Water-based pediatric retinol formulation

Abstract

The present invention relates to an aqueous pharmaceutical composition for use as a pediatric formulation in the treatment or prevention of vitamin A deficiency or diseases associated with vitamin A deficiency.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an aqueous pediatric retinol formulation, in particular an aqueous pharmaceutical composition as defined in the claims, for use as a pediatric formulation in the treatment or prevention of vitamin A deficiency or diseases associated with vitamin A deficiency. [Background technology]

[0002] Patients with limited or no gastrointestinal absorption due to nutritional imbalances, a premature infant's gastrointestinal tract, insufficient bile production, and / or other underlying diseases require increased vitamin A supply. This applies particularly to diseases such as bronchopulmonary dysplasia, retinopathy of prematurity, cholestatic liver disease, biliary atresia, liver transplant-related diseases, primary biliary cirrhosis, xerosis conjunctiva, Bitot's spots, xerosis cornea, corneal ulcers and xerosis, keratomalacia, night blindness, impaired dark adaptation, xerophthalmia scarring of the cornea, ocular manifestations, xerophthalmia NOS, measles, or kwashiorkor. Parenteral supply of vitamin A has been described as advantageous for preventing or treating such diseases.

[0003] For over 35 years, the majority of cases of generalized retinol (vitamin A) deficiency have been seen in preterm infants (NPTL1). Preterm infants are born with inadequate stores of vitamin A in the fetal liver and retina. In addition to low tissue concentrations, preterm infants have low plasma concentrations of both retinol and its essential transporter, retinol-binding protein.

[0004] Plasma concentrations of retinol remain low during infants' stay in the neonatal care unit, and this persists even in later infancy (NPTL2, NPTL3, NPTL4, NPTL5). Therefore, preterm infants are particularly prone to vitamin A deficiency-related diseases, such as respiratory and gastrointestinal diseases, and eye diseases, such as retinopathy of prematurity (ROP).

[0005] When infants are born prematurely, during the third trimester, which is the basis for building up adequate vitamin A stores in the fetal liver and retina, intrauterine vitamin A accumulation is interrupted at this crucial stage, and preterm infants have significantly poor transplacental vitamin A acquisition (NPTL3).

[0006] Oral retinol administration is typically ineffective in preterm infants. Therefore, this most vulnerable population requires specific treatment protocols compared with more mature newborns. Given that preterm infants with low birth weight are at high risk for the various diseases mentioned above and have low retinol stores at birth, combined with inefficient enteral absorption, they may particularly benefit from retinol administration and therefore be supplemented with parenteral, age-appropriate retinol formulations, at least early in life (NPTL6).

[0007] More than 100 years after the discovery of "lipid-soluble factor A," present in animal fat and necessary for normal growth and health of the corneal epithelium, vitamin A deficiency remains common in developing countries, where it significantly contributes to infant mortality and morbidity. In contrast, in wealthy countries, vitamin A deficiency is uncommon and is usually limited to older subjects with significant malabsorptive disorders. A notable exception to this is the preterm infant population. Preterm infants, born with reduced vitamin A stores, require vitamin A for ongoing lung and retinal development. The generic term "vitamin A" encompasses numerous lipid-soluble components, including retinol (alcohol form), retinyl esters (retinol palmitate, retinol acetate, or retinol propionate), retinaldehyde, and retinoid acids (NPTL7).

[0008] The vitamin A compound most commonly used in parenteral formulations is the retinol ester, retinol palmitate. Generally, all vitamin A compounds are sensitive to oxygen, heat, and light and are therefore difficult to formulate and manufacture (NPTL8).

[0009] A vitamin A-based emulsion for parenteral administration is described, wherein the emulsion is free of polysorbates and polyoxyethylene / polyoxypropylene block copolymers (PTL1 and PTL2).

[0010] However, emulsions have drawbacks in production and administration in intensive care: sterile filtration is not feasible for primarily commercial products, and the product typically must be heat sterilized, which is problematic for heat-sensitive ingredients such as retinol. Vitamin A-containing emulsions are typically opaque and milky white. They are prone to microbial contamination, and any type of impurity cannot be detected directly by the staff producing the final product or by the medical staff administering it in intensive care (NPTL9, NPTL10, NPTL20), which constitutes a further disadvantage. Furthermore, as can be seen from the examples in PTL1 and PTL2, the manufacturing process for such emulsions is quite complex, although the product shows limited stability.

[0011] Many non-ionic solubilizers have the potential to release histamine after oral administration. Histamine is the most important inflammatory mediator released by mast cells and basophils, and when induced during an allergic reaction, tachypnea, expiratory dyspnea, and even convulsions can be observed, and histamine plays a crucial role in anaphylaxis and death.

[0012] A commercially available product is "Vitamine A Nepalm" by Nepalm, France (NPTL26), which can be considered as a microemulsion containing polyoxyethylene hydrogenated castor oil RH40, and this formulation is free of polysorbates and polyoxyethylene / polyoxypropylene block copolymers (PTL1 and PTL2) (NPTL11).

[0013] Another parenteral vitamin A product from Cambridge Pharmaceuticals (NPTL12), which contained polyethoxylated castor oil, has been discontinued. A further parenteral vitamin A formulation is AQUASOL A (NPTL14; NPTL27).

[0014] Since emulsions cannot be stabilized by using sterile filtration, they must be heated, which is particularly disadvantageous for heat-sensitive substances such as fat-soluble vitamins. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0015] [Figure 1] Vitamin A output after syringe administration at different retention times. See Example 2. Summary of the Invention

[0016] As explained above, newborns, especially premature babies, are prone to vitamin A deficiency-related diseases, such as diseases affecting the airways, e.g., bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), and eyes, e.g., retinopathy of prematurity (ROP).

[0017] Therefore, there is an urgent unmet need for new stable pharmaceutical formulations of vitamin A that are suitable for intramuscular and intravenous administration and that do not have excipients that are harmful to infants.

[0018] It is an object of the present invention to provide stable formulations of vitamin A for the treatment or prevention of vitamin A deficiency or diseases associated with vitamin A deficiency, particularly in children. In this regard, it is a further object of the present invention to provide corresponding vitamin A formulations that do not contain harmful excipients or solubilizers that could lead to anaphylaxis, which are suitable for intravenous or intramuscular administration, and which can be easily diluted.

[0019] Accordingly, the present invention provides an aqueous pharmaceutical composition for use as a pediatric formulation in the treatment or prevention of vitamin A deficiency or a vitamin A deficiency-related disease, wherein the composition comprises: retinol or a pharmaceutically acceptable ester thereof; one or more polyethylene glycol esters of hydroxystearic acid, and one or more pharmaceutically acceptable excipients; wherein the composition has a pH in the range of about 5.5 to about 7.5. wherein the retinol or a pharmaceutically acceptable ester thereof and one or more polyethylene glycol esters of hydroxystearic acid are present as micelles having an average particle size of about 100 nm or less; and wherein the composition has an osmolality of about 100 to about 600 mOsm / kg.

[0020] The aqueous pharmaceutical compositions according to the present invention are very free, especially for emulsions of vitamin A which are clear / transparent, have low viscosity and are therefore easy to administer.

[0021] The clarity or transparency of a pharmaceutical composition is particularly important because it allows for the detection of clumps, agglomerates, or particles during manufacturing or subsequent clinical administration. If such clumps, agglomerates, or particles are not readily detectable, as is the case with emulsions, this would entail a risk of thrombosis leading to serious and potentially life-threatening adverse events.

[0022] The aqueous pharmaceutical composition of the present invention is fully suitable for neonates and does not contain potentially harmful excipients. Furthermore, the solubilizing agent is similarly suitable for intravenous (IV) and intramuscular (IM) administration, has excellent local tolerance, and has been shown to release less histamine than other non-ionic stabilizers used in other vitamin A formulations. It also exhibits improved long-term stability and high optical clarity. Additionally, it can be dissolved in, for example, 0.9% sodium chloride and 5% dextrose at a ratio of up to about 1:99, thereby enabling accurate intravenous administration over time.

[0023] The compositions according to the invention further have the advantage of exhibiting particularly low interaction with disposable medical devices such as infusion tubing, syringes and catheters.

[0024] The compositions of the present invention contain micelles having a diameter of less than about 100 nm and can therefore be stabilized by sterile filtration. This is advantageous because the compositions of the present invention consequently do not require antimicrobial excipients. Thus, the aqueous pharmaceutical compositions provided herein preferably do not have antimicrobial excipients.

[0025] The compositions of the present invention are preferably provided as a convenient treatment regimen containing about 12 single doses, thereby preventing the reuse of single dose containers. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0026] As noted above, the present invention provides an aqueous pharmaceutical composition for use as a pediatric formulation in the treatment or prevention of vitamin A deficiency or a vitamin A deficiency-associated disease, wherein the composition comprises: retinol or a pharmaceutically acceptable ester thereof, one or more polyethylene glycol esters of hydroxystearic acid, and one or more pharmaceutically acceptable excipients; wherein the composition has a pH in the range of about 5.5 to about 7.5; wherein the retinol or a pharmaceutically acceptable ester thereof and one or more polyethylene glycol esters of hydroxystearic acid are present as micelles having an average particle size of about 100 nm or less; and wherein the composition has an osmolality of about 100 to about 600 mOsm / kg.

[0027] Accordingly, the present invention relates to an aqueous pharmaceutical composition for use in the treatment or prevention of vitamin A deficiency or a vitamin A deficiency associated disease in a human child, wherein the composition comprises: retinol or a pharmaceutically acceptable ester thereof, one or more polyethylene glycol esters of hydroxystearic acid, and one or more pharmaceutically acceptable excipients; wherein the composition has a pH in the range of about 5.5 to about 7.5; wherein the retinol or a pharmaceutically acceptable ester thereof and the polyethylene glycol ester of one or more hydroxystearic acids exist as micelles having an average particle size of about 100 nm or less; and wherein the composition has an osmolality of about 100 to about 600 mOsm / kg.

[0028] The present invention is also directed to the use of retinol or a pharmaceutically acceptable ester thereof in combination with one or more polyethylene glycol esters of hydroxystearic acid for the preparation of a pediatric formulation for the treatment or prevention of vitamin A deficiency or a vitamin A deficiency-related disorder, wherein the formulation is an aqueous pharmaceutical composition, retinol or a pharmaceutically acceptable ester thereof, one or more polyethylene glycol esters of hydroxystearic acid, and one or more pharmaceutically acceptable excipients; wherein the composition has a pH in the range of about 5.5 to about 7.5; wherein the retinol or a pharmaceutically acceptable ester thereof and the polyethylene glycol ester of one or more hydroxystearic acids exist as micelles having an average particle size of about 100 nm or less; and wherein the composition has an osmolality of about 100 to about 600 mOsm / kg.

