NO344525B1 - Compositions comprising poorly water-soluble pharmaceuticals and antimicrobials - Google Patents

Description

TECHNICAL AREA

The present invention relates to preparations comprising protein-associated, poorly water-soluble pharmaceutical agents for parenteral or other use and which further comprise an antimicrobial agent.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Many drugs for parenteral use and especially those administered intravenously, cause unwanted side effects. These drugs are often water-insoluble, and thus are formulated with solubilizing agents, surfactants, solvents and/or emulsifiers that can be irritating, allergic or toxic when administered to patients (see, for example, Briggs et al., Anesthesis 37:1099 (1982), and Waugh et al., Am. J. Hosp. Pharmacists, 48:1520 (1991)). For example, the chemotherapeutic drug paclitaxel is active against carcinomas of the ovary, breast, lung, esophagus and head and neck. However, paclitaxel has been shown to induce administration-related toxicities, as well as significant acute and cumulative toxicities such as myelosuppression, neutropenic fever, anaphylactic reaction, and peripheral neuropathy.

Paclitaxel is very poorly water-soluble and, as a result, cannot be practically formulated with water for intravenous administration. Traditionally, paclitaxel for intravenous administration is formulated in a solution with polyoxyethylated castor oil (Cremophor) as the primary solvent and high concentrations of ethanol as co-solvent. Cremophor is associated with side effects that can be serious, including anaphylaxis and other hypersensitivity reactions that require pretreatment with corticosteroids, antihistamines, and H2 blockers (see, for example, Gelderblom et al., Eur. J. of Cancer, 37:1590-1598, (2001) ). Similarly, docetaxel is used in the treatment of anthracycline-resistant breast cancer, but has also been shown to induce side effects with hypersensitivity and fluid retention, which can be serious.

To circumvent problems associated with administration-related side effects of drug formulations, alternative formulations have been developed. For example, Abraxane<TM> is a Cremophor-free, protein-stabilized formulation of paclitaxel that was developed to resolve or minimize the side effects caused by the Cremophor EL/ethanol formulation. Similar protein-containing formulations have also been developed for other taxanes such as docetaxel and ortataxel, as well as other drugs.

Because protein serves as a good substrate for microbial growth, a major challenge to be reckoned with when using these protein-containing formulations is a potential microbial contamination. To minimize the risk of microbial contamination, for example, the current intravenous formulation of Abraxane is stored in lyophilized form, and should be injected immediately (eg within hours) after it is reconstituted in an aqueous medium. Bacterial growth may result from accidental contamination in a container containing a single dose. Bacterial contamination is even more of a problem when multiple doses are withdrawn from containers as needed.

Antibacterial agents such as EDTA, pentetate, or sulfite-containing agents are generally known and used in pharmaceutical preparations, see for example US 5,714,520,

5,731,355, 5,731,356, 6,028,108, 6,100,302, 6,147,122, 6,177,477, 6,399,087 and 6,469,069, WO 99/39696 and US publ. No. 05/0004002. Many of the antibacterial agents are, however, substantially toxic. For example, the addition of sulfites to drug formulations presents potential adverse effects for the pediatric population and for those in the general population who are allergic to sulfur, see, e.g., Baker et al., Anesthesiology, 103(4):1-17 (2005); Mirejovsky, Am. J. Health Syst. Pharm., 58:1047 (2001). The toxicities of these antibacterial agents become a significant problem when formulating proteinaceous pharmaceutical drug mixtures which often require more antimicrobial agents than non-proteinaceous formulations do to act against significant microbial growth.

Furthermore, many antimicrobial agents are known to interact with proteins and cause stability problems such as aggregation, see, for example, Lam et al., Pharm. Res.

14:725-729 (1997). The effect of antimicrobial agents on protein stability presents a difficult problem when formulating proteinaceous preparations of poorly water-soluble pharmaceutical agents because suitable configuration of proteins is generally required for stabilization of poorly water-soluble pharmaceutical agents in the preparation.

There is therefore a need to develop protein-containing formulations of poorly water-soluble pharmaceutical agents that contain antimicrobial agents that provide a desired antimicrobial effectiveness, but which do not significantly affect protein stability and/or do not cause unacceptable toxicological effects upon administration. There is also a need to develop protein-containing formulations of poorly water-soluble pharmaceutical agents that can be more easily reconstituted.

The description in all publications, patents, patent applications and published patent applications mentioned here is considered part of the present description.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides preparations (such as pharmaceutical preparations) comprising a slightly water-soluble pharmaceutical agent, a carrier protein (such as albumin, for example human serum albumin (HSA)), and an antimicrobial agent, where substantial microbial growth is inhibited in the preparation. In some embodiments, significant microbial growth in the compositions is inhibited for a given period of time such as at least 4 hours (including for example at least about 8, 12, 16, 24, 36, 48, 60, 72, 84, 96, 108 or 120 hours). In some embodiments, the compositions are less prone to microbial contamination compared to compositions containing no antimicrobial agent. In some embodiments, the preparations according to the invention comprise a slightly water-soluble pharmaceutical agent, a carrier protein (such as albumin, for example HSA), and an antimicrobial agent, where the antimicrobial agent is in an amount effective to inhibit significant microbial growth in the preparation or preparations.

In certain embodiments, the poorly water-soluble pharmaceutical agent is an antineoplastic agent or a chemotherapeutic agent. In some embodiments, the poorly water-soluble pharmaceutical agent is any one of (and in some embodiments selected from the group consisting of) paclitaxel, docetaxel, ortataxel or other taxanes, geldanamycin, 17-allylaminogeldanamycin, thiocolcicin and dimers thereof, rapamycin, cyclosporine, epothilone, radicicol and combretastatin. In some embodiments, there is provided, for example, a preparation comprising a taxane or a derivative thereof (such as paclitaxel, docetaxel, or ortataxel), a carrier protein (such as albumin, for example HSA), and an antimicrobial agent in which significant microbial growth is inhibited in the preparation . In some embodiments, there is provided a composition comprising a taxane or derivative thereof (such as paclitaxel, docetaxel, or ortataxel), a carrier protein (such as albumin, such as HSA), and an antimicrobial agent, wherein the antimicrobial agent is present in an amount effective to inhibit significant microbial growth in the preparation. In some embodiments, the poorly water-soluble pharmaceutical agent is an amorphous and/or non-crystalline taxane (such as paclitaxel). In some embodiments, the poorly water-soluble pharmaceutical agent used to prepare the preparation is in an anhydrous form (such as anhydrous docetaxel). In some embodiments, the antimicrobial agent is not deferoxamine (ie, different from deferoxamine).

In some embodiments, there is provided a preparation comprising a slightly water-soluble pharmaceutical agent, a carrier protein (such as albumin, for example HSA), and an antimicrobial agent, where the antimicrobial agent is a gelling agent and where significant microbial growth is inhibited in the preparation. In some embodiments, there is provided a composition comprising a taxane or derivative thereof (such as paclitaxel, docetaxel, or ortataxel), a carrier protein (such as albumin, such as HSA), and an antimicrobial agent, wherein the antimicrobial agent is a gelling agent and where significant microbial growth is inhibited in the preparation. In some embodiments, the antimicrobial agent is a polydentate gelating agent. In some embodiments, the antimicrobial agent comprises one or more carboxylic acid groups. In some embodiments, the gelling agent is not deferoxamine (ie, different from deferoxamine). In some embodiments, the gelling agent is any one of (and in some embodiments selected from the group consisting of) edetate, citrate, pentetate, tromethamine, sorbate, ascorbate, derivatives thereof, and mixtures thereof. In some embodiments, the gelling agent comprises citrate and EDTA.

In some embodiments, there is provided a composition comprising a poorly water-soluble pharmaceutical agent, a carrier protein (such as albumin, e.g., HSA), and an antimicrobial agent, wherein the antimicrobial agent is a non-gelating agent, and wherein significant microbial growth is inhibited in the composition . In some embodiments, there is provided a composition comprising a taxane or derivative thereof (such as paclitaxel, docetaxel, or ortataxel), a carrier protein (such as albumin, such as HSA), and an antimicrobial agent wherein the antimicrobial agent is a non-gelating agent and wherein significant microbial growth is inhibited in the preparation. In some embodiments, the non-gelating, antimicrobial agent acts as a pro-oxidant. In some embodiments, the non-gelating, antimicrobial agent acts as an antioxidant. In some embodiments, the non-gelating agent is any one of (and in some embodiments selected from the group consisting of) sulfites, benzoic acid, benzyl alcohol, chlorobutanol, paraben, and derivatives thereof.

In some embodiments, the preparation comprises a poorly water-soluble pharmaceutical agent, an albumin and an antimicrobial agent where the weight ratio of albumin:poorly water-soluble pharmaceutical agent in the preparation is approx. 0.01:1 to approx. 100:1, and where significant microbial growth is inhibited in the preparation. In some embodiments, the preparation comprises a slightly water-soluble pharmaceutical agent, an albumin and an antimicrobial agent where the weight ratio of albumin:slightly water-soluble pharmaceutical agent in the preparation is approx. 18:1 or less (including, for example, any of about 1:1 to about 18:1, about 2:1 to about 15:1, about 3:1 to about 12:1, about 4:1 to about 10:1, about 5:1 to about 9:1 and about 9:1), and where significant microbial growth is inhibited in the preparation. In some embodiments, the preparation comprises a taxane or a derivative thereof (such as paclitaxel, docetaxel or ortataxel), an albumin, and an antimicrobial agent where the weight ratio of albumin:taxane or derivative thereof in the preparation is approx. 18:1 or less (including, for example, any of about 1:1 to about 18:1, about 2:1 to about 15:1, about 3:1 to about 12:1, about 4:1 to about 10:1, about 5:1 to about 9:1 and about 9:1), and where significant microbial growth is inhibited in the preparation. In some embodiments, the poorly water-soluble pharmaceutical agent (such as a taxane or derivative thereof) is coated with albumin. In some embodiments, the antimicrobial agent is a gelling agent such as any of (and in some embodiments selected from the group consisting of) edetate, citrate, pentetate, tromethamine, sorbate, ascorbate, derivatives thereof, and mixtures thereof. In some embodiments, the gelling agent is not deferoxamine (ie, different from deferoxamine). In some embodiments, the antimicrobial agent is a non-gelating agent, such as any of (and in some embodiments selected from the group consisting of) sulfites, benzoic acid, benzyl alcohol, chlorobutanol, paraben, derivatives thereof, and mixtures thereof. In some embodiments, the preparation further comprises a sugar (such as the sugar described here).

In some embodiments, the preparation comprises a protein-associated, poorly water-soluble, pharmaceutical agent and an antimicrobial agent, where significant microbial growth is inhibited in the preparation. In some embodiments, the preparation comprises a protein-associated taxane or a derivative thereof (such as a protein-associated paclitaxel, protein-associated docetaxel or protein-associated ortataxel) and an antimicrobial agent in which significant microbial growth is inhibited in the preparation. In some embodiments, the antimicrobial agent is a gelling agent such as any of (and in some embodiments selected from the group consisting of) edetate, citrate, pentetate, tromethamine, sorbate, ascorbate, derivatives thereof, and mixtures thereof. In some embodiments, the gelling agent is not deferoxamine (ie is different from deferoxamine). In some embodiments, the antimicrobial agent is a non-gelating agent such as any of (and in some embodiments selected from the group consisting of) sulfites, benzoic acid, benzyl alcohol, chlorobutanol, paraben, derivatives thereof, and mixtures thereof.

In some embodiments, the protein/pharmaceutical is in a particular form, which in various embodiments may have average diameters as described herein.

In some embodiments, the composition comprises (1) particles (such as nanoparticles) comprising (in various embodiments consisting of or essentially consisting of) a poorly water-soluble pharmaceutical agent and a carrier protein; and (2) an antimicrobial agent, wherein significant microbial growth is inhibited in the preparation. In some embodiments, the poorly water-soluble agent is coated with the carrier protein. In some embodiments, the composition comprises particles (such as nanoparticles) comprising (in various embodiments consisting of or essentially consisting of) (1) taxane or a derivative thereof (such as paclitaxel, docetaxel, or ortaxel) and carrier protein; and (2) an antimicrobial agent, wherein significant microbial growth is inhibited in the preparation. In some embodiments, the taxane or derivative thereof is coated with the carrier protein. In some embodiments, the antimicrobial agent is a gelling agent such as any one of (and in some embodiments selected from the group consisting of) edetate, citrate, pentetate, tromethamine, sorbate, ascorbate, derivatives thereof, and mixtures thereof. In some embodiments, the gelling agent is not deferoxamine (ie is different from deferoxamine). In some embodiments, the antimicrobial agent is a non-gelating agent such as any of (and in some embodiments selected from the group consisting of) sulfites or derivatives thereof, benzoic acid, benzyl alcohol, chlorobutanol, paraben, derivatives thereof, and mixtures thereof .

