A Rapamycin composition

Abstract

Rapamycin is a known medicinally therapeutic substance. A problem with Rapamycin is that it is quite unstable and prone to chemical degradation during storage. This can lead to medication becoming 'un

Description

[0001] TITLE

[0002] A Rapamycin Composition

[0003] TECHNICAL FIELD This invention relates to a rapamycin composition for administration to humans.

[0004] BACKGROUND

[0005] Rapamycin was isolated in or around 1972 from samples of Streptomyces hygroscopicus. The compound was initially developed as an antifungal agent and its production is described in US patent No. 3929992 to Ayerst McKenna & Harrison. Rapamycin has the following structural formula:

[0006] A problem with Rapamycin is that it is quite unstable and prone to chemical degradation during storage. This can lead to medication becoming ‘under strength’ during its shelf life.

[0007] OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

[0008] It is an object of a preferred embodiment of the invention to go at least some way towards addressing the above problem. While this applies to the preferred embodiment, it should be understood that the object of the invention per se not so limited. It is simply to provide the public with a useful choice. Therefore any objects, advantages or benefits of any preferred embodiment should not be ‘read-in’ as limitations on any claims expressed more broadly. DEFINITIONS

[0009] The term “comprising” or derivatives thereof, eg “comprises”, if and when used in this document in relation to a combination of features or steps should not be taken to rule out the option of there being additional features or steps that have not been mentioned. The term is therefore inclusive, not exclusive.

[0010] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0011] In this section references to the composition or features thereof mean any of the options given for the composition, unless it is made clear that only a particular option or options for the composition are being referred to.

[0012] According to one aspect of the invention there is provided a composition for topical treatment, comprising:

[0013] • rapamycin as active ingredient; · vehicle, comprising: o monolaurin, for example as glyceryl monolaurate; and o monomyristin, for example as glyceryl monomyristate; and

[0014] • water as a solvent. Optionally the rapamycin is present in the amount of 0.5 - 5% wt.

[0015] Optionally the rapamycin is present in the amount of approximately 0.5% wt.

[0016] Optionally the rapamycin is present in the amount of approximately 1 .0 % wt.

[0017] Optionally the rapamycin is present in the amount of approximately 5.0% wt.

[0018] Optionally the composition is for treating angiofibromas. Optionally the composition is for treating facial angiofibromas.

[0019] Optionally the composition is for treating cutaneous vascular lesions.

[0020] Optionally the composition is for treating port wine stains.

[0021] Optionally the composition is for treating port wine stains after laser treatment thereof. Monolaurin

[0022] Optionally the monolaurin comprises one or more of a monolaurate (eg glycerol monolaurate).

[0023] Optionally the monolaurin is present in the amount of approximately, 7 - 28% wt or approximately 5% - 10% wt, and preferably approximately 7% wt.

[0024] Monomyristin

[0025] Optionally the monomyristin comprises one or more of a monomyristate, eg glyceryl monomyristate.

[0026] Optionally the monomyristin, eg glyceryl monomyristate, is present in the amount of approximately 7%-28% wt or approximately 15%-25% wt, and preferably approximately 21% wt.

[0027] Combination Quantities of Monolaurin and Monomyristin

[0028] Optionally the composition is such that it comprises: a) 5% - 9% wt Monolaurin + 19% - 23% wt Monomyristin; b) 26% - 30% wt Monolaurin + 0% - 2% wt Monomyristin; c) 0% - 2% wt Monolaurin + 26 - 30% wt Monomyristin; d) 12% - 16% wt Monolaurin + 12 - 16% wt Monomyristin;

[0029] Optionally the composition is such that it comprises: a) about 7% wt Monolaurin + about 21% wt Monomyristin; b) about 28% wt Monolaurin + about 0% wt Monomyristin; c) about 0% wt + about 28% wt Monomyristin; d) about 14% wt Monolaurin + about 14% wt Monomyristin;

[0030] For each of the combination quantities noted at each set of a)-d) above, the rapamycin is optionally present in an amount of about 1% wt. Some Preferences for the First Mentioned Aspect of the Invention

[0031] Preferably the composition comprises 0.5 - 5% wt rapamycin, 5% - 9% wt Monolaurin and 19% - 23% wt Monomyristin.

[0032] Preferably the composition comprises g 0.5 - 5% wt rapamycin, 7% wt Monolaurin and 21 % wt Monomyristin.

