Classifications

• • 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
  • A61K31/66—Phosphorus compounds
  • A61K31/675—Phosphorus compounds having nitrogen as a ring hetero atom, e.g. pyridoxal phosphate
• • 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
  • A61K31/66—Phosphorus compounds
  • A61K31/661—Phosphorus acids or esters thereof not having P—C bonds, e.g. fosfosal, dichlorvos, malathion or mevinphos
• • 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
• • 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
  • A61K9/0012—Galenical forms characterised by the site of application
  • A61K9/0053—Mouth and digestive tract, i.e. intraoral and peroral administration
• • 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
  • A61K9/14—Particulate form, e.g. powders, Processes for size reducing of pure drugs or the resulting products, Pure drug nanoparticles
  • A61K9/16—Agglomerates; Granulates; Microbeadlets ; Microspheres; Pellets; Solid products obtained by spray drying, spray freeze drying, spray congealing,(multiple) emulsion solvent evaporation or extraction
  • A61K9/1605—Excipients; Inactive ingredients
  • A61K9/1629—Organic macromolecular compounds
  • A61K9/1652—Polysaccharides, e.g. alginate, cellulose derivatives; Cyclodextrin
• • 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
  • A61K9/20—Pills, tablets, discs, rods
  • A61K9/2004—Excipients; Inactive ingredients
  • A61K9/2022—Organic macromolecular compounds
  • A61K9/205—Polysaccharides, e.g. alginate, gums; Cyclodextrin
  • A61K9/2054—Cellulose; Cellulose derivatives, e.g. 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
  • A61K9/4841—Filling excipients; Inactive ingredients
  • A61K9/4866—Organic macromolecular compounds
• • 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
• • 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
  • A61P25/24—Antidepressants
• • 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
  • A61P25/28—Drugs for disorders of the nervous system for treating neurodegenerative disorders of the central nervous system, e.g. nootropic agents, cognition enhancers, drugs for treating Alzheimer's disease or other forms of dementia
• • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
  • C07—ORGANIC CHEMISTRY
  • C07B—GENERAL METHODS OF ORGANIC CHEMISTRY; APPARATUS THEREFOR
  • C07B63/00—Purification; Separation; Stabilisation; Use of additives
• • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
  • C07—ORGANIC CHEMISTRY
  • C07D—HETEROCYCLIC COMPOUNDS
  • C07D209/00—Heterocyclic compounds containing five-membered rings, condensed with other rings, with one nitrogen atom as the only ring hetero atom
  • C07D209/02—Heterocyclic compounds containing five-membered rings, condensed with other rings, with one nitrogen atom as the only ring hetero atom condensed with one carbocyclic ring
  • C07D209/04—Indoles; Hydrogenated indoles
  • C07D209/10—Indoles; Hydrogenated indoles with substituted hydrocarbon radicals attached to carbon atoms of the hetero ring
  • C07D209/14—Radicals substituted by nitrogen atoms, not forming part of a nitro radical
  • C07D209/16—Tryptamines
• • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
  • C07—ORGANIC CHEMISTRY
  • C07F—ACYCLIC, CARBOCYCLIC OR HETEROCYCLIC COMPOUNDS CONTAINING ELEMENTS OTHER THAN CARBON, HYDROGEN, HALOGEN, OXYGEN, NITROGEN, SULFUR, SELENIUM OR TELLURIUM
  • C07F9/00—Compounds containing elements of Groups 5 or 15 of the Periodic Table
  • C07F9/02—Phosphorus compounds
  • C07F9/547—Heterocyclic compounds, e.g. containing phosphorus as a ring hetero atom
  • C07F9/553—Heterocyclic compounds, e.g. containing phosphorus as a ring hetero atom having one nitrogen atom as the only ring hetero atom
  • C07F9/572—Five-membered rings
  • C07F9/5728—Five-membered rings condensed with carbocyclic rings or carbocyclic ring systems
• • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
  • C07—ORGANIC CHEMISTRY
  • C07B—GENERAL METHODS OF ORGANIC CHEMISTRY; APPARATUS THEREFOR
  • C07B2200/00—Indexing scheme relating to specific properties of organic compounds
  • C07B2200/13—Crystalline forms, e.g. polymorphs

Definitions

• This Invention relates to the large-scale production of psllocybln for use In medicine.
• large scale is meant producing batches of psilocybin with a weight of greater than 10g, more preferably greater than 100g, more preferably still greater than 250g and up to, and above, Kg levels.
• a plant based psychedelic it has been used as an aide to psychotherapy for the treatment of mood disorders and alcoholic disorders and recently 3 clinical trials have reported its use for depressive symptoms.
• Step 1 (i) comprised reacting 4-hydroxyindole ("3") with acetic anhydride (Ac 2 0) in pyridine and anhydrous dichloromethane (CH 2 CI 2 ) at 0°C. Water was added, the mixture evaporated, and the resulting concentrate was dissolved in ethyl acetate, washed with water, and saturated sodium chloride, and the organic phase dried over sodium sulphate and evaporated to obtain 4-acetylindole ("4"), which was collected by filtration and washed with water and ethyl acetate.
• acetic anhydride Ac 2 0
• CH 2 CI 2 anhydrous dichloromethane
• Step 2 a two-step acylation (ii) - amidation step (iii), comprised forming 3- Dimethylaminooxalyl-4-acetylindole ("6") by: (ii) reacting 4-acetylindole ("4") with oxalyl chloride ((COCI)2) in anhydrous diethylether, stirring, adding n-hexane and holding at -20°C to produce an intermediate 3-(2-chloro-2-oxoacetyl)-1H-indol-4-yl acetate ("5") which was separated by filtration.
• oxalyl chloride (COCI)22)
• the intermediate was dissolved in anhydrous tetrahydrofuran (THF) and reacted with dimethylamine ((CH3)2NH) in tetrahydrofuran and pyridine.
• Anhydrous ether was added because of solidification, and the reaction product separated by filtration and washed with n hexane, ethyl acetate, and water to obtain 3-Dimethylaminooxalyl-4- acetylindole ("6").
• Step 3 (iv) comprised the formation of psilocin ("1") by reacting the 3- Dimethylaminooxalyl-4-acetylindole (“6") with lithium aluminium hydride (LiAlH 4 ) in anhydrous THF under an argon atmosphere. After refluxing and cooling, anhydrous sodium sulphate was added, followed by a solution of sodium sulphate, and further anhydrous sodium sulphate. The reaction mixture was diluted with ethyl acetate, quickly concentrated in vacuo, and the resulting psilocin crystals briefly washed with methanol.
• LiAlH 4 lithium aluminium hydride
• Step 4 (v) comprised the formation of benzyl [2-(4-oxyindol-3-yl) ethyl]
• dimethylammonio-4-O-benzyl phosphate 8" by reacting psilocin, dissolved in anhydrous THF, with n-butyl lithium (n-BuLi) in n-hexane at -78°C and tetrabenzylpyrophosphate
• Step 5 (vi) comprised the formation of psilocybin ("2") by reaction of ("8"), in methanol (MeOH), with hydrogen (H 2 ) using a palladium-activated carbon catalyst (Pd/C). Water was added, because of product deposition, and ("8"), its mono de-benzylated derivative were monitored along with the appearance of psilocybin, the reaction solution was filtered through a Celite pad. The product was collected by filtration and washed with ethanol to provide a white needle crystalline form with a melting point 190°C -198°C.
• NAS New Active Substance
• any New Active Substance should be capable of large scale production (typically 100g plus, more typically greater than 250g, more preferably still greater than 500g, to Kg plus batches), depending on the amount of active to be dosed to a human subject. It should also be chemically pure, well defined, and stable on storage. [0025] Furthermore, any method of manufacture must be readily reproducible, and provide batch to batch consistency.
• CNS central nervous system disorders
• crystalline psilocybin in the form Polymorph A or Polymorph A', characterised by one or more of:
• crystalline psilocybin in the form Polymorph A characterised by one or more of: a. peaks in an XRPD diffractogram at 11.5, 12.0,14.5, and 17.5, °2 ⁇ 0.1°2 ⁇ ;
• the peak at 17.5 °2 ⁇ 0.1°2 ⁇ has a relative intensity compared to the peak at 14.5 °2 ⁇ 0.1°2 ⁇ of at least 5%, preferably at least 6%, more preferably still at least 7%, through 8%, and 9% to at least 10%.
• psilocybin Polymorph A exhibits an XRPD diffractogram characterised by the diffractogram summarised in Table 1.
• the crystalline psilocybin Polymorph A comprises at least 3 peaks of ( ⁇ 0.1 °2 ⁇ ) of Table 1.
• the crystalline psilocybin Polymorph A comprises at least 4 peaks of ( ⁇ 0.1 °2 ⁇ ) of Table 1.
• the crystalline psilocybin Polymorph A comprises at least 5 peaks of ( ⁇ 0.1 °2 ⁇ ) of Table 1.
• the crystalline psilocybin Polymorph A comprises at least 6 peaks of ( ⁇ 0.1 °2 ⁇ ) of Table 1. In a certain embodiment, described herein the crystalline psilocybin Polymorph A comprises at least 8 peaks of ( ⁇ 0.1 °2 ⁇ ) of Table 1. In a certain embodiment, described herein the crystalline psilocybin Polymorph A comprises at least 10 peaks of ( ⁇ 0.1 °2 ⁇ ) of Table 1. In a certain embodiment, described herein the crystalline psilocybin Polymorph A comprising at least 15 peaks of ( ⁇ 0.1 °2 ⁇ ) of Table 1.
• a peak at about 17.5, °2 ⁇ 0.1 °2 ⁇ distinguishes psilocybin Polymorph A from Polymorph A', in which the peak is absent or substantially absent (i.e. has a relative intensity compared to the peak at 14.5 °2 ⁇ 0.1°2 ⁇ of less than 2%, more preferably less than 1%).
• crystalline psilocybin Polymorph A is characterised by XRPD diffractogram peaks at 11.5, 12.0, 14.5, and 17.5°2 ⁇ 0.1°2 ⁇ .
• crystalline psilocybin Polymorph A is further characterised by at least one additional peak appearing at 19.7, 20.4, 22.2, 24.3 ⁇ 25.7°2 ⁇ 0.1°2 ⁇ .
• crystalline psilocybin Polymorph A is further characterised by at least two additional peaks appearing at 19.7, 20.4, 22.2, 24.3 or 25.7 °2 ⁇ 0.1°2 ⁇ .
