HK1205689B - Poly(lactide-co-glycolide)-based sustained release microcapsules comprising a polypeptide and a sugar - Google Patents

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Numerous proteins and peptides, collectively referred to herein as polypeptides, exhibit biological activity in vivo and are useful as medicaments. Many illnesses or conditions require administration of a sustained level of medicament to provide the most effective prophylactic and/or therapeutic effects. Sustained levels are often achieved by the administration of biologically active polypeptides by frequent subcutaneous injections, which often results in fluctuating levels of medicament and poor patient compliance.

As an alternative, the use of biodegradable materials, such as polymers, encapsulating the medicament can be employed as a sustained delivery system. The use of biodegradable polymers, for example, in the form of microparticles or microcarriers, can provide a sustained release of medicament, by utilizing the inherent biodegradability of the polymer to control the release of the medicament thereby providing a more consistent, sustained level of medicament and improved patient compliance.

However, these sustained release devices can often exhibit high initial bursts of medicament and minimal release thereafter, resulting in serum drug levels outside the therapeutic window and/or poor bioavailability of the medicament. In addition, the presence of polymer, physiological temperatures and body response to the sustained release composition can cause the medicament to be altered (e.g., degraded, aggregated) thereby interfering with the desired release profile for the medicament.

Further, methods used to form sustained release compositions can result in loss of activity of the medicament due to the instability of the medicament and the degradative effects of the processing steps. Degradative effects are particularly problematic when the medicament is a polypeptide.

Therefore, a need exists for a means of administering biologically active polypeptides in a sustained fashion wherein the amount of polypeptide delivered is at therapeutic levels, and retains activity and potency for the desired period of release. While much work has been developed that addresses these problems, novel solutions are required.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a process of preparing a pharmaceutically acceptable composition in the form of microparticles for the sustained release of exendin-4, comprising:

1. a) forming a mixture by combining an aqueous phase comprising water-soluble exendin-4 polypeptide and sucrose, with an oil phase comprising a biocompatible polymer and a solvent for the biocompatible polymer;
2. b) forming a water-in-oil emulsion of the mixture from step a), wherein the inner emulsion droplet size is from about 0.1 to about 1.2 microns;
3. c) adding a coacervation agent to the mixture to form embryonic microparticles, wherein the coacervation agent is silicone oil added in an amount sufficient to achieve a silicone oil to polymer solvent ratio of from about 1:1 to about 1.5:1;
4. d) transferring the embryonic microparticles to a quench solvent to harden the embryonic microparticles to form hardened microparticles;
5. e) collecting the hardened microparticles; and
6. f) drying the hardened microparticles,

wherein the composition has a C_max to C_ave ratio of about 3 or less, and the total pore volume of the composition is about 0.1 mL/g or less; and wherein the composition is free from buffer, salting-out salts and additional excipients that increase or decrease the rate of release of the biologically active polypeptide from the composition. Preferred features of the invention are set out in the dependent claims herein

The invention relates to the discovery that superior release profiles (such as those characterized by a ratio of C_max to C_ave of about 3 or less) can be achieved with a formulation containing few components by controlling the coacervating agent to polymer solvent ratio, such as silicone oil to polymer solvent ratio, in the manufacturing process, thereby achieving a low pore volume. Further it has been found that this superior desired release profile can be achieved by controlling the coacervation process, such as the length of time of addition of coacervating agent such as silicone oil, the length of the hold period after addition, and the length of the transfer to a quench agent. It has also been found that superior low pore volume sustained release compositions, such as microparticles, can be achieved by controlling inner emulsion droplet size. Further, it has been found that controlling particle size and particle size distribution further provides and contributes to superior desired release profiles (such as characterized by a Cmax to Cave ratio of about 3 or less) and a more consistent lot-to-lot profile.

Disclosed herein are compositions for the sustained release of agents, such as biologically active polypeptides, and methods of forming and using such compositions, for the sustained release of biologically active polypeptides. The sustained release compositions disclosed herein comprise a biocompatible polymer, an agent, such as a biologically active polypeptide, and a sugar. The polypeptide and sugar are preferably dispersed in the polymer. The polypeptide and sugar can be dispersed separately or, preferably, together. The sustained release composition provides a desirable and consistent release profile. The profile may be characterized as having a ratio of C_max to C_ave of about 3 or less. The biologically active polypeptide may be an antidiabetic or glucoregulatory polypeptide, such as GLP-1, GLP-2, exendin-3, exendin-4 or an analog, derivative or agonist thereof, preferably exendin-4. The sugar is preferably sucrose, mannitol or a combination thereof. A preferred combination includes exendin-4 and sucrose and/or mannitol.

Additionally or alternatively, the sustained release composition comprises a biocompatible polymer, an agent, such as a biologically active polypeptide and a sugar wherein the composition has a total pore volume of about 0.1 mL/g or less. In a specific embodiment, the total pore volume is determined using mercury intrusion porosimetry.

Additionally or alternatively, the sustained release composition consists essentially of or, alternatively consists of, a biocompatible polymer, exendin-4 at a concentration of about 3% w/w and sucrose at a concentration of about 2% w/w. The biocompatible polymer is preferably a poly lactide coglycolide polymer.

In a particular embodiment of the method of the present invention, the silicone oil is added in an amount sufficient to achieve a silicone oil to polymer solvent ratio of about 1.5:1. Additionally or alternatively, the polymer is present in the oil phase at about 10% w/v or less.

The agent or polypeptide, e.g. exendin-4, can be present in the composition described herein at a concentration of about 0.01 % to about 10% w/w based on the total weight of the final composition. In addition, the sugar, e.g. sucrose, can be present in a concentration of about 0.01% to about 5% w/w of the final weight of the composition.

The composition disclosed herein can be administered to a human, or other animal, by injection, implantation (e.g., subcutaneously, intramuscularly, intraperitoneally, intracranially, and intradermally), administration to mucosal membranes (e.g., intranasally, intravaginally, intrapulmonary or by means of a suppository), or in situ delivery (e.g., by enema or aerosol spray).

When the sustained release composition has incorporated therein a hormone, particularly an anti-diabetic or glucoregulatory peptide, for example, GLP-1, GLP-2, exendin-3, exendin-4 or agonists, analogs or derivatives thereof, the composition is administered in a therapeutically effective amount to treat a patient suffering from diabetes mellitus, impaired glucose tolerance (IGT), obesity, cardiovascular (CV) disorder or any other disorder that can be treated by one of the above polypeptides or derivatives, analogs or agonists thereof.

The use of a sugar in the sustained release compositions disclosed herein improves the bioavailability of the incorporated biologically active polypeptide, e.g, anti-diabetic or glucoregulatory peptides, and minimizes loss of activity due to instability and/or chemical interactions between the polypeptide and other components contained or used in formulating the sustained release composition, while maintaining an excellent release profile.

The composition may contain active agent exendin-4 at about 5%, sucrose at about 2% and biopolymer. The composition may contain active agent exendin-4 at about 3%, sucrose at about 2% and biopolymer The composition may contain a PLGA polymer. The composition may contain a PLG 4A polymer, which comprises about a 50 mole percent DL lactide to 50 mole percent glycolide ratio, with an uncapped free carboxylic acid end group ("4A" designation). The composition may be formed as a microparticle having a particle size, particle size distribution, and total pore volume as described herein. The total pore volume may be less than about 0.1 mL/g, mean particle size DV₅₀ can be about 50 microns with a distribution of a lower limit DV₁₀ of about 30 microns and an upper limit DV₉₀ of about 90 microns. The microparticles may be formed, obtained by or obtainable by the processes described herein. The process is a water/oil/oil ("W/O/O") process wherein the inner emulsion size is as described herein. The process includes a silicone oil coacervate, which can be at about a 1.5 to 1 ratio with polymer solvent. Further the process can include controlling of the coacervation step as described herein, and even further where a transfer of coacervate to the inner emulsion occurs at about 3 minutes or less, a hold step of about 1 minute or less, and a rapid transfer step over a period of less than about 3 minutest to a quench/hardening solvent. In a further embodiment the solvent is a dual solvent, preferably a heptane/ethanol mix.

The advantages of the sustained release formulations as described herein include increased patient compliance and acceptance by eliminating the need for repetitive administration, increased therapeutic benefit by eliminating fluctuations in active agent concentration in blood levels by providing a desirable release profile, and a potential lowering of the total amount of biologically active polypeptide necessary to provide a therapeutic benefit by reducing these fluctuations.

