FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The invention relates to compositions containing polypeptides, including interleukin-11, that are suitable for oral administration.
Recombinant human interleukin-11 (rhIL-11) is a non-glycosylated polypeptide of 177 amino acids. The polypeptide lacks cysteine residues and is highly basic (pi > 10.5). rhIL-11 is a member of a family of human growth factors that includes human growth hormone (hGH) and granulocytei colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF).
rhIL-11 is used as a chemotherapeutic support agent and is administered in conjunction with other cancer treatments to increase .platelet levels. rhIL-11 has also been demonstrated to have anti-inflammatory effects and to be useful in treating conditions such as Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. IL-11 is typicaUy administered via.subcutaneous injection. Formulations for subcutaneous injections must be sterile, and can be expensive relative to other routes of administration. The route is also inconvenient and uncomfortable. Subcutaneous injection has additionally been associated with complications such as local tissue.damage and infection, at the area of injection.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The invention is based in part on the discovery of rhIL-11 compositions that can be delivered orally to a subject. .
In one aspect, the invention provides a therapeuticallysieffective delayed release Oral dosage composition that includes a bioactive polypeptide, an enteric coat (such as a methacrylic acid copolymer), and, optionally, at least one excipient- In some embodiments^ the bioactive polypeptide includes one or more properties selected from the group consisting of lacking an N-
linked glycosylation site, having no more than one cysteine amino acid, and having a basic pi. In some embodiments, the Dolvoeptide has no cysteine residues.
A preferred polypeptide is IL-11. The invention is described herein with reference to the bioactive polypeptide IL-11. However, it is understood that the features of the invention described with respect to IL-11 are also applicable to compositions and methods including other bioactive polypeptides
In one embodiment, the composition further includes an inert core. The inert core can be, e.g., a pellet, sphere or bead made up of sugar, starch, microcrystallinecellulose or any other pharmaceutically acceptable inert excipient. A preferred inert core is a carbohydrate, such as a monosaccharide, disaccharide, or polysaccharide, i.e., a polymer including three or more sugar molecules. An example of a suitable carbohydrate is sucrose. In some embodiments, the sucrose is present in the composition at a concentration of 60-75% wt/wt.
When the bioactive polypeptide is IL-11, the IL-11 layer is preferentially provided with a stabilizer such as methionine, glycine, polysorbate 80 and phosphate buffer, and/or a pharmaceutically acceptable binder, such as hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, povidone or hydroxypropylcellulose. The composition can additionally include one or more pharmaceutical excipients. Such pharmaceutical excipients include, e.g., binders, disintegrants, fillerSj plasticizers, lubricants, glidants, coatings and suspending/dispersing agents.
A preferred binder is hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC). The HPMC is preferably present hi the composition at a concentration of 3-7% wt/wt,
A preferred glidant is talc. In some embodiments, the glidant is present in the composition at a concentration of 5-10% wt/wt.
Plasticizers can include, e.g., triethylcitrate, polyethylene glycols, diburyl phthalate, triacetin, dibutyl sebucate and propylene glycol. A preferred plasticizer is triethyl citrate. For example, the triethyl citrate can be present at a concentration of 1-2% wl/wt.
A preferred surfactant is polysorbate 80. The polysorbate 80 can be present at a concentration of 0.015-0.045% wt/wt
In some embodiments, the composition is provided as a multiparticulate system that . includes a plurality of enteric coated, IL-11 layered pellets in a capsule dosage form., The enteric coated EL-11 pellets include an inert core, such as a carbohydrate sphere, a layer of IL-11
and an enteric coat. The enteric coat can include, e.g., a pH dependent polymer, a plasticizer, and an antisticking agent/glidant. Preferred polymers include, e.g., methacrvlic acid copolymer, cellulose acetate phthalate, hydroxpropylmethylcellulose phthalate, polyvinyl acetate phthalate, shellac, hydroxpropylmethylcelluloseacetate succinate, carboxy-methylcellulose.
Preferably, an inert seal coat is present in the composition as a barrier between the IL-11 layer and enteric coat. The inert seal coat can be, e.g., hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose, povidone, hydroxypropylcellulose or another pharmaceutically acceptable binder.
Suitable sustained release polymers include, e.g., ammo methacrylate copolymers •..:: (Eudragit RL, Eudragit RS), ethylcellulose or hydroxypropyl methylcellulose. In some embodiments, the methacrylic acid copolymer is a pH dependent anionic polymer solubilizing : above pH 5.5. The methacrylic acid copolymer can be provided as a dispersion and be present in the composition at a concentration of 10-20% wt/wt. A preferred methacrylic acid copolymer is EUDRAGIT® L 30 D-55.
In preferred embodiments, the enteric coated tablet dosage form includes IL-11, a filler microcrystallinecellulose (Avicel PH 102), a disintegrant Explotab, a buffer sodium phosphate, an antioxidant methionine, a surfactant Tween 80, a lubricant magnesium stearate and an enteric coat.
In a preferred embodiment, the sustained release tablet dosage form that includesIL-11, fillers (e.g., microcrystallinecellulose (Avicel PH 102) and sucrose), a matrix forming polymer (hydroxypropylmethylcellulose Methocel K4MPrem, Methocel Kl 00 LV, LH, CR, Premium), a glidant (such as Syloid), a buffer sodium phosphate, an antioxidant methionine, a surfactant (such as Tween 80), and-a lubricant (such as magnesium stearate).
In another embodiment, the composition includes glycine. In some embodiments, the glycine is present in the composition at a concentration of 1-4% wt/wt.
The composition may optionally further include an antioxidant. An example of a suitable
antioxidant is methionine. m some embodiments, the methionine is present in the composition at
a concentration of 0.1-0.5% \vtAvt.
The IL-11 can be provided as a purified protein isolated from naturally occurring IL-11.
