AP742A

AP742A - Pharmaceutical aerosol formualtions containing fluorinated surfactants.

Info

Publication number: AP742A
Application number: APAP/P/1997/000951A
Authority: AP
Inventors: Li Li-Bovet; Keith Arthur Johnson
Original assignee: Glaxo Wellcome Inc
Priority date: 1994-09-28
Filing date: 1995-09-27
Publication date: 1999-04-26
Also published as: DE69513671D1; RU2157188C2; DK0783302T3; HUT77377A; US5849265A; IS4438A; WO1996009816A1; NO971422L; FI971279A0; EE9700061A; IS1991B; CN1168630A; GEP20002140B; PL319342A1; BG62839B1; BG101347A; AP9700951A0; JPH10506887A; OA10603A; GR3032245T3

Abstract

A pharmaceutical aerosol formulation which comprises particuiate medicament, a fluorocarbon or hydrogen-containing chlorofiuorocarbon propellant and a surfactant of general formula (I) O CnF2n+1(CH2)m-C-0-CH2 0 CnF2n+1(CH2)m-C-0-CH O il © R CH,-0-P-0-CH,CH,N-R 0 R wherein n is an integer of 1 to 18; m is an integer of 0 to 17; and R1, R2 and R3 are each independently a hydrogen atom or a Chalky! group.

Description

MEDICAMENTS

This invention relates to aerosol formulations of use for the administration of .Z-’ medicaments by inhalation.

The use of aerosols to administer medicaments has been known for several decades. Such aerosols generally comprise the medicament, one or more chlorofluorocarbon propellants and either a surfactant or a solvent, such as ethanol. The most commonly used aerosol propellants for medicaments have been propellant 11 (CCI3F) and/or propellant 114 (CF2CICF2CI) with propellant 12 (CCI2F2). However these propellants are now believed to provoke the degradation of stratospheric ozone and there is thus a need to provide aerosol formulations for medicaments which employ so called ozone-friendly propellants.

A class of propellants which are believed to have minimal ozone-depleting effects in comparison to conventional chlorofluorocarbons comprise fluorocarbons and hydrogen-containing chlorofluorocarbons, and a number of medicinal aerosol formulations using such propellant systems are disclosed in, for example, EP 0372777, W091/04011, WO91/11173, WO91/11495 and WO91/14422. These applications are all concerned with the preparation of pressurised aerosols for the administration of medicaments and seek to overcome the problems associated with the use of the new class of propellants, in particular the problems of stability associated with the pharmaceutical '25 formulations prepared. The applications all propose the addition of one or more of adjuvants such as alcohols, alkanes, dimethyl ether, surfactants (including fluorinated and non-fluorinated surfactants, carboxylic acids, polyethoxylates etc) and even conventional chlorofluorocarbon propellants in small amounts intended to minimise potential ozone damage.

It is well established in the art that fluorinated surfactants may be used to stabilise micronised drug suspensions in hydrofluorocarbon propellants such as 1, 1, 1, 2-tetrafluoroethane (P134a), see for example US5126123,

WO91/11173, WO91/14422 and W092/00062. Surprisingly,. the applicants have now found that a particular group of fluorinated surfactants may be used to prepare novel aerosol formulations, and can be advantageous in terms of reducing drug deposition, increasing shelf life and like.

AP/P/ 9 7 / 0 0 9 5 1

AP. Ο Ο 7 4 2

Thus, in one aspect the invention provides a pharmaceutical aerosol formulation which comprises particulate medicament, a fluorocarbon or hydrogen-containing chlorofluorocarbon propellant and a surfactant of general formula (ia) or'(lb)

R¹—CH2 R¹—CH2 o

I I II (R₂-CH) O or CH-O-P-X

I ¹¹ II ch₂-o-p-x r²-ch₂ y

Y (la) (lb) wherein:

R¹ represents:

R_F(CH₂)_a-(CH=CH)_b-(CH₂)_c-(CH=CH)_d-(CH₂)_e-A-;

R_F-(CH₂)_rOCH₂CH(CH₂OH)CH₂-A-;

R_F-(CH₂)_g-OCH₂CH(CH₂OH)-A-;

wherein -A- represents -0-, -C(O)O-, -R^S(R⁷)N\ (wherein each of R⁶ and R⁷ represents CrC^ alkyl or hydroxyethyl), -(CH₂)_t- wherein t=0 or 1 or -C(O)N(R⁹)(CH₂)_q-B, wherein q is an integer from 0 to 12, B represents -0- or -C(O)-, and R⁹ is hydrogen or R⁶, and wherein the sum of a+c+e is from 0 to 17, especially 0 to 11, the sum b+d is from 0 to 12 and each of f and g is from 1 to 12;

R_F-(CH₂-CH₂-O)_h-;

R_F-(CH(CH₃)CH₂O)_h-;

R_F-(-CH₂-CH₂-S)_h-, wherein h is from 1 to 12; and wherein R_F represents a fluorine-containing moiety having one of the following structures:

(a) F(CF₂)r, wherein i is from 1 to 18, especially 2 to 12 (b) (CF₃)₂CF(CF₂)j- wherein j is from 0 to 8 (c) R_F1(CF₂CF(CF₃))_k-, wherein k is from 1 to 4, and R_F1 represents CF₃-, C₂F₅or (CF₃)₂CF-, (d) R_f2(R_f3)CFO(CF₂CF₂)i wherein I is from 1 to 6 and wherein each of R_F2 and R_f3 independently represents CF₃-, C₂F₅- n-C₃F₇- or CF₃CF2CF(CF₃)- or R_f2 and R_F3 taken together represent -(CF₂)₄- or -(CF₂)5-, or (e) one of the structures (a) to (d) in which one or more of the fluorine atoms are replaced by one or more hydrogen or bromine atoms and/or at least two

AP/P/ 97/00951

AP. Ο Ο 7 4 2 chlorine atoms in a proportion such that at least 50% of the atoms bonded to the carbon skeleton of R_F are fluorine atoms, and wherein R_F contains at least 4 fluorine atoms, r is 0 or 1;

R² represents R¹, hydrogen or a group OR, wherein R represents a saturated or unsaturated CL-C20 alkyl or C₃-C₂o acyl; and when r is 1, R¹ and R² may exchange their positions; and each of X and Y independently represent; hydroxyl;

-OCH₂CH(OH)CH₂OH;

-O(CH₂CH₂O)_tR³, wherein t is an integer from 1 to 5; and R³ represents a hydrogen atom or C1-C4 alkyl group;

