Specification
The present patent application is an application for patent of addition with respect to the patent
application No. 201617041112 dated l-December-2016. Applicants have found that-extended release
liquid compositions of metformin in the form of suspensions or reconstituted powder for suspensions
comprising cores of metformin coated with a release-controlling agent, wherein the coated cores are
dispersed in a suspension base provide the desired uniform extended release profile throughout the
shelf-life of the compositions. Furthermore, said extended release liquid compositions are stable and
bioequivalent to a reference composition.
Patent application No. .201617041112 relates to extended release liquid compositions of
metformin. The extended release liquid compositions are in the form of suspensions or reconstituted
powder for suspensions. Said extended release liquid compositions comprise cores of metformin
coated with a release-controlling polymer, wherein the cores are dispersed in a suspension base. It also
relates to processes for the preparation of said extended release liquid compositions.
Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to stable extended release liquid compositions of metformin. The
stable extended release liquid compositions are in the form of suspensions or reconstituted powder for
suspensions. Said extended release liquid compositions comprise cores of metformin coated with a
release-controlling agent, wherein the coated cores are dispersed in a suspension base. Said extended
release liquid compositions provide the desired uniform extended release profile throughout the shelflife
of the compositions. Furthermore, said extended release liquid compositions are bioequivalent to
a reference composition.
Background of the Invention
Metformin, an effective anti-diabetic drug known for decades, acts by reducing glucose
production by the liver and by decreasing intestinal absorption of glucose. Metformin improves
glucose tolerance in patients with Type II diabetes and lowers both basal and post-prandial plasma
glucose.
U.S. Patent No. 8,197,850 discloses a medicament comprising microcapsules of a biguanide
antihyperglycemic agent which comprises a core containing the biguanide antihyperglycemic agent
and a prolonged release coating film which does not have a nitrogenous polymer, wherein the mean
fraction by mass of the biguanide in the microcapsules is greater than 50%.
U.S. Patent No. 7,214,387 discloses sustained-release pharmaceutical compositions of
metformin comprising xanthan gum, locust bean gum, and a diluent, wherein therapeutically beneficial
blood levels of metformin are maintained over a period of time from about I hour to about 24 hours.
U.S. Patent No. 6,676,966 discloses an extended release formulation of metformin
hydrochloride and an encasement coat in the form of one or more layers of pH-sensitive polymeric
film, wherein said polymeric film is soluble in a pH of above 5.0.
Q D.E.LMX 2 1 - I I - 1 Q I 7 L7 : 2 .a
2
Immediate release tablets of metformin marketed under the trade name of Glucophage® and an
immediate release oral solution of metformin marketed under the trade name of Riomet® are
administered multiple times a day, leading to a high level of non-compliance. Further, extended release
tablets of metformin marketed under the trade name of Glucophage XR®, Fortamet®, and Glumetza®
reduces the frequency of administration, but due to the large size of the tablets, the problem of patient
compliance still remains. This problem is further aggravated in patients who have difficulty in
swallowing, such as pediatric and geriatric patients. Furthermore, as metformin is indicated for chronic
administration, such high levels of non-compliance may lead to non-adherence to the prescribed
therapy, resulting in serious medical problems.
There exists a need in the art for extended release liquid compositions of metformin which
provide effective control of blood glucose levels over a prolonged period of time, thereby leading to
enhanced patient compliance and ease in administration. In view of this, extended release liquid
compositions such as suspensions and reconstituted powder for suspensions provide the best
alternative over the available dosage forms.
However, it remains a great challenge to formulate extended release liquid composition of
metformin. The key hurdle remains to avoid the release of metformin from controlled release units
into the suspension base during storage, and to begin release only when the dosage form enters the
gastrointestinal tract. Because of its high solubility, metformin tends to leach out from the controlled
release units into the suspension base during storage, thus obliterating the whole objective of the
extended release. Furthermore, the irregular release may lead to sub-therapeutic or toxic effects leading
to serious medical conditions.
The present invention addresses this problem by providing a simplified technology in which
suspension base is used to prevent leaching of the metformin from the controlled release units into the
suspension base. The present invention provides consistent in-vitro extended release of metformin
which further ensures steady plasma concentrations throughout the shelf life of the composition.
Furthermore, said extended release liquid compositions are bioequivalent to a reference composition.
Therefore, the present invention is a significant advance over the available dosage forms of
metformin and also fulfills the long felt need to improve patient compliance by providing extended
release liquid compositions of metformin.
Extended release liquid compositions of metformin of the present invention are simple, and
easy to manufacture with functional reproducibility. The extended release liquid compositions are
provided with a pleasant mouth feel thereby further aiding to patient compliance and ease of
administration.
Summary of the Invention
The present invention relates to stable extended release liquid compositions of metformin. The
s t g b | | ^ ^ ^ form of suspensions or reconstituted powder for
3.
suspensions. Said extended release liquid compositions comprise cores of metformin coated with a
release-controlling agent, wherein the cores are dispersed in a suspension base. Said extended release
liquid, compositions provide the desired uniform extended release profile throughout the shelf-life of
the composition. Furthermore, said extended release liquid compositions are bioequivalent to a
reference composition. It also relates to processes for the preparation of said extended release liquid
compositions.
The stable extended release liquid compositions of the present invention allow for dosing
flexibility based on age and body weight of the patients. Said extended release liquid compositions
provide high levels of patient compliance particularly for pediatric and geriatric group of patients.
Also, as hypoglycemic therapy is frequently based on combinations of anti-diabetic drugs, the
extended release liquid compositions of the present invention can incorporate any additional drug
suitable for combination with metformin.
Brief Description of the Drawings
Figure 1 shows the in-vitro dissolution release on day 0, day 30, and day 66 of the extended
release liquid composition prepared according to Example 1 upon storage at room temperature. The
figure also shows the in-vitro dissolution release on day 0, day 36, and day 66 of the extended release
liquid composition (at room temperature) formed after reconstituting the powder stored for one month
at accelerated conditions.
Figure 2 shows the in-vitro dissolution release on day 0 and day 30 of the extended release
liquid composition prepared according to Example 2 upon storage at room temperature. The figure
also shows the in-vitro dissolution release on day 0 and day 32 of the extended release liquid
composition (at room temperature) formed after reconstituting the powder stored for three months and
six months at accelerated conditions.
Figure 3 shows the in-vitro dissolution release on day 0 and day 30 of the extended release
liquid composition prepared according to Example 3 upon storage at room temperature. The figure
also shows the in-vitro dissolution release on day 0 and day 30 of the extended release liquid
composition (at room temperature) formed after reconstituting the powder stored for one month at
accelerated conditions.
Detailed Description of the Invention
A first aspect of the present invention provides a stable extended release liquid composition of
metformin characterized by a Tmax in a range from about 3 hours to about 12 hours after a single dose
administration under fed conditions.
According to one embodiment of the above aspect, the Tmax ranges from about 4 hours to about
10 hours. In a preferred embodiment of the above aspect, the Tmax ranges from about 5 hours to about
9 hours.
4
A second aspect of the present invention provides a stable extended release liquid composition
of metformin providing therapeutic effectiveness for at least about 12 hours after a single dose
administration under fed conditions. More particularly, the composition provides therapeutic
effectiveness for at least about 24 hours after a single dose administration under fed conditions.
A third aspect of the present invention provides a stable extended release liquid composition
of metformin characterized by a pharmacokinetic profile having one or more features of: a Cmax from
about 0.4 ng/mL/mg to about 2.5 ng/mL/mg; an area under the curve (AUC) o—oo from about 2.0
ng.h/mL/mg to about 22.0 ng.h/mL/mg; and an area under the curve (AUC) o—t from about 2.5
ng.h/mL/mg to about 22.0 ng.li/mL/mg after a single dose administration under fed conditions.