• crystalline psilocybin Polymorph A is further characterised by at least three additional peaks appearing at 19.7, 20.4, 22.2, 24.3 or 25.7 °2 ⁇ 0.1°2 ⁇ .
• crystalline psilocybin Polymorph A exhibits an XRPD diffractogram substantially the same as the XRPD diffractogram shown in Fig. 7a.
• crystalline psilocybin Polymorph A is characterised by XRPD diffractogram peaks at 14.5 and 17.5°2 ⁇ 0.1°2 ⁇ with the peak at 17.5°2 ⁇ having an intensity which is at least 5% of the intensity of the peak at 14.5°2 ⁇ , more preferably still at least 6%, through at least 7%, at least 8%, at least 9%, to at least 10%.
• crystalline psilocybin Polymorph A is absent or substantially absent of an XRPD diffractogram peaks at 10.1.
• substantially absent is meant than any XRPD diffractogram peaks at 10.1 is less than 2% of the intensity of the peak at 14.5°2 ⁇ , such as less than 1%, or is not detectable in the XRPD diffractogram,
• crystalline psilocybin Polymorph A is characterised by an endothermic event in a DSC thermogram having an onset temperature of between 205 and 220°C, such as between 210 and 220°C, such as between 210 and 218°C, or such as between 210 and 216°C.
• crystalline psilocybin Polymorph A is further characterised by an endothermic event in the DSC thermogram having an onset temperature of between 145 and 165°C, such as between 145 and 160°C, or such as between 145 and 155°C.
• crystalline psilocybin Polymorph A is characterised by an endothermic event having an onset temperature of between 205 and 220°C, such as between 210 and 220°C, such as between 210 and 218°C, or such as between 210 and 216°C, and an endothermic event having an onset temperature of between 145 and 165°C, such as between 145 and 160°C, or such as between 145 and 155°C, in a DSC thermogram.
• crystalline psilocybin Polymorph A exhibits a DSC thermogram substantially the same as the DSC thermogram in Fig. 8a.
• crystalline psilocybin Polymorph A is characterised by having a water content of ⁇ 0.5% w/w, such as ⁇ 0.4% w/w, such as ⁇ 0.3% w w, such as ⁇ 0.2% w/w, or such as ⁇ 0.1% w w.
• a water content of ⁇ 0.5% w/w such as ⁇ 0.4% w/w, such as ⁇ 0.3% w w, such as ⁇ 0.2% w/w, or such as ⁇ 0.1% w w.
• Karl Fischer Titration The skilled person would know of methods to determine the water content of a compound, for example Karl Fischer Titration.
• crystalline psilocybin Polymorph A is characterised by having ⁇ 0.5% w w loss, such as ⁇ 0.4% w/w, such as ⁇ 0.3% w/w, such as ⁇ 0.2% w w, such as ⁇ 0.1% w/w, in the TGA thermogram between ambient temperature, such as about 25°C, and 200 ° C.
• crystalline psilocybin Polymorph A loses less than 2% by weight in a loss on drying test such as less than 1% by weight, such as less than 0.5% by weight. The loss on drying test is performed at 70°C.
• crystalline psilocybin Polymorph A is a highly pure crystalline form of Polymorph A, for example, psilocybin comprises at least 90% by weight such as 95%, such as 99%, such as 99.5% of Polymorph A.
• crystalline psilocybin Polymorph A is a white to off white solid.
• crystalline psilocybin Polymorph A is chemically pure, for example the psilocybin has a chemical purity of greater than 97%, such as greater than 98%, or such as greater than 99% by HPLC.
• crystalline psilocybin Polymorph A has no single impurity of greater than 1%, more preferably less than 0.5%, including phosphoric acid as measured by 31 P NMR, and psilocin as measured by HPLC.
• crystalline psilocybin Polymorph A has a chemical purity of greater than 97 area%, more preferably still greater than 98 area%, and most preferably greater than 99 area% by HPLC.
• crystalline psilocybin Polymorph A has no single impurity greater than 1 area%, more preferably less than 0.5 area% as measured by HPLC. In one embodiment, crystalline psilocybin Polymorph A does not contain psilocin at a level greater than 1 area%, more preferably less than 0.5 area% as measured by HPLC. In one embodiment, crystalline psilocybin Polymorph A does not contain phosphoric acid at a level greater than 1 weight%, more preferably less than 0.5 weight% as measured by 31 P NMR. In one embodiment crystalline psilocybin Polymorph A has a chemical assay of at least 95 weight%, such as at least 96 weight%, or such as at least 98 weight%.
• crystalline psilocybin Polymorph A' characterised by one or more of: a. peaks in an XRPD diffractogram at 11.5, 12.0 and 14.5 °2 ⁇ 0.1°2 ⁇ , but absent or substantially absent of a peak at 17.5 °2 ⁇ 0.1°2 ⁇ ;
• substantially absent of a peak at 17.5 °2 ⁇ 0.1 °2 ⁇ is meant, if present, the peak has a relative intensity, compared to a peak at 14.5 °2 ⁇ 0.1°2 ⁇ , of less than 5%, more preferably less than 4%, through less than 3%, to 2%, 1% or less.
• psilocybin Polymorph A' exhibits an XRPD diffractogram characterised by the diffractogram summarised in Table 2.
• the crystalline psilocybin Polymorph A' comprises at least 3 peaks of ( ⁇ 0.1 °2 ⁇ ) of Table 2 but absent or substantially absent of a peak at 17.5 °2 ⁇ 0.1 °2 ⁇ .
• the crystalline psilocybin Polymorph A' comprising at least 4 peaks of ( ⁇ 0.1 °2 ⁇ ) of Table 2 but absent or substantially absent of a peak at 17.5
• the crystalline psilocybin Polymorph A' comprises at least 5 peaks of ( ⁇ 0.1 °2 ⁇ ) of Table 2 but absent or substantially absent of a peak at 17.5 °2 ⁇ 0.1 °2 ⁇ . In a certain embodiment, described herein the crystalline psilocybin Polymorph A' comprises at least 6 peaks of ( ⁇ 0.1 °2 ⁇ ) of Table 2 but absent or substantially absent of a peak at 17.5 °2 ⁇ 0.1°2 ⁇ .
• the crystalline psilocybin Polymorph A' comprises at least 8 peaks of ( ⁇ 0.1 °2 ⁇ ) of Table 2 but absent or substantially absent of a peak at 17.5 °2 ⁇ 0.1°2 ⁇ . In a certain embodiment, described herein the crystalline psilocybin Polymorph A' comprises at least 10 peaks of ( ⁇ 0.1 °2 ⁇ ) of Table 2 but absent or substantially absent of a peak at 17.5 °2 ⁇ 0.1°2 ⁇ . In a certain embodiment described herein the crystalline psilocybin Polymorph A' comprises at least 15 peaks of ( ⁇ 0.1 °2 ⁇ ) of Table 2 but absent or substantially absent of a peak at 17.5 °2 ⁇ 0.1°2 ⁇ .
• the crystalline psilocybin Polymorph A' comprises at least 20 peaks of ( ⁇ 0.1 °2 ⁇ ) of Table 2 but absent or substantially absent of a peak at 17.5 °2 ⁇ 0.1°2 ⁇ . In a certain embodiment, described herein the crystalline psilocybin Polymorph A' comprises at least 25 peaks of ( ⁇ 0.1 °2 ⁇ ) of Table 2 but absent or substantially absent of a peak at 17.5 °2 ⁇ 0.1°2 ⁇ .
• crystalline psilocybin Polymorph A' is characterised by XRPD difrractogram peaks at 11.5, 12.0, and 14.5°2 ⁇ 0.1°2 ⁇ but substantially absent of a peak at 17.5 °2 ⁇ 0.1°2 ⁇ .
• crystalline psilocybin Polymorph A' is further characterised by at least one additional peak appearing at 19.7, 20.4, 22.2, 24.3, or 25.7 °2 ⁇ 0.1°2 ⁇ .
• crystalline psilocybin Polymorph A' is further characterised by at least two additional peaks appearing at 19.7, 20.4, 22.2, 24.3, or 25.7 °2 ⁇ 0.1°2 ⁇ .
• crystalline psilocybin Polymorph A' is further characterised, and distinguished from Polymorph A by the presence of a peak appearing at 10.1 °2 ⁇ 0.1°2 ⁇ .
• crystalline psilocybin Polymorph A' exhibits an XRPD diffractogram substantially the same as the XRPD diffractogram shown in Fig. 7b.
• crystalline psilocybin Polymorph A' is characterised by XRPD diffractogram peaks at 14.5 and 17.5°2 ⁇ 0.1°2 ⁇ wherein the intensity of the peak at 17.5°2 ⁇ is less than 5% of the intensity of the peak at 14.5°2 ⁇ , such as less than 4%, such as less than 3%, such as at less than 2%, such as less than 1%, or such as about 1%.
• crystalline psilocybin Polymorph A' is characterised by XRPD diffractogram peaks at 10.1 and 14.5°2 ⁇ 0.1°2 ⁇ wherein the intensity of the peak at 10.1 °2 ⁇ is at least 1% of the intensity of the peak at 14.5°2 ⁇ , such as at least than 2%, such as at least than 3%, or such as about 4%.
• crystalline psilocybin Polymorph A' is characterised by an endothermic event in a DSC thermogram having an onset temperature of between 205 and 220°C, such as between 210 and 220°C, such as between 210 and 218°C, or such as between 210 and 216°C.
• crystalline psilocybin Polymorph A' is further characterised by an endothermic event in the DSC thermogram having an onset temperature of between 145 and 165°C, such as between 145 and 160°C, or such as between 145 and 155°C.
• crystalline psilocybin Polymorph A' is characterised by an endothermic event having an onset temperature of between 205 and 220°C, such as between 210 and 220°C, such as between 210 and 218°C, or such as between 210 and 216°C, and an endothermic event having an onset temperature of between 145 and 165°C, such as between 145 and 160°C, or such as between 145 and 155°C, in a DSC thermogram.
• crystalline psilocybin Polymorph A' exhibits a DSC thermogram substantially the same as the DSC thermogram in Fig. 8b.
• crystalline psilocybin Polymorph A' is characterised by having a water content of ⁇ 0.5% w w, such as ⁇ 0.4% w w, such as ⁇ 0.3% w/w, such as ⁇ 0.2% w w, or such as ⁇ 0.1 % w/w.
• a water content of ⁇ 0.5% w w such as ⁇ 0.4% w w, such as ⁇ 0.3% w/w, such as ⁇ 0.2% w w, or such as ⁇ 0.1 % w/w.
