EP3151834A1 - Pharmaceutical formulation for reducing frequency of urination and method of use thereof - Google Patents

Pharmaceutical formulation for reducing frequency of urination and method of use thereof

Info

Publication number
EP3151834A1
EP3151834A1 EP14894044.8A EP14894044A EP3151834A1 EP 3151834 A1 EP3151834 A1 EP 3151834A1 EP 14894044 A EP14894044 A EP 14894044A EP 3151834 A1 EP3151834 A1 EP 3151834A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
release
pharmaceutical composition
day
prostaglandin
body weight
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Ceased
Application number
EP14894044.8A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP3151834A4 (en
Inventor
David A. Dill
Frank J. RAUSCHER
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Wellesley Pharmaceuticals LLC
Original Assignee
Wellesley Pharmaceuticals LLC
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Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Wellesley Pharmaceuticals LLC filed Critical Wellesley Pharmaceuticals LLC
Publication of EP3151834A1 publication Critical patent/EP3151834A1/en
Publication of EP3151834A4 publication Critical patent/EP3151834A4/en
Ceased legal-status Critical Current

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    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61K—PREPARATIONS FOR MEDICAL, DENTAL OR TOILETRY PURPOSES
    • A61K31/00—Medicinal preparations containing organic active ingredients
    • A61K31/60—Salicylic acid; Derivatives thereof
    • A61K31/612—Salicylic acid; Derivatives thereof having the hydroxy group in position 2 esterified, e.g. salicylsulfuric acid
    • A61K31/616—Salicylic acid; Derivatives thereof having the hydroxy group in position 2 esterified, e.g. salicylsulfuric acid by carboxylic acids, e.g. acetylsalicylic acid
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61K—PREPARATIONS FOR MEDICAL, DENTAL OR TOILETRY PURPOSES
    • A61K31/00—Medicinal preparations containing organic active ingredients
    • A61K31/13—Amines
    • A61K31/133—Amines having hydroxy groups, e.g. sphingosine
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61K—PREPARATIONS FOR MEDICAL, DENTAL OR TOILETRY PURPOSES
    • A61K31/00—Medicinal preparations containing organic active ingredients
    • A61K31/16—Amides, e.g. hydroxamic acids
    • A61K31/165—Amides, e.g. hydroxamic acids having aromatic rings, e.g. colchicine, atenolol, progabide
    • A61K31/167—Amides, e.g. hydroxamic acids having aromatic rings, e.g. colchicine, atenolol, progabide having the nitrogen of a carboxamide group directly attached to the aromatic ring, e.g. lidocaine, paracetamol
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61K—PREPARATIONS FOR MEDICAL, DENTAL OR TOILETRY PURPOSES
    • A61K31/00—Medicinal preparations containing organic active ingredients
    • A61K31/185—Acids; Anhydrides, halides or salts thereof, e.g. sulfur acids, imidic, hydrazonic or hydroximic acids
    • A61K31/19—Carboxylic acids, e.g. valproic acid
    • A61K31/192—Carboxylic acids, e.g. valproic acid having aromatic groups, e.g. sulindac, 2-aryl-propionic acids, ethacrynic acid 
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61K—PREPARATIONS FOR MEDICAL, DENTAL OR TOILETRY PURPOSES
    • A61K31/00—Medicinal preparations containing organic active ingredients
    • A61K31/21—Esters, e.g. nitroglycerine, selenocyanates
    • A61K31/215—Esters, e.g. nitroglycerine, selenocyanates of carboxylic acids
    • A61K31/216—Esters, e.g. nitroglycerine, selenocyanates of carboxylic acids of acids having aromatic rings, e.g. benactizyne, clofibrate
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61K—PREPARATIONS FOR MEDICAL, DENTAL OR TOILETRY PURPOSES
    • A61K31/00—Medicinal preparations containing organic active ingredients
    • A61K31/33—Heterocyclic compounds
    • A61K31/395—Heterocyclic compounds having nitrogen as a ring hetero atom, e.g. guanethidine or rifamycins
    • A61K31/40—Heterocyclic compounds having nitrogen as a ring hetero atom, e.g. guanethidine or rifamycins having five-membered rings with one nitrogen as the only ring hetero atom, e.g. sulpiride, succinimide, tolmetin, buflomedil
    • A61K31/4025—Heterocyclic compounds having nitrogen as a ring hetero atom, e.g. guanethidine or rifamycins having five-membered rings with one nitrogen as the only ring hetero atom, e.g. sulpiride, succinimide, tolmetin, buflomedil not condensed and containing further heterocyclic rings, e.g. cromakalim
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61K—PREPARATIONS FOR MEDICAL, DENTAL OR TOILETRY PURPOSES
    • A61K31/00—Medicinal preparations containing organic active ingredients
    • A61K31/33—Heterocyclic compounds
    • A61K31/395—Heterocyclic compounds having nitrogen as a ring hetero atom, e.g. guanethidine or rifamycins
    • A61K31/435—Heterocyclic compounds having nitrogen as a ring hetero atom, e.g. guanethidine or rifamycins having six-membered rings with one nitrogen as the only ring hetero atom
    • A61K31/4353—Heterocyclic compounds having nitrogen as a ring hetero atom, e.g. guanethidine or rifamycins having six-membered rings with one nitrogen as the only ring hetero atom ortho- or peri-condensed with heterocyclic ring systems
    • A61K31/437—Heterocyclic compounds having nitrogen as a ring hetero atom, e.g. guanethidine or rifamycins having six-membered rings with one nitrogen as the only ring hetero atom ortho- or peri-condensed with heterocyclic ring systems the heterocyclic ring system containing a five-membered ring having nitrogen as a ring hetero atom, e.g. indolizine, beta-carboline
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61K—PREPARATIONS FOR MEDICAL, DENTAL OR TOILETRY PURPOSES
    • A61K31/00—Medicinal preparations containing organic active ingredients
    • A61K31/33—Heterocyclic compounds
    • A61K31/395—Heterocyclic compounds having nitrogen as a ring hetero atom, e.g. guanethidine or rifamycins
    • A61K31/435—Heterocyclic compounds having nitrogen as a ring hetero atom, e.g. guanethidine or rifamycins having six-membered rings with one nitrogen as the only ring hetero atom
    • A61K31/46—8-Azabicyclo [3.2.1] octane; Derivatives thereof, e.g. atropine, cocaine
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61K—PREPARATIONS FOR MEDICAL, DENTAL OR TOILETRY PURPOSES
    • A61K31/00—Medicinal preparations containing organic active ingredients
    • A61K31/33—Heterocyclic compounds
    • A61K31/395—Heterocyclic compounds having nitrogen as a ring hetero atom, e.g. guanethidine or rifamycins
    • A61K31/435—Heterocyclic compounds having nitrogen as a ring hetero atom, e.g. guanethidine or rifamycins having six-membered rings with one nitrogen as the only ring hetero atom
    • A61K31/47—Quinolines; Isoquinolines
    • A61K31/472—Non-condensed isoquinolines, e.g. papaverine
    • A61K31/4725—Non-condensed isoquinolines, e.g. papaverine containing further heterocyclic rings
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61K—PREPARATIONS FOR MEDICAL, DENTAL OR TOILETRY PURPOSES
    • A61K31/00—Medicinal preparations containing organic active ingredients
    • A61K31/70—Carbohydrates; Sugars; Derivatives thereof
    • A61K31/7088—Compounds having three or more nucleosides or nucleotides
    • A61K31/713—Double-stranded nucleic acids or oligonucleotides
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61K—PREPARATIONS FOR MEDICAL, DENTAL OR TOILETRY PURPOSES
    • A61K45/00—Medicinal preparations containing active ingredients not provided for in groups A61K31/00 - A61K41/00
    • A61K45/06—Mixtures of active ingredients without chemical characterisation, e.g. antiphlogistics and cardiaca
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61K—PREPARATIONS FOR MEDICAL, DENTAL OR TOILETRY PURPOSES
    • A61K9/00—Medicinal preparations characterised by special physical form
    • A61K9/0012—Galenical forms characterised by the site of application
    • A61K9/0019—Injectable compositions; Intramuscular, intravenous, arterial, subcutaneous administration; Compositions to be administered through the skin in an invasive manner
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61K—PREPARATIONS FOR MEDICAL, DENTAL OR TOILETRY PURPOSES
    • A61K9/00—Medicinal preparations characterised by special physical form
    • A61K9/0012—Galenical forms characterised by the site of application
    • A61K9/0034—Urogenital system, e.g. vagina, uterus, cervix, penis, scrotum, urethra, bladder; Personal lubricants
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61K—PREPARATIONS FOR MEDICAL, DENTAL OR TOILETRY PURPOSES
    • A61K9/00—Medicinal preparations characterised by special physical form
    • A61K9/0012—Galenical forms characterised by the site of application
    • A61K9/0053—Mouth and digestive tract, i.e. intraoral and peroral administration
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61P—SPECIFIC THERAPEUTIC ACTIVITY OF CHEMICAL COMPOUNDS OR MEDICINAL PREPARATIONS
    • A61P13/00—Drugs for disorders of the urinary system
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61P—SPECIFIC THERAPEUTIC ACTIVITY OF CHEMICAL COMPOUNDS OR MEDICINAL PREPARATIONS
    • A61P13/00—Drugs for disorders of the urinary system
    • A61P13/02—Drugs for disorders of the urinary system of urine or of the urinary tract, e.g. urine acidifiers
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61P—SPECIFIC THERAPEUTIC ACTIVITY OF CHEMICAL COMPOUNDS OR MEDICINAL PREPARATIONS
    • A61P13/00—Drugs for disorders of the urinary system
    • A61P13/10—Drugs for disorders of the urinary system of the bladder
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61P—SPECIFIC THERAPEUTIC ACTIVITY OF CHEMICAL COMPOUNDS OR MEDICINAL PREPARATIONS
    • A61P43/00—Drugs for specific purposes, not provided for in groups A61P1/00-A61P41/00
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61K—PREPARATIONS FOR MEDICAL, DENTAL OR TOILETRY PURPOSES
    • A61K2300/00—Mixtures or combinations of active ingredients, wherein at least one active ingredient is fully defined in groups A61K31/00 - A61K41/00

Definitions

  • the present application generally relates to methods and compositions for inhibiting the smooth muscles of the urinary bladder and, in particular, to methods and compositions for reducing the frequency of urination.
  • the detrusor muscle is a layer of the urinary bladder wall made of smooth muscle fibers arranged in spiral, longitudinal, and circular bundles. When the bladder is stretched, this signals the parasympathetic nervous system to contract the detrusor muscle. This encourages the bladder to expel urine through the urethra.
  • the human adult urinary bladder usually holds about 300-350 ml of urine (the working volume), but a full adult bladder may hold up to about 1000 ml (the absolute volume), varying among individuals.
  • the ridges produced by folding of the wall of the bladder rugae
  • the wall of the bladder thins as it stretches, allowing the bladder to store larger amounts of urine without a significant rise in internal pressure.
  • the desire to urinate usually starts when the volume of urine in the bladder reaches around 200 ml. At this stage it is easy for the subject, if desired, to resist the urge to urinate. As the bladder continues to fill, the desire to urinate becomes stronger and harder to ignore. Eventually, the bladder will fill to the point where the urge to urinate becomes overwhelming, and the subject will no longer be able to ignore it.
  • this desire to urinate starts when the bladder is less than 100% full in relation to its working volume. Such increased desire to urinate may interfere with normal activities, including the ability to sleep for sufficient uninterrupted periods of rest. In some cases, this increased desire to urinate may be associated with medical conditions such as benign prostate hyperplasia or prostate cancer in men, or pregnancy in women. However, increased desire to urinate also occurs in individuals, both male and female, who are not affected by another medical condition.
  • involuntary urination e.g., bed wetting
  • involuntary urination e.g., urinary incontinence
  • urinary incontinence may occur as a result from an underlying medical condition.
  • One aspect of the present application relates to a method for reducing frequency of urination in a subject.
  • the method comprises administering to a subject having a condition that resulting in undesired frequency of urination an effective amount of a pharmaceutical composition comprising one or more prostaglandin pathway inhibitors.
  • Another aspect of the present application relates to a pharmaceutical composition for treating a condition that results in undesired frequency of urination.
  • the pharmaceutical composition comprises one or more prostaglandin pathway inhibitors and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.
  • Figures 1 A and IB are diagrams showing that analgesics regulate expression of co-stimulatory molecules by Raw 264 macrophage cells in the absence ( Figure 1 A) or presence ( Figure IB) of LPS.
  • Cells were cultured for 24 hrs in the presence of analgesic alone or together with Salmonella typhimurium LPS (0.05 ⁇ g/ml). Results are mean relative % of CD40+CD80+ cells.
  • prostaglandin refers to a group of lipid compounds that are derived enzymatically from fatty acids and have a variety of physiological effects, such as regulating the contraction and relaxation of smooth muscle tissue, in the animal body. Every prostaglandin contains 20 carbon atoms, including a 5- carbon ring. Examples of prostaglandin include, prostaglandin E t (PGE t ), prostaglandin E 2 (PGE 2 ), Prostaglandin D 2 , prostaglandin I 2 (PGI 2 , prostacyclin), and prostaglandin F 2a (PGF 2a ).
  • PG pathway inhibitor refers to agents that interact directly or indirectly with one or more components involved in the synthesis or action of PG on a target tissue, and interfere with either the levels or the ultimate actions of prostaglandin on the target tissue.
  • PG pathway inhibitors include, but are not limited to, PG inhibitors, prostaglandin transporter (PGT) inhibitors and prostaglandin receptor (PGR) inhibitors.
  • PGT prostaglandin transporter
  • PGR prostaglandin receptor
  • PG inhibitors include but are not limited to, inhibitors of PG synthesis and inhibitors of PG activity.
  • inhibitors of PG synthesis refers to agents that inhibit the production of prostaglandin, such as agents that inhibit the expression or activity of phospholipase A2, the prostaglandin synthases and the tissue specific isomerases and synthase enzymes such as: Thromboxane synthase, PGF synthase, cytosolic PG synthase (cPGES), prostaglandin I synthase (PGIS) and the microsomal PGES enzymes (mPGES).
  • Examples of PG synthesis inhibitors include flunixin meglumine.
  • the term “inhibitors of PG synthesis” or "PG synthesis inhibitors” does not include the analgesics defined below.
  • inhibitors of PG activity refers to agents that antagonize the action of prostaglandin itself by any means. Agents that interfere solely with the synthesis of prostaglandins, such as by interfering with the action of prostaglandin synthases, but which do not interfere with the action of prostaglandins are not included within the definition of inhibitors of PG activity as used in this specification.
  • PGT inhibitors refers to agents that inhibits the expression or the activity of PG transporters, such as ATP dependent multi-drug resistance (MDR) transporter-4, or other MDR channels such as ABCC1, ABCC2, ABCC3, ABCC6, ABCG2 and ABCBl 1.
  • MDR multi-drug resistance
  • PGT inhibitors that inhibit PGT activity include, but are not limited to, compounds that inhibit MDR membrane pumps, such as triazine compounds, verapamil, and calcium channel blockers; channels include quinidines, ketoconazole, itraconazole, azithromycin, valspodar, cyclosporine, elacridar, fumitremorgin-C, gefitinib and erythromycin.
  • PGT inhibitors that inhibit PGT expression include, but are not limited to, agents which control the transcription of the MDR genes by targeting the promoter region and/or transcription factors which bind to the promoter or other gene control regions.
  • PGR inhibitors refers to agents that inhibits the activity or expression of PGRs.
  • the PGRs comprise E prostanoid receptor (EP)1, EP2, EP3, and EP4 subtypes of the PGE receptor; PGD receptor (DPI); PGF receptor (FP); PGI receptor (IP); and thromboxane receptor (TP).
  • the PGRs further comprise a G protein-coupled receptor termed chemo-attractant receptor- homologous molecule (CRHME).
  • the PGRs include all of the receptors that activate rhodopsin-like 7-transmembrane-spanning G protein-coupled receptors.
  • PGR activity inhibitors include, but are not limited to, anti-PGR antibodies and any agent that inhibits the G-protein coupled receptor signaling pathway
  • PGR expression inhibitors include agents that inhibit PGR expression at the transcriptional level, translational level or post transcriptional level.
  • PGR expression inhibitors include, but are not limited to, anti-PGR siRNA and mi RNAs.
  • an effective amount means an amount necessary to achieve a selected result.
  • analgesic refers to agents, compounds or drugs used to relieve pain and inclusive of anti-inflammatory compounds.
  • exemplary analgesic and/or anti-inflammatory agents, compounds or drugs include, but are not limited to, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), salicylates, aspirin, salicylic acid, methyl salicylate, diflunisal, salsalate, olsalazine, sulfasalazine, para-aminophenol derivatives, acetanilide, acetaminophen, phenacetin, fenamates, mefenamic acid, meclofenamate, sodium meclofenamate, heteroaryl acetic acid derivatives, tolmetin, ketorolac, diclofenac, propionic acid derivatives, ibuprofen, naproxen sodium, naproxen, fenoprofen, ketoprofen,
  • NSAIDs nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
  • salicylates aspirin
  • flurbiprofen oxaprozin
  • enolic acids oxicam derivatives, piroxicam, meloxicam, tenoxicam, ampiroxicam, droxicam, pivoxicam, pyrazolon derivatives, phenylbutazone
  • oxyphenbutazone antipyrine, aminopyrine, dipyrone, coxibs, celecoxib, rofecoxib, nabumetone, apazone, indomethacin, sulindac, etodolac, isobutylphenyl propionic acid, lumiracoxib, etoricoxib, parecoxib, valdecoxib, tiracoxib, etodolac, darbufelone,
  • dexketoprofen aceclofenac, licofelone, bromfenac, loxoprofen, pranoprofen, piroxicam, nimesulide, cizolirine, 3 -formylamino-7-methylsulfonylamino-6-phenoxy-4H- 1 -benzopyran- 4-one, meloxicam, lomoxicam, d-indobufen, mofezolac, amtolmetin, pranoprofen, tolfenamic acid, flurbiprofen, suprofen, oxaprozin, zaltoprofen, alminoprofen, tiaprofenic acid, pharmacological salts thereof, hydrates thereof, and solvates thereof.
  • coxib refers to a compound or composition of compounds that is capable of inhibiting the activity or expression of COX1 and COX2 enzymes.
  • the term "derivative” refers to a chemically modified compound wherein the modification is considered routine by the ordinary skilled chemist, such as an ester or an amide of an acid, or protecting groups such as a benzyl group for an alcohol or thiol, or a tert-butoxycarbonyl group for an amine.
  • analogue refers to a compound which comprises a chemically modified form of a specific compound or class thereof and which maintains the pharmaceutical and/or pharmacological activities characteristic of said compound or class.
  • the term "pharmaceutically acceptable salts” refer to derivatives of the disclosed compounds wherein the parent compound is modified by making acid or base salts thereof.
  • pharmaceutically acceptable salts include, but are not limited to, mineral or organic acid salts of basic residues such as amines, alkali or organic salts of acidic residues such as carboxylic acids, and the like.
  • the pharmaceutically acceptable salts include the conventional non-toxic salts or the quaternary ammonium salts of the parent compound formed, for example, from non-toxic inorganic or organic acids.
  • such conventional non-toxic salts include those derived from inorganic acids such as hydrochloric acid, hydrobromic acid, sulfuric acid, sulfamic acid, phosphoric acid, nitric acid, and the like and the salts prepared from organic acids such as acetic acid, propionic acid, succinic acid, glycolic acid, stearic acid, lactic acid, malic acid, tartaric acid, citric acid, ascorbic acid, pamoic acid, maleic acid, hydroxymaleic acid, phenylacetic acid, glutamic acid, benzoic acid, salicylic acid, sulfanilic acid, 2-acetoxybenzoic acid, fumaric acid, toluensulfonic acid, methanesulfonic acid, ethane dislfonic acid, oxalic acid, isethionic acid, and the like.
  • inorganic acids such as hydrochloric acid, hydrobromic acid, sulfuric acid, sulfamic acid, phosphoric acid,
  • the phrase "pharmaceutically acceptable” is used with reference to compounds, materials, compositions and/or dosage forms which are, within the scope of sound medical judgment, suitable for use in contact with the tissues of human beings and animals without excessive toxicity, irritation, allergic response, or other problems or complications commensurate with a reasonable benefit/risk ratio.
  • immediate-release is used herein with reference to a drug formulation that does not contain a dissolution rate controlling material.
  • An immediate-release coating may include suitable materials immediately dissolving following administration so as to release the drug contents therein.
  • the term "immediate-release" is used with reference to a drug formulation that release the active ingredient in less than 10 min, 20 min, 30 min, 40 min 50 min, 60 min, 90 min or 120 min after administration into a patient.
  • extended-release also known as sustained-release (SR), sustained-action (SA), time-release (TR), controlled-release (CR), modified release (MR), or continuous-release (CR) refers to a mechanism used in medicine tablets or capsules to dissolve slowly and release the active ingredient over time.
  • SR sustained-release
  • SA sustained-action
  • TR time-release
  • CR controlled-release
  • MR modified release
  • continuous-release refers to a mechanism used in medicine tablets or capsules to dissolve slowly and release the active ingredient over time.
  • the advantages of extended- release tablets or capsules are that they can often be taken less frequently than immediate- release formulations of the same drug and that they keep steadier levels of the drug in the bloodstream, thus extending the duration of the drug action and lowering the peak amount of drug in the bloodstream.
  • extended-release refers to a release profile that the active ingredient in a tablet or capsule is released over a period of 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22 or 24 hour, either continuously or in pulses after administration into a patient.
  • the term "delayed-release” refers to a drug release profile that the release of the active ingredient(s) of a pharmaceutical composition is delayed or postponed for a given period of time (e.g. , 1 , 2, 3, 4 or 5 hours, or after stomach ) after administration of the pharmaceutical composition.
  • the term "delayed-extended-release” refers to a drug release profile that the release of the active ingredient(s) of a pharmaceutical composition is delayed or postponed for a given period of time (e.g., the lag period of 1 , 2, 3, 4 or 5 hours, or after stomach) after administration of the pharmaceutical composition. Once the release starts, the active ingredient(s) is released slowly over time (e.g., over a period of 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22 or 24 hour), either continuously or in pulses.
  • One aspect of the present application relates to a method for reducing frequency of urination by administering to a subject having a condition that results in an undesired frequency of urination an effective amount of a pharmaceutical composition.
  • the pharmaceutical composition comprises one or more PG pathway inhibitors and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.
  • Conditions that result in an undesired frequency of urination include, but are not limited to, nocturia, overactive bladder, urinary incontinence and bed wetting.
  • the PG inhibitor is an inhibitor of PG synthetase. In other embodiments, the PG inhibitor is an inhibitor of PG activity.
  • inhibitors of PG activity include, but are not limited to agents which block the binding of PG to any of its receptors: EP1, EP2, EP3, EP4. DPI, DP2, FP2, IP and TP. Examples of these types of inhibitors include, but are not limited to, the IP receptor inhibitor developed by Roche: RO3244019, ONO-85-39 which is an EP1 receptor antagonist, the dual EP1 and EP2 receptor antagonist AH 6809, and the EP4 antagonist. RQ-15986.
  • the one or more PG pathway inhibitors comprise a PGT inhibitor.
  • the PGT inhibitor is a PGT activity inhibitor.
  • PGT activity inhibitor include, but are not limited to, anti-PGT antibodies, and any known compound which can inhibit the ATP- dependent Multi drug resistance transporter-4 or related MDR pumps that are shown to transport PGs.
  • the PGT inhibitor is a PGT expression inhibitor.
  • PGT expression inhibitor examples include, but are not limited to, anti-PGT siRNA, anti sense RNAs that target PGT mRNA, and agents which control the transcription of the gene by influencing DNA methylation and or chromatin modification.
  • the one or more PG pathway inhibitors comprise an inhibitor that targets both the COX active site and the POX active site which are contained in both COX1 and COX2. In other embodiments, the one or more PG pathway inhibitors comprise an inhibitor that inhibits the PGE2 pathway.
  • the one or more PG pathway inhibitors comprise a PGR inhibitor.
  • PGRs are G-protein-coupled receptors containing seven transmembrane domains. Examples of PGR include, EP1, EP2, EP3, EP4, DPI, DP2, FP, IP1, IP2 , CRTH2 and TP receptors.
  • the one or more PG pathway inhibitors comprise an inhibitor that inhibits any of the PG receptors listed above.
  • the PGR inhibitor is a PGR activity inhibitor. Examples of PGR activity inhibitor include, but are not limited to, anti-PGR antibodies.
  • the PGR inhibitor is an inhibitor of PGE2 receptor activity, such as EP1 activity inhibitor, EP2 activity inhibitor, EP3 activity inhibitor or EP4 activity inhibitor.
  • the PGR inhibitor is a PGR expression inhibitor.
  • PGR expression inhibitor include, but are not limited to, anti-PGR siRNA, antisense RNAs that target PGR mRNA, or agents which control the transcription of the gene by influencing DNA methylation and or chromatin modification.
  • the PGR expression inhibitor is an inhibitor of PGE2 receptor expression, such as EPl expression inhibitor, EP2 expression inhibitor, EP3 expression inhibitor or EP4 expression inhibitorln
  • the one or more PG pathway inhibitors comprise a small molecule inhibitor.
  • small molecule inhibitor refers to inhibitors having a molecular weight of 1000 dalton or less.
  • the PG pathway inhibitor comprises a short interfering RNA.
  • siRNA is a double-stranded RNA that can be engineered to induce sequence-specific post-transcriptional gene silencing of mRNAs corresponding to a component of the PG pathway.
  • siRNAs exploit the mechanism of RNA interference (RNAi) for the purpose of "silencing" gene expression of e.g., targeted PGE 2 receptor genes. This "silencing" was originally observed in the context of transfecting double stranded RNA (dsRNA) into cells.
  • RNAi RNA interference
  • the dsRNA Upon entry therein, the dsRNA was found to be cleaved by an RNase Ill-like enzyme, Dicer, into double stranded small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) 21-23 nucleotides in length containing 2 nucleotide overhangs on their 3' ends.
  • siRNAs double stranded small interfering RNAs
  • ATP dependent step the siRNAs become integrated into a multi-subunit RNAi induced silencing complex (RISC) which presents a signal for AG02-mediated cleavage of the complementary mRNA sequence, which then leads to its subsequent degradation by cellular exonucleases.
  • RISC RNAi induced silencing complex
  • the PG pathway inhibitor comprises a synthetic siRNA or other class of small RNA targeting a PG synthase RNA, a PGT RNA or a PGR RNA in the target cell/tissue.
  • Synthetically produced siRNAs structurally mimic the types of siRNAs normally processed in cells by the enzyme Dicer.
  • Synthetically produced siRNAs may incorporate any chemical modifications to the RNA structure that are known to enhance siRNA stability and functionality.
  • the siRNAs may be synthesized as a locked nucleic acid (LNA)-modified siRNA.
  • LNA locked nucleic acid
  • An LNA is a nucleotide analogue that contains a methylene bridge connecting the 2 '-oxygen of the ribose with the 4'carbon. The bicyclic structure locks the furanose ring of the LNA molecule in a 3'-endo conformation, thereby structurally mimicking the standard RNA monomers.
  • the PG pathway inhibitor comprises an expression vector engineered to transcribe a short double-stranded hairpin-like RNA (shRNA) that is processed into a targeted siRNA inside the cell.
  • shRNAs can be cloned in suitable expression vectors using kits, such as Ambion's SILENCER ® siRNA Construction Kit, Imgenex's GENESUPPRESSORTM Construction Kits and Invitrogen's BLOCK-ITTM inducible RNAi plasmid and lentivirus vectors.
  • kits such as Ambion's SILENCER ® siRNA Construction Kit, Imgenex's GENESUPPRESSORTM Construction Kits and Invitrogen's BLOCK-ITTM inducible RNAi plasmid and lentivirus vectors.
  • Synthetic siRNAs and shRNAs may be designed using well known algorithms and synthesized using a conventional DNA/RNA synthesizer.
  • the secondary active agent comprises an antisense oligonucleotide or polynucleotide capable of inhibiting the expression of a component of the PG pathway.
  • the antisense oligonucleotide or polynucleotide may comprise a DNA backbone, RNA backbone or chemical derivative thereof.
  • the antisense oligonucleotide or polynucleotide comprises a single stranded antisense oligonucleotide or polynucleotide targeting for degradation.
  • the anti-inflammatory agent comprises a single stranded antisense oligonucleotide complementary to the mRNA sequence of a component of the PG pathway.
  • the single stranded antisense oligonucleotide or polynucleotide may be synthetically produced or it may be expressed from a suitable expression vector.
  • the antisense nucleic acid is designed to bind via complementary binding to the mRNA sense strand so as to promote RNase H activity, which leads to degradation of the mRNA.
  • the antisense oligonucleotide is chemically or structurally modified to promote nuclease stability and/or increased binding.
  • the antisense oligonucleotides are modified to produce oligonucleotides with nonconventional chemical or backbone additions or substitutions, including, but not limited to, peptide nucleic acids (PNAs), locked nucleic acids (LNAs), morpholino backboned nucleic acids, methylphosphonates, duplex stabilizing stilbene or pyrenyl caps, phosphorothioates, phosphoroamidates, phosphotriesters and the like.
  • PNAs peptide nucleic acids
  • LNAs locked nucleic acids
  • morpholino backboned nucleic acids methylphosphonates
  • duplex stabilizing stilbene or pyrenyl caps phosphorothioates
  • phosphoroamidates phosphotriesters and the like.
  • the modified oligonucleotides may incorporate or substitute one or more of the naturally occurring nucleotides with an analog; internucleotide modifications incorporating, for example, uncharged linkages (e.g., methyl phosphonates, phosphotriesters,
  • phosphoamidates, carbamates, etc. or charged linkages (e.g. , phosphorothioates, phosphorodithioates, etc.); modifications incorporating intercalators (e.g. , acridine, psoralen, etc.), chelators (e.g. , metals, radioactive metals, boron, oxidative metals, etc.) or alkylators and/or modified linkages (e.g. , alpha anomeric nucleic acids, etc.).
  • intercalators e.g. , acridine, psoralen, etc.
  • chelators e.g. , metals, radioactive metals, boron, oxidative metals, etc.
  • alkylators and/or modified linkages e.g. , alpha anomeric nucleic acids, etc.
  • the single stranded oligonucleotides are internally modified to include at least one neutral charge in its backbone.
  • the single stranded oligonucleotides are internally modified to include at least one neutral charge in its backbone.
  • oligonucleotide may include a methylphosphonate backbone or peptide nucleic acid (PNA) complementary to the target-specific sequence. These modifications have been found to prevent or reduce helicase-mediated unwinding.
  • PNA peptide nucleic acid
  • the use of uncharged probes may further increase the rate of hybridization to polynucleotide targets in a sample by alleviating the repulsion of negatively-charges nucleic acid strands in classical hybridization.
  • PNA oligonucleotides are uncharged nucleic acid analogs for which the phosphodiester backbone has been replaced by a polyamide, which makes PNAs a polymer of 2-aminoethyl-glycine units bound together by an amide linkage.
  • PNAs are synthesized using the same Boc or Fmoc chemistry as are use in standard peptide synthesis. Bases (adenine, guanine, cytosine and thymine) are linked to the backbone by a methylene carboxyl linkage. Thus, PNAs are acyclic, achiral and neutral. Other properties of PNAs are increased specificity and melting temperature as compared to nucleic acids, capacity to form triple helices, stability at acid pH, non-recognition by cellular enzymes like nucleases, polymerases, etc.
  • Methylphosphonate-containing oligonucleotides are neutral DNA analogs containing a methyl group in place of one of the non-bonding phosphoryl oxygens.
  • Oligonucleotides with methylphosphonate linkages were among the first reported to inhibit protein synthesis via anti-sense blockade of translation.
  • the phosphate backbone in the oligonucleotides may contain phosphorothioate linkages or phosphoroamidates. Combinations of such
  • oligonucleotide linkages are also within the scope of the present invention.
  • the oligonucleotide may contain a backbone of modified sugars joined by phosphodiester internucleotide linkages.
  • the modified sugars may include furanose analogs, including but not limited to 2-deoxyribofuranosides, a-D- arabinofuranosides, a-2'-deoxyribofuranosides and 2',3'-dideoxy-3'-aminoribofuranosides.
  • the 2-deoxy-P-D-ribofuranose groups may be replaced with other sugars, for example, ⁇ -D-ribofuranose.
  • ⁇ -D-ribofuranose may be present wherein the 2-OH of the ribose moiety is alkylated with a CI -6 alkyl group (2-(0— CI -6 alkyl) ribose) or with a C2-6 alkenyl group (2-(0 ⁇ C2-6 alkenyl) ribose) or is replaced by a fluoro group (2-fluororibose).
  • oligomer-forming sugars include those used in locked nucleic acids (LNA) as described above.
  • LNA oligonucleotides include modified bicyclic monomeric units with a 2'-0-4'-C methylene bridge, such as those described in U.S. Patent No. 6,268,490.
  • Chemically modified oligonucleotides may also include, singly or in any combination, 2'-position sugar modifications, 5-position pyrimidine modifications ⁇ e.g., 5-(N- benzylcarboxyamide)-2'-deoxyuridine, 5-(N-isobutylcarboxyamide)-2'-deoxyuridine, 5-(N- [2-(lH-indole-3yl)ethyl]carboxyamide)-2'-deoxyuridine, 5-(N-[l-(3-trimethylammonium) propyl]carboxyamide)-2'-deoxyuridine chloride, 5-(N-napthylcarboxyamide)-2'- deoxyuridine, 5-(N-[l -(2,3-dihydroxypropyl)]carboxyamide)-2'-deoxyuridine), 8-position purine modifications, modifications at exocyclic amines, substitution of 4-thiouridine, substitution of 5-bromo- or 5-iodo-ura, 5-(
  • the one or more PG pathway inhibitors comprise a ribozyme capable of inhibiting the expression of a component of the PG pathway.
  • Ribozymes are nucleic acid molecules that are capable of catalyzing a chemical reaction, either intramolecularly or intermolecularly. Ribozymes are thus catalytic nucleic acid. It is preferred that the ribozymes catalyze intermolecular reactions.
  • ribozymes There are a number of different types of ribozymes that catalyze nuclease or nucleic acid polymerase type reactions which are based on ribozymes found in natural systems, such as hammerhead ribozymes, hairpin ribozymes and tetrahymena ribozymes. There are also a number of ribozymes that are not found in natural systems, but which have been engineered to catalyze specific reactions de novo.
  • ribozymes cleave RNA or DNA substrates and more preferably cleave RNA substrates, such as mRNAs of components of the PG pathway.
  • Ribozymes typically cleave nucleic acid substrates through recognition and binding of the target substrate with subsequent cleavage. This recognition is often based mostly on canonical or non- canonical base pair interactions. This property makes ribozymes particularly good candidates for target specific cleavage of nucleic acids because recognition of the target substrate is based on the target substrates sequence.
  • the one or more PG pathway inhibitors comprise triplex forming oligonucleotide capable of inhibiting the expression of a component of the PG pathway.
  • Triplex forming oligonucleotides are molecules that can interact with either double-stranded and/or single-stranded nucleic acids, including both coding and non- coding regions in genomic DNA targets. When TFOs interact with a target region, a structure called a triplex is formed, in which there are three strands of DNA forming a complex dependant on both Watson-Crick and Hoogsteen base-pairing. TFOs can bind target regions with high affinity and specificity.
  • the triplex forming molecules bind the target molecule with a Kd less than 10-6, 10-8, 10-10 or 10-12.
  • Exemplary TFOs for use in the present invention include PNAs, LNAs and LNA modified PNAs, such as Zorro-LNAs.
  • the one or more PG pathway inhibitors comprise an external guide sequences (EGS).
