WO2018191601A1 - Stable pharmaceutical compositions comprising desonide - Google Patents

Abstract

A stable pharmaceutical composition comprising desonide, isopropyl myristate, a C2-C4 alcohol and caprylic/capric triglyceride. The formulation may be used for treating a patient for a skin condition. The present formulation, and method offer significant advantages by providing enhanced stability of the composition.

Description

STABLE PHARMACEUTICAL COMPOSITIONS COMPRISING DESONIDE

Cross Reference to Related Application

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/485,228 filed on April 13, 2017, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a stable pharmaceutical composition comprising desonide. The formulation has enhanced stability and reduced oxidized impurities. The present invention also relates to a process for preparing a stable pharmaceutical composition and a method of treating corticosteroid-responsive skin conditions.

Background of the Invention

Desonide is a glucocorticoid having both anti-inflammatory as well as antipruritic activities. It is used to treat corticosteroid-responsive dermatoses. Desonide is a low potency corticosteroid and is frequently prescribed for the treatment of atopic dermatosis.

Desonide formulations are very sensitive to degradation from oxidation, non-oxidative reactions and ultraviolet radiation. Rosa et al. AAPS PharmSciTech 15(51:1 155 (2014); see also, Nguyen et al. Acta Chemica Scandinavica B42: 403 (1988).

Thus, there is a continuing need for developing an aerosolized formulation of desonide as well as other topical steroids that contain minimum acceptable levels of oxidized impurities. The present composition meets this need by providing the use of a stabilizing agent in an aerosolized formulation suitable for long-term storage.

Summary

The present disclosure provides for a pharmaceutical composition comprising: one or more steroids (e.g., dcsonide, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or derivative thereof); one or more C2-C4 alcohols (e.g., ethanol); one or more ester oils (e.g.. isopropyl myristate); and one or more oleaginous vehicles such as glycerides (e.g., caprylic/capric triglyceride).

The one or more steroids may be present in the pharmaceutical composition at amounts ranging from about 0.01 to about 7.S % (w/w), or about 0.0S % (w/w), based on the total weight of the composition.

The one or more C2-C4 alcohols may be present in the pharmaceutical composition at amounts ranging from about 10 to about 70 % (w/w), about 30 to about 52% (w/w), about 31.5% (w/w), about 46.6% (w/w), or about 51.25% (w/w), based on the total weight of the composition.

The one or more ester oils may be present in the pharmaceutical composition at amounts ranging from about 15 to about 50 % (w/w), or about 25 to about 47 % (w/w), about 46.35 % (w/w), or about 30.9 % (w/w), based on the total weight of the composition.

The one or more glycerides may be present in the pharmaceutical composition at amounts ranging from about 1 to about 20 % (w/w), about 1 to about 20 % (w/w), about 20 to about 30 % (w/w), about 4 to about 20 % (w/w), or about 20 % (w/w), or about 4.55 % (w/w), based on the total weight of the composition.

The pharmaceutical composition may further comprise about 1 to about 5 % (w/w), or about 2.45 % (w/w) of an aqueous solution (e.g., an acidic aqueous solution). The acidic aqueous solution may have a pH ranging from about 2 to about 4, about 2, about 3, or about 4. The acidic aqueous solution may be a hydrochloric acid (HC1) solution and/or a citrate buffer solution.

The pharmaceutical composition may be a topical spray composition.

The pharmaceutical composition may be stable at about 40°C in an atmosphere of about 75% relative humidity for a period of at least 1 week, at least 2 weeks, at least 3 weeks, at least 4 weeks, at least one month, at least two months, or at least three months. The amount of total impurities of the composition at the end of the period may be lower than 1% (w/w), lower than 2% (w/w), lower than 3% (w/w), lower than 4% (w/w), or lower than 5% (w/w).

The pharmaceutical composition may be administered to a mammal for reducing a skin inflammation. The present disclosure also provides for a method of treating a skin condition comprising administering to the skin of a mammal in need thereof an effective amount of the pharmaceutical composition.

The present disclosure provides for a pharmaceutical topical spray composition having: about 0.01 to about 7.5 % (w/w) of desonide; about 10 to about 70 % (w/w) of a C2-C4 alcohol, such as ethanol; about IS to about SO % (w/w) of isopropyl myristate; and, about 1 to about 20 % (w/w) of caprylic triglyceride, capric triglyceride, or a mixtures and about 1 to about S % (w/w) of an acidic aqueous solution having a pH of about 2 to about 4. The composition is stable at 40°C in an atmosphere of about 75% humidity for a period of at least three months. The amount of total impurity of the composition at the end of that period is lower than 1 % (w/w). The stability testing periods can be extended to least two months or three months.

The acidic aqueous solution can be HC1 or citrate and the pH of the citrate buffer can be about 4.0. In certain embodiments, the citrate buffer solution constitutes about 2.45 % (w/w) of the composition. Desonide may also constitute about 0.05 % (w/w) of the composition.

The C2-C4 alcohol can constitute about 30 to about 52 % (w/w) of the composition.

In other embodiments, the isopropyl myristate can constitute about 25 to about 47 % (w/w) of the composition and capric glyceride and/or caprylic glyceride can constitute about 20 to about 30 % (w/w) of the composition; in selected embodiments, the capric glyceride and/or caprylic glyceride is about 20% (w/w).

In a particular embodiment, the pharmaceutical topical spray composition contains desonide about 0.05 % (w/w) of the composition; ethanol about 30 to about 52% (w/w) of the composition; isopropyl myristate about 25 to about 47 % (w/w) of the composition; capric glyceride and/or caprylic glyceride about 4 to about 20 % (w/w) of the composition; and an acidic aqueous solution of citrate buffer solution having a pH of 4.0 and constituting about 2.45 % (w/w) of the composition. In another embodiment, the ethanol of the foregoing composition can be about 30% (w/w) or about 46.6% (w/w). In other embodiments, the isopropyl myristate can be about 46.35 % (w/w) or 30.9 % (w/w) of the composition.

The pharmaceutical topical spray composition is administered to a mammal to reduce skin inflammation. The invention also provides for a method of treating an inflammatory skin condition comprising administering by spray to the skin of a mammal the pharmaceutical composition of desonide disclosed herein. Brief Description of the Drawings

Figure 1 shows an overview of the total impurities at 40°C for the various formulations. The compositions of the formulations are detailed in Table 1.

Detailed Description of the Invention

The present disclosure provides for a pharmaceutical composition (e.g., a liquid formulation) containing a steroid (such as a corticosteroid, or a glucocorticoid, e.g., desonide). For example, the stable liquid formulation may comprise desonide, an ester oil (e.g., isopropyl myristate), a C2-C4 alcohol (such as ethanol), and an oleaginous vehicle (e.g., caprylic acid, and/or caprylic/capric triglyceride). The formulation may be used for treating a patient for a skin condition, comprising the step of administering such a stable liquid formulation to a subject, e.g., topically. The present formulation and method offer significant advantages over the prior art in that it provides enhanced stability. The present composition may be used in an aerosolized format. The present formulation may be useful in treating a variety of different skin conditions (e.g., inflammatory skin conditions).

Also encompassed by the present disclosure is a method of treating or preventing a skin condition (e.g., dermatitis, a skin inflammation, an inflammatory skin condition, etc.). The method may comprise administering (e.g., topically applying) an effective amount of the present compound/composition to a subject (e.g., to an affected area of the skin of a subject).

The steroid, corticosteroid, or glucocorticoid (e.g., desonide) may also be a

pharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvate thereof, or a physiologically functional derivative thereof.

The compositions of the invention may be administered either via a local route, e.g., topically or by subcutaneous and/or intradermal injection, or via a systemic or general route, e.g., orally and/or by intramuscular injection. The administration may be via topical, intravenous, oral, transdermal or intranasal administration.

The present active agent may be formulated into a cosmetic, pharmaceutical, and/or dermatological composition for treating a condition, e.g., a skin condition.

The present compositions may be applied topically to the face, the neck, the hair, the mucous membranes and the nails, major folds, or any other area of the body skin.

The present agent/composition may be administered therapeutically to achieve a therapeutic benefit ("treating") or prophylactically to achieve a prophylactic benefit

("preventing"). By therapeutic benefit is meant eradication or amelioration of a skin condition being treated, and/or eradication or amelioration of one or more of the symptoms associated with a skin condition. By prophylactic benefit is meant prevention or delay of the onset of a skin condition, and/or prevention or delay of the onset of one or more of the symptoms associated with a skin condition. In certain embodiments, an effective amount of the present

agent/composition to be administered prevents a skin condition from developing or being exacerbated into more serious conditions.

"Treating" or "treatment" of a state, disorder or condition includes: (1) preventing or delaying the appearance of clinical symptoms of the state, disorder, or condition developing in a person who may be afflicted with or predisposed to the state, disorder or condition but does not yet experience or display clinical symptoms of the state, disorder or condition; or (2) inhibiting the state, disorder or condition, i.e., arresting, reducing or delaying the development of the disease or a relapse thereof (in case of maintenance treatment) or at least one clinical symptom, sign, or test, thereof; or (3) relieving the disease, i.e., causing regression of the state, disorder or condition or at least one of its clinical or sub-clinical symptoms or signs.

The benefit to a subject to be treated is either statistically significant or at least perceptible to the patient or to the physician.

