IE20010428A1 - Amphiphilic macrocyclic derivatives and their analogues - Google Patents

Abstract

Soluble amphipillic macrocycle analogues having lipophillic groups attached to one side of the units making up the macrocycle and hydrophillic groups attached to the other side. These amphiphillic macrocyclic derivatives have the ability to self-assemble in aqueous solvent forming micelles or vesicles and can be used as hosts for the solubilisation and/or stablilisation of various compounds. Embodiments of the present invention utilise macrocyclic oligosaccharides and preferably cylodextrin as the macrocyclic derivatives to be modified.

Description

The present invention is directed to the production of soluble macrocycncT derivatives of a type which forms micelles and vesicles for use in encapsulation of molecules.

The invention particularly relates to soluble amphiphilic macrocyclic derivatives having lipophilic groups attached to one side of the units making up the macrocycle and hydrophilic groups attached to the other side.

Macrocyclic oligosaccharides are typified by cyclodextrins, which are cyclic oligosaccharides composed of D-glucose residues linked together by a-(1-4) bonds (Fig. 1). The most common examples of cyclodextrins contain six, sever, or eight a(1-4)-linked D-glucopyranosyl units bonded together into cylinder-shaped molecules and are referred to as α -, β-, and γ-cyclodextrins, respectively. As a consequence of the conformation of the glucopyranose units, all secondary hydroxyl groups are placed on one rim of the cylinder and all primary hydroxyl groups are placed on the other. The cylindrical interior (cavity) of the molecule is lined with hydrogen atoms and glycosidic oxygen atoms which cause it to be hydrophobic.

The cylindrical structures can be used as hosts for the inclusion of various compounds within their cavities, usually organic compounds, in the food, pharmaceutical and chemical industries. Cyclodextrins have been used to form inclusion complexes with hydrophobic molecules in which these molecules are encapsulated within the compatible hydrophobic cavity of the cyclodextrin macrocycle. This process of molecular encapsulation confers increased water solubility on the included molecule, as well as other properties such as increased stability and lowered volatility. It also allows control of the availability of the molecule, for example the bioavailability of a drug. See, e.g., Uekama et al, in CRC Critical Reviews in Therapeutic Drug Carrier Systems, Vol. 3, 1-40 (1987).

There are problems associated with the use of unmodified cyclodextrins to form inclusion complexes for the pharmaceutical industry. Widespread use of ft ΙΕΟ 1 0428 inexpensive beta-cyclodextrin for example has been limited by its relatively low solubility in water. R. B. Friedman in U.S. 4,920,214 discloses how the water solubility of the cyclodextrins may be significantly increased by modification with alkylene carbonates to form hydroxyethyl ethers. Low aqueous solubility is however still a problem with many modified cyclodextrins.

A further limitation to the use of cyclodextrins as hosts for molecules, is that the hydrophobic molecules which can be included are limited by the size of the central cavity. Several attempts have been made to alter the cyclodextrin structures to enable them to encapsulate other molecules regardless of size. Cyclodextrins have been modified with lipophilic groups at the 2- and 3- positions (the secondaryhydroxyl side) of the glucose units, together with polar groups such as amino groups at the 6-positions (the primary-hydroxyl side), in order to confer amphiphilic character. Such derivatives are described by Skiba et al. in US Patent 5,718,905 and form monolayers, nanoparticles, and mixed lyotropic (solution) phases with other arnphiphiles.

Similar derivatives with lipophilic substitution on the secondary side have been described in various reports (P. Zhang et al, Journal of Physical Organic Chemistry 1992, 5, 518-528; A. Gulik et al, Langmuir 1998, 14, 1050-1057; D. Duchene and D. Wouessidjewe, Proc. Int. Symp: Cyclodextrins, 8th, 1996, 423-430). Such -derivatives are characterised by the formation of nanoparticulate aggregates which are able to trap hydrophobic or hydrophilic guest molecules to a greater or lesser extent. The entrapped guest is however instantaneously released upon contact of the nanoparticle with a solution medium (E. Lemos-Senna et al, Proc. Int. Symp. Cyclodextrins, 8th, 1996, 431-434). These systems are capable of entrapping both water-soluble and water- insoluble drugs (M. Skiba et al, International Journal of Pharmaceutics, 1996, 129, 113-121). The self-assembly properties of amphiphilic cyclodextrins have been reviewed by Coleman et al in Molecular Engineering for Advanced Materials, 1995, 77-97, Kluwer Academic Publishers (J. Becher and K. Schaumberg eds). Cyclodextrins have also been modified with lipophilic groups at the 6-positions (see C.-C. Ling, R. Darcy and W. Risse, J. Chem. Soc. Chem. Commun., 1993, 438-440). Djedaini-Pilard et al., in US Patent 5,821,349, describe cyclodextrins modified with alkylamino groups at the 6-position for incorporation of included hydrophobic guest molecules only into other organised surfactant systems. The heretofore described amphiphilic cyclodextrins are not soluble in water and are not capable of forming a sufficiently stable micelle or vesicle with structural ΙΕΟ 10428 properties which enable retention of entrapped molecules within the micelle or vesicle even after dilution in a solution medium.

A first object of the present invention is to modify macrocyclic derivatives typified by 5 cyclodextrins and other macrocyclic oligosaccharides so that they are enabled by molecular self-assembly to form micelles and vesicles in aqueous solvents of their own accord giving rise to structures which enable retention of entrapped molecules within the micelle or vesicle even after dilution in a solution medium, with advantages for the delivery of therapeutic molecules. A second object of the invention is to modify the surface of the micelles or vesicles of the invention to facilitate specific attachment of the micelle or vesicle to certain cell membrane structures, with advantages for targeting and intracellular delivery of entrapped therapeutic molecules.

STATEMENTS OF INVENTION According to the present invention there are provided soluble amphiphilic derivatives are provided having lipophilic groups attached to one side of the units forming the macrocycle and hydrophilic groups attached to the opposite side of the macrocycle characterised in that: two or more hydrophilic groups are attached to one side of each unit forming the macrocycle; and one or more lipophilic groups are attached to the opposite side of each unit forming the macrocycle such that the number of hydrophilic groups present is always greater than the number of lipophilic groups.

The derivatives themselves preferably are oligosaccharide derivatives and even more preferably are cyclodextrin derivatives. However, in further embodiments the oligosaccharide derivatives if derived far enough are no longer saccharides but still retain a basic cyclic structure which can be utilised as derivatives according to the invention. These “non-oligosaccharide” molecules can be modified to incorporate the relative numbers of lipophilic and hydrophilic groups, described above, using the same chemical processes as are used to modify the oligosaccharide derivatives and which is described in greater detail below. ΙΕΟ 104 2 The modification of macrocyclic derivatives and it’s effect can summarily be described as being achieved when at least one lipophilic group is attached to one side of a derivative forming a macrocycle and the number of hydrophilic groups on the opposite side of the unit is greater than the number of lipophilic groups present.

The result of this is to provide the unit and consequently the macrocycle with amphiphilic character. However, also due to the relative numbers of hydrophilic and lipophilic groups, the amphiphilic macrocycle is soluble in aqueous solvent. Such soluble amphiphilic macrocycles have never been described before in the prior art. Thus the great advantage of amphiphiles of according to the present invention is that stable macrocycle aggregates can self-assemble in aqueous solvent, which aggregates described in greater detail below, allow the solubilisation and/or stabilisation of guest molecules.

In one particularly preferred embodiment, the lipophilic groups are attached at the 6-positions of cyclodextrin molecules, and the hydrophilic groups are attached to the 2- and 3-positions. Depending on the number and effective size of the lipophilic groups at the 6-position and the number and effective size of the hydrophilic groups at the 2- and 3-position, the resulting wedge-shaped or cylindrical macrocyclic amphiphiles (Fig. 2) self-assemble in aqueous solutions into micelles or bilayer vesicles. The micelles can encapsulate hydrophobic molecules, while the bilayer vesicles can encapsulate hydrophobic or hydrophilic molecules.

The advantage of these macrocyclic cyclodextrin derivatives, as mentioned previously, is that they spontaneously aggregate to form highly stable micelles or vesicles distinct from conventional liposomes and furthermore, they are water soluble. The unique aggregation properties of the derivatives may be usefully employed in the encapsulation of drugs including biological macromolecules such as proteins and DNA in order to enhance delivery of these therapeutic entities to their respective sites of action.

