AU1787800A

AU1787800A - Phospholipid compositions

Info

Publication number: AU1787800A
Application number: AU17878/00A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Mathew Louis Steven Leigh; Steven Leigh
Original assignee: Phares Pharmaceutical Research NV
Current assignee: Phares Pharmaceutical Research NV
Priority date: 1998-12-08
Filing date: 1999-12-08
Publication date: 2000-06-26
Also published as: JP2002532389A; EP1137402A1; WO2000033817A1; CA2352178A1

Description

WO 00/33817 PCT/GB99/04070 1 PHOSPHOLIPID COMPOSITIONS Field of the invention 5 The present invention relates to the preparation of powder or solid compositions comprising single and double chain amphiphilic lipids generally. It particularly relates to lipid compositions comprising monoacyl and diacyl membrane lipid in association with polymers and biologically active compounds 10 for administration to a living organism. Specifically, it describes the preparation of novel lipid polymer compositions that have improved physical characteristics and higher loading capacity for lipophilic and hydrophilic compounds. More specifically, it relates to stable membrane lipid compositions in particulate and in compact forms with superior bioavailability, suitable for oral and other 15 applications. Background to the invention Problem drugs A major problem in delivering biologically active compounds to humans 20 or animals concern poor absorption which may be due to: (i) low solubility in aqueous media; and (ii) poor membrane permeability. These adversely affect bioavailability and reduce efficacy. The problem applies in particular to lipophilic compounds and presents a difficult challenge, particularly 25 to the pharmaceutical industry from both technical and commercial perspectives. Commercially, the inability to improve bioavailability may be costly if the time to market approval is either delayed significantly or prevented. Indeed, numerous compounds that possess promising pharmacological activity are abandoned in the late stages of development because of poor and erratic bioavailability. In some WO 00/33817 PCT/GB99/04070 2 instances it may be possible to improve bioavailability by forming a derivative that is more hydrophilic without unacceptable changes in pharmacokinetics. It is difficult to find a carrier system that improves the bioavailability of 5 lipophilic compounds, which is efficient and non-toxic for oral administration and can be manufactured in conventional solid dosage forms. Ethanol and ethoxylated surfactants are widely employed in liquid compositions although there are serious limitations in their use. Another approach is to have the active material in a colloidal form or as a co-precipitate with the aim of improving dissolution 10 characteristics. However, this may not completely solve the problem because the low membrane permeability may still defy efforts to improve bioavailability. Problems of poor bioavailability are not limited to hydrophobic compounds. Some hydrophilic compounds with large molecular weights may give 15 similar problems. Examples of hydrophilic compounds which are poorly absorbed include peptides e.g. insulin, peptidomimetic compounds, antibodies and genetic material e.g. oligosense nucleotides, etc. Poor bioavailabity in these compounds may be due to degradation in the upper GI tract and low membrane permeability rather than low solubility. 20 Carrier systems are designed to improve delivery and maximise performance of active compounds. The system must be compatible with biological systems and able to deliver the active compound in a controlled manner. Above all, the components used must be non-toxic and conform to specifications that 25 give reproducible performance. Although oral administration is the preferred route of medication, compounds are sometimes delivered via alternative routes e.g. inhalation, parenterally and transdermally. These routes can, however, create problems and are generally only considered when GI absorption is inadequate or cannot be controlled sufficiently. An efficient oral delivery system may provide 30 the key to unlocking the clinical potential of problem compounds in drug discovery programmes. In this specification, delivery also includes absorption WO 00/33817 PCT/GB99/04070 3 across the buccal and other mucosa. By improving the bioavailability or controlling the release of potent drugs, toxicity may also be reduced because of the smaller doses that need to be given. For compounds that are expensive or available only in small quantities, it is an important consideration. The importance 5 of delivery systems is widely recognised and the quest to improve and control bioavailability of problem drugs is one of the most active pursuits in pharmaceutical research. Lipids as carriers for drugs 10 The benefits of using diacyl lipids, e.g. phospholipids as carriers for drugs and other biologically active materials are well known. Phospholipids are the major component of liposomes, microscopic vesicles for carrying biologically active compounds. The production of liposomes is discussed inter alia in EP-A 15 0158441. More recently it has been proposed to use as carriers anhydrous systems based on monoacyl lipids or on mixtures of monoacyl and diacyl lipids. WO 98/58629 discloses a carrier system that comprises one or more monoacyl lipids or 20 other related micelle-forming amphipaths, optionally in admixture with one or more bilayer forming diacyl lipids. The system is when prepared normally in the form of an anhydrous or near anhydrous solid, waxy solid or liquid and is contacted with aqueous fluid only in use or just prior to use. The effect of contact with aqueous fluid is that the carrier system is converted into drug-associated lipid 25 particles that, depending on the ratios of diacyl and monoacyl lipids, may be in the form of liposomes, micelles or mixed micelles. At this stage, a lipophilic drug incorporated into the original carrier system may be present in a molecular form intercalated between the lipids making up the lipid aggregates (liposomes or mixed micelles) or may be held in the form of a totally micellar lipid-drug 30 complex. The monoacyl components both promote solubilization of a biologically active compound in a mixture of monoacyl and diacyl lipids and aid dispersion WO 00/33817 PCT/GB99/04070 4 into small aggregates on contact with aqueous fluid. Where the carrier comprises a partially enzyme-digested diacyl lipid, bile salts and other emulsifiers are not required for release of the compound from the gastro-intestinal tract as the compound is largely in molecular dispersion in the partly digested lipid mixture. 5 However, as a bonus, dispersion into lipid aggregates may be further improved in the presence of emulsifiers such as bile salts particularly at 37oC. A problem with which this invention is concerned is that lipids are generally not suitable for processing into solid forms under ambient conditions 10 except when used in small amounts. This is one reason that lipids, particularly phospholipids, are not used more widely as carriers in effective amounts. Summary of the invention 15 An object of the present invention is to provide an improved carrier for hydrophilic and particularly for hydrophobic compounds that has pharmaceutical and industrial applications. 20 It is a further aim of the invention to provide a carrier composition that has superior bioavailability and is versatile, safe, efficient and cost effective to manufacture. It is a further object of the invention to modify lipid components that are 25 soft or waxy substances at ambient temperature, so that they can become hard (i.e. friable or crushable) and can be converted into free flowing powders that may be filled into hard gelatine capsules or the like, or may be compacted into solid forms e.g. tablets. 30 It is a further object of the invention to provide an extended range of lipid materials that may be converted into hard comminutable compositions.

WO 00/33817 PCT/GB99/04070 5 The invention provides compositions in non-liquid form that are easy to prepare, and that may be solid compacts or may be particulate. Most preferably they are based on monoacyl and diacyl membrane lipids on their own or in admixture or a combination of membrane lipids with other single chain 5 amphiphilic lipids. At least one solid hydrophilic substance, most preferably a polymer, is typically included in the composition. At least one biologically active compound may be present in the lipid polymer associate. The active compound may be added to the solution or 10 suspension of lipid and polymer before removal of solvent or it may be blended in with the lipid polymer associates after drying. In this case, the active compound may associate with the lipid polymer on hydration. Alternatively, the composition may be a mixture of e.g. two or more lipid polymer associates of different active compounds. Incompatible substances or compounds that work better when used in 15 combination can be kept apart in separate lipid polymer associates. Separation of active compounds in this manner within the same dosage form would not be possible in aqueous solutions. The lipid polymer associates have the potential to swell in water or other 20 aqueous media to form viscous intermediate compositions, which may or may not be bilayered. Hydration may take place in situ e.g. from powders or granules inside a hard capsule or from a tablet in the GI tract and other mucosal surfaces. Depending on the proportions of monoacyl and diacyl lipid, polymer and other components present in the composition, the hydrated structure may further 25 disperse in water and other aqueous media and reassemble into micelles, vesicles or mixtures of small lipid aggregates. Preference for the type(s) of small lipid aggregate formed depends on the properties of the biologically active compound and other requirements. Furthermore, release of a biologically active compound may take place from either the hydrated bulk structure or from the suspension of 30 small lipid aggregates.