[0029] The present invention is also directed to the use of retinol or a pharmaceutically acceptable ester thereof in combination with one or more polyethylene glycol esters of hydroxystearic acid for the preparation of a medicament for the treatment or prevention of vitamin A deficiency or a vitamin A deficiency-related disease in a human child, wherein the medicament is an aqueous pharmaceutical composition; retinol or a pharmaceutically acceptable ester thereof, one or more polyethylene glycol esters of hydroxystearic acid, and one or more pharmaceutically acceptable excipients; wherein the composition has a pH in the range of about 5.5 to about 7.5; wherein the retinol or a pharmaceutically acceptable ester thereof and one or more polyethylene glycol esters of hydroxystearic acid are present as micelles having an average particle size of 100 nm or less; and wherein the composition has an osmolality of about 100 to 600 mOsm / kg.

[0030] Additionally, the present invention also includes a method of treating or preventing vitamin A deficiency or a vitamin A deficiency-associated disease, comprising administering to a subject in need thereof an aqueous pharmaceutical composition, wherein the composition comprises: retinol or a pharmaceutically acceptable ester thereof, one or more polyethylene glycol esters of hydroxystearic acid, and one or more pharmaceutically acceptable excipients; wherein the composition has a pH in the range of about 5.5 to about 7.5; wherein the retinol or a pharmaceutically acceptable ester thereof and one or more polyethylene glycol esters of hydroxystearic acid are present as micelles having an average particle size of about 100 nm; and wherein the composition has an osmolality of about 100 to about 600 mOsm / kg.

[0031] It will be understood that the method comprises administering a therapeutically effective amount of an aqueous pharmaceutical composition; in other words, it comprises administering an aqueous pharmaceutical composition comprising a therapeutically effective amount of retinol or a pharmaceutically acceptable ester thereof.

[0032] The invention is described in more detail below.

[0033] Retinol or its pharmaceutically acceptable esters

[0034] The aqueous pharmaceutical composition of the present invention comprises retinol and / or one or more pharmaceutically acceptable retinol esters. In other words, the aqueous pharmaceutical composition may contain only retinol, only retinol esters, a combination of retinol and one or more retinol esters, or a combination of two or more retinol esters.

[0035] Preferably, the aqueous pharmaceutical composition of the present invention comprises one or more retinol esters, and even more preferably, the aqueous pharmaceutical composition of the present invention comprises one retinol ester.

[0036] The retinol ester is not particularly limited and can be any pharmaceutically acceptable ester of retinol. Preferably, the retinol ester is retinol esterified with a carboxylic acid R-COOH, where R is C 1-25 Alkyl or C 2-25 alkenyl, wherein the alkyl and the alkenyl are each optionally substituted with one or more (e.g., one, two, or three) hydroxy groups (—OH). The alkyl is preferably C 1-20 Alkyl, more preferably C 1-15 Alkyl, even more preferably linear C 1-15 Alkyl, and even more preferably -(CH2) 0-14 -CH3 (e.g., -CH3, CH2-CH3, -(CH2)2-CH3, -(CH2)4-CH3, -(CH2)6-CH3, -(CH2)8-CH3, -(CH2) 10 -CH3, -(CH2) 12 -CH3 or -(CH2) 15 The alkenyl is preferably C 2-20 Alkenyl, more preferably C 2-15 Alkenyl, and even more preferably linear C 2-15Alkenyl (e.g., -CH3, -CH=CH-CH3). Preferably, said alkyl or said alkenyl is not substituted with any hydroxy groups. More preferably, the R group is alkyl (as described above).

[0037] Thus, the retinol ester is preferably retinol esterified with a carboxylic acid R-COOH, where R is C 1-15 alkyl, more preferably R is C 1-15 alkyl, and even more preferably R is -(CH2) 0-14 -CH3 (e.g., -CH3, -CH2-CH3, or -(CH2) 15 -CH3).

[0038] It is particularly preferred that the aqueous pharmaceutical composition of the present invention comprises a pharmaceutically acceptable retinol ester selected from retinol acetate, retinol propionate, and retinol palmitate. Even more preferably, the aqueous pharmaceutical composition comprises retinol palmitate.

[0039] Preferably, retinol or a pharmaceutically acceptable ester thereof is included in the aqueous pharmaceutical composition of the present invention in an amount of about 0.05 to about 5% by weight, preferably about 0.25 to about 3.5% by weight, more preferably about 0.5 to about 2.5% by weight, even more preferably about 1 to about 2% by weight, and even more preferably about 1.25 to about 1.75% by weight of retinol or a pharmaceutically acceptable ester thereof, expressed as the weight of retinol based on the total weight (mass) of the aqueous pharmaceutical composition.

[0040] In other words, retinol or a pharmaceutically acceptable ester thereof is preferably contained in the aqueous pharmaceutical composition of the present invention in an amount of about 10,000 to about 200,000 IU (international units), expressed as retinol, per mL; more preferably, in an amount of about 50,000 IU, expressed as retinol, per mL.

[0041] One or more polyethylene glycol esters of hydroxystearic acid

[0042] The aqueous pharmaceutical compositions of the present invention comprise one or more polyethylene glycol esters of hydroxystearic acid.

[0043] Preferably, the one or more polyethylene glycol esters of hydroxystearic acid are each independently a monoester of polyethylene glycol with 12-hydroxystearic acid, the polyethylene glycol preferably being a polyethylene glycol having from about 10 to about 20 repeating ethylene glycol units.

[0044] More preferably, the polyethylene glycol ester of hydroxystearic acid is macrogol (15)-hydroxystearic acid, which is 12-hydroxystearic acid polyoxyethylated at the acidic functional group with 15 polyoxyethylene repeating units. Macrogol (15)-hydroxystearic acid is a nonionic solubilizer and emulsifier containing mono- and diesters of 12-hydroxystearic acid (lipid-soluble portion) and approximately 30% by weight of free polyethylene glycol (hydrophilic portion), and is available under CAS No. 70142-34-6. Macrogol (15)-hydroxystearic acid is commercially available from BASF as "Solutol HS 15" (NPTL25). Macrogol (15)-hydroxystearic acid is particularly suitable for parenteral administration of the aqueous pharmaceutical composition of the present invention. Its histamine release is comparable to that of saline, promoting its use in immunocompromised, high-risk patients.

[0045] Preferably, the one or more polyethylene glycol hydroxystearates are present in the aqueous pharmaceutical composition of the present invention in an amount of about 0.1 to about 50% by weight, preferably about 2 to about 30% by weight, more preferably about 3 to about 25% by weight, even more preferably about 5 to about 20% by weight, and even more preferably about 10 to about 15% by weight, based on the total weight of the aqueous pharmaceutical composition.

[0046] one or more pharmaceutically acceptable excipients

[0047] The aqueous pharmaceutical composition according to the present invention comprises water as a solvent. The water in the aqueous pharmaceutical composition is preferably water for injection (e.g., as defined in Supplement 8.6 of the European Pharmacopoeia (Ph.Eur.), 8th edition, July 1, 2015). Water for injection (WFI) can be prepared using techniques known to those skilled in the art, such as distillation or membrane techniques (reverse osmosis or ultrafiltration), for example, as described in Felton LA (ed.), Remington: Essentials of Pharmaceutics, Pharmaceutical Press, 2013. Furthermore, the aqueous pharmaceutical composition according to the present invention is preferably an aqueous solution.

[0048] The aqueous pharmaceutical composition of the present invention may in principle contain excipients of any pharmaceutically acceptable type and amount.

[0049] To solubilize retinol or a pharmaceutically acceptable ester thereof, particularly against degradation by oxygen, the aqueous pharmaceutical composition of the present invention preferably comprises at least one antioxidant, such as ascorbic acid (or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof), citric acid (or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof), and / or phosphoric acid (or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof). The aqueous pharmaceutical composition preferably comprises ascorbic acid or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, optionally in combination with citric acid (or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof) and / or phosphoric acid (or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof).

[0050] As mentioned above, the aqueous pharmaceutical composition of the present invention preferably comprises ascorbic acid or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. The pharmaceutically acceptable salt of ascorbic acid can be formed, for example, as a salt of the anion of ascorbic acid with a physiologically acceptable cation. Exemplary base addition salts include, for example: alkali metal salts, such as sodium or potassium salts; alkaline earth metal salts, such as calcium or magnesium salts; zinc salts; ammonium salts; aliphatic amine salts, such as trimethylamine, triethylamine, dicyclohexylamine, ethanolamine, diethanolamine, triethanolamine, procaine salts, meglumine salts, ethylenediamine salts, or choline salts; alkylamine salts, such as N,N-dibenzylethylenediamine salts, benzathine salts, benethamine salts; heterocyclic aromatic amine salts, such as pyridine salts, picoline salts, quinoline salts, or isoquinoline salts; quaternary ammonium salts, such as tetramethylammonium salts, tetraethylammonium salts, benzyltrimethylammonium salts, benzyltriethylammonium salts, benzyltributylammonium salts, methyltrioctylammonium salts, or tetrabutylammonium salts; and basic amino acid salts, such as arginine salts, lysine salts, or histidine salts. Preferred pharmaceutically acceptable salts of ascorbic acid include, inter alia, sodium ascorbate, potassium ascorbate, or calcium ascorbate. More preferably, the pharmaceutically acceptable salt of ascorbic acid is sodium ascorbate or calcium ascorbate.

[0051] Aqueous pharmaceutical compositions of the present invention preferably contain ascorbic acid or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof in an amount of about 2 mg / mL to about 50 mg / mL, more preferably about 5 mg / mL to about 20 mg / mL, even more preferably about 8 mg / mL to about 15 mg / mL, and even more preferably about 10 mg / mL, expressed in terms of the amount of ascorbic acid.

[0052] The aqueous pharmaceutical composition of the present invention may also contain citric acid or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. A pharmaceutically acceptable salt of citric acid may be formed, for example, as a salt of the citrate anion with a physiologically acceptable cation. Exemplary base addition salts include, for example, alkali metal salts such as sodium or potassium salts; alkaline earth metal salts such as calcium or magnesium salts; zinc salts; ammonium salts; aliphatic amine salts, such as trimethylamine, triethylamine, dicyclohexylamine, ethanolamine, diethanolamine, triethanolamine, procaine salts, meglumine salts, ethylenediamine salts, or choline salts; alkylamine salts, such as N,N-dibenzylethylenediamine salts, benzathine salts, benethamine salts; heterocyclic aromatic amine salts, such as pyridine salts, picoline salts, quinoline salts, or isoquinoline salts; quaternary ammonium salts, such as tetramethylammonium salts, tetraethylammonium salts, benzyltrimethylammonium salts, benzyltriethylammonium salts, benzyltributylammonium salts, methyltrioctylammonium salts, or tetrabutylammonium salts; and basic amino acid salts, such as arginine salts, lysine salts, or histidine salts. Preferred pharmaceutically acceptable salts of citric acid include, in particular, sodium citrate, potassium citrate, or calcium citrate. More preferably, the pharmaceutically acceptable salt of citric acid is sodium citrate or calcium citrate.

[0053] When the aqueous pharmaceutical composition of the present invention comprises citric acid or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, it is preferred that the citric acid or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof be present in an amount of about 2 mg / mL to about 50 mg / mL, more preferably about 5 mg / mL to about 20 mg / mL, even more preferably about 8 mg / mL to about 15 mg / mL, and even more preferably about 10 mg / mL, expressed in terms of the amount of citric acid.

