EP4673177A1

EP4673177A1 - Process for preparation of glp-1 peptides having controlled particle size

Info

Publication number: EP4673177A1
Application number: EP24709859.3A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Offir BAREL; Abed Masarwa; Polina Lapido
Original assignee: Novetide Ltd
Current assignee: Novetide Ltd
Priority date: 2023-03-02
Filing date: 2024-02-29
Publication date: 2026-01-07
Also published as: IL322510A; WO2024180511A1

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to processes for preparation of a peptide powder, and the preparation of peptide particles, for example a GLP-1 peptide such as Liraglutide, Dulaglutide, Exanetide, Lixisenatide and/or Semaglutide, and/or a salt thereof; particularly Liraglutide and Semaglutide and salts thereof; preferably Semaglutide and salts thereof, and more preferably Semaglutide. More specifically, the disclosure relates to a process comprising lyophilizing a solution comprising the peptide; and particle size reduction of the obtained lyophilizate. The disclosure further relates to GLP-1 peptides, particularly wherein the GLP-1 peptide is selected from Liraglutide, Dulaglutide, Exanetide, Lixisenatide and/or Semaglutide, and/or a salt thereof; preferably selected from Liraglutide and Semaglutide, and a salt thereof; and more preferably Semaglutide and a salt thereof, and most preferably Semaglutide, obtainable by said process and its use in medicine and cosmetic treatment.

Description

PROCESS FOR PREPARATION OF GLP-1 PEPTIDES

HAVING CONTROLLED PARTICLE SIZE

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0001] The present disclosure relates to processes for preparation of a peptide powder, and the preparation of peptide particles, for example a GLP-1 peptide such as Liraglutide, Dulaglutide, Exanetide, Lixisenatide and/or Semaglutide, and/or a salt thereof; particularly Liraglutide and Semaglutide and salts thereof; preferably Semaglutide and salts thereof, and more preferably Semaglutide. More specifically, the disclosure relates to a process comprising lyophilizing a solution comprising the peptide; and particle size reduction of the obtained lyophilizate. The disclosure further relates to GLP-1 peptides, particularly wherein the GLP-1 peptide is selected from Liraglutide, Dulaglutide, Exanetide, Lixisenatide and/or Semaglutide, and/or a salt thereof; preferably selected from Liraglutide and Semaglutide, and a salt thereof; and more preferably Semaglutide and a salt thereof, and most preferably Semaglutide, obtainable by said process and its use in medicine and cosmetic treatment.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0002] Glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) encompasses peptides such as Liraglutide, Dulaglutide, Exanetide, Lixisenatide and/or Semaglutide, represent a class of drugs that can be used to treat type 2 diabetes. These GLP-1 agonists improve blood sugar control and may also be used for the treatment of overweight or obesity since they can assist with weight loss through appetite suppression. GLP-1 agonists can also be used in cosmetic weight loss in non-overweight non- obese subjects.

[0003] Synthetic peptide drugs such as GLP-1 peptides are typically manufactured using multistep solid phase synthesis. The resulting peptides are typically purified by HPLC, and the products isolated primarily by lyophilization or by spray drying in order to remove the chromatography solvents and buffers.

[0004] Lyophilization and spray drying are well-known processes used for the solidification of unstable or biopharmaceutical formulations. However, the products (lyophilizates) produced by lyophilization are generally characterized by low bulk density. Lyophilized particles of an active pharmaceutical ingredient (“API”) having low bulk density may display poor or limited flowability, which may ultimately result in difficulties in milling processes, as well as difficulties in blending during the manufacture of a pharmaceutical composition. In the case of peptides such as GLP-1 peptides, where the drugs are typically administered in relatively low doses, content uniformity in a solid dosage form is of particular importance. Content uniformity is particularly difficult to control in the case of poorly flowable substances and/or substances having unsuitable particle size distribution. However, preparation of a solid dosage form particularly of peptides such as GLP-1 peptides generally require an API having a specific particle size distribution (“PSD”) and other characteristics that cannot be controlled by lyophilization. Thus, prior art lyophilization processes which are typically used in the preparation of peptides such as GLP-1 peptides result in the production of fluffy and non-flowable materials. The lyophilized products typically do not have the required small particle sizes for the final dosage form in the case of low dose drugs, such as the GLP-1 peptides and are not good candidates for particle size reduction steps such as milling or sieving.

[0005] The problems associated with lyophilized materials having poor flowability have generally been difficult to resolve. Indeed, the difficulties of processing prior art lyophilizates, which are typically fluffy and non-flowable materials are well known and have investigators have been prompted to seek alternatives to the freeze drying process. This problem is especially acute when the lyophilizates are peptides. A common technology for obtaining powders of, e.g. peptides, is through spray drying processes. However, whilst spray drying is a useful method to form a product which does not suffer from the above-discussed issues of fluffy or non-flowable materials commonly obtained from lyophilization, there are other problems associated with spray drying, particularly in the production of, e.g. peptides. In particular, spray drying technology requires preparation of a feed solution comprising the API and exposure of the API- containing feed solution to heat, which can be especially detrimental for the API purity over time (for example due to decomposition), especially in large scale during spray drying of drug substances. This problem can be particularly acute in the case of peptides, which are often heat sensitive. Another drawback of the spray drying process is the low yield obtained because of material loss, which is particularly undesirable in the cases of high cost APIs such as peptides. For at least these reasons, there is still a need for additional processes for preparation of APIs such as peptides and particular GLP-1 peptides having controlled PSDs that will be suitable in large scale production. [0006] It has unexpectedly been found that lyophilizing a solution of a peptide wherein the peptide is present in solution at high concentrations that are greater than typical concentrations advantageously produces peptide powders (i.e. the lyophilizate), wherein the powder is flowable and can readily be processed in subsequent steps such as particle size reduction for example by milling or sieving.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0007] The present disclosure relates to a process for the preparation of a peptide powder, preferably wherein the peptide is a GLP-1 peptide, wherein the process comprises: a) providing a solution comprising one or more solvents and a peptide, preferably a GLP-1 peptide, particularly wherein the peptide is selected from Liraglutide, Dulaglutide, Exanetide, Lixisenatide or Semaglutide, or a salt thereof; preferably selected from Liraglutide and Semaglutide, and a salt thereof; more preferably Semaglutide, or a salt thereof; and most preferably Semaglutide; wherein the concentration (w/w) of the peptide in the solution is not less than about 2.5% [particularly the concentration of the peptide may range from: about 2.5% (w/w) to about 40% w/w), about 2.5% (w/w) to about 35% (w/w), about 2.5% to about 30% (w/w), about 2.5% (w/w) to about 25% (w/w), or about 2.5% (w/w) to about 20% (w/w) or more particularly, the concentration of the peptide is from about 2.5% (w/w) to about 13.5% (w/w)]; and wherein the solution has a pH of: about 5 to about 10, preferably to about 6 to about 9, and more preferably about 7 to about 8, about 7.1 to about 7.5 or about 7.3; and b) lyophilizing the solution. The peptides produced by the lyophilization process described herein are advantageously in the form of a powder, particularly a flowable or free-flowing powder. According to any aspect or embodiment of the disclosure, the powder may be subjected to particle size reduction, optionally by milling or by sieving.

[0008] In yet another aspect the present disclosure provides a peptide powder, preferably wherein the peptide is a GLP-1 peptide, particularly wherein the peptide is selected from: Liraglutide, Dulaglutide, Exanetide, Lixisenatide or Semaglutide, or a salt thereof; preferably selected from Liraglutide and Semaglutide, and a salt thereof; more preferably Semaglutide or a salt thereof; and most preferably Semaglutide, produced by any of the processes disclosed herein.

[0009] The present disclosure also provides the use of a peptide powder produced by any of the processes of the disclosure in the preparation of pharmaceutical compositions and/or formulations or dietary compositions, preferably in the preparation of oral dosage forms, more preferably in the preparations of tablets.

[0010] The present disclosure also provides a peptide powder produced by the processes of the disclosure for use in the preparation of pharmaceutical compositions and/or formulations, or dietary compositions, preferably in the preparation of oral dosage forms, more preferably in the preparations of tablets.

[0011] The present disclosure further includes processes for the preparation of the above mentioned pharmaceutical compositions, pharmaceutical formulations, or dietary compositions, comprising a peptide, preferably a GLP-1 peptide, particularly wherein the peptide is selected from: Liraglutide, Dulaglutide, Exanetide, Lixisenatide or Semaglutide, or a salt thereof; preferably wherein the peptide is selected from Liraglutide and Semaglutide, or a salt thereof; more preferably Semaglutide or a salt thereof, and most preferably Semaglutide; wherein the process comprises combining the peptide powder obtained by any one of the processes of the present disclosure with at least one pharmaceutically acceptable, or dietary acceptable excipient. [0012] The peptide powder produced according to the processes described herein and the pharmaceutical compositions or formulations thereof may be used as medicaments, such as for the treatment of type 2 diabetes, overweight or obesity, and preferably type 2 diabetes.

[0013] Alternatively, the peptide powder produced according to the processes described herein and the pharmaceutical compositions or formulations thereof may be used for the treatment of Systemic Scleroderma, obesity and polycystic ovarian syndrome, Atherosclerosis or Cardiovascular Diseases in people with type 2 diabetes and/or obesity, Chronic Kidney Disease or dialysis-dependent end-stage kidney disease in T2DM and overweight/obesity, Cystic Fibrosis or Cystic Fibrosis-related Diabetes, Advanced Lung Disease, NASH - Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis or NAFLD or Liver Transplant Recipients with poorly-controlled Diabetes Mellitus, Addiction Alcohol Use Disorder, Tobacco Use Disorder Nicotine Addiction, obesity in patients with schizophrenia-spectrum disorder who did not demonstrate adequate weight loss on metformin.

[0014] The peptide powder produced according to the processes described herein and the dietary compositions thereof may be used for cosmetic weight loss in non-overweight non-obese subjects. [0015] The present disclosure also provides methods for the treatment of patients suffering from type 2 diabetes, overweight or obesity, and preferably type 2 diabetes, by administering a therapeutically effective amount of a peptide powder produced according to the processes described herein, or a pharmaceutical composition thereof, to a subject suffering from type 2 diabetes, overweight or obesity, and preferably type 2 diabetes, or otherwise in need of the treatment.

[0016] The present disclosure also provides methods for the treatment of patients suffering from Systemic Scleroderma, obesity and polycystic ovarian syndrome, Atherosclerosis or Cardiovascular Diseases in people with type 2 diabetes and/or obesity, Chronic Kidney Disease or dialysis-dependent end-stage kidney disease in T2DM and overweight/obesity, Cystic Fibrosis or Cystic Fibrosis-related Diabetes, Advanced Lung Disease, NASH - Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis or NAFLD or Liver Transplant Recipients with poorly-controlled Diabetes Mellitus, Addiction Alcohol Use Disorder, Tobacco Use Disorder Nicotine Addiction, obesity in patients with schizophrenia-spectrum disorder who did not demonstrate adequate weight loss on metformin.

[0017] The present disclosure further provides methods for cosmetic weight loss in nonoverweight non-obese subjects by administering an effective amount of a peptide powder produced according to the processes described herein, or a dietary composition thereof. [0018] The present disclosure also provides uses of a peptide powder obtainable by the methods of the present disclosure or at least one of the above pharmaceutical compositions thereof, for the manufacture of medicaments for treating type 2 diabetes, overweight or obesity and preferably type 2 diabetes.

[0019] The present disclosure also provides uses of a peptide powder obtainable by the methods of the present disclosure or at least one of the above pharmaceutical compositions thereof, for the manufacture of medicaments for treating Systemic Scleroderma, obesity and polycystic ovarian syndrome, Atherosclerosis or Cardiovascular Diseases in people with type 2 diabetes and/or obesity, Chronic Kidney Disease or dialysis-dependent end-stage kidney disease in T2DM and overweight/obesity, Cystic Fibrosis or Cystic Fibrosis-related Diabetes, Advanced Lung Disease, NASH - Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis or NAFLD or Liver Transplant Recipients with poorly- controlled Diabetes Mellitus, Addiction Alcohol Use Disorder, Tobacco Use Disorder Nicotine Addiction, obesity in patients with schizophrenia-spectrum disorder who did not demonstrate adequate weight loss on metformin. The present disclosure also provides uses of a peptide powder obtainable by the methods of the present disclosure or at least one dietary composition thereof, for cosmetic weight loss in non-overweight non-obese subjects.

[0020] The present disclosure further relates to processes for the preparation of a peptide particles, preferably wherein the peptide is a GLP-1 peptide, particularly wherein the peptide is selected from: Liraglutide, Dulaglutide, Exanetide, Lixisenatide and Semaglutide, or a salt thereof; particularly wherein the peptide is selected from: Liraglutide and Semaglutide, or a salt thereof; more preferably Semaglutide or a salt thereof, and most preferably Semaglutide; wherein the process comprises: a) providing a solution comprising one or more solvents and a peptide, wherein the concentration of the peptide in the solution is not less than about 2.5% w/w; and wherein the solution has a pH of: about 5 to about 10, preferably about 6 to about 9, and more preferably about 7 to about 8, about 7.1 to about 7.5, or about 7.3; b) lyophilizing the solution; and c) particle size reduction of the product of step b). Preferably, the peptide is a GLP- 1 peptide, particularly wherein the peptide is selected from: Liraglutide, Dulaglutide, Exanetide, Lixisenatide and Semaglutide, or a salt thereof; preferably Liraglutide and Semaglutide, or a salt thereof; more preferably Semaglutide or a salt thereof; and most preferably Semaglutide. The maximum concentration (w/w) of the peptide may be just below the saturation concentration of the peptide in the solvent. The concentration of the peptide may particularly range from: about 2.5% (w/w) to about 40% w/w), about 2.5% (w/w) to about 35% (w/w), about 2.5% to about 30% (w/w), about 2.5% (w/w) to about 25% (w/w), or about 2.5% (w/w) to about 20% (w/w). Preferably, the concentration of the peptide in the solution is: about 2.5% (w/w) to about 20% (w/w) or about 2.5% (w/w) to about 13.5% (w/w). Preferably, the particle size reduction in step (c) is carried out to produce particles having a particle size suitable for including in a pharmaceutical formulation, preferably in an oral formulation.

[0021] Thus to any aspect or embodiment of the disclosed process, step (c) may be carried out to produce particles having a PSD characterized by a D(90) value of not more than 80 pm ± 20%, not more than 60 pm ± 20%, not more than 40 pm ± 20%, preferably not more than 30 pm ± 20%, or a PSD characterized by a D(90) value of D(90) of: about 8 pm to about 80 pm, about 10 pm to about 70 pm, about 15 pm to about 65 pm, about 20 pm to about 60 pm, or about 20 to about 40 pm, wherein the concentration (w/w) of the peptide in step a) is not less than about 2.5% and as high as saturation of the peptide in the solvent or mixture of solvents. Particularly the concentration (w/w) of the peptide is: about 2.5% (w/w) to about 40% w/w), about 2.5% (w/w) to about 35% (w/w), about 2.5% to about 30% (w/w), about 2.5% (w/w) to about 25% (w/w), or about 2.5% (w/w) to about 20% (w/w). More preferably, the concentration of the peptide is from about 2.5% (w/w) to about 20% (w/w) and especially 2.5% (w/w) to about 13.5% (w/w).

[0022] According to any aspect or embodiment of the disclosed process, the particles obtained in step (c) preferably have a PSD characterized by a D(90) of: not more than 80 pm ± 20%, not more than 60 pm ± 20%; or a D(90) of: about 8 pm to about 80 pm, about 10 pm to about 70 pm, about 15 pm to about 65 pm, about 20 pm to about 60 pm, or about 20 to about 40 pm..

[0023] In yet another aspect the disclosure further relates to processes for preparation of a peptide particles, preferably wherein the peptide is a GLP-1 peptide, particularly wherein the peptide is selected from: Liraglutide, Dulaglutide, Exanetide, Lixisenatide and Semaglutide, or a salt thereof, preferably Liraglutide and Semaglutide, or a salt thereof; more preferably Semaglutide or a salt thereof; and most preferably Semaglutide; wherein the process comprises: providing a lyophilized peptide powder, preferably a GLP-1 peptide, particularly wherein the peptide is selected from: Liraglutide, Dulaglutide, Exanetide, Lixisenatide and Semaglutide or a salt thereof; preferably Liraglutide and Semaglutide, or a salt thereof; more preferably Semaglutide or a salt thereof; and most preferably Semaglutide, wherein the peptide is obtained by steps (a)-(b) according the process of the present disclosure; and reducing the particle size to obtain a powder having a PSD characterized by a D(90) value of not more than 80 pm ± 20%, not more than 60 pm ± 20%, or a PSD characterized by a D(90) value of: not more than 40 pm ± 20%, preferably not more than 30 pm ± 20%; or a D(90) of: about 8 pm to about 80 pm, about 10 pm to about 70 pm, about 15 pm to about 65 pm, about 20 pm to about 60 pm, or about 20 to about 40 pm. Preferably the solution in step (a) has concentration of the peptide of from about 2.5% (w/w) to about 20% (w/w) and especially 2.5% (w/w) to about 13.5% (w/w).

