AU2002364866A1

AU2002364866A1 - Pharmaceutical compositions based on azetidine derivatives

Info

Publication number: AU2002364866A1
Application number: AU2002364866A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Valerie Bobineau; Sophie Cote; Maria-Teresa Peracchia
Original assignee: Aventis Pharma SA
Current assignee: Aventis Pharma SA
Priority date: 2001-12-21
Filing date: 2002-12-20
Publication date: 2003-07-09
Anticipated expiration: 2022-12-20
Also published as: FR2833842A1; EP1458413B1; PL372708A1; MY138172A; AU2002364866B2; NO20042781L; AR037687A1; JP2005516945A; PL203248B1; BR0215048A; HUP0402586A3; AP2004003066A0; KR20040068308A; DK1458413T3; RS55504A; MEP16608A; DE60233071D1; EP1458413A2; AP1754A; ZA200404338B

Description

IN THE MATTER OF an Australian Application corresponding to PCT Application PCT/FRO2/04514 RWS Group Ltd, of Europa House, Marsham Way, Gerrards Cross, Buckinghamshire, England, hereby solemnly and sincerely declares that, to the best of its knowledge and belief, the following document, prepared by one of its translators competent in the art and conversant with the English and French languages, is a true and correct translation of the PCT Application filed under No. PCT/FRO2/04514. Date: 26 May 2004 C. E. SITCH Deputy Managing Director - UK Translation Division For and on behalf of RWS Group Ltd (12) INTERNATIONAL APPLICATION PUBLISHED UNDER THE PATENT COOPERATION TREATY (PCT) (19) World Intellectual Property Organization International Bureau (43) International publication date (10) International publication number 3 July 2003 (03.07.2003) PCT WO 03/053431 A2 51) International patent classification 7 : A61K 31/397, 47/14, 9/48 (72) Inventors: COTI, Sophie; 22 rue Pasteur, F-92160 ANTONY (FR). BOBINEAU, Val6rie; 14 bis rue du 21) International application number: PCT/FRO2/04514 Clos de Massy, F-92160 ANTONY (FR). PERACCHIA, Maria-Teresa; 18 rue Cuvier, F-75005 22) International filing date: 20 December 2002 (20.12.2002) PARIS (FR). 25) Language of filing: French (74) Representative: LOBJOIS, Frangoise; AVENTIS 26) Language of publication: French PHARMA S.A., Direction Brevets, 20 avenue Raymond Aron, F-92165 ANTONY CEDEX (FR). 30) Data relating to the priority: 01/16,638 21 December 2001 (21.12.2001) FR (81) Designated states (national): AE, AG, AL, AM, AT, AU, AZ, BA, BB, BG, BR, BY, BZ, CA, CH, CN, CO, 71) Applicant : AVENTIS PHARMA S.A. [FR/FR]; 20 avenue CR, CU, CZ, DE, DK, DM, DZ, EC, EE, ES, FI, GB, Raymond Aron, F-92160 ANTONY (FR). GD, GE, GH, GM, HR, HU, ID, IL, IN, IS, JP, KE, KG, KP, KR, KZ, LC, LK, LR, LS, LT, LU, LV, MA, MD, MG, MK, MN, MW, MX, MZ, NO, NZ, OM, PH, PL, PT, RO, RU, SC, SD, SE, SG, SK, SL, TJ, TM, TN, TR, TT, TZ, UA, UG, UZ, VC, VN, YU, ZA, ZM, ZW. [continued on next page] As printed (54) Title: PHARMACEUTICAL COMPOSMTIONS BASED ON AZETIDINE DERIVATIVES (54) Titre: COMPOSITIONS PHARMACEUTIQUES A BASE DE DERIVES D'AZETIDINE CI Cl 1 /SMSOle / sopme ^\/ N l) Ar (Ib) CI Cl (57) Abstract: The invention concerns a stable pharmaceutical composition comprising at least an azetidine derivative of general formula (la) or (Ib), wherein: Ar is aromatic or heteroaromatic group optionally substituted by one or several CI-C 4 alkyl, halogen,