Alternatively, the IL-11 polypeptide can be provided as arecombinant form of the polypeptide,
e.g., recombinant human IL-11 (rhIL-11). . :
In another aspect, the invention provides a therapeutically effective delayed release oral dosage multiparticulate composition including an EL-11 polypeptide, a first sealing coat, an enteric coating layer, and a second sealing coat. A preferred sealing coat is HPMC. The enteric coating layer of the composition can be, e.g., a methacrylic acid copolymer. A preferred methacrylic acid copolymer is soluble at apH above 5.5, for example EUDRAGIT® L 3
Also provided by the invention is a sustained release composition that includes an IL-11 polypeptide, an enteric coat (such as a methacrylic acid copolymer), and, optionally, at least one excipient. In one embodiment, the composition further includes.an inert core. The inert core can be, e.g., a pellet, sphere or bead made up of sugar, starch, microcrystallinecellulose or any other pharmaceutically acceptable inert excipient A preferred inert core is a carbohydrate, such as a monosaccharide, disaccharide, or polysaccharide, i.e., a polymer including three or more sugar molecules. An example of a suitable carbohydrate is sucrose. In some embodiments, the sucrose is present in the composition at a concentration of 60-75% wt/wt.
The invention also provides a method of delivering an IL-11 polypeptide to a subject by orally administering to the subject an IL-11 polypeptide containing composition as described herein in an amount sufficient to elicit a biological response in the subject. In some embodiments, the response is elicited hi the small intestine of the subject.
The subject used in the herein described method can be, e^g., a human, a non-human primate, a dog, a cat, horse, cow, pig, sheep, rabbit, rat, or mouse.
In another aspect, the invention provides a method of treating or preventing inflammation in a subject by administering to the subject an oral composition that includes IL-11. In some embodiments, the inflammation is associated with ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease.
Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same
meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention
belongs. Although methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be
used in the practice or testing of the invention, suitable methods and materials are described
below. All publications, patent applications, patents, and othej references mentioned herein are
incorporated by reference in .their entirety. In the case of conflict, the present Specification,
including definitions, will control. In addition, the materials, methods, and examples are
illustrative only and not intended to be limiting. .
Other features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a multi-paiticulate EL-11 formulation suitable for oral delivery.
FIG. 2 is a schematic illustration of a process for making a multi-particulate EL-11 formulation suitable for oral delivery.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
The invention provides formulations of bioactive polypeptides that are suitable for oral delivery, hi some embodiments, the bioactive polypeptide is non-glycosylated (e.g., lacking either N-linked or O-linked glycosylation sites, or both sites), lacks a cysteine residue, and/or has a basic pi. The absence of glycosylation can be either because the naturally occurring polypeptide lacks sites for glycosylation or because the protein has been engineered to lack these sites. Alternatively, the polypeptide may be treated with, e.g., glycosylases to reduce or remove glycosylated residues. Similarly, the lack of cysteine residues can occur in the naturally occurring polypeptide sequence or in a variant form of a polypeptide in which naturally , occurring cysteine residues have been either deleted or replaced with non-cysteine residues.
A preferred polypeptide for use in the formulation is interleukin 11 (EL-11). This protein .As a pleiotropic cytokine that stimulates primitive lymphohematopoietic progenitor cells and acts in synergy with other hematopoietic growth factors to stimulate the proliferation and maturation of megakaryocytes. IL-11 is described in detail in International Application PCT/US90/06803, published May 30,1991; as well as in US. Pat. No. 5,215,895; issued Jun. 1,1993. A cloned human IL-11 was previously deposited with the ATCC, 10801 University Boulevard, Manassas,
3?*
Va. 20110-2209, on Mar. 30,1990 under ATCC No. 68284. Moreover, as described in U.S. Pat. No, 5,270,181; issued Dec. 14,1993; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,292,646; issued Mar. 8; 1994; IL-11 may also be produced recombinantly as a fusion protein with another protein. EL-11 can be
produced in a variety of host cells by resort to now conventional genetic engineering techniques. In addition, IL-11 can be obtained from various cell lines, for example, the human lung fibroblast cell line, MRC-5 (ATCC Accession No. CCL 171) and Paul et al., the human trophoblastic cell line, TPA30-1 (ATCC Accession No. CRL 1583). Described hi Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 87:7512 (1990) is a cDNA encoding human IL-11 as well as the deduced amino acid sequence (ammo acids 1 to 199). U.S. Pat. No. 5,292,646, supra, describes a des-Pro form of IL-11 in which the N-terminal proline of the mature form of IL-11 (amino acids 22-199) has been removed (amino acids 23-199). As is appreciated by one skilled in the art, any form of IL-11, which retains IL-11 activity, is useful according to the present invention.
In addition to recombinant techniques, IL-11 may also be produced by known conventional chemical synthesis. Methods for constructing the polypeptides useful in the present invention by synthetic means are known to those of skill hi the art. The synthetically constructed cytokine polypeptide sequences, by virtue of sharing primary, secondary, or tertiary structural and conformational characteristics with the natural cytokine polypeptides are anticipated to possess biological activities in common therewith. Such synthetically constructed cytokine polypeptide sequences or fragments thereof, which duplicate or partially duplicate the functionality thereof may also be used in the method of this invention. Thus, they may be employed as biologically active or immuiiological substitutes for the natural, purified cytokines useful in the present invention.
Modifications in the protein, peptide or DNA sequences of these cytokines or active fragments thereof may also produce proteins whicli may be employed in the methods of this invention. Such modified cytokines can be made by one skilled in the art using known techniques. Modifications of interest in the cytokine sequences, e.g., the IL-11 sequence, may include the replacement, insertion or deletion of one or more selected amino acid residues iti the coding sequences.' Mutagenic techniques for such replacement, insertion or deletion are well known to one skilled hi the art (See, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 4,518,584.)
Other specific mutations of the sequences of the cytokine polypeptides which may be useful therapeutically as described herein may involve, e.g., the insertion of one or more glycosylation sites. Ah asparagine-linked glycosylation recognition site can be inserted into the sequence by the deletion, substitution or addition of amino acids into the peptide sequence or
nuclebtides into the DNA sequence. Such changes may be made at any site of the molecule that peptide sequences produces variants which may be glycosylated at those sites.