In another embodiment, the aggregates of macrocyclic derivatives encapsulate other molecules.

In another embodiment, the aggregates of macrocyclic derivatives encapsulate molecules for human or veterinary therapeutic use. ΙΕΟ 1042 In a preferred embodiment of the invention, there is provided a macrocyclic derivative characterised in that the macrocyclic derivative is a cyclodextrin derivative of the following formula: R1X1 in which n equals 5-11 or higher, and indicates the number of modified glucose units in the macrocycle which may be the same or different, depending on the Xand R-groups.

Xi, X2. X3 independently, provide linking groups; in further embodiments these may independently be a simple covalent bond, or a dendrimeric group; and in further embodiments may be an atom or radical with a valency of at least two, O, S, Se, N, P, CH2, CH2O, carbonyl, ester, amido, amino, phosphate, sulfonyl, sulfoxide.

Ri independently, provide groups which are predominantly lipophilic; examples of Ri are: H, a saturated or unsaturated aliphatic or aromatic carbon or silicon radical or a halogenated version of these. Where Ri is a straight or branched aliphatic chain, the number of carbons may be between 2-18. Ri may be a cyclic aliphatic system such as hexyl or cholesteryl. Examples of aromatic Ri are benzyl and pyridyl.

R2 and R3, independently, provide groups which are predominantly polar and/or capable of hydrogen-bonding. Examples of R2, R3 are: H, (CH2)2_4 OH, CH2CH(OH)CH2OH, CH2CH(OH)CH2NH2i CH2CH2NH2; a cation such as a protonated amino group, an anion such as sulfate, sulfonato; any pharmaceutically acceptable ion; a predominantly hydrophilic group. ΙΕΟ 10421 R2, R3 may be dendrimeric, and may include polymeric groups such as poly(ethylenimine) (PEI), polyamides, polyaminoacids such as polylysine; or groups which are employed because of their non-immunogenic as well as polar character, such as poly(ethylene glycol), or sialylGalGIcNAc; or antigenic groups such as antennary oligosaccharides which are intended to stimulate the production of antibodies; or groups such as lactosyl which may be attached for the purpose of promoting adhesion of the amphiphile or of its complex with a guest molecule to specific cells or to specific proteins. Similarly other groups known in the art which are specific ligands for cellular receptors, such as folic acid, galactose, biotin, lipopolysaccharides, gangliosides, sialo-gangliosides, glycosphingolipids and the like may be attached to the secondary face of the modified cyclodextrins thereby expressing a targeting ligand on the external surface of the micelles or vesicles of the invention. The groups may be clustered in order to promote ‘recognition’ by other molecules which involves multifunctional interactions. Where these groups are polymeric or dendrimeric they may be grafted onto the amphiphile for example by living polymerisation; or the amphiphile may be a copolymer, for example it may be cross-linked by means of difunctional or polyfunctional reagents such as activated diacids or diepoxides, or copolymerised within the matrix of a polylactic or glycolic acid.

The coupling of the vesicles or micelles of the invention to antibodies may be an „,„ __alternativ& route-for-targeting specific cell types. The synthetic procedures for antibody coupling are known in the art and may be applied to modified cyclodextrins of the invention which, on the secondary face provide either free amino groups for biotinylation, or free carboxylic groups for peptide coupling of an antibody via Nglutaryl detergent dialysis, or maleimide for sulfhydryl antibody coupling, or pyridyldithiopropionate for sulfhydryl and maleimide antibody coupling, or similar methods appreciated in the art.

In another embodiment, the macrocyclic derivatives are in the form bis(cyclodextrin amphiphile) in which two amphiphilic cyclodextrins of the above form share common Ri groups, so as to provide 'bola amphiphiles', characterised by having two polar CD molecules joined by one or more lipophilic groups, thus: (R2, R3)macrocycle-(R1)-macrocycle-(R2, R3), where linker groups X are understood. In another embodiment, the bis-amphiphile is simplified to a bola amphiphile in which a common set of lipophilic groups (RJ and a common macrocyclic molecule link two sets of polar headgroups (R2, R3), thus: (R2, R3)(R1)-macrocycle-(R2, R3), where IE Ο 10428 linker groups are understood. The advantage of such bola amphiphiles having polar groups at each end, is that a vesicle is assembled as a single layer of molecules.

In another embodiment, the groups or the groups X2 and X3, or the groups R1f or the groups R2 and R3, may be linked to each other intramolecularly, as independent sets, by reaction of their chemical precursor groups through catalysis, or by reaction of their chemical precursor groups with a polyfunctional linking agent. An example of catalysis would be photochemical irradiation.

In another embodiment, the groups X1t or the groups X2and X3, or the groups R1( or the groups R2 and R3, may be linked to each other intermolecularly, as independent sets, by reaction of their chemical precursor groups through catalysis, or by reaction of their chemical precursor groups with a polyfunctional linking reagent, to provide an oligomerised amphiphilic cyclodextrin.

In another embodiment, the macrocyclic derivative is provided wherein the units forming the macrocycle are monosaccharide units forming an oligosaccharide macrocycle with the formula: in which n equals 3-11 or higher, and indicates the number of modified 25 monosaccharide units in the macrocycle which may be the same or different, depending on the X- and R-groups, and are linked (1-4). The groups Xi, X2 and X3, Ri, R2 and R3 have the same meanings as described above.

Examples of such macrocyclic derivatives are those in which the modified units 30 making up the macrocycle are, independently, aglycone derivatives of L-glucose, or of D- or L-hexoses such as mannose, galactose, altrose, idose. or rhamnose ΙΕθ 10428 (RiX^CHs), or arabinose (RtX^H); or where the macrocycle is an oligomer of a disaccharide such as lactose.

R2, R3 may be dendrimeric, and may include polymeric groups such as 5 poly(ethylenimine) (PEI), polyamides, polyaminoacids such as polylysine; or groups which are employed because of their non-immunogenic as well as polar character, such as poly(ethylene glycol), or sialylGalGIcNAc; or antigenic groups such as antennary oligosaccharides which are intended to stimulate the production of antibodies; or groups such as lactosyl which may be attached for the purpose of promoting adhesion of the amphiphile or of its complex with a guest molecule to specific cells or to specific proteins. Similarly other groups known in the art which are specific ligands for cellular receptors, such as folic acid, galactose, biotin, lipopolysaccharides, gangliosides, sialo-gangliosides, glycosphingolipids and the like may be attached to the polar face of the modified oligosaccharide or oligosaccharide analogue, thereby expressing a targeting ligand on the external surface of the micelles or vesicles of the invention. The groups may be clustered in order to promote ‘recognition’ by other molecules which involves multifunctional interactions. Where these groups are polymeric or dendrimeric they may be grafted onto the amphiphile for example by living polymerisation; or the amphiphile may be a copolymer, for example it may be cross-linked by means of difunctional or polyfunctional reagents such as activated diacids or diepoxides, or copolymerised within the matrix of a polylactic or glycolic acid.

The coupling of the vesicles or micelles of the invention to antibodies may be an alternative route for targeting specific cell types. The synthetic procedures for antibody coupling are known in the art and may be applied to modified oligosaccharides or analogues of the invention which, on the polar face provide either free amino groups for biotinylation, or free carboxylic groups for peptide coupling of an antibody via N-glutaryl detergent dialysis, or maleimide for sulfhydryl antibody coupling, or pyridyldithiopropionate for sulfhydryl and maleimide antibody coupling, or similar methods appreciated in the art.

In another embodiment, the arnphiphiles are of the form bis(amphiphile) in which two macrocyclic molecules of the above form share common Rt groups, so as to provide 'bola arnphiphiles', characterised by having two polar macrocycle molecules joined by one or more lipophilic groups, thus: (R2, R3)-macrocycle-(Ri)-macrocycle9 ΙΕΟ 1041» (R21 R3). where linker groups X are understood. In another embodiment, the bisamphiphile is simplified to a bola amphiphile in which a common set of lipophilic groups (Rfi and a common macrocyclic molecule link two sets of polar headgroups (R2. R3). thus: (R2, R3)(Ri)-macrocycle-(R2, R3), where linker groups are understood. A single layer of such molecules can assemble to constitute a vesicle.