  • EGSs are molecules that bind a target nucleic acid molecule forming a complex. This complex is recognized by RNase P, which cleaves the target molecule. EGSs can be designed to specifically target an mRNA molecule of choice. RNAse P aids in processing transfer RNA (tR A) within a cell.
  • RNAse P Bacterial RNAse P can be recruited to cleave virtually any RNA sequence by using an EGS that causes the target RNA:EGS complex to mimic the natural tRNA substrate. Similarly, eukaryotic EGS RNAse P-directed cleavage of RNA can be utilized to cleave desired targets within eukaryotic cells.
  • the one or more PG pathway inhibitors comprise a biomolecule.
  • biomolecule is any molecule that is produced by a living organism, including large macromolecules such as proteins, polysaccharides, lipids, and nucleic acids, as well as small molecules such as primary metabolites, secondary metabolites, and natural products.
  • the one or more PG pathway inhibitors comprise target neutralization agents.
  • target neutralization agent refers to antibodies, fragments of antibodies, or any other non-antibody peptide or synthetic binding molecule, such as an aptamer or synbody, which is capable of specifically binding directly or indirectly to a component of the PG pathway so as to interfere with the ultimate actions of prostaglandin on the target tissue.
  • the target neutralization agents may be produced by any conventional method for generating high-affinity binding ligands, including SELEX, phage display and other methodologies, including combinatorial chemistry- and/or high throughput methods known to those of skill in the art.
  • An aptamer is a nucleic acid version of an antibody that comprises a class of oligonucleotides that can form specific three dimensional structures exhibiting high affinity binding to a wide variety of cell surface molecules, proteins and/or macromolecular structures.
  • Aptamers are commonly identified by an in vitro method of selection sometimes referred to as Systematic Evolution of Ligands by Exponential enrichment or "SELEX". SELEX typically begins with a very large pool of randomized polynucleotides which is generally narrowed to one aptamer ligand per molecular target.
  • aptamers are small nucleic acids ranging from 15-50 bases in length that fold into defined secondary and tertiary structures, such as stem-loops or G-quartets.
  • An aptamer can be chemically linked or conjugated to the above described nucleic acid inhibitors to form targeted nucleic acid inhibitors, such as aptamer-siRNA chimeras.
  • An aptamer-siRNA chimera contains a targeting moiety in the form of an aptamer which is linked to an siRNA.
  • a cell internalizing aptamer When using an aptamer-siRNA chimera, it is preferable to use a cell internalizing aptamer. Upon binding to specific cell surface molecules, the aptamer can facilitate internalization into the cell where the nucleic acid inhibitor acts. In one
  • both the aptamer and the siRNA comprises RNA.
  • the aptamer and the siRNA may comprise any nucleotide modifications as further described herein.
  • the aptamer comprises a targeting moiety specifically directed to binding cells expressing the chemokine-, cytokine- and/or receptor target genes, such as lymphoid, epithelial cell and/or endothelial cells.
  • Synbodies are synthetic antibodies produced from libraries comprised of strings of random peptides screened for binding to target proteins of interest.
  • Target neutralization agents including aptamers and synbodies, can be engineered to bind target molecules very tightly with Kds between 10 "10 to 10 "12 M.
  • the target neutralization agent binds the target molecule with a Kd less than 10 " 6 , less than 10 "8 , less than 10 "9 , less than 10 "10 or less than 10 "12 M.
  • the one or more PG pathway inhibitors comprises a polynucleotide that encodes and is adapted to express a PGT inhibitor and/or a PGR inhibitor.
  • the one or more PG pathway inhibitors comprise an expression vector that encodes and is adapted to express a PGT inhibitor and/or a PGR inhibitor.
  • the PG pathway inhibitor is an engineered protein containing a TALE sequence or and engineered Zinc Finger directed at the gene encoding any component of the PG pathway.
  • This TALE or zinc finger could be designed to bind directly to the gene and inhibit its expression by cleaving the gene, altering its nucleotide sequence, or tethering a repressor protein to the gene which serves to silence the gene .
  • the PG pathway inhibitor is produced using the
  • CRISPR/CAS system In this strategy a guide molecule specific for the gene sequence of each pg pathway gene is designed and introduced into the cell or tissue using delivery systems described above (viruses, plasmids etc). The action of the CRISPR/CAS system would modify the DNA sequence of the gene such that the PG pathway gene is deleted or inhibited in ability to express the RNA.
  • the PG pathway inhibitor is capable of turn off the transcription of one or more PG pathway genes by targeting the chromatin associated enzymes which post translationally modify histones in chromatin.
  • chromatin associated enzymes are (but not limited to) histone deacetylases, histone demethylases, histone acetyltransferases, histone methyltransferases, and helicases.
  • the PG pathway inhibitor targets the gene encoding each component by altering the DNA methylation status of the gene.
  • Compounds which target the TET family of DNA demethylases and the DNA methyltransferases could change the expression of RNA from the any of the genes in the PG pathway.
  • the expression vector of the present application comprise a polynucleotide encoding a PG pathway inhibitor or a portion thereof.
  • the expression vectors also include one or more regulatory sequences operably linked to the polynucleotide being expressed. These regulatory sequences are selected based on the type of host cells. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the design of the expression vector depends on such factors as the choice of the host cells and the desired expression levels.
  • the expression vector is a plasmid vector.
  • the expression vector is a viral vector.
  • viral vectors include, but are not limited to, retrovirus, lentivirus, adenovirus, adeno-associated virus (AAV), herpes virus, or alphavirus vectors.
  • the viral vectors can also be astrovirus, coronavirus, orthomyxovirus, papovavirus, paramyxovirus, parvovirus, picornavirus, poxvirus, or togavirus vectors.
  • the expression vector's control functions are often provided by viral regulatory elements.
  • the expression vector contains tissue-specific regulatory elements. Delivery of the expression vector include, but are not limited to, direct infection with viral vectors, exposing target tissue to polycationic condensed DNA linked or unlinked to killed virus, ligand linked DNA, gene guns, ionizing radiation, nucleic charge neutralization, or fusion with cell membranes. Naked plasmid or viral DNA can also be employed. Uptake efficiency may be improved using biodegradable latex beads. This method can be further improved by treating the beads to increase their hydrophobicity. Liposome-based methods can also be used to introduce plasmid or viral vector into the target tissue.
  • the pharmaceutical composition further comprises one or more active ingredients selected from the group consisting of analgesic agents, antimuscarinic agents, antidiuretics, spasmolytics, inhibitors of phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE 5 inhibitors) and zolpedim.
  • active ingredients selected from the group consisting of analgesic agents, antimuscarinic agents, antidiuretics, spasmolytics, inhibitors of phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE 5 inhibitors) and zolpedim.
  • antimuscarinic agents include, but are not limited to, oxybutynin, solifenacin, darifenacin, fesoterodine, tolterodine, trospium, atropine, and tricyclic antidepressants.
  • antidiuretics include, but are not limited to, antidiuretic hormone (ADH), angiotensin II, aldosterone, vasopressin, vasopressin analogs (e.g., desmopressin argipressin, lypressin, felypressin, ornipressin, terlipressin), vasopressin receptor agonists, atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) and C-type natriuretic peptide (CNP) receptor (i.e.
  • ADH antidiuretic hormone
  • angiotensin II angiotensin II
  • aldosterone e.g., aldosterone
  • vasopressin e.g., desmopressin argipressin, lypressin, felypressin, ornipressin, terlipressin
  • vasopressin receptor agonists e.g., desmopressin argipressin,
  • NPR1, NPR2, and NPR3 antagonists e.g., HS-142-1, isatin, [Asu7,23']b- ANP-(7-28)], anantin, a cyclic peptide from Streptomyces coerulescens, and 3G12 monoclonal antibody
  • somatostatin type 2 receptor antagonists e.g., somatostatin
  • pharmaceutically-acceptable derivatives e.g., somatostatin
  • spasmolytics include, but are not limited to, carisoprodol, benzodiazepines, baclofen, cyclobenzaprine, metaxalone, methocarbamol, clonidine, clonidine analog, and dantrolene.
  • PDE 5 inhibitors include, but are not limited to, tadalafil, sildenafil and vardenafil.
  • the pharmaceutical composition may be formulated for immediate-release, extended-release, delayed-release, or combinations thereof.
  • the pharmaceutical composition is formulated for immediate-release .
  • the pharmaceutical composition is formulated for extended-release by embedding the active ingredient in a matrix of insoluble substance(s) such as acrylics or chitin.
  • the extended-release form is designed to release the active ingredient at a predetermined rate by maintaining a constant drug level for a specific period of time. This can be achieved through a variety of formulations, including, but not limited to, liposomes and drug-polymer conjugates, such as hydrogels.
  • An extended-release formulation can be designed to release the active ingredient at a predetermined rate so as to maintain a constant drug level for a specified, extended period of time, such as up to about 24 hours, about 22 hours, about 20 hours, about 18 hours, about 16 hours, about 14 hours, about 12 hours, about 10 hours, about 9 hours, about 8 hours, about 7 hours, about 6 hours, about 5 hours, about 4 hours, about 3 hours or about 2 hours following administration or following a lag period associated with delayed- release of the active ingredient.
  • the constant active ingredient level may be maintained by a continuous release of the active ingredient or pulsed-release of the active ingredient.
  • the active ingredient in an extended-release formulation is released over a time interval of between about 2 to about 12 hours.
  • the active ingredient may be released over about 3, about 4, about 5, about 6, about 7, about 8, about 9, about 10 hours, about 1 1 hours, or about 12 hours.
  • the active ingredient in an extended-release formulation is released over a time period between about 5 to about 8 hours following administration.
  • the extended-release formulation comprises an active core comprised of one or more inert particles, each in the form of a bead, pellet, pill, granular particle, microcapsule, microsphere, microgranule, nanocapsule, or nanosphere coated on its surfaces with drugs in the form of a drug-containing coating or film-forming composition using, for example, fluid bed techniques or other methodologies known to those of skill in the art.
  • the inert particle can be of various sizes, so long as it is large enough to remain poorly dissolved.
  • the active core may be prepared by granulating and milling and/or by extrusion and spheronization of a polymer composition containing the drug substance.
  • drug refers to the active ingredient of a pharmaceutical composition.
  • the active ingredient may be introduced to the inert carrier by techniques known to one skilled in the art, such as drug layering, powder coating,
  • the amount of active ingredient in the core will depend on the dose that is required and typically varies from about 1 to 100 weight %, about 5 to 100 weight %, about 10 to 100 weight %, about 20 to 100 weight %, about 30 to 100 weight %, about 40 to 100 weight %, about 50 to 100 weight %, about 60 to 100 weight %lace about 70 to 100 weight %, or about 80 to 100 weight %.
  • the polymeric coating on the active core will be from about 1 to 50% based on the weight of the coated particle, depending on the lag time required and/or the polymers and coating solvents chosen. Those skilled in the art will be able to select an appropriate amount of drug for coating onto or incorporating into the core to achieve the desired dosage.
  • the inactive core may be a sugar sphere or a buffer crystal or an encapsulated buffer crystal such as calcium carbonate, sodium bicarbonate, fumaric acid, tartaric acid, etc. which alters the microenvironment of the drug to facilitate its release.
  • Extended-release formulations may utilize a variety of extended-release coatings or mechanisms facilitating the gradual release of active agents over time.
  • the extended-release agent comprises a polymer controlling release by dissolution controlled release.
  • the active agent(s) is incorporated in a matrix comprising an insoluble polymer and drug particles or granules coated with polymeric materials of varying thickness.
  • the polymeric material may comprise a lipid barrier comprising a waxy material, such as carnauba wax, beeswax, spermaceti wax, candellila wax, shallac wax, cocoa butter, cetostearyl alcohol, partially hydrogenated vegetable oils, ceresin, paraffin wax, ceresine, myristyl alcohol, stearyl alcohol, cetyl alcohol, and stearic acid, along with surfactants, such as polyoxyethylene sorbitan monooleate.
  • an aqueous medium such as biological fluids
  • the polymer coating When contacted with an aqueous medium, such as biological fluids, the polymer coating emulsifies or erodes after a predetermined lag-time depending on the thickness of the polymer coating.
  • the lag time is independent of gastrointestinal motility, pH, or gastric residence.
  • the extended-release agent comprises a polymeric matrix effecting diffusion controlled release.
  • the matrix may comprise one or more hydrophilic and/or water- swellable, matrix forming polymers, pH-dependent polymers and/or pH-independent polymers.
  • the extended-release formulation comprises a water soluble or water-swellable matrix-forming polymer, optionally containing one or more solubility-enhancing agents and/or release-promoting agents.
  • the active agent(s) dissolves (if soluble) and gradually diffuses through the hydrated portion of the matrix.
  • the gel layer grows with time as more water permeates into the core of the matrix, increasing the thickness of the gel layer and providing a diffusion barrier to drug release.
  • the polymer chains become completely relaxed and can no longer maintain the integrity of the gel layer, leading to disentanglement and erosion of the outer hydrated polymer on the surface of the matrix. Water continues to penetrate towards the core through the gel layer, until it has been completely eroded. Whereas soluble drugs are released by this combination of diffusion and erosion mechanisms, erosion is the predominant mechanism for insoluble drugs, regardless of dose.
  • water-swellable polymers typically hydrate and swell in biological fluids forming a homogenous matrix structure that maintains its shape during drug release and serves as a carrier for the drug, solubility enhancers and/or release promoters.
  • the initial matrix polymer hydration phase results in slow-release of the drug (lag phase).
  • lag phase Once the water swellable polymer is fully hydrated and swollen, water within the matrix can similarly dissolve the drug substance and allow for its diffusion out through the matrix coating.
  • the porosity of the matrix can be increased due to the leaching out of pH-dependent release promoters so as to release the drug at a faster rate.
  • the rate of the drug release then becomes constant and is a function of drug diffusion through the hydrated polymer gel.
  • the release rate from the matrix is dependent upon various factors, including polymer type and level, drug solubility and dose, polymer to drug ratio, filler type and level, polymer to filler ratio, particle size of drug and polymer, and porosity and shape of the matrix.
  • Exemplary hydrophilic and/or water-swellable, matrix forming polymers include, but are not limited to, cellulosic polymers including hydroxyalkyl celluloses and carboxyalkyl celluloses such as hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (HPMC),
  • HPMC hydroxypropylmethylcellulose
  • hydroxypropylcellulose HPC
  • HEC hydroxyethylcellulose
  • MC methylcellulose
  • CMC carboxymethylcellulose
  • powdered cellulose such as microcrystalline cellulose, cellulose acetate, ethylcellulose, salts thereof, and combinations thereof
  • alginates gums including heteropolysaccharide gums and homopolysaccharide gums such as xanthan, tragacanth, pectin, acacia, karaya, alginates, agar, guar, hydroxypropyl guar, veegum, carrageenan, locust bean gum, gellan gum, and derivatives therefrom
  • acrylic resins including polymers and copolymers of acrylic acid, methacrylic acid, methyl acrylate, and methyl methacrylate
  • cross-linked polyacrylic acid derivatives such as Carbomers (e.g.,
  • CARBOPOL ® including CARBOPOL ® 71 G NF, which is available in various molecular weight grades from Noveon, Inc., Cincinnati, OH), carageenan; polyvinyl acetate (e.g., KOLLIDON ® SR); and polyvinyl pyrrolidone and its derivatives such as crospovidone, polyethylene oxides, and polyvinyl alcohol.
  • Preferred hydrophilic and water-swellable polymers include the cellulosic polymers, especially HPMC.
  • the extended-release formulation may further comprise at least one binder that is capable of cross-linking the hydrophilic compound to form a hydrophilic polymer matrix ( . e. , a gel matrix) in an aqueous medium, including biological fluids.
  • a hydrophilic polymer matrix . e. , a gel matrix
  • Exemplary binders include homopolysaccharides such as galactomannan gums, guar gum, hydroxypropyl guar gum, hydroxypropylcellulose (HPC; e.g., Klucel EXF), and locust bean gum.
  • the binder is an alginic acid derivative, HPC or microcrystallized cellulose (MCC).
  • Other binders include, but are not limited to, starches, microcrystalline cellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, hydroxyethyl cellulose,
  • hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose and polyvinylpyrrolidone.
  • the introduction method is drug layering by spraying a suspension of active agent(s) and a binder onto the inert carrier.
  • the binder may be present in the bead formulation in an amount of about 0.1% to about 15% by weight and preferably of from about 0.2% to about 10% by weight.
  • the hydrophilic polymer matrix may further include an ionic polymer, a non-ionic polymer, or water-insoluble hydrophobic polymer to provide a stronger gel layer and/or reduce pore quantity and dimensions in the matrix so as to slow diffusion and erosion rates and concomitant release of the active agent(s). This may additionally suppress the initial burst effect and produce a more steady "zero order release" of active agent(s).
  • Exemplary ionic polymers for slowing dissolution rate include both anionic and cationic polymers.
  • Exemplary anionic polymers include, for example, sodium
  • carboxymethylcellulose Na CMC
  • sodium alginate polymers of acrylic acid or carbomers (e.g., CARBOPOL® 934, 940, 974P NF); enteric polymers such as polyvinyl acetate phthalate (PVAP), methacrylic acid copolymers (e.g. , EUDRAGIT® Ll OO, L 30D 55, A, and FS 30D), and hypromellose acetate succinate (AQUAT HPMCAS); and xanthan gum.
  • PVAP polyvinyl acetate phthalate
  • methacrylic acid copolymers e.g. , EUDRAGIT® Ll OO, L 30D 55, A, and FS 30D
  • AQUAT HPMCAS hypromellose acetate succinate
  • Exemplary cationic polymers include, for example, dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate copolymer (e.g., EUDRAGIT® E 100). Incorporation of anionic polymers, particularly enteric polymers, is useful for developing a pH-independent release profile for weakly basic drugs as compared to hydrophilic polymer alone.
  • non-ionic polymers for slowing dissolution rate include, for example, hydroxypropylcellulose (HPC) and polyethylene oxide (PEO) (e.g., POLYOXTM).
  • HPC hydroxypropylcellulose
  • PEO polyethylene oxide
  • POLYOXTM polyethylene oxide
  • Exemplary hydrophobic polymers include ethylcellulose (e.g. , ETHOCELTM, SURELEASE ® ), cellulose acetate, methacrylic acid copolymers (e.g., EUDRAGIT ® NE 30D), ammonio-methacrylate copolymers (e.g., EUDRAGIT ® RL 100 or PO RS I 00), polyvinyl acetate, glyceryl monostearate, fatty acids such as acetyl tributyl citrate, and combinations and derivatives thereof.
  • ETHOCELTM SURELEASE ®
  • EUDRAGIT ® NE 30D methacrylic acid copolymers
  • EUDRAGIT ® RL 100 or PO RS I 00 ammonio-methacrylate copolymers
  • polyvinyl acetate glyceryl monostearate
  • fatty acids such as acetyl tributyl citrate
  • the swellable polymer can be incorporated in the formulation in proportion from 1% to 50% by weight, preferably from 5% to 40% by weight, most preferably from 5% to 20% by weight.
  • the swellable polymers and binders may be incorporated in the formulation either prior to or after granulation.
  • the polymers can also be dispersed in organic solvents or hydro-alcohols and sprayed during granulation.
  • Exemplary release-promoting agents include pH-dependent enteric polymers that remain intact at a pH value lower than about 4.0 and dissolve at pH values higher than 4.0, preferably higher than 5.0, most preferably about 6.0, and are considered useful as release-promoting agents for this invention.
  • Exemplary pH-dependent polymers include, but are not limited to, methacarylic acid copolymers; methacrylic acid-methyl methacrylate copolymers (e.g., EUDRAGIT® LlOO (Type A), EUDRAGIT® S lOO (Type B), Rohm GmbH, Germany), methacrylic acid-ethyl acrylate copolymers (e.g., EUDRAGIT ® LI 00-55 (Type C) and EUDRAGIT® L30D-55 copolymer dispersion, Rohm GmbH, Germany); copolymers of methacrylic acid-methyl methacrylate and methyl methacrylate (EUDRAGIT® FS);
  • cellulose acetate phthalates CAP
  • HPMCP hydroxypropyl methylcellulose phthalate
  • PVAP polyvinyl acetate phthalates
  • COATERIC®, OPADRY® enteric white OY-P-7171 polyvinylbutyrate acetate, cellulose acetate succinates (CAS); hydroxypropyl methylcellulose acetate succinate (HPMCAS) (e.g., HPMCAS LF Grade, MF Grade, and HF Grade, including AQOAT® LF and AQOAT® MF, Shin-Etsu Chemical, Japan), shellac (e.g., MARCO ATTM 125 and MARCOATTM 125N); vinyl acetate- maleic anhydride copolymer, st
  • enteric pH-dependent polymers are the pharmaceutically acceptable methacrylic acid copolymers. These copolymers are anionic polymers based on methacrylic acid and methyl methacrylate and, preferably, have a mean molecular weight of about 50,000 to 200,000, preferably about 135,000. A ratio of free carboxyl groups to methyl-esterified carboxyl groups in these copolymers may range, for example, from 1 : 1 to 1 :3, e.g. around 1 : 1 or 1 :2.
  • the release promoters are not limited to pH dependent polymers. Other hydrophilic molecules that dissolve rapidly and leach out of the dosage form quickly leaving a porous structure can be also be used for the same purpose.
  • the matrix may include a combination of release promoters and solubility enhancing agents.
  • the solubility enhancing agents can be ionic and non-ionic surfactants, complexing agents, hydrophilic polymers, and pH modifiers such as acidifying agents and alkalinizing agents, as well as molecules that increase the solubility of poorly soluble drug through molecular entrapment. Several solubility enhancing agents can be utilized simultaneously.
  • Solubility enhancing agents may include surface active agents, such as sodium docusate; sodium lauryl sulfate; sodium stearyl fumarate; Tweens® and Spans (PEO modified sorbitan monoesters and fatty acid sorbitan esters); poly(ethylene oxide)-polypropylene oxide-poly(ethylene oxide) block copolymers (aka PLURONICSTM); complexing agents such as low molecular weight polyvinyl pyrrolidone and low molecular weight hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose; molecules that aid solubility by molecular entrapment such as cyclodextrins and pH modifying agents, including acidifying agents such as citric acid, fumaric acid, tartaric acid, and hydrochloric acid, and alkalizing agents such as meglumine and sodium hydroxide.
  • surface active agents such as sodium docusate; sodium lauryl sulfate; sodium stearyl fumarate; Tweens® and Spans (PE
  • Solubility enhancing agents typically constitute from 1 % to 80% by weight, from 1% to 60%) by weight, from 1%> to 50% by weight, from 1% to 40%> by weight and from 1%) to 30%) by weight, of the dosage form and can be incorporated in a variety of ways. They can be incorporated in the formulation prior to granulation in dry or wet form. They can also be added to the formulation after the rest of the materials are granulated or otherwise processed. During granulation, solubility enhancing agents can be sprayed as solutions with or without a binder.
  • the extended-release formulation comprises a water- insoluble water-permeable polymeric coating or matrix comprising one or more water- insoluble water-permeable film-forming over the active core.
  • the coating may additionally include one or more water soluble polymers and/or one or more plasticizers.
  • the water- insoluble polymer coating comprises a barrier coating for release of active agents in the core, wherein lower molecular weight (viscosity) grades exhibit faster release rates as compared to higher viscosity grades.
  • the water-insoluble film-forming polymers include one or more alkyl cellulose ethers, such as ethyl celluloses and mixtures thereof, (e.g., ethyl cellulose grades PR100, PR45, PR20, PR10, and PR7; ETHOCEL®, Dow).
  • alkyl cellulose ethers such as ethyl celluloses and mixtures thereof, (e.g., ethyl cellulose grades PR100, PR45, PR20, PR10, and PR7; ETHOCEL®, Dow).
  • the water-insoluble polymer provides suitable properties (e.g., extended-release characteristics, mechanical properties, and coating properties) without the need for a plasticizer.
  • suitable properties e.g., extended-release characteristics, mechanical properties, and coating properties
  • coatings comprising polyvinyl acetate (PVA), neutral copolymers of acrylate/methacrylate esters such as commercially available Eudragit NE30D from Evonik Industries, ethyl cellulose in combination with hydroxypropylcellulose, waxes, etc. can be applied without plasticizers.
  • PVA polyvinyl acetate
  • neutral copolymers of acrylate/methacrylate esters such as commercially available Eudragit NE30D from Evonik Industries
  • ethyl cellulose in combination with hydroxypropylcellulose, waxes, etc. can be applied without plasticizers.
  • the water-insoluble polymer matrix may further include a plasticizer.
  • the amount of plasticizer required depends upon the plasticizer, the properties of the water-insoluble polymer and the ultimate desired properties of the coating. Suitable levels of plasticizer range from about 1%> to about 20%>, from about 3%> to about 20%), about 3% to about 5%, about 7% to about 10%, about 12% to about 15%, about 17% to about 20%, or about 1%, about 2%, about 3%, about 4%, about 5%, about 6%, about 7%, about 8%, about 9%, about 10%, about 15%, or about 20% by weight relative to the total weight of the coating, inclusive of all ranges and sub-ranges therebetween.
  • Exemplary plasticizers include, but are not limited to, triacetin, acetylated monoglyceride, oils (castor oil, hydrogenated castor oil, grape seed oil, sesame oil, olive oil, and etc.), citrate esters, triethyl citrate, acetyltriethyl citrate acetyltributyl citrate, tributyl citrate, acetyl tri-n-butyl citrate, diethyl phthalate, dibutyl phthalate, dioctyl phthalate, methyl paraben, propyl paraben, propyl paraben, butyl paraben, diethyl sebacate, dibutyl sebacate, glyceroltributyrate, substituted triglycerides and glycerides, monoacetylated and diacetylated glycerides (e.g., MYVACET® 9-45), glyceryl
  • Plasticizers can be high boiling point organic solvents used to impart flexibility to otherwise hard or brittle polymeric materials and can affect the release profile for the active agent(s). Plasticizers generally cause a reduction in the cohesive intermolecular forces along the polymer chains resulting in various changes in polymer properties. These changes include, but are not limited to, a reduction in tensile strength and increase in elongation and a reduction in the glass transition or softening temperature of the polymer. The amount and choice of the plasticizer can affect the hardness of a tablet, for example, and can even affect its dissolution or disintegration characteristics, as well as its physical and chemical stability. Certain plasticizers can increase the elasticity and/or pliability of a coat, thereby decreasing the coat's brittleness.
  • the extended-release formulation comprises a combination of at least two gel-forming polymers, including at least one non-ionic gel- forming polymer and/or at least one anionic gel-forming polymer.
  • the gel formed by the combination of gel-forming polymers provides controlled release, such that when the formulation is ingested and comes into contact with the gastrointestinal fluids, the polymers nearest the surface hydrate to form a viscous gel layer. Due to the high viscosity, the viscous layer dissolves away only gradually, exposing the material below to the same process. The mass thus dissolves away slowly, thereby slowly releasing the active ingredient into the gastrointestinal fluids.
  • the formulation comprises at least one non-ionic gel-forming polymer and at least one anionic gel-forming polymer.
  • the formulation comprises two different non-ionic gel-forming polymers.
  • the formulation comprises a combination of non-ionic gel-forming polymers with the same chemistry, but different solubilities, viscosities, and/or molecular weights (for example, a combination of hydroxyproplyl methylcellulose of different viscosity grades, such as HPMC K100 and HPMC K15M or HPMC K100M).
  • Exemplary anionic gel forming polymers include, but are not limited to, sodium carboxymethylcellulose (Na CMC), carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), anionic polysaccharides such as sodium alginate, alginic acid, pectin, polyglucuronic acid (poly-a- and " -l ,4-glucuronic acid), polygalacturonic acid (pectic acid), chondroitin sulfate, carrageenan, furcellaran, anionic gums such as xanthan gum, polymers of acrylic acid or carbomers (Carbopol ® 934, 940, 974P NF), Carbopol ® copolymers, a Pemulen ® polymer, polycarbophil, and others.
  • Na CMC sodium carboxymethylcellulose
  • CMC carboxymethyl cellulose
  • anionic polysaccharides such as sodium alginate, alginic acid, pectin, polyglucuronic acid (poly-a- and " -l ,4-
  • non-ionic gel-forming polymers include, but are not limited to, Povidone (PVP: polyvinyl pyrrolidone), polyvinyl alcohol, copolymer of PVP and polyvinyl acetate, HPC (hydroxypropyl cellulose), HPMC (hydroxypropyl methylcellulose), hydroxyethyl cellulose, hydroxymethyl cellulose, gelatin, polyethylene oxide, acacia, dextrin, starch, polyhydroxyethylmethacrylate (PHEMA), water soluble nonionic polymethacrylates and their copolymers, modified cellulose, modified polysaccharides, nonionic gums, nonionic polysaccharides, and/or mixtures thereof.
  • PVP polyvinyl pyrrolidone
  • HPC hydroxypropyl cellulose
  • HPMC hydroxypropyl methylcellulose
  • PHEMA polyhydroxyethylmethacrylate
  • water soluble nonionic polymethacrylates and their copolymers modified cellulose, modified
  • the formulation may optionally comprise an enteric polymer as described above and/or at least one excipient, such as a filler, a binder (as described above), a disintegrant and/or a flow aid or glidant.
  • excipient such as a filler, a binder (as described above), a disintegrant and/or a flow aid or glidant.
  • Exemplary fillers include, but are not limited to, lactose, glucose, fructose, sucrose, dicalcium phosphate, sugar alcohols also known as "sugar polyol” such as sorbitol, manitol, lactitol, xylitol, isomalt, erythritol, and hydrogenated starch hydrolysates (a blend of several sugar alcohols), corn starch, potato starch, sodium carboxymethycellulose, ethylcellulose and cellulose acetate, enteric polymers, or a mixture thereof.
  • sugar alcohols also known as "sugar polyol” such as sorbitol, manitol, lactitol, xylitol, isomalt, erythritol, and hydrogenated starch hydrolysates (a blend of several sugar alcohols)
  • corn starch potato starch
  • sodium carboxymethycellulose ethylcellulose and cellulose acetate
  • enteric polymers or
  • Exemplary binders include, but are not limited to, water-soluble hydrophilic polymers such as Povidone (PVP: polyvinyl pyrrolidone), copovidone (a copolymer of polyvinyl pyrrolidone and polyvinyl acetate), low molecular weight HPC (hydroxypropyl cellulose), low molecular weight HPMC (hydroxypropyl methylcellulose), low molecular weight carboxy methyl cellulose, ethylcellulose, gelatin, polyethylene oxide, acacia, dextrin, magnesium aluminum silicate, and starch and polymethacrylates such as Eudragit NE 30D, Eudragit RL, Eudragit RS, Eudragit E, polyvinyl acetate, enteric polymers, or mixtures thereof.
  • PVP polyvinyl pyrrolidone
  • copovidone a copolymer of polyvinyl pyrrolidone and polyvinyl acetate
  • HPC hydroxypropyl cellulose
  • Exemplary disintegrants include, but are not limited to, low-substituted carboxymethyl cellulose sodium, crospovidone (cross-linked polyvinyl pyrrolidone), sodium carboxymethyl starch (sodium starch glycolate), cross-linked sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (Croscarmellose), pregelatinized starch (starch 1500), microcrystalline cellulose, water insoluble starch, calcium carboxymethyl cellulose, low substituted hydroxypropyl cellulose, and magnesium or aluminum silicate.
  • Exemplary glidants include but are not limited to, magnesium, silicon dioxide, talc, starch, titanium dioxide, and the like.
  • the extended-release formulation is formed by coating a water soluble/dispersible drug-containing particle, such as a bead or bead population therein (as described above), with a coating material and, optionally, a pore former and other excipients.
  • the coating material is preferably selected from a group comprising cellulosic polymers such as ethylcellulose (e.g., SURELEASE ® ),
  • the release-controlling coating for a given bead population may be controlled by at least one parameter of the release controlling coating, such as the nature of the coating, coating level, type and concentration of a pore former, process parameters, and combinations thereof.
  • a parameter such as a pore former concentration, or the conditions of the curing, allows for changes in the release of active agent(s) from any given bead population, thereby allowing for selective adjustment of the formulation to a pre-determined release profile.
  • Pore formers suitable for use in the release controlling coating herein can be organic or inorganic agents and include materials that can be dissolved, extracted or leached from the coating in the environment of use.
  • Exemplary pore forming agents include, but are not limited to, organic compounds such as mono-, oligo-, and polysaccharides including sucrose, glucose, fructose, mannitol, mannose, galactose, sorbitol, pullulan, and dextran; polymers soluble in the environment of use such as water-soluble hydrophilic polymers, hydroxyalkylcelluloses, carboxyalkylcelluloses, hydroxypropylmethylcellulose, cellulose ethers, acrylic resins, polyvinylpyrrolidone, cross-linked polyvinylpyrrolidone, polyethylene oxide, Carbowaxes, Carbopol, and the like, diols, polyols, polyhydric alcohols, polyalkylene glycols, polyethylene glycols, polypropylene glycols
  • the release controlling coating can further comprise other additives known in the art, such as plasticizers, anti-adherents, glidants (or flow aids) and antifoams.
  • the coated particles or beads may additionally include an "overcoat," to provide, for example, moisture protection, static charge reduction, taste-masking, flavoring, coloring, and/or polish or other cosmetic appeal to the beads.
  • Suitable coating materials for such an overcoat are known in the art and include, but are not limited to, cellulosic polymers such as hydroxypropylmethylcellulose, hydroxypropylcellulose, and microcrystalline cellulose or combinations thereof (for example, various OPADRY ® coating materials).
  • the coated particles or beads may additionally contain enhancers that may be exemplified by, but not limited to, solubility enhancers, dissolution enhancers, absorption enhancers, permeability enhancers, stabilizers, complexing agents, enzyme inhibitors, p- glycoprotein inhibitors, and multidrug resistance protein inhibitors.
  • the formulation can also contain enhancers that are separated from the coated particles, for example, in a separate population of beads or as a powder.
  • the enhancer(s) may be contained in a separate layer on coated particles either under or above the release controlling coating.
  • the extended-release formulation is formulated to release the active agent(s) by an osmotic mechanism.
  • a capsule may be formulated with a single osmotic unit or it may incorporate 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6 push-pull units encapsulated within a hard gelatin capsule, whereby each bilayer push pull unit contains an osmotic push layer and a drug layer, both surrounded by a semi-permeable membrane. One or more orifices are drilled through the membrane next to the drug layer. This membrane may be additionally covered with a pH-dependent enteric coating to prevent release until after gastric emptying. The gelatin capsule dissolves immediately after ingestion.
  • the enteric coating breaks down, which then allows fluid to flow through the semi-permeable membrane, swelling the osmotic push compartment to force to force drugs out through the orifice(s) at a rate precisely controlled by the rate of water transport through the semi-permeable membrane. Release of drugs can occur over a constant rate for up to 24 hours or more.
  • the osmotic push layer comprises one or more osmotic agents creating the driving force for transport of water through the semi-permeable membrane into the core of the delivery vehicle.
  • osmotic agents include water-swellable hydrophilic polymers, also referred to as “osmopolymers” and “hydrogels,” including, but not limited to, hydrophilic vinyl and acrylic polymers, polysaccharides such as calcium alginate, polyethylene oxide (PEO), polyethylene glycol (PEG), polypropylene glycol (PPG), poly(2- hydroxyethyl methacrylate), poly(acrylic) acid, poly(methacrylic) acid, polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), crosslinked PVP, polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), PVA/PVP copolymers, PVA/PVP copolymers with hydrophobic monomers such as methyl methacrylate and vinyl acetate, hydrophilic polyurethanes containing large PEO blocks, sodium cro
  • osmogens which are capable of imbibing water to effect an osmotic pressure gradient across the semi-permeable membrane.
