US20180333365A1 - Modified release pharmaceutical compositions of huperzine and methods of using the same - Google Patents

Modified release pharmaceutical compositions of huperzine and methods of using the same Download PDF

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US20180333365A1
US20180333365A1 US15/985,390 US201815985390A US2018333365A1 US 20180333365 A1 US20180333365 A1 US 20180333365A1 US 201815985390 A US201815985390 A US 201815985390A US 2018333365 A1 US2018333365 A1 US 2018333365A1
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huperzine
weight
dose
hours
administering
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Stephen D. Collins
Peter Goldstein
Joshua T. JOHNSTONE
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BISCAYNE NEUROTHERAPEUTICS Inc
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Assigned to BISCAYNE NEUROTHERAPEUTICS, INC. reassignment BISCAYNE NEUROTHERAPEUTICS, INC. ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: JOHNSTONE, Joshua T., COLLINS, STEPHEN D., GOLDSTEIN, PETER
Priority to US17/387,329 priority patent/US20210353552A1/en
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    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61K—PREPARATIONS FOR MEDICAL, DENTAL OR TOILETRY PURPOSES
    • A61K9/00—Medicinal preparations characterised by special physical form
    • A61K9/48—Preparations in capsules, e.g. of gelatin, of chocolate
    • A61K9/50—Microcapsules having a gas, liquid or semi-solid filling; Solid microparticles or pellets surrounded by a distinct coating layer, e.g. coated microspheres, coated drug crystals
    • A61K9/5073—Microcapsules having a gas, liquid or semi-solid filling; Solid microparticles or pellets surrounded by a distinct coating layer, e.g. coated microspheres, coated drug crystals having two or more different coatings optionally including drug-containing subcoatings
    • A61K9/5078—Microcapsules having a gas, liquid or semi-solid filling; Solid microparticles or pellets surrounded by a distinct coating layer, e.g. coated microspheres, coated drug crystals having two or more different coatings optionally including drug-containing subcoatings with drug-free core
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61K—PREPARATIONS FOR MEDICAL, DENTAL OR TOILETRY PURPOSES
    • A61K31/00—Medicinal preparations containing organic active ingredients
    • A61K31/33—Heterocyclic compounds
    • A61K31/395—Heterocyclic compounds having nitrogen as a ring hetero atom, e.g. guanethidine or rifamycins
    • A61K31/435—Heterocyclic compounds having nitrogen as a ring hetero atom, e.g. guanethidine or rifamycins having six-membered rings with one nitrogen as the only ring hetero atom
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61K—PREPARATIONS FOR MEDICAL, DENTAL OR TOILETRY PURPOSES
    • A61K31/00—Medicinal preparations containing organic active ingredients
    • A61K31/33—Heterocyclic compounds
    • A61K31/395—Heterocyclic compounds having nitrogen as a ring hetero atom, e.g. guanethidine or rifamycins
    • A61K31/435—Heterocyclic compounds having nitrogen as a ring hetero atom, e.g. guanethidine or rifamycins having six-membered rings with one nitrogen as the only ring hetero atom
    • A61K31/47—Quinolines; Isoquinolines
    • A61K31/4748—Quinolines; Isoquinolines forming part of bridged ring systems
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61K—PREPARATIONS FOR MEDICAL, DENTAL OR TOILETRY PURPOSES
    • A61K47/00—Medicinal preparations characterised by the non-active ingredients used, e.g. carriers or inert additives; Targeting or modifying agents chemically bound to the active ingredient
    • A61K47/30—Macromolecular organic or inorganic compounds, e.g. inorganic polyphosphates
    • A61K47/32—Macromolecular compounds obtained by reactions only involving carbon-to-carbon unsaturated bonds, e.g. carbomers, poly(meth)acrylates, or polyvinyl pyrrolidone
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61K—PREPARATIONS FOR MEDICAL, DENTAL OR TOILETRY PURPOSES
    • A61K47/00—Medicinal preparations characterised by the non-active ingredients used, e.g. carriers or inert additives; Targeting or modifying agents chemically bound to the active ingredient
    • A61K47/30—Macromolecular organic or inorganic compounds, e.g. inorganic polyphosphates
    • A61K47/36—Polysaccharides; Derivatives thereof, e.g. gums, starch, alginate, dextrin, hyaluronic acid, chitosan, inulin, agar or pectin
    • A61K47/38—Cellulose; Derivatives thereof
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61K—PREPARATIONS FOR MEDICAL, DENTAL OR TOILETRY PURPOSES
    • A61K9/00—Medicinal preparations characterised by special physical form
    • A61K9/48—Preparations in capsules, e.g. of gelatin, of chocolate
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61K—PREPARATIONS FOR MEDICAL, DENTAL OR TOILETRY PURPOSES
    • A61K9/00—Medicinal preparations characterised by special physical form
    • A61K9/48—Preparations in capsules, e.g. of gelatin, of chocolate
    • A61K9/4841—Filling excipients; Inactive ingredients
    • A61K9/4866—Organic macromolecular compounds
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61K—PREPARATIONS FOR MEDICAL, DENTAL OR TOILETRY PURPOSES
    • A61K9/00—Medicinal preparations characterised by special physical form
    • A61K9/48—Preparations in capsules, e.g. of gelatin, of chocolate
    • A61K9/50—Microcapsules having a gas, liquid or semi-solid filling; Solid microparticles or pellets surrounded by a distinct coating layer, e.g. coated microspheres, coated drug crystals
    • A61K9/5005—Wall or coating material
    • A61K9/5021—Organic macromolecular compounds
    • A61K9/5036—Polysaccharides, e.g. gums, alginate; Cyclodextrin
    • A61K9/5042—Cellulose; Cellulose derivatives, e.g. phthalate or acetate succinate esters of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61K—PREPARATIONS FOR MEDICAL, DENTAL OR TOILETRY PURPOSES
    • A61K9/00—Medicinal preparations characterised by special physical form
    • A61K9/48—Preparations in capsules, e.g. of gelatin, of chocolate
    • A61K9/50—Microcapsules having a gas, liquid or semi-solid filling; Solid microparticles or pellets surrounded by a distinct coating layer, e.g. coated microspheres, coated drug crystals
    • A61K9/5005—Wall or coating material
    • A61K9/5021—Organic macromolecular compounds
    • A61K9/5036—Polysaccharides, e.g. gums, alginate; Cyclodextrin
    • A61K9/5042—Cellulose; Cellulose derivatives, e.g. phthalate or acetate succinate esters of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose
    • A61K9/5047—Cellulose ethers containing no ester groups, e.g. hydroxypropyl methylcellulose
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61P—SPECIFIC THERAPEUTIC ACTIVITY OF CHEMICAL COMPOUNDS OR MEDICINAL PREPARATIONS
    • A61P25/00—Drugs for disorders of the nervous system
    • A61P25/08—Antiepileptics; Anticonvulsants

Definitions

  • Huperzine A is a naturally occurring sesquiterpene alkaloid compound found in the firmoss Huperzia serrata . It is a potent inhibitor of acetylcholinesterase. In several countries, Huperzine A is sold as a dietary supplement for memory support. In China, huperzine A is State Food and Drug Administration (SFDA) approved for the treatment of dementia.
  • SFDA State Food and Drug Administration
  • Huperzine A has been administered to healthy volunteers and patients in numerous trials, many in China, demonstrating acceptable safety and tolerability as well as efficacy in Alzheimer's disease, benign senescent forgetfulness, vascular dementia, myasthenia gravis, schizophrenia, and cocaine dependence.
  • the dosages used in these trials were between 0.01 and 0.8 mg/day via oral administration or intramuscular injection. While these studies showed a favorable safety profile, in some studies, transient dose related nausea occurred at the higher dose levels.
  • immediate release pharmaceutical compositions of huperzine A are inadequate for treating disorders where higher therapeutic thresholds are needed due to dose-related adverse events, especially in patients with chronic conditions.
  • Immediate release pharmaceutical compositions also have the added drawback of requiring dosing 4 to 6 times daily due to the fast t 1/2 associated with these pharmaceutical compositions. Dosing 4 to 6 times daily is unacceptable in many patient populations, for example, those related to memory loss or seizures, as compliance becomes a major issue for these patients.
  • Nonclinical studies suggest that higher doses than those used previously, such as up to 5 mg/day, may be safe if delivered with a pharmaceutical composition that reduces high peak-trough serum levels.
  • the present invention allows for the plasma exposure necessary for achieving efficacy while maintaining a desirable safety profile not attainable with previously known pharmaceutical compositions of huperzine.
  • Embodiments of the present invention relate to pharmaceutical compositions for oral delivery of huperzine that may be used to treat various neurological disorders and diseases, for example, pain, Alzheimer's disease, and seizure disorders.
  • the modified release pharmaceutical compositions of huperzine described herein allow for optimal efficacy of huperzine with either reduced duration, severity and/or risk of the serious adverse events associated with immediate release pharmaceutical compositions that are either dose limiting or completely prevent the continued use of huperzine.
  • Embodiments of the invention are directed to a pharmaceutical composition for oral delivery comprising: (a) about 74 to 86 weight % of a sugar sphere core wherein the sugar sphere core has a particle size of about 500-710 ⁇ m; (b) a huperzine layer coating the sugar sphere, wherein the huperzine layer comprises about 0.95 weight % to about 1 weight % huperzine or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt of huperzine that is equivalent to about 0.95 weight % to about 1 weight % huperzine, and one or more excipients, wherein the total amount of excipients is about 5 weight % to about 9 weight %; and (c) about 7 weight % to 16 weight % of an plasticized ethyl cellulose polymer layer coating the huperzine layer, wherein the huperzine layer comprises a therapeutically-effective amount of huperzine.