[0024] In yet another aspect the disclosure further relates to processes for preparation of Liraglutide or Semaglutide, or a salt thereof, preferably Liraglutide and Semaglutide, and most preferably Semaglutide; wherein the particles have a PSD characterized by a D(90) value of: not more than 80 pm ± 20%, not more than 60 pm ± 20%, or a PSD characterized by a D(90) value of: not more than 40 pm ± 20%, preferably not more than 30 pm ± 20%; or a D(90) of: about 8 pm to about 80 pm, about 10 pm to about 70 pm, about 15 pm to about 65 pm, about 20 pm to about 60 pm, or about 20 to about 40 m., wherein the process comprises: preparing a peptide powder by a process according to any of steps (a)-(b) as described herein; and subjecting the lyophilized peptide powder to particle size reduction.

[0025] In yet another aspect the present disclosure provides peptide particles, preferably GLP-1 peptide particles, particularly wherein the peptide is selected from: Liraglutide, Dulaglutide, Exanetide, Lixisenatide and Semaglutide or a salt thereof; preferably Liraglutide and Semaglutide, or a salt thereof; more preferably Semaglutide or a salt thereof; and most preferably Semaglutide; having a PSD characterized by a D(90) value of not more than 80 pm ± 20%, not more than 60 pm ± 20%, or a PSD characterized by a D(90) value of: not more than 40 pm ± 20%, preferably not more than 30 pm ± 20%; or a PSD characterized by a D(90) value of: not more than 40 pm ± 20%, preferably not more than 30 pm ± 20%; or a D(90) value of: about 8 pm to about 80 pm, about 10 pm to about 70 pm, about 15 pm to about 65 pm, about 20 pm to about 60 pm, or about 20 to about 40 pm., obtainable by a process according to any aspect or embodiment of the disclosure.

[0026] The present disclosure also provides the use of peptide particles, preferably GLP-1 peptide particles, particularly wherein the peptide is selected from: Liraglutide, Dulaglutide, Exanetide, Lixisenatide and Semaglutide or a salt thereof; preferably Liraglutide and Semaglutide, or a salt thereof; more preferably Semaglutide or a salt thereof; and most preferably Semaglutide; having a PSD characterized by a D(90) value of not more than 80 pm ± 20%, not more than 60 pm ± 20%, or a PSD characterized by a D(90) value of: not more than 40 pm ± 20%, preferably not more than 30 pm ± 20%; or a D(90) value of: about 8 pm to about 80 pm, about 10 pm to about 70 pm, about 15 pm to about 65 pm, about 20 pm to about 60 pm, or about 20 to about 40 pm., obtainable by the processes of the disclosure in the preparation of pharmaceutical compositions and/or formulations or dietary compositions.

[0027] The present disclosure also provides peptide particles, preferably GLP-1 peptide particles, particularly wherein the peptide is selected from: Liraglutide, Dulaglutide, Exanetide, Lixisenatide and Semaglutide or a salt thereof; preferably Liraglutide and Semaglutide, or a salt thereof; more preferably Semaglutide or a salt thereof; and most preferably Semaglutide; having a PSD characterized by a D(90) value of not more than 80 pm ± 20%, not more than 60 pm ± 20%, or a PSD characterized by a D(90) value of: not more than 40 pm ± 20%, preferably not more than 30 pm ± 20%; or a D(90) value of: about 8 pm to about 80 pm, about 10 pm to about 70 pm, about 15 m to about 65 pm, about 20 pm to about 60 pm, or about 20 to about 40 pm., obtainable by any of the processes of the disclosure for use in the preparation of pharmaceutical compositions and/or formulations or dietary compositions.

[0028] The present disclosure further includes processes for the preparation of the above mentioned pharmaceutical composition or pharmaceutical formulation, or dietary composition, preferably for oral administration and more preferably wherein the pharmaceutical formulation is a tablet a GLP-1 peptide, particularly wherein the peptide is selected from Liraglutide, Dulaglutide, Exanetide, Lixisenatide and/or Semaglutide or a salt thereof; preferably Liraglutide and Semaglutide, or a salt thereof; more preferably Semaglutide or a salt thereof; and most preferably Semaglutide; wherein the process comprises combining the GLP-1 peptide particles, particularly wherein the peptide is selected from Liraglutide, Dulaglutide, Exanetide, Lixisenatide and/or Semaglutide or a salt thereof; preferably Liraglutide and Semaglutide, or a salt thereof; more preferably Semaglutide or a salt thereof; and most preferably Semaglutide; having a PSD characterized by a D(90) value of not more than 80 pm ± 20%, not more than 60 pm ± 20%, or a PSD characterized by a D(90) value of: not more than 40 pm ± 20%, preferably not more than 30 pm ± 20% particles; or a D(90) value of: about 8 pm to about 80 pm, about 10 pm to about 70 pm, about 15 pm to about 65 pm, about 20 pm to about 60 pm, or about 20 to about 40 pm., obtainable by any of the processes of the present disclosure with at least one pharmaceutically acceptable excipient.

[0029] The present disclosure provides GLP-1 peptide particles, particularly wherein the peptide is selected from Liraglutide, Dulaglutide, Exanetide, Lixisenatide and/or Semaglutide or a salt thereof; preferably Liraglutide and Semaglutide, or a salt thereof; more preferably Semaglutide or a salt thereof; and most preferably Semaglutide; having a PSD characterized by a D(90) value of not more than 80 pm ± 20%, not more than 60 pm ± 20%, or a PSD characterized by a D(90) value of: not more than 40 pm ± 20%, preferably not more than 30 pm ± 20%; ; or a D(90) value of: about 8 pm to about 80 pm, about 10 pm to about 70 pm, about 15 pm to about 65 pm, about 20 pm to about 60 pm, or about 20 to about 40 pm., obtainable according to any of the processes described herein and the pharmaceutical compositions or formulations, may be used as medicaments, such as for the treatment of type 2 diabetes, overweight or obesity, and preferably type 2 diabetes or for the treatment of Systemic Scleroderma, obesity and polycystic ovarian syndrome, Atherosclerosis or Cardiovascular Diseases in people* with type 2 diabetes and/or obesity, Chronic Kidney Disease or dialysis-dependent end-stage kidney disease in T2DM and overweight/obesity, Cystic Fibrosis or Cystic Fibrosis-related Diabetes, Advanced Lung Disease, NASH - Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis or NAFLD or Liver Transplant Recipients with poorly- controlled Diabetes Mellitus, Addiction Alcohol Use Disorder, Tobacco Use Disorder Nicotine Addiction, obesity in patients with schizophrenia-spectrum disorder who did not demonstrate adequate weight loss on metformin.

[0030] The present disclosure provides GLP-1 peptide particles, particularly wherein the peptide is selected from Liraglutide, Dulaglutide, Exanetide, Lixisenatide and/or Semaglutide or a salt thereof; preferably Liraglutide and Semaglutide, or a salt thereof; more preferably Semaglutide or a salt thereof; and most preferably Semaglutide; having a PSD characterized by a D(90) value of not more than 80 pm ± 20%, not more than 60 pm ± 20%, or a PSD characterized by a D(90) value of: not more than 40 pm ± 20%, preferably not more than 30 pm ± 20%; or a D(90) value of: about 8 pm to about 80 pm, about 10 pm to about 70 pm, about 15 pm to about 65 pm, about 20 pm to about 60 pm, or about 20 to about 40 pm., obtainable according to any of the processes described herein and the compositions or formulations comprising the GLP-1 peptide particles having a PSD characterized by a D(90) value of not more than 80 pm ± 20%, not more than 60 pm ± 20%, or a PSD characterized by a D(90) value of: not more than 40 pm ± 20%, preferably not more than 30 pm ± 20%; or a D(90) value of: about 8 pm to about 80 pm, about 10 pm to about 70 pm, about 15 pm to about 65 pm, about 20 pm to about 60 pm, or about 20 to about 40 pm, obtainable according to any of the processes described herein for cosmetic weight loss in non-overweight non-obese subjects.

[0031] The present disclosure also provides methods for the treatment of type 2 diabetes, overweight or obesity, and preferably type 2 diabetes, or for the treatment of Systemic Scleroderma, obesity and polycystic ovarian syndrome, Atherosclerosis or Cardiovascular Diseases in people with type 2 diabetes and/or obesity, Chronic Kidney Disease or dialysis-dependent end-stage kidney disease in T2DM and overweight/obesity, Cystic Fibrosis or Cystic Fibrosis-related Diabetes, Advanced Lung Disease, NASH - Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis or NAFLD or Liver Transplant Recipients with poorly-controlled Diabetes Mellitus, Addiction Alcohol Use Disorder, Tobacco Use Disorder Nicotine Addiction, obesity in patients with schizophrenia-spectrum disorder who did not demonstrate adequate weight loss on metformin by administering a therapeutically effective amount of GLP-1 peptide particles, particularly wherein the peptide is selected from Liraglutide, Dulaglutide, Exanetide, Lixisenatide and/or Semaglutide or a salt thereof; preferably Liraglutide and Semaglutide, or a salt thereof; more preferably Semaglutide or a salt thereof; and most preferably Semaglutide; having a PSD characterized by a D(90) value of not more than 80 pm ± 20%, not more than 60 pm ± 20%, or a PSD characterized by a D(90) value of: not more than 40 pm ± 20%, preferably not more than 30 pm ± 20% or a D(90) value of: about 8 pm to about 80 pm, about 10 pm to about 70 pm, about 15 pm to about 65 pm, about 20 pm to about 60 pm, or about 20 to about 40 pm., obtainable according to any of the processes described herein, or at least one of the above pharmaceutical compositions or pharmaceutical formulation, to a subject suffering from type 2 diabetes, overweight or obesity, and preferably type 2 diabetes, or Systemic Scleroderma, obesity and polycystic ovarian syndrome, Atherosclerosis or Cardiovascular Diseases in people with type 2 diabetes and/or obesity, Chronic Kidney Disease or dialysis-dependent end-stage kidney disease in T2DM and overweight/obesity, Cystic Fibrosis or Cystic Fibrosis-related Diabetes, Advanced Lung Disease, NASH - Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis or NAFLD or Liver Transplant Recipients with poorly-controlled Diabetes Mellitus, Addiction Alcohol Use Disorder, Tobacco Use Disorder Nicotine Addiction, obesity in patients with schizophrenia-spectrum disorder who did not demonstrate adequate weight loss on metformin or otherwise in need of the treatment. [0032] The present disclosure further provides methods for cosmetic weight loss in nonoverweight non-obese subjects comprising administering an effective amount of GLP-1 peptide particles, particularly wherein the peptide is selected from Liraglutide, Dulaglutide, Exanetide, Lixisenatide and/or Semaglutide or a salt thereof; preferably Liraglutide and Semaglutide, or a salt thereof; more preferably Semaglutide or a salt thereof; and most preferably Semaglutide; having a PSD characterized by a D(90) value of not more than 80 pm ± 20%, not more than 60 pm ± 20%, or a PSD characterized by a D(90) value of: not more than 40 pm ± 20%, preferably not more than 30 pm ± 20% or a D(90) value of: about 8 pm to about 80 pm, about 10 pm to about 70 pm, about 15 pm to about 65 pm, about 20 pm to about 60 pm, or about 20 to about 40 pm., obtainable according to any of the processes described herein.

[0033] The present disclosure also provides uses of GLP-1 peptide particles, particularly wherein the peptide is selected from Liraglutide, Dulaglutide, Exanetide, Lixisenatide and/or Semaglutide or a salt thereof; preferably Liraglutide and Semaglutide, or a salt thereof; more preferably Semaglutide or a salt thereof; and most preferably Semaglutide; having a PSD characterized by a D(90) value of not more than 80 m ± 20%, not more than 60 pm ± 20%, or a PSD characterized by a D(90) value of: not more than 40 pm ± 20%, preferably not more than 30 pm ± 20% or a D(90) value of: about 8 pm to about 80 pm, about 10 pm to about 70 pm, about 15 pm to about 65 pm, about 20 pm to about 60 pm, or about 20 to about 40 pm, obtainable by the processes of the present disclosure or at least one of the above pharmaceutical compositions, for the manufacture of medicaments for treating type 2 diabetes, overweight or obesity and preferably type 2 diabetes or Systemic Scleroderma, obesity and polycystic ovarian syndrome, Atherosclerosis or Cardiovascular Diseases in people with type 2 diabetes and/or obesity, Chronic Kidney Disease or dialysis-dependent end-stage kidney disease in T2DM and overweight/obesity, Cystic Fibrosis or Cystic Fibrosis-related Diabetes, Advanced Lung Disease, NASH - Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis or NAFLD or Liver Transplant Recipients with poorly- controlled Diabetes Mellitus, Addiction Alcohol Use Disorder, Tobacco Use Disorder Nicotine Addiction, obesity in patients with schizophrenia-spectrum disorder who did not demonstrate adequate weight loss on metformin.

[0034] The present disclosure also provides uses of GLP-1 peptide particles, particularly wherein the peptide is selected from Liraglutide, Dulaglutide, Exanetide, Lixisenatide and/or Semaglutide or a salt thereof; preferably Liraglutide and Semaglutide, or a salt thereof; more preferably Semaglutide or a salt thereof; and most preferably Semaglutide; having a PSD characterized by a D(90) value of not more than 80 pm ± 20%, not more than 60 pm ± 20%, or a PSD characterized by a D(90) value of: not more than 40 pm ± 20%, preferably not more than 30 pm ± 20% or a D(90) value of: about 8 pm to about 80 pm, about 10 pm to about 70 pm, about 15 pm to about 65 pm, about 20 pm to about 60 pm, or about 20 to about 40 pm, obtainable by any of the processes of present disclosure or at least one of the above pharmaceutical compositions, for the manufacture of compositions of formulations for cosmetic weight loss, i.e. weight loss in non-overweight, non-obese subjects.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0035] Figure 1 shows scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images of the powders prepared using different initial solution concentrations according to Example 1 by: (A) 0.5% (w/w); (B) 1% (w/w); (C) 2% (w/w); (D) 4% (w/w); (E) 6.2% (w/w).

[0036] Figure 2 shows powders prepared according to Example 1 by using different initial solution concentrations: (A) 0.5% (w/w); (C) 2% (w/w); (E) 6.2% (w/w). [0037] Figure 3 shows scanning electron microscopy (x750) images of the lyophilized powder prepared according to Example 2 (A) and after micronization according to Example 3 (B). [0038] Figure 4 shows scanning electron microscopy images of the micronized particles prepared according to example 4 (40g scale): x750 (A); xl500 (B).

[0039] Figure 5 shows scanning electron microscopy images of the sieved particles prepared according to example 5: x750 (A); xl500 (B).

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0040] As used herein, the term “room temperature” refers to a temperature of about 20°C to about 30°C, about 22°C to about 27°C, or about 25°C.

[0041] As used herein, the term “GLP-1 peptide” refers to a compound which fully or partially activates the human GLP-1 receptor. In some embodiments the GLP-1 peptide is a GLP-1 analogue optionally comprising one substituent. The term "analogue" refers to a GLP-1 peptide wherein at least one amino acid residue of the peptide has been substituted with another amino acid residue and/or wherein at least one amino acid residue has been deleted from the peptide and/or at least one amino acid residue has been added to the peptide and/or wherein at least one amino acid has been modified. In some embodiments the GLP-1 peptide comprises one substituent which is covalently attached to the peptide. Particularly preferred GLP-1 peptides according to any aspect or embodiment of the present invention are: Liraglutide, Dulaglutide, Exanetide, Lixisenatide and Semaglutide or a salt thereof; preferably Liraglutide and Semaglutide, or a salt thereof; more preferably Semaglutide or a salt thereof; and most preferably Semaglutide.

[0042] As used herein, particle size distribution is determined by means of laser diffractometry. More specifically, unless otherwise indicated, the particle size was determined using a Mastersizer 3000 from Malvern Instruments. Preferably, particle size and particle size distribution are determined by laser light diffraction, using Mie theory, and Isopar-G dispersant (isoparaffinic fluid (CAS No) 64742-48-9)) refractive index 1.42.

[0043] It will be understood that the term “D(90)” as used herein refers to a particle size distribution where 90% of the volume of particles have a diameter lower than the D(90) value. [0044] As used herein, reference to a (w/w) concentration is to be understood as a reference to concentration based on the weight of the solution of peptide and solvent(s). [0045] As used herein, obesity encompasses obese and severely obese classes of subjects. Obesity is defined in adult humans as a BMI of 30 to 39.9. Severely obese is defined in adult humans as a BMI of 40 or above.

[0046] As used herein, overweight is defined in adult humans as a BMI of 25 to 29.9.

