Pharmaceutical preparation for external use

A minoxidil-containing topical preparation with allantoin and specific additives addresses skin compatibility issues by maintaining low viscosity and enhancing absorption and spreading.

JP2025137786APending Publication Date: 2025-09-19TAISHO PHARMACEUTICAL CO LTD
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Patent Information

Application Number
JP2025124938
Authority / Receiving Office
JP · JP
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
Priority Date
2020-01-31
Filing Date
2025-07-25
Publication Date
2025-09-19

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing minoxidil formulations face challenges with skin compatibility due to high viscosity and poor spreading on the scalp, leading to inefficient absorption and blending issues.

Method used

A topical pharmaceutical preparation containing minoxidil and allantoin with a viscosity of 50 mPa·s or less, pH of 5.6 to 8, and optional additives like lower alcohols and polyhydric alcohols to enhance skin compatibility and absorption.

Benefits of technology

The formulation achieves low viscosity and improved skin compatibility, allowing for better absorption and spreading of minoxidil on the scalp.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

To provide a minoxidil-containing pharmaceutical preparation for external use, which is a preparation with low viscosity and has good skin compatibility.SOLUTION: The present disclosure provides a pharmaceutical preparation for external use that contains (a) minoxidil and (b) allantoin and preferably has a viscosity at 25°C of 1-50 mPa S or less. According to the invention, a minoxidil-containing pharmaceutical preparation for external use can be provided that has good skin compatibility in the field of a low-viscosity preparation such as a solution, lotion, tonic, aerosol, or milky lotion.SELECTED DRAWING: None
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Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an external pharmaceutical preparation containing minoxidil.

[0002] Minoxidil, whose chemical name is 6-(1-piperidinyl)-2,4-pyrimidinediamine-3-oxide, is known for its application as a hair growth agent (Patent Document 1), and has been reported in many reports as a drug that exhibits excellent hair growth and hair regrowth effects. The basic performance required for a hair growth agent containing minoxidil is excellent absorption of minoxidil from the scalp (Patent Document 2). For minoxidil in a minoxidil-containing formulation to be efficiently absorbed through the scalp, it is preferable that the minoxidil in the formulation be in a dissolved state and not crystallize. It is also important that the minoxidil-containing formulation blends and spreads on the scalp surface. However, a formulation containing a large amount of water maintains a droplet-like state and does not spread easily on the skin surface due to the surface free energy generated between the formulation and the hydrophobic skin. Furthermore, while a formulation with high viscosity can be spread evenly with the fingers upon application, a formulation with low viscosity has the problem of being difficult to blend after application. Techniques for improving skin blending have been proposed, such as the use of polyether-modified silicone or polyglycerin-modified silicone, and sucrose fatty acid esters (Patent Document 3). Patent Document 4 also shows that increasing the minoxidil concentration worsens the sensation of the formulation spreading on the scalp. However, none of the above Patent Documents 1 to 4 contain any disclosure suggesting that the configuration of the present invention can be adopted to obtain the present invention, which is a minoxidil-containing topical pharmaceutical preparation with good skin compatibility in a low-viscosity formulation. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] U.S. Patent No. 4,139,619 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 11-349451 [Patent Document 3] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2016-84323 [Patent Document 4] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-142851 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The present invention aims to provide a minoxidil-containing topical pharmaceutical preparation that has low viscosity and is easily absorbed into the skin. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] In order to solve the above problems, the present invention provides a pharmaceutical preparation for external application containing (a) minoxidil and (b) allantoin, and having a viscosity at 25°C of 50 mPa·s or less. That is, the present invention provides: (1) A pharmaceutical preparation for external application, comprising (a) minoxidil and (b) allantoin, and having a viscosity of 50 mPa·S or less at 25°C. (2) The pharmaceutical preparation for external use according to (1), which has a pH of 5.6 to 8. (3) The topical pharmaceutical preparation according to (1) or (2), which contains at least one pH adjuster selected from the group consisting of citric acid, malic acid, lactic acid, tartaric acid, phosphoric acid, hydrochloric acid, and sulfuric acid. (4) (a) The pharmaceutical preparation for external use according to (1), wherein the content of minoxidil is 1 to 15 w / v%. (5) The topical pharmaceutical preparation according to any one of (1) to (4), further containing a lower alcohol. (6) The topical pharmaceutical preparation according to any one of (1) to (5), further comprising a polyhydric alcohol. (7) The pharmaceutical preparation for external application according to any one of (1) to (6), further comprising water. (8) The pharmaceutical preparation for external application according to (5), wherein the lower alcohol is a lower alcohol having 1 to 5 carbon atoms. (9) The topical pharmaceutical preparation according to (6), wherein the polyhydric alcohol is at least one selected from the group consisting of 1,3-butylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, propylene glycol, glycerin, and polyethylene glycol. (10) The pharmaceutical preparation for external application according to (7), wherein the water content is 5 to 75 w / w%. (11) The external pharmaceutical preparation according to any one of (1) to (10), which is in the form of a liquid, a lotion, a tonic, an aerosol, or an emulsion. (12) Use of allantoin for the production of an external pharmaceutical preparation containing minoxidil, preferably having a viscosity of 50 mPa·s or less at 25°C. (13) Use of allantoin to improve skin compatibility of an external pharmaceutical preparation containing minoxidil, preferably having a viscosity of 50 mPa·s or less at 25°C. is. [Effects of the Invention]