[0054] Furthermore, the aqueous pharmaceutical composition of the present invention may contain phosphoric acid or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. Pharmaceutically acceptable salts of phosphoric acid can be formed, for example, as a salt of a phosphate anion and a physiologically acceptable cation. Exemplary addition salts include alkali metal salts such as sodium or potassium salts; alkaline earth metal salts such as calcium or magnesium salts; zinc salts; ammonium salts; quaternary ammonium salts such as tetramethylammonium salts, tetraethylammonium salts, benzyltrimethylammonium salts, benzyltriethylammonium salts, benzyltributylammonium salts, methyltrioctylammonium salts, or tetrabutylammonium salts; and basic amino acid salts such as arginine salts, lysine salts, or histidine salts. The salt may be a dihydrogen phosphate salt, a hydrogen phosphate salt, or a phosphate salt. Preferred pharmaceutically acceptable salts of phosphoric acid include, inter alia, trisodium phosphate, disodium monohydrogen phosphate, monosodium dihydrogen phosphate, tripotassium phosphate, dipotassium hydrogen phosphate, or monopotassium dihydrogen phosphate. More preferably, the pharmaceutically acceptable salt of phosphoric acid is disodium monohydrogen phosphate or dipotassium monohydrogen phosphate. When the aqueous pharmaceutical composition of the present invention comprises phosphoric acid or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, it is preferred that the phosphoric acid or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof is present in an amount of about 1 mM to about 50 mM, more preferably in an amount of about 2 mM to about 25 mM, even more preferably in an amount of about 5 mM to about 15 mM, and even more preferably in an amount of about 10 mM.

[0055] In addition, the aqueous pharmaceutical composition of the present invention preferably contains one or more selected from α-tocopherol, β-tocopherol, γ-tocopherol, δ-tocopherol, and esters of any one of α-tocopherol, β-tocopherol, γ-tocopherol, and δ-tocopherol. The esters and preferred esters are defined above for esters of retinol. Tocopherol or its esters are advantageous because they can protect retinol or its esters from decomposition by light and oxidation. The amount of each tocopherol or tocopherol ester is typically less than about 20 mol%, preferably less than about 10 mol%, more preferably less than about 5 mol%, even more preferably less than about 2 mol%, and even more preferably less than about 1 mol%, of the amount of retinol or its ester. The amount of each tocopherol or tocopherol ester is preferably greater than about 0.001 mol%, more preferably greater than about 0.01 mol%, even more preferably greater than 0.05 mol%, and even more preferably greater than about 0.1 mol%.

[0056] In other words, expressed as the mass of retinol, the ratio of retinol or an ester thereof to one or more selected from α-tocopherol, β-tocopherol, γ-tocopherol, δ-tocopherol, and esters of any one of α-tocopherol, β-tocopherol, γ-tocopherol, and δ-tocopherol is preferably greater than about 10:1, about 25:1, about 50:1, about 80:1, or about 90:1 by mass. Furthermore, the composition preferably comprises a ratio of retinol or a pharmaceutically acceptable ester thereof to one or more selected from α-tocopherol, β-tocopherol, γ-tocopherol, δ-tocopherol, and esters of any one of α-tocopherol, β-tocopherol, γ-tocopherol, and δ-tocopherol, expressed as the mass of retinol, of less than about 1000:1, about 800:1, about 400:1, about 200:1, or about 150:1 by mass.

[0057] Undesirable excipients

[0058] Prior art vitamin A compositions for intramuscular administration typically solubilize vitamin A using solubilizing agents such as polysorbates (e.g., polysorbate 80), polyoxypropylene block copolymers, polyoxyethylene / polyoxypropylene, as well as polyoxyethylene hydrogenated castor oil (Kolliphor RH 40), and Kolliphor RH 60 (NPTL11, NPTL12, NPTL14).

[0059] For example, the commercial vitamin A preparation "Aquasol-A" contains polysorbate 80 as an excipient (NPLT14; NPTL27). Polysorbate 80 as an excipient has been linked to neonatal deaths after parenteral administration (NPLT15). Therefore, the use of pharmaceuticals containing polysorbate 80 as an excipient is very limited in infants and young children. Polysorbate 80 is known to be a histamine trigger leading to anaphylaxis (NPLT16, NPLT17, NPLT23). Anaphylactic shock and death have been reported when administered via the intravenous route (NPLT16, NPLT17, NPLT23).

[0060] Other products containing vitamin A as parenteral monovitamin A products are commercially available (NPTL11, NPTL12, NPTL14) and are also desirable for premature infants. For example, Vitamin A Nepalm contains polyoxyethylene hydrogenated castor oil 40, which can lead to anaphylaxis (NPTL11), and benzyl alcohol, which can lead to a fatal toxic syndrome in premature infants (NPTL16, NPTL17).

[0061] The aqueous pharmaceutical composition of the present invention is believed to be free of any excipients or other compounds that may be harmful to infants and young children. Therefore, the aqueous pharmaceutical composition is preferably essentially free (more preferably free) of benzalkonium chloride, benzethonium chloride, benzyl alcohol, chlorobutanol, cresol, myristyl gamma-picolinium chloride, methylparaben, propylparaben, phenol, 2-phenoxyethanol, phenylmercuric nitrate, thimerosal, propylene glycol, ethanol, parahydroxybenzoic acid esters, sodium benzoate, benzoic acid, polyoxyethylene and polyoxypropylene copolymers, polysorbates, polyoxyethylene hydrogenated castor oil, and sorbitol.

[0062] Therefore, the aqueous pharmaceutical composition preferably contains less than about 0.0005 mg / mL, and preferably less than about 0.0001 mg / mL, of each of the following substances, based on the volume of the composition: propylene glycol, ethanol, parahydroxybenzoic acid, benzoic acid and salts thereof, copolymers of polyoxyethylene and polyoxypropylene, polysorbate, polyoxyethylene hydrogenated castor oil, and sorbitol.

[0063] Additionally, it is preferred that the aqueous pharmaceutical composition contain less than about 0.0005 mg / mL, and preferably less than about 0.0001 mg / mL, of each of the following substances, based on the volume of the composition: benzalkonium chloride, benzethonium chloride, benzyl alcohol, chlorobutanol, cresol, myristyl gamma-picolinium chloride, methylparaben, propylparaben, phenol, 2-phenoxyethanol, phenylmercuric nitrate, and thimerosal.

[0064] Antimicrobial preservatives have a high potential for unwanted side effects in highly sensitive patients such as newborns. The aqueous pharmaceutical compositions of the present invention are therefore essentially free (or more preferably free) of antimicrobial preservatives.

[0065] Additionally, the aqueous pharmaceutical composition of the present invention preferably contains one or more of the following substances (more preferably any / all of the following substances) in an amount up to approximately the upper standardized values ​​in the table below; most preferably, the composition does not contain these substances: [Table 1]

[0066] Micelle

[0067] In the aqueous pharmaceutical compositions of the present invention, retinol or a pharmaceutically acceptable ester thereof and one or more polyethylene glycol esters of hydroxystearic acid are present as micelles having an average particle size of about 100 nm or less.

[0068] Micelles are well known in the art and are typically aggregates of amphiphilic molecules, often dispersed in a liquid. Micelles are generally roughly spherical in shape. The shape and size of micelles can be influenced by selecting constituent molecules with appropriate molecular structures and by adjusting solution conditions, such as the concentration of the constituent amphiphilic molecules, temperature, pH, and / or ionic strength.

[0069] Preferably, in aqueous pharmaceutical compositions of the present invention, one or more polyethylene glycol esters of hydroxystearic acid aggregate to form micelles, while retinol (or a pharmaceutically acceptable ester thereof) resides within the micelles. The excipients and any additional composition components can reside within or outside the micelles (or both), typically depending on the hydrophilicity of those excipients or additional components.

[0070] Micelle size can be determined using methods known to those skilled in the art. Preferably, the micelle size is determined using a laser diffraction particle size analyzer, such as a Beckman Coulter LS 13 320. As used herein, the average particle size preferably refers to the volume average particle diameter (e.g., as determined by laser diffraction) or the D50 particle diameter (e.g., as can be calculated using software such as Horiba's laser diffraction software package, available with the LA-960 Horiba laser diffraction instrument); more preferably, it refers to the volume average particle diameter.

[0071] It is a surprising discovery that the micelles in the compositions of the present invention are insensitive to, inter alia, external mechanical, thermodynamic or physical influences and forces, such as shaking, heating, cooling, dilution and the application of pressure.

[0072] Further properties of the composition

[0073] The aqueous pharmaceutical composition of the present invention has a pH within the range of about 5.5 to about 7.5, preferably about 6.0 to about 7.0. The pH of the composition of the present invention can be adjusted, for example, by adding a sufficient amount of acid or base. Acids and bases are added "as needed" to achieve the desired pH. For example, if the pH is higher than the desired pH, an acid can be used to lower the pH below the desired value. Suitable acids include, but are not limited to, hyaluronic acid, phosphoric acid, citric acid, ascorbic acid, acetic acid, and sulfuric acid. In particular, hyaluronic acid can be used to adjust the pH. If the pH is lower than the desired pH, a base can be used to raise the pH to the desired value. Suitable bases include, but are not limited to, sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide, calcium hydroxide, sodium carbonate, sodium citrate, sodium acetate, and magnesium hydroxide.

[0074] In the context of the present invention, it has surprisingly been found that the aqueous pharmaceutical compositions provided herein can be diluted to various concentrations with, for example, 0.9% aqueous sodium chloride or 5% aqueous dextrose and remain pharmaceutically stable for at least about 24 hours without disintegration. For example, when expressed as the volume ratio of the composition of the present invention to 0.9% aqueous sodium chloride, the composition of the present invention can be diluted with 0.9% sodium chloride in ratios of about 1:1, about 1:4, about 1:9, or about 1:99. Similarly, when expressed as the volume ratio of the composition of the present invention to 5% aqueous dextrose, the composition of the present invention can be diluted with 5% aqueous dextrose in ratios of about 1:1, about 1:4, about 1:9, or about 1:99.

[0075] Aqueous pharmaceutical compositions of the present invention, particularly those containing a combination of ascorbic acid and citric acid, have been found to exhibit high pharmaceutical stability for greater than about 12 months when stored at about 2 to about 8°C.

[0076] The aqueous pharmaceutical composition is preferably isotonic with respect to human plasma. It is particularly desirable for the aqueous pharmaceutical composition to have an osmolality of about 100 mOsm / kg to about 600 mOsm / kg, more preferably about 200 mOsm / kg to about 500 mOsm / kg, even more preferably about 300 mOsm / kg to about 400 mOsm / kg, even more preferably about 280 mOsm / kg to about 305 mOsm / kg, even more preferably about 290 mOsm / kg to about 300 mOsm / kg, and even more preferably about 296 mOsm / kg. Furthermore, the aqueous pharmaceutical composition is preferably made isotonic (e.g., to any of the osmolality ranges or values ​​described above) using sodium chloride. It is advantageous that aqueous pharmaceutical compositions having an osmolality in the above-mentioned preferred ranges avoid hemolysis and crenation / shriveling of blood cells, especially in vulnerable premature infants. Therefore, low osmolality can lead to hemolysis, while high osmolality can lead to local discomfort and pain and can result in crenation (shriveling) of blood cells.