A fourth aspect of the present invention provides a stable extended release liquid composition
of metformin characterized in that the liquid composition is bioequivalent to a marketed extended
release tablet of metformin.
According to one embodiment of the above aspect, the marketed extended release tablet of
metformin is Glucophage XR® tablet, Fortamet® tablet, or Glumetza® tablet. Preferably, the marketed
extended release tablet of metformin is Glucophage XR® tablet.
A fifth aspect of the present invention provides a stable extended release liquid composition of
metformin comprising metformin hydrochloride in a concentration from about 25 mg/mL to about 500
mg/mL of the composition.
According to an embodiment of the above aspect, the composition comprises metformin
hydrochloride in a concentration from about 50 mg/mL to about 200 mg/mL of the composition.
A sixth aspect of the present invention provides a method of lowering blood glucose levels in
non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus patients by administering a stable extended release liquid
composition of metformin once daily or twice daily.
A seventh aspect of the present invention provides a stable extended release liquid composition
of metformin characterized by having a substantially similar in-vitro dissolution release profile when
tested in a dissolution media with a pH ranging from about 1 to about 7.
According to one embodiment of the above aspects, the composition comprises:
(i) cores of metformin coated with a release-controlling agent; and
(ii) a suspension base.
According to another embodiment of the above aspects, the composition is characterized by
having an in-vitro dissolution release profile as determined by USP type II apparatus at 100 rpm, in
1000 mL of phosphate buffer with a pH 6.8 at 37°C as follows:
- less than 30% of metformin released after 0.5 hour;
- less than 70% of metformin released after 2 hours; and
- more than 85% of metformin released after 12 hours.
5
According to another embodiment of the above aspects, the in-vitro dissolution release profile
of the composition remains substantially similar to the initial in-vitro dissolution release profile upon
storage for at least seven days.
According to another embodiment of the above aspects, the composition is characterized by
having an osmolality ratio of at least about 1.
According to another embodiment of the above aspects, the suspension base has an osmolality
of about 1 osmol/kg or more than about 1 osmol/kg of the suspension base. In a particular embodiment,
the suspension base has an osmolality of more than about 2 osmol/kg of the suspension base. In a more
particular embodiment, the suspension base has an osmolality of more than about 3 osmol/kg of the
suspension base.
According to another embodiment of above aspects, the suspension base is responsible for
creating a hypertonic environment.
According to another embodiment of the above aspects, the suspension base comprises an
osmogent.
According to another embodiment of the above aspects, the composition is a suspension or a
reconstituted powder for suspension.
According to another embodiment of the above aspects, the release-controlling agent is selected
from the group comprising a pH-dependent release-controlling agent, a pH-independent releasecontrolling
agent, or mixtures thereof.
According to another embodiment of the above aspects, the core is in the form of a bead, a
pellet, a granule, a spheroid, or the like.
According to another embodiment of the above aspects, metformin is layered onto an inert
particle to form the core.
According to another embodiment of the above aspects, the composition has a pH ranging from
about 4 to about 10.
According to another embodiment of the above aspects, the suspension base has a viscosity
ranging from about 500 cps to about 15,000 cps. Preferably, the viscosity of the suspension base ranges
from about 1,000 cps to about 10,000 cps. More preferably, the viscosity of the suspension base ranges
from about 2,000 cps to about 7,000 cps. The viscosity of the suspension base of the present invention
is measured by using a Brookfield Viscometer having a # 2 spindle rotating at 5 rpm at 25°C.
According to another embodiment of the above aspects, the average diameter of the cores of
metformin coated with a release-controlling agent ranges from about 10 \xm to about 2000 |am,
preferably from about 100 \xm to about 1000 |am, and more preferably from about 150 (am to about
500 ^im.
According to another embodiment of the above aspects, the suspension base does not comprise
asa^r^ted^lu^o§of^i|tfoiTmgi.i r IT l 2J3
6
According to another embodiment of the above aspects, the composition is a taste masked
composition.
i
An eight aspect of the present invention provides a process for the preparation of a stable
extended release liquid composition of metformin, wherein the process comprises the steps of:
(i) preparing cores comprising metformin and one or more pharmaceutically acceptable
excipients;
(ii) dissolving/dispersing a release-controlling agent and one or more pharmaceutically
acceptable coating additives in a suitable solvent;
(iii) applying the coating composition of step (ii) over the cores of step (i);
(iv) dissolving/dispersing one or more osmogents and pharmaceutically acceptable
excipients in a pharmaceutically acceptable vehicle to form a suspension base; and
(v) dispersing the coated cores of step (iii) in the suspension base of step (iv) to obtain the
extended release liquid composition.
A ninth aspect of the present invention provides a process for the preparation of a stable
extended release liquid composition of metformin, wherein the process comprises the steps of:
(A) preparing a powder for suspension comprising the steps of:
(i) preparing cores comprising metformin and one or more pharmaceutically
acceptable excipients;
(ii) dissolving/dispersing a release-controlling agent and one or more
pharmaceutically acceptable coating additives in a suitable solvent;
(iii) applying the coating composition of step (ii) over the cores of step (i);
(iv) blending the coated cores of step (iii) with pharmaceutically acceptable
excipients to form the powder for suspension;
(B) dissolving/dispersing one or more osmogents and pharmaceutically acceptable
excipients in a pharmaceutically acceptable vehicle to form a suspension base; and
(C) reconstituting the powder for suspension of step (A) with the suspension base of step
(B) to obtain the extended release liquid composition.
A tenth aspect of the present invention provides a process for the preparation a stable extended
release liquid composition of metformin, wherein the process comprises the steps of:
(A) preparing a powder for suspension comprising the steps of:
(i) preparing cores comprising metformin and one or more pharmaceutically
acceptable excipients;
(ii) dissolving/dispersing a release-controlling agent and one or more
pharmaceutically acceptable coating additives in a suitable solvent;
(iii) applying the coating composition of step (ii) over the cores of step (i);
(iv) mixing one or more osmogents and one or more pharmaceutical^ acceptable
excipients with the coated cores of step (iii) to obtain the powder for suspension;
and
(B) reconstituting the powder for suspension of step (A) with a pharmaceutical^ acceptable
vehicle to obtain the extended release liquid composition.
According to another embodiment of the above aspects, the suspension base comprises an
immediate release metformin component.
According to another embodiment of the above aspect, the extended release liquid composition
further comprises one or more anti-diabetic drugs selected from the group comprising acarbose,
miglitol, voglibose, repaglinide, nateglinide, glibenclamide, glimepride, glipizide, gliclazide,
chloropropamide, tolbutamide, phenformin, aloglitin, sitagliptin, linagliptin, saxagliptin, rosiglitazone,
pioglitazone, troglitazone, faraglitazar, englitazone, darglitazone, isaglitazone, zorglitazone,
liraglutide, muraglitazar, peliglitazar, tesaglitazar, canagliflozin, dapagliflozin, remogliflozin,
sergliflozin, and combinations thereof.
The term "extended release," as used herein, refers to a release profile of metformin over an
extended period of time, e.g., over a period of 4, 6, 8, 12, 24 hours, or more.
The in-vivo release profile can be assessed using pharmacokinetic parameters of (Cmax), (Tmax)
and area under the curve (AUC).
The term "Cmax," as used herein, refers to the maximum plasma concentration of metformin
hydrochloride, calculated as the geometric mean for individuals participating in the bioequivalence
study.
The term "Tmax," as used herein, refers to the time to the maximum observed plasma metformin
hydrochloride concentration, represented as a median for individuals participating in the
bioequivalence study.
The term "AUCo—oo," as used herein, refers to the area under the plasma concentration-time
curve extrapolated to infinity, calculated as the geometric mean for individuals participating in the
bioequivalence study.