NO

2 , CN, C 1

-C

4 alkoxy or OH, optionally combined with another active principle capable of potentiating the effects of the azetidine derivative of general formula (la) or (lb), in a system comprising not more than two main excipients selected among a non-ionic surfactant with hydrophilic character capable of solubilizing the azetidine derivative of general formula (la) or (Ib) and optionally the active principle potentiating the effects of the azetidine derivative, and capable of causing the formation of a colloidal system, optionally with addition of a second lipophilic excipient, stabilizing the formulation. The pharmaceutical compositions comprising azetidine derivatives of formulae (la) or (Tb) are particularly useful because of the high affinity of said derivatives for cannabinoid receptors. 4 (57) Abrig6 : Composition pharmaceutique stable comprenant au moins un driv6 d'azdtidine de formule g6ndrale (Ia) ou (Tb) dans laquelle Ar est un groupement aromatique ou hdtroaromatique 6ventuellement substitu6 par un ou plusieurs (C1-C4)alkyle, halogine, NO2, CN, (CI-C4)alkoxy ou OH, 6ventuellement en association avec un autre principe actif capable de potentialiser les effets du ddriv6 d'az6tidine de formule g6n6rale (la) ou (Tb), dans on systhme comprenant au plus 2 excipients principaux choisis parmi un agent tensio-actif non-ionique A caract&e hydrophile capable de solubiliser le ddriv6 d'az6tidine de formule g6n6rale (la) ou (Ib) et le cas 6ch6ant le principe actif potentialisant les effets du d6riv6 d'azdtidine, et capable de provoquer la formation d'un systame colloidal, additionn 6ventuellement d'un second excipient de nature lipophile, stabilisant la formnnulation.Les compositions WO 03/053431 A2 84) Designated states (regional): ARIPO Patent (GH, GM, Published : KE, LS, MW, MZ, SD, SL, SZ, TZ, UG, ZM, ZW), - Without international search report and to be republished Eurasian Patent (AM, AZ, BY, KG, KZ, MD, RU, TJ, upon receipt of that report. TM), European Patent (AT, BE, BG, CH, CY, CZ, DE, DK, EE, ES, FI, FR, GB, GR, IE, IT, LU, MC, NL, PT, For an explanation of the two-letter codes and the other SE, SI, SK, TR), OAPI Patent (BF, BJ, CF, CG, CI, abbreviations, reference is made to the explanations ("Guidance CM, GA, GN, GQ, GW, ML, MR, NE, SN, TD, TG). Notes on Codes and Abbreviations") at the beginning of each regular edition of the PCT Gazette.

WO 03/053431 1 PCT/FRO2/04514 PHARMACEUTICAL COMPOSITIONS BASED ON AZETIDINE DERIVATIVES The present invention relates to stable 5 formulations of azetidine derivatives. The azetidine derivatives used in the pharmaceutical compositions according to the invention may be designated by the general formula (Ia) or (Ib) below: 10 Cl Cl

