A PROCESS FOR PREPARING A PHARMACEUTICAL COMPOSITION

METHODE POUR PREPARER UNE COMPOSITION PHARMACEUTIQUE

English Abstract

ABSTRACT
A pharmaceutical composition is prepared in the
form of microparticles or of an implant comprising a
biodegradable polymer selected from poly-1,4-butylene
succinate, poly-2,3-butylene succinate, poly-1,4-buty-
lene fumarate and poly-2,3-butylene succinate, incorpo-
rating as the active substance the pamoate, tannate,
stearate or palmitate of a natural or of a synthetic
peptide comprising 3 to 45 amino acids, such as LH-RH,
somatostatin, GH-RH or calcitonin, or one of their
synthetic analogues or homologues.
The preparation comprises dry blending the ingre-
dients in the form of powders, pre-compressing and pre-
heating the mixture and then extruding the pre-
compressed and pre-heated mixture. The product resulting
from the extrusion step can then be comminuted and
finally sieved.

Claims

- 9 -
CLAIMS
1. A process for preparing a pharmaceutical composi-
tion designed for the sustained and the controlled
release of a drug, including a biodegradable polymer
selected from poly-1,4-butylene succinate, poly-2,3-bu-
tylene succinate, poly-1,4-butylene fumarate and poly-
2,3-butylene succinate, and incorporating as the active
substance the pamoate, tannate, stearate or palmitate
of a natural or of a synthetic peptide, characterized in
that :
a) the biodegradable polymer and the active sub-
stance selected are dry blended, both as micropar-
ticles having an average size smaller than about
500 microns;
b) the powdered mixture is compressed progressi-
vely and heated progressively to about 90°C;
c) the pre-compressed and pre-heated mixture is
subjected to an extrusion at a temperature com-
prised between about 90 and 100°C, and the extru-
ded product is cooled; and when required :
d) the product resulting from the extrusion is
comminuted at a decreased temperature, and finally
the microparticles obtained are selected and col-
lected.
2. A process according to Claim 1, characterized in
that it includes the steps a, b and c, and in that it
leads to the obtention of an implant.
3. A process according to Claim 1, characterized in
that it includes the steps a, b, c and d and in that it
leads to the obtention of microparticles.
4. A process according to Claim 3, characterized in
that the microparticles of the biodegradable polymer
have an average size smaller or equal to 200 microns,
and preferably smaller or equal to 180 microns.

- 10 -
5. A process according to Claim 1, characterized in
that the pre-compression and the pre-heating of the
mixture are carried out simultaneously, through the use
of one or more endless screws.
6. A process according to Claim 1, characterized in
that the extrusion is carried out at a pressure compri-
sed between 50 and 500 kg/cm2.
7. A process according to one of Claims 1 and 3,
characterized in that the comminution of the product
resulting from the extrusion is a cryogenic comminution.
8. A process according to one of Claims 1 and 3,
characterized in that the selection of the micro-
particles resulting from the comminution, is carried out
by sieving.
9. A process according to one of Claims 1 to 8,
characterized in that the active substance is the
pamoate, tannate, stearate or palmitate of a natural or
of a synthetic peptide comprising 3 to 45 amino acids,
and in particular of LH-RH, somatostatin, GH-RH, calci-
tonin or of their synthetic analogues or homologues.
10. A process according to Claim 9, characterized in
that the active substance is the pamoate of LH-RH, of
somatostatin or of one of their synthetic analogues or
homologues selected from
<IMG> ,
<IMG> ,
<IMG> ,
<IMG> ,
<IMG> ,
<IMG> ,
<IMG> ,

- 11 -
(pyro)Glu-His-Trp-Ser-Tyr-D-Trp-Leu-Arg-Pro-Gly-NH2,
(pyro)Glu-His-Trp-Ser-Tyr-D-Phe-Leu-Arg-Pro-Gly-NH2,
(pyro)Glu-His-Trp-D-Ser-Tyr-D-Leu-Leu-Arg-Pro-NHR1, or
(pyro)Glu-His-Trp-Ser-Tyr-D-Trp-Leu-Arg-Pro-NHR1,
where R1 = lower alkyl.
11. A pharmaceutical composition obtained by means of a
process according to any one of Claims 1 to 10.