The term "AUCo—t," as used herein, refers to the area under the plasma concentration-time
curve till time t, calculated as the geometric mean for individuals participating in the bioavailability
study.
The term "bioequivalent," as used herein, is a term of art and is defined to mean the term used
by the drug approval agencies, such as the US Food and Drug Administration: "the absence of a
significant difference in the rate and extent to which the active ingredient or active moiety in
pharmaceutical equivalents or pharmaceutical alternatives becomes available at the site of drug action
when administered at the same molar dose under similar conditions in an appropriately designed
stBSJg.JL ffte raficS of2h^lo£®rfefprmad7me^©alues for Cmaxand AUC for the test and reference
8
product (T/R ratio) is a measure of the bioequivalence between the test and reference product. Values
between 80 and 125% for these intervals indicate bioequivalence as recommended by the US FDA.
The term "single dose," as used herein means the dose of metformin hydrochloride ranging
from about 500 mg to about 2500 mg. In particular, the dose of metformin hydrochloride is 750 mg.
The stable extended release liquid composition of metformin provides a pharmacokinetic
profile characterized by one or more features of: a Cmax from about 0.4 ng/mL/mg to about 2.5
ng/mL/mg, more particularly a Cmax from about 0.5 ng/mL/mg to about 1.5 ng/mL/mg; an area under
the curve (AUC) o—«> from about 2.0 ng.h/mL/mg to about 22.0 ng.h/mL/mg, more particularly an area
under the curve (AUC)o—a> from about 5.0 ng.h/mL/mg to about 15.0 ng.h/mL/mg; an area under the
curve (AUC) o->t from about 2.5 ng.h/mL/mg to about 22.0 ng.h/mL/mg, more particularly an area
under the curve (AUC)o—t from about 5.0 ng.h/mL/mg to about 15.0 ng.h/mL/mg after a single dose
administration under fed conditions.
Preferably, the stable extended release liquid composition of metformin comprising of the
present invention provides a pharmacokinetic profile characterized by one or more features of: a Cmax
from about 600 ng/mL to about 800 ng/mL, an area under the curve (AUC) o—«> from about 7500
ng.h/mL to about 9500 ng.h/mL, and an area under the curve (AUC)o->t from about 7000 ng.h/mL to
about 9000 ng.h/mL upon administration of a single dose equivalent to 750 mg of metformin
hydrochloride under fed conditions.
The term "hypertonic environment,"" as used herein, means the suspension base has a higher
solute concentration which helps to generate high osmotic pressure such that there is no leaching of
metformin from the extended release coated cores into the suspension base. In the present invention,
the solutes are osmogents, i.e., pharmaceutical^ acceptable inert water-soluble compounds that
contribute towards generating hypertonic environment in the suspension base.
The term "osmolality ratio," as used herein, means the ratio of osmolality of the external phase
to the osmolality of the internal phase. The external phase herein means the suspension base without
multiple coated cores of metformin. The internal phase herein means the coated cores of metformin.
The osmolality of the internal phase is represented as the osmolality of the solution which prevents
significant leaching of metformin from the coated cores into the solution. The leaching of metformin
from the coated cores is determined by the difference in the osmolalities across the coating layer and
the absence of any significant leaching from the coated cores directs that the osmolality of the solution
has become equal to the osmolality of the coated cores. The osmolality ratio of the extended release
liquid compositions of present invention is at least about 1.
The term "osmolality," as used herein, means the concentration of an osmogent, i.e., any
pharmaceutical^ acceptable inert water-soluble compound present in the suspension base. In the
present invention, the osmolality is expressed as number of moles of any water-soluble compound per
k©84ji!c|uS' P%^"T|eliqu^l5:l&^ cafLBS a s&i^ension base or a solution. In the present invention,
9
the osmolality may be measured according to known methods, such as using a Vapor pressure
Osmometer, a Colloid Osmometer, or a Freezing Point Depression Osmometer such as Osmomat®
030-D or Osmomat® 3000, in particular by a Freezing Point Depression Osmometer.
The osmolality of suspension base of the extended release liquid compositions of the present
invention remains equivalent upon storage for at least seven days. Particularly, the osmolality of the
suspension base measured after one month remains equivalent to the osmolality of the suspension base
measured as soon as practicable after preparation of the extended release liquid compositions. More
particularly, the osmolality of the suspension base measured after three months remains equivalent to
the osmolality of the suspension base measured as soon as practicable after preparation of the extended
release liquid compositions. More particularly, the osmolality of the suspension base measured after
six months remains substantially similar to the osmolality of the suspension base measured as soon as
practicable after preparation of the extended release liquid compositions. The equivalent osmolality
of the suspension base ensures that there is no leaching of the metformin from the coated cores into
the suspension base.
The in-vitro dissolution release profile of the extended release liquid compositions of the
present invention upon storage for at least seven days remains substantially similar to the initial invitro
dissolution release profile obtained as soon as practicable after preparation of the extended release
liquid compositions. Particularly, the in-vitro dissolution release profile of the extended release liquid
compositions of the present invention upon storage at room temperature for at least one month remains
substantially similar to the initial in-vitro dissolution release profile obtained as soon as practicable
after preparation of the extended release liquid compositions. More particularly, the in-vitro
dissolution release profile of the extended release liquid compositions of the present invention upon
storage at room temperature for at least three months remains substantially similar to the initial in-vitro
dissolution release profile obtained as soon as practicable after preparation of the extended release
liquid compositions. More particularly, the in-vitro dissolution release profile of the extended release
liquid compositions of the present invention upon storage for at least six months remains substantially
similar to initial in-vitro dissolution release profile obtained as soon as practicable after preparation of
the extended release liquid compositions. The composition of the present invention shows an in-vitro
dissolution release profile as determined by USP type II apparatus at 100 rpm, in 1000 mL of phosphate
buffer with a pH 6.8 at 37°C as follows:
- less than 30% of metformin released after 0.5 hour;
- less than 70% of metformin released after 2 hours; and
- more than 85% of metformin released after 12 hours.
The above in-vitro dissolution release profile is determined by using a composition comprising
metformin hydrochloride in a dose range from about 500 mg to about 2500 mg. In particular, the
cO®fesM®. c(^frise|^ftetf@T®i^ydr<^51ol,i^|a a dose of about 750 mg. .*••
10
The extended release liquid composition of the present invention also provides the consistent
in-vivo release which ensures steady and predictable metformin release with minimal inter and intra
subject variation throughout the shelf life of the composition.
The term "substantial," as used herein refers to any value which lies within the range as defined
by a variation of up to ±15 from the average value.
The term "stable," as used herein, refers to chemical stability, wherein not more than 5% w/w
of total related substances are formed on storage at 40°C and 75% relative humidity (R.H.) or at 25°C
and 60% R.H. for a period of at least three months to the extent necessary for the sale and use of the
composition.
The extended release liquid composition of the present invention may be in the form of a
suspension or a reconstituted powder for suspension.
The term "suspension base," as used herein, refers to a medium which is used to suspend the
coated cores of the metformin. The suspension base comprises a pharmaceutically acceptable vehicle,
one or more osmogents, and pharmaceutically acceptable excipients. The powder for suspension
having coated cores of metformin of the present invention may be reconstituted with the suspension
base having osmogents, pharmaceutically acceptable excipients, and a pharmaceutically acceptable
vehicle. Alternatively, osmogents and pharmaceutically acceptable excipients may be mixed with the
coated cores of metformin which may then be reconstituted with a pharmaceutically acceptable
vehicle. In case of powder for suspension, the suspension base may be pre-formed or formed at the
time of reconstitution. The suspension base of the present invention does not include a saturated
solution of metformin.
The suspension base has an osmolality of about 1 osmol/kg or more than about 1 osmol/kg of
the suspension base. The suspension base of the present invention has an osmolality ranging from
about 1 osmol/kg to about 20 osmol/kg of the suspension base.