[0006] The present invention makes it possible to provide a minoxidil-containing topical pharmaceutical preparation that is low in viscosity and has excellent skin compatibility. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0007] The minoxidil used in the topical pharmaceutical preparation of the present invention can be of the same quality as that used in conventional pharmaceuticals. The content of minoxidil used in the present invention is preferably 1 to 15 w / v% based on the total content of the topical pharmaceutical preparation. Since the issue of skin compatibility increases as the content of minoxidil in the topical pharmaceutical preparation of the present invention increases, the higher the concentration of minoxidil in the topical pharmaceutical preparation, the greater the significance of implementing the present invention. Specifically, the content of minoxidil in the topical pharmaceutical preparation of the present invention is more preferably 3 w / v% or more, even more preferably 5 w / v% or more, with the upper limit being 15 w / v%.

[0008] The allantoin of the present invention can be of the same quality as that used in ordinary pharmaceuticals. In terms of the effects of the present invention, the content of allantoin in the topical pharmaceutical preparation of the present invention is preferably 0.01 to 10 w / v%, more preferably 0.1 to 5 w / v%.

[0009] The viscosity of the topical pharmaceutical preparation of the present invention is 50 mPa·s or less at 25°C. This is because the effects of the present invention are most pronounced at low viscosities. If the viscosity exceeds 50 mPa·s, the allantoin formulation will not have the effect of improving skin compatibility. The viscosity of the topical pharmaceutical preparation of the present invention is preferably 1 to 50 mPa·s at 25°C. The viscosity of the topical pharmaceutical preparation of the present invention is measured using a vibration viscometer. In this application, a VISCOMATE VM-100A (Yamaichi Electric Co., Ltd.) is used, and the conditions, such as the probe used, are selected in accordance with the instrument's instruction manual, and the viscosity is measured at 25°C.

[0010] The topical pharmaceutical preparation of the present invention preferably contains water. The water content in the topical pharmaceutical preparation of the present invention is preferably 1 to 75 w / w%, more preferably 5 to 50 w / w%, even more preferably 8 to 30 w / w%, and most preferably 15 to 30 w / w%. The water content in the topical pharmaceutical preparation of the present invention can be measured by the Karl Fischer method.

[0011] The topical pharmaceutical preparation of the present invention may contain a pH adjuster as needed. Examples of pH adjusters include organic acids such as citric acid, malic acid, lactic acid, and tartaric acid, and inorganic acids such as phosphoric acid, hydrochloric acid, and sulfuric acid. Tartaric acid is preferred from the viewpoint of the solubility of both minoxidil and allantoin. The pH of the topical pharmaceutical preparation of the present invention is preferably adjusted to 5 to 8, more preferably 5.6 to 8, and even more preferably 6 to 7.

