 mL 100 mL 100 mL 100 mL 100 mL
TABLE-US-00005 TABLE 3C Formulations. Label/Ingredients 1 2 3 4 5 6
Basic Formulation (2X) 50 mL 50 mL 50 mL 50 mL 50 mL 50 mL
Povidone- K-30 1.8 g Povidone-K-90 1.2 g Hydroxy propyl methyl 0.5
g cellulose Hydroxyethyl cellulose 0.5 g Polycarbophil 0.9 g Sodium
phosphate, 0.81 g 0.81 g 0.81 g 0.81 g 0.81 g 0.81 g dibasic
heptahydrate Sodium phosphate, 0.93 g 0.93 g 0.93 g 0.93 g 0.93 g
0.93 g monobasic Sodium chloride 0.2 g 0.2 g 0.2 g 0.2 g 0.2 g 0.2
g Benzylkonium chloride 0.02 g 0.02 g 0.02 g 0.02 g 0.02 g 0.02 g
EDTA 0.02 g 0.02 g 0.02 g 0.02 g 0.02 g 0.02 g Water up to 100 mL
100 mL 100 mL 100 mL 100 mL 100 mL
[0111] One optimized formulation with voclosporin concentration at
0.2% wt %/vol. is shown in Table 3D.
TABLE-US-00006 TABLE 3D Formulation at 0.2 wt %/volume Voclosporin.
Ingredient Amount Voclosporin (LX211) 0.2 g Vitamin E TPGS 2.0 g
Octoxynol -40 2.0 g PVP-K-90 1.2 g Sodium Phosphate, Dibasic 0.81 g
Sodium Phosphate, Monobasic 0.93 g Sodium Chloride 0.2 g Water up
to 100 mL
[0112] Unless otherwise stated, data below are for formulations at
approximately 0.2% voclosporin. The viscosity of the formulation
was measured using cone and plate type viscometer. The clarity of
the formulation was measured at 400 nm as described. Osmolality,
pH, viscosity and absorbance at 400 nm for various formulations
with 0.2% voclosporin are shown in Table 4A.
TABLE-US-00007 TABLE 4A Formulation Characteristics. Osmolality
(mOsmol/kg) Before After Vis- Absor- addition addition cosity bance
at Label/Ingredients of NaCl of NaCl pH (Poise) 400 nm Basic
Formulation (1X) 010 -- -- 0.06 0.025 Basic Formulation (2X) + 218
-- 6.83 0.07 0.021 Buffer Mixture (2X) B. For + BM + PVP- K-30 248
347 6.85 0.07 0.032 B. For + BM + PVP-K-90 224 303 6.81 0.08 0.034
B. For + BM + HPMC 228 311 6.82 0.11 0.025 B. For + BM + HEC 237
283 6.80 0.08 0.031 B. For + BM + 248 289 6.83 0.08 0.046
Polycarbophil
[0113] A Cyclosporine A (CsA) formulation was prepared in the
concentrations shown in Table 4B a similar fashion as described in
the second protocol in Example 1.
TABLE-US-00008 TABLE 4B CsA Formulation. Label/Ingredients wt %/vol
Drug (CsA) 0.05 Vitamin E TPGS 3 Octoxynol -40 0.02 Hydroxy Ethyl
Cellulose 0.2 Benzalkonium Chloride 0.01 EDTA 0.01 Sodium Chloride
0.86 Water 100
[0114] The CsA formulation was adjusted to pH 6.88 and osmolality
was 320 mOsm/kg.
Example 3
Determination of Drug Content
[0115] Each formulation was analyzed for drug content by HPLC. The
HPLC mobile phase consisted of acetonitrile/water/trifluoroacetic
acid (75:25:0.1 v/v/v) at a flow rate of 1 mL/min with elution of
the compound of interest from a reversed-phase phenyl column (5
microns, 15.times.4.6 mm). The absorbance of the drug was measured
at 210 nm with an UV detector and compared with a standard curve of
the target drug at various known concentrations. Observed peak for
voclosporin eluted at approximately 5.5 min.
Example 4
Filtration Efficiency Test
[0116] Various types of membranes were tested for use in filter
sterilization of formulations containing 0.2 wt % voclosporin.
Membranes of 0.22 .mu.M pore size were of various materials
including nylon, teflon, and polycarbonate. Recovery from membranes
was evaluated by HPLC determination of drug content described above
and compared to centrifuged sample. Results for comparative
filtration efficiency tests are shown in Tables 5A and 5B.
Generally, nylon, teflon, and polycarbonate membranes of 0.22 .mu.M
were each found acceptable for filter sterilization.
TABLE-US-00009 TABLE 5A Filtration Efficiency Test 1. Amount Drug
Exp. % of drug content Formu- Conc. Conc. Recov- in 50 (in lation
Area (.mu.g/mL) (.mu.g/mL) ery mL(g) percent) Centrifuged Sample 1
4619728 2108.93 2200 95.86 0.105446 0.211 2 4571834 2089.58 2200
94.98 0.104479 0.209 3 4589872 2096.87 2200 95.31 0.104843 0.210
Nylon Membrane 1 4537680 2075.78 2200 94.35 0.103789 0.208 2
4512464 2065.60 2200 93.89 0.10328 0.207 Teflon Membrane 1 4581475
2093.48 2200 95.16 0.104674 0.209 2 4567613 2087.88 2200 94.90
0.104394 0.209 3 4639411 2116.88 2200 96.22 0.105844 0.212
TABLE-US-00010 TABLE 5B Filtration Efficiency Test 2. Amount Drug
Exp. % of drug content Formu- Conc. Conc Recov- in 50 (in lation
Area (.mu.g/mL) (.mu.g/mL) ery mL(g) percent) Centrifuged Sample 1
4531917 2073.45 2200 94.25 0.103673 0.207 2 4506733 2063.28 2200
93.79 0.103164 0.206 3 4514394 2066.38 2200 93.93 0.103319 0.207
Polycarbonate Membrane 1 4491373 2057.08 2200 93.50 0.102854 0.206
2 4522797 2069.77 2200 94.08 0.103489 0.207 3 4482973 2053.68 2200
93.35 0.102684 0.205
Formulations at 0.2 wt % voclosporin with various bioadhesive
polymer excipients were prepared as described above in Table 3C.
Formulation characteristics were measured and drug content was
determined by HPLC after filtration through a 0.22 .mu.m nylon
membrane. Results are shown in Table 6.
TABLE-US-00011 TABLE 6 Drug Content in 0.2 wt % Voclosporin
Formulations. 1XBasic Parameter Formulation PVP-K-30 PVP-K-90 HPMC
HEC PC pH (before adjustment) 6.36 6.40 6.38 6.41 6.31 4.60 pH
(after adjustment) 6.80 6.81 6.80 6.82 6.82 6.80 Osmolality
(mOsm/kg) 325 328 303 280 297 330 Viscosity (Poise) 0.11 0.12 0.13
0.17 0.16 0.19 Drug Content (%) by HPLC 0.203 0.202 0.192 0.191
0.173 0.183
Example 5
Clarity of the Formulations
[0117] The clarity of the formulations was measured visually and by
recording the absorbance of the sample at 400 nm using an
UV-visible spectrophotometer. One milliliter of formulation and
corresponding drug free vehicles were placed in a plastic cuvette
and absorbance was recorded at 400 nm. Water was used as blank. In
a preferred aspect, the mixed micellar formulation is a clear
formulation with absorbance at 400 nm of less than about 0.1.
Absorbance at 400 nm is shown for various formulations in Table 4A,
and in dilution experiments in Tables 9-14.
[0118] Visual clarity was also used as a guideline in formulation
trials. For example, Tables 7 and 8 show visual clarity at various
wt % of voclosporin, vitamin E TPGS and octoxynol-40 in various 1X
basic formulations, prepared as described in the second protocol in
Example 1.