[0033] Preferably the composition comprises 1% wt rapamycin, 7% wt Monolaurin and 21% wt Monomyristin.

[0034] Preferably the composition comprises 0.5 - 5% wt rapamycin, 12% - 16% wt Monolaurin and 12% - 16% wt Monomyristin. Preferably the composition comprises 0.5 - 5% wt rapamycin, 14% Monolaurin and 14% wt Monomyristin.

[0035] Preferably the composition comprises 1% wt rapamycin, 14% Monolaurin and 14% wt Monomyristin.

[0036] Preferably the composition comprises 0.5 - 5% wt rapamycin, 17.5% (±2%) wt Monolaurin and 10.5% (±2%) wt Monomyristin.

[0037] Preferably the composition comprises 1% wt rapamycin, 17.5% wt Monolaurin and 10.5% wt Monomyristin.

[0038] Preferably the composition comprises 1% wt rapamycin, 21 % wt Monolaurin and 7% wt Monomyristin. Preferably the Monolaurin is glyceryl monolaurate and the Monomyristin is glyceryl monomyristate.

[0039] Preferably the composition formulated to be suitable for treating angiofibromas, cutaneous vascular lesions or port wine stains in humans.

[0040] In one preferred option the composition comprises: a) 0.5 - 5% wt rapamycin; b) vehicle comprising:

[0041] • 7-28% wt monolaurin; and • 7-28% wt monomyristin; and c) water as a solvent.

[0042] In another preferred option the composition comprises: a) 0.5 - 5% wt rapamycin; b) vehicle comprising:

[0043] • 7-28% wt monolaurin; and

[0044] • 7-28% wt monomyristin; and c) water as a solvent.

[0045] In another preferred option the composition comprises: a) 0.5 - 5% wt rapamycin; b) vehicle comprising:

[0046] • 10-18% wt monolaurin; and · 10-18% wt monomyristin; and c) water as a solvent.

[0047] Water Retainers Optionally the composition comprises a water retainer compound, for example polyoxyethylene stearate, present in the amount of approximately 1 % wt.

[0048] Optional other water retainers may be used, for example hyaluronic acid. Softeners

[0049] Optionally the composition comprises a softener, for example propylene glycol. Preferably the softener, e.g. propylene glycol, is present in the amount of approximately 2% wt.

[0050] Optional other softeners comprise one or more of petrolatum, lanolin, mineral oil, glycerin, lecithin and sorbitol

[0051] Buffers

[0052] Optionally the composition comprises a buffer, for example citric acid anhydrous. Preferably the buffer, e.g., citric acid anhydrous, is present in the amount of approximately 2% wt. Preferably the buffer maintains pH of the composition in the range of 3-5, and more preferably in the range 3.5 to 4.5.

[0053] Optional other buffers comprise one or more of sodium bicarbonate and triethanolamine.

[0054] Sequestra nts

[0055] Optionally the composition comprises a sequestrant, for example disodium edetate. Preferably the sequestrant, e.g. disodium edetate, is present in the amount of approximately 0.05% wt.

[0056] Optional other sequestrants comprise one or more of citric acid and tetrasodium EDTA. pH Adjusters

[0057] Optionally the composition comprises hydroxide for pH adjustment, for example sodium hydroxide. Optionally the sodium hydroxide is present in the amount of approximately 0.18% wt.

[0058] Preservatives

[0059] Optionally the composition comprises a preservative, for example potassium sorbate. Preferably the preservative, e.g. potassium sorbate, is present in the amount of approximately 0.2% wt.

[0060] Optional other preservatives for use comprise one or more of diazolidinyl urea, phenoxyethanol and sodium hydroxymethylglycinate .

[0061] Water

[0062] Optionally the water is present in the amount of approximately 58% - 72% wt.

[0063] Optionally the composition is as per any of the combinations mentioned above, formed such that the rapamycin is in the form of multiple layers of undissolved or suspended particles where each layer is substantially located between layers of the vehicle. Preferably the particles have a size in the range of 1 -100pm. According to another aspect, the invention comprises the use of the components of one or more of the above statements, in the manufacture of a composition for topical treatment of angiofibromas.

[0064] According to a further aspect, the invention comprises a method of treating human angiofibromas with a composition according to one or more of the above statements.

[0065] According to a another aspect of the invention there is provided a method for treating one or more of the following conditions, comprising administration to a human a composition according to any of the statements above:

[0066] • facial angiofibromas;

[0067] • cutaneous vascular lesions; and

[0068] • port wine stains (e.g. after laser treatment thereof).