Description

z~
A P~OCE8S FOR PR~PARING A PNa~MaCXUTICA~ O~POSITIO~
The object of the invention is a process for
preparing a pharmaceutical composition, in the form of
microparticles or of an implant, the composition thus
obtained and its use.
~ ore specifically, the object of the invention is a
process for preparing a pharmaceutical composition
designed lor ensuring a sustained and a controlled
release of a drug, comprising a biodegradable copolymer
of the polyester type, such as a polysuccinate or a
polyfumarate and incorporating as the active substance,
the pamoate, tannate, stearate or palmitate of a natural
or of a synthetic peptide, and more particularly, of a
peptide comprising 3 to 45 amino acids.
Various solutions have been proposed to this day
for preparing compositions ensuring the sustained and
the controlled release of drugs, which make use of
biodegradable implants, microencapsulation or of bio-
degradable porous matrices which are obtained for
example as microparticles of various sizes. One can
mention in this respect, EP-A-0052510 for micro-
encapsulation, EP-A-0058481 or US-A-3976071 for the pre-
paration of implants or biodegradable porous matrices
based substantially on a polylactide or a co-poly-
lactide-glycolide, or further DE-A-3835093.8, which is
concerned with polyesters such as for example poly-1,4-
butylene succinate or fumarate, and poly-2,3-butylene
succinate or fumarate. All these techniques involve
first dissolving the biodegradable polymer or copolymer
used as support in an organic solvent, and sometimes
dissolving also the drug itself. If in such cases, the
dispersion of the active substance through the bulk of
the biodegradable polymer is satisfactory, the problem
still remains that trace amounts of solvent are retained
which can jeopardize the use of such compositions in
therapeutic applications. Choosing low toxicity solvents
,
,
.. .

- 2 - ~ ~5~5
or removing thoroughly trace amounts of residual solvent
can be sometimes complicated and costly, and it can
further result in an unacceptable 105s of purity for the
product.
It has also been proposed to dry blend - i. e. mix
without using any solvent - a proteinic substance
(Bovine Serum Albumine) and a biodegradable copolymer
of lactic and glycolic acid used as powders, and then to
proceed to the compression of the mixture at the melting
temperature thereof (J. D. Gresser and col.,
Biopolymeric Controlled Release System Vol. II, p. 136).
This technique has not proven satisfactory, in parti-
cular for achieving a homogeneous distribution of the
proteinic substance (BSA) throughout the bulk of the
product and accordingly, for ensuring the regularity of
the release of the active substance.
Against all expectations, it was found that these
various dif~iculties could be overcome according to the
process of the invention, by using as starting materials
biodegradable polymers selected from poly-1,4-butylene
succinate, poly-2,3-butylene succinate, poly-1,4-
butylene fumarate or poly-2,3-butylene fumarate and na-
tural or synthetic peptides such as octa-, nona-, or
decapeptides, and more generally peptides comprising 3
to 45 amino acids. Poly-1,4-butylene succinate is the
preferred polym~r.
According to the invention, natural or synthetic
peptides are used in the form of their salts, and more
particularly as pamoates, tannates, stearates or palmi-
tates, and preferably as pamoates. It should be noted at
this point, that th~se peptide salts are water-
insoluble.
Both the above-mentioned salts and the above-
mentioned biodegradable polyesters are used as powders,
and more particularly as microparticles having an ave-
rage size smaller than about 500 microns. Good results
were achieved with polymeric microparticles in the order

- 3 - 2~ 5
of 180 microns or less, and the particle size of the
peptide salt can be even smaller. The mixture of these
compounds is carried out by dry blending in any appro-
priate equipment, such as for example a ball mill, at
room temperature (about 25C) or even at a lower tempe-
rature, for example in the range from 5 to 10C. The
proportions of the powdered components can vary conside-
rably, depending on the therapeutic effect desired, for
example from 0.1 to 15% in weight for the peptide salt.
According to the invention, once the selected mix-
ture is thoroughly homogenized, it is subjected to a
progressive compression and, simultaneously, to a pro-
gressive heating before beiny extruded. Both operations,
as well as the transfer of the mixture to the pre-
compression and pre-heating zone can be advantageously
carried out using an appropriately dimensioned endless
screw or, if required, two co-operating endless s rews.
The compression rate can vary depending on a numerous
factors such as extruder geometry or particle size of
the powdered mixture. An important factor which must be
controlled is the pre-heating and its evolution as the
mixture moves forward; depending upon the nature of the
products to be treated (polyester, peptide), one should
strive at maintaining a temperature gradient with a
maximum of about 90C. The initial temperature of the
powdered mixture can be 25C, or it can be higher or
lower, depending on circumstances.
Th~ mixture thus pre-compressed and pre-heated is
then subjected to an extrusion at a temperature gene-
rally comprised between approximately 90 and 100C, the
upper limit of this range being function of the nature
of the drug (peptide), which must not be allowed to
deteriorate. The extrusion can be carried out in a wide
range of pressures extending from 50 to 500 kg/cm2, the
important point being that the extrusion temperature and
the pression must be suited to the viscosity of the
product. Appropriate pressure and temperature are

