A pharmaceutical composition containing cyclosporin

Description

The present invention relates to a novel homogenous alcohol free, free flowing, clear and transparent pharmaceutical composition comprising a Cyclosporin as active ingredient. The novel composition is characterised in having increased bio-availability when the drug is formulated in a solubilised system and also amenable to convenient commercial production.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONCyclosporins comprise a class of structurally distinctive, cyclic, poly.-N-metltylate^ endecapeptides, commonly possessing pharmacological, in particular imtnunosuppBssive, anti-inflammatory and / or anti-parasitic activity. The first of the Cyclosporins to be isolated twas the naturally occurring fungal metabolite Ciclosporin or Cyclosporine, also known as Cyclosporin A and commercially available under several brands. Ciclosporin is the Cyclosporin of formula A.(A),-M eBmt-ctAbu—S ar—MeLeu—Vai—MeLeu—Ala—(D) Ala—MeLeu—MeLeu—MeV al -,17    3    4     5   6   7 R 9 IQ 1Jwherein - MeBmt- represents the N-Methyl-(4R)-4-but-2E-en-l-yl-4-methyl-(L) threonylresidue of formula B.in which -x-y- is —CH =CH- (trans).So far the primary area of clinical investigation for Ciclosporin has been as an immunosuppressive agent, in particular in relation to its application to recipients of organ transplants, e g. heart, lung, combined heart-lung, liver, kidney, pancreatic, bone-marrow, skin and corneal transplants and, in particular, allogenic organ transplants. In this field Giclosporin has achieved a remarkable success in its usage.At the same time, applicability of Ciclosporin to various autoimmune diseases and to inflammatory conditions, in particular inflammatory conditions with an aetiology including an autoimmune component such as arthritis (for example rheumatoid arthritis, arthritis chronica progrediente and arthritis deformans) and rheumatic diseases, has been intensive and reports and results in vitro, in animal models and in clinical trials are widespread in the literature. Specific auto-immune diseases for which Ciclosporin therapy has been proposed or applied include, autoimmune hematological disorder (including e g. hemolytic anaemia, aplastic anaemia, pure red cell anaemia and idiopathic thrombocytopaenia), systemic lupus erythematosus, poly-chondritis, sclerodoma, Wegener granulamatosis, dennatomyositis, chronic active hepatitis, myasthenia gravis, psoriasis, Steven-Johnson syndrome, idiopathic sprue, autoimmune inflammatory bowel disease (including e.g. ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease) endocrine opthalmopathy, Graves disease, sarcoidosis, multiple sclerosis, primary biliary cirrhosis, juvenile diabetes (diabetes mellitus type I), uveitis (anterior and posterior), keratoconjunctivitis sicca and vernal keratoconjunctivitis, interstitial lung fibrosis, psoriatic arthirits and glomerulonephritisi(with and without nephrotic syndrome, e g. including idiopathic nephrotic syndrome or minimal change nephropathy).Further areas of investigation have potential applicability as an anti-parasitic, in particular anti-protozoal agent, with possible uses suggested including treatment of malaria, coccidiomycosis and schistosomiasis and, yet more recently, use as an agent for reversing or abrogating anti-neoplastic agent resistance in tumours and the like.A detailed write-up on the variety of naturally occurring and semi-synthetic Cyclosporins, their classification, nomendature etc. has already been published [c.f. Traber et _al. 1, Helv. Chim Acta. 60, 1247-1255 (1977); Traber et al. 2, Helv. Chim. Acta. (65 no. 162, 1655-1667 (1982); Kobel et al., Europ. J. Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology 14, 273-240 (1982); and von Wart-burg et al., Progress in Allergy, 38, 28-45 (1986)]. U.S Pat. Nos. 4,108,985, 4,210,581 and 4,220,641; European Patent Publication Nos. 0 034 567 and 0 056 782; International Patent Publication No. WO 86 / 02080; Wenger 1, Transp. Proc. 15, Suppl. l;2230 (1983); Wenger 2, Angew. Chem. Int. Ed.,24, 77 (1985); and Wenger 3, Progress in Chemistry of Organic Natural Products 50, 123 (1986). Among all the Cyclosporins, Cyclosporin A (also known as Cyclosporine or Cyclosporin) has established its utility in the area of organ transplant and therapy of autoimmune diseases.Although Cyclosporin is used most widely amongst all the immunosuppresarits available so far, it suffers from a serious drawback of poor bio-availability.The oral dosage forms existing lately in the market (Le. those employing ethanol, olive oil as carrier medium in conjunction with Labrafil as surfactant (US patent no. 4, 388, 307) are unpleasant tasting galenic forms. The bio-availability levels using these dosage forms are low and exhibit wide inter-and intra-individual variations. Such dosage forms provide an average absolute bioavailability of ca 30%. Reported variation in bio-availability between subjects varies between a few percent for some patients to as much as 90% or more for others. Also a marked change in bio-availability for individuals- with time is frequently observed.Cyclosporin blood levels have to be maintained within a specified range tft achieve the effective therapy. The required range varies according