In another embodiment, the groups X1( or the groups X2 and X3, or the groups Ri, or the groups R2 and R3, may be linked to each other intramolecularly, as independent sets, by reaction of their chemical precursor groups through catalysis, or by reaction of their chemical precursor groups with a polyfunctional linking agent.

An example of catalysis is photochemical irradiation.

In another embodiment, the groups Xi, or the groups X2 and X3, or the groups R1t or the groups R2 and R3, may be linked to each other intermolecularly, as independent sets, by reaction of their chemical precursor groups through catalysis, or by reaction of their chemical precursor groups with a polyfunctional linking reagent, to provide an oligomerised amphiphile.

In another embodiment is provided, macrocyclic derivatives wherein the units « making up the macrocycle are of the general formula: ΙΕο 10428 in which n equals 2 -11 or higher, and indicates the number of ring units making up the macrocycle, which may be the same or different; if any of K, L, M are zero (thus providing a unit, as part of the macrocycle, which is 5 an open chain rather than a ring), the remaining are independently one or more of: a simple chemical bond (thus providing a five-membered ring unit as in a furanose sugar); or an atom or radical having a valency of at least 2 and can be in any position not occupied by a moiety involved in linking adjacent units forming the macrocycle, Y, which may be the same or different, are groups which link the units making up the macrocycle, such as: oxygen, sulfur, selenium, nitrogen, phosphorus, carbon, or silicon radicals having a valency of 2-4; or OCH2 as in (1-2)-linked fructofuranooligosaccharides; or OCH2CH(OH) as in (1-6)-linked furanooligosaccharides: or OCH(CH2OH) as in (1 -5)-linked furanooligosaccharides.

Xi, ΧΊ, X2, X*2, X3, X’3, X4. X’4. X5. Xe. independently, are zero or provide linking groups for the R groups; these may be a simple covalent bond, or a dendrimeric group; other examples are: an atom or radical with a valency of at least two, CH2, CH2O, 0,..S, Se, N, P, carbonyl, ester, amido, amino, phosphate, sulfonyl, sulfoxide. when one or more but not all of Ri, RA R4, R’4, independently, is zero the remaining are groups which are predominantly lipophilic; examples are: H, a saturated or unsaturated aliphatic or aromatic carbon or silicon radical or a halogenated version of these. Where R1-R4 is a straight or branched aliphatic chain, n is preferably greater than one, and the number of carbons 2-18. R1-R4 may be a cyclic aliphatic system such as hexyl or cholesteryl; examples of aromatic groups are benzyl and pyridyl. when one or more but not all of R2, R’2, R3, R’3, independently, is zero the remaining are groups which are predominantly polar and/or capable of hydrogenbonding. Examples of R2, R3 are: H, (CH2)2^ OH, CH2CH(OH)CH2OH, CH2CH(OH)CH2NH2, CH2CH2NH2; a cation such as a protonated amino group, an anion such as sulfate, sulfonato; any pharmaceutically acceptable ion; a predominantly hydrophilic group. ΙΕΟ 10428 1¾. R’2. R3. R3 may be dendrimeric, and may include polymeric groups such as poly(ethylenimine) (PEI), polyamides, polyaminoacids such as polylysine; or groups which are employed because of their non-immunogenic as well as polar character, such as polyethylene glycol), or sialylGalGIcNAc; or antigenic groups such as antennary oligosaccharides which are intended to stimulate the production of antibodies; or groups such as lactosyl which may be attached for the purpose of promoting adhesion of the amphiphile or of its complex with a guest molecule to specific cells or to specific proteins. Similarly other groups known in the art which are specific ligands for cellular receptors, such as folic acid, galactose, biotin, lipopolysaccharides, gangliosides, sialo-gangliosides, glycosphingolipids and the like may be attached to the polar face of the modified oligosaccharide or oligosaccharide analogue, thereby expressing a targeting ligand on the external surface of the micelles or vesicles of the invention. The groups may be clustered in order to promote ‘recognition’ by other molecules which involves multifunctional interactions. Where these groups are polymeric or dendrimeric they may be grafted onto the amphiphile for example by living polymerisation; or the amphiphile may be a copolymer, for example it may be cross-linked by means of difunctional or polyfunctional reagents such as activated diacids or diepoxides, or copolymerised within the matrix of a polylactic or glycolic acid.

The coupling of the vesicles or micelles of the invention to antibodies may be an -altemative ~route for targeting specific cell types. The synthetic procedures for antibody coupling are known in the art and may be applied to modified oligosaccharides or oligosaccharide analogues of the invention which, on the polar face provide either free amino groups for biotinylation, or free carboxylic groups for peptide coupling of an antibody via N-glutaryl detergent dialysis, or maleimide for sulfhydryl antibody coupling, or pyridyldithiopropionate for sulfhydryl and maleimide antibody coupling, or similar methods appreciated in the art.

R5, Rg are groups which may be polar or lipophilic, preferably H.

An example of such an amphiphile is that in which at least two monocyclic units making up the macrocycle are derived from a (1-1)- or (1-2)- or (1-3)- or (1 -6)-linked disaccharide, or from the disaccharide sucrose, or where at least one of the units (whether cyclic or open-chain) which make up the macrocycle is derived from fructose or a furanose sugar or sialic acid or from a carbohydrate analogue (defined for this purpose as a molecule which is not a natural carbohydrate nor a derivative IEO 10428 thereof but which can usefully function either physically or pharmaceutically as a carbohydrate).

In another embodiment, the amphiphiles are of the form bis(amphiphile) in which 5 two amphiphilic molecules of the above form share common Rb R,', R4, R/ groups, so as to provide 'bola amphiphiles', characterised by having two polar macrocycle molecules joined by one or more lipophilic groups, thus: (R2, R2', R3, R3')macrocycle-(Ri, R/, R4, R4')-macrocycle-(R2, R2', R3l R3'), where linker groups X are understood. In another embodiment, the bis-amphiphile is simplified to a bola amphiphile in which a common set of lipophilic groups (Rb R,', IR,, R/) and a common macrocyclic molecule link two sets of polar headgroups (R2, R2', R3, R3'), thus: (R2i R2', R3,_R3')(Ri, R?, R4, R4')-macrocycle-(R2, R2', R3, R3'), where linker groups are understood. A single layer of such molecules can assemble to constitute a vesicle.

In another embodiment, the groups X,, X’,, X,, X’4, or the groups X2, X’2, X3, X’3, or the groups R,, R’,, R4, R’4, or the groups R2, R’2, R3i R’3, may be linked to each other, as independent sets, intramolecularly by reaction of their chemical precursor groups through catalysis (for example through irradiation), or by reaction of their chemical precursor groups with a polyfunctional linking agent.

In another embodiment, the groups X1f X’1( X4, X’4l or the groups X2, X’2, X3, X’3, or the groups Rb R’1( R4l R’4, or the groups R2, R’2) R3, R’3, may be linked to each other, as independent sets, intermolecularly by reaction of their chemical precursor groups through catalysis, or by reaction of their chemical precursor groups with a polyfunctional linking reagent, to provide an oligomerised amphiphile.

In another embodiment, the amphiphile molecules (of any of the molecular forms or embodiments described above) self-assemble in an aqueous solvent. After self30 assembly, the resulting micelles or vesicles can be transferred by physical or chemical means from the aqueous solvent into another phase, such as an aqueous phase containing a proportion of an alcohol or other polar solvent for example dimethyl formamide, dimethyl sulfoxide, tetramethylurea, dimethyl carbonate , or a polymer, or into an emulsion, or gel-like matrix, or lyophilised suspension.

In another embodiment, the assembly of amphiphile molecules may be composed of more than one of the molecular forms or embodiments described above, to ΙΕΟ 1 04 2 8 provide the molecular assembly with the complementary properties of the individual amphiphiles, for example the property of cell-adhesion together with prodrug properties, or to modulate the colloidal stability of the assemblies.

In another embodiment, the amphiphile molecules may be mixed with other molecules, preferably other amphiphiles such as ceramides or glycerides, to modulate the properties of their assemblies, for example to control their colloidal stability.

In another embodiment, the amphiphile forms a complex with a therapeutic molecule for its solubilisation or stabilisation, or for its formulation into pharmaceutical compositions useful for the treatment of human or animal diseases.