In some embodiments, the preparation comprises (1) particles (such as nanoparticles) comprising (in various embodiments consisting of, or essentially consisting of) a poorly water-soluble pharmaceutical agent and albumin; and (2) an antimicrobial agent, where the weight ratio of albumin:slightly water-soluble pharmaceutical agent in the preparation is approx. 0.01:1 to approx. 100:1, and where significant microbial growth is inhibited in the preparation. In some embodiments, the preparation comprises (1) particles (such as nanoparticles) comprising (in various embodiments consisting of, or essentially consisting of) a poorly water-soluble pharmaceutical agent and albumin; and

(2) an antimicrobial agent, where the weight ratio of albumin:slightly water-soluble pharmaceutical agent in the preparation is approx. 18:1 or less (including, for example, any of about 1:1 to about 18:1, about 2:1 to about 15:1, about 3:1 to about 12:1, about 4:1 to about 10:1, about 5:1 to about 9:1, and about 9:1), and where significant microbial growth is inhibited in the preparation. In some embodiments, the preparation comprises (consisting of or essentially consisting of) particles (such as nanoparticles) comprising taxane or a derivative thereof (such as paclitaxel, docetaxel or ortataxel) and albumin; and (2) an antimicrobial agent in which the weight ratio of albumin:taxane or a derivative thereof in the preparation is approx. 18:1 or less (including, for example, any of about 1:1 to about 18:1, about 2:1 to about 15:1, about 3:1 to about

12:1, approx. 4:1 to approx. 10:1, approx. 5:1 to approx. 9:1, and approx. 9:1), and where significant microbial growth is inhibited in the preparation. In some embodiments, the poorly water-soluble pharmaceutical agent (such as a taxane or derivative thereof) is coated with albumin. In some embodiments, the antimicrobial agent is a gelling agent such as any one of (and in some embodiments selected from the group consisting of) edetate, citrate, pentetate, tromethamine, sorbate, ascorbate, derivatives thereof, and mixtures thereof. In some embodiments, the gelling agent is not deferoxamine (ie is different from deferoxamine). In some embodiments, the gelling agent is not citrate (ie is different from citrate). In some embodiments, the antimicrobial agent is a non-gelating agent such as any of (and in some embodiments selected from the group consisting of) sulfites, benzoic acid, benzyl alcohol, chlorobutanol, paraben, derivatives thereof, and mixtures thereof. In some embodiments, the composition further comprises a sugar (such as the sugar described herein). In some embodiments, the poorly water-soluble pharmaceutical agent is docetaxel or is a derivative thereof.

In some embodiments, the composition comprises (1) particles (such as nanoparticles) comprising (in various embodiments consisting of or consisting essentially of) paclitaxel and albumin; and (2) an antimicrobial agent, wherein the albumin:paclitaxel weight ratio is about 0.01:1 to approx. 100:1, where significant microbial growth is inhibited in the preparation. In some embodiments, the composition comprises (1) particles (such as nanoparticles) comprising (in various embodiments consisting of or consisting essentially of) paclitaxel and albumin; and (2) an antimicrobial agent, wherein the albumin:paclitaxel weight ratio is about 18:1 or less (including, for example, any of about 1:1 to about 18:1, about 2:1 to about 15:1, about 3:1 to about 12:1, about 4:1 to about 10:1, about 5:1 to about 9:1, and about 9:1), where significant microbial growth is inhibited in the preparation. In some embodiments, the albumin:paclitaxel weight ratio is any of 18:1 or less, 15:1 or less, 14:1 or less, 13:1 or less, 12:1 or less, 11:1 or less, 10:1 or less, 9:1 or less, 8:1 or less, 7:1 or less, 6:1 or less, 5:1 or less, 4:1 or less and 3:1 or less. In some embodiments, paclitaxel is coated with albumin. In some embodiments, the preparation is essentially free (like free) of Cremophor. In some embodiments, the preparation comprises a stable aqueous suspension of particles (such as nanoparticles) comprising paclitaxel and albumin (such as particles of paclitaxel coated with albumin), where the preparation further comprises an antimicrobial agent, where the weight ratio of albumin:paclitaxel in the preparation is approx. 9:1 or less, and where significant microbial growth is inhibited in the preparation. In some embodiments, the preparation comprises a dry (such as lyophilized) preparation which can be reconstituted (or resuspended or rehydrated) to generally provide a stable aqueous suspension of particles (such as nanoparticles) comprising paclitaxel and albumin (such as paclitaxel coated with albumin), wherein the preparation further comprises an antimicrobial agent, where the weight ratio albumin:paclitaxel in the preparation is approx. 18:1 or less (including, for example, any of about 1:1 to about 18:1, about 2:1 to about

15:1, approx. 3:1 to approx. 12:1, approx. 4:1 to approx. 10:1, approx. 5:1 to approx. 9:1, and approx. 9:1), and where significant microbial growth is inhibited in the preparation. In some embodiments, the antimicrobial agent is a gelling agent, such as any one of (and in some embodiments selected from the group consisting of) edetate, citrate, pentetate, tromethamine, sorbate, ascorbate, derivatives thereof, and mixtures thereof. In some embodiments, the gelling agent is not deferoxamine (ie is different from deferoxamine). In some embodiments, the antimicrobial agent is a non-gelating agent such as any of (and in some embodiments selected from the group consisting of) sulfites or derivatives thereof, benzoic acid, benzyl alcohol, chlorobutanol, paraben, derivatives thereof, and mixtures thereof. In some embodiments, the composition additionally comprises a sugar (such as the sugar described herein).

In some embodiments, the particles (such as nanoparticles) as described herein have an average or mean diameter of no more than about any of 1,000, 900, 800, 700, 600, 500, 400, 300, 200 and 100 nm. In some embodiments, the mean or average diameter of the particles is no greater than about

200 nm. In some embodiments, the mean or median diameter of the particles is between about 20 nm to approx. 400 nm. In some embodiments, the mean or average diameter of the particles is between about 40 nm to approx. 200 nm. In some embodiments, the particles are sterile filterable.

In some embodiments, the composition comprises a poorly water-soluble pharmaceutical agent (such as a taxane or derivative thereof), a carrier protein (such as albumin), and an antimicrobial agent in an amount effective to inhibit significant microbial growth in the composition. In some embodiments, the composition comprises a poorly water-soluble pharmaceutical agent (such as a taxane or a derivative thereof), a carrier protein (such as albumin) in an amount effective to stabilize the poorly water-soluble pharmaceutical agent in an aqueous medium, and an antimicrobial agent in an amount effective to inhibit significant microbial growth in the preparation. In some embodiments, the composition comprises a poorly water-soluble pharmaceutical agent (such as a taxane or a derivative thereof), a carrier protein (such as albumin) in an amount effective to reduce one or more side effects upon administration of the poorly water-soluble pharmaceutical agent in a human, and an antimicrobial agent in an amount effective to inhibit significant microbial growth in the preparation. In some embodiments, the antimicrobial agent is a gelling agent such as any one of (and in some embodiments selected from the group consisting of) edetate, citrate, pentetate, tromethamine, sorbate, ascorbate, derivatives thereof, and mixtures thereof. In some embodiments, the antimicrobial agent is a non-gelating agent such as any of (and in some embodiments selected from the group consisting of) sulfites, benzoic acid, benzyl alcohol, chlorobutanol, paraben, derivatives thereof, and mixtures thereof. The specific amounts of the antimicrobial agents are described in more detail below.

The compositions described herein may be a stable aqueous suspension of the poorly water-soluble pharmaceutical agent, such as a stable aqueous suspension of the poorly water-soluble pharmaceutical agent at a concentration of any of about

0.1 mg/ml to approx. 100 mg/ml, approx. 0.1 mg/ml to approx. 50 mg/ml, approx. 0.1 mg/ml to approx. 20 mg/ml, approx. 1 mg/ml to approx. 10 mg/ml, approx. 2 mg/ml to approx. 8 mg/ml, approx. 4 mg/ml to approx. 6 mg/ml, and approx. 5 mg/ml. In some embodiments, the concentration of the poorly water-soluble pharmaceutical agent is at least about any of 1.3 mg/ml,

1.5 mg/ml, 2 mg/ml, 3 mg/ml, 4 mg/ml, 5 mg/ml, 6 mg/ml, 7 mg/ml, 8 mg/ml,

9 mg/ml, 10 mg/ml, 15 mg/ml, 20 mg/ml, 25 mg/ml, 30 mg/ml, 40 mg/ml and

50 mg/ml.

In some embodiments, the composition is a dry (such as lyophilized) composition that can be reconstituted, resuspended, or rehydrated to generally form a stable, aqueous suspension of the poorly water-soluble pharmaceutical agent. In some embodiments, the preparation is a liquid (such as aqueous) preparation obtained by reconstitution or resuspension of a dry preparation. In some embodiments, the preparation is an intermediate (such as aqueous) preparation that can be dried (such as lyophilized).

In some embodiments, the composition is suitable for parenteral (such as intravenous) administration. In some embodiments, the preparation is suitable for multidose administration. In some embodiments, the preparation is sterile filterable. In some embodiments, the composition causes no significant side effects in a subject (such as a human) upon administration to the subject. In some embodiments, the compositions described herein are substantially free (like free) of surfactants. In some embodiments, the compositions described herein are substantially free (like free) of Cremophor. The antimicrobial agent containing the preparations as described here may further comprise a sugar or other lyophilization or reconstitution aids.

In some embodiments, the amount of antimicrobial agent in the composition is below the level that induces a toxicological effect (ie, above a clinically acceptable level of toxicity) or is at a level where a potential side effect can be controlled or tolerated when the composition is administered to the individual. In some embodiments, the antimicrobial agent is present in an amount that does not adversely affect the stability or properties of the carrier protein in the composition.

In another aspect, there are provided compositions (such as lyophilized compositions or intermediate liquid compositions that can be lyophilized) comprising a poorly water-soluble pharmaceutical agent, a carrier protein (such as albumin), and a sugar. In some embodiments, the preparation comprises (1) particles (such as nanoparticles) comprising (in various embodiments consisting of or consisting essentially of) a poorly water-soluble pharmaceutical agent (such as a taxane or derivatives thereof) and an albumin; and (2) a sugar, where the weight ratio of albumin:slightly water-soluble pharmaceutical agent in the preparation is approx. 0.01:1 to approx. 100:1. In some embodiments, the preparation comprises (1) particles (such as nanoparticles) comprising (in various embodiments consisting of or essentially consisting of) a poorly water-soluble pharmaceutical agent (such as a taxane or derivatives thereof) and an albumin; and (2) a sugar, where the weight ratio of albumin:slightly water-soluble pharmaceutical agent in the preparation is approx. 18:1 or less (including, for example, any of about 1:1 to about 18:1, about 2:1 to about 15:1, about 3:1 to about 12:1, about 4:1 to about 10:1, about 5:1 to about 9:1, and about 9:1). In some embodiments, the poorly water-soluble pharmaceutical agent is coated with albumin. In some embodiments, the formulation is a dry (such as lyophilized) formulation wherein the lyophilized formulation can be reconstituted (or resuspended or rehydrated) to generally provide a stable aqueous suspension of the poorly water-soluble pharmaceutical agent, and wherein the time for reconstitution of the formulation in an aqueous dissolution is less than that of the preparation without sugar. In some embodiments, the concentration of sugar in the preparation or a reconstituted suspension obtained from the preparation is greater than about 50 mg/ml. In some embodiments, the preparation further comprises an antimicrobial agent such as antimicrobial agents as described herein. In some embodiments, the poorly water-soluble pharmaceutical agent is docetaxel or a derivative thereof.

In some embodiments, the invention provides a preparation comprising paclitaxel, an albumin, and a sugar, where the albumin:paclitaxel weight ratio is approx. 9:1 or less, and where the sugar in the preparation or a reconstituted suspension resulting from the preparation is greater than approx. 50 mg/ml. In some embodiments, the composition comprises (1) particles (such as nanoparticles) comprising (in various embodiments consisting of or consisting essentially of) paclitaxel and albumin; and (2) a sugar, where the weight ratio albumin:paclitaxel in the preparation is approx. 18:1 or less (including, for example, any of about 1:1 to about 18:1, about 2:1 to about 15:1, about 3:1 to about

12:1, approx. 4:1 to approx. 10:1, approx. 5:1 to approx. 9:1, and approx. 9:1), and where the sugar in the preparation or a reconstituted suspension resulting from the preparation is greater than approx. 50 mg/ml.

In some embodiments, the sugar is present in an amount effective to increase the stability of the poorly water-soluble pharmaceutical agent in the composition compared to a composition without the sugar. In some embodiments, the sugar is present in an amount effective to improve the filterability of the composition compared to a composition without sugar. In some embodiments, the sugar is present in an amount effective to reduce foaming during reconstitution of the lyophilized preparation compared to a preparation without the sugar.

Unit dosage forms of preparations as described here are also provided, articles of manufacture comprising the preparations of the invention or unit dosage forms in suitable packaging (such as vials or containers (including sealed vials or containers and sterile sealed vials or containers)), and sets comprising the preparations. The invention also provides methods for the production and use of these preparations as described here.

It should be clear that one, some, or all of the features of the various embodiments described herein may be combined to form other embodiments of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides in one aspect preparations, including pharmaceutical preparations, comprising a poorly water-soluble pharmaceutical agent, a carrier protein and an antimicrobial agent. The carrier protein in the preparation generally makes the poorly water-soluble pharmaceutical agent more easily suspendable in an aqueous medium and/or supports the maintenance of the suspension compared to preparations that do not include the carrier protein. The carrier protein is generally, but not necessarily, present in an amount sufficient to stabilize the poorly water-soluble pharmaceutical agent in an aqueous suspension and/or in an amount effective to reduce one or more side effects of administration thereof poorly water-soluble pharmaceutical agent for an individual (such as a human). The antimicrobial agent is generally present in an amount effective to inhibit (such as retard, reduce, slow and/or prevent) significant microbial growth in the composition. Preferably, the amount of antimicrobial agent in the preparation is below the level that induces a toxicological effect or at a level where a potential side effect can be controlled or tolerated.