to the clinical status of the patient.Because of poor and variable bioavailability daily dosages need to achieve the desired blood levels need to be varied considerably in the existing dosage forms of Cyclosporin and a concomitant monitoring of blood levels is essential. This adds an additional cost to be therapy.In order to improve the bio-availibility several attempts have been made to improve formulations of Cyclosporin.US patent no. 4,388,307 has proposed a method of preparation of drinks solution containing Cyclosporin in a base of Labrafil, Miglyol, Ethanol, Com / olive oil. However, such preparation suffered from the draw back that it can be presented only as a liquid for dilution in drinking water / fluid before use, otherwise it is very difficult to give an accurate dose. Bioavailability levels achieved using the systems is very low and exhibits wide variations between individuals, individual patient type and even for single individuals at different times during the course of therapy.Han Gua Patent (Chinese Patent No. 94191895.5) explains the active compound of Cyclosporin, fatty acid sugar ester and diluent carrier having good bio-availability. However, this compound suffers from the drawback that diluent degrades due to hygroscopicity of sugar ester and the stability is not of desired standards, (See also Pharmaceutical Research, Volume 6, No. 11, 1989, P958, "Solid Surfactant Solution of active Ingredients in Sugar Ester" and International Journal of Pharmaceutics, Vol 92, 1993, P197," Application of sucrose laurate a new pharmaceutical excipient, in Peroral formulation of Cyclosporin A").Chinese Patent 9419189.5 having equivalent EP 0702562 describes a powder dosage form of Cycloproin possessing comparatively higher stability and to some extent bio-availability when compared to the earlier formulations. This art describes adsorption of Cyclosporin A with appropriate solvents on to a adsorbent along with a nonionic hydrophillic surfactant. The final product does not contain the solvent as this evaporates during the process of manufacturing. Thus this product does not suffer from the disadvantage arising out of solvent evaporation during shelf life and hence stability problems. The various pharmaceutical surfactants, polyhydric alcohols and solvents are well known to the art. The adsorbent used is Colloidal Silicon Dioxide. The blood level arising out of such product have been compared with the standard formulations as per US patent no. 4, 388, 307 withisignificant improvement in bioavailability. However, if compared with the micro-emulsion based formulations these formulations do not show any advantage as the drug is adsorbed on solid surface and needs an additional process of dissolution prior to become bioavailable.The effect of sucrose laurate on the gastrointestinal absorption of Cyclosporine is also described (Lerk-PC; Sucker-H, International Journal of Pharmaceutics; 1993; 92; (May 3); 197-202). The evaluation of the dosage form containing sucrose Laurate was found to enhance the in vitro absorption of Cyclosporine when normal epithelial tissue and Peyer's patch tissue of guinea pigs were used. Compared to the commercially available drinking solution, absorption was raised by a factor of 10. Excess amount of surfactant reduced drug absorption: Despite large excess of Sucrose laurate, the absorption of Cyclosporin was still superior to the drinking solution. Choleic acid was also found to increase absorption by a factor of 5-6. A comparison of the absorption between normal epithelial and Peyer's patch tissues indicated that the absorption by endocytosis does not contribute significantly to the overall absolution of Cyclosporin. It was concluded that preliminary formulation experiments showed that a solid oral dosage form of Cyclosporin could be made using sucrose laurate as an excipient.Abdallah-HY; Mayersohn-M. Pharmaceutical Research; 199 l;8(Apr);518-522 reported several formulations of Cyclosporin were prepared and examined in vitro and in dogs A tablet formulation was then selected for comparison with the commercial oil solution placed in a soft gelatin capsule in a randomized crossover study in dogs. Compared with an intravenous dose of the drug, absolute bioavailability was 46+11.1 and 45+ 9.9% for the capsules and tablets, respectively. Maximum concentration, time to reach maximum concentration and mean absorption time were( not significantly different between the 2 formulations. It was concluded that the tablet fonnalation of Cyclosporin is equivalent in dogs to the commercial dosage form packed into soft gelatin capsules.US patent no. 505 1402 describes that Cyclosporin may be rendered more soluble by the concomitant administration of a-Cyclodextrin, either separately, but essentially simultaneously or, preferably, in admixture.US Patent No. 4990337 describes a formulation comprising a Cyclosporin in admixture with at least one mono or diglyceride of a C6- Cio fatty acid sufficient to dissolve the Cyclosporin. The resulting solution can then easily be emulsified in water or an aqueous fluid.Freeze dried liposome mixture containing Cyclosporin has been described in US Patent no. 4963362. This invention provides a freeze-dried potential liposome mixture having an amphipathic lipid