In another embodiment, the drugs that complex with the amphiphile are of a lipophilic or polar nature. The drug may bind in the cavity of the macrocycle, in the c lipophilic interior of the assembly, or in the aqueous internal compartment(s) of the ' amphiphile assembly. Examples of drugs which may be complexed with the amphiphile or which may be entrapped in the lipophilic interior of the assembly or entrapped in the aqueous internal compartment(s) of the amphiphile assembly 20 include but are not limited to: anti-neoplastic agents (paclitaxel, doxorubicin, wr cisplatin, etc); anti-inflammatory agents (diclofenac, rofecoxib, celecoxib, etc); ’ ' antifungals such as amphotericin B; peptides, proteins and their analogues including those to which nonpeptide groups such as carbohydrates, hemes and fatty acids are attached; oligosaccharides and their analogues such as Sialyl Lewisx analogues; oligonucleotides and their analogues; plasmid DNA; and complexes of oligonucleotides or of DNA with gene delivery agents.

In another embodiment the amphiphile is complexed with a molecule or atom used for analysis or diagnosis, for example a peptide antigen or an antibody; or a molecule used as a radiation sensitiser, for example a porphyrin.

In another embodiment the amphiphile is complexed with a molecule which functions as a prodrug, for example a precursor of nitric oxide.

In another embodiment, the amphiphile complex may be attached covalently to a polymer; the polymer may be grafted onto the amphiphile molecules of the complex for example by living polymerisation; or the amphiphile may be a copolymer, for ΙΕΟ 10428 example the amphiphile may be cross-linked by means of difunctional or polyfunctional reagents such as activated diacids or diepoxides, or copolymerised within the matrix of a polylactic or polyglycolic acid.

In another embodiment, the guest molecule is attached covalently to the amphiphile, that is, it functions as an R-group as specified above, so as to provide a precursor of the active form of the guest molecule, for example to provide a prodrug which may be biodegraded to release an active form ofthe drug.

In another embodiment, the amphiphile-drug complex is prepared by sonication. The advantage of this is that the complex forms smaller particles, which are easily absorbed.

In a preferred embodiment, the average particle diameter of the aggregate formed by the amphiphile of the invention is in the range of 50 - 500 nm.

In another embodiment, the amphiphile or its complex is present as a pharmaceutical formulation with any pharmaceutically acceptable ingredient such as a diluent, carrier, preservative (including anti-oxidant), binder, excipient, flavouring agent, thickener, lubricant, dispersing, wetting, surface active or isotonic agent which is compatible with the amphiphile or complex or aggregate of same.

In another embodiment, the amphiphile or complex is dispersed in a suitable solvent, buffer, isotonic solution, emulsion, gel or lyophilised suspension.

The amphiphile or complex is preferably administered parenterally, but may also be administered by alternative routes such as oral, topical, intranasal, intraocular, vaginal, rectal or by inhalation spray in dosage unit formulations containing conventional non-toxic pharmaceutically acceptable carriers, adjuvants and vehicles. The term parenteral as used herein includes percutaneous injections, intravenous, intramuscular, intrasteral, intrathecal, intraperitoneal injection or infusion techniques.

The present invention also provides the amphiphile or amphiphile-drug complexes in pharmaceutical formulations exhibiting sustained release of a drug. Such formulations are generally known and include devices made of inert polymers or of ΙΕΟ 104 2 biodegradable polyacids or polyesters in which the active ingredient (the present amphiphile or its complex) is either dispersed, covalently linked via labile bonds, or stored as a reservoir between polymer membranes. Sustained release is achieved through diffusion of the active ingredient through the polymer matrix or hydrolysis of any covalent linkages present. Sustained release may also be attained by delivery of the active ingredient via osmotic pumps, in which the amphiphile may also act as an osmotic driving agent providing potential for the influx of water.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION The invention will be more easily understood from the following description of some examples, given by way of reference to the accompanying figures: Fig. 1 formula of a typical macrocyclic oligosaccharide, β-cyclodextrin, Fig. 2 scheme of modular design of a cylindrical (a), and a wedge-shaped (b) macro-amphiphile based on a macrocyclic core, Fig. 3 electron micrograph of HE-SCi6-CD vesicles, Fig. 4 electron micrograph of HE-SC12-CD vesicles, Fig. 5 elution of carboxyfluorescein (CF) entrapped in HE-SC12-CD, HESC16-CD vesicles, Fig. 6 release of CF from HE-SCi6-CD vesicles, and Fig. 7 comparison of transfection abilities of DOTAP and oligoethylenoxy (hydroxyethyl) cyclodextrins (HE)-SC6, -SC6NH2, -SC16 and -SC16NH2.

The macrocyclic oligosaccharide molecules are amphiphilic, with lipophilic groups on one face of the macrocycle, and polar hydrophilic groups on the other face. The relative effective volumes of the combined lipophilic and polar groups at either side of the molecule determine the shape of the amphiphile (Fig. 2), which in turn determines the geometry of its self-assembly (J. Israelachvili, Intermolecular and Surface Forces, 2nd Edn., Academic Press, 1991, Chapter 17). Those with relatively small or few lipophilic groups and many or large polar groups are wedge16 ΙΕΟ 1 04 2 8 shaped and tend to form micelles, in which the larger polar ends of the molecules are turned outwards towards the solvent and the smaller lipophilic ends are turned inwards, away from the solvent. In contrast, derivatives with lipophilic and polar ends of comparable effective volumes are cylinder-shaped and tend to form bilayers, which close into vesicles with one or more bilayered walls. (Those with a large lipophilic end and a small polar end form inverted micellar phases in nonpolar solvents.) These modifications make possible the inclusion of guest molecules not only within the macrocycle cavities, but also within the lipophilic and aqueous interiors of the molecular assemblies.

EXAMPLES _____Example ! illustrates theintroductionoflipophilic groups onto one side (the primary side) of a cyclodextrin molecule. Examples 2 and 3 illustrate the introduction of hydroxyethyl (oligoethylenoxy) groups as polar groups onto the other side (the secondary side) of the molecule. Example 4 illustrates the preparation of a lyotropic: phase of amphiphilic cyclodextrin; preparation of a complex of -this with a hydrophilic (water-soluble)host molecule, carboxyfluorescein; and confirmation that the lifetime of entrapment is greater than three days. Example 5 illustrates the formation of a complex with a lipophilic guest molecule, an azadipyrromethene. > > .. Example 6 illustrates the preparation of a polyamino (polycationic) cyclodextrin ----amphiphile. Example-7 describes the synthesis of a cyclodextrin bola amphiphile.

Example 8 illustrates the use of a cyclodextrin amphiphile in delivery of a guest molecule (plasmid DNA) to the interior of biological cells, as measured by resulting transfection.

EXAMPLE 1 Preparation of heptakis(e-hexvlthio)-B-cvclodextrin.