-NR⁴R⁵ or N⁺R⁴R⁵R⁸, · wherein each of R⁴, R⁵ and R⁸ independently represents a hydrogen atom; a (VC4 alkyl group, -CH₂CH₂O(CH₂CH₂O)_SR³, wherein s represents an integer of from 1 to 5, or R⁴ and R⁵ when taken together represent -(CH₂)_q wherein q is an integer of from 2 to 5, or with the nitrogen atom R⁴ and R⁵ form a morpholino group;

-O(CH₂)pZ wherein Z represents a 2-aminoacetic acid group, -NR⁴R⁵ or N⁺R⁴R⁵R⁸ where R⁸ is as defined for R⁴ and R⁵ above, and p is an integer of from 1 to 5;

with the proviso that X and Y do not both represent hydroxyl or an ionized form derived from hydroxyl.

z5

The compounds of formula (la) and (lb) are described in EP-0478686, which is incorporated herein by reference, and suitable compounds of formula (la) and (lb) and processes for their preparation may readily be determined by reference thereto. However, the applicants have found that a particular group of compounds of formula (la) are especially preferred for use in the formulations of the present invention.

Thus, in a further aspect the invention provides a pharmaceutical aerosol formulation which comprises particulate medicament, a fluorocarbon or hydrogen-containing chlorofluorocarbon propellant and a surfactant of general formula (I)

AP/P/ 9 77 0 0 9 5 1

AP .00742

Ο ^c„^F?nJ^c HJ -ό-Ο-CHj o | (i)

Η I

Cn^F7n+1(C^H2)_m-^C-°-^CH n2n+1'2'm

O R¹,^ • + i ch,-o-p-o-ch,ch₇n-r² ¹ 3 o R wherein n is an integer of 1 to 18, especially 2 to 12;

m is an integer of 0 to 17, especially 0 to 11; and • 5 R¹, R² and R³ are each independently a hydrogen atom or a C^alkyl group.

Particularly preferred compounds of formula (I) are the fluorinated phosphatidylcholines wherein R¹, R² and R³ each represent methyl, n is an integer of 4 to 8, especially 4 or 6, and m is an integer of 4 to 10, especially 4, 6 or 10.

Certain compounds of formula (I) may contain one or more chiral centres. It wili « be understood that compounds of formula (I) include all optical isomers of the compounds of formula (I) and mixtures thereof, including racemic mixtures thereof.

Contrary to the teaching in the art, the surfactants employed for the preparation of formulations according to the present invention are effective stabilisers at low concentrations relative to the amount of medicament. Thus, the amount of surfactant employed is desirably in the range of 0.005 to 20% w/w, particularly 0.05 to 20% w/w, more particularly 0.05 to 15% w/w, even more particularly about 0.1 to about 10% w/w, and preferably 0.5 to about 10% w/w, relative to the medicament.

The particle size of the particulate (e.g. micronised) medicament should be such as to permit inhalation of substantially all of the medicament into the lungs upon administration of the aerosol formulation and will thus be less than 100 microns, desirably less than 20 microns, and preferably in the range 1-10 microns, e.g. 15 microns.

19600 /Z6 /d/dV

AP.00742

The final aerosol formulation desirably contains 0.005-10% w/w, preferably 0.005 - 5% w/w, especially 0.01-1.0% w/w, of medicament relative to the total weight of the formulation.

Medicaments which may be administered in aerosol formulations according to the invention include any drug useful in inhalation therapy and which may be presented in a form which is substantially completely insoluble in the selected propellant. Appropriate medicaments may thus be selected from, for example, analgesics, e.g. codeine, dihydromorphine, ergotamine, fentanyl or morphine;

anginal preparations, e.g. diltiazem; antiallergics, e.g. cromoglycate, ketotifen or nedocromil; antiinfectives e.g. cephalosporins, penicillins, streptomycin,

J sulphonamides, tetracyclines and pentamidine; antihistamines, e.g.

methapyrilene; anti-inflammatories, e.g. beclomethasone, flunisolide, budesonide, tipredane, triamcinolone acetonide or fluticasone; antitussives, e.g.

noscapine; bronchodilators, e.g. ephedrine, adrenaline, fenoterol, formoterol, isoprenaline, metaproterenol, phenylephrine, phenylpropanolamine, pirbuterol, reproterol, rimiterol, salbutamot, salmeterol, terbutaline, isoetharine, tulobuterol, orciprenaline, or (-)-4-amino-3,5-dichloro-a-[[[6-[2-(2-pyridinyl)ethoxy]hexyl] aminojmethyljbenzenemethanol; diuretics, e.g. amiloride; anticholinergics e.g.

t ipratropium, atropine or oxitropium; hormones, e.g. cortisone, hydrocortisone or prednisolone; xanthines e.g. aminophylline, choline theophyllinate, lysine theophyllinate or theophylline; and therapeutic proteins and peptides, e.g. insulin or glucagon. It will be clear to a person skilled in the art that, where ·-. appropriate, the medicaments may be used in the form of salts (e.g. as alkali metal or amine salts or as acid addition salts) or as esters (e.g. lower alkyl esters) or as solvates (e.g. hydrates) to optimise the activity and/or stability of the medicament and/or to minimise the solubility of the medicament in the propellant.

Particularly preferred medicaments for administration using aerosol formulations in accordance with the invention include antiallergics, bronchodilators and antiinflammatory steroids of use in the treatment of respiratory disorders such as asthma by inhalation therapy, for example cromoglycate (e.g. as the sodium salt), salbutamol (e.g. as the free base or the sulphate salt), salmeterol (e.g. as the xinafoate salt), terbutaline (e.g. as the sulphate salt), reproterol (e.g. as the hydrochloride salt), a beclomethasone ester (e.g. the diproprionate), a fluticasone ester (e.g. the propionate) or (-)-4-amino-3,5-dichloro-a-[[(6-[2-(2AP/P/ 9 7 / 0 0 9 5 1

AP.00742 pyridinyl)ethoxy]hexyl]amino]methyl]benzenemethanol. Salmetero!, especially salmeterol xinafoate, salbutamol, fluticasone propionate, beclomethasone dipropionate and physiologically acceptable salts and solvates thereof are especially preferred.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the aerosol formulations according to the invention may , if desired, contain a combination of two or more active ingredients. Aerosol compositions containing two active ingredients (in a conventional propellant system) are known, for example, for the treatment of respiratory disorders such as asthma. Accordingly the present invention further provides aerosol formulations in accordance with the invention which contain two or more particulate medicaments. Thus suitable combinations of bronchodilatory agents include ephedrine and theophylline, fenoterol and ipratropium, and isoetharine and phenylephrine aerosol formulations.