• crystalline psilocybin Polymorph A' is characterised by having ⁇ 0.5% w/w loss, such as ⁇ 0.4% w w, such as ⁇ 0.3% w w, such as ⁇ 0.2% w w, such as ⁇ 0.1% w/w, in the TGA thermogram between ambient temperature, such as 25°C, and 200'C.
• crystalline psilocybin Polymorph A' loses less than 2% by weight in a loss on drying test, such as less than 1% by weight, such as less than 0.5% by weight. The loss on drying test is performed at 70°C.
• crystalline psilocybin Polymorph A' is a highly pure crystalline form of Polymorph A', for example, psilocybin comprises at least 90% by weight, such as 95%, such as 99%, such as 99.5% of Polymorph A'.
• crystalline psilocybin Polymorph A's is a white to off white solid.
• crystalline psilocybin Polymorph A' is chemically pure, for example the psilocybin has a chemical purity of greater than 97%, more preferably still greater than 98%, and most preferably greater than 99% by HPLC.
• crystalline psilocybin Polymorph A' has no single impurity of greater than 1%, more preferably less than 0.5%, including phosphoric acid as measured by 31 P NMR, and psilocin as measured by HPLC.
• crystalline psilocybin Polymorph A' has a chemical purity of greater than 97 area%, more preferably still greater than 98 area%, and most preferably greater than 99 area% by HPLC.
• crystalline psilocybin Polymorph A' has no single impurity greater than 1 area%, more preferably less than 0.5 area% as measured by HPLC. In one embodiment, crystalline psilocybin Polymorph A' does not contain psilocin at a level greater than 1 area%, more preferably less than 0.5 area% as measured by HPLC. In one embodiment, crystalline psilocybin Polymorph A' does not contain phosphoric acid at a level greater than 1 weight%, more preferably less than 0.5 weight% as measured by 31 P NMR. In one embodiment, crystalline psilocybin Polymorph A' has a chemical assay of at least 95 weight%, such as at least 96 weight%, or such as at least 98 weight%.
• XRPD diffractograms and XRPD peak positions are acquired using Cu Ka radiation.
• the crystalline psilocybin Polymorph A (12A) exhibits an XRPD
• the crystalline psilocybin Polymorph A' (12 ⁇ ') exhibits an XRPD
• the high purity crystalline psilocybin Polymorph A (12A) is characterised by a XRPD diffractogram as substantially illustrated in Fig 7a and a DSC thermograph as substantially illustrated in Fig 8a.
• the high purity crystalline psilocybin Polymorph A (12 ⁇ ') is characterised by a XRPD diffractogram as illustrated in Fig 7b and a DSC thermograph as illustrated in Fig 8b.
• Polymorph A (including its isostructural variant Polymorph A') (Figs 7a and 7b) differs from Polymorph B (Fig 7c), the Hydrate A (Fig 7d) and the ethanol solvate (Fig 7e: Solvate A), and the relationship between some of the different forms is illustrated in Fig 9.
• the crystalline psilocybin Polymorph A or Polymorph A' is a white to off white solid, and/or has a chemical purity of greater than 97%, more preferably still greater than 98%, and most preferably greater than 99% by HPLC, and has no single impurity of greater than 1%, more preferably less than 0.5%, including phosphoric acid as measured by 31 P N R, and psilocin as measured by HPLC.
• crystalline psilocybin, Polymorph A or Polymorph A' has a chemical purity of greater than 97 area%, more preferably still greater than 98 area%, and most preferably greater than 99 area% by HPLC. In one embodiment, crystalline psilocybin, Polymorph A or Polymorph A', has no single impurity greater than 1 area%, more preferably less than 0.5 area% as measured by HPLC. In one embodiment, crystalline psilocybin, Polymorph A or Polymorph A', does not contain psilocin at a level greater than 1 area%, more preferably less than 0.5 area% as measured by HPLC.
• crystalline psilocybin, Polymorph A or Polymorph A' does not contain phosphoric acid at a level greater than 1 weight%, more preferably less than 0.5 weight% as measured by 31 P NMR. In one embodiment, crystalline psilocybin, Polymorph A or Polymorph A', has a chemical assay of at least 95 weight%, such as at least 96 weight%, or such as at least 98 weight%.
• Polymorph A' to Polymorph B Continued heating of the resulting solid, i.e., Polymorph B, results in a second endothermic event corresponding to a melting point having an onset temperature of between 205 and 220°C (see Figs 8a and 8b).
• psilocybin Hydrate A exhibits an XRPD diffractogram
• the crystalline psilocybin Hydrate A comprises at least 3 peaks of ( ⁇ 0.1 °2 ⁇ ) of Table 3. In a certain embodiment, described herein the crystalline psilocybin Hydrate A comprises at least 4 peaks of ( ⁇ 0.1 °2 ⁇ ) of Table 3. In a certain embodiment, described herein the crystalline psilocybin Hydrate A comprises at least 5 peaks of ( ⁇ 0.1 °2 ⁇ ) of Table 3. In a certain embodiment described herein the crystalline psilocybin Hydrate A comprises at least 8 peaks of ( ⁇ 0.1°2 ⁇ ) of Table 3. In a certain embodiment, described herein the crystalline psilocybin Hydrate A comprises at least 10 peaks of ( ⁇ 0.1 °2 ⁇ ) of Table 3.
• crystalline psilocybin Hydrate A is characterised by XRPD diffractogram peaks at 8.9, 12.6 and 13.8°2 ⁇ 0.1°2 ⁇ .
• crystalline psilocybin Hydrate A is further characterised by at least one peak appearing at 6.5, 12.2, 19.4, 20.4 or 20.8°2 ⁇ 0.1°2 ⁇ .
• crystalline psilocybin Hydrate A is further characterised by at least two peaks appearing at 6.5, 12.2, 19.4, 20.4 or 20.8°2 ⁇ 0.1°2 ⁇ .
• crystalline psilocybin Hydrate A exhibits an XRPD diffractogram substantially the same as the XRPD diffractogram shown in Fig. 7d.
• crystalline psilocybin Hydrate A is characterised by an endothermic event in a DSC thermogram having an onset temperature of between 205 and 220°C, such as between 210 and 220°C, such as between 210 and 218°C, or such as between 210 and 216°C.
• crystalline psilocybin Hydrate A is further characterised by an endothermic event in the DSC thermogram having an onset temperature of between 85 and 105°C, or such as between 90 and 100°C.
• crystalline psilocybin Hydrate A is characterised by an endothermic event having an onset temperature of between 205 and 220°C, such as between 210 and 220°C, such as between 210 and 218°C, or such as between 210 and 216°C, and an endothermic event having an onset temperature of between 85 and 105°C, or such as between 90 and 100°C, in a DSC thermogram.
• crystalline psilocybin Hydrate A exhibits a DSC thermogram substantially the same as the DSC thermogram in Fig. 8d.
• crystalline psilocybin Hydrate A is characterised by having a water content of between 10 and 18%, such as between 12 and 16%, or such as about 13%. The skilled person would know of methods to determine the water content of a compound, for example Karl Fischer Titration. In one embodiment, crystalline psilocybin Hydrate A is characterised by having a weight loss in the TGA thermogram of between 10 and 18%, such as between 12 and 16%, or such as about 13%, between ambient temperature, such as about 25°C, and 120 ⁇ .
• crystalline psilocybin Hydrate A is a highly pure crystalline form of Hydrate A, for example, psilocybin comprises at least 90% by weight, such as 95%, such as 99%, such as 99.5% of Hydrate A.
• a crystalline form of psilocybin, Polymorph B characterised by one or more of: a. peaks in an XRPD diffractogram at 11.1, 11.8 and 14.3°2 ⁇ 0.1°2 ⁇ ;
• psilocybin Polymorph B exhibits an XRPD diffractogram characterised by the diffractogram summarised in Table 4.
• the crystalline psilocybin Polymorph B comprises at least 3 peaks of ( ⁇ 0.1 °2 ⁇ ) of Table 4.
• the crystalline psilocybin Polymorph B comprises at least 4 peaks of ( ⁇ 0.1 °2 ⁇ ) of Table 4.
• the crystalline psilocybin Polymorph B comprises at least 5 peaks of ( ⁇ 0.1 °2 ⁇ ) of Table 4.
• the crystalline psilocybin Polymorph B comprising at least 8 peaks of ( ⁇ 0.1 °2 ⁇ ) of Table 4. In a certain embodiment described herein the crystalline psilocybin Polymorph B comprises at least 10 peaks of ( ⁇ 0.1 °2 ⁇ ) of Table 4.
• crystalline psilocybin Polymorph B is characterised by XRPD diffractogram peaks at 11.1, 11.8 and 14.3°2 ⁇ 0.1°2 ⁇ . In another embodiment, crystalline psilocybin Polymorph B is further characterised by at least one peak appearing at 14.9, 15.4, 19.3, 20.0 or 20.6°2 ⁇ 0.1°2 ⁇ . In another embodiment, crystalline psilocybin Polymorph B is further characterised by at least two peaks appearing at 14.9, 15.4, 19.3, 20.0 or 20.6°2 ⁇ 0.1°2 ⁇ . In yet a further embodiment, crystalline psilocybin Polymorph B exhibits an XRPD diffractogram substantially the same as the XRPD diffractogram shown in Fig. 7c.
• crystalline psilocybin Polymorph B is characterised by an endothermic event in a DSC thermogram having an onset temperature of between 205 and 220°C, such as between 210 and 220°C, such as between 210 and 218°C, or such as between 210 and 216°C.
• crystalline psilocybin Polymorph B exhibits a DSC thermogram substantially the same as the DSC thermogram in Fig. 8c.
• crystalline psilocybin Polymorph B is characterised by having a water content of ⁇ 0.5% w/w, such as ⁇ 0.4% w/w, such as ⁇ 0.3% w w, such as ⁇ 0.2% w/w, or such as ⁇ 0.1% w/w.
• a water content of ⁇ 0.5% w/w such as ⁇ 0.4% w/w, such as ⁇ 0.3% w w, such as ⁇ 0.2% w/w, or such as ⁇ 0.1% w/w.
• Karl Fischer Titration The skilled person would know of methods to determine the water content of a compound, for example Karl Fischer Titration.
• crystalline psilocybin Polymorph B is characterised by having ⁇ 0.5% w w loss, such as ⁇ 0.4% w w, such as ⁇ 0.3% w w, such as ⁇ 0.2% w/w, such as ⁇ 0.1% w/w, in the TGA thermogram between ambient temperature, such as about 25°C, and 200°C.
