Pharmaceutical composition comprising a processed faecal composition

Abstract

Pharmaceutical composition in the form of a capsule for oral administration comprising a encapsulated processed faecal composition that comprises faecal microbiota, characterized in that, the processed faecal composition is a powdered lyophilized faecal composition that is encapsulated with a coating shell which is a pH responsive polymer composition and may dissolve or provide a delayed release of the processed faecal composition to the intestine, and wherein the processed faecal composition comprises faecal microbiota comprising colony forming units (CPU) and equal to or less than 1% of human DNA with respect to the total DNA. Method of preparation of the pharmaceutical composition.

Description

[0001] DESCRIPTION

[0002] Pharmaceutical composition comprising a processed faecal composition

[0003] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0004] The present invention relates to a pharmaceutical composition that comprises a processed faecal composition and to faecal microbiota transplantation.

[0005] PRIOR ART

[0006] There are diseases and infections that cause an imbalance or elimination of the intestinal microbiota, leading to a worsening of symptoms and the respective disease.

[0007] For example, Clostridium difficile bacteria is the main pathogen responsible for diarrhea associated with the previous use of antibiotics in health centers in developed countries and an increasingly common cause of community diarrhea. Although it usually presents with mild diarrhea, it can also cause serious symptoms such as pseudomembranous colitis, toxic megacolon, septic shock, and, in extreme cases, death. The epidemiology of Clostridium difficile infection (GDI) has changed dramatically in recent decades, and it has become a major global health problem.

[0008] The main risks of GDI are exposure to antibiotics (especially clindamycin, cephalosporins, beta-lactams and fluoroquinolones), prolonged hospitalization, admission to an intensive care unit, physical proximity to infected individuals, advanced age (older age 65), severity of other underlying diseases, immunosuppression, poor immune response to CD toxins, nonsurgical gastrointestinal procedures and use of antacids.

[0009] The risk of recurrence ranges from 20% after the initial infection to 60% after multiple recurrences, with the recurrence rate being similar in nosocomial or community-acquired infections.

[0010] Implanting or administering of human colonic microbiota into the intestine of a patient with GDI, is known in the prior art, as well as infusions of microbiota through a colonoscope, an enema, or via a nasojejunal tube in the form of homogenized stool or extracts of homogenized stool.

[0011] The document “Successful Resolution of Recurrent Clostridium Difficile Infection Using Freeze-Dried, Encapsulated Faecal Microbiota; Pragmatic Cohort Study." Am J Gastroenterol 112, no. 6 (Jun 2017): 940-47, describes the use of encapsulated lyophilized faecal microbiota, with a dose of 2.1-2.5x1011bacteria in 2 or 3 capsules in patients with recurrent CDI. 88% of the treated patients achieved a clinical success, defined as no recurrence of CDI over 2 months.

[0012] According to the “Clinical Practice Guideline by the Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA) and Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America (SHEA): 2021 Focused Update Guidelines on Management of Clostridioides difficile Infection in Adults”, the opinion of the panel is that appropriate antibiotic treatments for at least 2 recurrences (ie, 3 CDI episodes) should be tried before offering faecal microbiota transplantation.

[0013] CN110721202A, WO2011033310A1 and WO2012016287A2 disclose a freeze-dried or lyophilized faeces encapsulated in an enteric capsule for use in the treatment of infection by Clostridium difficile.

[0014] DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

[0015] The object of the invention is to provide a pharmaceutical composition, as defined in the claims.

[0016] A first aspect of the invention relates to a pharmaceutical composition comprising processed faecal composition that comprises faecal microbiota comprising colony forming units (CFU) and a percentage equal to or less than 1 % of human DNA with respect to the total DNA. The pharmaceutical composition is in the form of a capsule for oral administration, comprising the processed faecal composition, wherein the processed faecal composition is a powdered lyophilized faecal composition. The processed faecal composition is encapsulated with a coating shell, which is a pH responsive polymer composition and may dissolve or provide a delayed release of the processed faecal composition to the intestine of the patient, preferably in the large intestine and / or colon. A second aspect of the invention relates to the pharmaceutical composition defined above for use as a medicament.

[0017] Another aspect of the invention relates to the pharmaceutical composition defined above for use in the treatment and / or prevention of GDI.

[0018] Another aspect of the invention relates to a method for the manufacturing of the pharmaceutical composition defined above comprising the following steps: a collecting step of stool from a donor or donors, the stool comprising the following characteristics: i. absence of liquid, this liquid being selected from non-intrinsic water of the stool, urine and / or blood, and ii. normal consistency on the Bristol scale; a homogenisation and disaggregation step of the stool of the previous step in isotonic saline solution, preferably in NaCI; a filtration step of the homogenised and disaggregated stool to remove particles of size >500 pm: a centrifugation step of the filtered stool to obtain a sediment that comprises the faecal microbiota; an adding step of a solution of a cryoprotectant to the sediment; a lyophilization step of the sediment obtained in the previous step; a grinding step of the lyophilized sediment to obtain a homogeneous powder, preferably with a powder particle diameter between 100 pm and 500 pm; and an encapsulation step of the powder in enteric release capsule, preferably in size 0 enteric release capsule, preferably with an average powder content of 250 ± 10% mg / capsule.