Additional analogs and derivatives of the sequence of the selected cytokine which would be expected to retain or prolong its activity in whole or in part, and \vhich are expected to be useful in the present method, may also be easily made by one of skill in the art. One such modification may be the attachment of polyethylene glycol (PEG) onto existing lysine residues in the cytokine sequence or the insertion of one or more lysine residues or other amino acid residues that can react with PEG or PEG derivatives into the sequence by conventional techniques to enable the attachment of PEG moieties.
Additional analogs of these selected cytokines may also be characterized by allelic variations in the DNA sequences encoding them, or induced variations in the DNA sequences encoding them. It is anticipated that all analogs disclosed in the above-referenced publications, including those characterized by DNA sequences capable of hybridizing to the disclosed cytokine sequences under stringent hybridization conditions or non-stringent conditions (Sambrook et al., Molecular Cloning^ A Laboratory Manual, 2d edit, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, New York (1989)) will be similarly useful in this invention.
Also considered useful hi the compositions and methods disclosed herein are fusion molecules, prepared by fusing the sequence.or a biologically active fragment of the sequence of one cytokine to another cytokine or proteinaceous therapeutic agent, e.g., IL-11 fused to IL-6 (see, e.g., methods for fusion described in PCT/IJS91/06186 (W092/04455), published Mar. 19, 1992). Alternatively, combinations of the cytokines may be administered together according to the method.
Thus, where in the description of the methods of this invention IL-11 is mentioned by name, it is understood by those of skill in the art that BL-11 encompasses the protein produced by the sequences presently disclosed in the art, as well as proteins characterized by the modifications described above yet which retain substantially ^irnilar activity.
A schematic diagram showing a preferred multiparticulate IL-11 formulation is shown in FIG. 1. On to a central sugar sphere-is disposed a layer containing rhIL-11, This rhEL-11 drug layer in turn is covered with a hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) sealing coat This
HPMC sealing coat is covered with a methacrylic acid copolymer (e.g., with Eudragit L20D-55) enteric coat and the entire pellet is covered with a second or final HPMC sealing coafe
Oral IL-11 formulations can be prepared using any method known in the art. Examples of suitable methods include fluid bed spraying onto sucrose spheres, direct compression, and wet granulation synthetic methods. Methods of preparing compositions according to the invention are illustrated in the Examples, below.
A flow diagram illustrating a preferred method for making multiparticulate IL-11 particles suitable for oral delivery is shown in FIG.2. The drug layer sealing coat, enteric coat, and second sealing coat are sequentially added within a fluid-bed coater. At each step temperature and mass of the formulations are preferably monitored.
The flow diagram illustrates that sugar spheres are loaded onto a fluid-bed coater and coated with a drug layer that includes rhIL-11, sodium phosphate dibasic, sodium phosphate monobasic, glycine, polysorbate 80,;methionine, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC), and purified water to form a coat. An enteric coat is applied containing Eudragit, talc, sodium hydroxide, triethyl citrate, and purified water. A seal coat of HPMC and purified water is then applied followed by talc as an anti-static agent. Subsequent processing can include, e.g., storage for 180 days at 2-8 degrees Centigrade.
Procedures for synthesizing formulations suitable for oral delivery are known in the art
and are described in, e.g., Bergstrand etal., US Patent No. 6,428,810, Chen et al., US Patent No.
6,077,541, Ullah et al., US Patent No. 6,331,316, Chen et al., US Patent No., 6,174,548, and
Anderson etal., US Patent No. 6,207,682.
The formulations of the invention can be delivered in any suitable form, e.g., they can be provided as capsules, sachets, tablets or suspensions.
The formulations can be used to treat indications for which IL-11 has been demonstrated to be efficacious. A preferred indication is inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). This condition is characterized by chronic intestinal inflammation that results in clinical symptoms such as diarrhea, bleeding, abdominal pain, fever, joint pain, and weight loss. These symptoms can range from mild to severe, and may gradually and subtly develop from an initial minor discomfort, or may present themselves suddenly with acute intensity.
IBD is a prevalent cause of chronic illness in a large segment of the patient population. It
Although the two conditions can appear clinically very similar, UC primarily involves inflammation of the colon and rectum, as opposed to the upper GI tract. Crohn's Disease, in contrast, impacts a greater area of the upper intestinal digestive tract, and is thus more likely to
t
trigger malabsorptionj along with chronic vitamin and nutrient deficiencies.
The oral IL-11 formulations described herein can be administered with additional agents that treat inflammatory bowel disease. Additional agents include, e.g., corticosteroids, immunosuppressive agents, infliximab, and mesalamine, which is a substance that helps control inflammation. Mesalamines include, e.g., sulfasalazine and 5-ASA agents, such as Asacol, Dipentum, or Pentasa. The oral IL~11 formulations can additionally be administered with antibiotics, including, for example, ampicillin, sulfonamide, cephalosporin, tetracycline, or metronidazole.
The dosage regimen involved hi a method for treating the above-described conditions will be determined by the attending physician considering various factors which modify the action of drugs, e.g. the condition, body weight, sex and diet of the patient, the severity of any infection, time of administration and other clinical factors. Generally, the daily regimen should be in the range of 1-30 miUigrams of polypeptide.
Th'e invention will be further illustrated in the following non-limiting examples.
Example 1: Compatibility of rhIL-11 with various formulation excipients and antioxidants
Compatibility studies were performed on rhIL-11 tablets containing formulation excipients and antioxidants indicated in Table 1. Excipients investigated included fillers, disintegrants, buffers, glidants and lubricants. rhIL-11 tablets containing these excipients were prepared by direct compression. Lyophilized rhIL-11 was collected, sieved through #30 mesh screen, and transferred into a suitably sized vial containing all other excipients. Materials were blended by rotating the vial for 2-3 minutes. For those formulations containing magnesium stearate (Fl, F2, F4-F8), the magnesium stearate was added at this point and blending was continued for another 0.5 — 1 minute.