One injectable composition suitable for passage through a 18-23 gauge needle, more preferably a 25 gauge needle, comprises a sustained release composition comprising a 50:50 DL PLG 4A polymer, about 3 to 5% (w/w) exendin-4 having an amino substitution of leucine for methionine at position 14, and about 2% (w/w) sucrose, wherein the ratio of C_max to C_ave is about 3 or less and the total pore volume of the composition is about 0.1 mL/g or less, suspended in an injection vehicle comprising sodium carboxymethylcellulose at 3.0% (w/v), sodium chloride at 0.9% (w/v), and Polysorbate 20, NF (Tween 20) at 0.1% (v/v) in water.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

• FIG. 1 is a graph showing the relationship between the average pore diameter and the in vitro release for sustained release compositions described herein (A.S. = Ammonium Sulfate).
• FIG. 2 is a graph showing the effect of porosity on the in vitro release of exendin-4 from microparticles and the impact that the processing conditions, namely the ratio of silicone oil to methylene chloride, has on the porosity of the microparticles formed.
• FIGS. 3A-3B are scans of cryogenic SEMs for selected microparticle formulations described herein.
• FIG. 4A-4D are scans of cryogenic SEMs for selected microparticle formulations described herein.
• FIG. 5 is a plot of % residual ethanol and methylene chloride versus Tg for microparticle formulations described herein.
• FIG. 6 is a representative pharmacokinetic curve (concentration, pg/ml v. time, days with inset showing concentrations over first day) for Formulation 2-1 (3% exendin-4 and 2% sucrose), Formulation 1 (3% exendin-4 alone) and Formulation 4 (3% exendin-4 and 0.5% ammonium sulfate).
• FIG. 7 is a graph of in vivo release profile for the three microparticle Formulations 2, 2-1 and 2-2.
• FIG. 8 is a graph of the pharmacokinetic data for microparticle Formulations 5-1, 5-2 and 5-3.
• FIG. 9 is a graph illustrating the relationship between process parameters and the inner emulsion size achieved by the process.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a process for preparing a pharmaceutically acceptable composition in the form of microparticles for the sustained release of exendin-4.

Detailed procedures for some methods of microparticle formation are set forth in the Working Examples. The process of the invention is generally referred to herein as a water-oil-oil process (W/O/O).

The polymer may be present in the oil phase in a concentration ranging from about 3% w/w to about 25% w/w, preferably, from about 4% w/w to about 15% w/w, such as from about 5% w/w to about 10% w/w. Excellent results were obtained herein using a 6% w/w concentration of PLG in the oil phase.

The polymer is generally combined with a polymer solvent. Where the polymer is a PLG, such as those preferred herein, the polymer is added to a solvent for PLG. Such solvents are well known in the art. A preferred solvent is methylene chloride.

Exendin-4 and sucrose are added in the aqueous phase, preferably in the same aqueous phase. The concentration of exendin-4 is preferably 10 to 100 mg/g, preferably between 50 to 100 mg/g. The concentration of sucrose is preferably 10 to 50 mg/g and 30 to 50 mg/g.

The two phases are then mixed to form an emulsion. The inner emulsion droplet size is from about 0.1 to 1.2 microns, and even further can be about 0.1 to 1.0 microns, and yet further can be about 0.2 to 0.4 microns. The lower limit is determined in large part by the desire to minimize polymer degradation, such as by shearing, or agent degradation such as by heat generated during emulsion formation. Accordingly, in one embodiment the methods to form an emulsion, e.g. by homogenization, by high shear or by sonication, are applied intermittently and/or for relatively short periods such that for example heat forming in the emulsion is minimized and/or allowed to dissipate. For example homogenization can be performed by discrete passes of bulk emulsion. Sonicators and homogenizers can be used to form such an emulsion.

A coacervation agent as used herein refers to any oil in which the polymer solution (polymer and solvent) is not readily solubilized into and thereby forms a distinct phase with the polymer solution. The coacervation agent is silicone oil and is added in an amount sufficient to achieve a silicone oil to polymer solvent ratio of from about 1:1 to about 1.5:1. In a preferred embodiment, the ratio of silicone oil to polymer is about 1.5:1.

In one embodiment a coacervation step includes an about 1 to 5 minute period of addition (or transfer) of coacervation agent to emulsion, or vice versa, of emulsion to coacervation agent, further that addition or transfer step can be about 2 to 4 minutes, and even further is about 3 minutes. In yet another embodiment the addition or transfer step is less than or equal to about 1, about 2, about 3 or about 3.5 minutes. In yet another embodiment the coacervation agent volume to polymer solvent volume is as described herein, e.g. about 1.5 to 1 (e.g. silicone oil to methylene chloride). In an even further embodiment an inner emulsion can have a droplet size of less than about 1 micron, and yet further can be a size as described herein. Exendin-4 can be at load concentrations as described herein. In yet one further embodiment the polymer is PLGA as described herein, preferably an about 50:50 lactide to glycolide form. In one embodiment either or both the polymer solution or the aqueous solution that comprise the emulsion prior to coacervation can contain excipients as may be desired.

The coacervation step can further include a hold period, where the mixture of coacervation agent and emulsion is maintained for a short period of time, for example, from about 1 minute to about 5 minutes prior to proceeding to the hardening step. In addition the hold period can be about 30 to 90 seconds, and even further can be about 1 minute. Further in other embodiments the hold period, which can be optional, can be less than 1 minute and further can be less than 30 seconds. In a further embodiment, the coacervation mixture may be treated to prevent or minimize separation of the water/oil/oil components. Such treatment can be by any means, including for example stirring, homogenizing, agitating, sonicating, mixing, shaking, and pressurizing. Conditions are chosen to minimize degradation of the components of the composition, including destruction of the embryonic polymer/agent composition, whether a microparticle or other shape.

The coacervation step further includes the transfer of the coacervation mixture to a quenching or hardening solution. The quench can comprise a polymer non-solvent. Polymer non-solvents are generally well known in the art. A particularly preferred quench comprises a solvent blend of a hardening solvent and a washing solvent, e.g. heptane/ethanol solvent system, for example as described in United States Patent 6,824,822 . This transfer step can occur immediately, as quickly as possible, and in further embodiments can be less than about 0.5, 1, 2, 3, or 4 minutes.

Solid drug can also be encapsulated using a modified version of the process described above. This modified process can be referred to as a solid/oil/oil (S/O/O).

For example, solid exendin-4 was suspended in methylene chloride containing 6% PLG and sonicated for about four minutes on ice. Subsequent processing was conducted in a manner analogous to the W/O/O method.

In one embodiment the composition contains active agent exendin-4 at about 5%, sucrose at about 2%, and biopolymer. In another embodiment the composition contains active agent exendin-4 at about 3%, sucrose at about 2% and biopolymer. In a further such embodiment the composition contains a PLGA polymer. In yet a further embodiment the composition contains a PLG 4A polymer, which comprises about a 50 mole percent DL lactide to 50 mole percent glycolide ratio, with an uncapped free carboxylic acid end group ("4A" designation). In yet a further embodiment the composition is formed as a microparticle having a particle size, particle size distribution, and total pore volume as described herein. In an even further embodiment the total pore volume is less than about 0.1 mL/g, mean particle size can be about 50 microns with a distribution of a lower limit of about 30 microns and an upper limit of about 90 microns. In yet a further embodiment, the microparticles are formed, obtained by or obtainable by the processes described herein. In one such embodiment the process is a water/oil/oil ("W/O/O") process wherein the inner emulsion size is as described herein. In addition, the process includes a silicone oil coacervate, which can be at about a 1.5 to 1 ratio with polymer solvent. Further the process can include controlling of the coacervation step as described herein, and even further where a transfer of coacervate to the inner emulsion occurs at about 3 minutes or less, a hold step of about 1 minute or less, and a rapid transfer step over a period of less than about 3 minutest to a quench/hardening solvent. In a further embodiment the solvent is a dual solvent, preferably a heptane/ethanol mix.

Disclosed herein are compositions for the sustained release of biologically active polypeptides, and methods of forming and using said compositions, for the sustained release of biologically active polypeptides. The sustained release compositions disclosed herein comprise a biocompatible polymer, and agent, such as a biologically active polypeptide, and a sugar. The agent and sugar are dispersed in the biocompatible polymer separately or, preferably, together. The sustained release composition may be characterized by a release profile having a ratio of maximum serum concentration (C_max) to average serum concentration (C_ave) of about 3 or less. As used herein, the terms a or an refer to one or more.

The Agent

Disclosed herein the agent is a biologically active polypeptide such as an antidiabetic or glucoregulatory polypeptide, including GLP-1, GLP-2, exendin-3, exendin-4 or an analog, derivative or agonist thereof. Most specifically, the polypeptide is exendin-4. However, other agents can take advantage of the discoveries made herein.

Biologically active polypeptides as used herein collectively refers to biologically active proteins and peptides and the pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, which are in their molecular, biologically active form when released in vivo, thereby possessing the desired therapeutic, prophylactic and/or diagnostic properties in vivo. Typically, the polypeptide has a molecular weight between 500 and 200,000 Daltons.