[0019] The stool or the homogeneous powder comprises colony forming units, preferably the colony forming units comprising Bacteroidetes and / or Firmicutes, and a percentage equal to or less than 1 % of human DNA with respect to the total DNA.

[0020] The efficacy of the treatment depends on the quality and characteristics of the pharmaceutical composition and its pharmaceutical form. On one hand, the processed faecal composition is obtained from donor stool samples. Inventors have observed that the quality and purity of the microbiota in the stool or faecal sample could change depending on the donor's health. It is important to use donor stool or faecal samples that are free of human cells, as the presence of human cells in the stool or faecal sample is indicative of a disease or intestinal imbalance in the donor, having a negative impact on the microbiota and / or efficacy of the treatment of the disease or infection. The presence of human cells is indirectly measured by quantifying the human DNA in the stool or the processed faecal composition sample. On the other hand, for better efficacy, it is not enough to merely administer microbiota, it is essential to administer microbiota with colony forming units capable of colonizing patient's intestine.

[0021] As shown in example 10, the developed pharmaceutical composition provides a higher clinical benefit in cases of GDI, potentially reducing the need for antibiotics. In cases of recurrent GDI, the invention demonstrated superior efficacy compared to standard treatment. Altogether, the invention represents an effective, safe, easy to administer, accessible, and low-risk treatment for GDI.

[0022] These and other advantages and features of the invention will become apparent from the drawings and the detailed description of the invention.

[0023] DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] Figure 1 represents a graph of the percentage of recurrences of patients with primary or recurrent GDI with non-previous antibiotic treatment, comparing pharmaceutical composition according to one embodiment of the invention with fidaxomicin.

[0025] DETAILED DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

[0026] The pharmaceutical composition developed by the inventors is in the form of oral capsule comprising a processed faecal composition that comprises faecal microbiota. The processed faecal composition is a powdered, lyophilized faecal material. It is encapsulated within a coating shell made of a pH responsive polymer, which enables dissolution or delayed release of the composition in the intestine, preferably in the large intestine and / or colon. The processed faecal composition comprises faecal microbiota or cells with viable colony forming units (CFU), and a proportion of human DNA equal to or less than 1 % respect to the total DNA present in the processed faecal composition, preferably between 0% and 1 %. The human DNA comes from human cells from the donor, considered as impurities of the processed faecal composition, and it is calculated according to the following formula:

[0027] % Human DNA= 100 x quantity of Human DNA (ng) I quantity of Total DNA (ng)

[0028] In the context of the invention, “viable” means possessing the ability to multiply.

[0029] In the context of the invention, “colony forming units” (CFU) refers to an estimate of the number of viable microorganism cells in a given sample. In the context of the invention, the viability of CFU is monitored as a function of forming colonies of microorganisms.

[0030] In the context of the invention, “the processed faecal composition” means the faecal or stool sample that has been processed to obtain a concentrated faecal microbiota, for example, through filtration or by following the steps described in the method for manufacturing the composition of the invention. The processed faecal composition is also known as intestinal microbiota.

[0031] In the context of the invention, “microbiota” refers to a community of microorganims that live on or within a subject’s body, both sustainably and transiently, including eukaryotes, archaea, bacteria, and viruses (including bacterial viruses (i.e., phage)). A “faecal microbiota” refers specifically to the microbial community present in a subject’s faeces or stool.

[0032] In the context of the invention, unless indicated otherwise, percent concentration refers to weight-to-weight percent (% w / w).

[0033] “Pharmaceutical composition" refers to a composition obtained from the processing, mixing and / or combination of one or more ingredients to obtain a final form, independently of wether the product comprising the pharmaceutical composition is classified, as a medicament, a substance of human origin (SoHO) product or any other regulatory category depending on applicable regulatory frameworks.

[0034] In a particular embodiment, the processed faecal composition comprises at least 50% of colony forming units per gram of processed faecal composition respect to the total microorganisms present in the processed faecal composition, preferably being the colony forming units of Bacteroidetes and / or Firmicutes. In a preferred embodiment, at least 50% of colony forming units per gram of processed faecal composition comprises between 20% and 80% of Bacteroidetes and / or between 20% and 80% of Firmicutes.

[0035] The pharmaceutical composition comprises the processed faecal microbiota with pharmaceutically acceptable excipients or carriers, for administration to a subject in need of treatment and / or prevention, including human subjects. A person skilled in the art can determine which additional components may be included, if necessary, many of which are commonly used in pharmaceutical compositions.