  • the huperzine is hup
  • Some embodiments of the invention are directed to a pharmaceutical composition
  • a pharmaceutical composition comprising: (a) about 80 weight % to about 83 weight % of a sugar sphere core wherein the sugar sphere core has a particle size of about 500-710 ⁇ m; (b) a huperzine layer coating the sugar sphere, wherein the huperzine layer comprises about 0.95 weight % to about 1 weight % huperzine A or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt of huperzine A that is equivalent to about 0.95 weight % to about 1 weight % huperzine A, about 5 weight % to about 6 weight % hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, and about 0.95 weight % to about 1 weight % polyvinylpryrrolidone; and (c) about 8 weight % to about 12 weight % of a plasticized ethyl cellulose polymer layer coating the huperzine layer, wherein the huperzine layer comprises a therapeutically-effective
  • Some embodiments of the present inventions are directed to a pharmaceutical composition characterized by a C max of huperzine A in plasma of about 4 ng/mL to about 8 ng/mL, a T max of about 4 hours to about 8 hours and a t 1/2 of about 8 hours to about 12 hours, upon oral administration of a therapeutically effective dose of the composition to a human subject.
  • the C max is about 4 ng/mL to about 6 ng/mL
  • T max is about 4 hours to about 8 hours and the t 1/2 is about 10 hours to about 12 hours.
  • the C max is about 6 ng/mL
  • the T max is about 4 hours and the t 1/2 is about 8.3 hours.
  • Some embodiments of the invention are to a pharmaceutical composition
  • a pharmaceutical composition comprising a therapeutically-effective amount of huperzine A, characterized by a T max of about 4 hours to about 8 hours and a C max that is reduced by about 25% to about 75% when compared with a C max of an immediate release huperzine pharmaceutical composition administered at an equivalent dose.
  • the C max is reduced by 50% when compared with a C max of an immediate release huperzine pharmaceutical composition administered at an equivalent dose.
  • Some embodiments of the present invention are directed to a pharmaceutical composition that exhibits the following dissolution profile when tested according to USP 1 type apparatus at 50 revolutions per minute in 50 mM phosphate (pH 6.8) at 37° C.: about 36% to about 46% of the huperzine is released after 2 hours, about 61% to about 77% of the huperzine is released after 4 hours, about 84% to about 97% of the huperzine is released after 8 hours and not less than about 89% of the huperzine is released after 12 hours.
  • Some embodiment of the invention describe a method of treating a neurological disorder and/or seizure disorders comprising administering a pharmaceutical composition according to any embodiment described herein.
  • the composition is administered once daily or twice daily.
  • the composition is administered for at least 1 day, at least 2 days, at least 3 days, at least 4 days, at least 5 days, at least 6 days, at least 7 days, at least 8 days, at least 9 days, at least 10 day, at least 11 days, at least 12 days, at least 13 days, at least 14 days, at least 1 month, at least 2 months, at least 3 months, at least 4 months, at least 5 months, at least 6 months or for so long as the subject is in need of treatment.
  • the composition is administered in a titration regimen, wherein the dose of huperzine is increased in increments of 0.25 mg or 0.5 mg every two days or up to two weeks.
  • the seizure disorder is epilepsy or complex partial seizures.
  • Some embodiment of the invention describe a method of treating a disorder selected from the group consisting of a neurological disorder and a seizure disorder, in a patient in need thereof, wherein the patient experiences a better side effect profile, comprising administering one or more titration doses of huperzine A, followed by administering a maintenance dose of huperzine A; wherein the huperzine A is administered in a modified release pharmaceutical 1 composition of huperzine A.
  • the modified release pharmaceutical is a modified release pharmaceutical according to any embodiment described herein.
  • Some embodiments of the invention describe a method of treating a neurological disorder and/or a seizure disorder, in a patient in need thereof, wherein the patient experiences a better side effect profile, comprising administering a first dosing regimen of at least one dosing regimen selected from a. to h. (as further described below) and administering a second dosing regimen of at least one dosing regimen selected from a. to i. (as further described below), provided the second dosing regimen ascends from the first dosing regimen and further provided the last dosing regimen is the maintenance dose and therefore will be administered for as long as the patient is in need of treatment thereof:
  • Some embodiments describe a method of treating a disorder selected from the group consisting of a neurological disorder and/or a seizure disorder, to a patient in need thereof, wherein the patient experiences a better side effect profile, comprising administering a modified release pharmaceutical composition of huperzine A, wherein the modified release pharmaceutical composition of huperzine A is characterized by a C ss of huperzine A in plasma selected from the group consisting of: about 0.52 to about 0.82 ng/mL at a 0.25 mg dose; about 1.91 to about 2.99 ng/mL at a 0.50 mg dose; about 3.56 to about 5.55 ng/mL at a 0.75 mg dose; about 5.58 to about 8.72 ng/mL at a 1 mg dose; about 8.22 to about 12.84 ng/mL at a 1.25 mg dose; about 9.02 to about 14.09 ng/mL at a 1.5 mg dose; about 10.04 to about 15.69 ng/mL at a 1.75 mg dose; about
  • Some embodiments describe a method of treating a disorder selected from the group consisting of a neurological disorder and/or a seizure disorder, in a patient in need thereof, wherein the patient experiences a better side effect profile, comprising administering a modified release pharmaceutical composition of huperzine A, wherein the modified release pharmaceutical composition of huperzine A is characterized by a C ss of huperzine A in plasma of at least 8 ng/mL when administered at a therapeutically effective dose
  • Some embodiments describe a method of treating a disorder selected from the group consisting of a neurological disorder and a seizure disorder, to a patient in need thereof, wherein the patient experiences a better side effect profile, comprising administering a modified release pharmaceutical composition of huperzine A, wherein the modified release pharmaceutical composition of huperzine A is characterized by a C max of huperzine in plasma of about 0.76 ng/mL to about 1.19 ng/mL, a T max of about 4 hour to about 6.25 hours and an AUC 0-8 of about 4.18 ⁇ g ⁇ h/L to about 6.53 ⁇ g ⁇ h/L upon oral administration of a therapeutically effective dose of the pharmaceutical composition to a human subject.
  • Some embodiments describe a method of treating a disorder selected from the group consisting of a neurological disorder and a seizure disorder, to a patient in need thereof, wherein the patient experiences a better side effect profile, comprising administering a modified release pharmaceutical composition of huperzine A, wherein the modified release pharmaceutical composition of huperzine A is characterized by a C max of huperzine in plasma of about 2.51 ng/mL to about 3.93 ng/mL, a T max of about 4 hour to about 6.25 hours and an AUC 0-8 of about 13.76 to about 21.5 upon oral administration of a therapeutically effective dose of the pharmaceutical composition to a human subject.
  • FIG. 1 shows the modeled plasma levels of huperzine A following immediate release dosing for an example titration schedule of 2 mg twice a day.
  • FIG. 2 shows the modeled plasma levels of huperzine A modified release pharmaceutical composition 4A based on a titration schedule of 0.5 mg huperzine A twice a day for days 1-2; 1 mg huperzine A twice a day for days 3-4; 1.5 mg huperzine twice a day for days 5-6 and 2 mg twice a day for days 7-11
  • FIG. 3 is a schematic of the compositions of the invention.
  • the white inner circle is the sugar sphere, the middle circle is the huperzine layer and the outer circle is the plasticized ethyl cellulose polymer.
  • FIG. 4 shows the in vitro dissolution profile of pharmaceutical composition 1A (solid line with small circle), composition 1B (dashed line with small square), composition 2A (solid line with small triangle), composition 2B (dashed line with small triangle), composition 2C (solid line with small triangle), composition 3A (solid line with large circle), composition 3B (dashed line with large square), composition 3C (dashed line with large point up triangle), composition 4A (solid line with large, point down triangle), composition 4B (dashed line with small diamond), composition 4C (solid line with asterisk).
  • FIG. 5 shows the in vitro dissolution profile of composition 4D (solid line with upward pointing triangle), composition 4E (solid line with small diamond), composition 4A (large square with dashed line), composition 4F-1 (solid line with small triangle pointing downward), composition 4F-2 (solid line with circle).
  • FIG. 6 shows the in vivo plasma concentration in dogs at a dose of 0.49 mg/kg for pharmaceutical composition 4A (solid line with point down triangle) and pharmaceutical composition 2C (solid line with point up triangle).
  • FIG. 7 shows in vivo plasma concentration in humans over time taken during dose titration of 0.25 mg (solid small circle), 0.5 mg (large circle), 0.75 mg (solid large square), 1 mg (large square), 1.25 mg (small solid triangle), 1.50 mg (small triangle), 1.75 mg (small solid diamond), 2.0 (small diamond) and 2.5 mg (box with X) of pharmaceutical composition 4D.
  • FIG. 8 is the in vivo plasma concentration (C ss ) in humans at various doses for pharmaceutical composition 4D.
  • FIG. 9 shows the in vivo plasma concentration for three human patients (circle, triangle and square) and the average plasma concentration (dashed diamond line) taken during dose titration of 0.25 mg, 0.5 mg, 0.75 mg, 1.25 mg.
  • the term “about” means plus or minus 10% of the numerical value of the number with which it is being used. Therefore, about 50 mL means in the range of 45 mL-55 mL.
  • administering refers to providing the compositions of the invention (e.g. a composition according to any embodiment described herein) to a subject in need of treatment.
  • the subject is a mammal, more preferably a human.
  • the present invention comprises administering a pharmaceutical composition according to any embodiment described herein, alone or in conjunction with another therapeutic agent.
  • a composition according to any embodiment described herein is administered in conjunction with another therapeutic agent, the pharmaceutical composition and the other therapeutic agent can be administered at the same time or different times.
  • “Serious adverse event” as used herein refers to any adverse event that (a) causes the subject discomfort and interrupts the subject's usual activities, (b) causes considerable interference with the subject's usual activities, and may be incapacitating or life threatening, (c) is life threatening to the subject, (d) results in dose limiting toxicity or (e) requires additional medication to combat the adverse event, or combinations thereof. For example, if the subject experiences nausea and/or vomiting upon administration of a huperzine pharmaceutical composition that requires the administration of an antiemetic in order to continue to take the huperzine pharmaceutical composition, the subject has a serious adverse event.
  • Amyloid-related disorders include diseases associated with the accumulation of amyloid which can either be restricted to one organ, “localized amyloidosis”, or spread to several organs, “systemic amyloidosis”. Secondary amyloidosis may be associated with chronic infection (such as tuberculosis) or chronic inflammation (such as rheumatoid arthritis), including a familial form of secondary amyloidosis which is also seen in Familial Mediterranean Fever (FMF) and another type of systemic amyloidosis found in long-term hemodialysis patients.