In another aspect, there are provided compositions (such as lyophilized compositions or an intermediate liquid composition that can be lyophilized) comprising a poorly water-soluble pharmaceutical agent, a carrier protein (such as albumin), and a sugar.

General reference to the "preparation" or "preparations" includes and is applicable to the preparations according to the invention. The invention also provides pharmaceutical preparations comprising the components described here.

Reference to paclitaxel applies to paclitaxel or derivatives thereof and accordingly the invention aims to include both of these embodiments. Reference to "paclitaxel" is to simplify the description and is exemplary. Derivatives or analogs of paclitaxel include, but are not limited to, compounds that are structurally similar to paclitaxel and are in the same general chemical class as paclitaxel, such as docetaxel. In some embodiments, the derivative or analog of paclitaxel retains similar biological, pharmacological, chemical and/or physical properties (including, for example, functionality) of paclitaxel. Examples of paclitaxel derivatives or analogs include docetaxel and ortaxel. The same principle of description also applies to other agents provided herein which include, for example, antimicrobial agents and poorly water-soluble pharmaceutical agents (such as taxane (including docetaxel, ortataxel or other taxanes), geldanamycin, 17-allyl-aminogeldanamycin, thiocolcicin and its dimers, rapamycin , cyclosporine, epothilone, radicicol and combretastatin).

It should be understood that the aspect and embodiments of the invention as described herein include "consisting of" and/or "consisting essentially of" aspects and embodiments.

Antimicrobial agents

The term "antimicrobial agent" as used herein refers to an agent capable of inhibiting (such as delaying, reducing, slowing and/or preventing) the growth of one or more microorganisms. Significant microbial growth can be measured or indicated in a number of ways known in the art, such as one or more of the following: (1) microbial growth in a composition sufficient to cause one or more adverse effects in an individual when the composition is administered to the individual; ; (2) more than approx. 10-fold increase in microbial growth over a period of time (eg over a 24 hour period) following extrinsic contamination (such as exposure to 10-10<3> colony-forming units at a temperature in the range of 20-25 °C). Other indications of significant microbial growth are described here.

The antimicrobial agent described here may be effective against the growth of one or more bacteria (including both gram positive and gram negative bacteria), fungi, or mold. For example, in some embodiments, the antimicrobial agent is effective against the growth of any one or more gram-positive cocci (such as Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis), fermentative gram-negative rods (such as Klebsiella pneumonidae, Enterobacter cloaceae, Escherichia Coli, Proteus species and Enterobacter gergoviae), non-fermentative gram negative rods (such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Pseudomonas cepacia, Pseudomonas fluorescens, Pseudomonas putida, Flavobacterium and Acinetobacter species), and spore-forming bacteria (such as Bacillus subtilis). In some embodiments, the antimicrobial agent is effective against the growth of any one or more of yeasts (such as Candida albicans, Candida parapsilosis) and molds (such as Aspergillus niger and Penicillium notatum).

Other bacteria whose growth can be inhibited include, for example, B. cereus, B. cohaerens, B. megatherium, B. plicatus, B. ubicuitarius, Corynebacterium nicotinovorans, Enterobacter aerogenes, Lactobacillus arabinosus, L. asei, Ps. Effus and Ps.

Ovalis. Other fungi whose growth can be inhibited include, for example, Candida krusei, C. pseudotropicalls, Hansenula anomala, Pichia membranaefaciens, S. anamensis, S. cerevisiae, S. ellipsoideus, S. spec, Torula lipolyticam, Willia anomala, and Z. nussbaumii.

Other molds whose growth can be inhibited include, for example, Trichoderma lignorm, Fusarium spec, Gliocladium roseum, Mucor spec and Penicillium glausum.

The effectiveness of the antimicrobial agents against various microorganisms can be measured in a manner known per se, such as by the USP/EP preservation efficiency tests or modifications thereof, see Sutton and Porter, PDA J. Pharm. Sci. Tech., 2002; 56:6, 300-311, see also US Pat. public No. 2004/0009168. For example, the growth inhibition ability of the antimicrobial agents in the final preparation can be evaluated using membrane filtration techniques and broth cultures. Around 50-200 colony-forming units (CFU) per ml of four standard organisms recommended by the United States Pharmacopecia (USP) for preservative effectiveness tests can be inoculated into each formulation. These four organisms have been identified as: Staphylocossus aureus (ATCC 6538), Escherichia coli (ATCC 8739), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (ATCC 9027) and Candida albicans (ATCC 10231). In addition to these organisms, S. epidermidis (ATCC 12228) and S. aureus (coagulase negative, ATCC 27734) can also be tested. After inoculation of the test organisms, the test formulations can be incubated at 30-35 °C. Counts for the test organisms at selected time points (such as immediately after inoculation and after 24 hours of incubation at 30-35 °C) can be determined.

In some embodiments, the antimicrobial agent is present in an amount effective to inhibit significant microbial growth for at least any one of 4, 8, 12, 18, 24, 36, 48, 60, 72, 84, 96, 108 or 120 hours .

The antimicrobial agent is considered effective, for example, if the agent is capable of retarding the growth of microorganisms in the preparation to no more than approx.

1 log increase (a factor of 10) during approx. 24 hours after extrinsic contamination. In some embodiments, the antimicrobial agent is effective if it causes at least an approx.

1.0 log reduction from the original count at approx. 7 days, approx. one

3.0 log reduction at approx. 14 days and/or no increase at approx. day 28 in the bacteria samples. In some embodiments, the antimicrobial agent is effective if it causes at least about a 2.0 log reduction from the initial count at approx. 6 hours, approx. a 3.0 log reduction at approx. 24 hours and/or no recovery at approx. day 28 in the bacteria samples. In some embodiments, the antimicrobial agent is effective if it causes an approx. 2.0 log reduction from the initial count at approx. day 7 and/or no increase at approx. day 28 in yeast and mold samples. In some embodiments, the antimicrobial agent is effective if it causes at least about a 1.0 log reduction from the initial count at approx. 24 hours, approx. a 3.0 log reduction at approx. day 7 and no increase at approx. day 28 in the bacteria samples. In some embodiments, the antimicrobial agent is effective if it causes about a 1.0 log reduction from the initial count at approx. day 14 and no increase at approx. day 28 in the yeast and mold samples.

In some embodiments, the amount of the antimicrobial agent in the composition is below the level that induces a toxicological effect (that is, above a clinically acceptable level of toxicity) or a level at which a potential side effect can be controlled or tolerated when the composition is administered to an individual. Methods for determining the toxicity or side effects of agents administered to an individual are generally known in the art and depend on the particular antimicrobial agent in the preparation. For example, many calcium-gelating antimicrobial agents (such as EDTA) can cause cardiac problems (such as cardiac arrhythmia) when administered to an individual at high levels. Indications of cardiac arrhythmia can thus be monitored to evaluate the toxicity effect of the calcium-gelating agent. Other indications such as anemia (for ion gelators), weight loss and mortality can also be evaluated in animal models to determine the optimal amount of the antimicrobial agent.

In some embodiments, the antimicrobial agent is present in an amount that does not adversely affect the stability or properties of the carrier protein in the composition. In some embodiments, the antimicrobial agent (such as EDTA and non-gelating antimicrobial agents that are antioxidants) is present in an amount effective to inhibit oxidation in the composition. The specific amount of the antimicrobial agents in the preparation will vary with the particular antimicrobial agent or agents in the preparation and is described below in greater detail.

Gelating agents

In some embodiments, the antimicrobial agent is a gelling agent.

Gelating agents act as antimicrobial agents primarily by removing essential metal ions (such as calcium, zinc, magnesium, etc.) and making these unavailable for essential metabolic processes. The gelling agents are either specific to a particular metal ion (such as calcium, zinc, magnesium, etc) or show a wide spectrum of metal ion specificity. In some embodiments, the gelling agent is a polydentate. In some embodiments, the gelling agent comprises one or more carboxylic acid groups. In some embodiments, the gelling agent is not deferoxamine. Suitable gelling agents include, but are not limited to, edetate, citrate, pentetate, tromethamine, sorbate, ascorbate, derivatives thereof and mixtures thereof.

An antimicrobial agent that is aimed at here is an edetate, that is ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) and derivatives thereof. Suitable derivatives for use according to the invention include disodium, trisodium, tetrasodium and disodium calcium edetate. The nature of the edetate is not critical, provided it fulfills the function of inhibiting significant growth of microorganisms for an extended period of time (such as at least about 24 hours). In some embodiments, the edetate is present in the preparations in a concentration of approx.

0.001 mg/ml to approx. 1 mg/ml, including, for example, any of 0.01 mg/ml to about 1 mg/ml, approx. 0.01 mg/ml to approx. 0.5 mg/ml, approx. 0.01 mg/ml to approx. 0.3 mg/ml, approx.

0.02 mg/ml to approx. 0.2 mg/ml, approx. 0.03 mg/ml to approx. 0.1 mg/ml, and approx. 0.05 mg/ml. In some embodiments, the concentration of edetate is less than about 1 mg/ml, for example less than approx. any of 0.9, 0.8, 0.7, 0.6, 0.5, 0.4, 0.3, 0.2, 0.1, 0.09, 0.08, 0 .07, 0.06, 0.05, 0.04, 0.03, 0.02, 0.01, 0.009, 0.008, 0.007, 0.006, 0.005, 0.004, 0.003, 0.002 or 0.001 mg/ml. In some embodiments, the weight ratio of edetate:slightly water-soluble pharmaceutical agent in the preparation is approx. 0.002:1 to approx. 0.2:1, including for example 0.002:1 to approx. 0.1:1, approx. 0.002:1 to approx. 0.06:1, approx. 0.004:1 to approx.

0.04:1, approx. 0.006:1 to approx. 0.02:1, and approx. 0.01:1. In some embodiments, the weight ratio of edetate:low water-soluble pharmaceutical agent in the preparation is less than about any of 0.2:1, 1.5:1, 0.1:1, 0.05:1, 0.01:1 and 0.005:1.

Another antimicrobial agent targeted here is a citrate such as sodium citrate and citric acid. Suitable concentrations of citrate include, for example, approx. 0.1 mg/ml to approx. 200 mg/ml, approx. 0.2 mg/ml to approx. 100 mg/ml, approx. 0.3 mg/ml to approx. 50 mg/ml, approx. 0.5 mg/ml to approx. 10 mg/ml, and approx. 1 mg/ml to approx. 5 mg/ml. In some embodiments, the concentration of citrate is less than about 200 mg/ml, which is less than approx. any of 100, 50, 30, 20, 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, 0.9, 0.8, 0.7, 0.6, 0 .5, 0.4, 0.3 or 0.2 mg/ml. In some embodiments, the citrate:low water soluble pharmaceutical weight ratio is about 0.02:1 to approx. 40:1, including for example approx. 0.04:1 to approx. 20:1, approx. 0.06:1 to approx. 10:1, approx. 0.1:1 to approx. 2:1, approx. 0.2:1 to approx. 1 mg/ml. In some embodiments, the citrate:poorly water soluble pharmaceutical weight ratio is less than about any of 40:1, 30:1, 20:1, 10:1, 5:1, 1:1, 0.5:1 and 0.1:1.

In other embodiments, the antimicrobial agent is not citrate (ie is different from citrate).

The antimicrobial agent may also be a pentetate (including calcium trisodium pentetate). In some embodiments, the amount of pentetate is less than about

3 mg/ml (including, for example, less than about any of 2, 1.5, 1, 0.5, 0.3, 0.1, 0.09, 0.08, 0.7, 0 .6, 0.5, 0.4, 0.3, 0.2, 0.1 and 0.05 mg/ml). For example, the pentetate may be present in the range of any of approx. 0.005 to approx. 3 mg/ml, approx. 0.005 to approx. 0.1 mg/ml, or approx. 0.005 to approx. 0.05 mg/ml. In some embodiments, the weight ratio of pentetate:low water-soluble pharmaceutical is about 0.001:1 to approx. 0.6:1, including for example approx. 0.001:1 to approx. 0.2:1, and approx. 0.01:1 to approx. 0.1:1. In some embodiments, the pentetate:low water-soluble pharmaceutical weight ratio is less than about any of 0.6:1, 0.3:1, 0.1:1, 0.05:1 and 0.01:1.

Another antimicrobial agent targeted here is tromethamine. Tromethamine as used herein refers to 2-amino-2-hydroxymethyl-1,3-propanediol, also known as TRIS. In some embodiments, tromethamine is present in compositions in amounts of no more than about 2.5 mg/ml (including, for example, less than about any of 2.5, 2, 1.5 or 1 mg/ml). For example, tromethamine is present in the area of any of approx. 1.5 to approx. 2.5 mg/ml, which approx. 2 mg/ml. Another exemplary amount of tromethamine is approx. 2.4 mg/ml. In some embodiments, the tromethamine:poorly water soluble pharmaceutical weight ratio is about 0.1:1 to approx. 0.5:1 including, for example, approx.

0.2:1 to approx. 0.5:1 and approx. 0.2:1 to approx. 0.4:1. In some embodiments, the weight ratio of tromethamine:slightly water-soluble pharmaceutical agent in the preparation is less than about any of 0.5:1, 0.4:1, 0.3:1, 0.2:1 and 0.1:1.