[0047] As used herein, cosmetic weight loss is understood to mean weight loss in nonoverweight, non-obese subjects. For example, cosmetic weight loss optionally refers weight loss in subjects having a body mass index (BMI) of: 18.5 to 24.9, 19 to 24, 20 to 23.5, or 21.0 to 23. [0048] It was surprisingly found that solutions that are lyophilized in a process according to the present disclosure exhibit improved flowability. It was found that increasing the peptide concentration in the solution to be lyophilized positively affects the morphology of the dry material obtained after lyophilization and thicker irregular material is obtained. Further, the flowable particles obtained by the lyophilization process of the present disclosure is easier to handle, suitable for large scale production processes, and may more readily undergo further particle size reduction processes, such as micronizing by a jet mill or sieving to obtain particles having controlled PSD while maintaining the purity of the API. Reduction of particle size by agitative sieving is particularly advantageous for large scale processes. The process of Particle size reduction by Sieving has a very short cycle time in production, it does not involve additional solvents, has low energy consumption and high yield. Therefore the processes of the present disclosure allow preparation of material having any desired particle size distribution by preparation of the flowable powder and further processing the powder to the required PSD.

[0049] The present disclosure relates to processes for preparation of peptide powder, preferably GLP-1 peptide particles, particularly wherein the peptide is selected from: Liraglutide, Dulaglutide, Exanetide, Lixisenatide and Semaglutide or a salt thereof; preferably Liraglutide and Semaglutide, or a salt thereof; more preferably Semaglutide or a salt thereof; and most preferably Semaglutide; wherein the process comprises: a) providing a solution comprising one or more solvents and a peptide, preferably a GLP-1 peptide, particularly wherein the peptide is selected from: Liraglutide, Dulaglutide, Exanetide, Lixisenatide and Semaglutide or a salt thereof; preferably Liraglutide and Semaglutide, or a salt thereof; more preferably Semaglutide or a salt thereof; and most preferably Semaglutide; wherein the concentration (w/w) of the peptide is not less than about 2.5%, preferably wherein the concentration of the peptide is from about 2.5% (w/w) to about 20% (w/w) and more preferably wherein the concentration of the peptide is from about 2.5% (w/w) to about 13.5% (w/w); and wherein the solution has a pH of: about 5 to about 10, preferably about 6 to about 9, and more preferably about 7 to about 8; and b) lyophilizing the solution.

[0050] In one preferred embodiment, the concentration of the peptide in the solution of step a) is from about 2.5% (w/w) to about 10% (w/w), more preferably from about 2.5% (w/w) to about 8% (w/w), most preferably from about 2.5% (w/w) to about 7% (w/w).

In any aspect or embodiment, the solvents in step a) may be any solvent or a combination of solvents having a freezing point above -70 °C and that are suitable for lyophilization, i.e. a solvent that sublimes below the triple point at a given minimal pressure, for example 10 pbar. In embodiments the solvents in step a) may be one or more solvents selected from the list consisting of acetic acid, acetone, dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), ethanol, water, isopropanol (IP A), methanol, menthol, TFA (Trifluoroacetic acid), and acetonitrile. Preferably, the solvent in step a) may be one or more selected from the group consisting of acetonitrile, IP A, ethanol and water, more preferably the solvent in step a) comprises water. In particular embodiments the solvent in step a) may comprise water and up to about 60% (w/w), preferably up to about 40% (w/w) of any one or a mixture of acetonitrile, IPA and ethanol. Particularly, according to any aspect or embodiment of the disclosure, the solvent comprises water and about 15% (w/w) to about 25% (w/w) of acetonitrile, more preferably the solvent in step a) comprises water and about 20% (w/w) of acetonitrile. According to any aspect or embodiment of the process, the one or more solvents in step (a) consists essentially of, and preferably consists of, acetonitrile and water, more preferably wherein acetonitrile is present at a concentration of: about 0.5% (w/w) to about 50% (w/w), about 1.0% (w/w) to about 50% (w/w), about 2.0% (w/w) to about 40% (w/w), about 3.0% (w/w) to about 40% (w/w), about 4.0% (w/w) to about 40% (w/w), about 5.0% (w/w) to about 40% (w/w), about 8% (w/w) to about 35% (w/w), about 10% (w/w) to about 30% (w/w), about 12% (w/w) to about 28% (w/w); about 15% (w/w) to about 25% (w/w), about 18% (w/w) to about 22% (w/w), or about 20% (w/w). In particularly preferred embodiments, the one or more solvents in step a) consists essentially of (and preferably consists of) acetonitrile and water, preferably wherein acetonitrile is present at about 15% (w/w) to about 25% (w/w), more preferably about 18% (w/w) to about 22% (w/w), and most preferably about 20% (w/w). [0051] According to any aspect or embodiment of the process the pH of the solution in step (a) is: about 6 to about 9, or about 6 to about 8.5, preferably to about 7 to about 8, or about 7 to about 7.5, or more preferably to about 7.3. Particularly, in any aspect or embodiment in step a) the solution may have a pH of: about 6 to about 9, more preferably about 7 to about 8, about 7.1 to about 7.5, and even more preferably about 7.3.

[0052] In any aspect or embodiment of the processes disclosed herein, if the solution of peptide in the one or more solvents does not have a pH within the specified range, the pH of the solution may be adjusted by the use of an acidic or basic, typically a basic, agent. Thus, according to any aspect or embodiment of the disclosed process, if necessary, the pH may be adjusted to the specified range by any suitable basic agent such as but not limited to sodium bicarbonate, ammonium acetate, phosphate buffer, ammonium hydroxide or NaOH. In embodiments the pH is adjusted by ammonium hydroxide, preferably 25% (w/w) solution of ammonium hydroxide or NaOH, to provide the solution in step (a) having a pH within the specified range.

[0053] In any aspect or embodiment, step (a) may be performed at a temperature of about 15 °C to about 40 °C, or about 15 °C to about 30 °C, and preferably at room temperature; or wherein step (a) is performed at a temperature of: about 15 °C to about 35 °C, about 18 °C to about 25 °C, or about 18 °C to about 22 °C, or about 20 °C. In any aspect or embodiment, step (a) may be performed at any suitable temperature, typically at a temperature of about 15 °C to about 40 °C and preferably at room temperature.

[0054] In any aspect or embodiment of the processes disclosed herein, the solution in step (a) may filtered prior to step (b), preferably wherein the filtration is carried out using a 0.2 micron filter.

[0055] In any aspect or embodiment of the processes disclosed herein, the freeze drying step (b) may be carried at a temperature of: about -50 °C to about 30 °C, about -45 °C to about 25 °C or about -45 °C to about 20 °C.. Thus, the solution in step (a), optionally after a filtration step as discussed above, is cooled to a suitable freeze-drying temperature (preferably: about -15 °C to about -55 °C, about -20 °C to about -55 °C, about -25 °C to about -50 °C, about -35 °C to about -50 °C, or about -45 °C. The mixture may then be warmed, preferably to a temperature of about 20 °C to about 30 °C, about 20 °C to about 25 °C, or about 20 °C to about 22 °C, or about 20 °C, whereupon the solvent(s) is removed by sublimation.

[0056] In any aspect or embodiment of the processes disclosed herein, after the freeze drying step, the product may be subjected to a further drying step. The further drying step may be carried out at a temperature of: 15 °C to about 55 °C, about 18 °C to about 45 °C, about 18 °C to about 40 °C, or about 20 °C to about 40 °C. The further drying step may be carried out at reduced pressure, preferably at a pressure of: about 100 pbar to about 600 pbar, about 120 pbar to about 550 pbar, about 140 to about 450 pbar, about 160 to about 350 pbar, about 170 to about 300 pbar, about 180 to about 250 pbar, or about 200 to about 250 pbar, or about 200 pbar.

[0057] In embodiments the disclosure relates to processes for preparation of peptide powder, preferably GLP-1 peptide particles, particularly wherein the peptide is selected from: Liraglutide, Dulaglutide, Exanetide, Lixisenatide and Semaglutide or a salt thereof; preferably Liraglutide and Semaglutide, or a salt thereof; more preferably Semaglutide or a salt thereof; and most preferably Semaglutide; wherein the process comprises a) providing a solution comprising one or more solvents and a peptide, preferably a GLP-1 peptide, particularly wherein the peptide is selected from: Liraglutide, Dulaglutide, Exanetide, Lixisenatide and Semaglutide or a salt thereof; preferably Liraglutide and Semaglutide, or a salt thereof; more preferably Semaglutide or a salt thereof; and most preferably Semaglutide; wherein the concentration of the peptide is from about 2.5% (w/w) to about 20% (w/w), preferably from about 2.5% (w/w) to about 13.5% (w/w), and wherein the solvents are selected from the list consisting of acetic acid, acetone, dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), ethanol, water, isopropanol (IP A), methanol, menthol, TLA, and acetonitrile, preferably, from the group consisting of acetonitrile, IP A, ethanol and water; and wherein the solution has a pH of: about 5 to about 10, about 6 to about 9, about 7 to about 8, about 7.1 to about 7.5, or about 7.3; and b) lyophilizing the solution.

[0058] In embodiments the disclosure relates to processes for preparation of peptide powder, preferably GLP-1 peptide particles, particularly wherein the peptide is selected from: Liraglutide, Dulaglutide, Exanetide, Lixisenatide and Semaglutide or a salt thereof; preferably Liraglutide and Semaglutide, or a salt thereof; more preferably Semaglutide or a salt thereof; and most preferably Semaglutide; wherein the process comprises a) providing a solution comprising one or more solvents and a peptide, preferably a GLP-1 peptide, particularly wherein the peptide is selected from: Liraglutide, Dulaglutide, Exanetide, Lixisenatide and Semaglutide or a salt thereof; preferably Liraglutide and Semaglutide, or a salt thereof; more preferably Semaglutide or a salt thereof; and most preferably Semaglutide; wherein the concentration of the peptide is from about 2.5% (w/w) to about 20% (w/w), preferably from about 2.5% (w/w) to about 13.5% (w/w), wherein the solution has a pH of: about 5 to about 10, about 6 to about 9, about 7 to about 8, about 7.1 to about 7.5, or about 7.3; and wherein the solvent in step a) comprises water and up to about 60% (w/w), preferably up to about 40% (w/w), of any one or a mixture of acetonitrile, IPA and ethanol; and b) lyophilizing the solution.

[0059] In embodiments the disclosure relates to processes for preparation of peptide powder, preferably GLP-1 peptide, particularly wherein the peptide is selected from: Liraglutide, Dulaglutide, Exanetide, Lixisenatide and Semaglutide or a salt thereof; preferably Liraglutide and Semaglutide, or a salt thereof; more preferably Semaglutide or a salt thereof; and most preferably Semaglutide; wherein the process comprises a) providing a solution comprising one or more solvents and a peptide, preferably a GLP-1 peptide, particularly wherein the peptide is selected from: Liraglutide, Dulaglutide, Exanetide, Lixisenatide and Semaglutide or a salt thereof; preferably Liraglutide and Semaglutide, or a salt thereof; more preferably Semaglutide or a salt thereof; and most preferably Semaglutide; and wherein the concentration of the peptide is from about 2.5% (w/w) to about 13.5% (w/w) and wherein the solvent in step a) comprises water and up to about 60% (w/w), preferably up to about 40% (w/w) of any one or a mixture of acetonitrile, IPA and ethanol; and wherein the solution has a pH of: about 5 to about 10, about 6 to about 9, about 7 to about 8, about 7.1 to about 7.5, or about 7.3; and b) lyophilizing the solution.

[0060] In embodiments the disclosure relates to processes for preparation of a peptide powder, preferably GLP-1 peptide particles, particularly wherein the peptide is selected from: Liraglutide, Dulaglutide, Exanetide, Lixisenatide and Semaglutide or a salt thereof; preferably Liraglutide and Semaglutide, or a salt thereof; more preferably Semaglutide or a salt thereof; and most preferably Semaglutide; wherein the process comprises a) providing a solution comprising one or more solvents and a peptide, preferably a GLP-1 peptide, particularly wherein the peptide is selected from: Liraglutide, Dulaglutide, Exanetide, Lixisenatide and Semaglutide or a salt thereof; preferably Liraglutide and Semaglutide, or a salt thereof; more preferably Semaglutide or a salt thereof; and most preferably Semaglutide; wherein the concentration of the peptide is from about 2.5% (w/w) to about 13.5% (w/w) and wherein the solvent in step a) comprises water and about 15% (w/w) to about 25% (w/w) of acetonitrile, more preferably water and about 20% (w/w) of acetonitrile; and wherein the solution has a pH of: about 5 to about 10, about 6 to about 9, about 7 to about 8, about 7.1 to about 7.5, or about 7.3; and b) lyophilizing the solution.

[0061] In embodiments the disclosure relates to processes for preparation of peptide powder, preferably GLP-1 peptide particles, particularly wherein the peptide is selected from: Liraglutide, Dulaglutide, Exanetide, Lixisenatide and Semaglutide or a salt thereof; preferably Liraglutide and Semaglutide, or a salt thereof; more preferably Semaglutide or a salt thereof; and most preferably Semaglutide; wherein the process comprises a) providing a solution comprising one or more solvents and a peptide, preferably a GLP-1 peptide, particularly wherein the peptide is selected from: Liraglutide, Dulaglutide, Exanetide, Lixisenatide and Semaglutide or a salt thereof; preferably Liraglutide and Semaglutide, or a salt thereof; more preferably Semaglutide or a salt thereof; and most preferably Semaglutide; wherein the concentration of the peptide is from about 2.5% (w/w) to about 13.5% (w/w); and wherein the one or more solvents in step a) essentially consists of (and preferably consists of) acetonitrile and water, preferably wherein acetonitrile is present at about 15% (w/w) to about 25% (w/w), more preferably about 18% (w/w) to about 22% (w/w), and most preferably about 20% (w/w); and wherein the pH of the solution is: about 5 to about 10, about 6 to about 9, about 7 to about 8, about 7.1 to about 7.5, or about 7.3, and b) lyophilizing the solution.

[0062] Preferably in any aspect or embodiment of the disclosure, the solvent in the process consists essentially of, or more particularly or consists of, water and acetonitrile.

[0063] In yet another aspect the present disclosure provides peptide powder, preferably GLP-1 peptide powder, particularly wherein the peptide is selected from: Liraglutide, Dulaglutide, Exanetide, Lixisenatide and Semaglutide or a salt thereof; preferably Liraglutide and Semaglutide, or a salt thereof; more preferably Semaglutide or a salt thereof; and most preferably Semaglutide; produced by any one of the processes described herein.

[0064] The present disclosure also provides the use of peptide powder produced by the processes described herein in the preparation of pharmaceutical compositions and/or formulations.

[0065] The present disclosure also provides peptide powder produced by the processes described herein for use in the preparation of pharmaceutical compositions and/or formulations.

[0066] The present disclosure further includes processes for the preparation of the above mentioned pharmaceutical composition comprising a peptide, preferably a GLP-1 peptide, particularly wherein the peptide is selected from: Liraglutide, Dulaglutide, Exanetide, Lixisenatide and Semaglutide or a salt thereof; preferably Liraglutide and Semaglutide, or a salt thereof; more preferably Semaglutide or a salt thereof; and most preferably Semaglutide; wherein the process comprises combining the peptide powder obtained by any one of the processes described herein with at least one pharmaceutically acceptable excipient.

[0067] The peptide powder produced according to the processes described herein and the pharmaceutical compositions or formulations may be used as medicaments, such as for the treatment of type 2 diabetes, overweight or obesity and preferably type 2 diabetes or for the treatment of Systemic Scleroderma, obesity and polycystic ovarian syndrome, Atherosclerosis or Cardiovascular Diseases in people with type 2 diabetes and/or obesity, Chronic Kidney Disease or dialysis-dependent end-stage kidney disease in T2DM and overweight/obesity, Cystic Fibrosis or Cystic Fibrosis-related Diabetes, Advanced Lung Disease, NASH - Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis or NAFLD or Liver Transplant Recipients with poorly-controlled Diabetes Mellitus, Addiction Alcohol Use Disorder, Tobacco Use Disorder Nicotine Addiction, obesity in patients with schizophrenia-spectrum disorder who did not demonstrate adequate weight loss on metformin.

[0068] The peptide powder produced according to the processes described herein and the pharmaceutical compositions or formulations may be used as an appetite suppressant, or for cosmetic weight loss in non-overweight non-obese subjects.

[0069] The present disclosure also provides methods for the treatment of type 2 diabetes, overweight or obesity, and preferably type 2 diabetes, or for the treatment of Systemic Scleroderma, obesity and polycystic ovarian syndrome, Atherosclerosis or Cardiovascular Diseases in people with type 2 diabetes and/or obesity, Chronic Kidney Disease or dialysis-dependent end-stage kidney disease in T2DM and overweight/obesity, Cystic Fibrosis or Cystic Fibrosis-related Diabetes, Advanced Lung Disease, NASH - Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis or NAFLD or Liver Transplant Recipients with poorly-controlled Diabetes Mellitus, Addiction Alcohol Use Disorder, Tobacco Use Disorder Nicotine Addiction, obesity in patients with schizophrenia-spectrum disorder who did not demonstrate adequate weight loss on metformin.