TABLE-US-00012 TABLE 7 Formulation Trials. Label/Ingredients 1 2 3
4 Drug (Voclosporin)(wt %) 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 Vitamin E TPGS (food
grade)(wt %) 4.5 5.0 5.5 6.0 Octoxynol-40(wt %) 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0
Water up to (mL) 100 100 100 100 Visual clarity milky milky milky
milky
[0119] In Table 7, food grade vitamin E TPGS was used at the
concentrations shown; all samples were milky. In Table 8, samples 1
and 2 were visually clear, but samples 3 and 4 contained
undissolved drug.
TABLE-US-00013 TABLE 8 Formulation Trials. Label/Ingredients 1 2 3
4 Drug (Voclosporin)(wt %) 0.75 1.0 1.5 2.0 Vitamin E TPGS (wt %)
6.0 6.0 6.0 6.0 Octoxynol-40 (wt %) 4.0 4.0 4.0 4.0 Water up to
(mL) 100 100 100 100 Visual clarity clear clear cloudy cloudy
Example 6
Dilution Study of Voclosporin Formulations in Artificial Tears
[0120] Voclosporin formulations were evaluated in dilution studies.
The goal was to subject formulations to dilution under conditions
similar to the eye. The voclosporin concentration was 0.2 wt % in
each formulation tested. The formulations as described in Table 3A
were each mixed 1:1, 1:5 and 1:10 with various brands of artificial
tears available over the counter (OTC) in the pharmacy.
Systane.RTM. (Lubricant Eye Drops, Alcon, Inc.; Visine.RTM.
(Lubricant Eye Drops, Pfizer, Inc.; Refresh Tears.RTM. (Lubricant
Eye Drops), Allergan, Inc.; and Hypo Tears.RTM. (Lubricant Eye
Drops), Novartis, were employed. The measurements were taken under
ambient conditions. The data (absorbance at 400 nm) are shown in
Tables 9 to 14A. Results showed no increase in turbidity and hence
no precipitation of voclosporin out of solution.
TABLE-US-00014 TABLE 9 Sample Absorbance at 400 nm, pre-dilution.
Sample No. Absorbance (400 nm) Formulations 1 PVP-K-30 0.020 2
PVP-K-90 0.018 3 HPMC 0.021 4 HEC 0.019 5 Polycarbophil 0.192 6
Water 0.000 Tears Fluid 7 Refresh Tears 0.000 8 Visine Tears 0.017
9 Systane Tears 0.023 10 Hypo Tears 0.002
TABLE-US-00015 TABLE 10 Sample Absorbance at 400 nm, post-dilution.
Sample Type of tear Dilution Absorbance No: Formulation fluid
factor (400 nm) 11 PVP-K-30 Refresh Tears 2X 0.020 12 5X 0.014 13
10X 0.002 14 Visine Tears 2X 0.011 15 5X 0.005 16 10X 0.002 17
Systane Tears 2X 0.019 18 5X 0.019 19 10X 0.021 20 Hypo Tears 2X
0.013 21 5X 0.005 22 10X 0.041
TABLE-US-00016 TABLE 11 Sample Absorbance at 400 nm, post-dilution.
Sample Type of tear Dilution Absorbance No: Formulation fluid
factor (400 nm) 23 PVP-K-90 Refresh Tears 2X 0.012 24 5X 0.007 25
10X 0.004 26 Visine Tears 2X 0.013 27 5X 0.006 28 10X 0.003 29
Systane Tears 2X 0.020 30 5X 0.020 31 10X 0.031 32 Hypo Tears 2X
0.010 33 5X 0.005 34 10X 0.003
TABLE-US-00017 TABLE 12 Sample Absorbance at 400 nm, post-dilution.
Sample Type of tear Dilution Absorbance No: Formulation fluid
factor (400 nm) 35 HPMC Refresh Tears 2X 0.010 36 5X 0.004 37 10X
0.001 38 Visine Tears 2X 0.009 39 5X 0.005 40 10X -0.001 41 Systane
Tears 2X 0.018 42 5X 0.021 43 10X 0.021 44 Hypo Tears 2X 0.009 45
5X 0.004 46 10X 0.002
TABLE-US-00018 TABLE 13 Sample Absorbance at 400 nm, post-dilution.
Sample Type of tear Dilution Absorbance No: Formulation fluid
factor (400 nm) 47 HEC Refresh Tears 2X 0.009 48 5X 0.004 49 10X
0.002 50 Visine Tears 2X 0.010 51 5X 0.004 52 10X 0.002 53 Systane
Tears 2X 0.020 54 5X 0.020 55 10X 0.020 56 Hypo Tears 2X 0.010 57
5X 0.004 58 10X 0.003
TABLE-US-00019 TABLE 14A Sample Absorbance at 400 nm,
post-dilution. Sample Type of tear Dilution Absorbance No:
Formulation fluid factor (400 nm) 59 Polycarbophil Refresh Tears 2X
0.052 60 5X 0.078 61 10X 0.054 62 Visine Tears 2X 0.046 63 5X 0.086
64 10X 0.065 65 Systane Tears 2X 0.038 66 5X 0.053 67 10X 0.047 68
Hypo Tears 2X 0.030 69 5X 0.013 70 10X 0.008
[0121] Further dilution studies were performed on the formulation
shown in Table 3B, column 1, with buffered saline as diluent.
Diluted formulation was characterized and data are shown in Table
14B. Micellar stability was confirmed to at least 20 fold dilution
in buffered saline.
TABLE-US-00020 TABLE 14B Micellar Stability Upon Dilution. Dilution
Osmolality Particle DST Formulation Factor Appearance pH (mOsm/kg)
Size (nm) PD (.degree. C.) RS Time No polymer 0X Clear 6.78 326
10.6 0.037 55 3 min 4X Clear 6.87 340 12.2 0.161 60 3 min 40 sec
20X Clear 7.08 300 20.8 0.264 65 2 min 100X Clear 7.25 301 339.6
0.537 -- -- DST--Dissociation Temperature, RS--Restabilization,
PD--Polydispersity
Example 7
Dissociation Temperature for the Drug Free Formulations and
Formulations Containing Voclosporin
[0122] Formulations shown in Table 3A were tested to determine
dissociation temperature with and without 0.2 wt %
voclosporin/volume. A water bath at a constant temperature of
-60.degree. C. was prepared and used for testing of samples with
drug. A glass vial containing the formulation was inserted into the
water bath with a thermometer inserted in the formulation. As soon
as some turbidity was visually observed, a temperature reading was
taken. The turbid solutions were cooled to room temperature and the
drug went back into the mixed micelles with the result that all
solutions became clear again. The time for re-stabilization
(reestablishment of visual clarity) was recorded. Data for samples
with voclosporin are shown in Table 15. A heat block was used to
heat and test samples without drug in a similar fashion. Data for
samples without voclosporin are shown in Table 16.
[0123] The data shows that in the absence of voclosporin, the
dissociation temperature of the micellar formulations generally is
about 20-40 degrees celsius higher than the dissociation
temperature of the micellar formulation in the presence of
voclosporin (with the exception of the HPMC-containing
formulation). The decrease in the dissociation temperature of the
drug-containing micellar formulations indicates that the drug is
incorporated into the micelles, and thereby solubilized.
TABLE-US-00021 TABLE 15 Dissociation Temperature of Formulation
with 0.2 wt % Voclosporin. Sample Formulations with Temperature
Time Required for No: 0.2% Voclosporin. (.degree. C.)
Restabilization 1 Formulation without 44 6 min polymer (basic) 2
PVP-K-30 46 5 min 30 sec 3 PVP-K-90 45 4 min 30 sec 4 HPMC 44 2 min
5 HEC 43 5 min 6 Polycarbophil 43 ND ND = Not Determined
TABLE-US-00022 TABLE 16 Dissociation Temperature of Formulation
without Voclosporin. Sample No: Drug free Formulations Temperature
(.degree. C.) 7 PVP-K-30 92 8 PVP-K-90 90 9 HPMC 46 10 HEC 90 11
Polycarbophil 75
[0124] An additional thermal dissociation experiment was performed
wherein vials containing 1 mL of 0.2% voclosporin formulations
(basic, HPMC, and PVP-K-90) were heated in a water bath maintained
at .about.50.degree. C. for about 5 minutes. The mixed micelles
were destabilized and the solution became turbid or milky white.