In some embodiments, the gelling antimicrobial agent is a sorbate (such as potassium sorbate). In some embodiments, the sorbate is present in the compositions in amounts of no more than about 2.5 mg/ml (including, for example, less than about any of 2.5, 2, 1.5 or 1 mg/ml). For example, the sorbate may be present in an amount of approx. 0.5 mg/ml. In some embodiments, the weight ratio of sorbate:low water-soluble pharmaceutical agent in the preparation is less than about any of 0.5:1, 0.4:1, 0.2:1 or 0.1:1.

In some embodiments, the gelling antimicrobial agent is an ascorbate (such as sodium ascorbate). In some embodiments, the ascorbate is present in the composition in amounts of no more than about 5 mg/ml (including, for example, less than about any of 2.5, 2, 1.5 or 1 mg/ml). For example, the ascorbate may be present in an amount of 1 mg/ml. In some embodiments, the weight ratio of sorbate:slightly water-soluble pharmaceutical agent in the preparation is less than about any of 1:1, 0.5:1, 0.4:1, 0.2:1 or 0.1:1.

Other suitable metal gelating, antimicrobial agents and exemplary amounts thereof include, but are not limited to sodium formaldehyde sulfoxylate

(0.1 mg/ml) and monothiolglycerol (5 mg/ml).

Non-gelating agents

In some embodiments, the antimicrobial agent is not a gelling agent (ie, is a non-gelating antimicrobial agent) including but not limited to sulfites, benzoic acid, benzyl alcohol, chlorobutanol, and derivatives thereof. These non-gelating, antimicrobial agents work via a number of mechanisms. In some embodiments, the non-gelating, antimicrobial agent acts as a pro-oxidant. In some embodiments, the non-gelating, antimicrobial agent acts as an antioxidant.

An antimicrobial agent aimed at here is a sulfite. The term "sulphites" refers to all pharmaceutically acceptable derivatives of sulfuric acid (orthosulfuric acid) and metasulfuric acid. Suitable sulfites include, but are not limited to, sodium sulfite and bisulfite, potassium sulfite and bisulfite, sodium metabisulfite, potassium metabisulfite, or combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the sulfite is present from about 0.075 to approx. 6.6 mg/ml, including for example any of approx. 0.075 to approx. 1 mg/ml and approx. 0.25 mg/ml. In some embodiments, the sulfite is present in an amount less than about any one of 5 mg/ml, 3 mg/ml and 1 mg/ml. In some embodiments, the sulfite:poorly water-soluble pharmaceutical weight ratio is about 0.01:1 to approx. 1.5:1, including for example 0.02:1 to approx. 1:1, and approx. 0.05:1 to approx. 0.5:1. In some embodiments, the sulfite:poorly water-soluble pharmaceutical weight ratio is less than about any of 1.5:1, 1:1, 0.5:1 and 0.05:1.

In some embodiments, the antimicrobial agent is a benzoic acid, benzyl alcohol, or derivatives thereof. In some embodiments, the antimicrobial agent is selected from the group consisting of benzyl alcohol, benzethonium chloride, sodium benzoate, potassium benzoate, benzyl benzoate, or various combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the amount of benzyl alcohol is in the range of about 0.175 to approx. 9 mg/ml, including for example any of approx. 0.7 to approx. 4.5 mg/ml, approx. 1.5 mg/ml and approx. 1 mg/ml. In some embodiments, the amount of benzyl alcohol is about 0.7 to approx. 9 mg/ml, possibly including an amount of EDTA of approx. 0.05 mg/ml. In some embodiments, the preparation comprises a benzoic acid or a derivative thereof in the range of approx. 2 mg/ml to approx. 50 mg/ml, including for example any of approx. 1 mg/ml to approx. 20 mg/ml, approx. 2 mg/ml to approx. 10 mg/ml and approx. 5 mg/ml. In some embodiments, the preparation comprises a benzyl benzoate or sodium benzoate in the range of 0.1 mg/ml to approx. 460 mg/ml, including for example 0.5 mg/ml to approx. 200 mg/ml, approx. 1 mg/ml to approx. 100 mg/ml, approx. 1 mg/ml to approx. 50 mg/ml and 1 mg/ml. In some embodiments, the preparation comprises an amount of benzethonium chloride of approx. 0.1 mg/ml to approx. 1 mg/ml. In some embodiments, the weight ratio of benzoic acid or benzyl alcohol and the poorly water-soluble pharmaceutical agent in the preparation is approx. 0.02:1 to approx. 150:1, including for example approx. 0.1:1 to approx. 40:1, approx. 0.2:1 to approx. 20:1, and approx. 0.2:1 to approx. 10:1. In some embodiments, the weight ratio of benzoic acid or benzyl alcohol:low water-soluble agent in the preparation is less than about any of 150:1, 100:1, 50:1, 10:1, 5:1, 1:1, 0.5:1 and 0.1:1.

In some embodiments, the antimicrobial agent is a chlorobutanol or derivatives thereof (such as chlorobutanol hemihydrate). Suitable amounts of chlorobutanol include, for example, approx. 2.5 mg/ml to approx. 50 mg/ml, approx. 5 mg/ml to approx. 20 mg/ml. In some embodiments, the antimicrobial agent is a phenol or a derivative thereof. A suitable amount of phenol (or a derivative thereof) includes, for example, approx. 0.7 mg/ml to approx. 25 mg/ml, approx. 1 mg/ml to approx. 20 mg/ml. In some embodiments, the antimicrobial agent is a cresol (such as m-cresol) or a derivative thereof. Suitable amounts of cresol (or a derivative thereof) include, for example, any of about 1.5 mg/ml to approx. 31 mg/ml and approx. 5 mg/ml to approx. 15 mg/ml.

In some embodiments, the non-gelling agent is paraben including, but not limited to, methyl, butyl, and propyl paraben. A suitable amount of paraben (such as methylparaben) includes, for example, any of approx. 0.05 mg/ml to approx. 5 mg/ml, approx. 0.08 mg/ml to approx. 3 mg/ml, approx. 0.1 mg/ml to approx. 2 mg/ml, approx.

0.2 mg/ml to approx. 1.5 mg/ml and approx. 1 mg/ml.

Other suitable antimicrobial agents include, but are not limited to, nitrates and nitrites (such as phenylmercuric nitrate), esters of p-hydroxybenzoic acid, propionic acid and propionates, sodium diacetates, sorbic acid and sorbates, sulfur dioxide, diethyl pyrocarbonate (DEPC), sodium hypochlorite, sodium iodide, thimerosal and similar.

In some embodiments, the compositions described herein comprise at least two (including, for example, at least any of 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or 10) different antimicrobial agents (such as at least two of the antimicrobial agents that is described here). These antimicrobial agents can be of the same type (different sulfite), or of different type (for example, a sulfite and a benzyl alcohol). For example, combinations of methylparaben and propylparaben (1-2 mg/ml) have been found to be particularly good against fungus. When several microbial agents are present in the preparation, the effective amount of each antimicrobial agent depends on the combined effects of the antimicrobial agents. If, for example, the antimicrobial agent acts synergistically, the effective amount of each antimicrobial agent may be much less than that required when the antimicrobial agent is present alone in a preparation. In some embodiments, the preparation comprises both citrate and EDTA. Citrate and EDTA have been found to be particularly effective against E. coli. In some embodiments, the preparation comprises 200 mM citrate and EDTA. In some embodiments, the preparation comprises

200 mM citrate and any of 0.001%, 0.01%, 0.1% and 0.2% w/v EDTA.

Poorly water-soluble pharmaceutical agent

The preparations described here include poorly water-soluble pharmaceutical agents. For example, the solubility in water for a low water-soluble agent at approx. 20-25 °C be less than approx. 10 mg/ml, including for example less than approx. any of 5, 2, 1, 0.5, 0.2, 0.1, 0.05, 0.02 or 0.01 mg/ml. Poorly water-soluble pharmaceutical agents described here can be, for example, anticancer and antineoplastic agents, antimicrotubule agents, immunosuppressive agents, anesthetics, hormones, agents for use in cardiovascular disorders, antiarrhythmics, antibiotics, antifungals, antihypertensives, antiasthmatics, antiinflammatory agents, antiarthritic agents ) agents, antiplatelet agents, anticonvulsants, antiparkinsonian agents, anti-histamines/anti-pruritic agents, agents useful for calcium regulation, antiviral agents, antimicrobial agents, anti-infectives, bronchodilators, hormones, hypoglycemic agents, hypolipidemics ke agents, anti-ulcer/anti-reflux agents, anti-inflammatory agents/anti-emetics, and oil-soluble vitamins (for example vitamins A, D, E, K and the like).

In some embodiments, the poorly water-soluble pharmaceutical agent is an antineoplastic agent. In some embodiments, the poorly water-soluble pharmaceutical agent is a chemotherapeutic agent.

Suitable poorly water-soluble pharmaceutical agents include, but are not limited to taxanes (such as paclitaxel, docetaxel, ortataxel and other taxanes), epothilones, camptothecins, colchicines, geldanamycins, amiodarones, thyroid hormones, amphotericin, corticosteroids, propofol, melatonin, cyclosporine, rapamycin ( sirolimus) and derivatives, tacrolimus, mycophenolic acids, ifosfamide, vinorelbine, vancomycin, gemcitabine, SU5416, thiotepa, bleomycin, diagnostic radiocontrast agents, and derivatives thereof. Other poorly water-soluble pharmaceutical agents that are useful in the compositions of the invention are described, for example, in US 5,916,596, 6,096,331, 6,749,868 and 6,537,539. Further examples of poorly water-soluble pharmaceutical agents include those compounds that are poorly water-soluble and which are summarized in the "Therapeutic Category and Biological Activity Index" in The Merck Index (12th edition, 1996).

In some embodiments, the poorly water-soluble pharmaceutical agent is any one of (and in some embodiments selected from the group consisting of) paclitaxel, docetaxel, ortataxel or another taxane or a taxane analog, 17-allylaminogeldanamycin (17-AAG), 18- derivatized geldanamycin, camptothecin, propofol, amiodarone, cyclosporine, epothilone, radicicol, combretastatin, rapamycin, amphotericin, liothyronine, epothilone, colcicin, thiocolcicin and its dimers, thyroid hormone, vasoactive intestinal peptide, corticosteroids, melatonin, tacrolimus, mycophenolic acids, epothilones, radicicols, combretastatins , and analog or derivative thereof. In some embodiments, the poorly water-soluble pharmaceutical agent is any one of (and in some embodiments selected from the group consisting of) paclitaxel, docetaxel, ortataxel or other taxanes, geldanamycin, 17-allylaminogeldanamycin, thiocolcicin and its dimers, rapamycin, cyclosporine, epothilone, radicicol and combretastatin. In some embodiments, the poorly water-soluble pharmaceutical agent is rapamycin. In some embodiments, the poorly water-soluble pharmaceutical agent is 17-AAG. In some embodiments, the poorly water-soluble pharmaceutical agent is a thiocolcic dimer (such as IDN5404).

In some embodiments, the poorly water-soluble pharmaceutical agent is a taxane or derivative thereof including, but not limited to, paclitaxel, docetaxel, and IDN5109 (ortaxaxel), or a derivative thereof. In some embodiments, the preparation comprises a non-crystalline and/or amorphous taxane (such as paclitaxel or a derivative thereof). In some embodiments, the preparation is prepared by using an anhydrous taxane (such as an anhydrous docetaxel or a derivative thereof). Anhydrous docetaxel has been shown to provide a more stable formulation than can be prepared with a hydrated docetaxel such as docetaxel trihydrate or docetaxel hemihydrate.

Carrier protein

The preparations described here also include carrier proteins. The term "proteins" refers to polypeptides or polymers of amino acids of any length (including full length or fragments), which may be straight or branched, comprise modified amino acids, and/or be interrupted by non-amino acids. The term also includes an amino acid polymer that has been modified naturally or by intervention; for example, disulfide bond formation, glycosylation, lipidation, acetylation, phosphorylation, or any other manipulation or modification. Also included within this term are, for example, polypeptides containing one or more analogs of an amino acid (including, for example, unnatural amino acids, etc), as well as other modifications well known in the art. The proteins described here can be naturally occurring, i.e. obtained or derived from a natural source (such as blood), or synthesized (such as chemically synthesized or synthesized by recombinant DNA techniques).

Examples of suitable carrier proteins include proteins normally found in blood or plasma and which include, but are not limited to, albumin, immunoglobulin including IgA, lipoproteins, apolipoprotein B, α-acid glycoprotein, β-2-macroglobulin, thyroglobulin, transferrin, fibronectin, factor VII, factor VIII, factor IX,

factor X, and the like. In some embodiments, the carrier protein is a non-blood protein such as casein, α-lactalbumin, and β-lactoglobulin. The carrier proteins can be either of natural origin or produced synthetically. In some embodiments, the pharmaceutically acceptable carrier comprises albumin, such as HSA. HSA is a high-resolution globular protein with Mr 65K and consists of 585 amino acids. HSA is the most abundant protein in the plasma and accounts for 70-80% of the colloid osmotic pressure in human plasma. The amino acid sequence for HSA contains a total of 17 disulfide bridges, a free thiol (Cys 34) and a single tryptophan (Trp 214). The intravenous use of HSA solution has been suggested for the prevention and treatment of hypovolemic shock (see, for example, Tullis, JAMA, 237, 355-360, 460-463, (1977)) and Houser et al., Surgery, Gynecology and Obstetrics, 150, 811-816 (1980)) and in connection with exchange transfusion in the treatment of neonatal hyperbilirubinemia (see for example Finlayson, Seminars in Thrombosis and Hemostasis, 6, 85-120, (1980)). Other albumins have also been targeted such as bovine serum albumin. The use of such non-human albumins may be appropriate, for example when using these preparations in non-human animals such as veterinary animals (including pets and farm animals).