An effective amount of an agent/drug refers to a therapeutically effective amount or a prophylactically effective amount. A "prophylactically effective amount" refers to an amount effective, at dosages and for periods of time necessary, to achieve the desired prophylactic result. In certain embodiments, since a prophylactic dose is used in subjects prior to or at an earlier stage of a disorder, the prophylactically effective amount is less than the therapeutically effective amount. In certain embodiments, the prophylactically effective amount is similar to, identical to, or more than, the therapeutically effective amount. A therapeutically effective amount of a drug is an amount effective to demonstrate a desired activity of the drug. A therapeutically effective amount may vary depending on the compound, the disorder and its severity and the age, weight, physical condition and responsiveness of the subject to be treated. In certain embodiments, an effective amount of a steroid (such as desonide), or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvate thereof, or a physiologically functional derivative thereof, is an amount effective to prevent or delay the onset of a skin condition, and/or effective to alleviate, one or more of the symptoms of a skin condition.

In certain embodiments, the present agent, such as a steroid (such as desonide), or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvate thereof, or a derivative thereof, is administered in a composition comprising a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, vehicle, excipient and/or diluent. Also provided herein is a pharmaceutical composition that comprises a steroid (such as desonide), or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvate thereof, or a derivative thereof, and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, vehicle, excipient or diluent, for use in the prophylactic and/or therapeutic treatment of a skin condition. In certain embodiments, the present disclosure relates to compositions for topical application to the human skin.

The C2-C4 alcohol may encompass a linear or branched C2-C4 alcohol. The term C2-C4 alcohols, as used herein, refers to alcohols containing two, three or four carbon atoms. Non- limiting examples of C2-C4 alcohols include, ethanol, 1 -propanol, isopropyl alcohol

(isopropanol) and butanol, sec-butanol, isobutanol, tert-butyl alcohol, a glycol, and mixtures thereof. In one embodiment, the C2-C4 alcohol is ethyl alcohol or ethanol.

The C2-C4 alcohol may be present in amounts ranging from about 10 wt % to about 70 wt %, about 20 wt % to about 70 wt %, about 30 wt % to about 60 wt %, about 30 wt % to about 52 wt %, about 15 to about 50 % (w/w), about 20 to about 50 % (w/w), about 30 to about 50 % (w/w), about 40 to about 50 % (w/w), about 25 to about 55 % (w/w), about 30 to about 55 % (w/w), about 20 % (w/w), about 22 % (w/w), about 24 % (w/w), about 26 % (w/w), about 28 % (w/w), about 30 % (w/w), about 32 % (w/w), about 34 % (w/w), about 35 % (w/w), about 36 % (w/w), about 38 % (w/w), about 40 % (w/w), about 42 % (w/w), about 44 % (w/w), about 45 % (w/w), about 46 % (w/w), about 48 % (w/w), about 50 % (w/w), about 52 % (w/w), about 54 % (w/w), about 55 % (w/w), about 31.5% (w/w), about 40 wt %, about 46.6% (w/w), or about 51.25% (w/w), based on the total weight of the present composition.

The present composition may comprise one or more oleaginous vehicles, such as glycerides (e.g., triglycerides). Triglycerides can be natural (from oils, fats) or synthetic, and include, without limitation thereto, mono-, di-and tri-esters of glycerin and C6-C22 fatty acids and mixtures thereof, such as caprylic/capric triglyceride, caprylic/capric/lauric triglyceride, and caprylic/capric/myristic/stearic triglyceride. In one embodiment, the oleaginous vehicle is caprylic acid, or caprylic/capric triglyceride. Other oleaginous vehicles that may be used include, but are not limited to, mineral oil, and light mineral oil, apricot kernel oil, canola oil, castor oil, coconut oil, corn oil, cottonseed oil, olive oil, soybean oil or vegetable oil. The one or more oleaginous vehicles are present in amounts of from about 1 to about 20 % (w/w), about 10 to about 30% wt%, about 20 to about 30 % (w/w), about 4 to about 20 % (w/w), about 1 wt % to about 30 wt %, about 5 wt % to about 30 wt %, about S wt % to about 20 wt %, about 10 wt % to about 20 wt %, about 3 to about 20 % (w/w), about 4 to about 20 % (w/w), about 4 to about 10 % (w/w), about 5 to about 10 % (w/w), about 2 % (w/w), about 3 % (w/w), about 4 % (w/w), about 5 % (w/w), about 6 % (w/w), about 7 % (w/w), about 8 % (w/w), about 9 % (w/w), about 10 % (w/w), about 1 1 % (w/w), about 12 % (w/w), about 13 % (w/w), about 14 % (w/w), about 15 % (w/w), about 16 % (w/w), about 17 % (w/w), about 18 % (w/w), about 19 % (w/w), about 20 % (w/w), about 21 % (w/w), about 22 % (w/w), about 23% (w/w), about 24 wt %, about 25 % (w/w), or about 26% (w/w), about 15 to about 20 wt%, about 4.55 % (w/w), or 20% wt%, based on the total weight of the present composition.

The present pharmaceutical composition may contain isopropyl myristate. Isopropyl myristate may be present in the amount of about from about 10 wt % to about 70 wt %. For example, isopropyl myristate is present in the amount of about 25 wt % and 55 wt % or about 40 wt %.

The present composition may comprise an aqueous solution or buffer, including an acidic aqueous solution or buffer, a neutral aqueous solution or buffer, or a basic aqueous solution or buffer. Acidic aqueous solutions or buffers include, but are not limited to, such as citrate, citric acid, phosphate buffers or hydrochloric acid (HC1) solution or buffer.

The aqueous solution or buffer may be present in amounts ranging from about 0.5 to about 20 % (w/w), about 0.5 to about 10 % (w/w), about 1 to about 10 % (w/w), about 0.5 to about 20 % (w/w), about 1 to about 8 % (w/w), about 1 to about 6 % (w/w), about 1 to about 4 % (w/w), about 0.5%-5% wt%, about 1 to about 5 % (w/w), about 0.5 % (w/w), about 1 % (w/w), about 1.5 % (w/w), about 2 % (w/w), about 2.2 % (w/w), about 2.4 % (w/w), about 2.5 % (w/w), about 2.6 % (w/w), about 2.8 % (w/w), about 3 % (w/w), about 3.2 % (w/w), about 3.4 % (w/w), about 3.6 % (w/w), about 3.8 % (w/w), about 4 % (w/w), about 4.2 % (w/w), about 4.5 % (w/w), or about 2.45 % (w/w), based on the total weight of the present composition.

The pH of the aqueous solution or buffer (e.g., the acidic aqueous solution or buffer), or the pH of the composition (e.g., topical formulation), may be within a physiologically acceptable pH, e.g., ranging from about pH 1 to about pH 6, about pH 2 to about pH 5, about pH 2 to about pH 4, about pH 2 to about pH 3, about pH 3 to about pH 4, about pH 4 to about pH 8, about pH 6 to about pH 7.S, about pH 4.5 to about pH 6.5, about pH 1.5, about pH 1.6, about pH 1.7, about pH 1.8, about pH 1.9, about pH 2, about pH 2.1 , about pH 2.2, about pH 2.3, about pH 2.4, about pH 2.S, about pH 2.6, about pH 2.7, about pH 2.8, about pH 2.9, about pH 3, about pH 3.1, about pH 3.2, about pH 3.3, about pH 3.4, about pH 3.S, about pH 3.6, about pH 3.7, about pH 3.8, about pH 3.9, about pH 4, about pH 4.1 , about pH 4.2, about pH 4.3, about pH 4.4, about pH 4.S, about pH 4.6, about pH 4.7, about pH 4.8, about pH 4.9, about pH 5, about pH 5.1 , about pH S.2, about pH 5.3, about pH 5.4, about pH 5.5, about pH 5.6, about pH 5.7, about pH 5.8, about pH 5.9, or about pH 6.

The present composition may also contain a skin conditioning agent, such as an ester of a glycerin and a C13-C23 fatty acid. Preferably, the ester is a monoester, a C15-C23 fatty acid is oleic acid or an ester is glyceryl oleate. The skin conditioning agent is present in the amount of about 0.5 wt % to about 10 wt %, about 1 wt % and about 8 wt % or about 5 wt %.

The present composition may also contain a propellent such as 1 ,1,1 ,2-tetrafluoroethane, and 1,1 , 1 ,2,3,3,3-heptafluoropropane. Suitable propellent also includes butane, isobutane, propane, and dimethyl ether. More preferably, the propellent is 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane. The propellent is present in amounts ranging from about 20 wt % to about 95 wt %, 40 wt % to about 80 wt % or about 75 wt %.

The present composition may further comprise a surfactant, such as sodium lauryl sulfate or polysorbate 80. The surfactant is present in the amount of about 0.5 wt % to about 5 wt %, about 1 wt % and about 3 wt % or about 1 wt %.

The present composition may further comprise water. The water is present in the amount of about 1 wt % to about 10 wt %, about 2 wt % and 6 wt % or in the amount of about 3 wt %.

The present composition may be tested by storage under storage conditions such as ( 1 ) accelerated conditions (40±2°C/75±5% Relative Humidity (RH), or about 40°C/about 75% RH which is at 40°C in an atmosphere of about 75% relative humidity), (2) intermediate conditions (30±2°C/65±5%RH, or about 30°C/about 65% RH which is at 30°C in an atmosphere of about 65% relative humidity) or (3) long-term conditions (25±2°C/60±5%RH, or about 25°C/about 60% RH which is at 25°C in an atmosphere of about 60% relative humidity), for a period of time, including, but not limited to, about 3 days, about 4 days, about 5 days, about 6 days, about 1 week, about 2 weeks, about 3 weeks, about 4 weeks, about 1 month, about 2 months, about 3 months, about 4 months, about 5 months, about 6 months, about 7 months, about 8 months, about 9 months, about 10 months, about 1 1 months, about 1 year, about 1.5 years, about 2 years, at least about 3 days, at least about 4 days, at least about 5 days, at least about 6 days, at least about 1 week, at least about 2 weeks, at least about 3 weeks, at least about 4 weeks, at least about 1 month, at least about 2 months, at least about 3 months, at least about 4 months, at least about 5 months, at least about 6 months, at least about 7 months, at least about 8 months, at least about 9 months, at least about 10 months, at least about 1 1 months, at least about 1 year, at least about 1.5 years, at least about 2 years, or a longer or shorter period of time.