[0069] Optionally the composition is administered to the human topically.

[0070] Optionally the composition is administered to the human so that it encounters their dermis.

[0071] Optionally the composition is self-administered by the person, or is administered to that person by another person.

[0072] Optionally the composition is contained in and is administered from a squeeze tube.

[0073] According to some embodiments of the invention the composition or method is stated as above except that it consists of, or essentially consists of, the features or steps stated in each case.

[0074] According to a further aspect, the invention comprises (or consists of, or consists essentially of) the use of -

[0075] • rapamycin as active ingredient;

[0076] • vehicle, comprising: o monolaurin, for example as glyceryl monolaurate; and o monomyristin, for example as glyceryl monomyristate; and

[0077] • water as a solvent; in the preparation of a composition as stated above for use in treating any of the conditions mentioned for the above method. Optionally the composition is in accordance with any of the options or preferences mentioned above. IMAGES

[0078] Some preferred embodiments of the invention are illustrated by reference of the following images, of which-

[0079] Figure 1 shows the results obtained from particle size analysis of a 1% rapamycin composition for topical application; and Figure 2 shows images of rapamycin particles in the same 1% composition.

[0080] DETAILED DESCRIPTION Example Formulations 1 & 2

[0081] Two preferred embodiments of the invention, namely Formulation 1 and Formulation 2, are for topical treatment of human angiofibromas, for example facial angiofibromas or cutaneous vascular lesions. The Formulations may be used for treating port wine stains, for example after laser treatment. They are composed substantially as follows-

[0082] Compositions according to the invention, including Formulations 1 and 2, may be produced according to the following method.

[0083] Production of a water phase pre-blend

[0084] A water phase pre-blend is prepared as follows:

[0085] • the rapamycin and propylene glycol are combined and vortex mixed;

[0086] • the water is added with continued vortex mixing;

[0087] • the blend is then heated to 70°C (+ 5°C);

[0088] • citric acid, disodium EDTA and potassium sorbate are added with vortex mixing until dissolved;

[0089] • the temperate of the mixture is then regulated to 50°C; and

[0090] • the polyoxyethylene (100) stearate is added. Production of an oil phase pre-blend

[0091] An oil phase pre-blend is prepared as follows:

[0092] • glyceryl monolaurate and glyceryl monomyristate are combined with slow speed vortex mixing and heating to 70°C (+ 5°C).

[0093] Final blend

[0094] The water and oil phase pre-blends, both at 70°C (+ 5°C), are combined and mixed thoroughly until homogenous. The mixture is then cooled slowly at a rate of 1°C per minute and vortex mixed until it forms into a smooth, white and iridescent cream. When the cream had cooled to no more than 32°C it is packaged in 30ml_ aluminium tubes with polypropylene screw on caps.

[0095] Example Formulations 3 & 4

[0096] Formulations 3 and 4 were produced for the same purpose and in the same way described for Formulations 1 and 2. They are as follows -

[0097] Stability Studies for Formulations 1 - 4

[0098] Studies were run to determine whether Formulations 1- 4 are stable in storage at room temperature, namely 25°C (+ 2°C) and relative humidity of 60% (+ 5%). The results of the trial are as shown in the tables below. In each case TO refers to test results at 0 months, T1 refers to test results at 1 month, T3 at 3 months, and so on. In each case references to a “specification” for test values relate to the patentee’s preferred thresholds.

[0099]

[0100] The trials showed that Formulations 1 , 2 and 4 remained stable at room temperature. These results were remarkable, especially when it is considered that current market products lose stability significantly earlier. For example Nobelpharma has supplied the Japanese market with a 0.2% wt rapamycin gel formulation branded Rapalimus™. It has stability for only 12 months and only when refrigerated.

[0101] In further examples, formulations in the form of a 0.1 % wt rapamycin cream were sourced and tested from the US market and also found to be unstable at room temperature, as follows-

[0102] Surprisingly Formulation 3 (0.1% Rapamycin) was found to be unstable. After 12 and 18 months storage the Rapamycin had degraded to only 79.3% and 67.9% of the label amount respectively. In comparison the higher strengths 0.5% - 5% gave unexpectedly superior results. The better results for the higher strengths is difficult to explain and appears to be due to a surprising synergy. Example Formulations 5-11

[0103] The following further formulations were prepared in the same manner described above, for Formulations 1-4, and for the same therapeutic purpose-

[0104] These were subjected to storage stability tests at room temperature, being 25°C (+ 2°C) and relative humidity of 60% (+ 5%), over 6 months. The results of the tests were as shown in the table below. In each case the T value indicates when the sample was tested, for example TO indicates testing at 0 months,

[0105] T1 at one month, and so on. The % figures show the proportion of the 1% wt label amount of rapamycin that remained at each test point. In cases where rapamycin is lower, this indicates that the compound has been the subject of a degradation reaction.