The solutions were cooled to room temperature and the drug went
back into the mixed micelles with the result that all solutions
became clear again. The time for re-stabilization was recorded. The
PVP-K-90 sample was recycled a second time with the same results.
Generally, formulations with an increased wt % of octoxynol-40
exhibited an increase in the dissociation temperature and decreased
the regeneration time (the time required for re-stabilization), as
shown in Tables 17 and 18.
TABLE-US-00023 TABLE 17 Dissociation Temperatures in Basic
Formulations with 0.2 wt % Voclosporin and various wt %
Octoxynol-40. Dissociation Time required Sample Concentration of
Temperature for re- No: Octoxynol-40 (.degree. C.) stabilization 1
0.5% 46 7 min 30 sec 2 1.0% 53 6 min 10 sec 3 1.5% 55 5 min 30 sec
4 2.0% 55 3 min 20 sec 5 2.5% 56 3 min
TABLE-US-00024 TABLE 18 Dissociation Temperatures in Basic
Formulations with 0.5 wt % Voclosporin and various wt %
Octoxynol-40. Dissociation Time required Sample Concentration of
Temperature for re- No: Octoxynol-40 (.degree. C.) stabilization 1
0.5% 46 Not stabilized 2 1.0% 46 6 min 3 1.5% 47 5 min 4 2.0% 48 7
min 5 2.5% 49 7 min 30 sec 6 3.0% 49 7 min 30 sec
[0125] Another dissociation temperature experiment where the
concentration of octoxynol-40 was increased from 0.5% to 2.5% in
the PVP-K-90 formulation with 0.2 wt % voclosporin resulted in an
increase in dissociation temperature from 45.degree. C. to
55.degree. C. The formulation reestablished to a clear solution
within 3 minutes after cooling.
[0126] Addition of further excipients was evaluated to determine
the effect on dissociation temperature. Addition of 5% PEG 400 to
formulations as prepared in Table 3B with 0.2 wt % voclosporin
resulted in similar dissociation temperatures and slightly
increased time required for re-stabilization, as shown in Table
19.
TABLE-US-00025 TABLE 19 Dissociation Temperature: Effect of
Addition of 5% (v/v) PEG 400. Dissociation Time Required Sample
Formulations with Temperature for re- No. Voclosporin (.degree. C.)
stabilization 1 Formulation without 42 6 min polymer + 5% PEG 400 2
PVP-K-90 + 5% PEG 400 44 6 min 3 HPMC + 5% PEG 400 42 2 min 45 sec
4 HEC + 5% PEG 400 39 6 min
[0127] Addition of 1% HPMC to formulations as prepared in Table 3B
with 0.2 wt % voclosporin and PVP-K-90 resulted in similar
dissociation temperatures, but a decreased time required for
re-stabilization, as shown in Table 20.
TABLE-US-00026 TABLE 20 Dissociation Temperature: Effect of
Addition of 1% HPMC to PVP-K-90 Formulation. Dissociation Time
Required Sample Formulation with Temperature for re- No.
Voclosporin (.degree. C.) stabilization 1 PVP-K-90 + HPMC 43 3 min
45 sec
Example 8
Particle Size Measurements
[0128] The mean particle size and polydispersity index of the mixed
micelles are measured using dynamic light scattering technique
(Brookhaven 90Plus particle size analyzer, Holtsville, N.Y.),
taking the average of three measurements. The different solutions
were placed in disposable plastic cells. A sample volume of 200
.mu.L was used for determining the particle size. Particle size and
polydispersity for formulations as prepared in Example 2 with 0.2
wt % voclosporin are shown in Table 21. The formulation with 0.2 wt
% voclosporin and PVP-K-90 exhibited an average micelle diameter of
13.3 nm with a very narrow size distribution and a polydispersity
of 0.005. In contrast, the formulation with 0.2 wt % voclosporin
and HEC exhibited an average micelle diameter of 23.8, but a broad,
bimodal particle size distribution resulted in a large
polydispersity of 0.482.
TABLE-US-00027 TABLE 21 Particle Size Analysis. Sample Formulation
with Diameter No. 0.2 wt % Voclosporin (nm) Polydispersity 1
Formulation without polymer 8.0 0.657 2 PVP-K-30 19.8 0.206 3
PVP-K-90 13.3 0.005 4 HPMC 32.9 0.317 5 HEC 23.8 0.482
[0129] Particle size, polydispersity, dissociation temperature and
re-stabilization time for formulations with 0.2 wt % and 0.5 wt %
voclosporin in formulations with 2% octoxynol-40 are shown in
Tables 22 and 23.
TABLE-US-00028 TABLE 22 Characteristics of Formulations Containing
0.2 wt % Voclosporin with 2% Octoxynol-40. Dissociation Time
required Sample Osmolality Particle Polydispersity Temperature for
re- No Formulations (mOsm/kg) Size (nm) index (.degree. C.)
stabilization 1 Formulation without 75 9.9 0.103 57 2 min Buffer
& polymer 2 Formulation without 231 11.1 0.157 58 2 min 40 sec
polymer 3 Formulation containing 248 10.5 0.083 65 3 min 3% OC-40
without polymer 4 PVP-K-30 (1.8%) 256 11.6 0.147 58 3 min 5
PVP-K-90 (1.2%) 266 12.5 0.156 59 3 min 20 sec 6 HPMC (0.3%) 275
97.3 0.160 53 3 min 7 HEC (0.3%) 233 83.9 0.166 59 2 min 50 sec
TABLE-US-00029 TABLE 23 Characteristics of Formulations Containing
0.5 wt % Voclosporin with 2% Octoxynol-40. Dissociation Time
required Sample Osmolality Particle Polydispersity Temperature for
re- No Formulations (mOsm/kg) Size (nm) index (.degree. C.)
stabilization 1 Formulation without 178 9.6 0.030 49 14 min Buffer
& polymer 2 Formulation without 275 10.6 0.055 46 12 min
polymer 3 Formulation containing 358 11.0 0.115 44 13 min 3%
Octoxynol-40 without polymer 4 PVP-K-30 (1.8%) 284 12.7 0.189 47 12
min 5 PVP-K-90 (1.2%) 281 21.8 0.251 48 12 min 50 sec
Example 9
Determination of Drop Weight and Volume
[0130] In order to determine the amount of calcineurin inhibitor
delivered per drop, the drop weight and volume was determined for
each formulation. Since the drop size is dependent on the surface
tension of the formulation, two formulations, as described in Table
3A, containing 0.2 wt % voclosporin/volume were tested for
delivered drop size and volume. The formulation containing
PVP-K-90, and the formulation containing HPMC, 0.5 mL each, were
filled individually into 0.8 mL capacity BFS (blow-fill-seal)
containers provided by a manufacturing vendor. The bottle material
was LDPE and the study was conducted under ambient conditions. Ten
drops of each formulation was squeezed into a tared dish and
weighed. Similarly ten drops of formulations were squeezed in to
the measuring cylinder and volume was recorded. Data is shown in
Tables 24 and 25.
TABLE-US-00030 TABLE 24 Weight of 10 Drops. Weight of 10 drops (g)
Sample No PVP-K-90 HPMC 1 0.2843 0.2851 2 0.2829 0.2843 3 0.2838
0.2848 Average 0.2836 0.2847
TABLE-US-00031 TABLE 25 Volume of 10 Drops. Volume of 10 drops (mL)
Sample No PVP-K-90 HPMC 1 0.29 0.30 2 0.28 0.29 3 0.28 0.29 Average
0.283 0.293
Example 10
Stability Studies
[0131] Stability and formulation compatibility studies were
performed in three types of bottles suitable for pharmaceutical
delivery. Known volumes of the six formulations of Example 1 were
transferred to three different types of containers i.e., LDPE,
polypropylene and polyvinylchloride and stored at room temperature.
At predetermined time intervals (0, 6, 24 and 48 hr) the samples
were withdrawn from the containers and analyzed for the drug
content by HPLC method. None of the formulations stored in various
types of containers exhibited a decrease in drug content during the
study period.
