PREGABALIN GR TABLETS
Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a gastroretentive tablet comprising pregabalin, an
acrylic acid polymer, one or more swellable polymers, and other pharmaceutically
acceptable excipients. It further relates to a process for the preparation of same.
Background of the Invention
Pregabalin, or (S)-3-(aminomethyl)-5-methylhexanoic acid, binds to the calcium
channel alpha-2-delta (a28) subunit and is related to endogenous inhibitory
neurotransmitter gamma-amino butyric acid (GABA), which is involved in brain neuronal
activity. In the United States, pregabalin has been approved for the management of
neuropathic pain associated with diabetic peripheral neuropathy, management of post
herpetic neuralgia, management of fibromyalgia, and as an adjunctive therapy for adult
patients with partial onset seizures.
Pregabalin is disclosed in U.S. Patent Nos. 6,197,819 and 5,563,175, which
describe the use of pregabalin in the treatment of seizure disorders. U.S. Patent No.
6,117,906 discloses the use of pregabalin in treating anxiety, while U.S. Patent No.
6,001,876 discloses its use in treating pain.
Currently, pregabalin is available as conventional immediate-release capsules
marketed by CP Pharms/Pfizer, under the brand name Lyrica®, and requires two or three
times a day dosing. The importance of taking drugs at regular intervals cannot be
overemphasized. However, it is not easy for everyone to remember to take the correct
dose at the same time each day. Multiple dosing is not only inconvenient, but it also
lowers patient compliance. Once daily dosing generally improves patient compliance as
well as reduces the severity and frequency of side effects by reducing peak blood levels,
and may also increase drug efficacy by increasing minimum plasma concentration. Once
daily dosing of pregabalin, however, presents numerous challenges. Conventional
extended-release compositions are problematic as pregabalin does not have uniform
absorption throughout the gastrointestinal tract. Pregabalin is absorbed well in the small
intestine and the ascending colon, but is poorly absorbed beyond the hepatic flexure. This
suggests that the mean absorption window for pregabalin is, on average, about six hours or
less and any drug release from a conventional extended-release dosage form beyond six
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hours would thus be wasted because the dosage form has travelled beyond the hepatic
flexure.
U.S. Patent Application No. 2007/0269511 discloses a pregabalin formulation
containing a matrix forming agent and a swelling agent, wherein the matrix forming agent
is polyvinyl acetate and polyvinylpyrrolidone, and the swelling agent is cross-linked
polyvinylpyrrolidone. U.S. Patent Application No. 2011/0135723 describes once-daily
pharmaceutical compositions of pregabalin wherein the excipients include one or more
water-insoluble components or a combination of one or more water-insoluble components
and one or more water-soluble components. U.S. Patent Application No. 2010/0255067
describes pharmaceutical compositions comprising pregabalin, a hydrophobic release
controlling agent, and other pharmaceutically acceptable excipients. PCT Publication No.
WO 2011/151708 describes a gastroretentive dosage form comprising a GAB A analog, at
least one swelling agent, and at least one non-swelling release retardant.
Therefore, a sustained-release gastroretentive dosage form would be an ideal
dosage form for drug candidates like pregabalin. The objective of the present invention is
to develop a gastroretentive tablet of pregabalin that not only extends the release of
pregabalin but also retains pregabalin in the upper parts of the gastrointestinal tract for a
long period of time to overcome its decreased colonic absorption.
Summary of the Invention
In one general aspect, the invention relates to a gastroretentive tablet comprising
pregabalin, an acrylic acid polymer, one or more swellable polymers, and other
pharmaceutically acceptable excipients.
In an embodiment of the above aspect, the gastroretentive tablet may comprise
pregabalin, an acrylic acid polymer, and one or more swellable polymers selected from
polyethylene oxide, hydroxypropylmethylcellulose, cross linked polyvinylpyrrolidone, and
combinations thereof.