[0036] The expression “pharmaceutically acceptable excipients or carriers” refers to materials, compositions, or vehicles that are compatible with the other ingredients of the pharmaceutical composition. Each component must be suitable for use in contact with human and animal tissues or organs, without causing excessive toxicity, irritation, allergic reactions, immunogenicity, or other complications, as judged by a reasonable risk-benefit ratio.

[0037] In a particular embodiment, the processed faecal composition of the pharmaceutical composition comprises faecal microbiota, a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, and a pharmaceutically acceptable cryoprotectant, wherein the faecal microbiota is between 30% and 75% by weight, the salt is between 1% and 20% by weight, and the cryoprotectant is between 20% and 50% by weight.

[0038] In a preferred embodiment, the processed faecal composition of the pharmaceutical composition consists of faecal microbiota, a pharmaceutically acceptable salt and a pharmaceutically acceptable cryoprotectant, wherein the faecal microbiota is between 30% and 75% by weight, the salt is between 1% and 20% by weight, and the cryoprotectant is between 20% and 50% by weight. This composition, itself, implies the use of non-toxic excipients that promote better treatment.

[0039] Regarding the pharmaceutically acceptable salt, there are no limitations on the types of salts that can be used, as long as they are pharmaceutically acceptable for use for therapeutic purposes. In a preferred embodiment, the compound of the invention is preferably a chloride salt, preferably sodium chloride. The sodium chloride helps to maintain the cell osmolarity, therefore, the viability of the microbiota during the production of the pharmaceutical composition of the invention. Regarding the pharmaceutically acceptable cryoprotectant, this cryoprotectant can be selected, without limitation, from trehalose, lactose, maltose, sucrose, or any other saccharide or not, which acts as a cryoprotectant and / or lyoprotectant, preferably being trehalose. The cryoprotectant favors microbiota stabilization during the freezing process of the lyophilization process. In a preferred embodiment, the faecal composition comprises trehalose as a cryoprotectant.

[0040] In the context of the invention, a “cryoprotectant” refers to a substance added to a formulation to protect an active ingredient during freezing.

[0041] Lyophilization allows the production of a dry powder containing the faecal microbiota, which provides greater stability than faecal microbiota in suspension. This is because the removal of moisture minimized or prevents the proliferation of microorganism in the processed faecal sample, thereby reducing microbiota degradation. In one embodiment, the powdered faecal composition comprises powder particle diameter or size between 100 pm and 500 pm, measured by the sieving method.

[0042] In a preferred embodiment, the weight of the processed faecal composition is 250 mg per capsule, preferably with a faecal microbiota concentration ranging between 0,5 x 1011and 0,6 x 1011cells per capsule.

[0043] Regarding the encapsulation, in a preferred embodiment, the processed faecal composition is single encapsulated with one coating shell, the one coating shell comprising polymers selected from hypromellose and / or acetate succinate and / or water-insoluble (meth)acrylate copolymer, and / or hydroxypropyl methyl propylcellulose and / or their derivatives and / or mixtures thereof, preferably, hypromellose. This encapsulation has been demonstrated a delayed release of the processed faecal composition to the intestine, after the oral administration of the capsule.

[0044] To improve the stability of the capsule, in a preferred embodiment, the pharmaceutical composition is packaged in a high-density polyethylene container with a tamper-proof cap. This container is further enclosed within an airtight, three-layer pouch of polyethylene, aluminium, and low-density polystyrene. This packaging has demonstrated a better stability of the pharmaceutical composition. By creating anaerobic conditions, it helps to minimize or prevent the proliferation of microbiota. Another aspect of the invention relates to the pharmaceutical composition defined above for use as a medicament.

[0045] Another aspect of the invention relates to the pharmaceutical composition defined above for use in a method for the treatment and / or prevention of infections caused by Clostridium difficile.

[0046] In the context of the invention, the term “prevention or treatment” means the administration of the pharmaceutical composition according to the invention to preserve the health of a patient who is suffering or who is at risk of suffering a disease or an infection described above or in other embodiments. Said terms also include the administration of the pharmaceutical composition according to the invention to prevent, improve, alleviate or eliminate one or more symptoms associated with GDI or other diseases or infections described in other embodiments. In the context of this invention, the term “improve” is understood to mean any improvement of the symptoms of the treated patient, that is either a subjective improvement (how the patient feels) or an objective improvement (measured parameters).

[0047] In a preferred embodiment, the capsule is administered orally within a non-aqueous medium or vehicle, in order to minimize or avoid the dissolution of the capsule outside the intestine and avoid the degradation of the faecal microbiota before reaching the intestine. In a particular embodiment, the invention relates to a kit comprising the pharmaceutical composition of the invention together with a non-aqueous medium or vehicle, such as gelatin or gelled water, that maintains the stability of the product.

[0048] In a preferred embodiment, the faecal microbiota of the pharmaceutical composition is provided at a single dose of > 2 x 1011cells of microorganism, preferably between 2 x 1011and 2,4 x 1011cells to a patient with a GDI. In a preferred embodiment, the dose is provided with 4 capsules that add up to a single dose between 2 x 1011and 2,4 x 1011cells of microbiota or microorganism.