[0106] Formulations 5-11 were also retested at each time period to see whether they had developed excess water content. The samples were considered to pass if the met limits of between 62 - 72% wt. The results were as follows -

[0107] Footnote * Additionally Formulation 6 failed the appearance specification For a formulation to be useful the rapamycin content should not fall below 90% of the original amount as this would represent a 10% loss in potency of the active ingredient and would be consistent with the formulation not being stable due to hydrolysis / oxidation of the active ingredient. In terms of water content, each composition is an oil-in-water product and so the amount of water present is relevant to maintaining a stable homogenous formulation. Water content outside accepted limits is indicative of a lack or loss of formulation stability. Skin absorption was measured using a Franz cell diffusion apparatus. Studies for the preferred Formulations 1 & 2 showed absorption in a human skin model and penetrability profiles higher than for Formulation 3, with a validated mass-balance recovery. More specifically, absorption through healthy human skin into 5% bovine serum albumin, 0.9% NaCI in water was measured using the Franz cell. Only the higher strength formulations, Formulations 1 & 2, met the acceptance criteria for absorption and penetration across the human skin. Formulation 3 failed this test. This failure for Formulation 3 was unrelated to stability as the tests were undertaken with freshly made materials. The difference in skin absorption and penetration was surprising.

[0108] Figures 1 and 2 illustrate characteristics of the rapamycin active ingredient for the 1% cream identified above as Formulation 2. The information was obtained by analysing the Formulation using a Malvern Morphologi GS3 image analyser. This is effectively an automated microscope that scanned the Formulation to detect 3D shape features of the rapamycin particles.

[0109] Referring to Figure 1 , the CE Diameter (‘circle equivalent diameter’) values represent particle size on a number weighted basis. In other words it represents the particles as 2-dimensional shapes converted to the nearest applicable circle, for which the diameter is then calculated. Referring to the particular notation shown, D[n,0.10](pm): 3.17 means that 10% of the particles are 3.17pm or smaller on a number of particles basis; D[n,0.16] (pm): means that 16% are smaller than 3.83pm; and D[n,0.50] (pm): means that 50% are smaller than 8.33pm on a number of particle basis, etc

[0110] Referring to Figure 2, the images are representative of the shape and relative size of rapamycin particles in Formulation 2.

[0111] Figures 1 and 2 illustrate that the rapamycin is not dissolved in the rest of the composition but rather sits suspended in the carrier or vehicle component.

[0112] In terms of disclosure, this document hereby discloses each item, feature or step mentioned herein in combination with one or more of any of the other item, feature or step disclosed herein, in each case regardless of whether such combination is claimed.

[0113] While some preferred embodiments of the invention have been described by way of example, it should be understood that modifications and improvements can occur without departing from the scope of the following claims.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A composition for topical treatment, comprising: a) rapamycin as active ingredient; b) vehicle, comprising: o monolaurin, for example as glyceryl monolaurate; and o monomyristin, for example as glyceryl monomyristate; and c) water as a solvent.

2. A composition according to claim 1 , wherein the rapamycin is present in the amount of 0.5 - 5% wt.

3. A composition according to claim 1 , wherein the rapamycin is present in the amount of approximately 0.5% wt.

4. A composition according to claim 1 , wherein the rapamycin is present in the amount of approximately 1 .0 % wt.

5. A composition according to claim 1 , wherein the rapamycin is present in the amount of approximately 5.0% wt.

6. A composition according to any one of the preceding claims, for treating angiofibromas.

7. A composition according to any one of the preceding claims, for treating facial angiofibromas.

8. A composition according to any one of the preceding claims, for treating cutaneous vascular lesions.

9. A composition according to any one of the preceding claims, for treating port wine stains.

10. A composition according to any one of the preceding claims, for treating port wine stains after laser treatment thereof.

11. A composition according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the monolaurin comprises one or more of a monolaurate (eg glycerol monolaurate).