After storage at the storage conditions described herein, for the period described herein, the amount of total impurities of the present composition at the end of the period is lower than 1 % (w/w), lower than 1.5% (w/w), lower than 2% (w/w), lower than 2.5% (w/w), lower than 3% (w/w), lower than 3.5% (w/w), lower than 4% (w/w), lower than 4.5% (w/w), lower than 5% (w/w), lower than 5.5% (w/w), lower than 6% (w/w), lower than 6.5% (w/w), lower than 7% (w/w), lower than 7.5% (w/w), lower than 8% (w/w), lower than 8.5% (w/w), lower than 9% (w/w), lower than 9.5% (w/w), or lower than 10% (w/w), based on the total weight of the present composition.

The present liquid formulation may be delivered via suitable delivery system. In one embodiment, the present liquid formulation is delivered via an aerosolized delivery system, such as a pump delivery system. The aerosolized delivery system can contain a can equipped with a continuous valve which may have a meter-dosed valve. In alternative embodiments, a spray system may be used.

Another embodiment comprises a foam pharmaceutical composition containing a corticosteroid (e.g., desonide), isopropyl myristate, C2-C4 alcohol, an oleaginous vehicle as a stabilizing agent, and a foam-forming agent. Preparation of a foam pharmaceutical composition is well known in the art. Suitable foam-forming agents include, but not limited to, surfactants exemplified by cetyl alcohol, stearyl alcohol, ethoxylated stearyl alcohol, polawax, and the like. (See, e.g., Sanders P. "Aqueous Alcohol Aerosoal Foams"; D&CI/ August 1966). One or more foam-forming agent(s) may be used. Proper concentration of foam-forming agents may easily be optimized by one skill in the art. The present liquid formulation may also be formulated into a quick-break foam. When applied to skin, the foam composition is initially in the form of a mousse-like foam, but will slowly break down at the skin temperature to liquid. This would allow the desonide and isopropyl myristate to saturate the treatment site. Quick-break foaming agents that can be used in the present invention are generally known (See, e.g., WO 85/01876). It is preferred that the quick-breaking foaming agent comprises an aliphatic alcohol, water, a fatty alcohol and a surface-active agent.

The stable liquid formulation may be prepared as follows: (i) combining desonide, C2-C4 alcohol and isopropyl myristate and caprylic acid to form a mixture; (ii) optionally adding water and/or a surfactant and/or a propel lant.

The present disclosure provides for a method of treating skin conditions in a mammal. More particularly, the present invention provides a method of treating skin conditions in a patient by providing the present composition comprising therapeutic effective amounts of desonide and isopropyl myristate.

As used herein, the term "patient" will encompass any mammal requiring treatment for skin conditions, particularly a human patient suffering from dermatosis.

Dermatosis conditions include, but are not limited to, all conditions of psoriasis and atopic dermatitis. Other conditions that may be treated include, eczema, seborrheic dermatitis, lichen planus, discoid lupus erythematosus and skin irritation from insect bites.

The dosage for the desonide formulation of the invention will vary depending on several factors, including, but not limited to, the age, weight, and species of the patient, the general health of the patient, the severity of the symptoms in dermatosis skin conditions.

Contents of desonide and its related impurities (including the oxidized impurity) may be determined by using the following high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) protocol. In this protocol, a HPLC instrument with a chromatograph and an ultra-violet detector is used. In one embodiment, the HPLC condition is:

Column Waters Symmetry C 18, 4.6 x 250 mm, 5 μηι particle diameter

Flow Rate 0.8 ml/min isocratic

Detection UV at 275 nm

Injection Volume 5 μL·

Column Temperature 25°C

Mobile Phase 360 grams of acetonitrile was dissolved in 600 grams of water to it

30 grams of methanol was added followed by 10 grams of acetic acid and mixed.

Steroids The present disclosure provides for a pharmaceutical composition (e.g., a stable liquid formulation) containing a steroid (i.e., desonide). The steroid may be in therapeutic amounts needed to alleviate the symptoms of various dermatosis skin conditions. The present disclosure also provides for a stable liquid formulation containing a corticosteroid, such as a glucocorticoid.

Corticosteroids include, but are not limited to alclometasone dipropionate, amcinonide, amcinafel, amcinafide, beclamethasone, betamethasone, betamethasone dipropionate, betamethasone valerate, budesonide, clobetasone propionate, chloroprednisone, clocortelone, Cortisol, cortisone, cortodoxone, difluorosone diacetate, descinolone, desonide, defluprednate, dihydroxycortisone, desoximetasone, dexamethasone, deflazacort, diflorasone diacetate, dichlorisone, esters of betamethasone, flucetonide, flucloronide, fluorocortisone, flumethasone, flunisolide, fluocinonide, fluocinolone acetonide, flucortolone, fluperolone, fluprednisolone, fluroandrenolone acetonide, fluocinolone acetonide, flurandrenolide, fluorametholone, fluticasone propionate, hydrocortisone, hydrocortisone butyrate, hydrocortisone valerate, hydrocortamate, medrysone, meprednisone, methylprednisone, methylprednisolone, mometasone furoate, paramethasone, prednisone, prednisolone, prednidone, triamcinolone acetonide, triamcinolone, combinations thereof, pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, or esters thereof.

As used herein the term "glucocorticoid" has it general meaning in die art and refers to compounds that bind and activate the glucocorticoid receptor (GR). Glucocorticoid may also bind and activate mineralocorticoid receptor (MR). Example of glucocorticoids include, but are not limited to, 21 -acetoxypregnenolone, alclometasone, algestone, amcinonide, beclomethasone, betamethasone, budesonide, chloroprednisone, clobetasol, clobetasone, clocortolone, cloprednol, corticosterone, cortisone, cortivazol, deflazacort, desonide, desoximetasone, dexamethasone, diflorasone, di flucortolone, difluprednate, enoxolone, fluazacort, fluclorinide, flumethasone, flunisolide, fluocinolone acetonide, fluocinonide, fluocortin butyl, fluocortolone,

fluorometholone, fluperolone acetate, fluprednidene acetate, fluprednisolone, flurandrenolide, fluticasone propionate, formocortal, halcinonide, halobetasol propionate, halometasone, halopredone acetate, hydrocortamate, hydrocortisone, loteprednol etabonate, mazipredone, medrysone, meprednisone, methylprednisolone, mometasone furoate, paramethasone, prednicarbate, prednisolone, prednisolone 25-diethylamino-acetate, prednisolone sodium phosphate, prednisone, prednival, prednylidene, rimexolone, tixocortol, triamcinolone, triamcinolone acetonide, triamcinolone benetonide, triamcinolone hexacetonide, anecortave acetate and any of their derivatives.

The steroid may be an anti-inflammatory steroid, including, but not limited to, hydrocortisone, hydrocortisone acetate, desonide, betamethasone valerate, clobetasone-17- butyrate, flucinonide, fluocinolone acetonide, alcometasone dipropionate, mometasone furoate, prednicarbate, triamcinolone acetonide, betamethasone- 17-benzoate, methylprednisolone aceponate, betamethasone dipropionate, halcinonide, triamcinolone acetonide, halobetasol, clobetasol-17-propionate, or combinations thereof.

In certain embodiments, a steroid (e.g., desonide) analogue or derivative is administered in a therapeutically equivalent amount of the steroid (e.g., desonide). In certain embodiments, a steroid (e.g., desonide) analogue or derivative is administered at a dose higher or lower than a therapeutically equivalent amount of the steroid (e.g., desonide).

The present composition may comprise about 0.01 to about 10 % (w/w), about 0.01 to about 8 % (w/w), about 0.01 to about 7.S % (w/w), about 0.01 to about 6 % (w/w), about 0.01 to about 5 % (w/w), about 0.01 to about 3 % (w/w), about 0.01 to about 2 % (w/w), about 0.01 to about 1 % (w/w), about 0.01 to about 0.8 % (w/w), about 0.01 to about 0.5 % (w/w), about 0.01 to about 0.3 % (w/w), about 0.01 to about 0.2 % (w/w), about 0.01 to about 0.1 % (w/w), about 0.01 to about 0.08 % (w/w), about 0.02 % (w/w), about 0.03 % (w/w), about 0.04 % (w/w), about 0.05 % (w/w), about 0.06 % (w/w), about 0.07 % (w/w), about 0.08 % (w/w), about 0.09 % (w/w), about 0.1 % (w/w), about 0.15 % (w/w), about 0.2 % (w/w), about 0.25 % (w/w), about 0.3 % (w/w), about 0.35 % (w/w), about 0.4 % (w/w), about 0.45 % (w/w), about 0.5 % (w/w), about 0.55 % (w/w), about 0.6 % (w/w), about 0.65 % (w/w), about 0.7 % (w/w), about 0.75 % (w/w), about 0.8 % (w/w), about 0.85 % (w/w), about 0.9 % (w/w), about 0.95 % (w/w), about 1 % (w/w), about 0.05% to about 20% by weight, about 0.1% to about 18% by weight, about 0.2% to about 15% by weight, about 0.3% to about 10% by weight, about 0.5% to about 8% by weight, about 0.3%, about 0.4%, about 0.45%, about 0.5%, about 0.55% or about 0.6%, about 1.0%, about 1.5%, about 2.0%, about 2.5%, about 3.0%, about 3.5%, about 4.0%, about 4.5%, about 5.0%, about 5.5%, about 6.0%, about 6.5%, about 7.0%, about 7.5%, about 8.0%, about 8.5%, about 9.0%, about 9.5% or about 10.0%, by weight of one or more steroid steroid, corticosteroid, or glucocorticoid (e.g., desonide), relative to the total weight of the composition. The compounds used in the present methods include all hydrates, solvates, and complexes of the compounds. In cases in which compounds have unsaturated carbon-carbon double bonds, both the cis (Z) and trans (E) isomers are within the scope of this invention. If a chiral center or another form of an isomeric center is present in a compound of the present invention, all forms of such isomer or isomers, including enantiomers and diastereomers, are intended to be covered herein. Compounds containing a chiral center may be used as a racemic mixture, an enantiomerically enriched mixture, or the racemic mixture may be separated using well-known techniques and an individual enantiomer may be used alone. The compounds may be in racemic form or as individual enantiomers. The enantiomers can be separated using known techniques, such as those described in Pure and Applied Chemistry 69, 1469- 1474, ( 1997)