Preferred aerosol formulations in accordance with the invention comprise (a) an effective amount of a particulate bronchodilatory medicament, (b) an effective amount of a particulate antiinflammatory, preferably a steroidal antiinflammatory medicament, (c) a fluorocarbon or hydrogen - containing chlorofluorocarbon propellant, and (d) a surfactant of general formula (I). Particularly preferred aerosol formulations contain bronchodilators such as salbutamol (e.g. as the free base or as the sulphate salt), salmeterol (e.g. as the xinafoate salt) or isoprenaline in combination with an antiinflammatory steroid such as a beclomethasone ester (e.g. .the diproprionate) or a fluticasone ester (e.g. the propionate). Alternatively aerosol formulations may contain a bronchodilator in combination with an antiallergic such as cromoglycate (e.g. the sodium salt). Combinations of isoprenaline and sodium cromoglycate, salmeterol and fluticasone propionate, or salbutamol and beclomethasone dipropionate are especially preferred.

The propellants for use in the invention may be any fluorocarbon or hydrogencontaining chlorofluorocarbon or mixtures thereof having a sufficient vapour pressure to render them effective as propellants. Preferably the propellant will be a non-solvent for the medicament. Suitable propellants include, for example,

C-| .^hydrogen-containing chlorofluorocarbons such as CH2CIF, CCIF2CHCIF,

CF3CHCIF, CHF₂CCIF₂, CHCIFCHF2, CF3CH2CI and CCIF₂CH₃; C ^hydrogen-containing fluorocarbons such as CHF2CHF2, CF3CH2F,

AP/P/ 9 7 / 0 0 9 5 1

AP. θ Ο 7 42

CHF2CH3 and CF3CHFCF3; and perfluorocarbons such as CF3CF3 and CF3CF2CF3.

Where mixtures of the fluorocarbons or hydrogen-containing chlorofluorocarbons are employed they may be mixtures of the above identified compounds or mixtures, preferably binary mixtures, with other fluorocarbons or hydrogen-containing chloro- fluorocarbons for example CHCIF2, CH2F2 and CF3CH3. Preferably a single fluorocarbon or hydrogen-containing chlorofluorocarbon is employed as the propellant. Particularly preferred as propellants are C-|_4hydrogen-containing fluorocarbons such as 1,1,1,2tetrafluoroethane(CF3CH2F) and 1,1,1,2,3,3,3-heptafluoro-n-propane (CF3CHFCF3).

It is desirable that the formulations of the invention contain no components which may provoke the degradation of stratospheric ozone. In particular it is desirable that the formulations are substantially free of chlorofluorocarbons such as CCI3F, CCI2F2 and CF3CCI3.

The propellant may additionally contain a volatile adjuvant such as a saturated hydrocarbon for example propane, n-butane, isobutane, pentane and isopentane or a dialkyl ether for example dimethyl ether. In general, up to 50% w/w of the propellant may comprise a volatile hydrocarbon, for example 1 to 30% w/w. However, formulations which are substantially free of volatile adjuvants are preferred. In certain cases, it may be desirable to include appropriate amounts of water, which can be advantageous in modifying the dielectric properties of the propellant.

Polar cosolvents which may be incorporated into the formulations according to the present invention include (.e.g C₂^)aliphatic alcohols and polyols such as ethanol, isopropanol and propylene glycol and mixtures thereof. Preferably ethanol will be employed. In general only small quantities (e.g. 0.05 to 3.0% w/w) of polar cosolvent are required to improve the dispersion and the use of quantities in excess of 5% w/w may disadvantageously tend to dissolve the medicament. Formulations preferably contain less than 1% w/w, e.g. about

0.1% w/w of polar cosolvent. Polarity may be determined for example, by the method described in European Patent Application Publication No. 0327777.

AP/P/ 9 7 / 0 0 9 5 1

AP.00742

In addition to the surfactants of genera! formula (I), the formulations according to the present invention may optionally contain one or more further ingredients conventionally used in the art of pharmaceutical aerosol formulation. Such optional ingredients include, but are not limited to, one or more conventional surfactants as hereinafter described and which are physiologically acceptable by inhalation, taste masking agents, one or more sugars, buffers, antioxidants, water and chemical stabilisers.

Examples of conventional physiologically acceptable surfactants include oleic acid, sorbitan trioleate (Span ^R 85), sorbitan mono-oleate, sorbitan monolaurate, polyoxyethylene (20) sorbitan monolaurate, polyoxyethylene (20) sorbitan monooleate, natural lecithin, oleyl polyoxyethylene (2) ether, stearyl polyoxyethylene (2) ether, lauryl polyoxyethylene (4) ether, block copolymers of oxyethylene and oxypropylene, synthetic lecithin, diethylene glycol dioleate, tetrahydrofurfuryl oleate, ethyl oleate, isopropyl myristate, glyceryl monooleate, glyceryl monostearate, glyceryl monoricinoleate, cetyl alcohol, stearyl alcohol, polyethylene glycol 400, cetyl pyridinium chloride, benzalkonium chloride, olive oil, glyceryl monolaurate, com oil, cotton seed oil and sunflower seed oil. Preferred surfactants are lecithin, oleic acid and sorbitan trioleate, for inclusion in a pharmaceutical formulation according to the present invention.

Aptly, the aerosol formulations according to the present invention may contain 0.0001 to 50% w/w, preferably 0.001 to 20, for example 0.001 to 1% of sugar relative to the total weight of the formulation. Generally the ratio of medicament: sugar falls within the range of 1:0.01 to 1:100 preferably 1:0.1 to

1:10. Typical sugars which may be used in the formulations include, for example, sucrose, lactose and dextrose, preferably lactose, and reducing sugars such as mannitol and sorbitol, and may be in micronised or milled form.

A particularly preferred embodiment of the invention provides a pharmaceutical aerosol formulation consisting essentially of one or more particulate medicament, one or more fluorocarbon or hydrogen-containing chlorofluorocarbon propellant and a surfactant of formula (I).

Surfactants according to the present invention can be prepared by techniques well known in the art, as can be seen for example, by reference to EP-0478686

AP/P/ 9 7 / 0 0 9 5 1

AP. ο ο 7 4 2 substantially as hereinbefore described. A suitable process for preparing surfactants of compounds of formula (1)

O

C_nF_2n+1(CH₂)_m-C-O-CH₂

O

C_nF_{2n + 1}(CH₂)_m-C-O-CH (I)

R¹ c h₂-o-p-o-c h₂c h₂n-r ¹ 3

O R comprises reacting a compound of formula (ii)

C_nF_{2n + 1}(CH₂)_m-C-O-CH₂

O !