[0049] In a preferred embodiment, the pharmaceutical composition is for use in a method for treating an infection of CD in a patient or in a subject in need thereof, preferably a primary infection of CD, wherein the patient or the subject in need thereof has not been treated with an antibiotic, or at least in the last 48 hours to 4 weeks, preferably within the last 1 to 4 weeks, more preferably within the last 2 to 4 weeks, and even more preferably for the treatment of a disease different from GDI, prior to administration of the composition. In the context of the invention, primary infection of CD refers to the first time a person is infected with this bacterium.

[0050] In one embodiment, features above regarding use and / or dose may be extended to any other form of the composition, as described in the section of the invention relating to the preparation or manufacture of a composition of processed faecal composition.

[0051] As it can be seen in example 10, the effectiveness of the treatment is better in those patients that have not been treated with an antibiotic before.

[0052] Another aspect of the invention relates to the pharmaceutical composition defined above for use in the treatment and / or prevention of acute diverticulitis, preferably, recurrent acute diverticulitis, and more preferably, when three or more episodes compatible with a diagnosis of acute diverticulitis of the left colon or sigma in the last three years before the treatment with the composition.

[0053] In a preferred embodiment, the method of treatment comprises administering the pharmaceutical composition to a patient with acute diverticulitis, preferably recurrent acute diverticulitis. In a preferred embodiment, the pharmaceutical composition is for use in a method for treating acute diverticulitis, preferably recurrent acute diverticulitis in a patient or in a subject in need thereof.

[0054] In a preferred embodiment, the faecal microbiota of the composition is provided at initial dose of 20 capsules (approximately 5 g of lyophilized powder, corresponding to about 42 g of donor stool), considering that each gram of lyophilized powder contains > 2 x 1011microorganisms, preferably between 2 x 1011and 2,4 x 1011microorganisms. This would result in a total dose of 10 x 1011microorganisms for a patient with acute diverticulitis. In a preferred embodiment, a second dose of 20 capsules is provided three months after the first dose.

[0055] The recurrence of acute diverticulitis episodes is reduced due to the restoration of a balanced intestinal microbiota.

[0056] In one embodiment, the features above regarding use and / or dose may be extended to any other pharmaceutical form of the composition, as described in the section of the invention relating to the preparation or manufacture of a composition of processed faecal composition.

[0057] Another aspect of the invention relates to the pharmaceutical composition defined above for use in the treatment and / or prevention of decompensated cirrhosis. This term refers to the advanced stage of cirrhosis in which the liver is no longer able to perform its functions properly, leading to complications such as ascites, hepatic encephalopathy, or bleeding.

[0058] In a preferred embodiment, the method of treatment comprises administering the pharmaceutical composition to a patient with decompensated cirrhosis. In a preferred embodiment, the pharmaceutical composition is for use in a method for treating decompensated cirrhosis, preferably decompensated cirrhosis in a patient or in a subject in need thereof.

[0059] In a preferred embodiment, the faecal microbiota of the pharmaceutical composition is provided at initial dose of 24 capsules (approximately 6 g of lyophilized powder, corresponding to about 50 g of donor stool), considering that each gram of lyophilized powder contains > 2 x 1011microorganisms, preferably between 2 x 1011and 2,4 x 1011microorganisms. This would result in a total dose of 12 x 1011microorganisms for a patient with decompensated cirrhosis. In a preferred embodiment, a second dose of 24 capsules is provided three months after the first dose.

[0060] In a preferred embodiment, the capsule is administered orally within a non-aqueous medium or vehicle, in order to minimize or avoid the dissolution of the capsule out of the intestine and avoid the degradation of the faecal microbiota before reaching the intestine.

[0061] In one embodiment, features above regarding use and / or dose may be extended to any other pharmaceutical form of the pharmaceutical composition, as described in the section of the invention relating to the preparation or manufacture of a pharmaceutical composition of processed faecal composition.

[0062] Cirrhosis is associated with significant intestinal dysbiosis that contributes to systemic and hepatic inflammation, favouring disease progression and complications. The composition of the invention restores intestinal microbial balance, improving the functionality of the gut-liver axis. The composition of the invention slows disease progression, prevents new episodes of decompensation, reduces systemic inflammation, and decreases mortality by preventing bacterial translocation and restoring intestinal homeostasis.