Example 11
Local Tolerability in Rabbits of Formulations Comprising a
Calcineurin Inhibitor
[0132] A study was conducted in rabbits to test the tolerance of
mixed micellar formulations containing voclosporin (1.times. basic
formulation, Table 3A, column 1, at either 0.2 wt % or 0.5 wt %
voclosporin, one rabbit each) against saline solution. Healthy
young adult New Zealand albino rabbits (3-4 Kg) were used for the
study. One drop (approximately 30 .mu.L) of saline was placed in
one eye and a drop of formulation with voclosporin was placed in
the other eye of the rabbit. No difference was noticed in the
following observed parameters: blinking of the eye, lacrimation,
pupil size, redness, movement of the eye.
Example 12
Local Tolerability in Rabbits of Formulations Comprising a
Calcineurin Inhibitor
[0133] Further studies were conducted in rabbits to test the
tolerance of various mixed micellar formulations. Formulations
F1-F16 as shown in Tables 26 and 27 were used for these
studies.
TABLE-US-00032 TABLE 26 Formulations F1 to F8. Code F1 F2 F3 F4 F5
F6 F7 F8 Voclosporin 0.2%.sup. 0.2%.sup. 0.2% 0.2% 0.2% 0.2% 0.2%
0.2% Vitamin E TPGS 2% 2% 3.5% 3.5% .sup. 2% .sup. 2% 3.5% 3.5%
OX-40 2% 3% .sup. 2% .sup. 3% .sup. 2% .sup. 3% .sup. 2% .sup. 3%
PVP-K-90 -- -- -- -- 0.6% 0.6% 0.6% 0.6%
TABLE-US-00033 TABLE 27 Formulations F9 to F16. Code F9 F10 F11 F13
F14 F14 F15 F16 Voclosporin 0.2% 0.2% 0.2% 0.2% 0.02% 0.02% 0.02%
0.02% Vitamin E TPGS .sup. 2% .sup. 2% 3.5% 3.5% 2% 2% 3.5% 3.5%
OX-40 .sup. 2% .sup. 3% .sup. 2% .sup. 3% 2% 3% .sup. 2% .sup. 3%
PVP-K-90 1.2% 1.2% 1.2% 1.2% 1.2%.sup. 1.2%.sup. 1.2% 1.2%
[0134] Healthy young adult New Zealand albino rabbits (3-4 Kg) were
used for the study. One drop (approximately 30 .mu.L) of a
formulation with voclosporin (LX211) was placed in an eye of the
rabbit. Each formulation was tested in triplicate.
[0135] Both eyes of each animal were examined by a board-certified
veterinary ophthalmologist using a hand-held slit lamp and indirect
ophthalmoscope. Both control and test eyes were graded according to
conjunctival congestion, swelling, and discharge, aqueous flare,
iris light reflex and involvement, corneal cloudiness severity and
area, pannus, fluorescein examination and lens opacity using the
Hackett/McDonald scoring system (see, for example, Hackett, R. B.
and McDonald, T. O. Ophthalmic Toxicology and Assessing Ocular
Irritation. Dermatoxicology, 5.sup.th Edition. Ed. F. N. Marzulli
and H. I. Maibach. Washington, D.C.: Hemisphere Publishing
Corporation. 1996; 299-305 and 557-566.). In the fluorescein
examination, approximately one drop of 0.9% sodium chloride, USP,
was applied to the end of a fluorescein impregnated strip and then
applied to the superior sclera of the left and right eyes (one
fluorescein impregnated strip is used for each animal). After an
approximate 15 second exposure, the fluorescein dye was gently
rinsed from each eye with 0.9% sodium chloride, USP. The eyes were
then examined using a slit lamp with a cobalt blue filtered light
source. For the lenticular examination approximately one drop of a
short-acting mydriatic solution was instilled onto each eye in
order to dilate the pupil. After acceptable dilation has occurred,
the lens of each eye was examined using a slit-lamp
biomicroscope.
[0136] The crystalline lens is readily observed with the aid of the
slit-lamp biomicroscope, and the location of lenticular opacity can
readily be discerned by direct and retro illumination. The location
of lenticular opacities can be arbitrarily divided into the
following lenticular regions beginning with the anterior capsule:
Anterior subcapsular, Anterior cortical Nuclear Posterior cortical,
Posterior subcapsular, Posterior capsular. The lens is evaluated
routinely during ocular evaluations and graded as either 0 (normal)
or 1 (abnormal). The presence of lenticular opacities should be
described and the location noted. Results for various formulations
are shown in Tables 28 to 31.
TABLE-US-00034 TABLE 28 Tolerability Test Results in Rabbit Eyes
for Various Formulations at 0.2 wt % Voclosporin. Pre Treatment 1
Hour 24 Hour 72 Hour Rabbit # F1 F2 F3 F4 F1 F2 F3 F4 F1 F2 F3 F4
F1 F2 F3 F4 I59 0% 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 I60 PVP- 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 I61
K-90 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 1 I62 1 1 1 1 1 2 2 0 I63 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 I64 0
0 0 1 0 0 0 0
TABLE-US-00035 TABLE 29 Tolerability Test Results in Rabbit Eyes
for Various Formulations at 0.2 wt % Voclosporin. Pre Treatment 1
Hour 24 Hour 72 Hour Rabbit # F5 F6 F7 F8 F5 F6 F7 F8 F5 F6 F7 F8
F5 F6 F7 F8 I65 0.6% 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 I66 PVP- 1 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 I67
K-90 0 0 1 2 0 0 0 0 I68 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 I69 0 0 1 1 1 1 1 0 I70 0
0 1 1 0 0 0 0
TABLE-US-00036 TABLE 30 Tolerability Test Results in Rabbit Eyes
for Various Formulations at 0.2 wt % Voclosporin. Pre Treatment 1
Hour 24 Hour 72 Hour Rabbit # F9 F10 F11 F12 F9 F10 F11 F12 F9 F10
F11 F12 F9 F10 F11 F12 I71 1.2% 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 I72 PVP- 0 0 1 0 0
0 0 0 I73 K-90 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 I74 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 I75 0 0 0 0 0 0
0 0 I76 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0
TABLE-US-00037 TABLE 31 Tolerability Test Results in Rabbit Eyes
for Various Formulations at 0.02 wt % Voclosporin Pre Treatment 1
Hour 24 Hour 72 Hour Rabbit # F13 F14 F15 F16 F13 F14 F15 F16 F13
F14 F15 F16 F13 F14 F15 F16 I77 1.2% 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 I78 PVP- 0 0 2
0 0 0 0 0 I79 K-90 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 I80 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 I35 0 0 0 0
0 0 0 0 I36 0 0 0 1 1 1 0 2
Example 13
Topical Voclosporin Clinical Study in Dogs with KCS
[0137] An open label, single group, pilot efficacy study evaluating
topical voclosporin was designed and conducted. The study was
intended to document the efficacy of 0.2 wt % voclosporin in a
composition according to the presently disclosed embodiments for
the treatment of canine keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS). The study
covered assessment of tear production (as measured by the Schirmer
Tear Test (STT)), the response of clinical observation of the
cornea, and participating ophthalmologists' overall assessment of
efficacy.
[0138] Dogs diagnosed with chronic (>3 months in duration)
immune-mediated KCS were selected from the clinic populations of
the North Carolina State Veterinary Teaching Hospital. Diagnosis of
immune-mediated KCS was made by exclusion of other causes of KCS.
Dogs selected to be entered into this study had demonstration of
residual lacrimal function and have shown response to commercially
available topical cyclosporine.
[0139] In this study, there was no washout period and animals were
switched directly from topical cyclosporine A (0.2% cyclosporine in
petrolatum, USP; corn oil, NF; and Amerchol.RTM. CAB base
(Optimmune.RTM. Schering Plough Animal Health)) to 0.2 wt %
voclosporin in a mixed micellar composition according to the
presently disclosed embodiments, given topically every 12 hours.
Physical and ophthalmic examinations were performed at 0, 7, 14,
and 28 days. The study was designed such that a favorable response
to the voclosporin would be considered a maintenance or increase of
STT value compared to pre-study values.