WO 00/33817 PCT/GB99/04070 6 As far as the applicants are aware there has been no prior disclosure on phospholipids generally, particularly in the form of enzyme modified lecithin containing hydrolysed phospholipids with GRAS status to form solid lipid polymer associates and optionally with biologically active compounds, to improve oral 5 bioavailability. In this specification: lipid refers to amphiphilic molecules based on, or containing, either one or 10 two hydrocarbon chains and covers mixtures in addition to single compounds. Active Compounds are biologically active substances that have a physiological or pharmacological effect in a living organism. 15 Lipid associates are complexed structures formed between the lipid and typically one or more hydrophilic polymers and optionally one or more active compounds. The active compound may be in molecular association or suspension in a lipid-polymer associate. Alternatively, it may simply be mixed with the lipid polymer associate. Lipid-polymer associates may be particulate with mean 20 diameters typically between about 0.05mm to 5mm or they may be solid compacts. Small lipid aggregates are polymolecular structures that may be formed when the lipid polymer associates come into contact with an appropriate aqueous 25 medium. These structures may be vesicular, non-vesicular, micelles, reverse micelles, mixed micelles, or mixtures thereof. Description of preferred embodiments 30 The present invention provides for compositions in compact and/or in particulate forms, comprising at least one micelle forming single chain amphipathic lipid and/or at least one bilayer forming double chain amphipathic WO 00/33817 PCT/GB99/04070 7 lipid and typically at least one polymeric material, optionally associated with an active compound. Particulate compositions 5 Particulate compositions according to the invention may take the form of particles or granules. Although particle size is not a limitation, the mean particle diameter of the solid lipid polymer associates is preferably between about 50 gm to 5000 pim. 10 Powder compositions may be obtained by milling or micronising using conventional equipment. Alternatively, the lipid polymer associates may be obtained as free flowing powders after spray drying and other suitable techniques to remove solvent. Powder compositions are suitable for filling into hard capsules 15 or used as such. Fine free-flowing powders are towards the smaller end of the size range given above and typically have mean particle diameters between 50 pm and 2000 ipm, preferably between 100 pm and 1000 pm, depending on the fill weight of the capsule. 20 Granular lipid polymer associates may be between 1mm to 5mm in diameter. The granules may be obtained by comminuting dried lipid polymer cake or by compacting powdered material into slugs and breaking them into granules. The granules may be used as such in various dosage forms or they may be further compressed into tablets. 25 Tablets Powders and granules may be compressed into tablets, lozenges, troches, buccal or mucosal tablets, pessaries, etc. Direct compression aids e.g. lactose, 30 microcrystalline cellulose, dicalcium phosphate, etc. may be used if required. In other cases, small quantities of active compounds may be mixed directly with the lipid polymer associates for compression into tablets. By using appropriate WO 00/33817 PCT/GB99/04070 8 polymers and forming suitable associates, the invention enables waxy lipid materials to be compressed into tablets with good compression characteristics and properties e.g. uniformity of weight, hardness etc. The disintegration characteristics and dissolution profile depend largely on the type of lipid and 5 polymer used to form the associates. Thus the tablets may either disintegrate rapidly or more preferably remain substantially intact in aqueous fluid, thereby allowing controlled delivery of active compounds in the gastro-intestinal tract and other sites. Lipid polymer tablets which have become hydrated e.g. by contact with saliva have good retention properties on mucosal surfaces and are 10 particularly suited for mucosal e.g. sublingual and buccal delivery. They may be retained on mucosal surfaces for extended periods i.e. up to 12 hours or more depending on the type of lipid, polymer and lipid/polymer ratios. Other appropriate excipients that may be used are preservatives, flavourings, effervescent agents, glidants, lubricants, binding agents, disintegrating agents, 15 flow aids, colorants, antioxidants, etc. The lipid polymer associates may be used e.g. in pharmaceutical, dietetic, food, toiletry, cosmetic, veterinary, aquaculture, horticulture and other industrial applications, or where there is need to improve the solubility of poorly water soluble compounds and/or enhance or control absorption of both water and oil soluble substances. 20 Lipid The lipids or other amphipathic materials that may be made hard by mixture with a polymer according to the invention may have a single hydrocarbon 25 chain, may have two hydrocarbon chains or may, as is preferred, be a mixture of single-chain and two-chain materials. Preferred lipids are membrane diacyl lipids and their monoacyl derivatives but the definition also includes the mono- and di esters and ethers of sugars and polyols, fatty acid esters and other fatty acid derivatives. These can hydrate and swell on contact with water to form lamellar 30 or bilayered stacks. Generally, in excess water, above the critical micelle concentration (CMC) monoacyl lipids form micelles, whilst diacyl lipids above the phase transition temperature (Tc) tend to arrange as bilayered vesicles or WO 00/33817 PCT/GB99/04070 9 reverse micelles. Preferred lipids are amphipathic membrane lipids e.g. phospholipids, glycolipids, ceramides, gangliosides and cerebrosides. Preferred compositions are compacts or powders comprising at least one 5 monoacyl membrane lipid component. However, monoacyl and diacyl membrane lipids may also be used on their own. Most preferred compositions comprise mixtures of at least one monoacyl and at least one diacyl phospholipid. One or more charged monoacyl or diacyl lipids may be included to improve the association, hardness and hydration properties of the lipid-polymer associates. The o10 compositions may comprise other single chain amphiphilic lipids in significant amounts in addition to phospholipids. Although it is preferred to have the active compound in molecular association with the lipid polymer, the active compound may also be in solid suspension. As a general rule, it is preferred to have lipophilic compounds in solid molecular solution, whereas hydrophilic compounds may be 15 in suspension. Strongly hydrophobic compounds may require larger amounts of the single chain component or single chain component on its own for complete molecular solution. Single chain materials preferably comprise a monoacyl derivative of a 20 neutral or charged phospholipid, but it can also be a monoacyl derivative(s) of a glycolipid and sphingolipid. The lipids may be derived from natural plant, or animal or microbiological sources, synthesised or partially synthesised, including polyethyleneglycol (PEG) derived monoacyl phospholipids, e.g. pegalated monoacyl phosphatidyl ethanolamine Examples of charged monoacyl 25 phospholipids are the monoacyl derivatives of phosphatidic acid (PA), phosphatitdyl inositol (PI), phosphatidylserine (PS) and phosphatidylglycerol (PG). Examples of neutral monoacyl phospholipids are the monoacyl derivatives of phosphatidylcholine (PC), phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) and sphingomyelin. Alternative amphiphilic single chain lipids e.g. fatty acid and alcohol, propylene 30 glycol, glycerol, or sugar mono esters and their derivatives may also be used alone or preferably in combination. The hydrocarbon chain can either be unsaturated or saturated and can have between 10 to 24, preferably 14 to 18 carbon atoms.