[0012] If necessary, a lower alcohol can be blended into the topical pharmaceutical preparation of the present invention. Examples of lower alcohols preferably include those having 1 to 5 carbon atoms, such as ethanol and isopropanol. Two or more types of lower alcohols may be used in combination. The content of lower alcohol in the topical pharmaceutical preparation of the present invention is preferably 20 w / v% or more of the total preparation, more preferably 30 w / v% or more, even more preferably 35 w / v% or more, and even more preferably 50 w / v% or more. The upper limit is preferably 80 w / v%.

[0013] If necessary, a polyhydric alcohol can be blended into the topical pharmaceutical preparation of the present invention. Examples of polyhydric alcohols include 1,3-butylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, propylene glycol, glycerin, polyethylene glycol, etc., with 1,3-butylene glycol, propylene glycol, and glycerin being preferred. These may be used alone or in combination. When two types are combined, a combination of 1,3-butylene glycol and propylene glycol or a combination of 1,3-butylene glycol and glycerin is preferred. The content of the polyhydric alcohol in the topical pharmaceutical preparation of the present invention is preferably 3 w / v% or more, more preferably 5 w / v% or more, more preferably 8 w / v% or more, and more preferably 10 w / v% or more. The upper limit is preferably 30 w / v% or less, taking into consideration the feeling of use, such as reduced stickiness.

[0014] The topical pharmaceutical preparation of the present invention may further contain a surfactant if necessary, however, since the addition of a surfactant may affect the feel during use and the cutaneous absorption of minoxidil, it is preferable that the preparation is substantially free of surfactants.

[0015] In addition to the above-mentioned components, the topical pharmaceutical preparation of the present invention may contain other active ingredients and auxiliary ingredients as needed, provided that the effects of the present invention are not impaired. Examples of medicinal ingredients that are preferably added or blended into the topical pharmaceutical preparation of the present invention include one or more components selected from the group consisting of menthol, vitamin E acetate, hinokitiol, pyridoxine hydrochloride, glycyrrhetinic acid, and diphenhydramine hydrochloride. The amounts of these ingredients added are not particularly limited and can be determined experimentally, taking into consideration the feel when used, the stability of minoxidil, the composition of the solvent system, and the like.

[0016] In addition to the above-mentioned ingredients, the topical pharmaceutical preparation of the present invention can contain various active ingredients and auxiliary ingredients used in general topical preparations, provided that the effects of the present invention are not impaired. For example, excipients, hair growth ingredients (6-benzylaminopurine, adenosine, pentadecanoic acid glyceride, Polygonum polyglutamum, etc.), vasodilators (carpronium chloride, benzyl nicotinate, Swertia japonica extract, Panax ginseng extract, Panax ginseng tincture, Capsicum tincture, etc.), antihistamines (isothipendyl hydrochloride, etc.), anti-inflammatory agents (guaiazulene, etc.), keratolytic agents (salicylic acid, etc.), disinfectants (chlorhexidine gluconate, isopropylmethylphenol, quaternary ammonium salts, piroctone olamine, etc.), moisturizers (hyaluronic acid or its salts, chondroitin sulfate, etc.), various plants and animals (yew, moutan pith, licorice, St. John's wort, aconite, loquat, artemisia capillaris, comfrey, angelica tree, sa It may contain commonly used ingredients such as extracts of furan, Sanshichi, rosemary, sage, Mukkou, Seimokkou, hops, placenta, saw palmetto, pumpkin seed, etc., vitamins (ascorbic acid, thiamine nitrate, cyanocobalamin, biotin, etc.), antioxidants (dibutylhydroxytoluene, sodium metabisulfite, tocopherol, sodium edetate, ascorbic acid, isopropyl gallate, etc.), solubilizers (diisopropyl adipate, isopropyl myristate, various vegetable oils, various animal oils, alkyl glyceryl ethers, hydrocarbons, etc.), metabolic activators, gelling agents (water-soluble polymers, etc.), adhesives, fragrances, fresheners (peppermint oil, camphor, etc.), dyes, etc.