\/SO

2 Me

SO

2 Me Ne-N N >= or Ar -- Ar\/ C1 (Ib) CI (1a) in which Ar is an aromatic or heteroaromatic group optionally substituted with one or more (Cl-C4)alkyl, halogen, NO 2 , CN, (Cl-C4)alkoxy or OH groups. 15 In the definition of the azetidine derivatives above, aromatic group is understood to mean in particular a phenyl or naphthyl group, heteroaromatic group a pyridyl, furyl, thienyl, thiazolyl, imidazolyl or oxazolyl group, and halogen 20 fluorine, chlorine, bromine or iodine. In patent applications WO 00/15609, WO 03/053431 2 PCT/FR02/04514 WO 01/64633, WO 01/64634 and WO 99/01451, there have been described azetidine derivatives of general formula (Ia) or (Ib) and their applications. In particular, these azetidine derivatives are particularly 5 advantageous for their high affinity for cannabinoid receptors and in particular CBl-type receptors. Unfortunately, azetidine derivatives are products which are only very slightly water-soluble. Up until now, it was envisaged to administer the azetidine 10 derivatives of general formula (Ia) or (Ib), in particular by the oral route, in the form of tablets in formulations comprising, inter alia, cellulose, lactose and other excipients. However, such formulations are not always sufficiently well suited to these sparingly 15 water-soluble products because of an excessively low bioavailability. Numerous documents describe systems suitable for solubilizing and/or enhancing the bioavailability of hydrophobic active ingredients. However, the systems 20 tested have so far proved ineffective for the preparation of pharmaceutical compositions containing azetidine derivatives defined above which are stable and bioavailable and in which the azetidine derivative is solubilized at an effective concentration. 25 In particular, J. Pharm Sciences, 89(8), 967 (2000) and Pharmaceutical Technology Europe, p. 20, September 2000 mention the formulation of active WO 03/053431 3 PCT/FRO2/04514 ingredients which are sparingly soluble in water, in medium-chain triglycerides. However, the trials carried out with formulations based on Miglyol® have given insufficient results from the point of view of their 5 bioavailability. Moreover, international application WO 95/24893 describes compositions comprising a digestible oil, a lipophilic surfactant and a hydrophilic surfactant which are intended for the 10 formulation of hydrophobic active ingredients and for the enhancement of their bioavailability. Unfortunately, the above azetidine derivatives have proved too weakly bioavailable in this type of formulation. In particular, the formulation of such 15 azetidine derivatives in a Miglyol®/Capryol®/Cremophor® system has also proved insufficient in vivo from the pharmacokinetic point of view. It has now been found, and that is what 20 constitutes the subject of the present invention, that it is possible to prepare chemically and physically stable pharmaceutical compositions comprising a derivative of general formula (Ia) or (Ib), optionally in combination with another active ingredient capable 25 of potentiating the effects of the azetidine derivative of general formula (Ia) or (Ib), in a system comprising at most 2 principal excipients chosen from a nonionic WO 03/053431 4 PCT/FR02/04514 surfactant with a hydrophilic character capable of solubilizing the azetidine derivative of general formula (Ia) or (Ib) and, where appropriate, the active ingredient potentiating the effects of the azetidine 5 derivative, and of causing the formation of a colloidal system, optionally supplemented with a second excipient of a lipophilic nature, stabilizing the formulation. According to the invention, preferred compositions comprise: 10 * at least one active ingredient of general formula (Ia) or (Ib), * optionally another active ingredient capable of potentiating the effects of the azetidine derivative of general formula (Ia) or (Ib), 15 * a nonionic surfactant with a hydrophilic character capable of solubilizing the azetidine derivative of general formula (Ia) or (Ib) and, where appropriate, the active ingredient potentiating the effects of the azetidine derivative, and 20 capable of causing the formation of a colloidal system, * optionally a surfactant with a lipophilic character having an HLB of less than 10, and stabilizing the composition, 25 * optionally additional additives chosen from stabilizing agents, preservatives, agents which make it possible to adjust the viscosity, or WO 03/053431 5 PCT/FRO2/04514 agents which can modify, for example, the organoleptic properties. According to the invention, the nonionic surfactant with a hydrophilic character capable of 5 solubilizing the azetidine derivative of general formula (Ia) or (Ib) and, where appropriate, the active ingredient potentiating the effects of the azetidine derivative, and capable of causing the formation of a colloidal system, may be chosen from solid or semisolid 10 agents, which melt at low temperature (ToC < 60 0 C), or from liquid agents, whose HLB is between 10 and 20, such as glycerides of polyethylene glycol and saturated fatty acids. It is understood that, in the above 15 definition, the saturated fatty acids may contain from 6 to 18 carbon atoms, and that the said glycerides of polyethylene glycol (PEG) and saturated fatty acids may be of natural or synthetic origin. By way of example, the nonionic surfactant 20 with a hydrophilic character may be chosen from agents such as Labrasol® [caprylcaproyl macrogol-8 glyceride] and the Gelucire® products: Gelucire 44/14, Gelucire 50/13, [lauroyl (or stearoyl, palmitoyl) macrogol-32 glyceride]. 25 According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the composition may also comprise an agent a surface-active agent with a lipophilic character having WO 03/053431 6 PCT/FRO2/04514 an HLB of less than 10, and stabilizing the composition. This agent may be chosen from agents capable of enhancing the solubilization of the azetidine derivative of general formula (Ia) or (Ib) 5 and, if necessary, of the associated active ingredient. According to the invention, this agent may be chosen from glycerides of polyethylene glycol and fatty acids, in particular unsaturated fatty acids, from esters of polyethylene glycol and fatty acids or from esters of 10 fatty acids and sorbitol. It being understood that the above fatty acids may contain from 6 to 18 carbon atoms. By way of example, the agent may be chosen from oleic acid, from the Labrafil® products [oleoyl 15 (or lineoyl) macrogol-8 glycerides], for example Labrafil M1944CS, Capryol 90® (polyethylene glycol monocaprylate) or Span 20® (sorbitol monolaurate). The present list being given without limitation. Among the excipients cited above, Labrasol®, 20 Gelucire® or the Labrafil®/Labrasol® pair are especially more particularly preferred. It has also been demonstrated (but not published by the filing date of the present application) that for certain treatments such as, for 25 example, obesity, it may be advantageous to administer the azetidine derivatives of general formula (Ia) or (Ib) at the same time as sibutramine which causes a WO 03/053431 7 PCT/FRO2/04514 synergistic effect in the reduction of food consumption. Sibutramine and its effects have been described in the references below: WO 90/061110; D. H. 5 RYAN et al., Obesity Research, 3 (4), 553 (1995); H. C. JACKSON et al., British Journal of Pharmacology, 121, 1758 (1997); G. FANGHANEL et al., Inter. J. Obes., 24 (2), 144 (2000); G. A. BRAY et al., Obes. Res., 7(2), 189 (1999). 10 Moreover, for other treatments such as schizophrenia or the treatment of neurological disorders such as Parkinson's disease, it may be advantageous to administer the azetidine derivatives of general formula (Ia) or (Ib) at the same time as one or 15 more agents which activate dopaminergic neurotransmission in the brain. These combinations make it possible to potentiate the effects of a dopaminergic monotherapy (levodopa, dopaminergic agonists, and inhibitors of enzymes), and make it possible to reduce 20 side effects, in particular dyskinesia. Among the dopaminergic agonists, the following products may be mentioned in particular: bromocriptine (Novartis), cabergoline (Pharmacia Corp.) adrogolide (Abbott Laboratories), BAM-1110 (Maruko 25 Seiyaku Co Ltd), Duodopa® (Neopharma), L-dopa, dopadose (Neopharma), CHF1512 (Chiesi), NeuroCell-PD (Diacrin Inc), PNU-95666 (Pharmacia & Upjohn) ropinirole WO 03/053431 8 PCT/FR02/04514 (GlaxoSmithKline Beecham), pramipexole (Boehringer Ingelheim) rotigotine (Discovery Therapeutics, Lohmann Therapie System), spheramine (Titan Pharmaceuticals), TV1203 (Teva pharmaceutical), uridine (Polifarma). 5 It is understood that the compositions comprising, in addition, an active ingredient other than the azetidine derivative of general formula (Ia) or (Ib) and capable of potentiating the effects thereof may contain a product as defined in the paragraphs 10 above and that said compositions fall within the scope of the present invention. According to the invention, the active ingredient of general formula (Ia) or (Ib) represents from 0.01 to 70% by weight of the total composition. 15 Preferably, it represents from 0.05 to 50% by weight and more particularly still from 0.1 to 20% by weight of the total composition. It is understood that the dosage may vary according to the degree or the nature of the condition 20 to be treated. Thus, the quantity of active product in a composition according to the invention will be determined such that a suitable dosage can be prescribed. As a result, the quantity of azetidine derivative of general formula (Ia) or (Ib) varies as a 25 function of its solubility in the mixture and also as a function of the appropriate dosage for the treatment of patients.