• crystalline psilocybin Polymorph B loses less than 2% by weight in a loss on drying test such as less than 1% by weight, such as less than 0.5% by weight. The loss on drying test is performed at 70°C.
• crystalline psilocybin Polymorph B is a highly pure crystalline form of Polymorph B, for example, psilocybin comprises at least 90% by weight, such as 95%, such as 99%, such as 99.5% of Polymorph B.
• crystalline psilocybin Polymorph B is chemically pure, for example the psilocybin has a chemical purity of greater than 97%, such as greater than 98%, or such as greater than 99% by HPLC.
• crystalline psilocybin Polymorph B has no single impurity of greater than 1%, more preferably less than 0.5%, including phosphoric acid as measured by 31 P NMR, and psilocin as measured by HPLC.
• crystalline psilocybin Polymorph B has a chemical purity of greater than 97 area%, more preferably still greater than 98 area%, and most preferably greater than 99 area% by HPLC.
• crystalline psilocybin Polymorph B has no single impurity greater than 1 area%, more preferably less than 0.5 area% as measured by HPLC. In one embodiment, crystalline psilocybin Polymorph B does not contain psilocin at a level greater than 1 area%, more preferably less than 0.5 area% as measured by HPLC. In one embodiment, crystalline psilocybin Polymorph B does not contain phosphoric acid at a level greater than 1 weight%, more preferably less than 0.5 weight% as measured by 31 P NMR. In one embodiment crystalline psilocybin Polymorph B has a chemical assay of at least 95 weight%, such as at least 96 weight%, or such as at least 98 weight%. [0081] The psilocybin of the invention in the form Polymorph A or A' has the general properties illustrated in Table 5 below:
• NMT not more than
• NLT not less than
• NMT not more than
• LT less than.
• crystalline psilocybin in the form Polymorph A or Polymorph A', has spectra that conform with Proton ( 1 H) and Carbon ( 13 C) NMR, FT-lnfrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR), and Mass Spectroscopy (MS) - Figs 10-13.
• a batch of crystalline psilocybin in the form Polymorph A or Polymorph A' according to the first aspect of the present invention.
• a batch of crystalline psilocybin, Polymorph A or Polymorph A' comprising at least 10g, more preferably at least 100g, and most preferably at least 250g.
• a batch of crystalline psilocybin, Polymorph A or Polymorph A' comprising at least 10g, more preferably at least 100g, and most preferably at least 250g.
• a batch of high purity psilocybin comprising at least 10g, more preferably at least 100g, and most preferably at least 250g.
• a batch of high purity psilocybin Polymorph A comprising at least 10g, more preferably at least 100g, and most preferably at least 250g.
• a batch of high purity psilocybin Polymorph A' comprising at least 10g, more preferably at least 100g, and most preferably at least 250g.
• the crystalline psilocybin may take the form of Hydrate A or Polymorph B.
• a pharmaceutical formulation comprising crystalline psilocybin and one or more excipients.
• a pharmaceutical formulation comprising high purity psilocybin and one or more excipients.
• a pharmaceutical formulation comprising crystalline psilocybin Polymorph A and one or more excipients.
• a pharmaceutical formulation comprising high purity crystalline psilocybin, Polymorph A or Polymorph A', and one or more excipients.
• a pharmaceutical formulation comprising high purity crystalline psilocybin Polymorph A and one or more excipients.
• a pharmaceutical formulation comprising high purity crystalline psilocybin Polymorph A' and one or more excipients.
• the crystalline psilocybin in the formulation may take the form of Hydrate A or Polymorph B.
• Preferred pharmaceutical excipients for an oral formulation include: diluents, such as, microcrystalline cellulose, starch, mannitol, calcium hydrogen phosphate anhydrous or co- mixtures of silicon dioxide, calcium carbonate, microcrystalline cellulose and talc;
• disintegrants such as, sodium starch glycolate or croscarmellose sodium
• binders such as, povidone, co-povidone or hydroxyl propyl cellulose
• lubricants such as, magnesium stearate or sodium stearyl fumurate
• glidants such as, colloidal silicon dioxide
• film coats such as, Opadry II white or PVA based brown Opadry II.
• Psilocybin is a difficult active to formulate for a number of reasons. Firstly it has poor flow characteristics, and secondly it is used in relatively low doses which combination makes it challenging to ensure content uniformity in tabletting.
• a good blend will have an Acceptance Value, AV value of less than 15, and more preferably less than 10.
• a functional filler was selected.
• the functional filler was a silicified filler, preferably a silicified microcrystalline cellulose.
• the preferred forms comprises high compactability grades with a particle size range of from about 45 to 150 microns.
• the silicified microcrystalline filler may comprise a first filler, having a particle size range of from about 45 to 80 microns in an amount of up to 30%, more preferably up to 20%, more preferably still up to 15% or less and a second filler, having a particle size range of from about 90 to 150 microns, in an amount of up to 70%, more preferably up to 80, and more preferably still up to 85% or more, by weight.
• the formulation may further comprise or consist of a disintegrant, preferably sodium starch glycolate, a glidant, preferably colloidal silicon dioxide and a lubricant, preferably sodium stearyl fumarate.
• a disintegrant preferably sodium starch glycolate
• a glidant preferably colloidal silicon dioxide
• a lubricant preferably sodium stearyl fumarate.
• formulations may comprise psilocybin in any form, not only the preferred polymorphic forms disclosed.
• the psilocybin would typically be present in a formulated dose in an amount of from 0.01mg kg to 1mg/kg.
• a typical human dose for an adult weighing 60-80kg
• between 2 and 50 mg of crystalline psilocybin, most preferably Polymorph A or Polymorph A' is present in a formulated dose, such as between 2 and 40 mg, such as between 2 and 10 mg, such as 5 mg, such as between 5 and 30 mg, such as between 5 and 15 mg, such as 10 mg, such as between 20 and 30 mg, or such as 25 mg.
• between 2 and 50 mg of crystalline psilocybin, particularly Polymorph A is present in a formulated dose, such as between 2 and 40 mg, such as between 2 and 10 mg, such as 5 mg, such as between 5 and 30 mg, such as between 5 and 15 mg, such as 10 mg, such as between 20 and 30 mg, or such as 25 mg.
• between 2 and 50 mg of crystalline psilocybin, particularly Polymorph A' is present in a formulated dose, such as between 2 and 40 mg, such as between 2 and 10 mg, such as 5 mg, such as between 5 and 30 mg, such as between 5 and 15 mg, such as 10 mg, such as between 20 and 30 mg, or such as 25 mg.
• Favoured adult oral doses are likely to be in the range 1mg to 40mg, preferably 2 to 30mg, more preferably 15 to 30mg, for example 5mg,10mg or 25mg.
• Micro-dosing typically at about a tenth of these doses, is also possible with micro dose formulations typically lying within the range 0.05mg to 2.5mg.
• a preferred pharmaceutical formulation is an oral dosage form.
• the oral dosage form may be a tablet or a capsule.
• a tablet it is necessary to be able to accurately disperse the active. This is challenging due to the low doses and the hygroscopic and sticky nature of the active which limits its flowability.
• the psilocybin will be present together with one or more excipients.
• Preferred excipients include microcrystalline cellulose and starch, more particularly still a silicified microcrystalline cellulose.
• the crystalline psilocybin in the form Polymorph A or Polymorph A' according to the first aspect of the present invention for use in medicine there is provided crystalline psilocybin Polymorph A for use in medicine. In one embodiment, there is provided crystalline psilocybin Polymorph A' for use in medicine. In one embodiment, there is provided a high purity crystalline psilocybin Polymorph A for use in medicine. In one embodiment, there is provided a high purity crystalline psilocybin Polymorph A' for use in medicine.
• the crystalline psilocybin may take the form of Hydrate A or Polymorph B.
• crystalline psilocybin in the form Polymorph A or Polymorph A' of the first aspect of the present invention for use in treating central nervous disorders.
• the crystalline psilocybin may take the form of Hydrate A or Polymorph B.
• crystalline psilocybin, Polymorph A or Polymorph A' for use in treating depression.
• crystalline psilocybin, Polymorph A or Polymorph A' for use in treating drug resistant depression.
• crystalline psilocybin Polymorph A for use in treating drug resistant depression.
• crystalline psilocybin Polymorph A' for use in treating drug resistant depression.
• a high purity crystalline psilocybin Polymorph A for use in treating drug resistant depression.
• Other conditions that may be treated include: anxiety disorders, including anxiety in advanced stage illness e.g. cancer as well as Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Depression including Major Depressive Disorder, Cluster Headaches, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Personality Disorders including Conduct Disorder, Drug Disorders including: alcohol dependence, nicotine dependence, opioid dependence, cocaine dependence and other addictions including Gambling Disorder, Eating Disorder and Body Dysmorphic Disorder.
• anxiety disorders including anxiety in advanced stage illness e.g. cancer as well as Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Depression including Major Depressive Disorder, Cluster Headaches, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Personality Disorders including Conduct Disorder, Drug Disorders including: alcohol dependence, nicotine dependence, opioid dependence, cocaine dependence and other addictions including Gambling Disorder, Eating Disorder and Body Dysmorphic Disorder.
• a still further condition is the treatment of pain.
• a method of treating central nervous disorders comprising administering to a subject in need thereof an effective dose of crystalline psilocybin in the form Polymorph A or Polymorph A' according to the fist aspect of the present invention.
• a method of treating depression comprising administering to a subject in need thereof an effective dose of crystalline psilocybin in the form of Polymorph A or Polymorph A'.
• a method of treating drug resistant depression comprising administering to a subject in need thereof an effective dose of crystalline psilocybin in the form Polymorph A or Polymorph A'.
• a method of treating drug resistant depression comprising administering to a subject in need thereof an effective dose of psilocybin Polymorph A.
• a method of treating drug resistant depression comprising administering to a subject in need thereof an effective dose of psilocybin Polymorph A'.
• a method of treating drug resistant depression comprising administering to a subject in need thereof an effective dose of a high purity crystalline psilocybin Polymorph A.
• a method of treating drug resistant depression comprising administering to a subject in need thereof an effective dose of a high purity crystalline psilocybin Polymorph A'.
• the crystalline psilocybin may take the form of Hydrate A or Polymorph B.
• the psilocybin of the invention was crystallised from water in a controlled manner.