and a Cyclosporin or derivative thereof for use in possible liposome delivery of Cyclosporin into cells. A method to produce the freeze-dried mixture is also desclosed. When reconstituted to yield liposomes in an aqueous medium, substantially all<of the Cyclosporin present in the freeze-dried mixture is encapsulated in the liposomes.Other galenic improvements ih Cyclosporin emulsion formulations recorded in prior art are the use of tocopherol derivatives (EP 0724452), tocopheryl polyethyleme glycol carboxylic acid ester (EP 0712631), dimethylisosorbide (EP 0711550, EP 0650721), alkylene polyether or polyester (WO 9423733),, emulsion compositions (EP 0694308), anhydromannitol oleylether, lactoglyceride, citroglycerides (EP 656212), phosphatidyl ethanolamine (EP 0651995), as surfactants and stabilizers etc.Three Patent Applications namely European Patent App. No. 94110184.2, 95117171.9 and PCT / EP95 / 04187 describe the use of Dimethylisosorbide as a con-surfactant or a hydrophillic phase along with other ingredients to enhance the absorption of Cyclosporin.One of the most significant attempt to improve bio-availability of Cyclosporin from its dosage form is the described in US patent no. 5, 342, 625. This art describes use of microemulsion pre-concentrate consisting of a three phse systems i.e. (1) a hydrophilic phase component (2) a lipophilic phase component and (3) a surfactant. Such composition has alcohol as an essential ingredient, such composition upon dilution with water provides an oil-in-water microemulsion with an average particle size of less than 1000A° Such an enhanced surface area results in increased bio-availability of Cyclosporin when compared with conventional dosage forms. A comparison of bio-availability from micro-emulsion dosage form (Composition I from US patent no. 5, 342, 625) with the conventional ethanol-oil based dosage form (composition from US patent no. 5, 342, 625), earlier reported in US patent no. 4, 388, 307) has been performed in healthy human volunteers and reported in US patent no. 5,342, 625. Bio-availability level of 149.0% (± 48) isirecorded for composition I as compared to composition X (for which bio-availability achieved is set as 100%). The mean AUC levels from composition I were 40% higher when compared to those from composition X but still had a high variation of 20%.Alcohol is an essential part of composition as is evident from the products available in the market (Sandimun [US Pat. No. 4, 388, 307] and Neoral [US Pat. No. 5,342, 625]) both of whiqh contain Alcohol. Such compositions suffer from severe drawback of instability due to evaporation of a low boiling solvent like Alcohol. This is particularly true as the products are used in home environment, which cannot be precisely controlled with respect to temperature. Although very expensive cumbersome technology (such as..eold formed Aluminium / Aluminium Blister packs) is adopted to protect these products, yet the problem of instability is not completely solved. The stability problems are evident from strict storage conditions and usage requirements as declared either on the labels or package inserts of commercial products Sandimun, and Neoral drink solutions and capsules. Some of the examples are :1.     There is a requirement of storage of product below 30°C at the same time refrigeration is prohibited. This means that a patient using this product in a tropical country need to have an air-conditioned home environment. This is not only a limiting factor in use of this product but sometimes in economically backward countries it may not be possible that every person using the product has an air-conditioned storage area. Sometimes factors like prolong electricity failure and mechanical and electrical defects in air-conditioning system can cause instabilityiproblems to these products rendering them unstable for use.2.     There is also an a statement in Packing insert of Sandimun and Neocal drink solutions that 11 Sandimun Neoral solution should be used within 2 months of opening the bottle and be stored between 15° and 30°C, preferably not below 20°C for prolonged periods, as it contains oily components of natural origin which tend to solidify at low temperatures. A jelly-like formation may. occur below 20°C, which is however reversible at temperatures up to 30°C. Minor flakes or a slight sediment may still be observed. These phenomena do not afreet the efficacy and safety of the product, and the dosing by means of the pipette remains accurate. " indicating instability problems.US Patent no. 5, 639, 724 discloses pharmaceutical compositions comprising Cyclosporin, transesterification product of a natural vegetable oil with glycerol which is exemplified in the specification as MAISIN (transesterification product of com oil and glycerol) which is an essential feature of the compositions. This composition necessitates that Cyclosporin be mixed with a transesterification product of a natural vegetable oil with glycerol. Such composition is not fit for drink solution because of formation of jelly like lumps, since the transesterification product is a jelly like substance at room temperature. Such composition also preferably uses alcohol. This compositions compares its bioavailability with that of older and