- 2~ 5
clearly favourable fox ensuring the perfect homogeniza-
tion of the ingredients and in particular the regular
distxibution of the peptide salt throughout the bulk of
the biodegradable polymer.
The extrusion per se is carried out using a die of
conventional shape and size, which is located at the
downstream end of the above-mentioned endless screw The
cooling of the extruded product is ensured by any
appropriate means, for example through a simple heat
transfer to cooled sterile gas or air.
When the process of preparation is stopped after
this step, a composition in accordance with the inven-
tion is obtained in the form of implants. Such implants
are simply collected by cutting segments of predeter-
mined length as the product is pressed out from the
extrusion die.
Incidently, the shape of said implant can be varied
by changing the shape of the extrusion die.
In one embodiment of the invention, the extruded
product appropriately cooled is subsequently comminuted
at decreased temperature, preferably at a temperature
below O~C, or even much lower, such as for example
-30C. Cryogenic comminution, a technique which is known
per se, is advantageously used for this purpose. In
accordance with the process of the invention, the pro-
duct thus comminuted is then subjected to a selection of
microparticles based on their average size, with parti-
cles smaller than 200 microns and preferably smaller or
e~ual to 180 microns being retained. This selection of
microparticles can be carried out for example, by
sieving. The microparticles thus selected and collected
are ready for use.
In accordance with the process of the invention,
the above-described steps are carried out in succession
without any excessive time lag in-between. The advantage
of this process, is that it can be carried out on a
continuous basis, with all the operations being carried
.

Z~ 5
-- 5 --
out one after the other, merely by transferring the
mixture being processed.
According to the invention, a biodegradable poly-
ester comprised of poly-1,4-butylene succinate is used
preferably as the biodegradable polymer. Such polymers
are easily prepared as described in the cited literature
and they can be obtained commercially from specialized
firms.
Whether they be natural or synthetic, the peptide
salts incorporated into the polymer are preferably pep-
tide salts comprising 3 to 45 amino acids, and more
particularly salts of LH-RH (Luteinizing Hormone
Releasing Hormone), somatostatin, GH-RH tGrowth Hormone
- Releasing Hormone), calcitonin or of their synthetic
homologues and analogues.
More particularly, the products are chosen amongst
the pamoates of LH-RH, somatostatin or of synthetic
homologues and analogues thereof, such as
D-Phe-Cys-Phe-D-Trp-Lys-Thr-Cys-Thr-OH,
D-Phe-C~s-Phe-D-Trp-Lys-Thr-Cys-Trp-NH2,
D-Trp-Cys-Phe-D-Trp-Lys-Thr-Cys-Thr-~H2,
D-Phe-Cys-Tyr-D-Trp-Lys-Val-Cys-Thr-NH2,
D-Phe-Cys-Tyr-D-Trp-Lys-Val-Cys-Trp-NH2,
AcPhe-Cys-Phe-D-Trp-Lys-Thr-Cys-Thr-NH2,
AcPhe-~ys-Tyr-D-Trp-Lys-Val-Cys-Trp-NH2,
tpyro)Glu-His-Trp-D-Ser-Tyr-D-Leu-Arg-Pro-NHRl,
tpyro)Glu-His-Trp-Ser~Tyr-D-Trp-Leu-Arg-Pro-NHRl,
tpyro)Glu-~is-Trp-ser-Tyr-D-Trp-Leu-Arg-pro-Gly-NH2~ and
tpyro)Glu-His-Trp-Ser-Tyr-D~Phe-Leu~Arg-Pro-Gly-NH2,
where R1 = lower alkyl,
this list not being limitative.
The microparticles obtained in accordance with the
process of the invention from the above-mentioned ingre-
dients are then used, after an appropriate steriliza-
tion, for preparing injectable suspensions.
The following Ex~mples illustrate the invention in
more details, without however being limitative thereof.

