Sustained Release Formulation Using Temperature-Responsive Amino Acid Matrix

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Solution Overview

Problem

Peptide and small molecule drugs often have short half-lives due to rapid renal clearance and enzymatic degradation, leading to the need for high doses and variable plasma levels, making them impractical for pharmaceutical use.

Innovation Solution

A sustained release pharmaceutical formulation comprising a therapeutic agent with an amino acid sequence capable of forming a reversible matrix at body temperature, formed from hydrogen bonds and hydrophobic interactions, which slows absorption into circulation, thereby extending half-life and stabilizing plasma levels.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Duration of action of moving object

If peptide and small molecule drugs are administered to improve therapeutic effectiveness, then the half-life is short due to rapid renal clearance and enzymatic degradation, but high doses are required which cause side effects such as nausea

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehalf-lifeVSAvoidside effects
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of moving objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The invention changes the physical-chemical parameters of the drug delivery system by using a temperature-responsive amino acid sequence that forms a reversible matrix at body temperature. This matrix controls the release rate of the active agent, transforming the delivery kinetics from rapid clearance to sustained release, thereby extending half-life and reducing peak concentrations that cause side effects

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The amino acid sequence acts as an intermediary between the active agent and the biological system. It forms a reversible matrix that mediates the release of the active agent, protecting it from rapid renal clearance and enzymatic degradation while controlling its absorption into circulation, thus extending half-life without requiring high doses

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Duration of action of moving object

If high doses of peptide drugs are administered to counter short half-life, then the half-life is extended, but nausea and other side effects occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehalf-lifeVSAvoidnausea
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of moving objectVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The invention changes the release kinetics parameter by using a temperature-responsive matrix that maintains the active agent at lower concentrations for extended periods. This avoids the high peak concentrations associated with high-dose administration that trigger nausea, while still achieving extended half-life through controlled sustained release

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The reversible matrix formed by the amino acid sequence serves as an intermediary that buffers the release of the active agent. It prevents sudden high concentrations from reaching the circulation, thereby eliminating nausea while maintaining extended half-life through controlled release kinetics

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Stability of the object's composition

If peptide drugs are administered to achieve therapeutic effect, then plasma levels are variable due to short half-life, but consistent plasma levels are needed for effective treatment

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveplasma levelsVSAvoidhalf-life
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The invention ensures continuous therapeutic action by using a temperature-responsive matrix that provides sustained release of the active agent. The matrix continuously releases the agent at controlled rates, maintaining stable plasma levels over an extended period and eliminating the variability associated with short half-life drugs that require frequent dosing

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the temporal distribution parameter of drug concentration by using a reversible matrix with temperature-responsive release kinetics. This transforms the concentration-time profile from rapid peaks and troughs to a sustained, stable release pattern, achieving consistent plasma levels without extending the inherent half-life of the active agent

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The formulation achieves a desirable pharmacokinetic profile with a flat peak-to-trough ratio and long Tmax, allowing for less frequent administration and improved stability of peptide and small molecule drugs.

Implementation Method 1

The reversible matrix is formed from hydrogen bonds (e.g., intra- and/or intermolecular hydrogen bonds) as well as from hydrophobic contributions

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHydrogen bonds: Chemical Bonding

Implementation Method 2

The reversible matrix is formed from hydrogen bonds (e.g., intra- and/or intermolecular hydrogen bonds) as well as from hydrophobic contributions

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHydrophobic interactions: Hydrophobe

Implementation Method 3

the amino acid sequence may exhibit a visible and reversible inverse phase transition with the selected formulation. That is, the amino acid sequence may be structurally disordered and highly soluble in the formulation below a transition temperature (Tt), but exhibit a sharp (2-3°C range) disorder-to-order phase transition when the temperature of the formulation is raised above the Tt

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhase transition: Phase Change

Data Source

PatentEP4295858A1Formulations of active agents for sustained release
Publication Date: 2023.12.27 IMMUNOFORGE CO LTD
  • EP4295858A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4295858A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4295858A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention provides pharmaceutical formulations for sustained release, and methods for delivering a treatment regimen with a combination of sustained release and long half-life formulations. The invention provides improved pharmacokinetics for peptide and small molecule drugs. A sustained release pharmaceutical formulation comprises a therapeutic agent for systemic administration, where the therapeutic agent comprises an active agent and an amino acid sequence capable of forming a reversible matrix at the body temperature of the subject.