Formoterol superfine formulation

Abstract

The present invention relates to a pharmaceutical formulation for use in the administration of a long-acting β2-agonist by inhalation. In particular this invention relates to a chemically stable highly efficient formoterol HFA solution formulation to be administered by pressurised metered dose inhalers (pMDIs) characterized by a deep lung penetration. The invention also relates to methods for the preparation of said formulation and to its use in respiratory diseases such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0001] The present invention relates to a pharmaceutical formulation for use in the administration of a long-acting β2-agonist by inhalation. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] Asthma is a disease which is becoming more prevalent and is the most common disease of childhood. It can be identified by recurrent wheeze and intermittent air flow limitation. Despite many advances in its understanding, said pathology remains a poorly understood and often poorly treated disease. Previously, contraction of airway smooth muscles has been regarded as the most important feature of asthma. Recently there has been a marked change in the way asthma is managed, stemming from the fact that asthma is recognized as a chronic inflammatory disease. Uncontrolled airway inflammation may lead to mucosal damage and structural changes giving irreversible narrowing of the airways and fibrosis of the lung tissue. Therapy should therefore be aimed at controlling symptoms so that normal lif...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0032] Moreover, it has been found that the total systemic exposure corresponding to the fraction of drug absorbed through the lung plus the amount swallowed and absorbed through the gut is slightly inferior to that of the reference formulation, making the formulation of the invention potentially better tolerated.

[0054] In view of its technical feature of providing on actuation a fraction of particles with an aerodynamic diameter of less than 1.1 micron, of at least 30%, the formulation of the invention can be particularly effective for the treatment of asthma, COPD and, generally, of airway obstruction conditions wherein the pathology is associated with mucus hypersecretion which hinders the diffusion of the drug.

Problems solved by technology

Despite many advances in its understanding, said pathology remains a poorly understood and often poorly treated disease.

Uncontrolled airway inflammation may lead to mucosal damage and structural changes giving irreversible narrowing of the airways and fibrosis of the lung tissue.

The first generation drugs such as salbutamol or fenoterol were characterized by a relatively short duration of action which has been considered as a disadvantage particularly for patients with nocturnal asthma.

Moreover, they have limited effects in COPD, since this disease involves ‘irreversible’ airways obstruction.

In fact, particles having aerodynamic diameters of greater than about 5 microns generally do not reach the lung since they tend to impact the back of the throat and are swallowed and possibly orally absorbed, while particles smaller than 1.5 (2.0) micron, i.e., about 0.5 to about 2 microns, capable of reaching the alveolar region, have been considered undesirable because they can be absorbed into the bloodstream and might enhance the undesired systemic effects of the drugs.

Images