II

C_nF,_{n + 1}(CHJ -C-O-C H n 2n +1 ' 2 ' m (ll)

CH,-O-P-Hal

I

Hal

AP/P/ 9 7 / 0 0 9 5 1 wherein Hal represents a halogen atom selected from fluorine, chlorine, bromine and iodine, with (i) a compound of formula (111) ¹ © , ©

H - O-C H ₂C Η ₂-N - R² L d' where L is a negatively charged counter ion, such as a halide or an alkyl or arylsulphonyloxy group, such as mesylate or tosylate, and (ii) a hydroxylating agent, such as water.

AP.00742

Suitably the reaction may be carried out in the presence of a chlorinated organic solvent, such as chloroform or the like, and a basic medium, e.g. pyridine or the like.

Compounds of formulae (II) and (III) are well known in the art, and as described above, EP-0478686 is a suitable prior art document which can be referred to:

The formulations of the invention may be prepared by dispersal of the medicament and surfactant in the selected propellant in an appropriate container, e.g. with the aid of sonication. The process is desirably carried out under anhydrous conditions to obviate any adverse effects of moisture on suspension stability.

The chemical and physical stability and the pharmaceutical acceptability of the aerosol formulations according to the invention may be determined by techniques well known to those skilled in the art. Thus, for example, the chemical stability of the components may be determined by HPLC assay, for example, after prolonged storage of the product. Physical stability data may be gained from other conventional analytical techniques such as, for example, by leak testing, by valve delivery assay (average shot weights per actuation), by dose reproducibility assay (active ingredient per actuation) and spray distribution analysis.

The suspension stability of the aerosol formulations according to the invention is particularly impressive and may be measured by conventional techniques, for example by measuring flocculation size distribution using a back light scattering instrument or by measuring particle size distribution by cascade impaction or by the twin impinger analytical process. As used herein reference to the twin impinger assay means Determination of the deposition of the emitted dose in pressurised inhalations using apparatus A as defined in British Pharmacopaeia

1988, pages A204-207, Appendix XVII C. Such techniques enable the respirable fraction of the aerosol formulations to be calculated. As used herein reference to respirable fraction means the amount of active ingredient collected in the lower impingement chamber per actuation expressed as a percentage of the total amount of active ingredient delivered per actuation using the twin impinger method described above. The formulations according to the

AP/P/ 9 7 / 0 0 9 5 1

AP . ο Ο 7 4 2 invention have been found to have a respirable fraction of 20% or more by weight of the medicament, preferably 25 to 70%, for example 30 to 60%.

.J

The formulations according to the invention may be filled into canisters suitable for delivering pharmaceutical aerosol formulations. Canisters generally comprise a container capable of withstanding the vapour pressure of the propellant used such as a plastic or plastic-coated glass bottle or preferably a metal can, for example an aluminium can which may optionally be anodised, lacquer-coated and/or plastic-coated, which container is closed with a metering . valve. The metering valves are designed to deliver a metered amount of the formulation per actuation and incorporate a gasket to prevent leakage of propellant through the valve.· The gasket may. comprise any suitable elastomeric material such as for example low density polyethylene, chlorobutyl, black and white butadiene-acrylonitrile rubbers, butyl rubber and neoprene.

' Suitable valves are commercially available from manufacturers well known in the aerosol industry, for example, from Valois, France (e.g. DF10, DF30, DF60), Bespak pic, UK (e.g. BK300, BK357) and 3M-Neotechnic Ltd, UK (e.g. SpraymiserTM).

Conventional bulk manufacturing methods and machinery well known to those skilled in the art of pharmaceutical aerosol manufacture may be employed for the preparation of large scale batches for the commercial production of filled canisters. Thus, for example, in one bulk manufacturing method a metering valve is crimped onto an aluminium can to form an empty canister. The ' 25 particulate medicament is added to a charge vessel and liquified propellant is pressure filled through the charge vessel into a manufacturing vessel, together with liquified propellant containing the surfactant. The drug suspension is mixed before recirculation to a filing machine and an aliquot of the drug suspension is then filed through the metering valve into the canister. Typically, in batches prepared for pharmaceutical use, each filed canister is check-weighed, coded with a batch number and packed into a tray for storage before release testing.

Each filed canister is conveniently fitted into a suitable channelling device prior to use to form a metered dose inhaler for administration of the medicament into the lungs or nasal cavity of a patient. Suitable channelling devices comprise for example a valve actuator and a cylindrical or cone-like passage through which medicament may be delivered from the filed canister via the metering valve to

AP/P/ 9 7 / 0 0 9 5 1

AP . Ο 0 7 4 2

GI2050 the nose or mouth of a patient e.g. a mouthpiece actuator. Metered dose inhalers are designed to deliver a fixed unit dosage of medicament per actuation or puff, for example in the range of 10 to 5000 microgram medicament per puff.

Administration of medicament may be indicated for the treatment of mild, moderate or severe acute or chronic symptoms or for prophylactic treatment. It will be appreciated that the precise dose administered will depend on the age and condition of the patient, the particular particulate medicament used and the frequency of administration and will ultimately be at the discretion of the 10 attendant physician. When combinations of medicaments are employed the dose of each component of the combination will in general be that employed for each component when used alone. Typically, administration may be one or more times, for example from 1 to 8 times per day, giving for example 1,2,3 or 4 puffs each time.

Suitable daily doses, may be, for example in the range 50 to 200 microgram of salmeterol, 100 to 1000 microgram of salbutamol, 50 to 2000 microgram of fluticasone propionate or 100 to 2000 microgram of beclomethasone dipropionate, depending on the severity of the disease. C

C

Thus, for example, each valve actuation may deliver 25 microgram salmeterol, £

100 microgram salbutamol, 25, 50, 125 or 250 microgram fluticasone propionate <

or 50, 100, 200 or 250 microgram beclomethasone dipropionate. Typically each filled canister for use in a metered dose inhaler contains 100, 160 or 240 25 metered doses or puffs of medicament.

The filled canisters and metered dose inhalers described herein comprise further aspects of the present invention.

The following non-limitative Examples serve to illustrate the invention.