Each tablet weighed 150 mg and contained 2.5 mg of rhIL-11 (added as lyophilized powder prepared by freeze drying the frozen concentrate in vials containing quantities equivalent to 5 mg rhIL-11 as well as sodium phosphate and glycine). The tablets were placed on stability at 40°C/75%RH and tested for strength and %Met58 oxidized species at initial, two and four weeks using a reverse phase HPLC method. In general, all the formulations studied showed an increase in % Met58 oxidized species. The strength of rhIL-11 in formulation (F3) containing stearic acid dropped from initial 90.4% to 64.1% when placed on stability at 40°C/75% RH for a period of four weeks. In this formulation, % Met58 oxidized species also increased from 4.4% to 18.8% during this period. All formulations containing crospovidone (F4, F7, and F8) gave higher initial Met58 oxidized species contents as compared to the ones without it (Fl). Another 10% increase in Met58 oxidized species content was observed in the formulations containing crospovidone after storage for a period of four weeks at 40°C / 75% RH.
A second study was designed to examine the potential benefits of antioxidants. The antioxidants evaluated in this study were methionine, ascorbic acid and EDTA. The tablet formulations investigated contained 2.5 mg of rhIL-11 added as concentrate, sodium phosphate, microcrystalline cellulose, and magnesium stearate. Other ingredients are listed in Table 2. Tablets were manufactured by high shear granulation method followed by compression. Tablets were placed on stability at 40°C/75%RH and tested for % Met58 oxidized species at initial, two and four week time points. Formulation (Wl) containing crospovidone but without any antioxidant produced the highest % Met58 oxidized species. Formulations W2, W4, and W5 contained methionine as the antioxidant These formulations exhibited a small increase of 3-4% in % Met58 oxidized species after storage at 40°C/75%RH for period of four weeks. EDTA did not appear to provide additional protection against oxidation (W5). Ascorbic acid was also found not as effective as methionine (W3). Methionione appeared to be the most effective antioxidant hi rhIL-11 tablet formulations.
The final tablet formulation was selected based oh the results of excipient compatibility and antioxidant studies. Table 3 shows the formula used. In ofder to prevent the slow drug release of high shear granulation, the rhIL-11 tablets using this formula were manufactured by fluid bed granulation method. The tablets were sealed with a layer of HPMC, enteric coated with
an aqueous dispersion containing Eudragit® L30D, talc and triethyl citrate and sealed again with
Example 2: The integrity of rhDL-11 capsules during tablet manufacturing
The integrity of rhIL-11 following stresses encountered during the process of tablet manufacturing was investigated. Different compaction forces were used to evaluate the effect of tablet manufacturing stresses on the integrity of rhIL-11. These tablets weighed 150 mg, contained 2.5 mg of rhIL-11 (lyophilized powder), EXPLOTAB®, microcrystalUne cellulose, NU-TAB®, syloid and magnesium stearate. Tablets were directly compressed to hardness of 2.4,4.0,7.5, or 12.5 KP. The protein integrity was measured by determining % recovery, % multimer, % Met58 oxidized species, % related and specific activity of rhIL-11 by T-IO bioassay. The results in Table 4 show that recovery, % multimer, % Met58 oxidized species, and % related did not change for rhIL-11 tablets compressed to varying degrees of hardness. Similarly, the specific activity of various formulation blend and tablets were found within the range of specification (Table 5). This shows that compression force does not cause chemical or physical instability of rhIL-11 in the formulations studied.
ExampleS: Stability of enteric coated rhEL-11 tablets
The stability of enteric coated tablets prepared by fluid bed granulation was tested in HDPE bottles at 40°C/75%RH and room temperature. The stability testing measured % recovery, % Met58 oxidized species, and % related species. The results are shown in Table 6. The strength of rhIL-11, % Met58 oxidized species and % related species of enteric coated tablet did not change at various time points when stored at room temperature and at 40°C/ 75% PJH.
The dissolution test was performed in a micro-dissolution apparatus using 50 ml of glycine phosphate dissolution medium at Paddle speed of 50 or 100 rpm. The coated tablets were .tested for release of rhIL-11 in 0.1N HC1 for two hours followed by glycine /phosphate dissolution medium for the next 60 minutes. The dissolutiori*results revealed that less than 1 % rhIL-11 was released in two hours in 0. IN HC1. This suggests that 5% enteric coating is adequate in providing protection against gastric digestion. When dissolution test was run at pH 7
in glycme / phosphate buffer dissolution medium, enteric coating was dissolved and rhIL-11 was released. As seen previously for uncoated tablets, the drug release at 50 rpm was incomplete.
Example 4: Direct compression formulations
This investigation focused on developing a sustained release tablet formulation that releases IL-11 in about 5 hours. Direct compression formulations were prepared as follows. Lyophilized rhIL-11 was collected, sieved through # 30 mesh screen, and transferred into a suitably sized vial containing all other excipients except magnesium stearate. Materials were blended by rotating the vial for 2-3 minutes. Magnesium stearate was added at this point and blending was continued for another 0.5 -1 minute. Quantities of final blends equivalent to 2.5 mg fhIL-11 were weighed and compressed using a Kikusowi tableting press. Hardness was adjusted between 7 - 10 kp.
Dissolution was conducted using the USP paddle method at 50 RPM in 150 ml of phosphate buffer pH 7.0 containing methipnine, glycine, and Polysorbate 80 at 37 °C. 1 ml samples were withdrawn at predetermined time intervals and replaced with fresh medium. Analysis was conducted at ambient temperatures using a Vydac C4 column (2.1 x 150 mm, narrow bore). Flow rate was 0.5 ml per minute. Detection was performed at 214 nm. A gradient system was used with 0.1 % v/v TFA as mobile phase A and 0.1% v/v TFA in 80% acetonitrile as mobile phase B.
Table 7 shows formulations of tablets prepared by direct compression. Visual evaluation of dissolution of these formulations was performed to characterize their, physical behavior in the dissolution medium. Tablets of formulation 1 showed faster erosion than formulations 2 and 3 tablets. Tablets of formulation 2 exhibited the slowest erosion. All formulations exhibited significant swelling. Tablets of formulation 1 exhibited almost complete erosion after 5-6 hours of dissolution. About two thirds of formulation 2 tablets and.one third of formulation 3 tablets were eroded over the same period.
One explanation for these results is based on the tablet^HPMC content. When HPMC hydrates it forms a gel, which acts as a barrier controlling the dissolution and erosion of the matrix. As HPMC content increases, the gel structure becomes stronger and tighter. This enhances the viscosity and thickness of the gel layer at the surface of the tablet. Consequently,
dissolution of the matrix tablet slows down. These results indicate that drug release from formulations 1 and 2 are ontimal.