WO 00/33817 PCT/GB99/04070 10 The double chain lipid(s) is preferably a phospholipid but may also be mixtures with other amphiphilic diacyl lipids whose monoacyl derivatives have been mentioned above. Charged membrane lipids may also be used on their own or included in the mixture. The acyl chains can either be unsaturated or saturated 5 and can have between 10 to 24, preferably 14 to 18 carbon atoms. Other membrane lipids, such as glycolipids, ceramides, gangliosides and cerebrosides can be used in place of, or in partial replacement of phospholipids. Although the lipid composition may comprise entirely of at least one or 10 more single or double chain component on their own, preferably the weight ratio of single to double chain lipid in the mixture could be from 1:99 to 99:1, preferably between 1:25 and 25:1 and most preferably 1:10 and 10:1. It is also possible that lecithin containing high amounts of naturally occurring monoacyl lipid components within the aforementioned range may be used i.e. above about 3 15 %w/w, preferably about 5 %w/w. Deoiled lecithin is an example of such a lipid blend. This may be obtained from either egg or soya bean Mixtures of lecithin with fatty acid mono- and diesters and ethers of sugar, alcohol, polyglycerol and their derivatives may also be used. 20 In the case of phospholipids, instead of mixing pure fractions of the two lipids to obtain the target ratios, partially enzyme hydrolysed mixtures of lecithin that have the required proportions of the monoacyl to diacyl lipid components are particularly preferred. These phospholipid mixtures, which are known as enzyme modified lecithins are freely permitted in foods without restrictions and should 25 thus present no problems for oral use. Wherever possible hydrolysed lecithin containing from 5 to 95 preferably 60 to 80 mole percent of monoacyl phospholipids obtained by enzyme hydrolysis with phospholipase A2 is preferred. The lecithin should be substantially pure and substantially free from non-polar lipids. Preferably the lecithin is GMO free or does not contain detectable levels of 30 genetically modified components.