• a seventh aspect of the present invention there is provided a method for large scale manufacture of psilocybin characterised in that the method comprises subjecting psilocybin to a water crystallization step, with controlled drying, to produce crystalline psilocybin Polymorph A according to the first aspect of the present invention.
• a method for large scale manufacture of psilocybin characterised in that the method comprises subjecting psilocybin to a water crystallization step, with controlled drying, to produced crystalline psilocybin Polymorph A with an XRPD diffractogram as illustrated in Fig 7a and a DSC and TGA thermograph as illustrated in Fig 8a.
• a method for large scale manufacture of psilocybin characterised in that the method comprises subjecting psilocybin to a water crystallization step, with controlled drying, to produce a high purity crystalline psilocybin - Polymorph A with an XRPD diffractogram as illustrated in Fig 7a and a DSC thermograph as illustrated in Fig 8a.
• Polymorph A is an isostructural variant with an XRPD diffractogram as illustrated in Fig 7a and a DSC thermograph as illustrated in Fig 8a.
• the psilocybin is recrystallized in typically about 10-20 volumes of water, heated with agitation to a temperature of at least 70°C, polish filtered with a suitable cut off (typically, below 5 ⁇ m), seeded at a temperature of about 70°C, and cooled in a controlled manner to about 5°C over a period of more than 2 hours.
• the method comprises controlled cooling which drops the temperature by about 5 °C -15 °C an hour, more preferably about 10°C an hour.
• the polish filter step is done through an appropriately sized filter such as a 1.2 ⁇ m in line filter.
• the agitation is by stirring at about 400-500 rpm, typically about 450 rpm.
• the seed is psilocybin Hydrate A. In one embodiment, 0.1% weight or less of seed is added to the process.
• the crystalline psilocybin is isolated by vacuum filtration.
• the isolated crystals are dried in vacuo at a temperature of at least 30°C, such as between 30 and 50°C, or such as between 40 and 50°C. In one embodiment, the isolated crystals are dried in vacuo for at least 10 hours, such as between 12 and 18 hours, or such as about 30 hours. In one embodiment, the isolated crystals are dried in vacuo at a temperature of at least 30°C, such as between 30 and 50°C, or such as between 40 and 50°C, for at least 10 hours, such as between 12 and 18 hours, or such as about 30 hours. In one embodiment, the isolated crystals are dried until the isolated crystals lose less than 2% weight in a loss on drying test, such as less than 0.5% weight.
• the isolated crystals are washed, several times, in water and dried in vacuo at about 50°C for at least 12 hours.
• the crystals obtained are typically relatively large (range 50 to 200 microns) and uniform when viewed under the microscope x 10, as illustrated in Fig 16a.
• a pharmaceutical formulation comprising psilocybin according to the first aspect of the present invention obtained by the method of crystallisation of the invention.
• the psilocybin manufactured prior to crystallisation may be produced using any method: synthetic or biological, e.g. by fermentation or obtained by extraction from mushrooms.
• Preferred manufacturing methods use psilocin, or 4 hydroxy-indole, as a starting material.
• a method for large scale manufacture of psilocybin from psilocin comprising the steps of: i) Stage 4 - Reacting psilocin with tetrabenzylpyrophosphate to form benzyl 3-f2- (benzyldimethylazaniumyl)ethyl]-1H-indol-4-yl phosphate; and
• Stage 1 Reacting 4-hydroxyindole with acetic anhydride to form 1 H-indol-4-yl acetate
• Stage 2 Reacting 1 H-indol-4-yl acetate with oxalyl chloride and dimethylamine to form 3[(dimethylcarbamoyl)carbonyl]-1H-indol-4yl-acetate
• a method for large scale manufacture of psilocybin as per the tenth or eleventh aspect of the present invention further comprising: vi) Stage 6 - a water crystallization step, with controlled drying, to produce crystalline psilocybin Polymorph A according to the first aspect of the present invention.
• a method for large scale manufacture of psilocybin as per the tenth or eleventh aspect of the present invention further comprising: vi) Stage 6 - a water crystallization step, with controlled drying, to produce crystalline psilocybin - Polymorph A with an XRPD diffractogram as substantially illustrated in Fig 7a and a DSC thermograph as substantially illustrated in Fig 8a.
• a method for large scale manufacture of psilocybin as per the tenth or eleventh aspect of the present invention further comprising: vi) Stage 6 - a water crystallization step, with controlled drying, to produce a high purity crystalline psilocybin - Polymorph A with an XRPD diffractogram as illustrated in Fig 7a and a DSC thermograph as illustrated in Fig 8a.
• the crystalline psilocybin is Polymorph A.
• Stage 4 (i) reaction comprises the use of sodium
• the reaction uses the solvent THF.
• reaction is initiated below -50°C.
• Stage 4 (ii) step uses THF as the solvent.
• Stage 4 (ii) step comprises a stir out process to obtain benzyl 3-[2- (benzyldimethylazaniumyl) ethyl]-1H-indol-4-yl phosphate.
• a stir out process has the advantage that the process is simplified and yields are improved.
• Stage 5 reaction is monitored for levels of intermediates by HPLC, using relative retention times (RRT) and completion is determined by the intermediates being present at less than 0.2%.
• RRT relative retention times
• Psiiocybin crude (Stage 5 product, (12)) has main stage 5 impurities whose relative retention times (RRT) in the HPLC method are about 1.89 and 2.45 respectively, and psilocin (RRT 1.66). These impurities are illustrated in Table 7.
• psiiocybin crude (Stage 5 product (12)) has 0.24 area% of the RRT 1.89 impurity, 0.03 area% of the RRT 2.45 impurity and 1.86 area% of psilocin.
• the pyrophosphoric acid impurity (RRT 0.31) is present in psiiocybin crude, for example at a level of about 2-6 area% by HPLC.
• substantially pure psiiocybin for example psiiocybin having a purity of at least 95 area% by HPLC, such as at least 98 area%, or such as at least 99 area%.
• the pyrophosphoric acid impurity RRT 0.31 is present in the substantially pure psiiocybin at a level of less than 0.3 area% by HPLC, such as less than 0.2 area%, or such as less than 0.1 area%.
• the catalyst is recovered by filtration.
• Stage 1 Preferably in Stage 1 the reaction is conducted in DCM and pyridine.
• reaction mixture is washed with citric acid, to give a pH of about 2-3, to remove excess pyridine, and the acid phase is separated from the DCM phase.
• citric acid to give a pH of about 2-3
• acid phase is separated from the DCM phase.
• DCM phase is further washed with sodium bicarbonate at about pH 8.
• the 1 H-indol-4-yl acetate is precipitated in heptane.
• magnesium sulphate is used as a drying agent.
• TBME tert butyl methyl ether
• THF tetrahydrofuran
• reaction with oxalyl chloride is conducted at about 30°C - 40°C.
• Intermediate 2A is isolated by filtration.
• step i the Intermediate 2A is also washed to remove excess oxalyl chloride.
• the Intermediate 2A is washed with TBME.
• step ii dimethyl amine is used in excess.
• the pH is maintained at about or above pH 7.
• reaction is carried out in TBME.
• this stage further comprises a purification step that removes dimethyl amine salts.
• this stage comprises a slurry and filtration step.
• the 3[(dimethylcarbamoyl)carbonyl]-1H-indol-4yl-acetate is added to a solution of LiAlH 4 in THF.
• reaction is quenched with acetone, followed by citric acid ensuring the mixture remains strongly basic (pH11 or above).
• the psilocin is filtered and washed in THF and slurried in PrOAc BME, filtered, washed in TBME, and dried.
• the favoured production method comprises each of Stages 1 to 6 but it will be appreciated that each of the features of each stage can stand alone or be used in combination with any other feature from the same or a different step of the reaction.
• Polymorph A and A' differs from Polymorph B (Fig 7c), a Hydrate A (Fig 7d) and ethanol solvate (Fig 7e) and mixture (Fig 7f (upper)) as will be apparent from their XRPD diffractograms and DSC thermographs - as described hereafter.
• the psilocybin is manufactured through a 6- stage process as outlined below:
• a method for manufacture of crystalline psilocybin according to the first aspect of the present invention characterised in that the method comprises subjecting psilocybin to a water crystallization step, with controlled drying, to produce crystalline psilocybin Polymorph A or Polymorph A' according to the first aspect of the present invention.
• a method for manufacture of crystalline psilocybin characterised in that the method comprises a water crystallization step, with controlled drying, to produce crystalline psilocybin - Polymorph A or Polymorph A' with an XRPD diffractogram as substantially illustrated in Fig 7a or Fig 7b and a DSC thermograph as substantially illustrated in Fig 8a or 8b.
• a method for manufacture of psilocybin characterised in that the method comprises a water crystallization step, with controlled drying, to produce a high purity crystalline psilocybin - Polymorph A or Polymorph A' with an XRPD diffractogram as illustrated in Fig 7a or Fig 7b and a DSC thermograph as illustrated in Fig 8a or Fig 8b.
• Polymorph A and Polymorph A' are isostructural variants with XRPD difrractograms as substantially illustrated in Fig 7a and Fig 7b and DSC thermographs as substantially illustrated in Fig 8a and Fig 8b.
• the psilocybin is recrystallized in about 10-20 volumes of water, heated with agitation to a temperature of at least 70°C, polish filtered with a suitable cut off (typically, below 5 ⁇ m), seeded at a temperature of about 70°C, and cooled in a controlled manner to about 5°C over a period of more than 2 hours.
• a suitable cut off typically, below 5 ⁇ m
• the method comprises controlled cooling which drops the temperature by about 5 °C -15 °C an hour, more preferably about 10°C an hour.
• the polish filter step is done through an appropriately sized filter such as a 1.2 ⁇ m or a 0.45 ⁇ m in line filter.
• the agitation is by stirring at about 400-500 rpm, typically about 450 rpm.
• the seed is psilocybin Hydrate A. In one embodiment, 0.1% weight or less of seed is added to the process.
• the crystalline psilocybin is isolated by vacuum filtration.
• the isolated crystals are dried in vacuo at a temperature of at least 30°C, such as between 30 and 50°C, or such as between 40 and 50°C. In one embodiment, the isolated crystals are dried in vacuo for at least 10 hours, such as between 12 and 18 hours, or such as about 30 hours. In one embodiment, the isolated crystals are dried in vacuo at a temperature of at least 30°C, such as between 30 and 50°C, or such as between 40 and 50°C, for at least 10 hours, such as between 12 and 18 hours, or such as about 30 hours. In one embodiment, the isolated crystals are dried until the isolated crystals lose less than 2% weight in a loss on drying test, such as less than 0.5% weight.