[0077] The aqueous pharmaceutical composition of the present invention is preferably sterilized by filtration, i.e., sterile filtered. Filtration involves the use of a filter material with pores small enough to retain microorganisms. Microorganisms are retained by the small size of the filter pores and by partial adsorption to the pore walls as they pass through the filter. Typical filters suitable for this purpose exhibit, for example, a pore size of about 0.22 μm and are preferably made of polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), polyethersulfone (PES), or nylon. In particular, filters such as Fluorodyne® II-Filter, Supor® Filter (PES), and Ultipor Nylon Filter, available from Pall GmbH, Germany, may be used.

[0078] Furthermore, the aqueous pharmaceutical compositions of the present invention are preferably clear, and thus preferably have a turbidity of about 150 NTU or less, preferably about 100 NTU or less, more preferably about 50 NTU or less, and even more preferably about 30 NTU or less, as measured according to ISO 7027.

[0079] The aqueous pharmaceutical composition of the present invention may contain retinol or a pharmaceutically acceptable ester thereof as the sole active ingredient, particularly as the sole active ingredient that is pharmaceutically effective against the vitamin A deficiency or vitamin A deficiency-related disease being treated or prevented. Therefore, the aqueous pharmaceutical composition may not contain any other therapeutic agent for vitamin A deficiency or a vitamin A deficiency-related disease. However, the aqueous pharmaceutical composition may also contain, in addition to retinol or a pharmaceutically acceptable ester thereof, one or more additional therapeutic agents for vitamin A deficiency or a vitamin A deficiency-related disease.

[0080] Dosage Form

[0081] Aqueous pharmaceutical compositions of the present invention are preferably provided in unit dose containers, preferably ampoules, vials or syringes, wherein the unit dose containers are preferably single dose containers.

[0082] The unit dose containers typically contain less than about 8000 μg, preferably less than about 6000 μg, more preferably less than about 5000 μg, and even more preferably less than 4000 μg of retinol or a pharmaceutically acceptable ester thereof, expressed as the mass of retinol per unit dose.

[0083] Furthermore, the unit dose container typically contains less than about 2 mL, preferably less than about 1 mL, and even more preferably less than about 0.5 mL of the aqueous pharmaceutical composition. The unit dose container typically contains a larger amount of the aqueous pharmaceutical composition than is needed for the intended treatment, particularly when the unit dose container is an ampoule. For example, to facilitate application by injection, the unit dose container may contain about 0.5 mL of the composition, even though only about 0.1 mL of the composition is to be used for the treatment.

[0084] The aqueous pharmaceutical composition of the present invention may be suitably provided in the form of a second package containing 12 first packages, each containing less than about 2 mL, preferably less than about 1 mL, or more preferably less than about 0.5 mL of the aqueous pharmaceutical composition of the present invention, which is particularly practical for use as a pediatric formulation.

[0085] The aqueous pharmaceutical composition preferably contains retinol or a pharmaceutically acceptable ester thereof at a concentration of about 50,000 IU / mL. The volume of the aqueous pharmaceutical composition administered as a single dose is preferably about 0.1 mL and contains about 5,000 IU of retinol or a pharmaceutically acceptable ester thereof.

[0086] Subjects to be treated

[0087] The subject (or patient) to be treated in accordance with the present invention is an animal, particularly a mammal (e.g., a non-human mammal, such as a guinea pig, hamster, rat, mouse, rabbit, dog, cat, horse, monkey, ape, marmoset, baboon, gorilla, chimpanzee, orangutan, gibbon, sheep, cattle, or pig), and preferably a human (e.g., a male or female human).

[0088] The subjects (or patients) treated with the aqueous pharmaceutical compositions of the present invention are preferably human children, which are understood to be any human under the age of about 18. The human child is preferably a human infant, i.e., a human under the age of about 1 year.

[0089] More preferably, the treated subject / patient is a human neonate, i.e., a human less than about one month old. Even more preferably, the treated subject is a premature human infant born less than about 37 weeks of gestation, preferably less than about 34 weeks of gestation, or more preferably less than about 32 weeks of gestation.

[0090] Human infants (or human newborns) treated according to the present invention preferably have a birth weight of less than about 4200 g, more preferably less than about 2500 g, even more preferably less than about 2000 g, and even more preferably less than about 1500 g.

[0091] A premature human infant is a human infant that is preferably about 15 weeks of age or less, more preferably about 12 weeks of age or less, even more preferably about 10 weeks of age or less, even more preferably about 7 weeks of age or less, and even more preferably about 4 weeks of age or less.

[0092] Route of administration

[0093] The aqueous pharmaceutical composition according to the present invention is preferably administered parenterally. More preferably, the aqueous pharmaceutical composition may be administered intravenously, intramuscularly, subcutaneously, intraarterially, intraocularly, extravitreously, or intraosseously. Even more preferably, the aqueous pharmaceutical composition may be administered intravenously, intramuscularly, subcutaneously, or intraarterially. Even more preferably, the aqueous pharmaceutical composition may be administered intravenously or intramuscularly.

[0094] Premature infants in neonatal intensive care usually have established intravenous access via peripheral veins, umbilical veins, or central catheters. For this administration route, small amounts of high doses of vitamin A are usually diluted and administered slowly directly intravenously or via a syringe pump so that they can be administered accurately over time. For this administration route in particular, the advantage of the aqueous pharmaceutical composition according to the present invention being easily dilutable is particularly important.

[0095] Parenteral administration is particularly important in extremely preterm infants because retinol and its pharmaceutically acceptable esters are often poorly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract. The continuous transport of orally ingested retinol from enterocytes to the lymphatic system depends on cellular retinol-binding protein type 2 (CRBP II). The reduced availability of CRBP II, combined with an immature gastrointestinal tract, explains the lack of efficacy of many known oral vitamin A formulations in preterm infants (NPTL18, NPTL19, NPTL24).

[0096] The aqueous pharmaceutical compositions of the present invention are particularly advantageous in that they can be administered both intravenously (IV) and intramuscularly (IM). The reason for the interest in both routes (IV / IM) of parenteral administration is that very low birth weight (VLBW) infants have peripheral or central catheters inserted from day 1, which are usually removed after 10 to 14 days. They frequently lose venous access later in life, necessitating subsequent intramuscular administration. Similarly, more mature VLBW infants (birth weight 1000-1500 g) may not have venous access at all and may require intramuscular administration.

[0097] Therefore, an aqueous pharmaceutical composition of the present invention that allows for both IV and IM administration would be highly beneficial as it may reduce pain and the risk of infection.

[0098] Dosing regimen

[0099] Typically, a physician will determine the actual dosage most appropriate for an individual subject. The specific dosage and frequency of administration for any particular individual subject can vary and will depend on a variety of factors, including the activity of the particular form of retinol used, the metabolic stability and duration of action of that particular form of retinol, age, body weight, general health, sex, diet, method and time of administration, excretion rate, drug combinations, the severity of particular symptoms, and the individual subject being treated. It will be understood that the aqueous pharmaceutical composition according to the present invention can be administered to a subject in a therapeutically effective amount (i.e., a therapeutically effective amount with respect to retinol or a pharmaceutically acceptable ester thereof contained in the aqueous pharmaceutical composition).

[0100] Aqueous pharmaceutical compositions according to the present invention are preferably administered in about 1 to about 30 doses over a period of about 1 to about 7 weeks, with each dose containing about 800 μg to about 4000 μg of retinol or a pharmaceutically acceptable ester thereof, expressed as the mass of retinol.

[0101] For example, an aqueous pharmaceutical composition according to the present invention can be administered in about 3 to about 21 doses over a period of about 1 to about 7 weeks, with each dose containing about 1200 to about 3600 μg of retinol or a pharmaceutically acceptable ester thereof, expressed as the mass of retinol.

[0102] When the aqueous pharmaceutical composition of the present invention is used for prophylaxis (as a preventative measure), it is typically administered for about four weeks. The administration can be about three times a week, for example, on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. The amount administered can be about 0.1 ml of the composition containing 5000 IU.

[0103] therapeutic application

[0104] The aqueous pharmaceutical composition according to the present invention may be used in the treatment or prevention of vitamin A deficiency or in the treatment or prevention of any disease associated with vitamin A deficiency, in particular any disease in which the supply of vitamin A is described to be advantageous either to prevent or to treat the disease, and this also includes any disease that is caused by or can be acquired as a result of vitamin A deficiency.

[0105] Examples of vitamin A deficiency-related diseases that can be treated or prevented according to the present invention include, but are not limited to, bronchopulmonary dysplasia, retinopathy of prematurity, cholestatic liver disease, biliary atresia, liver transplant-related diseases, primary biliary cirrhosis, xeroderma conjunctiva, Bitot's spots, xeroderma cornea, corneal ulcers and xeroderma, keratomalacia, night blindness, impaired dark adaptation, xerophthalmia scarring of the cornea, ocular manifestations, xerophthalmia NOS, measles, or kwashiorkor. The ICD10 codes for these diseases include P27.1, H35.1, K71.0, Q44.2, Y83, K74.3, E50.0, E50.1, E50.2, E50.3, E50.4, E50.5, E50.6, E50.7, B05, and E40. Preferably, the vitamin A deficiency-related disease to be treated or prevented is retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) or bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD).

[0106] definition

[0107] Throughout the specification and claims, the following definitions apply unless stated otherwise.

[0108] In the present invention, the amount of retinol or its pharmaceutically acceptable ester is expressed in units of the mass of retinol. Therefore, when a pharmaceutically acceptable ester is used, the equivalent mass of retinol can be obtained by dividing the mass of the pharmaceutically acceptable ester by its molecular weight and multiplying the result by the molecular weight of retinol.

[0109] Therefore, the amount of retinol or its pharmaceutically acceptable esters, as referred to in the present invention, can also be expressed using RAE units (retinol activity equivalents). 1 mg of retinol corresponds to 1 RAE. 1 RAE corresponds to approximately 1.147 mg of retinyl acetate or 1.833 mg of retinyl palmitate. 1 mg of retinol can also be expressed as 3333 IU (international units) of retinol.

[0110] The term "hydrocarbon group" means a group consisting of carbon and hydrogen atoms.

[0111] The term "alkyl" means a monovalent saturated acyclic (i.e., non-cyclic) hydrocarbon group which may be straight-chained or branched. Thus, an "alkyl" group does not contain any carbon-carbon double bonds or any carbon-carbon triple bonds. 1-5 "Alkyl" refers to an alkyl group having 1 to 5 carbon atoms. Examples of alkyl groups include methyl, ethyl, propyl (e.g., n-propyl or isopropyl), or butyl (e.g., n-butyl, isobutyl, sec-butyl, or tert-butyl).