  • exemplary osmogens include, but are not limited to, inorganic salts such as magnesium sulfate, magnesium chloride, calcium chloride, sodium chloride, lithium chloride, potassium sulfate, potassium phosphates, sodium carbonate, sodium sulfite, lithium sulfate, potassium chloride, and sodium sulfate; sugars such as dextrose, fructose, glucose, inositol, lactose, maltose, mannitol, raffinose, sorbitol, sucrose, trehalose, and xylitol; organic acids such as ascorbic acid, benzoic acid, fumaric acid, citric acid, maleic acid, sebacic acid, sorbic acid, adipic acid, edetic acid, glut
  • Materials useful in forming the semipermeable membrane include various grades of acrylics, vinyls, ethers, polyamides, polyesters, and cellulosic derivatives that are water-permeable and water-insoluble at physiologically relevant pHs, or are susceptible to being rendered water-insoluble by chemical alteration, such as crosslinking.
  • the extended-release formulation comprises a polysaccharide coating that is resistant to erosion in both the stomach and intestine.
  • a polysaccharide coating that is resistant to erosion in both the stomach and intestine.
  • Such polymers can be only degraded in the colon, which contains a large microflora containing biodegradable enzymes breaking down, for example, the polysaccharide coatings to release the drug contents in a controlled, time-dependent manner.
  • Exemplary polysaccharide coatings may include, for example, amylose, arabinogalactan, chitosan, chondroitin sulfate, cyclodextrin, dextran, guar gum, pectin, xylan, and combinations or derivatives therefrom.
  • the pharmaceutical composition is formulated for delayed-release or delayed-extended-release.
  • the delayed extended- release formulation includes an extended-release formulation coated with an enteric coating, which is a barrier applied to oral medication that prevents release of medication before it reaches the small intestine. Delayed-release formulations, such as enteric coatings, prevent drugs having an irritant effect on the stomach, such as aspirin, from dissolving in the stomach.
  • enteric coating is a coating comprising of one or more polymers having a pH dependent or pH-independent release profile.
  • An enteric coated pill will not dissolve in the acidic juices of the stomach (pH ⁇ 3), but they will in the alkaline (pH 7-9) environment present in the small intestine or colon.
  • An enteric polymer coating typically resists releases of the active agents until sometime after a gastric emptying lag period of about 3-4 hours after administration.
  • Such coatings are also used to protect acid-unstable drugs from the stomach's acidic exposure, delivering them instead to a basic pH environment (intestine's pH 5.5 and above) where they do not degrade and give their desired action.
  • pulsatile-release is a type of delayed-release, which is used herein with reference to a drug formulation that provides rapid and transient release of the drug within a short time period immediately after a predetermined lag period, thereby producing a "pulsed" plasma profile of the drug after drug administration.
  • Formulations may be designed to provide a single pulsatile release or multiple pulsatile releases at predetermined time intervals following administration, or a pulsatile release (e.g., 20-60% of the active ingredient) followed with extended release over a period of time (e.g., a continuous release of the remainder of the active ingredient).
  • a delayed-release or pulsatile release formulation generally comprises one or more elements covered with a barrier coating, which dissolves, erodes or ruptures following a specified lag phase.
  • a barrier coating for delayed-release may consist of a variety of different materials, depending on the objective.
  • a formulation may comprise a plurality of barrier coatings to facilitate release in a temporal manner.
  • the coating may be a sugar coating, a film coating (e.g., based on hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, methylcellulose, methyl hydroxyethylcellulose, hydroxypropylcellulose, carboxymethylcellulose, acrylate copolymers, polyethylene glycols, and/or polyvinylpyrrolidone) or a coating based on methacrylic acid copolymer, cellulose acetate phthalate, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose phthalate, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose acetate succinate, polyvinyl acetate phthalate, shellac, and/or ethylcellulose.
  • the formulation may additionally include a time delay material such as glyceryl monostearate or glyceryl distearate.
  • the delayed-extended-release formulation includes an enteric coating comprising one or more polymers facilitating release of active agents in proximal or distal regions of the gastrointestinal tract.
  • pH dependent enteric coatings comprise one or more pH-dependent or pH-sensitive polymers that maintain their structural integrity at low pH, as in the stomach, but dissolve in higher pH environments in more distal regions of the gastrointestinal tract, such as the small intestine, where the drug contents are released.
  • pH dependent is defined as having characteristics (e.g., dissolution) which vary according to environmental pH. Exemplary pH- dependent polymers have been described earlier. pH-dependent polymers typically exhibit a characteristic pH optimum for dissolution.
  • the pH-dependent polymer exhibits a pH optimum between about 5.0 and 5.5, between about 5.5 and 6.0, between about 6.0 and 6.5, or between about 6.5 and 7.0. In other embodiments, the pH-dependent polymer exhibits a pH optimum of >5.0, of >5.5, of >6.0, of >6.5, or of >7.0.
  • the coating methodology employs the blending of one or more pH-dependent and one or more pH-independent polymers.
  • the blending of pH- dependent and pH-independent polymers can reduce the release rate of active ingredients once the soluble polymer has reached its optimum pH of solubilization.
  • a "delayed-release” or “delayed-extended-release” profile can be obtained using a water insoluble capsule body containing one or more active agents, wherein the capsule body closed at one end with an insoluble, but permeable and swellable hydrogel plug. Upon contact with gastrointestinal fluid or dissolution medium, the plug swells, pushing itself out of the capsule and releasing the drugs after a pre-determined lag time, which can be controlled by, for example, the position and dimensions of the plug.
  • the capsule body may be further coated with an outer pH-dependent enteric coating keeping the capsule intact until it reaches the small intestine.
  • Suitable plug materials include, for example, polymethacrylates, erodible compressed polymers (e.g., HPMC, polyvinyl alcohol), congealed melted polymer (e.g., glyceryl mono oleate), and enzymatically controlled erodible polymers (e.g., polysaccharides, such as amylose, arabinogalactan, chitosan, chondroitin sulfate, cyclodextrin, dextran, guar gum, pectin and xylan).
  • erodible compressed polymers e.g., HPMC, polyvinyl alcohol
  • congealed melted polymer e.g., glyceryl mono oleate
  • enzymatically controlled erodible polymers e.g., polysaccharides, such as amylose, arabinogalactan, chitosan, chondroitin sulfate, cyclodextrin
  • capsules or bilayered tablets may be formulated to contain a drug-containing core, covered by a swelling layer and an outer insoluble, but semipermeable polymer coating or membrane.
  • the lag time prior to rupture can be controlled by the permeation and mechanical properties of the polymer coating and the swelling behavior of the swelling layer.
  • the swelling layer comprises one or more swelling agents, such as swellable hydrophilic polymers that swell and retain water in their structures.
  • Exemplary water swellable materials to be used in the delayed-release coating include, but are not limited to, polyethylene oxides (having e.g., an average molecular weight between 1,000,000 and 7,000,000, such as POLYOX ® ); methylcellulose; hydroxypropyl cellulose; hydroxypropyl methylcellulose; polyalkylene oxides having a weight average molecular weight of 100,000 to 6,000,000, including, but not limited to, poly(methylene oxide), poly(butylene oxide), poly(hydroxy alkyl methacrylate) having a molecular weight of 25,000 to 5,000,000, poly(vinyl)alcohol having a low acetal residue, which is cross-linked with glyoxal, formaldehyde, or glutaraldehyde, and having a degree of polymerization from 200 to 30,000; mixtures of methyl cellulose, cross-linked agar, and carboxymethyl cellulose; hydrogel forming copolymers produced by forming a dispersion of a
  • the release time of the drugs can be controlled by a
  • disintegration lag time depending on the balance between the tolerability and thickness of a water insoluble polymer membrane (such as ethyl cellulose, EC) containing predefined micropores at the bottom of the body and the amount of a swellable excipient, such as low substituted hydroxypropyl cellulose (L-HPC) and sodium glycolate.
  • a water insoluble polymer membrane such as ethyl cellulose, EC
  • L-HPC low substituted hydroxypropyl cellulose
  • GI fluids permeate through the micropores, causing swelling of the swellable excipients, which produces an inner pressure disengaging the capsular components, including a first capsule body containing the swellable materials, a second capsule body containing the drugs, and an outer cap attached to the first capsule body.
  • the delayed-release coating layer may further comprise anti-tackiness agents, such as talc and glyceryl monostearate.
  • the delayed-release coating layer may further comprise one or more plasticizers including, but not limited to, triethyl citrate, acetyl triethyl citrate, acetyltributyl citrate, polyethylene glycol acetylated monoglycerides, glycerin, triacetin, propylene glycol, phthalate esters (e.g. , diethyl phthalate, dibutyl phthalate), titanium dioxide, ferric oxides, castor oil, sorbitol, and dibutyl sebacate.
  • plasticizers including, but not limited to, triethyl citrate, acetyl triethyl citrate, acetyltributyl citrate, polyethylene glycol acetylated monoglycerides, glycerin, triacetin, propylene glycol
  • the delayed-release formulation employs a water- permeable but insoluble film coating to enclose the active ingredient and an osmotic agent. As water from the gut slowly diffuses through the film into the core, the core swells until the film bursts, thereby releasing the active ingredients.
  • the film coating may be adjusted to permit various rates of water permeation or release time.
  • the delayed release formulation employs a water- impermeable tablet coating whereby water enters through a controlled aperture in the coating until the core bursts. When the tablet bursts, the drug contents are released immediately or over a longer period of time.
  • the active agents are delivered in a formulation to provide both delayed-release and extended-release (delayed-extended-release).
  • delayed-extended-release is used herein with reference to a drug formulation providing pulsatile release of active agents at a pre-determined time or lag period following
  • immediate-release, extended-release, delayed-release, or delayed-extended-release formulations comprises an active core comprised of one or more inert particles, each in the form of a bead, pellet, pill, granular particle, microcapsule, microsphere, microgranule, nanocapsule, or nanosphere coated on its surfaces with drugs in the form of e.g., a drug-containing film-forming composition using, for example, fluid bed techniques or other methodologies known to those of skill in the art.
  • the inert particle can be of various sizes, so long as it is large enough to remain poorly dissolved.
  • the active core may be prepared by granulating and milling and/or by extrusion and
  • the amount of drug in the core will depend on the dose that is required and typically varies from about 1 to 100 weight %, about 5 to 100 weight %, about 10 to 100 weight %, about 20 to 100 weight %, about 30 to 100 weight %, about 40 to 100 weight %, about 50 to 100 weight %, about 60 to 100 weight %bal about 70 to 100 weight %, or about 80 to 100 weight %.
  • the polymeric coating on the active core will be from about 1 to 50% based on the weight of the coated particle, depending on the lag time and type of release profile required and/or the polymers and coating solvents chosen. Those skilled in the art will be able to select an appropriate amount of drug for coating onto or incorporating into the core to achieve the desired dosage.
  • the inactive core may be a sugar sphere or a buffer crystal or an encapsulated buffer crystal such as calcium carbonate, sodium bicarbonate, fumaric acid, tartaric acid, etc. which alters the microenvironment of the drug to facilitate its release.
  • delayed-release or delayed-extended- release compositions may formed by coating a water soluble/dispersible drug-containing particle, such as a bead, with a mixture of a water insoluble polymer and an enteric polymer, wherein the water insoluble polymer and the enteric polymer may be present at a weight ratio of from 4: 1 to 1 : 1, and the total weight of the coatings is 10 to 60 weight % based on the total weight of the coated beads.
  • the drug layered beads may optionally include an inner dissolution rate controlling membrane of ethylcellulose.
  • the composition of the outer layer, as well as the individual weights of the inner and outer layers of the polymeric membrane are optimized for achieving desired circadian rhythm release profiles for a given active, which are predicted based on in vitro/in vivo correlations.
  • the formulations may comprise a mixture of immediate- release drug-containing particles without a dissolution rate controlling polymer membrane and delayed-extended-release beads exhibiting, for example, a lag time of 2-4 hours following oral administration, thus providing a two-pulse release profile.
  • the active core is coated with one or more layers of dissolution rate-controlling polymers to obtain desired release profiles with or without a lag time.
  • An inner layer membrane can largely control the rate of drug release following imbibition of water or body fluids into the core, while the outer layer membrane can provide for a desired lag time (the period of no or little drug release following imbibition of water or body fluids into the core).
  • the inner layer membrane may comprise a water insoluble polymer, or a mixture of water insoluble and water soluble polymers.
  • the polymers suitable for the outer membrane which largely controls the lag time of up to 6 hours may comprise an enteric polymer, as described above, and a water insoluble polymer at 10 to 50 weight %.
  • the ratio of water insoluble polymer to enteric polymer may vary from 4: 1 to 1 :2, preferably the polymers are present at a ratio of about 1 :1.
  • the water insoluble polymer typically used is ethylcellulose.
  • Exemplary water insoluble polymers include ethylcellulose, polyvinyl acetate (Kollicoat SR#0D from BASF), neutral copolymers based on ethyl acrylate and
  • methylmethacrylate copolymers of acrylic and methacrylic acid esters with quaternary ammonium groups such as EUDRAGIT ® NE, RS and RS30D, RL or ROOD, and the like.
  • exemplary water soluble polymers include low molecular weight HPMC, HPC,
  • AMBERLITETM IRP69 resin is used as an extended-release carrier.
  • AMBERLITETM IRP69 is an insoluble, strongly acidic, sodium form cation exchange resin that is suitable as carrier for cationic (basic) substances.
  • DUOLITETM API 43/ 1093 resin is used as an extended-release carrier.
  • DUOLITETM API 43/ 1093 is an insoluble, strongly basic, anion exchange resin that is suitable as a carrier for anionic (acidic) substances.
  • API 43/ 1093 resin provides a means for binding medicinal agents onto an insoluble polymeric matrix. Extended-release is achieved through the formation of resin-drug complexes (drug resinates). The drug is released from the resin in vivo as the drug reaches equilibrium with the high electrolyte concentrations, which are typical of the gastrointestinal tract. More hydrophobic drugs will usually elute from the resin at a lower rate, owing to hydrophobic interactions with the aromatic structure of the cation exchange system.
  • the pharmaceutical composition is formulated for oral administration.
  • Oral dosage forms include, for example, tablets, capsules, and caplets and may also comprise a plurality of granules, beads, powders, or pellets that may or may not be encapsulated. Tablets and capsules represent the most convenient oral dosage forms, in which case solid pharmaceutical carriers are employed.
  • one or more barrier coatings may be applied to pellets, tablets, or capsules to facilitate slow dissolution and concomitant release of drugs into the intestine.
  • the barrier coating contains one or more polymers encasing, surrounding, or forming a layer, or membrane around the therapeutic composition or active core.
  • the active agents are delivered in a formulation to provide delayed-release at a pre-determined time following administration. The delay may be up to about 10 minutes, about 20 minutes, about 30 minutes, about 1 hour, about 2 hours, about 3 hours, about 4 hours, about 5 hours, about 6 hours, or longer.
  • the pharmaceutical composition is in a tablet or capsule form containing a single coating layer. In other embodiments, the pharmaceutical composition is in a tablet or capsule form containing multiple coating layers. In some embodiments, the pharmaceutical composition of the present application is formulated for extended-release or delayed extended-release of 100% of the active ingredient.
  • the pharmaceutical composition of the present application is formulated for a two-phase extended-release or delayed two-phase extended- release characterized by an "immediate-release” component that is released within two hours of administration and an "extended-release” component which is released over a period of 2- 12 hours.
  • the "immediate-release” component provides about 1 -90% of the total dosage of the active agent(s) and the "extended-release” component provides 10- 99% of the total dosage of the active agent(s) to be delivered by the pharmaceutical formulation.
  • the immediate-release component may provide about 10-90%, or about 10%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85% or 90% of the total dosage of the active agent(s) to be delivered by the pharmaceutical formulation.
  • the extended-release component provides about 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95% or 99% of the total dosage of the active agent(s) to be delivered by the formulation.
  • the immediate-release component and the extended-release component contain the same active ingredient.
  • the immediate-release component and the extended- release component contain different active ingredients (e.g., one PG pathway inhibitor in one component and another PG pathway inhibitor in another component).
  • the immediate-release component and the extended-release component each contains a PG pathway inhibitor and an analgesic selected from the group consisting of aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen sodium, indomethacin, nabumetone, and acetaminophen.
  • the immediate-release component and/or the extended-release component further comprises one or more additional active agents selected from the groups consisting of an antimuscarinic agent, an antidiuretic, a spasmolytic, an inhibitor of phosphodiesterase type (PDE 5 inhibitor) and Zolpidem.
  • additional active agents selected from the groups consisting of an antimuscarinic agent, an antidiuretic, a spasmolytic, an inhibitor of phosphodiesterase type (PDE 5 inhibitor) and Zolpidem.
  • the pharmaceutical composition comprises a plurality of active ingredients selected from the group consisting of PG pathway inhibitors, analgesics, antimuscarinic agents, antidiuretics, spasmolytics, PDE 5 inhibitors and Zolpidem.
  • active ingredients selected from the group consisting of PG pathway inhibitors, analgesics, antimuscarinic agents, antidiuretics, spasmolytics, PDE 5 inhibitors and Zolpidem.
  • antimuscarinic agents include, but are not limited to, oxybutynin, solifenacin, darifenacin, fesoterodine, tolterodine, trospium, atropine, and tricyclic antidepressants.
  • antidiuretics include, but are not limited to, antidiuretic hormone (ADH), angiotensin II, aldosterone, vasopressin, vasopressin analogs (e.g. , desmopressin argipressin, lypressin, felypressin, omipressin, terlipressin); vasopressin receptor agonists, atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) and C-type natriuretic peptide (CNP) receptor (i.e. , NPR1, NPR2, and NPR3) antagonists (e.g.
  • ADH antidiuretic hormone
  • angiotensin II angiotensin II
  • aldosterone e.g. , aldosterone
  • vasopressin e.g. , desmopressin argipressin, lypressin, felypressin, omipressin, terlipressin
  • HS-142-1 isatin, [Asu7,23']b-ANP-(7-28)], anantin, a cyclic peptide from Streptomyces coerulescens, and 3G12 monoclonal antibody); somatostatin type 2 receptor antagonists (e.g. , somatostatin), pharmaceutically-acceptable derivatives, and analogs, salts, hydrates, and solvates thereof.
  • spasmolytics include, but are not limited to, carisoprodol, benzodiazepines, baclofen, cyclobenzaprine, metaxalone, methocarbamol, clonidine, clonidine analog, and dantrolene.
  • PDE 5 inhibitors include, but are not limited to, tadalafil, sildenafil and vardenafil.
  • the pharmaceutical composition comprises a plurality of active ingredients comprising (1) one or more PG pathway inhibitors and (2) one or more other active ingredients selected from the group consisting of analgesics, antimuscarinic agents, antidiuretics, spasmolytics, PDE 5 inhibitors and Zolpidem.
  • the plurality of active ingredients are formulated for immediate-release.
  • the plurality of active ingredients are formulated for extended-release. In other embodiments, the plurality of active ingredients are formulated for delayed-release. In other embodiments, the plurality of active ingredients are formulated for both immediate-release and extended-release (e.g. , a first portion of each active ingredient is formulated for immediate-release and a second portion of each active ingredient is formulated for extended- release). In yet other embodiments, some of the plurality of active ingredients are formulated for immediate-release and some of the plurality of active ingredients are formulated for extended-release (e.g. , active ingredients A, B, C are formulated for immediate-release and active ingredients C and D are formulated for extended-release). In some other
  • the plurality of active ingredients are formulated for delayed-extended-release.
  • the pharmaceutical composition comprises an immediate-release component and an extended-release component.
  • the immediate-release component may comprise one or more active ingredients selected from the group consisting of PG pathway inhibitors, analgesics, antimuscarinic agents, antidiuretics, spasmolytics, PDE 5 inhibitors and Zolpidem.
  • the extended-release component may comprise one or more active ingredients selected from the group consisting of PG pathway inhibitors, analgesics, antimuscarinic agents, antidiuretics, spasmolytics, PDE 5 inhibitors and Zolpidem.
  • the immediate-release component and the extended-release component have exactly the same active ingredients.
  • the immediate-release component and the extended-release component have different active ingredients. In yet other embodiments, the immediate-release component and the extended-release component have one or more common active ingredients. In some other embodiments, the immediate-release component and/or the extended-release component is further coated with a delayed-release coating, such as an enteric coating. In other embodiments, the pharmaceutical composition comprises two or more active ingredients formulated as two extended-release components, each providing a different extended-release profile. For example, a first extended-release component releases a first active ingredient at a first release rate and a second extended- release component releases a second active ingredient at a second release rate.
  • the pharmaceutical composition comprises an immediate-release component and a delayed-release component.
  • the pharmaceutical composition comprises two or more active ingredients formulated as two delayed-release components, each providing a different delayed-release profile. For example, a first delayed-release component releases a first active ingredient at a first time point, and a second delayed-release component releases a second active ingredient at a second time point.
  • the components in a combined release profile formulation may contain the same active ingredient(s) or different active ingredient(s).
  • the immediate-release component may provide about 1% to about 80% of the total dosage of the active agent(s) to be delivered by the pharmaceutical formulation.
  • the combined release profile formulation contains an immediate-release component and the immediate-release component provide about 1% to about 90%, about 10% to about 90%, about 20% to about 90%, about 30% to about 90%, about 40% to about 90%, about 50% to about 90%, about 60% to about 90%, about 70% to about 90% or about 80% to about 90% of the total dosage of each active ingredient to be delivered by the formulation.
  • the immediate-release component provides up to about 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80% or 90% of the total dosage of each ingredient to be delivered by the formulation.
  • the pharmaceutical formulation comprises an active core comprised of one or more inert particles, each in the form of a bead, pellet, pill, granular particle, microcapsule, microsphere, microgranule, nanocapsule, or nanosphere coated on its surfaces with drugs in the form of e.g., a drug-containing film-forming composition using, for example, fluid bed techniques or other methodologies known to those of skill in the art.
  • the inert particle can be of various sizes, so long as it is large enough to remain poorly dissolved.
  • the active core may be prepared by granulating and milling and/or by extrusion and spheronization of a polymer composition containing the drug substance.
  • the amount of drug in the core will depend on the dose that is required and typically varies from about 5 to 90 weight %.
  • the polymeric coating on the active core will be from about 1 to 50% based on the weight of the coated particle, depending on the lag time and type of release profile required and/or the polymers and coating solvents chosen.
  • the inactive core may be a sugar sphere or a buffer crystal or an encapsulated buffer crystal such as calcium carbonate, sodium bicarbonate, fumaric acid, tartaric acid, /. which alters the microenvironment of the drug to facilitate its release.
  • the pharmaceutical composition comprises a delayed- release component formed by coating a water soluble/dispersible drug-containing particle, such as a bead, with a mixture of a water insoluble polymer and an enteric polymer, wherein the water insoluble polymer and the enteric polymer may be present at a weight ratio of 4:1 to 1 :1 , and the total weight of the coatings is 10 to 60 weight % based on the total weight of the coated beads.
  • the drug layered beads may optionally include an inner dissolution rate controlling membrane of ethylcellulose.
  • the composition of the outer layer, as well as the individual weights of the inner and outer layers of the polymeric membrane are optimized for achieving desired circadian rhythm release profiles for a given active, which are predicted based on in vitro/in vivo correlations.
  • the formulations comprise a mixture of immediate- release drug-containing particles without a dissolution rate controlling polymer membrane and delayed release beads exhibiting, for example, a lag time of 2-4 hours following oral administration, thus providing a two-pulse release profile.
  • the formulations comprise a mixture of two types of delayed-release beads: a first type that exhibits a lag time of 1-3 hours and a second type that exhibits a lag time of 4-6 hours.
  • the formulations comprise a mixture of two types of release beads: a first type that exhibits immediate-release and a second type that exhibits a lag time of 1-4 hours followed with extended-release.
  • the formulations are designed with a release profile such that a fraction of the active ingredient(s) (e.g., 10-80%) is released immediately or within two hours of administration, and the rest is released over an extended period of time (e.g., over a period of 2-24 hours).
  • the formulations are designed with a release profile such that one active ingredient (e.g., an analgesic) are released immediately or within two hours of administration, and one or more other active ingredients (e.g., a PG pathway inhibitor) are released over an extended period of time (e.g., over a period of 2-24 hours).
  • the pharmaceutical composition may be administered daily or administered on an as needed basis.
  • the pharmaceutical composition may be administered orally,
  • the pharmaceutical is administered intravenously, or intramuscularly.
  • the pharmaceutical is intravenously, or intramuscularly.
  • the pharmaceutical is intravenously, or intramuscularly.
  • the pharmaceutical is intravenously, or intramuscularly.
  • the pharmaceutical is intravenously, or intramuscularly.
  • the pharmaceutical is intravenously, or intramuscularly.
  • the pharmaceutical is intravenously, or intramuscularly.
  • the pharmaceutical is intravenously, or intramuscularly.
  • composition is administered orally. In other embodiments, the pharmaceutical composition is administered by retrograde perfusion through the urinary tract. In other embodiments, the pharmaceutical composition is administered by direct injection into bladder muscle.
  • the pharmaceutical composition is administered daily, twice a day or three times a day. In other embodiments, the pharmaceutical composition is administered every other day, every 3 days, every 4 days, every 4 days, every 5 days, every 6 days, every week, every 2 weeks, every 3 weeks, every month, every 2 months or every 3 months.
  • the pharmaceutical composition is administered at bedtime. In some embodiments, the pharmaceutical composition is administered within about two hours before bedtime, preferably within about one hour before bedtime. In another embodiment, the pharmaceutical composition is administered about 2-4 hours before bedtime. In a further embodiment, the pharmaceutical composition is administered at least 4 hours before bedtime.
  • the appropriate dosage ("therapeutically effective amount") of the active ingredient(s) in the immediate-release component, the extended-release component, the delayed-release component or delayed-extended-release component will depend, for example, on the severity and course of the condition, the mode of administration, the bioavailability of the particular ingredient(s), the age and weight of the patient, the patient's clinical history and response to the active agent(s), discretion of the physician, etc.
  • the therapeutically effective amount of the PG pathway inhibitor(s) in the immediate-release component, the delayed-release component, the extended-release component or the delayed-extended-release component is administered in the range of about 1 ⁇ g/kg body weight/day to about 100 mg/kg body weight/day whether by one or more administrations.
  • the range of each active agent administered daily in a single dose or in multiple does is from about 1 ⁇ g/kg body weight/day to about 100 mg/kg body weight/day, 1 ⁇ g/kg body weight/day to about 30 mg/kg body weight/day, 1 ⁇ g/kg body weight/day to about 10 mg/kg body weight/day, 1 ⁇ g/kg body weight/day to about 3 mg/kg body weight/day, 1 ⁇ g/kg body weight/day to about 1 mg/kg body weight/day, 1 ⁇ g/kg body weight/day to about 300 ⁇ g/kg body weight/day, 1 ⁇ g/kg body weight/day to about 100 ⁇ g/kg body weight/day, 1 ⁇ g/kg body weight/day to about 30 ⁇ g/kg body weight/day, 1 ⁇ g/kg body weight/day to about 10 ⁇ g/kg body weight/day, 1 ⁇ g/kg body weight/day to about 3 ⁇ g/kg body weight/day, 10 ⁇ g/kg body weight/day
  • the therapeutically effective amount of the analgesic agent(s) in the immediate-release component, the delayed-release component, the extended- release component or the delayed-extended-release component is administered in the range of about 10 ⁇ g/kg body weight/day to about 100 mg/kg body weight/day whether by one or more administrations.
  • the range of each active agent administered daily in a single dose or in multiple does is from about 10 ⁇ g/kg body weight/day to about 100 mg/kg body weight/day, 10 ⁇ g kg body weight/day to about 30 mg/kg body weight/day, 10 ⁇ g/kg body weight/day to about 10 mg/kg body weight/day, 10 ⁇ g/kg body weight/day to about 3 mg/kg body weight/day, 10 ⁇ g/kg body weight/day to about 1 mg/kg body weight/day, 10 ⁇ g/kg body weight/day to about 300 ⁇ g/kg body weight/day, 10 ⁇ g/kg body weight/day to about 100 ⁇ g/kg body weight/day, 10 ⁇ g/kg body weight/day to about 30 ⁇ g/kg body weight/day, 30 ⁇ g/kg body weight/day to about 100 mg/kg body weight/day, 30 ⁇ g/kg body weight/day to about 30 mg/kg body weight/day, 30 ⁇ g/kg body weight/day to about 10 mg/
  • the analgesic agent(s) described herein may be included in an immediate- release component or an extended-release component, a delayed-release component, a delayed-extended-release component or combinations thereof for daily oral administration at a single dose or combined dose range of 1 mg to 2000 mg, 1 mg to 1000 mg, 1 mg to 300 mg, 1 mg to 100 mg, 1 mg to 30 mg, 1 mg to 10 mg, 1 mg to 3 mg, 3 mg to 2000 mg, 3 mg to 1000 mg, 3 mg to 300 mg, 3 mg to 100 mg, 3 mg to 30 mg, 3 mg to 10 mg, 10 mg to 2000 mg, 10 mg to 1000 mg, 10 mg to 300 mg, 10 mg to 100 mg, 10 mg to 30 mg, 30 mg to 2000 mg, 30 mg to 1000 mg, 30 mg to 300 mg, 30 mg to 100 mg, 100 mg to 2000 mg, 100 mg to 1000 mg, 100 mg to 300 mg, 300 mg to 2000 mg, 300 mg to 1000 mg or 1000 mg to 2000 mg. As expected, the dosage will be dependent on the condition, size, age, and condition of the patient.
  • the pharmaceutical composition comprises a single analgesic agent.
  • the single analgesic agent is aspirin.
  • the single analgesic agent is ibuprofen.
  • the single analgesic agent is naproxen or naproxen sodium.
  • the single analgesic agent is indomethacin.
  • the single analgesic agent is nabumetone.
  • the single analgesic agent is acetaminophen.
  • the pharmaceutical composition comprises a pair of analgesic agents.
  • paired analgesic agents include, but are not limited to, acetylsalicylic acid and ibuprofen, acetylsalicylic acid and naproxen sodium, acetylsalicylic acid and nabumetone, acetylsalicylic acid and acetaminophen, acetylsalicylic acid and indomethancin, ibuprofen and naproxen sodium, ibuprofen and nabumetone, ibuprofen and acetaminophen, ibuprofen and indomethancin, naproxen, naproxen sodium and nabumetone, naproxen sodium and acetaminophen, naproxen sodium and indomethancin, nabumetone and acetaminophen, naproxen sodium and indomethancin, nabumetone and aceta
  • the paired analgesic agents are mixed at a weight ratio in the range of 0.1 :1 to 10:1, 0.2:1 to 5: 1 or 0.3 : 1 to 3 : 1. In one embodiment, the paired analgesic agents are mixed at a weight ratio of 1 :1.
  • the pharmaceutical composition of the present application further comprises one or more antimuscarinic agents. Examples of the
  • antimuscarinic agents include, but are not limited to, oxybutynin, solifenacin, darifenacin, fesoterodine, tolterodine, trospium, atropine, and tricyclic antidepressants.
  • the daily dose of antimuscarinic agent is in the range of 1 ⁇ g to 300 mg, 1 ⁇ g to 100 mg, 1 ⁇ g to 30 mg; 1 ⁇ g to 10 mg, 1 ⁇ g to 3 mg, 1 ⁇ g to 1 mg, 1 ⁇ g to 300 ⁇ g, 1 ⁇ g to 100 ⁇ g, 1 ⁇ g to 30 ⁇ g, 1 ⁇ g to 10 ⁇ g, 1 ⁇ g to 3 ⁇ g, 3 ⁇ g to 100 mg, 3 ⁇ g to 100 mg, 3 ⁇ g to 30 mg; 3 ⁇ g to 10 mg, 3 ⁇ g to 3 mg, 3 ⁇ g to 1 mg, 3 ⁇ g to 300 ⁇ g, 3 ⁇ g to 100 ⁇ g, 3 ⁇ g to 30 ⁇ g, 3 ⁇ g to 10 ⁇ g, 10 ⁇ g to 300 mg, 10 ⁇ g to 100 mg, 10 ⁇ g to 30 mg; 10 ⁇ g to 10 mg, 10 ⁇ g to 3 mg, 10 ⁇ g to 1 mg, 10 ⁇ g to
  • the pharmaceutical composition of the present application further comprises one or more antidiuretics.
  • antidiuretics include, but are not limited to, antidiuretic hormone (ADH), angiotensin II, aldosterone, vasopressin, vasopressin analogs (e.g. , desmopressin argipressin, lypressin, felypressin, ornipressin, and terlipressin), vasopressin receptor agonists, atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) and C-type natriuretic peptide (CNP) receptor (i.e. , NPR1 , NPR2, and NPR3) antagonists (e.g.
  • HS-142- 1 isatin, [Asu7,23']b-ANP-(7-28)], anantin, a cyclic peptide from Streptomyces coerulescens, and 3G12 monoclonal antibody), somatostatin type 2 receptor antagonists (e.g. ,
  • the one or more antidiuretics comprise desmopressin. In other embodiments, the one or more antidiuretics is desmopressin.
  • the daily dose of antidiuretic is in the range of 1 ⁇ g to 300 mg, 1 ⁇ g to 100 mg, 1 ⁇ g to 30 mg; 1 to 10 mg, 1 ⁇ g to 3 mg, 1 ⁇ to 1 mg, 1 ⁇ g to 300 ⁇ g, 1 ⁇ g to 100 ⁇ g, 1 ⁇ g to 30 ⁇ g, 1 ⁇ g to 10 ⁇ g, 1 ⁇ g to 3 ⁇ g, 3 ⁇ g to 100 mg, 3 ⁇ g to 100 mg, 3 ⁇ g to 30 mg; 3 ⁇ g to 10 mg, 3 ⁇ g to 3 mg, 3 ⁇ g to 1 mg, 3 ⁇ g to 300 ⁇ g, 3 ⁇ g to 100 ⁇ g, 3 ⁇ g to 30 ⁇ g, 3 ⁇ g to 10 ⁇ g, 10 ⁇ g to 300 mg, 10 ⁇ g to 100 mg, 10 ⁇ g to 30 mg; 10 ⁇ g to 10 mg, 10 ⁇ g to 3 mg, 10 ⁇ g to 1 mg, 10 ⁇ g to 300 mg, 10
  • the pharmaceutical composition of the present application further comprises one or more spasmolytics.
  • spasmolytics include, but are not limited to, carisoprodol, benzodiazepines, baclofen, cyclobenzaprine, metaxalone, methocarbamol, clonidine, clonidine analog, and dantrolene.
  • the spasmolytics is used at a daily dose of 0.1 mg to 1000 mg, 0.1 mg to 300 mg, 0.1 mg to 100 mg, 0.1 mg to 30 mg, 0.1 mg to 10 mg, 0.1 mg to 3 mg, 0.1 mg to 1 mg, 0.1 mg to 0.3 mg, 0.3 mg to 1000 mg, 0.3 mg to 300 mg, 0.3 mg to 100 mg, 0.3 mg to 30 mg, 0.3 mg to 10 mg, 0.3 mg to 3 mg, 0.3 mg to 1 mg, 1 mg to 1000 mg, 1 mg to 300 mg, 1 mg to 100 mg, 1 mg to 30 mg, 1 mg to 10 mg, 1 mg to 3 mg, 3 mg to 1000 mg, 3 mg to 300 mg, 3 mg to 100 mg, 3 mg to 30 mg, 3 mg to 10 mg, 10 mg to 1000 mg, 10 mg to 300 mg, 10 mg to 100 mg, 10 mg to 30 mg, 30 mg to 1000 mg, 30 mg to 300 mg, 30 mg to 100 mg, 100 mg to 300 mg, or 300 mg to 1000 mg.
  • the pharmaceutical composition of the present application further comprises one or more PDE 5 inhibitors.
  • PDE 5 inhibitors include, but are not limited to, tadalafil, sildenafil and vardenafil.
  • the one or more PDE 5 inhibitors comprise tadalafil.
  • the one or more PDE 5 inhibitors is tadalafil.