The pharmaceutically acceptable vehicle as used herein means an aqueous vehicle.
The term "inert particle," as used herein, refers to a particle made from a sugar sphere also
known as a non-pareil seed, a microcrystalline cellulose sphere, a dibasic calcium phosphate bead, a
mannitol bead, a silica bead, a tartaric acid pellet, a wax based pellet, and the like.
The term "about," as used herein, refers to any value which lies within the range defined by a
variation of up to ±10% of the value.
The term "equivalent" as used herein, refers to any value which lies within the range defined
by a variation of up to ±30% of the value.
The term "significant leaching," as used herein means more than 20% of the metformin is
leached out from the coated cores into the solution,
The term "metformin," as used herein, refers to metformin as well as its pharmaceutically
| a®<||1||^ chelates, and complexes. The preferred
11
salt of metformin is metformin hydrochloride. The extended release liquid compositions of the present
invention comprise metformin in a range of from 1% to about 30% w/w based on total weight of the
composition. In particular, the extended release liquid compositions of the present invention comprise
metformin in a range of from 5% to about 20% w/w based on total weight of the composition.
The suspension base may additionally include an immediate release component of the
metformin. However, the suspension base of the present invention does not include any saturated
solution of the metformin. The suspension base may include an immediate release component of the
metformin, wherein the metformin is present in an amount that does not exceed the amount required
to form the saturated solution either initially or during storage. The metformin may be present in the
form of a powder, a pellet, a bead, a spheroid, or a granule, or in the form of immediate release coating
over the extended release coated cores. Alternatively, the amount of metformin may exceed the amount
required to form the saturated solution. However, the saturated solution of metformin is not formed,
as the release of metformin into the suspension base is prevented during storage. This is achieved by
using a coating layer over cores of metformin, wherein the coating layer comprises a polymer that
remain insoluble in the suspension base during storage and which releases the metformin "in an
immediate release form once ingested. Alternatively, this can also be done by using an ion-exchange
resin complex approach, wherein the complex prevent any release of the metformin into the suspension
base during storage, and release the metformin only when exposed to the physiological conditions
upon ingestion. The polymer can be a water-soluble polymer in which the release of metformin is
prevented by using a high molar concentration of the solutes in the suspension base, wherein the solutes
have a higher affinity towards water in comparison to the polymer. Further, the polymer can be having
a pH dependent solubility in which the release of metformin is prevented by using a pre-adjusted pH
of the suspension base such that the polymer does not get dissolved in the suspension base but get
dissolved when exposed to the physiological conditions. Metformin, being a cationic drug can be
complexed with any of the known cation exchange resin like indion 244 and indion 264.
The immediate release component may help in providing an immediate therapeutic effect
which could be subsequently followed by an extended therapeutic effect over a longer duration of time.
In the present invention, the metformin may be present in the immediate release form in an amount of
the about 0.5% to about 10 % w/w based on total weight of the composition, particularly in an amount
of about 1% to about 5% w/w based on total weight of the composition.
The extended release liquid compositions of the present invention may further include one or
more anti-diabetic drugs such as acarbose, miglitol, voglibose, repaglinide, nateglinide, glibenclamide,
glimepride, glipizide, gliclazide, chlorpropamide, tolbutamide, phenformin, aloglitin, sitagliptin,
linagliptin, saxagliptin, rosiglitazone, pioglitazone, troglitazone, faraglitazar, englitazone,
darglitazone, isaglitazone, zorglitazone, liraglutide, muraglitazar, peliglitazar, tesaglitazar,
cffi^Efyzfii, <&ff|glilLo&in, Z^idgMflo^j^ setgKIlozin, or any other known anti-diabetic drug The
12
extended release liquid composition of the present invention are particularly suitable for anti-diabetic
drugs which are incompatible with metformin. Additionally, extended release liquid composition of
the present invention can incorporate anti-diabetic drugs having a low dose e.g., glibenclamide without
altering the homogeneity of the composition. These anti-diabetic drugs may be present in the form of
a powder, a pellet, a bead, a spheroid, or a granule providing immediate release or in the form
controlled release coated cores providing the extended release.
The extended release liquid compositions of the present invention are homogeneous which
means the compositions provide the content uniformity and deliver the desired dose of the metformin
in every use without any risk of overdosing or underdosing.
The average diameter of the cores of metformin coated with a release-controlling agent ranges
from about 10 jam to about 2000 |im, particularly from about 100 ^im to about 1000 |im, and more
particularly from about 150 [im to about 500 \im. Finer sizes of the coated cores help in avoiding
grittiness in the mouth and thereby are easy and are more acceptable.
The cores of metformin coated with a release-controlling agent comprise metformin in an
amount of about 10% to about 70% w/w based on the total weight of the coated cores, particularly
from about 30% to about 50% w/w based on the total weight of the coated cores. The cores may
comprise one or more pharmaceutically acceptable excipients such as binders.
The release-controlling agents used to form the extended release coating are selected from a
group comprising a pH-dependent release-controlling agent, a pH-independent release-controlling
agent, or mixtures thereof. For an extended release coating comprising a pH-dependent releasecontrolling
agent, the pH of the suspension base is pre-adjusted such that the coating remains insoluble
in the suspension base during the storage. The extended release coating comprising a pH-dependent
release-controlling agent may alternatively be coated with a coating layer comprising a polymer such
that said coating layer remain insoluble in the suspension base during storage. The core may comprise
release-controlling agents in the form of a matrix with metformin, which can be coated with a coating
layer that remain insoluble in the suspension base during storage.
Suitable examples of pH-dependent release-controlling agents are selected from the group
comprising acrylic copolymers such as methacrylic acid and methyl methacrylate copolymers, e.g.,
Eudragit® L 100 and Eudragit® S 100, methacrylic acid and ethyl acrylate copolymers, e.g., Eudragit®
L 100-55 and Eudragit® L 30 D-55, dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate and butyl methacrylate and
methyl methacrylate copolymers e.g., Eudragit® E 100, Eudragit® E PO, methyl acrylate and
methacrylic acid and octyl acrylate copolymers, styrene and acrylic acid copolymers, butyl acrylate
and styrene and acrylic acid copolymers, and ethylacrylate-methacrylic acid copolymer; cellulose
acetate phthalate; cellulose acetate succinates; hydroxyalkyl cellulose phthalates such as
hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose phthalate; hydroxyalkyl cellulose acetate succinates such as
hsd@^gf^ylffl€#iyl Se|lulcg©aS^te SiScinSt© vinyl acetate phthalates; vinyl acetate succinate;
13
CD
Q.
CN
E
o
CN
o
CO
cellulose acetate trimelliate; polyvinyl derivatives such as polyvinyl acetate phthalate, polyvinyl
alcohol phthalate, polyvinyl butylate phthalate, and polyvinyl acetoacetal phthalate; zein; shellac; and
mixtures thereof.
Suitable examples of pH-independent release-controlling agents are selected from the group
comprising cellulosic polymers such as ethyl cellulose, methyl cellulose, hydroxyethyl cellulose,
hydroxypropyl cellulose, hydroxyethylmethyl cellulose, hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose, and carboxy
methylcellulose; acrylic copolymers such as methacrylic acid copolymers, e.g., Eudragit® RS,
Eudragit® RL, Eudragit® NE 30 D; cellulose acetate; polyethylene derivatives e.g., polyethylene glycol
and polyethylene oxide; polyvinyl alcohol; polyvinyl acetate; gums e.g., guar gum, locust bean gum,
tragacanth, carrageenan, alginic acid, gum acacia, gum arabic, gellan gum, and xanthan gum;
triglycerides; waxes, e.g., Compritol®, Lubritab®, and Gelucires®; lipids; fatty acids or their
salts/derivatives; a mixture of polyvinyl acetate and polyvinyl pyrrolidone, e.g., Kollidon® SR; and
mixtures thereof. In particular, the pH-independent release-controlling agent used in the present
invention is ethyl cellulose.