IUPAC. In cases where compounds may exist in tautomeric forms, such as keto-enol tautomers, each tautomeric form is contemplated as being included within this invention whether existing in equilibrium or predominantly in one form.

The present disclosure is also intended to include use of all isotopes of atoms occurring on the compounds disclosed herein. Isotopes include those atoms having the same atomic number but different mass numbers. Isotopically-labeled compounds can generally be prepared by conventional techniques known to those skilled in the art in place of the non-labeled reagents employed.

The compounds of the present disclosure may be a salt. As used herein, a "salt" is a salt of the present compound which has been modified by making acid or base, salts of the compounds. The salt may be pharmaceutically acceptable. Examples of pharmaceutically acceptable salts include, but are not limited to, mineral or organic acid salts of basic residues such as amines; alkali or organic salts of acidic residues such as phenols. The salts can be made using an organic or inorganic acid. Such acid salts are chlorides, bromides, sulfates, nitrates, phosphates, sulfonates, formates, tartrates, maleates, malates, citrates, benzoates, salicylates, ascorbates, and the like. Phenolate salts are the alkaline earth metal salts, sodium, potassium or lithium. The term "pharmaceutically acceptable salt" in this respect, refers to the relatively nontoxic, inorganic and organic acid or base addition salts of compounds of the present invention. These salts can be prepared in situ during the final isolation and purification of the compounds of the invention, or by separately treating a purified compound of the invention in its free base or free acid form with a suitable organic or inorganic acid or base, and isolating the salt thus formed. Representative salts include the hydrobromide, hydrochloride, sulfate, bisulfate, phosphate, nitrate, acetate, valerate, oleate, palmitate, stearate, laurate, benzoate, lactate, phosphate, tosylate, citrate, maleate, fumaratc, succinate, tartrate, napthylate, mesylate, glucoheptonate, lactobionate, and laurylsulphonate salts and the like. (See, e.g., Berge et al. (1977) "Pharmaceutical Salts", J. Pharm. Sci. 66: 1-19).

The present methods also encompass administering a physiologically functional derivative of the present compound. As used herein, the term "physiologically functional derivative" refers to a compound (e.g., a drug precursor) that is transformed /// vivo to yield the present compound or its active metabolite, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, hydrate or solvate of the compound. The transformation may occur by various mechanisms (e.g., by metabolic or chemical processes), such as, for example, through hydrolysis. Prodrugs are such derivatives, and a discussion of the use of prodrugs is provided by T. Higuchi and W. Stella, "Pro-drugs as Novel Delivery Systems," Vol. 14 of the A.C.S. Symposium Series, and in Bioreversible Carriers in Drug Design, ed. Edward B. Roche, American Pharmaceutical Association and Pergamon Press, 1987.

Desonide has the following structure.

As used herein, the term "desonide" encompasses desonide and a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof (such as desonide hydrochloride, desonide acetate or desonide ester), or solvate thereof, or a derivative thereof, The therapeutically amount of the desonide in the present stable liquid formulation is generally within the range of from about 0.01 wt % to 10 wt % of the formulation. Preferably, the desonide is present in the amount of about between about 0.1 wt % to about 1 wt %. More preferably, the desonide is present in amounts ranging from about 0.2S wt % to about 0.5 wt% (as used herein wt% means % w/w of the total formulation). As used herein, the term "w/w", is equivalent to wt%. Other steroids may be used with the formulation of the present invention, including, hydrocortisone, clobetasol butyrate, betamethasone dipropionate.

A number of degradation impurities can be present in a desonide formulation, including, but not limited to, (i) prednacinolone; (ii) Desonide-21 -aldehyde hydrate; (iii) desonide-9-11- epoxide; (i v) Δ9, 1 1 -Desonide; ( v) Desonide-21 Acetate; and ( vi) C- 17 carboxylic desonide.

Impurities may form during storage due to oxidation or UV exposure. Because the level of these impurities can exceed the qualification threshold and identification threshold calculated based on the maximum daily dosage, it can render the liquid formulation unsuitable for commercial use. The present disclosure provides a surprising discovery that addition of agents such as isopropyl myristate, caprylic acid and citrate buffer enhance the stability of the liquid formulation comprising desonide. Without wishing to be bound by any theory, it is believed that these agents retard the formation of die oxidized impurities. The addition of a stabilizing agent therefore offers a much improved liquid formulation comprising desonide. Ester oils

Non-limiting examples of ester oils that may be included in the present composition include isopropyl myristate, isopropyl palmitate, isononyl isononanoate, octyl isononanoate, tridecyl isononanoate, isopropyl myristate, triethyl hexanoin, diisostearyl maleate, glyceryl palmitate, glyceryl stearate, glyceryl diisostearate, glyceryl tri(caprylate/caprate), sorbitan isostearate, sorbitan stearate, sorbitan oleate, ethylhexyl stearate, decaprylyl carbonate, dodecyl benzoate, tetradecyl benzoate, hexadecyl benzoate, and mixtures thereof. Additional non-limiting examples of ester oils include diisobutyl adipate, 2-hexyldecyl adipate, di-2-heptylundecyl adipate, monoisostearic acid N-alkyl glycol, isocetyl isostearate, trimethylolpropane

triisostearate, ethylene glycol di-2-ethylhexanoate, cetyl 2-ethylhexanoate, trimethylolpropane tri-2-ethylhexanoate, pentaerythritol tetra-2-ethylhexanoate, cetyl octanoate, octyldodecyl gum ester, oleyl oleate, octyldodecyl oleate, decyl oleate, neopentyl glycol dicaprate, triethyl citrate, 2-ethylhexyl succinate, isocetyl stearate, butyl stearate, diisopropyl sebacate, di-2-ethylhexyl sebacate, cetyl lactate, myristyl lactate, isopropyl palmitate, 2-ethylhexyl palmitate, 2-hexyldecyl palmitate, 2-heptylundecyl palmitate, cholesteryl 12-hydroxystearate, dipentaerythritol fatty acid ester, isopropyl myristate, octyldodecyl myristate, 2-hexyldecyl myristate, myristyl myristate, hexyldecyl dimethyloctanoate, ethyl laurate, hexyl laurate, diisostearyl malate, dicaprylyl carbonate, cetyl esters, and mixtures thereof.

Additional non-limiting examples of ester oils include diisobutyl adipate, 2-hexyldecyl adipate, di-2-heptylundecyl adipate, monoisostearic acid N-alkyl glycol, isocetyl isostearate, trimethylolpropane triisostearate, ethylene glycol di-2-ethylhexanoate, cetyl 2-ethylhexanoate, trimethylolpropane tri-2-ethylhexanoate, pentaerythritol tetra-2-ethylhexanoate, cetyl octanoate, octyldodecyl gum ester, oleyl oleate, octyldodecyl oleate, decyl oleate, neopentyl glycol dicaprate, triethyl citrate, 2-ethylhexyl succinate, isocetyl stearate, butyl stearate, diisopropyl sebacate, di-2-ethylhexyl sebacate, cetyl lactate, myristyl lactate, isopropyl palmitate, 2- ethylhexyl palmitate, 2-hexyldecyl palmitate, 2-heptylundecyl palmitate, cholesteryl 12- hydroxystearate, dipentaerythritol fatty acid ester, isopropyl myristate, octyldodecyl myristate, 2- hexyldecyl myristate, myristyl myristate, hexyldecyl dimethyloctanoate, ethyl laurate, hexyl laurate, diisostearyl malate, dicaprylyl carbonate, and mixtures thereof.