  • FMF Familial Mediterranean Fever
  • amyloidosis Localized forms of amyloidosis include, without limitation, type II diabetes and any related disorders thereof, neurodegenerative diseases such as scrapie, bovine spongiform encephalitis, Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease, Alzheimer's disease, senile systemic amyloidosis (SSA), Cerebral Amyloid Angiopathy, Parkinson's disease, and prion protein related disorders (e.g. prion-related encephalopathies), and rheumatoid arthritis.
  • neurodegenerative diseases such as scrapie, bovine spongiform encephalitis, Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease, Alzheimer's disease, senile systemic amyloidosis (SSA), Cerebral Amyloid Angiopathy, Parkinson's disease, and prion protein related disorders (e.g. prion-related encephalopathies), and rheumatoid arthritis.
  • better side effect profile means that the side effect(s) or serious adverse event(s) experienced by the patient or group of patients upon treatment with the modified release pharmaceutical composition of huperzine (1) occur at a lower incidence, (2) occur for a shorter duration, and/or (3) occur with a lesser severity; when compared to immediate release pharmaceutical compositions of an equivalent dose of huperzine.
  • C max is the peak plasma concentration of a drug after administration to a subject.
  • dose refers to the quantity of active compound, for example huperzine or huperzine A absent any inactive ingredients or salts.
  • the term “effective amount” means the amount of a drug or pharmaceutical agent, or the amount of a combination of drugs or pharmaceutical agents that will elicit the biological or medical response of a tissue, system, animal or human that is being sought, for instance, by a researcher or clinician.
  • epileptic seizure refers to a disorder of the brain characterized by an enduring predisposition to generate epileptic seizures and by the neurobiologic, cognitive, psychological, and social consequences of this condition.
  • An epileptic seizure is a transient occurrence of signs and/or symptoms due to abnormal excessive or synchronous neuronal activity in the brain.
  • plasticized ethylcellulose is also known by non-proprietary names, for example, “plasticized ethyl cellulose”; synonyms and several brand names, for example, SuRelease®.
  • hydroxyproyl methylcellulose is also known by many non-proprietary names, for example, “HPMC”, “hypromellose”, “hydroxypropylmethylcellulose”, “hypromellosum”, and “hypromellose”; synonyms; and several branded names, for example, MethocelTM.
  • huperzine means huperzine A, huperzine B, or huperzine C, or their pharmaceutically accepted salts or solvates thereof, unless otherwise defined in a particular embodiment.
  • Huperzine A is (1R,9S,13E)-1-amino-13-ethylidene-11-methyl-6-azatricyclo[7.3.1.02,7]trideca-2(7),3,10-trien-5-one.
  • Huperzine B is (4aR,5R,10bR)-2,3,4,4a,5,6-hexahydro-12-methyl-1H-5,10b-propeno-1,7-phenanthrolin-8(7H)-one.
  • Huperzine C is (1R,9S,13R)-1-amino-13-ethenyl-11-methyl-6-azatricyclo[7.3.1.02,7]trideca-2(7),3,10-trien-5-one.
  • huperzine is huperzine A in any embodiment described herein.
  • maintenance dose refers to a dose of huperzine that administered to maintain a desired level of the medication in the blood.
  • the maintenance dose is the therapeutically effect amount.
  • modified release pharmaceutical composition of huperzine refers to any oral pharmaceutical composition of huperzine wherein the huperzine-release characteristics of time, course and/or location are chosen to accomplish therapeutic or convenience objectives not offered by immediate release huperzine.
  • neurological disorder includes, but is not limited to, seizure disorders, an amyloid-related disorder such as Alzheimer's disease and the amyloid-disorders described herein, psychiatric disorders such as Tourette's syndrome, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), panic and anxiety disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and schizophrenia, developmental disorders such as fragile X syndrome and autism, pain, drug addictions such as alcoholism, neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson's disease and Huntington's disease, as well as stroke and ischemic brain injury, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and epilepsy. “Neurological disorder” also includes any disorder, symptom, or effect associated with or relating to exposure to a neurotoxin, including but not limited to neurotoxins such as chemical warfare agents.
  • patient or “subject” are used interchangeably and is used throughout the specification within context to describe an animal, generally a mammal and preferably a human, to whom treatment, including prophylactic treatment (prophylaxis), with the pharmaceutical compositions according to any embodiment described herein.
  • treatment including prophylactic treatment (prophylaxis), with the pharmaceutical compositions according to any embodiment described herein.
  • patient refers to that specific animal.
  • pharmaceutically-acceptable it is meant that the carrier, diluent or excipient must be compatible with the other ingredients of the pharmaceutical composition and not deleterious to the recipient thereof.
  • pharmaceutically acceptable salt of huperzine that is equivalent to about 1 weight % huperzine refers to a pharmaceutically acceptable salt of huperzine that would provide about 1 weight % of huperzine free base if the salt was converted to huperzine.
  • the terms “pharmaceutically acceptable salt that is equivalent to about 0.5 weight % to about 1.5 weight % huperzine”, “pharmaceutically acceptable salt that is equivalent to about 0.9 weight % to about 1 weight % huperzine”, “pharmaceutically acceptable salt that is equivalent to about 0.95 weight % to about 1 weight % huperzine” and the like refer to a pharmaceutically acceptable salt of huperzine that would provide about 0.5 weight % to about 1.5 weight %, about 0.9 weight % to about 1 weight %, about 0.95 weight % to about 1 weight %, huperzine free base respectively, if the salt was converted to huperzine.
  • huperzine A For example 6 grams of huperzine A is needed to provide 1 weight % of a 600 g pharmaceutical composition, but 6.89 g of the HCl salt of huperzine A is needed to provide 1 weight % huperzine A.
  • polyvinylpyrrolidone is also known by several non-proprietary names, for example, “PVP” “polyvinyl pyrrolidone”, “povidone”, and “polyvidone”. It will also be understood that polyvinylpyrrolidones are referred to by their k number which indicates the mean molecular weight of the polyvinylpyrrolidone. Examples of polyvinylpyrrolidones include, but is not limited to polyvinylpyrrolidone K30, polyvinylpyrrolidone K10, polyvinylpyrrolidone K360, polyvinylpyrrolidone K40.
  • seizure disorder means any condition in which one or more seizures is a symptom.
  • a seizure may be due to unusual electrical activity in the brain or may be a non-epileptic seizure, which is not accompanied by abnormal electrical activity in the brain.
  • a seizure may be caused by, for example, but not limited to, psychological issues, psychological stress, trauma, hypoglycemia, low blood sodium, fever, alcohol use, or drug use or unknown causes.
  • Types of seizures and seizure disorders include, but are not limited to, epilepsy (including intractable epilepsy), generalized seizures, primary generalized seizures, absence seizures, myoclonic seizures, partial seizures, complex partial seizures with or without generalization (for example, focal impaired awareness seizures (FIAS)), Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome, Dravet Syndrome and Generalized Epilepsy with Febrile Seizures plus (GEFS+).
  • the seizure disorder is epilepsy.
  • terapéutica means an agent utilized to treat, combat, ameliorate, prevent, or improve an unwanted condition or disease of a patient.
  • embodiments of the present invention are directed to the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders including seizure disorders such as epilepsy.
  • terapéuticaally effective amount means any amount which results in improved treatment, healing, prevention, or amelioration of a disease, disorder, or side effect, or a decrease in the rate of advancement of a disease or disorder.
  • the term also includes within its scope amounts effective to enhance normal physiological function.
  • t 1/2 is the time it takes for the peak plasma concentration to reach half of its original value after administration to a subject.
  • t max it is meant the time to reach C max after administration to a subject.
  • beneficial or desired clinical results include, but are not limited to, alleviation of symptoms; diminishment of the extent of the condition, disorder or disease; stabilization (i.e., not worsening) of the state of the condition, disorder or disease; delay in onset or slowing of the progression of the condition, disorder or disease; amelioration of the condition, disorder or disease state; and remission (whether partial or total), whether detectable or undetectable, or enhancement or improvement of the condition, disorder or disease.
  • Treatment includes eliciting a clinically significant response without excessive levels of side effects. Treatment also includes prolonging survival as compared to expected survival if not receiving treatment.
  • the compounds and methods disclosed herein can be utilized with or on a subject in need of such treatment, which can also be referred to as “in need thereof.”
  • the phrase “in need thereof” means that the subject has been identified as having a need for the particular method or treatment and that the treatment has been given to the subject for that particular purpose.
  • tissue refers to any aggregation of similarly specialized cells which are united in the performance of a particular function.
  • Embodiments of the present invention relate to modified release, oral, pharmaceutical compositions of huperzine, and more particularly to huperzine A.
  • Applicants have discovered modified release pharmaceutical compositions of huperzine that provide therapeutically effective plasma concentrations of huperzine, with twice daily dosing, and overcome the rapid high serum peak levels associated with the serious adverse (and dosing limiting) side effects of huperzine.
  • huperzine A in treating, for example, seizure disorders
  • applicant used non clinical animal data, applicant generated pharmacokinetics in dogs (vide infra), allometric scaling, and modeling to determine that a therapeutic threshold (C max ) of about 16.5 ng/mL (2 mg dose) of huperzine A in serum is predicted to achieve efficacy in treating subjects with seizure disorders.
  • C max a therapeutic threshold of about 16.5 ng/mL (2 mg dose) of huperzine A in serum
  • C max therapeutic threshold
  • a dose escalation study conducted by the applicant indicated that high serum peak levels greater than about 5 ng/mL especially within the first 31 hours have a high probability of resulting in nausea and vomiting. In the study, 7 out of 8 subjects experienced nausea and/or vomiting within the first 31 hrs.
  • peak to trough serum exposures are predicted to fluctuate below the therapeutic threshold.
  • a single missed dose of huperzine is predicted to not only put the subject below the therapeutic threshold, but also expose the subject to rapid, high peak serum concentration upon resuming the immediate release dose, thus potentially resulting in nausea and vomiting each time a dose is missed ( FIG. 1 ).