WO 03/053431 9 PCT/FR02/04514 In humans, the daily doses administered by the oral route are generally between 0.1 and 100 mg of azetidine derivative of general formula (Ia) or (Ib). It is understood that, to choose the most appropriate 5 dosage, there should be taken into account the weight of the patient, his general state of health, his age and all factors which may influence the efficacy of the treatment. Preferably, the compositions are prepared such that a unit dose contains from 0.1 to 50 mg of 10 active product. Among the azetidine derivatives of general formula (Ia) or (Ib), the following products are more particularly preferred: * 1-[bis(4-chlorophenyl)methyl]-3-[(3,5-difluoro 15 phenyl)(methylsulfonyl)methylene]azetidine); * N-{1-[bis(4-chlorophenyl)methyl]azetidin-3-yl}-N pyrid-3-ylmethylsulfonamide * N-{1-[bis(4-chlorophenyl)methyl]azetidin-3-yl}-N (3,5-difluorophenyl)methylsulfonamide 20 * N-{1-[bis-(4-chlorophenyl)methyl]-azetidin-3-yl} N-(6-chlorpyrid-2-yl)methylsulfonamide * N-{1-[bis-(4-chlorophenyl)methyl]azetidin-3-yl}-N quinol-6-yl-methylsulfonamide. It is understood that the compositions 25 according to the invention, containing these products, are particularly preferred. In the alternative, where a second active WO 03/053431 10 PCT/FRO2/04514 ingredient is introduced, the compositions may comprise 0.2 to 15 mg in the case where the associated product is sibutramine. However, this quantity may optionally be lower and may vary from 0.2 to 10 mg. 5 In the case where the associated product is L-dopa, the compositions may comprise 100 to 300 mg of this second active ingredient, preferably 250 mg. The nonionic surfactant, with a hydrophilic character capable of causing the formation of a 10 colloidal system, may represent from 20 to 100% relative to the total weight of the excipients present in the composition, preferably from 40 to 100% and more particularly from 60 to 100%. Where appropriate, when the composition also 15 contains an agent of a lipophilic nature having an HLB of less than 10, the quantity of this agent with a low HLB may represent from 0.1 to 60% relative to the total weight of the excipients present in the composition, and more particularly from 1 to 40%. 20 When the composition further comprises certain additional additives, the latter may be stabilizing agents, preservatives, agents which make it possible to adjust the viscosity, or agents which can modify, for example, the organoleptic properties. 25 The stabilizing agents may be, for example, antioxidants chosen in particular from a-tocopherol, ascorbyl palmitate, BHT (butyl hydroxytoluene), BHA WO 03/053431 11 PCT/FRO2/04514 (butyl hydroxyanisole), propyl gallate or malic acid for example; The preservatives may, by way of example, be chosen from sodium metabisulfite, propylene glycol, 5 ethanol or glycerin; Among the agents capable of adjusting the viscosity, there may be mentioned, for example, lecithins, phospholipids, propylene glycol alginate, sodium alginate or glycerin; 10 The agents capable of modifying the organoleptic properties of the composition are, by way of example, malic acid, fumaric acid, glycerin, vanillin or menthol. When such additives are used, the latter may 15 constitute from 0.001% to 5% by weight of the total composition. According to the invention, the pharmaceutical composition may be obtained by mixing, where appropriate, the principal excipients (after 20 heating if necessary, in the case of solid or semisolid excipients), and then, if necessary, mixing with the additional additives, followed by the addition of the azetidine derivative of general formula (Ia) or (Ib) and, where appropriate, of the active ingredient 25 capable of potentiating the effects of the azetidine derivative of general formula (Ia) or (Ib), and maintaining stirred in order to obtain a homogeneous WO 03/053431 12 PCT/FRO2/04514 mixture. The use of this process is described in greater detail below in the examples. The compositions according to the invention 5 may be provided in the liquid, solid or semipasty state. They are particularly suitable for presentation in the form of hard gelatin capsules or soft gelatin capsules, or in the form of an oral 10 solution. The compositions according to the invention are particularly advantageous because of their good stability, both physically and chemically, and the enhancement of the bioavailablity which they offer upon 15 oral administration of the azetidine derivatives of general formula (Ia) or (Ib). Particularly preferred are the compositions comprising: * at least one active ingredient of general formula 20 (Ia) or (Ib), * a nonionic surfactant with a hydrophilic character capable of solubilizing the azetidine derivative of general formula (Ia) or (Ib), and capable of causing the formation of a colloidal system, 25 * optionally a surfactant with a lipophilic character having an HLB of less than 10, and stabilizing the composition, WO 03/053431 13 PCT/FRO2/04514 S