[0112] As used herein, the term "alkenyl" refers to a monovalent unsaturated acyclic hydrocarbon group, which may be straight-chained or branched, and which contains one or more (e.g., one or two) carbon-carbon double bonds, but does not contain any carbon-carbon triple bonds. 2-5 "Alkenyl" refers to an alkenyl group having 2 to 5 carbon atoms. Examples of alkenyl groups include ethenyl, propenyl (e.g., prop-1-en-1-yl, prop-1-en-2-yl, or prop-2-en-1-yl), butenyl, butadienyl (e.g., buta-1,3-dien-1-yl, or buta-1,3-dien-2-yl), pentenyl, or pentadienyl (e.g., isoprenyl).

[0113] As used herein, the term "pediatric" (e.g., as used in "pediatric medication") refers to the treatment of any subject / patient who is not yet fully grown (or who is under the age of adulthood), including, for example, humans who are under the age of about 18 years, particularly humans who are under the age of about 10 years, more preferably humans who are under the age of about 5 years, and even more preferably humans who are under the age of about 1 year.

[0114] The term "active pharmaceutical ingredient" or API, as used herein, is intended to mean a substance used in a finished pharmaceutical product (FPP) that provides pharmacological activity or otherwise has a direct effect in the diagnosis, cure, mitigation, treatment or prevention of disease, or that restores, corrects or modifies physiological function in humans.

[0115] The term "treatment" of a disorder or disease herein is well known to those skilled in the art. "Treatment" of a disorder or disease means that the disorder or disease is suspected or diagnosed in a patient / subject. A patient / subject suffering from a disorder or disease typically exhibits specific clinical and / or pathological symptoms that can be readily attributed to a particular condition (i.e., allowing the disorder or disease to be diagnosed) by one skilled in the art.

[0116] "Treatment" of a disorder or disease may, for example, lead to a halt in the progression of the disorder or disease (e.g., no worsening of symptoms) or a slowing of the progression of the disorder or disease (if the halt in progression is only transient). "Treatment" of a disorder or disease may also lead to a partial response (e.g., improvement of symptoms) or a complete response (e.g., disappearance of symptoms) in the subject / patient suffering from the disorder or disease. Thus, "treatment" of a disorder or disease may also refer to remission of the disorder or disease, which may, for example, lead to a halt in the progression of the disorder or disease or a slowing of the progression of the disorder or disease. Such a partial or complete response may be followed by relapse. It may be understood that a subject / patient may experience a wide range of responses to treatment (e.g., exemplary responses as described herein above). In particular, treatment of a disorder or disease may be understood to include curative treatment (preferably resulting in a complete response and ultimately curing the disorder or disease) and symptomatic treatment (including symptomatic relief).

[0117] Additionally, the term "prevention" of a disorder or disease as used herein is well known to those skilled in the art. For example, a patient / subject suspected of being predisposed to a disorder or disease may particularly benefit from prevention of the disorder or disease. The subject / patient may have a susceptibility or predisposition to the disorder or disease, including but not limited to a genetic predisposition. Such a predisposition may be determined by standard methods or assays, for example, using genetic markers or phenotypic indicators. It is understood that a disorder or disease prevented in accordance with the present invention has not been or cannot be diagnosed in a patient / subject (e.g., the patient / subject does not exhibit any clinical or pathological symptoms). Thus, the term "prevention" includes use of an aqueous pharmaceutical composition of the present invention before any clinical and / or pathological symptoms have been or are determined or can be diagnosed or determined by the attending physician.

[0118] The term "about" preferably refers to ±10% of the stated numerical value, more preferably ±5% of the stated numerical value, and particularly to the exact numerical value stated. When the term "about" is used in conjunction with the endpoints of a range, it preferably refers to a range from a lower endpoint of -10% of the stated numerical value to an upper endpoint of +10% of the stated numerical value, more preferably from a lower endpoint of -5% to an upper endpoint of +5%, and even more preferably the endpoints are defined by the exact numerical values. When the term "about" is used in conjunction with the endpoints of an open-ended range, it preferably refers to the corresponding range starting from a lower endpoint of -10% or an upper endpoint of +10%, more preferably a range starting from a lower endpoint of -5% or an upper endpoint of +5%, and even more preferably an open-ended range whose endpoints are defined by the exact numerical values.

[0119] The terms "optional," "optionally," and "may" indicate that the indicated feature may be present, but may also be absent. Whenever the terms "optional," "optionally," or "may" are used, the invention specifically relates to both possibilities, i.e., the presence of the corresponding feature, or, on the other hand, the absence of the corresponding feature. For example, when a component of a composition is designated as "optional," the invention specifically relates to both possibilities, i.e., the presence of the corresponding component (including in the composition) or the absence of the corresponding component in the composition.

[0120] Various groups are referred to herein as "optionally substituted." Generally, these groups have one or more substituents, for example, 1, 2, 3, or 4 substituents. It will be understood that the maximum number of substituents is limited by the number of attachment sites available for the substituted moiety. Unless otherwise specified, an "optionally substituted" group herein preferably means that it may have at most two substituents, and particularly only one substituent. Furthermore, unless otherwise specified, it is preferred that there are no optional substituents, i.e., the corresponding group is not substituted.

[0121] The term "comprise" (or "comprises," "contain," "contains," or "containing"), unless expressly stated otherwise or contradicted by context, specifically means "comprise," i.e., "comprising, among other things, any further elements." In addition, this term also encompasses the narrower scope of "consisting essentially of" and "consisting of." For example, the term "A comprising B and C" means "A comprises, among other things, B and C," where A may further comprise optional elements (e.g., "A comprising B, C, and D" would also be considered encompassed), but the term also encompasses the meanings "A consists essentially of B and C" and "A consists of B and C" (i.e., A does not contain any components other than B and C).

[0122] As used herein, unless expressly stated otherwise or contradicted by context, "a," "an," and "the" are used interchangeably with "one or more" and "at least one." Thus, for example, a composition that includes "a" retinol ester is interpreted as meaning a composition that includes "one or more" retinol esters.

[0123] Unless expressly stated otherwise, all properties and parameters referred to herein (e.g., any amounts / concentrations expressed in "mg / mL", "% (wt / vol)", or "% (vol / vol)", and any pH values) are preferably determined at standard ambient temperature and pressure conditions, in particular at a temperature of 25°C (298.15 K) and an absolute pressure of 1 atm (101.325 kPa).

[0124] Additionally, unless otherwise stated, any reference to an industry standard, pharmacopoeia, or manufacturing manual refers to the corresponding latest (i.e., most recent) edition available as of October 1, 2018.

[0125] It is understood that the present invention specifically relates to each and every combination of the features and aspects described herein, including any combination of the general and / or preferred features / aspects.

[0126] Numerous documents, including patent applications and scientific literature, are cited herein. The disclosures of these documents are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties, even though the disclosures of these documents are not considered relevant to the patentability of this invention. More specifically, all referenced documents are incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individual document was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference.

[0127] Reference in this specification to any prior publication (or information derived therefrom) is not, and should not be taken as, an acknowledgment or admission or any form of suggestion that the corresponding prior publication (or information derived therefrom) forms part of the common general knowledge in the art to which this specification pertains.

[0128] The present invention relates in particular to the following items:

[0129] 1. An aqueous pharmaceutical composition for use as a pediatric formulation in the treatment or prevention of vitamin A deficiency or a vitamin A deficiency-associated disease, wherein the composition comprises: retinol or a pharmaceutically acceptable ester thereof, one or more polyethylene glycol esters of hydroxystearic acid, and one or more pharmaceutically acceptable excipients; wherein the composition has a pH in the range of about 5.5 to about 7.5; wherein the retinol or a pharmaceutically acceptable ester thereof and one or more polyethylene glycol esters of hydroxystearic acid are present as micelles having an average particle size of about 100 nm or less; and wherein the composition has an osmolality of about 100 to about 600 mOsm / kg.

[0130] 2. The aqueous pharmaceutical composition for use according to item 1, wherein the composition is a transparent aqueous pharmaceutical composition.

[0131] 3. The composition comprises a pharmaceutically acceptable retinol ester in which retinol is esterified with a carboxylic acid R-COOH, where R is C 1-25 Alkyl or C 2-25 3. The aqueous pharmaceutical composition for use according to item 1 or 2, wherein said alkyl and said alkenyl are each optionally substituted with one or more hydroxy groups.

[0132] 4. An aqueous pharmaceutical composition for use according to any one of items 1 to 3, wherein the composition comprises a pharmaceutically acceptable retinol ester selected from retinol acetate, retinol propionate, and retinol palmitate.

[0133] 5. An aqueous pharmaceutical composition for use according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the one or more polyethylene glycol esters of hydroxystearic acid are each independently a monoester of 12-hydroxystearic acid with polyethylene glycol having from about 10 to about 20 ethylene glycol repeat units.

[0134] 6. The aqueous pharmaceutical composition for use according to any one of items 1 to 5, wherein the polyethylene glycol ester of hydroxystearic acid is macrogol(15)-hydroxystearic acid.

[0135] 7. The aqueous pharmaceutical composition for use according to any one of items 1 to 6, wherein the composition comprises one or more selected from α-tocopherol, β-tocopherol, γ-tocopherol, δ-tocopherol, and esters of α-tocopherol, β-tocopherol, γ-tocopherol, and δ-tocopherol.

[0136] 8. An aqueous pharmaceutical composition for use according to item 7, wherein the composition comprises retinol or an ester thereof in a mass ratio, expressed as mass of retinol, of any one or more selected from α-tocopherol, β-tocopherol, γ-tocopherol, δ-tocopherol, and esters of α-tocopherol, β-tocopherol, γ-tocopherol, and δ-tocopherol of greater than about 10:1, about 25:1, about 50:1, about 80:1, or about 90:1.

[0137] 9. The aqueous pharmaceutical composition according to item 7 or 8, wherein the composition comprises a mass ratio, expressed as mass of retinol, of retinol or a pharmaceutically acceptable ester thereof to any one or more selected from α-tocopherol, β-tocopherol, γ-tocopherol, δ-tocopherol, and esters of α-tocopherol, β-tocopherol, γ-tocopherol, and δ-tocopherol of less than about 1000:1, about 800:1, about 400:1, about 200:1, or about 150:1.

[0138] 10. The aqueous pharmaceutical composition according to any one of items 1 to 9, wherein the composition comprises about 0.05 to about 5% by weight, preferably about 0.25 to 3.5% by weight, more preferably about 0.5 to about 2.5% by weight, even more preferably about 1 to about 2% by weight, and even more preferably about 1.25 to about 1.75% by weight of retinol or a pharmaceutically acceptable ester thereof, expressed as the weight of retinol and based on the total weight of the aqueous pharmaceutical composition.