[0070] by administering a therapeutically effective amount of peptide powder produced by any of the processes described herein, or at least one of the above pharmaceutical compositions, to a subject suffering from type 2 diabetes, overweight or obesity and preferably type 2 diabetes. [0071] The present disclosure further provides methods for cosmetic weight loss in nonoverweight non-obese subjects by administrating an effective amount of peptide powder produced according to the processes described herein, or pharmaceutical compositions containing the peptide particles produced according to the processes described herein.

[0072] The present disclosure also provides uses of peptide powder obtained by the methods of the present disclosure or at least one of the above pharmaceutical compositions, for the manufacture of medicaments for treating type 2 diabetes, overweight or obesity and preferably type 2 diabetes or for Systemic Scleroderma, obesity and polycystic ovarian syndrome, Atherosclerosis or Cardiovascular Diseases in people with type 2 diabetes and/or obesity, Chronic Kidney Disease or dialysis-dependent end-stage kidney disease in T2DM and overweight/obesity, Cystic Fibrosis or Cystic Fibrosis-related Diabetes, Advanced Lung Disease, NASH - Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis or NAFLD or Liver Transplant Recipients with poorly- controlled Diabetes Mellitus, Addiction Alcohol Use Disorder, Tobacco Use Disorder Nicotine Addiction, obesity in patients with schizophrenia-spectrum disorder who did not demonstrate adequate weight loss on metformin.

[0073] The present disclosure also provides uses of the peptide powder obtained by the methods of the present disclosure or at least one of the above pharmaceutical compositions, for the manufacturing of medicaments for cosmetic weight loss in non-overweight non-obese subjects. [0074] The present disclosure further relates to processes for preparation of peptide particles, preferably GLP-1 peptide particles, particularly wherein the peptide is selected from: Liraglutide, Dulaglutide, Exanetide, Lixisenatide and Semaglutide or a salt thereof; preferably Liraglutide and Semaglutide, or a salt thereof; more preferably Semaglutide or a salt thereof; and most preferably Semaglutide; wherein the process comprises: a) providing a solution comprising one or more solvents and a peptide, preferably a GLP-1 peptide, particularly wherein the peptide is selected from: Liraglutide, Dulaglutide, Exanetide, Lixisenatide and Semaglutide or a salt thereof; preferably Liraglutide and Semaglutide, or a salt thereof; more preferably Semaglutide or a salt thereof; and most preferably Semaglutide; wherein the concentration (w/w) of the peptide is not less than about 2.5%, preferably wherein the concentration of the peptide is from about 2.5% (w/w) to about 20% (w/w) and more preferably wherein the concentration of the peptide is from about 2.5% (w/w) to about 13.5% (w/w); and wherein the solution has a pH of: about 5 to about 10, to about 6 to about 9, about 7 to about 8; and b) lyophilizing the solution; and c) reducing the particle size of the product of step b), preferably wherein the resulting particles have a PSD characterized by a D(90) value of not more than 80 pm ± 20%, not more than 60 m ± 20%, or a PSD characterized by a D(90) value of: not more than 40 pm ± 20%, preferably not more than 30 pm ± 20%, or a PSD characterized by a D(90) value of D(90) of: about 8 pm to about 80 pm, about 10 pm to about 70 pm, about 15 pm to about 65 pm, about 20 pm to about 60 pm, or about 20 to about 40 pm.

[0075] In any aspect or embodiment the solvents in step a) may be any solvent or a combination of solvents having a freezing point above -70 °C and is suitable for Lyophilization, i.e. sublimes below the triple point in a given minimal pressure, for example 10 pbar. In embodiments the solvents in step a) may be one or more selected from the list consisting of acetic acid, acetone, dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), ethanol, water, isopropanol (IP A), methanol, menthol, TFA, and acetonitrile. Preferably, the solvent in step a) may be one or more selected from the group consisting of acetonitrile, IP A, ethanol and water, more preferably the solvent in step a) comprises water. In particular embodiments, the solvent in step a) may comprise water and up to about 60% (w/w), preferably up to about 40% (w/w) of any one or a mixture of acetonitrile, IPA and ethanol. In a specific embodiment the solvent comprises water and about 15% (w/w) to about 25% (w/w) of acetonitrile, more preferably the solvent in step a) comprises water and about 20% (w/w) of acetonitrile. In particularly preferred embodiments, the one or more solvents in step a) essentially consists of (and preferably consists of) acetonitrile and water, optionally wherein acetonitrile is present at a concentration of: about 0.5% (w/w) to about 50% (w/w), about 1.0% (w/w) to about 50% (w/w), about 2.0% (w/w) to about 40% (w/w), about 3.0% (w/w) to about 40% (w/w), about 4.0% (w/w) to about 40% (w/w), about 5.0% (w/w) to about 40% (w/w), about 8% (w/w) to about 35% (w/w), about 10% (w/w) to about 30% (w/w), about 12% (w/w) to about 28% (w/w); about 15% (w/w) to about 25% (w/w), about 18% (w/w) to about 22% (w/w), or about 20% (w/w); or preferably wherein acetonitrile is present at about 15% (w/w) to about 25% (w/w), more preferably about 18% (w/w) to about 22% (w/w), and most preferably about 20% (w/w).

[0076] In any aspect or embodiment in step a) the pH of the solution may be: about 6 to about 9, more preferably about 7 to about 8, about 7.1 to about 7.5, even more preferably the pH may be about 7.3. If necessary, the pH may be adjusted to within the specified ranges by any suitable basic agent such as but not limited to sodium bicarbonate, ammonium acetate, phosphate buffer, ammonium hydroxide or NaOH. In embodiments the pH is adjusted by ammonium hydroxide, 1 preferably 25% (w/w) solution of ammonium hydroxide or NaOH, to provide the solution in step (a).

[0077] In any aspect or embodiment of the process, step (a) may be performed at any suitable temperature, typically at a temperature of about 15 °C to about 40 °C and preferably at room temperature.

[0078] In any aspect or embodiment the particle size reduction in step c) may be performed for example by any milling technology known in the art or by vibration sieve technology.

[0079] In embodiments a jet mill micronizer may be used for milling. In any aspect or embodiment the compressed grinding air (or gas) pressure may be in the range of about 0.1 bar to about 6.0 bar, preferably about 0.1 bar to about 3.0 bar, more preferably about 0.1 bar to about 1.5 bar, most preferably about 0.3 bar to about 1.0 bar. In any aspect or embodiment the compressed feed air (or gas) pressure may be in the about 0. Ibar to about 6.0 bar, preferably about 0.1 bar to about 5.0 bar, more preferably about 1.0 bar to about 4.0 bar, even more preferably about 2.0 bar to about 4.0 bar, and particularly about 3.0 bar. In any aspect or embodiment the feeding rate of the starting particles may range from about 0.5 g/min to about 50 g/min, preferably from about 0.5 g/min to about 10 g/min, more preferably from about 0.5 g/min to about 1.5 g/min and most preferably from about 0.5 g/min to about 1.0 g/min.

[0080] Alternatively, a mesh sieve with balls aid may be used for particle size reduction. Vacuum may be applied to improve particle flow through the mesh. In any aspect or embodiment, the balls may be for example ceramic balls, silicate balls or stainless steel balls, preferably ceramic. Preferably the balls are made of zirconium-based ceramics, preferably zirconia. In any aspect or embodiment the size of the balls may vary and may have a diameter of about 0.1 mm to about 10 mm, about 1 to 5 mm, preferably the ball has a diameter of 2 mm. The mesh size may vary from about 10pm to about 500pm depending on the desired PSD. Preferably the mesh size is from about 10 to about 300 pm, from about 10 to about 200 pm, from about 10 to about 100 pm, from about 10 to about 80 pm, from about 20 to about 60 pm, more preferably from about 25 pm to about 50 pm, most preferably from about 30 pm to about 50 pm, particularly about 40 pm.

[0081] In embodiments the disclosure relates to processes for preparation of peptide particles, particularly wherein the peptide is selected from: Liraglutide, Dulaglutide, Exanetide, Lixisenatide and Semaglutide or a salt thereof; preferably Liraglutide and Semaglutide, or a salt thereof; more preferably Semaglutide or a salt thereof; and most preferably Semaglutide; wherein the process comprises: a) providing a solution comprising one or more solvents and a peptide, preferably a GLP-1 peptide, particularly wherein the peptide is selected from: Liraglutide, Dulaglutide, Exanetide, Lixisenatide and Semaglutide or a salt thereof; preferably Liraglutide and Semaglutide, or a salt thereof; more preferably Semaglutide or a salt thereof; and most preferably Semaglutide; wherein the concentration (w/w) of the peptide is not less than about 2.5%, preferably wherein the concentration of the peptide is from about 2.5% (w/w) to about 20% (w/w) and more preferably wherein the concentration of the peptide is from about 2.5% (w/w) to about 13.5% (w/w); and wherein the pH of the solution is: about 5 to about 10, from about 6 to about 9, from about 7 to about 8; b) lyophilizing the solution; and c) reducing the PSD of the particles obtained in step b) by milling or by sieving using a mesh sieve with ball aids, preferably wherein the resulting particles have a PSD characterized by a D(90) value of not more than 80 pm ± 20%, not more than 60 pm ± 20%, or a PSD characterized by a D(90) value of: not more than 40 pm ± 20%, preferably not more than 30 pm ± 20%.; or a PSD characterized by a D(90) value of D(90) of: about 8 pm to about 80 pm, about 10 pm to about 70 pm, about 15 pm to about 65 pm, about 20 pm to about 60 pm, or about 20 to about 40 pm.

[0082] In embodiments the disclosure relates to processes for preparation of peptide particles, preferably GLP-1 peptide particles, particularly wherein the peptide is selected from: Liraglutide, Dulaglutide, Exanetide, Lixisenatide and Semaglutide or a salt thereof; preferably Liraglutide and Semaglutide, or a salt thereof; more preferably Semaglutide or a salt thereof; and most preferably Semaglutide particles; wherein the process comprises a) providing a solution comprising one or more solvents and a peptide, preferably a GLP-1 peptide, particularly wherein the peptide is selected from: Liraglutide, Dulaglutide, Exanetide, Lixisenatide and Semaglutide or a salt thereof; preferably Liraglutide and Semaglutide, or a salt thereof; more preferably Semaglutide or a salt thereof; and most preferably Semaglutide; wherein the concentration of the peptide is from about 2.5% (w/w) to about 20% (w/w) preferably from about 2.5% (w/w) to about 13.5% (w/w) and wherein the solvents are selected from the list consisting of acetic acid, acetone, dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), ethanol, water, isopropanol (IP A), methanol, menthol, TFA, and acetonitrile, preferably, from the group consisting of acetonitrile, IP A, ethanol and water; and wherein the solution has a pH of: about 6 to about 9, preferably to about 7 to about 8; b) lyophilizing the solution and c) reducing the PSD of the particles obtained in step b) by milling or by sieving using a mesh sieve with ball aids, preferably wherein the resulting particles have a PSD characterized by a D(90) value of not more than 80 pm ± 20%, not more than 60 pm ± 20%, or a PSD characterized by a D(90) value of: not more than 40 pm ± 20%, preferably not more than 30 pm ± 20%; or a PSD characterized by a D(90) value of D(90) of: about 8 pm to about 80 pm, about 10 pm to about 70 pm, about 15 pm to about 65 pm, about 20 pm to about 60 pm, or about 20 to about 40 pm,.

[0083] In embodiments the disclosure relates to processes for preparation of peptide particles, preferably GLP-1 peptide particles, particularly wherein the peptide is selected from: Liraglutide, Dulaglutide, Exanetide, Lixisenatide and Semaglutide or a salt thereof; preferably Liraglutide and Semaglutide, or a salt thereof; more preferably Semaglutide or a salt thereof; and most preferably Semaglutide particles; wherein the process comprises a) providing a solution comprising one or more solvents and a peptide, preferably a GLP-1 peptide, particularly wherein the peptide is selected from: Liraglutide, Dulaglutide, Exanetide, Lixisenatide and Semaglutide or a salt thereof; preferably Liraglutide and Semaglutide, or a salt thereof; more preferably Semaglutide or a salt thereof; and most preferably Semaglutide; wherein the concentration of the peptide is from about 2.5% (w/w) to about 20% (w/w), preferably from about 2.5% (w/w) to about 13.5% (w/w), and wherein the solvents are selected from the list consisting of acetic acid, acetone, dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), ethanol, water, isopropanol (IP A), methanol, menthol, TFA, and acetonitrile, preferably, from the group consisting of acetonitrile, IP A, ethanol and water; and wherein the pH of the solution is: about 5 to about 10, about 6 to about 9, about 7 to about 8, about 7.1 to about 7.5, or about 7.3; b) lyophilizing the solution; and c) reducing the PSD of the particles obtained in step b) by milling or by sieving using a mesh sieve with ball aids, preferably wherein the resulting particles have a PSD characterized by a D(90) value of not more than 80 pm ± 20%, not more than 60 pm ± 20%, or a PSD characterized by a D(90) value of: not more than 40 pm ± 20%, preferably not more than 30 pm ± 20%, or a PSD characterized by a D(90) value of: about 8 pm to about 80 pm, about 10 pm to about 70 pm, about 15 pm to about 65 pm, about 20 pm to about 60 pm, or about 20 to about 40 pm.

[0084] In embodiments the disclosure relates to processes for preparation of peptide particles, preferably GLP-1 peptide particles, particularly wherein the peptide is selected from: Liraglutide, Dulaglutide, Exanetide, Lixisenatide and Semaglutide or a salt thereof; preferably Liraglutide and Semaglutide, or a salt thereof; more preferably Semaglutide or a salt thereof; and most preferably Semaglutide particles; wherein the process comprises a) providing a solution comprising one or more solvents and a peptide, preferably a GLP-1 peptide, particularly wherein the peptide is selected from: Liraglutide, Dulaglutide, Exanetide, Lixisenatide and Semaglutide or a salt thereof; preferably Liraglutide and Semaglutide, or a salt thereof; more preferably Semaglutide or a salt thereof; and most preferably Semaglutide; wherein the concentration of the peptide is from about 2.5% (w/w) to about 20% (w/w). preferably from about 2.5% (w/w) to about 13.5% (w/w), and wherein the solvent in step a) comprises water and up to about 60% (w/w), preferably up to about 40% (w/w) of any one or a mixture of acetonitrile, IPA and ethanol; wherein the pH of the solution is about 5 to about 10, about 6 to about 9, about 7 to about 8, about 7.1 to about 7.5, or about 7.3; b) lyophilizing the solution and c) reducing the PSD of the particles obtained in step b) by milling or by sieving using a mesh sieve with ball aids, preferably wherein the resulting particles have a PSD characterized by a D(90) value of not more than 80 pm ± 20%, not more than 60 pm ± 20%, or a PSD characterized by a D(90) value of: not more than 40 pm ± 20%, preferably not more than 30 pm ± 20%, or a PSD characterized by a D(90) value of: about 8 pm to about 80 pm, about 10 pm to about 70 pm, about 15 pm to about 65 pm, about 20 pm to about 60 pm, or about 20 to about 40 pm.

[0085] In embodiments the disclosure relates to processes for preparation of peptide particles, preferably GLP-1 peptide particles, particularly wherein the peptide is selected from: Liraglutide, Dulaglutide, Exanetide, Lixisenatide and Semaglutide or a salt thereof; preferably Liraglutide and Semaglutide, or a salt thereof; more preferably Semaglutide or a salt thereof; and most preferably Semaglutide particles; wherein the process comprises a) providing a solution comprising one or more solvents and a peptide, preferably a GLP-1 peptide, particularly wherein the peptide is selected from: Liraglutide, Dulaglutide, Exanetide, Lixisenatide and Semaglutide or a salt thereof; preferably Liraglutide and Semaglutide, or a salt thereof; more preferably Semaglutide or a salt thereof; and most preferably Semaglutide; wherein the concentration of the peptide is from about 2.5% (w/w) to about 13.5% (w/w) and wherein the solvent in step a) comprises water and up to about 60% (w/w), preferably up to about 40% (w/w) of any one or a mixture of acetonitrile, IPA and ethanol; wherein the pH of the solution is: about 5 to about 10, about 6 to about 9, about 7 to about 8, about 7.1 to about 7.5, or about 7.3; b) lyophilizing the solution; and c) reducing the PSD of the particles obtained in step b) by milling or by sieving using a mesh sieve with ball aids, preferably wherein the resulting particles have a PSD characterized by a D(90) value of not more than 80 pm ± 20%, not more than 60 pm ± 20%, or a PSD characterized by a D(90) value of: not more than 40 pm ± 20%, preferably not more than 30 pm ± 20%, or a PSD characterized a D(90) value of: about 8 pm to about 80 pm, about 10 pm to about 70 pm, about 15 pm to about 65 pm, about 20 pm to about 60 pm, or about 20 to about 40 pm.