The total amount of the one or more ester oils may range from about 0.1 to about SO wt. %, about 0.1 to about 40 wt. %, about 0.1 to about 30 wt. %, about 0.1 to about 20 wt. %, about 0.1 to about 10 wt. %, about 0.1 to about S wt. %, about 0.5 to about 50 wt. %, about 0.5 to about 40 wt. %, about 0.5 to about 30 wt. %, about 0.5 to about 20 wt. %, about 0.5 to about 10 wt. %, about 0.5 to about 5 wt. %, about I to about 50 wt. %, about 1 to about 40 wt. %, about 1 to about 30 wt. %, about 1 to about 20 wt. %, about 1 to about 10 wt. %, or about 1 to about 5 wt. %, about 15 to about 50 % (w/w), about 20 to about 50 % (w/w), about 30 to about 50 % (w/w), about 40 to about 50 % (w/w), about 25 to about 50 % (w/w), about 25 to about 47 % (w/w), about 20 % (w/w), about 22 % (w/w), about 24 % (w/w), about 26 % (w/w), about 28 % (w/w), about 30 % (w/w), about 32 % (w/w), about 34 % (w/w), about 35 % (w/w), about 36 % (w/w), about 38 % (w/w), about 40 % (w/w), about 42 % (w/w), about 44 % (w/w), about 45 % (w/w), about 46 % (w/w), about 48 % (w/w), about 50 % (w/w), about 52 % (w/w), about 54 % (w/w), about 55 % (w/w), about 46.35 % (w/w), or about 30.9 % (w/w), based on the total weight of the present composition. Conditions to be treated

The present composition may be used to treat dermatitis or a skin condition (a skin disease). The present composition may be used to treat atopic dermatitis (eczema), seborrheic dermatitis, contact dermatitis (e.g., allergic contact dermatitis, irritant contact dermatitis, etc.), stasis dermatitis, psoriasis, and combinations thereof. The present composition may be used to treat atopic eczema, neurodermatitis, Rhus dermatitis, discoid lupus erythematosus, granuloma annulare, polymorphous light eruption, pruritus, lichen simplex, lichen planus, xerosis, exfoliative dermatitis, acne, and combinations thereof. The present composition may be used to treat dyshidrosis (dyshidrotic eczema, pompholyx, vesicular palmoplanar dermatitis), discoid eczema (nummular eczema, exudative eczema, microbial eczema), venous eczema (gravitational eczema, stasis dermatitis, varicose eczema), dermatitis herpetiformis (Duhring's disease), neurodermatitis (lichen simplex chronicus, localized scratch dermatitis), Prurigo nodularis, autoeczematization (id reaction, autosensitization), eczemas associated with/caused by viral infections (eczema herpeticum or vaccinatum), eczemas resulting from underlying disease (e.g., lymphoma), eczemas associated with/caused by ingestion of medications, foods, and chemicals, or combinations thereof.

Dermatitis may refer to a group of skin conditions that results in inflammation of the skin. These diseases may be characterized by itchiness, red skin, and/or a rash. In cases of short duration there may be small blisters, while in long-term cases the skin may become thickened. The area of skin involved can vary from small to the entire body.

Dermatitis symptoms may vary with different forms of the condition. They range from skin rashes to bumpy rashes and/or blisters. Dermatitis symptoms may include redness of the skin, swelling, itching, pain, and/or skin lesions with optionally oozing and scarring. Also, die area of the skin on which the symptoms appear may be different with every type of dermatitis, whether on the neck, wrist, forearm, thigh or ankle.

Although the symptoms of atopic dermatitis vary from person to person, the most common symptoms are dry, itchy, red skin. Typical affected skin areas include the folds of the arms, the back of the knees, wrists, face and hands. Perioral dermatitis refers to a red bumpy rash around the mouth. Dermatitis herpetiformis symptoms include itching, stinging and a burning sensation. Papules and vesicles are commonly present. The small red bumps experienced in this type of dermatitis may be about 1 cm in size, or of a smaller or larger size, red in color and may be found symmetrically grouped or distributed on the upper or lower back, buttocks, elbows, knees, neck, shoulders, and scalp. Less frequently, the rash may appear inside the mouth or near the hairline.

The symptoms of seborrheic dermatitis, on the other hand, tend to appear gradually, from dry or greasy scaling of the scalp (dandruff) to scaling of facial areas, sometimes with itching, but without hair loss. In newborns, the condition causes a thick and yellowish scalp rash, often accompanied by a diaper rash. In severe cases, symptoms may appear along the hairline, behind the ears, on the eyebrows, on the bridge of the nose, around the nose, on the chest, and on the upper back.

A type of dermatitis may be described by location (e.g., hand eczema), by specific appearance (eczema craquele or discoid), or by possible cause (varicose eczema).

Combination therapy

The present compound or composition may be administered to the subject simultaneously with, before, after, or in a sequence and within a time interval of, the administration of a second agent/treatment.

Non-limiting examples of second agents that can be administered in combination with the present compound or composition include, (a) agents which modify skin differentiation and/or proliferation and/or pigmentation, such as retinoic acid and isomers thereof, retinol and its esters, vitamin D and derivatives thereof, estrogens such as estradiol, kojic acid or hydroquinone; (b) antibacterial agents such as clindamycin phosphate, erythromycin or antibiotics of the tetracycline family; (c) antiparasitic agents, such as metronidazole, crotamiton or pyrethroids; (d) antifungal agents, such as compounds belonging to the imidazole family (e.g., econazole, ketoconazole or miconazole or salts thereof), polyene compounds, such as amphotericin B, compounds of the allylamine family such as terbinafine; (e) nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents, such as ibuprofen and its salts, diclofenac and its salts, acetylsalicylic acid,

acetaminophen or glycyrrhetinic acid; (0 anesthetics such as lidocaine hydrochloride and derivatives thereof; (g) antipruriginous agents such as thenaldine or trimeprazine; (h) antiviral agents such as acyclovir; (i) keratolytic agents such as alpha- and beta-hydroxycarboxylic acids or beta-ketocarboxylic acids, their salts, amides or esters and more particularly hydroxy acids such as glycolic acid, lactic acid, salicylic acid, citric acid and fruit acids in general, and derivatives of salicylic acid such as 5-n-octanoylsalicylic acid; (j) anti-free-radical agents, such as alpha-tocopherol or its esters, superoxide dismutases, certain metal-chelating agents or ascorbic acid and its esters; (k) antiseborrhoeic agents such as progesterone; (1) antidandruff agents such as octopirox or zinc pyrithione; and/or (m) antiacne agents such as retinoic acid or benzoyl peroxide.

In certain embodiments, the second agent/treatment is used as adjunctive therapy to the present compound or composition. In certain embodiments, the treatment includes a phase wherein treatment with the second agent/treatment takes place after treatment with the present compound or composition has ceased. In certain embodiments, the treatment includes a phase where treatment with the present compound or composition and treatment with the second agent/treatment overlap.

Combination therapy can be sequential or can be administered simultaneously. In either case, these drugs and/or therapies are said to be "co-administered." It is to be understood that "co-administered" does not necessarily mean that the drugs and/or therapies are administered in a combined form (i.e., they may be administered separately (e.g., as separate compositions or formulations) or together (e.g., in the same formulation or composition) to the same or different sites at the same or different times).

In certain embodiments, a subject is treated concurrently (or concomitantly) with the present compound or composition and a second agent/treatment. In certain embodiments, a subject is treated initially with the present compound or composition, followed by cessation of the present compound or composition treatment and initiation of treatment with a second agent. In certain embodiments, the present compound or composition is used as an initial treatment, e.g., by administration of one, two or three doses, and a second agent is administered to prolong the effect of the present compound or composition, or alternatively, to boost the effect of the present compound or composition. A person of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that other variations of the presented schemes are possible, e.g., initiating treatment of a subject with the present compound or composition, followed by a period wherein the subject is treated with a second agent as adjunct therapy to the present compound or composition treatment, followed by cessation of the present compound or composition treatment.

The present compound and the other pharmaceutically active agent(s) may be administered together or separately and, when administered separately this may occur simultaneously or sequentially in any order. The amounts of the present compound and the other pharmaceutically active agent(s) and the relative timings of administration will be selected in order to achieve the desired combined therapeutic effect.

In various embodiments, the therapies (e.g., a composition provided herein and a second agent in a combination therapy) are administered less than S minutes apart, less than 30 minutes apart, 1 hour apart, at about 1 hour apart, at about I to about 2 hours apart, at about 2 hours to about 3 hours apart, at about 3 hours to about 4 hours apart, at about 4 hours to about 5 hours apart, at about 5 hours to about 6 hours apart, at about 6 hours to about 7 hours apart, at about 7 hours to about 8 hours apart, at about 8 hours to about 9 hours apart, at about 9 hours to about 10 hours apart, at about 10 hours to about 1 1 hours apart, at about 1 1 hours to about 12 hours apart, at about 12 hours to 18 hours apart, 18 hours to 24 hours apart, 24 hours to 36 hours apart, 36 hours to 48 hours apart, 48 hours to 52 hours apart, 52 hours to 60 hours apart, 60 hours to 72 hours apart, 72 hours to 84 hours apart, 84 hours to 96 hours apart, or 96 hours to 120 hours part. In certain embodiments, the therapies are administered no more than 24 hours apart or no more than 48 hours apart. In certain embodiments, two or more therapies are administered within the same patient visit. In other embodiments, the composition provided herein and the second agent are administered concurrently. In other embodiments, the composition provided herein and the second agent are administered at about 2 to 4 days apart, at about 4 to 6 days apart, at about 1 week part, at about I to 2 weeks apart, or more than 2 weeks apart. In certain embodiments, administration of the same agent may be repeated and the administrations may be separated by at least 1 day, 2 days, 3 days, 5 days, 10 days, 15 days, 30 days, 45 days, 2 months, 75 days, 3 months, or 6 months. In other embodiments, administration of the same agent may be repeated and the administration may be separated by at least at least 1 day, 2 days, 3 days, 5 days, 10 days, 15 days, 30 days, 45 days, 2 months, 75 days, 3 months, or 6 months. In certain embodiments, a composition provided herein and a second agent are administered to a subject in a sequence and within a time interval such that the composition provided herein can act together with the other agent to provide an increased benefit than if they were administered otherwise. For example, the second active agent can be administered at the same time or sequentially in any order at different points in time; however, if not administered at the same time, they should be administered sufficiently close in time so as to provide the desired therapeutic or prophylactic effect. In one embodiment, the composition provided herein and the second active agent exerts their effect at times which overlap. Each second active agent can be administered separately, in any appropriate form and by any suitable route. In other embodiments, the composition provided herein is administered before, concurrently or after administration of the second active agent. In other embodiments, courses of treatment are administered concurrently to a patient, i.e., individual doses of the second agent are administered separately yet within a time interval such that the compound provided herein can work together with the second active agent. For example, one component can be administered once per week in combination with die other components that can be administered once every two weeks or once every three weeks. In other words, the dosing regimens are carried out concurrently even if the therapeutics are not administered simultaneously or during the same day.