Suitable biologically active polypeptides include, but are not limited to, glucagon, glucagon-like peptides such as, GLP-1, GLP-2 or other GLP analogs, derivatives or agonists of Glucagon Like Peptides, exendins such as, exendin-3 and exendin-4, derivatives, agonists and analogs thereof, vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP), immunoglobulins, antibodies, cytokines (e.g., lymphokines, monokines, chemokines), interleukins, macrophage activating factors, interferons, erythropoietin, nucleases, tumor necrosis factor, colony stimulating factors (e.g., G-CSF), insulin, enzymes (e.g., superoxide dismutase, plasminogen activator, etc.), tumor suppressors, blood proteins, hormones and hormone analogs and agonists (e.g., follicle stimulating hormone, growth hormone, adrenocorticotropic hormone, and luteinizing hormone releasing hormone (LHRH)), vaccines (e.g., tumoral, bacterial and viral antigens), antigens, blood coagulation factors, growth factors (NGF and EGF), gastrin, GRH, antibacterial peptides such as defensin, enkephalins, bradykinins, calcitonin and muteins, analogs, truncation, deletion and substitution variants and pharmaceutically acceptable salts of all the foregoing.

Exendin-4 is a 39 amino acid polypeptide. The amino acid sequence of exendin-4 can be found in U.S. Patent No. 5,424,286 issued to Eng on June 13, 1995 . AC2993 and exenatide are synonymous with the term exendin-4. Exendin-4 has been shown in humans and animals to stimulate secretion of insulin in the presence of elevated blood glucose concentrations, but not during periods of low blood glucose concentrations (hypoglycemia). It has also been shown to suppress glucagon secretion, slow gastric emptying and affect food intake and body weight, as well as other actions. As such, exendin-4 and analogs and agonists thereof can be useful in the treatment of diabetes mellitus, IGT, obesity, etc.

The amount of biologically active polypeptide, which is contained within the polymeric matrix of a sustained release composition, is a therapeutically, diagnostically or prophylactically effective amount which can be determined by a person of ordinary skill in the art, taking into consideration factors such as body weight, condition to be treated, type of polymer used, and release rate from the polymer.

Sustained release compositions generally contain from about 0.01% (w/w) to about 50% (w/w) of the agent, e.g., biologically active polypeptide (such as exendin-4) (total weight of composition). For example, the amount of biologically active polypeptide (such as exendin-4) can be from about 0.1 %(w/w) to about 30% (w/w) of the total weight of the composition. The amount of polypeptide will vary depending upon the desired effect, potency of the agent, the planned release levels, and the time span over which the polypeptide will be released. Preferably, the range of loading is between about 0.1% (w/w) to about 10% (w/w), for example, 0.5% (w/w) to about 5% (w/w). Superior release profiles were obtained when the agent, e.g. exendin-4, was loaded at about 3% w/w, and further when about 4% or about 5%.

The Sugar

A sugar, as defined herein, is a monosaccharide, disaccharide or oligosaccharide (from about 3 to about 10 monosaccharides) or a derivative thereof. For example, sugar alcohols of monosaccharides are suitable derivatives included in the present definition of sugar. As such, the sugar alcohol mannitol, for example, which is derived from the monosaccharide mannose is included in the definition of sugar as used herein.

Suitable monosaccharides include, but are not limited to, glucose, fructose and mannose. A disaccharide, as further defined herein, is a compound which upon hydrolysis yields two molecules of a monosaccharide. Suitable disaccharides include, but are not limited to, sucrose, lactose and trehalose. Suitable oligosaccharides include, but are not limited to, raffinose and acarbose.

The amount of sugar present in the sustained release composition can range from about 0.01% (w/w) to about 50% (w/w), such as from about 0.01% (w/w) to about 10% (w/w), such as from about 0.1% (w/w) to about 5% (w/w) of the total weight of the sustained release composition. Excellent release profiles were obtained incorporating about 2% (w/w) sucrose.

Alternatively, the amount of sugar present in the sustained release composition can be referred to on a weight ratio with the agent or biologically active polypeptide. For example, the polypeptide and sugar can be present in a ratio from about 10:1 to about 1:10 weight:weight. The ratio of polypeptide (e.g., exendin-4) to sugar (e.g., sucrose) may be about 3:2 (w/w), 4:2 (w/w), and 5:2 (w/w).

Combinations of two or more sugars can also be used. The amount of sugar, when a combination is employed, is the same as the ranges recited above.

When the polypeptide is exendin-4, the sugar is preferably sucrose, mannitol or a combination thereof.

The Polymer

Polymers suitable to form the sustained release composition of this invention are biocompatible polymers which can be either biodegradable or non-biodegradable polymers or blends or copolymers thereof. A polymer is biocompatible if the polymer and any degradation products of the polymer are non-toxic to the recipient and also possess no significant deleterious or untoward effects on the recipient's body, such as a substantial immunological reaction at the injection site.

Biodegradable, as defined herein, means the composition will degrade or erode in vivo to form smaller units or chemical species. Degradation can result, for example, by enzymatic, chemical and physical processes. Suitable biocompatible, biodegradable polymers include, for example, poly(lactides), poly(glycolides), poly(lactide-co-glycolides), poly(lactic acid)s, poly(glycolic acid)s, polycarbonates, polyesteramides, polyanydrides, poly(amino acids), polyorthoesters, poly(dioxanone)s, poly(alkylene alkylate)s, copolymers or polyethylene glycol and polyorthoester, biodegradable polyurethane, blends thereof, and copolymers thereof.

Suitable biocompatible, non-biodegradable polymers include non-biodegradable polymers selected from the group consisting of polyacrylates, polymers of ethylene-vinyl acetates and other acyl substituted cellulose acetates, non-degradable polyurethanes, polystyrenes, polyvinylchloride, polyvinyl flouride, poly(vinyl imidazole), chlorosulphonate polyolefins, polyethylene oxide, blends thereof, and copolymers thereof.

Acceptable molecular weights for polymers used in this invention can be determined by a person of ordinary skill in the art taking into consideration factors such as the desired polymer degradation rate, physical properties such as mechanical strength, end group chemistry and rate of dissolution of polymer in solvent. Typically, an acceptable range of molecular weight is of about 2,000 Daltons to about 2,000,000 Daltons. In a preferred embodiment, the polymer is biodegradable polymer or copolymer. In a more preferred embodiment, the polymer is a poly(lactide-co-glycolide) (hereinafter "PLG") with a lactide:glycolide ratio of about 1:1 and a molecular weight of about 10,000 Daltons to about 90,000 Daltons. In an even more preferred embodiment, the molecular weight of the PLG used in the present invention has a molecular weight of about 30,000 Daltons to about 70,000 Daltons such as about 50,000 to about 60,000 Daltons.

The PLGs can possess acid end groups or blocked end groups, such as can be obtained by esterifying the acid. Excellent results were obtained with a PLG with an acid end group.

Polymers can also be selected based upon the polymer's inherent viscosity. Suitable inherent viscosities include about 0.06 to 1.0 dL/g, such as about 0.2 to 0.6 dL/g, more preferably between about 0.3 to 0.5 dL/g. Preferred polymers are chosen that will degrade in 3 to 4 weeks. Suitable polymers can be purchased from Alkermes, Inc. under the tradename Medisorb®, such as those sold as 5050 DL 3A or 5050 DL 4A. Boehringer Ingelheim Resomer® PLGs may also be used, such as Resomer® RG503 and 503H.

The sustained release composition can be formed into many shapes such as a film, a pellet, a cylinder, a disc or a microparticle. A microparticle, as defined herein, comprises a polymer component having a diameter of less than about one millimeter and having biologically active polypeptide dispersed or dissolved therein. A microparticle can have a spherical, non-spherical or irregular shape. Typically, the microparticle will be of a size suitable for injection. A typical size range for microparticles is 1000 microns or less. The microparticle ranges may be from about one to about 180 microns in diameter. Superior release profiles are obtained when microparticles range from about 1 to 100 microns, from about 30 to 90 microns, from about 50 to 70 microns, and even further the mean particle size can be from about 50 to 60 microns. The mean particle size may be not less than or is equal to about 50, 60 or 70 microns, and preferably less than about 80, 90, or 100 microns. At larger particles sizes, particles are preferably substantially non-aggregated to allow passage through a 23 gauge needle, even more preferably a 25 gauge needle. Consistent and superior release profiles are obtained by controlling particle size distribution. Disclosed herein a mean particle size is about 50 microns and the lower and upper range of particles are about 30 and 90 microns, respectively. Distribution of microparticles can be described using a mean diameter of the volume. Mean diameter of the volume distribution represents the center of gravity of the distribution and is a type of "average particle size." A composition may have a mean diameter of the volume distribution of about 50 to 70 microns, about 50 to 60 microns or about 50, 60 or 70 microns, with a Distribution of Volume (DV) of less than or about 5%, 10%, or 15% at 30 microns and a DV of greater than or about 80%, 85%, 90% or 95% at 90 microns. Disclosed herein a composition may have a mean diameter of the volume distribution of about 60 microns, with a Distribution of Volume (DV) of less than or about 10% at 30 microns and a DV of greater than or about 90% at 90 microns.