Human serum albumin (HSA) has a number of hydrophobic binding sites (a total of eight for fatty acids, an endogenous ligand of HSA) and binds a diverse set of drugs, particularly neutral and negatively charged, hydrophobic compounds (Goodman et al., The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics, 9 . ed., McGraw-Hill New York (1996)). Two high-affinity binding sites have been proposed in subdomains IIA and IIIA of HSA, which are highly elongated hydrophobic pockets with charged lysine and arginine residues near the surface that act as an attachment point for polar ligand features (see, for example, Fehske et al., Biochem. Pharmacol., 30 , 687-92 (1981), Vorum, Dan. Med. Bull., 46, 379-99 (1999), Kragh-Hansen, Dan. Med. Bull., 1441, 131-40 (1990), Curry et al. , Nat. Struct. Biol., 5, 827-35 (1998), Sugio et al., Protein. Eng., 12, 439-46 (1999), He et al., Nature, 358, 209-15 (1992 ), and Carter et al., Adv. Protein. Chem., 45, 153-203 (1994)). Paclitaxel and propofol have been shown to bind to HSA (see, for example, Paal et al., Eur. J. Biochem., 268(7), 2187-91 (2001), Purcell et al., Biochim. Biophys. Acta, 1478 (1), 61-8 (2000), Altmayer et al., Arzneimittelforschung, 45, 1053-6 (1995), and Garrido et al., Rev. Esp. Anesthestiol. Reanim., 41, 308-12 (1994) ). In addition, docetaxel has been shown to bind to human plasma proteins (see, for example, Urien et al., Invest. New Drugs, 14(2), 147-51 (1996)).

The carrier protein (such as albumin) in the preparation generally serves as a carrier for the poorly water-soluble pharmaceutical agent, i.e. the carrier protein in the preparation makes the poorly water-soluble pharmaceutical agent more easily suspendable in an aqueous medium or supports the maintenance of the suspension compared to preparations that do not comprises a carrier protein. This may avoid the use of toxic solvents for solubilization of the poorly water-soluble pharmaceutical agent, which may thereby reduce one or more side effects when administering the poorly water-soluble pharmaceutical agent to an individual (such as a human). In some embodiments, the preparation as described here is thus essentially free (as free) of Cremophor such as Cremophor EL<®>(BASF). In some embodiments, the composition is substantially free (like free) of surfactants. A composition is "substantially free of Cremophor" or "substantially free of surfactant" if the amount of Cremophor or surfactant in the composition is not sufficient to cause one or more side effects in an individual when the composition is administered to the individual.

In some embodiments, the carrier protein is associated with the poorly water-soluble pharmaceutical agent, that is, the preparation comprises a carrier protein-associated, poorly water-soluble pharmaceutical agent. "Association" or "associated" is used here in purely general terms and refers to the carrier protein that affects a behavior and/or a property of the poorly water-soluble pharmaceutical agent in an aqueous preparation. For example, the carrier protein and the poorly water-soluble pharmaceutical agent are considered "associated" if the carrier protein makes the poorly water-soluble pharmaceutical agent more easily suspendable in an aqueous medium compared to a preparation without the carrier protein. As another example, the carrier protein and the poorly water-soluble pharmaceutical agent are associated if the carrier protein stabilizes the poorly water-soluble pharmaceutical agent in an aqueous suspension. For example, the carrier protein and the poorly water-soluble pharmaceutical agent may be present in a particle or nanoparticle further described herein.

A poorly water-soluble pharmaceutical agent is "stabilized" in an aqueous suspension if it remains suspended in an aqueous medium (such as without visible precipitation or sedimentation) for an extended period of time such as at least about any of 0.1, 0.2, 0.25, 0.5, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 24, 36, 48 , 60 or 72 hours. The suspension is generally, but not necessarily, suitable for administration to an individual (such as a human). Stability of the suspension is generally (but not necessarily) evaluated at a storage temperature (such as room temperature (such as 20-25°C)) or under refrigeration conditions (such as 4°C). For example, a suspension is stable at a storage temperature if it shows no flocculation or particle agglomeration visible to the naked eye or when viewed under the optical microscope at a magnification of 1,000 times, approximately. 15 minutes after preparation of the suspension. Stability can also be evaluated under accelerated testing conditions such as at a temperature above approx. 40 °C.

The carrier protein and the poorly water-soluble pharmaceutical agent in the preparation can be associated in different ways. In some embodiments, for example, the carrier protein is in admixture with the poorly water-soluble pharmaceutical agent. In some embodiments, the carrier protein encapsulates or captures the poorly water-soluble pharmaceutical agent. In some embodiments, the carrier protein is bound (eg, non-covalently bound) to the poorly water-soluble pharmaceutical agent. In some embodiments, the preparation may exhibit one or more of the above aspects.

In some embodiments, the composition comprises particles (such as nanoparticles) comprising (in various embodiments essentially consisting of) a poorly water-soluble pharmaceutical agent and a carrier protein. When the poorly water-soluble pharmaceutical agent is in liquid form, the particles or nanoparticles are also indicated as small droplets or nanodroplets. In some embodiments, the poorly water-soluble agent is coated with the carrier protein. Particles (such as nanoparticles) of poorly water-soluble pharmaceutical agents are described, for example, in US 5,916,596;

6,506,405; 6,537,579; and also in US pat. public No. 2005/0004002A1.

In some embodiments, the preparation comprises particles (such as nanoparticles) with an average or mean diameter of no more than approx. 1,000 nm, which is no more than approx. any of 900, 800, 700, 600, 500, 400, 300, 200 and 100 nm. In some embodiments, the mean or median diameter of the particles is no greater than about 200 nm. In some embodiments, the average or mean diameter of the particles is between about 20 and approx. 400 nm. In some embodiments, the mean or median diameter of the particles is between about 40 and approx. 200 nm. In some embodiments, the particles are sterile filterable.

The particles (such as nanoparticles) as described herein may be presented in a dry formulation (such as a lyophilized preparation) or suspended in a biocompatible medium. Suitable biocompatible media include, but are not limited to, water, buffered aqueous medium, salt solution, buffered salt solution, optionally buffered solutions of amino acids, optionally buffered solutions of proteins, optionally buffered solutions of sugars, optionally buffered solutions of vitamins, optionally buffered solutions of synthetic polymers, lipid-containing emulsions, and the like.

The amount of carrier protein in the preparation as described here will vary depending on the poorly water-soluble pharmaceutical agent and other components in the preparation. In some embodiments, the preparation comprises a carrier protein in an amount sufficient to stabilize the poorly water-soluble pharmaceutical agent in an aqueous suspension, for example in the form of a stable colloidal suspension (such as a stable suspension of nanoparticles). In some embodiments, the carrier protein is in an amount that reduces the rate of sedimentation of the poorly water-soluble pharmaceutical agent in an aqueous medium. For particulate preparations, the amount of the carrier protein also depends on the size and density of the particles of the poorly water-soluble pharmaceutical agent.

In some embodiments, the carrier protein is present in an amount sufficient to stabilize the poorly water-soluble pharmaceutical agent in an aqueous suspension at a suitable concentration. For example, the concentration of the poorly water-soluble pharmaceutical agent in the preparation is approx. 0.1 mg/ml to approx. 100 mg/ml, including for example any of approx. 0.1 mg/ml to approx. 50 mg/ml, approx.

0.1 mg/ml to approx. 20 mg/ml, approx. 1 mg/ml to approx. 10 mg/ml, approx. 2 mg/ml to approx. 8 mg/ml, approx. 4 mg/ml to approx. 6 mg/ml, approx. 5 mg/ml. In some embodiments, the concentration of the poorly water-soluble pharmaceutical agent is at least about any one of

1.3 mg/ml, 1.5 mg/ml, 2 mg/ml, 3 mg/ml, 4 mg/ml, 5 mg/ml, 6 mg/ml, 7 mg/ml, 8 mg/ml, 9 mg/ml, 10 mg/ml, 15 mg/ml, 20 mg/ml, 25 mg/ml, 30 mg/ml, 40 mg/ml and 50 mg/ml. In some embodiments, the carrier protein is present in an amount that avoids the use of surfactants (such as Cremophor), so that the preparation is free or substantially free of surfactant (such as Cremophor).

In some embodiments, the preparation comprises, in liquid form, from approx. 0.1% to approx.

50% w/v (for example approx. 0.5 w/v), approx. 5% weight/volume, approx. 10% weight/volume, approx. 15% weight/volume, approx. 20% (weight/volume), approx. 30% weight/volume, approx. 40% weight/volume, or approx. 50% weight/volume of carrier protein. In some embodiments, the preparation in a liquid form comprises approx. 0.5% to approx. 5% w/v of carrier protein.

In some embodiments, the weight ratio is carrier protein, eg, albumin:slightly water-soluble pharmaceutical agent such that a sufficient amount of the slightly water-soluble pharmaceutical agent binds to, or is transported by, the cell. While the carrier protein:pharmaceutical weight ratio will have to be optimized for different carrier protein and drug combinations, in general the weight ratio of carrier protein such as albumin:pharmaceutical agent on a weight basis is approx. 0.01: to approx. 100:1, approx. 0.02:1 to approx. 50:1, approx. 0.05:1 to approx. 20:1, approx. 0.1:1 to approx. 20:1, approx. 1:1 to approx. 18:1, approx. 2:1 to approx. 15:1, approx.

3:1 to approx. 12:1, approx. 4:1 to approx. 10:1, approx. 5:1 to approx. 9:1, or approx. 9:1. In some embodiments, the carrier-protein:pharmaceutical agent weight ratio is about any of 18:1 or less, 15:1 or less, 14:1 or less, 13:1 or less, 12:1 or less, 11:1 or less, 10:1 or less, 9:1 or less, 8:1 or less, 7:1 or less, 6:1 or less, 5:1 or less, 4:1 or less and 3:1 or less.

In some embodiments, the carrier protein allows the composition to be administered to an individual (such as a human) without significant side effects. In some embodiments, the carrier protein (such as albumin) is present in an amount effective to reduce one or more side effects upon administration of the poorly water-soluble pharmaceutical agent to a human. The phrase "reduce one or more side effects upon administration of the poorly water-soluble pharmaceutical agent" refers to the reduction, alleviation, elimination, or avoidance of one or more desired effects caused by the poorly water-soluble pharmaceutical agent, as well as side effects caused by delivery vehicles (such as solvents that make the poorly water-soluble pharmaceutical agents suitable for injection) which are used to deliver the poorly water-soluble pharmaceutical agent. Such side effects include, for example, myelosuppression, neurotoxicity, hypersensitivity, inflammation, venous irritation, phlebitis, pain, skin irritation, peripheral neuropathy, neutropenic fever, anaphylactic reaction, venous thrombosis, extravasation and combinations thereof. However, these side effects are only examples and other side effects, or combinations thereof, associated with different pharmaceutical agents, can be reduced.

In some embodiments, the preparation comprises particles (such as nanoparticles) comprising (in various embodiments consisting of, or essentially consisting of) a poorly water-soluble pharmaceutical agent and an albumin in which the weight ratio of albumin:slightly water-soluble pharmaceutical agent is approx. 0.01:1 to approx. 100:1, approx. 0.02:1 to approx. 50:1, approx. 0.05:1 to approx. 20:1, approx. 0.1:1 to approx. 20:1, approx. 1:1 to approx. 18:1, approx. 2:1 to approx. 15:1, approx.

3:1 to approx. 12:1, approx. 4:1 to approx. 10:1, approx. 5:1 to approx. 9:1, or approx. 9:1. In some embodiments, the carrier protein:pharmaceutical agent weight ratio is about any of 18:1 or less, 15:1 or less, 14:1 or less, 13:1 or less, 12:1 or less, 11:1 or less, 10:1 or less, 9:1 or less, 8:1 or less, 7:1 or less, 6:1 or less, 5:1 or less, 4:1 or less and 3:1 or less. In some embodiments, the poorly water-soluble agent is a taxane or a derivative thereof such as paclitaxel, docetaxel, ortataxel, or derivatives thereof.

In some embodiments, the poorly water-soluble pharmaceutical agent is coated with albumin. In some embodiments, the particles (such as nanoparticles) comprise a slightly water-soluble pharmaceutical agent and albumin suspended in an aqueous medium (such as an aqueous medium containing the albumin). For example, the preparation can be a colloidal suspension of the poorly water-soluble pharmaceutical particles (such as nanoparticles). In some embodiments, the composition is a dry (such as lyophilized) composition that can be reconstituted or suspended into a stable suspension of particles as described herein.

The concentration of the poorly water-soluble pharmaceutical agent in the liquid preparation or the reconstituted preparation can be diluted (0.1 mg/ml) or concentrated (100 mg/ml), including, for example, approx. 0.1 to approx. 50 mg/ml, approx. 0.1 to approx. 20 mg/ml, approx. 1 mg/ml to approx. 10 mg/ml, approx. 2 mg/ml to approx. 8 mg/ml, approx. 4 mg/ml to approx. 6 mg/ml, approx. 5 mg/ml. In some embodiments, the concentration of poorly water-soluble pharmaceutical agent is about any of 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 30, 35 , 40, 45 or 50 mg/ml. In some embodiments, the poorly water-soluble pharmaceutical agent is a taxane or derivative thereof, such as paclitaxel, docetaxel, ortataxel, or derivatives thereof.