  • the PDE 5 inhibitor is used at a daily dose of 0.1 mg to 1000 mg, 0.1 mg to 300 mg, 0.1 mg to 100 mg, 0.1 mg to 30 mg, 0.1 mg to 10 mg, 0.1 mg to 3 mg, 0.1 mg to 1 mg, 0.1 mg to 0.3 mg, 0.3 mg to 1000 mg, 0.3 mg to 300 mg, 0.3 mg to 100 mg, 0.3 mg to 30 mg, 0.3 mg to 10 mg, 0.3 mg to 3 mg, 0.3 mg to 1 mg, 1 mg to 1000 mg, 1 mg to 300 mg, 1 mg to 100 mg, 1 mg to 30 mg, 1 mg to 10 mg, 1 mg to 3 mg, 3 mg to 1000 mg, 3 mg to 300 mg, 3 mg to 100 mg, 3 mg to 30 mg, 3 mg to 10 mg, 10 mg to 1000 mg, 10 mg to 300 mg, 10 mg to 100 mg, 10 mg to 30 mg, 30 mg to 1000 mg, 30 mg to 300 mg, 30 mg to 100 mg, 100 mg to 300 mg, or 300 mg to 1000 mg.
  • the pharmaceutical composition of the present application further comprises Zolpidem.
  • the daily dose of Zolpidem is in the range of 100 ⁇ g to 100 mg, 100 ⁇ g to 30 mg, 100 ⁇ g to 10 mg, 100 ⁇ g to 3 mg, 100 ⁇ g to 1 mg, 100 ⁇ g to 300 ⁇ g, 300 ⁇ g to 100 mg, 300 ⁇ g to 30 mg, 300 ⁇ g to 10 mg, 300 ⁇ g to 3 mg, 300 ⁇ g to 1 mg, 1 mg to 100 mg, 1 mg to 30 mg, 1 mg to 10 mg, 1 mg to 3 mg, 10 mg to 100 mg, 10 mg to 30 mg, or 30 mg to 100 mg.
  • the antimuscarinic agents, antidiuretics, spasmolytics, Zolpidem and/or PDE 5 inhibitors may be formulated, alone or together with other active ingredient(s) in the pharmaceutical composition, for immediate-release, extended-release, delayed release, delayed-extended-release or combinations thereof.
  • the pharmaceutical composition is formulated for extended release and comprises (1) an analgesic agent selected from the group consisting of cetylsalicylic acid, ibuprofen, naproxen, naproxen sodium, nabumetone, acetaminophen, and indomethancin and (2) a PDE 5 inhibitor, such as tadalafil.
  • an analgesic agent selected from the group consisting of cetylsalicylic acid, ibuprofen, naproxen, naproxen sodium, nabumetone, acetaminophen, and indomethancin
  • a PDE 5 inhibitor such as tadalafil.
  • the pharmaceutical composition may be formulated into a tablet, capsule, dragee, powder, granulate, liquid, gel or emulsion form. Said liquid, gel or emulsion may be ingested by the subject in naked form or contained within a capsule.
  • the pharmaceutical composition comprises a single analgesic agent and a single PDE 5 inhibitor.
  • the single analgesic agent is aspirin.
  • the single analgesic agent is ibuprofen.
  • the single analgesic agent is naproxen or naproxen sodium.
  • the single analgesic agent is indomethacin.
  • the single analgesic agent is nabumetone.
  • the single analgesic agent is acetaminophen.
  • the single PDE 5 inhibitor is tadalafil. The analgesic agent and PDE 5 inhibitor may be given at doses in the ranges described above.
  • the pharmaceutical composition comprises one or more analgesic agents, individually or in combination, in an amount between 10-1000 mg, 10-800 mg, 10-600 mg, 10-500 mg, 10-400 mg, 10-300 mg, 10-250 mg, 10-200 mg, 10-150 mg, 10- 100 mg 30-1000 mg, 30-800 mg, 30-600 mg, 30-500 mg, 30-400 mg, 30-300 mg, 30-250 mg, 30-200 mg, 30-150 mg, 30-100 mg, 100-1000 mg, 100-800 mg, 100-600 mg, 100-400 mg, 100-250 mg, 300-1000 mg, 300-800 mg, 300-600 mg, 300-400 mg, 400-1000 mg, 400-800 mg, 400-600 mg, 600-1000 mg, 600-800 mg or 800-1000 mg, wherein the composition is formulated for extended release with a release profile in which the one or more analgesic agents are released continuously over a period of 2-12 hours or 5-8 hours.
  • the composition is formulated for extended-release with a release profile in which at least 90% of the one or more analgesic agents are released continuously over a period of 2-12 hours or 5-8 hours.
  • the composition is formulated for extended release with a release profile in which the one or more analgesic agents are released continuously over a period of 5, 6, 7, 8, 10 or 12 hours.
  • the pharmaceutical composition further comprises an antimuscarinic agent, an antidiuretic, a spasmolytic, Zolpidem or a PDE 5 inhibitor.
  • the composition is formulated for extended-release with a release profile in which the analgesic agent is released at a steady rate over a period of 2-12 hours or 5-8 hours. In other embodiments, the composition is formulated for extended release with a release profile in which the analgesic agent is released at a steady rate over a period of 5, 6, 7, 8, 10 or 12 hours.
  • a steady rate over a period of time is defined as a release profile in which the release rate at any point during a given period of time is within 30% - 300% of the average release rate over that given period of time.
  • the pharmaceutical composition further comprises an antimuscarinic agent, an antidiuretic a spasmolytic, Zolpidem or a PDE 5 inhibitor.
  • the analgesic agent is selected from the group consisting of aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen sodium, naproxen, indomethacin, nabumetone and acetaminophen. In one embodiment, the analgesic agent is acetaminophen.
  • composition is formulated to provide a steady release of small amount of the analgesic agent to maintain an effective drug concentration in the blood such that the overall amount of the drug in a single dosage is reduced compared to the immediate release formulation.
  • the pharmaceutical composition comprises one or more analgesic agent(s), individually or in combination, in an amount between 10-1000 mg, 10-800 mg, 10-600 mg, 10-500 mg, 10-400 mg, 10-300 mg, 10-250 mg, 10-200 mg, 10-150 mg, 10-100 mg 30-1000 mg, 30-800 mg, 30-600 mg, 30-500 mg, 30-400 mg, 30-300 mg, 30- 250 mg, 30-200 mg, 30-150 mg, 30-100 mg, 100-1000 mg, 100-800 mg, 100-600 mg, 100- 400 mg, 100-250 mg, 300-1000 mg, 300-800 mg, 300-600 mg, 300-400 mg, 400-1000 mg, 400-800 mg, 400-600 mg, 600-1000 mg, 600-800 mg or 800-1000 mg, wherein the analgesic agent(s) are formulated for extended release, characterized by a two-phase release profile in which 20-60% of the analgesic agent(s) are released within 2 hours of administration and the remainder are released continuously, or at a steady rate, over a period
  • the analgesic agent(s) is formulated for extended-release with a two-phase release profile in which 20, 30, 40, 50 or 60% of the analgesic agent(s) are released within 2 hours of administration and the remainder are released continuously, or at a steady rate, over a period of 2-12 hours or 5-8 hours.
  • the analgesic agent(s) are selected from the group consisting of aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen sodium, naproxen, indomethacin, nabumetone, and acetaminophen.
  • the analgesic agent is acetaminophen.
  • the analgesic agent is acetaminophen.
  • the pharmaceutical composition further comprises an antimuscarinic agent, an antidiuretic, a spasmolytic, Zolpidem and/or a PDE 5 inhibitor.
  • the antimuscarinic agent, antidiuretic, spasmolytic, Zolpidem and/or PDE 5 inhibitor is/are formulated for immediate-release.
  • Another aspect of the present application relates to a method for reducing frequency of urination by administering to a subject in need thereof, two or more PG pathway inhibitors alternatively to prevent the development of drug resistance.
  • the method comprises administering a first PG pathway inhibitor for a first period of time and then administering a second PG pathway inhibitors for a second period of time.
  • the method further comprises administering a third PG pathway inhibitor for a third period of time.
  • the first, second, and third PG pathway inhibitors are different from each other and may be formulated for immediate-release, extended-release, delayed-release or combinations thereof.
  • Another aspect of the present application relates to a method for treating nocturia by administering to a person in need thereof a diuretic, followed with the
  • the diuretic is dosed and formulated to have a diuretic effect within 6 hours of administration and is administered at least 8 or 7 hours prior to bedtime.
  • the pharmaceutical composition of the present application is formulated for extended-release or delayed, extended-release, and is administered within 2 hours prior to bedtime.
  • diuretics include, but are not limited to, acidifying salts, such as CaCl 2 and NH 4 C1; arginine vasopressin receptor 2 antagonists, such as amphotericin B and lithium citrate; aquaretics, such as Goldenrod and Juniper; Na-H exchanger antagonists, such as dopamine; carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, such as acetazolamide and dorzolamide; loop diuretics, such as bumetanide, ethacrynic acid, furosemide and torsemide; osmotic diuretics, such as glucose and mannitol; potassium-sparing diuretics, such as amiloride, spironolactone, triamterene, potassium canrenoate; thiazides, such as bendroflumethiazide and
  • hydrochlorothiazide such as caffeine, theophylline and theobromine.
  • Another aspect of the present application relates to a method for reducing the frequency of urination, comprising administering to a subject in need thereof an effective amount of the pharmaceutical composition of the present application and an effective amount of botulinum toxin.
  • the botulinum toxin is administered by injection into a bladder muscle; and orally administering to the subject the pharmaceutical composition of the present application.
  • the injecting step comprises injection of 10-200 units of botulinum toxin at 5-20 sites in bladder muscle with an injection dose of 2-10 units per site.
  • the injecting step comprises injection of botulinum toxin at 5 sites in bladder muscle with an injection dose of 2-10 units per site.
  • the injecting step comprises injection of botulinum toxin at 10 sites in bladder muscle at an injection dose of 2-10 units per site. In another embodiment, the injecting step comprises injection of botulinum toxin at 15 sites in bladder muscle at an injection dose of 2-10 units per site. In yet another embodiment, the injecting step comprises injection of botulinum toxin at 20 sites in bladder muscle at an injection dose of 2-10 units per site. In some embodiments, the injecting step is repeated every 3, 4, 6, 8, 10 or 12 months.
  • EXAMPLE 2 EFFECT OF ANALGESIC AGENTS, BOTULINUM NEUROTOXIN AND ANTIMUSCARTNIC AGENTS ON MACROPHAGE RESPONSES TO INFLAMMATORY AND NON-INFLAMMATORY STIMULI
  • This study is designed to determine the dose and in vitro efficacy of analgesics and antimuscarinic agents in controlling macrophage response to inflammatory and non-inflammatory stimuli mediated by COX2 and prostaglandins (PGE, PGH, etc.). It establishes baseline (dose and kinetic) responses to inflammatory and non-inflammatory effectors in bladder cells. Briefly, cultured cells are exposed to analgesic agents and/or antimuscarinic agents in the absence or presence of various effectors.
  • the effectors include: lipopolysaccharide (LPS), an inflammatory agent, and Cox2 inducer as inflammatory stimuli; carbachol or acetylcholine, stimulators of smooth muscle contraction as non-inflammatory stimuli; botulinum neurotoxin A, a known inhibitor of acetylcholine release, as positive control; and arachidonic acid (AA), gamma linolenic acid (DGLA), or eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) as precursors of prostaglandins, which are produced following the sequential oxidation of AA, DGLA, or EPA inside the cell by cyclooxygenases (COX1 and COX2) and terminal prostaglandin synthases.
  • LPS lipopolysaccharide
  • COX1 and COX2 cyclooxygenases
  • the analgesic agents include: Salicylates such as aspirin; iso-butyl-propanoic- phenolic acid derivative (ibuprofen) such as Advil, Motrin, Nuprin, and Medipren; naproxen sodium such as Aleve, Anaprox, Antalgin, Feminax Ultra, Flanax, Inza, Midol Extended Relief, Nalgesin, Naposin, Naprelan, Naprogesic, Naprosyn, Naprosyn suspension, EC- Naprosyn, Narocin, Proxen, Synflex and Xenobid; acetic acid derivative such as
  • indomethacin indocin
  • l-naphthaleneacetic acid derivative such as nabumetone or relafen
  • APAP N-acetyl-para-aminophenol
  • Teylenol N-acetyl-para-aminophenol
  • Celecoxib N-acetyl-para-aminophenol
  • the antimuscarinic agents include oxybutynin, solifenacin, darifenacin, and atropine.
  • Macrophages are subjected to short term (1-2 hrs) or long term (24-48 hrs) stimulation with:
  • Each analgesic agent at various doses in the presence of AA, DGLA, or EPA.
  • Botulinum neurotoxin A at various doses in the presence of carbachol or acetylcholine.
  • Botulinum neurotoxin A at various doses in the presence of AA, DGLA, or EPA.
  • Each antimuscarinic agent at various doses in the presence of LPS (10) Each antimuscarinic agent at various doses in the presence of carbachol or acetylcholine.
  • the cells are then analyzed for the release of PGH 2 ; PGE; PGE 2 ; Prostacydin; Thromboxane; IL- ⁇ ; IL-6; TNF-a; the COX2 activity; the production of cAMP and cGMP; the production of IL- ⁇ , IL-6, TNF-a, and COX2 mRNA; and surface expression of CD80, CD86, and MHC class II molecules.
  • Murine RAW264.7 or J774 macrophage cells were used in this study. Cells were maintained in a culture medium containing RPMI 1640 supplemented with 10 % fetal bovine serum (FBS), 15 mM HEPES, 2 mM L-glutamine, 100 U/ml penicillin, and 100 ⁇ g / ml of streptomycin. Cells were cultured at 37° C in a 5 % C0 2 atmosphere and split (passages) once a week.
  • FBS fetal bovine serum
  • HEPES 15 fetal bovine serum
  • 2 mM L-glutamine 100 U/ml penicillin
  • streptomycin 100 ⁇ g / ml of streptomycin
  • RAW264.7 macrophage cells were seeded in 96-well plates at a cell density of 1.5x10 5 cells per well in 100 ⁇ of the culture medium.
  • the cells were treated with (1) various concentrations of analgesic (acetaminophen, aspirin, ibuprofen or naproxen), (2) various concentrations of lipopolysaccharide (LPS), which is an effector of inflammatory stimuli to macrophage cells, (3) various concentrations of carbachol or acetylcholine, which are effectors of non-inflammatory stimuli, (4) analgesic and LPS or (5) analgesic and carbachol or acetylcholine.
  • analgesic acetaminophen, aspirin, ibuprofen or naproxen
  • LPS lipopolysaccharide
  • carbachol or acetylcholine which are effectors of non-inflammatory stimuli
  • analgesic and LPS or (5) analgesic and carbachol
  • the analgesics were dissolved in FBS-free culture medium ⁇ i.e., RPMI 1640 supplemented with 15 mM HEPES, 2 mM L-glutamine, 100 U / ml penicillin, and 100 ⁇ g / ml of streptomycin) and diluted to desired concentrations by serial dilution with the same medium.
  • FBS-free culture medium ⁇ i.e., RPMI 1640 supplemented with 15 mM HEPES, 2 mM L-glutamine, 100 U / ml penicillin, and 100 ⁇ g / ml of streptomycin
  • macrophages were diluted in 100 ⁇ of FACS buffer (phosphate buffered saline (PBS) with 2% bovine serum albumin (BSA) and 0.01% NaN 3 ) and stained 30 min at 4°C by addition of FITC-conjugated anti-CD40, PE-conjugated anti-CD80, PE-conjugated anti-CD86 antibody, anti MHC class II (I-A d ) PE (BD
  • COX2 activity in the cultured macrophages is determined by sequential competitive ELISA (R&D Systems).
  • the production of cAMP and cGMP is determined by the cAMP assay and cGMP assay. These assays are performed routinely in the art.
  • Table 1 summarizes the experiments performed with Raw 264 macrophage cell line and main findings in terms of the effects of analgesics on cell surface expression of costimulatory molecules CD40 and CD80. Expression of these molecules is stimulated by COX2 and inflammatory signals and, thus, was evaluated to determine functional consequences of inhibition of COX2.
  • acetaminophen, aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen inhibit basal expression of co-stimulatory molecules CD40 and CD80 by macrophages at all the tested doses (i.e., 5x 10 5 nM, 5x 10 4 nM, 5x 10 3 nM, 5x 10 2 nM, 50 nM, and 5 nM), except for the highest dose (i.e., 5x 10 6 nM), which appears to enhance, rather than inhibit, expression of the co-stimulatory molecules.
  • analgesic doses as low as 0.05 nM (i.e.
  • Table 3 summarizes the results of several studies that measured serum levels of analgesic after oral therapeutic doses in adult humans. As shown in Table 3, the maximum serum levels of analgesic after an oral therapeutic dose are in the range of 10 4 to 10 5 nM. Therefore, the doses of analgesic tested in vitro in Table 2 cover the range of concentrations achievable in vivo in humans.
  • EXAMPLE 3 EFFECT OF ANALGESIC AGENTS, BOTULINUM NEUROTOXIN AND ANTIMUSCARINIC AGENTS ON MOUSE BLADDER SMOOTH MUSCLE CELL RESPONSES TO INFLAMMATORY AND NON-INFLAMMATORY STIMULI
  • Example 2 This study is designed to characterize how the optimal doses of analgesics determined in Example 2 affect bladder smooth muscle cells in cell culture or tissue cultures, and to address whether different classes of analgesics can synergize to more efficiently inhibit COX2 and PGE2 responses.
  • Each analgesic agent at various doses in the presence of AA, DGLA, or
  • Botulinum neurotoxin A at various doses in the presence of carbachol or acetylcholine.
  • Botulinum neurotoxin A at various doses in the presence of AA, DGLA, or
  • the cells are then analyzed for the release of PGH 2 ; PGE; PGE 2 ; Prostacydin; Thromboxane; IL- ⁇ ; IL-6; TNF-a; the COX2 activity; the production of cAMP and cGMP; the production of IL- ⁇ , IL-6, TNF-a, and COX2 mRNA; and surface expression of CD80, CD86, and MHC class II molecules.
  • Bladder cells were removed from euthanized animals C57BL/6 mice (8-12 weeks old), and cells were isolated by enzymatic digestion followed by purification on a Percoll gradient. Briefly, bladders from 10 mice were minced with scissors to fine slurry in 10 ml of digestion buffer (RPMI 1640, 2% fetal bovine serum, 0.5 mg/ml collagenase, 30 ⁇ g/ml DNase). Bladder slurries were enzymatically digested for 30 minutes at 37°C.
  • digestion buffer RPMI 1640, 2% fetal bovine serum, 0.5 mg/ml collagenase, 30 ⁇ g/ml DNase.
  • Undigested fragments were further dispersed through a cell-trainer.
  • the cell suspension was pelleted and added to a discontinue 20%, 40%. and 75% Percoll gradient for purification on mononuclear cells.
  • Each experiment used 50-60 bladders.
  • bladder cells were resuspended RPMI 1640 supplemented with 10 % fetal bovine serum, 15 mM HEPES, 2 mM L-glutamine, 100 U/ml penicillin, and 100 ⁇ g / ml of streptomycin and seeded in clear-bottom black 96-well cell culture microculture plates at a cell density of 3x10 4 cells per well in 100 ⁇ . Cells were cultured at 37° C in a 5 % C0 2 atmosphere.
  • Bladder cells were treated with analgesic solutions (50 ⁇ / well) either alone or together with carbachol (10-Molar, 50 ⁇ / well), as an example of non-inflammatory stimuli, or lipopolysaccharide (LPS) of Salmonella typhimurium (1 ⁇ g/ml, 50 ⁇ / well), as an example of non-inflammatory stimuli.
  • analgesic solutions 50 ⁇ / well
  • carbachol 10-Molar, 50 ⁇ / well
  • LPS lipopolysaccharide
  • Salmonella typhimurium 1 ⁇ g/ml, 50 ⁇ / well
  • COX2 responses were analyzed by a Cell-Based ELISA using human/mouse total COX2 immunoassay (R&D Systems), following the instructions of the manufacturer. Briefly, after cells fixation and permeabilization, a mouse anti-total COX2 and a rabbit anti- total GAPDH were added to the wells of the clear-bottom black 96-well cell culture microculture plates. After incubation and washes, an HRP-conjugated anti-mouse IgG and an AP-conjugated anti-rabbit IgG were added to the wells. Following another incubation and set of washes, the HRP- and AP-fluorogenic substrates were added.
  • Prostaglandin E2 responses were analyzed by a sequential competitive ELISA (R&D Systems). More specifically, culture supernatants or PGE2 standards were added to the wells of a 96-well polystyrene microplate coated with a goat anti-mouse polyclonal antibody. After one hour incubation on a microplate shaker, an HRP-conjugated PGE2 was added and the plates were incubated for an additional two hours at room temperature. The plates were then washed and HRP substrate solution added to each well. The color was allowed to develop for 30 minutes, and the reaction stopped by the addition of sulfuric acid before reading the plate at 450 nm with wavelength correction at 570 nm. Results are expressed as mean pg/ml of PGE2.
  • Analgesics inhibit COX2 responses of mouse bladder cells to an inflammatory stimulus
  • Analgesics inhibit PGE2 responses of mouse bladder cells to an inflammatory stimulus
  • EXAMPLE 4 EFFECT OF ANALGESIC AGENTS, BOTULINUM NEUROTOXIN AND ANTIMUSCARINIC AGENTS ON MOUSE BLADDER SMOOTH MUSCLE CELL CONTRACTION
  • Each analgesic agent at various doses in the presence of AA, DGLA, or EPA.
  • Botulinum neurotoxin A at various doses in the presence of carbachol or acetylcholine.
  • Botulinum neurotoxin A at various doses in the presence of AA, DGLA, or EPA.
  • EXAMPLE 5 EFFECT OF ORAL ANALGESIC AGENTS AND ANTIMUSCARINIC AGENTS ON COX2 AND PGE2 RESPONSES OF MOUSE BLADDER SMOOTH MUSCLE CELLS.
  • mice and mice with over active bladder syndrome are given oral doses of aspirin, naproxen sodium, ibuprofen, Indocin, nabumetone, Tylenol, Celecoxib, oxybutynin, solifenacin, darifenacin, atropine, and combinations thereof.
  • Control groups include untreated normal mice and untreated OAB mice with over active bladder syndrome.
  • the bladders are collected and stimulated ex vivo with carbachol or acetylcholine.
  • the bladders are treated with botulinum neurotoxin A before stimulation with carbachol. Animals are maintained in metabolic cages and frequency (and volume) of urination are evaluated. Bladder outputs are determined by monitoring water intake and cage litter weight. Serum PGH 2 , PGE, PGE 2 , Prostacydin,
  • Thromboxane, IL- ⁇ , IL-6, TNF-a, cAMP, and cGMP levels are determined by ELISA.
  • CD80, CD86, and MHC class II expression in whole blood cells are determined by flow cytometry.
  • EXAMPLE 6 EFFECT OF ANALGESIC AGENTS, BOTULINUM NEUROTOXIN AND ANTIMUSCARINIC AGENTS ON HUMAN BLADDER SMOOTH MUSCLE CELL RESPONSES TO INFLAMMATORY AND NON-INFLAMMATORY STIMULI
  • Human bladder smooth muscle cells are subjected to short term (1-2 hrs) or long term (24-48 hrs) stimulation with:
  • Each analgesic agent at various doses in the presence of AA, DGLA, or EPA.
  • Botulinum neurotoxin A at various doses in the presence of carbachol or acetylcholine.
  • Botulinum neurotoxin A at various doses in the presence of AA, DGLA, or EPA.
  • the cells are then analyzed for the release of PGH 2 ; PGE; PGE 2 ; Prostacydin; Thromboxane; IL- ⁇ ; IL-6; TNFa; the COX2 activity; the production of cAMP and cGMP; the production of IL- ⁇ , IL-6, TNFa, and COX2 mRNA; and surface expression of CD80, CD86, and MHC class II molecules.
  • EXAMPLE 7 EFFECT OF ANALGESIC AGENTS, BOTULINUM NEUROTOXIN AND ANTIMUSCARINIC AGENTS ON HUMAN BLADDER SMOOTH MUSCLE CELL CONTRACTION
  • Human bladder smooth muscle cells are subjected to short term (1-2 hrs) or long term (24-48 hrs) stimulation with:
  • Each analgesic agent at various doses in the presence of AA, DGLA, or EPA.
  • Botulinum neurotoxin A at various doses in the presence of carbachol or acetylcholine.
  • Botulinum neurotoxin A at various doses in the presence of AA, DGLA, or
  • EXAMPLE 8 EFFECT OF ANALGESIC AGENTS ON NORMAL HUMAN BLADDER SMOOTH MUSCLE CELL RESPONSES TO INFLAMMATORY AND NON INFLAMMATORY SIGNALS
  • Bladder smooth muscle cells trypsinized and seeded in microculture plates at a cell density of 3xl0 4 cells per well in 100 ⁇ were treated with analgesic solutions (50 ⁇ / well) either alone or together carbachol (10-Molar, 50 ⁇ / well), as an example of noninflammatory stimuli, or lipopolysaccharide (LPS) of Salmonella typhimurium (1 ⁇ g/ml, 50 ⁇ / well), as an example of non-inflammatory stimuli.
  • analgesic solutions 50 ⁇ / well
  • carbachol 10-Molar, 50 ⁇ / well
  • LPS lipopolysaccharide
  • Salmonella typhimurium 1 ⁇ g/ml, 50 ⁇ / well
  • Analgesics inhibit COX2 responses of normal human bladder smooth muscle cells to inflammatory and non- inflammatory stimuli - Analysis of cells and culture supernatants after 24 hours of cultures showed that none of the analgesics tested alone induced COX2 responses in normal human bladder smooth muscle cells. However, as summarized in Table 6, carbachol induced low, but significant COX2 responses in normal human bladder smooth muscle cells. On the other hand, LPS treatment resulted in higher levels of COX2 responses in normal human bladder smooth muscle cells. Acetaminophen, aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen could all suppress the effect of carbachol and LPS on COX2 levels. The suppressive effect of the analgesics was seen on LPS-induced responses when these drugs were tested at either 5 ⁇ or 50 ⁇ .
  • Analgesics inhibit PGE2 responses of normal human bladder smooth muscle cells to inflammatory and non- inflammatory stimuli - Consistent with the induction of COX2 responses described above, both carbachol and LPS induced production of PGE2 by normal human bladder smooth muscle cells. Acetaminophen, aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen were also found to suppress the LPS-induced PGE2 responses at either 5 ⁇ or 50 ⁇ (Table 7).
  • Analgesics inhibit cytokine responses of normal human bladder cells to inflammatory stimuli - Analysis of cells and culture supernatants after 24 hours of culture showed that none of the analgesics tested alone induced IL-6 or TNFa secretion in normal human bladder smooth muscle cells. As shown in Tables 8 and 9, the doses of carbachol tested induced low, but significant TNFa and IL-6 responses in normal human bladder smooth muscle cells. On the other hand, LPS treatment resulted in massive induction of these proinflammatory cytokines. Acetaminophen, aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen suppress the effect of carbachol and LPS on TNFa and IL-6 responses.

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Abstract

Methods and compositions for reducing frequency of urination are disclosed. The methods comprise administering to a subject having a condition that resulting in undesired frequency of urination an effective amount of a pharmaceutical composition comprising one or more prostaglandin pathway inhibitors. The pharmaceutical compositions comprise one or more prostaglandin pathway inhibitors and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.

Description

TITLE
PHARMACEUTICAL FORMULATION FOR REDUCING FREQUENCY OF URINATION AND METHOD OF USE THEREOF FIELD
[0001] The present application generally relates to methods and compositions for inhibiting the smooth muscles of the urinary bladder and, in particular, to methods and compositions for reducing the frequency of urination.
BACKGROUND
[0002] The detrusor muscle is a layer of the urinary bladder wall made of smooth muscle fibers arranged in spiral, longitudinal, and circular bundles. When the bladder is stretched, this signals the parasympathetic nervous system to contract the detrusor muscle. This encourages the bladder to expel urine through the urethra.
[0003] For the urine to exit the bladder, both the autonomically controlled internal sphincter and the voluntarily controlled external sphincter must be opened. Problems with these muscles can lead to incontinence. If the amount of urine reaches 100% of the urinary bladder's absolute capacity, the voluntary sphincter becomes involuntary and the urine will be ejected instantly.
[0004] The human adult urinary bladder usually holds about 300-350 ml of urine (the working volume), but a full adult bladder may hold up to about 1000 ml (the absolute volume), varying among individuals. As urine accumulates, the ridges produced by folding of the wall of the bladder (rugae) flatten and the wall of the bladder thins as it stretches, allowing the bladder to store larger amounts of urine without a significant rise in internal pressure.
[0005] In most individuals, the desire to urinate usually starts when the volume of urine in the bladder reaches around 200 ml. At this stage it is easy for the subject, if desired, to resist the urge to urinate. As the bladder continues to fill, the desire to urinate becomes stronger and harder to ignore. Eventually, the bladder will fill to the point where the urge to urinate becomes overwhelming, and the subject will no longer be able to ignore it.
[0006] In some individuals, this desire to urinate starts when the bladder is less than 100% full in relation to its working volume. Such increased desire to urinate may interfere with normal activities, including the ability to sleep for sufficient uninterrupted periods of rest. In some cases, this increased desire to urinate may be associated with medical conditions such as benign prostate hyperplasia or prostate cancer in men, or pregnancy in women. However, increased desire to urinate also occurs in individuals, both male and female, who are not affected by another medical condition.
[0007] In some individuals, such as in children, involuntary urination (e.g., bed wetting) may occur as a result of lack of control to the bladder muscle. In other individuals, involuntary urination (e.g., urinary incontinence) may occur as a result from an underlying medical condition.
[0008] Accordingly, there exists a need for compositions and methods for the treatment of male and female subjects who suffer from an undesired frequency of urination.
SUMMARY
[0009] One aspect of the present application relates to a method for reducing frequency of urination in a subject. The method comprises administering to a subject having a condition that resulting in undesired frequency of urination an effective amount of a pharmaceutical composition comprising one or more prostaglandin pathway inhibitors.
[0010] Another aspect of the present application relates to a pharmaceutical composition for treating a condition that results in undesired frequency of urination. The pharmaceutical composition comprises one or more prostaglandin pathway inhibitors and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0011] Figures 1 A and IB are diagrams showing that analgesics regulate expression of co-stimulatory molecules by Raw 264 macrophage cells in the absence (Figure 1 A) or presence (Figure IB) of LPS. Cells were cultured for 24 hrs in the presence of analgesic alone or together with Salmonella typhimurium LPS (0.05 μg/ml). Results are mean relative % of CD40+CD80+ cells.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0012] The following detailed description is presented to enable any person skilled in the art to make and use the invention. For purposes of explanation, specific nomenclature is set forth to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that these specific details are not required to practice the invention. Descriptions of specific applications are provided only as representative examples. The present invention is not intended to be limited to the embodiments shown, but is to be accorded the broadest possible scope consistent with the principles and features disclosed herein.
[0013] As used herein, the term "prostaglandin (PG)" refers to a group of lipid compounds that are derived enzymatically from fatty acids and have a variety of physiological effects, such as regulating the contraction and relaxation of smooth muscle tissue, in the animal body. Every prostaglandin contains 20 carbon atoms, including a 5- carbon ring. Examples of prostaglandin include, prostaglandin Et (PGEt), prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), Prostaglandin D2, prostaglandin I2 (PGI2, prostacyclin), and prostaglandin F2a (PGF2a).
[0014] As used herein, the term "prostaglandin (PG) pathway inhibitor" refers to agents that interact directly or indirectly with one or more components involved in the synthesis or action of PG on a target tissue, and interfere with either the levels or the ultimate actions of prostaglandin on the target tissue. PG pathway inhibitors include, but are not limited to, PG inhibitors, prostaglandin transporter (PGT) inhibitors and prostaglandin receptor (PGR) inhibitors. The term "PG pathway inhibitor," however, does not include the analgesics defined below.
[0015] The term "PG inhibitors," as used herein, include but are not limited to, inhibitors of PG synthesis and inhibitors of PG activity. The term "inhibitors of PG synthesis," as used herein, refers to agents that inhibit the production of prostaglandin, such as agents that inhibit the expression or activity of phospholipase A2, the prostaglandin synthases and the tissue specific isomerases and synthase enzymes such as: Thromboxane synthase, PGF synthase, cytosolic PG synthase (cPGES), prostaglandin I synthase ( PGIS) and the microsomal PGES enzymes (mPGES). Examples of PG synthesis inhibitors include flunixin meglumine. As used herein, the term "inhibitors of PG synthesis" or "PG synthesis inhibitors" does not include the analgesics defined below.
[0016] The term "inhibitors of PG activity," as used herein, refers to agents that antagonize the action of prostaglandin itself by any means. Agents that interfere solely with the synthesis of prostaglandins, such as by interfering with the action of prostaglandin synthases, but which do not interfere with the action of prostaglandins are not included within the definition of inhibitors of PG activity as used in this specification.
[0017] The term "PGT inhibitors," as used herein, refers to agents that inhibits the expression or the activity of PG transporters, such as ATP dependent multi-drug resistance (MDR) transporter-4, or other MDR channels such as ABCC1, ABCC2, ABCC3, ABCC6, ABCG2 and ABCBl 1. Examples of PGT inhibitors that inhibit PGT activity include, but are not limited to, compounds that inhibit MDR membrane pumps, such as triazine compounds, verapamil, and calcium channel blockers; channels include quinidines, ketoconazole, itraconazole, azithromycin, valspodar, cyclosporine, elacridar, fumitremorgin-C, gefitinib and erythromycin. Examples of PGT inhibitors that inhibit PGT expression include, but are not limited to, agents which control the transcription of the MDR genes by targeting the promoter region and/or transcription factors which bind to the promoter or other gene control regions. The term "PGR inhibitors," as used herein, refers to agents that inhibits the activity or expression of PGRs. In some embodiments, the PGRs comprise E prostanoid receptor (EP)1, EP2, EP3, and EP4 subtypes of the PGE receptor; PGD receptor (DPI); PGF receptor (FP); PGI receptor (IP); and thromboxane receptor (TP). Two additional isoforms of the human TP (TPa and ΤΡβ) and FP (FPA and FPB) and eight EP3 variants are generated through alternative splicing, which differ only in their C-terminal tails. In some embodiments, the PGRs further comprise a G protein-coupled receptor termed chemo-attractant receptor- homologous molecule (CRHME). In other embodiments, the PGRs include all of the receptors that activate rhodopsin-like 7-transmembrane-spanning G protein-coupled receptors.
[0018] Examples of PGR activity inhibitors include, but are not limited to, anti-PGR antibodies and any agent that inhibits the G-protein coupled receptor signaling pathway PGR expression inhibitors include agents that inhibit PGR expression at the transcriptional level, translational level or post transcriptional level. Examples of PGR expression inhibitors include, but are not limited to, anti-PGR siRNA and mi RNAs.
[0019] As used herein, the term "an effective amount" means an amount necessary to achieve a selected result.
[0020] As used herein, the term "analgesic" refers to agents, compounds or drugs used to relieve pain and inclusive of anti-inflammatory compounds. Exemplary analgesic and/or anti-inflammatory agents, compounds or drugs include, but are not limited to, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), salicylates, aspirin, salicylic acid, methyl salicylate, diflunisal, salsalate, olsalazine, sulfasalazine, para-aminophenol derivatives, acetanilide, acetaminophen, phenacetin, fenamates, mefenamic acid, meclofenamate, sodium meclofenamate, heteroaryl acetic acid derivatives, tolmetin, ketorolac, diclofenac, propionic acid derivatives, ibuprofen, naproxen sodium, naproxen, fenoprofen, ketoprofen,
flurbiprofen, oxaprozin; enolic acids, oxicam derivatives, piroxicam, meloxicam, tenoxicam, ampiroxicam, droxicam, pivoxicam, pyrazolon derivatives, phenylbutazone,
oxyphenbutazone, antipyrine, aminopyrine, dipyrone, coxibs, celecoxib, rofecoxib, nabumetone, apazone, indomethacin, sulindac, etodolac, isobutylphenyl propionic acid, lumiracoxib, etoricoxib, parecoxib, valdecoxib, tiracoxib, etodolac, darbufelone,
dexketoprofen, aceclofenac, licofelone, bromfenac, loxoprofen, pranoprofen, piroxicam, nimesulide, cizolirine, 3 -formylamino-7-methylsulfonylamino-6-phenoxy-4H- 1 -benzopyran- 4-one, meloxicam, lomoxicam, d-indobufen, mofezolac, amtolmetin, pranoprofen, tolfenamic acid, flurbiprofen, suprofen, oxaprozin, zaltoprofen, alminoprofen, tiaprofenic acid, pharmacological salts thereof, hydrates thereof, and solvates thereof.