WO 00/33817 PCT/GB99/04070 11 Lipid:Active ratios The quantity of lipid employed to form the associate depends on a number of considerations. These include the amount of active compound present and its 5 physicochemical characteristics. The type and the charge of the lipid or lipid mixture are also factors to be considered. Where the invention is required to carry active compounds substantially in molecular association, higher amounts of lipid may be required to form the associates. Lipid: active compound ratios of 99:1 or even more may be employed in the case of extremely potent compounds or 10 strongly hydrophobic problem drugs. In most cases, lipid: active ratios between 40:1 to 1:40 would be sufficient, depending on the type of lipid and the charge. Usually lipid: active ratios between 20:1 to 1:20 may be quite sufficient to (i) substantially solubilise lipophilic compounds or (ii) subsequently improve the bioavailibility of both lipophilic and hydrophilic compounds. 15 Generally, less lipid is required to solubilise lipophilic compounds if higher proportions of monoacyl components are present, reducing the total amount of lipid in the composition. This is also the case where the active compound is hydrophilic and the lipid polymer composition is used mainly to 20 control hydration and improve bioavailability at the site of absorption. Where the active compound is dispersed as discrete particles in the lipid polymer compositions, they should be less than 1 ptm, preferably below 250nm mean diameter. 25 Polymer The compositions typically contain one or more polymer dispersible or soluble in hot water or an organic solvent. Water miscible polar solvents e.g. C2 C6 alcohols, esters or ketones are preferred, although solvents that are non water 30 miscible may also be used to disperse or dissolve the polymer. The amount of polymer employed may lie between 5%w/w to 90%w/w or more, preferably WO 00/33817 PCT/GB99/04070 12 10%w/w to 75%w/w depending on the required hardness and hydration characteristics of the lipid polymer associate. The polymer may typically comprise less than 50% by weight of the 5 composition. However, this is not a strict requirement. The polymer(s) is normally added as a solution in an organic solvent or hydrophilic medium and the solid lipid associate is formed after solvent removal. In cases where the polymer is water soluble, the solvent may be water. The definition of hydrophilic medium may also extend to sugars in some cases. Indeed, sugars can be regarded as a 10 'solid' hydrophilic medium. This may be the reason why combinations of polymers and some sugars are particularly effective in hardening lipid. Mannitol, lactitol and xylitol and combinations thereof are suitable examples for use with polymers in the solid lipid compositions. Higher amounts of polymer produce compositions that are easier to turn into powders and granules and for subsequent 15 compaction into tablets or the like. The compositions particularly in the form of a solid compact, also tend to take longer to hydrate and swell and are therefore more suitable for longer retention on mucosa e.g. buccal mucosa. Water insoluble polymers may be dissolved or hydrated in an organic 20 solvent e.g. ethanol, together with the lipid and the active compound to form a homogeneous solution or dispersion in the first instance. Where water-soluble polymers are used, they are dissolved/hydrated separately in water before adding to the organic lipid solution. Removal of the hydrophilic medium results in an anhydrous or nearly anhydrous solid lipid polymer association structure 25 sufficiently hard to be micronised or turned into granules suitable for compaction, e.g. tablets. Alternatively, during removal of the hydrophilic medium, the composition may be spheronised or pelletised. Removal of the hydrophilic medium may be carried out by any suitable method, including vacuum drying, spray drying, lyophilisation or a combination of more than one method. Polymers 30 allow lipids with a low melting point e.g. below about 30 0 C and natural unsaturated phospholipids with low phase transition temperatures that are WO 00/33817 PCT/GB99/04070 13 characteristically soft waxes at room temperature to be more easily handled for processing into solid and particulate forms. They also allow larger amounts of phospholipids to be used. Use of time dependent polymers with different swelling properties may modify hydration of the solid lipid associates in aqueous 5 environment and offer a method to control and prolong the release of active compounds in the GI tract. Protection against hydrolysis and breakdown of the lipid and active compound in a low pH aqueous environment e.g. stomach, is possible if the polymer used is insoluble in acid medium. The lipid polymer associates may hydrate and swell when the pH is raised to release the active 10 compound. In this way, drugs may be targeted to the lower regions of the GI tract. Preferred polymers for hardening lipid are the natural gums and derivatives. They may also be synthetic polymers e.g. methacrylic polymers and copolymers, carboxy vinyl polymers and copolymers. Gelatine or partially 15 hydrolysed gelatine may also be used. Most preferred polymers are the celluloses e.g. carboxy methyl cellulose, ethyl cellulose and combinations of cellulose with alginates or methacrylic polymers. Sodium alginate may also be employed on its own. Starches and modified starches e.g. maize starch, phosphated starch, pregelatinised starch, hydroxypropylated starch and starch sodium 20 octenylsuccinate, etc, and those with a high amylose content are particularly suitable. Monoacyl phospholipids complex with amylose and form lipid associates that are harder and have good tolerability combined with good physical and chemical stability. They may be preferred for making lipid polymer associates to give improved bioavailabilty. 25 Charged polymers significantly increase lipid hardness. Some of the best lipid-hardening polymers have negatively charged carboxyl groups (such as sodium alginate and Eudragit L100 - methacrylic acid copolymer) or negatively charged sulphate ester groups (such as carrageenan). Charged molecules are 30 generally more soluble in aqueous media, rather than organic solutions, and this is why there are more water-soluble polymers that can harden the lipid than ethanol- WO 00/33817 PCT/GB99/04070 14 soluble polymers. Generally, suitable lipid-hardening polymers that are ethanol soluble are also soluble in aqueous media as well, at appropriate pH. Preferably, polymers should be dissolved or at least partially dispersed in a solvent before being dried with the lipid to increase hardness. Heat may be used. 5 Table 1 summarises the charge found on a number of common pharmaceutical polymers. Table 1. Charge characteristics of a number of natural polysaccharide and 10 synthetic polymers commonly used in the pharmaceutical industry. Polymer Charge Ionic Group Sodium carboxymethylcellulose (Carmellose sodium) Acidic or anionic Carboxvl Alginic acid Acidic or anionic Carboxyl Sodium alginate Acidic or anionic Carboxyl Modified starches Acidic or anionic Carboxyl Agar Acidic or anionic Sulphate Ester Carrageenan Acidic or anionic Sulphate Ester Gum arabic (Acacia) Acidic or anionic Carboxyl Gum tragacanth Acidic or anionic Carboxyl Gum xanthan Acidic or anionic Carboxyl Pectin Acidic or anionic Carboxyl Carboxypolymethvlene (Carbomer) Acidic or anionic Carboxyl Methyl Vinyl Ether / Maleic Acid Copolymer Acidic or anionic Carboxyl Methacrylic Acid Copolymer Acidic or anionic Carboxyl Ammonio Methacrylate Copolymer Ionic Salt Amino-chloride Salt Basic Polymethacrylate Basic or cationic Amino Chitosan Basic or cationic Amino Starch Neutral or nonionic / Hydroxvethylcellulose Neutral or nonionic / Hydroxypropylcellulose Neutral or nonionic / Hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (Hypromellose) Neutral or nonionic / Gum guar Neutral or nonionic / Carob bean Gum (Ceratonia) Neutral or nonionic / Poly(vinyl alcohol) Neutral or nonionic / Poly(vinylpvrrolidone) (Povidone) Neutral or nonionic / Poly(oxyethylene glycols) (Macrogols) Neutral or nonionic / Poly(oxypropylene) poly(oxyethylene) block copolymer (Poloxamer) Neutral or nonionic / 15 Polymers modify the physical characteristics of soft or waxy lipid substances. They also affect the formation of intermediate structures on hydration and conversion of these structures to small lipid aggregates in water or other aqueous medium. Biologically active compounds are found to have extremely high association in the anhydrous solid forms, the hydrated structures and where 20 appropriate, the resultant aqueous dispersions of small lipid aggregates. Polymers further improve the association between the lipid and the active compound and WO 00/33817 PCT/GB99/04070 15 almost complete association between the lipid and the biologically active compound may be possible. They may improve chemical and physical stability and protect the lipid from oxidative and hydrolytic decomposition. Polymers provide solid lipid compositions that are tolerant to relatively large amounts of 5 residual, adsorbed or deliberately added water without significant deterioration or changes in its physical properties such as flow properties, friability and softness. Powdered lipid polymer associates stored in glass containers remain free flowing after storage for 3 months at 40 0 C and 75%RH. 10 Most of the natural polysaccharide polymers, starches and their derivatives, cellulose polymers and gelatines are pharmaceutically acceptable for oral, mucosal, and topical administration. From their widespread use in food, they are not considered to represent a hazard to health. Table 2 summarises the physical characteristics and lipid hardening properties of some of the 15 pharmaceutical polymers. It must be clearly understood that this is not an exhaustive list and other hydrophilic polymers not included in this list may also be suitable. Polymers may be used in combination and any suitable method of mixing and solvent removal can be employed to produce solid lipid polymer compositions on a commercial scale. 20 WO 00/33817 PCT/GB99/04070 16 Table 2 Examples of polymers that may be suitable for forming lipid polymer solids Characteristics of some pharmaceutical polymers, used in lipid polymer formulations. Polymer Polymer Charge Solvent Solubility Lipid Hardening Reason For Lipid Hardening Properties Properties Sodium carboxymethylcellulose Acidic or anionic Dispersible in water Very good. solid Carboxyl group on derivatised (Carmellose sodium) Insoluble in ethanol hard and dry glucose monomers Sodium alginate Acidic or anionic Soluble in water Very good. solid Carboxyl group on guluronic acid Insoluble in ethanol hard and dry and mannuronic acid monomers Modified Starch Acidic or anionic Swellable in water Very good, solid Carboxyl group hardd and dry Agar Acidic or anionic Soluble in hot water Very good, solid Sulphated agarose and agarpectin Insoluble in ethanol hard and dry polymers withj carboxyl groups on the glucuronic acid monomers of agarpectin Carrageenan Acidic or anionic Soluble in hot water Very good, solid Sulphated galactose and Insoluble in ethanol hard and dry anhvdroglalactose monomers Gum arabic (Acacia) Acidic or anionic Soluble in water Good, solid hard Carboxyl group on glucuronic acid Insoluble in ethanol and dry monomers Gum tragacanth Acidic or anionic Soluble in water Very good. solid Carboxy group on galacturonic Insoluble in ethanol hard and dry acid monomers Gum xanthan Acidic or anionic Soluble in water Very good, solid Carboxyl group on glucuronic acid Insoluble in ethanol hard and dry monomers Pectin Acidic or anionic Soluble in water Very good, solid Carboxy group on galacturonic Insoluble in ethanol hard and dry acid monomers Carboxypolymethylene (Carbomer) Acidic or anionic Soluble in water Very good, solid Carboxyl groups on synthetic Soluble in ethanol hard and dry polymer Methyl Vinyl Ether / Maleic Acid Acidic or anionic Soluble in water Very good, solid Carboxyl groups on synthetic Copolymer (Gantrez S) Soluble in ethanol hard and dry polymer Methacrylic Acid Copolymer Acidic or anionic Soluble in aqueous Excellent, solid Carboxyl groups on synthetic (Eudragit L&S) media > pH7 hard. crispy and polymer Soluble in ethanol dry Ammonio Methacrylate Copolymer Ionic Salt Permeable in water Very good, solid Amino-chloride salt (Eudragit RL &RS) Soluble in ethanol hard and dry Basic Polymethacrylate (Eudragit E) Basic or cationic Soluble in aqueous Very good, solid Amino groups on synthetic media < pH5 hard and dry polymer Soluble in ethanol Chitosan Basic or cationic Soluble in aqueous Very good, solid Amino group on derivatised media at very low pH hard and dry glucose monomers Insoluble in ethanol Starch Neutral or nonionic Swellable in hot water Moderate Hydroxyethylcellulose Neutral or nonionic Soluble in water Moderate Insoluble in ethanol Hydroxypropylcellulose Neutral or nonionic Soluble in water Moderate Soluble in ethanol Hydroxypropylmethylcellulose Neutral or nonionic Soluble in water Moderate / (Hypromellose) Insoluble in ethanol Gum guar Neutral or nonionic Soluble in water Moderate Insoluble in ethanol Carob bean Gum (Ceratonia) Neutral or nonionic Soluble in water Moderate / Insoluble in ethanol Poly(vinyl alcohol) Neutral or nonionic Soluble in water Moderate Insoluble in ethanol Poly(vinylpyrrolidone) (Povidone) Neutral or nonionic Soluble in water Good, Nitrogen atom of cyclic amide may Soluble in ethanol form weak electrostatic interactions 5 It was found that the appearance of the composition was not significantly influenced by polymer concentration. Using the present processing and drying methods, a minimum amount of about 10% by weight of at least one polymer, 10 based on the total weight of the solid composition, was required to substantially harden the soft lipid. High shear mixing, for example would allows the use of less water to give a homogeneous composition prior to water removal. Hot air or vacuum assisted drying methods are also efficient in reducing the processing time WO 00/33817 PCT/GB99/04070 17 and reducing residual water content to give stable and harder solid lipid compositions. However higher amounts of residual water up to about 30% w/w may be tolerated without adversely affecting hardness and other physical characteristics. Thus it may not be necessary to remove water entirely from the 5 compositions. Any suitable method for drying and removal of solvent may be employed, including but not limited to e.g. fluidised bed drying, spray drying, freeze drying, supercritical fluid extraction, or a combination thereof. Biologically active compound 10 The compositions may further comprise a biologically active compound which has lipophilic and/or hydrophilic properties. Preferably, it is in solution in the composition but it may also be in suspension. 15 Examples of biologically active lipophilic compounds include hydrophobic neutral cyclic peptides e.g. cyclosporin A. Taxol, tacrolimus or a macrolide e.g. a rapamycin, and derivatives thereof are also suitable examples. Examples of hydrophilic biologically active compounds include insulin, calcitonin and heparin. Another unrelated group of compounds which may be used with 20 advantage are antioxidants, e.g. ubiquinone, tocopherols, carotenoids, and bioflavonoids. Other therapeutic classes of compound, may also be carried in the invention. The type and the concentration of active compound in the composition depend on the application and are not a limiting feature of the invention. 