Additional Excipients

While it is possible that additional excipients can be added to the formulations disclosed herein as is well known in the art, a surprising discovery of the present invention is that an excellent release profile can be achieved with the simple formulations described herein. Thus, the composition is free from buffer, salting-out salts and additional excipients that increase or decrease the rate of release of exendin-4 from the composition. Ingredients which can substantially increase the rate of release include pore forming agents and excipients which facilitate polymer degradation. For example, the rate of polymer hydrolysis is increased in non-neutral pH. Therefore, an acidic or a basic excipient such as an inorganic acid or inorganic base can alter the polymer erosion rate. Ingredients which can substantially decrease the rate of release include excipients that decrease the water solubility of the agent.

Disclosed herein sustained release formulations consist essentially of the biocompatible polymer, the agent and the sugar. By "consists essentially of' is meant the absence of ingredients which substantially increase the rate of release of the active agent from the formulation. Examples of additional excipients which would not be expected to substantially increase or decrease the rate of release of the agent include additional active agents and inert ingredients.

The formulation may consist of the biocompatible polymer, the agent and the sugar. By "consists of' is meant the absence of components or ingredients other than those listed and residual levels of starting materials, solvents, etc. from the process.

It has been a surprising discovery that buffering agents such as acetate, citrate, phosphate or other biologically compatible buffers were not necessary in the aqueous phase to achieve a sustained release formulation with agent, e.g., exendin-4, with good to excellent bioavailability. It was also a surprising discovery that salting out salts were unnecessary to control burst of the agent, e.g., exendin-4. Alternatively or additionally, the sustained release composition produced by the method of the invention has low porosity. The composition has a total pore volume of about 0.1 mL/g or less. In addition the total pore volume can be from 0.0 to 0.1 mL/g and from 0.01 to less than 0.1 mL/g. It has been found that this very small total pore volume leads to a small initial burst (release) of agent, and further that it promotes a slower and/ or longer sustained release profile than conventional formulations, and allows shifting of a Cmax to a later time in a profile. In a specific embodiment, the total pore volume is determined using mercury intrusion porosimetry, e.g., as described in more detail below.

When the sustained release compositions have a low porosity as described herein, which serves to both reduce initial release and to provide longer sustained release with a desirable Cmax to Cave ratio, additional excipients can be present if they have little or no substantial effect on release rate. Such excipients can include those that provide or enhance agent stability, either during manufacturing, storage or release. Suitable stabilizers include, for example, carbohydrates, amino acids, fatty acids and surfactants and are known to those skilled in the art. Further, stabilizers include "antioxidants" such as methionine, vitamin C, vitamin E and maleic acid. The antioxidant can be present as part of a stabilized aqueous formulation or added into the polymer phase. The composition is free from buffer. Buffers are solutions containing either a weak acid and a related salt of the acid, or a weak base and a salt of the base. Buffers can maintain a desired pH to stabilize the formulation during any step of manufacturing, storage or release. For example, the buffer can be a monobasic phosphate salt or dibasic phosphate salt or combinations thereof or a volatile buffer such as ammonium bicarbonate. Other buffers include but are not limited to acetate, citrate, succinate and amino acids such as glycine, arginine and histidine.

Administration

The compositions disclosed herein can be administered according to methods generally known in the art. The composition disclosed herein can be administered to a patient (e.g., a human in need of the agent) or other animal, by injection, implantation (e.g., subcutaneously, intramuscularly, intraperitoneally, intracranially, and intradermally), administration to mucosal membranes (e.g., intranasally, intravaginally, intrapulmonary or by means of a suppository), orally, by needle-free injection (see for example United States Patents 5312335 and 5630796 ) or in situ delivery (e.g., by enema or aerosol spray).

The sustained release composition can be administered using any dosing schedule which achieves the desired therapeutic levels for the desired period of time. For example, the sustained release composition can be administered and the patient monitored until levels of the drug being delivered return to baseline. Following a return to baseline, the sustained release composition can be administered again. Alternatively, the subsequent administration of the sustained release composition can occur prior to achieving baseline levels in the patient.

For example, when the sustained release composition has incorporated therein a hormone, particularly an anti-diabetic or glucoregulatory peptide, for example, GLP-1, GLP-2, exendin-3, exendin-4 or agonists, analogs or derivatives thereof, the composition is administered in a therapeutically effective amount to treat a patient suffering from diabetes mellitus, IGT, obesity, cardiovascular (CV) disorder or any other disorder that can be treated by one of the above polypeptides or derivatives, analogs or agonists thereof.

Other conditions which can be treated by administering the sustained release composition disclosed herein include Type I and Type II diabetes which can be treated with a sustained release composition having insulin incorporated therein. In addition, when the incorporated polypeptide is FSH or analogs thereof the sustained release composition can be used to treat infertility. In other instances, the sustained release composition can be used to treat Multiple Sclerosis when the incorporated polypeptide is beta interferon or a mutein thereof. As can be realized, the sustained release composition can be used to treat disease which responds to administration of a given polypeptide.

In a further embodiment, the sustained release composition disclosed herein can be coadministered with a corticosteroid. Coadministration of the sustained release composition disclosed herein with a corticosteroid can further increase the bioavailability of the biologically active polypeptide of the sustained release composition. Coadministration of a corticosteroid in combination with sustained release compositions is described in detail in U.S. Patent Application 60/419,430 entitled, "Method of Modifying the Release Profile of Sustained Release Compositions" by Dasch et al.

Corticosteroids, as defined herein, refers to steroidal anti-inflammatory agents also referred to as glucocorticoids.

Suitable corticosteroids 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, Disflorasone, Diflucortolone, Difluprednate, Enoxolone, Fluazacort, Flucloronide, Flumethasone, Flunisolide, Flucinolone Acetonide, Fluocinonide, Fluocortin Butyl, Flucortolone, 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 (all forms), for example, Triamcinolone Acetonide, Triamcinolone Acetonide 21-oic acid methyl ester, Triamcinolone Benetonide, Triamcinolone Hexacetonide, Triamcinolone Diacetate, pharmaceutically acceptable mixtures thereof and salts thereof and any other derivative and analog thereof.

The corticosteroid may be co-incorporated into the sustained release composition comprising the biocompatible polymer and the biologically active polypeptide agent incorporated therein.

Disclosed herein the corticosteroid can be separately incorporated into a second biocompatible polymer. The second biocompatible polymer can be the same or different from the first biocompatible polymer which has the biologically active polypeptide agent incorporated therein.

Disclosed herein the corticosteroid can be present in an unencapsulated state but commingled with the sustained release composition. For example, the corticosteroid can be solubilized in the vehicle used to deliver the sustained release composition. Alternatively, the corticosteroid can be present as a solid suspended in an appropriate vehicle. Further, the corticosteroid can be present as a powder which is commingled with the sustained release composition.

It is understood that the corticosteroid is present in an amount sufficient to increase the bioavailability of the biologically active polypeptide from the sustained release composition. Increased bioavailability refers to an increase in the bioavailability of the biologically active polypeptide from the sustained release composition when coadministered with a corticosteroid in comparison to the administration in the absence of corticosteroid over a time period beginning at two days post administration and ending at the end of the release cycle for the particular formulation.

As used herein, patient refers to a human, such as a human in need of the agent or therapy, prophylaxis or diagnostic method.

As defined herein, a sustained release of biologically active polypeptide is a release of the polypeptide from the sustained release composition which occurs over a period which is longer than that period during which a biologically significant amount of the polypeptide would be available following direct administration of a solution of the polypeptide. It is preferred that a sustained release be a release which occurs over a period of at least about one week, such as at least about two weeks, at least about three weeks or at least about four weeks. The sustained release can be a continuous or a discontinuous release, with relatively constant or varying rates of release. The continuity of release and level of release can be affected by the type of polymer composition used (e.g., monomer ratios, molecular weight, block composition, and varying combinations of polymers), polypeptide loading, and/or selection of excipients to produce the desired effect.

As used herein, a therapeutically effective amount, prophylactically effective amount or diagnostically effective amount is the amount of the sustained release composition needed to elicit the desired biological response following administration.

C_max as used herein is the maximum serum concentration of drug which occurs during the period of release which is monitored.

C_ave as used herein, is the average serum concentration of drug derived by dividing the area under the curve (AUC) of the release profile by the duration of the release.