optionally additional additives chosen from stabilizing agents, preservatives, agents which make it possible to adjust the viscosity, or agents which can modify, for example, the 5 organoleptic properties. According to another alternative of the invention, the preferred compositions as defined above, containing at least one active ingredient of general formula (Ia) or (Ib), may be administered before, 10 simultaneously with or after the administration of an active ingredient capable of potentiating the effects of the azetidine derivative of general formula (Ia) or (Ib). It is understood that the presentation kits 15 comprising, on the one hand, a preferred composition according to the invention as defined above and, on the other hand, a composition comprising the active ingredient capable of potentiating the effects of the azetidine derivative of general formula (Ia) or (Ib) 20 also fall within the scope of the present invention. It is also understood that the presentation kits may contain, as composition capable of potentiating the effects of the azetidine derivative of general formula (Ia) or (Ib), compositions comprising sibutramine, or 25 comprising an agent which activates dopaminergic neurotransmission in the brain. The following examples, given without WO 03/053431 14 PCT/FR02/04514 limitation, illustrate compositions according to the present invention. Example 1 5 The Labrasol/Labrafil M1944CS mixture, 60/40 (m/m) ratio, is prepared at room temperature (200C), by magnetic stirring for 15 minutes of 14.4 g of Labrasol and 9.6 g of Labrafil M1944CS in a beaker. A very good miscibility is observed. 200 mg of l-[bis(4-chloro 10 phenyl)methyl]-3-[(3,5-difluorophenyl)(methylsulfonyl) methylene]azetidine are introduced into another beaker, and adjusted to 20 g with the Labrasol/Labrafil M1944CS 60/40 mixture in order to obtain a final concentration of 10 mg/g of l-[bis(4-chlorophenyl)methyl]-3-[(3,5 15 difluorophenyl)(methylsulfonyl)methylene]azetidine. The mixture of the 3 constituents is kept mechanically stirred (300 rpm) at room temperature for 2 hours in order to obtain complete dissolution of the 1-[bis(4 chlorophenyl)methyl]-3-[(3,5-difluorophenyl)(methyl 20 sulfonyl)methylene]azetidine. The solution obtained is distributed in 1 g fractions into sealed glass vials and stored at 5°C. A satisfactory chemical and physical stability was demonstrated for 1 month at 50C. 25 An enhancement of the pharmacokinetic parameters by a factor of at least 2.5 was observed in comparison with a composition of 1-[bis(4-chloro- WO 03/053431 15 PCT/FRO2/04514 phenyl)methyl]-3-[(3,5-difluorophenyl)(methyl sulfonyl)methylene]azetidine in Miglyol 812®. Example 2 5 By carrying out the procedure as above in example 1, but starting with 16.8 g of Labrasol and 7.2 g of Labrafil M1944CS in order to manufacture the Labrasol/Labrafil M1944CS mixture at the 70/30 (m/m) ratio, a composition is prepared containing 200 mg of 10 1-[bis(4-chlorophenyl)methyl]-3-[(3,5-difluorophenyl) (methylsulfonyl)methylene]azetidine adjusted to 20 g with the Labrasol/Labrafil M1944CS 70/30 mixture, in order to obtain a final concentration of 10 mg/g of 1-[bis(4-chlorophenyl)methyl]-3-[(3,5-difluoro 15 phenyl)(methylsulfonyl)methylene]azetidine. A satisfactory chemical and physical stability was demonstrated for 1 month at 5 0 C. This composition was tested in an in vitro model, in comparison with the composition of example 1. 20 400 mg of the composition were incubated in 20 ml of medium simulating gastric fluid (reference USP). After an incubation of 2 hours at 370C, an HPLC assay was carried out after filtration on a 2 :m filter, in order to determine the colloidal stability of the 25 formulations. The behavior of this composition is equivalent to the behavior of the composition of WO 03/053431 16 PCT/FRO2/04514 example 1. Example 3 By carrying out the procedure as above in 5 example 1, but starting with 19.2 g of Labrasol and 4.8 g of Labrafil M1944CS in order to manufacture the Labrasol/Labrafil M1944CS mixture at the 80/20 (m/m) ratio, a composition is prepared containing 200 mg of 1-[bis(4-chlorophenyl)methyl]-3-[(3,5-difluorophenyl) 10 (methylsulfonyl)methylene]azetidine adjusted to 20 g with the Labrasol/Labrafil M1944CS 80/20 mixture, in order to obtain a final concentration of 10 mg/g of 1-[bis(4-chlorophenyl)methyl]-3-[(3,5-difluorophenyl) (methylsulfonyl)methylene]azetidine. 15 A satisfactory chemical and physical stability was demonstrated for 1 month at 50C. This composition was tested in an in vitro model, in comparison with the composition of example 1. 400 mg of the composition were incubated in 20 ml of 20 medium simulating gastric fluid (reference USP). After an incubation of 2 hours at 37 0 C, an HPLC assay was carried out after filtration on a 2 :m filter, in order to determine the colloidal stability of the formulations. 25 The behavior of this composition is equivalent to the behavior of the composition of example 1.