[0086] In embodiments the disclosure relates to processes for preparation of peptide particles, preferably GLP-1 peptide particles, particularly wherein the peptide is selected from: Liraglutide, Dulaglutide, Exanetide, Lixisenatide and Semaglutide or a salt thereof; preferably Liraglutide and Semaglutide, or a salt thereof; more preferably Semaglutide or a salt thereof; and most preferably Semaglutide; wherein the process comprises a) providing a solution comprising one or more solvents and a peptide, preferably a GLP-1 peptide, particularly wherein the peptide is selected from: Liraglutide, Dulaglutide, Exanetide, Lixisenatide and Semaglutide or a salt thereof; preferably Liraglutide and Semaglutide, or a salt thereof; more preferably Semaglutide or a salt thereof; and most preferably Semaglutide; the concentration of the peptide is from about 2.5% (w/w) to about 13.5% (w/w) and wherein the solvent in step a) comprises water and about 15% (w/w) to about 25% (w/w) of acetonitrile, more preferably water and about 20% (w/w) of acetonitrile; and wherein the pH of the solution is: about 5 to about 10, about 6 to about 9, about

7 to about 8, about 7.1 to about 7.5, or about 7.3; b) lyophilizing the solution; and c) reducing the PSD of the particles obtained in step b) by milling or by sieving using a mesh sieve with ball aids, preferably wherein the resulting particles have a PSD characterized by a D(90) value of not more than 40 pm ± 20%, preferably not more than 30 pm ± 20%, preferably wherein the resulting particles have a PSD characterized by a D(90) value of not more than 80 pm ± 20%, not more than 60 pm ± 20%, or a PSD characterized by a D(90) value of: not more than 40 pm ± 20%, preferably not more than 30 pm ± 20%, or a PSD characterized by a D(90) value of: about

8 pm to about 80 pm, about 10 pm to about 70 pm, about 15 pm to about 65 pm, about 20 pm to about 60 pm, or about 20 to about 40 pm.

[0087] In embodiments the disclosure relates to processes for preparation of peptide particles, preferably GLP-1 peptide particles, particularly wherein the peptide is selected from: Liraglutide, Dulaglutide, Exanetide, Lixisenatide and Semaglutide or a salt thereof; preferably Liraglutide and Semaglutide, or a salt thereof; more preferably Semaglutide or a salt thereof; and most preferably Semaglutide; wherein the process comprises a) providing a solution comprising one or more solvents and a peptide, preferably a GLP-1 peptide, particularly wherein the peptide is selected from: Liraglutide, Dulaglutide, Exanetide, Lixisenatide and Semaglutide or a salt thereof; preferably Liraglutide and Semaglutide, or a salt thereof; more preferably Semaglutide or a salt thereof; and most preferably Semaglutide; wherein the concentration of the peptide is from about 2.5% (w/w) to about 13.5% (w/w) and wherein the solvent in step a) comprises water and about 15% (w/w) to about 25% (w/w) of acetonitrile, more preferably water and about 20% (w/w) of acetonitrile; and wherein the pH of the solution is: about 5 to about 10, about 6 to about 9, about 7 to about 8, about 7.1 to about 7.5, or about 7.3; b) lyophilizing the solution; and c) milling the particles obtained in step b) by a jet mill wherein the milling process is characterized by the following: i) The compressed grinding air (or gas, i.e. the compressed gas or air for grinding) pressure is in the range of about 0. Ibar to about 6.0bar, preferably about 0.1 bar to about 3.0 bar, more preferably about 0.1 bar to about 1.5 bar, and most preferably about 0.3 bar to about 1.0 bar; ii) The compressed feed air (or gas) is in the range of about 0. Ibar to about 6.0 bar, preferably about 0.1 bar to about 5.0 bar, more preferably about 1.0 bar to about 4.0 bar, even more preferably about 2.0 bar to about 4.0 bar, and particularly about 3.0 bar; and iii) The feeding rate of the starting particles ranges from about 0.5g/min to about 50 g/min, preferably from about 0.5 g/min to about lOg/min, more preferably from about 0.5 g/min to about 1.5 g/min and most preferably from about 0.5 g/min to about 1.0 g/min; and preferably wherein the resulting particles have a PSD characterized by a D(90) value of not more than 80 pm ± 20%, not more than 60 pm ± 20%, or a PSD characterized by a D(90) value of: not more than 40 pm ± 20%, preferably not more than 30 pm ± 20% or a PSD characterized by a D(90) value of: about 8 pm to about 80 pm, about 10 pm to about 70 pm, about 15 pm to about 65 pm, about 20 pm to about 60 pm, or about 20 to about 40 pm.

[0088] In embodiments the disclosure relates to processes for preparation of peptide particles, preferably GLP-1 peptide particles, particularly wherein the peptide is selected from: Liraglutide, Dulaglutide, Exanetide, Lixisenatide and Semaglutide or a salt thereof; preferably Liraglutide and Semaglutide, or a salt thereof; more preferably Semaglutide or a salt thereof; and most preferably Semaglutide; wherein the process comprises a) providing a solution comprising one or more solvents and a peptide, preferably a GLP-1 peptide, particularly wherein the peptide is selected from: Liraglutide, Dulaglutide, Exanetide, Lixisenatide and Semaglutide or a salt thereof; preferably Liraglutide and Semaglutide, or a salt thereof; more preferably Semaglutide or a salt thereof; and most preferably Semaglutide; wherein the concentration of the peptide is from about 2.5% (w/w) to about 13.5% (w/w) and wherein the solvent in step a) comprises water and about 15% (w/w) to about 25% (w/w) of acetonitrile, more preferably water and about 20% (w/w) of acetonitrile; and wherein the pH of the solution is: about 5 to about 10, about 6 to about 9, about 7 to about 8, about 7.1 to about 7.5, or about 7.3; b) lyophilizing the solution; and c) milling the particles obtained in step b) by a jet mill wherein the milling process is characterized by the following: i) compressed grinding air (or gas) pressure is in the range of about 0.1 bar to about 1.5 bar; ii) compressed feed air (or gas) pressure is in the range of about 0.1 bar to about 6.0bar, preferably about O.lbar to about 5.0 bar, more preferably about 1.0 bar to about 4.0 bar, even more preferably about 2.0 bar to about 4.0 bar, and particularly about 3.0 bar; and iii) feeding rate of the starting particles ranges from about 0.5g/min to about 1.5g/min; and preferably wherein the resulting particles have a PSD characterized by a D(90) value of not more than 80 pm ± 20%, not more than 60 pm ± 20%, or a PSD characterized by a D(90) value of: not more than 40 pm ± 20%, preferably not more than 30 pm ± 20%, or a PSD characterized by a D(90) value of: about 8 pm to about 80 pm, about 10 pm to about 70 pm, about 15 pm to about 65 pm, about 20 pm to about 60 pm, or about 20 to about 40 pm.

[0089] In embodiments the disclosure relates to processes for preparation of peptide particles, preferably GLP-1 peptide particles, particularly wherein the peptide is selected from: Liraglutide, Dulaglutide, Exanetide, Lixisenatide and Semaglutide or a salt thereof; preferably Liraglutide and Semaglutide, or a salt thereof; more preferably Semaglutide or a salt thereof; and most preferably Semaglutide; wherein the process comprises a) providing a solution comprising one or more solvents and a peptide, preferably a GLP-1 peptide, particularly wherein the peptide is selected from: Liraglutide, Dulaglutide, Exanetide, Lixisenatide and Semaglutide or a salt thereof; preferably Liraglutide and Semaglutide, or a salt thereof; more preferably Semaglutide or a salt thereof; and most preferably Semaglutide; wherein the concentration of the peptide is from about 2.5% (w/w) to about 13.5% (w/w) and wherein the solvent in step a) comprises water and about 15% (w/w) to about 25% (w/w) of acetonitrile, more preferably water and about 20% (w/w) of acetonitrile; and wherein the pH of the solution is: about 5 to about 10, about 6 to about 9 and particularly about 7 to about 8; b) lyophilizing the solution; and c) reducing the PSD of the particles obtained in step b) by sieving using a mesh sieve with balls aid wherein the sieving process is characterized by the following: i) The balls are ceramic balls, silicate balls or stainless steel balls. Preferably the balls are made of zirconium-based ceramic or zirconia. ii) The balls have a diameter of about 0.1mm to about 1cm, preferably the ball has a diameter of 2 mm iii) The mesh size is from about 10pm to about 500pm, preferably the mesh size is 40 pm; and preferably wherein the resulting particles have a PSD characterized by a D(90) value of not more than 80 pm ± 20%, not more than 60 pm ± 20%, or a PSD characterized by a D(90) value of: not more than 40 pm ± 20%, preferably not more than 30 pm ± 20% or a PSD characterized by a D(90) value of: about 8 pm to about 80 pm, about 10 pm to about 70 pm, about 15 pm to about 65 pm, about 20 pm to about 60 pm, or about 20 to about 40 pm.

[0090] In embodiments the disclosure relates to processes for preparation of peptide particles, preferably GLP-1 peptide particles, particularly wherein the peptide is selected from: Liraglutide, Dulaglutide, Exanetide, Lixisenatide and Semaglutide or a salt thereof; preferably Liraglutide and Semaglutide, or a salt thereof; more preferably Semaglutide or a salt thereof; and most preferably Semaglutide; wherein the process comprises a) providing a solution comprising one or more solvents and a peptide, preferably a GLP-1 peptide, particularly wherein the peptide is selected from: Liraglutide, Dulaglutide, Exanetide, Lixisenatide and Semaglutide or a salt thereof; preferably Liraglutide and Semaglutide, or a salt thereof; more preferably Semaglutide or a salt thereof; and most preferably Semaglutide; the concentration of the peptide is from about 2.5% (w/w) to about 13.5% (w/w) and wherein the solvent in step a) essentially consists of (and preferably consists of) acetonitrile and water, optionally wherein acetonitrile is present at a concentration of: about 0.5% (w/w) to about 50% (w/w), about 1.0% (w/w) to about 50% (w/w), about 2.0% (w/w) to about 40% (w/w), about 3.0% (w/w) to about 40% (w/w), about 4.0% (w/w) to about 40% (w/w), about 5.0% (w/w) to about 40% (w/w), about 8% (w/w) to about 35% (w/w), about 10% (w/w) to about 30% (w/w), about 12% (w/w) to about 28% (w/w); about 15% (w/w) to about 25% (w/w), about 18% (w/w) to about 22% (w/w), or about 20% (w/w); or preferably wherein acetonitrile is present at about 15% (w/w) to about 25% (w/w), more preferably about 18% (w/w) to about 22% (w/w), and most preferably about 20% (w/w); and wherein the pH of the solution is: about 5 to about 10, about 6 to about 9, about 7 to about 8, about 7.1 to about 7.5, or about 7.3; b) lyophilizing the solution; and c) reducing the PSD of the particles obtained in step b) by milling or by sieving using a mesh sieve with ball aids, preferably wherein the resulting particles have a PSD characterized by a D(90) value of not more than 80 pm ± 20%, not more than 60 pm ± 20%, or a PSD characterized by a D(90) value of: not more than 40 pm ± 20%, preferably not more than 30 pm ± 20%, preferably wherein the resulting particles have a PSD characterized by a D(90) value of not more than 40 pm ± 20%, preferably not more than 30 pm ± 20%, or a PSD characterized by a D(90) value of: about 8 pm to about 80 pm, about 10 pm to about 70 pm, about 15 pm to about 65 pm, about 20 pm to about 60 pm, or about 20 to about 40 pm.

[0091] In embodiments the disclosure relates to processes for preparation of peptide particles, preferably GLP-1 peptide particles, particularly wherein the peptide is selected from: Liraglutide, Dulaglutide, Exanetide, Lixisenatide and Semaglutide or a salt thereof; preferably Liraglutide and Semaglutide, or a salt thereof; more preferably Semaglutide or a salt thereof; and most preferably Semaglutide; wherein the process comprises a) providing a solution comprising one or more solvents and a peptide, preferably a GLP-1 peptide, particularly wherein the peptide is selected from: Liraglutide, Dulaglutide, Exanetide, Lixisenatide and Semaglutide or a salt thereof; preferably Liraglutide and Semaglutide, or a salt thereof; more preferably Semaglutide or a salt thereof; and most preferably Semaglutide; wherein the concentration of the peptide is from about 2.5% (w/w) to about 13.5% (w/w) and wherein the solvent in step a) essentially consists of (and preferably consists of) acetonitrile and water, optionally wherein acetonitrile is present at a concentration of: about 0.5% (w/w) to about 50% (w/w), about 1.0% (w/w) to about 50% (w/w), about 2.0% (w/w) to about 40% (w/w), about 3.0% (w/w) to about 40% (w/w), about 4.0% (w/w) to about 40% (w/w), about 5.0% (w/w) to about 40% (w/w), about 8% (w/w) to about 35% (w/w), about 10% (w/w) to about 30% (w/w), about 12% (w/w) to about 28% (w/w); about 15% (w/w) to about 25% (w/w), about 18% (w/w) to about 22% (w/w), or about 20% (w/w); or preferably wherein acetonitrile is present at about 15% (w/w) to about 25% (w/w), more preferably about 18% (w/w) to about 22% (w/w), and most preferably about 20% (w/w); and wherein the pH of the solution is: about 5 to about 10, about 6 to about 9, about 7 to about 8, about 7.1 to about 7.5, or about 7.3; b) lyophilizing the solution; and c) milling the particles obtained in step b) by a jet mill wherein the milling process is characterized by the following: i) The compressed grinding air (or gas, i.e. the compressed gas or air for grinding) pressure is in the range of about 0.1 bar to about 6.0 bar, preferably about 0.1 bar to about 3.0 bar, more preferably about 0.1 bar to about 1.5 bar, and most preferably about 0.3 bar to about 1.0 bar; ii) The compressed feed air (or gas) is in the range of about 0.1 bar to about 6.0 bar, preferably about 0.1 bar to about 5.0 bar, more preferably about 1.0 bar to about 4.0 bar, even more preferably about 2.0 bar to about 4.0 bar, and particularly about 3.0 bar; and iii) The feeding rate of the starting particles ranges from about 0.5 g/min to about 50 g/min, preferably from about 0.5 g/min to about 10 g/min, more preferably from about 0.5 g/min to about 1.5 g/min and most preferably from about 0.5 g/min to about 1.0 g/min; and preferably wherein the resulting particles have a PSD characterized by a D(90) value of not more than 80 pm ± 20%, not more than 60 pm ± 20%, or a PSD characterized by a D(90) value of: not more than 40 pm ± 20%, preferably not more than 30 pm ± 20% or a PSD characterized by a D(90) value of: about 8 pm to about 80 pm, about 10 pm to about 70 pm, about 15 pm to about 65 pm, about 20 pm to about 60 pm, or about 20 to about 40 pm.

[0092] In embodiments the disclosure relates to processes for preparation of peptide particles, preferably GLP-1 peptide particles, particularly wherein the peptide is selected from: Liraglutide, Dulaglutide, Exanetide, Lixisenatide and Semaglutide or a salt thereof; preferably Liraglutide and Semaglutide, or a salt thereof; more preferably Semaglutide or a salt thereof; and most preferably Semaglutide; wherein the process comprises a) providing a solution comprising one or more solvents and a peptide, preferably a GLP-1 peptide, particularly wherein the peptide is selected from: Liraglutide, Dulaglutide, Exanetide, Lixisenatide and Semaglutide or a salt thereof; preferably Liraglutide and Semaglutide, or a salt thereof; more preferably Semaglutide or a salt thereof; and most preferably Semaglutide; wherein the concentration of the peptide is from about 2.5% (w/w) to about 13.5% (w/w) and wherein the solvent in step a) essentially consists of (and preferably consists of) acetonitrile and water, optionally wherein acetonitrile is present at a concentration of: about 0.5% (w/w) to about 50% (w/w), about 1.0% (w/w) to about 50% (w/w), about 2.0% (w/w) to about 40% (w/w), about 3.0% (w/w) to about 40% (w/w), about 4.0% (w/w) to about 40% (w/w), about 5.0% (w/w) to about 40% (w/w), about 8% (w/w) to about 35% (w/w), about 10% (w/w) to about 30% (w/w), about 12% (w/w) to about 28% (w/w); about 15% (w/w) to about 25% (w/w), about 18% (w/w) to about 22% (w/w), or about 20% (w/w); or preferably wherein acetonitrile is present at about 15% (w/w) to about 25% (w/w), more preferably about 18% (w/w) to about 22% (w/w), and most preferably about 20% (w/w); wherein the pH of the solution is: about 5 to about 10, about 6 to about 9, about 7 to about 8, about 7.1 to about 7.5, or about 7.3; b) lyophilizing the solution; and c) milling the particles obtained in step b) by a jet mill wherein the milling process is characterized by the following: i) compressed grinding air (or gas) pressure is in the range of about 0.1 bar to about 1.5 bar; ii) compressed feed air (or gas) pressure is in the range of about 0.1 bar to about 6.0bar, preferably about O.lbar to about 5.0bar, more preferably about 1.0 bar to about 4.0 bar, even more preferably about 2.0 bar to about 4.0 bar, and particularly about 3.0 bar; and iii) feeding rate of the starting particles ranges from about 0.5g/min to about 1.5g/min; and preferably wherein the resulting particles have a PSD characterized by a D(90) value of not more than 80 pm ± 20%, not more than 60 pm ± 20%, or a PSD characterized by a D(90) value of: not more than 40 pm ± 20%, preferably not more than 30 pm ± 20%, or a PSD characterized by a D(90) value of: about 8 pm to about 80 pm, about 10 m to about 70 pm, about 15 pm to about 65 pm, about 20 pm to about 60 pm, or about 20 to about 40 pm.