[0021] As used herein, the term "coxib" refers to a compound or composition of compounds that is capable of inhibiting the activity or expression of COX1 and COX2 enzymes.
[0022] As used herein, the term "derivative" refers to a chemically modified compound wherein the modification is considered routine by the ordinary skilled chemist, such as an ester or an amide of an acid, or protecting groups such as a benzyl group for an alcohol or thiol, or a tert-butoxycarbonyl group for an amine.
[0023] As used herein, the term "analogue" refers to a compound which comprises a chemically modified form of a specific compound or class thereof and which maintains the pharmaceutical and/or pharmacological activities characteristic of said compound or class.
[0024] As used herein, the term "pharmaceutically acceptable salts" refer to derivatives of the disclosed compounds wherein the parent compound is modified by making acid or base salts thereof. Examples of pharmaceutically acceptable salts include, but are not limited to, mineral or organic acid salts of basic residues such as amines, alkali or organic salts of acidic residues such as carboxylic acids, and the like. The pharmaceutically acceptable salts include the conventional non-toxic salts or the quaternary ammonium salts of the parent compound formed, for example, from non-toxic inorganic or organic acids. For example, such conventional non-toxic salts include those derived from inorganic acids such as hydrochloric acid, hydrobromic acid, sulfuric acid, sulfamic acid, phosphoric acid, nitric acid, and the like and the salts prepared from organic acids such as acetic acid, propionic acid, succinic acid, glycolic acid, stearic acid, lactic acid, malic acid, tartaric acid, citric acid, ascorbic acid, pamoic acid, maleic acid, hydroxymaleic acid, phenylacetic acid, glutamic acid, benzoic acid, salicylic acid, sulfanilic acid, 2-acetoxybenzoic acid, fumaric acid, toluensulfonic acid, methanesulfonic acid, ethane dislfonic acid, oxalic acid, isethionic acid, and the like.
[0025] As used herein, the phrase "pharmaceutically acceptable" is used with reference to compounds, materials, compositions and/or dosage forms which are, within the scope of sound medical judgment, suitable for use in contact with the tissues of human beings and animals without excessive toxicity, irritation, allergic response, or other problems or complications commensurate with a reasonable benefit/risk ratio. [0026] The term "immediate-release" is used herein with reference to a drug formulation that does not contain a dissolution rate controlling material. There is
substantially no delay in the release of the active agents following administration of an immediate-release formulation. An immediate-release coating may include suitable materials immediately dissolving following administration so as to release the drug contents therein. In some embodiments, the term "immediate-release" is used with reference to a drug formulation that release the active ingredient in less than 10 min, 20 min, 30 min, 40 min 50 min, 60 min, 90 min or 120 min after administration into a patient.
[0027] As used herein, the term "extended-release," also known as sustained-release (SR), sustained-action (SA), time-release (TR), controlled-release (CR), modified release (MR), or continuous-release (CR), refers to a mechanism used in medicine tablets or capsules to dissolve slowly and release the active ingredient over time. The advantages of extended- release tablets or capsules are that they can often be taken less frequently than immediate- release formulations of the same drug and that they keep steadier levels of the drug in the bloodstream, thus extending the duration of the drug action and lowering the peak amount of drug in the bloodstream. In some embodiments, the term "extended-release" refers to a release profile that the active ingredient in a tablet or capsule is released over a period of 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22 or 24 hour, either continuously or in pulses after administration into a patient.
[0028] As used herein, the term "delayed-release" refers to a drug release profile that the release of the active ingredient(s) of a pharmaceutical composition is delayed or postponed for a given period of time (e.g. , 1 , 2, 3, 4 or 5 hours, or after stomach ) after administration of the pharmaceutical composition.
[0029] As used herein, the term "delayed-extended-release" refers to a drug release profile that the release of the active ingredient(s) of a pharmaceutical composition is delayed or postponed for a given period of time (e.g., the lag period of 1 , 2, 3, 4 or 5 hours, or after stomach) after administration of the pharmaceutical composition. Once the release starts, the active ingredient(s) is released slowly over time (e.g., over a period of 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22 or 24 hour), either continuously or in pulses.
Method for reducing frequency of urination
[0030] One aspect of the present application relates to a method for reducing frequency of urination by administering to a subject having a condition that results in an undesired frequency of urination an effective amount of a pharmaceutical composition. The pharmaceutical composition comprises one or more PG pathway inhibitors and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. Conditions that result in an undesired frequency of urination include, but are not limited to, nocturia, overactive bladder, urinary incontinence and bed wetting.
[0031] In some embodiments, the PG inhibitor is an inhibitor of PG synthetase. In other embodiments, the PG inhibitor is an inhibitor of PG activity. Examples of inhibitors of PG activity include, but are not limited to agents which block the binding of PG to any of its receptors: EP1, EP2, EP3, EP4. DPI, DP2, FP2, IP and TP. Examples of these types of inhibitors include, but are not limited to, the IP receptor inhibitor developed by Roche: RO3244019, ONO-85-39 which is an EP1 receptor antagonist, the dual EP1 and EP2 receptor antagonist AH 6809, and the EP4 antagonist. RQ-15986. In certain embodiments, the one or more PG pathway inhibitors comprise a PGT inhibitor. In some embodiments, the PGT inhibitor is a PGT activity inhibitor. Examples of PGT activity inhibitor include, but are not limited to, anti-PGT antibodies, and any known compound which can inhibit the ATP- dependent Multi drug resistance transporter-4 or related MDR pumps that are shown to transport PGs. In other embodiments, the PGT inhibitor is a PGT expression inhibitor.
Examples of PGT expression inhibitor include, but are not limited to, anti-PGT siRNA, anti sense RNAs that target PGT mRNA, and agents which control the transcription of the gene by influencing DNA methylation and or chromatin modification.
[0032] In some embodiments, the one or more PG pathway inhibitors comprise an inhibitor that targets both the COX active site and the POX active site which are contained in both COX1 and COX2. In other embodiments, the one or more PG pathway inhibitors comprise an inhibitor that inhibits the PGE2 pathway.
[0033] In certain embodiments, the one or more PG pathway inhibitors comprise a PGR inhibitor. PGRs are G-protein-coupled receptors containing seven transmembrane domains. Examples of PGR include, EP1, EP2, EP3, EP4, DPI, DP2, FP, IP1, IP2 , CRTH2 and TP receptors. In some embodiments, the one or more PG pathway inhibitors comprise an inhibitor that inhibits any of the PG receptors listed above. In some embodiments, the PGR inhibitor is a PGR activity inhibitor. Examples of PGR activity inhibitor include, but are not limited to, anti-PGR antibodies. In some embodiments, the PGR inhibitor is an inhibitor of PGE2 receptor activity, such as EP1 activity inhibitor, EP2 activity inhibitor, EP3 activity inhibitor or EP4 activity inhibitor.
[0034] In other embodiments, the PGR inhibitor is a PGR expression inhibitor. Examples of PGR expression inhibitor include, but are not limited to, anti-PGR siRNA, antisense RNAs that target PGR mRNA, or agents which control the transcription of the gene by influencing DNA methylation and or chromatin modification. In some embodiments, the PGR expression inhibitor is an inhibitor of PGE2 receptor expression, such as EPl expression inhibitor, EP2 expression inhibitor, EP3 expression inhibitor or EP4 expression inhibitorln some embodiments, the one or more PG pathway inhibitors comprise a small molecule inhibitor. As used herein, the term "small molecule inhibitor" refers to inhibitors having a molecular weight of 1000 dalton or less.
[0035] In some embodiments, the PG pathway inhibitor comprises a short interfering RNA. (siRNA). An siRNA is a double-stranded RNA that can be engineered to induce sequence-specific post-transcriptional gene silencing of mRNAs corresponding to a component of the PG pathway. siRNAs exploit the mechanism of RNA interference (RNAi) for the purpose of "silencing" gene expression of e.g., targeted PGE2 receptor genes. This "silencing" was originally observed in the context of transfecting double stranded RNA (dsRNA) into cells. Upon entry therein, the dsRNA was found to be cleaved by an RNase Ill-like enzyme, Dicer, into double stranded small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) 21-23 nucleotides in length containing 2 nucleotide overhangs on their 3' ends. In an ATP dependent step, the siRNAs become integrated into a multi-subunit RNAi induced silencing complex (RISC) which presents a signal for AG02-mediated cleavage of the complementary mRNA sequence, which then leads to its subsequent degradation by cellular exonucleases.
[0036] In some embodiments, the PG pathway inhibitor comprises a synthetic siRNA or other class of small RNA targeting a PG synthase RNA, a PGT RNA or a PGR RNA in the target cell/tissue. Synthetically produced siRNAs structurally mimic the types of siRNAs normally processed in cells by the enzyme Dicer. Synthetically produced siRNAs may incorporate any chemical modifications to the RNA structure that are known to enhance siRNA stability and functionality. For example, in some cases, the siRNAs may be synthesized as a locked nucleic acid (LNA)-modified siRNA. An LNA is a nucleotide analogue that contains a methylene bridge connecting the 2 '-oxygen of the ribose with the 4'carbon. The bicyclic structure locks the furanose ring of the LNA molecule in a 3'-endo conformation, thereby structurally mimicking the standard RNA monomers.
[0037] In other embodiments, the PG pathway inhibitor comprises an expression vector engineered to transcribe a short double-stranded hairpin-like RNA (shRNA) that is processed into a targeted siRNA inside the cell. The shRNAs can be cloned in suitable expression vectors using kits, such as Ambion's SILENCER® siRNA Construction Kit, Imgenex's GENESUPPRESSOR™ Construction Kits and Invitrogen's BLOCK-IT™ inducible RNAi plasmid and lentivirus vectors. Synthetic siRNAs and shRNAs may be designed using well known algorithms and synthesized using a conventional DNA/RNA synthesizer.
[0038] In some embodiments, the secondary active agent comprises an antisense oligonucleotide or polynucleotide capable of inhibiting the expression of a component of the PG pathway. The antisense oligonucleotide or polynucleotide may comprise a DNA backbone, RNA backbone or chemical derivative thereof. In one embodiment, the antisense oligonucleotide or polynucleotide comprises a single stranded antisense oligonucleotide or polynucleotide targeting for degradation. In certain embodiments, the anti-inflammatory agent comprises a single stranded antisense oligonucleotide complementary to the mRNA sequence of a component of the PG pathway. The single stranded antisense oligonucleotide or polynucleotide may be synthetically produced or it may be expressed from a suitable expression vector. The antisense nucleic acid is designed to bind via complementary binding to the mRNA sense strand so as to promote RNase H activity, which leads to degradation of the mRNA. Preferably, the antisense oligonucleotide is chemically or structurally modified to promote nuclease stability and/or increased binding.
[0039] In some embodiments, the antisense oligonucleotides are modified to produce oligonucleotides with nonconventional chemical or backbone additions or substitutions, including, but not limited to, peptide nucleic acids (PNAs), locked nucleic acids (LNAs), morpholino backboned nucleic acids, methylphosphonates, duplex stabilizing stilbene or pyrenyl caps, phosphorothioates, phosphoroamidates, phosphotriesters and the like. By way of example, the modified oligonucleotides may incorporate or substitute one or more of the naturally occurring nucleotides with an analog; internucleotide modifications incorporating, for example, uncharged linkages (e.g., methyl phosphonates, phosphotriesters,
phosphoamidates, carbamates, etc.) or charged linkages (e.g. , phosphorothioates, phosphorodithioates, etc.); modifications incorporating intercalators (e.g. , acridine, psoralen, etc.), chelators (e.g. , metals, radioactive metals, boron, oxidative metals, etc.) or alkylators and/or modified linkages (e.g. , alpha anomeric nucleic acids, etc.).
[0040] In some embodiments, the single stranded oligonucleotides are internally modified to include at least one neutral charge in its backbone. For example, the
oligonucleotide may include a methylphosphonate backbone or peptide nucleic acid (PNA) complementary to the target-specific sequence. These modifications have been found to prevent or reduce helicase-mediated unwinding. The use of uncharged probes may further increase the rate of hybridization to polynucleotide targets in a sample by alleviating the repulsion of negatively-charges nucleic acid strands in classical hybridization.
[0041] PNA oligonucleotides are uncharged nucleic acid analogs for which the phosphodiester backbone has been replaced by a polyamide, which makes PNAs a polymer of 2-aminoethyl-glycine units bound together by an amide linkage. PNAs are synthesized using the same Boc or Fmoc chemistry as are use in standard peptide synthesis. Bases (adenine, guanine, cytosine and thymine) are linked to the backbone by a methylene carboxyl linkage. Thus, PNAs are acyclic, achiral and neutral. Other properties of PNAs are increased specificity and melting temperature as compared to nucleic acids, capacity to form triple helices, stability at acid pH, non-recognition by cellular enzymes like nucleases, polymerases, etc.
[0042] Methylphosphonate-containing oligonucleotides are neutral DNA analogs containing a methyl group in place of one of the non-bonding phosphoryl oxygens.
Oligonucleotides with methylphosphonate linkages were among the first reported to inhibit protein synthesis via anti-sense blockade of translation.
[0043] In some embodiments, the phosphate backbone in the oligonucleotides may contain phosphorothioate linkages or phosphoroamidates. Combinations of such
oligonucleotide linkages are also within the scope of the present invention.
[0044] In other embodiments, the oligonucleotide may contain a backbone of modified sugars joined by phosphodiester internucleotide linkages. The modified sugars may include furanose analogs, including but not limited to 2-deoxyribofuranosides, a-D- arabinofuranosides, a-2'-deoxyribofuranosides and 2',3'-dideoxy-3'-aminoribofuranosides. In alternative embodiments, the 2-deoxy-P-D-ribofuranose groups may be replaced with other sugars, for example, β-D-ribofuranose. In addition, β-D-ribofuranose may be present wherein the 2-OH of the ribose moiety is alkylated with a CI -6 alkyl group (2-(0— CI -6 alkyl) ribose) or with a C2-6 alkenyl group (2-(0~C2-6 alkenyl) ribose) or is replaced by a fluoro group (2-fluororibose).
[0045] Related oligomer-forming sugars include those used in locked nucleic acids (LNA) as described above. Exemplary LNA oligonucleotides include modified bicyclic monomeric units with a 2'-0-4'-C methylene bridge, such as those described in U.S. Patent No. 6,268,490.
[0046] Chemically modified oligonucleotides may also include, singly or in any combination, 2'-position sugar modifications, 5-position pyrimidine modifications {e.g., 5-(N- benzylcarboxyamide)-2'-deoxyuridine, 5-(N-isobutylcarboxyamide)-2'-deoxyuridine, 5-(N- [2-(lH-indole-3yl)ethyl]carboxyamide)-2'-deoxyuridine, 5-(N-[l-(3-trimethylammonium) propyl]carboxyamide)-2'-deoxyuridine chloride, 5-(N-napthylcarboxyamide)-2'- deoxyuridine, 5-(N-[l -(2,3-dihydroxypropyl)]carboxyamide)-2'-deoxyuridine), 8-position purine modifications, modifications at exocyclic amines, substitution of 4-thiouridine, substitution of 5-bromo- or 5-iodo-uracil, methylations, unusual base-pairing combinations, such as the isobases isocytidine and isoguanidine and the like.
[0047] In some embodiments, the one or more PG pathway inhibitors comprise a ribozyme capable of inhibiting the expression of a component of the PG pathway.
Ribozymes are nucleic acid molecules that are capable of catalyzing a chemical reaction, either intramolecularly or intermolecularly. Ribozymes are thus catalytic nucleic acid. It is preferred that the ribozymes catalyze intermolecular reactions. There are a number of different types of ribozymes that catalyze nuclease or nucleic acid polymerase type reactions which are based on ribozymes found in natural systems, such as hammerhead ribozymes, hairpin ribozymes and tetrahymena ribozymes. There are also a number of ribozymes that are not found in natural systems, but which have been engineered to catalyze specific reactions de novo. Preferred ribozymes cleave RNA or DNA substrates and more preferably cleave RNA substrates, such as mRNAs of components of the PG pathway. Ribozymes typically cleave nucleic acid substrates through recognition and binding of the target substrate with subsequent cleavage. This recognition is often based mostly on canonical or non- canonical base pair interactions. This property makes ribozymes particularly good candidates for target specific cleavage of nucleic acids because recognition of the target substrate is based on the target substrates sequence.
[0048] In some embodiments, the one or more PG pathway inhibitors comprise triplex forming oligonucleotide capable of inhibiting the expression of a component of the PG pathway. Triplex forming oligonucleotides (TFOs) are molecules that can interact with either double-stranded and/or single-stranded nucleic acids, including both coding and non- coding regions in genomic DNA targets. When TFOs interact with a target region, a structure called a triplex is formed, in which there are three strands of DNA forming a complex dependant on both Watson-Crick and Hoogsteen base-pairing. TFOs can bind target regions with high affinity and specificity. In preferred embodiments, the triplex forming molecules bind the target molecule with a Kd less than 10-6, 10-8, 10-10 or 10-12.
Exemplary TFOs for use in the present invention include PNAs, LNAs and LNA modified PNAs, such as Zorro-LNAs.
[0049] In some embodiments, the one or more PG pathway inhibitors comprise an external guide sequences (EGS). External guide sequences (EGSs) are molecules that bind a target nucleic acid molecule forming a complex. This complex is recognized by RNase P, which cleaves the target molecule. EGSs can be designed to specifically target an mRNA molecule of choice. RNAse P aids in processing transfer RNA (tR A) within a cell.
Bacterial RNAse P can be recruited to cleave virtually any RNA sequence by using an EGS that causes the target RNA:EGS complex to mimic the natural tRNA substrate. Similarly, eukaryotic EGS RNAse P-directed cleavage of RNA can be utilized to cleave desired targets within eukaryotic cells.
[0050] In other embodiments, the one or more PG pathway inhibitors comprise a biomolecule. As used herein, the term "biomolecule" is any molecule that is produced by a living organism, including large macromolecules such as proteins, polysaccharides, lipids, and nucleic acids, as well as small molecules such as primary metabolites, secondary metabolites, and natural products.
[0051] In other embodiments, the one or more PG pathway inhibitors comprise target neutralization agents. As used herein, the term "target neutralization agent" refers to antibodies, fragments of antibodies, or any other non-antibody peptide or synthetic binding molecule, such as an aptamer or synbody, which is capable of specifically binding directly or indirectly to a component of the PG pathway so as to interfere with the ultimate actions of prostaglandin on the target tissue.
[0052] The target neutralization agents may be produced by any conventional method for generating high-affinity binding ligands, including SELEX, phage display and other methodologies, including combinatorial chemistry- and/or high throughput methods known to those of skill in the art.
[0053] An aptamer is a nucleic acid version of an antibody that comprises a class of oligonucleotides that can form specific three dimensional structures exhibiting high affinity binding to a wide variety of cell surface molecules, proteins and/or macromolecular structures. Aptamers are commonly identified by an in vitro method of selection sometimes referred to as Systematic Evolution of Ligands by Exponential enrichment or "SELEX". SELEX typically begins with a very large pool of randomized polynucleotides which is generally narrowed to one aptamer ligand per molecular target. Typically, aptamers are small nucleic acids ranging from 15-50 bases in length that fold into defined secondary and tertiary structures, such as stem-loops or G-quartets.
[0054] An aptamer can be chemically linked or conjugated to the above described nucleic acid inhibitors to form targeted nucleic acid inhibitors, such as aptamer-siRNA chimeras. An aptamer-siRNA chimera contains a targeting moiety in the form of an aptamer which is linked to an siRNA. When using an aptamer-siRNA chimera, it is preferable to use a cell internalizing aptamer. Upon binding to specific cell surface molecules, the aptamer can facilitate internalization into the cell where the nucleic acid inhibitor acts. In one
embodiment both the aptamer and the siRNA comprises RNA. The aptamer and the siRNA may comprise any nucleotide modifications as further described herein. Preferably, the aptamer comprises a targeting moiety specifically directed to binding cells expressing the chemokine-, cytokine- and/or receptor target genes, such as lymphoid, epithelial cell and/or endothelial cells.
[0055] Synbodies are synthetic antibodies produced from libraries comprised of strings of random peptides screened for binding to target proteins of interest.
[0056] Target neutralization agents, including aptamers and synbodies, can be engineered to bind target molecules very tightly with Kds between 10"10 to 10"12 M. In some embodiments, the target neutralization agent binds the target molecule with a Kd less than 10" 6, less than 10"8, less than 10"9, less than 10"10 or less than 10"12 M.
[0057] In certain embodiments, the one or more PG pathway inhibitors comprises a polynucleotide that encodes and is adapted to express a PGT inhibitor and/or a PGR inhibitor. In other embodiments, the one or more PG pathway inhibitors comprise an expression vector that encodes and is adapted to express a PGT inhibitor and/or a PGR inhibitor.
[0058] In some embodiments, the PG pathway inhibitor is an engineered protein containing a TALE sequence or and engineered Zinc Finger directed at the gene encoding any component of the PG pathway. This TALE or zinc finger could be designed to bind directly to the gene and inhibit its expression by cleaving the gene, altering its nucleotide sequence, or tethering a repressor protein to the gene which serves to silence the gene .
[0059] In some embodiments, the PG pathway inhibitor is produced using the
CRISPR/CAS system. In this strategy a guide molecule specific for the gene sequence of each pg pathway gene is designed and introduced into the cell or tissue using delivery systems described above (viruses, plasmids etc). The action of the CRISPR/CAS system would modify the DNA sequence of the gene such that the PG pathway gene is deleted or inhibited in ability to express the RNA.
[0060] In some embodiments, the PG pathway inhibitor is capable of turn off the transcription of one or more PG pathway genes by targeting the chromatin associated enzymes which post translationally modify histones in chromatin. Examples of such enzymes are (but not limited to) histone deacetylases, histone demethylases, histone acetyltransferases, histone methyltransferases, and helicases.
[0061] In some embodiments, the PG pathway inhibitor targets the gene encoding each component by altering the DNA methylation status of the gene. Compounds which target the TET family of DNA demethylases and the DNA methyltransferases (DNMT1, DNMTa and DNMTb) could change the expression of RNA from the any of the genes in the PG pathway.
[0062] The expression vector of the present application comprise a polynucleotide encoding a PG pathway inhibitor or a portion thereof. The expression vectors also include one or more regulatory sequences operably linked to the polynucleotide being expressed. These regulatory sequences are selected based on the type of host cells. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the design of the expression vector depends on such factors as the choice of the host cells and the desired expression levels.
[0063] In some embodiments, the expression vector is a plasmid vector. In other embodiments, the expression vector is a viral vector. Examples of viral vectors include, but are not limited to, retrovirus, lentivirus, adenovirus, adeno-associated virus (AAV), herpes virus, or alphavirus vectors. The viral vectors can also be astrovirus, coronavirus, orthomyxovirus, papovavirus, paramyxovirus, parvovirus, picornavirus, poxvirus, or togavirus vectors. When used in mammalian cells, the expression vector's control functions are often provided by viral regulatory elements. For example, commonly used promoters are derived from polyoma, adenovirus 2, cytomegalovirus and Simian Virus 40. In some embodiments, the expression vector contains tissue-specific regulatory elements. Delivery of the expression vector include, but are not limited to, direct infection with viral vectors, exposing target tissue to polycationic condensed DNA linked or unlinked to killed virus, ligand linked DNA, gene guns, ionizing radiation, nucleic charge neutralization, or fusion with cell membranes. Naked plasmid or viral DNA can also be employed. Uptake efficiency may be improved using biodegradable latex beads. This method can be further improved by treating the beads to increase their hydrophobicity. Liposome-based methods can also be used to introduce plasmid or viral vector into the target tissue.
[0064] In some embodiments, the pharmaceutical composition further comprises one or more active ingredients selected from the group consisting of analgesic agents, antimuscarinic agents, antidiuretics, spasmolytics, inhibitors of phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE 5 inhibitors) and zolpedim.
[0065] Examples of antimuscarinic agents include, but are not limited to, oxybutynin, solifenacin, darifenacin, fesoterodine, tolterodine, trospium, atropine, and tricyclic antidepressants. Examples of antidiuretics include, but are not limited to, antidiuretic hormone (ADH), angiotensin II, aldosterone, vasopressin, vasopressin analogs (e.g., desmopressin argipressin, lypressin, felypressin, ornipressin, terlipressin), vasopressin receptor agonists, atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) and C-type natriuretic peptide (CNP) receptor (i.e. , NPR1, NPR2, and NPR3) antagonists (e.g., HS-142-1, isatin, [Asu7,23']b- ANP-(7-28)], anantin, a cyclic peptide from Streptomyces coerulescens, and 3G12 monoclonal antibody), somatostatin type 2 receptor antagonists (e.g., somatostatin), pharmaceutically-acceptable derivatives, and analogs, salts, hydrates, and solvates thereof. Examples of spasmolytics include, but are not limited to, carisoprodol, benzodiazepines, baclofen, cyclobenzaprine, metaxalone, methocarbamol, clonidine, clonidine analog, and dantrolene. Examples of PDE 5 inhibitors include, but are not limited to, tadalafil, sildenafil and vardenafil.
[0066] The pharmaceutical composition may be formulated for immediate-release, extended-release, delayed-release, or combinations thereof.
[0067] In some embodiments, the pharmaceutical composition is formulated for immediate-release .
[0068] In other embodiments, the pharmaceutical composition is formulated for extended-release by embedding the active ingredient in a matrix of insoluble substance(s) such as acrylics or chitin. The extended-release form is designed to release the active ingredient at a predetermined rate by maintaining a constant drug level for a specific period of time. This can be achieved through a variety of formulations, including, but not limited to, liposomes and drug-polymer conjugates, such as hydrogels.
[0069] An extended-release formulation can be designed to release the active ingredient at a predetermined rate so as to maintain a constant drug level for a specified, extended period of time, such as up to about 24 hours, about 22 hours, about 20 hours, about 18 hours, about 16 hours, about 14 hours, about 12 hours, about 10 hours, about 9 hours, about 8 hours, about 7 hours, about 6 hours, about 5 hours, about 4 hours, about 3 hours or about 2 hours following administration or following a lag period associated with delayed- release of the active ingredient. The constant active ingredient level may be maintained by a continuous release of the active ingredient or pulsed-release of the active ingredient.
[0070] In certain embodiments, the active ingredient in an extended-release formulation is released over a time interval of between about 2 to about 12 hours.
Alternatively, the active ingredient may be released over about 3, about 4, about 5, about 6, about 7, about 8, about 9, about 10 hours, about 1 1 hours, or about 12 hours. In yet other embodiments, the active ingredient in an extended-release formulation is released over a time period between about 5 to about 8 hours following administration.
[0071] In some embodiments, the extended-release formulation comprises an active core comprised of one or more inert particles, each in the form of a bead, pellet, pill, granular particle, microcapsule, microsphere, microgranule, nanocapsule, or nanosphere coated on its surfaces with drugs in the form of a drug-containing coating or film-forming composition using, for example, fluid bed techniques or other methodologies known to those of skill in the art. The inert particle can be of various sizes, so long as it is large enough to remain poorly dissolved. Alternatively, the active core may be prepared by granulating and milling and/or by extrusion and spheronization of a polymer composition containing the drug substance. As used herein, the term "drug" refers to the active ingredient of a pharmaceutical composition.
[0072] The active ingredient may be introduced to the inert carrier by techniques known to one skilled in the art, such as drug layering, powder coating,
extrusion/spheronization, roller compaction or granulation. The amount of active ingredient in the core will depend on the dose that is required and typically varies from about 1 to 100 weight %, about 5 to 100 weight %, about 10 to 100 weight %, about 20 to 100 weight %, about 30 to 100 weight %, about 40 to 100 weight %, about 50 to 100 weight %, about 60 to 100 weight %„ about 70 to 100 weight %, or about 80 to 100 weight %.
[0073] Generally, the polymeric coating on the active core will be from about 1 to 50% based on the weight of the coated particle, depending on the lag time required and/or the polymers and coating solvents chosen. Those skilled in the art will be able to select an appropriate amount of drug for coating onto or incorporating into the core to achieve the desired dosage. In one embodiment, the inactive core may be a sugar sphere or a buffer crystal or an encapsulated buffer crystal such as calcium carbonate, sodium bicarbonate, fumaric acid, tartaric acid, etc. which alters the microenvironment of the drug to facilitate its release.
[0074] Extended-release formulations may utilize a variety of extended-release coatings or mechanisms facilitating the gradual release of active agents over time. In some embodiments, the extended-release agent comprises a polymer controlling release by dissolution controlled release. In a particular embodiment, the active agent(s) is incorporated in a matrix comprising an insoluble polymer and drug particles or granules coated with polymeric materials of varying thickness. The polymeric material may comprise a lipid barrier comprising a waxy material, such as carnauba wax, beeswax, spermaceti wax, candellila wax, shallac wax, cocoa butter, cetostearyl alcohol, partially hydrogenated vegetable oils, ceresin, paraffin wax, ceresine, myristyl alcohol, stearyl alcohol, cetyl alcohol, and stearic acid, along with surfactants, such as polyoxyethylene sorbitan monooleate. When contacted with an aqueous medium, such as biological fluids, the polymer coating emulsifies or erodes after a predetermined lag-time depending on the thickness of the polymer coating. The lag time is independent of gastrointestinal motility, pH, or gastric residence.
[0075] In other embodiments, the extended-release agent comprises a polymeric matrix effecting diffusion controlled release. The matrix may comprise one or more hydrophilic and/or water- swellable, matrix forming polymers, pH-dependent polymers and/or pH-independent polymers.
[0076] In one embodiment, the extended-release formulation comprises a water soluble or water-swellable matrix-forming polymer, optionally containing one or more solubility-enhancing agents and/or release-promoting agents. Upon solubilization of the water soluble polymer, the active agent(s) dissolves (if soluble) and gradually diffuses through the hydrated portion of the matrix. The gel layer grows with time as more water permeates into the core of the matrix, increasing the thickness of the gel layer and providing a diffusion barrier to drug release. As the outer layer becomes fully hydrated, the polymer chains become completely relaxed and can no longer maintain the integrity of the gel layer, leading to disentanglement and erosion of the outer hydrated polymer on the surface of the matrix. Water continues to penetrate towards the core through the gel layer, until it has been completely eroded. Whereas soluble drugs are released by this combination of diffusion and erosion mechanisms, erosion is the predominant mechanism for insoluble drugs, regardless of dose.
[0077] Similarly, water-swellable polymers typically hydrate and swell in biological fluids forming a homogenous matrix structure that maintains its shape during drug release and serves as a carrier for the drug, solubility enhancers and/or release promoters. The initial matrix polymer hydration phase results in slow-release of the drug (lag phase). Once the water swellable polymer is fully hydrated and swollen, water within the matrix can similarly dissolve the drug substance and allow for its diffusion out through the matrix coating.
[0078] Additionally, the porosity of the matrix can be increased due to the leaching out of pH-dependent release promoters so as to release the drug at a faster rate. The rate of the drug release then becomes constant and is a function of drug diffusion through the hydrated polymer gel. The release rate from the matrix is dependent upon various factors, including polymer type and level, drug solubility and dose, polymer to drug ratio, filler type and level, polymer to filler ratio, particle size of drug and polymer, and porosity and shape of the matrix.
[0079] Exemplary hydrophilic and/or water-swellable, matrix forming polymers include, but are not limited to, cellulosic polymers including hydroxyalkyl celluloses and carboxyalkyl celluloses such as hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (HPMC),
hydroxypropylcellulose (HPC), hydroxyethylcellulose (HEC), methylcellulose (MC), carboxymethylcellulose (CMC); powdered cellulose such as microcrystalline cellulose, cellulose acetate, ethylcellulose, salts thereof, and combinations thereof; alginates; gums including heteropolysaccharide gums and homopolysaccharide gums such as xanthan, tragacanth, pectin, acacia, karaya, alginates, agar, guar, hydroxypropyl guar, veegum, carrageenan, locust bean gum, gellan gum, and derivatives therefrom; acrylic resins including polymers and copolymers of acrylic acid, methacrylic acid, methyl acrylate, and methyl methacrylate; and cross-linked polyacrylic acid derivatives such as Carbomers (e.g.,
CARBOPOL®, including CARBOPOL® 71 G NF, which is available in various molecular weight grades from Noveon, Inc., Cincinnati, OH), carageenan; polyvinyl acetate (e.g., KOLLIDON® SR); and polyvinyl pyrrolidone and its derivatives such as crospovidone, polyethylene oxides, and polyvinyl alcohol. Preferred hydrophilic and water-swellable polymers include the cellulosic polymers, especially HPMC.
[0080] The extended-release formulation may further comprise at least one binder that is capable of cross-linking the hydrophilic compound to form a hydrophilic polymer matrix ( . e. , a gel matrix) in an aqueous medium, including biological fluids.
[0081] Exemplary binders include homopolysaccharides such as galactomannan gums, guar gum, hydroxypropyl guar gum, hydroxypropylcellulose (HPC; e.g., Klucel EXF), and locust bean gum. In other embodiments, the binder is an alginic acid derivative, HPC or microcrystallized cellulose (MCC). Other binders include, but are not limited to, starches, microcrystalline cellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, hydroxyethyl cellulose,
hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose, and polyvinylpyrrolidone.
[0082] In one embodiment, the introduction method is drug layering by spraying a suspension of active agent(s) and a binder onto the inert carrier.
[0083] The binder may be present in the bead formulation in an amount of about 0.1% to about 15% by weight and preferably of from about 0.2% to about 10% by weight.
[0084] In some embodiments, the hydrophilic polymer matrix may further include an ionic polymer, a non-ionic polymer, or water-insoluble hydrophobic polymer to provide a stronger gel layer and/or reduce pore quantity and dimensions in the matrix so as to slow diffusion and erosion rates and concomitant release of the active agent(s). This may additionally suppress the initial burst effect and produce a more steady "zero order release" of active agent(s).
[0085] Exemplary ionic polymers for slowing dissolution rate include both anionic and cationic polymers. Exemplary anionic polymers include, for example, sodium
carboxymethylcellulose (Na CMC); sodium alginate, polymers of acrylic acid or carbomers (e.g., CARBOPOL® 934, 940, 974P NF); enteric polymers such as polyvinyl acetate phthalate (PVAP), methacrylic acid copolymers (e.g. , EUDRAGIT® Ll OO, L 30D 55, A, and FS 30D), and hypromellose acetate succinate (AQUAT HPMCAS); and xanthan gum.
Exemplary cationic polymers include, for example, dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate copolymer (e.g., EUDRAGIT® E 100). Incorporation of anionic polymers, particularly enteric polymers, is useful for developing a pH-independent release profile for weakly basic drugs as compared to hydrophilic polymer alone.
[0086] Exemplary non-ionic polymers for slowing dissolution rate, include, for example, hydroxypropylcellulose (HPC) and polyethylene oxide (PEO) (e.g., POLYOX™).