The term "osmogent," as used herein, refers to all pharmaceutically acceptable inert watersoluble
compounds that can imbibe or dissolve in water and/or aqueous biological fluids. Suitable
examples of osmogents or pharmaceutically acceptable inert water-soluble compounds are selected
from the group comprising carbohydrates such as xylitol, mannitol, sorbitol, arabinose, ribose, xylose,
glucose, fructose, mannose, galactose, sucrose, maltose, lactose, dextrose and raffinose; water-soluble
salts of inorganic acids such as magnesium chloride, magnesium sulfate, potassium sulfate, lithium
chloride, sodium chloride, potassium chloride, lithium hydrogen phosphate, sodium hydrogen
phosphate, potassium hydrogen phosphate, lithium dihydrogen phosphate, sodium dihydrogen
phosphate, potassium dihydrogen phosphate, and sodium phosphate tribasic; water-soluble salts of
organic acids such as sodium acetate, potassium acetate, magnesium succinate, sodium benzoate,
sodium citrate, and sodium ascorbate; water-soluble amino acids such as glycine, leucine, alanine,
o) methionine; urea or its derivatives; propylene glycol; glycerin; polyethylene oxide, xanthan gum,
2 hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose; and mixtures thereof. Particularly, the osmogents used in the present
invention are xylitol, mannitol, glucose, lactose, sucrose, and sodium chloride.
The term "pharmaceutically acceptable excipients," as used herein, refers to excipients that are
routinely used in pharmaceutical compositions. The pharmaceutically acceptable excipients may
comprise glidants, sweeteners, suspending agents, anti-caking agents, wetting agents, preservatives,
buffering agents, flavoring agents, anti-oxidants, chelating agents, and combinations thereof.
jN Suitable glidants are selected from the group comprising silica, calcium silicate, magnesium
CO
jo silicate, colloidal silicon dioxide, cornstarch, talc, stearic acid, magnesium stearate, calcium stearate,
o
sodium stearyl fumarate, hydrogenated vegetable, and mixtures thereof.
? 1PQ. Q.ELKI 2 3 - I I - 2.Q17 1? : 2 S
o
z 14 CN
Suitable sweeteners are selected from the group comprising saccharine or its salts such as
sodium, potassium, or calcium; cyclamate or its salt; aspartame; alitame; acesulfame or its salt;
stevioside; glycyrrhizin or its derivatives; sucralose; and mixtures thereof
Suitable suspending agents are selected from the group comprising cellulose derivatives such
as co-processed spray dried forms of microcrystalline cellulose and carboxymethyl cellulose sodium,
hydroxypropyl cellulose, hydroxyethyl cellulose, hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose, methylcellulose,
carboxymethyl cellulose and its salts/derivatives, and microcrystalline cellulose; carbomers; gums
such as locust bean gum, xanthan gum, tragacanth gum, arabinogalactan gum, agar gum, gellan gum,
guar gum, apricot gum, karaya gum, sterculia gum, acacia gum, gum arabic, and carrageenan; pectin;
dextran; gelatin; polyethylene glycols; polyvinyl compounds such as polyvinyl acetate, polyvinyl
alcohol, and polyvinyl pyrrolidone; sugar alcohols such as xylitol and mannitol; colloidal silica; and
mixtures, thereof. The co-processed spray dried forms of microcrystalline cellulose and carboxymethyl
cellulose sodium have been marketed under the trade names Avicel® RC-501, Avicel® RC-581,
Avicel® RC-591, and Avicel®CL-611. The suspending agent is present in an amount of not more than
about 20% w/w, based on the total weight of the suspension base.
Suitable anti-caking agents are selected from the group comprising colloidal silicon dioxide,
tribasic calcium phosphate, powdered cellulose, magnesium trisilicate, starch, and mixtures thereof.
Suitable wetting agents are selected from the group comprising anionic, cationic, nonionic, or
zwitterionic surfactants, or combinations thereof Suitable examples of wetting agents are sodium
lauryl sulphate; cetrimide; polyethylene glycols; polyoxyethylene-polyoxypropylene block
copolymers such as poloxamers; polyglycerin fatty acid esters such as decagiyceryl monolaurate and
decagiyceryl monomyristate; sorbitan fatty acid esters such as sorbitan monostearate; polyoxyethylene
sorbitan fatty acid ester such as polyoxyethylene sorbitan monooleate; polyethylene glycol fatty acid
ester such as polyoxyethylene monostearate; polyoxyethylene alkyl ether such as polyoxyethylene
lauryl ether; polyoxyethylene castor oil; and mixtures thereof.
CD
o> Suitable preservatives are selected from the group comprising parabens such as methyl paraben
i.
"fl H -fW ?iTi
18
The powder for suspension prepared as per Example 1 (till step 6) was kept for one month at
accelerated conditions i.e., 40°C/75% R.H. After one month, the powder for suspension was
reconstituted with required amount of purified water and this extended release suspensions
composition was kept for 66 days at room temperature. The in-vitro dissolution was determined at 0,
30, and 66 days using USP type II apparatus at 100 rpm, in 1000 mL of phosphate buffer with pH 6.8
at 37°C. The results of the release studies are represented in Table 2.
Table 2: Percentage (%) of the In-Vitro Metformin Release in USP Type II Apparatus (Media:
Phosphate Buffer, pH 6.8,1000 mL, and 100
Number of Days After Reconstitution
Time (hours)
0.5
1
2
3
4
5
6
8
10
12
rpm)
0 36 66
Percentage of Metformin Release
28.8
32.4
57.6
74.8
83.1
89.2
91.3
95.2
96.6
98.6
26.2
33.0
50.5
70.3
80.7
85.9
91.2
-
-
101.3
27.0
32.0
53.0
67.0
83.0
87.0
92.0
95.0
97.0
100.0
From the above data, it is clear that the extended release powder prepared according to
Example 1 stored at accelerated conditions for one month, upon reconstitution and storage for 66
days at room temperature provides substantially similar in-vitro metformin release for 66 days. The
results are shown in Figure 1.
Example 2
ff"n. «•••
LA • ££
1 B «
L_ ft
Ingredients Quantity (mg/mL)
Core
Metformin hydrochloride
Macrocrystalline cellulose spheres
Hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose
Purified water
80.00
56.00
4.00
q.s.
Extended Release Coating
Ethyl cellulose
Dibutyl sebacate
Acetone
Purified water
Total Weight of Extended Release Beads
Metformin hydrochloride
Xylitol
Microcrystalline cellulose - sodium
carboxymethyl cellulose (Avicel® CL-611)
Xanthan gum
Strawberry flavor
Sucralose
50.40
5.60
q.s.
q.s.
196.00 rag
20.00
450.00
20.00
1.50
2.00
0.50
Vehicle
^ Purified water ^ ~
si ,if—a*—= 3 a *s j - i . f.—s * s—^ _— ." at a. 1
q.s. to 1 mL
19
Procedure:
1. Metformin hydrochloride and hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose were dissolved in purified water.
2. Microcrystalline cellulose spheres were coated with the solution of step 1.
3. Ethyl cellulose and dibutyl sebacate were dispersed in a mixture of acetone and purified water.
4. The beads of step 2 were coated with the coating dispersion of step 3.
5. Metformin hydrochloride, xylitol, microcrystalline cellulose - sodium carboxymethyl cellulose,
xanthan gum, strawberry flavor, and sucralose were mixed.
6. The coated beads of step 4 were mixed with the mixture of step 5 to form a powder for
suspension.
7. The powder for suspension of step 6 is reconstituted with purified water when required to form
the extended release liquid composition.