25 The invention will now described in the following examples, which illustrate inter alia the effect of varying the lipid and polymers on the formation and properties of the solid lipid associates, and the use of different lipid and polymers with and without biologically active compounds to obtain solid particulate lipid associates that may be used as such, as powders or granules, filled 30 into hard capsules or the like, or compacted into e.g. tablets or the like. Furthermore, the lipid polymer associates have the potential to hydrate in situ, in WO 00/33817 PCT/GB99/04070 18 water or other hydrophilic media e.g. intestinal fluids, to form drug carrying small lipid aggregates with high entrapment and good bioavailability. Preparation of solid polymer lipid 5 Example 1 A solid associate containing cyA, phospholipid and a methacrylic acid copolymer was produced using a two-stage process. The first stage involved 10 dissolving 5 parts of lipid, 1 part of drug and 2 parts of the polymer in a minimal quantity of ethanol. The lipid blend used in this formulation had a PC: MAPC weight ratio of approximately 33:66. The components were ultrasonicated at 50 0 C until an optically clear ethanolic solution was obtained. The second stage involved removing the ethanol by vacuum drying at 50 0 C for approximately 6 hours to 15 produce a solid lipid polymer associate. The sample was weighed to a constant weight to ensure the complete removal of solvent from the associate. In this example the cyA was in complete molecular dispersion. The resulting associate was a friable light yellow solid, which could be comminuted into lipid/polymer granules about 1-2 mm in diameter. This powder was blended with 25% by weight 20 of microcrystalline cellulose and the resultant composition was compressed into tablets that did not disintegrate in simulated gastric fluid. Example 2 25 A solid associate containing cyclosporin, phospholipid and povidone was produced using the method described in Example 1. The required amounts of cyA (1 part by weight), lipid (5 parts by weight) and povidone (6 parts by weight) were weighed into a drying vessel. The PC:MAPC weight ratio of this lipid was approximately 33:66. The solid components were dissolved in a minimal amount WO 00/33817 PCT/GB99/04070 19 of ethanol by ultrasonication at 500C. The optically clear yellow solution was vacuum dried to remove ethanol. The resultant associate was a firm glass-like solid that could be comminuted and that was suitable for filling into hard gelatine capsules. The cyA was in molecular solution in the lipid. 5 Example 3 A nifedipine /phospholipid polymer associate was produced by dissolving 1 part by weight of nifedipine and 5 parts by weight of lipid (PC: MAPC weight 10 ratio of 33:66) in a minimal amount of dichloromethane containing 2 parts by weight of a methacrylic copolymer (Eudragit L100) at room temperature. The resultant solution was subjected to vacuum drying until no dichloromethane could be detected. The resultant yellow solid associate was kept in the dark prior to hydrating in deionised water. A dispersion was produced by adding 0.2 g of the 15 solid lipid complex to 10 ml of deionised water. The complex hydrated to form a viscous dispersion, where the nifedipine was substantially in solution and partially in suspension. Example 4 20 An associate containing griseofulvin, lipid (PC: MAPC weight ratio 33:66) and methacrylic acid copolymer was produced by suspending the griseofulvin in an ethanolic solution of polymer and lipid. The griseofulvin: lipid: polymer weight ratio was 10:5:2.5. The lipid: drug suspension was vacuum dried for 6 hours at 50 0 C to remove the ethanol. The resultant associate was an off-white flowable 25 powder that may be compressed into tablets or filled into hard gelatine capsules. Example 5 A lipid associate containing lipid (PC: MAPC weight ratio 33:66): cyA : 30 methacrylic acid copolymer at a ratio of 5:1:0.67 was prepared following the WO 00/33817 PCT/GB99/04070 20 method described in example 1. A hard, waxy solid was obtained that could be broken into granules. The powdered lipid associate remained in suspension in water below pH 6 and dissolved above pH 6. The cyA remained in molecular solution. 5 The methods used for forming the lipid associates described in examples 1 - 5 employ simple vacuum drying at elevated temperature, followed by a comminution process to break up the friable lipid complex into granules. Any appropriate method would be suitable for scale up. These include spray drying, 10 lyophilisation, supercritical extraction and spray congealing. Preparative method used in the following Examples 15 The solid lipid compositions prepared with active material and water soluble polymers, were made using the following general method. Unless otherwise stated 5g of the dried lipid polymer composition was prepared in each case. Much larger amounts may be prepared by the use of appropriate equipment. The lipid and active (if present) were dissolved in ethanol. The polymer was 20 hydrated in water which may be heated to about 50 0 C to obtain a viscous solution. The polymer solution was weighed into a glass jar and the lipid/ethanol/active dispersion was added. The mixture was stirred thoroughly until a homogenous gel formed. The gel was vacuum dried at 50 0 C/0.1 mBar for -24hours to remove all the ethanol and water. 25 Lipid type Examples 6 - 7 30 Solid lipid polymer compositions shown below were prepared following the method described above using two different types of phospholipid which significantly differed in their phosphatidylcholine (PC) and monoacyl WO 00/33817 PCT/GB99/04070 21 phosphatidylcholine (MAPC) contents and sodium alginate. It was found that the appearance of the solids was influenced to some extent by the type of lipid used in the formulation. For example VP 145 contains about 50% by weight of PC and 5% by weight MAPC, remainder glycolipid and other polar lipids, generally produced 5 darker coloured and slightly firmer solids than equivalent formulations prepared with the lipid (VP 200) containing about 60% by weight MAPC and 40% PC. It is to be understood that in place of the VP 145 and VP200 lipid used in the following examples, egg phospholipid containing 60% or more of PC may be used. Indeed 100% PC obtained either from egg, soya bean or other natural or synthetic sources o10 may also be used on its own. The hardness of the resulting lipid polymer associates may be adjusted by varying the amount and type of polymer used accordingly. Example No. Sample Dry Excipients Appearance After Drying 6 VP145 lipid, VP145/Nystatin/ManugelLBB Golden brown crushable sodium alginate polymer (50 : 2.5 : 47.5) solid 7 VP200 lipid, VP200/Nystatin/ManugelLBB Yellow fine flowable sodium alginate polymer (50: 2.5 : 47.5) powder 15 The powder in example 6 was ground in a mortar and pestle to produce a free flowing powder. 3g of the resultant powder were stored in 5ml glass vials at 40oC/75RH. After 6 months of accelerated storage, the powder remained free flowing. In place of VP 145 & VP200, egg phospholipid containing about 60% of 20 PC may be used. Polymer type 25 Examples 8- 16 Several different polymers were used in examples 8-16 with VP145 lipid to establish the type of polymer that would be suitable for hardening the lipid. The solids were prepared using various concentrations of polymer, either in aqueous 30 media, in ethanol or as a dry powder according to Example 6 and 7. The lipid was WO 00/33817 PCT/GB99/04070 22 dispersed in an equal amount of ethanol (w/w) before adding to the polymer. The experiments carried out are summarised in the following table. Example Sample Dry Ratio Appearance After Drying 8 No polymer VP 145 Golden wax 9 Gum Arabic VP145/Acacia Golden slightly hard dry solid (70 : 30) 10 Gum Xanthan VP145/XanthanFN Light golden crispy hard solid (70 : 30) 11 Carrageenan VP145/GelcarinGP379N Light golden crispy hard solid (70 : 30) 12 Methyl Vinyl Ether/Maleic Acid Copolymer VP145/ GantrezS-97BF Light golden crispy hard solid (70 : 30) 13 Polyvinyl Alcohol VP145/PVA Golden slightly waxy solid (70 : 30) 14 Hydroxyethylcellulose VP 145/Natrosol250Gpharm Golden slightly waxy solid (70 : 30) 15 Hydroxypropylcellulose VP145/KlucelGFEP Golden slightly waxy solid (70 : 30) 16 Sodium Carboxymethyl-cellulose VP145/Blanose7LF Golden yellow hard solid (70 : 30) flakes 5 The charge density on the polymer influenced the hardness of the lipid polymer associates. Gum arabic polymer, for example, consists of monomers of 10 L-arabinose, D-galactose, L-rhamanose and D-glucuronic acid, in the approximate ratio of 3:3:1:1. Since only the glucuronic acid monomer is charged, the polymer has a low charge density and had only average lipid-hardening properties. Sodium alginate, on the other hand, consists of D-mannuronic acid and L-guluronic acid monomers, both of which are charged. This polymer has a high charge density and 15 had very good lipid-hardening properties. Furthermore, the use of combinations of two or more polymers is not ruled out and may be preferred in some cases. After drying at 50'C/0.1 mBar the majority of the ethanol and/or water had been removed from the compositions to give a solid, crushable lipid polymer 20 composition at room temperature. The solid composition of Example 16 was milled using a Culatti Mill with a I mm screen to produce a free flowing powder. The lipid polymer was compressed directly in a tablet machine to form compacts weighing approximately 400 mg. In a separate trial, the powdered lipid polymer composition was blended with three separate direct compression aids namely, WO 00/33817 PCT/GB99/04070 23 lactose, micro crystalline cellulose and calcium diphosphate and compressed into tablets. The ratio of lipid polymer associates to compression aid varied from 5% to 75% w/w. The tablets made were satisfactory. 5 The above examples are placebos to illustrate the invention and do not contain biologically active compounds. However, it is confidently predicted that both lipophilic and hydrophilic compounds may be used in the examples. Typically, lipophilic compounds would be dissolved or dispersed in the ethanolic lipid solution prior to combining it with the aqueous polymer solution. 10 Hydrophilic compounds may be in aqueous solution with the polymer. Lipid polymer associates with active compound in solid solution or dispersion are obtained on removal of the solvent. Example 17 15 A lipid polymer associate composition comprising 20 parts of VP 145 lipid and 15 parts of carboxymethyl celluose and 5 parts of mannitol was prepared. The lipid was dispersed in a small amount of ethanol (w/w) before adding to the aqueous polymer and sugar solution. The slurry was dried under vacuum as in the 20 previous examples. A hard cake was obtained, which was milled in a Culatti mill using a 1mm screen. The powder collected was free flowing and mostly below Imm average weight diameter.1 part of Nystatin powder was uniformly blended with 49 parts of the powdered lipid polymer associate. The resulting composition may be used as such or it may be tabletted. 25 Polymer Grade Examples 18-20 30 Solid lipid polymers were prepared with VP 145 lipid and Nystatin as the biologically active compound in a ratio by weight of 20:1. The lipid and active ingredient wee dispersed in equal amounts of ethanol (w/w) and then added to an WO 00/33817 PCT/GB99/04070 24 aqueous solution of a polymer (Manugel LBB or Keltonel LVCR). In principle, there was no upper limit to how much water could be added to the lipid-nystatin polymer compositions before drying, although large amounts of water required alternative processing methods e.g. spray drying. In practice, a minimum amount 5 of water was necessary to produce a hydrated lipid polymer composition that was suitable for drying from slurry. The dried composition may be filled into hard gelatine capsules or the like or it may be tabletted. Example Sample Dry Excipients Appearance After Drying 18 No polymer VP145/Nystatin Yellow waxy solid (20: 1) 19 47.5% Sodium Alginate VP145/Nystatin/ManugelLBB Golden hard crushable solid (50 : 2.5 : 47.5) 20 47.5% Sodium Alginate VP145/Nystatin/KeltoneLVCR Golden hard flakes (50 : 2.5 :47.5) 10 Hardness Examples 21 - 24 15 The amount of polymer in the formulations below was varied to see how this affected the final hardness of the solid. The solids were prepared using a 4% or a 6% Keltone LVCR polymer solution and incorporated VP200 lipid and cyA as active ingredient in a ratio of 5:1. The lipid and active ingredient were 20 dispersed in an equal amount of ethanol (w/w) before being added to the aqueous polymer solution. The solid compositions from Examples 23 and 24 were particularly suitable for powdering and filling into hard gelatine capsules. Each 500mg capsule contained 50mg of cyA. Alternatively the granules could be compressed into tablets. 25 WO 00/33817 PCT/GB99/04070 25 Example Sample Excipients Appearance After Drying 21 No polymer VP200/CyA Yellow wax (83.33 : 16.67) 22 10% Sodium Alginate VP200/CyA/SodiumAlginate Yellow dry solid with a slight (75 : 15 : 10) shine - can be broken up 23 20% Sodium Alginate VP200/CyA/SodiumAlginate Yellow hard crispy solid - can (66.67 : 13.33 : 20) be crushed 24 30% Sodium Alginate VP200/CyA/SodiumAlginate Pale yellow hard crispy solid (58.33 : 11.67 :30) can be crushed to flakes 30% Sodium Alginate VP200/CyA/Na Alg/Xylitol Extremely hard solid. 25 15% Xylitol (43.3 : 11.7 :30.0 : IS ) Comminutable to fine powder. 5 Flow Properties Example 26 Components Ratio w/w Appearance after drying VP200/NaCMC 50:50 Brittle yellow flakes 10 20 g of a lipid complex containing VP200 (50%) and NaCMC (50%) was produced in the usual manner. The dried lipid polymer associate was milled using a Culatti micro hammer mill through four screens with diameters of: 1 mm, 1.5 mm, 2mm and 4 mm. After milling all four powders uniformly filled into HGCs irrespective of the screen diameter. The resultant free flowing powders were sized 15 using Endecotts sieves. The particle size distribution of the four powders is provided in Figure 1. The powder milled through thel.5 mm screen was filled into nine size 0 hard gelatin capsules using a Feton filler. The mass of powder inside the capsules was remarkably uniform. The mean capsule weight was 0.312g with a narrow standard deviation of 0.008 g. 20 Stability of lipid Short-term stability studies were carried out to assay for degradation of the lipid both during manufacture and after storage of the lipid polymer solids. The 25 stability of the lecithin components PC and MAPC were followed by HPLC WO 00/33817 PCT/GB99/04070 26 analysis. During the manufacturing process the lipid was subjected to high temperature hydrolysing conditions for several hours which could easily have hydrolysed the PC initially to MAPC.I However, it was found that the lipid was stable both during manufacture and on storage of the lipid polymer solids. 5 Association of active ingredient in solid lipid polymer compositions Examples 27-30 10 The examples below were prepared according to the method used in the previous examples. The association of the active material with the lipid was determined using analytical filtration. The assay for the active material was carried out by HPLC. The results indicate that near 100% association of the active material in the lipid polymer associates is possible even after up to 3 months 15 storage at elevated temperature. A 40 g sample of the composition described in Example 27 was produced and ground in a mortar and pestle. Twenty 2g samples of this composition were stored in a 4ml glass vial. After 6 months storage the samples were physically and 20 chemically stable. Under the conditions tested, after 6 months storage at 40 0 C/75%RH, the powder had a moisture content of about 15%w/w and still remained free flowing.