Example 5: Wet granulation formulations
Wet granulation formulations were prepared using high sheer or fluid bed methods. rhlL-11 solution was added to the excipients except the sustained release polymer and magnesium stearate. The granules were dried, sieved through a #30 mesh screen and blended with the '.. polymer and magnesium stearate. Quantities of final blends equivalent to 2.5 mg rhIL-11 were weighed and compressed using a Kikusowi tabletmg press. Hardness was adjusted between 7 -10 kp.
Dissolution was conducted using USP paddle method at 50 RPM in 150 ml of phosphate buffer pH 7.0 containing methionine, glycine, and Polysorbate 80 at 37 °C. 1 ml samples were withdrawn at predetermined time intervals and replaced with fresh medium. Analysis was conducted at ambient temperatures using a Vydac C4 column (2.1 x 150 mm, narrow bore). Flow rate was 0.5 ml per minute. Detection was performed at 214 nm. A gradient system was used with 0.1 % v/v TFA as mobile phase A and 0.1% v/v TFA hi 80% acetonitrile as mobile phase B.
Sustained release formulations were prepared using granulation obtained by high sheer technique, see Table 8. A portion of drug solution was added to a blend of all excipients except polymer and magnesium stearate. The wet mass was then dried. The cycle was repeated three times to obtain targeted drug loading. The polymer was then added to the blend followed by the addition of magnesium stearate. The physical behavior of the tablets prepared from these formulations in the dissolution medium was found to be similar to that shown by direct compression formulations containing similar levels of HPMC. Studies with immediate release tablets prepared from high sheer granulation showed that it was difficult to obtain complete release of rhIL-11. Studies with tablets prepared from fluid bed granulation indicate tiiat this method is the most appropriate for rhIL-11 granulation among^the techniques that were investigated with respect to manufacture and release of rhIL-11.
Table 9 shows the compositions of three sustained release tablets prepared by fluid bed granulation. Fluid bed granulation contain rhIL-11 mixture, Avicel PHI02, sodium phosphate

monobasic, sodium phosphate dibasic, methionine and polysorbate 80. In these studies, the sucrose which was used in the direct compression and high sheer granulation formulations was replaced with mannitol, as sucrose was found responsible for discoloring of the immediate release tablets during storage.
Example 6: Effect of buffer strength on dissolution of rhDL-li
The effect of buffer strength 50 mM and 100 mM on the dissolution of rhEL-11 was studied. The concentrations of glycine, methionine, and polysorbate 80 in dissolution medium were kept constant. Dissolution of tablets of formulations 6 - 8 (Table 9), was performed in both media. Dissolution was significantly faster and almost complete in 100 mM medium. On the other hand, only 15% of rhIL-11 were released from the tablet after 5 hours in 50 mM medium.
To understand these results, changes occurring to dissolving tablets were followed in both media. Tablets showed significant swelling and fast erosion in 100 mM medium. They disappeared after about 5 hours of dissolution. On the other hand, tablets swelled in the 50 mM medium but showed minimal erosion after 5 hours of dissolution. This could be due to the fact that the strength of HPMC gel structure is sensitive to ionic strength. Increasing the concentration of phosphate buffer in dissolution medium increases its ionic strength and reduces the strength and tightness of HPMC gel structure.
Example 7: Effect of polymer and its viscosity grade
Formulation 6 showed a fast initial dissociation rate in 100 mM phosphate medium. Formulation 6 contains Methocel K4M PREM as a sustained release polymer. In order to reduce this initial rate of dissolution, higher viscosity grade of HPMC (Methocel K15 M PREM) was incorporated in the formulation. Tablets of formulations 7 and 8 exhibited improved dissolution behavior. The higher rate of dissolution exhibited by formulation 8 as compared to that for formulation 7 could be due to the disintegrant properties of the extragranular microcrystalline cellulose (Avicel PHI 02), which was not present in the tablets of formulation 7.
Matrix tablet formulations were prepared using PEO alone or in combination with HPMC. Visual evaluation of the erosion and dissolution of some of these formulations was
encouraging. HPLC analysis of the dissolution samples of these formulations was difficult
Prototype formulations which exhibit an optimized release profile for rhIL-11 in 50 mM phosphate medium were prepared and tested. Various formulations were prepared and tested. Monitoring the erosion and dissolution of these formulations indicated that using 20 - 30 %
*
methocel K100 LV, LH, CR Premium as a sustained release polymer might lead to obtaining formulations that exhibit an acceptable dissolution behavior. Table 10 shows the compositions of these formulations.
Dissolution of rhIL-11 from formulations 9 and 10 was examined. The dissolution of rhEL-11 slows down significantly after two hours. Sometimes a decrease in drug concentration was noticed after two hours of dissolution. The incomplete release could be due to adsorption of rhEL-11 to some of the formulation excipients. This phenomenon has also been observed for immediate release tablets and beads.
To improve the release of rhBL-11, buffer species in the formulation as well as the dissolution medium was changed from sodium phosphate to ammonium phosphate. Formulation 1.1 was prepared using ammonium phosphate while the extragranular sodium phosphates were eliminated from formulation 12. Dissolution of formulations 11 and 12 was conducted in a medium prepared using ammonium phosphate species. Dissolution results showed an increase in the amount of drug released after 5 hours of dissolution while maintaining an acceptable dissolution profile.
:• ' "Example 8: Process for manufacturing rhIL-11 delayed release multiparticulate pellets
rhIL-11 enteric-coated pellets are manufactured using a process that includes thawing and dilution of the rhIL-11 drug substance; rhIL-11 layering of the pellets; seal coating; enteric coating; final seal coating; and talc application. The multiparticulate pellet components are listed in Table 11.
rhIL-11 is mixed at room temperature with dilution buffer (4 mM sodium phosphate monobasic, 6 mM sodium phosphate dibasic, 0.3 M glycine, pH 7.0) to a final concentration of 10 mg/ml. The diluted rhDL-11 is compounded with hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (10% solution), methionine, Polysorbate 80, and purified water to generate the drug-layering solution.