[0139] 11. An aqueous pharmaceutical composition for use according to any one of items 1 to 10, comprising about 0.1 to about 50% by weight, preferably about 2 to about 30% by weight, more preferably about 3 to about 25% by weight, even more preferably about 5 to about 20% by weight, and even more preferably about 10 to about 15% by weight of one or more polyethylene glycol esters of hydroxystearic acid, based on the total weight of the aqueous pharmaceutical composition.

[0140] 12. An aqueous pharmaceutical composition according to any one of items 1 to 11, wherein the composition comprises ascorbic acid or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, optionally in combination with one or more selected from citric acid or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, and phosphoric acid or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

[0141] 13. The aqueous pharmaceutical composition according to any one of items 1 to 12, wherein the composition contains less than about 0.0005 mg / mL, preferably less than about 0.0001 mg / mL, of each of propylene glycol, ethanol, parahydroxybenzoic acid, benzoic acid and salts thereof, copolymers of polyoxyethylene and polyoxypropylene, polysorbate, polyoxyethylene hydrogenated castor oil, and sorbitol, based on the volume of the aqueous pharmaceutical composition, and wherein preferably the composition is free of the foregoing substances.

[0142] 14. An aqueous pharmaceutical composition for use according to any one of items 1 to 13, wherein the composition contains less than about 0.0005 mg / mL, preferably less than about 0.0001 mg / mL, of each of benzalkonium chloride, benzethonium chloride, benzyl alcohol, chlorobutanol, cresol, myristyl gamma-picolinium chloride, methylparaben, propylparaben, phenol, 2-phenoxyethanol, phenylmercuric nitrate, and thimerosal, based on the volume of the aqueous pharmaceutical composition, and wherein preferably the composition is free of the aforementioned substances.

[0143] 15. An aqueous pharmaceutical composition for use according to any one of items 1 to 14, wherein the composition is an aqueous solution.

[0144] 16. An aqueous pharmaceutical composition for use according to any one of items 1 to 15, wherein the composition has an osmolality of about 270 to about 330 mOsm / kg.

[0145] 17. An aqueous pharmaceutical composition for use according to any one of items 1 to 16, wherein the composition has a turbidity, measured in accordance with ISO 7027, of about 150 NTU or less, preferably about 100 NTU or less, more preferably about 50 NTU or less, and even more preferably about 30 NTU or less.

[0146] 18. An aqueous pharmaceutical composition for use according to any one of items 1 to 17, wherein the composition comprises about 100,000 IU of retinol or a pharmaceutically acceptable ester thereof, expressed as retinol, per mL.

[0147] 19. The aqueous pharmaceutical composition for use according to any one of items 1 to 18, wherein the composition is provided in a unit dose container, preferably an ampoule, vial, or syringe, wherein the unit dose container is preferably a single dose container.

[0148] 20. An aqueous pharmaceutical composition for use according to item 19, wherein the unit dose container contains less than about 8000 μg, preferably less than about 6000 μg, more preferably less than about 5000 μg, and even more preferably less than about 4000 μg of retinol or a pharmaceutically acceptable ester thereof, expressed as the mass of retinol.

[0149] 21. An aqueous pharmaceutical composition for use according to item 19 or 20, wherein the unit dose container contains less than about 2 mL, preferably less than about 1 mL, and more preferably less than about 0.5 mL of the composition.

[0150] 22. The aqueous pharmaceutical composition for use according to any one of items 1 to 21, wherein the subject to be treated is a human child.

[0151] 23. The aqueous pharmaceutical composition for use according to any one of items 1 to 21, wherein the subject to be treated is a human infant.

[0152] 24. The aqueous pharmaceutical composition for use according to any one of items 1 to 22, wherein the subject to be treated is a human newborn, preferably a premature human infant.

[0153] 25. The aqueous pharmaceutical composition for use according to any one of items 1 to 24, wherein the vitamin A deficiency-related disease is retinopathy of prematurity or bronchopulmonary dysplasia.

[0154] 26. The aqueous pharmaceutical composition for use according to item 24 or 25, wherein the premature human infant is a human newborn born at less than about 37 weeks' gestation, preferably less than about 32 weeks' gestation.

[0155] 27. The aqueous pharmaceutical composition for use according to any one of items 22 to 26, wherein the human infant has a birth weight of less than about 4200 g, preferably less than about 2500 g, more preferably less than about 2000 g, and even more preferably less than about 1500 g.

[0156] 28. The aqueous pharmaceutical composition for use according to any one of items 24 to 27, wherein the premature human infant is a premature human infant of about 15 weeks or less in age after birth, preferably about 12 weeks or less in age, more preferably about 10 weeks or less in age, even more preferably about 7 weeks or less in age, and even more preferably about 4 weeks or less in age after birth.

[0157] 29. The aqueous pharmaceutical composition for use according to any one of items 1 to 28, wherein the composition is administered parenterally.

[0158] 30. The aqueous pharmaceutical composition for use according to any one of items 1 to 29, wherein the composition is administered intravenously or intramuscularly.

[0159] 31. An aqueous pharmaceutical composition for use according to any one of items 1 to 30, wherein the composition is sterile filtered.

[0160] 32. An aqueous pharmaceutical composition for use according to any one of items 29 to 31, wherein the composition is administered in about 1 to about 30 doses over a period of about 1 to about 7 weeks, wherein each dose contains about 800 μg to about 4000 μg of retinol or a pharmaceutically acceptable ester thereof, expressed as the mass of retinol.

[0161] 33. An aqueous pharmaceutical composition for use according to any one of items 29 to 32, wherein the composition is administered in about 3 to about 21 doses over a period of about 1 to about 7 weeks, wherein each dose contains about 1200 to about 3600 μg of retinol or a pharmaceutically acceptable ester thereof, expressed as the mass of retinol.

[0162] 34. An aqueous pharmaceutical composition for use according to any one of items 29 to 33, wherein the composition is administered in about 9 to about 15 doses over a period of about 3 to about 5 weeks, each dose containing about 1500 to about 3300 μg of retinol or a pharmaceutically acceptable ester thereof, expressed as the mass of retinol.

[0163] 35. The aqueous pharmaceutical composition for use according to any one of items 29 to 34, wherein the composition is administered about three times a week.

[0164] 36. A method for treating or preventing vitamin A deficiency or a vitamin A deficiency-associated disease, the method comprising administering to a subject in need thereof an aqueous pharmaceutical composition, wherein the composition comprises: retinol or a pharmaceutically acceptable ester thereof, one or more polyethylene glycol esters of hydroxystearic acid, and comprising one or more pharmaceutically acceptable excipients; wherein the composition has a pH in the range of about 5.5 to about 7.5; wherein the retinol or a pharmaceutically acceptable ester thereof and one or more polyethylene glycol esters of hydroxystearic acid are present as micelles having an average particle size of about 100 nm or less; and wherein the composition has an osmolality of about 100 to about 600 mOsm / kg.

[0165] 37. The method according to item 36, wherein the composition is a transparent aqueous pharmaceutical composition.

[0166] 38. The composition comprises a pharmaceutically acceptable retinol ester, which is retinol esterified with a carboxylic acid R-COOH, where R is C 1-25 Alkyl or C 2-25 38. The process according to item 36 or 37, wherein said alkyl and said alkenyl are each optionally substituted with one or more hydroxy groups.

[0167] 39. The method according to any one of items 36 to 38, wherein the composition comprises a pharmaceutically acceptable retinol ester selected from retinol acetate, retinol propionate, and retinol palmitate.

[0168] 40. The method according to any one of items 36 to 39, wherein the one or more polyethylene glycol esters of hydroxystearic acid are each independently a monoester of 12-hydroxystearic acid with a polyethylene glycol having from about 10 to about 20 ethylene glycol repeat units.

[0169] 41. The method according to any one of items 36 to 40, wherein the polyethylene glycol ester of hydroxystearic acid is macrogol(15)-hydroxystearic acid.

[0170] 42. The method according to any one of items 36 to 41, wherein the composition comprises one or more selected from α-tocopherol, β-tocopherol, γ-tocopherol, δ-tocopherol, and esters of any one of α-tocopherol, β-tocopherol, γ-tocopherol, and δ-tocopherol.

[0171] 43. The method according to item 42, wherein the composition comprises a mass ratio, expressed as the mass of retinol, of retinol or an ester thereof to one or more selected from α-tocopherol, β-tocopherol, γ-tocopherol, δ-tocopherol, and esters of any one of α-tocopherol, β-tocopherol, γ-tocopherol, and γ-tocopherol, of more than about 10:1, about 25:1, about 50:1, about 80:1, or about 90:1.

[0172] 44. The method according to item 42 or 43, wherein the composition comprises a weight ratio, expressed as the mass of retinol, of retinol or a pharmaceutically acceptable ester thereof to one or more selected from α-tocopherol, β-tocopherol, γ-tocopherol, δ-tocopherol, and esters of any one of α-tocopherol, β-tocopherol, γ-tocopherol, and δ-tocopherol, of less than about 1000:1, about 800:1, about 400:1, about 200:1, or about 150:1.

[0173] 45. The method according to any one of items 36 to 44, wherein the composition comprises about 0.05 to about 5 wt. %, preferably about 0.25 to about 3.5 wt. %, more preferably about 0.5 to about 2.5 wt. %, even more preferably about 1 to about 2 wt. %, and even more preferably about 1.25 to about 1.75 wt. % of retinol or a pharmaceutically acceptable ester thereof, based on the total weight of the aqueous pharmaceutical composition, expressed as the weight of retinol.

[0174] 46. ​​The method according to any one of items 36 to 45, wherein the composition comprises about 0.1 to about 50% by weight, preferably about 2 to about 30% by weight, more preferably about 3 to about 25% by weight, even more preferably about 5 to about 20% by weight, and even more preferably about 10 to about 15% by weight of one or more polyethylene glycol esters of hydroxystearic acid, based on the total weight of the aqueous pharmaceutical composition.

[0175] 47. The method according to any one of items 36 to 46, wherein the composition comprises ascorbic acid or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, optionally in combination with one or more selected from citric acid or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, and phosphoric acid or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

[0176] 48. The method according to any one of items 36 to 47, wherein the composition contains less than about 0.0005 mg / mL, preferably less than about 0.0001 mg / mL, of each of propylene glycol, ethanol, parahydroxybenzoic acid, benzoic acid and salts thereof, copolymers of polyoxyethylene and polyoxypropylene, polysorbate, polyoxyethylene hydrogenated castor oil, and sorbitol, based on the volume of the aqueous pharmaceutical composition, and wherein the composition preferably does not contain the above-mentioned substances.

[0177] 49. The method according to any one of items 36 to 48, wherein the composition contains less than about 0.0005 mg / mL, preferably less than about 0.0001 mg / mL, of each of benzalkonium chloride, benzethonium chloride, benzyl alcohol, chlorobutanol, cresol, myristyl gamma-picolinium chloride, methylparaben, propylparaben, phenol, 2-phenoxyethanol, phenylmercuric nitrate, and thimerosal, based on the volume of the aqueous pharmaceutical composition, and wherein the composition is preferably free of the above-mentioned substances.

[0178] 50. The method according to any one of items 36 to 49, wherein the composition is an aqueous solution.