WO 00/33817 PCT/GB99/04070 27 Example Composition Excipients Association 27 Lipid/CyA/SodiumCMC VP805/CyA/Blanose 7LF Initial - ~100% (50:10:40) 1 month - 97.2% (4 0 C), 98.6% (25'C), 98.0% (40°C) 3 months - 98.8% (4 0 C), 98.5% (25°C), 98.8% (40 0 C) 6 months- 98.0% (4oC), 90.8% (250 C), 91.6% (40 0 C) 28 Lipid/CyA/Eudragit VP805/CyA/EudragitL100 Initial - -100% (50:10:40) 1 month - 97.9% (4 0 C), 97.2% (25°C), 98.1% (40 0 C) 3 months - 98.9% (4'C), 99.3% (25°C), 98.5% (40 0 C) 29 Lipid/CyA/Sodium VPl45/CyA/ManugelLBB Initial - 93.4% Alginate (50:2.5:47.5) 1 month- 10 1.4% (40'C) 6 weeks - 102.0% (40 0 C)) 30 Lipid/CyA/Sodium VP805/CyA/ManugelLBB Initial - 96.2% Alginate (50:2.5:47.5) 1 month- 100.0% (40'C) 6 weeks - 99.7% (40 0 C) 5 Activity of lipid polymer solids The activity of the drugs in the lipid polymer solids was assessed using a nystatin formulation. Nystatin was chosen because its activity could be assessed using simple in vitro microbiological assays. The antifungal properties of nystatin 10 lipid solids were assessed using a cup-plate diffusion assay. The solids were diluted, in aqueous media to form lipid dispersions, which were compared to equal concentrations of a commercially available nystatin suspension, Nystan@ (E. R. Squibb and Sons Ltd.). Tryptone-soya agar plates were used that had been inoculated with Candida albicans NCPF 3179 to a final concentration of 106 15 viable cells per ml. Solutions were incubated in 5.5 mm wells for 2 hours at room temperature, followed by 18 hours at 37 0 C. The zones of growth inhibition of the Candida albicans were measured and compared in Figure 2.