The drug-layering solution (-40,600 g) is applied to ~20,000g of sugar spheres within a
fluid-bed coater utilizing an inlet temperature range of 47-53°C, an exhaust air temperature of
30-45°C, a supply air velocity of 350-550 CFM, a spray rate of 35-85 g/min, and atomizing air at
30-40 PSI. .
A seaUcoating solution (~2900 g) is applied to the drug-layered pellets. The seal-coat
» solution is composed of a 7.5% solution of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose in purified water
(w/w). As with the drag-coating layer, a fluid-bed coater is used utilizing an inlet temperature range of 47-536C, an exhaust air temperature of 30-55°C, a supply air volume of 400-500 CFM, a spray rate of 25-45 g/min., and atomizing air at 30r40 PSI. The function of this seal coating is to provide an inert barrier between the rhIL-11 protein core and the acidic enteric-coating environment.
An enteric-coating solution (~3 0,900 g) is then applied to the sealed drug-coated pellets. A fluid-bed coater is used utilizing an inlet temperature range of 32-38°C, an exhaust air temperature of 25-40°C, a supply air volume of 550-700 CFM, a spray rate of 45-85 g/min., and atomizing air at 25-35 PSI. The function of the enteric-coat layer is to provide a barrier to the acidic pH of the stomach.
A second seal coat (~3880 g) is applied to the enteric-coated pellets. The seal-coat solution is composed of a 7.5% solution of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose in purified water (w/w). As before, a fluid-bed coater is used utilizing an inlet temperature range of 32-3 8PC, an exhaust air temperature of 25-40°C, a supply air volume of 550-700 CFM, a spray rate of 25-45 g/mia, and atomizing air at 25-35 PSI. The function of the final seal-coat layer is to eliminate potential pellet-to-pellet sticking of the enteric-coat layer. The seal*-coat layer is soluble in acid and is removed by the first step in the dissolution test. An in-process strength test is performed after the application of the final seal-coat layer to determine the target fill weight of the capsules.
At the completion of the final seal-coat step, talc is added to the fluid-bed coater. The
sealed rhIL*l1 enteric-coated pellets are mixed with the talc for 30-60 seconds to eliminate
static. The talc-treated pellets are then discharged:from the fluid-bed coater and placed into
double polyethylene-lined containers with two desiccant bags, one between the polyethylene
bags and one outside .the bags. The pellets are then filled into capsules. :
Example 9: Stability of enteric coated multiparticulate pellets of rhIL-11
Thp. stability nfenterir. mated rpnltipaTtifin.la.te pellets (prepared by fluid bed
. granulation) was tested under long-term storage conditions at 2-8°C for 0-6 months. The stability testing consisted of strength, %recovery, %Met58 oxidized species, and %related species. Table
"X indicates that strength of rhIL-11, %Met58 oxidized species and % related of enteric coated
tablet did not change at various time points when stored at 2-8°C for 0-6 months.
The stability of enteric coated multiparticulate pellets (prepared by fluid bed coating) was tested under accelerated storage conditions at 25°C/60% RH for 0-6 months. These data are -presented in Table 13.
Example 10: Effectof rhIL-11 treatment on chronic diarrhea in HLA-B27 rats
Male transgenic HLA-B27 rats were purchased from Taconic Farms (Germantown, NY) and were housed individually under controlled conditions (21°C; 50 ±10% humidity; 12-h light/dark cycle). The HLA-B27 rats were obtained at 10 weeks of age and were housed in the animal facility until the age of 40 weeks (350 ± 40g, n=12). At the age of 40 weeks, the transgenic rats had intestinal inflammation manifested by chronic diarrhea. Age-matched nontransgenic Fisher 344 rats purchased from Charles ^iver Laboratories Inc. (Wilmington, MA) genetically engineered to carry high-copy numbers of the human major histocompatibility complex class 1 allele B27 and Pa-microglpbulin genes were used as controls (370 + 20g, n=6). The Fisher 344 rats appeared to be healthy, and.the stool consistency was normal. Loose stools without pellet formation and diarrhea were observed in all HLA-B27 rats prior to administration ofrhtt>ll.
rhIL-11 multiparticulates contained approximately 1 mg of rhIL-11 per 100 mg multiparticulates, whereas sucrose multiparticulates serves as placebo controls. The cumulative effect of single oral doses of enteric-coated rhILL-11 multiparticulates equivalent to 500 ug/kg rhIL-11 given on alternative days during 2 weeks of treatment was followed by observing the symptoms of diarrhea. Three groups of animals were involvecl in the study: a test group that included HLA-B27 rats (n=6) treated with rhIL-11; the vehicle-control group consisting of HLA-B27 rats (n=6) treated with placebo; and a healthy control group consisting of age-matched F344
rats (n=6) treated with placebo. The animals were weighed daily during the 2 weeks of oral administration of rhIL-11, and there was no significant change in body weight induced by either rhIL-11 or the placebo.
All HLA-B27 rats showed clinical symptoms of colitis. The stool character was observeu daily and characterized as normal, soft, or diarrhea. Scores of 0 for normal, 1 for soft with pellets formed, 2 for soft with no pellet formation, and 3 for diarrhea, were given daily before and during treatment of HLA-B27 rats with rhIL-11 or placebo. Average daily scores were calculated to characterize stool consistency.
Oral administration of rhIL-11 resulted in significant inhibition of the symptoms of
diarrhea, i.e., following the first 9 days of treatment the stool character changed toward normal
with soft but normally formed pellets. No changes in stool character were observed hi HLA-B27
rats receiving placebo. Likewise, placebo treatment had no effect on the normal stool character
hi healthy F344 rats.
Example 11: Effect of rhIL-11 treatment of HLA-B27 rats on intestinal inflammation
rhIL-11 was administered orally to test animals as described above in Example 10. Animals were evaluated for intestinal inflammation. All animals were euthanized 4 h after the last administration of rhIL-11 or placebo, and the jejunum and colon were isolated immediately.