• the isolated crystals are washed, several times, in water and dried in vacuo at about 50°C for at least 12 hours.
• the crystals obtained are typically relatively large (range 50 to 200 microns) and uniform when viewed under the microscope x 10, as illustrated in Fig 16a.
• the core reaction is the reaction of 4-hydroxyindole (1) with acetic anhydride (2) to form 1H-indol-4-yl acetate (3); (Fig 2)
• stage 1 is as follows:
• the core reaction is the reaction of 1 H-indol-4-yl acetate (3) with Oxalyl chloride (4) and dimethylamine (5) to form 3[(dimethylcarbamoyl)carbonyl]-1H-indol-4yl-acetate (6); (Fig 3)
• stage 2 is as follows: [00224] 1H-indol-4-yl acetate (3) is dissolved in a mixture of THF (19) and TBME (18) at room temperature. Oxalyl chloride (4) was added dropwise allowing the reaction to exotherm at about 35-40°C. The temperature range is maintained throughout the remainder of the addition. The reaction is then stirred at about 40°C until complete by HPLC. The reaction is cooled to room temperature and heptane (17) added resulting in precipitation of further solids. The slurry is stirred, then allowed to settle, followed by removal of the majority of the solvent (18/19) by decanting. The solid was washed in the vessel twice with heptane (17). TBME (18) is added to give a yellow slurry and the mixture cooled to about -20°C.
• Dimethylamine solution (5) is added maintaining the temperature at -20°C to -10°C.
• the reaction was then warmed to room temperature and stirred until complete, adding extra dimethylamine if necessary.
• the reaction was filtered, washed with heptane (17) and dried in a vacuum oven.
• the crude 3[(dimethylcarbamoyl)carbonyl]-1H-indol-4yl-acetate (6) was further purified by a slurry in water (20), then IPA (21) and then dried in a vacuum oven to yield (6) as a solid suitable for use in the following stage.
• the core reaction is the reaction of 3[(dimethylcarbamoyl)carbonyl]- H-indol-4yl- acetate (6) with lithium aluminium hydride (7) to form psilocin (8); (Fig 4)
• stage 3 is as follows:
• stage 4 is as follows:
• the batch was cooled to about 0-5°C and the resulting solid isolated by filtration and dried in vacuo to provide benzyl 3-[2- (benzyldimethylazaniumyl)ethyl]-1H-indol-4-yl phosphate (10) as a solid.
• the core reaction comprises reacting benzyl 3-[2-(benzyldimethylazaniumyl) ethyl]- 1H-indol-4-yl phosphate (10) with hydrogen (11) to form psilocybin (12), (Fig 6).
• stage 5 is as follows:
• the core purifying/ polymorph determining step is a water crystallization step, followed by a controlled cooling and drying step, to produce high purity crystalline psilocybin, Polymorph A or Polymorph A'.
• stage 6 is as follows:
• the intermediate grade Psilocybin (12) (stage 5) was charged to a vessel with purified water (20) and the mixture heated until the psilocybin (12) dissolved. The resulting bulk solution was then polish filtered into a pre-warmed vessel. The temperature was adjusted to, preferably, about 68°C - 70°C, and a Psilocybin hydrate seed (i.e., Hydrate A) was added to the reaction. The batch was then cooled in a controlled manner to about 0- 10°C and stirred, and the solids were collected by filtration and washed with purified water. The isolated solids were then dried in vacuo to yield high purity crystalline Psilocybin, Polymorph A or A', as an off white solid.
• a Psilocybin hydrate seed i.e., Hydrate A
• Fig 1 is a schematic of the reaction taught in JNP
• Fig 2 is a schematic of the Stage 1 reaction of one aspect of the present invention.
• Fig 3 is a schematic of the Stage 2 reaction of one aspect of the present invention.
• Fig 4 is a schematic of the Stage 3 reaction of one aspect of the present invention.
• Fig 5 is a schematic of the Stage 4 reaction of one aspect of the present invention.
• Fig 6 is a schematic of the Stage 5 reaction of one aspect of the present invention.
• Fig 7a is a XRPD diffractogram of Polymorph A (GM764B);
• Fig 7b is a XRPD diffractogram of Polymorph A' (JCCA2160F);
• Fig 7c is a XRPD diffractogram of Polymorph B; (JCCA2160-F-TM2);
• Fig 7d is a XRPD diffractogram of a Hydrate A (JCCA2157E);
• Fig 7e is a XRPD diffractogram of an ethanol solvate (JCCA2158D);
• Fig 7f is a XRPD diffractogram of product obtained during development of the process (CB646-E) (top) - compared to the diffractograms Polymorph A' (JCCA2160F) (middle) and Polymorph B (JCCA2160-TM2) (bottom);
• Fig 8a is a DSC and TGA thermograph of Polymorph A (GM764B);
• Fig 8b is a DSC and TGA thermograph of Polymorph A' (JCCA2160F);
• Fig 8c is a DSC thermograph of Polymorph B (GM748A);
• Fig 8d is a DSC and TGA thermograph of Hydrate A (JCCA2157E);
• Fig 8e is a DSC and TGA thermograph of ethanol solvate (JCCA2158D);
• Fig 9 is a form phase diagram showing the inter-relationship of form in water-based systems
• Fig 10 is a 1H NMR spectrum of Psilocybin; (Read alongside assignment Example
• Fig 11 is a 13 C NMR spectrum of Psilocybin; (Read alongside assignment [Example
• Fig 12 is a FT-IR Spectrum of Psilocybin
• Fig 13 is a Mass Spectrum of Psilocybin
• Fig 14 is a numbered structural formula of Psilocybin
• Fig 15 is a temperature solubility curve for Psilocybin in water
• Fig 16a is a micrograph showing crystals obtained by controlled cooling
• Fig 16b is a micrograph showing crystals obtained by uncontrolled cooling drying
• Fig. 17 is a form phase diagram showing the inter-relationship of forms in different solvent systems
• Fig. 18 is XRPD diffractogram - Pattern C for solids isolated at 25 and 50°C;
• Fig. 19 is XRPD diffractograms - Patterns D, E and F for solids isolated at 25 and
• Fig. 20 is a comparison of the XRPD diffractograms acquired for the solids isolated from the equilibration of amorphous Psilocybin in solvents A to H;
• Fig. 21 is a comparison of the XRPD diffractograms acquired for the solids isolated from the equilibration of amorphous Psilocybin in solvents I to P;
• Fig. 22 is a comparison of the XRPD diffractograms acquired for the solids isolated from the equilibration of amorphous Psilocybin in solvents R to Y.
• the present invention sought to produce psilocybin at a commercial large scale, in amounts or batches of at least 100g, and more preferably at least 250g, levels 1 log or 2 logs higher than the levels described in JNP, which describes a "large" scale method to producing gram quantities on a 10g scale.
• treating and like terms refer to reducing the severity and/or frequency of symptoms, eliminating symptoms and/or the underlying cause of said symptoms, reducing the frequency or likelihood of symptoms and/or their underlying cause, delaying, preventing and/or slowing the progression of diseases and/or disorders and improving or remediating damage caused, directly or indirectly, by the diseases and/or disorders.
• the protocol used sufficient water (12 volumes), a rapid agitation rate (450 rpm) and a controlled cooling profile (10°C /hr).
• Psilocybin (94. Og) (CB650E) was charged to a 2L flask. Water (902ml, 12 volumes based upon activity of input material) was added. The mixture was agitated and heated to about 78°C. A dark brown solution with visible undissolved solids was obtained. The mixture was polish filtered through a 1.2 ⁇ m in-line filter into a hot 5L flask fitted with an overhead stirrer (450 rpm). The undissolved solids were removed to give a clarified dark brown solution. The solution was re-equilibrated at about 75°C for 15 minutes and then cooled slowly (10°C/hour) to ambient temperature.
• Microscopy of the solid shows rod shaped crystals with good uniformity with a size range of between 50 and 200 micron.
• Hydrate A is the only polymorphic form that exists across a range of temperatures with no diffraction peak in the 17 °2 theta region (see Fig 7d). This strongly suggests a collapse of Hydrate A upon dehydration to yield Polymorph A or A' that varies with scale and that Polymorph A is the true form with Polymorph A' formed at a small scale being atypical.
• TGA assessment revealed that the input lot demonstrated a small mass loss (0.139% weight) by ca. 70°C.
• the particle size reduced and subsequently dried solid demonstrated a greater mass loss of 0.343wt% by ca. 75°C whereas the hydrated and dried solid demonstrated the smallest mass loss of 0.069wt% by ca. 80°C.
• the particle size reduced and subsequently dried solid was held at 80°C for 10 minutes (past the point of mass loss by TGA) but assessment by XRPD revealed no change from the input, meaning that low levels of hydration and partial swelling of the crystalline lattice were not the cause of the variation
• Psilocybin Polymorph A and Polymorph A' ca. 60mg each, were charged with water, 0.2ml, to deliver Hydrate A from both lots.
• Half of each Hydrate A was dried in vacuo at 25°C for ca. 171 ⁇ 4 hours and the remainder of each Hydrate A was dried at ambient temperature under a stream of N2 for ca. 171 ⁇ 4 hours.
• the solids were isolated following drying and assessed by XRPD.
• XRPD assessment of the solids isolated from the Polymorph A input confirmed that Hydrate A was successfully generated and that the solids dried to give Polymorph A' from both drying methods.
• XRPD assessment of the solids isolated from the Polymorph A' input confirmed that Hydrate A was successfully generated and that the solids dried to remain as Polymorph A' from both drying methods.
• the recrystallization heats the crude Psilocybin to between 75°C and 80°C in order to achieve dissolution, and polish filtration.
• the immediate cooling of the solution limits the level of Psilocybin hydrolysis by reducing the residency time of the material to excessive temperature.
• Stage 5 was charged to vessel under N 2 followed by water (approx. 12- 15 vol based on active Stage 5). The mixture was heated to about 80°C to achieve dissolution and polish filtered through a 1.2 ⁇ in-line filter into a clean new flask heated to 80°C. The agitation rate was set to a high level (450rpm) and the solution equilibrated at 70-75'C. The solution was cooled to ambient temperature, at approx. 10°C/hour, seeding with Psilocybin Hydrate A (0.001 x stage 5 charge) at 68-70°C. The suspension was held at ambient temperature overnight then cooled to approx. 5°C and held for 1 hour.