In-Vitro Studies
The extended release liquid composition prepared as per Example 2 was stored at room
temperature for 30 days. The in-vitro dissolution was determined at 0 and 30 days using a USP type
II apparatus at 100 rpm, in 1000 mL of phosphate buffer with pH 6.8 at 37°C. The results of the
release studies are represented in Table 3.
Table 3: Percentage (%) of the In-Vitro Metformin Release in USP Type II Apparatus (Media:
/
Phosphate Buffer, pH 6.8,1000 mL, and 100 mm)
Number of Days
Time (hours)
0.5
1
2
4
5
6
8
10
12
0 30
Percentage of Metformin
Release
22
31
58
83
86
91
95
97
99
24
34
61
89
93
96
101
102
103
From the above data, it is clear that the extended release liquid composition prepared according
to Example 2 provides a substantially similar in-vitro metformin release profile for 30 days.
The powder for suspension prepared as per Example 2 (until step 6) was kept for three months
at accelerated conditions 40°C/75% R.H. After three months, the powder for suspension was
reconstituted with required amount of purified water and this extended release suspensions
composition was kept for 30 days at room temperature. The in-vitro dissolution was determined at 0
and 32 days using USP type II apparatus at 100 rpm, in 1000 mL of phosphate buffer with pH 6.8 at
37°C. The results of the release studies are represented in Table 4.
•TT-- PQ « e S JL_ Is? JL *** 1 1 JL »*
20
Table 4: Percentage (%) of the In-Vitro Metformin Release in USP Type II Apparatus (Media:
Phosphate Buffer, DH 6.8,1000 mL, and 100
Number of Days After
Reconstitution
Time (hours)
0.5
1
2
4
5
6
8
10
12
rpm)
0 32
Percentage of Metformin Release
22
33
60
85
89
92
96
98
101
26 .
37
66
90
94
97
101
103
103
The powder for suspension prepared as per Example 2 (till step 6) was kept for six months at
accelerated conditions i.e., 40°C/75% R.H. After six months, the powder for suspension was
reconstituted with required amount of purified water and this extended release suspensions
composition was kept for 32 days at room temperature. The in-vitro dissolution was determined at 0
and 32 days using USP type II apparatus at 100 rpm, in 1000 mL of phosphate buffer with pH 6.8 at
37°C. The results of the release studies are represented in Table 5.
Table 5: Percentage (%) of the In-Vitro Metformin Release in USP Type II Apparatus (Media:
Phosphate Buffer, pH 6.8, 1000 mL, and 100 rpm)
Number of Days After
Reconstitution
Time (hours)
0.5
1
2
4
5
6
8
10
12
0 32
Percentage of Metformin Release
24
35 •
63
87
91
94
97
99
99
25
34
60
86
91
94
98
101
101
From the above data, it is clear that the extended release powder prepared according to Example
2 and stored at accelerated conditions for three or six months, upon reconstitution and storage for 30
days at room temperature, provides a substantially similar in-vitro metformin release for 30 days. The
results are presented in Figure 2.
Example 3
.a™ a; A- a -ar
Ingredients
Core
Metformin hydrochloride
Macrocrystalline cellulose spheres
Hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose
Purified water
Extended Release Coating
E#iy4 celkitese^-^ -*=- * — ** ~ ^—
Quantity (mg/mL)
80.00
56.00
4.00
q.s.
61.48
21
Dibutyl sebacate
Acetone
Purified water
Total Weight of Extended Release Beads
Metformin hydrochloride
Xylitol
Microcrystalline cellulose - sodium
carboxymethyl cellulose (Avicel® CL-611)
Xanthan gum
Strawberry flavor
Sucralose
Colloidal silicon dioxide
Vehicle
Purified water
1.52
q.s.
q.s.
203.00 mg
20.00
450.00
20.00
1.50
2.00
0.50
3.50
q.s. to 1 mL
Procedure:
1. Metformin hydrochloride and hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose were dissolved in purified water!
2. Microcrystalline cellulose spheres were coated with the solution of step 1.
3. Ethyl cellulose and dibutyl sebacate were dispersed in a mixture of acetone and purified water.
4. The beads of step 2 were coated with the coating dispersion of step 3.
5. Metformin hydrochloride, xylitol, microcrystalline cellulose - sodium carboxymethyl cellulose,
xanthan gum, strawberry flavor, sucralose, and colloidal silicon dioxide were mixed.
6. The coated beads of step 4 were mixed with the mixture of step 5 to form a powder for suspension.
7. The powder for suspension of step 6 is reconstituted with required amount of purified water when
required to form the extended release liquid composition.
In-Vitro Studies
The extended release liquid composition prepared as per Example 3 was stored at room
temperature for 30 days. The in-yitro dissolution was determined at 0 and 30 days using a USP type II
apparatus at 100 rpm, in 1000 mL of phosphate buffer with pH 6.8 at 37°C. The results of the release
studies are represented in Table 6.
Table 6: Percentage (%) of the In-Vitro Metformin Release in USP Type II Apparatus (Media:
Phosphate Buffer, pH 6.8,1000 mL, and 100 rpm)
Number of Days
Time (hours)
0.5
1
2
3
4
5
6
8
10
12
0 30
Percentage of Metformin
Release
20
27
59
77
84
88
92
95
97
98
22
28
64
80
89
93
95
99
101
103
u e «_ r% x.. 4., & •B Iff '7 A.
22
From the above in-vitro release data, it is evident that the extended release liquid composition
prepared according to Example 3 provides the substantially similar in-vitro release for 30 days.
The powder for suspension prepared as per Example 3 (till step 6) was kept for one month at
accelerated conditions i.e., 40°C/75% R.H. After one month, the powder for suspension was
reconstituted with purified water and kept for 30 days at room temperature. The in-vitro dissolution
profile was determined at 0 and 30 days using a USP type II apparatus at 100 rpm, in 1000 mL of
phosphate buffer with pH 6.8 at 37°C. The results of the release studies are represented in Table 7.
Table 7: Percentage (%) of the In-Vitro Metformin Release in USP Type II Apparatus (Media:
Phosphate Buffer, PH 6.8,1000 mL, and 100 rpm)
Number of Days
After Reconstitution
Time (hours)
0.5
1
2
3
4
5
6
8
10
12
0 30
Percentage of Metformin Release
20
26
57
74
82
86
90
92
94
96
19
26
57
74
80
85
88
91
93
94
From the above data, it is clear that the extended release powder prepared according to
Example 3 stored at accelerated condition for one month, upon reconstitution and storage for 30 days
at room temperature provides substantially similar in-vitro metformin release for 30 days. The results
are presented in Figure 3.
Osmolality Measurement of the Extended Release Suspension
The metformin extended release powder prepared according to the Example 3 (till step 6) was
reconstituted with purified water. This suspension was shaken manually for at least 20 minutes. This
suspension was then filtered and diluted with purified water and the osmolality was measured using
Osmomat® 030-D.
The osmolality of the suspension base was found to be 4.112 osmol/kg of the suspension base
on day 0.
The osmolality of the suspension base was found to.be 4.328 osmol/kg of the suspension base
on day 7.
It is evident from the above data that the osmolality of the suspension base of the extended
release liquid composition as per Example 3 remains equivalent for seven days.
Osmolality Measurement of the External Phase
The metformin hydrochloride, xylitol, microcrystalline cellulose - sodium carboxymethyl
cellulose, xanthan gum, strawberry flavor, sucralose, and colloidal silicon dioxide were mixed as per
I P O DELHI' 2 S - I I - 2 Q 1 7 17 : 2Q23
step 6 of Example 3. This powder was reconstituted with purified water. This suspension was then
filtered and diluted with purified water and the osmolality was measured using Osmomat® 030-D.
The osmolality of the suspension base i.e., external phase was found to be 4.204 osmol/kg of
the suspension base.