The ratio of C_max to C_ave is about 3 or less. This profile is particularly desirable of anti-diabetic or glucoregulatory polypeptides, such as those described above. A ratio of about 3 or less can provide a C_ave in a therapeutic window while avoiding adverse drug side effects which can result from higher ratios. Further it has been found that by controlling the physical aspects of the sustained release composition, as described herein, that other desired characteristics of a superior desired release profile can be achieved and controlled. The process provides compositions that have a superior reduced burst (i.e. initial release; e.g., Cmax at 0-1 day). In one embodiment the initial burst is less than about 1% total agent. In another embodiment the initial release is less than about 0.75%, and further less than about 0.5%. In this regard the Cmax to Cave ratio is less than about 3, and in addition can be about 1 to 3, and further can be about 2 to 3. Further, a Cmax, if present, can be shifted to a time during the sustained release period other than the burst or initial release period, into the "sustained phase" of release. The Cmax can occur at at least 7, 14, 21, 28, 35 or 42 days post administration and can occur at any integer day in between. The Cmax may be at about 21 to 35 days after administration, at about 28 to 31 days, or at about 28 days after administration. The maximal concentration of drug (e.g. plasma concentration) may occur at least 7, 14, 21, 28, 35 or 42 days post administration and can occur at any integer day in between. The maximal concentration of drug may occur at about 21 to 35 days after administration, particularly in the case of glucoregulatory agents such as exendin-4, GLP-1, GIP or their analogs.

The superior sustained release profiles of the present compositions allow a method of administration of an active agent or agents in doses that avoid an undesirable (side) effect, such as nausea, by reducing an undesirably high initial burst. Further, the superior sustained release profiles allow a method of administration of an active agent or agents in a dose that is lower than therapeutically effective but upon multiple sustained release dosing achieves a therapeutically effective concentration in the patient. This concentration is then readily maintained by further sustained dosing. One advantage of this treatment approach enabled by the present invention is that undesirable (side) effects, such as nausea, are reduced or eliminated by reducing undesirably high bursts of the drug, and further by allowing a patient to adapt to gradually increasing concentrations of the agent or agents. Accordingly, disclosed herein multiple sustained release doses are provided such that each successive dose increases the concentration of the agent or agents in the patient, wherein a therapeutically effective concentration of agent or agents is achieved in the patient. Each successive sustained release dose may be administered such that its sustained phase overlaps with the sustained phase of the previous dose. Further, a dose's Cmax or its maximal concentration of agent can overlap with either the Cmax or maximal concentration of agent of the previous dose.

Bioavailability, as that term is used herein, refers to the amount of therapeutic that reaches the circulation system. Bioavailability can be defined as the calculated Area Under the Curve (AUC) for the release profile of a particular polypeptide during the time period starting at post administration and ending at a predetermined time point. As is understood in the art, the release profile is generated by graphing the serum levels of a biologically active agent in a subject (Y-axis) at predetermined time points (X-axis). Bioavailability is often referred to in terms of % bioavailability, which is the bioavailability achieved for a particular polypeptide following administration of a sustained release composition divided by the bioavailability achieved for a particular polypeptide following intravenous administration of the same dose of drug, multiplied by 100.

A modification of the release profile can be confirmed by appropriate pharmacokinetic monitoring of the patient's serum for the presence of the biologically active polypeptide agent. For example, specific antibody-based testing (e.g., ELISA and IRMA), as is well known in the art, can be used to determine the concentration of certain biologically active polypeptide agents in the patient's serum. An example of such testing is described herein for exendin-4.

Pharmacodynamic monitoring of the patient to monitor the therapeutic effects of the agent upon the patient can be used to confirm retention of the biological activity of the released agent. Methods of monitoring pharmacodynamic effects can be selected based upon the biologically active polypeptide agent being administered using widely available techniques.

The compositions disclosed herein can be further formulated to a form suitable for injection through a needle into a host. An injectable composition can comprise microparticle compositions as described herein in a viscous aqueous injection vehicle, for example as described in United States Patent 6,495,164 . The aqueous injection vehicle can have a viscosity of at least 20 cp at 20° C, and further can have a viscosity greater than 50 cp and less than 60 cp at 20° C. The microparticles can be suspended in the injection vehicle at a concentration of greater than about 30 mg/ml to form a suspension, the fluid phase of the suspension having a viscosity of at least 20 cp at 20° C. The fluid phase of the suspension may have a viscosity at 20° C. of at least about 30 cp, 40 cp, 50 cp, and 60 cp. The composition may also comprise a viscosity enhancing agent, a density enhancing agent, a tonicity enhancing agent, and/or a wetting agent. The viscosity of the injection vehicle provides injectability of the composition through a needle ranging in diameter from 18-23 gauge, even more preferably through a 25 gauge needle. As known to one skilled in the art, an 18 gauge regular wall (RW) needle has a nominal inner diameter (ID) of 0.033 in., and a 22 gauge regular wall needle has a nominal inner diameter of 0.016 in. The injection vehicle can contain a viscosity enhancing agent. The viscosity enhancing agent may be sodium carboxymethyl cellulose, although other suitable viscosity enhancing agents can also be used. The injection vehicle may also comprise a density enhancing agent that increases the density of the injection vehicle. The density enhancing agent may be sorbitol, although other suitable density enhancing agents can also be used. The injection vehicle can also contain a tonicity adjusting agent to adjust the tonicity to preclude toxicity problems and improve biocompatibility. A preferred tonicity adjusting agent is sodium chloride, although other suitable tonicity adjusting agents can also be used. The injection vehicle can also comprise a wetting agent to ensure complete wetting of the microparticles by the injection vehicle. Wetting agents include polysorbate 20 (Tween 20), polysorbate 40 (Tween 40), and polysorbate 80 (Tween 80).

The microparticles can be suspended in the injection vehicle at a concentration of greater than about 30 mg/ml. The microparticles may be suspended at a concentration of from about 150 mg/ml to about 300 mg/ml. or from about 100 mg/ml to about 400 mg/ml. However, it should be understood that the invention is not limited to a particular concentration.

In one embodiment suitable for passage through a 23 gauge needle, the injection vehicle comprises sodium carboxymethylcellulose at 3.0% (w/v), sodium chloride at 0.9% (w/v), and Polysorbate 20, NF (Tween 20) at 0.1% (v/v) or optionally at 0.5%, in water. The solution is optionally buffered. Exenatide-containing microparticles as described above may be suspended in injection vehicle of sodium carboxymethylcellulose at 3.0% (w/v), sodium chloride at 0.9% (w/v), and Polysorbate 20, NF (Tween 20) at 0.1% (v/v) or optionally at 0.5%, in water. The concentration of suspended exenatide-microparticles may be greater than about 30mg/ml. Typically about 100 to 200 mg dry microparticles is suspended per mL of vehicle.

Specific microparticles found in publication WO2004036186, published April 29, 2004 , may be excluded. More specifically excluded are those microparticles that did not contain an amount of ammonium sulfate that substantially affected release. Such specific microparticles include those designated as IF-1, IF-2, IF-3, IF-4, M1 to M4, M7-M14, M18, M19.

The invention will now be further and specifically described by the following examples.

EXEMPLIFICATIONS MICROPARTICLE PREPARATION I

The sustained release compositions described herein were prepared by a phase separation process. The general process is described below for microparticles containing exendin-4 and sucrose for a 1 kg batch size.

A. Inner Water-in-Oil Emulsion Formation

A water-in-oil emulsion was created with the aid of a homogenizer. Suitable homogenizers include an in-line Megatron homogenizer MT-V 3-65 F/FF/FF, Kinematica AG, Switzerland. The water phase of the emulsion was prepared by dissolving exendin-4 and excipients such as sucrose in water. The concentration of drug in the resulting solution can be from about 50 mg/g to about 100 mg/g. For example, when the drug is exendin-4, the concentration of drug in solution can be from about 30 g to about 60 g per 600 g of water. In a particular embodiment, 50 g exendin-4 and 20 g sucrose were dissolved in 600 g water for irrigation (WFI). The specified amounts listed above represent a nominal load without adjustment to compensate for peptide content strength specific to the lot of exendin-4 used. The oil phase of the emulsion was prepared by dissolving PLGA polymer (e.g., 930 g of purified 50:50 DL4A PLGA (Alkermes, Inc.) in methylene chloride (14.6 kg or 6% w/w).

The water phase was then added to the oil phase to form a coarse emulsion with an overhead mixer for about three minutes. Then, the coarse emulsion was homogenized at approximately 21300 rpm at ambient temperature for three discrete periods. This resulted in an inner emulsion droplet size of less than 1 micron. It is understood that inner emulsion formation can be achieved using any suitable means. Suitable means of emulsion formation include, but are not limited to, homogenization as described above and sonication.

B. Coacervate Formation

A coacervation step was then performed by adding silicone oil (21.8 kg of Dimethicone, NF, 350 cs) over about a five minute time period to the inner emulsion. This is equivalent to a ratio of 1.5:1, silicone oil to methylene chloride. The methylene chloride from the polymer solution partitions into the silicone oil and begins to precipitate the polymer around the water phase containing exendin-4, leading to microencapsulation. The embryonic microspheres thus formed are soft and require hardening. Frequently, the embryonic microspheres are permitted to stand for a short period of time, for example, from about 1 minute to about 5 minutes prior to proceeding to the microsphere hardening step.

