1. A method for reducing deposits on production equipment during production of a GLP-1 agonist formulation, said method comprising replacing the isotonicity agent previously utilized in said formulation with propylene glycol at a concentration of between 1-1 00 mg/ml.

2. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the reduction in deposits on the production equipment during production by the propylene glycol-containing formulation relative to that observed for the formulation containing the previously utilized isotonicity agent is measured by a simulated filling experiment.

3. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the isotonicity agent to be replaced by propylene glycol is selected from the group consisting of sorbitol, sucrose, glycine, mannitol, lactose monohydrate, arginin, myo-inositol and dimethylsulfon.

4. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the concentration of propylene glycol is from 1 mglml to 50 mglml.

5. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the concentration of propylene glycol is from 5 mglml to 25 mglml.

6. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the concentration of propylene glycol is from 8 mglml to 16 mglml.

7. The method as claimed in claim I, wherein said formulation has a pH of from 7.0 to 10.0

8. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the pH of said formulation is 7.0 to 9.5.

9. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the pH of said formulation is 7.0 to 8.3. 10.The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the pH of said formulation is 7.3 to 8.3. 11 .The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein said formulation further comprises a preservative. 12.The method as claimed in claim 11, wherein said formulation further comprising a preservative, wherein said preservative is present in a concentration from 0. I mglml to 20mglml. 13.The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein said formulation further comprises a buffer. 14.The method as claimed in claim 13, wherein said buffer is selected from the group consisting of glycylglycine, L-histidine, Hepes, bicine and disodium phosphate dihydrate. 1 &The method as claimed in claim 13, wherein said buffer is disodium phosphate dihydrate. 16.The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein said GLP-1 agonist is Arg34, Lys26(N-E-(y-Glu(N-a-hexadecanoy1)))-GLP-I (7-37). 17.A method for reducing deposits in the final product during production of a GLP-1 agonist formulation, said method comprising replacing the isotonicity agent previously utilized in said formulation with propylene glycol at a concentration of between 1-1 00 mglml. 18.The method as claimed in claim 17, wherein the reduction in deposits in the final product is measured by a reduction in the number of vials andlor cartridges of the propylene glycol-containing formulation that must be discarded due to deposits relative to number of vials and/or cartridges of the formulation containing the previously utilized isotonicity agent that must be discarded due to deposits. 19.The method as claimed in claim 17, wherein the isotonicity agent to be replaced by propylene glycol is selected from the group consisting of sorbitol, glycerol, sucrose, glycine, mannitol, lactose monohydrate, arginin, myoinositol and dimethylsulfon. 20.The method as claimed in claim 17, wherein the concentration of propylene glycol is from 1 mglml to 50 mglml. The method as claimed in claim 17, wherein the concentration of propylene glycol is from 5 mglml to 25 mglml. 21 .The method as claimed in claim 17, wherein the concentration of propylene glycol is from 8 mglml to 16 mglml. 22.The method as claimed in claim 17, wherein said formulation has a pH of from 7.0 to 10.0 23.The method as claimed in claim 17, wherein the pH of said formulation is 7.0 to 9.5. 24.The method as claimed in claim 17, wherein the pH of said formulation is 7.0 to 8.3. 25.The method as claimed in claim 17, wherein the pH of said formulation is 7.3 to 8.3. 26.The method as claimed in claim 17, wherein said formulation further comprises a preservative. 27.The method as claimed in claim 26, wherein said formulation further comprising a preservative, wherein said preservative is present in a concentration from 0.1 mglml to 20mglml. 28.The method as claimed in claim 17, wherein said formulation further comprises a buffer. 29.The method as claimed in claim 28, wherein said buffer is selected from the group consisting of glycylglycine, L-histidine, Hepes, bicine and disodium phosphate dihydrate. 30.The method as claimed in claim 28, wherein said buffer is disodium phosphate dihydrate. 31 .The method as claimed in claim 17, wherein said GLP-1 agonist is Arg34, Lys26(N-E-(y-Glu(N-a-hexadecanoy1)))-GLP- (7-37). 32.A method for reducing the clogging of injection devices by a GLP-1 agonist formulation, said method comprising replacing the isotonicity agent previously utilized in said formulation with propylene glycol at a concentration of between 1-1 00 mglml. 33.The method as claimed in claim 32, wherein the reduction in clogging of the injection device by the propylene glycol-containing formulation relative to that observed for the formulation containing the previously utilized isotonicity agent is measured in a simulated in use study. 34.The method as claimed in claim 32, wherein the isotonicity agent to be replaced by propylene glycol is selected from the group consisting of inositol, maltose, glycine, lactose and mannitol. 35.The method as claimed in claim 32, wherein the concentration of propylene glycol is from 1 mglml to 50 mglml. 36.The method as claimed in claim 32, wherein the concentration of propylene glycol is from 5 mglml to 25 mglml. 37.The method as claimed in claim 32, wherein the concentration of propylene glycol is from 8 mglml to 16 mglml. 38.The method as claimed in claim 32, wherein said formulation has a pH of from 7.0 to 10.0 39.The method as claimed in claim 32, wherein the pH of said formulation is 7.0 to 9.5. 40.The method as claimed in claim 32, wherein the pH of said formulation is 7.0 to 8.3. 41.The method as claimed in claim 32, wherein the pH of said formulation is 7.3 to 8.3. 42.The method as claimed in claim 32, wherein said formulation further comprises a preservative. 43.The method as claimed in claim 42, wherein said formulation further comprising a preservative, wherein said preservative is present in a concentration from 0. I mglml to 20mglml. 44.The method as claimed in claim 32, wherein said formulation further comprises a buffer. 45.The method as claimed in claim 44, wherein said buffer is selected from the group consisting of glycylglycine, L-histidine, Hepes, bicine and disodium phosphate dihydrate. 46.The method as claimed in claim 44, wherein said buffer is disodium phosphate dihydrate. 47.The method as claimed in claim 32, wherein said GLP-1 agonist is Arg34, Lys26(N-E-(y-Glu(N-a-hexadecanoy1)))-GL- (7-37).