WO 03/053431 17 PCT/FRO2/04514 Example 4 By carrying out the procedure as above in example 1, but starting with 21.6 g of Labrasol and 5 2.4 g of Labrafil M1944CS in order to manufacture the Labrasol/Labrafil M1944CS mixture at the 90/10 (m/m) ratio, a composition is prepared containing 200 mg of 1-[bis(4-chlorophenyl)methyl]-3-[(3,5-difluorophenyl) (methylsulfonyl)methylene]azetidine adjusted to 20 g 10 with the Labrasol/Labrafil M1944CS 90/10 mixture, in order to obtain a final concentration of 10 mg/g of 1-[bis(4-chlorophenyl)methyl]-3-[(3,5-difluoro phenyl)(methylsulfonyl)methylene]azetidine. A satisfactory chemical and physical 15 stability was demonstrated for 1 month at 50C. This composition was tested in an in vitro model, in comparison with the composition of example 1. 400 mg of the composition were incubated in 20 ml of medium simulating gastric fluid (reference USP). After 20 an incubation of 2 hours at 37 0 C, an HPLC assay was carried out after filtration on a 2 :m filter, in order to determine the colloidal stability of the formulations. The behavior of this composition is 25 equivalent to the behavior of the composition of example 1.

WO 03/053431 18 PCT/FRO2/04514 Example 5 By carrying out the procedure as above in example 1, but starting with 24 g of Labrasol only, a composition is prepared containing 200 mg of 1-[bis(4 5 chlorophenyl)methyl]-3-[(3,5-difluorophenyl)(methyl sulfonyl)methylene]azetidine adjusted to 20 g with Labrasol, in order to obtain a final concentration of 10 mg/g of 1-[bis(4-chlorophenyl)methyl]-3-[(3,5 difluorophenyl)(methylsulfonyl)methylene]azetidine. 10 A satisfactory chemical and physical stability was demonstrated for 1 month at 5oC. This composition was tested in an in vitro model, in comparison with the composition of example 1. 400 mg of the composition were incubated in 20 ml of 15 medium simulating gastric fluid (reference USP). After an incubation of 2 hours at 37 0 C, an HPLC assay was carried out after filtration on a 2 :m filter, in order to determine the colloidal stability of the formulations. 20 The behavior of this composition is equivalent to the behavior of the composition of example 1. Example 6 25 By carrying out the procedure as above in example 1, but starting with 24 g of Gelucire 44/14 as a replacement for the Labrasol/Labrafil M1944CS WO 03/053431 19 PCT/FR02/04514 mixture. Gelucire 44/14 is molten beforehand in the region of 55 0 C. 200 mg of 1-[bis(4-chlorophenyl) methyl]-3-[(3,5-difluorophenyl)(methylsulfonyl) methylene]azetidine are introduced into a beaker, and 5 adjusted to 20 g with Gelucire 44/14, in order to obtain a final concentration of 10 mg/g of 1-[bis(4 chlorophenyl)methyl]-3-[(3,5-difluorophenyl)(methyl sulfonyl)methylene]azetidine. The mixture of the 2 constituents is kept magnetically stirred (300 rpm) at 10 50-55 0 C for 1 hour in order to obtain complete dissolution of 1-[bis(4-chlorophenyl)methyl]-3-[(3,5 difluorophenyl)(methylsulfonyl)methylene]azetidine. The mass is distributed into hard gelatin capsules which are stored overnight in a freezer at -20 0 C. The 15 envelope of the hard gelatin capsules is then separated from the solid mass contained inside using a cutter. The samples are stored in sealed glass vials at 50C. A satisfactory chemical and physical stability was demonstrated for 1 month at 50C. 20 This composition was tested in an in vitro model, in comparison with the composition of example 1. 400 mg of the composition were incubated in 20 ml of medium simulating gastric fluid (reference USP). After an incubation of 2 hours at 370C, an HPLC assay was 25 carried out after filtration on a 2 :m filter, in order to determine the colloidal stability of the formulations.