[0179] 51. The method according to any one of items 36 to 50, wherein the composition has an osmolality of about 270 to about 330 mOsm / kg.

[0180] 52. The method according to any one of items 36 to 51, wherein the composition has a turbidity, when measured according to ISO 7027, of about 150 NTU or less, preferably about 100 NTU or less, more preferably about 50 NTU or less, and even more preferably about 30 NTU or less.

[0181] 53. The method according to any one of items 36 to 52, wherein the composition comprises about 100,000 IU or less of retinol or a pharmaceutically acceptable ester thereof, expressed as retinol, per mL.

[0182] 54. The method according to any one of items 36 to 53, wherein the composition is provided in a unit dose container, preferably an ampoule, vial, or syringe, wherein the unit dose container is preferably a single dose container.

[0183] 55. The method according to item 54, wherein the unit dose container contains at least less than about 8000 μg, preferably less than about 6000 μg, more preferably less than about 5000 μg, and even more preferably less than about 4000 μg of retinol or a pharmaceutically acceptable ester thereof, expressed as the mass of retinol.

[0184] 56. The method according to item 54 or 55, wherein the unit dose container contains less than about 2 mL, preferably less than about 1 mL, and more preferably less than about 0.5 mL of the composition.

[0185] 57. The method according to any one of items 36 to 56, wherein the subject is a human child.

[0186] 58. The method according to any one of items 36 to 57, wherein the subject is a human infant.

[0187] 59. The method according to any one of items 36 to 58, wherein the subject is a human newborn, preferably a premature human infant.

[0188] 60. The method according to any one of items 36 to 59, wherein the vitamin A deficiency-related disease is retinopathy of prematurity or bronchopulmonary dysplasia.

[0189] 61. The method according to item 59 or 60, wherein the preterm infant is a human infant born at less than about 37 weeks' gestational age, preferably less than about 32 weeks' gestational age.

[0190] 62. The method according to any one of items 58 to 61, wherein the human infant has a birth weight of less than about 4200 g, preferably less than 2500 g, more preferably less than about 2000 g, and even more preferably less than about 1500 g.

[0191] 63. The method according to any one of items 59 to 62, wherein the premature infant is a human infant within about 15 weeks, preferably within about 12 weeks, more preferably within about 10 weeks, even more preferably within about 7 weeks, and even more preferably within about 4 weeks after birth.

[0192] 64. The method according to any one of items 36 to 63, wherein the composition is administered parenterally.

[0193] 65. The method according to any one of items 36 to 64, wherein the composition is administered intravenously or intramuscularly.

[0194] 66. The method according to any one of items 36 to 65, wherein the composition is sterile filtered.

[0195] 67. The method according to any one of items 64 to 66, wherein the composition is administered in about 1 to about 30 doses over a period of about 1 to about 7 weeks, each dose containing about 800 μg to about 4000 μg of retinol or a pharmaceutically acceptable ester thereof, expressed as the mass of retinol.

[0196] 68. The method according to any one of items 64 to 67, wherein the composition is administered in about 3 to about 21 doses over a period of about 1 to about 7 weeks, each dose containing about 1200 to about 3600 μg of retinol or a pharmaceutically acceptable ester thereof, expressed as the mass of retinol.

[0197] 69. The method according to any one of items 64 to 68, wherein the composition is administered in about 9 to about 15 doses over a period of about 3 to about 5 weeks, each dose containing about 1500 to about 3300 μg of retinol or a pharmaceutically acceptable ester thereof, expressed as the mass of retinol.

[0198] 70. The method according to any one of 64 to 69, wherein the composition is administered about three times per week.

[0199] In a further aspect, the present invention provides a pharmaceutical composition comprising (i) retinol or a pharmaceutically acceptable ester thereof, (ii) one or more polyethylene glycol esters of hydroxystearic acid, and (iii) one or more pharmaceutically acceptable excipients, wherein the composition is an aqueous composition. This pharmaceutical composition can be used as a medicament, particularly as a pediatric formulation, for example, in the treatment of vitamin A deficiency or vitamin A deficiency-related diseases. The pharmaceutical composition: (a) has a pH within the range of 5.5 to 7.5; (b) comprises one or more polyethylene glycol esters of hydroxystearic acid in the form of micelles having an average particle size of 100 nm or less; and / or (c) has an osmolality of 100 to 600 mOsm / kg. Further preferred features described herein with respect to the aqueous pharmaceutical composition according to the present invention, as well as with respect to the general and preferred descriptions of the therapeutic uses / applications of the aqueous pharmaceutical composition of the present invention, also apply to the pharmaceutical compositions described and provided in this paragraph.

[0200] The present invention will now be described by reference to the following examples, which are illustrative only and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention. [Example]

[0201] Example 1: Preparation of a composition of the present invention

[0202] The composition of the present invention was prepared by first weighing out the required amounts of macrogol (15)-hydroxystearate (12.5 g, obtained from BASF SE-Nutrition & Health, Germany) and retinyl palmitate (3 g, obtained from DSM Nutritional Products Ltd) and adding them to an Erlenmeyer flask protected from light and under inert gas. The flask was placed on a heating plate and slowly heated to between 55 and 58°C. Once the materials began to dissolve, stirring was initiated using a magnetic stirrer.

[0203] Approximately 95 g of water for injection (including additional excipients, if desired) was heated to between 55 and 58°C in an additional Erlenmeyer flask and slowly added to the Erlenmeyer flask containing the mixed macrogol (15)-hydroxystearate and retinyl palmitate to a total volume of 100 mL. The mixture was continuously stirred and sparged with inert gas until it reached room temperature even when cooled.

[0204] The aqueous compositions were sterile filtered and subsequently filled into vials, ampoules or syringes while maintained under an atmosphere of inert gas, either argon or nitrogen, or a mixture thereof, being used as the inert gas.

[0205] Example 2: Stability of the composition of the present invention in a small volume syringe and competitive products

[0206] Plastic disposables are lipid-soluble, and therefore highly lipophilic ingredients such as vitamin A can adhere to them and therefore not reach the patient and exert their pharmacological effect (NPTL20, NPTL21).

[0207] In many hospitals, it is common practice to prepare patient-specific doses in hospital pharmacies, for example by incorporating the appropriate amount into a syringe, allowing direct administration to doctors / nurses in intensive care. Some products degrade or adsorb to syringes during storage. Therefore, it is important to ensure the stability of vitamin A compounds in use. The composition of the present invention has been found to be less light-sensitive and less adsorbent to plastic syringes than competing products (Vitamin A Nepali, NPTL11).

[0208] Test Description:

[0209] Vitamin A is sensitive to light and oxygen, and is also lipid-soluble. This means that depending on the formulation, its stability in use, which is mainly affected by oxidation, light, and the adsorption of vitamin A to plastic syringes, can affect the dose ultimately delivered to the patient. For this reason, the adsorption and the effects of time and light of the composition of the present invention were tested in comparison with a control product. Small-volume syringes commonly used in intensive care have a volume of 1 mL or less. For this reason, a 1 mL high-precision syringe is used (Single-Use Insulin Syringe, Henry Schein 30G, Article Number 9008529).

[0210] At each time point, a new syringe was used in each test to draw 0.10 mL of the composition of the present invention and 0.10 mL of the control product (Vitamin-A Nepalem) into a 1 mL syringe. This was repeated 10 times per test with different storage times (from 0 to 180 minutes and up to 180 minutes protected from light). The retention time of the test solution in the medical device simulated in-use stability. For comparison, storage was also performed protected from light (by aluminum foil) at t=180. The relative retinol content was measured at the different time points. To measure the absolute retinol content, the primary packaging of the composition of the present invention and the control product was opened, and the absolute content was determined by HPLC. This was used as a reference point (set as 1) for measurements after syringe administration (t=0 / t=180 (with / without protection from light)).

[0211] Table 1: A composition according to the invention (see Example 1) and a control product (Marketing Authorisation Holder Lexphar SARL, LOT F0020 / Exp.01 / 2019) Vitamin A Nepalm were tested according to the following test matrix to allow a comparison of their stability in use over time.

[0212] [Table 2]

[0213] The corresponding results are shown in FIG.

[0214] As shown in Table 1 and Figure 1, the composition of the present invention was found to lose no vitamin A content over time when the syringe was shielded for the entire 180 minute period. In contrast, the competitive product lost more than 20% vitamin A at t=0 and between 24% (shielded) and 32% (unshielded) vitamin A at t=180.

[0215] Therefore, it has been demonstrated that the compositions of the present invention are significantly less likely to be adsorbed by the syringe over time (as seen immediately after administration) or degraded by light in small volume plastic syringes compared to competing products.

[0216] The compositions of the present invention therefore exhibit advantages in terms of stability in use.

[0217] Example 3: Degradation and adsorption of compositions of the present invention onto intravenous infusion tubing commonly used in neonatal intensive care

[0218] Lipid-soluble products such as vitamin A generally tend to adsorb to infusion lines, resulting in limited uptake and potential failure to prevent or treat disease (NPTL 20, NPTL 21).

[0219] Therefore, intravenous infusion of the composition of the present invention was simulated in a setup commonly used worldwide in neonatal intensive care units. Premature infants in intensive care units are typically administered intravenously, frequently via an umbilical catheter. To provide hydration, nutrition, and medication to patients, specific perfusers (e.g., syringe pumps) are attached to the access line. These slowly deliver, for example, 5% dextrose or 0.9% sodium chloride solution to the patient. A three-way stopcock was placed between the perfusator and the umbilical catheter, allowing for the administration of small volumes of medication. After administration of the medication through the stopcock, the medication is slowly flushed by the solution through the umbilical vein line and thus reaches the patient.

[0220] Test Description:

[0221] The compatibility of the composition of the present invention was tested using different intravenous umbilical catheters (suppliers: Vygon, 1270.02 / PUR, 270.03 / PVC, 2184.01 / Silicone) made of different materials. A perfusor syringe (50 mL) was filled with diluent (0.9% NaCl) and subsequently used during the test. The infusion rate of the perfusor (Perfusor Secura FT, B. Braun) was set at 5 mL / h, a common rate used in preterm infants. The catheters were flushed and primed with 0.9% NaCl before administration. Three different catheter types were tested. To ensure sufficient reliability, five catheters of each catheter type were tested (3 x 5 = 15 catheters).

[0222] For each test, 0.10 mL of the inventive composition was drawn up into a small-volume syringe. This syringe was slowly administered (over 20-30 seconds) through the three-way stopcock. 0.50 mL of 0.9% NaCl was drawn up into the same syringe, thoroughly flushing the syringe, and also administered through the three-way stopcock. The inventive composition and flushing solution were collected at the catheter outlet. After administering the inventive composition and flushing the catheter with flushing solution, the system was required to flush with 0.9% sodium chloride via the perfusor syringe for 5 minutes to ensure complete movement of the inventive composition through the catheter. The amounts per catheter type were pooled, and the retinol content was measured by HPLC.