[0017] The dosage form of the topical pharmaceutical preparation of the present invention may be a liquid, lotion, tonic, aerosol, gel, emulsion, etc., with liquid, lotion, and tonic being preferred.

[0018] The topical pharmaceutical preparation of the present invention is prepared by incorporating the above-mentioned components in accordance with a conventional method.

[0019] The thus obtained external pharmaceutical preparation of the present invention can be used as a skin application preparation such as a preparation for hair, eyelashes, or eyebrows.

[0020] The present invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to Examples, Comparative Examples, Reference Examples, and Test Examples, but the present invention is not limited by these Examples. The water content in the Examples, Comparative Examples, and Reference Examples was measured using a Karl Fischer moisture meter. All viscosity values ​​were measured at 25°C. [Example]

[0021] Example 1 5 g of minoxidil, 0.1 g of allantoin, 14 g of 1,3-butylene glycol, 11 g of propylene glycol, 40 g of ethanol, an appropriate amount of tartaric acid, and purified water were added to make a total volume of 100 mL, and the mixture was stirred and dissolved to obtain a liquid preparation with a pH of 6.55.

[0022] (Comparative Example 1) 5 g of minoxidil, 14 g of 1,3-butylene glycol, 11 g of propylene glycol, 40 g of ethanol, an appropriate amount of tartaric acid, and purified water were added to make a total volume of 100 mL, and the mixture was stirred and dissolved to obtain a liquid preparation with a pH of 6.54.

[0023] The formulations of Example 1 and Comparative Example 1, as well as the water content, pH, and viscosity after preparation, are shown in Table 1.

[0024] [Table 1]

[0025] (Skin compatibility evaluation) 100 μL of each test liquid from Example 1 and Comparative Example 1 was measured using a micropipette (manufactured by Eppendorf) and dropped onto a Bioskin plate (#40, manufactured by Beaulux). 30 seconds after dropping, the major and minor axes of the spread liquid were measured, and the multiplied value was used as a skin compatibility score. The skin compatibility improvement rate was calculated according to the following [Equation 1]. The calculated results are shown in Table 2. [Equation 1] Skin compatibility improvement rate (%) = (skin compatibility score of each test liquid / skin compatibility score of Comparative Example 1) × 100

[0026] [Table 2] As shown in Table 2, the formulation of Example 1 of the present invention exhibited improved compatibility with the skin compared to the formulation of Comparative Example 1 which did not contain component (b).

[0027] (Reference example 1) 1 g of minoxidil, 10 g of 1,3-butylene glycol, 60 g of ethanol, an appropriate amount of phosphoric acid, and purified water were added to make a total volume of 100 mL, and the mixture was stirred and dissolved to obtain a liquid preparation with a pH of 5.81. (Reference example 2) 5 g of minoxidil, 10 g of 1,3-butylene glycol, 60 g of ethanol, an appropriate amount of phosphoric acid, and purified water were added to make a total volume of 100 mL, and the mixture was stirred and dissolved to obtain a liquid preparation with a pH of 6.13.

[0028] The formulations of Reference Examples 1 and 2, as well as the water content and pH after preparation, are shown in Table 3.

[0029] [Table 3]

[0030] As a result of evaluating the compatibility with skin of Reference Examples 1 and 2, the skin compatibility score of Reference Example 2 was 88% lower than that of Reference Example 1, and the results showed that the higher the concentration of minoxidil, the worse the compatibility with skin.

[0031] Example 2 5 g of minoxidil, 0.1 g of allantoin, 10 g of 1,3-butylene glycol, 15 g of purified water, an appropriate amount of phosphoric acid, and ethanol were added to make a total volume of 100 mL, and the mixture was stirred and dissolved to obtain a liquid with a pH of 6.10 and a viscosity of 2.9 mPa·s.