WO 03/053431 20 PCT/FRO2/04514 The behavior of this composition is equivalent to the behavior of the composition of example 1. 5 Example 7 A Labrasol/Labrafil M1944CS mixture, 60/40 (m/m) ratio, is prepared at room temperature (200C), by magnetic stirring for 15 minutes of 30 g of Labrasol and 20 g of Labrafil M1944CS in a beaker. A very good 10 miscibility is observed. 20 mg of 1-[bis(4-chloro phenyl)methyl]-3-[(3,5-difluorophenyl)(methylsulfonyl) methylene]azetidine are introduced into a graduated flask of 10 ml. After having adjusted to 10 ml with the necessary quantity of Labrasol/Labrafil M1944CS 60/40 15 mixture, the mixture of the 3 constituents is kept magnetically stirred (500 rpm) at room temperature for 2 hours in order to obtain complete dissolution of the 1-[bis(4-chlorophenyl)methyl]-3-[(3,5-difluorophenyl) (methylsulfonyl)methylene]azetidine. The solution 20 obtained is distributed in 2.5 ml fractions into sealed glass vials and stored at 50C. This formulation, at the concentration of 2 mg/ml of 1-[bis(4-chlorophenyl)methyl]-3-[(3,5 difluorophenyl)(methylsulfonyl)methylene]azetidine, was 25 used to carry out pharmacokinetic studies in monkeys after oral administration at a dose of 1 mg/kg. To do this, this solution was diluted to one tenth in apple WO 03/053431 21 PCT/FRO2/04514 juice in order to facilitate administration to the animal. The emulsion obtained after dilution is physically and chemically stable for at least one hour. 5 Example 8 A Labrasol/Labrafil M1944CS mixture, 60/40 (m/m) ratio, is prepared at room temperature (20 0 C), by magnetic stirring for 15 minutes of 30 g of Labrasol and 20 g of Labrafil M1944CS in a beaker. A very good 10 miscibility is observed. 20 mg of N-{1-[bis(4-chloro phenyl)methyl]azetidin-3-yl}-N-(3,5-difluorophenyl) methylsulfonamide are introduced into a graduated flask of 10 ml. After having adjusted to 10 ml with the necessary quantity of Labrasol/Labrafil M1944CS 60/40 15 mixture, the mixture of the 3 constituents is kept magnetically stirred (500 rpm) at room temperature for 2 hours in order to obtain complete dissolution of the N-{1-[bis(4-chlorophenyl)methyl]azetidin-3-yl}-N-(3,5 difluorophenyl)methylsulfonamide. The solution obtained 20 is distributed in 2.5 ml fractions into sealed glass vials and stored at 5C. This formulation, at the concentration of 2 mg/ml of N-{1-[bis(4-chlorophenyl)methyl]azetidin-3 yl}-N-(3,5-difluorophenyl)methylsulfonamide, was used 25 to carry out pharmacokinetic studies in monkeys after oral administration at a dose of 1 mg/kg. To do this, this solution was diluted one tenth in apple juice in WO 03/053431 22 PCT/FRO2/04514 order to facilitate administration to the animal. The emulsion obtained after dilution is physically and chemically stable for at least one hour. 5 Example 9 A Labrasol/Labrafil M1944CS mixture, 60/40 (m/m) ratio, is prepared at room temperature (20 0 C), by magnetic stirring for 15 minutes of 30 g of Labrasol and 20 g of Labrafil M1944CS in a beaker. A very good 10 miscibility is observed. 10 mg of N-{l-[bis(4-chloro phenyl)methyl]azetidin-3-yl}-N-pyrid-3-ylmethyl sulfonamide are introduced into a graduated flask of 10 ml. After having adjusted to 10 ml with the necessary quantity of Labrasol/Labrafil M1944CS 60/40 15 mixture, the mixture of the 3 constituents is kept magnetically stirred (500 rpm) at room temperature for 2 hours in order to obtain complete dissolution of the N-{1-[bis-(4-chlorophenyl)methyl]azetidin-3-yl}-N pyrid-3-yl-methylsulfonamide. The solution obtained is 20 distributed in 2.5 ml fractions into sealed glass vials and stored at 5C. This formulation, at the concentration of 1 mg/ml of N-{1-[bis(4-chlorophenyl)methyl]azetidin-3 yl}-N-pyrid-3-ylmethylsulfonamide was used to carry out 25 pharmacological studies in rats after oral administration at a dose of 1 mg/kg.

WO 03/053431 23 PCT/FRO2/04514 Example 10 By carrying out the procedure as above in example 9, but starting with 30 mg of N-{1-[bis(4 chlorophenyl)methyl]azetidin-3-yl}-N-pyrid-3-ylmethyl 5 sulfonamide adjusted to 10 ml with the Labrasol/Labrafil M1944CS 60/40 mixture, a solution is prepared containing 3 mg/ml of N-{1-[bis(4 chlorophenyl)methyl]azetidin-3-yl}-N-pyrid-3-ylmethyl sulfonamide. 10 This formulation at the concentration of 3 mg/ml of N-{1-[bis(4-chlorophenyl)methyl]azetidin-3 yl}-N-pyrid-3-ylmethylsulfonamide was used to carry out pharmacological studies in rats after oral administration at a dose of 3 mg/kg. 15 Example 11 By carrying out the procedure as above in example 9, but starting with 50 mg of N-{1-[bis(4 chlorophenyl)methyl]azetidin-3-yl}-N-pyrid-3-ylmethyl 20 sulfonamide adjusted to 5 ml with the Labrasol/Labrafil M1944CS 60/40 mixture, a solution is prepared containing 10 mg/ml of N-{1-[bis(4-chlorophenyl) methyl]azetidin-3-yl}-N-pyrid-3-ylmethylsulfonamide. This formulation at the concentration of 25 10 mg/ml of N-{1-[bis(4-chlorophenyl)methyl]azetidin-3 yl}-N-pyrid-3-ylmethylsulfonamide was used to carry out WO 03/053431 24 PCT/FRO2/04514 pharmacological studies in rats after oral administration at a dose of 10 mg/kg.

Claims

1. A stable pharmaceutical composition comprising at least one azetidine derivative of general 5 formula: Cl CI ClSOM e SO.,Me SO/Me N -= or N N Ar -o Ar CI Cl (la) (Ib) in which Ar is an aromatic or heteroaromatic group optionally substituted with one or more (C1-C4)alkyl, 10 halogen, NO 2 , CN, (Cl-C4)alkoxy or OH groups, optionally in combination with another active ingredient capable of potentiating the effects of the azetidine derivative of general formula (Ia) or (Ib), in a system comprising at most 2 principal excipients chosen from a nonionic 15 surfactant with a hydrophilic character capable of solubilizing the azetidine derivative of general formula (Ia) or (Ib) and, where appropriate, the active ingredient potentiating the effects of the azetidine derivative, and capable of causing the formation of a 20 colloidal system, optionally supplemented with a second WO 03/053431 26 PCT/FRO2/04514 excipient of a lipophilic nature, stabilizing the formulation.