  • the modified release pharmaceutical compositions developed by the applicant and administered as described herein achieved the therapeutic threshold and unlike immediate release pharmaceutical compositions, keep serum exposure levels below the 5 ng/mL threshold initially, thereby avoiding the adverse nausea and vomiting associated with the immediate release pharmaceutical compositions.
  • the plasma concentration will not fall so low that the serious adverse events will occur ( FIG. 2 ).
  • Applicant has discovered oral pharmaceutical modified release pharmaceutical compositions of huperzine that offer unexpected properties over other oral pharmaceutical compositions of huperzine. These pharmaceutical compositions allow for higher therapeutic thresholds to be obtained without the side effects associated with high serum peak levels and also allow for twice daily dosing.
  • orally administerable, modified release pharmaceutical compositions of huperzine of the present invention comprise a dissolvable core; a huperzine layer coating the dissolvable core; and a polymer coating, coating the huperzine layer; wherein the huperzine layer comprises a therapeutically-effective amount of huperzine.
  • the dissolvable core is a fully dissolvable core.
  • the core is a sugar sphere.
  • the sugar sphere comprises sucrose and starch.
  • the sucrose is at least 62% by weight sucrose.
  • the sugar spheres are Suglets® sugar spheres.
  • the sugar spheres are of a particle size of about 250 ⁇ m to about 1700 ⁇ m.
  • the sugar spheres are selected from a particle size of about 250 ⁇ m to about 355 ⁇ m, about 500 ⁇ m to about 600 ⁇ m, about 600 ⁇ m to about 710 ⁇ m, about 710 ⁇ m to about 850 ⁇ m, about 850 ⁇ m to about 1000 ⁇ m, about 850 ⁇ m to about 1180 ⁇ m, about 1000 ⁇ m to about 1180 ⁇ m, about 1000 ⁇ m to about 1180 ⁇ m, about 1000 ⁇ m to about 1400 ⁇ m, about 1400 ⁇ m to about 1700 ⁇ m and combinations thereof.
  • the sugar spheres are selected from a particle size of about 500 ⁇ m to about 600 ⁇ m, or about 600 ⁇ m to about 710 ⁇ m.
  • the sugar spheres are selected from a particle size of about 500 ⁇ m to about 710 ⁇ m.
  • the sugar spheres are Suglets® PF006.
  • the sugar sphere comprises about 74 weight % to about 86 weight % of the pharmaceutical composition. In some embodiments, the sugar sphere comprises about 79 weight % to about 84 weight % of the pharmaceutical composition. In some embodiments, the sugar sphere comprises about 80 weight % to about 86 weight % of the pharmaceutical composition. In some embodiments the sugar sphere comprises about 80 weight % to about 83 weight % of the pharmaceutical composition. In some embodiments the sugar sphere comprises about 81 weight % to about 83 weight % of the pharmaceutical composition. In some embodiments the sugar sphere comprises about 81 weight % to about 82.8 weight % of the pharmaceutical composition. In some embodiments the sugar sphere comprises 81.5 weight % to 83.0 weight %.
  • the sugar sphere comprises about 79.1 weight % to about 80 weight % of the pharmaceutical composition. In some embodiments the sugar sphere comprises about 80 weight % to about 81 weight % of the pharmaceutical composition. In some embodiments the sugar sphere comprises about 81 weight % to about 82 weight % of the pharmaceutical composition. In some embodiments the sugar sphere comprises about 81 weight % to about 81.9 weight % of the pharmaceutical composition. In some embodiments the sugar sphere comprises about 81.9 weight % to about 82.8 weight % of the pharmaceutical composition. In some embodiments the sugar sphere comprises about 82 weight % to about 83 weight % of the pharmaceutical composition. In some embodiments the sugar sphere comprises about 82.8 weight % to about 83.7 weight % of the pharmaceutical composition.
  • the weight percent of sugar sphere in the pharmaceutical composition is between a lower limit of about 74 weight %, about 75 weight %, about 76 weight %, about 77 weight %, 78 about weight %, about 79 weight %, about 80 weight %, about 81 weight %, about 82 weight %, about 83 weight %, about 84 weight %, about 85 weight %, and about 86 weight % and an upper limit of about 86 weight %, about 85 weight %, about 84 weight %, 83 weight %, 82 weight %, 81 weight %, 80 weight %, 79 weight %, 78 weight %, 77 weight %, 76 weight %, 75 weight %, and 74 weight %.
  • the weight percent of sugar sphere in the pharmaceutical composition is about 74 weight %, about 75 weight %, about 76 weight %, about 77 weight %, about 78 weight %, about 79 weight %, about 80 weight %, about 81 weight %, about 82 weight %, about 83 weight %, about 84 weight %, about 85 weight %, or about 86 weight %.
  • the huperzine layer comprises huperzine A or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.
  • the huperzine A is a huperzia serrata extract.
  • the huperzia serrata extract is about 99% huperzine A.
  • the weight percent of huperzine in the pharmaceutical composition comprises about 0.5 weight % to about 1.5 weight % huperzine or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt of huperzine that is equivalent to 0.5 weight % to about 1.5 weight % huperzine. In some embodiments, the weight percent of huperzine in the pharmaceutical composition comprises about 0.9 weight % to about 1 weight % huperzine or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt of huperzine that is equivalent to 0.9 weight % to about 1 weight % huperzine.
  • the weight percent of huperzine in the pharmaceutical composition comprises about 0.95 weight % to about 1 weight % huperzine or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt of huperzine that is equivalent to 0.95 weight % to about 1 weight % huperzine. In some embodiments, the weight percent of huperzine in the pharmaceutical composition comprises about 1 weight % huperzine or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt that is equivalent to about 1 weight % huperzine.
  • the weight percent of huperzine in the pharmaceutical composition comprises between a lower limit of about 0.5 weight %, about 0.6 weight %, about 0.7 weight %, about 0.8 weight %, 0.9 about weight %, about 1 weight %, about 1.1 weight %, about 1.2 weight %, about 1.3 weight %, about 1.4 weight %, and about 1.5 weight % and an upper limit of about 1.5 weight %, about 1.4 weight %, about 1.3 weight %, 1.2 weight %, 1.1 weight %, 1 weight %, 0.9 weight %, 0.8 weight %, 0.7 weight %, 0.6 weight, and 0.5 weight % of huperzine or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt of huperzine that is equivalent to a lower limit of about 0.5 weight %, about 0.6 weight %, about 0.7 weight %, about 0.8 weight %, 0.9 about weight %, about 1 weight %, about 1.1 weight %, about 1.2 weight %,
  • the weight percent of huperzine in the pharmaceutical composition comprises 0.5 weight %, about 0.6 weight %, about 0.7 weight %, about 0.8 weight %, 0.9 about weight %, about 1 weight %, about 1.1 weight %, about 1.2 weight %, about 1.3 weight %, about 1.4 weight %, and about 1.5 weight % or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt of huperzine that is equivalent to 0.5 weight %, about 0.6 weight %, about 0.7 weight %, about 0.8 weight %, 0.9 about weight %, about 1 weight %, about 1.1 weight %, about 1.2 weight %, about 1.3 weight %, about 1.4 weight %, and about 1.5 weight % of huperzine.
  • the huperzine layer comprises a therapeutically-effective amount of huperzine.
  • the huperzine layer further comprises one or more excipients.
  • the total amount of excipients is about 5 weight % to about 10 weight % of the pharmaceutical composition. In some embodiments the total amount of excipients is about 5 weight % to about 9 weight % of the pharmaceutical composition. In some embodiments the total amount of excipients is about 5 weight % to about 7 weight % of the pharmaceutical composition. In some embodiments the total amount of excipients in the huperzine layer is selected from about 5 weight %, about 6 weight %, about 7 weight %, about 8 weight %, about 9 weight %, or about 10% weight %, of the pharmaceutical composition. In some embodiments, the excipients are selected from hydroxypropyl methylcellulose or polyvinylpyrrolidone and combinations thereof.
  • the hydroxypropyl methylcellulose is a low viscosity or very low viscosity hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, such as, for example MethocelTM hydroxyproply methycelluloses. In further embodiments, the hydroxypropyl methylcellulose is Methocel VLV or the like. In some embodiments, the amount of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose in the huperizine layer is about 6 weight % to about 7 weight % of the composition. In some embodiments, the amount of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose in the huperizine layer is about 5 weight % to about 6 weight % of the composition.
  • the amount of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose in the huperizine layer is about 6 weight %. In some embodiments, the amount of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose in the huperizine layer is about 5 weight %. In further embodiments, the hydroxypropyl methylcellulose is Methocel VLV and the amount of Methocel VLV in the huperizine layer is about 6.1 weight % of the composition.
  • the polyvinylpyrrolidone is any polyvinylpyrrolidone appropriate for use in an oral pharmaceutical composition.
  • the polyvinyl pyrrolidone is polyvinylpyrrolidone K30.
  • the amount of polyvinylpyrrolidone in the huperzine layer is about 0.5 weight % to about 1.5 weight % of the composition.
  • the polyvinylpyrrolidone in the huperzine layer is about 0.95 weight % to about 1 weight % of the composition.
  • the polyvinylpyrrolidone in the huperzine layer is about 0.90 weight % to about 1 weight % of the composition.
  • the polyvinylpyrrolidone in the huperzine layer is about 1 weight % of the composition. In further embodiments the polyvinylpyrrolidone is polyvinylpyrrolidone K30 and the amount of polyvinylpyrrolidone K30 in the huperzine layer is about 1 weight % of the composition.
  • the one or more excipients in the huperzine layer is a combination of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose and polyvinylpyrrolidone. In some embodiments the one or more excipients in the huperzine layer is of about 5 weight % to about 7 weight % hydroxypropyl methylcellulose and about 0.5 weight % to about 1.5 weight % polyvinylpryrrolidone. In some embodiments the one or more excipients in the huperzine layer is about 6 weight % hydroxypropyl methylcellulose and about 1 weight % polyvinylpryrrolidone.