• Psilocybin Hydrate A 0.001 x stage 5 charge
• Crystalline material psilocybin (Polymorph A or Polymorph A' dependent on scale) was obtained, for example using 94 g input of psilocybin yielded Polymorph A and using 1 g input of psilocybin yielded Polymorph A'.
• batch sizes of greater than 5 g deliver Polymorph A, while batch sizes less than 5 g deliver Polymorph A'.
• Heating to about 80°C, for a short period has the advantage that solubility is maximised (and hydrolysis avoided), which ensures good yields.
• stage 1 conditions in JNP used 1.1 eq Ac 2 0, and 1.2 eq Pyridine in the solvent DCM.
• the reaction was found to be complete (99% product, 0% SM) after stirring overnight.
• the reaction mixture was washed with water and concentrated in vacuo giving a brown oil.
• the oil was taken up in EtOAc and concentrated by evaporation, giving precipitation of solids at low volume.
• stage 1 reaction was successfully scaled up processing >100g of 4- hydroxyindole.
• the reaction progressed as expected and was worked up to give stage 1 product (93% yield, -98% NMR purity).
• stage 1 reaction A large scale stage 1 reaction was carried out to supply GMP starting material (processing >500g of 4-hydroxyindole). The reaction proceeded as expected giving consumption of SM by HPLC (99.2% product, ⁇ 0.1% SM). The reaction was worked up using the established procedure to give stage 1 product after drying (94% yield, 99.1% by HPLC, 99% NMR assay).
• stage 1 procedure was effective in removing minor impurities present in some batches of 4-hydroxyindole.
• the low level impurities present in 4-hydroxyindole were completely removed after the stage 1 reaction providing clean material in high yield (89%) and purity (99% by HPLC, 99% by NMR assay).
• the ratio of TBME and THF was optimised to give the highest purity and yield of intermediate with a preferred ratio of TBME:THF of 6:1 chosen for scale up. Other ratios of TBME:THF may be used.
• a scale up reaction was carried out using the preferred solvent mixture (1 vol THF, 6 vol TBME) but with the oxalyl chloride addition carried out at 30-35°C. The resulting solution was then heated at 40°C for 2.5 hrs giving a completion with ⁇ 1% stage 1 product remaining. Carrying out the addition hot to maintain a solution ensures a high reaction rate and gave an improved level of completion with a much shorter reaction time (2.5 hrs vs overnight). The product was still seen to precipitate at temperature after -15 min and no detrimental effect on the reaction profile was observed by HPLC. [00292] As the stability of Intermediate 2A was not known, telescoping of material through to stage 2 was attempted rather than isolating the intermediate and risking degradation (hydrolysis). The reaction profile was complex with multiple components present at a low level. TBME was added and the precipitate collected. However, this was also found to be a complex mixture by HPLC/N R.
• stage 2 material (70% assay) was water slurried to remove inorganics, and then slurried in I PA to give material of improved purity (97% by NMR assay, 76% yield for stage 2, 96.8% by HPLC, impurities at 1.1%, 0.8%, 0.4%).
• stage 2 reaction was carried out to supply the GMP campaign.
• the reaction progressed as expected to provide crude product that was water slurried and filtered to provide stage 2 that was 93% pure by HPLC. This was further slurried in 8 vol I PA and filtered to give stage 2 product (93.7% by HPLC, 92% assay, 66% active yield). Since the purity obtained was lower than that observed during the development campaign, a use test was conducted which confirmed that high purity stage 3 obtained was suitable for onward processing (GMP raw material).
• a second batch was carried out under identical conditions to give crude product which after a water slurry was 90% pure by HPLC. This material was subsequently water slurried and purified by IPA slurry to give 384 g of stage 2 product (93.0% by HPLC, 91% NMR assay, 60% active yield).
• a third batch was carried out to resupply the GMP synthesis.
• the crude product was successfully purified by a water then IPA slurry to deliver stage 2 (79% yield) with an increased purity when compared to previous batches (97.3% by HPLC, 96% NMR assay).
• Stage 1 (1eq. limiting reagent) was charged to a vessel under N 2 followed by THF (1 vol wrt stage 1 charge) and TBME (6 vol wrt stage 1 charge). Oxalyl chloride was then added dropwise to the vessel (1.5 eq,) allowing the exotherm to initially raise the temperature to 35- 40°C and then applying cooling as required to maintain 35-40°C. Immediately following the addition the reaction was heated to 40°C and stirred for 2-6 hours. The reaction was sampled and analysed for completion, then cooled to RT and heptane (8 vol wrt stage 1 charge) added giving precipitation of further solids. The reaction was stirred for 10 min and then the solids were allowed to settle.
• the reaction was sampled and analysed for completion.
• the reaction was filtered, washing with heptane (2 x 2 vol wrt stage 1 charge) and the isolated solids dried at 60°C under vacuum.
• the crude stage 2 was slurried in water (8 vol wrt stage 1 charge) for 2-18 hours and then filtered, washing with water (2 vol wrt stage 1 charge).
• the solids were dried at 60°C under vacuum to obtain crude stage 2 with ⁇ 2% w/w water (determined by Karl Fischer titration (KF)).
• the crude stage 2 was slurried in IPA (10 vol) for 2-18 hrs and then filtered, washed with IPA (1 vol wrt mass of crude Stage 2) and oven dried under vacuum at 60°C.
• stage 3 trial reaction was carried out using purified stage 2 material (>99% by HPLC) and the supplied reaction conditions.
• the stage 2 input material was found to be largely insoluble in THF, and so rather than adding a solution of stage 2 to LiAlH 4 the reverse addition was carried out.
• 4 eq of LiAlH 4 was used as a 1M solution in THF with the addition made at 20-25°C, over -2 hrs. At this point 10% product was observed with several intermediate species present.
• the reaction was heated at reflux for -7 hrs to give 93% product conversion (by HPLC).
• the reaction was worked up to give crude stage 3 product (-90% by HPLC, -90% by NMR, -87% corrected yield).
• a reaction was quenched by addition of EtOAc and then sat. Na 2 SO 4 in the presence of anhydrous Na 2 SO 4 to act as a binding agent.
• the reaction gave granular solids which could be readily filtered.
• An aqueous workup was then carried out and the product isolated by concentration. A good yield was obtained (-94% uncorrected for purity) but the product contained higher levels of the main impurity by NMR (10% vs 2-4% usually observed).
• a purification screen was carried out using 100 mg portions of crude Psilocin product which were slurried in 10 vol of solvent with heat cycling to 60°C. The slurries were cooled to RT over the weekend and then any solids collected by filtration. Stability to acid and base was also tested with the view to carrying out an acid/ base workup. The results of the screen are presented in Table 16 below:
• stage 3 reaction was further scaled up to process.
• the reaction proceeded as expected to give completion after 18 hours (-91% product, ⁇ 3% reaction intermediate remaining).
• Workup by silica pad and slurry gave a 57% yield of high purity Psilocin (>99% by HPLC, 99% NMR assay, 0.35% w w water Karl Fischer).
• the reaction was sampled and analysed for completion, cooled to 0°C and quenched by dropwise addition of acetone (9.3 eq.) at 0-30°C followed by a 20% aq citric acid soln (1.9 vol wrt stage 2 charge) at 0-30°C.
• the pH of the addition was monitored to ensure that it remains at pH>11 and the addition was stopped early if required.
• the resulting suspension was stirred for 1 hr and filtered, washing with THF (2 vol wrt stage 2 charge) to remove Li and Al salts.
• the filter cake was slurried in THF (12.5 vol wrt stage 2 charge) for ⁇ 1 hr and filtered, washing with THF (5 vol wrt stage 2 charge) to recover product from the Li and Al salts.
• the combined organics were dried over MgSO4 and filtered.
• the filtrate was evaporated in vacuo until approximately 10 volumes remained (wrt stage 2 charge) and this solution was applied to a silica pad (3 eq wrt stage 2 charge).
• the silica pad was eluted with THF and the product fractions were combined and evaporated to dryness in vacuo.
• the crude stage 3 (Psilocin) was slurried in 1:1 iPrOAc:TBME (5 vol wrt mass at step 18) for 2-18 hrs, filtered, washing with TBME (2.5 vol wrt mass at step 18) and dried in vacuo at 40°C to isolate pure Psilocin.
• Step i Initial development at this stage was focussed on finding an alternative to "BuLi that was easier to handle and ideally did not introduce further lithium into the synthesis.
• An initial screen of alternative conditions was carried out including the following bases: Li'BuO, K'BuO, NaH, NaHMDS, and NaNH 2 . All of the reactions gave product with NaHMDS performing as well as "BuLi. All of the reactions became very thick with gelling observed and overhead stirring was recommended for efficient stirring.
• St 3 Stage 3
• Int 4A Intermediate 4A
• St 4 Stage 4
• HPLC data indicated the material isolated from the trials above using NaHMDS and "BuLi had rearranged to give zwitterionic stage 4 upon concentration. Purification of this material away from the benzylphosphoric acid by-products and other impurities was attempted by slurry in a number of solvents.
• THF was also investigated as this had advantages in that it was also the reaction solvent. However, when this was trialled initial gum formation was again observed (isolated ⁇ 80% yield, ⁇ 92% by HPLC). In order to try and avoid the gum formation and give a more controlled crystallisation the crude stage 4 was first solubilised in a low volume of DMSO (2 vol). THF was then added to this (10 vol) and the solution stirred over the weekend. This slowly gave precipitation of the product which was collected by filtration and washed with THF to yield stage 4 (86% yield) with 96% HPLC purity (>95% by NMR).
• the brown grey solids obtained from EtOAc / THF were of lower purity ( ⁇ 90% by HPLC, 78% assay) when compared to the white solids obtained from THF (97% by HPLC, 88% assay). Analysis of the aqueous layer from the TMF reaction showed product to be present and additional losses were incurred to the final THF filtrate.
• the debenzylated impurity (typically ⁇ 2-5% by HPLC) was shown to give psilocybin during the following hydrogenation and could therefore be tolerated at a higher level.
• the main observed impurity in the isolated stage 4 (typically ⁇ 5-8% by HPLC) was the anhydride impurity. This was tracked through the subsequent hydrogenation and shown to be readily removed by re-crystallisation from water as the highly soluble pyrophosphorate impurity that results from debenzylation.
• the other main observed impurity (m/z 295.2 observed by LCMS) was found to be controlled to less than 2% by limiting the reaction temperature (below -50°C) and was not observed in Psilocybin after hydrogenation.