[0063] Another aspect of the invention relates to a method of preparation or manufacturing of a pharmaceutical composition of processed faecal composition, preferably, of a pharmaceutical composition of the invention, comprising the following steps: a) collecting step of stool from a donor or donors, the stool comprising the following characteristics: i. absence of liquid, this liquid being selected from non-intrinsic water of the stool, urine and / or blood, and ii. normal consistency on the Bristol scale; b) homogenisation and disaggregation step of the stool of the previous step in an isotonic saline solution, preferably in NaCI; c) filtration step of the homogenised and disaggregated stool in order to remove particles of size >500 pm: d) centrifugation step of the filtered stool of the previous step to obtain a sediment that comprises the faecal microbiota; e) step of adding a solution of a cryoprotectant to the sediment, preferably 5% w / v of cryoprotectant in saline solution, in a 1 :1 ratio to the volume of sediment; f) lyophilization step of the sediment obtained in the previous step; g) grinding step of the lyophilized sediment in order to obtain a homogeneous powder, preferably with a powder particle diameter between 100 pm and 500 pm; and h) encapsulation step of the powder in enteric release capsule, preferably in size 0 enteric release capsule, preferably with an average powder content of 250 ± 10 % mg / capsule; wherein the stool or the homogeneous powder to be encapsulated comprises colony forming units, preferably the colony forming units comprising Bacteroidetes and / or Firmicutes, and a percentage of human DNA equal to or less than 1 % with respect to the total DNA.

[0064] In the context of the invention, “non-intrinsic water of the stool” means any water that exceeds the water normally present in stool. This excess water is visually perceptible or noticeable.

[0065] In the context of the invention, “lyophilization” refers to the process of drying a material by first freezing it and then encouraging the ice within it to sublimate in a vacuum environment. Regarding the Bristol stool scale, it is a visual table used in medicine, intended to classify the shape of human stool into seven groups. It was developed by Ken W. Heaton and Stephen J. Lewis at the University of Bristol and was first published in the Scandinavian Journal of Gastroenterology in 1997 (Lewis SJ, Heaton KW (1997). «Stool form scale as a useful guide to intestinal transit time». Scandinavian Journal of Gastroenterology, 32(9): 920-4). In the context of the invention, normal consistency applies to types 2 / 3 to type 5 of the Bristol scale.

[0066] As a result of any step b to g, a processed faecal composition is obtained. In a preferred embodiment, the processed faecal composition is obtained as a result of steps b to g. The processed faecal composition may also be used in another pharmaceutical form, for example, resuspending processed faecal powder and in a liquid format for tube administration.

[0067] As a quality control measure, the method comprises a determination or quantification step of the percentage of human cells as impurities. In a preferred embodiment, the determination or quantification step of the percentage of human cells as impurities comprises quantifying the % of human DNA respect the total DNA present in the stool to be processed or in the processed faecal composition, according to the following formula:

[0068] % Human DNA= 100 x quantity of Human DNA (ng) I quantity of Total DNA (ng)

[0069] For calculating the % Human DNA, in a preferred embodiment, DNA is extracted from the stool or at least one sample of the processed faecal composition, preferably from 1 gr of stool or at least one sample of the processed faecal composition, preferably from the stool sample obtained in step c). Therefore, the % human DNA may be calculated per gram of stool or processed faecal composition. The total DNA is quantified preferably by spectrofluorometry and, the human DNA present is quantified, preferably by quantitative PCR, using probes against a human DNA standard with a known quantity of human DNA. In this way, the percentage of human DNA respect to the total DNA detected in the sample is calculated.

[0070] The measure of the percentage of human cells or human DNA in the stool can be used also as a screening measure of a donor. Therefore, in one embodiment, the method comprises a quantification step of the percentage of human cells or human DNA of the stool in a collecting step of stool from a donor, being the stool approved if it comprises a percentage of human DNA equal to or less than 1 % with respect to the total DNA present in the stool. In one embodiment, the donors are healthy donors, understood as those who are eligible according to any faecal microbiota transplant guidelines in clinical practice, such as the British Society of Gastroenterology (BSG) and Healthcare Infection Society (HIS) guidelines (Mullish BH, Quraishi MN, Segal JP, et al. Gut 2018;67:1920-1941) or the “International consensus conference on stool banking for faecal microbiota transplantation in clinical practice” (Cammarota G, laniro G, Kelly CR, et al. Gut 2019;68:2111-2121).

[0071] The method of preparation of the invention allows the reproducibility of batches, the stability and viability of the faecal microbiota during the storage and oral administration of the pharmaceutical composition.

[0072] Regarding the method of preparation of the pharmaceutical composition of the invention, the technical features described in the various embodiments of the pharmaceutical composition of the invention apply to this aspect of the invention giving rise to its various embodiments.

[0073] Some illustrative examples which clearly show the features and advantages of the invention are described below. However, these examples must not be interpreted as limiting the object of the invention as defined in the claims.