  • the polymer coating is a poly acrylamide polymer or ethylcellulose polymer layer coating the huperzine layer. In some embodiments the polymer coating is a non-polyacrylamide polymer coating the huperzine layer. In some embodiments the polymer coating is an a plasticized ethylcellulose polymer layer coating the huperzine layer. In further embodiments the plasticized ethylcellulose is a SuRelease® ethylcellulose. In some embodiments the plasticized ethylcellulose is SurRelease® Type B NF E.
  • the plasticized ethylcellulose polymer comprises about 7 weight % to about 16 weight % of the composition. In some embodiments the plasticized ethylcellulose polymer comprises about 8 weight % to about 13 weight % of the composition. In some embodiments the plasticized ethylcellulose polymer comprises about 7 weight % to about 12 weight % of the composition. In some embodiments the plasticized ethylcellulose polymer comprises about 8 weight % to about 12 weight % of the composition. In some embodiments the plasticized ethylcellulose polymer comprises about 9 weight % to about 11 weight % of the composition. In some embodiments the plasticized ethylcellulose polymer comprises about 9 weight % to about 10 weight % of the composition.
  • the plasticized ethyl cellulose polymer comprises about 8.3 weight % to about 9.2 weight % of the pharmaceutical composition. In some embodiments the plasticized ethyl cellulose polymer comprises about 9.2 weight % to about 10.1 weight % of the pharmaceutical composition. In some embodiments the plasticized ethyl cellulose polymer comprises about 10.1 weight % to about 11 weight % of the pharmaceutical composition. In some embodiments the plasticized ethyl cellulose polymer comprises about 11 weight % to about 12 weight % of the pharmaceutical composition. In some embodiments the plasticized ethyl cellulose polymer comprises about 12 weight % to about 12.9 weight % of the pharmaceutical composition. In some embodiments the plasticized ethyl cellulose polymer comprises about 15 weight % to about 16 weight % of the pharmaceutical composition.
  • the weight percent of plasticized ethylcellulose polymer in the composition is between a lower limit of 7 weight %, 8 weight %, 9 weight %, 10 weight %, 11 weight %, 12 weight %, 13 weight %, 14 weight %, 15 weight %; and 16 weight % and an upper limit of 16 weight %, 15 weight %, 14 weight %; 13 weight %, 12 weight %, 11 weight %, 10 weight %, 9 weight %, 8 weight % and 7 weight %.
  • the pharmaceutical composition comprises:
  • the pharmaceutical composition for oral delivery comprises: (a) about 74 weight % to about 86 weight % of a sugar sphere core wherein the sugar sphere core has a particle size of about 500-710 ⁇ m; (b) a huperzine layer coating the sugar sphere, wherein the huperzine layer comprises about 0.95% to about 1 weight % huperzine or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt of huperzine that is equivalent to about 0.95% to about 1 weight % huperzine, and one or more excipients, wherein the total amount of excipients is about 5 weight % to about 9 weight %, (c) about 7 weight % to about 16 weight % of a plasticized ethyl cellulose polymer layer coating the huperzine layer, wherein the huperzine layer comprises a therapeutically-effective amount of huperzine.
  • the huperzine is huperzine A.
  • the one or more excipients is a combination of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose and polyvinylpyrrolidone.
  • the one or more excipients is a combination of about 6 weight % hydroxypropyl methylcellulose and about 1 weight % polyvinylpyrrolidone.
  • the hydroxypropyl methylcellulose is a low viscosity hydroxypropyl methylcellulose
  • the polyvinylpyrrolidone is a polyvinylpyrrolidone K30 and the plasticized ethyl cellulose is SurRelease® Type B NF E.
  • the pharmaceutical composition comprises: (a) about 79 weight % to about 84 weight % of a sugar sphere core wherein the sugar sphere core has a particle size of about 500-710 ⁇ m; (b) a huperzine layer coating the sugar sphere, wherein the huperzine layer comprises about 0.95 weight % to about 1 weight % huperzine or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt of huperzine that is equivalent to about 0.95 weight % to about 1 weight % of huperzine, about 6 weight % hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, and 0.95% to about 1 weight % polyvinylpryrrolidone; and (c) about 8 weight % to about 13 weight % of a plasticized ethyl cellulose polymer layer coating the huperzine layer, wherein the huperzine layer comprises a therapeutically-effective amount of huperzine.
  • the huperzine is huperzine A. In further embodiments, the huperzine is huperzine A, the hydroxypropyl methylcellulose is a low viscosity hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, the polyvinylpyrrolidone is a polyvinylpyrrolidone K30 and the plasticized ethyl cellulose is SurRelease® Type B NF E., the hydroxypropyl methylcellulose is a low viscosity hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, the polyvinylpyrrolidone is a polyvinylpyrrolidone K30 and the plasticized ethyl cellulose is SurRelease® Type B NF E.
  • the pharmaceutical composition comprises: (a) about 80 weight % to about 83 weight % of a sugar sphere core wherein the sugar sphere core has a particle size of about 500-710 ⁇ m; (b) a huperzine layer coating the sugar sphere, wherein the huperzine layer about 0.95 weight % to about 1 weight % huperzine or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt of huperzine that is equivalent to about 0.95 weight % to about 1 weight % huperzine, about 5 weight % to about 6 weight % hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, and about 0.95 weight % to about 1 weight % polyvinylpryrrolidone; and (c) about 8 weight % to about 12 weight % of a plasticized ethyl cellulose polymer layer coating the huperzine layer, wherein the huperzine layer comprises a therapeutically-effective amount of huperzine.
  • the huperzine is huperzine A
  • the hydroxypropyl methylcellulose is a low viscosity hydroxypropyl methylcellulose
  • the polyvinylpyrrolidone is a polyvinylpyrrolidone K30
  • the plasticized ethyl cellulose is SurRelease® Type B NF E.
  • the pharmaceutical composition comprises: (a) about 81 weight % to about 82 weight % of a sugar sphere core wherein the sugar sphere core has a particle size of about 500-710 ⁇ m; (b) a huperzine layer coating the sugar sphere, wherein the huperzine layer comprises about 0.95 weight % to about 1 weight % huperzine or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt of huperzine that is equivalent to about 0.95 weight % to about 1 weight % of huperzine, about 5 weight % to about 6 weight % hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, and about 0.95 weight % to about 1 weight % polyvinylpryrrolidone; and (c) about 10 weight % to about 11 weight % of a plasticized ethyl cellulose polymer layer coating the huperzine layer, wherein the huperzine layer comprises a therapeutically-effective amount of huperzine.
  • the huperzine is huperzine A
  • the hydroxypropyl methylcellulose is a low viscosity hydroxypropyl methylcellulose
  • the polyvinylpyrrolidone is a polyvinylpyrrolidone K30
  • the plasticized ethyl cellulose is SurRelease® Type B NF E.
  • the pharmaceutical composition comprises: (a) about 81.5 weight % of a sugar sphere core wherein the sugar sphere core has a particle size of about 500-710 ⁇ m; (b) a huperzine layer coating the sugar sphere, wherein the huperzine layer comprises about 1 weight % huperzine or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt of huperzine that is equivalent to 1 weight % of huperzine, about 5.9 weight % hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, and about 1 weight % polyvinylpryrrolidone; and (c) about 10.7 weight % of a plasticized ethyl cellulose polymer layer coating the huperzine layer, wherein the huperzine layer comprises a therapeutically-effective amount of huperzine.
  • the huperzine is huperzine A
  • the hydroxypropyl methylcellulose is a low viscosity hydroxypropyl methylcellulose
  • the polyvinylpyrrolidone is a polyvinylpyrrolidone K30
  • the plasticized ethyl cellulose is SurRelease® Type B NF E.
  • the pharmaceutical composition comprises: (a) about 82 weight % to about 83 weight % of a sugar sphere core wherein the sugar sphere core has a particle size of about 500-710 ⁇ m; (b) a huperzine layer coating the sugar sphere, wherein the huperzine layer comprises about 0.95 weight % to about 1 weight % huperzine or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt of huperzine that is equivalent to about 0.95 weight % to about 1 weight % of huperzine, about 5 weight % to about 6 weight % hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, and about 0.95 weight % to about 1 weight % polyvinylpryrrolidone; and (c) about 9 weight % to about 10 weight % of a plasticized ethyl cellulose polymer layer coating the huperzine layer, wherein the huperzine layer comprises a therapeutically-effective amount of huperzine.
  • the huperzine is huperzine A
  • the hydroxypropyl methylcellulose is a low viscosity hydroxypropyl methylcellulose
  • the polyvinylpyrrolidone is a polyvinylpyrrolidone K30
  • the plasticized ethyl cellulose is SurRelease® Type B NF E.
  • the pharmaceutical comprises: (a) about 83 weight % of a sugar sphere core wherein the sugar sphere core has a particle size of about 500-710 ⁇ m; (b) a huperzine layer coating the sugar sphere, wherein the huperzine layer comprises about 1 weight % huperzine or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt of huperzine that is equivalent to 1 weight % of huperzine, about 6 weight % hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, and about 1 weight % polyvinylpryrrolidone; and (c) about 9 weight % of a plasticized ethyl cellulose polymer layer coating the huperzine layer, wherein the huperzine layer comprises a therapeutically-effective amount of huperzine.
  • the huperzine is huperzine A
  • the hydroxypropyl methylcellulose is a low viscosity hydroxypropyl methylcellulose
  • the polyvinylpyrrolidone is a polyvinylpyrrolidone K30
  • the plasticized ethyl cellulose is SurRelease® Type B NF E.
  • the pharmaceutical composition further comprises a seal coat layer in between the huperzine layer and the plasticized ethyl cellulose layer.