AP . 0 0 7 4 2

Example 1

Example 1a

A compound of formula (!) (R¹, R², R³=CH₃, n=6, m=6)

To a dry 1L four neck round bottom flask fitted with mechanical stirring, a temperature probe and nitrogen inlet, was added 150mL (5 volumes) of dry isopropyl ether (stabilised with BHT). The solution was cooled to -25°C and then 3.08mL (5.07g, 33.07mmol) of POCI₃ was added, followed by 5.53mL (4.02g, 39.68mmol) of triethylamine. The hazy solution was stirred for 5 minutes before the addition of 30.00g (31.50mmoi) of

8,8,9,9,10,10,11,11,12,12,13,13,13-tridecafIuoro-tridecanoic acid 3-hydroxy-2(8,8,9,9,10,10,11,11,12,12,13,13,13-tridecafluorotridecanoyloxy)-propyiester¹ in 75mL (2.5 vol) of isopropyl ether over a 20 minute time period, being sure to keep the internal temperature between -26 and -23°C. The mixture was allowed to warm up to 20°C over the course of 1 hour, and washed with 2 x 40mL (2.5 vol) of isopropyl ether, and then the filtrate was evaporated to a volume of about 100mL at 25°C. CHCI₃ (ethanol free 500mL) was added and the solution was evaporated at 25°C to a volume of about 100mL.

120mL (8.3 vol) of ethanol free chloroform was added. The solution was cooled to 0°C and then 12.8mL (12.3g, 155.6mmol) of pyridine and 9.56g (34.7mmol) of choline tosylate were added. The reaction mixture was allowed to warm up to 25°C over the course of 1 hour and then stirred for 7 hours at ambient temperature. Water 2.8mL (155.6mmol) was added and the mixture was stirred at 25°C for 5 hours. The mixture was stored overnight at 0°C, and then 250mL of absolute ethanol was added.

TMD-8 ion exchange resin (400g) was placed in a 600mL filter funnel. The • resin was washed with absolute ethanol (3 x 250mL). ' The procedure yielded about 300g of resin after pulling a vacuum for an additional 15 minutes. The

TMD-8 ion exchange resin (300g) was added and the suspension was stirred for 2 hours at 25°C. The resin was filtered, and the cake was washed with 3 x 250mL of absolute ethanol. The filtrate was stored overnight at 0°C, and then the solvent was evaporated at a temperature of 25 - 30°C to a total volume of 200mL. 500mL toluene was added, and the solvent was evaporated at 50°C to a volume of about 400mL at which time the product began to gel out of solution.

500mL toluene was added and the solvent was evaporated to a total volume of 500mL. The suspension was stirred vigorously for 12 hours at ambient

AP/P/ 9 7 / 0 0 9 5 1

AP. Ο Ο 7 4 2 temperature and the solid powder was collected by filtration. The cake was washed with 2 x 200mL of toluene to afford 23.0g (65.4%) of the title compound.

Example 1b

A compound of formula (I) (R¹, R², R³ = CH₃, n=4, m=10)

To a dry 2L four neck round bottom flask fitted with mechanical stirring, temperature probe, nitrogen inlet and septum, was added 100ml diethylether. The solution was cooled to -20°C, and then 6.7mL of POCI₃ was added, followed by 12.1mL of triethylamine. 62.5gm of 12,12,13,13,14,14,15,15,15-Nonafluoro10 pentadecanoic acid 1-hydroxymethyl-2-(12,12,13,13,14,14,15,15,15-nonafluoropentadecanoyloxy)-ethyl ester¹ was dissolved in 500ml_ diethylether, chilled in an ice bath, and then added over a 30 minute time period to the POCI₃ solution. The mixture was allowed to warm to room temperature.

The mixture was filtered, and washed with 3 x 100mL diethylether, and the solvent removed under high vacuum. 100mL chloroform was added to dissolve the residue, followed by 200mL acetonitrile, 29.2mL pyridine and 10.1gm of choline chloride. The mixture was allowed to warm to room temperature, and then stirred under a nitrogen atmosphere overnight. 6.5mL of water was then added, and the reaction was stirred at room temperature over 2%hours.

The solvent was removed on rotary evaporation, and the resulting oil pumped under high vacuum for approximately 1 hour.

_5 Meanwhile, 850g of ion exchange resin (TMD-8) was treated with 2 x 1L chloroform/methanol (4 : 1) mixture, 2 x 1L methanol and 1 x 1L chloroform/methanol (4:1).

The compound was diluted in 1,500mL chloroform, and the ion exchange resin was added, followed by stirring at room temperature for 2 hours. The solvent was then removed, the resultant filtrate rotary evaporated to an oil, and placed in the freezer overnight, and further purified to yield 27.58gm of the title compound.

Other surfactants of formula (I) described in the Examples hereinafter were prepared by analogous methods.

AP/P/ 9 7 / 0 0 9 5 1

AP. ο ο 7 4 2

1. Prepared according to ΕΡ-0478686.

Example 2

Micronised salbutamol base (26mg) and compound of formula (I) (R¹,R²,R³ = 5 CH₃, n=4, m=10) (5.1 mg) were weighed into a 15ml transparent glass aerosol vial and a metering valve was crimped into place. 1, 1, 1, 2-Tetrafluoroethane (P134a,18.2g) and heptafluoropropane (P227, 21g) were added to the vial through the valve. The vial was sonicated for 30 sec. to disperse the drug and surfactant.

Examples 3-6

Using the procedure described in Example 2 the following formulations were prepared:

Example	Drug	Propellant	Surfactant/mg
3	Salbutamol base (26mg)	P227	1.2
4	Salbutamol base (26mg)	P227	11
5	Salbutamol sulphate (32mg)	P227	3.1
6	Salbutamol sulphate (32mg)	P134a	0.5

Examples 7 to 20

The aerosol formulations of Examples 7 to 20 were prepared in large scale batches. A metering valve (e.g. DF60 valve) was crimped into an 8ml aluminium can (12.5ml can in the case of Examples 19 and 20) and the can was purged with 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane prior to filling. The particulate medicament (micronised) was added to a charge vessel and liquified 1,1,1, 2tetrafluoroethane propellant was pressure filled through the charge vessel into a manufacturing vessel, together with liquified propellant containing the surfactant of formula (I) (R¹, R² and R³ = CH₃, n and m as indicated). The drug suspension was mixed before recirculation to a filling machine and an aliquot (typically 12g) of the drug suspension was then filled through the metering valve into the canister to provide an inhaler typically containing an equivalent of 160 actuations of 75mg (designed to deliver 120 actuations). The following inhalers were prepared:

AP/P/ 9 7 / 0 0 9 5 1

AP . 0 0 7 4 2

Example 7 Per 75.0mq actuation

Fluticasone propionate Surfactant (n=4, m=4) 1, 1, 1, 2-Tetrafluoroethane	275pg 27.5pg to 75.0mg
Example 8	Per 75.0mq actuation
Fluticasone propionate	275pg
Surfactant (n=4, m=4)	2.75pg
1, 1, 1, 2-Tetrafluoroethane	to 75.0mg
Example 9	Per 75.0mq actuation
Fluticasone propionate	275pg
Surfactant (n=6, m=6)	27.5pg
1, 1, 1, 2-Tetrafluoroethane	to 75.0mg
Example 10	Per 75.0mq actuation
Fluticasone propionate	275pg
Surfactant (n=6, m=6)	2.75pg
1, 1, 1, 2-Tetrafluoroethane	to 75.0mg
Example 11	Per 75.0mq actuation
Fluticasone propionate	27.5pg
Surfactant (n=4, m=4)	2.75pg
1,1,1, 2-Tetrafluoroethane	to 75.0mg
Example 12	Per 75.0mq actuation
Fluticasone propionate	27.5μ₉
Surfactant (n=4, m=4)	0.275pg
1, 1, 1, 2-Tetrafluoroethane	to 75.0mg

Per 160 actuations (i.e. per can)

44mg 4.4mg to 12.0g

Per 160 actuations (i.e. per can)

44mg

0.44mg to 12.0g

Per 160 actuations (i.e. per can)

44mg

4.4mg to 12.0g

Per 160 actuations (i.e. per can)

44mg

0.44mg to 12.0g

Per 160 actuations (i.e. per can)

4.4mg

0.44mg to 12.0g

Per 160 actuations (i.e. per can)

4.4mg

0.044mg to 12.0g

AP/P/ 9 7 / 0 0 9 5 1

AP.00742

Example 13	Per 75.0mq actuation	Per 160 actuations (i.e. per.can)
Fluticasone propionate	27.5pg	4.4mg
Surfactant (n=6, m=6)	2.75pg	0.44mg
1, 1, 1, 2-Tetrafluoroethane	to 75.0mg	to 12.0g
Example 14	Per 75.0mq	Per 160 actuations
	actuation	(i.e. per can)
Fluticasone propionate	27.5pg	4.4mg
Surfactant (n=6, m=6)	0.275pg	0.044mg
1, 1, 1, 2-Tetrafluoroethane	to 75.0mg	to 12.0g
Example 15	Per 75.0mq actuation	Per 160 actuations (i.e. per can)
Salmeterol xinafoate	39.88pg	6.38mg
Surfactant (n=4, m=4)	3.99pg	0.64mg
1, 1, 1, 2-Tetrafluoroethane	to 75.0mg	to 12.0g
Example 16	Per75.0mq	Per 160 actuations
	actuation	(i.e. per can)
Salmeterol xinafoate	39.88pg	6.38mg
Surfactant (n=4, m=4)	0.399pg	0.064mg
1, 1, 1, 2-Tetrafluoroethane	to 75.0mg	to 12.0g
Example 17	Per 75.0mq actuation	Per 160 actuations (i.e. per can)
Salmeterol xinafoate	39.88pg’	6.38mg
Surfactant (n=6, m=6)	3.99pg	0.64mg
1, 1, 1,2-Tetrafluoroethane	to 75.0mg	to 12.0g
Example 18	Per 75.0mq actuation	Per 160 actuations (i.e. per can)
Salmeterol xinafoate	39.88pg	6.38mg
Surfactant (n=6, m=6)	0.399pg	0.064mg
1,1,1, 2-Tetrafluoroethane	to 75.0mg	to 12.0g

AP/P/ 9 7 / 0 0 9 5 1

AP . ο 0 7 4 2

Example 19	Per75.0mq actuation	Per 248 actuations (i.e. per can)
Beclomethasone dipropionate hydrate	54.32pg	13.47mg
Surfactant (n=6, m=6)	5.4pg	1 „35mg
Purified water B.P.	0.045mg	11.16mg·
1, 1, 1, 2-Tetrafiuoroethane	to 75.0mg	to 18.6g

Inhaler contains equivalent of 248 actuations (delivers 200 actuations).

Example 20	Per 75.0mq actuation	Per 248 actuations (i.e. per can)
Beclomethasone dipropionate hydrate	54.32pg	13.47mg
Surfactant (n=4, m=4)	5.4pg	1,35mg
Purified water B.P.	0.045mg	11.16mg
1,1, 1, 2-Tetrafiuoroethane	to 75.0mg	to 18.6g

Inhaler contains equivalent of 248 actuations (delivers 200 actuations).

Examples 21 to 31

Micronized drug and surfactant were weighed into 15ml transparent aerosol 10 vials (Wheaton Industries, NJ). A metering valve (Bespak valve No. BK300, or

Valois DF60 MK VI) was crimped onto each vial. Finally, 1,1,1,2tetrafluoroethane (P134a) or 1,1,1,2,3,3,3 - heptafiuoro-n-propane (P227) was added to the vial through the valve. Vials were then sonicated for 30 seconds.

AP/P/ 9 7 / 0 0 9 5 1

Example	Druq (amount)	Surfactant type	Surfactant mq/inhaler	Propellant P134a (18q) or P227 (22q)
21	Salbutamol Base (26mg)	n=8,m=4	2.0	P134a
22	Salbutamol Base (26mg)	n=6,m=10	1.8	P134a
23	Salbutamol Sulphate	n=6,m=10	2.3	P134a

AP.00742 (29mg)

24	Saibutamoi Base (26mg)	n=4,m=10	1.2	P227
25	Saibutamoi Base (26mg)	n=8,m=4	2.0	P227
26	Saibutamoi Base (26mg)	n=6,m=10	2.8	P227
27	Saibutamoi Sulphate (26mg)	n=8,m=4	2.0	P227
28	Saibutamoi Sulphate (26mg)	n=6,m=10	2.0	P227
29	Saibutamoi Sulphate (26mg)	n=4,m=10	3.1	P227
30	Satmeterol (9mg)	n=8,m=4	2.5	P227
31	Salmeteroi (9mg)	n=6,m=10	3.0	P227

Examples 32 to 43

Stock solutions of surfactants with concentration of 0.33 mg/g were prepared in glass vials according to the following procedure. 6 mg of surfactant were weighed into the safety coated glass vials. A DF60 MK1V valve was crimped onto the vial using a Pamaso! crimper. 18.2 grams of 1,1,1,2-tetrafiuoroethane «

(P134a) were filled through the valve using a Pamasoi pressure filler. Then, the inhalers were sonicated for 30 sec to disperse surfactants.