[0032] (Comparative Example 2) 5 g of minoxidil, 10 g of 1,3-butylene glycol, 15 g of purified water, an appropriate amount of phosphoric acid, and ethanol were added to make a total volume of 100 mL, and the mixture was stirred and dissolved to obtain a liquid preparation with a pH of 6.10 and a viscosity of 2.9 mPa·s.

[0033] (Comparative Example 3) 5 g of minoxidil, 1 g of pantothenyl ethyl ether, 10 g of 1,3-butylene glycol, 15 g of purified water, an appropriate amount of phosphoric acid, and ethanol were added to make a total volume of 100 mL, and the mixture was stirred and dissolved to obtain a liquid preparation with a pH of 6.09 and a viscosity of 3.0 mPa·s.

[0034] Comparative Example 4 5 g of minoxidil, 1 g of panthenol, 10 g of 1,3-butylene glycol, 15 g of purified water, an appropriate amount of phosphoric acid, and ethanol were added to make a total volume of 100 mL, and the mixture was stirred and dissolved to obtain a liquid with a pH of 6.11 and a viscosity of 3.0 mPa·s.

[0035] Table 4 shows the formulations of Example 2 and Comparative Examples 2 to 4, as well as the water content and pH after preparation.

[0036] [Table 4]

[0037] (Skin compatibility evaluation) 100 μL of each test liquid from Example 2 and Comparative Examples 2 to 4 was measured using a micropipette (manufactured by Eppendorf) and dropped onto a Bioskin plate (#40, manufactured by Beaulux). 30 seconds after dropping, the major and minor axes of the spread liquid were measured, and the multiplied value was used as a skin compatibility score. The skin compatibility improvement rate was calculated according to the following [Equation 2]. The calculated results are shown in Table 5. [Equation 2] Skin compatibility improvement rate (%) = (skin compatibility score of each test liquid / skin compatibility score of Comparative Example 2) × 100

[0038] [Table 5] As shown in Table 5, the formulation of Example 2 of the present invention exhibited improved compatibility with the skin compared to the formulation of Comparative Example 2 which did not contain component (b).

[0039] Example 3 5 g of minoxidil, 0.1 g of allantoin, 1 g of 1,3-butylene glycol, 13 g of glycerin, 18 g of purified water, an appropriate amount of lactic acid, an appropriate amount of citric acid, and ethanol were added to make a total volume of 100 mL, and the mixture was stirred and dissolved to obtain a liquid preparation with a pH of 6.91 and a viscosity of 3.3 mPa·s.

[0040] (Comparative Example 5) 5 g of minoxidil, 1 g of 1,3-butylene glycol, 13 g of glycerin, 18 g of purified water, an appropriate amount of lactic acid, an appropriate amount of citric acid, and ethanol were added to make a total volume of 100 mL, and the mixture was stirred and dissolved to obtain a liquid preparation with a pH of 6.92 and a viscosity of 3.3 mPa·s.

[0041] (Comparative Example 6) 5 g of minoxidil, 1 g of pantothenyl ethyl ether, 1 g of 1,3-butylene glycol, 13 g of glycerin, 18 g of purified water, an appropriate amount of lactic acid, an appropriate amount of citric acid, and ethanol were added to make a total volume of 100 mL, and the mixture was stirred and dissolved to obtain a liquid with a pH of 6.93 and a viscosity of 3.4 mPa·s.

[0042] (Comparative Example 7) 5 g of minoxidil, 1 g of panthenol, 1 g of 1,3-butylene glycol, 13 g of glycerin, 18 g of purified water, an appropriate amount of lactic acid, an appropriate amount of citric acid, and ethanol were added to make a total volume of 100 mL, and the mixture was stirred and dissolved to obtain a liquid with a pH of 6.93 and a viscosity of 3.4 mPa·s.

[0043] Table 6 shows the formulations of Example 3 and Comparative Examples 5 to 7, as well as the water content and pH after preparation.