[0093] In embodiments the disclosure relates to processes for preparation of peptide particles, preferably GLP-1 peptide particles, particularly wherein the peptide is selected from: Liraglutide, Dulaglutide, Exanetide, Lixisenatide and Semaglutide or a salt thereof; preferably Liraglutide and Semaglutide, or a salt thereof; more preferably Semaglutide or a salt thereof; and most preferably Semaglutide; wherein the process comprises a) providing a solution comprising one or more solvents and a peptide, preferably a GLP-1 peptide, particularly wherein the peptide is selected from: Liraglutide, Dulaglutide, Exanetide, Lixisenatide and Semaglutide or a salt thereof; preferably Liraglutide and Semaglutide, or a salt thereof; more preferably Semaglutide or a salt thereof; and most preferably Semaglutide; wherein the concentration of the peptide is from about 2.5% (w/w) to about 13.5% (w/w) and wherein the solvent in step a) essentially consists of (and preferably consists of) acetonitrile and water, wherein the solvent in step a) essentially consists of (and preferably consists of) acetonitrile and water, optionally wherein acetonitrile is present at a concentration of: about 0.5% (w/w) to about 50% (w/w), about 1.0% (w/w) to about 50% (w/w), about 2.0% (w/w) to about 40% (w/w), about 3.0% (w/w) to about 40% (w/w), about 4.0% (w/w) to about 40% (w/w), about 5.0% (w/w) to about 40% (w/w), about 8% (w/w) to about 35% (w/w), about 10% (w/w) to about 30% (w/w), about 12% (w/w) to about 28% (w/w); about 15% (w/w) to about 25% (w/w), about 18% (w/w) to about 22% (w/w), or about 20% (w/w); or preferably wherein acetonitrile is present at about 15% (w/w) to about 25% (w/w), more preferably about 18% (w/w) to about 22% (w/w), and most preferably about 20% (w/w); and wherein the pH of the solution is: about 5 to about 10, about 6 to about 9 and particularly about 7 to about 8; b) lyophilizing the solution; and c) reducing the PSD of the particles obtained in step b) by sieving using a mesh sieve with balls aid wherein the sieving process is characterized by the following: i) The balls are ceramic balls, silicate balls or stainless steel balls. Preferably the balls are made of zirconium-based ceramic or zirconia. ii) The balls have a diameter of about 0.1mm to about 1cm, preferably the ball has a diameter of 2 mm iii)_The mesh size is from about 10pm to about 500pm, preferably the mesh size is 40 pm; and preferably wherein the resulting particles have a PSD characterized by a D(90) value of not more than 80 pm ± 20%, not more than 60 pm ± 20%, or a PSD characterized by a D(90) value of: not more than 40 pm ± 20%, preferably not more than 30 pm ± 20% or a PSD characterized by a D(90) value of: about 8 pm to about 80 pm, about 10 pm to about 70 pm, about 15 pm to about 65 pm, about 20 pm to about 60 pm, or about 20 to about 40 pm.

[0094] In yet another aspect the disclosure further relates to processes for preparation of peptide particles, preferably GLP-1 peptide particles, particularly wherein the peptide is selected from: Liraglutide, Dulaglutide, Exanetide, Lixisenatide and Semaglutide or a salt thereof; preferably Liraglutide and Semaglutide, or a salt thereof; more preferably Semaglutide or a salt thereof; and most preferably Semaglutide; wherein the process comprises: providing peptide powder, preferably a GLP-1 peptide, particularly wherein the peptide is selected from: Liraglutide, Dulaglutide, Exanetide, Lixisenatide and Semaglutide or a salt thereof; preferably Liraglutide and Semaglutide, or a salt thereof; more preferably Semaglutide or a salt thereof; and most preferably Semaglutide; wherein the peptide is obtainable by the process of any aspect or embodiment the present disclosure; and reducing the particle size, preferably wherein the resulting particles have a PSD characterized by a D(90) value of not more than 80 pm ± 20%, not more than 60 pm ± 20%, or a PSD characterized by a D(90) value of: not more than 40 pm ± 20%, preferably not more than 30 pm ± 20%, or a PSD characterized by a D(90) value of: about 8 pm to about 80 pm, about 10 pm to about 70 pm, about 15 pm to about 65 pm, about 20 pm to about 60 pm, or about 20 to about 40 pm.

[0095] In any aspect or embodiment the particle size reduction in step c) may be performed by any milling technology known in the art. In embodiments a jet mill micronizer may be used. In any aspect or embodiment the pressure grinding air (or gas) may be in the range of about 0. Ibar to about 6.0bar, preferably about 0.1 bar to about 3.0 bar, more preferably about 0.1 bar to about 1.5 bar, most preferably about 0.3 bar to about 1.0 bar. In any aspect or embodiment the compressed feed air (or gas) pressure may be in the about 0.1 bar to about 6.0 bar, preferably about 0.1 bar to about 5.0 bar, more preferably about 1.0 bar to about 4.0 bar, even more preferably about 2.0 bar to about 4.0 bar, and particularly about 3.0 bar. In any aspect or embodiment the feeding rate of the starting particles may range from about 0.5 g/min to about 50 g/min, preferably from about 0.5 g/min to about 10 g/min, about 0.5 g/min to about 1.5 g/min and most preferably from about 0.5 g/min to about 1.0 g/min. [0096] Alternatively, a mesh sieve with balls aid may be used for particle size reduction. Vacuum may be applied to improve flow of the particles through the mesh. In any aspect or embodiment, the balls may be for example ceramic balls, silicate balls or stainless steel balls, preferably ceramic. Preferably the balls are made of zirconium-based ceramics, preferably zirconia. In any aspect or embodiment the size of the balls may vary and may have a diameter of about 1 mm to about 10 mm, about 1 to about 5 mm, and preferably wherein the ball has a diameter of 2 mm. The mesh size may vary from about 10pm to about 500pm depending on the desired PSD. Preferably the mesh size from about 10 to about 500 microns, about 10 to about 300 microns, about 0 to about 200 microns, about 10 to about 100 microns, about 10 to about 80 microns, about 20 to about 60 pm, more preferably from about 25 pm to about 50 pm, most preferably from about 30 pm to about 50 pm, particularly about is 40 pm.

[0097] In yet another aspect the present disclosure provides peptide particles, preferably GLP-1 peptide particles, particularly wherein the peptide is selected from: Liraglutide, Dulaglutide, Exanetide, Lixisenatide and Semaglutide or a salt thereof; preferably Liraglutide and Semaglutide, or a salt thereof; more preferably Semaglutide or a salt thereof; and most preferably Semaglutide; having a PSD characterized by a D(90) value of not more than 80 pm ± 20%, not more than 60 pm ± 20%, or a PSD characterized by a D(90) value of: not more than 40 pm ± 20%, preferably not more than 30 pm ± 20%, or a PSD characterized by a D(90) value of: about 8 pm to about 80 pm, about 10 pm to about 70 pm, about 15 pm to about 65 pm, about 20 pm to about 60 pm, or about 20 to about 40 pm, obtainable by any of the processes disclosed herein. [0098] The present disclosure also provides the use of peptide particles, preferably GLP-1 peptide particles, particularly wherein the peptide is selected from: Liraglutide, Dulaglutide, Exanetide, Lixisenatide and Semaglutide or a salt thereof; preferably Liraglutide and Semaglutide, or a salt thereof; more preferably Semaglutide or a salt thereof; and most preferably Semaglutide; having a PSD characterized by a D(90) value of not more than 80 pm ± 20%, not more than 60 pm ± 20%, or a PSD characterized by a D(90) value of: not more than 40 pm ± 20%, preferably not more than 30 pm ± 20%, or a PSD characterized by a D(90) value of: about 8 pm to about 80 pm, about 10 pm to about 70 pm, about 15 pm to about 65 pm, about 20 pm to about 60 pm, or about 20 to about 40 pm, obtainable by the processes of the disclosure in the preparation of pharmaceutical compositions and/or formulations. [0099] The present disclosure also provides the peptide particles, preferably GLP-1 peptide particles, particularly wherein the peptide is selected from: Liraglutide, Dulaglutide, Exanetide, Lixisenatide and Semaglutide or a salt thereof; preferably Liraglutide and Semaglutide, or a salt thereof; more preferably Semaglutide or a salt thereof; and most preferably Semaglutide; having a PSD characterized by a D(90) value of not more than 80 pm ± 20%, not more than 60 pm ± 20%, or a PSD characterized by a D(90) value of: not more than 40 pm ± 20%, preferably not more than 30 pm ± 20%, or a PSD characterized by a D(90) value of: about 8 pm to about 80 pm, about 10 pm to about 70 pm, about 15 pm to about 65 pm, about 20 pm to about 60 pm, or about 20 to about 40 pm, obtainable by the processes of the disclosure for use in the preparation of pharmaceutical compositions and/or formulations.

[00100] The present disclosure further includes processes for the preparation of the above mentioned pharmaceutical composition, or pharmaceutical formulation preferably for oral administration and more preferably wherein the pharmaceutical formulation is a tablet a GLP-1 peptide, particularly wherein the peptide is selected from: Liraglutide, Dulaglutide, Exanetide, Lixisenatide and Semaglutide or a salt thereof; preferably Liraglutide and Semaglutide, or a salt thereof; more preferably Semaglutide or a salt thereof; and most preferably Semaglutide; wherein the process comprises combining the GLP-1 peptide particles, particularly wherein the peptide is selected from: Liraglutide, Dulaglutide, Exanetide, Lixisenatide and Semaglutide or a salt thereof; preferably Liraglutide and Semaglutide, or a salt thereof; more preferably Semaglutide or a salt thereof; and most preferably Semaglutide; having a PSD characterized by a D(90) value of not more than 80 pm ± 20%, not more than 60 pm ± 20%, or a PSD characterized by a D(90) value of: not more than 40 pm ± 20%, preferably not more than 30 pm ± 20% particles, or a PSD characterized by a D(90) value of: about 8 pm to about 80 pm, about 10 pm to about 70 pm, about 15 pm to about 65 pm, about 20 pm to about 60 pm, or about 20 to about 40 pm, obtainable by any of the processes of the present disclosure with at least one pharmaceutically acceptable excipient.

[00101] The present disclosure provides GLP-1 peptide particles, particularly wherein the peptide is selected from: Liraglutide, Dulaglutide, Exanetide, Lixisenatide and Semaglutide or a salt thereof; preferably Liraglutide and Semaglutide, or a salt thereof; more preferably Semaglutide or a salt thereof; and most preferably Semaglutide; having a PSD characterized by a D(90) value of not more than 80 pm ± 20%, not more than 60 pm ± 20%, or a PSD characterized by a D(90) value of: not more than 40 pm ± 20%, preferably not more than 30 pm ± 20%, , or a PSD characterized by a D(90) value of: about 8 pm to about 80 pm, about 10 pm to about 70 pm, about 15 pm to about 65 pm, about 20 pm to about 60 pm, or about 20 to about 40 pm, obtainable by any of the processes described herein and the pharmaceutical compositions or formulations may be used as medicaments, such as for the treatment of patients suffering from type 2 diabetes, overweight or obesity, preferably type 2 diabetes or for the treatment of Systemic Scleroderma, obesity and polycystic ovarian syndrome, Atherosclerosis or Cardiovascular Diseases in people with type 2 diabetes and/or obesity, Chronic Kidney Disease or dialysis-dependent end-stage kidney disease in T2DM and overweight/obesity, Cystic Fibrosis or Cystic Fibrosis-related Diabetes, Advanced Lung Disease, NASH - Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis or NAFLD or Liver Transplant Recipients with poorly-controlled Diabetes Mellitus, Addiction Alcohol Use Disorder, Tobacco Use Disorder Nicotine Addiction, obesity in patients with schizophrenia-spectrum disorder who did not demonstrate adequate weight loss on metformin.

[00102] The present disclosure provides GLP-1 peptide particles, particularly Liraglutide, Dulaglutide, Exanetide, Lixisenatide and Semaglutide particles, and more preferably Semaglutide particles having a PSD characterized by a D(90) value of not more than 80 pm ± 20%, not more than 60 pm ± 20%, or a PSD characterized by a D(90) value of: not more than 40 pm ± 20%, preferably not more than 30 pm ± 20%, a PSD characterized by a D(90) value of: about 8 pm to about 80 pm, about 10 pm to about 70 pm, about 15 pm to about 65 pm, about 20 pm to about 60 pm, or about 20 to about 40 pm, obtainable by any of the processes described herein, and dietary compositions thereof for cosmetic weight loss in non-overweight non-obese subjects.

[00103] According to any aspect or embodiment of the process, there is provided a method for producing GLP-1 peptide particles, particularly Semaglutide particles, of any desired particle size distribution. Particularly, the lyophilization process of the present disclosure enables the production the peptide powder which is flowable and hence can be readily subjected to particle size reduction processes as described herein if smaller particles are desired. In particular, the process of the invention can provide lyophilized, peptide powder [i.e. the product obtained after the lyophilization step (b), and prior to any optional particle size reduction step (c)], wherein the flowability is: at least about 0.2 g/sec, at least about 0.3 g/sec, at least about 0.4 g/sec; or wherein the flowability is: about 0.2 g/sec to about 80 g/sec, about 0.2 g/sec to about 60 g/sec, about 0.2 g/sec to about 40 g/sec, about 0.2 g/sec to about 30 g/sec, about 0.2 g/sec to about 25 g/sec, about 0.2 g/sec to about 20 g/sec, about 0.2 g/sec to about 10 g/sec, about 0.2 g/sec to about 5.0 g/sec, about 0.2 g/sec to about 4.0 g/sec, about 0.2 g/sec to about 3.0 g/sec, or about 0.2 g/sec to about 2.0 g/sec. This product may be obtainable by any of the lyophilization processes disclosed herein. Advantageously, the surprisingly advantageous flowability of lyophilized product (peptide powder), enables a greater ease of further processing of the peptide powder, for example, in subsequent particle size reduction.

[00104] Reduction of particle size by agitative sieving is particularly advantageous for large scale processes. The process of particle size reduction by sieving has a very short cycle time in production, it does not involve additional solvents, has low energy consumption and high yield. Therefore, the processes of the present disclosure allow preparation of material having any desired particle size distribution by preparation of the flowable powder and further processing the powder to the required PSD.

[00105] The present disclosure also provides methods for the treatment of patients with type 2 diabetes, overweight or obesity, preferably type 2 diabetes, or for the treatment of Systemic Scleroderma, obesity and polycystic ovarian syndrome, Atherosclerosis or Cardiovascular Diseases in people with type 2 diabetes and/or obesity, Chronic Kidney Disease or dialysis-dependent end-stage kidney disease in T2DM and overweight/obesity, Cystic Fibrosis or Cystic Fibrosis-related Diabetes, Advanced Lung Disease, NASH - Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis or NAFLD or Liver Transplant Recipients with poorly-controlled Diabetes Mellitus, Addiction Alcohol Use Disorder, Tobacco Use Disorder Nicotine Addiction, obesity in patients with schizophrenia-spectrum disorder who did not demonstrate adequate weight loss on metformin.

[00106] by administering a therapeutically effective amount of GLP-1 peptide particles, particularly wherein the peptide is selected from: Liraglutide, Dulaglutide, Exanetide, Lixisenatide and Semaglutide or a salt thereof; preferably Liraglutide and Semaglutide, or a salt thereof; more preferably Semaglutide or a salt thereof; and most preferably Semaglutide; having a PSD characterized by a D(90) value of not more than 80 pm ± 20%, not more than 60 pm ± 20%, or a PSD characterized by a D(90) value of: not more than 40 pm ± 20%, preferably not more than 30 pm ± 20%, or a PSD characterized by a D(90) value of: about 8 pm to about 80 pm, about 10 m to about 70 pm, about 15 pm to about 65 pm, about 20 pm to about 60 pm, or about 20 to about 40 pm, obtainable by the processes described herein, or at least one of the above pharmaceutical compositions, to a subject suffering from type 2 diabetes, overweight or obesity, preferably type 2 diabetes, or for the treatment of Systemic Scleroderma, obesity and polycystic ovarian syndrome, Atherosclerosis or Cardiovascular Diseases in people with type 2 diabetes and/or obesity, Chronic Kidney Disease or dialysis-dependent end-stage kidney disease in T2DM and overweight/obesity, Cystic Fibrosis or Cystic Fibrosis-related Diabetes, Advanced Lung Disease, NASH - Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis or NAFLD or Liver Transplant Recipients with poorly-controlled Diabetes Mellitus, Addiction Alcohol Use Disorder, Tobacco Use Disorder Nicotine Addiction, obesity in patients with schizophrenia-spectrum disorder who did not demonstrate adequate weight loss on metformin or otherwise in need of the treatment. [00107] The present disclosure further provides methods for cosmetic weight loss in nonoverweight non-obese subjects by administering an effective amount of peptide particles produced according to the processes described herein, or a dietary composition containing the peptide particles produced according to the processes described herein.