inferior compositions based on US patent no. 4,.388, 307 and does not compare bioavailability with a more recent a marketed compositions (NEORAL) as defined in US patent no. 5, 342, 625.iThe formulation of emulsion as well as microemulsion present their own technological problems relating to thermodynamic instability. Such problems may be partially solved* by presenting the product in a microemulsibn pre-concentrate form wherein the microemulsification occurs in vivo only. However, such systems may also present variability problems due to wide variations existing in GI tract of patients.Any person skilled in the art attempting to make composition without use of alcohol and without carefid and extensive experimentation and study of desired chemicals to be added to Cyclosporin will end with compositions which are highly viscous and which tend to solidify at normal room temperature conditions. Such compositions are undesirable not only due to physical unstability but also that they cannot be formulated as liquids whose dose can be measured exactly under normal conditions.The major consideration here is the accurate measurement of dose in Cyclosporin which is an essential feature because of the narrow therapeutic condition of the drug i.e. below threshold the organ rejection occurs and above a particular level the drug causes severe toxic reactions.None of the above mentioned inventions teaches the art of dissolving Cyclosporin A (which is a water insoluble hydrophobic drug) in a hydrophilic medium. This looks improbable and a person skilled in the art cannot conceive beyond an emulsion and / or a microemulsion.iAll the earlier approaches to enhance the bioavailability of Cyclosporin were towards making the drug in a emulsified form (US Patent no. 4, 388, 307) or substantially increasing the surface area by converting into microemulsion (US Patent No.5, 342, 625).MASINE is a fatty material which gets out not only when combined with Cyclosporin but even when combined with Labrafil along with Cyclosporin.In the body of the specification of US Patent No. 5, 639, 724 Labrafil has been disclosed as a preferred ingredient to be added to the composition of Cyclosporin and MAISINE for drink solution. However, this patent does not address the problem of formation of flake like substances formed by the presence of MAISINE even though Labrafil has been addedto the composition.Our attempt has been to affect solution of Cyclosporin in a hydrophilic environment using micellar concept of a surfactant and a co-surfactant such that such compositions are 5 substantially devoid of fatty materials and hence also devoid of the defects associated with such fatty materials. Our composition when diluted with water or aqueous medium retains the lipophilic Cyclosporin drug in a solubilized state. Hence making the drug bioavailable in therapeutic concentrations and with reproducibility.10 It will be most appropriate to formulate Cyclosporin compositions in a way that the drug gets converted into a solubilized system on dilution in vivo. The composition of the invention when administered orally in the form of a drink solution or soft gelatin capsules get diluted with the gastrointestinal fluids to form micellar solutions such that the hydrophillic end of the surfactant and the cosurfactant are oriented towards hydrophillic15 environment of gastrointestinal fluid and thp drug molecules are entrapped in the hydrophobic portions of the surfactant micelles. Such micellar solubilized systems, when in contact with the mucosa of the gastrointestinal tract, release the drug leading to absorption, thus providing an increased and less variable bioavailibility.20 Such systems will definitely be more uniform and bio-available than microemulsions from where the drug has to partition out of Lipophillic phase for absorption.Moreover, the inventors have done a detailed study of the type of products developed outof the technology based on microemulsion based systems.The product existing in the commercial market are presented into two types of oral dosage forms.One type is the oral solution concentrates to be diluted prior to intake as start up therapies. These dosage forms provide more flexibility in dosage adjustments to achieve the optimum therapeutic concentrations as desired by the physicians.The second type of dosage forms are unit dosage forms for example Capsules generally soft gelatin capsules. These type of dosage forms are used as continuation therapies once the dosage adjustments have been done.iThe inventors have, by careful experimentation and expenditure of mental faculties been able to invent a composition in which hydrophobic drug like Cyclosporin can be dissolvedIin a hydrophillic medium by careful selection of the hydrophilic medium, surfactants and manner of addition such that a hydrophobic drug can get dissolved in an array of surfactant molecules arranged in a manner that their hydrophilic portions are oriented outside i.e. towards the hydrophilic medium resulting in clear stable solutions based formulations. Such products when they come in contact with biological fluids result in total solubilization of Cyclosporin at molecular levels thereby increasing the surface area of Cyclosporin and such diluted solutions of Cyclosporin are