[0140] Six dogs were entered and completed the study. For these 6
dogs, the mean STT at day 0 was 21.9.+-.SD 3.2 mm/min; at 7 days of
therapy STT was 22.4.+-.4.0 mm/min; at 14 days STT was 20.3.+-.2.5
mm/min, and at 30 days STT was 21.0.+-.1.9 mm/min. This clearly
indicates that voclosporin has maintained the STT in these dogs for
30 days. See mean STT values in FIG. 1. All dogs have been
comfortable without any signs of side effects or irritation
associated with the medication. No adverse effects were noted in
any animal during the 30 days treatment period.
Example 14
Robustness and Stability of Formulations
[0141] The robustness of a formulation according to the present
disclosure containing 0.2 wt % voclosporin was tested by subjecting
the samples to multiple heat/cool cycles, refrigeration cycles,
vigorous shaking or extended exposure to the sun light.
[0142] Thermal Cycling: A set of glass vials containing formulation
were placed in a water bath with temperature set at
.about.70.degree. C. The samples were heated until the cloudiness
appeared and then were cooled at room temperature for the solution
to become clear, which constituted one round of thermal cycling.
The thermal cycling was repeated 5 or 10 times. After completion of
the 5 or 10 thermal cycles, the samples were analyzed for
dissociation temperature followed by regeneration time and micellar
size determination as described above.
[0143] Refrigeration Cycling: A set of samples were subjected to
the refrigerated conditions. The samples were placed in a
refrigerator (4.degree. C.) for 12 hours and then brought to room
temperature and maintained at room temperature for 12 hours. The
thermal cycling was repeated 5 or 10 times. After completion of the
5 or 10 cycles, samples were analyzed for dissociation temperature,
followed by regeneration time and micellar size determination as
described above.
[0144] Vigorous shaking: Samples were placed on shaking platform
and the shaker was operated at .about.75 rpm at room temperature.
Samples were withdrawn after 4 hours or 24 hours and analyzed for
dissociation temperature, regeneration time and micellar size as
described above.
[0145] Sunlight exposure: Solutions were placed under direct
sunlight for 4 hours. Post exposure, the sample were analyzed for
dissociation temperature, followed by the regeneration time and
micellar size as described above.
[0146] The mixed micellar formulation according to the present
disclosure containing 0.2 wt % voclosporin was subjected to various
stress conditions (heat/cool cycles, refrigeration/ambient cycles,
vigorous shaking and exposure to the sun light). The mixed micellar
composition according to the presently disclosed embodiments
containing 0.2 wt % voclosporin did not exhibit changes in the
dissociation temperature, regeneration time and micelle size as
shown in Table 32.
TABLE-US-00038 TABLE 32 Effect of stress on dissociation
temperature, regeneration time and micelle size, average of three
replicate samples. Dissociation Regeneration Micellar No
Description of Test temperature (.degree. C.) time (min) size (nm)
PDI 1 Samples before subjected to 54.0 .+-. 1.0 2.5 13.3 .+-. 0.2
0.193 .+-. 0.004 any stress 2 Samples subjected to 5 57.3 .+-. 0.6
3.0 16.0 .+-. 1.6 0.198 .+-. 0.020 cycles of heat/cool 3 Samples
subjected to 10 57.0 .+-. 1.0 3.0 15.9 .+-. 1.4 0.211 .+-. 0.10
cycles of heat/cool 4 Samples subjected to 5 55.0 .+-. 1.0 2.6 .+-.
0.3 13.6 .+-. 0.4 0.195 .+-. 0.011 refrigeration/ambient cycles 5
Samples subjected to 10 55.0 .+-. 1.7 3.0 13.3 .+-. 0.8 0.189 .+-.
0.10 refrigeration/ambient cycles 6 Samples subjected to 4 54.6
.+-. 0.6 3.0 .+-. 0.1 14.2 .+-. 0.7 0.193 .+-. 0.008 hours of
shaking on a shaking platform 7 Samples subjected to 24 54.6 .+-.
0.6 2.8 .+-. 0.3 14.1 .+-. 0.4 0.193 .+-. 0.003 hours of shaking on
a shaking platform 8 Samples subjected to 4 54.6 .+-. 0.6 2.8 .+-.
0.3 13.7 .+-. 0.4 0.194 .+-. 0.005 hours of sun light
[0147] Stability Study: Solutions in triplicate were transferred
into clean glass vials and stored at different temperatures
(45.degree. C., 30.degree. C., RT and 4.degree. C.). At
predetermined time intervals (0, 7, 14 and 30 days) samples were
withdrawn and assessed for change in color, phase separation, pH,
drug content, dissociation temperature, regeneration time and
micellar size.
[0148] Samples stored at 30.degree. C., RT and 4.degree. C. for up
to 30 days did not show changes in color, phase, pH, drug content,
dissociation temperature, regeneration time and micellar size.
Solutions stored at 45.degree. C. formed precipitates indicating
thermal instability of the formulation at high temperatures.
Example 15
Preparation and Micellar Characterization of Formulations
Containing Various Calcineurin or mTOR Inhibitors
TABLE-US-00039 [0149] TABLE 33 Formulations containing various
calcineurin and mTOR inhibitors. Ingredient Amount for 100 mL
Cyclosporine A 0.2 g -- -- Sirolimus -- 0.2 g -- Tacrolimus -- --
0.2 g Vitamin E TPGS 2.5 g 2.5 g 2.5 g Octoxynol-40 2.0 g 2.0 g 2.0
g PVP-K-90 1.2 g 1.2 g 1.2 g Sodium Phosphate, Dibasic 0.81 g 0.81
g 0.81 g Sodium Phosphate, Monobasic 0.93 g 0.93 g 0.93 g Sodium
Chloride 0.2 g 0.2 g 0.2 g Water up to 100 ml 100 ml 100 ml
[0150] Calculated amounts of drug(s), vitamin E TPGS and
octoxynol-40 required for 10 mL were weighed, then mixed in 4 mL
95% ethanol, and evaporated under vacuum to form a thin film
near-solid matter. The thin film near-solid matter was then
dissolved in 5 mL deionized water and sonicated approximately 40
minutes to ensure complete formation of mixed micelles. The
prepared basic formulations were stored at room temperature.
[0151] A buffer mixture containing sodium phosphate, dibasic,
sodium phosphate, monobasic and sodium chloride was prepared by
dissolving in deionized water. Stock solution PVP-K-90 was prepared
in water. The required volume of polymer solution and buffer
solution was added to the basic formulations and gently vortexed to
get a clear solution. The pH of the solution was adjusted with NaOH
or HCl to a target of about 6.8. The formulation was sterilized by
a nylon membrane filter (0.22 .mu.m) and then stored at room
temperature until use. The micellar size of formulations was
measured by using dynamic light scattering technique (Brookhaven
90Plus particle size analyzer, Holtsville, N.Y.), taking the
average of three measurements. The results of the study are
described below. The formulations were found to be clear and
transparent at room temperature.
[0152] The micellar size and polydispersity (PDI) index of the
formulations are given in Table 34.
TABLE-US-00040 TABLE 34 Observed micelle size and PDI of the
formulations Formulation containing Micelle Size (nm) PDI
Cyclosporine 12.6 .+-. 0.2 0.119 .+-. 0.004 Sirolimus 13.9 .+-. 0.1
0.198 .+-. 0.002 Tacrolimus 13.8 .+-. 0.2 0.199 .+-. 0.005
Example 16
Artificial Tear Compositions
TABLE-US-00041 [0153] TABLE 35 Biocompatible Artificial Tear
Composition Ingredient Amount Voclosporin 0 Vitamin E TPGS 2.5 g
Octoxynol -40 2.0 g PVP-K-90 1.2 g Sodium Phosphate, Dibasic 0.81 g
Sodium Phosphate, Monobasic 0.93 g Sodium Chloride 0.2 g Water up
to 100 mL
[0154] To show that none of the components of the artificial tear
compositions of the present disclosure are inherently irritating to
ocular tissues, a study was performed to determine ocular
tolerability and toxicity of the artificial tears.