In another embodiment, the other pharmaceutically acceptable excipients are
selected from diluents, binders, disintegrants, glidants, lubricants, and coloring agents.
In another general aspect, it relates to a process for the preparation of a
gastroretentive tablet comprising pregabalin, an acrylic acid polymer, one or more
swellable polymers, and other pharmaceutically acceptable excipients selected from
diluents, binders, disintegrants, glidants, lubricants, and coloring agents, wherein the
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process comprises the conventional methods of dry granulation, wet granulation or direct
compression.
Detailed Description of the Invention
"Pregabalin", as recited herein, means pregabalin or a pharmaceutically acceptable
form of pregabalin, including without limitation, its free form (zwitterion) and its
pharmaceutically acceptable complexes, salts, enantiomers, solvates, hydrates, and
polymorphs.
One of the approaches that can be used for achieving gastric retention involves the
use of swelling and expanding systems. These systems are usually monolithic tablets and
are comprised of the drug and one or more swellable polymers. These polymers swell
unrestrained via imbibition of gastric fluid to such an extent that it causes the tablet to
float on gastric contents. The air entrapped by the swollen polymer confers buoyancy to
these tablets. For an ideal gastroretentive effect, the polymers selected should be such that
they swell in contact with gastric fluid as well as sufficiently reduce the density of the
tablet. The tablets of the present invention utilize the combination of an acrylic acid
polymer and one or more swellable polymers. Acrylic acid polymer
(Acritamer®/Carbopol®), also known variously as carbomer, polyacrylic acid,
carboxyvinyl polymer, or carboxy polymethylene, is a synthetic high molecular weight
polymer of acrylic acid that is cross-linked with either allyl sucrose or allyl ethers of
pentaerythritol. They swell in water to form a gel when exposed to a pH environment
above 4.0 to 6.0. In the gastroretentive tablets described herein, the addition of carbomer
extends the rate of release of pregabalin and simultaneously causes floating of the tablet
on the gastric contents owing to its low density.
The swellable polymer(s), as recited herein, include polyalkylene oxides,
preferably polyethylene oxide available under the trade name Polyox™; polyethylene
oxide-polypropylene oxide block copolymers available under the trade names Pluronic®
and Tectonic™; cellulosic polymers such as methylcellulose, hyrdoxymethylcellulose,
hydroxyethylcellulose, hydroxypropylcellulose, hydroxypropylmethylcellulose, ethyl
cellulose, calcium carboxymethylcellulose, or sodium carboxymethylcellulose; a vinyl
pyrrolidone polymer such as crosslinked polyvinylpyrrolidone or crospovidone;
copolymers of vinyl pyrrolidone and vinyl acetate; polysaccharides such as starch and
starch-based polymers, chitosan, agar, alginates, carrageenan, furcellaran, guar gum, gum
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arabic, gum tragacanth, karaya gum, locust bean gum, pectin, dextran, gellan gum,
rhamsan gum, welan gum, xanthan gum, propylene glycol alginate, or hydroxypropyl
guar; and combinations thereof. Particularly preferred among these are polyethylene
oxide, hydroxypropylmethylcellulose, crosslinked polyvinylpyrrolidone, and the
combinations thereof.
The tablets may contain other pharmaceutically acceptable excipients that are
routinely used and may be selected from diluents, binders, disintegrants, glidants,
lubricants, coloring agents, and mixtures thereof.
Exemplary diluents may include, but are not limited to, microcrystalline cellulose,
silicified microcrystalline cellulose, microfine cellulose, lactose, starch, pregelatinized
starch, calcium carbonate, calcium sulfate, sugar, mannitol, sorbitol, dextrates, dextrin,
maltodextrin, dextrose, dibasic calcium phosphate dihydrate, tribasic calcium phosphate,
magnesium carbonate, magnesium oxide, or combinations thereof.