[00108] The present disclosure also provides uses of GLP-1 peptide particles, particularly wherein the peptide is selected from: Liraglutide, Dulaglutide, Exanetide, Lixisenatide and Semaglutide or a salt thereof; preferably Liraglutide and Semaglutide, or a salt thereof; more preferably Semaglutide or a salt thereof; and most preferably Semaglutide; having a PSD characterized by a D(90) value of not more than 80 pm ± 20%, not more than 60 pm ± 20%, or a PSD characterized by a D(90) value of: not more than 40 pm ± 20%, preferably not more than 30 pm ± 20% obtained by the methods of the present disclosure or at least one of the above pharmaceutical compositions, for the manufacture of medicaments for treating e.g., patients with type 2 diabetes, overweight or obesity, and preferably type 2 diabetes or for the treatment of Systemic Scleroderma, obesity and polycystic ovarian syndrome, Atherosclerosis or Cardiovascular Diseases in people with type 2 diabetes and/or obesity, Chronic Kidney Disease or dialysis-dependent end-stage kidney disease in T2DM and overweight/obesity, Cystic Fibrosis or Cystic Fibrosis-related Diabetes, Advanced Lung Disease, NASH - Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis or NAFLD or Liver Transplant Recipients with poorly-controlled Diabetes Mellitus, Addiction Alcohol Use Disorder, Tobacco Use Disorder Nicotine Addiction, obesity in patients with schizophrenia-spectrum disorder who did not demonstrate adequate weight loss on metformin.

[00109] The present disclosure also provides uses of the peptide particles obtained by the methods of the present disclosure or at least one of the above described dietary compositions for cosmetic weight loss in non-overweight non-obese subjects.

METHODS

PSD method:

[00110] Instrumentation: Malvern Laser Diffraction Mastersizer 3000, Hydro Mv cell

Measuring range: 0.01 - 3500 mcm

Analysis model: Mie Theory

Powder RI: 1.488, Absorption: 1

Dispersant name: Isopar-G

Dispersant RI: 1.42

Speed rate of the flow cell: 2500

Internal Sonication: 1 minute

Recirculation time: 1 minute

BD

[00111] Bulk density was measured according to USP 2014 Method I (616) Bulk Density and Tapped Density of Powders.

SEM

[00112] SEM micrographs were taken on Phenom Pro, scanning microscope at 10 kV, low current. Samples were sputtered with gold by Denton Desk V sputter coater.

Flowability

[00113] Instrument: BEP2 Flowability Tester from Copley Scientific, with Funnel Attachment and Manually Operated Stirrer with a nozzle corresponding to aperture size of 25 mm.

Methodology: flow through an orifice

[00114] The test sample was introduced into the funnel and the time required for the entire sample to flow out of the funnel was measure using a suitable stopwatch.

[00115] The flow rate results are expressed in terms of mass vs time i.e. grams per second. EXAMPLES

[00116] Semaglutide may be prepared for example according to any method known in the art.

Example 1: Preparation of Semaglutide powder by lyophilization

[00117] Semaglutide solutions of various concentrations were prepared. Samples of

Semaglutide were mixed with acetonitrile and water in quantities as described in Table 1 (g = “grams”):

Table 1

[00118] The pH of the solutions was adjusted to 7.3 by the addition of a few drops of 0. IN NaOH or 25% ammonium hydroxide in a magnetically stirred vessel at 20°C. The solutions were filtered using a 0.2 micron filter and the samples were lyophilized in parallel in a Pilot Edwards Lyophilizer mini according to the process described below.

[00119] The solution was charged to a Minifast 10 freeze dryer and then cooled down from 20°C to -45°C. The frozen material was warmed slowly to -20°C with reduce pressure of 500 pbar to obtain a primary drying step. After most of the solvent was sublimated, a secondary drying was carried out at 20°C under a reduced pressure of 200 pbar until complete dryness. The lyophilized material was discharged at room temperature.

[00120] Bulk density and flowability were measured for samples A-E obtained according to Example 1 and the results are presented in Table 2:

Table 2

Example 2: Preparation of flowable Semaglutide powder by lyophilization

[00121] A 23 kg solution containing 800 grams (3.5% w/w) Semaglutide in a 20% (w/w) Acetonitrile and 80% w/w H2O was prepared, and the pH was adjusted by addition of 0. IN NaOH to 7.3. The solution was filtered using a 0.2 micron stainless steel filter at room temperature, and lyophilized according to the freeze process as described below.

[00122] The solution was charged to a Lyofast 10 industrial freeze dryer and then cooled down from 20°C to -45°C. The frozen material was warmed slowly to -40°C under reduced pressure of 900 pbar in a primary drying step. After most of the solvent was sublimated a secondary drying was carried out at 40°C under a reduced pressure of 200 pbar till complete dryness. The lyophilized material was discharged at room temperature to obtain a flowable powder, having a bulk density >0.04 g/ml.

Example 2A: Preparation of flowable Semaglutide powder by lyophilization

[00123] A 10 gram solution containing 2 grams (20% w/w) Semaglutide in a 20% (w/w) Acetonitrile and 80%w/w H2O is prepared, and the pH is adjusted by addition of 0. IN NaOH or 25%NH4OH to 7.0-7.5. The solution is filtered using a 0.2 micron Nylon filter at room temperature, and lyophilized according to the freeze process as described below.

[00124] The solution is charged to a freeze dryer and then cooled down from 20°C to - 45°C. The frozen material is warmed slowly to -40°C under reduced pressure of 900 pbar in a primary drying step. After most of the solvent is sublimated a secondary drying is carried out at 40°C under a reduced pressure of 200 pbar till complete dryness. The lyophilized material is discharged at room temperature to obtain a flowable powder, having a bulk density >0.07 g/ml. Example 3: Preparation of micronized Semaglutide by milling using jet mill

[00125] 7.5 grams of Semaglutide powder (prepared according to example 2) was fed to a

50 mm jet mill using vibration feeder with Ig/min feeding rate, compressed grinding air at a pressure of 0.3 bar and compressed feed air pressure of 3.0 bar. The output was 6.5g of micronized powder with particle sizes of d(0.9) = 23.2 pm. Yield was 83%, purity was maintained as 99.58% (starting material purity was 99.39%).

Example 4: Preparation of micronized Semaglutide by milling using jet mill

[00126] 40 grams of Semaglutide powder (prepared according to example 2,) was fed into a 50mm jet mill using vibration feeder with a feeding rate of 0.58g/min, compressed grinding air pressure of 0.8-1.0 bar and compressed feed air pressure of 3.0 bar. The output was 35.1g of micronized powder with particles size of d(0.9) = 22.9 pm. Yield was 88%, purity was maintained as 99.68% (starting material purity was 99.39%).

Example 5: Preparation of Semaglutide by sieving d(0.9) = 57 um

[00127] 0.5 grams of Semaglutide powder (prepared according to example 2,) was passed through a 44 micron mesh sieve with ceramic ball sieving aid, using vibration. The output was 0.5g of powder with particles size of d(0.9) = 57 pm. Yield was 96%, purity was maintained as 99.6% (starting material purity was 99.4%).

Example 6: Preparation of Semaglutide by sieving d(0.9) = 23 um

[00128] 0.5 grams of Semaglutide powder (prepared according to example 2,) was passed through a 30 micron mesh sieve with ceramic ball sieving aid ((Zirmil ball, diameter 2 mm), using vibration.

Example 7: Preparation of Semaglutide by sieving d(0.9) = 54 um

[00129] 0.5 grams of Semaglutide powder (prepared according to example 2,) was passed through a 40 micron mesh sieve with ceramic ball sieving aid ((Zirmil ball, diameter 2 mm), using vibration. The output was 0.47 g of powder with particles size of D (0.9) = 54 pm. Yield was 93%. [00130] Further aspects and embodiments of the disclosure are described in the following numbered clauses:

1. A process for preparation of a peptide powder wherein the process comprises: a) providing a solution comprising one or more solvents and a peptide, wherein the concentration (w/w) of the peptide is not less than about 2.5%, preferably wherein the concentration of the peptide is from about 2.5% (w/w) to about 20% (w/w) and more preferably wherein the concentration of the peptide is from about 2.5% (w/w) to about 13.5% (w/w); and wherein the pH of the solution is: about 5 to about 10, about 6 to about 9 or about 7 to about 8; and b) lyophilizing the solution.

2. A process according to clause 1 , wherein the concentration of the peptide in the solution of step a) is from: about 2.5% (w/w) to about 40% w/w), about 2.5% (w/w) to about 35% (w/w), about 2.5% to about 30% (w/w), about 2.5% (w/w) to about 25% (w/w), or about 2.5% (w/w) to about 20% (w/w), about 2.5% (w/w) to about 13.5% (w/w), about 2.5% (w/w) to about 10% (w/w), more preferably from about 2.5% (w/w) to about 8% (w/w), most preferably from about 2.5% (w/w) to about 7% (w/w).

3. A process according to clause 1 or 2, wherein the one or more solvents are selected from the group consisting of acetic acid, acetone, dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), ethanol, water, isopropanol (IP A), methanol, menthol, TFA, and acetonitrile, preferably from the group consisting of acetonitrile, IP A, ethanol and water.

4. A process according to clause 1, 2, or 3, wherein the one or more solvents comprises water.

5. A process according to any of clauses 1, 2, 3, or 4, wherein the one or more solvents comprises water and up to about 60% (w/w), preferably up to about 40% (w/w) of any one or a mixture of acetonitrile, IPA and ethanol. 6. A process according to any of clauses 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5, wherein the one or more solvents consists essentially of, and preferably consists of, acetonitrile and water, more preferably wherein acetonitrile is present at a concentration of: about 0.5% (w/w) to about 50% (w/w), about 1.0% (w/w) to about 50% (w/w), about 2.0% (w/w) to about 40% (w/w), about 3.0% (w/w) to about 40% (w/w), about 4.0% (w/w) to about 40% (w/w), about 5.0% (w/w) to about 40% (w/w), about 8% (w/w) to about 35% (w/w), about 10% (w/w) to about 30% (w/w), about 12% (w/w) to about 28% (w/w); about 15% (w/w) to about 25% (w/w), about 18% (w/w) to about 22% (w/w), or about 20% (w/w).

7. A process according to any of clauses 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6, wherein the one or more solvents consists essentially of, and preferably consists of, acetonitrile and water, optionally wherein acetonitrile is present at a concentration of: about 0.5% (w/w) to about 50% (w/w), about 1.0% (w/w) to about 50% (w/w), about 2.0% (w/w) to about 40% (w/w), about 3.0% (w/w) to about 40% (w/w), about 4.0% (w/w) to about 40% (w/w), about 5.0% (w/w) to about 40% (w/w), about 8% (w/w) to about 35% (w/w), about 10% (w/w) to about 30% (w/w), about 12% (w/w) to about 28% (w/w); about 15% (w/w) to about 25% (w/w), about 18% (w/w) to about 22% (w/w), or about 20% (w/w); or more preferably wherein acetonitrile is present at a concentration of: about 15% (w/w) to about 25% (w/w), more preferably about 18% (w/w) to about 22% (w/w), and particularly about 20% (w/w).

8. A process according to any of clauses 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, or 7, wherein the solvent in step a) essentially consists of (and preferably consists of) acetonitrile and water, and wherein acetonitrile is present at a concentration of: about 15% (w/w) to about 25% (w/w), more preferably about 18% (w/w) to about 22% (w/w), and particularly about 20% (w/w).

9. A process according to any of clauses 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, or 8, wherein the pH of the solution in step (a) is: about 6 to about 9, or about 6 to about 8.5, preferably to about 7 to about 8, or about 7 to about 7.5, or more preferably to about 7.3. 10. A process according to any of clauses 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, or 9, wherein the pH of the solution in step (a) is: about 6 to about 9, preferably to about 7 to about 8, more preferably to about 7.3.

11. A process according to any of clauses 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or 10, wherein the pH of the solution is adjusted if necessary using a base, preferably selected from the group consisting of: sodium bicarbonate, ammonium acetate, phosphate buffer, ammonium hydroxide or NaOH, preferably wherein the pH is adjusted by addition of ammonium hydroxide or NaOH, more preferably by addition of a 25% (w/w) solution of ammonium hydroxide or NaOH.

12. A process according to any of clauses 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, or 11, wherein step (a) is performed at a temperature of about 15 °C to about 40 °C, or about 15 °C to about 30 °C, and preferably at room temperature; or wherein step (a) is performed at a temperature of: about 15 °C to about 35 °C , about 18 °C to about 25 °C, or about 18 °C to about 22 °C, or about 20 °C.

13. A process according to any of clauses 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, or 12, wherein step (a) is performed at a temperature of about 15 °C to about 40 °C and preferably at room temperature.

14. A process according to any of clauses 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, or 13, wherein the solution in step (a) is filtered prior to step (b).

15. A process according to any of clauses 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, or 14, wherein step (b) is carried at a temperature of: about -50 °C to about 30 °C, about -45 °C to about 25 °C or about -45 °C to about 20 °C.

16. A process according to any of clauses 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, or 15, wherein the freeze dried product is subjected to a further drying step. 17. A process according to clause 16, wherein the further drying step is carried out at a temperature of: about 15 °C to about 55 °C, about 18 °C to about 45 °C, about 18 °C to about 40 °C, or about 20 °C to about 40 °C.

18. A process according to clause 16 or clause 17, wherein the further drying step is carried out at reduced pressure, preferably at a pressure of: about 100 pbar to about 600 pbar, about 120 pbar to about 550 pbar, about 140 to about 450 pbar, about 160 to about 350 pbar, about 170 to about 300 pbar, about 180 to about 250 pbar, or about 200 to about 250 pbar, or about 200 pbar.

19. A process according to any of clauses 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, or 18, wherein the process further comprises: c) reducing the particle size of the product of step (b).

20. A process according to clause 19, wherein the product from step c) has a PSD characterized by a D(90) value of not more than 80 pm ± 20%, not more than 60 pm ± 20%, or a PSD characterized by a D(90) value of: not more than 40 pm ± 20%, preferably not more than 30 pm ± 20%, or a PSD characterized by a D(90) value of D(90) of: about 8 pm to about 80 pm, about 10 pm to about 70 pm, about 15 pm to about 65 pm, about 20 pm to about 60 pm, or about 20 to about 40 pm.

21. A process according to clause 19 or 20, wherein step (c) comprises milling and/or sieving.

22. A process according to any of clauses 19, 20, or 21, wherein the particle size reduction is performed using a jet mill micronizer.

23. A process according to clause 22, wherein the compressed grinding air (or gas) pressure in the jet mill may be in the range of about 0.1 bar to about 6.0 bar, preferably about 0.1 bar to about 3.0 bar, more preferably about 0.1 bar to about 1.5 bar, most preferably about 0.3 bar to about 1.0 bar. 24. A process according to clause 22 or 23, wherein the feeding air (or gas) pressure may be in the about 0.1 bar to about 6.0 bar, preferably about 0.1 bar to about 5.0 bar, more preferably about 1.0 bar to about 4.0 bar, even more preferably about 2.0 bar to about 4.0 bar, and particularly about 3.0 bar.

25. A process according to any of clauses 22, 23, or 24, wherein the powder feeding rate is from about 0.5 g/min to about 50 g/min, preferably from about 0.5 g/min to about 10 g/min, more preferably from about 0.5 g/min to about 1.5 g/min and most preferably from about 0.5g/min to about 1.0 g/min.

26. A process according to any of clauses 19, 20, or 21, wherein the particle size reduction is performed by sieving using a mesh sieve and balls as a sieving aid.

27. A process according to clause 26, wherein the balls are ceramic balls, silicate balls, or stainless steel balls, preferably ceramic balls.

28. A process according to clause 27, wherein the ceramic balls are zirconium-based ceramic balls, and preferably made of zirconia.

29. A process according to any of clauses 26, 27, or 28, wherein the balls have a diameter of about 1 mm to about 10 mm, about 1 mm to about 5 mm, or about 2 mm.

30. A process according to any of clauses 26, 27, 28, or 29, wherein the mesh size of the mesh sieve is from about 20 to about 60 pm, more preferably from about 25 pm to about 50 pm, most preferably from about 30 pm to about 50 pm, particularly about 40 pm.