• the impurity profile of the 140 g batch produced above showed 90.0% stage 4, 6.4% anhydride impurity, 0.2% N-debenzylated impurity and 1.2% of the m/z 295.2 impurity.
• the first large scale stage 3 batch (544 g input) was completed using the established procedure to give 213.5 g (53% yield, 99% by HPLC).
• a second batch (628.2 g input) was also processed successfully to give 295.2 g (66% yield, 99% by HPLC).
• Stage 3 was charged to a vessel followed by THF (15 vol wrt stage 3 charge) and cooled to ⁇ -50°C using a dry ice acetone bath.
• 1M NaHMDS solution in THF (1.13 eq) was charged maintaining a temperature of ⁇ -45°C, target ⁇ -50°C.
• the reaction was stirred for 30 minutes at -60 to -50°C.
• Tetrabenzylpyrophosphate (2.26 eq) was charged to the reaction in a single portion followed by additional THF (20 vol) while maintaining the reaction temperature ⁇ -30°C.
• the reaction was warmed to 0°C, over 1.5 - 2 hours and sampled for completion.
• the reaction was filtered to remove phosphate salts washing with THF (8 vol).
• stage 4A impurities particularly the N-debenzylated Stage 4 (Table 7) and anhydride Stage 4 (Table 7)
• a pure product can be produced reproducibly.
• the intermediate stage 4A to stage 4 conversion can be carried out in the reaction solvent, avoiding the need for time consuming solvent swaps.
• stage 4 material from the finalised THF workup which was 88.0% pure by HPLC and contained 7.3% N-debenzylated stage 4 (converted to product), with none of the anhydride impurity. Again completion was noted and the reaction worked up as previously to give Psilocybin in 46% yield. The low yield was believed to result from precipitation of the product during the catalyst filtration step. 1 H NMR confirmed the identity of the product and HPLC indicated a purity of 98.9%.
• stage 3 was generated by hydrolysis during the reaction and workup with levels of approx. 1 - 2.5% appearing to be typical of the process. A reduction in the stage 3 level was demonstrated during the final product re-crystallisation.
• stage 4 batch (non-GMP) was processed as a single batch (148 g active input). Consumption of stage 4 was achieved with 88% product and 0.9% stage 3 resulting from hydrolysis. The anhydride impurity (6.4%) was completely converted to the corresponding pyrophosphoric acid impurity (5.2%).
• reaction is monitored for levels of intermediates by HPLC, using relative retention times (RRT) and completion controlled with intermediates being present at less than 0.2%.
• RRT relative retention times
• stage 5 pyrophosphoric acid impurity is also carefully monitored to confirm that it can be controlled in the final re-crystallisation.
• the residue on ignition method follows the pharmacopeia method with one adjustment Inconsistent results were obtained when Hie crucible was heated to 500°C and it is believed this is due to low volatility of the phosphate residues that are generated. The temperature was therefore increased to 800°C for Psilocybin and consistent and accurate results were obtained.
• HPLC method used for assay, chemical purity and quantifying the impurities of Psilocybin is a gradient HPLC-UV method and the conditions are outlined in Table 22.
• Purity by HPLC is calculated in the basis of area% and is correlated against a known retention time standard.
• Assay by HPLC is calculated on an anhydrous basis, based on weight% versus a standard of known purity and composition.
• the HRGC method for quantifying residual solvents is a headspace method and is described in Table 23 below:
• DSC data was collected on a PerkinElmer Pyris 6000 DSC (or similar). The instrument was verified for energy and temperature calibration using certified indium. The sample was weighed (typically 0.5 to 3.0 mg) into a pin-holed aluminium sample pan. The pan was crimped with an aluminium pan cover. The pan was heated at 20°C/min from 30 to 300°C with a purge of dry nitrogen at 20 mL min. During the melting point procedure, each batch of Psilocybin Polymorph A or A' exhibited two endothermic events the latter; the first of which was attributed to solid-solid transition of Polymorph A or A' to Polymorph B, and the second of which was attributed to melting of Polymorph B.
• the solid state form of Psilocybin is determined by XRPD.
• XRPD diffractograms were collected on a diffractometer (such as a PANalytical X'Pert PRO or equivalent) using Cu K ⁇ radiation (45kV, 40mA), ⁇ - ⁇ goniometer, focusing mirror, divergence slit (1/2"), soller slits at both incident and divergent beam (4 mm) under ambient conditions.
• the data collection range was 3-35°2 ⁇ with a continuous scan speed of 0.2°s -1 .
• the resulting diffractogram is compared to that of a reference diffractogram of Polymorph A or A' to ensure that it is concordant (Fig. 7a or 7b respectively).
• TGA data was collected on a PerkinElmer Pyris 1 TGA (or similar). The instrument was calibrated using a certified weight and certified Alumel and Perkalloy for temperature. A predefined amount of sample (typically ca. 5 mg) was loaded into an aluminium crucible, and was heated at 20°C/min from ambient temperature to 400°C. A nitrogen purge at 20 mL/min was maintained over the sample.
• the control sample of Psilocybin was stable in solution over the study period (study period was 7 days for non-photostability samples). Psilocybin degraded slowly when heated in solution producing psilocin as the major impurity. Psilocybin was also stable under acid conditions at room temperature. However, at 60°C a slow and steady degradation was observed producing psilocin as the main impurity. Psilocybin was slightly unstable at room temperature in the presence of base with slow degradation to a range of impurities over the study period. Only very low levels of impurities were formed under the peroxide conditions with the overall purity dropping by -0.5%. In the solid state, slow chemical degradation was noted (3 days at 150°C) predominantly producing psilocin (stage 3) as an impurity.
• Psilocybin was stable under photostability conditions both as a solid and when in solution.
• Samples were double bagged in food grade polythene bags and sealed in an outer polythene container and placed on storage at 2-8°C, 25°C/60% RH and 45°C/75% RH, a desiccant bag is included between the inner polythene bags to prevent moisture uptake. Tests for appearance, water content, purity and assay were carried out.
• the one month and three months stability data for batch GM764B are detailed in Table 27 and Table 28 below.
• the one, three, six, nine and twelve month stability data for GMP batch 170231 are provided in Table 29, Table 30, Table 31, Table 32 and Table 33 respectively below. ⁇
• Psilocybin 200mg was charged to a crystallisation tube followed by deionised water (4ml). The mixture was equilibrated at 25°C for 2 hours before the solid was isolated by vacuum filtration. The material was split into two equal portions. One portion was not subjected to further drying to give Hydrate A, lot GK2, by XRPD and DSC (diffractogram and thermogram consistent with Fig 7d and Fig 8d respectively ⁇ .
• Psilocybin Polymorph A 250mg was charged to a round bottom flask, heated to 173°C using an oil bath and held at temperature for 5 minutes. The solid was cooled to ambient temperature and isolated to give lot GK3 with a recovery of 93%. Analysis by XRPD and DSC revealed lot GK3 to be Polymorph B (diffractogram and thermogram consistent with Fig 7c and Fig 8c respectively).
• Solvent mediated equilibrations of Psilocybin Pattern A were conducted as a primary route into modification of the solid form and to visually assess the solubility of the material in a range of 24 solvents between 25 and 50°C.
• Psilocybin Pattern A (40 mg) was dosed into tubes at room temperature and solvents as listed in Table 34 were added in aliquots of 0.4 ml (10 vol.) to a total volume of 1.2 ml (30 vol.) and observations noted. The mixtures were agitated constantly. Heat cycling was conducted as follows: 50°C for 18 hours, cool over 2 hours to 20°C, mature for 4 hours, heat to 50°C for 4 hours, cool to 20°C over 2 hours, mature for 18 hours. A repeat 50°C - 20°C cycle over 24 hours was conducted and the following applied:
• the API was largely insoluble in the solvents and solvent mixtures tested in 30 volumes at 50°C resulting in heavy suspensions. Water did solubilise Psilocybin at 50°C.
• GM832-20_50_A9 represents GM832 entry 20 (MeCN) isolated at 50°C.
• Entries 6, 9, 12, 20 XRPD diffractogram acquired for the isolated solids were broadly consistent (see Fig. 18) with additional peaks at 10°2 ⁇ and 13.2°2 ⁇ observed for some samples. This XRPD diffractogram was designated Pattern C. There is no chemotype correlation between the solvents (CH3NO2, TBME, iPrOAc and CH 3 CN).
• Entry 17 XRPD diffractogram acquired had multiple diffraction peaks (Fig. 19). The XRPD diffractogram was designated Pattern D.
• Entry 18 XRPD diffractogram acquired had multiple diffraction peaks (Fig. 19). The XRPD diffractogram was designated Pattern E.
• Entry 19 XRPD diffractogram acquired had multiple diffraction peaks (Fig. 19). The XRPD diffractogram was designated Pattern F. [00450] 25°C slurries:
• Entries 6, 12, 24 XRPD diffractograms acquired for the isolated solids were broadly consistent (see Fig. 18) with Pattern C.
• Entry 17 XRPD diffractogram acquired had multiple diffraction peaks (Fig. 19). The XRPD diffractogram was designated Pattern D.
• Entry 18 XRPD diffractogram acquired had multiple diffraction peaks (Fig. 19). The XRPD diffractogram was designated Pattern E.
• Entry 19 XRPD diffractogram acquired had multiple diffraction peaks (Fig. 19). The XRPD diffractogram was designated Pattern F.
• the XRPD diffractograms for the solids isolated at 25°C are broadly the same as for the XRPD diffractograms acquired for the solids isolated at 50°C.
• Patterns D, E and F were derived from alcohols (MeOH, EtOH and I PA).
• Polymorph B was returned from chlorobutane, nitromethane and IPA (Fig. 20 and 22).
• Pattern D which was isolated from MeOH in the Polymorph A slurry experiments discussed above, was returned from the EtOH equilibration whereas MeOH in this study returned a semi-crystalline solid.
• APL-117-6085-05 failed to achieve good blend uniformity, and also failed on content uniformity criteria.
• Prosolv is a silicified microcrystalline cellulose, and the two variants were selected to determine if particle size affected outcome. Compared to standard microcrystalline cellulose (typical size range, depending on sieving, is 80-350 microns) the Prosolv has a finer particle size distribution, and that gives an increased surface area. The increased surface area it was hypothesised might provide superior flow and increased compaction together with improved content uniformity and stability in the formulation. The ratio of Prosolv 50 and Prosolv 90 was to produce a particle size distribution across both finer and coarser particles.

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