The second agent can act additively or synergistically with the present agent/compound. In one embodiment, the present composition is administered concurrently with one or more second agents in the same pharmaceutical composition. In another embodiment, the present composition is administered concurrently with one or more second agents in separate pharmaceutical compositions. In still another embodiment, the present composition is administered prior to or subsequent to administration of a second agent. Also contemplated are administration of the present composition and a second agent by the same or different routes of administration, e.g., oral and parenteral. In certain embodiments, when the composition provided herein is administered concurrently with a second agent that potentially produces adverse side effects including, but not limited to, toxicity, the second active agent can advantageously be administered at a dose that falls below the threshold that the adverse side effect is elicited.

Encompassed by the present disclosure are methods to prophylactically treat a subject prior to a skin condition as described herein. In certain embodiments, the present method prevents or delays a skin condition in a subject. Dosages The present steroid (such as desonide) or a derivative, analogue, or salt thereof, may be present in the present composition in an amount ranging from about 0.001 wt% to about 5 wt%, from about 0.001 wt% to about 2 wt%, from about 0.001 wt% to about 1.5 wt%, from about 0.001 wt% to about 1 wt%, from about 0.001 wt% to about 0.8 wt%, from about 0.001 wt% to about 0.S wt%, from about 0.002 wt% to about 0.3 wt%, from about 0.005 wt% to about 0.2 wt%, from about 0.005 wt% to about 0.1 wt%, from about 0.005 wt% to about 0.08 wt%, from about 0.005 wt% to about 0.05 wt%, from about 0.005 wt% to about 0.04 wl%, from about 0.005 wt% to about 0.03 wt%, from about 0.005 wt% to about 0.02 wt%, from about 0.01 wt% to about 0.08 wt%, from about 0.01 wt% to about 0.075 wt%, from about 0.01 wt% to about 0.06 wt%, from about 0.025 wt% to about 0.08 wt%, from about 0.025 wt% to about 0.075 wt%, from about 0.01 wt% to about 0.05 wt%, from about 0.01 wt% to about 0.04 wt%, from about 0.01 wt% to about 0.03 wt%, from about 0.01 wt% to about 0.02 wt%, from about 0.01 wt% to about 0.025 wt%, about 0.005 wt%, about 0.006 wt%, about 0.007 wt%, about 0.008 wt%, about 0.009 wt%, about 0.01 wt%, about 0.01 1 wt%, about 0.012 wt%, about 0.013 wt%, about 0.014 wt%, about 0.015 wt%, about 0.016 wt%, about 0.017 wt%, about 0.018 wt%, about 0.019 wt%, about 0.02 wt%, or about 0.025 wt%, of the total weight of the composition. The steroid (such as desonide) or a derivative, analogue, or salt thereof, may be present in die present composition in an amount ranging from 0.20-30% by weight, 0.075-30% by weight, 0.2-30%, or 2-20%, 2-10%, 5-15%, 0.075-30 wt. %, 0.2 wt% to 30 wt%, between 1 wt% and 20 wt%, e.g. 1 wt%, 5 wt%, 10 wt%, and 20 wt%, from about 10% to about 50% by weight, from about 10% to about 40% by weight, from about 10% to about 30% by weight, from about 10 to about 25% by weight, from about 10% to about 20% by weight, or from about 10% to about 15% by weight, of the total weight of the composition.

As used herein, "wt%", "% w/w" or "% (w/w)" refer to % by weight of the composition.

In certain embodiments, the amount of a topical formulation applied to the affected skin area ranges from about 0.01 g/cm² of skin surface area to about 5 g/cm², from 0.2 g/cm² to about 0.5 g/cm², from about 0.0001 g/cm² to about 0.05 g/cm², from about 0.0001 g/cm² to about 0.01 g/cm², from about 0.001 g/cm² to about 0.003 g/cm², or from 0.002 g/cm² to about 0.005 g/cm² of skin surface area.

The present composition may be administered once, twice, three times, four times, five times, six times or more per day, or as needed, during the course of treatment. In certain embodiments, the present agent/composition is administered at least once a day, at least twice a day, at least three times per day, or more. The present agent/composition may be administered at least once a week, at least twice a week, at least three times a week, at least once per month, at least twice per month, or more frequently. Treatment can continue as long as needed. In one embodiment, the topical composition is topically applied to the affected skin area once daily.

The present composition may be administered daily, weekly, biweekly, several times daily, semi-weekly, every other day, bi-weekly, quarterly, several times per week, semi-weekly, monthly etc., to maintain an effective dosage level. The duration and frequency of treatment may depend upon the subject's response to treatment.

In certain embodiments, a subject may be administered 1 dose, 2 doses, 3 doses, 4 doses,

S doses, 6 doses or more of the present composition. In certain embodiments, a single dose of the present agent/composition is administered in the present method. In certain embodiments, multiple doses of the present agent/composition (e.g., 2 doses, 3 doses, 4 doses, 5 doses, 6 doses, 7 doses, 8 doses, 9 doses, 10 doses or more) are administered in the present method.

In certain embodiments, the administration of the present agent composition is continued over a period of up to 2 days, up to 3 days, up to 4 days, up to 5 days, up to 6 days, up to 1 week, up to 2 weeks, up to 3 weeks, up to 4 weeks, 2 weeks, 3 weeks, 4 weeks, S weeks, 6 weeks, 7 weeks, 8 weeks, 9 weeks, 10 weeks, or longer.

In certain embodiments, the present agent/composition is administered once, twice, at least twice, at least three times, at least four times, at least five time, at least six times, at least seven times, at least eight times, at least nine times, or more per treatment.

Subjects

The subject may be a human. In one embodiment, the subject is suffering from a skin condition. In another embodiment, the subject is suffering from a skin disease, which may be selected from the group consisting of rosacea, psoriasis, atopic eczema or atopic dermatitis (neurodermatitis), eczema, acne, or any skin conditions described herein. In an embodiment, the subject is suffering from a disease affecting internal or external mucosa, e.g. oral, nasal, or intestinal mucosa. For example, the subject is suffering from inflammatory bowel disease, Morbus Crohn (or Crohn's disease), aphthous stomatitis, conjunctivitis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, peptic ulcers, alcohol abuse, or gastritis. In an embodiment, the subject is suffering from a somatoform disorder, such as blushing.

In certain embodiments, the subject is a non-human animal. The non-human animal may be a mammal selected from the group consisting of primates (non-human primates), pigs, rodents, or rabbits. In an embodiment, the subject is a pig, such as a miniswine. In another embodiment, the subject is a mouse.

Kits

The present disclosure also encompasses an article of manufacture, e.g., a kit. The article of manufacture may contain the present composition in a suitable container with labeling and instructions for use. In certain embodiments, the container can be a dropper or tube with a suitable small orifice size, such as an extended tip tube made of any pharmaceutically suitable material. The topical formulations can be filled and packaged into a plastic squeeze bottle or tube. Optionally, an applicator can be provided in or attached to the container, or separately from the container.

Instructions may be packaged with the composition, for example, a pamphlet or package label. The labeling instructions explain how to the present composition, in an amount and for a period of time sufficient to treat or prevent erythema and its symptoms. In certain embodiments, the label includes the dosage and administration instructions, the topical formulation's composition, the clinical pharmacology, drug resistance, pharmacokinetics, absorption, bioavailability, and/or contraindications.

Topical Administration

In certain embodiments, the present composition is formulated for topical

administration. The terms "topically administrate composition," a "topical composition," or a "topical formulation," as used herein, refer to any formulation or composition which is pharmaceutically and/or cosmetically acceptable for topical delivery of the specified compounds according to embodiments of the invention. The composition may be administered to a defined area of the body such as a defined area of skin surface or mucous membrane. The present composition may additional contain a physiologically acceptable medium, such as a vehicle and/or a carrier. By "physiologically acceptable medium" is intended a cosmetically and/or dermatologically acceptable medium, which is compatible with the skin.

In some embodiments, the present composition can additionally include one or more pharmaceutically acceptable excipients. One of ordinary skill in the art would be familiar with pharmaceutically acceptable excipients. For example, the pharmaceutically acceptable excipient may be a water-soluble sugar, such as mannitol, sorbitol, fructose, glucose, lactose, and sucrose.

The present composition can be formulated in any pharmaceutical form normally provided for topical application to the skin, in particular formulated as solutions or dispersions of lotion or serum type, emulsions of liquid or semi-liquid consistency of the milk type, obtained by dispersion of a fatty phase in an aqueous phase (O/W) or, conversely, (W/O), or suspensions or emulsions of soft consistency of the aqueous or anhydrous cream or gel type, or, alternatively, microgranules, nanoparticles, microemulsions, nanocapsules, or vesicle dispersions of ionic and/or nonionic type.