highly bioavailable. Such compositions do not form emulsions on dilution.In another embodiment of the invention there is disclosed an improved process for making soft gelatin capsules containing Cyclosporin as active ingredient in a “carrier medium” comprising propylene glycol, a transesterification product of a natural vegetable oil triglyceride and a polyalkylene polyol such as Apricot Kernel Oil Polyethylene glycol 6 esters such as Labrafil M 1944, poloxyyethylene hydrogenated castor oils such as Cremophor RH 40 and Glycerol Triacetate or Triacetin wherein the ingredients are present in the following range :Cyclosporin1-25 %w / wPropylene GlycolA transesterification product of a naturalvegetable oil triglycerideand a polyalkylene polyolPolyoxyethylene hydrogenated Castor oils10-50% w / w5 -30% w / w30 - 60% w / wTriacetin0.1 -30% w / wSuch dosage forms that is soft gelatin capsules pose unique technology problems when the solutions to be encapsulated are microemulsion preconcentrate. There is a tendency to loose weight due to the migration of materials with free hydroxy groups into the capsule shell thus causing precipitation of drug due to loss of solvent.In the present invention this problem has been solved by adding to the said-composition of the invention substantially 10-25% excess of the “carrier medium” thereby compensating for the loss of weight due to migration. At the same time the amount of plasticizers in the capsule shell are reduced by the amount equivalent to the excess carrier medium added in the capsule.The term “base” or “carrier medium” should be implied to mean everything added to the composition except the drug.The composition is incorporated into the capsule shell by conventional procedures as described in standard texts. ( “The theory and practice of Industrial Pharmacy” by Leon Lachman et al. Third edition, LEA AND FEBIGER, USA )The Soft Gelatin Capsules have a very distinct advantage of ease of carrying and administration as compared with oral solutions. These dosage forms hence contribute to a very large segment of commercial market.IThe present invention relates to formulation of Cyclosporin in compositions such that the drug is presented in solubilized systems of surfactant micelles appropriately stabilised in specific hydrophilic phase.SUM MAR Y OF THE INVENTIONIn accordance with the present invention there is described a homogenous substantially alcohol free, transparent composition of Cyclosporin which is clear, stable, flowable andeasily measurable at a wide range of temperature of 15° to 45°C which comprises aCyclosporin in a hydrophillic carrier medium comprising propylene glycol, a transesterification product of a natural vegetable oil triglyceride and a polyalkylene polyol, polyoxyethylene hydrogenated castor oils and Glycerol Triacetate or Triacetin wherein the ingredients are present in the following range :Cyclosporin 1 - 25 %w / w Propylene Glycol 10-50% w / w A transesterification product of a natural 5 -30% w / w vegetable oil triglycerideand a polyalkylene polyol.Polyoxyethylene hydrogenated Castor oils Triacetin 30 - 60% w / w 0.1 -30% w / w Preferably the ingredients in the present compositions are present in the following range :Cyclosporin 1         A Propylene Glycol 5-15 %w / w 15-45% w / w A transesterification product of a natural 7- 20% w / w vegetable oil triglycerideand a polyalkylene polyol.Polyoxyethylene hydrogenated Castor oils 35 - 55% w / w Triacetin 1 - 10% w / w More preferably the composition in accordance with the present invention comprisesthe ingredients in the following range :Cyclosporin8-12 %w / wPropylene Glycol20 - 40% w / wA transesterification product of a natural10- 15% w / wvegetable oil triglycerideand a polyalkylene polyol.Polyoxyethylene hydrogenated Castor oils40 - 50% w / wTriacetin2 - 5% w / wDETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTIONThe systems of the present invention are single phase systems in contrast toemulsion / microemulsions wherein essentially Lipophilic phase is emulsified or microemulsified with Hydrophilic phase using surfactant.The expression “single phase” should be implied to mean a phase wherein the drug is solubilised in Hydrophilic phase using suitable surfactant (s) / co-surfactant (s).The compositions in this invention are substantially free of ethanol.It is most beneficial in context of hot tropical countries where absence of Ci-s alkanols such as ethanols are more due to evaporation.Such compositions of the present invention which are solubilized systems and substantially free of C1.5 alkanols such as ethanol are distinctly advantageous over the ones described in US patent no. 5, 342, 625 with respect to manufacturing and distribution in the tropical countries.In accordance with the present invention there is described a homogenous substantially alcohol free, transparent composition of Cyclosporin which is clear, stable, flowable and easily measurable at a wide range of temperature of 15° to 45°C which comprises a Cyclosporin in a hydrophillic carrier medium comprising propylene glycol, a transesterification product of a natural vegetable oil triglyceride and a polyalkylene polyol, polyoxyethylene hydrogenated castor oils and Glycerol Triacetate or Triacetin wherein the ingredients are present in the following range :1-.CyclosporinPropylene GlycolA transesterification product of a naturalvegetable oil triglycerideand a polyalkylene polyol.Polyoxyethylene hydrogenated Castor oils1 - 25 %w / w10-50% w / w5 -30% w / w30 - 60% w / wTriacetin0.1- 30% w / wPreferably such compositions further comprises Oleic Acid. Such Oleic Add may be present in the range 0-10 %w / w.                                       .Preferably the transesterfication product of a natural vegetable oil triglyceride and a Polyalkylene polyol is Apricot Kernel oil Polyethylene glycol 6 esters. More preferably the Apricot Kernel Oil Polyethylene Glycol 6 ester is Labrafil Ml944.Preferably the Polyoxyethylene hydrogenated castor oil is Polyoxyethylene 40 Hydrogenated Castor oil. Especially suitable is product available under the Trade name Cremophor RH 40.Preferably the ingredients in the present compositions are present in the following range :Cyclosporin 5-15 %wAv c Propylene Glycol 15 - 45% wAv A transesterification product of a natural i 7- 20% wAv vegetable oil triglycerideand a polyalkylene polyol.Polyoxyethylene hydrogenated Castor oils 35 - 55% w / w Triacetinl-10%w / wMore preferably the composition in accordance with the present invention comprises the ingredients in the following range :CyclosporinPropylene Glycol8-12 %wAv20-40%w / wA transesterification product of a natural                  10-15%w / w..x vegetable oil triglycerideand a polyalkylene polyol.Polyoxyethylene hydrogenated Castor oilsTri acetinVery small amounts of Antioxidants usually in the range of 0.005% to 0.01% w / w may be present as a part of one of one of the ingredients of the composition.The amount of the ingredients of the composition disclosed above equals to 100 %.The formulation can be prepared so as to be diluted as a drink solution or incorporated into soft gelatin capsules.The term “ easily measurable” has been used due to the characteristic features of the drug Cyclosporin. Cyclosporin requires accurate dose measurement because of its narrow therapeutic index. Most of the drink solution packs are provided with a pipette or a syringe for accurate dose measurement. This warrants that the solution is a sufficiently thin liquid to permit ease of measurement and not a semi solid mass and also it should be devoid of any flakes, jelly like formations or other sediments which can cause non-homogenity in the dose. The composition of our invention possesses all the desired characteristics and hence is easily measurable as far as the dose requirements is concerned.Several compositions as per this invention with different ranges of ingredients were subjected to commercial production trials and shelf-life stability studies and the inventors were successful in arriving at a composition which was easy to manufacture and stable for long periods of time when tested by accelerated stability studies.Moreover when tested on healthy human volunteers, the composition(s) of this invention was found to have excellent bio-availability of Cyclosporin and were also found to be bioequivalent with commercial products. The comparative results are collected in Table 1 &U.The invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying examples which should not be construed to limit the scope of the invention :EXAMPLE 1 (PRIOR ART)COMPONENT AMOUNT a) Cyclosporin 100 mg (-ca. 10.5%) b) Maisine 550 mg (= ca. 57.8%) c) LabrafilM2125 300 mg (= ca. 33.5%) TOTAL 950 mg The mixture obtained was a semi-solid mass at room temperature suitable only for soft gelatin capsule formulation.EXAMPLE 2 (PRIOR ART)COMPONENT AMOUNT a) Cyclosporin         100 mg (= ca. 10.5%) b) Maisine            490 mg (= ca. 52%) c) Labrafil M 2125     300 mg (= ca. 31.5%) d) Cremophore RH40 60 mg (= ca. 6.3%) TOTAL         950 mg The mixture obtained was a semi-solid mass at room temperature suitable only for soft gelatin capsule formulation.iEXAMPLE 3 (PRIOR ART)COMPONENT AMOUNT a) Cyclosporin         100 mg (= ca. 10.5%) b) Maisine            850 mg (= ca. 52%) TOTAL         950 mg The mixture obtained was a semi-solid mass at room temperature suitable only for soft gelatin capsule formulation.EXAMPLE 4 (PRIOR ART)a) Cyclosporin 100 mg b) Propylene Glycol 200 mg c) Cremophore RH40 350 mg d) Labrafil Ml 944 200 mg e) Maisine 150 mg TOTAL 1000 mg The composition obtained was a clear, homogenous liquid at a temperatures between 25° to 30°C, but at temperatures below 20°C jelly like flakes separated out.iEXAMPLESCOMPONENT AMOUNT a) Cyclosporin 200 mg b) Propylene Glycol 240 mg c) Cremophore RH40 430 mg d) Labrafil Ml 944 110 mg e) Triacetin 20 mg TOTAL 1000 mg Above composition gives a clear, homogenous solution which remains clear and stable at temperatures between 15° to 45°C without any jelly like flake formation. Hence this composition is suitable for formulating as a drink solution or soft gelatin capsules.Propylene Glycol was mixed with Cremophor RH 40 and heated upto 55 to 60 °C.Cyclosporin was dissolved in the resultant mixture. Labrafil Ml944 was added to the bulk and mixed. Triacetin was then added to the bulk mixture and mixed. The resultant mixture was then filtered.EXAMPLE 6COMPONENT AMOUNT a) Cyclosporin 200 mg b) Propylene Glycol 257 mg c) Cremophore RH40 425 mg d) Labrafil Ml 