[0155] New Zealand White (NZW) rabbits (5 female/5 male) were
topically administered one approximately 35 .mu.l drop or the
artificial tear composition of the present disclosure to each eye
at 1 hour intervals, for a maximum of up to 8 times per day.
Animals were sacrificed following 14 days of artificial tear
administration. The following parameters were evaluated during the
study: morbidity/mortality, physical examination, clinical
observations, body weights, feed consumption, macro- and
microscopic ocular observations, electroretinography (ERG),
intraocular pressure measurement (IOP), and upon necropsy,
histopathology was performed on the following tissues: eyes,
thymus, mandibular, rostral and caudal lymph nodes, spleen. All
animals were healthy and showed no findings outside the normal
range. Eye related examination reports are provided in further
details below:
[0156] Microscopic Ocular Grading:
[0157] The microscopic ocular grading system was applied to ocular
findings following use of the slit lamp biomicroscope which
included insertion of a blue filter to assess for fluorescein dye
retention. No lesions were noted by indirect ophthalmoscopy
performed pre-dose, and after 14 days of artificial tear
composition application (8 times per day).
[0158] Tonometry (TOP) Data Observations:
[0159] Mean tonometry (Tono-pen) readings of intraocular pressures
(IOPs) in rabbits performed pre-test and after 14 days of
artificial tear composition application were between 11-17 mm/Hg
pressure and were within the normal physiologic range (10-20/mm
Hg). In conclusion, no IOP effects were observed in association
with topical treatments administered (8 times per day).
[0160] ERG Data Observations:
[0161] Bilateral full-field flash ERGs were performed in rabbits
utilizing the ISCEV protocol and the HMsERG unit. Preliminary
evaluation of maximum a-and b-wave amplitudes for high intensity
stimulation with 10 cd.s/m2, and 30 Hz flicker stimulation, also
using 10 cd.s/m2, both under scotopic conditions, did not show any
findings after 14 days of artificial tear composition application
(8 times per day).
[0162] Histopathology Observations
[0163] There were no histopathologic findings after 14 days of
artificial tear composition application (8 times per day)
Example 17
Mixed Micellar Formulations Containing Sugar Additives
[0164] Sugar additives, such as trehalose, mannose, D-galactose and
lactose were added to the various formulations of the present
disclosure and stability studies were carried out at different
temperatures. Sugars were added to the formulations during the
rehydration step (externally), or added prior to the creation of
the thin-film (internally). The formulations were found to be
stable in the presence of the adjuvant sugars.
[0165] Formulations containing decreased concentration of
octoxynol-40 with sugar were also prepared where sugar was added
during the preparation of basic formulation (internally). Studies
were carried out with 0.05% and 0.1% octoxynol-40 and 0.5% and 1.0%
sugar for stability studies. The results obtained during the
studies showed that the formulation remained stable until 35 days
at 30.degree. C.
TABLE-US-00042 TABLE 36 Compositions of formulations (sugars added
internally). Voclosporin 0.2% 0.2% 0.2% 0.2% Vitamin E TPGS 2.5 2.5
2.5 2.5 Octoxynol-40 0.05% 0.1% 0.05% 0.1% Trehalose 0.5% 0.5% 1.0%
1.0% Water up to 100 ml 100 ml 100 ml 100 ml
Method:
[0166] Calculated amounts of drug (about 0.2%, i.e., 200 mg),
vitamin E TPGS (about 2.5%, i.e., 2.5 g) and octoxynol-40 (about
0.05/0.1%, i.e., 50/100 mg) required for 100 mL of the formulation
were weighed. Two hundred milligrams of drug, about 2.5 g of TPGS
and about 50/100 mg of octoxynol-40 were dissolved in about 2 ml,
about 1 ml and about 50/100 .mu.L of 95% ethanol, respectively. For
sugar, about 1 g of trehalose was dissolved in about 4.5 ml of
water/ethanol mixture (about 2.5 ml water+about 2.0 ml ethanol)
separately and mixed with other contents. Same water:ethanol ratio
was used for preparing formulations containing different amounts of
sugar. The mixture was then evaporated under vacuum overnight to
form a thin film. The thin film was then dissolved in about 45 mL
deionized water and sonicated for approximately 45 min to ensure
complete formation of mixed micelles.
[0167] The rehydrating solution containing sodium phosphate,
dibasic (about 0.8092%), sodium phosphate, monobasic (about
0.9287%), sodium chloride (about 0.18%) and the polymer PVP-K 90
(about 1.2%) was prepared by dissolving amounts in about 45 mL of
deionized water. This polymer solution was then added to the
previously prepared micelles in a measuring cylinder and the volume
was made up to about 100 mL with de-ionized water (q.s.). Finally
the pH of the formulation was adjusted with NaOH or HCl to about
6.8. The formulation was sterilized by a nylon membrane filter
(0.22 .mu.m).
[0168] During stability studies, at predetermined time intervals
samples were withdrawn, centrifuged and the supernatant solution
was collected for analysis of drug content.
Results:
[0169] The formulations were found to be clear and transparent at
room temperature before the start of stability studies. Micellar
size observed was in the range of 12-14 nm. Example formulations
with octoxynol-40 and trehalose are as follows:
TABLE-US-00043 TABLE 37A Formulations with sugar additives. Code
Formulation Label B 0.05% OC-40 + 0.5% trehalose C 0.1% OC-40 +
0.5% trehalose E 0.05% OC-40 + 1.0% trehalose F 0.1% OC-40 + 1.0%
trehalose
TABLE-US-00044 TABLE 37B Percentage drug remaining of different
formulations at 30.degree. C. Day 0 2 4 6 8 13 18 25 35 B 100.00
103.11 98.26 98.20 98.72 101.59 98.85 107.14 95.40 C 100.00 98.43
94.55 95.50 96.66 98.65 94.88 93.84 95.21 E 100.00 96.37 97.22
99.04 97.61 99.38 95.88 93.12 91.75 F 100.00 99.54 98.33 100.33
99.00 100.97 95.11 95.79 97.27
Example 18
Ocular Distribution and Pharmacokinetics of 0.2 wt %/vol.
Voclosporin in Mixed Micellar Formulations of the Present
Disclosure
[0170] The purpose of this study was to assess the temporal
distribution and potential accumulation with repeat dosing, gender
difference, and potential melanin binding of a 0.2%
.sup.14C-radiolabeled voclosporin composition (ophthalmic solution)
of the present disclosure after ocular application by determining
radioactivity in ocular tissues, tears, and blood in New Zealand
White (NZW) and Dutch Belted (DB) rabbits.
Methods:
[0171] NZW rabbits (30 females/8 males) were used in a single dose
(SD) and 7-day repeat dose (RD) study (see Table 38). DB rabbits
(16 females) were used in a single dose study (see Table 39).
Animals were either not treated (controls) or given a single or a
daily topical ocular dose for 7 days (35 .mu.L of 0.2%
.sup.14C-voclosporin in a mixed micellar formulation to one or both
eyes). Blood and ocular tissue radioactivity levels were assessed
at designated time points via combustion followed by liquid
scintillation counting. No mortality, morbidity or evidence of
clinical irritation occurred in any of the rabbits.
TABLE-US-00045 TABLE 38 Ocular Tissue Distribution of
.sup.14C-Voclosporin in Mixed Micellar Composition. Group No. of
.sup.14C-Dose Sample Collection Time ID Animals/group
Administration .sup.a Matrices Collected (Time of euthanasia) 1
.sup.b 2 None Tear, Blood, Ocular Pre-dose 2 Tissues/Fluids 2
.sup.c 12 35 .mu.L/eye, once, Tear, Blood, Ocular : 0.5, 1, 2, 4,
8, and 24 hr 6 Ocular (bilateral) Tissues/Fluids : 1, 4, and 24 hr
(SD group) After the dose administration (2 animals/time point) 3 2
35 .mu.L/eye, once, Tear, Blood, Ocular 1 hr after the dose
administration Ocular (unilateral) Tissues/Fluids 4 .sup.d 2 35
.mu.L/eye, once Tear, Blood Ocular Just prior to 7.sup.th dose
administration daily, bilateral for Tissues/Fluids in the next
group 6 days 5 .sup.e 12 35 .mu.L/eye, once Tear, Blood Ocular 0.5,
1, 2, 4, 8, and 24 hr daily, bilateral for Tissues/Fluids after the
last dose administration 7 days (RD group) (2 animals/time point)
.sup.a The topical dose formulation contained 0.2% voclosporin. The
target dose was ~3 .mu.Ci/35 .mu.L and 70 ng voclosporin. .sup.b
Used as predose concentration for Treatment Group 2 (SD group).