Osmolality Measurement of the Internal Phase
Various solutions having various concentrations of osmogent (sodium chloride) were prepared
as per Examples 3A-3F. The osmolalities of these solutions were measured using Osmomat® 030-D.
Ingredient
Sodium Chloride
(mg)
Purified water
Osmolality
(osmol/kg)
Example
3A
30.00
q.s. to 1
mL
0.910
Example
3B
60.00
q.s. to 1
mL
1.787
Example
3C
120.00
q.s. to 1
mL
3.574*
Example
3D
180.00
q.s. to 7.5
mL
5.361*
Example
3E
240.00
q.s. to 1
mL
7.148*
Example
3F
300.00
q.s. to 1
mL
8.935*
* Extrapolated using values of dilute solutions
The coated beads of step 4 of Example 3 were dispersed in different solutions as per Examples
3 A-3F. These solutions were kept for seven days at room temperature. After seven days, each solution
was analyzed by HPLC for metformin content. The results are represented in Table 8.
Table 8: Effect of Osmolality on Metformin Leaching
Example
3A
3B
3C
3D
3E
3F
Osmolality (osmol/kg)
of the solution
0.910
1.787
3.574*
5.361*
7.148*
8.935*
Metformin Content (%)
67.3
30.3
2.9
1.8
1.7
1.0
* Extrapolated using values of dilute solutions
From the above data, it is evident that the leaching of metformin from the coated beads into the
solution was decreasing as the osmolality of the solution was increasing from Examples 3A-3F. The
leaching is found to be significantly reduced from Example 3C onwards. The osmolality of the
formulation prepared according to Example 3C is considered to be the osmolality of the internal phase.
Osmolality Ratio 1.176
Dose Uniformity Data
The extended release suspension equivalent to 100 mL was prepared according to formula
given in Example 3. This suspension was shaken manually for at least 20 minutes and then ten 7.5 mL
samples were taken with a graduated syringe. The metformin content of each sample is determined by
HPLC method [Inertsil ODS column (250 x 4.6 mm, 5 |am); mobile phase-buffer (pH 3.5):acetonitrile
(95:5 v/v); flow rate of 1.5 mL/min; UV detection at 233 nm] The results are shown in Table 9.
Table 9: Metformin Content (%) For Each 7.5 mL of Suspension
Sample Number
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
Mean value
Metformin content for 7.5 mL of suspension (%)
98.6
97.9
96.6
97.2
99.7
96.4
95.9
97.3
98.8
96.9
97.5
Form the above data, it is evident that the extended release liquid composition prepared
according to Example 3 is homogeneous.
Assay Data
The assay for the extended release liquid composition prepared as per Example 3 was
determined at 0 day and after storage at room temperature for 30 days. The powder for suspension
prepared as per Example 3 (till step 7) was kept for one month at accelerated conditions i.e., 40°C/75%
R.H. After one month, the powder for suspension was reconstituted with purified water and then the
assay was determined at day 0 and after storage at room temperature for 30 days. The assay of
metformin was determined by HPLC [Inertsil ODS column (250 x 4.6 mm, 5 (im); mobile phasebuffer
(pH 3.5):acetonitrile (95:5 v/v); flow rate of 1.5 mL/min; UV detection at 233 nm]. The results
are shown in Table 10.
Table 10: Assay for Metformin
Condition
Initial
1 month (40°C/75% R.H.)
% Assay (After reconstitution)
Oday
97.0
97.4
30 days
99.5
98.9
It is evident from the above data that the extended release liquid composition prepared as per
Example 3 is stable.
The in-vitro dissolution of the formulation prepared according to Example 3 (7.5 mL of
extended release suspension equivalent to 750 mg of metformin hydrochloride) was compared with
commercially available Glucophage® XR Tablets 750 mg. The in-vitro dissolution was determined
by using a USP type II apparatus at 100 rpm, in 1000 mL of phosphate buffer with pH 6.8 at 37°C.
The results of the release studies are represented in Table 11.
D E L H I 2H- \Ar 2.Q17 1 7 : 2Q
25
Table 11: Comparative Dissolution Release Data of Example 3 and Glucophage® XR Tablets
Tiirie
(hours)
0.5
1
2
3
4
5
6
8
10
12
Percentage of Metformin
Release from Example 3
18
22
45
66
76
83
86
90
92
94
Percentage of Metformin Release
from Glucophage® XR Tablets
21
33
49
61
70
77
83
90
94
96
Example 4
Ingredients Quantity (mg/mL)
Core
Metformin hydrochloride
Macrocrystalline cellulose spheres
Hydroxypropyimethyl cellulose
Purified water
80.00
56.00
4.00
q.s.
Extended Release Coating
Ethyl cellulose
Dibutyl sebacate
Acetone
Purified water
Total Weight of Extended Release Beads
68.31
1.69
q.s.
q.s.
210.00 mg
Suspension Base
Metformin hydrochloride
Xylitol
Microcrystalline cellulose - sodium carboxymethyl
cellulose (Avicel® CL-611)
Xanthan gum
Methyl paraben
Propyl paraben
Strawberry flavor
Sucralose
Colloidal silicon dioxide
Purified water
20.00
450.00
20.00
1.50
1.80
0.20
2.00
0.50
3.50
472.00 mg
Procedure:
1. Metformin hydrochloride and hydroxypropyimethyl cellulose were dissolved in purified water.
2. Microcrystalline cellulose.spheres were coated with the solution of step 1.
3. Ethyl cellulose and dibutyl sebacate were dispersed in a mixture of acetone and purified water.
4. The beads of step 2 were coated with the coating dispersion of step 3 and dried to form a powder
for suspension.
5. Purified water was heated to dissolve methyl paraben and propyl paraben.
D E L H I . 2 9 - i r - 2 0 1 7 17 I-2Q .
26
6. Metformin hydrochloride, xylitol, microcrystalline cellulose - sodium carboxymethyl cellulose,
xanthan gum, strawberry flavor, sucralose, and colloidal silicon dioxide were mixed in the solution
of step 5 to form a suspension base.
7. The powder for suspension of step 4 was prefilled in the second chamber of a dual-chamber pack.
8. The suspension base of step 7 was prefilled in a container of a first chamber of a dual-chamber
pack.
9. The two chambers were assembled and the pack was activated to form the extended release liquid
composition when required.
In-Vitro Studies
The extended release liquid composition prepared as per Example 4 (for a dose equivalent to
750 mg of metformin hydrochloride) was stored at room temperature for 120 days. The in-vitro
dissolution was determined at 0, 45, 90, and 120 days using USP type II apparatus at 100 rpm, in 1000
mL of phosphate buffer with pH 6.8 at 37°C. The results of the release studies are represented in Table
12.
Table 12: Percentage (%) of the In-Vitro Metformin Release in USP Type II Apparatus
(Media: Phosphate Buffer
Number of Days
Time (hours)
0.5
1
2
3
4
5
6
8
10
12
, D H 6.8,1000 m L , and 100 rpm)
0 45 90
Percentage of Metformin Release
20
27
55
74
83
85
87
91
93
94
21
25
52
72.
81
86
90
94
96
97
20
27
55
74
83
85
87
91
93
94
120
21
25
52
72
81
86
90
94
96
97
From the above in-vitro release data, it is evident that the extended release liquid composition
prepared according to Example 4 provides the substantially similar in-vitro metformin release for 120
days.
The dual-chamber pack was kept for 1 month at accelerated conditions Le., 40°C/75% R.H.
After 1 month, the pack was activated to form an extended release liquid composition which was kept
for 120 days at room temperature. The in-vitro dissolution was determined at 0, 45, 90, and 120 days
using USP type II apparatus at 100 rpm, in 1000 mL of phosphate buffer with pH 6.8 at 37°C. The
results of the release studies are represented in Table 13.