Myeloperoxidase (MPO), specifically expressed by neutrophils, is considered a marker of inflammatory cell infiltration. The activity of MPO in intestinal tissue extracts was used as an index of inflammation. Full-thickness jejuna! and, colonic samples (100-150 mg) were taken. from the tissue isolated for the contractile experiments and were immediately frozen in liquid nitrogen. The samples were stored at -80°C and MPO activity was assayed simultaneously for the whole set of experiments. Homogenizatiori and extraction of MPO from the homogenate were carried out in hexadodecyl-trimethylammonium bromide phosphate buffer (pH 6). MPO activity was tested in 10-pl samples using 3,3',5,5'-tetramethylbenzidine Microwell peroxidase substrate system (Sigma Chemical Co., St. Louis, MO) and horseradish peroxidase as a relative
standard. MPO activity was expressed as equivalent to the activity of the relative standard (nanograms of horseradish peroxidase) converting the same amount of 3,3',5,5'-
tetramethylbenzidine substrate for 10 min at room temperature. The data was expressed in
A 2.3-fold increase of MPO activity in the small intestine and a 3.8-fold increase of MPO activity in the colon of HLA-B27 rats treated with placebo in comparison with placebbrtreated nontransgenic Fisher 344 rats. Treatment of HLA-B27 rats with rhIL-11 significantly reduced the activity of MPO in both the jejunum and colon. At the end of the 2-week treatment with rhIL-11, MPO activity was reduced to levels that resembled those in nontransgenic Fisher 344 rats. In contest, the same course of treatment with placebo showed no significant decrease in MPO activity in the jejunum and colon from HLA-B27 rats.
Example 12: Effect of rhIL-11 treatment of HLA-B27 rats on intestinal inflammation -histological evaluation
Jejuna! and colonic tissue samples were harvested from HLA-B27 rats following the oral administration of rhIL-11 or placebo. The specimens were immersed in 10% neutral-buffered fonnalin, processed, embedded m paraffin, and sectioned at 5-uni thickness. Slide-mounted sections were stained with hematoxylin and eosin and investigated by light microscopy for the presence of ulceration, inflammatory infiltrates, transmural lesions, and fibrosis. The slides were examined in a blinded fashion, and each parameter was scored as follows: 0 to 2 for ulceration and fibrosis; 0 to 3 for inflammation and depth of lesions. The absence of pathology was scored as zero. A total score was calculated according to the method described by Boughton-Smith et a/. (1998) as the sum of the scores of individual parameters (maximum was 10).
The improvement in stool character (seen in Example 10 above) was associated with healing of colonic mucosa. Alternate day therapy with enteric coated rhIL-11 resulted in reduction of the histological lesions in the HLA-B27 transgenic rats. A well established decrease in the histological lesion scores was seen in sections isolated from the colon of animals receiving rhIL-11.
Example 13: Acute effect of rhIL-11 on basal contractile activity
Segments of the jejunum (approximately 5 cm distal to the ligament of Treitz) and the colon (approximately 4 cm distal to the ileocecal junction) were harvested and placed in ice-cold
oxygenated Krebs' bicarbonate solution. Longitudinal muscle strips were dissected from the intestinal segments by gently peeling the muscle in longitudinal direction. Muscle strips (10-12 mm long) were excised following the direction of the muscle with the help of a dissecting microscope, and both ends were secured with silk surgical suture (size 3-0). The strips were mounted vertically in 10-ml organ baths with one end fixed and the other attached to an isometric force transducer (Radnoti Glass Technology Inc., Monrovia, CA). The baths were filled with Krebs' bicarbonate solution, maintained at 37°C and aerated with 95% Oa and 5% COa. The solution was changed by perfusion at 30-min intervals. Each smooth muscle strip was allowed to equilibrate at zero tension for 20 min, followed by consecutive loading with 0.20g force increments until a level of optimal resting tension was achieved. Resting tension was considered to increase with loading. Strips were allowed an additional 20 min of equilibration. All experiments were performed at optimal tension and isometric contractions were recorded using a MacLab data acquisition system (AD Instruments Ltd., Castle Hill, Australia).
In the jejunal longitudinal muscle of F344 control rats, basal activity recorded at optimal tension was characterized by low resting tension (3.1 ± 0.8 nM/mm2) and spontaneous Ipw-. amplitude contractions appearing at a frequency of 18 ± 5 cycles/mm. There was no significant difference between the basal activity recorded in muscled isolated from placebo-treated F344, placebo-treated HLA-B27 rats, orHLA-B27 rats treated with rhIL-11. WhenrhIL-11 (1-10,000 ng/ml) was added to the bathing solution, no significant changes in background activity were found in jejunal muscles isolated from both Fisher 344 or HLA-B27 rats. Accordingly, contractions induced by carbachol (0.1 uM) were not altered when rhIL-11 (1-10,000 ng/ml) was present into the bathing solution.
Colonic longitudinal muscles isolated from placebo-treated control F344 rats showed low
resting tension (2.4 ± 0.3 mN/mm2) with or without occurrence of spontaneous contractions.
Resting tension and spontaneous contractions were similar in muscles from F344 and HLA-B27
rats receiving placebo or rhJL-11. The addition of rhIL-11 (1-10,000 ng/ml) to the bathing
solution showed no acute effects on spontaneous contractility*or contractile responses to
carbachol (1 pM) in the colon of Fisher 344 rats or HLA-B27 rats. .
Example 14: Effects of rhBL-11 treatment on receptor-independent intestinal muscle
The effect of rfiIL-1 1 treatment on receptor-independent intestinal muscle contraction was examined. Increasing the concentration of KCI in the bathing solution induced receptor-
independent membrane depolarization and muscle contraction. Concentrations of 60 to 80 mM
KCI were required to elicit maximal contractions in jejuna! or colonic muscle strips isolated from both Fisher 344 and HLA-B27 rats. However, the active tension generated by muscles from placebos-treated HLA-B27 rats was lower compared with that generated by muscles from placebo-treated Fisher 344 rats. Treatment of HLA-B27 rats with rhIL-1 1 increased the maximal contraction induced by high KCl in both the jejunum and colon. Morever, there was no significant difference between the responses to high KCI in muscles isolated from HLA-B27 rats treated with rhIL-1 1 compared with placebo-treated Fisher 344 rats.