A solution of hexanethiol (11 g, 93 mmol) in dry dimethylformamide was stirred under an atmosphere of nitrogen and with exclusion of moisture during addition of potassium tert-butoxide (10.5 g, 93 mmol). After 30 min, heptakis(6-bromo-6deoxy)-p-cyclodextrin (7 g, 4.4 mmol) (prepared by the method of Gadelle and Defaye, Angewandte Chemie, Int. Ed. Engl.,1991, 30, 78) was added. The reaction mixture was stirred at 80 °C (5 days), then cooled and poured into an excess of water. The precipitated product was filtered off, washed repeatedly with water, then ΙΕΟ 1 04 2 8 methanol, and finally stirred in hexane before filtration and drying under vacuum (10 h). Yield was 5.7 g (70%), m.p.278 oC (decomp.). 1H NMR (270 MHz, CDCI3): δ 6.72 (d, J=6.4 Hz, OH-2), 5.25 (s, OH-3), 4.97 (d, 5 J=3.1 Hz, H-1), 4.03-3.89 (m, H-3, H-5), 3.74 (m, H-2), 3.49 (m, H-4), 3.07 (m, H6a), 2.89 (m, H-6b), 2.61 (t, SCH2), 1.57- 1.29, (m, CH2’), 0.89 (t, CH3) ppm. 13C NMR (270 MHz, DMSO-d6): δ 105.9 (C-1), 88.7 (C-4), 76.6, 76.2, 75.5 (C-3, C-2, C5), 37.4-32.0 (Cs of alkyl chain), 26.0 (C-6) ppm. Microanalysis: calculated for (C12H22O4S)7, C 54.94, H 8.45, S, 12.22; found, C 55.9, H 8.95, S 12.35% EXAMPLE 2 Preparation of heptakis(6-dodecvlthio-2-oliqoethylenoxv)-8-cyclodextrin (HESCizh Heptakis(6-dodecylthio)-p-cyclodextrin (500 mg, 200 mmol), 50 mg of K2CO3 and 1.00 g of ethylene carbonate (56 eq.) were mixed in 5 mL of tetramethylurea. The K2CO3 did not completely dissolve. The reaction mixture was stirred at 150 °C for 4 hours. At the end of this period, TLC (silica, CHCI3/MeOH/H2O 50/10/1) indicated complete conversion of the starting material with Rf 0 and formation of a single product with Rf 0.5. Furthermore, CO2 emission had ceased. The reaction mixture was cooled to room temperature and the solvent was removed by rotary evaporation at 100 °C. The crude product was isolated as a brown viscous oil, which was taken up in 2 mL of methanol and purified by size-exclusion chromatography through a column of 8 g of lipophilic Sephadex LH 20-100 using methanol as eluent. Product (560 mg, 184 mmol, 89% yield) was isolated as a yellow wax. 1H-NMR (CDCI3): δ 5.05 (br, 7H, H-1), 3.4-4.0 (m, 84H, H-2, H-3, H-4, H-5 and 14 x OCH2CH2O), 3.00 (m, 14H, H-6), 2.60 (m, 14H, SCH2), 1.60 (m, 14H, CH2), 1.27 (br s, 126H, CH2), 0.89 (t, 21H, CH3) ppm. 13C-NMR (CDCI3): δ 13.9 (CH3), 22.4 (CH2), 28.8 (CH2), 29.2 (CH2), 29.5 ((CH2)n), 31.7 (CH2), 33.4 (CH2S), 33.4 (C-6), 61.2 (CH2OH), 70.5-72.0 (C-2, C-3, C-5), 72.2 (CH2O), 81.0 (C-4), 100.7 (C-1) ppm. Microanalysis: calculated for (C22H42O6S)7, C 60.83, H 9.68, S 7.37; found C 60.12, H 9.38, S 7.62%. Electrospray MS: series of m/z from 2890 for deca(ethylenoxy) product to 3067 (MNa*). ΙΕο 1 04 28 EXAMPLE 3 Preparation of heptakis(6-hexadecvlthio-2-oliqoethvlenoxv)-B-cvclodextrin (HE-SCig)· This product was obtained from 600 mg of heptakis(6-hexadecylthio)-p-cyclodextrin (213 mmol), 60 mg of K2CO3 and 1.05 g of ethylene carbonate (56 eq.) in 6 mL of tetramethylurea as described for the synthesis of heptakis(2,3-hydroxyethyl, 610 thiododecyl)-p-cyclodextrin. The crude product was purified by crystallisation from 25 mL of methanol containing 20% acetone and isolated in 71% yield as brownwhite powder. 1H-NMR (CDCI3): δ 5.05 (br, 7H, H-1), 3.4-4.0 (m, 84H, H-2, H-3, H-4, H-5 and 14 x OCH2CH2O), 3.00 (m, 14H, H-6), 2.60 (m, 14H, SCH2), 2.00 (br, OH) 1.57 (m, 14H, CH2), 1.30 (br s, 182H, CH2), 0.88 (t, 21H, CH3) ppm. 13C-NMR (CDCI3): δ 14.1 (CH3), 22.7 (CH2), 29.2 (CH2), 29.4 (CH2), 29.5 (CH2), 29.7 (CH2), 29.8 ((CH2)n), 32.0 (CH2), 33.7 (CH2S), 34.1 (C-6), 61.5 (CH2OH), 71.0-72.5 (C-2, C-3, C-5), 72.6 (CH2O), 81.2 (C-4), 100.9 (C-1) ppm. MicroanaLysis: calculated for (C24H5o06S)7, C 63.67, H 10.20, S 6.53; found C 62.90, H 9.47, S 6.77%, Electrospray MS: series of m/z from 3196 for octa(ethylenoxy) product to 3458 (MNa+).

Properties of heptakis(6-dodecylthio-2-oligoethylenoxy)-p-cyclodextrin and heptakis(6-hexadecylthio-2-oligoethylenoxy)-p-cyclodextrin in water are as follows.

The amphiphilic cyclodextrins are dispersed in water by sonication of a thin film (cast by slow rotary evaporation of a solution of the cyclodextrins in chloroform) in a sonication bath. HE-SCi2 is sonicated for 2 hours at room temperature and HE-SCi6 is sonicated for 2 hours at 50 °C. Dynamic light scattering indicates the presence of vesicles with an average diameter of 170 nm. Vesicles of cyclodextrins of 50-300 nm diameter are also observed by transmission electron microscopy using uranyl acetate as a negative staining agent (Figurel). Upon prolonged sonication (9 hours) of a solution of HE-SC12, a monodisperse solution of spherical vesicles with an average diameter of 60 nm is obtained (Figure 2). Thus, the particle size can be directed by sonication time, in order to obtain a size suitable for specific molecular inclusion or specific therapeutic use. ΙΕΟ 1042 Heptakis(6-hexadecylthio-2-oligoethylenoxy)-p-cyclodextrin was analysed using differential scanning calorimetry. The heating scan in differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) displayed a highly reproducible endothermic phase transition of a % (w/w) dispersion in water. The transition occurred around 48-49 °C and the enthalpy of transition amounted to 59 kJ/mol cyclodextrin. This typical Lp-L transition was confirmed in a measurement of the fluorescence polarisation of diphenylhexatriene in the presence of a vesicle solution by a standard method (R. R. C. New, Liposomes: a practical approach, Oxford University Press, 1990). Thus, vesicles of the amphiphilic cyclodextrins undergo thermotropic phase transitions which depend on molecular structure, and which can direct important parameters such as vesicle stability and bilayer permeability.

EXAMPLE 4 Preparation of vesicles of amphiphilic cvclodextrin containing carboxyfluorescein.

Vesicles of heptakis(6-dodecylthio-2-oligoethylenoxy)-p-cyclodextrin and heptakis(6-dodecylthio-2-oligoethylenoxy)-p-cyclodextrin were prepared by sonication in a buffered solution of carboxyfluorescein (CF). The entrapment of CF -----------in-the4ntemal aqueous compartment of the cyclodextrin vesicles was confirmed as follows in two independent experiments, (i) and (ii); and in experiment (iii) the lifetime of entrapment was shown to be greater than three days. (i) Small aliquots of the solutions of the cyclodextrin vesicles (5-20 mM) were diluted 1000-fold, resulting in immediate dilution of the non-entrapped CF with concomitant intense CF fluorescence, which was measured. The fluorescence of entrapped CF is negligible due to self-quenching. Next, the vesicles in the diluted solution were solubilised by the addition of 0.1 % w/w of the detergent Triton X-100, leading to release and dilution of entrapped CF, with concomitant increase of CF fluorescence, which was measured. In this concentration range (ca. 20 mM). The fluorescence intensity of CF correlates linearly with its concentration, and the incremental change of fluorescence upon addition of Triton X-100 is a direct measure of the percentage of entrapped volume of the vesicles relative to the total volume of the solution. The entrapped volume amounted to 7.7 +/-1.9 % and ΙΕΟ 1 04 28 11.4+/-2.7 % for two independent preparations of HE-SC16; and to 5.0+/-2.4 % and 7.2+/-5.3 % for two independent preparations of HE-SC12. (ii) CF entrapped in the vesicles was separated from free (non-entrapped) CF by 5 gel filtration using Sephadex G25. Independent turbidity measurements indicated that vesicles of HE-SC12 and of HE-SC16 elute much faster than free CF. The peak of entrapped CF coincided with the elution of vesicles (Figure 4). This confirms the existence of an aqueous inner compartment within the vesicles. Furthermore, as anticipated, the amount of entrapped CF in cyclodextrin vesicles correlated with the cyclodextrin concentration. (iii) The spontaneous release of CF from vesicles of HE-SC16 (separated from free CF by gel filtration) was measured over time. At room temperature, the leakage of CF was limited, and the vesicles retained more than 75 % of CF after 3 days (Figure 5).