AP/P/ 9 7 / 0 0 9 5 1

Appropriate amount surfactant or surfactant stock solution was delivered into the safety coated glass viais before a drug was added into these vials. A DF60 MKIV valve was crimped onto the canister, and P134a propellant as received was filled through the valve. After filling was complete, the inhalers were sonicated for 30 sec to disperse the drug and surfactant.

Example	Druq (amount)	Surfactant tvpe	Surfactant mq/inhaler
32	Saibutamoi Sulphate (29 mg)	n=4,m=10	1.0
33	Saibutamoi Sulphate (29 mg)	n=4,m=4	1.0
34	Saibutamoi Sulphate (29 mg)	n=6,m=6	1.0
35	Saibutamoi Sulphate (29 mg)	n=8,m=4	1.0
36	Salmeteroi (8 mg)	n=4,m=10	0.1
37	Salmeteroi (8 mg)	n=4,m=4	0.1
38	Salmeteroi (8 mg)	n=6,m=6	0.1

AP.00742

20
39	Salmeterol (8 mg)	n=8,m=4	0.1
40	Fluticasone Propionate(6mg)	n=4,m=10	1.0
41	Fluticasone Propionate(6mg)	n=4,m=4	1.0
42	Fluticasone Propionate(6mg)	n=6,m=6	1.0
43	Fluticasone Propionate(6mg)	n=8,m=4	1.0

Examples 44 to 51

Examples 44 to 51 were prepared as described for Examples 32 to 43 but using 5 1,1,1,2,-tetrafluoroethane (P134a) containing 600ppm of water. Wet propellant

was made by mixing water and the propellant in a cylinder, and then shaking over night.
Example	Druq (amount)	Surfactant	Surfactant
		type ·	mq/inhaler
44	BDP hydrate (12 mg)	n=4,m=10	1.0
45	BDP hydrate (12 mg)	n=4,m=4	1.0
46	BDP hydrate (12 mg)	n=6,m=6	1.0
47	BDP hydrate (12 mg)	n=8,m=4	1.0
48	Salbutamol Sulphate (29 mg)	n=4,m=10	1.0
49	Salbutamol Sulphate (29 mg)	n=4,m=4	1.0
50	Salbutamol Sulphate (29 mg)	n=6,m=6	1.0
51	Salbutamol Sulphate (29 mg)	n=8,m=4	1.0
In the Examples 32 to 51, a range of drug/surfactant ratios ( 0.2% to 15%) was
tested for	each compound and each drug.	The suspension	stability was

AP/P/ 9 7 / 0 0 9 5 1 examined using a back light scattering technique. The suspension stability can be improved at surfactant concentration as low as 0.2% of drug weight. Drug deposition on the walls of the glass vials was also examined and reduced with increases in surfactant concentration. Drug/surfactant ratio as low as 0.1% was able to reduce drug deposition on the glass wall significantly, even at high water content in propellant, demonstrated in Examples 44 to 50.

AP.00742

Examples 52 to 67

Examples 52 to 67 were prepared as described for Examples 32 to 43.hut using aluminium canisters rather than glass vials and 18.2g 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane (P134a). In Examples 64 to 67 wet P134a containing 350ppm of water (prepared as described in Examples 44 to 51) was used.

Example	Druq (amount)	Surfactant	Surfactant
52	Salbutamol Sulphate (29 mg)	type n=4,m=10	mq/inhaler 1.0
53	Salbutamol Sulphate (29 mg)	n=4,m=4	1.0
54	Salbutamol Sulphate (29 mg)	n=6,m=6	1.0
55	Salbutamol Sulphate (29 mg)	n=8,m= 4	1.0
56	Salmeterol (8 mg)	n=4,m=10	1.0
57	Salmeterol (8 mg) .	n=4,m=4	1.0
58	Salmeterol (8 mg)	n=6,m=6	1.0
59	Salmeterol (8 mg)	n=8,m=4	1.0
60	Fluticasone Propionate(6mg)	n=4,m=10	1.0
61	Fluticasone Propionate(6mg)	n=4,m=4	1.0
62	Fluticasone Propionate(6mg)	n=6,m=6	1.0
63	Fluticasone Propionate(6mg)	n=8,m=4	1.0
64	BDP hydrate (12 mg)	n=4,m=10	1.0
65	BDP hydrate (12 mg)	n=4,m=4	1.0
66	BDP hydrate (12 mg)	n=8,m=4	1.0
67	BDP hydrate (12 mg)	n=6,m=6	1.0
Examples 68 to 73

Examples 68 to 73 were prepared as described for Examples 21 to 31, the ·· surfactant employed in each Example 68 to 73 being n=4, m=10.

Surfactant Propellant

Example 68 (amount) (amount)

Salmeterol xinafoate (14mg) n=4, m=10 (3.9mg) P134a (18.05mg)

AP.00742

Surfactant

Example 69 (amount

Amiloride HCI (32.3mg) n=4, m=10 (1.7mg)

Example 70

Salmeterol xinafoate (9.9mg) n=4, m=10 (2.2mg)

Example 71

Fluticasone propionate (26.7mg) n=4, m=10 (3.0mg)

Example 72

Beclomethasone dipropionate (26.9mg) n=4, m=10 (2.2mg)

Example 73

Amiloride HCI (30.7mg) n=4, m=10 (2.0mg)

Propellant (amount)

P134a (18.0mg)

P227 (20.8mg)

P227 (20.7mg)

AP/P/ 9 7 / 0 0 9 5 1

AP.0 0 7 4 2

Havinu now particularly described and asceriaiiicd >r,y/our said invention and in \\ hat manner the same is to be performed l/we declare that what I/we claim is —

Claims

Claims

1. A pharmaceutical aerosol formulation, which comprises particulate medicament, a fluorocarbon or hydrogen-containing chlorofluorocarbon propellant and a surfactant of general formula (la) or (lb)

R¹— ch2 r¹— ch2 o I i¹ (R^-CH), O or CH-O-P-X ch₃,o-p-x r²-c'h₂ /

Y (la) (lb) wherein;

R¹ represents;

R_F(CH₂)_a-(CH=CH)_b-(CH₂)_c-(CH=CHV(CH₂)_e-A-;

R_r(CH₂)_rOCH₂CH(CH₂OH)CH₂-A-;