Exemplary binders may include, but are not limited to, acacia, guar gum, alginic
acid, carbomer, dextrin, maltodextrin, methylcellulose, ethyl cellulose,
hydroxyethylcellulose, hydroxypropylcellulose, hydroxypropylmethylcellulose,
carboxymethylcellulose sodium, magnesium aluminum silicate, polymethacrylates,
crospovidones, povidones, copovidones, gelatin, starch, or combinations thereof.
Exemplary disintegrants include, but are not limited to, mannitol, alginic acid,
carboxymethylcellulose, hydroxypropylcellulose, microcrystalline cellulose,
croscarmellose sodium, crospovidone, magnesium aluminum silicate, methylcellulose,
povidone, sodium alginate, sodium starch glycolate, starch, or combinations thereof.
Exemplary lubricants/glidants include, but are not limited to, magnesium stearate,
zinc stearate, calcium stearate, stearic acid, colloidal silicon dioxide, glyceryl
palmitostearate, vegetable oils, polyethylene glycols, polyvinyl alcohols, talc, sodium
benzoate, sodium stearyl fumarate, magnesium oxide, poloxamer, sodium lauryl sulphate,
polyoxyethylene monostearate, cocoa butter, hydrogenated vegetable oils, mineral oil,
polysaccharides, or combinations thereof.
Exemplary coloring agents include, but are not limited to, titanium dioxide
pigments, lake colors, iron oxide pigments, or combinations thereof.
The tablets prepared may further be optionally coated. Coatings may be employed
for aesthetic purpose or for stabilizing the tablets or for retarding the drug-release. The
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coating may be carried out using conventional techniques employing conventional
ingredients. For example, the tablets may be coated with one of the commercially
available coating systems or any one of polymeric film coatings routinely used, such as
ethyl cellulose, hydroxypropylmethylcellulose, hydroxypropylcellulose, methylcellulose,
carboxymethyl cellulose, hydroxyl methylcellulose, cellulose acetate, waxes such as
polyethylene glycol, methacrylic acid polymers, and the like.
The tablets described herein may be prepared by conventional processes using
commonly available equipments. The process may comprise wet granulation, dry
granulation, or direct compression processes.
The gastroretentive tablets of pregabalin, as described herein, may take the form of
several different embodiments.
In one embodiment, the gastroretentive tablet comprises pregabalin, a polymer
system comprising Carbopol®, polyethylene oxide, cross-linked polyvinylpyrrolidone,
and other pharmaceutically acceptable excipients.
In another embodiment, the gastroretentive tablet comprises pregabalin, a polymer
system comprising Carbopol®, hydroxypropylmethylcellulose, and other
pharmaceutically acceptable excipients.
In another embodiment, the gastroretentive tablet comprises pregabalin, a polymer
system comprising Carbopol®, hydroxypropylmethylcellulose, cross-linked
polyvinylpyrrolidone, and other pharmaceutically acceptable excipients.
In another embodiment, it relates to process of preparing a gastroretentive tablet
comprising pregabalin, a polymer system comprising of Carbopol®, swellable polymer(s),
and other pharmaceutically acceptable excipients wherein the process comprises the steps
of:
a) sifting pregabalin, Carbopol®, swellable polymer(s) and other
pharmaceutically acceptable excipients through a suitable sieve and
thoroughly blending for a desired time;
b) sifting magnesium stearate through a suitable sieve;
c) blending the material of step a) with the material of step b) for a suitable
time; and
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d) compressing the lubricated blend of step c) into tablets using appropriate
tooling.
From the above it is apparent that various modifications and combinations of the
formulations detailed in the text may be made without departing from the spirit and scope
of the invention. The invention as described herein may be illustrated by the following
examples but is not to be construed to be limited by them.