944 100 mg e) Triacetin 18 mg TOTAL 1000 mg Above composition gives a clear, homogenous solution which remains clear and stable at temperatures between 15° to 45°C without any jelly like flake formation. Hence this composition is suitable for formulating as a drink solution or soft gelatin capsules.Propylene Glycol was mixed with Cremophor RH 40 and heated upto 55 to 60 °C. Cydosporin was dissolved in the resultant mixture. Labrafil Ml944 was added to the bulk and mixed. Triacetin was then added to the bulk mixture and mixed. The resultant mixture was then filtered.EXAMPLE 7COMPONENT AMOUNT a) Cyclosporin 150 mg b) Propylene Glycol 260 mg c) Cremophore RH40 460 mg d) Labrafil Ml 944 110 mg e) Triacetin 20 mg TOTAL 1000 mg Above composition gives a clear, homogenous solution which remains clear and stable at temperatures between 15° to 45°C without any jelly like flake formation. Hence this composition is suitable for formulating as a drink solution or soft gelatin capsules.Propylene Glycol was mixed with Cremopbor RH 40 and heated upto 55 to 60 °C. Cyclosporin was dissolved in the resultant mixture. Labrafil Ml944 was added to the bulk and mixed. Triacetin was then added to the bulk mixture and mixed. The resultant mixture was then filtered.EXAMPLESCOMPONENT AMOUNT a) Cyclosporin 50 mg b) Propylene Glycol 350 mg c) Cremophore RH40 420 mg d) Labrafil Ml 944 110 mg e) TriacetinAbove composition gives a clear, homogenous solution which remains clear and stable at temperatures between 15° to 45°C without any jelly like flake formation. Hence this composition is suitable for form daring as a drink solution or soft gefatm capsules.Propylene Glycol was mixed with Cremophor RH 40 and heated to 55 to 60 °C. Cyclosporin was dissolved in the resultant mixture. Labrafil Ml944 and Oleic acid were then added to the bulk and mixed. Triacetin was then added to the bulk mixture and mixed. The resultant mixture was then filtered.iEXAMPLE 9COMPONENT AMOUNT a) Cyclosporin 10 mg 1 b) Propylene Glycol * 400 mg c) Cremophore RH40 420 mg d) Labrafil M1944 150 mg e) Triacetin 20 mg TOTAL 1000 mg Above composition gives a clear, homogenous solution which remains clear and stable at temperatures between 15° to 45°C without any jelly like flake formation. Hence this composition is suitable for formulating as a drink solution or soft gelatin capsules.Propylene Glycol was heated to 55 to 60 °C and Cyclosporin was dissolved therein.Cremophor RH 40 was added to the bulk and mixed.. Labrafil Ml944 was added to the bulk and mixed. Triacetin was then added to the bulk mixture and mixed. The resultant mixture was then filtered.EXAMPLE 10COMPONENT AMOUNT a) Cyclosporin 100 mg b) Propylene Glycol 240 mg c) Cremophore RH40 480 mg d) Labrafil Ml 944 160 mg <9 i Triacetin 20 mg TOTAL 1000 mg Propylene Glycol was mixed with Cremophor RH 40 and heated upto 55 to 60 °C and Cyclosporin was dissolved in the resultant.. Labrafil Ml944 was added to the bulk and mixed. Triacetin was then added to the bulk mixture and mixed. The resultant mixture was then filtered.Example 11Process for making Soft Gelatin Capsules of CyclosporinsThe compositions as mentioned in the prior art suffer from a disadvantage of migration of carrier medium comprising solvents containing free -OH groups particularly ethanol into the shell leading to precipitation of drug in the capsules . If alcohol is removed it also leads to precipitation of drug.To overcome this problem we have surprisingly found in the composition of the present invention that by increasing the amount of carrier medium in the core composition by aboutc20% at the time of encapsulation and reducing the amount of plasticizers (Sorbitol andGlycerine) in the capsule shell composition by 20 % yields soft gelatin capsules which onistorage attain equilibrium and remain stable throughout the shelflife as exemplified below:Batch size : 1,00,000 capsulesCore Compositiona)     Cyclosporin                  5 kg    'b)    Carrier Medium*           55 kg* Includes 20% extra carrier mediumComposition of carrier mediumi)     Propylene Glycol 10.8 kg ii) Cremophore RH40 24.9 kg iii) Labrafil Ml 944 18.1kg iv) Triacetin 1.2 kg Capsule shell composition0 Gelatin 50 kg ii) Sorbitol 8 kg iii) Glycerine :       8 kg 5 iv) Methyl Paraben 240 g v) Propyl Paraben 140 g vi) •Water 45 kg vii) Colour 400 g Table IPlasma Concentration Of Cyclosporine (ng / ml) Following Administration Of a Single Oral Dose Of 2.6 mg / kg Body Wt. CyclosporineName of the preparation : Cyclosporine Composition as per Examplel©Cyclosporine Plasma Concentration (ng / ml)VolunteersTime (Hrs.) 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 Mean S.D 0 0 0 0 0 . 0 0 0 0 0 o' 0 0 0 0 1 507.02 524.93 316.14 339.72 484.29 284.79 495.09 323.50 233.15 545.52 121.57 318.47 374.50 128.58 2 976.15 685.17 676.67 879.30 509.18 330.00 540.17' . 