These experiments demonstrate that the macrocyclic oligosaccharide vesicles can encapsulate and retain significant amounts of hydrophilic guest molecules in their compartment.

EXAMPLE 5 Encapsulation of a lipophilic (water-insoluble) azadipvrromethene in vesicles of HE-SCi^cyclodextrin.

Solutions of azadipyrromethene (fixed concentration) and HE-CD (various concentrations) were prepared as follows: for a solution containing 0.05 mg/ml HECD, the HE-CD (20 μΙ of a 25 mg/ml soln, in chloroform), HE-CD-F (fluorescently labelled with methylanthranilate ) (10 μΙ of a 0.5 mg/ml soln, in chloroform) and the azadipyrromethene (100 μΙ of a 20 mM soln, in methanol) were combined in a small vial, and the solvents were evaporated in a stream of nitrogen. Then HEPES buffer (10 mM, 1ml) was added before sonication (1 h at 60 °C). Fluorescence of the cyclodextrin and absorbance of the dissolved (complexed) azadipyrromethene were measured, and again after one week. Table 1 below (Encapsulation of an azadipyrromethene in vesicles of HE-SCi6 amphiphile) shows that the lipophilic IE Ο 1 ο 4 2 8 guest was efficiently dissolved in water by complexation with the vesicle bilayer and/or within the cyclodextrin molecular cavities.

IEO 1 04 28 After 1 Week c % Aza Bound 15.35 42.6 39.1 62.5 78.8 8*98 [ Aza J/ [CD] 2.1 2.9 cn 0.59 Aza (μΜ) Bound 30.7 CM in oo 78.1 CM 157.6 173.6 Jjl in < VO 0.129 vo CM © 0.328 0.525 0.662 0.729 Directly after Preparation ee ri m x° 0s 31.5 42.6 54.8 | 6Ό8 | ! 94.3 [98.5 [ Aza ]/ [CD] 4.29 2.89 1.86 | 1.84 | 1.28 0.67 Cone, of I Aza (μΜ) Bound 63.1 85.2 109.5 161.9 | 188.6 197.1 § in < vo co 0.265 0.358 0.460 | 0890 0.792 0.828 . s ή 8$ Λ 53.45 84.22 110.93 150.7 | 243.23 I Cone, of CD (μΜ) 1 14.7 29.4 58.8 | 88.2 | 147 3· Ov CM Cone, of CD (mg/ ml) 0.05 0.1 0.2 _ >n ©. Ό £ ”3 u o C ee υ X) o fe β O υ οι < u X) 3§< ti E 11 Q ιι Jo u u« <1 o ω I UJ T *5 « φ o w ω > c Φ c Φ -C Φ E o e. 1— >» Q.

T3 ro N ro c . o ro □ ri W Q_ j c E UJ ro JQ ro ΙΕΟ 104 2 EXAMPLE 6 Synthesis of heptakisf2-(cj-amino-oliqoethylenoxv)-6-deoxv-6-hexvlthio1-Bcvclodextrin. (i) Preparation of heptakis[2-( Heptakis[6-deoxy-6-hexylthio-2-(ra-iodo-oligoethylenoxy)]-p-cyclodextrin (620 mg, 0.19 mmol) (prepared by the method of Mazzaglia et al., Eur. J. Org. Chem., 2001, 1715-1721) in anhydrous dimethylformamide (25 ml) with sodium azide (625 mg, 9.5 mmol) was stirred at 100 °C (6 days). The reaction mixture was cooled, undissolved sodium azide was filtered off, and solvent was evaporated under vacuum. The organic residue was dissolved in chloroform and insoluble material was filtered off. Evaporation of the chloroform gave crystalline product (300 mg, 60% yield). 1H-NMR (CDCI3): δ 5.07 (br, H-1), 3.5-4.2 (m, H-2, H-3, H-5, OCH2), 3.2-3.5 (m, H4, CH N3), 2.7-2.9 (m, H-6), 2.59 (m, SCH2), 1.57 (m, CH2), 1.29 (m, CH2), 0.89 (t, CH3) ppm. 13C-NMR (CDCI3): d 14.1 (CH3), 22.6 (CH2), 28.7 (CH2), 29.7 (CH2), 31:6/3 (CH2), 33.8 (CH2S, C-6), 50.8 (CH2N3), 70.0-71.9 (C-3, C-5, OCH2), 80.9 (C-2, C-4), ^-x-=r-lOl^(C=T)-ppm-Microanaiysis: calculated for (Ci6H29O5SN3)7, C 51.18, H 7.78, N 11.19, S 8.54; found, C 50.07, H 7.67, N 10.14, S 7.69%. (i) Preparation of heptakisi2-(ta-amino-oliqoethvlenoxv)-6-deoxv-6-hexvlthio1-Bcvclodextrin.

Heptakis[2-({o-azido-oligoethylenoxy)-6-deoxy-6-hexylthio]-p-cyclodextrin (vacuumdried) in anhydrous dimethylformamide (20 ml) with triphenylphosphine (1.4 g, 5.3 mmol) was stirred under nitrogen at room temperature (5 h). The reaction solution was then maintained at 50 °C during dropwise addition over 30 min of concentrated ammonium hydroxide solution (8 ml). The reduction was complete after 24 h at 45 °C as judged by thin-layer chromatography (silica, CHCI3-MeOH 5:1) which showed disappearance of starting compound. The reaction mixture was concentrated to a small volume under vacuum before precipitation of phosphorus compounds by addition of water (70 ml) and filtration. The filtrate pH was adjusted to 2 by addition ΙΕΟ 104 2 of HCl (1M), and evaporation under vacuum gave crude product which was extracted with boiling hexane in a Soxhlet extractor to remove remaining phosphorus compounds. Yield of the polyamine hydrochloride salt was 385 mg (56 %). 1H-NMR (DMSO-d6): 58.2 (br s, NH3), 5.09 (br, H-1), 3.45-4.00 (m, H-2, H-3, H-5, OCH2), 3.36 (m, H-4), 2.98 (m, H-6), 2.58 (m, SCH2), 1.55 (m, CH2), 1.25-1.32 (m, CH2), 0.85 (t, CH3) ppm. 13C-NMR (DMSO-d6) 14.1 (CH3), 22.9 (CH2), 28.9 (CH2), 29.6 (CH2), 31.3 (CH2), 33.7 (C-6, SCH2), 39.9 (CH2NH3), 70.5-73.0 (C-3, C-5, OCH2), 80.1 (C-2, C-4), 101.7 (C-1) ppm. Microanalysis: calculated for (C16H32O5NSCI)7, C 49.87, H 8.36, N 3.63, S 8.31, Cl 9.18; found, C 48.94, H 7.58, N 3.80, S 8.03, Cl 8.21%.

EXAMPLE 7 15 Synthesis_of heptakisf6-(12'-amino-dodecanovlamino)-6-deoxy-2oliaoethvlenoxyl-B-cvclodextrin. (i) Preparation of heptakis(6-azido-6-deoxy-2-oligoethvlenoxy)-p-cvclodextrin.

Heptakis(6-azido-6-deoxy)-p-cyclodextrin (2g, 1.5 mmol) (prepared by the method v-™riGLParrot-l_opezetal.,: J. Am.Ghem.Soc.,1992,114,5479-5480) was dissolved in tetramethylurea (23 ml) and potassium carbonate (0.2 g) and ethylene carbonate (6.7 g, 76 mmol) were added. The reaction mixture was heated to 150 °C (4 h), at which time TLC analysis (silica, CHCI3-MeOH 5:1) showed the reaction to be complete. Solvent was evaporated under vacuum, the residue dried overnight under vacuum, and the product purified by size-exclusion chromatography (Sephadex LH-20, MeOH). 1NMR (DMSO-d6): 5 3.20-3.80 (m, H-2, H-3, H-4, H-5, OCH2), 4.53 (br, H-1) ppm. MALDI-MS: series of m/z from 1774 for deca(ethylenoxy) product to 1950 (MNa+). (ii) Preparation of heptakisf6-(12'-amino-dodecanoylamino)-6-deoxv-2oligoethvlenoxv1-B-cvclodextrin trifluoroacetic acid salt.