[0087] Exemplary hydrophobic polymers include ethylcellulose (e.g. , ETHOCEL™, SURELEASE®), cellulose acetate, methacrylic acid copolymers (e.g., EUDRAGIT® NE 30D), ammonio-methacrylate copolymers (e.g., EUDRAGIT® RL 100 or PO RS I 00), polyvinyl acetate, glyceryl monostearate, fatty acids such as acetyl tributyl citrate, and combinations and derivatives thereof.
[0088] The swellable polymer can be incorporated in the formulation in proportion from 1% to 50% by weight, preferably from 5% to 40% by weight, most preferably from 5% to 20% by weight. The swellable polymers and binders may be incorporated in the formulation either prior to or after granulation. The polymers can also be dispersed in organic solvents or hydro-alcohols and sprayed during granulation.
[0089] Exemplary release-promoting agents include pH-dependent enteric polymers that remain intact at a pH value lower than about 4.0 and dissolve at pH values higher than 4.0, preferably higher than 5.0, most preferably about 6.0, and are considered useful as release-promoting agents for this invention. Exemplary pH-dependent polymers include, but are not limited to, methacarylic acid copolymers; methacrylic acid-methyl methacrylate copolymers (e.g., EUDRAGIT® LlOO (Type A), EUDRAGIT® S lOO (Type B), Rohm GmbH, Germany), methacrylic acid-ethyl acrylate copolymers (e.g., EUDRAGIT® LI 00-55 (Type C) and EUDRAGIT® L30D-55 copolymer dispersion, Rohm GmbH, Germany); copolymers of methacrylic acid-methyl methacrylate and methyl methacrylate (EUDRAGIT® FS);
terpolymers of methacrylic acid, methacrylate, and ethyl acrylate, cellulose acetate phthalates (CAP); hydroxypropyl methylcellulose phthalate (HPMCP) (e.g., HP-55, HP-50, HP-55S, Shinetsu Chemical, Japan); polyvinyl acetate phthalates (PVAP) (e.g., COATERIC®, OPADRY® enteric white OY-P-7171); polyvinylbutyrate acetate, cellulose acetate succinates (CAS); hydroxypropyl methylcellulose acetate succinate (HPMCAS) (e.g., HPMCAS LF Grade, MF Grade, and HF Grade, including AQOAT® LF and AQOAT® MF, Shin-Etsu Chemical, Japan), shellac (e.g., MARCO AT™ 125 and MARCOAT™ 125N); vinyl acetate- maleic anhydride copolymer, styrene-maleic monoester copolymer, carboxymethyl ethylcellulose (CMEC, Freund Corporation, Japan); cellulose acetate phthalates (CAP) (e.g., AQUATERIC®), cellulose acetate trimellitates (CAT), and mixtures of two or more thereof at weight ratios between about 2: 1 to about 5: 1 , such as a mixture of EUDRAGIT® L 100-55 and EUDRAGIT® S 100 at a weight ratio of about 3: 1 to about 2: 1 , or a mixture of
EUDRAGIT® L 30 D-55 and EUDRAGIT® FS at a weight ratio of about 3 : 1 to about 5: 1.
[0090] These polymers may be used either alone or in combination, or together with polymers other than those mentioned above. Preferred enteric pH-dependent polymers are the pharmaceutically acceptable methacrylic acid copolymers. These copolymers are anionic polymers based on methacrylic acid and methyl methacrylate and, preferably, have a mean molecular weight of about 50,000 to 200,000, preferably about 135,000. A ratio of free carboxyl groups to methyl-esterified carboxyl groups in these copolymers may range, for example, from 1 : 1 to 1 :3, e.g. around 1 : 1 or 1 :2. The release promoters are not limited to pH dependent polymers. Other hydrophilic molecules that dissolve rapidly and leach out of the dosage form quickly leaving a porous structure can be also be used for the same purpose.
[0091] In some embodiments, the matrix may include a combination of release promoters and solubility enhancing agents. The solubility enhancing agents can be ionic and non-ionic surfactants, complexing agents, hydrophilic polymers, and pH modifiers such as acidifying agents and alkalinizing agents, as well as molecules that increase the solubility of poorly soluble drug through molecular entrapment. Several solubility enhancing agents can be utilized simultaneously.
[0092] Solubility enhancing agents may include surface active agents, such as sodium docusate; sodium lauryl sulfate; sodium stearyl fumarate; Tweens® and Spans (PEO modified sorbitan monoesters and fatty acid sorbitan esters); poly(ethylene oxide)-polypropylene oxide-poly(ethylene oxide) block copolymers (aka PLURONICS™); complexing agents such as low molecular weight polyvinyl pyrrolidone and low molecular weight hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose; molecules that aid solubility by molecular entrapment such as cyclodextrins and pH modifying agents, including acidifying agents such as citric acid, fumaric acid, tartaric acid, and hydrochloric acid, and alkalizing agents such as meglumine and sodium hydroxide.
[0093] Solubility enhancing agents typically constitute from 1 % to 80% by weight, from 1% to 60%) by weight, from 1%> to 50% by weight, from 1% to 40%> by weight and from 1%) to 30%) by weight, of the dosage form and can be incorporated in a variety of ways. They can be incorporated in the formulation prior to granulation in dry or wet form. They can also be added to the formulation after the rest of the materials are granulated or otherwise processed. During granulation, solubility enhancing agents can be sprayed as solutions with or without a binder.
[0094] In one embodiment, the extended-release formulation comprises a water- insoluble water-permeable polymeric coating or matrix comprising one or more water- insoluble water-permeable film-forming over the active core. The coating may additionally include one or more water soluble polymers and/or one or more plasticizers. The water- insoluble polymer coating comprises a barrier coating for release of active agents in the core, wherein lower molecular weight (viscosity) grades exhibit faster release rates as compared to higher viscosity grades.
[0095] In some embodiments, the water-insoluble film-forming polymers include one or more alkyl cellulose ethers, such as ethyl celluloses and mixtures thereof, (e.g., ethyl cellulose grades PR100, PR45, PR20, PR10, and PR7; ETHOCEL®, Dow).
[0096] In some embodiments, the water-insoluble polymer provides suitable properties (e.g., extended-release characteristics, mechanical properties, and coating properties) without the need for a plasticizer. For example, coatings comprising polyvinyl acetate (PVA), neutral copolymers of acrylate/methacrylate esters such as commercially available Eudragit NE30D from Evonik Industries, ethyl cellulose in combination with hydroxypropylcellulose, waxes, etc. can be applied without plasticizers.
[0097] In yet another embodiment, the water-insoluble polymer matrix may further include a plasticizer. The amount of plasticizer required depends upon the plasticizer, the properties of the water-insoluble polymer and the ultimate desired properties of the coating. Suitable levels of plasticizer range from about 1%> to about 20%>, from about 3%> to about 20%), about 3% to about 5%, about 7% to about 10%, about 12% to about 15%, about 17% to about 20%, or about 1%, about 2%, about 3%, about 4%, about 5%, about 6%, about 7%, about 8%, about 9%, about 10%, about 15%, or about 20% by weight relative to the total weight of the coating, inclusive of all ranges and sub-ranges therebetween.
[0098] Exemplary plasticizers include, but are not limited to, triacetin, acetylated monoglyceride, oils (castor oil, hydrogenated castor oil, grape seed oil, sesame oil, olive oil, and etc.), citrate esters, triethyl citrate, acetyltriethyl citrate acetyltributyl citrate, tributyl citrate, acetyl tri-n-butyl citrate, diethyl phthalate, dibutyl phthalate, dioctyl phthalate, methyl paraben, propyl paraben, propyl paraben, butyl paraben, diethyl sebacate, dibutyl sebacate, glyceroltributyrate, substituted triglycerides and glycerides, monoacetylated and diacetylated glycerides (e.g., MYVACET® 9-45), glyceryl monostearate, glycerol tributyrate, polysorbate 80, polyethyleneglycol (such as PEG-4000 and PEG-400), propyleneglycol, 1 ,2- propyleneglycol, glycerin, sorbitol, diethyl oxalate, diethyl malate, diethyl fumarate, diethylmalonate, dibutyl succinate, fatty acids, glycerin, sorbitol, diethyl oxalate, diethyl malate, diethyl maleate, diethyl fumarate, diethyl succinate, diethyl malonate, dioctyl phthalate, dibutyl sebacate, and mixtures thereof. The plasticizer can have surfactant properties, such that it can act as a release modifier. For example, non-ionic detergents such as Brij 58 (polyoxyethylene (20) cetyl ether), and the like, can be used.
[0099] Plasticizers can be high boiling point organic solvents used to impart flexibility to otherwise hard or brittle polymeric materials and can affect the release profile for the active agent(s). Plasticizers generally cause a reduction in the cohesive intermolecular forces along the polymer chains resulting in various changes in polymer properties. These changes include, but are not limited to, a reduction in tensile strength and increase in elongation and a reduction in the glass transition or softening temperature of the polymer. The amount and choice of the plasticizer can affect the hardness of a tablet, for example, and can even affect its dissolution or disintegration characteristics, as well as its physical and chemical stability. Certain plasticizers can increase the elasticity and/or pliability of a coat, thereby decreasing the coat's brittleness.
[0100] In another embodiment, the extended-release formulation comprises a combination of at least two gel-forming polymers, including at least one non-ionic gel- forming polymer and/or at least one anionic gel-forming polymer. The gel formed by the combination of gel-forming polymers provides controlled release, such that when the formulation is ingested and comes into contact with the gastrointestinal fluids, the polymers nearest the surface hydrate to form a viscous gel layer. Due to the high viscosity, the viscous layer dissolves away only gradually, exposing the material below to the same process. The mass thus dissolves away slowly, thereby slowly releasing the active ingredient into the gastrointestinal fluids. The combination of at least two gel-forming polymers enables properties of the resultant gel, such as viscosity, to be manipulated in order to provide the desired release profile. [0101] In a particular embodiment, the formulation comprises at least one non-ionic gel-forming polymer and at least one anionic gel-forming polymer. In another embodiment, the formulation comprises two different non-ionic gel-forming polymers. In yet another embodiment, the formulation comprises a combination of non-ionic gel-forming polymers with the same chemistry, but different solubilities, viscosities, and/or molecular weights (for example, a combination of hydroxyproplyl methylcellulose of different viscosity grades, such as HPMC K100 and HPMC K15M or HPMC K100M).
[0102] Exemplary anionic gel forming polymers include, but are not limited to, sodium carboxymethylcellulose (Na CMC), carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), anionic polysaccharides such as sodium alginate, alginic acid, pectin, polyglucuronic acid (poly-a- and " -l ,4-glucuronic acid), polygalacturonic acid (pectic acid), chondroitin sulfate, carrageenan, furcellaran, anionic gums such as xanthan gum, polymers of acrylic acid or carbomers (Carbopol® 934, 940, 974P NF), Carbopol® copolymers, a Pemulen® polymer, polycarbophil, and others.
[0103] Exemplary non-ionic gel-forming polymers include, but are not limited to, Povidone (PVP: polyvinyl pyrrolidone), polyvinyl alcohol, copolymer of PVP and polyvinyl acetate, HPC (hydroxypropyl cellulose), HPMC (hydroxypropyl methylcellulose), hydroxyethyl cellulose, hydroxymethyl cellulose, gelatin, polyethylene oxide, acacia, dextrin, starch, polyhydroxyethylmethacrylate (PHEMA), water soluble nonionic polymethacrylates and their copolymers, modified cellulose, modified polysaccharides, nonionic gums, nonionic polysaccharides, and/or mixtures thereof.
[0104] The formulation may optionally comprise an enteric polymer as described above and/or at least one excipient, such as a filler, a binder (as described above), a disintegrant and/or a flow aid or glidant.
[0105] Exemplary fillers include, but are not limited to, lactose, glucose, fructose, sucrose, dicalcium phosphate, sugar alcohols also known as "sugar polyol" such as sorbitol, manitol, lactitol, xylitol, isomalt, erythritol, and hydrogenated starch hydrolysates (a blend of several sugar alcohols), corn starch, potato starch, sodium carboxymethycellulose, ethylcellulose and cellulose acetate, enteric polymers, or a mixture thereof.
[0106] Exemplary binders include, but are not limited to, water-soluble hydrophilic polymers such as Povidone (PVP: polyvinyl pyrrolidone), copovidone (a copolymer of polyvinyl pyrrolidone and polyvinyl acetate), low molecular weight HPC (hydroxypropyl cellulose), low molecular weight HPMC (hydroxypropyl methylcellulose), low molecular weight carboxy methyl cellulose, ethylcellulose, gelatin, polyethylene oxide, acacia, dextrin, magnesium aluminum silicate, and starch and polymethacrylates such as Eudragit NE 30D, Eudragit RL, Eudragit RS, Eudragit E, polyvinyl acetate, enteric polymers, or mixtures thereof.
[0107] Exemplary disintegrants include, but are not limited to, low-substituted carboxymethyl cellulose sodium, crospovidone (cross-linked polyvinyl pyrrolidone), sodium carboxymethyl starch (sodium starch glycolate), cross-linked sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (Croscarmellose), pregelatinized starch (starch 1500), microcrystalline cellulose, water insoluble starch, calcium carboxymethyl cellulose, low substituted hydroxypropyl cellulose, and magnesium or aluminum silicate.
[0108] Exemplary glidants include but are not limited to, magnesium, silicon dioxide, talc, starch, titanium dioxide, and the like.
[0109] In yet another embodiment, the extended-release formulation is formed by coating a water soluble/dispersible drug-containing particle, such as a bead or bead population therein (as described above), with a coating material and, optionally, a pore former and other excipients. The coating material is preferably selected from a group comprising cellulosic polymers such as ethylcellulose (e.g., SURELEASE®),
methylcellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose, cellulose acetate, and cellulose acetate phthalate; polyvinyl alcohol; acrylic polymers such as polyacrylates, polymethacrylates, and copolymers thereof; and other water-based or solvent-based coating materials. The release-controlling coating for a given bead population may be controlled by at least one parameter of the release controlling coating, such as the nature of the coating, coating level, type and concentration of a pore former, process parameters, and combinations thereof. Thus, changing a parameter, such as a pore former concentration, or the conditions of the curing, allows for changes in the release of active agent(s) from any given bead population, thereby allowing for selective adjustment of the formulation to a pre-determined release profile.
[0110] Pore formers suitable for use in the release controlling coating herein can be organic or inorganic agents and include materials that can be dissolved, extracted or leached from the coating in the environment of use. Exemplary pore forming agents include, but are not limited to, organic compounds such as mono-, oligo-, and polysaccharides including sucrose, glucose, fructose, mannitol, mannose, galactose, sorbitol, pullulan, and dextran; polymers soluble in the environment of use such as water-soluble hydrophilic polymers, hydroxyalkylcelluloses, carboxyalkylcelluloses, hydroxypropylmethylcellulose, cellulose ethers, acrylic resins, polyvinylpyrrolidone, cross-linked polyvinylpyrrolidone, polyethylene oxide, Carbowaxes, Carbopol, and the like, diols, polyols, polyhydric alcohols, polyalkylene glycols, polyethylene glycols, polypropylene glycols, or block polymers thereof, polyglycols, and poly(a-Q)alkylenediols; and inorganic compounds such as alkali metal salts, lithium carbonate, sodium chloride, sodium bromide, potassium chloride, potassium sulfate, potassium phosphate, sodium acetate, sodium citrate, suitable calcium salts, combination thereof, and the like.
[0111] The release controlling coating can further comprise other additives known in the art, such as plasticizers, anti-adherents, glidants (or flow aids) and antifoams. In some embodiments, the coated particles or beads may additionally include an "overcoat," to provide, for example, moisture protection, static charge reduction, taste-masking, flavoring, coloring, and/or polish or other cosmetic appeal to the beads. Suitable coating materials for such an overcoat are known in the art and include, but are not limited to, cellulosic polymers such as hydroxypropylmethylcellulose, hydroxypropylcellulose, and microcrystalline cellulose or combinations thereof (for example, various OPADRY® coating materials).
[0112] The coated particles or beads may additionally contain enhancers that may be exemplified by, but not limited to, solubility enhancers, dissolution enhancers, absorption enhancers, permeability enhancers, stabilizers, complexing agents, enzyme inhibitors, p- glycoprotein inhibitors, and multidrug resistance protein inhibitors. Alternatively, the formulation can also contain enhancers that are separated from the coated particles, for example, in a separate population of beads or as a powder. In yet another embodiment, the enhancer(s) may be contained in a separate layer on coated particles either under or above the release controlling coating.
[0113] In other embodiments, the extended-release formulation is formulated to release the active agent(s) by an osmotic mechanism. By way of example, a capsule may be formulated with a single osmotic unit or it may incorporate 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6 push-pull units encapsulated within a hard gelatin capsule, whereby each bilayer push pull unit contains an osmotic push layer and a drug layer, both surrounded by a semi-permeable membrane. One or more orifices are drilled through the membrane next to the drug layer. This membrane may be additionally covered with a pH-dependent enteric coating to prevent release until after gastric emptying. The gelatin capsule dissolves immediately after ingestion. As the push pull unit(s) enters the small intestine, the enteric coating breaks down, which then allows fluid to flow through the semi-permeable membrane, swelling the osmotic push compartment to force to force drugs out through the orifice(s) at a rate precisely controlled by the rate of water transport through the semi-permeable membrane. Release of drugs can occur over a constant rate for up to 24 hours or more.
[0114] The osmotic push layer comprises one or more osmotic agents creating the driving force for transport of water through the semi-permeable membrane into the core of the delivery vehicle. One class of osmotic agents includes water-swellable hydrophilic polymers, also referred to as "osmopolymers" and "hydrogels," including, but not limited to, hydrophilic vinyl and acrylic polymers, polysaccharides such as calcium alginate, polyethylene oxide (PEO), polyethylene glycol (PEG), polypropylene glycol (PPG), poly(2- hydroxyethyl methacrylate), poly(acrylic) acid, poly(methacrylic) acid, polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), crosslinked PVP, polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), PVA/PVP copolymers, PVA/PVP copolymers with hydrophobic monomers such as methyl methacrylate and vinyl acetate, hydrophilic polyurethanes containing large PEO blocks, sodium croscarmellose, carrageenan, hydroxyethyl cellulose (HEC), hydroxypropyl cellulose (HPC), hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose (HPMC), carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) and carboxyethyl, cellulose (CEC), sodium alginate, polycarbophil, gelatin, xanthan gum, and sodium starch glycolate.
[0115] Another class of osmotic agents includes osmogens, which are capable of imbibing water to effect an osmotic pressure gradient across the semi-permeable membrane. Exemplary osmogens include, but are not limited to, inorganic salts such as magnesium sulfate, magnesium chloride, calcium chloride, sodium chloride, lithium chloride, potassium sulfate, potassium phosphates, sodium carbonate, sodium sulfite, lithium sulfate, potassium chloride, and sodium sulfate; sugars such as dextrose, fructose, glucose, inositol, lactose, maltose, mannitol, raffinose, sorbitol, sucrose, trehalose, and xylitol; organic acids such as ascorbic acid, benzoic acid, fumaric acid, citric acid, maleic acid, sebacic acid, sorbic acid, adipic acid, edetic acid, glutamic acid, p-toluenesulfonic acid, succinic acid, and tartaric acid; urea; and mixtures thereof.
[0116] Materials useful in forming the semipermeable membrane include various grades of acrylics, vinyls, ethers, polyamides, polyesters, and cellulosic derivatives that are water-permeable and water-insoluble at physiologically relevant pHs, or are susceptible to being rendered water-insoluble by chemical alteration, such as crosslinking.
[0117] In some embodiments, the extended-release formulation comprises a polysaccharide coating that is resistant to erosion in both the stomach and intestine. Such polymers can be only degraded in the colon, which contains a large microflora containing biodegradable enzymes breaking down, for example, the polysaccharide coatings to release the drug contents in a controlled, time-dependent manner. Exemplary polysaccharide coatings may include, for example, amylose, arabinogalactan, chitosan, chondroitin sulfate, cyclodextrin, dextran, guar gum, pectin, xylan, and combinations or derivatives therefrom.
[0118] In some embodiments, the pharmaceutical composition is formulated for delayed-release or delayed-extended-release. In some embodiments, the delayed extended- release formulation includes an extended-release formulation coated with an enteric coating, which is a barrier applied to oral medication that prevents release of medication before it reaches the small intestine. Delayed-release formulations, such as enteric coatings, prevent drugs having an irritant effect on the stomach, such as aspirin, from dissolving in the stomach. As used herein, the term "enteric coating" is a coating comprising of one or more polymers having a pH dependent or pH-independent release profile. An enteric coated pill will not dissolve in the acidic juices of the stomach (pH ~3), but they will in the alkaline (pH 7-9) environment present in the small intestine or colon. An enteric polymer coating typically resists releases of the active agents until sometime after a gastric emptying lag period of about 3-4 hours after administration.
[0119] Such coatings are also used to protect acid-unstable drugs from the stomach's acidic exposure, delivering them instead to a basic pH environment (intestine's pH 5.5 and above) where they do not degrade and give their desired action. The term "pulsatile-release" is a type of delayed-release, which is used herein with reference to a drug formulation that provides rapid and transient release of the drug within a short time period immediately after a predetermined lag period, thereby producing a "pulsed" plasma profile of the drug after drug administration. Formulations may be designed to provide a single pulsatile release or multiple pulsatile releases at predetermined time intervals following administration, or a pulsatile release (e.g., 20-60% of the active ingredient) followed with extended release over a period of time (e.g., a continuous release of the remainder of the active ingredient). A delayed-release or pulsatile release formulation generally comprises one or more elements covered with a barrier coating, which dissolves, erodes or ruptures following a specified lag phase.
[0120] A barrier coating for delayed-release may consist of a variety of different materials, depending on the objective. In addition, a formulation may comprise a plurality of barrier coatings to facilitate release in a temporal manner. The coating may be a sugar coating, a film coating (e.g., based on hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, methylcellulose, methyl hydroxyethylcellulose, hydroxypropylcellulose, carboxymethylcellulose, acrylate copolymers, polyethylene glycols, and/or polyvinylpyrrolidone) or a coating based on methacrylic acid copolymer, cellulose acetate phthalate, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose phthalate, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose acetate succinate, polyvinyl acetate phthalate, shellac, and/or ethylcellulose. Furthermore, the formulation may additionally include a time delay material such as glyceryl monostearate or glyceryl distearate.
[0121] In some embodiments, the delayed-extended-release formulation includes an enteric coating comprising one or more polymers facilitating release of active agents in proximal or distal regions of the gastrointestinal tract. pH dependent enteric coatings comprise one or more pH-dependent or pH-sensitive polymers that maintain their structural integrity at low pH, as in the stomach, but dissolve in higher pH environments in more distal regions of the gastrointestinal tract, such as the small intestine, where the drug contents are released. For purposes of the present invention, "pH dependent" is defined as having characteristics (e.g., dissolution) which vary according to environmental pH. Exemplary pH- dependent polymers have been described earlier. pH-dependent polymers typically exhibit a characteristic pH optimum for dissolution. In some embodiments, the pH-dependent polymer exhibits a pH optimum between about 5.0 and 5.5, between about 5.5 and 6.0, between about 6.0 and 6.5, or between about 6.5 and 7.0. In other embodiments, the pH-dependent polymer exhibits a pH optimum of >5.0, of >5.5, of >6.0, of >6.5, or of >7.0.
[0122] In certain embodiments, the coating methodology employs the blending of one or more pH-dependent and one or more pH-independent polymers. The blending of pH- dependent and pH-independent polymers can reduce the release rate of active ingredients once the soluble polymer has reached its optimum pH of solubilization.
[0123] In some embodiments, a "delayed-release" or "delayed-extended-release" profile can be obtained using a water insoluble capsule body containing one or more active agents, wherein the capsule body closed at one end with an insoluble, but permeable and swellable hydrogel plug. Upon contact with gastrointestinal fluid or dissolution medium, the plug swells, pushing itself out of the capsule and releasing the drugs after a pre-determined lag time, which can be controlled by, for example, the position and dimensions of the plug. The capsule body may be further coated with an outer pH-dependent enteric coating keeping the capsule intact until it reaches the small intestine. Suitable plug materials include, for example, polymethacrylates, erodible compressed polymers (e.g., HPMC, polyvinyl alcohol), congealed melted polymer (e.g., glyceryl mono oleate), and enzymatically controlled erodible polymers (e.g., polysaccharides, such as amylose, arabinogalactan, chitosan, chondroitin sulfate, cyclodextrin, dextran, guar gum, pectin and xylan).
[0124] In other embodiments, capsules or bilayered tablets may be formulated to contain a drug-containing core, covered by a swelling layer and an outer insoluble, but semipermeable polymer coating or membrane. The lag time prior to rupture can be controlled by the permeation and mechanical properties of the polymer coating and the swelling behavior of the swelling layer. Typically, the swelling layer comprises one or more swelling agents, such as swellable hydrophilic polymers that swell and retain water in their structures.
[0125] Exemplary water swellable materials to be used in the delayed-release coating include, but are not limited to, polyethylene oxides (having e.g., an average molecular weight between 1,000,000 and 7,000,000, such as POLYOX®); methylcellulose; hydroxypropyl cellulose; hydroxypropyl methylcellulose; polyalkylene oxides having a weight average molecular weight of 100,000 to 6,000,000, including, but not limited to, poly(methylene oxide), poly(butylene oxide), poly(hydroxy alkyl methacrylate) having a molecular weight of 25,000 to 5,000,000, poly(vinyl)alcohol having a low acetal residue, which is cross-linked with glyoxal, formaldehyde, or glutaraldehyde, and having a degree of polymerization from 200 to 30,000; mixtures of methyl cellulose, cross-linked agar, and carboxymethyl cellulose; hydrogel forming copolymers produced by forming a dispersion of a finely divided copolymer of maleic anhydride with styrene, ethylene, propylene, butylene, or isobutylene cross-linked with from 0.001 to 0.5 moles of saturated cross-linking agent per mole of maleic anyhydride in the copolymer; CARBOPOL® acidic carboxy polymers having a molecular weight of 450,000 to 4,000,000; CYANAMER® polyacrylamides; cross-linked water swellable indenemaleicanhydride polymers; GOODRITE® polyacrylic acid having a molecular weight of 80,000 to 200,000; starch graft copolymers; AQUA-KEEPS® acrylate polymer polysaccharides composed of condensed glucose units such as diester cross-linked polyglucan; carbomers having a viscosity of 3,000 to 60,000 mPa as a 0.5%-l% w/v aqueous solution; cellulose ethers such as hydroxypropylcellulose having a viscosity of about 1000- 7000 mPa s as a 1% w/w aqueous solution (25° C); hydroxypropyl methylcellulose having a viscosity of about 1000 or higher, preferably 2,500 or higher to a maximum of 25,000 mPa as a 2% w/v aqueous solution; polyvinylpyrrolidone having a viscosity of about 300-700 mPa s as a 10% w/v aqueous solution at 20° C; and combinations thereof.
[0126] Alternatively, the release time of the drugs can be controlled by a
disintegration lag time depending on the balance between the tolerability and thickness of a water insoluble polymer membrane (such as ethyl cellulose, EC) containing predefined micropores at the bottom of the body and the amount of a swellable excipient, such as low substituted hydroxypropyl cellulose (L-HPC) and sodium glycolate. After oral
administration, GI fluids permeate through the micropores, causing swelling of the swellable excipients, which produces an inner pressure disengaging the capsular components, including a first capsule body containing the swellable materials, a second capsule body containing the drugs, and an outer cap attached to the first capsule body.
[0127] The delayed-release coating layer may further comprise anti-tackiness agents, such as talc and glyceryl monostearate. The delayed-release coating layer may further comprise one or more plasticizers including, but not limited to, triethyl citrate, acetyl triethyl citrate, acetyltributyl citrate, polyethylene glycol acetylated monoglycerides, glycerin, triacetin, propylene glycol, phthalate esters (e.g. , diethyl phthalate, dibutyl phthalate), titanium dioxide, ferric oxides, castor oil, sorbitol, and dibutyl sebacate.
[0128] In another embodiment, the delayed-release formulation employs a water- permeable but insoluble film coating to enclose the active ingredient and an osmotic agent. As water from the gut slowly diffuses through the film into the core, the core swells until the film bursts, thereby releasing the active ingredients. The film coating may be adjusted to permit various rates of water permeation or release time.
[0129] In another embodiment, the delayed release formulation employs a water- impermeable tablet coating whereby water enters through a controlled aperture in the coating until the core bursts. When the tablet bursts, the drug contents are released immediately or over a longer period of time. These and other techniques may be modified to allow for a predetermined lag period before release of drugs is initiated.
[0130] In another embodiment, the active agents are delivered in a formulation to provide both delayed-release and extended-release (delayed-extended-release). The term "delayed-extended-release" is used herein with reference to a drug formulation providing pulsatile release of active agents at a pre-determined time or lag period following
administration, which is then followed by extended-release of the active agents thereafter.
[0131] In some embodiments, immediate-release, extended-release, delayed-release, or delayed-extended-release formulations comprises an active core comprised of one or more inert particles, each in the form of a bead, pellet, pill, granular particle, microcapsule, microsphere, microgranule, nanocapsule, or nanosphere coated on its surfaces with drugs in the form of e.g., a drug-containing film-forming composition using, for example, fluid bed techniques or other methodologies known to those of skill in the art. The inert particle can be of various sizes, so long as it is large enough to remain poorly dissolved. Alternatively, the active core may be prepared by granulating and milling and/or by extrusion and
spheronization of a polymer composition containing the drug substance.
[0132] The amount of drug in the core will depend on the dose that is required and typically varies from about 1 to 100 weight %, about 5 to 100 weight %, about 10 to 100 weight %, about 20 to 100 weight %, about 30 to 100 weight %, about 40 to 100 weight %, about 50 to 100 weight %, about 60 to 100 weight %„ about 70 to 100 weight %, or about 80 to 100 weight %. Generally, the polymeric coating on the active core will be from about 1 to 50% based on the weight of the coated particle, depending on the lag time and type of release profile required and/or the polymers and coating solvents chosen. Those skilled in the art will be able to select an appropriate amount of drug for coating onto or incorporating into the core to achieve the desired dosage. In one embodiment, the inactive core may be a sugar sphere or a buffer crystal or an encapsulated buffer crystal such as calcium carbonate, sodium bicarbonate, fumaric acid, tartaric acid, etc. which alters the microenvironment of the drug to facilitate its release.
[0133] In some embodiments, for example, delayed-release or delayed-extended- release compositions may formed by coating a water soluble/dispersible drug-containing particle, such as a bead, with a mixture of a water insoluble polymer and an enteric polymer, wherein the water insoluble polymer and the enteric polymer may be present at a weight ratio of from 4: 1 to 1 : 1, and the total weight of the coatings is 10 to 60 weight % based on the total weight of the coated beads. The drug layered beads may optionally include an inner dissolution rate controlling membrane of ethylcellulose. The composition of the outer layer, as well as the individual weights of the inner and outer layers of the polymeric membrane are optimized for achieving desired circadian rhythm release profiles for a given active, which are predicted based on in vitro/in vivo correlations.
[0134] In other embodiments the formulations may comprise a mixture of immediate- release drug-containing particles without a dissolution rate controlling polymer membrane and delayed-extended-release beads exhibiting, for example, a lag time of 2-4 hours following oral administration, thus providing a two-pulse release profile.
[0135] In some embodiments, the active core is coated with one or more layers of dissolution rate-controlling polymers to obtain desired release profiles with or without a lag time. An inner layer membrane can largely control the rate of drug release following imbibition of water or body fluids into the core, while the outer layer membrane can provide for a desired lag time (the period of no or little drug release following imbibition of water or body fluids into the core). The inner layer membrane may comprise a water insoluble polymer, or a mixture of water insoluble and water soluble polymers.
[0136] The polymers suitable for the outer membrane, which largely controls the lag time of up to 6 hours may comprise an enteric polymer, as described above, and a water insoluble polymer at 10 to 50 weight %. The ratio of water insoluble polymer to enteric polymer may vary from 4: 1 to 1 :2, preferably the polymers are present at a ratio of about 1 :1. The water insoluble polymer typically used is ethylcellulose.
[0137] Exemplary water insoluble polymers include ethylcellulose, polyvinyl acetate (Kollicoat SR#0D from BASF), neutral copolymers based on ethyl acrylate and
methylmethacrylate, copolymers of acrylic and methacrylic acid esters with quaternary ammonium groups such as EUDRAGIT® NE, RS and RS30D, RL or ROOD, and the like. Exemplary water soluble polymers include low molecular weight HPMC, HPC,
methylcellulose, polyethylene glycol (PEG of molecular weight>3000) at a thickness ranging from 1 weight % up to 10 weight % depending on the solubility of the active in water and the solvent or latex suspension based coating formulation used. The water insoluble polymer to water soluble polymer may typically vary from 95:5 to 60:40, preferably from 80:20 to 65:35. In some embodiments, AMBERLITE™ IRP69 resin is used as an extended-release carrier. AMBERLITE™ IRP69 is an insoluble, strongly acidic, sodium form cation exchange resin that is suitable as carrier for cationic (basic) substances. In other embodiments, DUOLITE™ API 43/ 1093 resin is used as an extended-release carrier. DUOLITE™ API 43/ 1093 is an insoluble, strongly basic, anion exchange resin that is suitable as a carrier for anionic (acidic) substances. When used as a drug carrier, AMBERLITE™ IRP69 or/and DUOLITE™
API 43/ 1093 resin provides a means for binding medicinal agents onto an insoluble polymeric matrix. Extended-release is achieved through the formation of resin-drug complexes (drug resinates). The drug is released from the resin in vivo as the drug reaches equilibrium with the high electrolyte concentrations, which are typical of the gastrointestinal tract. More hydrophobic drugs will usually elute from the resin at a lower rate, owing to hydrophobic interactions with the aromatic structure of the cation exchange system.
[0138] In some embodiments, the pharmaceutical composition is formulated for oral administration. Oral dosage forms include, for example, tablets, capsules, and caplets and may also comprise a plurality of granules, beads, powders, or pellets that may or may not be encapsulated. Tablets and capsules represent the most convenient oral dosage forms, in which case solid pharmaceutical carriers are employed.
[0139] In a delayed-release formulation, one or more barrier coatings may be applied to pellets, tablets, or capsules to facilitate slow dissolution and concomitant release of drugs into the intestine. Typically, the barrier coating contains one or more polymers encasing, surrounding, or forming a layer, or membrane around the therapeutic composition or active core. In some embodiments, the active agents are delivered in a formulation to provide delayed-release at a pre-determined time following administration. The delay may be up to about 10 minutes, about 20 minutes, about 30 minutes, about 1 hour, about 2 hours, about 3 hours, about 4 hours, about 5 hours, about 6 hours, or longer.
[0140] Various coating techniques may be applied to granules, beads, powders or pellets, tablets, capsules or combinations thereof containing active agents to produce different and distinct release profiles. In some embodiments, the pharmaceutical composition is in a tablet or capsule form containing a single coating layer. In other embodiments, the pharmaceutical composition is in a tablet or capsule form containing multiple coating layers. In some embodiments, the pharmaceutical composition of the present application is formulated for extended-release or delayed extended-release of 100% of the active ingredient.
[0141] In other embodiments, the pharmaceutical composition of the present application is formulated for a two-phase extended-release or delayed two-phase extended- release characterized by an "immediate-release" component that is released within two hours of administration and an "extended-release" component which is released over a period of 2- 12 hours. In some embodiments, the "immediate-release" component provides about 1 -90% of the total dosage of the active agent(s) and the "extended-release" component provides 10- 99% of the total dosage of the active agent(s) to be delivered by the pharmaceutical formulation. For example, the immediate-release component may provide about 10-90%, or about 10%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85% or 90% of the total dosage of the active agent(s) to be delivered by the pharmaceutical formulation. The extended-release component provides about 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95% or 99% of the total dosage of the active agent(s) to be delivered by the formulation. In some embodiments, the immediate-release component and the extended-release component contain the same active ingredient. In other embodiments, the immediate-release component and the extended- release component contain different active ingredients (e.g., one PG pathway inhibitor in one component and another PG pathway inhibitor in another component). In some embodiments, the immediate-release component and the extended-release component each contains a PG pathway inhibitor and an analgesic selected from the group consisting of aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen sodium, indomethacin, nabumetone, and acetaminophen. In other embodiments, the immediate-release component and/or the extended-release component further comprises one or more additional active agents selected from the groups consisting of an antimuscarinic agent, an antidiuretic, a spasmolytic, an inhibitor of phosphodiesterase type (PDE 5 inhibitor) and Zolpidem.