2. The pharmaceutical composition as claimed in claim 1, which comprises: 5 * at least one azetidine derivative of general formula (Ia) or (Ib), as claimed in claim 1, * optionally another active ingredient capable of potentiating the effects of the azetidine derivative of general formula (Ia) or (Ib), 10 * a nonionic surfactant with a hydrophilic character capable of solubilizing the azetidine derivative of general formula (Ia) or (Ib) and, where appropriate, the active ingredient potentiating the effects of the azetidine derivative, and 15 capable of causing the formation of a colloidal system, * optionally a surfactant with a lipophilic character having an HLB of less than 10, and stabilizing the composition, 20 * optionally additional additives chosen from stabilizing agents, preservatives, agents which make it possible to adjust the viscosity, or agents which can modify, for example, the organoleptic properties. 25

3. The pharmaceutical composition as claimed in claim 1 or 2, which comprises: WO 03/053431 27 PCT/FRO2/04514 * at least one azetidine derivative of general formula (Ia) or (Ib), as claimed in claim 1, * a nonionic surfactant with a hydrophilic character capable of solubilizing the azetidine derivative 5 as claimed in claim 1, and capable of causing the formation of a colloidal system, * optionally a surfactant with a lipophilic character having an HLB of less than 10, and stabilizing the composition, 10 * optionally additional additives chosen from stabilizing agents, preservatives, agents which make it possible to adjust the viscosity, or agents which can modify, for example, the organoleptic properties. 15

4. The pharmaceutical composition as claimed in one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the aromatic group of the azetidine derivative of general formula (Ia) or (Ib) is chosen from a phenyl or naphthyl group.

5. The pharmaceutical composition as 20 claimed in one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the heteroaromatic group is chosen from a pyridyl, furyl, thienyl, thiazolyl, imidazolyl or oxazolyl group.

6. The pharmaceutical composition as claimed in one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the nonionic 25 surfactant with a hydrophilic character capable of solubilizing the azetidine derivative of general formula (Ia) or (Ib) and, where appropriate, the active WO 03/053431 28 PCT/FR02/04514 ingredient potentiating the effects of the azetidine derivative, and capable of causing the formation of a colloidal system, is chosen from glycerides of polyethylene glycol and saturated fatty acids, whose 5 HLB is between 10 and 20.

7. The pharmaceutical composition as claimed in claim 6, wherein the glycerides of polyethylene glycol and saturated fatty acids are glycerides of polyethylene glycol and saturated fatty 10 acids containing from 6 to 18 carbon atoms.

8. The pharmaceutical composition as claimed in claim 6 or 7, wherein the glycerydes may be of natural or synthetic origin.

9. The pharmaceutical composition as 15 claimed in one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the excipient with a lipophilic character, stabilizing the composition, is chosen from glycerides of polyethylene glycol and unsaturated fatty acids, from esters of polyethylene glycol and fatty acids or from esters of 20 fatty acids and sorbitol, having an HLB of less than

10. 10. The pharmaceutical composition as claimed in one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the system comprising at most 2 excipients consists of Labrasol®, 25 Gelucire® or the Labrafil®/Labrasol® pair.

11. The pharmaceutical composition as claimed in one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the an active WO 03/053431 29 PCT/FRO2/04514 ingredient derived from azetidine, defined in claim 1, is present in an amount of 0.01 to 70% by weight of the total composition.

12. The pharmaceutical composition as 5 claimed in one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the nonionic surfactant with a hydrophilic character capable of solubilizing the azetidine derivative according to claim 1, and capable of causing the formation of a colloidal system, is present in an amount of 20 to 100% 10 relative to the total weight of the excipients in the composition.

13. The pharmaceutical composition as claimed in one of claims 1 to 12, wherein, where appropriate, agent with a lipophilic character, 15 stabilizing the formulation, is present in an amount of 0.1 to 60% relative to the total weight of the excipients in the composition.

14. A process for preparing a composition as claimed in one of claims 1 to 13, wherein there is 20 prepared, where appropriate, the mixture of principal excipients, after heating, if necessary, in the case of the solid or semisolid excipients, and then, if necessary, the mixture with the additional additives, and then the azetidine derivative as defined in claim 1 25 and, where appropriate, the active ingredient capable of potentiating the effects of the azetidine derivative of general formula (Ia) or (Ib), defined in claim 1 are WO 03/053431 30 PCT/FRO2/04514 added and stirring is maintained in order to obtain a homogeneous mixture.

15. A presentation kit containing a composition as claimed in claim 3 and a composition 5 comprising an active ingredient capable of potentiating the effects of the azetidine derivative defined in claim 1.

16. The presentation kit as claimed in claim 15, containing a composition as claimed in claim 3 and 10 a composition comprising sibutramine.

17. The presentation kit as claimed in claim 15, containing a composition as claimed in claim 3 and a composition comprising an agent which activates dopaminergic neurotransmission in the brain.