In some embodiments, the preparation comprises particles (such as nanoparticles) comprising paclitaxel, such as particles having an average or median diameter of about 20 to approx. 400 nm, including for example approx. 40 to approx. 200 nm. In some embodiments, the composition comprises particles (such as nanoparticles) (in various embodiments consisting essentially of) paclitaxel and albumin. In some embodiments, paclitaxel is coated with albumin. In some embodiments, the albumin:paclitaxel weight ratio is any of about 0.01:1 to approx. 100:1, approx. 0.02:1 to approx. 50:1, approx. 0.05:1 to approx. 20:1, approx. 0.1:1 to approx. 20:1, approx. 1:1 to approx. 18:1, approx. 2:1 to approx. 15:1, approx. 3:1 to approx. 12:1, approx. 4:1 to approx. 10:1, approx. 5:1 to approx. 9:1, and approx. 9:1. In some embodiments, the albumin:paclitaxel weight ratio is less than any of 18:1 or less, 15:1 or less, 14:1 or less, 13:1 or less, 12:1 or less, 11:1 or less, 10:1 or less, 9:1 or less, 8:1 or less, 7:1 or less, 6:1 or less, 5:1 or less, 4:1 or less and 3:1 or less.

In some embodiments, the particles (such as nanoparticles) comprising paclitaxel and albumin are suspended in an aqueous medium (such as an aqueous medium containing the albumin). For example, the preparation can be a colloidal suspension of the paclitaxel-containing particles (such as nanoparticles). In some embodiments, the preparation is a dry (such as lyophilized preparation) which can be reconstituted into an aqueous suspension of the paclitaxel-containing particles. In some embodiments, the concentration of paclitaxel in the preparation is between approx. 0.1 to approx. 100 mg/ml, including for example any of approx. 0.1 mg/ml to approx. 50 mg/ml, approx. 0.1 mg/ml to approx. 20 mg/ml, approx. 1 mg/ml to approx. 10 mg/ml, approx. 2 mg/ml to approx. 8 mg/ml, approx. 4 mg/ml to approx. 6 mg/ml, and approx. 5 mg/ml. In some embodiments, the concentration of paclitaxel is at least about one of 1.3 mg/ml, 1.5 mg/ml, 2 mg/ml, 3 mg/ml, 4 mg/ml, 5 mg/ml, 6 mg/ml, 7 mg/ml, 8 mg/ml , 9 mg/ml, 10 mg/ml, 15 mg/ml, 20 mg/ml, 25 mg/ml, 30 mg/ml,

40 mg/ml and 50 mg/ml.

In some embodiments, the preparation comprises an albumin-containing nanoparticle formulation of paclitaxel (hereinafter referred to as Nab-paclitaxel). Nab-paclitaxel as Capxol<TM> (also known as Abraxane<TM>) is described in US 6,096,331. Capxol<TM> is a formulation of paclitaxel stabilized with human albumin USP that can be dispersed in a directly injectable physiological resolution. When dispersed in a suitable aqueous medium such as 0.9% sodium chloride injection or 5% dextrose injection, Capxol<TM> forms a stable colloidal suspension of paclitaxel. The size (that is, average or mean diameter) of the particles in the colloidal suspension can range from

20 nm to 8 microns with a preferred range of approx. 20-400 nm. Since HSA is freely soluble in water, Capxol<TM> can be reconstituted in a wide range of concentrations from dilute (0.1 mg/ml paclitaxel) to concentrated (20 mg/ml paclitaxel), including for example approx. 2 mg/ml to approx. 8 mg/ml, approx. 5 mg/ml. In some embodiments, the paclitaxel concentration is about any one of 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19 and 20 mg/ml.

Sugary preparations

The present invention also provides preparations (such as pharmaceutical preparations) comprising a slightly water-soluble agent, a carrier protein (such as albumin) and a sugar. The preparation can further comprise an antimicrobial agent as described here. The preparation as described here includes, for example, dry (such as lyophilized) preparations, liquid (such as aqueous) preparations obtained by reconstitution or resuspension of a dry preparation, or intermediate liquid (such as aqueous) preparations that can be dried (such as lyophilized).

"Sugar" as used herein includes, but is not limited to, monosaccharide, disaccharide, polysaccharide and derivatives or modifications thereof. Suitable sugars for preparations as described herein include, for example, mannitol, sucrose, fructose, lactose, maltose and trehalose. In some embodiments, sugar serves as a reconstitution enhancer that causes a lyophilized preparation to dissolve or suspend in water and/or aqueous solution faster than the lyophilized preparation would dissolve without the sugar. For example, the preparation can be a dry (such as lyophilized) preparation where the preparation can be reconstituted (or resuspended or rehydrated) into a stable aqueous suspension of the poorly water-soluble pharmaceutical agent, and where the time for reconstituting the preparation in an aqueous solution is less than for the preparation without the sugar. In some embodiments, the preparation can be reconstituted (for example by mixing, tapping or vortexing) within at least approx. any of 8 minutes, 5 minutes or 2 minutes.

In some embodiments, the sugar is present in an amount effective to increase the chemical stability of the poorly water-soluble pharmaceutical agent in the preparation. In some embodiments, the sugar is present in an amount effective to improve the filterability of the composition. In some embodiments, the sugar is present in an amount effective to reduce foaming during reconstitution of the dry (such as lyophilized) formulation. These improvements are compared to preparations without the sugar.

In some embodiments, the concentration of sugar in a liquid suspension (such as the suspension prior to lyophilization or reconstituted suspension) is greater than about any of 50, 60, 70, 80, 90 or 100 mg/ml. In some embodiments, the sugar is present in an amount of any of about 20 mg/ml to approx.

100 mg/ml, approx. 50 mg/ml to approx. 100 mg/ml, approx. 90 mg/ml. The weight ratio of sugar:slightly water-soluble pharmaceutical agent in the preparation may vary depending on the slightly water-soluble pharmaceutical agent. The exemplary sugar:poorly water-soluble pharmaceutical (such as paclitaxel) ratio includes, for example, approx. any of 2:1, 3:1, 4:1, 5:1, 6:1, 7:1, 8:1, 9:1, 10:1, or more.

In certain embodiments, the preparation comprises (1) particles (such as nanoparticles) comprising a poorly water-soluble pharmaceutical agent (such as a taxane or derivatives thereof) and albumin; and (2) a sugar, where the albumin:pharmaceutical weight ratio is about

0.01:1 to approx. 100:1, including for example approx. 0.02:1 to approx. 50:1, approx. 0.05:1 to approx. 20:1, approx. 0.1:1 to approx. 20:1, approx. 1:1 to approx. 18:1, approx. 2:1 to approx. 15:1, approx. 3:1 to approx. 12:1, approx. 4:1 to approx. 10:1, approx. 5:1 to approx. 9:1, and approx. 9:1. In some embodiments, the albumin:pharmaceutical agent weight ratio is about 18:1 or less, including for example approx. any of 15:1 or less, 14:1 or less, 13:1 or less, 12:1 or less, 11:1 or less, 10:1 or less, 9:1 or less, 8:1 or less, 7:1 or less, 6:1 or less, 5:1 or less, 4:1 or less and 3:1 or less. The poorly water-soluble pharmaceutical agent may be coated with albumin.

In some embodiments, the invention provides a preparation comprising paclitaxel, an albumin and a sugar, where the albumin:paclitaxel weight ratio is approx.

0.01:1 to approx. 100:1, including for example approx. 0.02:1 to approx. 50:1, approx. 0.05:1 to approx. 20:1, approx. 0.1:1 to approx. 20:1, approx. 1:1 to approx. 18:1, approx. 2:1 to approx. 15:1, approx. 3:1 to approx. 12:1, approx. 4:1 to approx. 10:1, approx. 5:1 to approx. 9:1, and approx. 9:1. In some embodiments, the albumin:paclitaxel weight ratio is about 18:1 or less, including for example any of 15:1 or less, 14:1 or less, 13:1 or less, 12:1 or less, 11:1 or less, 10:1 or less, 9:1 or less, 8:1 or less, 7:1 or less, 6:1 or less, 5:1 or less, 4:1 or less and 3:1 or less. In some embodiments, the composition comprises (1) particles (such as nanoparticles) comprising paclitaxel and albumin; and (2) a sugar, where the albumin:paclitaxel weight ratio is approx. 0.01:1 to approx. 100:1, including for example any of approx. 0.02:1 to approx. 50:1, approx. 0.05:1 to approx.

20:1, approx. 0.1:1 to approx. 20:1, approx. 1:1 to approx. 18:1, approx. 2:1 to approx. 15:1, approx. 3:1 to approx. 12:1, approx. 4:1 to approx. 10:1, approx. 5:1 to approx. 9:1, and approx. 9:1. In some embodiments, the albumin:paclitaxel weight ratio is about 18:1 or less, including for example approx. any of 15:1 or less, 14:1 or less, 13:1 or less, 12:1 or less, 11:1 or less, 10:1 or less, 9:1 or less, 8:1 or less, 7:1 or less, 6:1 or less, 5:1 or less, 4:1 or less and 3:1 or less.

The paclitaxel cell may be coated with albumin. In some embodiments, the preparation is a dry (such as lyophilized) preparation that can be reconstituted (or resuspended or rehydrated) to provide a generally stable aqueous suspension of the poorly water-soluble pharmaceutical agent, and where the reconstitution time for the preparation in an aqueous solution is less than that of the preparation in the absence of the sugar. In some embodiments, the concentration of sugar in the composition or a reconstituted suspension resulting from it is greater than any of 50, 60, 70, 80, 90 or 100 mg/ml. In some embodiments, the sugar is present at a concentration of any of about

20 mg/ml to approx. 100 mg/ml, approx. 50 mg/ml to approx. 100 mg/ml, or approx. 90 mg/ml.

The sugar-containing preparations described here may further comprise one or more antimicrobial agents such as the antimicrobial agents described here. In addition to sugar, other reconstitution enhancers (such as those described in US publ. no. 2005/0152979) can be added to the preparation.

Other components in the preparations

The preparations as described here may include other agents, excipients, or stabilizers to improve the properties of the preparation. For example, to increase stability by increasing nanoparticles' negative Ζ potential, certain negatively charged components can be added. Such negatively charged components include, but are not limited to, bile salts, bile acids, glycocholic acid, cholic acid, chenodeoxycholic acid, taurocholic acid, glycochenodeoxycholic acid, taurochenodeoxycholic acid, lithocholic acid, urosdeoxycholic acid, dehydrocholic acid and others; phospholipids including lecithin (egg yolk) based phospholipids which include the following phosphatidylcholines: palmitoyloleoylphosphatidylcholine, palmitoyloleoylphosphatidylcholine, stearoyloleoylphosphatidylcholine, stearoyloleoylphosphatidylcholine, stearoylarachidoylphosphatidylcholine and dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine. Other phospholipids include L-α-dimyristoylphosphatidylcholine (DMPC), dioleoylphosphatidylcholine (DOPC), distearoylphosphatidylcholine (DSPC), hydrogenated soy phosphatidylcholine (HSPC), and other related compounds. Negatively charged surfactants or emulsifiers are also suitable as additives, for example sodium cholesteryl sulphate and the like.

In some embodiments, the composition is suitable for administration to a human. In some embodiments, the composition is suitable for administration to a mammal, such as, in a veterinary context, pets and farm animals. There is a wide spectrum of formulations of the preparation of the invention (see for example US 5 916 596 and 6 096 331). The following formulations and methods are to be regarded as examples only and in no way limiting. Formulations suitable for oral administration may comprise (a) liquid solutions as an effective amount of the compound dissolved in diluents, such as water, saline or orange juice, (b) capsules, sachets or tablets, each containing a predetermined amount of the active component, such as solids or granules, (c) suspensions in a suitable liquid, (d) suitable emulsions, and (e) powders.

Tablet forms may include one or more of lactose, mannitol, corn starch, potato starch, microcrystalline cellulose, acacia, gelatin, colloidal silicon dioxide, croscarmellose sodium, talc, magnesium stearate, stearic acid and other excipients, colorants, diluents, buffers, humectants, preservatives, flavorants and pharmacologically compatible excipients. Lozenge forms may comprise the active ingredient in a flavouring, usually sucrose and acacia, or tragacanth, as well as pastilles comprising the active ingredient in an inert base such as gelatin and glycerin, or sucrose and acacia, emulsions, gels and the like, containing, in addition to the active ingredient, such excipients as are well known in the art.

Formulations suitable for parenteral administration include aqueous and non-aqueous, isotonic, sterile injection solutions which may contain antioxidants, buffers, bacteriostats and solutes which render the formulation compatible with the blood of the intended recipient, and aqueous and non-aqueous, sterile suspensions which may include suspending agents, solubilizers, thickeners, stabilizers and preservatives. The formulations may be presented in unit-dose or multi-dose sealed containers such as ampoules and vials and may be stored in a freeze-dried (lyophilized) state requiring only the addition of the sterile, liquid excipient, such as water for injections, immediately prior to use. Extemporaneous injection solutions and suspensions can be prepared from sterile powders, granules and tablets of the type described earlier. Injectable formulations are preferred.

Formulations suitable for aerosol administration and comprising the preparation of the invention include aqueous and non-aqueous, isotonic sterile solutions, which may contain antioxidants, buffers, bacteriostats and solutes, as well as aqueous and non-aqueous, sterile suspensions which may include suspending agents, solubilizers, thickeners, stabilizers and preservatives, alone or in combination with other suitable components, which can be converted into aerosol formulations for administration via inhalation. These aerosol formulations can be placed in pressurized, acceptable propellants, such as dichlorodifluoromethane, propane, nitrogen and the like. They can also be formulated as pharmaceutical agents for non-pressurized preparations, such as a nebulizer or an atomizer.