[0142] In some embodiments, the pharmaceutical composition comprises a plurality of active ingredients selected from the group consisting of PG pathway inhibitors, analgesics, antimuscarinic agents, antidiuretics, spasmolytics, PDE 5 inhibitors and Zolpidem. Examples of antimuscarinic agents include, but are not limited to, oxybutynin, solifenacin, darifenacin, fesoterodine, tolterodine, trospium, atropine, and tricyclic antidepressants. Examples of antidiuretics include, but are not limited to, antidiuretic hormone (ADH), angiotensin II, aldosterone, vasopressin, vasopressin analogs (e.g. , desmopressin argipressin, lypressin, felypressin, omipressin, terlipressin); vasopressin receptor agonists, atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) and C-type natriuretic peptide (CNP) receptor (i.e. , NPR1, NPR2, and NPR3) antagonists (e.g. , HS-142-1 , isatin, [Asu7,23']b-ANP-(7-28)], anantin, a cyclic peptide from Streptomyces coerulescens, and 3G12 monoclonal antibody); somatostatin type 2 receptor antagonists (e.g. , somatostatin), pharmaceutically-acceptable derivatives, and analogs, salts, hydrates, and solvates thereof. Examples of spasmolytics include, but are not limited to, carisoprodol, benzodiazepines, baclofen, cyclobenzaprine, metaxalone, methocarbamol, clonidine, clonidine analog, and dantrolene. Examples of PDE 5 inhibitors include, but are not limited to, tadalafil, sildenafil and vardenafil.
[0143] In some embodiments, the pharmaceutical composition comprises a plurality of active ingredients comprising (1) one or more PG pathway inhibitors and (2) one or more other active ingredients selected from the group consisting of analgesics, antimuscarinic agents, antidiuretics, spasmolytics, PDE 5 inhibitors and Zolpidem. In some embodiments, the plurality of active ingredients are formulated for immediate-release. In other
embodiments, the plurality of active ingredients are formulated for extended-release. In other embodiments, the plurality of active ingredients are formulated for delayed-release. In other embodiments, the plurality of active ingredients are formulated for both immediate-release and extended-release (e.g. , a first portion of each active ingredient is formulated for immediate-release and a second portion of each active ingredient is formulated for extended- release). In yet other embodiments, some of the plurality of active ingredients are formulated for immediate-release and some of the plurality of active ingredients are formulated for extended-release (e.g. , active ingredients A, B, C are formulated for immediate-release and active ingredients C and D are formulated for extended-release). In some other
embodiments, the plurality of active ingredients are formulated for delayed-extended-release.
[0144] In certain embodiments, the pharmaceutical composition comprises an immediate-release component and an extended-release component. The immediate-release component may comprise one or more active ingredients selected from the group consisting of PG pathway inhibitors, analgesics, antimuscarinic agents, antidiuretics, spasmolytics, PDE 5 inhibitors and Zolpidem. The extended-release component may comprise one or more active ingredients selected from the group consisting of PG pathway inhibitors, analgesics, antimuscarinic agents, antidiuretics, spasmolytics, PDE 5 inhibitors and Zolpidem. In some embodiments, the immediate-release component and the extended-release component have exactly the same active ingredients. In other embodiments, the immediate-release component and the extended-release component have different active ingredients. In yet other embodiments, the immediate-release component and the extended-release component have one or more common active ingredients. In some other embodiments, the immediate-release component and/or the extended-release component is further coated with a delayed-release coating, such as an enteric coating. In other embodiments, the pharmaceutical composition comprises two or more active ingredients formulated as two extended-release components, each providing a different extended-release profile. For example, a first extended-release component releases a first active ingredient at a first release rate and a second extended- release component releases a second active ingredient at a second release rate.
[0145] In some embodiments, the pharmaceutical composition comprises an immediate-release component and a delayed-release component. In other embodiments, the pharmaceutical composition comprises two or more active ingredients formulated as two delayed-release components, each providing a different delayed-release profile. For example, a first delayed-release component releases a first active ingredient at a first time point, and a second delayed-release component releases a second active ingredient at a second time point.
[0146] The components in a combined release profile formulation (e.g., formulations with a combination of an immediate-release component and an extended-release component, a combination of an immediate-release component and a delayed-release component, a combination of an immediate-release component, a delayed-release component, and an extended-release component, a combination of two or more delayed-release components, or a combination of two or more extended-release components) may contain the same active ingredient(s) or different active ingredient(s). In some embodiments, the immediate-release component may provide about 1% to about 80% of the total dosage of the active agent(s) to be delivered by the pharmaceutical formulation. In some embodiments, the combined release profile formulation contains an immediate-release component and the immediate-release component provide about 1% to about 90%, about 10% to about 90%, about 20% to about 90%, about 30% to about 90%, about 40% to about 90%, about 50% to about 90%, about 60% to about 90%, about 70% to about 90% or about 80% to about 90% of the total dosage of each active ingredient to be delivered by the formulation. In alternate embodiments, the immediate-release component provides up to about 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80% or 90% of the total dosage of each ingredient to be delivered by the formulation.
[0147] In some embodiments, the pharmaceutical formulation comprises an active core comprised of one or more inert particles, each in the form of a bead, pellet, pill, granular particle, microcapsule, microsphere, microgranule, nanocapsule, or nanosphere coated on its surfaces with drugs in the form of e.g., a drug-containing film-forming composition using, for example, fluid bed techniques or other methodologies known to those of skill in the art. The inert particle can be of various sizes, so long as it is large enough to remain poorly dissolved. Alternatively, the active core may be prepared by granulating and milling and/or by extrusion and spheronization of a polymer composition containing the drug substance.
[0148] The amount of drug in the core will depend on the dose that is required and typically varies from about 5 to 90 weight %. Generally, the polymeric coating on the active core will be from about 1 to 50% based on the weight of the coated particle, depending on the lag time and type of release profile required and/or the polymers and coating solvents chosen. Those skilled in the art will be able to select an appropriate amount of drug for coating onto or incorporating into the core to achieve the desired dosage. In one embodiment, the inactive core may be a sugar sphere or a buffer crystal or an encapsulated buffer crystal such as calcium carbonate, sodium bicarbonate, fumaric acid, tartaric acid, /. which alters the microenvironment of the drug to facilitate its release.
[0149] In some embodiments, the pharmaceutical composition comprises a delayed- release component formed by coating a water soluble/dispersible drug-containing particle, such as a bead, with a mixture of a water insoluble polymer and an enteric polymer, wherein the water insoluble polymer and the enteric polymer may be present at a weight ratio of 4:1 to 1 :1 , and the total weight of the coatings is 10 to 60 weight % based on the total weight of the coated beads. The drug layered beads may optionally include an inner dissolution rate controlling membrane of ethylcellulose. The composition of the outer layer, as well as the individual weights of the inner and outer layers of the polymeric membrane are optimized for achieving desired circadian rhythm release profiles for a given active, which are predicted based on in vitro/in vivo correlations.
[0150] In other embodiments, the formulations comprise a mixture of immediate- release drug-containing particles without a dissolution rate controlling polymer membrane and delayed release beads exhibiting, for example, a lag time of 2-4 hours following oral administration, thus providing a two-pulse release profile. In yet other embodiments, the formulations comprise a mixture of two types of delayed-release beads: a first type that exhibits a lag time of 1-3 hours and a second type that exhibits a lag time of 4-6 hours. In yet other embodiments, the formulations comprise a mixture of two types of release beads: a first type that exhibits immediate-release and a second type that exhibits a lag time of 1-4 hours followed with extended-release.
[0151] In some embodiments, the formulations are designed with a release profile such that a fraction of the active ingredient(s) (e.g., 10-80%) is released immediately or within two hours of administration, and the rest is released over an extended period of time (e.g., over a period of 2-24 hours). In other embodiments, the formulations are designed with a release profile such that one active ingredient (e.g., an analgesic) are released immediately or within two hours of administration, and one or more other active ingredients (e.g., a PG pathway inhibitor) are released over an extended period of time (e.g., over a period of 2-24 hours).
[0152] The pharmaceutical composition may be administered daily or administered on an as needed basis. The pharmaceutical composition may be administered orally,
intravenously, or intramuscularly. In preferred embodiments, the pharmaceutical
composition is administered orally. In other embodiments, the pharmaceutical composition is administered by retrograde perfusion through the urinary tract. In other embodiments, the pharmaceutical composition is administered by direct injection into bladder muscle.
[0153] In some embodiments, the pharmaceutical composition is administered daily, twice a day or three times a day. In other embodiments, the pharmaceutical composition is administered every other day, every 3 days, every 4 days, every 4 days, every 5 days, every 6 days, every week, every 2 weeks, every 3 weeks, every month, every 2 months or every 3 months.
[0154] In some embodiments, the pharmaceutical composition is administered at bedtime. In some embodiments, the pharmaceutical composition is administered within about two hours before bedtime, preferably within about one hour before bedtime. In another embodiment, the pharmaceutical composition is administered about 2-4 hours before bedtime. In a further embodiment, the pharmaceutical composition is administered at least 4 hours before bedtime.
[0155] The appropriate dosage ("therapeutically effective amount") of the active ingredient(s) in the immediate-release component, the extended-release component, the delayed-release component or delayed-extended-release component will depend, for example, on the severity and course of the condition, the mode of administration, the bioavailability of the particular ingredient(s), the age and weight of the patient, the patient's clinical history and response to the active agent(s), discretion of the physician, etc. [0156] As a general proposition, the therapeutically effective amount of the PG pathway inhibitor(s) in the immediate-release component, the delayed-release component, the extended-release component or the delayed-extended-release component is administered in the range of about 1 μg/kg body weight/day to about 100 mg/kg body weight/day whether by one or more administrations. In some embodiments, the range of each active agent administered daily in a single dose or in multiple does is from about 1 μg/kg body weight/day to about 100 mg/kg body weight/day, 1 μg/kg body weight/day to about 30 mg/kg body weight/day, 1 μg/kg body weight/day to about 10 mg/kg body weight/day, 1 μg/kg body weight/day to about 3 mg/kg body weight/day, 1 μg/kg body weight/day to about 1 mg/kg body weight/day, 1 μg/kg body weight/day to about 300 μg/kg body weight/day, 1 μg/kg body weight/day to about 100 μg/kg body weight/day, 1 μg/kg body weight/day to about 30 μg/kg body weight/day, 1 μg/kg body weight/day to about 10 μg/kg body weight/day, 1 μg/kg body weight/day to about 3 μg/kg body weight/day, 10 μg/kg body weight/day to about 100 mg/kg body weight/day, 10 μg/kg body weight/day to about 30 mg/kg body weight/day, 10 μg/kg body weight/day to about 10 mg/kg body weight/day, 10 μg/kg body weight/day to about 3 mg/kg body weight/day, 10 μg/kg body weight/day to about 1 mg/kg body weight/day, 10 μg/kg body weight/day to about 300 μg/kg body weight/day, 10 μg/kg body weight/day to about 100 μg/kg body weight/day, 10 μg/kg body weight/day to about 30 μg/kg body weight/day, 30 μg/kg body weight/day to about 100 mg/kg body weight/day, 30 μg/kg body weight/day to about 30 mg/kg body weight/day, 30 μg/kg body weight/day to about 10 mg/kg body weight/day, 30 μg/kg body weight/day to about 3 mg/kg body weight/day, 30 μg/kg body weight/day to about 1 mg/kg body weight/day, 30 μg/kg body weight/day to about 300 μg/kg body weight/day, 30 μg/kg body weight/day to about 100 μg/kg body weight/day, 100 μg/kg body weight/day to about 100 mg/kg body weight/day, 100 μg/kg body weight/day to about 30 mg/kg body weight/day, 100 μg/kg body weight/day to about 10 mg/kg body weight/day, 100 μg/kg body weight/day to about 3 mg/kg body weight/day, 100 μg/kg body weight/day to about 1 mg/kg body weight/day, 100 μg/kg body weight/day to about 300 μg/kg body weight/day, 300 μg/kg body weight/day to about 100 mg/kg body weight/day, 300 μg/kg body weight/day to about 30 mg/kg body weight/day, 300 μg/kg body weight/day to about 10 mg/kg body weight/day, 300 μg/kg body weight/day to about 3 mg/kg body weight/day, 300 μg/kg body weight/day to about 1 mg/kg body weight/day, 1 mg/kg body weight/day to about 100 mg/kg body weight/day, 1 mg/kg body weight/day to about 30 mg/kg body weight/day, 1 mg/kg body weight/day to about 10 mg/kg body weight/day, 1 mg/kg body weight/day to about 3 mg/kg body weight/day, 3 mg/kg body weight/day to about 100 mg/kg body weight/day, 3 mg/kg body weight/day to about 30 mg/kg body weight/day, 3 mg/kg body weight/day to about 10 mg/kg body weight/day, 10 mg/kg body weight/day to about 100 mg/kg body weight/day, 10 mg/kg body weight/day to about 30 mg/kg body weight/day or 30 mg/kg body weight/day to about 100 mg/kg body weight/day.
[0157] As a general proposition, the therapeutically effective amount of the analgesic agent(s) in the immediate-release component, the delayed-release component, the extended- release component or the delayed-extended-release component is administered in the range of about 10 μg/kg body weight/day to about 100 mg/kg body weight/day whether by one or more administrations. In some embodiments, the range of each active agent administered daily in a single dose or in multiple does is from about 10 μg/kg body weight/day to about 100 mg/kg body weight/day, 10 μg kg body weight/day to about 30 mg/kg body weight/day, 10 μg/kg body weight/day to about 10 mg/kg body weight/day, 10 μg/kg body weight/day to about 3 mg/kg body weight/day, 10 μg/kg body weight/day to about 1 mg/kg body weight/day, 10 μg/kg body weight/day to about 300 μg/kg body weight/day, 10 μg/kg body weight/day to about 100 μg/kg body weight/day, 10 μg/kg body weight/day to about 30 μg/kg body weight/day, 30 μg/kg body weight/day to about 100 mg/kg body weight/day, 30 μg/kg body weight/day to about 30 mg/kg body weight/day, 30 μg/kg body weight/day to about 10 mg/kg body weight/day, 30 μg/kg body weight/day to about 3 mg/kg body weight/day, 30 μg/kg body weight/day to about 1 mg/kg body weight/day, 30 μg/kg body weight/day to about 300 μg/kg body weight/day, 30 μg/kg body weight/day to about 100 μg/kg body weight/day, 100 μg/kg body weight/day to about 100 mg/kg body weight/day, 100 μg/kg body weight/day to about 30 mg/kg body weight/day, 100 μg/kg body weight/day to about 10 mg/kg body weight/day, 100 μg/kg body weight/day to about 3 mg/kg body weight/day, 100 μg/kg body weight/day to about 1 mg/kg body weight/day, 100 μg/kg body weight/day to about 300 μg/kg body weight/day, 300 μg/kg body weight/day to about 100 mg/kg body weight/day, 300 μg/kg body weight/day to about 30 mg/kg body weight/day, 300 μg/kg body weight/day to about 10 mg/kg body weight/day, 300 μg/kg body weight/day to about 3 mg/kg body weight/day, 300 μg/kg body weight/day to about 1 mg/kg body weight/day, 1 mg/kg body weight/day to about 100 mg/kg body weight/day, 1 mg/kg body weight/day to about 30 mg/kg body weight/day, 1 mg/kg body weight/day to about 10 mg/kg body weight/day, 1 mg/kg body weight/day to about 3 mg/kg body weight/day, 3 mg/kg body weight/day to about 100 mg/kg body weight/day, 3 mg/kg body weight/day to about 30 mg/kg body weight/day, 3 mg/kg body weight/day to about 10 mg/kg body weight/day, 10 mg/kg body weight/day to about 100 mg/kg body weight/day, 10 mg/kg body weight/day to about 30 mg/kg body weight/day or 30 mg/kg body weight/day to about 100 mg/kg body weight/day.
[0158] The analgesic agent(s) described herein may be included in an immediate- release component or an extended-release component, a delayed-release component, a delayed-extended-release component or combinations thereof for daily oral administration at a single dose or combined dose range of 1 mg to 2000 mg, 1 mg to 1000 mg, 1 mg to 300 mg, 1 mg to 100 mg, 1 mg to 30 mg, 1 mg to 10 mg, 1 mg to 3 mg, 3 mg to 2000 mg, 3 mg to 1000 mg, 3 mg to 300 mg, 3 mg to 100 mg, 3 mg to 30 mg, 3 mg to 10 mg, 10 mg to 2000 mg, 10 mg to 1000 mg, 10 mg to 300 mg, 10 mg to 100 mg, 10 mg to 30 mg, 30 mg to 2000 mg, 30 mg to 1000 mg, 30 mg to 300 mg, 30 mg to 100 mg, 100 mg to 2000 mg, 100 mg to 1000 mg, 100 mg to 300 mg, 300 mg to 2000 mg, 300 mg to 1000 mg or 1000 mg to 2000 mg. As expected, the dosage will be dependent on the condition, size, age, and condition of the patient.
[0159] In some embodiments, the pharmaceutical composition comprises a single analgesic agent. In one embodiment, the single analgesic agent is aspirin. In another embodiment, the single analgesic agent is ibuprofen. In another embodiment, the single analgesic agent is naproxen or naproxen sodium. In another embodiment, the single analgesic agent is indomethacin. In another embodiment, the single analgesic agent is nabumetone. In another embodiment, the single analgesic agent is acetaminophen.
[0160] In other embodiments, the pharmaceutical composition comprises a pair of analgesic agents. Examples of such paired analgesic agents include, but are not limited to, acetylsalicylic acid and ibuprofen, acetylsalicylic acid and naproxen sodium, acetylsalicylic acid and nabumetone, acetylsalicylic acid and acetaminophen, acetylsalicylic acid and indomethancin, ibuprofen and naproxen sodium, ibuprofen and nabumetone, ibuprofen and acetaminophen, ibuprofen and indomethancin, naproxen, naproxen sodium and nabumetone, naproxen sodium and acetaminophen, naproxen sodium and indomethancin, nabumetone and acetaminophen, nabumetone and indomethancin, and acetaminophen and indomethancin. The paired analgesic agents are mixed at a weight ratio in the range of 0.1 :1 to 10:1, 0.2:1 to 5: 1 or 0.3 : 1 to 3 : 1. In one embodiment, the paired analgesic agents are mixed at a weight ratio of 1 :1.
[0161] In some other embodiments, the pharmaceutical composition of the present application further comprises one or more antimuscarinic agents. Examples of the
antimuscarinic agents include, but are not limited to, oxybutynin, solifenacin, darifenacin, fesoterodine, tolterodine, trospium, atropine, and tricyclic antidepressants. The daily dose of antimuscarinic agent is in the range of 1 μg to 300 mg, 1 μg to 100 mg, 1 μg to 30 mg; 1 μg to 10 mg, 1 μg to 3 mg, 1 μg to 1 mg, 1 μg to 300 μg, 1 μg to 100 μg, 1 μg to 30 μg, 1 μg to 10 μg, 1 μg to 3 μg, 3 μg to 100 mg, 3 μg to 100 mg, 3 μg to 30 mg; 3 μg to 10 mg, 3 μg to 3 mg, 3 μg to 1 mg, 3 μg to 300 μg, 3 μg to 100 μg, 3 μg to 30 μg, 3 μg to 10 μg, 10 μg to 300 mg, 10 μg to 100 mg, 10 μg to 30 mg; 10 μg to 10 mg, 10 μg to 3 mg, 10 μg to 1 mg, 10 μg to 300 μg, 10 μg to 100 μg, 10 μg to 30 μg, 30 μg to 300 mg, 30 μg to 100 mg, 30 μg to 30 mg; 30 μg to 10 mg, 30 μg to 3 mg, 30 μg to 1 mg, 30 μg to 300 μg, 30 μg to 100 μg, 100 μg to 300 mg, 100 μg to 100 mg, 100 μg to 30 mg; 100 μg to 10 mg, 100 μg to 3 mg, 100 μg to 1 mg, 100 μg to 300 μg, 300 μg to 300 mg, 300 μg to 100 mg, 300 μg to 30 mg; 300 μg to 10 mg, 300 μg to 3 mg, 300 μg to 1 mg, 1 mg to 300 mg, 1 mg to 100 mg, 1 mg to 30 mg, 1 mg to 3 mg, 3 mg to 300 mg, 3 mg to 100 mg, 3 mg to 30 mg, 3 mg to 10 mg, 10 mg to 300 mg, 10 mg to 100 mg, 10 mg to 30 mg, 30 mg to 300 mg, 30 mg to 100 mg or 100 mg to 300 mg.
[0162] In some other embodiments, the pharmaceutical composition of the present application further comprises one or more antidiuretics. Examples of the antidiuretics include, but are not limited to, antidiuretic hormone (ADH), angiotensin II, aldosterone, vasopressin, vasopressin analogs (e.g. , desmopressin argipressin, lypressin, felypressin, ornipressin, and terlipressin), vasopressin receptor agonists, atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) and C-type natriuretic peptide (CNP) receptor (i.e. , NPR1 , NPR2, and NPR3) antagonists (e.g. , HS-142- 1 , isatin, [Asu7,23']b-ANP-(7-28)], anantin, a cyclic peptide from Streptomyces coerulescens, and 3G12 monoclonal antibody), somatostatin type 2 receptor antagonists (e.g. ,
somatostatin), pharmaceutically-acceptable derivatives, and analogs, salts, hydrates, and solvates thereof. In some embodiments, the one or more antidiuretics comprise desmopressin. In other embodiments, the one or more antidiuretics is desmopressin. The daily dose of antidiuretic is in the range of 1 μg to 300 mg, 1 μg to 100 mg, 1 μg to 30 mg; 1 to 10 mg, 1 μg to 3 mg, 1 μ to 1 mg, 1 μg to 300 μg, 1 μg to 100 μg, 1 μg to 30 μg, 1 μg to 10 μg, 1 μg to 3 μg, 3 μg to 100 mg, 3 μg to 100 mg, 3 μg to 30 mg; 3 μg to 10 mg, 3 μg to 3 mg, 3 μg to 1 mg, 3 μg to 300 μg, 3 μg to 100 μg, 3 μg to 30 μg, 3 μg to 10 μg, 10 μg to 300 mg, 10 μg to 100 mg, 10 μg to 30 mg; 10 μg to 10 mg, 10 μg to 3 mg, 10 μg to 1 mg, 10 μg to 300 μg, 10 μg to 100 μg, 10 μg to 30 μg, 30 μg to 300 mg, 30 μg to 100 mg, 30 μg to 30 mg; 30 μg to 10 mg, 30 μg to 3 mg, 30 μg to 1 mg, 30 μg to 300 μg, 30 μg to 100 μg, 100 μg to 300 mg, 100 μg to 100 mg, 100 μg to 30 mg; 100 μg to 10 mg, 100 μg to 3 mg, 100 μg to 1 mg, 100 μg to 300 μg, 300 μg to 300 mg, 300 μg to 100 mg, 300 μg to 30 mg; 300 μg to 10 mg, 300 μg to 3 mg, 300 μg to 1 mg, 1 mg to 300 mg, 1 mg to 100 mg, 1 mg to 30 mg, 1 mg to 3 mg, 3 mg to 300 mg, 3 mg to 100 mg, 3 mg to 30 mg, 3 mg to 10 mg, 10 mg to 300 mg, 10 mg to 100 mg, 10 mg to 30 mg, 30 mg to 300 mg, 30 mg to 100 mg or 100 mg to 300 mg. [0163] In other embodiments, the pharmaceutical composition of the present application further comprises one or more spasmolytics. Examples of spasmolytics include, but are not limited to, carisoprodol, benzodiazepines, baclofen, cyclobenzaprine, metaxalone, methocarbamol, clonidine, clonidine analog, and dantrolene. In some embodiments, the spasmolytics is used at a daily dose of 0.1 mg to 1000 mg, 0.1 mg to 300 mg, 0.1 mg to 100 mg, 0.1 mg to 30 mg, 0.1 mg to 10 mg, 0.1 mg to 3 mg, 0.1 mg to 1 mg, 0.1 mg to 0.3 mg, 0.3 mg to 1000 mg, 0.3 mg to 300 mg, 0.3 mg to 100 mg, 0.3 mg to 30 mg, 0.3 mg to 10 mg, 0.3 mg to 3 mg, 0.3 mg to 1 mg, 1 mg to 1000 mg, 1 mg to 300 mg, 1 mg to 100 mg, 1 mg to 30 mg, 1 mg to 10 mg, 1 mg to 3 mg, 3 mg to 1000 mg, 3 mg to 300 mg, 3 mg to 100 mg, 3 mg to 30 mg, 3 mg to 10 mg, 10 mg to 1000 mg, 10 mg to 300 mg, 10 mg to 100 mg, 10 mg to 30 mg, 30 mg to 1000 mg, 30 mg to 300 mg, 30 mg to 100 mg, 100 mg to 1000 mg, 100 mg to 300 mg, or 300 mg to 1000 mg.
[0164] In other embodiments, the pharmaceutical composition of the present application further comprises one or more PDE 5 inhibitors. Examples of PDE 5 inhibitors include, but are not limited to, tadalafil, sildenafil and vardenafil. In some embodiments, the one or more PDE 5 inhibitors comprise tadalafil. In other embodiments, the one or more PDE 5 inhibitors is tadalafil. In some embodiments, the PDE 5 inhibitor is used at a daily dose of 0.1 mg to 1000 mg, 0.1 mg to 300 mg, 0.1 mg to 100 mg, 0.1 mg to 30 mg, 0.1 mg to 10 mg, 0.1 mg to 3 mg, 0.1 mg to 1 mg, 0.1 mg to 0.3 mg, 0.3 mg to 1000 mg, 0.3 mg to 300 mg, 0.3 mg to 100 mg, 0.3 mg to 30 mg, 0.3 mg to 10 mg, 0.3 mg to 3 mg, 0.3 mg to 1 mg, 1 mg to 1000 mg, 1 mg to 300 mg, 1 mg to 100 mg, 1 mg to 30 mg, 1 mg to 10 mg, 1 mg to 3 mg, 3 mg to 1000 mg, 3 mg to 300 mg, 3 mg to 100 mg, 3 mg to 30 mg, 3 mg to 10 mg, 10 mg to 1000 mg, 10 mg to 300 mg, 10 mg to 100 mg, 10 mg to 30 mg, 30 mg to 1000 mg, 30 mg to 300 mg, 30 mg to 100 mg, 100 mg to 1000 mg, 100 mg to 300 mg, or 300 mg to 1000 mg.
[0165] In some other embodiments, the pharmaceutical composition of the present application further comprises Zolpidem. The daily dose of Zolpidem is in the range of 100 μg to 100 mg, 100 μg to 30 mg, 100 μg to 10 mg, 100 μg to 3 mg, 100 μg to 1 mg, 100 μg to 300 μg, 300 μg to 100 mg, 300 μg to 30 mg, 300 μg to 10 mg, 300 μg to 3 mg, 300 μg to 1 mg, 1 mg to 100 mg, 1 mg to 30 mg, 1 mg to 10 mg, 1 mg to 3 mg, 10 mg to 100 mg, 10 mg to 30 mg, or 30 mg to 100 mg.
[0166] The antimuscarinic agents, antidiuretics, spasmolytics, Zolpidem and/or PDE 5 inhibitors may be formulated, alone or together with other active ingredient(s) in the pharmaceutical composition, for immediate-release, extended-release, delayed release, delayed-extended-release or combinations thereof.
[0167] In certain embodiments, the pharmaceutical composition is formulated for extended release and comprises (1) an analgesic agent selected from the group consisting of cetylsalicylic acid, ibuprofen, naproxen, naproxen sodium, nabumetone, acetaminophen, and indomethancin and (2) a PDE 5 inhibitor, such as tadalafil.
[0168] The pharmaceutical composition may be formulated into a tablet, capsule, dragee, powder, granulate, liquid, gel or emulsion form. Said liquid, gel or emulsion may be ingested by the subject in naked form or contained within a capsule.
[0169] In some embodiments, the pharmaceutical composition comprises a single analgesic agent and a single PDE 5 inhibitor. In one embodiment, the single analgesic agent is aspirin. In another embodiment, the single analgesic agent is ibuprofen. In another embodiment, the single analgesic agent is naproxen or naproxen sodium. In another embodiment, the single analgesic agent is indomethacin. In another embodiment, the single analgesic agent is nabumetone. In another embodiment, the single analgesic agent is acetaminophen. In another embodiment, the single PDE 5 inhibitor is tadalafil. The analgesic agent and PDE 5 inhibitor may be given at doses in the ranges described above.
[0170] In some embodiments, the pharmaceutical composition comprises one or more analgesic agents, individually or in combination, in an amount between 10-1000 mg, 10-800 mg, 10-600 mg, 10-500 mg, 10-400 mg, 10-300 mg, 10-250 mg, 10-200 mg, 10-150 mg, 10- 100 mg 30-1000 mg, 30-800 mg, 30-600 mg, 30-500 mg, 30-400 mg, 30-300 mg, 30-250 mg, 30-200 mg, 30-150 mg, 30-100 mg, 100-1000 mg, 100-800 mg, 100-600 mg, 100-400 mg, 100-250 mg, 300-1000 mg, 300-800 mg, 300-600 mg, 300-400 mg, 400-1000 mg, 400-800 mg, 400-600 mg, 600-1000 mg, 600-800 mg or 800-1000 mg, wherein the composition is formulated for extended release with a release profile in which the one or more analgesic agents are released continuously over a period of 2-12 hours or 5-8 hours.
[0171] In some embodiments, the composition is formulated for extended-release with a release profile in which at least 90% of the one or more analgesic agents are released continuously over a period of 2-12 hours or 5-8 hours.
[0172] In some embodiments, the composition is formulated for extended release with a release profile in which the one or more analgesic agents are released continuously over a period of 5, 6, 7, 8, 10 or 12 hours. In some embodiments, the pharmaceutical composition further comprises an antimuscarinic agent, an antidiuretic, a spasmolytic, Zolpidem or a PDE 5 inhibitor.
[0173] In other embodiments, the composition is formulated for extended-release with a release profile in which the analgesic agent is released at a steady rate over a period of 2-12 hours or 5-8 hours. In other embodiments, the composition is formulated for extended release with a release profile in which the analgesic agent is released at a steady rate over a period of 5, 6, 7, 8, 10 or 12 hours. As used herein, "a steady rate over a period of time" is defined as a release profile in which the release rate at any point during a given period of time is within 30% - 300% of the average release rate over that given period of time. For example, if 80 mg of aspirin is released at a steady rate over a period of 8 hours, the average release rate is 10 mg/hr during this period of time and the actual release rate at any time during this period is within the range of 3 mg hr to 30 mg/hr (i.e., within 30% - 300% of the average release rate of 10 mg/hr during the 8 hour period). In some embodiments, the pharmaceutical composition further comprises an antimuscarinic agent, an antidiuretic a spasmolytic, Zolpidem or a PDE 5 inhibitor.
[0174] In some embodiments, the analgesic agent is selected from the group consisting of aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen sodium, naproxen, indomethacin, nabumetone and acetaminophen. In one embodiment, the analgesic agent is acetaminophen. The
pharmaceutical composition is formulated to provide a steady release of small amount of the analgesic agent to maintain an effective drug concentration in the blood such that the overall amount of the drug in a single dosage is reduced compared to the immediate release formulation.
[0175] In some other embodiments, the pharmaceutical composition comprises one or more analgesic agent(s), individually or in combination, in an amount between 10-1000 mg, 10-800 mg, 10-600 mg, 10-500 mg, 10-400 mg, 10-300 mg, 10-250 mg, 10-200 mg, 10-150 mg, 10-100 mg 30-1000 mg, 30-800 mg, 30-600 mg, 30-500 mg, 30-400 mg, 30-300 mg, 30- 250 mg, 30-200 mg, 30-150 mg, 30-100 mg, 100-1000 mg, 100-800 mg, 100-600 mg, 100- 400 mg, 100-250 mg, 300-1000 mg, 300-800 mg, 300-600 mg, 300-400 mg, 400-1000 mg, 400-800 mg, 400-600 mg, 600-1000 mg, 600-800 mg or 800-1000 mg, wherein the analgesic agent(s) are formulated for extended release, characterized by a two-phase release profile in which 20-60% of the analgesic agent(s) are released within 2 hours of administration and the remainder are released continuously, or at a steady rate, over a period of 2-12 hours or 5-8 hours. In yet another embodiment, the analgesic agent(s) is formulated for extended-release with a two-phase release profile in which 20, 30, 40, 50 or 60% of the analgesic agent(s) are released within 2 hours of administration and the remainder are released continuously, or at a steady rate, over a period of 2-12 hours or 5-8 hours. In one embodiment, the analgesic agent(s) are selected from the group consisting of aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen sodium, naproxen, indomethacin, nabumetone, and acetaminophen. In one embodiment, the analgesic agent is acetaminophen. In another embodiment, the analgesic agent is acetaminophen. In some embodiments, the pharmaceutical composition further comprises an antimuscarinic agent, an antidiuretic, a spasmolytic, Zolpidem and/or a PDE 5 inhibitor. In some
embodiments, the antimuscarinic agent, antidiuretic, spasmolytic, Zolpidem and/or PDE 5 inhibitor is/are formulated for immediate-release.
[0176] Another aspect of the present application relates to a method for reducing frequency of urination by administering to a subject in need thereof, two or more PG pathway inhibitors alternatively to prevent the development of drug resistance. In one embodiment, the method comprises administering a first PG pathway inhibitor for a first period of time and then administering a second PG pathway inhibitors for a second period of time. In another embodiment, the method further comprises administering a third PG pathway inhibitor for a third period of time. The first, second, and third PG pathway inhibitors are different from each other and may be formulated for immediate-release, extended-release, delayed-release or combinations thereof.
[0177] Another aspect of the present application relates to a method for treating nocturia by administering to a person in need thereof a diuretic, followed with the
pharmaceutical composition of the present application. The diuretic is dosed and formulated to have a diuretic effect within 6 hours of administration and is administered at least 8 or 7 hours prior to bedtime. The pharmaceutical composition of the present application is formulated for extended-release or delayed, extended-release, and is administered within 2 hours prior to bedtime.
[0178] Examples of diuretics include, but are not limited to, acidifying salts, such as CaCl2 and NH4C1; arginine vasopressin receptor 2 antagonists, such as amphotericin B and lithium citrate; aquaretics, such as Goldenrod and Juniper; Na-H exchanger antagonists, such as dopamine; carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, such as acetazolamide and dorzolamide; loop diuretics, such as bumetanide, ethacrynic acid, furosemide and torsemide; osmotic diuretics, such as glucose and mannitol; potassium-sparing diuretics, such as amiloride, spironolactone, triamterene, potassium canrenoate; thiazides, such as bendroflumethiazide and
hydrochlorothiazide; and xanthines, such as caffeine, theophylline and theobromine.
[0179] Another aspect of the present application relates to a method for reducing the frequency of urination, comprising administering to a subject in need thereof an effective amount of the pharmaceutical composition of the present application and an effective amount of botulinum toxin. [0180] In some embodiments, the botulinum toxin is administered by injection into a bladder muscle; and orally administering to the subject the pharmaceutical composition of the present application. In some embodiments, the injecting step comprises injection of 10-200 units of botulinum toxin at 5-20 sites in bladder muscle with an injection dose of 2-10 units per site. In one embodiment, the injecting step comprises injection of botulinum toxin at 5 sites in bladder muscle with an injection dose of 2-10 units per site. In another embodiment, the injecting step comprises injection of botulinum toxin at 10 sites in bladder muscle at an injection dose of 2-10 units per site. In another embodiment, the injecting step comprises injection of botulinum toxin at 15 sites in bladder muscle at an injection dose of 2-10 units per site. In yet another embodiment, the injecting step comprises injection of botulinum toxin at 20 sites in bladder muscle at an injection dose of 2-10 units per site. In some embodiments, the injecting step is repeated every 3, 4, 6, 8, 10 or 12 months.