.sup.c Used for pharmacokinetic assessment (SD group). .sup.d Used
as predose concentration for Treatment Group 5 (RD group). .sup.e
Used for pharmacokinetic assessment (MD group).
TABLE-US-00046 TABLE 39 Ocular Tissue Distribution of
.sup.14C-voclosporin in Mixed Micellar Composition Group No. of
.sup.14C-Dose Sample Collection Time ID Animals/group
Administration .sup.a Matrices Collected (Time of Euthanasia)
1.sup.b 2 None Tear, Blood, Ocular Pre-dose Tissues/Fluids 2.sup.c
12 35 .mu.L/eye, once, Tear, Blood, Ocular 0.5, 1, 2, 4, 8, and 24
hr Ocular (bilateral) Tissues/Fluids after the dose administration
(SD group) (2 animals/time point) 3 2 35 .mu.L/eye, once, Tear,
Blood, Ocular 1 hr after dose administration Ocular (unilateral)
Tissues/Fluids .sup.a The topical dose formulation contained 0.2%
voclosporin. The target dose was ~3 .mu.Ci/35 .mu.L and 70 ng
voclosporin/dose. .sup.bUsed as predose concentration for Treatment
Group 2 (SD group). .sup.cUsed for pharmacokinetic assessment (SD
group).
[0172] At each sampling point, a t-test was used to compare the
tissue concentrations within or between the two strains of rabbits.
SigmaStat.RTM. 3.5 (Systat, Inc., San Jose, Calif.) was used for
the statistical analyses (p<0.05). Non-compartmental analysis
was performed on the mean tissue .sup.14C-voclosporin
concentration--time data. Pharmacokinetic analysis was performed
using WinNonlin 5.2 (Pharsight, Corporation, Mountain View,
Calif.). C.sub.max and T.sub.max, and where calculable AUC and
t.sub.1/2, were reported.
Pharmacokinetic Parameters:
[0173] Selected pharmacokinetic parameters (C.sub.max, AUC,
T.sub.max, and t.sub.1/2) for .sup.14C-voclosporin-derived
radioactivity are summarized in Tables 40 and 41 for NZW and DB
rabbits, respectively. After a single dose, there was rapid
penetration of drug (measured as radioactivity) into ocular tissues
with the highest concentrations (>1 mg eq/g tissue) occurring in
the eyelids, conjunctiva, cornea, nictitating membrane and tears,
and the lowest concentrations (1-11 ng eq/g tissue) in the aqueous
and vitreous humor, and the lens. The remaining ocular tissues
achieved various levels (20-223 ng eq/g tissue) of voclosporin
and/or related residue. FIG. 2 shows the tissue levels of
.sup.14C-voclosporin after a single (1 day) topical dose of the
0.2% .sup.14C-voclosporin mixed micellar formulation to female New
Zealand White Rabbits. Therapeutic levels of voclosporin were
noticed at the 24-hour mark, supporting once daily (QD) dosing is
possible with the aqueous mixed micellar composition of the
presently disclosed embodiments.
[0174] Following repeat dosing of up to 7 days, based on limited
available information generated in this study (lower bulbar
conjunctiva, nictitating membrane, and upper bulbar conjunctiva),
there was no apparent change in .sup.14C-voclosporin t.sub.1/2 (see
Table 40). All but one blood sample were below the lower limit of
quantification (LLOQ) (3.06 ng eq/mL) in the radioactivity assay.
Notably, single dose administration resulted in therapeutic levels
(higher than 10 ng equivalent drug/gram tissue) in all ocular
tissues (with the exception of aqueous/vitreous humor and lens),
with negligible systemic exposure.
TABLE-US-00047 TABLE 40 Pharmacokinetic Parameters of
.sup.14C-voclosporin-derived radioactivity following a single or
repeat (QD for 7 days), bilateral ocular administration of
.sup.14C-voclosporin in a mixed micellar formulation to female NZW
rabbits. Ocular Tissue(s)/ C.sub.max (ng eq./g) AUC (hr*ng eq./g)
T.sub.max (hr) t.sub.1/2 (hr) Fluids & Blood SD RD Ratio SD RD
Ratio SD RD SD RD Aqueous Humor 6 13 2.3 45 96 2.1 0.5 0.5 -- 14
Choroid/Retina 48 76 1.6 472 897 1.9 1.0 2.0 23 -- Cornea 1203 3382
2.8 23166 54624 2.4 8.0 0.5 -- -- Iris/Ciliary Body 20 119 5.8 382
1952 5.1 24.0 1.0 -- -- Lacrimal Gland 31 120 3.9 416 1109 2.7 2.0
4.0 -- 6 Lens 4 26 6.7 47 356 7.5 24.0 0.5 -- -- Lower Bulbar
Conjunctiva 1810 2929 1.6 12029 16585 1.4 0.5 0.5 10 7 Lower Eyelid
20814 41635 2.0 207630 358791 1.7 1.0 0.5 -- -- Nictitating
Membrane 1716 2468 1.4 12135 15964 1.3 0.5 0.5 7 8 Optic Nerve 83
164 2.0 569 1805 3.2 0.5 0.5 -- 16 Sclera 223 367 1.6 2646 3825 1.4
0.5 0.5 -- 16 Submandibular Lymph Node 74 120 1.6 893 1190 1.3 2.0
2.0 -- -- Tear 20246 30904 1.5 168259 230878 1.4 0.5 0.5 -- 7 Upper
Bulbar Conjunctiva 2235 3170 1.4 14782 19944 1.3 0.5 0.5 7 7 Upper
Eyelid 9896 17500 1.8 114651 98656 0.9 1.0 0.5 -- 4 Vitreous Humor
2 2 1 27 23 0.9 8.0 4.0 -- -- Blood BQL BQL NC NC NC NC NC NC NC NC
SD = Single dose; RD = Repeat Dose; Ratio = Repeat Dose/Single
Dose.; -- = Insufficient tissue concentrations to determine
t.sub.1/2; BQL = Below Quantifiable Limit (<0.1 ng/mL); NC = Not
calculated.
TABLE-US-00048 TABLE 41 Pharmacokinetic Parameters of
.sup.14C-voclosporin-derived radioactivity following a single
bilateral ocular administration of .sup.14C-voclosporin in a mixed
micellar formulation according to the present disclosure to female
DB Rabbits. Ocular Tissue(s)/ C.sub.max T.sub.max t.sub.1/2 AUC
Fluids & Blood (ng eq./g) (hr) (hr) (hr*ng eq./g) Aqueous Humor
11 0.5 -- 56 Choroid/Retina 49 1.0 -- 92 Cornea 1519 8.0 -- 27844
Iris/Ciliary Body 30 24.0 -- 541 Lacrimal Gland 75 1.0 -- 335 Lens
2 24.0 -- 26 Lower Bulbar Conjunctiva 2080 1.0 15 13107 Lower
Eyelid 69055 4.0 -- 512473 Nictitating Membrane 2400 1.0 12 13091
Optic Nerve 192 1.0 16 1127 Sclera 220 1.0 -- 3502 Submandibular
Lymph Node 86 4.0 -- 635 Tear 57476 1.0 -- 262299 Upper Bulbar
Conjunctiva 2491 1.0 14 14296 Upper Eyelid 8245 4.0 -- 68063
Vitreous Humor 1 1.0 -- 16 Blood BQL NC NC NC
TABLE-US-00049 TABLE 42 Comparative C.sub.max of
.sup.14C-voclosporin derived radioactivity in NZW and DB rabbits
after single topical ocular administration of .sup.14C-voclosporin.