  • a pharmaceutical composition comprising: (a) about 75 weight % to about 76 weight % of a sugar sphere core wherein the sugar sphere core has a particle size of about 500-710 ⁇ m; (b) a huperzine layer coating the sugar sphere, wherein the huperzine layer comprises about 0.9 weight % to about 1 weight % huperzine or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt of huperzine that is equivalent to about 0.9 weight % to about 1 weight % of huperzine, about 5 weight % to about 6 weight % hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, and about 0.9 weight % to about 1 weight % polyvinylpryrrolidone; (c) a seal coat layer coating the huperzine layer, comprising about 1 weight % to about 2 weight % hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose; and (d) about 15 weight % to about 16 weight % of a plasticized ethyl cellulose polymer layer coating
  • the huperzine is huperzine A
  • the hydroxypropyl methylcellulose is a low viscosity hydroxypropyl methylcellulose
  • the polyvinylpyrrolidone is a polyvinylpyrrolidone K30
  • the plasticized ethyl cellulose is SurRelease® Type B NF E.
  • Embodiments of the present invention comprise a pharmaceutical composition according to any embodiment described herein, characterized by a C max of huperzine in plasma of about 4 ng/mL to about 8 ng/mL, a T max of about 4 hour to about 8 hours and a t 1/2 of about 8 hours to about 12 hours, upon oral administration of a therapeutically effective dose of the pharmaceutical composition to a human subject.
  • the C max is about 4 ng/mL to about 6 ng/mL
  • T max is about 4 hours to about 8 hours and the t 1/2 is about 10 hours to about 12 hours.
  • the C max is about 6 ng/mL
  • the T max is about 4 hours and the t 1/2 is about 8.3 hours.
  • compositions comprising a therapeutically-effective amount of huperzine, characterized by a T max of about 4 to about 8 hours and a C max that is reduced by about 25% to about 75% when compared with a C max of an immediate release huperzine pharmaceutical composition administered at an equivalent dose.
  • the C max is reduced by 50% when compared with a C max of an immediate release huperzine pharmaceutical composition.
  • compositions according to any embodiment described herein, that exhibits the following dissolution profile when tested according to USP 1 type apparatus at 50 revolutions per minute in 50 mM phosphate (pH 6.8) at 37° C.: about 36% to about 46% of the huperzine is released after 2 hours, about 61% to about 77% of the huperzine is released after 4 hours, about 84% to about 97% of the huperzine is released after 8 hours and not less than about 89% of the huperzine is released after 12 hours.
  • compositions according to any embodiment described herein, that exhibits the following dissolution profile when tested according to USP 1 type apparatus at 50 revolutions per minute in 50 mM phosphate (pH 6.8) at 37° C.: about 36% of the huperzine is released after 2 hours, about 63% of the huperzine is released after 4 hours about 84% of the huperzine is released after 8 hours and not less than about 89% of the huperzine is released after 12 hours.
  • compositions according to any embodiment described herein, that exhibits the following dissolution profile when tested according to USP 1 type apparatus at 50 revolutions per minute in 50 mM phosphate (pH 6.8) at 37° C.: about 46% of the huperzine is released after 2 hours, about 77% of the huperzine is released after 4 hours about 97% of the huperzine is released after 8 hours and not less than about 99% of the huperzine is released after 12 hours.
  • compositions according to any embodiment described herein, that exhibits the following dissolution profile when tested according to USP 1 type apparatus at 50 revolutions per minute in 50 mM phosphate (pH 6.8) at 37° C.: about 43% of the huperzine is released after 2 hours, about 68% of the huperzine is released after 4 hours about 88% of the huperzine is released after 8 hours and not less than about 96% of the huperzine is released after 12 hours.
  • compositions according to any embodiment described herein, that exhibits the following dissolution profile when tested according to USP 1 type apparatus at 50 revolutions per minute in 50 mM phosphate (pH 6.8) at 37° C.: about 38% of the huperzine is released after 2 hours, about 61% of the huperzine is released after 4 hours about 84% of the huperzine is released after 8 hours and not less than about 94% of the huperzine is released after 12 hours.
  • compositions characterized by a plasma concentration of below 5 ng/mL maintained within the first 31 hours, upon oral administration of the pharmaceutical composition to a human subject are another embodiment of some embodiments of the invention.
  • the huperzine is huperzine A or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.
  • the huperzine A is a huperzia serrata extract.
  • the huperzia serrata extract is about 99% huperzine A.
  • the pharmaceutical composition is for oral delivery.
  • the pharmaceutical compositions of the invention are formulated for oral administration and can be, for example, in the form of tablets, sprinkles, capsules and pills.
  • the pharmaceutical compositions according to any embodiment described herein are formulated for oral administration in the form of capsules.
  • the pharmaceutical compositions according to any embodiment described herein are formulated for oral administration in the form of tablets.
  • the compositions of the inventions can contain additional non-toxic pharmaceutically acceptable carriers and/or diluents and/or adjuvants and/or excipients.
  • the use of such media and agents for pharmaceutically active substances is well known in the art and includes tablet binders, lubricants, flavoring agents, preservatives, wetting agents, emulsifying agents, and dispersing agents.
  • Applicant prepared a number of pharmaceutical compositions comprising an inert core layer, a huperzine layer coating the core layer and a polymer layer coating the huperzine layer as shown in Table 1.
  • composition composition composition 1A 76.10 5.48 HPMC 4.88 Eudragit RL 30 D MCC 0.91 PVP 4.88 Eudragit RS 30 D 500-710 ⁇ m 0.91 huperzine A 1.97 Triethyl citrate 4.88 Talc 1B 76.10 5.48 HPMC 4.88 Eudragit RL 30 D MCC 0.91 PVP 4.88 Eudragit RS 30 D 500-710 ⁇ m 0.91huperzine A 1.97 Triethyl citrate 4.88 Talc Eudragit, cured 2A 82.95 5.97 HPMC 9.09 SuRelease MCC 1 PVP 255-500 ⁇ m 1 huperzine A 2B 79.34 5.71 HPMC 13.04 SuRelease MCC 0.95 PVP 255-500 ⁇ m 0.95 huper
  • compositions 1A and 1B had dissolution profiles that were so fast that they were more similar to immediate release pharmaceutical compositions than modified release pharmaceutical compositions, releasing 88-92% of the huperzine in about 30 minutes.
  • This result is unexpected since microcrystalline cellulose spheres are known to one of skill in the art as suitable cores for extended/modified release of pharmaceuticals.
  • the MCC compositions 1A and 1B contained a Eudragit layer coating the huperzine layer. Eudragit would have been predicted to slow the rate of dissolution even further.
  • one of skill in the art would not have expected compositions comprising sugar spheres to offer advantages over the MCC spheres.
  • sugar spheres are water soluble, one of skill in the art would expect the dissolution profile of a sugar sphere composition to be faster than compositions with the water insoluble MCC spheres. While the MCC compositions 2A, 2B, 2C, 3A, 3B, and 3C had longer release profiles, they either had an initial release that was too fast (rapid release), or they released too slowly.
  • the sugar sphere compositions 4A, 4B, 4D, 4E, 4F-1, and 4F-2 and particularly 4D, 4F-1, and 4F-2 unexpectedly had a slow initial rate of dissolution and released about 85-90% (or higher) of huperzine after 12 hours, making them ideal for modified release pharmaceutical compositions of huperzine (See FIG. 5 and Table 2).
  • compositions according to any embodiment described herein, that exhibit a dissolution profile as defined in Table 2.
  • the dissolution profile has an F2 of greater than 50%, when compared to any of compositions 4A, 4D, 4F-1 and 4F-2. It will be understood by one of skill in the art that F2 is a factor that assesses the similarity of 2 dissolution curves and is represented by the formula
  • n is the number of time points being assessed
  • R reference value at a given time
  • T test value at equivalent time.
  • a pharmacokinetic study in dogs further illustrates the advantages of composition 4A, for example over the MCC compositions (See FIG. 6 ).
  • the following pharmacokinetic parameters were observed in the study (See Table 3 and Example 2).
  • Composition 4A Composition 2C C max ng/ml 12.7 6.0 4.2 T max (hours) 1.25 4.0 2.0 T 1/2 (hours) 5.71 8.32 5.54 *based on values from Chu D, Liu W, Li Y, Li P, Gu J, Liu K. Pharmacokinetics of huperzine A in dogs following single intravenous and oral administrations. Planta Med. 2006 May; 72(6): 552-5, **calculated based on equivalent dosing
  • the MCC composition 2C releases huperzine, however, the release and subsequent absorption of huperzine isn't fast enough to keep up with the clearance of the drug from the body, yielding only a minor prolongation of t1 ⁇ 2 to 2 hours from 1.25 hours. Therefore, patients would have to receive huperzine in composition 2C four to six times daily, thus offering little advantage over immediate release pharmaceutical compositions.
  • Composition 4A however, had a pharmacokinetic profile ideal for twice daily doing, demonstrating higher overall absorption, without clearing from the body too quickly.
  • composition 4D had a favorable pharmacokinetic profile that showed a dramatic reduction of serious adverse events compared with the immediate release preparation, demonstrated twice a day dosing and demonstrated achievable drug plasma levels predicted to provide significant protection in patients that require higher doses of huperzine, for example, patients with seizure disorders (See Example 3).
  • compositions according to any embodiment described herein are useful in treating neurological disorders and/or seizure disorders to a patient in need thereof. They can be administered therapeutically to treat, prevent, or slow the rate of onset of neuronal dysfunctions. Some embodiments describe methods of treating neurological disorders and/or seizure disorders.
  • Some embodiments describe methods of treating neurological disorders selected from amyloid-related disorder such as Alzheimer's disease and the amyloid-disorders described herein, psychiatric disorders such as Tourette's syndrome, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), panic and anxiety disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and schizophrenia, developmental disorders such as fragile X syndrome and autism, pain, drug addictions such as alcoholism, neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson's disease and Huntington's disease, as well as stroke and ischemic brain injury, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, epilepsy, and any disorder, symptom, or effect associated with or relating to exposure to a neurotoxin, including but not limited to neurotoxins such as chemical warfare, with a pharmaceutical composition according to any embodiment described herein.
  • amyloid-related disorder such as Alzheimer's disease and the amyloid-disorders described herein
  • psychiatric disorders such as Tourette's syndrome, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), panic and anxiety disorders, obsessive-comp
  • the present invention provides methods of treating seizures or seizure disorders selected from epilepsy (including intractable epilepsy), generalized seizures, primary generalized seizures, absence seizures, myoclonic seizures, partial seizures, complex partial seizures with or without generalization (for example, focal impaired awareness seizures (FIAS)), Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome, Dravet Syndrome and Generalized Epilepsy with Febrile Seizures plus (GEFS+).