[0074] Example 1 : Preparation of the pharmaceutical composition according to one embodiment of the invention:

[0075] The following method has been followed for the preparation of different batches of pharmaceutical composition according to one embodiment of the invention: a) Obtaining of stool from healthy donor or donors, the stool having the following characteristics: absence of liquid which consists of water, urine, and / or blood, and normal consistency on the Bristol scale. b) Homogenisation and disaggregation of the stool of the previous step in NaCI solution. c) Filtration of the homogenised and disaggregated of the stool to remove particles of size > 500 pm. d) Centrifugation of the filtered stool of the previous step to obtain the sediment that comprises the faecal microbiota. e) Addition of a solution of a cryoprotectant (trehalose), in 5 % of solution of cryoprotectant in saline, in a 1 :1 ratio to the volume of sediment. f) Deep freezing step at temperature ± -80 °C and lyophilization step of the previous sediment. g) Grinding step of the lyophilized sediment to obtain a homogeneous powder with a powder particle diameter between 100 pm and 500 pm; and h) Encapsulation step of the powder in gastro-resistant capsule with an average powder content of 250 ± 10 % mg / capsule.

[0076] The composition of the powder obtained after freeze-drying of the batches manufactured was determined by weighing difference and the results vary in the following ranges by weight:

[0077] Faecal microbiota from 34.37 % to 72.84 %.

[0078] Salt (NaCI) from 4.13 % to 17.37 %.

[0079] Cryoprotectant from 23.03 % to 48.26 %. of human cells the % of human

[0080] DNA with to the total DNA

[0081] For this purpose, DNA is extracted from a sample of the homogenised stool sample of each batch, the total DNA has been quantified by spectrofluorometry and the human DNA present has been quantified by quantitative PCR, using taqman™ probes, against a human DNA standard with a known quantity. In this way, the percentage of human DNA respect to the total DNA detected in the sample has been established.

[0082] The results obtained with the analysed samples taken from stage c) of example 1 in terms of the percentage of human cells considered as impurities, expressed as % of human DNA with respect to total DNA detected in the sample, vary between 0,0047 % - 0,8480 %. Samples obtained from 73 batches according to example 1 have been analysed. Example 3: Determination of the number of total microorganisms by direct microscopic counting or automated counting by an automated counter, after labelling the cells with fluorochromes:

[0083] The results obtained with the analysed samples of homogenised stool, regarding the Logarithm of the number of total microorganisms / g of starting material (taken from stage c) of example 1 , varied between 11 ,15 and 12,32.

[0084] Example 4: Determination of the number of colony forming units (CFU) by culturing aerobic and anaerobic microorganisms in general media.

[0085] The results obtained in terms of the percentage of colony forming units (CFU's) per gram of homogenised stool with respect to the number of total microorganisms per gram of homogenised stool varied between 77.82 % and 92.24%.

[0086] Example 5: Analysis of bacterial composition:

[0087] The bacterial composition of each donor's stool is characterised to show: 20-80 % Bacteroidetes and 20-80 % Firmicutes.

[0088] For this purpose, the stool sample is collected in a vial containing a DNA stabilizer solution. DNA is extracted from this sample, amplified, and subjected to mass seguencing of the 16S gene. The seguencing results obtained are compared with bibliographic databases to determine the species present in the sample. These species are classified into their corresponding Phyla.

[0089] The Phylum classification of stool samples was:

[0090] Example 6: Determination of the number of total microorganisms by direct microscopic counting or automated counting by an automated counter, after labelling the cells with fluorochromes:

[0091] The results obtained regarding the number of total microorganisms / g of powdered lyophilised faecal composition, i.e. number of total microorganisms per dose, vary between 1 ,59 x 1012- 9,72 x 1012cells.

[0092] This translates into a total number of microorganisms of between 3,82 x 1011- 3,49 x 1012per capsule of final product with 250 ± 10% mg per capsule.

[0093] Example 7: Determination of the number of colony forming units (CFU) by culturing aerobic and anaerobic microorganisms in general media of processed faecal composition:

[0094] The results obtained in terms of the percentage of colony forming units (CFU's) / g of processed faecal composition that have been lyophilised and encapsulated, with respect to the number of total microorganisms / g of processed faecal composition vary between 57,35 - 82,26 %.

[0095] Example 8: Stability study

[0096] In the stability study carried out with the composition in the form of a capsule as described above, the product has been tested after storage for 0, 3, 4 and 6 months under refrigerated conditions (2-8°C).

[0097] The analyses carried out during each stability time are as follows: Quantification of total microorganisms and guantification of viable microorganisms. The maximum storage period of the product (Expiry Date) has been determined when it reaches the established activity loss limits:

[0098] Loss Total microorganisms 10% Log™ No. of total microorganisms at time=t

[0099] Loss Viable microorganisms 20% Log™ No. of viable microorganisms at time=t

[0100] The results obtained show that after 6 months of storage of the product, the maximum loss of total microorganisms with respect to Log™ No. The total microorganisms at time=6 months is 3,14 % and the maximum loss of viable microorganisms with respect to Log™ No. total microorganisms at time=6 month is 19,74 %. Therefore, the latter result has reached the maximum limit, and the expiry date has been set at least 6 months. However, the product still has activity, therefore, the product could still be administered.