U JL.JL -:? r* T "W *> f27
Table 13: Percentage (%) of the In-Vitro Metformin Release in USP Type II Apparatus
(Media: Phosphate Buffer, DH 6.8,1000 mL, and 100 rpm)
Number of Days
Time (hours)
0.5
1
2
3
4
10
0 45 90 120
Percentage of Metformin Release
21
27
56
74
83
96
21
25
55
74
81
96
21
26
52
76
82
97
20
26
54
72
' 81
94
The dual-chamber pack was kept for 3 months at accelerated conditions i.e., 40°C/75% R.H.
After 3 months, the pack was activated to form an extended release liquid composition which was kept
for 45 days at room temperature. The in-vitro dissolution was determined at 0 and 45 days using USP
type II apparatus at 100 rpm, in 1000 mL of phosphate buffer with pH 6.8 at 37°C. The results of the
release studies are represented in Table 14.
Table 14: Percentage (%) of the In-Vitro Metformin Release in USP Type II Apparatus (Media:
Phosphate Buffer, PH 6.8, 1000 mL, and 100 rpm)
Number of Days
Time (hours)
0.5
1
2
3
4
10
0 45
Percentage of Metformin Release
21
26
55
75
80
95
21
25
53
72
80
92
From the above data, it is clear that the powder for suspension and suspension base stored in
the dual-chamber pack of the instant invention at accelerated conditions for 1 month and 3 months,
upon activation of the pack forms extended release liquid compositions which when stored for 120
days and 45 days respectively at room temperature provides substantially similar in-vitro metformin
release.
Stability Data
The related substances for the extended release liquid composition prepared as per Example 4
were determined at 0 day and after storage at room temperature for 45 and 120 days. The powder for
suspension and suspension base was stored in the dual-chamber pack for one month and for three
months at 40°C/75% R.H. After one month or three months, the pack was activated to form an extended
release liquid composition and then related substances were determined at 0 day and after storage at
room temperature for 45 days and 120 days.
The assay of metformin was determined by HPLC method. The results are shown in Table 15.
> •m -ST > fTt
28
Table 15: Stability Data for Metformin
Related
Substances
(%w/w)
Cyanoguainidine
Highest unknown
impurity
Total impurities
Initial
Oday
BLQ
0.05
0.05
45
days
0.001
0.05
0.05
120
days
0.00072
0.04
0.04
1 month
(40°C/75% R.H)
Oday
0.001
0.05
0.05
45
days
0.001
0.04
0.04
120
days
0.001
0.04
0.04
3 month
(40°C/75% R.H)
Oday
0.001
0.05
0.09
45 days
0.001
0.04
0.04
*BLQ: Below limit of Quantification
It is evident from the above data that the extended release liquid composition prepared as per
Example 4 remains stable even after storing at accelerated conditions for 3 months.
Osmolality of the suspension base: 3.960 osmol/kg of the suspension base as measured by using
Osmomat® 030-D.
Viscosity of the suspension base: 2880 cps as measured by using Brookfield Viscometer using a # 2
spindle rotating at 5 rpm at 25°C.
Example 5: Pharmacokinetic Study of Metformin Hydrochloride Extended Release Powder for
Oral Suspension
The extended release liquid composition of Example 3 having a concentration of about 100
mg/ mL was dosed at an amount equivalent to 750 mg metformin hydrochloride and the single-dose
pharmacokinetics was determined. This suspension was compared with a commercially available
extended release composition of metformin hydrochloride (Glucophage® XR Tablet, 750 mg of Bristol
Myers Squibb Company) in healthy adult human subjects under fed conditions.
Fourteen healthy adult subjects were enrolled in this open-label, two-treatment, two-period,
two-sequence, single dose, crossover bioavailability study and randomly assigned to receive the 750
mg metformin hydrochloride extended release suspension of the present invention (Example 3) or the
reference Glucophage® XR Tablet. Blood samples were collected at appropriate time intervals over a
period of 48 hours and plasma concentrations of metformin were determined and pharmacokinetic
parameters were calculated. Out of fourteen, thirteen subjects completed the study.
Pharmacokinetic Analysis
Values for metformin pharmacokinetic parameters, including observed Cmax, Tmax, AUCo^t, and
AUCo—oo, were calculated using standard noncompartmental method. The pharmacokinetic results
obtained after single-dosing in the above study are summarized in Table 16.
D E L H I 2 S - 1 1 - 2 . Q 1 7 I 7 : - 2Q
29
Table 16: Comparative Pharmacokinetic Data
Pharmacokinetic
Parameters
AUCo-t(ng.h/mL)
AUC0-oo(ng.h/mL)
Cmax (ng/mL)
Tmax* (h)
Geometric
mean of Test
(T)
Metformin
Hydrochloride
for Extended
Release Liquid
Composition
100 mg/mL
(750 mg)
(n=13)
7786.18
8051.95
752.83
6.5
Geometric
mean of
Reference (R)
Glucophage®
XR Metformin
Hydrochloride
Extended-
Release
Tablets 750 mg
(n=13)
8840.66
9125.13
752.97
7.5
Log
Transformed
T/R ratio of
Least Square
Means (%)
87.53
87.69
99.99
-
90%
Confidence
Interval
80.74-94.89
80.72-95.26
92.07-108:59
-
Intrasubject
CV%
11.47
11.76
11.72
-
Cmax: Maximum observed plasma drug concentration
AUCo—t: Area under concentration-time curve from zero to time t
AUCo—oo: Area under concentration-time curve from zero to infinity
Tmax: Time to maximum observed plasma drug concentration, represented as a median
From the above table, it is clear that the 90% confidence intervals for the ratios of the log
transformed mean values Cmax and AUCo—«> for the test and reference product (T/R ratio) were within
the bioequivalence acceptance criteria.
Also, it is clear from the above data, the composition of the present invention shows a Cmax of
1.00 hg/mL/mg, AUCo—tof 10.38 ng.h/mL/mg, and AUCo—«>of 10.74 ng.h/mL/mg after a single dose
administration under fed conditions.
WE CLAIM:
1. A stable extended release liquid composition of metformin characterized by a Tmax in a range
from about 3 hours to about 12 hours after a single dose administration under fed conditions.
2. A stable extended release liquid composition of metformin providing therapeutic effectiveness
for at least about 12 hours after a single dose administration under fed conditions.
3. A stable extended release liquid composition of metformin characterized by a pharmacokinetic
profile having one or more features of: a Cmax from about 0.4 ng/mL/mg to about 2.5
ng/mL/mg; an area under the curve (AUC) o—«> from about 2.0 ng.h/mL/mg to about 22.0
ng.h/mL/mg; and an area under the curve (AUC)o—t from about 2.5 ng.h/mL/mg to about 22.0
ng.h/mL/mg after a single dose administration under fed conditions.
4. A stable extended release liquid composition of metformin comprising metformin
hydrochloride in a concentration from about 25 mg/mL to about 500 mg/mL of the composition
characterized in that the liquid composition is bioequivalent to a marketed extended release
tablet of metformin.
5. A stable extended release liquid composition of metformin comprising cores of metformin
coated with a release-controlling agent, wherein the composition is characterized by having an
in-vitro dissolution release profile as determined by USP type II apparatus at 100 rpm, in 1000
mL of phosphate buffer with a pH 6.8 at 37°C as follows:
- less than 30% of metformin released after 0.5 hour;
- less than 70% of metformin released after 2 hours; and
- more than 85% of metformin released after 12 hours.
6. The stable extended release liquid composition according to claim 5, wherein the in-vitro
dissolution release profile of the composition remains substantially similar to the initial in-vitro
dissolution release profile upon storage for at least seven days.
7. The stable extended release liquid composition according to any of the preceding claims,
wherein the composition is characterized by having an osmolality ratio of at least about 1.