Heptakis(6-azido-6-deoxy-2-oligoethylenoxy)-p-cyclodextrin (0.183 g, 0.01 mmol) in IE Ο 1 Ο 4 2 8 methanol (10 ml) with triphenylphosphine (0.56 g, 2.13 mmol), was stirred at room temperature (2 h). Concentrated aqueous ammonia (40 ml) was then added, and stirring continued (22 h). The solution was evaporated under vacuum and the residue stirred with water (10 min). After acidification to pH1 with hydrochloric acid (1 molar) and filtration, the filtrate was evaporated under vacuum. The residue was stirred with hexane (10 ml), filtered off, redissolved in water (50 ml), concentrated under vacuum, and purified by size-exclusion chromatography (Sephadex G-25, water). The reduction product, heptakis(6-amino-6-deoxy-2-oligoethylenoxy)-pcyclodextrin (180 mg, 0.08 mmol) in DMF (10 ml) and N-ethylmorpholine (85 μΙ, 0.08 mmol) was treated after 1h with a solution of activated aminoacid prepared as follows: 12'-N-ferf-butyloxycarbonylamino-dodecanoic acid (250 mg, 0.08 mmol) in dry DMF (10 ml) with dicyclohexylcarbodiimide (165 mg, 0.08 mmol) and 4A molecular sieves, was stirred at 0 °C (1 h) and then at room temperature (1h). The combined solutions were stirred at room temperature (4 days), then filtered through Celite 520 and evaporated under vacuum to a brown residue. This was dissolved in methanol and purified by size-exclusion chromatography (Sephadex LH-20, methanol). The product was dissolved in methanol (10 ml) and trifluoroacetic acid (2 ml) was added before stirring at room temperature (1 h). The solution was evaporated to yield the product as the trifluoroacetic acid salt. MALDI-MS (free amine): series of m/z from 2805 for deca(ethylenoxy) product to 2981 (MNa+).

EXAMPLE8 DNA encapsulation, and cell transfection.

The amphiphilic cyclodextrin vesicles were formulated as follows: the CD was dissolved in chloroform; solvent was removed by a stream of nitrogen to leave a film which was hydrated with doubly distilled deionised water. DNA (pCMVIuc plasmid) was encapsulated by either mixing a solution of DNA with a quantity of preformed vesicles or by reconstitution of the dry CD film with a DNA solution using the optimum mass ratio CD:DNA of 10:1, followed by sonication for size reduction. Transfection studies were carried out in Day1 COS-7 cells. CD-DNA complexes were added to the cells, at a DNA dose of 1 g per well, for 4 hours in the presence of serum free Opti-MEM, after which time serum-containing medium was added and cells were cultured for a further 20 hours. Media were replaced with fresh media and the cells were allowed express for a further 24 hours before the level of ΙΕΟ 1 04 2 8 luciferase expression was determined using a Promega Luciferase Assay Kit and standardised for protein using the Biorad Dc Protein Assay Kit. The results (Fig 7) show that the CDs cause a significant increase in transfection compared with uncomplexed DNA, and can approach the commercial vector DOTAP in efficiency.

The amphiphilic CDs therefore can deliver a drug, DNA for example, into biological cells.

It is believed that one skilled in the art can, based on the description herein, utilise the present invention to its fullest extent. The above specific embodiments are, therefore, to be construed as merely illustrative, and not limitative of the remainder of the disclosure in any way whatsoever.

Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs.

Claims (60)

1. Soluble amphiphilic macrocyclic derivatives having lipophilic groups attached to one side of the units making up the macrocycle and hydrophilic groups 2. And can be in any position not occupied by a moiety involved in linking adjacent units forming the macrocycle ; ΙΕΟ 1 04 2 8

2. A macrocyclic derivative according to claim 1 wherein the units making up

3. —

4.

5. Complex is present as a pharmaceutical formulation with any pharmaceutically acceptable ingredient. 5 complex with the amphiphilic macrocycle are of a polar nature. 5 precursor groups with a polyfunctional linking agent. 5 group. 5. 30 5 attached to the other side characterised in that; two or more hydrophilic groups are attached to one side of each unit forming the macrocycle; and

6. 35

7. Υ, which may be the same or different, are groups that link the units making up the macrocycle, X,. X’i, X2. X'21 X3. X’3. X4. X4, X5, Χβ, independently, are zero or provide linking groups, when one or more but not all of Ri, RY R4, R’ 4 , independently is zero, the remaining are groups which are predominantly lipophilic; when one or more but not all of R 2 , R’ 2 , R 3 , R’ 3 , independently is zero, the remaining are groups which are predominantly polar and/or capable of hydrogen-bonding; and R 5 , Re are groups which may be polar or lipophilic. A derivative as claimed in claims 2 and 3 wherein the Y group is selected from the group comprising oxygen, sulfur, selenium, nitrogen, phosphorus, carbon, or silicon radicals having a valency of 2-4; or OCH 2 ; or OCH 2 CH(OH); or OCH(CH 2 OH). ’ A derivative as claimed in claims 2 to 4 wherein Xi, XY X 2 , X’ 2> X 3 , X’ 3 , X4, XY Xs, Χβ· independently may be a simple covalent bond, or an atom or radical with a valency of at least 2. A derivative as claimed in claim 4 wherein the radical is, independently, selected from the group comprising: CH 2 , CH 2 O, O, S, Se, Ν, P, carbonyl, ester, amido, amino, phosphate, sulfonyl, sulfoxide, a polymer, a dendrimer. A derivative as claimed in claims 2 to 5 wherein R 1( RY R4, R’4, independently, are chosen from the group comprising: H, a saturated or unsaturated aliphatic or aromatic carbon or silicon radical or a halogenated version of these. A derivative as claimed in claim 7 wherein when Ri is a straight or branched aliphatic chain the number of carbons in R! is 2 to 18. IE Ο 1 0 4 2 8

8. A derivative as claimed in claim 7 wherein the cyclic aliphatic system is a hexyl or cholesteryl group.

9. A derivative as claimed in claim 7 wherein the aromatic group is a benzyl 10. Anti-oxidant), binder, excipient, flavouring agent, thickener, lubricant, dispersing, wetting, surface active or isotonic agent which is compatible with the amphiphile or complex. 10 assembly, or may be complexed with the amphiphile. 10 chemical precursor groups through catalysis, or by reaction of their chemical precursor groups with a polyfunctional linking reagent, to provide an oligomerised amphiphilic cyclodextrin. 10 Rt independently, provide groups which are predominantly lipophilic; R 2 and R 3 , independently, provide groups which are predominantly polar and/or capable of hydrogen-bonding. 10 Rt independently, provide groups which are predominantly lipophilic; R 2 and R 3 , independently, provide groups which are predominantly polar and/or capable of hydrogen-bonding. 15 10 acceptable ion; a predominantly hydrophilic group; a polymer and a dendrimer.

10. A derivative as claimed in claim 2 to 9 wherein R 2 R 2 ‘ R3 R3 1 independently are selected from the group comprising: H, (CH 2 ) 2 ^OH, CH 2 CH(OH) CH 2 OH, CH 2 CH(OH)CH 2 NH 2 , CH 2 CH 2 NH 2j a cation, an anion, any pharmaceutically 10 one or more lipophilic groups are attached to the opposite side of each unit forming the macrocycle such that the number of hydrophilic groups present is always greater than the number of lipophilic groups.

11. A derivative as claimed in claim 10 wherein the polymers are selected from the group comprising poly(ethylenimide) polyamides, polyaminoacids, nonimmugenic polar groups; antigenic groups; and groups that promote

12. A derivative as claimed in claim 11 wherein the non-immunogenic group is polyethylene glycol). 20

13. A derivative as claimed in claim 11 wherein the non-immunogenic group is sialylGalGIcNAc.

14. A derivative as claimed in claim 11 wherein the antigenic group is an antennary oligosaccharide. 15. Dispersed in a suitable solvent, buffer, isotonic solution, emulsion, gel or lyophilised suspension. 15 macrocycles self-assemble in aqueous solvent. 15 22. A derivative as claimed in claim 21 wherein the lipophilic group is attached at .----_____--the-6-position and-the polarhydrophilic groups are attached at the 2- and 3- > positions of the units making up the cyclodextrin macrocycle.