[0181] The present invention is further illustrated by the following example which should not be construed as limiting. The contents of all references, patents, and published patent applications cited throughout this application are incorporated herein by reference. EXAMPLE 1 : INHIBITION OF THE URGE TO URINATE WITH IBUPROFEN
[0182] Twenty volunteer subjects, both male and female were enrolled, each of which experienced a premature urge or desire to urinate, interfering with their ability to sleep for a sufficient period of time to feel adequately rested. Each subject ingested 400-800 mg of ibuprofen as a single dose prior to bedtime. At least 14 subjects reported that they were able to rest better because they were not being awakened as frequently by the urge to urinate.
[0183] Several subjects reported that after several weeks of nightly use of ibuprofen, the benefit of less frequent urges to urinate was no longer being realized. However, all of these subjects further reported the return of the benefit after several days of abstaining from taking the dosages. More recent testing has confirmed similar results can be achieved at much lower dosages without any subsequent diminution of benefits.
EXAMPLE 2: EFFECT OF ANALGESIC AGENTS, BOTULINUM NEUROTOXIN AND ANTIMUSCARTNIC AGENTS ON MACROPHAGE RESPONSES TO INFLAMMATORY AND NON-INFLAMMATORY STIMULI
Experimental Design
[0184] This study is designed to determine the dose and in vitro efficacy of analgesics and antimuscarinic agents in controlling macrophage response to inflammatory and non-inflammatory stimuli mediated by COX2 and prostaglandins (PGE, PGH, etc.). It establishes baseline (dose and kinetic) responses to inflammatory and non-inflammatory effectors in bladder cells. Briefly, cultured cells are exposed to analgesic agents and/or antimuscarinic agents in the absence or presence of various effectors.
[0185] The effectors include: lipopolysaccharide (LPS), an inflammatory agent, and Cox2 inducer as inflammatory stimuli; carbachol or acetylcholine, stimulators of smooth muscle contraction as non-inflammatory stimuli; botulinum neurotoxin A, a known inhibitor of acetylcholine release, as positive control; and arachidonic acid (AA), gamma linolenic acid (DGLA), or eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) as precursors of prostaglandins, which are produced following the sequential oxidation of AA, DGLA, or EPA inside the cell by cyclooxygenases (COX1 and COX2) and terminal prostaglandin synthases.
[0186] The analgesic agents include: Salicylates such as aspirin; iso-butyl-propanoic- phenolic acid derivative (ibuprofen) such as Advil, Motrin, Nuprin, and Medipren; naproxen sodium such as Aleve, Anaprox, Antalgin, Feminax Ultra, Flanax, Inza, Midol Extended Relief, Nalgesin, Naposin, Naprelan, Naprogesic, Naprosyn, Naprosyn suspension, EC- Naprosyn, Narocin, Proxen, Synflex and Xenobid; acetic acid derivative such as
indomethacin (Indocin);l-naphthaleneacetic acid derivative such as nabumetone or relafen; N-acetyl-para-aminophenol (APAP) derivative such as acetaminophen or paracetamol (Tylenol); and Celecoxib.
[0187] The antimuscarinic agents include oxybutynin, solifenacin, darifenacin, and atropine.
[0188] Macrophages are subjected to short term (1-2 hrs) or long term (24-48 hrs) stimulation with:
(1) Each analgesic agent alone at various doses.
(2) Each analgesic agent at various doses in the presence of LPS.
(3) Each analgesic agent at various doses in the presence of carbachol or
acetylcholine.
(4) Each analgesic agent at various doses in the presence of AA, DGLA, or EPA.
(5) Botulinum neurotoxin A alone at various doses.
(6) Botulinum neurotoxin A at various doses in the presence of LPS.
(7) Botulinum neurotoxin A at various doses in the presence of carbachol or acetylcholine.
(8) Botulinum neurotoxin A at various doses in the presence of AA, DGLA, or EPA.
(9) Each antimuscarinic agent alone at various doses.
(10) Each antimuscarinic agent at various doses in the presence of LPS. (1 1) Each antimuscarinic agent at various doses in the presence of carbachol or acetylcholine.
(12) Each antimuscarinic agent at various doses in the presence of A A, DGLA, or
EPA.
[0189] The cells are then analyzed for the release of PGH2; PGE; PGE2; Prostacydin; Thromboxane; IL-Ιβ; IL-6; TNF-a; the COX2 activity; the production of cAMP and cGMP; the production of IL-Ιβ, IL-6, TNF-a, and COX2 mRNA; and surface expression of CD80, CD86, and MHC class II molecules.
Materials and Methods
Macrophage cells
[0190] Murine RAW264.7 or J774 macrophage cells (obtained from ATCC) were used in this study. Cells were maintained in a culture medium containing RPMI 1640 supplemented with 10 % fetal bovine serum (FBS), 15 mM HEPES, 2 mM L-glutamine, 100 U/ml penicillin, and 100 μg / ml of streptomycin. Cells were cultured at 37° C in a 5 % C02 atmosphere and split (passages) once a week.
In vitro treatment of macrophage cells with analgesics
[0191] RAW264.7 macrophage cells were seeded in 96-well plates at a cell density of 1.5x105 cells per well in 100 μΐ of the culture medium. The cells were treated with (1) various concentrations of analgesic (acetaminophen, aspirin, ibuprofen or naproxen), (2) various concentrations of lipopolysaccharide (LPS), which is an effector of inflammatory stimuli to macrophage cells, (3) various concentrations of carbachol or acetylcholine, which are effectors of non-inflammatory stimuli, (4) analgesic and LPS or (5) analgesic and carbachol or acetylcholine. Briefly, the analgesics were dissolved in FBS-free culture medium {i.e., RPMI 1640 supplemented with 15 mM HEPES, 2 mM L-glutamine, 100 U / ml penicillin, and 100 μg / ml of streptomycin) and diluted to desired concentrations by serial dilution with the same medium. For cells treated with analgesic in the absence of LPS, 50 μΐ of analgesic solution and 50 μΐ of FBS-free culture medium were added to each well. For cells treated with analgesic in the presence of LPS, 50 μΐ of analgesic solution and 50 μΐ of LPS (from Salmonella typhimurium) in FBS-free culture medium were added to each well. All conditions were tested in duplicates.
[0192] After 24 or 48 hours of culture, 150 μΐ of culture supernatants were collected, spun down for 2 min at 8,000 rpm at 4°C to remove cells and debris and stored at -70°C for analysis of cytokine responses by ELISA. The cells were collected and washed by centrifugation (5 min at 1,500 rpm at 4°C) in 500 μΐ of Phosphate buffer (PBS). Half of the cells were then snapped frozen in liquid nitrogen and stored at -70°C. The remaining cells were stained with fluorescent monoclonal antibodies and analyzed by flow cytometry.
Flow cytometry analysis of co-stimulatory molecule expression
[0193] For flow cytometry analysis, macrophages were diluted in 100 μΐ of FACS buffer (phosphate buffered saline (PBS) with 2% bovine serum albumin (BSA) and 0.01% NaN3) and stained 30 min at 4°C by addition of FITC-conjugated anti-CD40, PE-conjugated anti-CD80, PE-conjugated anti-CD86 antibody, anti MHC class II (I-Ad ) PE (BD
Bioscience). Cells were then washed by centrifugation (5 min at 1,500 rpm at 4°C) in 300 μΐ of FACS buffer. After a second wash, cells were re-suspended in 200 μΐ of FACS buffer and the percentage of cells expressing a given marker (single positive), or a combination of markers (double positive) were analyzed with the aid of an Accuri C6 flow cytometer (BD Biosciences).
Analysis of cytokine responses by ELISA
[0194] Culture supernatants were subjected to cytokine-specific ELISA to determine IL-Ι β, IL-6, and TNF-cc responses in cultures of macrophages treated with analgesic, LPS alone or a combination of LPS and analgesic. The assays were performed on Nunc MaxiSorp Immunoplates (Nunc) coated overnight with 100 μΐ of anti-mouse IL-6, TNF- mAbs (BD Biosciences) or IL-Ι β mAb (R&D Systems) in 0.1 M sodium bicarbonate buffer (pH 9.5). After two washes with PBS (200 μΐ per well), 200 μΐ of PBS 3% BSA were added in each well (blocking) and the plates incubated for 2 hours at room temperature. Plates were washed again two times by addition of 200 μΐ per well, 100 μΐ of cytokine standards and serial dilutions of culture supernatants were added in duplicate, and the plates were incubated overnight at 4°C. Finally, the plates were washed twice and incubated with 100 μΐ of secondary biotinylated anti-mouse IL-6, TNF mAbs (BD Biosciences), or IL-Ι β (R&D Systems) followed by peroxidase-labeled goat anti-biotin mAb (Vector Laboratories). The colorimetric reaction was developed by the addition of 2,2'-azino-bis (3)- ethylbenzylthiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS) substrate and Η?0? (Sigma) and the absorbance measured at 415 nm with a Victor® V multilabel plate reader (PerkinElmer).
Determination of COX2 activity and the production of cAMP and cGMP
[0195] The COX2 activity in the cultured macrophages is determined by sequential competitive ELISA (R&D Systems). The production of cAMP and cGMP is determined by the cAMP assay and cGMP assay. These assays are performed routinely in the art. [0196] Table 1 summarizes the experiments performed with Raw 264 macrophage cell line and main findings in terms of the effects of analgesics on cell surface expression of costimulatory molecules CD40 and CD80. Expression of these molecules is stimulated by COX2 and inflammatory signals and, thus, was evaluated to determine functional consequences of inhibition of COX2.
[0197] As shown in Table 2, acetaminophen, aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen inhibit basal expression of co-stimulatory molecules CD40 and CD80 by macrophages at all the tested doses (i.e., 5x 105 nM, 5x 104 nM, 5x 103 nM, 5x 102 nM, 50 nM, and 5 nM), except for the highest dose (i.e., 5x 106 nM), which appears to enhance, rather than inhibit, expression of the co-stimulatory molecules. As shown in Figures 1 A and IB, such inhibitory effect on CD40 and CD50 expression was observed at analgesic doses as low as 0.05 nM (i.e. , 0.00005 μΜ). This finding supports the notion that a controlled release of small doses of analgesic may be preferable to acute delivery of large doses. The experiment also revealed that acetaminophen, aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen have a similar inhibitory effect on LPS induced expression of CD40 and CD80.
Table 1. Summary of experiments
Table 2. Summary of main findings
ND: not done (toxicity)
[0198] Table 3 summarizes the results of several studies that measured serum levels of analgesic after oral therapeutic doses in adult humans. As shown in Table 3, the maximum serum levels of analgesic after an oral therapeutic dose are in the range of 104 to 105 nM. Therefore, the doses of analgesic tested in vitro in Table 2 cover the range of concentrations achievable in vivo in humans.
Table 3. Serum levels of analgesic in human blood after oral therapeutic doses
EXAMPLE 3: EFFECT OF ANALGESIC AGENTS, BOTULINUM NEUROTOXIN AND ANTIMUSCARINIC AGENTS ON MOUSE BLADDER SMOOTH MUSCLE CELL RESPONSES TO INFLAMMATORY AND NON-INFLAMMATORY STIMULI
Experimental Design
[0199] This study is designed to characterize how the optimal doses of analgesics determined in Example 2 affect bladder smooth muscle cells in cell culture or tissue cultures, and to address whether different classes of analgesics can synergize to more efficiently inhibit COX2 and PGE2 responses.
[0200] The effectors, analgesic agents and antimuscarinic agents are described in Example 2.
[0201] Primary culture of mouse bladder smooth muscle cells are subjected to short term (1-2 hrs) or long term (24-48 hrs) stimulation with:
(1) Each analgesic agent alone at various doses.
(2) Each analgesic agent at various doses in the presence of LPS.
(3) Each analgesic agent at various doses in the presence of carbachol or acetylcholine.
(4) Each analgesic agent at various doses in the presence of AA, DGLA, or
EPA.
(5) Botulinum neurotoxin A alone at various doses.
(6) Botulinum neurotoxin A at various doses in the presence of LPS.
(7) Botulinum neurotoxin A at various doses in the presence of carbachol or acetylcholine.
(8) Botulinum neurotoxin A at various doses in the presence of AA, DGLA, or
EPA.
(9) Each antimuscarinic agent alone at various doses.
(10) Each antimuscarinic agent at various doses in the presence of LPS.
(11) Each antimuscarinic agent at various doses in the presence of carbachol or acetylcholine.
(12) Each antimuscarinic agent at various doses in the presence of AA, DGLA, or EPA.
[0202] The cells are then analyzed for the release of PGH2; PGE; PGE2; Prostacydin; Thromboxane; IL-Ιβ; IL-6; TNF-a; the COX2 activity; the production of cAMP and cGMP; the production of IL-Ιβ, IL-6, TNF-a, and COX2 mRNA; and surface expression of CD80, CD86, and MHC class II molecules.
Materials and Methods
Isolation and purification of mouse bladder cells
[0203] Bladder cells were removed from euthanized animals C57BL/6 mice (8-12 weeks old), and cells were isolated by enzymatic digestion followed by purification on a Percoll gradient. Briefly, bladders from 10 mice were minced with scissors to fine slurry in 10 ml of digestion buffer (RPMI 1640, 2% fetal bovine serum, 0.5 mg/ml collagenase, 30 μg/ml DNase). Bladder slurries were enzymatically digested for 30 minutes at 37°C.
Undigested fragments were further dispersed through a cell-trainer. The cell suspension was pelleted and added to a discontinue 20%, 40%. and 75% Percoll gradient for purification on mononuclear cells. Each experiment used 50-60 bladders.
[0204] After washes in RPMI 1640, bladder cells were resuspended RPMI 1640 supplemented with 10 % fetal bovine serum, 15 mM HEPES, 2 mM L-glutamine, 100 U/ml penicillin, and 100 μg / ml of streptomycin and seeded in clear-bottom black 96-well cell culture microculture plates at a cell density of 3x104 cells per well in 100 μΐ. Cells were cultured at 37° C in a 5 % C02 atmosphere.
In vitro treatment of cells with analgesics
[0205] Bladder cells were treated with analgesic solutions (50 μΐ/ well) either alone or together with carbachol (10-Molar, 50 μΐ/ well), as an example of non-inflammatory stimuli, or lipopolysaccharide (LPS) of Salmonella typhimurium (1 μg/ml, 50 μΐ/ well), as an example of non-inflammatory stimuli. When no other effectors were added to the cells, 50 μΐ of RPMI 1640 without fetal bovine serum were added to the wells to adjust the final volume to 200 μΐ.
[0206] After 24 hours of culture, 150 μΐ of culture supernatants were collected, spun down for 2 min at 8,000 rpm at 4°C to remove cells and debris, and stored at -70°C for analysis of Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) responses by ELISA. Cells were fixed, permeabilized, and blocked for detection of Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX2) using a fluorogenic substrate. In selected experiment cells were stimulated 12 hours in vitro for analysis of COX2 responses. Analysis of COX2 responses
[0207] COX2 responses were analyzed by a Cell-Based ELISA using human/mouse total COX2 immunoassay (R&D Systems), following the instructions of the manufacturer. Briefly, after cells fixation and permeabilization, a mouse anti-total COX2 and a rabbit anti- total GAPDH were added to the wells of the clear-bottom black 96-well cell culture microculture plates. After incubation and washes, an HRP-conjugated anti-mouse IgG and an AP-conjugated anti-rabbit IgG were added to the wells. Following another incubation and set of washes, the HRP- and AP-fluorogenic substrates were added. Finally, a Victor® V multilabel plate reader (PerkinElmer) was used to read the fluorescence emitted at 600 nm (COX2 fluorescence) and 450 nm (GAPDH fluorescence). Results are expressed as relative levels of total COX2 as determined by relative fluorescence unit (RFUs) and normalized to the housekeeping protein GAPDH. Analysis of PGE2 Responses
[0208] Prostaglandin E2 responses were analyzed by a sequential competitive ELISA (R&D Systems). More specifically, culture supernatants or PGE2 standards were added to the wells of a 96-well polystyrene microplate coated with a goat anti-mouse polyclonal antibody. After one hour incubation on a microplate shaker, an HRP-conjugated PGE2 was added and the plates were incubated for an additional two hours at room temperature. The plates were then washed and HRP substrate solution added to each well. The color was allowed to develop for 30 minutes, and the reaction stopped by the addition of sulfuric acid before reading the plate at 450 nm with wavelength correction at 570 nm. Results are expressed as mean pg/ml of PGE2.
Other Assays
[0209] The release of PGH2; PGE, Prostacydin; Thromboxane; IL-lp; IL-6; and TNF- a; the production of cAMP and cGMP; the production of IL-Ιβ, IL-6, TNF-ct, and COX2 mRNA; and surface expression of CD80, CD86, and MHC class II molecules are determined as described in Example 2.
Results
Analgesics inhibit COX2 responses of mouse bladder cells to an inflammatory stimulus
[0210] Several analgesics (acetaminophen, aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen) were tested on mouse bladder cells at the concentration of 5 μΜ or 50 μΜ to determine whether the analgesics could induce COX2 responses. Analysis of 24-hour cultures showed that none of the analgesics tested induced COX2 responses in mouse bladder cells in vitro.
[0211] The effect of these analgesics on the COX2 responses of mouse bladder cells to carbachol or LPS stimulation in vitro was also tested. As indicated in Table 1 , the dose of carbachol tested has no significant effect on COX2 levels in mouse bladder cells. On the other hand, LPS significantly increased total COX2 levels. Interestingly, acetaminophen, aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen could all suppress the effect of LPS on COX2 levels. The suppressive effect of the analgesic was seen when these drugs were tested at either 5 μΜ or 50 μΜ (Table 4). Table 4. COX2 expression by mouse bladder cells after in vitro stimulation and treatment with analgesic
Analgesics inhibit PGE2 responses of mouse bladder cells to an inflammatory stimulus
[0212] The secretion of PGE2 in culture supernatants of mouse bladder cells was measured to determine the biological significance of the alteration of mouse bladder cell COX2 levels by analgesics. As shown in Table 5, PGE2 was not detected in the culture supernatants of unstimulated bladder cells or bladder cells cultured in the presence of carbachol. Consistent with COX2 responses described above, stimulation of mouse bladder cells with LPS induced the secretion of high levels of PGE2. Addition of the analgesics acetaminophen, aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen suppressed the effect of LPS on PGE2 secretion, and no difference was seen between the responses of cells treated with the 5 or 50 μΜ dose of analgesic.
Table 5. PGE2 secretion by mouse bladder cells after in vitro stimulation and treatment with analgesic.
[0213] In summary, these data show that the analgesics alone at 5 μΜ or 50 μΜ do not induce COX2 and PGE2 responses in mouse bladder cells. The analgesics at 5 μΜ or 50 μΜ, however, significantly inhibit COX2 and PGE2 responses of mouse bladder cells stimulated in vitro with LPS (1 μg/ml). No significant effect of analgesics was observed on COX2 and PGE2 responses of mouse bladder cells stimulated with carbachol (1 mM).
EXAMPLE 4: EFFECT OF ANALGESIC AGENTS, BOTULINUM NEUROTOXIN AND ANTIMUSCARINIC AGENTS ON MOUSE BLADDER SMOOTH MUSCLE CELL CONTRACTION
Experimental Design
[0214] Cultured mouse or rat bladder smooth muscle cells and mouse or rat bladder smooth muscle tissue are exposed to inflammatory stimuli and non-inflammatory stimuli in the presence of analgesic agent and/or antimuscarinic agent at various concentrations. The stimulus-induced muscle contraction is measured to evaluate the inhibitory effect of the analgesic agent and/or antimuscarinic agent.
[0215] The effectors, analgesic agents, and antimuscarinic agents are described in Example 2.
[0216] Primary cultures of mouse bladder smooth muscle cells are subjected to short term (1-2 hrs) or long term (24-48 hrs) stimulation with:
(1) Each analgesic agent alone at various doses.
(2) Each analgesic agent at various doses in the presence of LPS.
(3) Each analgesic agent at various doses in the presence of carbachol or
acetylcholine.
(4) Each analgesic agent at various doses in the presence of AA, DGLA, or EPA.
(5) Botulinum neurotoxin A alone at various doses.
(6) Botulinum neurotoxin A at various doses in the presence of LPS.
(7) Botulinum neurotoxin A at various doses in the presence of carbachol or acetylcholine.
(8) Botulinum neurotoxin A at various doses in the presence of AA, DGLA, or EPA.
(9) Each antimuscarinic agent alone at various doses.
(10) Each antimuscarinic agent at various doses in the presence of LPS.
(11) Each antimuscarinic agent at various doses in the presence of carbachol or acetylcholine.
(12) Each antimuscarinic agent at various doses in the presence of AA, DGLA, or
EPA.
Materials and Methods
[0217] Primary mouse bladder cells are isolated as described in Example 3. In selected experiments, cultures of bladder tissue are used. Bladder smooth muscle cell contractions are recorded with a Grass polygraph (Quincy Mass, USA).
EXAMPLE 5: EFFECT OF ORAL ANALGESIC AGENTS AND ANTIMUSCARINIC AGENTS ON COX2 AND PGE2 RESPONSES OF MOUSE BLADDER SMOOTH MUSCLE CELLS.
Experimental Design
[0218] Normal mice and mice with over active bladder syndrome are given oral doses of aspirin, naproxen sodium, ibuprofen, Indocin, nabumetone, Tylenol, Celecoxib, oxybutynin, solifenacin, darifenacin, atropine, and combinations thereof. Control groups include untreated normal mice and untreated OAB mice with over active bladder syndrome.
Thirty (30) minutes after last doses, the bladders are collected and stimulated ex vivo with carbachol or acetylcholine. In selected experiments, the bladders are treated with botulinum neurotoxin A before stimulation with carbachol. Animals are maintained in metabolic cages and frequency (and volume) of urination are evaluated. Bladder outputs are determined by monitoring water intake and cage litter weight. Serum PGH2, PGE, PGE2, Prostacydin,
Thromboxane, IL-Ιβ, IL-6, TNF-a, cAMP, and cGMP levels are determined by ELISA.
CD80, CD86, and MHC class II expression in whole blood cells are determined by flow cytometry.
[0219] At the end of the experiment, animals are euthanized, and ex vivo bladder contractions are recorded with a Grass polygraph. Portions of bladders are fixed in formalin, and COX2 responses are analyzed by immunohistochemistry.
EXAMPLE 6: EFFECT OF ANALGESIC AGENTS, BOTULINUM NEUROTOXIN AND ANTIMUSCARINIC AGENTS ON HUMAN BLADDER SMOOTH MUSCLE CELL RESPONSES TO INFLAMMATORY AND NON-INFLAMMATORY STIMULI
Experimental Design
[0220] This study is designed to characterize how the optimal doses of analgesic determined in Examples 1-5 affect human bladder smooth muscle cells in cell culture or tissue cultures and to address whether different classes of analgesics can synergize to more efficiently inhibit COX2 and PGE2 responses.
[0221] The effectors, analgesic agents, and antimuscarinic agents are described in Example 2.
[0222] Human bladder smooth muscle cells are subjected to short term (1-2 hrs) or long term (24-48 hrs) stimulation with:
(1) Each analgesic agent alone at various doses.
(2) Each analgesic agent at various doses in the presence of LPS.
(3) Each analgesic agent at various doses in the presence of carbachol or acetylcholine.
(4) Each analgesic agent at various doses in the presence of AA, DGLA, or EPA.
(5) Botulinum neurotoxin A alone at various doses.
(6) Botulinum neurotoxin A at various doses in the presence of LPS.
(7) Botulinum neurotoxin A at various doses in the presence of carbachol or acetylcholine.
(8) Botulinum neurotoxin A at various doses in the presence of AA, DGLA, or EPA.
(9) Each antimuscarinic agent alone at various doses.
(10) Each antimuscarinic agent at various doses in the presence of LPS.
(11) Each antimuscarinic agent at various doses in the presence of carbachol or acetylcholine.
(12) Each antimuscarinic agent at various doses in the presence of AA, DGLA, or
EPA.
[0223] The cells are then analyzed for the release of PGH2; PGE; PGE2; Prostacydin; Thromboxane; IL-Ιβ; IL-6; TNFa; the COX2 activity; the production of cAMP and cGMP; the production of IL-Ιβ, IL-6, TNFa, and COX2 mRNA; and surface expression of CD80, CD86, and MHC class II molecules.
EXAMPLE 7: EFFECT OF ANALGESIC AGENTS, BOTULINUM NEUROTOXIN AND ANTIMUSCARINIC AGENTS ON HUMAN BLADDER SMOOTH MUSCLE CELL CONTRACTION
Experimental Design
[0224] Cultured human bladder smooth muscle cells are exposed to inflammatory stimuli and non-inflammatory stimuli in the presence of an analgesic agent and/or antimuscarinic agent at various concentrations. The stimuli-induced muscle contraction is measured to evaluate the inhibitory effect of the analgesic agent and/or antimuscarinic agent.
[0225] The effectors, analgesic agents, and antimuscarinic agents are described in Example 2.
[0226] Human bladder smooth muscle cells are subjected to short term (1-2 hrs) or long term (24-48 hrs) stimulation with:
(1) Each analgesic agent alone at various doses.
(2) Each analgesic agent at various doses in the presence of LPS.
(3) Each analgesic agent at various doses in the presence of carbachol or
acetylcholine.
(4) Each analgesic agent at various doses in the presence of AA, DGLA, or EPA. (5) Botulinum neurotoxin A alone at various doses.
(6) Botulinum neurotoxin A at various doses in the presence of LPS.
(7) Botulinum neurotoxin A at various doses in the presence of carbachol or acetylcholine.
(8) Botulinum neurotoxin A at various doses in the presence of AA, DGLA, or
EPA.
(9) Each antimuscarinic agent alone at various doses.
(10) Each antimuscarinic agent at various doses in the presence of LPS.
(11) Each antimuscarinic agent at various doses in the presence of carbachol or acetylcholine.
(12) Each antimuscarinic agent at various doses in the presence of AA, DGLA, or
EPA.
[0227] Bladder smooth muscle cell contractions are recorded with a Grass polygraph (Quincy Mass, USA).
EXAMPLE 8: EFFECT OF ANALGESIC AGENTS ON NORMAL HUMAN BLADDER SMOOTH MUSCLE CELL RESPONSES TO INFLAMMATORY AND NON INFLAMMATORY SIGNALS
Experimental Design
Culture of normal human bladder smooth muscle cells
[0228] Normal human bladder smooth muscle cells were isolated by enzymatic digestion from macroscopically normal pieces of human bladder. Cells were expended in vitro by culture at 37° C in a 5 % C02 atmosphere in RPMI 1640 supplemented with 10 % fetal bovine serum, 15 mM HEPES, 2 mM L-glutamine, 100 U/ml penicillin, and 100 mg / ml of streptomycin and passage once a week by treatment with trypsin to detach cells followed by reseeding in a new culture flask. The first week of culture, the culture medium was supplemented with 0.5 ng/ml epidermal growth factor, 2 ng/ml fibroblast growth factor, and 5 g/ml insulin.
Treatment of normal human bladder smooth muscle cells with analgesics in vitro
[0229] Bladder smooth muscle cells trypsinized and seeded in microculture plates at a cell density of 3xl04 cells per well in 100 μΐ were treated with analgesic solutions (50 μΐ/ well) either alone or together carbachol (10-Molar, 50 μΐ/ well), as an example of noninflammatory stimuli, or lipopolysaccharide (LPS) of Salmonella typhimurium (1 μg/ml, 50 μΐ/ well), as an example of non-inflammatory stimuli. When no other effectors were added to the cells, 50 μΐ of RPMI 1640 without fetal bovine serum were added to the wells to adjust the final volume to 200μ1.
[0230] After 24 hours of culture, 150 μΐ of culture supernatants were collected, spun down for 2 min at 8,000 rpm at 4°C to remove cells and debris, and stored at -70°C for analysis of Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) responses by ELISA. Cells were fixed, permeabilized, and blocked for detection of COX2 using a fluorogenic substrate. In selected experiments, cells were stimulated 12 hours in vitro for analysis of COX2, PGE2, and cytokine responses. Analysis of COX2, PGE2, and cytokine responses
[0231] COX2 and PGE2 responses were analyzed as described in Example 3.
Cytokine responses were analyzed as described in Example 2.
RESULTS
[0232] Analgesics inhibit COX2 responses of normal human bladder smooth muscle cells to inflammatory and non- inflammatory stimuli - Analysis of cells and culture supernatants after 24 hours of cultures showed that none of the analgesics tested alone induced COX2 responses in normal human bladder smooth muscle cells. However, as summarized in Table 6, carbachol induced low, but significant COX2 responses in normal human bladder smooth muscle cells. On the other hand, LPS treatment resulted in higher levels of COX2 responses in normal human bladder smooth muscle cells. Acetaminophen, aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen could all suppress the effect of carbachol and LPS on COX2 levels. The suppressive effect of the analgesics was seen on LPS-induced responses when these drugs were tested at either 5 μΜ or 50 μΜ.
Table 6. COX2 expression by normal human bladder smooth muscle cells after in vitro stimulation with inflammatory and non- inflammatory stimuli and treatment with analgesic
Data are expressed as mean of duplicates
[0233] Analgesics inhibit PGE2 responses of normal human bladder smooth muscle cells to inflammatory and non- inflammatory stimuli - Consistent with the induction of COX2 responses described above, both carbachol and LPS induced production of PGE2 by normal human bladder smooth muscle cells. Acetaminophen, aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen were also found to suppress the LPS-induced PGE2 responses at either 5 μΜ or 50 μΜ (Table 7).
Table 7. PGE2 secretion by normal human bladder smooth muscle cells after in vitro stimulation with inflammatory and non- inflammatory stimuli and treatment with analgesic
[0234] Analgesics inhibit cytokine responses of normal human bladder cells to inflammatory stimuli - Analysis of cells and culture supernatants after 24 hours of culture showed that none of the analgesics tested alone induced IL-6 or TNFa secretion in normal human bladder smooth muscle cells. As shown in Tables 8 and 9, the doses of carbachol tested induced low, but significant TNFa and IL-6 responses in normal human bladder smooth muscle cells. On the other hand, LPS treatment resulted in massive induction of these proinflammatory cytokines. Acetaminophen, aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen suppress the effect of carbachol and LPS on TNFa and IL-6 responses. The suppressive effect of the analgesics on LPS-induced responses was seen when these drugs were tested at either 5 μΜ or 50 μΜ. Table 8. TNF secretion by normal human bladder smooth muscle cells after in vitro stimulation with inflammatory and non- inflammatory stimuli and treatment with analgesic
Data are expressed as mean of duplicates.
Table 9. IL-6 secretion by normal human bladder smooth muscle cells after in vitro stimulation with inflammatory and non- inflammatory stimuli and treatment with analgesic
Data are expressed as mean of duplicates
[0235] Primary normal human bladder smooth muscle cells were isolated, cultured and evaluated for their responses to analgesics in the presence of non-inflammatory (carbachol) and inflammatory (LPS) stimuli. The goal of this study was to determine whether or not normal human bladder smooth muscle cells recapitulate the observations previously made with murine bladder cells.
[0236] The above-described experiment will be repeated with analgesic agents and/or antimuscarinic agents in delayed-release, or extended-release formulation or delayed-and- extended-release formulations.
[0237] The above description is for the purpose of teaching a person of ordinary skill in the art how to practice the present invention, and it is not intended to detail all those obvious modifications and variations of it which will become apparent to the skilled worker upon reading the description. It is intended, however, that all such obvious modifications and variations be included within the scope of the present invention, which is defined by the following claims. The claims are intended to cover the claimed components and steps in any sequence which is effective to meet the objectives there intended, unless the context specifically indicates the contrary.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:
1. A method for reducing frequency of urination in a subject, comprising:
administering to a subject having a condition that resulting in undesired frequency of urination an effective amount of a pharmaceutical composition comprising one or more prostaglandin pathway inhibitors.
2. The method of Claim 1, wherein said one or more prostaglandin pathway inhibitors comprise an inhibitor of prostaglandin activity.
3. The method of Claim 1 , wherein said one or more prostaglandin pathway inhibitors comprise an inhibitor of prostaglandin synthesis.
4. The method of Claim 1, wherein said one or more prostaglandin pathway inhibitors comprise an inhibitor of prostaglandin transporter activity.
5. The method of Claim 1, wherein said one or more prostaglandin pathway inhibitors comprise an inhibitor of prostaglandin transporter expression.
6. The method of Claim 1, wherein said one or more prostaglandin pathway inhibitors comprise an inhibitor of prostaglandin receptor activity.
7. The method of Claim 1, wherein said one or more prostaglandin pathway inhibitors comprise an inhibitor of prostaglandin receptor expression.
8. The method of Claim 1 , wherein said pharmaceutical composition further comprises an analgesic.
9. The method of Claim 8, wherein said analgesic is acetaminophen.
10. The method of Claim 1 , wherein said pharmaceutical composition is formulated for immediate-release, delayed-release, or extended-release.
11. The method of Claim 1, wherein said pharmaceutical composition is administered orally.
12. The method of Claim 1, wherein said pharmaceutical composition is administered by direct injection into bladder muscle.
13. The method of Claim 1 , wherein said condition that resulting in undesired high frequency of urination is nocturia.
14. The method of Claim 1, wherein said condition that resulting in undesired high frequency of urination is overactive bladder.
15. The method of Claim 1 , wherein said condition that resulting in undesired frequency of urination is urinary incontinence.
16. The method of Claim 1, wherein said condition that resulting in undesired frequency of urination is bed wetting.
17. A pharmaceutical composition for treating a condition that results in undesired frequency of urination, comprising:
one or more prostaglandin pathway inhibitors; and
a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.
18. The pharmaceutical composition of Claim 17, wherein said one or more prostaglandin pathway inhibitors comprise an inhibitor of prostaglandin activity.
19. The pharmaceutical composition of Claim 17, wherein said one or more prostaglandin pathway inhibitors comprise an inhibitor of prostaglandin synthesis.
20. The pharmaceutical composition of Claim 17, wherein said one or more prostaglandin pathway inhibitors comprise an inhibitor of prostaglandin transporter activity.
21. The pharmaceutical composition of Claim 17, wherein said one or more prostaglandin pathway inhibitors comprise an inhibitor of prostaglandin transporter expression.
22. The pharmaceutical composition of Claim 17, wherein said one or more prostaglandin pathway inhibitors comprise an inhibitor of prostaglandin receptor activity.
23. The pharmaceutical composition of Claim 17, wherein said one or more prostaglandin pathway inhibitors comprise an inhibitor of prostaglandin receptor expression.
24. The pharmaceutical composition of Claim 17, further comprising an analgesic.
25. The pharmaceutical composition of Claim 24, wherein said analgesic is acetaminophen.
26. The pharmaceutical composition of Claim 24, further comprising an
antimuscarinic agent, an antidiuretic, a spasmolytic or Zolpidem
27. The pharmaceutical composition of Claim 17, wherein said pharmaceutical composition is formulated for immediate-release.
28. The pharmaceutical composition of Claim 17, wherein said pharmaceutical composition is formulated for delayed-release.
29. The pharmaceutical composition of Claim 17, wherein said pharmaceutical composition is formulated for extended-release.
30. The pharmaceutical composition of Claim 29, wherein said pharmaceutical composition is further coated with an enteric coating.
31. The pharmaceutical composition of Claim 17, wherein said pharmaceutical composition is formulated for oral administration.
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