WO 00/33817 PCT/GB99/04070 28 Examples 31 - 33 In Examples 31 to 33, three different starches were incorporated with VP200 lipid to illustrate the use of these polymers for hardening the lipid. The 5 solids were prepared using various concentrations of polymer in aqueous media. In example 31, the lipid was dispersed in water without ethanol, before being added to the polymer. In examples 32 and 33, the polymers were dispersed in hot water prior to the addition of VP 200 dissolved in ethanol. Examples 31 to 33 are base compositions of solid lipid polymer. The biologically active compound may 10 be added to the solution of lipid and polymer before drying or it may be blended into the dried lipid polymer powder to form a uniform mixture. The compositions may be powdered for filling into hard gelatine capsules or they may be formed into granules for tabletting. Example Sample Dried Ratio Appearance After Drying 31 Starch sodium octenylsuccinate VP200/ Starch sodium Pale yellow very crispy octenylsuccinate (1:1) solid 32 *N-LokTM VP200/ modified starch (1:2) Pale yellow very crispy solid 33 *Crisp Film T m VP200/ high amylose Yellow crunchy solid modified starch (1:3) 15 *National Starch and Chemical Company Examples 34- 36 20 Examples 34-36 illustrate the use of polymers generally for hardening a lipid widely used in food applications. Several different grades of gelatine were incorporated with de-oiled lecithin, which contains a mixture of neutral phospholipids, charged phospholipids and glycolipids. The solids were prepared 25 using various concentrations of polymer in aqueous media. The lipid was dispersed in water without ethanol, before addition of the polymer to give a viscous dispersion. In all cases, removal of the water resulted in crispy compositions that could be further comminuted to give free-flowing powders or granules. The powdered lipid polymer compositions could be used in place of 30 ordinary de-oiled lecithin in various applications, or they could be employed to WO 00/33817 PCT/GB99/04070 29 carry active compounds either in molecular association or dispersion with the liquid polymer. Example Sample Dried Ratio Appearance After Deoiled lecithin/Gelatin Drying 34 Alkali hydrolysed gelatine 1:1 Crispy film Bloom strength 200 35 Acid hydrolysed gelatine 1:1 Crisp film Bloom strength 150 36 Hydrolysed gelatine 1:1 Crisp, brittle film 5 Examples 37 - 39 The following examples further illustrate the utility of the invention in 10 rendering membrane lipids in combination with other polar lipids hard and comminutable to extend their use generally, particularly in oral dosage forms. In examples 37 - 39 the lipid was initially heated gently on a hot plate and the aqueous polymer solution was added and stirred to produce a homogeneous suspension. Removal of water from the slurry was carried out in a vacuum oven at 15 500C until the weight of the composition remained constant. A hard, crushable solid polymer lipid composition was formed in each case. As in the previous examples, an active compound may be added to the slurry before removal of water or it may be blended into the solid polymer lipid powders after removal of water. 20 Example Sample Dried Ratio Appearance After Drying Lipid/polymer 37 Phosphatidylcholine and saccharose PC/saccharose monopalmitate/ Off white hard composition monopalmitate CMC (1:1:2) 38 VP200 and glyceryl monocaprylate VP200 / glyceryl monocaprylate Pale yellow friable solid / maize starch (0.1:1:4) Egg phospholipid 60% PC and polyglyceryl EPC/poly glyceryl monooleate/CMC Pale yellow crushable solid 39 monooleate (0.5:0.3:1.0) 1 WO 00/33817 PCT/GB99/04070 30 Examples 40 - 45 The following examples typically illustrate the utility of the invention in rendering various polar lipids and combinations thereof hard and comminutable to 5 carry both lipophilic and hydrophilic compounds. Examples 40 - 41 are solid lipid polymer compositions comprising lipophilic compounds, that may be powdered and filled into hard gelatine capsules or with the aid of suitable excipients compressed into tablets. Examples 42- 43 are solid lipid polymer compositions comprising hydrophilic compounds. In example 40 the active, lipid and polymer 10 were dissolved in dichloromethane to produce a clear yellow solution. The dichloromethane was removed from the solution under vacuum to produce a solid polymer composition containing flurbiprofen. In example 41 beclomethasone dipropionate was dissolved in an ethanolic solution of soya PC. The ethanolic solution was added to an aqueous dispersion of carboxy vinylpolymer and sodium 15 carboxymethylcellulose. After drying, a crispy yellow solid composition of BDP was obtained. This composition could be further processed to produce a free flowing powder or granules. Examples 42- 44 were prepared by dispersing the active and lipid in an aqueous polymer solution. After drying, a hard, crushable solid polymer lipid composition was formed in each case. In example 44, acetic 20 acid was added to the polymer solution to produce a solution of chitosan. In example 45, the cyA, EPC and methacrylic copolymer were dissolved in ethanol. A solid lipid polymer composition of cyA was obtained when the solvent was removed. Example Active Lipid(s) Polymer(s) Dried Ratio Appearance After Drying compound Active/ Lipid/polymer 40 Flurbiprofen VP 200 Eudragit El00 1:10:10 Slightly soft yellow solid 41 Beclomethasone Soya PC Carboxy vinyl polymer/sodium 1:20:2.5:20 Yellow crispy flakes dipropionate carboxy methyl cellulose 42 Chlorhexidine Deoiled Low molecular wtchitosan 1:5:10 Friable orange solid digluconate lecithin 43 Pancreatin Deoiled Carboxy methy cellulose 1:10:20 Off-white crispy solid lecithin 44 Heparin VP 145 Modified starch 0.1:1:2 Off-white friable solid 45 CyA EPC Methacryic acid copolymer 0.1:0.5:0.2:0.2 Yellow crispy solid (60%PC) polyglycerol monostearate WO 00/33817 PCT/GB99/04070 31 The compositions in the examples may be filled into hard gelatine capsules or the like or alternatively, they may be compressed into tablets or the like. Presentation 5 The waxy nature of lipids has previously been a general obstacle to the use of effective amounts of lipid in solid dosage forms, which may be one of the reasons why more advantage has not been taken up to now of the capacity of lecithin to improve drug delivery. The use of polymers has now been shown to 10 increase the hardness and modify the processing characteristics of lipid, which dramatically increases the potential use for such formulations. The present formulations can be incorporated into a number of delivery systems including solutions, suspensions, tablets, capsules, gels, suppositories and pessaries as well as a free powder or granules. The greater potential lies, perhaps, in compressing 15 the powder into a tablet or filling it into a hard gelatine capsule for oral delivery. 20