C. Microsphere Hardening and Rinse

The embryonic microspheres were then immediately transferred into a heptane/ethanol solvent mixture. The volume of heptane/ethanol mixture needed can be determined based on the microsphere batch size, typically a 16:1 ratio of methylene chloride to heptane/ethanol solvent. In the present example, about 210 kg heptane and 23 kg ethanol in a 3°C cooled, stirred tank were used. This solvent mixture hardened the microspheres by extracting additional methylene chloride from the microspheres. This hardening step can also be referred to as quenching. After being quenched for 1 hour at 3°C, the solvent mixture is either decanted and fresh heptane (13 Kg) is added at 3°C and held for 1 hour to rinse off residual silicone oil, ethanol and methylene chloride on the microsphere surface or pumped directly to the collection step.

D. Microsphere Drying and Collection

At the end of the quench or decant/wash step, the microspheres were transferred and collected on a 12" Sweco Pharmasep Filter/Dryer Model PH12Y6. The filter/dryer uses a 20 micron multilayered collection screen and is connected to a motor that vibrates the screen during collection and drying. A final rinse with heptane (6 Kg at 3°C) was performed to ensure maximum line transfer and to remove any excess silicone oil. The microspheres were then dried under vacuum with a constant purge of nitrogen gas at a controlled rate according to the following schedule: 6 hours at 3°C; 6 hours ramping to 41°C; and 84 hours at 41°C.

After the completion of drying, the microspheres were discharged into a collection vessel, sieved through a 150 µm sieve, and stored at about -20 °C until filling.

For all microparticle formulations which were prepared herein the amount of polypeptide, for example, exendin-4 and excipients present in the prepared formulations is expressed as a % (w/w) based on the final weight of the sustained release composition. The % (w/w) is a nominal percentage, except where indicated.

MICROPARTICLE PREPARATION II A. Inner Water-in-Oil Emulsion Formation

A water-in-oil emulsion was created with the aid of a sonicator. Suitable sonicators include Vibracell VCX 750 with model CV33 probe head, Sonics and Materials Inc., Newtown, CT. The water phase of the emulsion was prepared by dissolving exendin-4 and excipients such as sucrose in water. The concentration of drug in the resulting solution can be from about 50 mg/ml to about 100 mg/ml. For example, when the drug is exendin-4, the concentration of drug in solution can be from about 3.28 g to about 6.55 g per 65.5 g of water. In a particular embodiment, 5.46 g exendin-4 and 2.18 g sucrose were dissolved in 65.5 g water for irrigation or WFI. The specified amounts listed above represent a 4% overage to target load in order to compensate for losses upon filter sterilization of the components. The oil phase of the emulsion was prepared by dissolving PLGA polymer (e.g., 97.7 g of purified 50:50 DL4A PLGA (Alkermes, Inc.)) in methylene chloride (1539 g or 6% w/v).

The water phase was then added to the oil phase over about a three minute period while sonicating at 100% amplitude at ambient temperature. The water phase was pumped through a ¼" stainless steel tube with a 1" HPLC tube end (ID = 20/1000") at 5 psig, added below the sonication probe inside the sonication zone. Reactor was then stirred at 1400 to 1600 rpm, with additional sonication at 100% amplitude for 2 minutes, followed by a 30 second hold, and then 1 minute more of sonication. This resulted in an inner emulsion droplet size of less than 0.5 microns. It is understood that inner emulsion formation can be achieved using any suitable means. Suitable means of emulsion formation include, but are not limited to, sonication as described above and homogenization.

B. Coacervate Formation

A coacervation step was then performed by adding silicone oil (2294 gr of Dimethicone, NF, 350 cs) over about a three to five minute time period to the inner emulsion. This is equivalent to a ratio of 1.5:1, silicone oil to methylene chloride. The methylene chloride from the polymer solution partitions into the silicone oil and begins to precipitate the polymer around the water phase containing exendin-4, leading to microencapsulation. The embryonic microspheres thus formed are soft and require hardening. Frequently, the embryonic microspheres are permitted to stand for a short period of time, for example, from about 1 minute to about 5 minutes prior to proceeding to the microsphere hardening step.

C. Microsphere Hardening and Rinse

The embryonic microspheres were then immediately transferred into a heptane/ethanol solvent mixture. The volume of heptane/ethanol mixture needed can be determined based on the microsphere batch size. In the present example, about 22 kg heptane and 2448 g ethanol in a 3°C cooled, stirred tank (350 to 450 rpm) were used. This solvent mixture hardened the microspheres by extracting additional methylene chloride from the microspheres. This hardening step can also be referred to as quenching. After being quenched for 1 hour at 3°C, the solvent mixture was decanted and fresh heptane (13 Kg) was added at 3°C and held for 1 hour to rinse off residual silicone oil, ethanol and methylene chloride on the microsphere surface.

D. Microsphere Drying and Collection

At the end of the rinse step, the microspheres were transferred and collected on a 6" diameter, 20 micron multilayered screen inside the cone shaped drying chamber which acted as a dead-end filter. A final rinse with heptane (6 Kg at 4°C) was performed to ensure maximum line transfer. The microspheres were then dried with a constant purge of nitrogen gas at a controlled rate according to the following schedule: 18 hours at 3°C; 24 hours at 25°C; 6 hours at 35°C; and 42 hours at 38°C.

After the completion of drying, the microspheres are discharged into a teflon/stainless steel sterilized collection vessel attached to the drying cone. The collection vessel is sealed, removed from the drying cone and stored at -20 ± 5°C until filling. Material remaining in the cone upon disassembly for cleaning is taken for drug content analysis. The yield was approximately 100 grams of microspheres.

For all microparticle formulations which were prepared herein the amount of polypeptide, for example, exendin-4 and excipients present in the prepared formulations is expressed as a % (w/w) based on the final weight of the sustained release composition. The % (w/w) is a nominal percentage, except were indicated.

POLYMER:

Examples of specific PLG polymers suitable for use are listed below. All of the polymers employed in the following examples are set forth in the list and all listed polymers were obtained from Alkermes, Inc. of Cincinnati,OH and can be described as follows:

• Polymer 2A: Poly(lactide-co-glycolide); 50:50 lactide:glycolide ratio; 12.3 kD Mol. Wt.; IV=0.15 (dL/g).
• Polymer 4A: Poly(lactide-co-glycolide); 50:50 lactide:glycolide ratio; Mol. Wt. 45-64 kD; IV=0.45-0.47 (dL/g).

PURIFICATION OF PLG: It is known in the art (See, for example, Peptide Acylation by Poly(α-Hydroxy Esters) by Lucke et al., Pharmaceutical Research, Vol. 19, No. 2, p. 175-181, February 2002) that proteins and peptides which are incorporated in PLG matrices can be undesirably altered (e.g., degraded or chemically modified) as a result of interaction with degradation products of the PLG or impurities remaining after preparation of the polymer. As such, the PLG polymers used in the preparation of the majority of microparticle formulations described herein were purified prior to preparation of the sustained release compositions using art recognized purification methods.

CHARACTERIZATION METHODS:

It has been determined that the following characterization methods are suitable for identifying microparticles which will provide a desirable release profile of active agent.

SEM

SEM was used to assess the particle size, shape and surface features of the microparticles. SEM imaging was performed on a Personal SEM® system (ASPEX™, LLC). All samples were deposited via spatula on standard SEM stubs covered with carbon double-sided tape. Samples were sputter coated with Au for about 90 seconds at 18 mA emission current using a Model SC 7620 "Mini" Sputter Coater (Energy Beam Sciences). All SEM imaging was performed utilizing a 20 KeV electron beam over a magnification range of approximately 250 to 2500X.

CRYOGENIC SEM

The cross-section of microparticles was studied using cryogenic SEM. The microparticle sample was mixed with HISTO PREP® Solution (Fischer) and kept in a cryostat at -20°C overnight. The hardened microparticles were mounted on a glass cover slip and then sectioned using a metal knife. The sectioned particles were mounted on aluminium stubs, sputter coated with Platinum and Palladium and observed under a Scanning Electron Microscope (Phillips 525M). Visual observation of the sections provides a method of determining the degree of porosity for the microparticles.