In some embodiments, the preparation is formulated to have a pH range of approx. 4.5 to approx. 9.0, including for example pH ranges such as any of approx. 5.0 to approx. 8.0, approx.

6.5 to approx. 7.5 and approx. 6.5 to approx. 7.0. In some embodiments, the pH value of the preparation is formulated to be no less than approx. 6, including for example no less than approx. any of 6.5, 7 or 8 (like about 8). The preparation can also be made isotonic with the blood by adding a suitable tonicity modifier such as glycerol.

Furthermore, production items comprising the preparations as described here are provided in suitable packaging. Suitable packaging for compositions described herein are well known in the art and include, for example, vials (such as sealed vials), containers, ampoules, flasks, bottles, flexible packages (such as sealed Mylar or plastic bags), and the like. These production items can further be sterilized and/or sealed. Furthermore, unit dosage forms comprising the preparations as described here are provided. These unit dosage forms can be stored in a suitable package in single or multiple unit doses and can also be further sterilized and sealed.

The present invention also provides comprehensive preparations (or unit dosage forms) and/or articles of manufacture) as described here and may further include instructions regarding methods for using the preparation, such as the applications further described here. In some embodiments, the kit according to the invention comprises a gasket as described above. In other embodiments, the kit according to the invention comprises packaging as described above and a second packaging comprising a buffer. In some embodiments, the invention provides a kit comprising (1) a composition comprising a poorly water-soluble pharmaceutical agent and a carrier protein; and (2) an antimicrobial agent, wherein the poorly water-soluble pharmaceutical agent/protein preparation and the antimicrobial agent are present in separate packages, and wherein significant microbial growth in the preparation is inhibited by addition of the antimicrobial agent to the poorly water-soluble pharmaceutical agent agent/protein preparation. In some embodiments, the kit further comprises an instruction for adding the antimicrobial agent to the pharmaceutical agent/protein preparation. The kit described herein may further include other materials desirable from a commercial or user standpoint, including other buffers, diluents, filters, needles, syringes, and packing inserts with instructions for performing all of the methods described herein.

Kits may also be provided which contain sufficient doses of the poorly water-soluble pharmaceutical agent (such as paclitaxel) described herein to provide effective treatment for an individual for extended periods of time, such as any of one week, 2 weeks, 3 weeks, 4 weeks, 6 weeks, 8 weeks, 3 months, 4 months, 5 months,

6 months, 7 months, 8 months, 9 months or more. Kits may also include multiple unit doses of the poorly water-soluble pharmaceutical agent and pharmaceutical preparations and instructions for use and packaged in quantities sufficient for storage and use in pharmacies, such as hospital pharmacies and compounding pharmacies.

Methods for making and using the preparations

Further methods are provided for the preparation and use of the preparations as described here. For example, there is provided a method for the preparation of a preparation comprising a poorly water-soluble pharmaceutical agent (such as a taxane such as paclitaxel, docetaxel or ortataxel), a carrier protein (such as albumin), and an antimicrobial agent, where significant microbial growth is inhibited in the preparation, comprising combining (such as mixing) a preparation containing a poorly water-soluble pharmaceutical agent and a carrier protein, with an antimicrobial agent.

Methods for producing preparations containing the carrier proteins and poorly water-soluble pharmaceutical agents are well known in the art. For example, nanoparticles containing poorly water-soluble pharmaceutical agents (such as paclitaxel) and carrier protein (such as albumin) can be prepared under conditions of high shear force (for example, sonication, high-pressure homogenization, or the like). These methods are described, for example, in US 5,916,596; 6,506,405; and 6,537,579 and also i

U.S. public No. 2005/0004002A1.

In short, the poorly water-soluble drug (such as docetaxel) is dissolved in an organic solvent and the solution can be added to a human serum albumin solution. The mixture is subjected to high-pressure homogenization. The organic solvent can then be removed by evaporation. The obtained dispersion can be lyophilized. Suitable organic solvents are, for example, ketones, esters, ethers, chlorinated solvents and other solvents known per se. For example, the organic solvent can be methylene chloride and chloroform:ethanol (for example with a ratio of 1:9, 1:8, 1:7, 1:6, 1:5, 1:4, 1:3, 1:2 , 1:1, 2:1, 3:1, 4:1, 5:1, 6:1, 7:1, 8:1 or 9:1).

The antimicrobial agent can either be mixed with the poorly water-soluble pharmaceutical agent and/or the carrier protein, during the preparation of the preparation of the poorly water-soluble pharmaceutical agent/carrier protein, or added after the preparation of the poorly water-soluble pharmaceutical agent/carrier protein has been prepared. For example, the antimicrobial agent can be added together with an aqueous medium that is used to reconstitute/suspend the preparation of the poorly water-soluble pharmaceutical agent/carrier protein or added to an aqueous suspension of the carrier protein-associated, poorly water-soluble pharmaceutical agent. In some embodiments, the antimicrobial agent is mixed with the preparation of poorly water-soluble pharmaceutical agent and carrier protein prior to lyophilization. In some embodiments, the antimicrobial agent is added to the lyophilized pharmaceutical agent/carrier protein preparation.

In some embodiments and when addition of the antimicrobial agent changes the preparation's pH value, the pH value in the preparation is generally (but not necessarily) adjusted to a desired pH value. Examples of the pH values for the preparations include, for example, the range approx. 5 to approx. 8.5. In some embodiments, the pH value in the preparation is adjusted to no less than approx. 6, including for example no less than any of approx.

6.5, 7 or 8 (like about 8).

Furthermore, methods are provided for the production of pharmaceutical preparations comprising combining any of the preparations described here (including those above) with a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient.

Further methods are provided for using the preparations according to the invention. In some embodiments, there is provided a method of treating a disease or condition responsive to a poorly water-soluble pharmaceutical agent, comprising administering a composition comprising an effective amount of a poorly water-soluble pharmaceutical agent, a carrier protein, and an antimicrobial agent, wherein significant microbial growth is inhibited in the preparation. For example, in some embodiments, there is provided a method of treating cancer in an individual (such as a human) comprising administering to the individual a composition comprising an effective amount of a poorly water-soluble antineoplastic agent (such as a taxane), a carrier protein, and an antimicrobial agent , where significant microbial growth is inhibited in the preparation. In some embodiments, the antimicrobial agent is in an amount sufficient to inhibit significant microbial growth in the composition. In some embodiments, the antimicrobial agent is present in the composition in an amount such that it causes no toxicological effects when the composition is administered to an individual (such as a human).

The term "effective amount" as used herein refers to an amount of a compound or composition sufficient to treat a specified disorder, condition or disease such as amelioration, alleviation, reduction and/or delay of one or more of its symptoms. With reference to cancer or other unwanted cell proliferation, an effective amount includes an amount sufficient to cause a tumor to shrink and/or to reduce the growth rate of the tumor (such as to suppress tumor growth). In some embodiments, an effective amount is an amount sufficient to delay development. In some embodiments, an effective amount is an amount sufficient to prevent its occurrence and/or re-occurrence. An effective amount can be administered by one or more administrations.

Cancers to be treated with compositions as described herein (for example, a composition comprising an antineoplastic agent such as a taxane, rapamycin, and 17-AAG) include, but are not limited to, carcinoma, lymphoma, blastoma, sarcoma, and leukemia. Examples of cancers that can be treated with preparations described herein include, but are not limited to, squamous cell cancer, lung cancer (including small cell lung cancer, non-small cell lung cancer, adenocarcinoma of the lung and squamous carcinoma of the lung), cancer of the peritoneum, hepatocellular cancer, gastric - or stomach cancer (including gastrointestinal cancer), pancreatic cancer, glioblastoma, cervical cancer, ovarian cancer, liver cancer, bladder cancer, heptoma, breast cancer, colon cancer, melanoma, endometrial or uterine carcinoma, salivary gland carcinoma, kidney or renal cancer, liver cancer, prostate cancer, vulval cancer, thyroid cancer, hepatic carcinoma, head and neck cancer, colorectal cancer, rectal cancer, soft tissue sarcoma, Kaposi's sarcoma, B-cell lymphoma (including low-grade/follicular non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL), small lymphocytic (SL) NHL, intermediate-grade/follicular NHL, intermediate-grade diffuse NHL , high-grade immunoblastic NHL, high-grade lymphoblastic NHL, high-grade small non-cleaved cell NHL, bulk disease oms NHL, mantle cell lymphoma, AIDS-related lymphoma and Waldenstrom's macroglobulinemia), chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), myeloma, hairy cell leukemia, chronic myeloblastic leukemia and post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder (PTLD), as well as abnormal vascular proliferation associated with phakomatoses, edema (such as that associated with brain tumors) and Meig's syndrome. In some embodiments, a method of treating metastatic cancer (ie, cancer that has metastasized from the primary tumor) is provided. In some embodiments, a method of reducing cell proliferation and/or cell migration is provided. In some embodiments, a method of treating hyperplasia is provided.

In some embodiments, methods are provided for treating cancer at advanced stages. In some embodiments, methods are provided for treating breast cancer (which may be HER2 positive or HER2 negative), including, for example, advanced breast cancer, stage IV breast cancer, locally advanced breast cancer, and metastatic breast cancer. In some embodiments, the cancer is lung cancer, including, for example, non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC, such as advanced NSCLC), small cell lung cancer (SCLC, such as advanced SCLC), and advanced solid tumor malignancy of the lung. In some embodiments, the cancer is ovarian cancer, head and neck cancer, gastric malignancies, melanoma (including metastatic melanoma), colorectal cancer, pancreatic cancer, and solid tumors (such as advanced solid tumors). In some embodiments, the cancer is any one of (and in some embodiments selected from the group consisting of) breast cancer, colorectal cancer, rectal cancer, non-small cell lung cancer, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL), renal cell cancer, prostate cancer, liver cancer, pancreatic cancer, soft tissue sarcoma, Kaposi's sarcoma, carcinoid carcinoma, head and neck cancer, melanoma, ovarian cancer, mesothelioma, glioma, glioblastoma, neuroblastoma and multiple myeloma. In some embodiments, the cancer is a solid tumor.

Individuals suitable to receive these preparations depend on the nature of the poorly water-soluble pharmaceutical agent, as well as the disease/condition/disorder to be treated or prevented. Accordingly, the term individuals includes every vertebrate, mammal and human. In some embodiments, the subject is a mammal, including but not limited to, human, bovine, equine, feline, rabbit, rodent, or primate. In some embodiments, the subject is a human.

The preparations as described here can be administered alone or in combination with other pharmaceutical agents including poorly water-soluble pharmaceutical agents. For example, when the formulation contains a taxane (such as paclitaxel), it may be co-administered with one or more other chemotherapeutic agents including, but not limited to, carboplatin, navelbine<®> (vinorelbine), anthracycline (Doxil), lapatinib (GW57016), herceptin, gemcitabine (Gemzar<®>), capecitabine (Xeloda<®>), alimta, cisplatin, 5-fluorouracil, epirubicin, cyclophosphamide, avastatin, velcade<®>, etc. In some embodiments, the taxane preparation is co-administered with a chemotherapeutic agent selected from the group consisting of antimetabolites (including nucleoside analogues), platinum-based agents, alkylating agents, tyrosine kinase inhibitors, anthracycline antibiotics, vinca alkaloids, proteasome inhibitors, macrolides and topoisomerase inhibitors. These other pharmaceutical agents may be present in the same preparation as the drug (such as a taxane), or in a separate preparation administered simultaneously or sequentially with the drug (such as a taxane) containing preparation. Combination therapy methods using nanoparticle formulations of taxane with other agents (or therapeutic methods) are described in PCT/US2006/006167.

The dose of the preparation of the invention administered to an individual (such as a human) will vary with the particular preparation, mode of administration and the particular disease being treated. The dose must be sufficient to effect a desired response such as a therapeutic or prophylactic response against a particular disease. For example, the dose of paclitaxel in the preparation can be in the range of 100-400 mg/m<2>, given over a 3-week plan, or 50-250 mg/m<2> given in a weekly schedule. In addition, and if it is given in a metronomic regime (for example daily, or sometimes per week) the dose can be in the range of approx. 5-75 mg/m<2>.

The compositions described herein can be administered to an individual (such as a human) by various means including, for example, intravenous, intraarterial, intrapulmonary, oral, inhalational, intravesicular, intramuscular, intratracheal, subcutaneous, intraocular, intrathecal, transmucosal, and transdermal. For example, the preparation of the invention can be administered by inhalation to treat conditions in the respiratory tract. The preparation can be used to treat respiratory conditions such as pulmonary fibrosis, bronchiolitis obliterans, lung cancer, bronchoalveolar carcinoma and the like.

Furthermore, methods are provided for reducing the side effects associated with administering a small water-soluble pharmaceutical agent to a human, comprising administering to a human a pharmaceutical preparation comprising the small water-soluble pharmaceutical agent, a carrier protein and an antimicrobial agent, wherein significant microbial growth is inhibited in the preparation. For example, the present invention provides methods for reducing various side effects associated with the administration of the poorly water-soluble pharmaceutical agent including, but not limited to, myelosuppression, neurotoxicity, hypersensitivity, inflammation, venous irritation, phlebitis, pain, skin irritation, peripheral neuropathy, neutropenic fever, anaphylactic reaction, haematological toxicity and cerebral or neurological toxicity, and combinations thereof. In some embodiments, a method is provided for reducing hypersensitivity reactions associated with administration of the poorly water-soluble pharmaceutical agent, including, for example, severe skin rash, urticaria, flushing, dyspnea, tachycardia, and others. In some embodiments, the antimicrobial agent is present in an amount effective to inhibit significant microbial growth in the pharmaceutical composition. In some embodiments, the antimicrobial agent in the composition is further present in an amount that causes no toxicological effects or at a level where a potential side effect can be controlled or tolerated when the composition is administered to an individual.