[0101] Example 9: Release of the microbiota in the intestine

[0102] Because the efficacy of the drug is not only about the amount of microbiota administered, but also about whether the administered microbiota manages to reach and colonise the patient's gut. Inventors have conducted dynamic in vitro tests simulating gastrointestinal digestion to demonstrate that the microbiota reaches the gut and most of its contents are released in the gut, rather than in the stomach.

[0103] For these tests, an in vitro Dynamic Digester has been used to reproduce the human stomach and intestinal digestion process. The in vitro Dynamic Digester consists of two compartments simulating the stomach and small intestine. Each compartment consists of a double-jacketed reactor (surrounded by water to maintain a constant temperature of 37°C). In the digestion chambers, both in the stomach section and the intestinal section, although reactions are generated, the pH is continuously controlled by secretions of hydrochloric acid in the stomach and sodium bicarbonate in the small intestine. In addition, pepsin solution and gastric lipase are introduced into the stomach digestion chamber. During dynamic digestion, gastric and intestinal transit is gradually simulated by opening and closing valves. During the intestinal digestion process, different enzymatic and chemical solutions are introduced at constant flows. Throughout the digestion process, samples are taken for counting total and viable microorganisms.

[0104] The results of these tests have shown that there is no release of the capsule contents in the gastric phase in any of the tests performed. At 7-12 minutes after the start of the intestinal phase, the capsules began to show signs of dissolution. After 30 minutes of the intestinal phase, it was quantified that the number of total microorganisms released into the intestine was between 90,58 - 100 % of those found in the capsule. Of these microorganisms released into the gut, the inventors have quantified that at least 52,65 - 84,06 % can colonise the gut (colony forming units).

[0105] Example 10: Study in humans

[0106] A study in humans has been carried out with the following characteristics:

[0107] Type of study: randomised, controlled and open-label study

[0108] Conditions fulfilled for recruitment of the patient:

[0109] Diagnosis criteria:

[0110] Patients were included in the study following presentation of an episode of diarrhoea (>3 stools / 24 hours), and confirmation of CD toxin A and / or B in faeces, by a direct toxin detection test or by the Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique for the detection of toxin / s producing genes. In addition, they had to meet the inclusion and not meet any of the exclusion criteria.

[0111] Inclusion criteria:

[0112] Patients of both genders, over 18 years.

[0113] Patients that undergo an episode of CD infection (either the first episode or subsequent recurrences).

[0114] Presence of an episode of diarrhoea defined as >3 stools / 24 hours, at the beginning of the episode.

[0115] Confirmation of the presence of CD toxin A and / or B in faeces, by a direct toxin detection test or by the PCR technique for the detection of toxin / s produce genes, at the start of the episode that is going to be treated in the clinical trial (the toxin test must be positive within 7 days before the enrolment of the patient in the trial).

[0116] Exclusion criteria:

[0117] Previous faecal microbiota transfer.

[0118] Transplanted patients, except those with a solid organ transplant of more than 2 years, with good organ function. - Absolute neutrophil count <500 cells / pL at the time of the enrollment in the study.

[0119] Pregnancy, breastfeeding, or pregnancy intentions throughout the study.

[0120] - Active treatment with bile acid sequestrants (for instance: cholestyramine).

[0121] Patients positive for the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) except those with lymphocytes CD4 T count > 200 cells / pL and viral load less than 20 copies. Swallowing dysfunction or no oral motor coordination.

[0122] Patient admitted to an intensive care unit or expected to be admitted to an intensive care unit due to serious illness.

[0123] History of significant medical conditions that, in the opinion of the investigator, would not allow an adequate evaluation or follow-up of the patient.

[0124] - Administered pharmaceutical composition:

[0125] Capsules elaborated according to the method of the invention and example 1 (MBK- 1).

[0126] Dose:

[0127] The treatment regimen was 4 capsules in a single dose (> 2.1-2.5 x 1011microorganisms). The timing of intake was left to the discretion of the doctor, and the capsules were taken orally as a single dose on an empty stomach. If the patient had difficulty swallowing, a gel or gelled water could be used to facilitate the swallowing process.

[0128] The duration of treatment was different according to the assigned group:

[0129] Patients in the experimental group received capsules MBK-1 : a single dose of 4 capsules.

[0130] Patients in the control group received fidaxomicin: a dose of 200 mg (one tablet), administered twice a day (every 12 hours) for 10 days.

[0131] Result:

[0132] The results in this study have suggested greater clinical benefit of treatment with the composition of the invention (MBK-1) when compared with fidaxomicin when it is used as the first choice for treatment of the current episode as shown in the following tables, both for primary GDI episodes and recurrent GDI episodes, even in some cases without prior antibiotic treatment at all (table 2).

[0133] TABLE 1 : Count and proportions of recurrence in each group

[0134] *Proportion=No recurrence / Total patients in each group

[0135] TABLE 2: Count and proportions: non previous antibiotic treatment subgroup

[0136] *Proportion=No recurrence / Total patients in each group

[0137] Recurrence means that the treated patient has had a recurrent GDI episode within 8 weeks after the onset of the previous episode.