New Zealand White Dutch Belted Ocular Tissue(s)/ (Study No. S08861)
(Study No. S08862) Fluids & Blood C.sub.max (ng eq./g)
C.sub.max (ng eq./g) Aqueous humor 6 11 Choroid/Retina 48 49 Cornea
1203 1519 Iris/Ciliary Body 20 30 Lacrimal Gland 31 75 Lens 4 2
Lower Bulbar Conjunctiva 1810 2080 Lower Eyelid 20814 69055
Nictitating membrane 1716 2400 Optic Nerve 83 192 Sclera 223 220
Submandibular Lymph Node 74 86 Tear 20246 57476 Upper Bulbar
Conjunctiva 2235 2491 Upper Eyelid 9896 8245 Vitreous Humor 2 1
Blood BQL BQL
TABLE-US-00050 TABLE 43 Ocular tissues/fluids distribution
(C.sub.max) of .sup.14C-voclosporin in NZW Rabbits.
.sup.14C-voclosporin (0.2%, .sup.14C- voclosporin aqueous solution)
Once a day Ocular Tissue(s)/ Single dose (QD) 7 Days Fluids &
Blood C.sub.max (ng eq./g).sup.a C.sub.max (ng eq./g).sup.a Aqueous
humor 6 13 Choroid/Retina 48 76 Cornea 1203 3382 Iris/Ciliary Body
20 119 Lacrimal Gland 31 120 Lens 4 26 Lower Conjunctiva 1810 2929
Lower Eyelid 20814 41635 Nictitating membrane 1716 2468 Optic Nerve
83 164 Sclera 223 367 Submandibular Lymph Node 74 120 Tear 20246
30904 Upper Conjunctiva 2235 3170 Upper Eyelid 9896 17500 Vitreous
Humor 2 2 Blood BQL BQL
[0175] FIGS. 3A-D show mean ocular tissue concentrations of
.sup.14C-voclosporin after a single (1 day) or repeat (7 days),
bilateral, once daily, topical dose of the 0.2%
.sup.14C-voclosporin mixed micellar formulation to female New
Zealand White Rabbits (FIG. 3A, cornea; FIG. 3B, iris/ciliary body;
FIG. 3C, lacrimal gland; and FIG. 3D, lens).
[0176] FIGS. 4A-D show mean ocular tissue concentrations of
.sup.14C-voclosporin after a single (1 day) or repeat (7 days),
bilateral, once daily, topical dose of the 0.2%
.sup.14C-voclosporin mixed micellar formulation to female New
Zealand White Rabbits (FIG. 4A, lower conjunctiva; FIG. 4B, lower
eyelid; FIG. 4C, nictitating membrane; and FIG. 4D, sclera).
[0177] FIGS. 5A-D show mean ocular tissue and fluid concentrations
of .sup.14C-voclosporin after a single (1 day) or repeat (7 days),
bilateral, once daily, topical dose of the 0.2%
.sup.14C-voclosporin mixed micellar formulation to female New
Zealand White Rabbits (FIG. 5A, upper conjunctiva; FIG. 5B, upper
eyelid; FIG. 5C, aqueous humor; and FIG. 5D, vitreous humor).
[0178] FIGS. 6A-D show mean ocular tissue and fluid concentrations
of .sup.14C-voclosporin after a single (1 day) or repeat (7 days),
bilateral, once daily, topical dose of the 0.2%
.sup.14C-voclosporin mixed micellar formulation to female New
Zealand White Rabbits (FIG. 6A, tears; FIG. 6B, lymph node; FIG.
6C, optic nerve; and FIG. 6D, choroid/retina).
[0179] FIG. 7 is a graph showing C.sub.max values of
.sup.14C-voclosporin after repeat (7 day), bilateral, once daily,
topical dose of the 0.2% .sup.14C-voclosporin mixed micellar
formulation to female New Zealand White Rabbits.
Potential Accumulation of .sup.14C-Voclosporin-Derived
Radioactivity:
[0180] Ocular exposure to .sup.14C-voclosporin ocular exposure was
increased 2.8 to 6.7 fold in cornea, lacrimal gland, iris/ciliary
body and lens after 7 days of once daily, bilateral ocular
administration of .sup.14C-voclosporin (35 .mu.L, 70 ng) (see Table
40). After multiple dosing (see Tables 40-43 and FIGS. 3-7), even
though the C.sub.max-repeat dose: C.sub.max-single dose ratio was
elevated in selected tissues, the overall levels of voclosporin
were well below the surface tissue levels indicating minimal tissue
accumulation. Also, comparable t.sub.1/2 after single or repeat
dosing strongly suggested minimal tissue accumulation.
Potential for Melanin Binding:
[0181] Following a single dose of .sup.14C-voclosporin to DB
rabbits, ocular tissue concentrations (e.g., C.sub.max) were not
significantly different from NZW rabbits, suggesting a lack of
melanin binding (see Table 42).
[0182] High levels of drug are achievable with one topical
application (single dose) of the compositions of the present
disclosure. More particularly, high drug levels were maintained in
ocular tissues for up to, and beyond, 24 hours post-administration,
suggesting that QD (once daily) dosing is achievable using the
compositions of the present disclosure. The concentration of drug
is high in tissues in the front of the eye (cornea, conjunctiva,
sclera) and at the back of the eye (retina, optic nerve) but
minimal in the middle of the eye (aqueous and vitreous humor),
suggesting transport of the drug by a mechanism other than passive
transport through the eye. The high drug levels achieved at the
back of the eye make topical administration of the compositions of
the present disclosure feasible for the treatment of diseases of
the back-of-the-eye (e.g., retinal, diseases involving optic nerve
such as glaucoma). Various water-insoluble drugs can be used with
the compositions of the present disclosure, including, but not
limited to, calcineurin and mTOR inhibitors. Very high levels,
especially in target tissues such as lachrymal gland, have been
shown with the compositions of the present disclosure.
[0183] Concentrations of .sup.14C-voclosporin-derived radioactivity
(ng eq/g tissue) that exceeded therapeutic levels (.gtoreq.10 ng
eq/g tissue) were measured in all ocular tissues except in the lens
and ocular fluids (aqueous humor, vitreous humor) after single and
repeat ocular applications. Blood levels were at the lower limit of
quantification (LLOQ) suggesting minimal systemic exposure, and
there was minimal distribution of .sup.14C-voclosoporin to the
contralateral, non-treated eye, likely due to the grooming behavior
of animals.
[0184] Ocular exposure to .sup.14C-voclosporin in the mixed
micellar formulation of the present disclosure, as demonstrated by
C.sub.max and AUC, varied widely among the ocular tissues.
.sup.14C-voclosporin exposure was highest in the ocular adnexa and
exterior tissues (cornea, sclera, lower bulbar conjunctiva, lower
eyelid, nictitating membrane, upper bulbar conjunctiva and upper
eyelid) and tears, and lowest in the interior ocular tissues and
fluids (vitreous humor, lens, aqueous humor); and in the middle
range in the iris/ciliary body, lacrimal gland, submandibular lymph
nodes, choroid/retina and optic nerve. Most ocular tissue levels
thus exceed the 10 ng eq/g level needed for the biologic
effect.
[0185] After once a day, daily ocular applications of
.sup.14C-voclosporin in a mixed micellar formulation for 7 days,
concentrations of .sup.14C-voclosporin in target tissues (e.g.,
conjunctiva, cornea, and lacrimal gland) remained at therapeutic
levels even at the 24-hour mark, supporting once daily (QD) dosing
is possible with an aqueous mixed micellar composition of the
presently disclosed embodiments.
[0186] All patents, patent applications, and published references
cited herein are hereby incorporated by reference in their
entirety. It will be appreciated that various of the
above-disclosed and other features and functions, or alternatives
thereof, may be desirably combined into many other different
systems or applications. Various presently unforeseen or
unanticipated alternatives, modifications, variations, or
improvements therein may be subsequently made by those skilled in
the art which are also intended to be encompassed by the following
claims.
* * * * *