Exemplary forms of formulation that can be used for topical administration include, but are not limited to, a spray, a cream, an ointment, a lotion, a foam, a mist, an aerosol, a solution, a gel, serum, a paste, an unguent, an emulsion and a suspension. The composition may be in the form of aqueous, aqueous/alcoholic or oily solutions, dispersions of lotion or serum type, aqueous anhydrous or lipophilic gels, emulsions of liquid or semi-liquid consistency of the milk type, obtained by dispersion of a fatty phase in an aqueous phase or conversely an aqueous phase in a fatty phase, or suspensions or emulsions of semi-solid or solid consistency of the cream or gel type, soaps or detergents, or alternatively microemulsions, microcapsules, microparticles, or vesicle dispersions of ionic and/or non-ionic type. Among additional alternative means for topical application of the compositions are spray pumps, aerosol dispersions, impregnated cosmetic facial masks, and impregnated cosmetic facial cloths or sponges.

The composition may be a cleansing, protective, treatment or care cream for the face, for the hands, for the feet, for the major anatomical folds or for the body (for example day creams, night creams, makeup-removing creams, foundation creams, sunscreen creams, fluid

foundations, makeup-removing milks, protective or care body milks, antisun (sunscreen) milks, skincare lotions, gels or mousses, as cleansing lotions, sunscreen lotions, artificial tanning lotions, bam compositions, deodorizing compositions containing a bactericidal agent, aftershave lotions or gels, hair-removing creams, compositions to combat insect bites and analgesic compositions. The composition can also be formulated as a solid preparation constituting a cleansing bar or a soap. The composition can be formulated as a shampoo or a conditioner, or a toothpaste.

To treat or prevent erythema or a symptom associated therewith, the present composition may be topically applied directly to the affected area in any conventional manner known in the art, e.g., by dropper, applicator stick, or cotton swab, as a mist via an aerosol applicator, via an intradermal or transdermal patch, or by simply spreading a formulation of the invention onto the affected area with fingers, a sponge, a pad, or wipes. The composition of the present invention can be used topically by rubbing over an area to be treated. A typical method of use is to rub the formulation over the entire area, until the formulation disappears. For liquids formulations, dispensers can include tubes and/or bottles with a sponge or a roll-on applicator such as roller bottles. U.S. Patent Publication No. 20160106690. Additionally, the amount of formulation used can be gradually increased with each successive application.

In certain embodiments, the topically composition are prepared by mixing a

pharmaceutically acceptable carrier with the present agent according to known methods in the art, for example, methods provided by standard reference texts such as, Remington: The Science and Practice of Pharmacy 1577-1591, 1672-1673, 866-885 (Alfonso R. Gennaro ed. 19th ed. 1995); Ghosh, T. K.; et al. Transdermal and Topical Drug Delivery Systems (1997), both of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference.

The present composition may contain a gelling agent, a polyol, a protective agent, a cosmetic agent, an adsorbent, a preservative, an antioxidant, a surfactant, a skin-penetration agent, a local anesthetic, an analgesic etc.

Suitable gelling agents known in the art, including those used in the two-phase or single- phase gel systems, can be used in the present invention. Some examples of suitable gelling agents are disclosed in Remington: The Science and Practice of Pharmacy 1517-1518 (Alfonso R. Gennaro ed. 19th ed. 1995), which is hereby incorporated herein by reference. The gelling agents include, but are not limited to, one or more hydrophilic and hydroalcoholic gelling agents used in the cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries. Non-limiting examples of gelling agents include hydroxyethylcellulose, cellulose gum, MVE/MA decadiene crosspolymer, PVM/MA copolymer, glycerine polyacrylate, or a combination thereof. Exemplary hydrophilic gelling agents include carboxyvinyl polymers (carbomer), acrylic copolymers such as

acrylate/alkylacrylate copolymers, polyacrylamides, polysaccharides such as

hydroxypropylccllulose, natural gums and clays, and, exemplary lipophilic gelling agents include modified clays such as bentones, metal salts of fatty acids such as aluminum stearates, and hydrophobic silica. Exemplary hydrophilic active agents are proteins or protein hydrolysates, amino acids, polyols, urea, allantoin, sugars and sugar derivatives, vitamins and hydroxy acids.

Polyols in gel formulations can serve one or more functions such as solubilizing agents, moisturizers, emollients, skin humectant, skin-penetration agents, etc. Suitable polyols that can be used in embodiments of the present invention include, but are not limited to, glycerine, propylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, hexylene glycol, butylene glycol, and liquid polyethylene glycols, such as polyethylene glycol 200 to 600. Ofher et al., Gels and Jellies, pp. 1327-1344 of Encyclopedia of Pharmaceutical Technology, vol. 3 (ed. by Swarbrick, et al, pub. by Marcel Dekker, 2002); or Pena, "Gel Dosage Forms: Theory, Formulation, and Processing," pp. 381-388 of Topical Drug Delivery Formulations, (ed. by Osborne et al., pub. by Marcel Dekker, Inc., 1990).

Suitable preservatives include, but are not limited to, quaternary ammonium compounds, such as benzalkonium chloride, benzethonium chloride, cetrimide, dequalinium chloride, and cetylpyridinium chloride; alcoholic agents, for example, chlorobutanol, phenylethyl alcohol, and benzyl alcohol; parabens such as methylparaben, ethylparaben, propylparaben, and butylparaben; antibacterial esters, for example, esters of parahydroxybenzoic acid; and other anti-microbial agents such as chlorhexidine, chlorocresol, benzoic acid, polymyxin, and phenoxyethanol.

Preferably, the preservative is selected from the group consisting of sodium benzoate, phenoxyethanol, benzyl alcohol, methylparaben, imidazolidinyl urea and diazolidinyl urea.

Topical administration can continue for about 1 day, about 2 days, about 3 days, about 4 days, about S days, about 6 days, about 7 days, about 2 weeks, about 3 weeks, about 4 weeks, about 2 months, about 3 months, about 4 months, about S months, about 6 months, about 1 year or longer.

In some embodiments, the present composition may comprise one or more

pharmaceutically acceptable antioxidants. Any pharmaceutically acceptable antioxidant known to those of ordinary skill in the art is contemplated for inclusion in the present pharmaceutical compositions. For example, the pharmaceutically acceptable antioxidant may be selected from the group consisting of ascorbic acid, sodium ascorbate, sodium bisulfate, sodium metabisulfate and monothio glycerol.

In some embodiments, the present composition may comprise one or more

pharmaceutically acceptable buffering agents. Any pharmaceutically acceptable buffering agent known to those of ordinary skill in the art is contemplated for inclusion in the present pharmaceutical compositions. Examples of such buffering agents include of monobasic sodium phosphate, dibasic sodium phosphate, sodium benzoate, potassium benzoate, sodium citrate, sodium acetate, and sodium tartrate.

In some embodiments, the present composition may or may not comprise one or more pharmaceutically acceptable skin penetration enhancers. Examples of such skin penetration enhancers include but not limited to fatty alcohols such as decanol, lauryl alcohol, linolenyl alcohol, n-octanol and oleyl alcohol; fatty acid esters such as ethyl acetate, dodecyl N,N- dimethylamino acetate, glycerol monolaurate, glycerol monooleate, isopropyl myristate, methyl laurate and sorbitan monooleate; fatty acids such as lauric acid and oleic acid; biologies such as lecithin, amines and amides such as N,N-dimethyl-m-toluamide, lauryl-amine and urea;

complexing agents such as cyclodextrin, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose and liposomes;

surfactants such as Brij 36T, sodium lauryl sulfate and sorbitan monooleate; other compounds such as dimethyl isosorbide, bisabolol, eucalyptol, menthol, terpenes, N-methyl pyrrolidone, azone, DMSO, MSM, decylmethyl sulfoxide, dimethyl formamide, dimethyl acetamide, glycols and propylene glycol.

Exemplary oils that may be used in the present composition, include mineral oils (liquid petroleum jelly), plant oils (liquid fraction of karite butter, sunflower oil), animal oils

(perhydrosqualene), synthetic oils (purcellin oil), silicone oils (cyclomethicone) and fluoro oils (perfluoropolyethers). Fatty alcohols and fatty acids (stearic acid) can be added to these oils.

Exemplary emulsifiers that may be used in the present composition, include glyceryl stearate, polysorbate 60 and the mixture PEG-67PEG-32/glycol stearate.

Representative solvents which can be used include the lower alcohols, such as ethanol and isopropanol.

In certain other embodiments, a surfactant can be used in the present composition, as a wetting agent, emulsifier, solubilizer and/or antimicrobial.

Suitable surfactants include, but are not limited to, sodium stearyl fumarate, diethanolamine cetyl sulfate, polyethylene glycol, isostearate, polyethoxylated castor oil, benzalkonium chloride, nonoxyl 10, octoxynol 9, polyoxyethylene sorbitan fatty acids

(polysorbate 20, 40, 60 and 80), sodium lauryl sulfate, sorbitan esters (sorbitan monolaurate, sorbitan monooleate, sorbitan monopalmitate, sorbitan monostearate, sorbitan sesquioleate, sorbitan trioleate, sorbitan tristearate, sorbitan laurate, sorbitan oleate, sorbitan palmitate, sorbitan stearate, sorbitan dioleate, sorbitan sesqui-isostearate, sorbitan sesquistearate, sorbitan tri-isostearate), lecithin pharmaceutical acceptable salts thereof and combinations thereof.