468.40 670.99 1050.17 496.62 572.56 654.82 207.75 2 767.23 720.42 752.85 834.18 493.70 358.60 496.83 440.60 741.30 864.65 751.07 513.84 644.59 163.99 3 583.14 529.36 582.94 984.11 651.30 388.54 622.55 314.57 652.49 815.40 468.99 438.30 569.31 162.64 3 440.50 532.52 338.03 957.49 950.12 493.15 610.79 241.05 439.72 579.65 340.29 418.09 528.03 215.19 4 344.75 310.85 209.30 425.88 390.23 152.59 456.25 170.91 342.17 340.47 252.28 110.21 292.16 107.28 6 166.74 .183.19 110.32 376.34 213.65 56.52 244.53 125.10 113.28 112.57 194.69 59.42 163.02 85.36 9 108.50 118.21 86.91 112.71 84.05 38.23 81.58 64.45 73.72 89.42 112.75 41.64 84.35 25.61 12 106.23 119.25 32.17 75.07 67.94 29.83 45.21 38.21 29.34 50.80 46.11 33.86 56.21 '?28.89 24 42.38 7.36 4.53 10.21 3.20 0.00 0.00 13.92 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 6.80 11.63 Cmax (ng / ml) 976.15 720.42 752.85 984.11 950.12 493.15 622.55 468.54 741.30 1050.17 751.07 572.56 654.82 215.19 Tmax (hrs.) 2.00 2.50 2.50 3.00 3.00 3.50 3.00 2.00 2.50 2.00 2.50 2.00 2.54 0.48 AUC (0-24) 3459.60 3185.80 2543.80 4709.40 3656.3 1717.90 3510.30 2130.60 2769.1 3294.90 2624.30 1886.10 3,024.80 1211.20 Table IIPlasma Concentration Of Cyclosporine (ng / ml) Following Administration Of A Single Oral Dose Of 2.5 mg / kg Body Wt. Cyclosporine Name of the preparation : SANDIMUN NEORAL Mfd. by : SANDOZ Cyclosporine Plasma Concentration (ng / ml) Volunteers Time (Hrs.) 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 Mean S.D 0 19.20 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 .. o oo 1 563.04 618.39 553.99 '301.79 124.87 136.60 382.63 406.81 317.83 284.23 312.92 162.22 347.21 166.87 2 973.61 688.13 695.99 573.50 252.43 234.67 600.86 545.81 572.20 608.90 1005.59 609.00 613.35 230.13 2 799.31 - 815.39 849.32 222.23 225.39 283.25 581.01 550.87 1113.49 975.24 629.65 586.76 344.69 3 871.51 648.54 564.36 654.42 292.19 147.92 292.88 395.61 389.28 958.44 1174.33 784.34 593.24 306.57 3 663 07 381.19 785.13 658.20 83.34 96.44 180.02 337.68 287.32 650.95 - 476.92 403.35 274.51 4 479.11 508.23 203.31 220.43 126.02 155.19 167.99 258.38 131.69 374.63 413.61 390.79, 301.70 242.67 6 244.93 219.30 150.01 315.89 54.23 100.41 155.89 155.50 73.56 209.46 196.43 236.47 176.01 76.54 9 173.69 239.76 138.19 187.56 45.03 30.44 ' 213.96 61.45 46.26 135.34 114.97 98.98 119.47 64.31 . 12 89.20 185.38 • 129.78 - 19.41 76.61 94.40 - • 12.82 20.46 54.01 64.58 24 23.92 55.17 0.00 0.00 0.00 54.73 53.43 11.40 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 16.55 24.05 Cmax (ng / ml) 973.61 688.13 815.39 849.32 291.19 234.67 600.86 581.01 572.2 1113.49 1174.33 784.34 723.21 278.57 Tmax (hrs.) 2.50 2.00 2.00 2.00 2.50 2.00 2.00 2.00 2.00 2.00 3.00 2.50 2.20 0.40 AUC ( 0 -24) 4887.00 5394.20 3136.60 4805.00 1000.4 1527.80 2889.20 3056.50 1730.20 3533.40 3364.80 3118.60 32,03.8 1364.0

Claims

We claim:We claim:

1. A homogenous substantially alcohol free, transparent composition of Cyclosporin which is clear, stable, flowable and easily measurable at a wf^ ,-., n range of temperature of 15° to 45°C which comprises a Cyclosporin in a hydrophillic carrier medium comprising propylene glycol, a transesterification product of a natural vegetable oil triglyceride, Polyoxyethylene hydrogenated castor oils and Glycerol Triacetate or Triacetin wherein the ingredients are present in the following range:CyclosporinPropylene GlycolA transesterification product of a natural vegetable oil triglycerodeand a polyalkylene polyol. Polyoxyethylene hydrogenated Castor oils Triacetin1-25% w / w10-50% w / w5-30% w / w30-60% w / w0.1-30% w / w2. A composition as claimed in claim 1 wherein the ingredients are present in the following range:CyclosporinPropylene GlycolA transesterification product of a natural vegetable oil triglycerideand a polyalkylene polyol. Polyoxyethylene hydrogenated Castor oils Triacetin5-15% w / w15-45% w / w7-20% w / w35-55% w / w1 -10% w / w3.A composition as claimed in claim 1 wherein the ingredients arepresent in the following range:CyclosporinPropylene GlycolA transesterification product of a natural vegetable oil triglycerideand a polyalkylene polyol. Polyoxyethylene hydrogenated Castor oils Triacetin8-12% w / w20-40% w / w10-15% w / w40-50% w / w2-5% w / w4.     A composition as claimed in claim 1 which on dilution with aqueous media yields solution of Cyclosporin thus favourably affecting absorption.

5. A composition claimed in claim 1 which is used as a Drink Solution.t6.     A composition as claimed in claim 1 which further comprises Oleic acid.

7. A composition as claimed in claim 6 wherein Oleic acid is present in the range from 0-10% w / w.

8. An improved process for making soft gelatin capsules containing Cyclosporin as active ingredient in a carrier composition comprising propylene glycol, a transesterification product of a natural vegetable oil triglyceride and a polyalkylene polyol, Polyoxyethylene hydrogenated castor oils and Glycerol Triacetate or Triacetin wherein the ingredients are present in the following range:CyclosporinPropylene GlycolA transesterification product of a natural vegetable oil triglycerodeand a polyalkylene polyol. Polyoxyethylene hydrogenated Castor oils Triacetin1-25%10-50%5-30%w / w w / w w / ww / w30-60% w / w0.1-30% w / wwhich comprises adding to the said composition substantially 10-25% excess of the base thereby compensating for the loss of weight due to migration of free hydroxy groups with the capsule shell thus preventing precipitation of drug due to loss of solvent and reducing substantially 10-25% of the polyols such as Sorbitol and Glycerol which are used as plasticizers from the capsule shell.h PHARMACEUTICAL COMPOSITION CONTAINING CYCLOSPORININTRODUCTION