2~!5
~ample 1
20 g of poly-1,4-butylene succinate, tinherent vis-
cosity of about 0.35 in HFIP) obtained as granules with
a diameter ranging approximately from 3 to 5 mm were
first milled at a decreased temperature and sieved to
obtain microparticles with an average si~e of 500 mi-
crons or less.
To this powdered composition, 0.445 g of finely
comminuted D-Trp6-LH-RH pamoate were added, the peptide
having the following formula : ~
(pyro)Glu-His-Trp-Ser~Tyr-D-Trp-Leu-Arg-Pro-Gly-NH2.
This product consists of microparticles of about 10
microns and its structure is amorphous. The resulting
mixture was homogenized at room temperature, using a
mill.
The resulting homogenized mixture was then placed
inside an apparatus eguipped with an endless screw co-
operating with a conventional extrusion die. The endless
screw can have a length of about 2~ cm and a diameter of
about 1.5 cm. It comprises a first zone which functions
simply to move the mixture and which is adjacent to a
second zone, designed for the compression and the pre-
heating.
As it moves forward, the mixture is heated from 25
to about 90C, the rate of progression being selected so
that this phase lasts about 5 min. The extrusion per S8
takes place at 98C, through an extrusion die with an
orifice having a diameter of about 1.0 mm.
The filaments thus obtained are allowed to cool to
room temperature, then they are cut into small segments
and finally milled at -30C. After sieving, those micro-
particles having an average diameter of 180 microns or
less are collected.
The chemical analysis carried out on samples of the
product after extrusion and milling confirms the perfect
homogeneity of the dispersion of the active substance
throughout the bulk of the polymer.

Z~ 5
-- 7 --
The microparticles obtained above were subjected to
a sterilization by gamma rays and then they were sus-
pended in an appropriate sterile vehicle.
The in vivo tests (determination of the blood
testosterone level in strains of male rats) confirm
that the release of the active substance remains
sustained for at least 25 days, as can be inferred from
the collapse of the testosterone level to values
observed on castratad animals.
3xampl~ 2
The operations of Example 1 were repeated to obtain
microparticles of poly 1,4-butylene succinate ~i. v. of
about 0.35) containing comparable amounts of the pamoate
of one of the following decapeptides :
(pyro)Glu-His-Trp-Ser-Tyr-D-Phe-Leu-Arg-Pro-Gly-NH2,
(pyro)Glu-His-Trp-D-Ser-Tyr-D-Leu-Leu-Arg-Pro-NR1, or
(pyro)Glu-His-Trp-Ser-Tyr-D-Tyr-Leu-Arg-Pro-NR1,
where R1 = ethyl.
Example 3
The operations of Example 1 were repeated, using as
starting material 18 g of poly-1,4-butylene succinate
(i. v. of about 0.35) and 2.85 g of the pamoate of an
analogue of somatostatin, having the following peptide
formula :
D-Phe-Cys-Tyr-D-Trp-Lys-Val-Cys-Trp-NH2
for the preparation of microparticl~s having the desired
particle size.
The chemical analysis carried out on samples of
the product after extrusion and milling, confirms the
perfect homogeneity of the dispersion of the active
substance throughout the bulk of the polymer.
In ViYo tests further confirm, that the release of
the active substance (an analogue of somatostatin) re-
mains sustained over a period of at least 7 days.

- 8 - ~ S
~xample 4
The operations of Example 3 were repeated, for
obtaining micropartisles of poly-1,4-butylene succinate
with compaxable levels of the pamoate of one o~ the
following octapeptides :
D-Phe-C~s-Phe-D-Trp-Lys-Thr-Cys-Thr-OH,
D-Phe-Cl~s-Phe-D-Trp-Lys-Thr-Cys-Trp-NH2,
D-Trp-C~s Phe-D-Trp-Lys-Thr-Cys-Thr-NH2,
D-Phe-Cys-Tyr-D-Tr}?-Lys-Val-Cys-Thr-NH2,
AcPhe-Cys-Phe-D-Trp-Lys-Thr ~ s-Thr-NH2,
AcPhe-Cys-Tyr-D-Trp-Lys-Val-Cys-Trp-NH2.
The chemical analysis carried out on samples of the
product after extrusion and milling, confirms the per-
fect homogeneity of the dispersion of the active sub-
stance throughout the bulk of the copolymer.
* * * * * * * * * * * *
During the experimentation described above, it was
found that the extruded filaments, once cut into
rods of an appropriate l~ngth, can be used directly as
implants, after sterilization. Such implants also Dnsure ~ -
a sustained and a controlled release of the active
substance.