In addition, a method is provided for increasing the shelf life of a liquid preparation comprising a poorly water-soluble pharmaceutical agent and a carrier protein. For example, in certain embodiments, the invention provides a method for keeping a preparation (such as a pharmaceutical composition) comprising a poorly water-soluble pharmaceutical agent and a carrier protein, preserved against microbial growth (that is, sterile, or substantially free of significant microbial growth ) for at least 24 hours in an aqueous medium, comprising adding to the preparation an antimicrobial agent in an amount effective to inhibit significant microbial growth in the preparation. In some embodiments, methods are provided for inhibiting microbial growth in a composition (particularly a pharmaceutical composition) comprising a carrier protein and a poorly water-soluble pharmaceutical agent, comprising adding to the composition an antimicrobial agent in an amount effective to inhibit significantly the microbial growth in the preparation. The antimicrobial agent can either be mixed with the poorly water-soluble pharmaceutical agent and/or the carrier protein during the preparation of the poorly water-soluble pharmaceutical agent/carrier protein preparation, or added with an aqueous medium that is used to reconstitute the pharmaceutical agent/carrier protein preparation. In some embodiments, methods are provided for keeping a preparation preserved against microbial growth (ie, sterile or substantially free of significant microbial growth) in at least any of 24, 36, 48, 60, 72, 84, or 96 hours.

In a further aspect of the invention, the use of the preparations as described here is provided in the preparation of a medicine. In particular, the preparation of a drug for use in the therapy of conditions as described here is described. Furthermore, the pharmaceutical preparation thereof, variously described herein, is also intended for use in the manufacture of a medicament for use in the therapy of conditions and, according to methods, as described herein, unless otherwise stated.

The following examples are intended to illustrate the invention without limiting it.

EXAMPLE 1

This example provides paclitaxel:albumin and preservative formulations. The preparations are essentially prepared as described in US 5,439,686 and 5,916,596. In short, paclitaxel is dissolved in an organic solvent (such as methylene chloride or a chloroform:ethanol mixture) after which the solution is added to a human serum albumin solution. A suitable amount of an antimicrobial agent is then added to the mixture. The mixture is homogenized for 5 minutes at low rpm to give a crude emulsion and then transferred to a high pressure homogenizer. The emulsification is carried out at 9,000-40,000 psi while recirculating the emulsion for at least 5 cycles. The resulting system is transferred to a rotary evaporator and the organic solvent is rapidly removed at 40 °C, under reduced pressure (30 mm Hg) for 20-30 minutes.

The dispersion is then further lyophilized for 48 hours. The resulting cake can be easily reconstituted to the original dispersion by the addition of sterile water or saline which may contain one or more additional antimicrobial agents.

Examples of formulations of preparations that can be prepared are provided below (only the concentrations of paclitaxel, human albumin and the antimicrobial agent are given):

Formulation 1: 5 mg/ml paclitaxel; 56 mg/ml human albumin;

0.25 ml of sodium metabisulphite

Formulation 2: 5 mg/ml paclitaxel; 56 mg/ml human albumin; 0.05 mg/ml edetate disodium

Formulation 3: 5 mg/ml paclitaxel; 56 mg/ml human albumin; 0.5 mg/ml potassium sorbate

Formulation 4: 5 mg/ml paclitaxel; 56 mg/ml human albumin; 1 mg/ml sodium benzoate

Formulation 5: 7 mg/ml paclitaxel; 56 mg/ml human albumin; 1 mg/ml sodium ascorbate

Formulation 6: 7 mg/ml paclitaxel; 56 mg/ml human albumin; 1 mg/ml methylparaben

Formulation 7: 7 mg/ml paclitaxel; 56 mg/ml human albumin; 1 mg/ml benzyl alcohol.

EXAMPLE 2

This example shows how to determine the effectiveness of the antimicrobial agents in a preparation as described in example 1.

The growth inhibition properties of the antimicrobial agents in the formulations described in Example 1 are evaluated using membrane filtration techniques and broth cultures. About 50-200 colony forming units (CFU) per ml of four standard organisms, recommended by the United States Pharcacopecia (USP) for preservation efficiency tests, are inoculated into each formulation. These four organisms have been identified as: Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 6538), Escherichia coli (ATCC 8739), Pseudo-monas aeruginosa (ATCC 9027), and Candida albicans (ATCC 10231). In addition to these organisms, S. epidermidis (ATCC 12228) and S. aureus (coagulase negative, ATCC 27734) can also be tested. After inoculation of the test organisms, test formulations are incubated at 30-35 °C. Counts for the test organism at selected time points (such as immediately after inoculation and after 24 h incubation at

30-35 °C) is determined.

The antimicrobial agent in the formulation is considered effective if the antimicrobial agent is able to retard the growth of microorganisms in the preparation to no more than 1 log increase (factor 10) within 24 hours after extrinsic contamination.

EXAMPLE 3

This example shows improved reconstitution time in sugar-containing formulations of paclitaxel and albumin. The preparations were prepared essentially as described in US 5,439,686 and 5,916,596, in the presence or absence of sugar. Briefly, paclitaxel was dissolved in a chloroform:ethanol (1:1) mixture and the solution was added to a human serum albumin solution. The mixture was homogenized for 5 minutes at low rpm to give a crude emulsion and then transferred to a high pressure homogenizer.

The emulsification was carried out at 9,000-40,000 psi while recirculating the emulsion for at least 5 cycles. The resulting system was transferred to a rotary evaporator and the chloroform:ethanol was rapidly removed at 40°C under a reduced pressure of 30 mm Hg for 20-30 minutes. The dispersion was then further lyophilized for 48 hours. The resulting cake is easily reconstituted to the original dispersion by the addition of sterile water or saline which may contain one or more additional antimicrobial agents.

Sugar was added either to the human serum albumin solution or added to the dispersion prior to lyophilization.

Antimicrobial agents were not added in this particular experiment, but may be added. The following formulations were produced:

Formulation 1: The suspension before lyophilization contained 5 mg/ml paclitaxel; 56 mg/ml human albumin; 10 mg/ml mannitol. The suspension was filled into vials with

250 mg paclitaxel per vial.

Formulation 2: The suspension before lyophilization contained 5 mg/ml paclitaxel; 56 mg/ml human albumin; 10 mg/ml sucrose. The suspension was filled into vials with

250 mg paclitaxel per vial.

Formulation 3: The suspension before lyophilization contained 7 mg/ml paclitaxel; 56 mg/ml human albumin; 90 mg/ml sucrose. The suspension was filled into vials with

300 mg paclitaxel per vial.

Formulation 4: The suspension before lyophilization contained 7 mg/ml paclitaxel; 56 mg/ml human albumin; 50 mg/ml mannitol. The suspension was filled into vials with

300 mg paclitaxel per vial.

Formulation 5: The suspension before lyophilization contained 7 mg/ml paclitaxel; 56 mg/ml human albumin. The suspension was filled into vials with 300 mg of paclitaxel per vial.

Lyophilized products from formulations 3 and 4 were reconstituted in less than 2 minutes. The reconstitution times for lyophilized products of formulations 1, 2 and 5 were similar and between approx. 8-12 minutes. It was surprisingly found that 10 mg/ml sugar was not sufficient to significantly reduce the reconstitution time of nab-paclitaxel. Around 50-90 mg/ml sugar was required to reduce the reconstitution time.

EXAMPLE 4

This example demonstrates additional beneficial properties of sugar-containing paclitaxel:albumin formulations.

In an experiment, a preparation of paclitaxel and albumin (nab-paclitaxel) was prepared with and without the presence of sugar as described above. Lyophilized vials of albumin paclitaxel were prepared containing 300 mg per vial for both formulations. The sugar-based formulation contained sucrose at a concentration of 90 mg/ml. The lyophilized products were subjected to accelerated stability conditions at 55 °C for up to 30 days. Percent impure 7-epitaxol was determined in each case and at time zero was approx. 0.1%. After 15 days and 30 days at 55 °C, the level of impurity for the sugar-free formulation was found to be 0.6%, 0.8%, respectively, and the level of impurity for the sugar-based formulation was found to be 0.4%, 0, respectively .6%. Based on the surprisingly lower impurity generation in the sugar-based formulation, the shelf life should be significantly longer than for the sugar-free formulation.

In a further attempt, approx. 1,500 ml of the liquid suspension of each formulation containing approx. 7 mg/ml paclitaxel, 56 mg/ml human albumin and

90 mg/ml sucrose was subjected to filtration via a series of filters with a 0.2 µm final filter (200 cm<2>EKV capsule). The filterability of each formulation was judged based on the volume amount of nanoparticle suspension that could be filtered through the filter. For the sugar-free formulation, the maximum volume that could be filtered was 1,300 ml, at which point the filtration pressure increased to over 25 psi, indicating clogging or saturation of the filter membrane. For the sugar-based formulation, significantly increased filterability was noted without any pressure increase for 1500 mL filtered. This surprisingly shows that the sugar-based nab-paclitaxel formulation is more easily filtered with minimal potency loss compared to the sugar-free formulation.

EXAMPLE 5

This example shows that the nab formulations can serve as growth media for microorganisms in terms of beneficial contamination. The formulations contained 5 mg/ml docetaxel, paclitaxel and 17-AAG respectively.

Four microorganism strains were used in the experiment: E. coli (ATCC lot no. 97-08/lot no. 483284); S. aureus (ATCC lot no. 1836394/lot no. 485823); C. albicans (ATCC lot no. 98-01A/lot no. 443131); P. aeruginosa (ATCC lot no. 378667/lot no. 484882).

100-600 µl (around 100-200 CFU/ml) of each strain was inoculated into 2 ml test batch test tubes (see Table 1, each sample was duplicated) and 2 ml TSB as a control. Tryptic soy agar (TSA) plates were inoculated with 10% of the samples (20 drops of a 10 µl sterile disposable loop), duplicated for each sample. TSA plates were incubated aerobically at 25 °C ± 1 °C in the temperature-controlled incubator. Colony counts for the test organism and CFU/ml were determined at 0 hours, 24 hours and 48 hours respectively after microbial inoculation.

The formulation is scored as "yes" (that is, the formulation passed the test) if the formulation does not show more than a 10-fold increase in microbial growth over a 24-hour period, or a 48-hour period.

Table 1. Microbial growth 48 hours after inoculation

Assessment = yes (J) or no (N).

Nab-paclitaxel (nanoparticle albumin formulation of paclitaxel) without antimicrobial agents (Abraxane), nab-docetaxel (nanoparticle albumin formulation of docetaxel) without antimicrobial agents and nab-17AAG (nanoparticle albumin formulation of 17-AAG) without antimicrobial agents all showed significant bacterial growth (factor >10 ) over a period of either 24 or 48 h in at least 3 of the 4 tested bacterial strains, see Table 1. This confirms that the contamination of a nab formulation without any growth inhibitors can result in a >10-fold increase in microorganism growth during 24 or 48 hours.

Nab-docetaxel with 200 mM citrate, on the other hand, showed microbial suppression at 24 and 48 hours, respectively, except for E. coli. This was remedied by adding EDTA. The EDTA supplementation of nab-docetaxel with citrate at any of the concentrations of 0.001%, 0.01%, 0.1% and 0.2% w/v completely suppressed E. coli growth.

Claims (13)

Patent claims 1. A dry preparation comprising (a) nanoparticles comprising paclitaxel and albumin, and (b) sucrose, where the weight ratio of the albumin to paclitaxel in the preparation is 18:1 or less, and where the weight ratio of sucrose to paclitaxel in the preparation is 7: 1, 8:1, 10:1 or more. 2. Preparation according to claim 1, where the nanoparticles in the preparation have an average diameter not greater than 200 nm. 3. Preparation according to claim 1 or 2, where a liquid suspension of the preparation is sterile filterable. 4. Preparation according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the albumin is human serum albumin. 5. Preparation according to any one of claims 1 to 4, which further comprises an antimicrobial agent. 6. Preparation according to any one of claims 1 to 5, for use in a method for treating cancer in an individual. 7. A liquid suspension comprising (a) nanoparticles comprising paclitaxel and albumin, and (b) sucrose, wherein the weight ratio of the albumin to paclitaxel in said suspension is 18:1 or less, and wherein the concentration of sucrose in said suspension is greater than 50 mg/ml, or is 50 mg/ml to 100 mg/ml. 8. Liquid suspension according to claim 7, where the nanoparticles in said suspension have an average diameter not greater than 200 nm. 9. Liquid suspension according to claim 7 or 8, wherein said suspension is sterile filterable. A liquid suspension according to any one of claims 7 to 9, wherein the albumin is human serum albumin. 11. A liquid suspension according to any one of claims 7 to 10, further comprising an antimicrobial agent. 12. Liquid suspension according to any one of claims 7 to 11, wherein the concentration of sucrose in said suspension is 90 mg/ml. 13. Liquid suspension according to any one of claims 7 to 12, for use in a method for treating cancer in an individual.