15. A derivative as claimed in claim 11 wherein the adhesion promoting groups are selected from the group comprising: folic acid, galactose, biotin, lipopolysaccharides, gangliosides, sialo-gangliosides, glycosphingolipids. 30 15 adhesion to specific cells or proteins. 15 the macrocycle are of the general formula: in which n equals 2-11 or higher, and indicates the number of ring units making up the macrocycle, which may be the same or different, if any one of K, L, M are zero, the remaining are independently one or more 25 of: a simple chemical bond;or an atom or radical having a valency of at least

16. An amphiphilic macrocyclic derivative as claimed in claims 2 to 15 wherein the units forming the macrocycle are monosaccharide units forming an oligosaccharide macrocycle with the formula: ΙΕΟ 1 042 8 in which n equals 3-11 or higher, and indicates the number of modified 5 monosaccharide units in the macrocycle which may be the same or different, depending on the X- and R-groups; X 1( X2, X3 independently, provide linking groups;

17. A derivative as claimed in claim 18 wherein the modified units making up the .-, macrocycle are independently aglycone derivatives of D- or L hexoses or dissaccharides.

18. A derivative as claimed in claim 17 wherein the hexose units are selected

19. A derivative as claimed in claim 18 wherein the macrocyclic units are Lglucose.

20. Parenteral, oral, topical, intranasal, intraocular, vaginal, rectal or by inhalation spray in dosage unit formulations containing conventional non-toxic pharmaceutically acceptable carriers, adjuvants and vehicles. 20 with a molecule which functions as a prodrug. 20 molecules are selected from the group comprising: polymers, dendrimers, antibodies, folic acid, galactose, biotin, lipopolysaccharides, gangliosides, . ri sialo-gangliosides, glycosphingolipids. 20 simple covalent bond or an atom or radical with a valency of at least two. 20 from the group comprising: mannose, galactose, glucose, altrose, idose, rhamnose, arabinose or a dissaccharide unit.

21. An amphiphilic macrocyclic derivative, characterised in that the macrocyclic derivative is a cyclodextrin derivative of the following formula: ΙΕΟ 1 04 2 8 in which n equals 5-11 or higher, and indicates the number of modified 5 glucose units in the macrocycle which may be the same or different, depending on the X- and R-groups, Xi.

22. X2. X3 independently, provide linking groups;

23. A derivative as claimed in claim 21 wherein Xs X 2 , X3 independently are a

24. A derivative as claimed in claim 22 wherein the radical is selected from the group comprising:, O, S, Se, Ν, P, CH 2 , CH 2 O, carbonyl, ester, amido, amino, phosphate, sulfonyl, sulfoxide. 25. Amphiphile-therapeutic molecule complexes comprise pharmaceutical formulations exhibiting sustained release of a drug. 25 selected to modulate the properties of the macrocycle assemblies. 25 derivatives are in the form bis(cyclodextrin amphiphile) in which two amphiphilic cyclodextrins share common Rt groups, so as to provide 'bola arnphiphiles’ having two polar groups joined by one or more lipophilic groups, thus: (R 2 , R 3 )-macrocycle-(RT)-macrocycle-(R 2 , R 3 ), where linker groups X are understood.

25. A derivative as claimed in claim 21 wherein R1 is selected from the group comprising: H, a saturated or unsaturated aliphatic or aromatic carbon or silicon radical or a halogenated version of these. 30

26. A derivative as claimed in claim 21 to 25 wherein R 2 , R 3 may be selected from a group comprising: dendrimers; polymers; groups which are employed ΙΕΟ 10428 because of their non-immunogenic as well as polar character; antigenic groups intended to stimulate the production of antibodies; or groups which may be attached for the purpose of promoting adhesion of the amphiphile to specific cells or specific proteins.

27. A derivative as claimed in claim 26 wherein the polymers are selected from the group comprising poly(ethylenimide) polyamides, polyaminoacids, nonimmunogenic polar groups. 10

28. A derivative as claimed in claim 26 wherein the non-immunogenic group is polyethylene glycol).

29. A derivative as claimed in claim 26 wherein the non-immunogenic group is SialylGalGIcNAc.

30. A derivative as claimed in claim 26 wherein the antigenic group is an antennary oligosaccharide.

31. A derivative as claimed in claim 26 wherein the adhesion promoting

32. A derivative as claimed in claims 21 to 30 wherein the macrocyclic

33. A derivative as claimed in claims 21 to 30 wherein the macrocyclic derivative is in the bola amphiphile form in which a common set of lipophilic groups (Rt) and a common macrocyclic molecule link two sets of polar headgroups (R 2 , R 3 ), thus: (R 2 , R 3 )(RT)-macrocycle-(R 2 , R 3 ), where linker groups are understood. ΙΕΟ 10428

34. A derivative as claimed in claims 21 to 31 wherein the groups X 1( or the groups X 2 and X 3 , or the groups Ri, or the groups R 2 and R 3i may be linked to each other intramolecularly, as independent sets, by reaction of their chemical precursor groups through catalysis, or by reaction of their chemical 35. Functions as an R-group as specified in claim 21 so as to provide a precursor of the active form of the guest molecule. IE Ο 1 04 2 a 35 compositions useful for the treatment of human or animal diseases. IE 0 104 2 8

35. A derivative as claimed in claims 21 to 31 wherein the groups X b or the groups X 2 and X 3 , or the groups R b or the groups R 2 and R 3 , may be linked to each other intermolecularly, as independent sets, by reaction of their

36. A derivative as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the amphiphilic

37. A derivative as claimed in claim 36 wherein the assembly of amphiphilic macrocycles may be composed of one or more of the molecular forms or embodiments described in any of the previous claims.

38. A derivative as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the amphiphilic macrocycles may be mixed with other molecules.

39. A derivative as claimed in claim 38 wherein the other molecules are

40. A derivative as claimed in claim 39 wherein the modulatory molecules are ceramides or glycerides. 30

41. A derivative as claimed in claims 36 to 40 wherein the amphiphilic macrocyclic assembly forms a complex with a guest molecule.

42. A derivative as claimed in claims 41 wherein the guest molecule forms a complex with the amphiphilic macrocycle for formulation into pharmaceutical

43. A derivative as claimed in claim 41 and 42 wherein the guest molecules that complex with the amphiphilic macrocycle are of a lipophilic nature.

44. A derivative as claimed in claim 41 and 42 wherein the guest molecules that

45. A derivative as claimed in claims 41 to 44 wherein the guest molecule may bind in the cavity of each unit of the macrocycle, in the lipophilic interior of an assembly, in the aqueous internal compartment(s) of an amphiphile

46. A derivative as claimed in claims 36 to 45 wherein the amphiphilic assembly is complexed with a molecule or atom used for analysis or diagnosis. 15

47. A derivative as claimed in claim 46 wherein the amphiphilic assembly is complexed to a peptide antigen or an antibody; or a molecule used as a -radiation sensitiser.

48. A derivative as claimed in claim 46 wherein the amphiphile is complexed

49. A derivative as claimed in claim 48 wherein the prodrug is a precursor of ; nitric oxide. 25

50. A derivative as claimed in claims 41 to 49 wherein the amphiphile assembly may be attached to a polymer.

51. A derivative as claimed in claims 36 to 49 wherein the amphiphilic assembly comprises units in a copolymer.

52. A derivative as claimed in claim 51 wherein the amphiphiphile complex is copolymerised within the matrix of a polylactic or polyglycolic acid.

53. A derivative as claimed in claims 41 to 52 wherein the guest molecule

54. A derivative as claimed in claim 41 to 53 wherein the guest molecule is therapeutic molecule.

55. A derivative as claimed in claims 36 to 54 wherein the amphiphile or its

56. A derivative as claimed in claim 54 wherein the pharmacuetically acceptable ingredient comprises one or more of a diluent, carrier, preservative (including

57. A derivative as claimed in claim 55 wherein the amphiphile or complex is

58. A derivative as claimed in claim 41 to 56 wherein the amphiphile or complex is preferably administered by the following routes of administration comprising

59. A derivative as claimed in claim 36 to 58 wherein the amphiphile or

60. A derivative substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the examples and drawings.