[0044] [Table 6]

[0045] (Skin compatibility evaluation) 100 μL of each test liquid from Example 3 and Comparative Examples 5 to 7 was measured using a micropipette (manufactured by Eppendorf) and dropped onto a Bioskin plate (#40, manufactured by Beaulux). 30 seconds after dropping, the major and minor axes of the spread liquid were measured, and the multiplied value was used as a skin compatibility score. The skin compatibility improvement rate was calculated according to the following [Equation 3]. The calculated results are shown in Table 7. [Equation 3] Skin compatibility improvement rate (%) = (skin compatibility score of each test liquid / skin compatibility score of Comparative Example 5) × 100

[0046] [Table 7] As shown in Table 7, the formulation of Example 3 of the present invention exhibited improved compatibility with the skin compared to the formulation of Comparative Example 5 which did not contain component (b).

[0047] Another embodiment of the topical composition includes, for example, 0.1 to 10 w / v% minoxidil, and as active ingredients or auxiliary ingredients, 0.1 to 5 w / v% menthol, 0.001 to 1 w / v% vitamin E acetate, 0.001 to 1 w / v% pyridoxine hydrochloride, 0.001 to 1 w / v% hinokitiol, 0.001 to 1 w / v% glycyrrhetinic acid, 0.001 to 1 w / v% diphenhydramine hydrochloride, 0.1 to 5 w / v% pantothenyl ethyl ether or panthenol, 0.1 to 5 w / v% allantoin, Examples of such formulations include 2-30 w / v% 1,3-butylene glycol, 1-30 w / v% glycerin, 20-70 w / v% ethanol, 0.001-1 w / v% antioxidants (dibutylhydroxytoluene, dibutylhydroxyanisole, sodium pyrosulfate, disodium edetate, or propyl gallate), an appropriate amount of phosphoric acid, 0.00001-1 w / v% glycine, 0.00001-1 w / v% L-arginine, and 0.000001-1 w / v% ascorbic acid, with the remainder being water. These active ingredients and auxiliary ingredients can be appropriately blended taking into consideration factors such as usability, minoxidil stability, and solvent composition. An example formulation for this topical composition is shown in Table 8.

[0048] [Table 8] [Industrial Applicability]

[0049] The present invention makes it possible to provide a minoxidil-containing topical pharmaceutical preparation that has low viscosity and is easily absorbed into the skin.

Claims

1. A pharmaceutical preparation for external application, comprising (a) minoxidil and (b) allantoin, and having a viscosity of 50 mPa·S or less at 25°C.

2. 2. The pharmaceutical preparation for external application according to claim 1, which has a pH of 5.6 to 8.

3. 3. The pharmaceutical preparation for external application according to claim 1, further comprising at least one pH adjuster selected from the group consisting of citric acid, malic acid, lactic acid, tartaric acid, phosphoric acid, hydrochloric acid, and sulfuric acid.

4. 2. The topical pharmaceutical preparation according to claim 1, wherein the content of (a) minoxidil is 1 to 15 w / v %.

5. The external pharmaceutical preparation according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising a lower alcohol.

6. The external pharmaceutical preparation according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising a polyhydric alcohol.

7. The external pharmaceutical preparation according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising water.

8. 6. The pharmaceutical preparation for external application according to claim 5, wherein the lower alcohol is a lower alcohol having 1 to 5 carbon atoms.

9. 7. The external pharmaceutical preparation according to claim 6, wherein the polyhydric alcohol is at least one selected from the group consisting of 1,3-butylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, propylene glycol, glycerin, and polyethylene glycol.

10. 8. The pharmaceutical preparation for external application according to claim 7, wherein the water content is 5 to 75 w / w %.

11. The external pharmaceutical preparation according to any one of claims 1 to 10, which is in the form of a liquid, a lotion, a tonic, an aerosol, or an emulsion.

12. 1. Use of allantoin for the manufacture of an external pharmaceutical preparation containing minoxidil.

13. Use of allantoin to improve skin compatibility of an external pharmaceutical preparation containing minoxidil.

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