31. A process according to any of clauses 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, or 30, wherein the flowability of the lyophilized product obtained in step (b) is:, at least about 0.2 g/sec, at least about 0.3 g/sec, at least about 0.4 g/sec; or wherein the flowability is: about 0.2 g/sec to about 80 g/sec, about 0.2 g/sec to about 60 g/sec, about 0.2 g/sec to about 40 g/sec, about 0.2 g/sec to about 30 g/sec, about 0.2 g/sec to about 25 g/sec, about 0.2 g/sec to about 20 g/sec, about 0.2 g/sec to about 10 g/sec, about 0.2 g/sec to about 5.0 g/sec, about 0.2 g/sec to about 4.0 g/sec, about 0.2 g/sec to about 3.0 g/sec, or about 0.2 g/sec to about 2.0 g/sec, as measured according to the method described in the application.

32. A process according to any of Claims 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, or 31, wherein the peptide is a GLP-1 peptide; preferably Liraglutide, Dulaglutide, Exanetide, Lixisenatide, or Semaglutide, or salts thereof; preferably Liraglutide or Semaglutide or salts thereof; more preferably Liraglutide or Semaglutide, and most preferably Semaglutide.

33. A peptide powder, or peptide particles produced by any one of the processes of the preceding clauses, preferably wherein the peptide is a GLP-1 peptide, particularly wherein the peptide is selected from: Liraglutide, Dulaglutide, Exanetide, Lixisenatide and Semaglutide or a salt thereof; preferably Liraglutide and Semaglutide, or a salt thereof; more preferably Semaglutide or a salt thereof; and most preferably Semaglutide.

34. A peptide powder, or peptide particles obtainable by any of the processes of clauses 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, or 32, preferably wherein the peptide is a dual GLP-1 peptide, preferably Semaglutide or a salt thereof; and most preferably Semaglutide.

35. Lyophilized peptide powder produced by any of the processes of clauses 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, or 18, wherein the flowability is: at least about 0.1 g/sec, at least about 0.2 g/sec, at least about 0.3 g/sec, at least about 0.4 g/sec; about 0.2 g/sec to about 80 g/sec, about 0.2 g/sec to about 60 g/sec, about 0.2 g/sec to about 40 g/sec, about 0.2 g/sec to about 30 g/sec, about 0.2 g/sec to about 25 g/sec, about 0.2 g/sec to about 20 g/sec, about 0.2 g/sec to about 10 g/sec, about 0.2 g/sec to about 5.0 g/sec, about 0.2 g/sec to about 4.0 g/sec, about 0.2 g/sec to about 3.0 g/sec, or about 0.2 g/sec to about 2.0 g/sec, as measured according to the method described in the application. 36. A pharmaceutical composition, pharmaceutical formulation, or dietary composition, preferably a pharmaceutical composition or pharmaceutical formulation, comprising peptide powder or peptide particles according to any of clauses 33, 34 or 35.

37. Peptide powder or peptide particles according to any of clauses 33, 34 or 35, for use in the preparation of a pharmaceutical composition, pharmaceutical formulation, or a dietary composition, preferably for use in the preparation of a pharmaceutical compositions or a pharmaceutical formulation.

38. A process for the preparation of a pharmaceutical composition, a pharmaceutical formulation, or a dietary composition as defined in clause 36, comprising combining the peptide particles obtained by any one of the processes of clauses 1-32 with at least one pharmaceutically acceptable excipient.

39. GLP-1 peptide particles according to any of clauses 33, 34 or 35, a pharmaceutical composition or pharmaceutical formulation thereof according to clause 36, for use in the treatment of type 2 diabetes, overweight or obesity, and preferably type 2 diabetes, or in the treatment of Systemic Scleroderma, obesity and polycystic ovarian syndrome, Atherosclerosis or Cardiovascular Diseases in people with type 2 diabetes and/or obesity, Chronic Kidney Disease or dialysis-dependent end-stage kidney disease in T2DM and overweight/obesity, Cystic Fibrosis or Cystic Fibrosis-related Diabetes, Advanced Lung Disease, NASH - Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis or NAFLD or Liver Transplant Recipients with poorly-controlled Diabetes Mellitus, Addiction Alcohol Use Disorder, Tobacco Use Disorder Nicotine Addiction, obesity in patients with schizophrenia-spectrum disorder who did not demonstrate adequate weight loss on metformin, particularly wherein the peptide is selected from: Liraglutide, Dulaglutide, Exanetide, Lixisenatide and Semaglutide or a salt thereof; preferably Liraglutide and Semaglutide, or a salt thereof; more preferably Semaglutide or a salt thereof; and most preferably Semaglutide;.

40. GLP-1 peptide particles according to clause 33, 34 or 35, or dietary composition according to clause 36, for cosmetic weight loss in non-overweight non-obese subjects, particularly wherein the peptide is selected from: Liraglutide, Dulaglutide, Exanetide, Lixisenatide and Semaglutide or a salt thereof; preferably Liraglutide and Semaglutide, or a salt thereof; more preferably Semaglutide or a salt thereof; and most preferably Semaglutide.

41. A method for cosmetic weight loss in non-overweight non-obese subjects comprising by administering an effective amount of GLP-1 peptide particles according to clause 33, 34 or 35, or dietary composition according to clause 36, particularly wherein the peptide is selected from: Liraglutide, Dulaglutide, Exanetide, Lixisenatide and Semaglutide or a salt thereof; preferably Liraglutide and Semaglutide, or a salt thereof; more preferably Semaglutide or a salt thereof; and most preferably Semaglutide.

Claims

2. A process according to claim 1, wherein the concentration of the peptide in the solution of step a) is from: about 2.5% (w/w) to about 40% w/w), about 2.5% (w/w) to about 35% (w/w), about 2.5% to about 30% (w/w), about 2.5% (w/w) to about 25% (w/w), or about 2.5% (w/w) to about 20% (w/w), about 2.5% (w/w) to about 13.5% (w/w), about 2.5% (w/w) to about 10% (w/w), more preferably from about 2.5% (w/w) to about 8% (w/w), most preferably from about 2.5% (w/w) to about 7% (w/w).

3. A process according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the one or more solvents are selected from the group consisting of acetic acid, acetone, dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), ethanol, water, isopropanol (IP A), methanol, menthol, TFA, and acetonitrile, preferably from the group consisting of acetonitrile, IP A, ethanol and water.

4. A process according to claim 1, 2, or 3, wherein the one or more solvents comprises water.

5. A process according to any of claims 1, 2, 3, or 4, wherein the one or more solvents comprises water and up to about 60% (w/w), preferably up to about 40% (w/w) of any one or a mixture of acetonitrile, IPA and ethanol.

6. A process according to any of claims 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5, wherein the one or more solvents consists essentially of, and preferably consists of, acetonitrile and water, more preferably wherein acetonitrile is present at a concentration of: about 0.5% (w/w) to about 50% (w/w), about 1.0% (w/w) to about 50% (w/w), about 2.0% (w/w) to about 40% (w/w), about 3.0% (w/w) to about 40% (w/w), about 4.0% (w/w) to about 40% (w/w), about 5.0% (w/w) to about 40% (w/w), about 8% (w/w) to about 35% (w/w), about 10% (w/w) to about 30% (w/w), about 12% (w/w) to about 28% (w/w); about 15% (w/w) to about 25% (w/w), about 18% (w/w) to about 22% (w/w), or about 20% (w/w).

7. A process according to any of claims 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6, wherein the one or more solvents consists essentially of, and preferably consists of, acetonitrile and water, optionally wherein acetonitrile is present at a concentration of: about 0.5% (w/w) to about 50% (w/w), about 1.0% (w/w) to about 50% (w/w), about 2.0% (w/w) to about 40% (w/w), about 3.0% (w/w) to about 40% (w/w), about 4.0% (w/w) to about 40% (w/w), about 5.0% (w/w) to about 40% (w/w), about 8% (w/w) to about 35% (w/w), about 10% (w/w) to about 30% (w/w), about 12% (w/w) to about 28% (w/w); about 15% (w/w) to about 25% (w/w), about 18% (w/w) to about 22% (w/w), or about 20% (w/w); or more preferably wherein acetonitrile is present at a concentration of: about 15% (w/w) to about 25% (w/w), more preferably about 18% (w/w) to about 22% (w/w), and particularly about 20% (w/w).

8. A process according to any of claims 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, or 7, wherein the solvent in step a) essentially consists of (and preferably consists of) acetonitrile and water, and wherein acetonitrile is present at a concentration of: about 15% (w/w) to about 25% (w/w), more preferably about 18% (w/w) to about 22% (w/w), and particularly about 20% (w/w).

9. A process according to any of claims 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, or 8, wherein the pH of the solution in step (a) is: about 6 to about 9, or about 6 to about 8.5, preferably to about 7 to about 8, or about 7 to about 7.5, or more preferably to about 7.3.

10. A process according to any of claims 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, or 9, wherein the solution in step (a) is filtered prior to step (b).

11. A process according to any of claims 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or 10, wherein the freeze dried product is subjected to a further drying step.

12. A process according to any of claims 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, or 11, wherein the process further comprises: c) reducing the particle size of the product of step (b).

13. A process according to claim 12, wherein the product from step c) has a PSD characterized by a D(90) value of not more than 80 pm ± 20%, not more than 60 pm ± 20%, or a PSD characterized by a D(90) value of: not more than 40 pm ± 20%, preferably not more than 30 pm ± 20%, or a PSD characterized by a D(90) value of D(90) of: about 8 pm to about 80 pm, about 10 pm to about 70 pm, about 15 pm to about 65 pm, about 20 pm to about 60 pm, or about 20 to about 40 pm.

14. A process according to claim 12 or 13, wherein step (c) comprises milling and/or sieving.

15. A process according to any of claims 12, 13, or 14, wherein the particle size reduction is performed using a jet mill micronizer.

16. A process according to claim 15, wherein the compressed grinding air (or gas) pressure in the jet mill may be in the range of about 0.1 bar to about 6.0 bar, preferably about 0.1 bar to about 3.0 bar, more preferably about 0.1 bar to about 1.5 bar, most preferably about 0.3 bar to about 1.0 bar.

17. A process according to claim 15 or 16, wherein the feeding air (or gas) pressure may be in the about 0.1 bar to about 6.0 bar, preferably about 0.1 bar to about 5.0 bar, more preferably about 1.0 bar to about 4.0 bar, even more preferably about 2.0 bar to about 4.0 bar, and particularly about 3.0 bar.

18. A process according to any of claims 15, 16, or 17, wherein the powder feeding rate is from about 0.5 g/min to about 50 g/min, preferably from about 0.5 g/min to about 10 g/min, more preferably from about 0.5 g/min to about 1.5 g/min and most preferably from about 0.5g/min to about 1.0 g/min.

19. A process according to any of claims 12, 13, or 14, wherein the particle size reduction is performed by sieving using a mesh sieve and balls as a sieving aid.

20. A process according to claim 19, wherein the balls are ceramic balls, silicate balls, or stainless steel balls, preferably ceramic balls.

21. A process according to claim 20, wherein the ceramic balls are zirconium-based ceramic balls, and preferably made of zirconia.

22. A process according to any of claims 19, 20, or 21, wherein the balls have a diameter of about 1 mm to about 10 mm, about 1 mm to about 5 mm, or about 2 mm.

23. A process according to any of claims 19, 20, 21, or 22, wherein the mesh size of the mesh sieve is from about 20 to about 60 pm, more preferably from about 25 pm to about 50 pm, most preferably from about 30 pm to about 50 pm, particularly about 40 pm.

24. A process according to any of claims 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, or 11, wherein the flowability of the lyophilized product obtained in step (b) is:, at least about 0.2 g/sec, at least about 0.3 g/sec, at least about 0.4 g/sec; or wherein the flowability is: about 0.2 g/sec to about 80 g/sec, about 0.2 g/sec to about 60 g/sec, about 0.2 g/sec to about 40 g/sec, about 0.2 g/sec to about 30 g/sec, about 0.2 g/sec to about 25 g/sec, about 0.2 g/sec to about 20 g/sec, about 0.2 g/sec to about 10 g/sec, about 0.2 g/sec to about 5.0 g/sec, about 0.2 g/sec to about 4.0 g/sec, about 0.2 g/sec to about 3.0 g/sec, or about 0.2 g/sec to about 2.0 g/sec, as measured according to the method described in the application.

25. A process according to any of Claims 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, or 24, wherein the peptide is a GLP-1 peptide; preferably Liraglutide, Dulaglutide, Exanetide, Lixisenatide, or Semaglutide, or salts thereof; preferably Liraglutide or Semaglutide or salts thereof; more preferably Liraglutide or Semaglutide, and most preferably Semaglutide.

26. A peptide powder, or peptide particles produced by any one of the processes of the preceding claims, preferably wherein the peptide is a GLP-1 peptide, particularly wherein the peptide is selected from: Liraglutide, Dulaglutide, Exanetide, Lixisenatide and Semaglutide or a salt thereof; preferably Liraglutide and Semaglutide, or a salt thereof; more preferably Semaglutide or a salt thereof; and most preferably Semaglutide.

27. A peptide powder, or peptide particles obtainable by any of the processes of claims 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, or 25, preferably wherein the peptide is a GLP-1 peptide, preferably Semaglutide or a salt thereof; and most preferably Semaglutide.

28. Lyophilized peptide powder produced by any of the processes of claims 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, or 11, wherein the flowability is: at least about 0.1 g/sec, at least about 0.2 g/sec, at least about 0.3 g/sec, at least about 0.4 g/sec; or wherein the flowability is: about 0.2 g/sec to about 80 g/sec, about 0.2 g/sec to about 60 g/sec, about 0.2 g/sec to about 40 g/sec, about 0.2 g/sec to about 30 g/sec, about 0.2 g/sec to about 25 g/sec, about 0.2 g/sec to about 20 g/sec, about 0.2 g/sec to about 10 g/sec, about 0.2 g/sec to about 5.0 g/sec, about 0.2 g/sec to about 4.0 g/sec, about 0.2 g/sec to about 3.0 g/sec, or about 0.2 g/sec to about 2.0 g/sec, as measured according to the method described in the application.

29. A pharmaceutical composition, pharmaceutical formulation, or dietary composition, preferably a pharmaceutical composition or pharmaceutical formulation, comprising peptide particles according to any of claims 26, 27 or 28.

30. Peptide powder or peptide particles according to any of claims 26, 27 or 28, for use in the preparation of a pharmaceutical composition, pharmaceutical formulation, or a dietary composition, preferably for use in the preparation of a pharmaceutical compositions or a pharmaceutical formulation.

31. A process for the preparation of a pharmaceutical composition, a pharmaceutical formulation, or a dietary composition as defined in claim 29, comprising combining the peptide powder or peptide particles obtained by any one of the processes of claims 1-25 with at least one pharmaceutically acceptable excipient.

32. GLP-1 peptide particles according to any of claims 26, 27 or 28, a pharmaceutical composition or pharmaceutical formulation thereof according to claim 29, for use in the treatment of type 2 diabetes, overweight or obesity, and preferably type 2 diabetes, or in the treatment of Systemic Scleroderma, obesity and polycystic ovarian syndrome, Atherosclerosis or Cardiovascular Diseases in people with type 2 diabetes and/or obesity, Chronic Kidney Disease or dialysis-dependent end-stage kidney disease in T2DM and overweight/obesity, Cystic Fibrosis or Cystic Fibrosis-related Diabetes, Advanced Lung Disease, NASH - Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis or NAFLD or Liver Transplant Recipients with poorly-controlled Diabetes Mellitus, Addiction Alcohol Use Disorder, Tobacco Use Disorder Nicotine Addiction, obesity in patients with schizophrenia-spectrum disorder who did not demonstrate adequate weight loss on metformin, particularly wherein the peptide is selected from: Liraglutide, Dulaglutide, Exanetide, Lixisenatide and Semaglutide or a salt thereof; preferably Liraglutide and Semaglutide, or a salt thereof; more preferably Semaglutide or a salt thereof; and most preferably Semaglutide;.

33. GLP-1 peptide particles according to claim 26, 27 or 28, or dietary composition according to claim 29, for cosmetic weight loss in non- overweight non-obese subjects, particularly wherein the peptide is selected from: Liraglutide, Dulaglutide, Exanetide, Lixisenatide and Semaglutide or a salt thereof; preferably Liraglutide and Semaglutide, or a salt thereof; more preferably Semaglutide or a salt thereof; and most preferably Semaglutide.

34. A method for cosmetic weight loss in non-overweight non-obese subjects comprising by administering an effective amount of GLP-1 peptide particles according to claim 26, 27 or 28, or dietary composition according to claim 29, particularly wherein the peptide is selected from: Liraglutide, Dulaglutide, Exanetide, Lixisenatide and Semaglutide or a salt thereof; preferably Liraglutide and Semaglutide, or a salt thereof; more preferably Semaglutide or a salt thereof; and most preferably Semaglutide.