[0138] The clinical benefit stems from different reasons in primary and recurrent episodes of GDI. For the primary episodes the benefit resides in the lesser use of antibiotics and therefore, lower risk of developing antibiotic resistance. For the recurrent episodes of GDI though, there is direct clinical benefit due to a superior efficacy of invention against fidaxomicin.

[0139] Although the use of the pharmaceutical composition of the invention as first line of treatment contradicts current guidelines for the management of GDI, which recommend considering the use of faecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) only for recurrent episodes, it is supported by the increasing probability of recurrence with further episodes of GDI and therefore increasing rounds of antibiotic treatment. Lastly, in regard to safety, it is to note that there were no side adverse effects (SAEs) related to the pharmaceutical composition of the invention, and that no unexpected adverse effects (AEs) were reported in the study. Therefore, the treatment with the composition of the invention can be considered safe, with a low risk profile.

Claims

CLAIMS1 . Pharmaceutical composition in the form of a capsule for oral administration, comprising an encapsulated processed faecal composition that comprises faecal microbiota, characterized in that the processed faecal composition is a powdered lyophilized faecal composition that is encapsulated with a coating shell which is a pH responsive polymer composition and may dissolve or provide a delayed release of the processed faecal composition to the intestine, and wherein the processed faecal composition comprises faecal microbiota comprising colony forming units (CFU) and a percentage equal to or less than 1% of human DNA with respect to the total DNA.

2. Pharmaceutical composition according to claim 1 , wherein the microbiota comprises at least 50 % of colony forming units / g of processed faecal composition, the colony forming units preferably comprising between 20 % and 80 % of Bacteroidetes and between 20 % and 80% of Firmicutes.

3. Pharmaceutical composition according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the processed faecal composition comprises faecal microbiota, a pharmaceutically acceptable salt and a pharmaceutically acceptable cryoprotectant, wherein the faecal microbiota is between 30% and 75% by weight, the salt is between 1 % and 20% by weight and the cryoprotectant is between 20% and 50% by weight with respect to the processed faecal composition.

4. Pharmaceutical composition according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the powdered faecal composition comprises a powder particle diameter between 100 pm and 500 pm.

5. Pharmaceutical composition according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the weight of the processed faecal composition is 250 mg per capsule.

6. Pharmaceutical composition according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the concentration of faecal microbiota is between 0,5 x 1011and 0,6 x 1011cells per capsule.

7. Pharmaceutical composition according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the processed faecal composition is single encapsulated with one coating shell, the one coating shell comprising polymers selected from hypromellose and / or hypromellose-acetate succinate and / or water-insoluble (meth)acrylate copolymer, and / or hydroxypropyl methyl propylcellulose and / or mixtures thereof.

8. Pharmaceutical composition according to any of the preceding claims for use as a medicament.

9. Pharmaceutical composition according to any of the preceding claims for use in the treatment and / or prevention of infections caused by Clostridium difficile.

10. Pharmaceutical composition for use according to claim 9, wherein the faecal microbiota is provided at a single dose of between 2 x 1011and 2,4 x 1011microorganisms.

11. Pharmaceutical composition for use according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the treatment comprises administering the pharmaceutical composition to a patient with a primary infection that has not been treated with an antibiotic before the treatment with the pharmaceutical composition.

12. Pharmaceutical composition for use according to any of claims 9 to 11 , wherein the treatment comprises oral administration of the pharmaceutical composition within a non-aqueous medium or vehicle.

13. Method of preparation of the pharmaceutical composition according to any of the preceding claims, the method comprising the following steps: a collecting stool from a donor or donors, the stool comprising the following characteristics: i. absence of liquid, this liquid being selected from non-intrinsic water of the stool, urine and / or blood, and ii. normal consistency on the Bristol scale; a homogenisation and disaggregation step of the stool of the previous step in isotonic saline solution, preferably in NaCI; a filtration step of the homogenised and disaggregated stool to remove particles of size >500pm; a centrifugation step of the filtered stool to obtain a sediment that comprises the faecal microbiota; an adding step of a solution of a cryoprotectant to the sediment; a lyophilisation step of the sediment obtained in the previous step;a grinding step of the lyophilized sediment to obtain a homogeneous powder, preferably with a powder particle diameter between 100 pm and 500 pm; and an encapsulation step of the powder in an enteric release capsule, preferably in size 0 enteric release capsule, preferably with an average powder content of 250 ± 10% mg / capsule; wherein the stool or the homogeneous powder comprises colony forming units, the colony forming units preferably comprising Bacteroidetes and / or Firmicutes, and a percentage of human DNA equal to or less than 1% with respect to the total DNA.

14. Method according to claim 13, wherein the method comprises a determination or quantification step of human DNA according to the following formula in a sample obtained from the stool or the homogeneous powder:% human DNA= 100 x quantity of Human DNA (ng) I quantity of Total DNA (ng)

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