  • the seizure disorder is epilepsy.
  • compositions according to any embodiment described herein can be administered therapeutically to treat, prevent, or slow the rate of onset of neuronal dysfunctions, such as epilepsy and seizures, or prophylactically to either protect against further seizures associated with epilepsy or to avoid or forestall the onset of seizures associated with other disorders.
  • the pharmaceutical compositions according to any embodiment described herein can be administered prophylactically to slow or halt the progression of seizures and epilepsy in a patient who has had a stroke and has a risk of developing seizure as a result of the stroke.
  • the pharmaceutical compositions of the invention is administered at a dose to reduce seizures by at least 10% with a better side effect profile.
  • the reduction is 20%, 50%, 75% or eliminates seizure episodes.
  • the pharmaceutical compositions according to any embodiment described herein prevents the development of or completely eliminates seizures.
  • the present invention provides methods of treating any disorder, symptom, or effect associated with or relating to exposure to a neurotoxin, including but not limited to neurotoxins such as chemical warfare, comprising administering to a patient in need thereof, a pharmaceutical composition according to any embodiment described herein.
  • the dose of huperzine in the pharmaceutical compositions of the invention preferably does not exceed 10 mg/day. In some embodiments, the dose preferably does not exceed 6.5 mg/day. In some embodiments, the dose is between a lower limit of about 0.01 mg/day, about 0.05 mg/day, about 0.1 mg/day, about 0.25 mg/day, about 0.5 mg/day, about 0.75 mg/day, about 0.8 mg/day, about 1 mg/day, about 1.1 mg/day, about 1.25 mg/day, about 1.5 mg/day, about 1.75 mg/day, about 2 mg/day, about 2.2 mg/day, about 2.25 mg/day, about 2.5 mg/day, about 3.0 mg/day, about 3.5 mg/day, about 4.0 mg/day, about 4.5 mg/day, about 5.0 mg/day, about 5.5 mg/day, about 6.0 mg/day and about 6.5 mg/day; and an upper limit of about 6.5 mg/day, about 6.0 mg/day, about 5.5 mg/day, about 6.0 mg/
  • the dose is about 0.01 mg/day to about 0.8 mg/day. In further embodiments the dose is about 0.25 mg/day to about 5 mg/day. In some embodiments the dose is about 0.25 mg/day to about 0.5 mg/day. In some embodiments the dose is about 0.5 mg/day to about 0.75 mg/day. In some embodiments the dose is about 0.75 mg/day to about 1 mg/day. In some embodiments the dose is about 1 mg/day to about 1.25 mg/day. In some embodiments the dose is about 1.25 mg/day to about 1.5 mg/day. In some embodiments the dose is about 1.5 mg/day to about 1.75 mg/day. In some embodiments the dose is about 1.75 mg/day to about 2.0 mg/day.
  • the dose is about 2.0 mg/day to about 2.25 mg/day. In some embodiments the dose is about 2.25 mg/day to about 2.5 mg/day. In some embodiments the dose is about 2.5 mg/day to about 2.75 mg/day. In some embodiments the dose is about 2.75 mg/day to about 3.0 mg/day. In some embodiments the dose is about 3.0 mg/day to about 3.25 mg/day. In some embodiments the dose is about 3.25 mg/day to about 3.50 mg/day. In some embodiments the dose is about 3.50 mg/day to about 3.75 mg/day. In some embodiments the dose is about 3.75 mg/day to about 4.0 mg/day. In some embodiments the dose is about 4.0 mg/day to about 4.25 mg/day.
  • the dose is about 4.25 mg/day to about 4.5 mg/day. In some embodiments the dose is about 4.5 mg/day to about 4.75 mg/day. In some embodiments the dose is about 4.75 mg/day to about 5 mg/day. In some embodiments the dose is about 1 mg/day to about 5 mg/day. In some embodiments the dose is about 0.5 mg/day to about 5 mg/day. In some embodiments the dose is about 0.5 mg/day to about 2.2 mg/day. In some embodiments, the dose is about 5 mg/day.
  • the dose is about 0.5 mg/day, about 1 mg/day, about 1.1 mg/day mg/day, about 1.5 mg/day, about 2.0 mg/day, about 2.50 mg/day, about 3.0 mg/day, about 3.5 mg/day or about 3.6 mg/day.
  • the daily dose according to any embodiment described herein is administered twice a day. In some embodiments the dose is about 0.25 mg twice a day to about 2.5 mg twice a day.
  • the dose is about 0.25 mg twice a day, about 0.5 mg twice a day, about 0.75 mg twice a day, about 1.0 mg twice a day, about 1.1 mg twice a day, about 1.25 mg twice a day, 1.5 mg twice a day, 1.75 mg twice a day, 1.8 mg twice a day, 2.0 mg twice a day, 2.25 mg twice a day, or 2.5 mg twice a day.
  • doses of about 0.05 mg/day to about 7 mg/day, about 05 mg/day to about 5 mg/day, about 0.05 mg/day to about 0.8 mg/day, about 0.05 mg/day to about 0.4 mg/day, about 0.05 mg/day to about 0.02 mg/day, or 0.05 mg/day to about 0.01 mg/day may also used.
  • these doses may be used to treat any neurological disorder.
  • these doses may be used to treat symptoms or effects associated with or relating to exposure to neurotoxins such as chemical warfare agents.
  • the present disclosure provides a method of treating a neurological and/or seizure disorder comprising administering to a patient in need thereof, one or more titration doses of an modified release pharmaceutical composition of huperzine, followed by a maintenance dose of an oral modified release pharmaceutical composition of huperzine, wherein the patient experiences a better side effect profile.
  • the modified release pharmaceutical composition of huperzine administered in the titration dose is the same modified release pharmaceutical composition of huperzine administered in the maintenance dose.
  • the modified release pharmaceutical composition of huperzine administered in the titration dose is different than the modified release pharmaceutical composition of huperzine administered in the maintenance dose.
  • the huperzine is huperzine A.
  • the modified release pharmaceutical composition of huperzine comprises a dissolvable core; an active huperzine A layer coating the dissolvable core; and a polymer coating, coating the huperzine A layer.
  • the modified release huperzine pharmaceutical composition is a pharmaceutical composition according to any embodiment described herein.
  • the modified release pharmaceutical composition of huperzine is a pharmaceutical composition according to any embodiment described herein, and is the same pharmaceutical composition in the titration dose and the maintenance dose.
  • the oral modified release pharmaceutical composition of huperzine is a pharmaceutical composition comprising huperzine A according to any embodiment described herein, and is the same pharmaceutical composition comprising huperzine A in the titration dose and the maintenance dose.
  • the dose is titrated from a low dose to high dose over several days to several weeks until a maintenance dose is reached.
  • Some embodiments describe a method of treating a neurological disorder and/or a seizure disorder, in a patient in need thereof, wherein the patient experiences a better side effect profile, comprising administering a first dosing regimen of at least one dosing regimen selected from a. to h. (as further described below) and administering a second dosing regimen of at least one dosing regimen selected from a. to i. (as further described below), provided the second dosing regimen ascends from the first dosing regimen and further provided the last dosing regimen is the maintenance dose and therefore will be administered for as long as the patient is in need of treatment thereof:
  • Some embodiments describe a method of treating a neurological disorder and/or a seizure disorder, in a patient in need thereof, wherein the patient experiences a better side effect profile, comprising administering a first dosing regimen of at least one dosing regimen selected from a. to h. (as further described below) and administering a second dosing regimen of at least one dosing regimen selected from a. to i. (as further described below), provided the second dosing regimen ascends from the first dosing regimen and further provided the last dosing regimen is the maintenance dose and therefore will be administered for as long as the patient is in need of treatment thereof:
  • the method comprises administering any dosing regimen selected from the following (wherein the last designated dose is the maintenance dose):
  • the method comprises
  • step d. is administered for as long as the patient is in need of treatment.
  • the method further comprises after step d.:
  • the method further comprises after step d.:
  • the method further comprises after step d.:
  • the method further comprises after step d.:
  • the method further comprises after step d.:
  • Some embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to a method of treating a neurological disorder and/or a seizure disorder, in a patient in need thereof, wherein the patient experiences a better side effect profile, comprising administering a modified release pharmaceutical composition of huperzine, wherein the modified release pharmaceutical composition of huperzine is characterized by a C ss of huperzine in plasma selected from
  • the modified release pharmaceutical composition is a pharmaceutical composition according to any embodiment described herein.
  • Some embodiments describe a method of treating a neurological disorder and/or seizure disorder, to a patient in need thereof, wherein the patient experiences a better side effect profile, comprising administering a modified release pharmaceutical composition of huperzine A, wherein the modified release pharmaceutical composition of huperzine is characterized by a Css of huperzine in plasma of about 0.6 ng/mL to about 12 ng/mL when administered at a therapeutically effective dose. In some embodiments the Css of huperzine in plasma is about 2 ng/mL to about 12 ng/mL when administered at a therapeutically effective dose.
  • the Css of huperzine in plasma is about 4 ng/mL to about 12 ng/mL when administered at a therapeutically effective dose. In some embodiments the Css of huperzine in plasma is about 6 ng/mL to about 12 ng/mL when administered at a therapeutically effective dose. In some embodiments the Css of huperzine in plasma is about 4 ng/mL to about 10 ng/mL when administered at a therapeutically effective dose. In some embodiments the Css of huperzine in plasma is about 4 ng/mL to about 8 ng/mL when administered at a therapeutically effective dose.
  • the Css of huperzine in plasma is about 6.4 ng/mL to about 10 ng/mL when administered at a therapeutically effective dose. In some embodiments the Css of huperzine in plasma is about 8 ng/mL when administered at a therapeutically effective dose. In some embodiments the Css of huperzine in plasma is at least 8 ng/mL when administered at a therapeutically effective dose.
  • the modified release pharmaceutical composition is a pharmaceutical composition according to any embodiment described herein.