Examples 1-4
Ingredients
Pregabalin
Carbopol®
Polyethylene oxide
Crospovidone
Magnesium stearate
Total weight
Quantity (mg/tablet)
Example 1
330.00
210.00
200.00
250.00
10.00
1000.00
Example 2
330.00
160.00
250.00
250.00
10.00
1000.00
Example 3
330.00
90.00
320.00
250.00
10.00
1000.00
Example 4
330.00
95.00
365.00
200.00
10.00
1000.00
Procedure:
a) Pregabalin, Carbopol®, polyethylene oxide and crospovidone were sifted
through a suitable sieve and thoroughly blended for a desired time;
b) Magnesium stearate was separately sifted through a suitable sieve;
c) Material of step a) was blended with the material of step b) for a suitable
time;
d) The lubricated blend of step c) was compressed into tablets using appropriate
tooling.
The tablets thus obtained were subjected to dissolution testing at 37°C using
United States Pharmacopoeia Type II (paddle) dissolution apparatus at 50 rpm. The
dissolution medium used was 900 ml of 0.06N HCl. The results of the dissolution test are
recorded in Table 1 below.
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Table 1
Time (hours)
1
2
4
6
9
12
16
20
24
Percentage of Drug Released
Example 1
16
25
38
49
61
74
84
95
100
Example 2
15
24
37
48
60
72
81
93
99
Example 3
14
24
38
49
64
76
86
96
101
Example 4
15
24
39
50
63
73
89
95
100
Examples 5-8
Ingredients
Pregabalin
Carbopol®
Crospovidone
Methocel™K100LV
CR
Methocel™ E50
Methocel™ K4M
Silicon dioxide
Magnesium stearate
Total weight
Quantity
Example 5
330.00
90.00
250.00
320.00
-
-
-
10.00
1000.00
Example 6
330.00
90.00
250.00
-
80.00
240.00
-
10.00
1000.00
(mg/tablet)
Example 7
330.00
90.00
-
-
240.00
320.00
10.00
10.00
1000.00
Example 8
330.00
90.00
-
-
283.00
277.00
10.00
10.00
1000.00
Procedure:
a) Pregabalin, Carbopol®, swellable polymer(s) and other pharmaceutically
acceptable excipients were sifted through a suitable sieve and thoroughly
blended for a desired time;
b) Magnesium stearate was separately sifted through a suitable sieve;
c) Material of step a) was blended with the material of step b) for a suitable
time; and
d) The lubricated blend of step c) was compressed into tablets using appropriate
tooling.
The tablets thus obtained were subjected to dissolution testing at 37°C using
United States Pharmacopoeia Type II (paddle) dissolution apparatus at 50 rpm. The
dissolution medium used was 900 ml of 0.06N HCl. The results of the dissolution test are
recorded in Table 2 below.
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Table 2
Time
(hours)
1
2
4
6
9
12
16
20
24
Example 5
18
28
42
53
65
76
86
92
98
Percentage of Drug Released
Example 6
18
28
42
54
68
78
88
96
101
Example 7
15
24
36
45
57
69
78
87
93
Example 8
15
23
35
45
58
68
79
89
93

>rc?,&
WE CLAIM: \f - «Q
1. A gastroretentive tablet comprising pregabalin, an acrylic acid polymer, one or
more swellable polymers, and other pharmaceutical^ acceptable excipients.
2. The gastroretentive tablet according to claim 1, wherein the swellable polymer is
selected from the group consisting of polyethylene oxide, hydroxypropylmethylcellulose,
cross linked polyvinylpyrrolidone, and combinations thereof.
3. The gastroretentive tablet according to claim 1, wherein the other pharmaceutical^
acceptable excipients are selected from diluents, binders, disintegrants, glidants,
lubricants, and coloring agents.
4. A process for the preparation of a gastroretentive tablet comprising pregabalin, an
acrylic acid polymer, one or more swellable polymers, and other pharmaceutically
acceptable excipients selected from diluents, binders, disintegrants, glidants, lubricants,
and coloring agents, wherein the process comprises the conventional methods of dry
granulation, wet granulation, or direct compression.
Dated this the 8TH day of August, 2014.
For Ranbaxy Laboratories Limited
(Dr. Santanu De)
Associate Director and Head IP India
Jfa'
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