POROSITY MEASUREMENT-MERCURY INTRUSION

Pore volume distribution in microparticles was determined using a model SutoPor IV 9500 Moden Mercury Intrusion Porosimeter (Micromeritics, Norcross, GA). Briefly, mercury was forced into a known amount of microparticles in a penetrometer by applying pressure in a step-wise manner up to a maximum pressure of 60,000 Psia. The volume of mercury intruded into the pores at various pressures was measured. This method quantifies the pore distribution in the microparticles. That is, the size of the pores that are intruded is inversely related to the applied pressure. The equilibrium of the internal and external forces on the liquid-solid-vapor system can be described by the Washburn equation. The relationship between applied pressure and the pore size into which mercury is forced to enter is described by:

• Where: D = pore diameter
• γ = surface tension (constant)
• θ = contact angle (constant)
• P= Pressure

Therefore, the size of the pore into which mercury will intrude is inversely proportional to the applied pressure. Assuming that all pores are tight cylinders, the average pore diameter (D=4V/A) can be calculated by dividing pore volume (V=πD2h/4) by the pore area (A=πDh). RESIDUAL SOLVENTS

A single method was used for quantitation of heptane, ethanol and methylene chloride. The equipment consisted of an HP 5890 Series 2 gas chromatograph with an Rtx 1301, 30 cm x 0.53 mm column. About 130 mg microparticles were dissolved in 10 ml N,N-dimethylformamide. Propyl acetate was used as the internal standard. The sample preparation was adjusted so that concentrations of methylene chloride as low as 0.03% can be quantitated.

MICROPARTICLE PREPARATION

The microparticle batches set forth in Table 1 were prepared as described above at the 100 gram scale using the 4A polymer and a ratio of silicone oil to methylene chloride of either 1.5:1 or 1:1 and the silicone oil had a viscosity of 350 cs. The amount of exendin-4 and the excipients used in the formulation are also set forth in Table 1. TABLE 1

02-019-147(#1)	0% Sucrose, 0% AS	0.40
02-019-167(#2)	2% Sucrose (F16)	0.40
02-019-160(#2-1)	2% Sucrose (F16)	0.44
02-019-164(#2-2)	2% Sucrose (F16)	0.45
02-030-08(#2-3)	2% Sucrose (F16)	0.80
02-030-01(#2-4)	2% Sucrose (F16)	1.0
02-030-04(#2-5)	2% Sucrose (F16)	1.1
02-019-136(#3-1)	2% Sucrose, 0.5% AS (F14)	1.3	50:50 Quench
02-019-115(#3-2)	2% Sucrose, 0.5% AS (F14)	2.2
02-019-170(#4)	0% Sucrose, 0.5% AS	3.8
02-019-133A(#3-3)	2% Sucrose, 0.5% AS (F14)	12.7	100% Heptane Quench
02-019-185(#5) (5% drug load)	2% sucrose (F17)	0.5
02-019-64 (#3-4)	2% Sucrose, 0.5% AS (F14)	0.5
02-019-10(#3-5)	2% Sucrose, 0.5% AS (F14)	1.30
02-001-196(#3-6)	2% Sucrose, 0.5% AS (F14)	2.70
02-019-24(#3-7)	2% Sucrose, 0.5% AS (F14)	6.70

TABLE 1

*ALL FORMULATIONS HAD 3% DRUG LOAD WITH THE EXCEPTION OF #5

POROSITY

The total intrusion volume obtained from the mercury intrusion porosimetry and the calculated average pore diameters are given in TABLE 2. The relationship between the average pore diameter and the in vitro release is shown in FIG. 1 TABLE 2

02-019-147(#1)	0.033	0.40	0.0068
02-019-167(#2)	0.035	0.40	0.0069
02-019-160(#2-1)	0.037	0.44	0.0070
02-019-164(#2-2)	0.035	0.45	0.0070
02-030-08(#2-3)	0.036	0.80	0.0070
02-030-01(#2-4)	0.038	1.0	0.0073
02-030-04(#2-5)	0.039	1.1	0.0074
02-019-136(#3-1)	0.041	1.3	0.0073
02-019-115(#3-2)	0.039	2.2	0.0078
02-019-170(#4)	0.067	3.8	0.0125
02-019-133A(#3-3)	0.513	12.7	0.0277
02-019-64 (#3-4)	0.030	0.5	0.0060
02-019-10(#3-5)	0.060	1.30	0.0090
02-001-196(#3-6)	0.060	2.70	0.0100
02-019-24(#3-7)	0.180	6.70	0.0170

FIG. 1 shows the effect of ammonium sulfate on the in vitro initial release. The data indicate that in vitro initial release is correlated to the microparticle pore diameter. Formulations made with ammonium sulfate showed varying levels of in vitro release and variable porosity unlike the formulations without ammonium sulfate which exhibited consistent porosity and release. During the manufacturing of microparticles the presence of ammonium sulfate in the aqueous phase can salt-out the drug substance during the preparation of the inner-emulsion. The differences in the micro-environment of the precipitates can contribute to the differences in porosity and hence the variation in the initial release. The effect was not observed in formulations prepared without ammonium sulfate. Formulations with sucrose and exendin-4 show a more desirable and consistent level of initial release as compared to formulations having exendin-4, sucrose and ammonium sulfate.

FIG. 2 further demonstrates the effect of porosity on the in vitro release and the impact that the processing conditions, namely the ratio of silicone oil to methylene chloride, has on the porosity of the microparticles formed. Briefly, microparticle formulations prepared using a silicone oil-to-methylene chloride ratio of 1:1 (Formulations 2-4 and 2-5 of Table 1) have a higher initial release than the same formulations prepared using a silicone-to-methylene chloride ratio of 1.5:1 (Formulations 2, 2-1 and 2-2 of Table 1). FIG. 2 suggests that a higher ratio of silicone oil-to-methylene chloride results in a lower porosity which results in a lower initial release.

CRYOGENIC SEM

Cryogenic SEM analysis was conducted as described above on Formulations of the Types 2, 3 and 5 of Table 1. FIGS. 3A-3B are scans of micrographs for selected formulations of Type 2 (Formulation 2-2, FIG. 3A) and of Type 5 (5% exendin-4, 2% sucrose, FIG. 3B). FIGS. 4A-D are scans of micrographs for Formulations 3-4, 3-5, 3-6 and 3-7, respectively of Table 1. Again the variation in porosity exhibited with the use of ammonium sulfate which can contribute to the variability in initial release, can be seen in the cryogenic SEM cross sections of FIGS. 4A-D.

RESIDUAL SOLVENT LEVELS

The level of residual solvents in a given formulation can impact the Tg of the formulation. Residual solvent levels were determined for microparticle formulations of Types 2 and 5 of Table 1. A single method was used for quantitation of heptane, ethanol and methylene chloride. The equipment consisted of an HP 5890 Series 2 gas chromatograph with an Rtx 1301, 30 m x 0.53 mm column. About 130 mg microparticles were dissolved in 10 ml N,N-dimethylformamide. Propyl acetate was used as the internal standard. The sample preparation was adjusted so that concentrations of methylene chloride as low as 0.03% can be quantitated.

FIG. 5 is a plot of % residual ethanol and methylene chloride for formulations of Types 2 and 5 of Table 1 (3 or 5% exendin-4, 2% sucrose). FIG. 5 shows that the Tg decreases as the amount of residual solvent increases.

PREPARATION OF MICROPARTICLES HAVING 3% EXENDIN-4 AND 2% SUCROSE

In view of the variation in porosity introduced by the presence of ammoniun sulfate in the microparticle formulations and the identification of porosity as a characteristic which significantly impacts initial release, ammonium sulfate was not pursued in further discovery.

IMPACT OF INNER EMULSION DROPLET SIZE

The following study was done to determine the impact of process parameters on forming the inner emulsion as well as stability of the resulting emulsion and resulting 24 hour in vitro release of microspheres produced using the different process parameters. Inner emulsions of the water phase and solvent phase were formed by either sonication as described above for the 100 gr scale or homogenization using an MT5000 homogenizer with a 36/4 generator (Kinematica AG, Switzerland) at either a low speed (10,800 rpm) or high speed (21,300 rpm). Following inner emulsion formation by the different techniques, the emulsions were held in the reactor with gentle agitation with an overhead stirrer for 5, 15 or 60 minutes prior to an aliquot being removed. Following the designated hold times, the inner emulsion was further processed as described above into microparticles and then the 24 hour in vitro release determined for each batch as described below.

Inner emulsion droplet size characterization can be determined using the Horiba particle size analyzer

An aliquot of the inner emulsion was withdrawn from the reactor using a glass pipet. Using a transfer pipet, -30 drops of the inner emulsion was added to ∼10 ml of 6% Medisorb® 50:50 4A PLG polymer solution in a 20 cc screw-cap scintillation vial followed by mixing. The 6% Medisorb® 50:50 4A PLG polymer solution also served as the reference blank solution. About 9 ml of this diluted emulsion sample was then transferred into a clean 10 ml Horiba sample holder. A cover was placed on the sample holder to prevent rapid evaporation of the polymer solvent. The prepared sample was within the acceptable % transmission reading range of 0.65% - 0.90% per the blue bar (Lamp). A relative refractive index setting of 0.94-0.00i was selected in the program setup. The sample was then measured by a Horiba particle size analyzer such as model LA 910 for droplet size. The data correlating the process parameters and the achieved inner emulsion size over the 5, 15 and 60 minute hold times as well as the resulting 24 hour in vitro release results (in parenthesis) are shown in Figure 9.