In some embodiments, the topical formulations may contain moisturizing agents. Non- limiting examples of moisturizing agents that can be used with the compositions of the present invention include amino acids, chondroitin sulfate, diglycerin, erythritol, fructose, glucose, glycerin, glycerol polymers, glycol, 1,2,6-hexanetriol, honey, hyaluronic acid, hydrogenated honey, hydrogenated starch hydrolysate, inositol, lactitol, maltitol, maltose, mannitol, natural moisturization factor, PEG-15 butanediol, polyglyceryl sorbitol, salts of pyrollidone carboxylic acid, potassium PC A, propylene glycol, sodium glucuronate, sodium PCA, sorbitol, sucrose, trehalose, urea, and xylitol.

Administration routes

The present composition may be administered topically, orally, via implant, parenterally, sublingually, rectally, topically, via infiltration, or via inhalation. Injection or implantation includes, but is not limited to subcutaneous (under the skin), intramuscular (muscle), itrathecal, epidural, intraperitoneal, caudal, intradermal or intracutaneous (into the skin), intercostals at a single nerve, intra-articular (joints) or body spaces, intrasynovial (joint fluid), intraspinal (spinal column), intra-arterial (arteries) administrations and administration into other connective tissue compartments. Examples of body spaces include pleura, peritoneium, cranium, mediastinum, pericardium, and bursae or bursal. The present composition may be administered intra- articularly, intra-sternally, intrasynovially, intra-bursally or into body spaces.

The following are examples of the present disclosure and are not to be construed as limiting. All parts and percentages referred to in this specification and the appended claims are by weight unless otherwise specified. Example 1 Desonide Formulations

The following desonide formulations were prepared and analyzed for storage stability. Other than pH and appearance, all numbers are shown in wt%.

Table 1: Desonide Formulations

We analyzed the impurities present in the active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) desonide using HPLC. The results are shown below. The impurity profiles at I month and 2 months are shown in Tables 2-7 for several of the formulations. RT stands for retention time. RRT stands for relative retention time where RRT = RT of an impurity peak ÷ RT of desonide. "N/De": not determined. "N/A" stands for "not applicable".

Table 2: 150622-02-T1 25'C

Table 3: 150622-02-T1 40^*C

Figure 1 provides an overview of the total impurities at 40°C. Except for formulations 150623-01 and 150623-02, the desonide formulations are stable under accelerated storage conditions (40±2°C/75±5% Relative Humidity (RH), or about 40°C/about 75% RH which is at 40°C in an atmosphere of about 75% relative humidity), for about 1 months and for about 2 months. The present invention is not to be limited in scope by the specific embodiments described herein. Indeed, various modifications of the invention in addition to those described herein will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the foregoing description and the accompanying figures. Such modifications are intended to fall within the scope of the appended claims.

Patents, patent applications, and publications are cited throughout this application, the disclosures of which, particularly, including all disclosed chemical structures, are incorporated herein by reference. Citation of the above publications or documents is not intended as an admission that any of the foregoing is pertinent prior art, nor does it constitute any admission as to the contents or date of these publications or documents. All references cited herein are incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individual publication, patent application, or patent, was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference.

The foregoing written specification is considered to be sufficient to enable one skilled in the art to practice the invention. Various modifications of the invention in addition to those shown and described herein will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the foregoing description and fall within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A pharmaceutical composition comprising:

about 0.01 to about 7.5 % (w/w) of desonide;

about 10 to about 70 % (w/w) of one or more C2-C4 alcohols;

about 15 to about SO % (w/w) of one or more ester oils; and

about 1 to about 30 % (w/w) of one or more glycerides.

2. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 1, further comprising about 1 to about S % (w/w) of an acidic aqueous solution having a pH of about 2 to about 4.

3. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 1, wherein the ester oil is isopropyl myristate.

4. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 1 , wherein the glyceride is caprylic/capric triglyceride.

5. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 1 , wherein the composition is stable at about 40°C in an atmosphere of about 75% relative humidity for a period of at least one month, and the amount of total impurities of the composition at the end of the period is lower than 1% (w/w).

6. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 5, wherein the period is at least two months.

7. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 5, wherein the period is at least three months.

8. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 2, wherein the acidic aqueous solution

comprises a hydrochloric acid (HC1) solution.

9. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 2, wherein the acidic aqueous solution

comprises a citrate buffer solution.

10. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 9, wherein the pH of the citrate buffer solution is about 4.

11. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 9, comprising about 2.4S % (w/w) of the citrate buffer solution.

12. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 1 , comprising about 0.05 % (w/w) desonide.

13. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 1 , wherein the C2-C4 alcohol is ethanol.

14. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 13, wherein ethanol is present in the

composition at about 30 to about 52 % (w/w) of the composition.

15. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 3, comprising about 25 to about 47 % (w/w) isopropyl myristate.

16. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 4, comprising about 20 to about 30 % (w/w) capric/caprylic glyceride.

17. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 16, comprising about 20 % (w/w)

capric/caprylic glyceride.

18. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 1, wherein the composition is a topical spray composition.

19. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 2,

wherein desonide constitutes about 0.05 % (w/w) of the composition; wherein the C2-C4 alcohol is ethanol, and ethanol constitutes about 30 to about 52% (w/w) of the composition;

wherein the ester oil is isopropyl myristate, and isopropyl myristate constitutes about 25 to about 47 % (w/w) of the composition; wherein the glyceride is capric/caprylic g!yceride which constitutes about 4 to about 20 % (w/w) of the composition; and

wherein the acidic aqueous solution is a citrate buffer solution having a pH of 4.0 and constituting about 2.4S % (w/w) of the composition.

20. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 2,

wherein desonide constitutes about 0.05 % (w/w) of the composition;

wherein the C2-C4 alcohol is ethanol, and ethanol constitutes about 31.5% (w/w) of the composition;

wherein the ester oil is isopropyl myristate which constitutes about 46.35 % (w/w) of the composition;

wherein the glyceride is capric/caprylic glyceride which constitutes about 20 % (w/w) of the composition; and

wherein the acidic aqueous solution is a citrate buffer solution having a pH of 4.0 and constituting about 2.45 % (w/w) of the composition.

21. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 2,

wherein desonide constitutes about 0.05 % (w/w) of the composition;

wherein the C2-C4 alcohol is ethanol, and ethanol constitutes about 46.6% (w/w) of the composition;

wherein the ester oil is isopropyl myristate which constitutes about 46.35 % (w/w) of the composition;

wherein the glyceride is capric/caprylic glyceride which constitutes about 4.55 % (w/w) of the composition;

wherein the acidic aqueous solution is a citrate buffer solution having a pH of 4.0 and constituting about 2.45 % (w/w) of the composition.

22. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 2,

wherein desonide constitutes about 0.05 % (w/w) of the composition;

wherein the C2-C4 alcohol is ethanol, and ethanol constitutes about 46.6% (w/w) of the composition; wherein the ester oil is isopropyl myristate which constitutes about 30.9 % (w/w) of the composition;

wherein the glyceride is capric/caprylic glyceride which constitutes about 20 % (w/w) of the composition;

wherein the acidic aqueous solution is a citrate buffer solution having a pH of 4.0 and constituting about 2.45 % (w/w) of the composition.

23. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 2,

wherein desonide constitutes about 0.05 % (w/w) of the composition;

wherein the C2-C4 alcohol is ethanol, and ethanol constitutes about 51.25% (w/w) of the composition;

wherein the ester oil is isopropyl myristate which constitutes about 30.9 % (w/w) of the composition;

wherein the glyceride is capric/caprylic glyceride which constitutes about 20 % (w/w) of the composition;

wherein the acidic aqueous solution is a citrate buffer solution having a pH of 4.0 and constituting about 2.45 % (w/w) of the composition.

24. A pharmaceutical composition comprising:

about 0.01 to about 7.5 % (w/w) of desonide;

about 10 to about 70 % (w/w) of one or more C2-C4 alcohols;

about 15 to about 50 % (w/w) of one or more ester oils; and

about 1 to about 30 % (w/w) of one or more glycerides,

wherein the composition is stable at 40°C in an atmosphere of about 75% relative humidity for a period of at least one month, and wherein the amount of total impurities of the composition at the end of the period is lower than 1% (w/w).

25. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 24, further comprising about 1 to about 5 % (w/w) of an acidic aqueous solution having a pH of about 2 to about 4.

26. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 24, wherein the ester oil is isopropyl myristate.

27. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 24, wherein the glyceride is caprylic/capric triglyceride.

28. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 24, wherein the period is at least two months.

29. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 24, wherein the period is at least three months.

30. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 25, wherein the acidic aqueous solution

comprises a hydrochloric acid (HC1) solution.

31. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 25, wherein the acidic aqueous solution

comprises a citrate buffer solution.

32. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 31 , wherein the pH of the citrate buffer

solution is about 4.

33. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 31, comprising about 2.45 % (w/w) of the citrate buffer solution.

34. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 24, comprising about 0.05 % (w/w) desonide.

35. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 24, wherein the C2-C4 alcohol is ethanol.

36. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 35, wherein ethanol is present in the

composition at about 30 to about 52 % (w/w) of the composition.

37. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 26, comprising about 25 to about 47 % (w/w) isopropyl myristate.

38. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 27, comprising about 20 to about 30 % (w/w) caprylic/capric triglyceride.

39. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 27, comprising about 20 % (w/w)

caprylic/capric triglyceride.

40. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 24, wherein the composition is a topical spray composition.

41. The pharmaceutical composition of any of claims 1 -40, wherein the composition is administered to a mammal for reducing a skin inflammation.

42. A method of treating a skin condition comprising administering to the skin of a mammal in need thereof an effective amount of a pharmaceutical composition according to any of claims 1 - 40.

43. The method of claim 42, wherein the skin condition is an inflammatory skin condition.