Example 15: Effects of rhBL-11 treatment on cholinergic intestinal muscle contraction
The effect of rhIL-1 1 treatment on cholinergic intestinal muscle contraction was examined. Complete dose-response curved to carbachol were obtained hi jejunal and colonic longitudinal muscle. Longitudinal muscles isolated from the jejunum of HLA-B27 rats showed abnormal contractile responses. The maximal active tension generated in response to increasing concentrations of carbachol (a nM-10 µM) was significantly lower in the muscles isolated from placebo-treated HLA-B27 rats compared with placebo-treated Fisher 344 rats. The reduction in contractile responses, was accompanied by a shift of the dose->response curve to lower carbachol concentrations. Accordingly, the ECso for carbachol. in jejunal muscles from placebo-treated HLA-B27 rats is significantly lower compared with the ECso value obtained in the jejunum of Fisher 344 rats. The treatment of HLA-B27 transgenic rats with rhIL-1 1 resulted in a significant increase in carbachol-induced maximal tension generated by the jejunal muscle. Besides the significant increase, me amplitude of maximal response remained lower than the maximal contraction in muscles from placebo-treated Fisher 344 rats. Irhe ECso for carbachol in the jejunum of HLA-B27 rats treated with rhIL-1 1 was significantly reduced compared with placebo-treated HLA-B27 rats and was similar to the ECso in the jejunum of Fisher 344 rats.
The maximal active tension generated in response to carbachol by colonic muscles from placebo-treated HLA-B27 rats was lower than that generated by muscles from placebo-treated Fisher 344 rats. Following rhIL-11 therapy, the maximal tension induced by carbachol in colonic muscles from rhIL-11 treated HLA-B27 rats was significantly increased compared with placebo-treated HLA-B27 rats and was similar to that in the colon of placebo-treated Fisher 344 rats. In contrast to the jejunum, the concentration-effect curves for carbachol obtained in colonic muscles from F344 and HLA-B27 rats treated with placebo, as well as from HLA-B27 rats treated with rhIL-11, had similar position and did not show significant difference between ECso values.
Example 16: Effects of rhIL-11 treatment on neurally mediated intestinal muscle contraction
In the longitudinal muscle of the jejunum, EPS {0.5-ms pulse duration, 5 Hz, 5-s train duration) induced contractile responses. The increase in tension reached maximum during stimulation and decreased to the resting level after the end of the stimulus train. Responses to EFS were reproducible throughout the experiment. In the presence of atropine (1 pM) and guanethidine (10 uM), EFS induced nonadrenergic, noncholinergic (NANC) contractile responses of lower amplitude. No relaxation was observed. Guanethidine alone had no effect on EPS-induced contractions; thus, the difference between the control response and the NANC component represented a choliriergic (atropine-sensitive) component of the EPS-induced contraction. The effects of rhIL-11 therapy on control and NANC neurally mediated contractions were examined. Control responses to EFS obtained in jejuna! muscles from placebo-treated HLA-B27 rats had lower amplitude compared with placebo-treated Fisher 344 rats, whereas there was no significant difference between the amplitude of NANC contractions. Oral treatment of HLA-B27 rats with rhIL-11 normalized the amplitude of control EPS-induced contraction and had no significant effect on the NANC response. Tetrodotoxin (1 pM) completely abolished both control and NANC responses to EFS; indicating that they result from activation of enteric neurons.
hi colonic muscles, EFS induced a contractile response, which was partially inhibited by atropine and guanethidine, revealing a NANC contraction. Similar to the jejunum, the colonic
muscles maintained a relatively low level of resting tension, and no relaxatory responses were reduced compared .with placebo-treated F344 rats. In contrast to the jejunum, there was also a significant reduction in the amplitude of NANC contractions. Treatment of HLA-B27 rats with rhIL-11 significantly increased the amplitude of control EPS-induced contraction and normalized the NANC response. Despite the recovery, the treated HLA-B27 rats remained lower compared with placebo-treated F344 rats. Both control and NANC contractions induced by EPS were abolished by tetrodotoxin (1 uM).
Other Embodiments Other embodiments are within the claims.
(Table Removed)

WE CLAIM:
1.The pharmaceutical composition, wherein said IL-11 polypeptide is substantially enveloped by a first sealing coat, an enteric coating layer,
and a second sealing coat, wherein said enteric coating layer is substantially disposed between said first and second sealing coat.
2. The pharmaceutical composition as claimed in claim 1, comprising
a therapeutically effective delayed release oral dosage form of said IL-11
polypeptide, wherein said IL-11 polypeptide is substantially enveloped by
a first sealing coat, an enteric coating layer and a second sealing coat,
wherein said enteric coating layer is substantially disposed between said
first and second sealing coat.
3. The pharmaceutical composition as claimed in claim 2, wherein at
least one of said first sealing coat is HPMC.
4. The pharmaceutical composition as claimed in claim 2, wherein
second sealing coat comprise HPMC.
5. The pharmaceutical composition as claimed in claim 2, wherein said enteric coating layer comprises a methacrylic acid copolymer.
6. The pharmaceutical composition as claimed in claim 2,
provided disposed on a carbohydrate.
7. The pharmaceutical composition as claimed in claim 6, wherein
said carbohydrate is sucrose.
8. The pharmaceutical composition as claimed in claim 2, wherein it
comprises methionine.
9. The pharmaceutical composition as claimed in claim 2, wherein it
comprises glycine.
10. The pharmaceutical composition as claimed in claim 2, wherein it
comprises a glidant.
11. The pharmaceutical composition as claimed in claim 10, wherein
said glidant is talc.
12. The pharmaceutical composition as claimed in claim 2, wherein
said composition is provided as a capsule or a tablet.
13. The pharmaceutical composition as claimed in claim 12, wherein
said composition is provided as a tablet.
14. The pharmaceutical composition as claimed in claim 12, wherein
said composition is provided as a capsule.
15. The pharmaceutical composition as claimed in claim 14, wherein
said capsule is a gelatin capsule.
16. The pharmaceutical composition substantially as herein described
with reference to the accompanying drawings.