Claims

1. A carrier composition for a biologically active compound comprising at 5 least one single chain amphipathic lipid and/or at least one double chain amphipathic lipid and a polymeric material associated with and hardening said lipid or lipids.

2. The composition of claim 1, wherein at least the lipid components of said 10 composition are materials which have GRAS (generally regarded as safe) status.

3. The composition of claim I or 2, comprising a monoacyl membrane lipid.

4. The composition of any preceding claim, comprising a diacyl membrane 15 lipid.

5. The composition of claim I or 2, comprising an enzyme digested lecithin.

6. The composition of claim 5, comprising 60-80 mol % of monoacyl lipid. 20

7. The composition of any preceding claim, wherein the polymer comprises a natural gum or a derivative thereof.

8. The composition of any preceding claim, wherein the polymer comprises a 25 synthetic polymer.

9. The composition of any preceding claim, wherein the polymer has cationic or anionic groups. 30

10. The composition of claim 9, wherein the polymer has carboxyl or sulfate ester groups. WO 00/33817 PCT/GB99/04070 33

11. The composition of any preceding claim, wherein the polymer is selected from a salt of carboxymethylcellulose, alginic acid or a salt thereof, a starch modified with anionic groups, agar, carrageenan, gum arabic, gum tragacanth, gum xanthan, pectin, carboxypolymethylene, a methyl vinyl ether/maleic acid 5 copolymer, an ammonio methacrylate copolymer, chitosan, a methacrylic acid copolymer, a hydrolysed gelatin.

12. The composition of any preceding claim, wherein there is present at least 10 wt % of the polymer based on the weight of said base composition. 10

13. The composition of any preceding claim, further comprising a sugar.

14. The composition of any preceding claim, further comprising a polyol, sucrose ester or polyglyceryl ester of a higher fatty acid or another polyol ester of 15 a higher fatty acid.

15. The composition of any preceding claim, further comprising a biologically active compound. 20

16. The composition of claim 15, wherein the ratio by weight of the lipid to the active compound is from 40:1 to 1:40.

17. The composition of claim 15 or 16, wherein the active compound is present in molecular dispersion in the lipid. 25

18. The composition of claim 15 or 16, wherein the active compound is present as discrete particles in the composition.

19. The composition of claim 18, wherein the size of said particles is not more 30 than 1p gm. WO 00/33817 PCT/GB99/04070 34

20. The composition of any preceding claim, wherein the biologically active compound is cyclosporin A, Taxol, tacrolimus or a rampamycin.

21. The composition of any of claims 1-19, wherein the biologically active 5 compound is insulin, calcitonin or heparin.

22. The composition of any preceding claim, wherein the biologically active compound is ubiquinone, a tocopherol, a carotenoid or a bioflavenoid. 10

23. The composition of any preceding claim, which is of powder of size 50 2000 p~m.

24. The composition of any preceding claim, which is of powder of size 50 1000 pm. 15

25. The composition of any of claims 1-22, which is of granules of size 1-5 mm.

26. A method for making the composition of any preceding claim, which 20 comprises dissolving or dispersing the ingredients in a solvent and removing said solvent.

27. The method of claim 26, wherein the lipid and biologically active compound (if present) are dissolved in ethanol, the polymer is dissolved in water, 25 the aqueous and ethanolic solutions are mixed, and the mixture is dried.

28. The method of claim 26 or 27, comprising the further step of comminuting the composition after the solvent has been removed. 30

29. The method of claim 28, comprising the further step of forming siad comminuted composition into a tablet. WO 00/33817 PCT/GB99/04070 35

30. The method of claim 28, comprising the further step of filling said comminuted composition into a capsule.

31. A lipid composition for administration to a living organism comprising a 5 biologically active compound and monoacyl and diacyl membrane lipid in association with a polymer, said composition being a solid that when stored in a glass container remains free flowing after storage for 3 months at 40 0 C and 75% relative humidity. 10

32. The composition of claim 31, wherein the lipids are selected from those which have GRAS status, and wherein the polymer is selected from natural polysaccharide polymers, starches and their derivatives, cellulose and its derivatives and gelatines. 15

33. The composition of claim 1 or 31, wherein the lipid comprises natural lipid.

34. The composition of claim 1 or 31, wherein the lipid is an enzyme modified natural lipid. 20

35. The composition of claim 33 or 34, wherein the lipid is derived from egg or soya.

36. The composition of claim 1 or 31, wherein the lipid comprises partly 25 synthetic lipid.

37. The composition of claim 1 or 31, wherein the lipid comprises synthetic lipid. 30

38. The composition of any of claims 33-37, wherein the polymer is selected from natural polysaccharide polymers, starches and their derivatives, cellulose and its derivatives and gelatin.