12. A composition according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the monolaurin is present in the amount of approximately, 7 - 28% wt or approximately 5% - 10% wt, or approximately 7% wt.

13. A composition according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the monomyristin comprises one or more of a monomyristate, eg glyceryl monomyristate.

14. A composition according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the monomyristin, eg glyceryl monomyristate, is present in the amount of approximately 7%-28% wt or approximately 15%-25% wt, or approximately 21% wt.

15. A composition according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising: a) 5% - 9% wt Monolaurin + 19% - 23% wt Monomyristin; or b) 12% - 16% wt Monolaurin+ 12 - 16% wt Monomyristin.

16. A composition according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising: a) about 7% wt Monolaurin + about 21% wt Monomyristin; or b) about 14% wt Monolaurin + about 14% wt Monomyristin.

17. A composition according to claim 15 or 16, wherein the rapamycin is present in an amount of about 1% wt.

18. A composition according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a water retainer.

19. A composition according to claim 18, wherein the water retainer comprises polyoxyethylene stearate.

20. A composition according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a softener.

21. A composition according to claim 20, wherein the softener comprises one or more of propylene glycol , petrolatum, lanolin, mineral oil, glycerin, lecithin and sorbitol.

22. A composition according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a buffer.

23. A composition according to claim 22, wherein the buffer comprises one or more of citric acid anhydrous, sodium bicarbonate and triethanolamine.

24. A composition according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a sequestrant.

25. A composition according to claim 24, wherein the sequestrant comprises one or more of disodium edetate, citric acid and tetrasodium EDTA.

26. A composition according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising hydroxide for pH adjustment.

27. A composition according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising preservative.

28. A composition according to claim 27, wherein the preservative comprises one or more of potassium sorbate, diazolidinyl urea, phenoxyethanol and sodium hydroxymethylglycinate .

29. A composition according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the water is present in the amount of 58% - 72% wt.

30. A composition according to claim 1 , comprising: a) 0.5 - 5% wt rapamycin; b) vehicle comprising:• 7-28% wt monolaurin; and• 7-28% wt monomyristin; and c) water as a solvent.

31. A composition according to claim 1 , comprising 0.5 - 5% wt rapamycin, 5% - 9% wt Monolaurin and 19% - 23% wt Monomyristin.

32. A composition according to claim 31 , comprising 0.5 - 5% wt rapamycin, 7% wt Monolaurin and 21 % wt Monomyristin.

33. A composition according to claim 31 , comprising 1% wt rapamycin, 7% wt Monolaurin and 21 % wt Monomyristin.

34. A composition according to claim 1 , comprising 0.5 - 5% wt rapamycin, 12% - 16% wt Monolaurin and 12% - 16% wt Monomyristin.

35. A composition according to claim 34, comprising 0.5 - 5% wt rapamycin, 14% wt Monolaurin and 14% wt Monomyristin.

36. A composition according to claim 35, comprising 1% wt rapamycin, 14% wt Monolaurin and 14% wt Monomyristin.

37. A composition according to claim 1 , comprising 0.5 - 5% wt rapamycin, 17.5% (±2%) wt Monolaurin and 10.5% (±2%) wt Monomyristin.

38. A composition according to claim 1 , comprising 0.5 - 5% wt rapamycin, 17.5% wt Monolaurin and 10.5% wt Monomyristin.

39. A composition according to claim 39, comprising 1% wt rapamycin, 17.5% wt Monolaurin and 10.5% wt Monomyristin.

40. A composition according to claim 1 , comprising 1 % wt rapamycin, 21 % wt Monolaurin and 7% wt Monomyristin.

41. A composition according to any one of claims 31 -40, wherein the Monolaurin is glyceryl monolaurate and the Monomyristin is glyceryl monomyristate.

42. A composition according to any one of claims 31-41 , formulated to be suitable for treating angiofibromas, cutaneous vascular lesions or port wine stains in humans.

43. A composition according to claim 1 , comprising: a) 0.5 - 5% wt rapamycin; b) vehicle comprising:• 10-18% wt monolaurin; and• 10-18% wt monomyristin; and c) water as a solvent.

44. A method for treating one or more of the following conditions by topical application of a composition according to any of the preceding claims:• angiofibromas (e.g. facial angiofibromas);• cutaneous vascular lesions; and• port wine stains (e.g. after laser treatment thereof).

Images