MICROSPHERE CHARACTERIZATION

Exendin-4 microspheres were routinely characterized with respect to drug content, particle size, residual solvents, initial in vitro release, and PK characteristics in rats. Drug was extracted to obtain a preliminary assessment of exendin-4 purity post-encapsulation in selected batches.

IN VITRO INITIAL RELEASE

The initial release of exendin-4 was determined by measuring the concentration of exendin-4 after 1 hour in release buffer (10 mM HEPES, 100 mM NaCl, pH 7.4). 150± 5 mg of microspheres were placed in 5.0 mL of 10mM HEPES, 100mM NaCl, pH 7.4 buffer at room temperature, vortexed for about 30 seconds to suspend the solution and then placed in a 37 °C air chamber for 1 hour. After 1 hour, the samples were removed from the chamber and inverted several times to mix, followed by centrifuging at 3500 rpm for 10 minutes. The supernatant was removed and analyzed immediately by HPLC using the following conditions: Column: TSK-GEL®, 7.8 mm x 30 cm, 5 m (TSOH BIOSEP PART #08540); Column Oven Temperature: Ambient; Autosampler Temperature: 6 °C; Flow Rate: 0.8 mL/minute; Detection: 280 nm; Injection Volume: 10 L; Mobile Phase: 35% Acetonitrile/65% Water with 0.1% TFA/liter (v/v); Run Time: Approximately 20 minutes. Exendin-4 bulk drug substance, 0.2 mg/mL prepared in 30 mM Acetate Buffer, pH 4.5, was used as a standard.

ANIMAL STUDIES

All pharmacokinetic (PK) studies described herein were conducted in adult male Sprague-Dawley rats weighing approximately 500±50 g.

For PK characterization of the microparticle formulations, each animal received a subcutaneous injection of microparticles suspended in diluent (3% carboxymethylcellulose, 0.9% NaCl, 0.1% Tween 20) to the inter-scapular region. Generally, the dose was approximately 1.0 mg exendin-4 per rat in an injection volume of 0.75 mL. Blood samples were collected via lateral tail vein at 0.5, 2, 4, 6, 10, 24 hours, and 2, 4, 7, 10, 14, 17, 21, 24 and 28 days post-dose. Blood samples were immediately placed in MICROTAINER® tubes containing EDTA and centrifuged at about 14,000 X g for about two minutes. Plasma was then transferred to MICROTAINER® tubes without additive and stored at - 70°C until time of assay. IRMA was used to determine plasma exendin concentrations.

IN VIVO RELEASE-IRMA

The method for quantifying exendin-4 in plasma is a sandwich immunoassay, with the analyte captured by a solid phase monoclonal antibody EXE4:2-8.4 and detected by the radioiodinated monoclonal antibody GLP-1:3-3. Counts bound are quantitated from a standard calibration curve. This assay is specific for full length or intact exendin-4 and does not detect exendin-4 (3-39). A typical standard curve range is 30 pg/mL to 2000 pg/mL depending on the age of the tracer antibody.

IN VITRO AND IN VIVO RELEASE

Formulations 2, 2-1 and 2-2 (3% exendin-4 and 2% sucrose) were tested for initial release in vitro as described above. The in vitro release was 0.4%, 0.4% and 0.5%, respectively. All three batches also had a relatively low in vivo initial release in the range of 1154 to 1555 pg/mL for C_max 0-1 day. FIG. 6 is a representative pharmacokinetic curve for the formulations having 3% exendin-4 and 2% sucrose_(2-1) and also for 3% exendin-4 alone (1) and 3% exendin-4 and 0.5% ammonium sulfate (4). A ratio of silicone oil-to-methylene chloride of 1.5:1 was used and the viscosity of the silicone oil was 350 cs.

From FIG. 6 it can be seen that the formulations not containing ammonium sulfate exhibit a lower initial release. Although the formulation having exendin-4 alone showed a suitable initial release the post encapsulation purity of the drug was decreased as compared to the formulation having the exendin-4 in combination with the sucrose. The addition of sugar in the formulations decreases degradation of the agent.

The in vivo release profile for the three formulations 2, 2-1 and 2-2 compared above, are shown in FIG. 7. All three batches exhibited a relatively low initial release followed by a "trough" (low serum levels between about day 4 to day 17), followed by a sustained release over about day 21 to day 28. The low initial release and the shape of the release profile were consistent for the three formulations.

FORMULATION USING A 1:1 RATIO OF SILICONE OIL TO METHYLENE CHLORIDE

Formulations 2-3, 2-4 and 2-5 from Table 1 (3% exendin-4, 2% sucrose) were prepared using a 1:1 ratio of silicone oil to methylene chloride. The initial release was higher for these formulations than for formulations 2, 2-1 and 2-2 of Table 1 (3% exendin-4, 2% sucrose with a 1.5:1 silicone to methylene chloride ratio). Specifically the 1.5:1 ratio formulations provided an average initial release about 0.4%, whereas the 1:1 ratio formulations provided an average initial release about 1.0%. The same trend was observed in vivo with C_max 0-1 day in rats was 2288 ±520pg/mL for a 1:1 ratio, whereas the C_max 0-1 day in rats was 1300±221 pg./mL for the 1.5:1 ratio.

INCREASED DRUG LOADING

Increasing the exendin-4 load to 4% while maintaining the sucrose at 2% resulted in an initial release in vitro and in vivo in the same range as for the 3% loading.

Three formulations of Type 5 from Table 1 were prepared (5% drug load, 2% sucrose, 1.5:1 silicone oil-to- methylene chloride ratio). The three batches, 5-1, 5-2 and 5-3 all exhibited a low in vitro initial release ranging from 0.2 to 0.5%. Similarly, the in vivo C_max of the formulations was consistently low ranging from 467 pg/mL to 1267 pg/mL. FIG. 8 shows a graph of the pharmacokinetic data for the three batches tested. Compared to the behavior of the 3% exendin-4 formulation having 2% sucrose, the 5% formulations exhibited higher serum levels of drug over about day 1 and day 2. The remainder of the profile for the 5% formulations was similar to the 3% formulations having a trough followed by release of drug primarily over day 21 to day 28.

Claims (7)

1. A process of preparing a pharmaceutically acceptable composition in the form of microparticles for the sustained release of exendin-4, comprising:

   a) forming a mixture by combining an aqueous phase comprising water-soluble exendin-4 polypeptide and sucrose, with an oil phase comprising a biocompatible polymer and a solvent for the biocompatible polymer;

   b) forming a water-in-oil emulsion of the mixture from step a), wherein the inner emulsion droplet size is from about 0.1 to about 1.2 microns;

   c) adding a coacervation agent to the mixture to form embryonic microparticles, wherein the coacervation agent is silicone oil added in an amount sufficient to achieve a silicone oil to polymer solvent ratio of from about 1:1 to about 1.5:1;

   d) transferring the embryonic microparticles to a quench solvent to harden the embryonic microparticles to form hardened microparticles;

   e) collecting the hardened microparticles; and

   f) drying the hardened microparticles,

   wherein the composition has a C_max to C_ave ratio of about 3 or less, and the total pore volume of the composition is about 0.1 mL/g or less; and wherein the composition is free from buffer, salting-out salts and additional excipients that increase or decrease the rate of release of the biologically active polypeptide from the composition.
2. The process of claim 1, wherein in step b), the inner emulsion droplet size is from about 0.2 to about 0.4 microns.
3. The process of claim 1, wherein the exendin-4 is present in the composition in an amount of about 3% w/w, about 5% w/w, or about 10% w/w of the total weight of the composition.
4. The process of claim 1, wherein the biocompatible polymer is selected from the group consisting of poly(lactides), poly(glycolides), poly(lactide-co-glycolides), poly(lactic acid)s, poly(glycolic acid)s, polycarbonates, polyesteramides, polyanhydrides, poly(amino acids), polyorthoesters, poly(dioxanones), poly(alkylene alkylates), copolymers of polyethylene glycol and polyorthoester, biodegradable polyurethanes, blends thereof, and copolymers thereof.
5. The process of claim 1, wherein the biocompatible polymer is purified 50:50 DL PLG 4A polymer having an inherent viscosity of between about 0.3 and about 0.5 dL/g.
6. The process of claim 1, wherein in step c), the silicone oil is added to the water-in-oil emulsion in from about 1 minute to about 5 minutes, and the coacervation mixture is held for less than or about 1 minute.
7. The process of claim 1, wherein in step d), the ratio of the quench solvent to the solvent for the biocompatible polymer is 16:1 (v/v), the quench solvent is a heptane/ethanol mixture, the solvent for the biocompatible polymer is methylene chloride, and the transfer time is less than or about 3 minutes.