[0223] The compositions of the present invention were tested according to the following test matrix:

[0224] [Table 3]

[0225] Despite the generally high lipid solubility of retinol and the lipid solubility of catheter materials, the compositions of the present invention have been found not to be compromised by adsorption to the catheter materials (polyurethane, polyvinyl chloride, silicone) or by degradation as simulated in actual test scenarios used in neonatal intensive care.

[0226] The compositions of the present invention are therefore well suited to be used with different catheter materials without significant loss of vitamin A.

[0227] Example 4: Local tolerance to intravenous and intramuscular injections of a composition according to the invention

[0228] Evaluation of local tolerance is performed according to Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) regulations in appropriate animals prior to human exposure of the product. The purpose of these studies is to determine whether the drug is tolerated at the injection site in the body and / or whether it has any other side effects.

[0229] Therefore, the local tolerance of the compositions of the invention after intravenous and intramuscular administration is tested in a suitable animal model that best simulates the situation in preterm human infants.

[0230] In a preclinical setting, three groups of animals will undergo intravenous and / or intramuscular administration: Group 1 will receive a composition according to the present invention (Group 1), Group 2 will receive an approved vitamin A product based on the non-ionic solubilizer polysorbate and / or PEG-40 hydrogenated castor oil, and Group 3 will receive vehicle (0.9% sodium chloride) as a control.

[0231] The animals were observed repeatedly, especially before and after administration. Careful macroscopic and histological examination of the injection site and surrounding tissues was performed. Simultaneously, plasma samples were obtained to assess the immune response to the administered products, especially histamine levels.

[0232] After the above test procedures, it can be confirmed that the aqueous pharmaceutical composition according to the present invention exhibits favorable local tolerance upon IV or IM administration. The composition according to the present invention is particularly suitable for premature infants.

[0233] References NPTL1: Brandt, RB et al. Serum vitamin A in premature and term neonates (1978), The Journal of Pediatrics (92)101-104. NPTL2: Inder TE et al., Vitamin A and E status in very low birth weight infants: Development of an improved parental delivery system 1998 NPTL3: Shenai, JP et al. (1981). Vitamin A delivery from parenteral alimentation solution. J Pediatr, 99(2), 302-305. NPTL4: Mactier, H. et al. (2012). Vitamin A supplementation improves retinal function in infants at risk of retinopathy of prematurityThe Journal of Pediatrics, 160(6), 954- 959. e1 NPTL5: Peeples et al., Vitamin A status of preterm infants during infancy. (1991) The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition Vol 53(6) 1455-1459 NPTL6: Darlow, B. A. et al. (2016). Vitamin A supplementation to prevent mortality and short-and long-term morbidity in very low birth weight infants. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2016, Issue 8. Art. No.: CD000501 NPTL7: Mactier, H. (2013). Vitamin A for preterm infants; where are we now Semin Fetal Neonatal Med. NPTL8: DSM Nutritional Products Ltd. (2015). Product Information - Product Data Sheet - Vitamin A Palmitate 1.7 MIU / g NPTL9: Kuwahara, T. et al. (2013). Effects of lipid emulsion and multivitamins on the growth of microorganisms in peripheral parenteral nutrition solutions. Int J Med Sci, 10(9), 1079-1084. NPTL10: Kuwahara, T. et al. (2010). Growth of microorganisms in total parenteral nutrition solutions containing lipid. Int J Med Sci, 7(3), 101-109. NPTL11: Vitamin A Nepalm 100.000 IU / 2ML injectable solution. Package Leaflet. (2014) NPTL12: British National Formulary 41 Vitamin A Palmitate -Cambridge Pharmaceuticals. 2001 NPTL13: Martindale Pharmacopeia: The Complete Drug Reference. 36th Edition. (2009). Pharmaceutical Press. Section on “Nonionic Surfactants” (pp. 1914-1920). NPTL14: Pfizer. AQUASOL A (商標) PARENTERAL (VITAMIN A, RETINOL) Physician Prescribing Information. Revised 01 / 2018 NPTL15: Mystery of the E-Ferol syndrome. Nutrition Reviews 45(3), 76-77. NPTL16: Graham S. Turner M. European Study of Neonatal Exposure to Excipients (ESNEE) Infant Volume 7 Issue 6 2011 NPTL17: Cuzzolin (2018). Neonates exposed to excipients: concern about safety Journal of Pediatric and Neonatal Individualized Medicine, 7(1):e070112. NPTL18: Ong et al. Cellular retinol-binding protein (type two) is abundant in human small intestine. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, J Lipid Res, 1987, 28(6), 739- 745. NPTL19: Wardle, S. P. et al. (2001). Randomised controlled trial of oral vitamin A supplementation in preterm infants to prevent chronic lung disease, Archives of Disease in Childhood-Fetal and Neonatal Edition 84(1), F9-F13. NPLT20: Riggle, M. A. et al. (1986). Decrease of available vitamin A in parenteral nutrition solutions. Journal of Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition, 10(4), 388-392. NPTL21: Losses of vitamin A and E in parenteral nutrition suitable for premature infants. Eur J Clin Nutr, 56(9), 906-912. NPTL22: Balistreri, W. F. et al. Lessons from the E-Ferol tragedy (1986). Pediatrics, 78(3), 503-506. NPTL23: Lorenz, W. et al. Histamine release and hypotensive reactions in dogs by solubilizing agents and fatty acids: analysis of various components in cremophor El and development of a compound with reduced toxicity. (1982). Agents Actions, 12(1-2), 64-80. NPTL24: Mactier, H. (2013). Vitamin A for preterm infants; where are we now. Semin Fetal Neonatal Med, 18(3), 166-171. NPTL25: NPTL26: Solutol HS15 -- Technical Information, BASF (2003) Vitamin A Nepalm, 100.000 IU / 2 ml, injectable solution, Summary of Product Characteristics (2008) NPTL27: AQUASOL A, vitamin A palmitate injection solution, Hospira, Inc., Package Leaflet (2018) PTL1: WO 2016 / 188876 PTL2: WO 2016 / 188874

Claims

1. 1. An aqueous pharmaceutical composition for use as a pediatric formulation in the treatment or prevention of vitamin A deficiency or a disease associated with vitamin A deficiency, wherein said composition comprises: Retinol or a pharmaceutically acceptable retinol ester selected from the group consisting of retinol acetate, retinol propionate, and retinol palmitate. one or more polyethylene glycol esters of hydroxystearic acid, each independently a monoester of 12-hydroxystearic acid with a polyethylene glycol having from about 10 to about 20 ethylene glycol repeating units; and containing one or more pharmaceutically acceptable excipients; wherein the composition has a pH in the range of about 5.5 to about 7.5; wherein the retinol or pharmaceutically acceptable retinol ester and one or more polyethylene glycol esters of hydroxystearic acid are present as micelles having an average particle size of about 100 nm or less: wherein the composition has an osmolality of about 100 to about 600 mOsm / kg; and wherein the composition is a transparent aqueous pharmaceutical composition. The aqueous pharmaceutical composition.

2. 2. The aqueous pharmaceutical composition for use according to claim 1, wherein the composition comprises a pharmaceutically acceptable retinol ester that is retinol palmitate.

3. 3. The aqueous pharmaceutical composition for use according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the polyethylene glycol ester of hydroxystearic acid is macrogol(15)-hydroxystearic acid.

4. 4. The aqueous pharmaceutical composition for use according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the composition comprises one or more selected from α-tocopherol, β-tocopherol, γ-tocopherol, and δ-tocopherol.

5. 5. The aqueous pharmaceutical composition for use according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the composition comprises ascorbic acid or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, optionally in combination with one or more selected from citric acid or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, and phosphoric acid or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

6. The aqueous pharmaceutical composition for use according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the composition is an aqueous solution.

7. The aqueous pharmaceutical composition for use according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the subject to be treated is a human infant.

8. The aqueous pharmaceutical composition for use according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the subject to be treated is a human newborn.

9. The aqueous pharmaceutical composition for use according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the subject to be treated is a premature human infant.

10. The aqueous pharmaceutical composition for use according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the vitamin A deficiency-related disease is retinopathy of prematurity or bronchopulmonary dysplasia.

11. The aqueous pharmaceutical composition for use according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the composition is for parenteral administration.

12. The aqueous pharmaceutical composition for use according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the composition is for intravenous or intramuscular administration.

13. The aqueous pharmaceutical composition for use according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the composition is sterile filtered.

14. 1. Use of retinol or a pharmaceutically acceptable retinol ester in combination with one or more polyethylene glycol esters of hydroxystearic acid for the preparation of a pediatric formulation for the treatment or prevention of vitamin A deficiency or a disease associated with vitamin A deficiency, said formulation comprising: retinol or a pharmaceutically acceptable retinol ester selected from the group consisting of retinol acetate, retinol propionate, and retinol palmitate; one or more polyethylene glycol esters of hydroxystearic acid, each independently a monoester of 12-hydroxystearic acid with a polyethylene glycol having from about 10 to about 20 ethylene glycol repeating units; and containing one or more pharmaceutically acceptable excipients; 1. An aqueous pharmaceutical composition comprising: wherein the composition has a pH in the range of about 5.5 to about 7.5; wherein the retinol or pharmaceutically acceptable retinol ester and the one or more polyethylene glycol esters of hydroxystearic acids are present as micelles having an average particle size of about 100 nm or less: wherein the composition has an osmolality of about 100 to about 600 mOsm / kg; and wherein the composition is a transparent aqueous pharmaceutical composition. The above use.

15. 15. The use of claim 14, wherein the composition comprises a pharmaceutically acceptable retinol ester that is retinol palmitate.

16. The use according to claim 14 or 15, wherein the polyethylene glycol ester of hydroxystearic acid is macrogol(15)-hydroxystearic acid.

17. The use according to any one of claims 14 to 16, wherein the composition comprises one or more selected from α-tocopherol, β-tocopherol, γ-tocopherol, and δ-tocopherol.

18. 18. The use according to any one of claims 14 to 17, wherein the composition comprises ascorbic acid or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, optionally in combination with one or more selected from citric acid or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, and phosphoric acid or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

19. The use according to any one of claims 14 to 18, wherein the composition is an aqueous solution.

20. 20. The use according to any one of claims 14 to 19, wherein the formulation is for the treatment or prevention of vitamin A deficiency or diseases associated with vitamin A deficiency in human infants.

21. 21. The use according to any one of claims 14 to 20, wherein the formulation is for the treatment or prevention of vitamin A deficiency or diseases associated with vitamin A deficiency in human newborns.

22. 21. The use according to any one of claims 14 to 20, wherein the formulation is for the treatment or prevention of vitamin A deficiency or a disease associated with vitamin A deficiency in premature human infants.

23. The use according to any one of claims 14 to 22, wherein the vitamin A deficiency-related disease is retinopathy of prematurity or bronchopulmonary dysplasia.

24. The use according to any one of claims 14 to 23, wherein the formulation is for parenteral administration.

25. The use according to any one of claims 14 to 24, wherein the formulation is for intravenous or intramuscular administration.

26. The use according to any one of claims 14 to 25, wherein the composition is sterile filtered.

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