  • Some embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to a method of treating a neurological or seizure disorder comprising administering to a patient in need thereof, a modified release pharmaceutical composition of huperzine, wherein the pharmaceutical composition has a pharmacokinetic profile as defined in Table 4 upon oral administration of a therapeutically effective dose of the pharmaceutical composition to a human subject.
  • the modified release pharmaceutical composition of huperzine is a pharmaceutical composition according to any embodiment described herein.
  • the modified huperzine pharmaceutical composition is pharmaceutical composition 4D.
  • T max (h) AUC 0-8 ⁇ g ⁇ h/L 0.25 mg about 0.76 to about 1.19 about 4 to about 4.18 to about 6.25 about 6.53 0.5 mg about 2.51 to about 3.93 about 4 to about 13.76 to about 6.25 about 21.5
  • the pharmacokinetic profile is as defined in Table 5 upon oral administration of a therapeutically effective dose of the pharmaceutical composition to a human subject.
  • T max (h) AUC 0-8 ⁇ g ⁇ h/L 0.25 mg about 0.86 to about 1.05 about 4.5 to about 4.7 to about 5.5 about 5.74 0.5 mg about 2.83 to about 3.46 about 4.5 to about 15.48 to about 5.5 about 18.9
  • the pharmacokinetic profile is as defined in Table 6 upon oral administration of a therapeutically effective dose of the pharmaceutical composition to a human subject.
  • Some embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to a method of treating a neurological or seizure disorder comprising administering to a patient in need thereof, a modified release pharmaceutical composition of huperzine, wherein the pharmaceutical composition has a pharmacokinetic profile as defined in Table 7 upon oral administration of a therapeutically effective dose of the pharmaceutical composition to a human subject.
  • the modified release pharmaceutical composition of huperzine is a pharmaceutical composition according to any embodiment described herein.
  • the modified huperzine pharmaceutical composition is pharmaceutical composition 4E.
  • T max (h) AUC 0-8 ⁇ g ⁇ h/L 0.5 mg about 1.90 to about 4.8 to about 12.12 to about 2.96 about 7.5 about 18.94
  • the pharmacokinetic profile is as defined in Table 8 upon oral administration of a therapeutically effective dose of the pharmaceutical composition to a human subject.
  • Some embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to a method of treating a neurological and/or seizure disorder comprising administering to a patient in need thereof, a modified release pharmaceutical composition of huperzine, wherein the pharmaceutical composition has a pharmacokinetic profile as defined in Table 13 upon oral administration of a therapeutically effective dose of the pharmaceutical composition to a human subject.
  • the modified release pharmaceutical composition of huperzine is a pharmaceutical composition according to any embodiment described herein.
  • the modified huperzine pharmaceutical composition is pharmaceutical composition 4E.
  • Some embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to a method of treating a neurological or seizure disorder comprising administering to a patient in need thereof, a modified release pharmaceutical composition of huperzine, wherein the pharmaceutical composition has a pharmacokinetic profile as defined in Table 16 upon oral administration of a therapeutically effective dose of the pharmaceutical composition to a human subject.
  • the modified release pharmaceutical composition of huperzine is a pharmaceutical composition according to any embodiment described herein.
  • the modified huperzine pharmaceutical composition is pharmaceutical composition 4F-1.
  • Some embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to a method of treating a neurological or seizure disorder comprising administering to a patient in need thereof, a modified release pharmaceutical composition of huperzine, wherein the pharmaceutical composition has a pharmacokinetic profile as defined in Table 17 upon oral administration of a therapeutically effective dose of the pharmaceutical composition to a human subject.
  • the modified release pharmaceutical composition of huperzine is a pharmaceutical composition according to any embodiment described herein.
  • the modified huperzine pharmaceutical composition is pharmaceutical composition 4F-1.
  • compositions of the present invention can be administered in a combination with other therapeutic agent(s).
  • therapeutic agents such as acetaminophen, acetazolamide, alprazolam, armodafinil, benzodiazepines, brivaracetam, busprirone, cannabinoids, carbamazepine, carisoprodol, chlordiazepoxide, chloroxazone, clobazam, clonazepam, clorazepate, cyclobenzaprine, diazepam, divalproex, erenumab-aooe, eslicarbazine, ethosuximide, ezogabine, felbamate, flunarizine, fosphenytoin, gabapentin, hydroxyzine
  • compositions were tested according to USP 1 type apparatus at 50 revolutions per minute in 50 mM phosphate (pH 6.8) at 37° C. Results are shown in FIG. 4 .
  • the objective of this study was to determine the plasma pharmacokinetics of modified release huperzine Composition 4A in male beagle dogs.
  • the huperzine A was monitored in plasma for up to 24 hours.
  • Animals were housed in room(s) that were controlled and monitored for relative humidity (targeted mean range 40% to 70%) and temperature (targeted mean range 18° to 26° C.) with 10 to 20 air changes/hour.
  • the room(s) were on a 12-hour light/dark cycle except when interruptions were necessitated by study activities.
  • RO reverses osmosis
  • the modified release huperzine A composition 4A was administered orally via capsule delivery.
  • Plasma concentration versus time data was analyzed by non-compartmental approaches using the WinNonlin software program (version 6.3, Pharsight, Mountain View, Calif.).
  • a single center, on-site/outpatient, dose escalation study was conducted with oral pharmaceutical composition 4D.
  • the subjects were dosed twice daily (BID) in 4 cohorts of 2 subjects each (Pharmaceutical composition 4D) and 2 cohorts of 3 subjects total (Pharmaceutical composition 4E) to assess plasma levels, safety, and allow necessary dosing alterations to occur prior to dosing any subsequent subjects.
  • the study was conducted in an on-site setting at dose initiation and at times of dose escalation to evaluate safety, and for specimen collection for routine laboratory and pharmacokinetic analysis. Subjects were discharged and compliance of BID dosing was monitored via twice daily phone calls by site staff.
  • the initial dose was 0.5 mg BID with a dose escalation every 2-3 days until a maximum tolerated dose was observed or a maximum of 2.5 mg BID dose was obtained.
  • Initial dose and rate of escalation was able to be altered at the discretion of the site staff to ensure safety of the subjects.
  • Plasma concentration data was used for bioavailability assessment.
  • the derived pharmacokinetic parameters include: area under the curve (AUC), maximum serum concentration (C max ), and time of C max (T max ).
  • the safety and tolerability parameters were assessed based on the occurrence of adverse events as well as the results of study-specified vital signs, neurological and physical examinations, ECG evaluations, and clinical laboratory studies.
  • Plasma levels taken on dose titration inpatient days throughout the study for cohorts 1-4 are shown in FIG. 7 .
  • Means reflect all data obtained for 8 subjects.
  • the initial dosing schedule was altered for cohorts 3 and 4 to accommodate a slower titration (0.25 mg dose increments).
  • FIG. 8 A graph of the average plasma levels taken on inpatient days throughout the study at particular doses is shown in FIG. 8 .
  • Pharmacokinetic modeling predicts average plasma level (Css) of 8.4 ng/mL to achieve 100% seizure protection in 50% of patients (dosing equivalent of about 1.1-1.25 mg BID.
  • compositions in the study yielded favorable pharmacokinetic profiles, demonstrated twice a day dosing and demonstrated a dramatic reduction in adverse events when compared to immediate release preparation, even with double the dose previously used.
  • Pharmacokinetic modeling accurately predicted dose-exposure relationships for the entire dose titration.
  • Adverse events were mild and transient. Testing showed that approximately double the dose predicted for significant seizure control was attainable; yielding much higher, stable plasma levels of huperzine A given on a twice/day schedule, and achieved drug plasma levels predicted to provide significant seizure protection in patients with adult and childhood intractable epilepsies.
  • the purpose of this study is to examine safety signals and demonstrate seizure reduction in adults with FIAS treated with modified release pharmaceutical compositions of huperzine as an add-on therapy in an in-patient and out-patient study with the pharmaceutical composition according to any embodiment described herein.
  • the pharmaceutical composition is 4F1 or 4F-2.
  • Dose administration for each participant will begin at 0.25 mg BID escalating sequentially every 4 days to a maximum tolerated dose or target dose of 1.75 mg BID Participants who are unable to tolerate a dose during dose escalation will have their dose reduced to the prior tolerable dose; if unable to tolerate lower doses, participants will be withdrawn from the study.
  • This study is a single center, multi-site, open-label, add-on study in otherwise healthy participants with frequent Focal Impaired Awareness Seizures.
  • Pre-qualified, eligible participants age 18 and older that have signed an informed consent will be enrolled into the study.
  • the study will consist of a 96-hour baseline continuous VEM period, a one-month out-patient dose escalation treatment period, followed by a second 96-hour continuous VEM treatment period.
  • the modified release pharmaceutical composition of huperzine will be titrated over 28 days, escalating every 4 days. Upon reaching the target dose or maximum tolerated dose, participants will maintain that dose for the balance of the out-patient titration period, after which they will begin a 96-hour in-patient VEM treatment period. A daily seizure diary will be kept for the duration of the out-patient titration period where participants or caregivers will notate seizure type and time of day. Participants who are unable to attain target dose of 1.75 mg BID will be dose reduced to a prior tolerable dose. If unable to tolerate lower doses, participants may be withdrawn from the study.
  • Participants will be dosed 2 times daily (every 12 hrs) with the modified release pharmaceutical composition of huperzine, administration occurring in the morning and evening. Participants will have the modified release pharmaceutical composition of huperzine discontinued at the final day of in-patient VEM unless they elect to participate in the open-label extension period, during which they will continue to record seizure diaries and will have safety assessments on a regular basis.
  • All participants who receive at least one dose of modified release pharmaceutical composition of huperzine will be included in safety analyses that includes vital signs, clinical laboratory testing, physical and neurological examinations, electrocardiograms and adverse event monitoring.
  • Plasma concentration data will be used determine a dose, serum level and seizure effect relationship.
  • Urine samples will undergo standard urinalysis, test drug elimination and presence of potential metabolites.
  • compositions described herein can generally be prepared as follows:
  • An exemplary process comprises:

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