Rr(CH₂)_g-OCH₂CH(CH₂OH)-A-;

wherein -A- represents -0-, -C(0)O-, -R⁵(R⁷)N⁺-, (wherein each of R^s and R⁷ represents CrC4 alkyl or hydroxyethyl), -(CH2)r, wherein t=0 or 1 or -C(O)N(R⁹)-(CH2)_q-B, wherein q is an integer from 0 to 12, B represents -O- or -C(O)-, and R⁹ is hydrogen or R⁵, and wherein the sum of a+c+e is from 0 to 17, the sum b+d is from 0 to 12 and each of f and g is from 1 to 12;

RHCH₂-CH₂-O)_h-;

Rp-(CH(CH₃)CH₂O)_h-;

R_F-(-CH₂-CH₂-S)_h-, wherein h is from 1 to 12; and wherein R_F represents a fluorine-containing moiety having one of the following structures;

AMENDED SHEET

AP. Ο Ο 7 4 2 (a) F(CF₂)i-, wherein i is from 1 to 18, (b) (CF₃)₂CF(CF₂)j-, wherein j is from 0 to 8, (c) R_F1(CF₂CF(CF₃))_k-, wherein k is from 1 to 4, and R_F1 represents CF₃- C₂F_s-or (CF₃)₂CF(d) R_f2(R_f3)CFO(CF₂CF₂), wherein I is from 1 to 6 and wherein each of R_f2 and R_F3 independently represents CF₃-, C₂F₅-, n-C₃F₇- or CF₃CF₂CF(CF₃)- or R_F2 and R_F3 taken together represent -(CF₂)₄or -(CF₂)₅-, or (e) one of the structures (a) to (d) in which one or more of the fluorine atoms are replaced by one or more hydrogen or bromine atoms and/or at least two chlorine atoms in a proportion such that at least 50% of the atoms bonded to the carbon skeleton of R_F are fluorine atoms, and wherein R_F contains at least 4 fluorine atoms, r is 0 or 1;

R² represents R¹, hydrogen or a group OR, wherein R represents a saturated or unsaturated Ci-C₂₀ alkyl or C₃-C₂₀acyl;

and when r is 1, R¹ and R² may exchange their positions; and each of X and Y independently represent:

hydroxyl;

-OCH₂CH(OH)CH₂OH;

-O(CH₂CH₂O),R³, wherein t is an integer from 1 to 5; and R³ represents a hydrogen atom or C1-C4 alkyl group;

-NR⁴R⁵ or N⁺R⁴R⁵R®, wherein each of R⁴, R⁵ and R® independently represents a hydrogen atom; a Ci-C₄ alkyl group, -CH₂CH₂O(CH₂CH₂O)_SR³, wherein s represents an integer of from 1 to 5, or R⁴ and R^s when taken together

ΔΡ/Ρ/ 9 7 / n n Q ·» 1

AP.00742

25.

represents an integer of from 1 to 5, or R⁴ and R⁵ when takenjogether represent -(CH₂)_q wherein q is an integer of from 2 to 5, or with the nitrogen atom R⁴ and R⁵ form a morpholino group;

5 -O(CH₂)_pZ wherein Z represents a 2-aminoacetic acid group, -NR⁴R⁵ or

-N*R⁴R⁵R⁸ where R⁸ is as defined for R⁴ and R⁵ above, and p is an integer of from 1 to 5;

with the proviso that X and Y do not both represent hydroxyl or an ionized 10 form derived from hydroxyl.
2. A pharmaceutical aerosol formulation which comprises particulate medicament, a fluorocarbon or hydrogen-containing chlorofluorocarbon propellant and a surfactant of general formula. (I)

O

CnfMn.JCH^-C-O-CHy o ' (.I)

I O R¹^ ι i:© ! ®

CH,-O-P-O-CH,CH.N-R ¹¹ '3·

O R wherein n is an integer of 1 to 18; m is an integer of 0 to 17; and

20 R¹, R² and R³ are each independently a hydrogen atom or a C^alkyl group.
3. A formulation according to Claim 2, wherein R¹, R² and R³ each represent methyl.
4. A formulation according to Claim 2 or 3, wherein n is an integer of 4 to 8.
5. A formulation according to Claim 4, wherein n is 4 or 6.

AMENDED SHEET

AP.00742

6. A formulation according to any of Claims 2 to 5, wherein m is an integer of 4 to 10. 7. 5 8. A formulation according to Claim 6, wherein m is 4, 6 or 10. A formulation according to any of Claims 1 to 7, wherein the surfactant is present in an amount of 0.05 to 15% w/w, relative to medicament. 9. 10 A formulation according to Claim 8, wherein the surfactant is present in an amount of 0.5 to 10% w/w, relative to medicament. 10. A formulation according to any of Claims 1 to 9, wherein the particulate size of medicament is in the range of 1 - 10 microns. 15 11. A formulation according to any of Claims 1 to 10, wherein medicament is present in an amount of 0.01 - 1.0% w/w, relative to the total weight of the formulation. 12. 20 A formulation according to any of Claims 1 to 11, wherein particulate medicament is selected from the group consisting of cromoglycate, salbutamol, salmeterol, terbutaline, reproterol, a beclomethasone ester, a fluticasone ester and (-)-4-amino-3,5-dichloro-a-[[[6-[2-(2- pyridinyl)ethoxy]hexyl] amino]methyl]benzenemethanol. 25 13. A formulation according to Claim 12, wherein particulate medicament is selected from the group consisting of salmeterol xinafoate, salbutamol, fluticasone propionate, beclomethasone dipropionate and physiologically acceptable salts and solvates thereof. 30 14. A formulation according to any of Claims 2 to 13, which comprises (a) an effective amount of a particulate bronchodilatory medicament, (b) an effective amount of a particulate antiinflammatory, (c) a fluorocarbon or hydrogen-containing chlorofluorocarbon propellant, and (d) a surfactant of general formula (I).

AP/P/ 97/00951

AP.00742

27 .

15. A formulation according to any of Claims 1 to 14, wherein said propellant is C^hydrogen-containing fluorocarbon.

5 16. A formulation according to Claim 15. wherein said propellant is selected from 1,1,1,2- tetrafluoroethane(CF3CH2F) and 1,1,1,2,3,3,3-heptafluoron-propane (CF3CHFCF3).

17. A formulation according to any of Claims 2 to 16, which consists
10 essentially of one or more particulate medicament, one or more fluorocarbon or hydrogen-containing chlorofluorocarbon propellant and a surfactant of formula (I).

18. A process of preparing a formulation according to any of Claims 1 to 17,
15 which comprises dispersal of said medicament and surfactant in said propellant

Xl-m day of. --19^1