PROPYLENE GLYCOL-CONTAINING PEPTIDE FORMULATIONS WHICH ARE OPTIMAL
FOR PRODUCTION AND FOR USE IN INJECTION DEVICES
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to pharmaceutical formulations comprising a peptide
and propylene glycol, to methods of preparing such formulations, and to uses of such formulations
in the treatment of diseases and conditions for which use of the peptide contained in
such formulations is indicated. The present invention further relates to methods for reducing
the clogging of injection devices by a peptide formulation and for reducing deposits on production
equipment during production of a peptide formulation.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The inclusion of isotonicity agents in peptide-containing pharmaceutical formulations is widely
known and one of the more common isotonic agents used in such formulations is mannitol.
However, the present inventors have observed that mannitol causes problems during the production
of peptide formulations as it crystallizes resulting in deposits in the production equipment
and in the final product. Such deposits increase the need to clean the filling equipment
during production of the formulation and this results in reduced production capability. In addition,
such deposits may also result in reduced yield of the final product since vials/cartridges
containing the peptide formulation may need to be discarded if particles are present. Finally, the
present inventors have observed that in peptide formulations to be administered by injection, the
presence of mannitol results in clogging of injection devices.
Accordingly, it is desirable to identify an alternative isotonic agent to mannitol for inclusion in
peptide-containing formulations and in particular, for inclusion in peptide formulations which are
administered by injection.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present inventors have discovered that peptide formulations containing propylene
glycol at certain concentrations exhibit reduced deposits in production equipment and in
the final product and also exhibit reduced clogging of injection devices. The present compositions
may be formulated with any peptide and are also physically and chemically stable thus
rendering them shelf-stable and suitable for invasive (eg. injection, subcutaneous injection,
intramuscular, intraveneous or infusion ) as well as non-invasive (eg nasal, oral, pulmonary,
transdermal or transmucosal e.g. buccal) means of administration.
The present invention therefore relates to a pharmaceutical formulation comprising a
peptide and propylene glycol, where the propylene glycol is present in a concentration of 1-
1UO mg/ml and the pH of the formulation is from 7-10. In a preferred embodiment, the pharmaceutical
formulations of the invention further contain a buffer and a preservative.
The present invention also relates to methods for producing the pharmaceutical formulations
of the invention.
In one embodiment, the method for preparing a peptide formulation comprises:
a) preparing a first solution by dissolving preservative, propylene glycol and
buffer in water;
b) preparing a second solution by dissolving the peptide in water;
c) mixing the first and second solutions; and
d) adjusting the pH of the mixture in c) to the desired pH.
In another embodiment, the method for preparing a peptide formulation comprises:
a) preparing a first solution by dissolving preservative and buffer in water;
b) adding propylene glycol to the first solution;
c) mixing the first solution with a second solution containing peptide dissolved in
water; and
d) adjusting the pH of the mixture in c) to the desired pH.
In yet another embodiment, the method for preparing a peptide formulation comprises:
a) preparing a solution by dissolving preservative, buffer and propylene glycol in
water;
b) adding the peptide to the solution of step a); and
c) adjusting the pH of the solution of step b) to the desired pH.
The present invention further relates to methods of treatment using the
pharmaceutical formulations of the invention where the compositions are administered in an
amount effective to combat the disease, condition, or disorder for which administration of the
peptide contained in the formulation is indicated.
In addition the present invention also relates to a method for reducing deposits on
production equipment during production of a peptide formulation, where the method comprises
replacing the isotonicity agent previously utilized in said formulation with propylene
glycol at a concentration of between 1-100 mg/ml.
In one embodiment, the reduction in deposits on the production equipment during
production by the propylene glycol-containing formulation relative to that observed for the
formulation containing the previously utilized isotonicity agent is measured by a simulated
filling experiment.
The present invention also relates to a method for reducing deposits in the final
product during production of a peptide formulation, where the method comprises replacing
the isotonicity agent previously utilized in said formulation with propylene glycol at a concentration
of between 1-100 mg/ml.
In one embodiment, the reduction in deposits in the final product is measured by a
reduction in the number of vials and/or cartridges of the propylene glycol-containing formulation
that must be discarded due to deposits relative to number of vials and/or cartridges of
the formulation containing the previously utilized isotonicity agent that must be discarded due
to deposits.
The present invention further relates to a method for reducing the clogging of injection
devices by a peptide formulation, where the method comprises replacing the isotonicity
agent previously utilized in said formulation with propylene glycol at a concentration of between
1-100 mg/ml.
In one embodiment, the reduction in clogging of the injection device by the propylene
glycol-containing formulation relative to that observed for the formulation containing" the
previously utilized isotonicity agent is measured in a simulated in use study.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
Figure 1 shows a photograph of dried droplets on microscope slides of from left to right, placebo
(no peptide) formulations containing no isotonic agent (e only water, preservative and
buffer), mannitol, sorbitol, xylitol, sucrose or glycerol as the isotonic agent with the far right
slide containing mannitol with peptide Arg34, Lys26(NE-(y-Glu(Na-hexadecanoyl)))-GLP-1(7-
37).
Figure 2 shows light microscopy pictures of from left to right, some of the dried droplets of
placebo formulations containing mannitol, arginin, inositol or glycerol as the isotonic agent.
Figure 3 shows light microscopy pictures of clogged needles dosed with placebo formulations
containing myoinositol, maltose or glycerol as the isotonic agent.
Figure 4 shows light microscopy pictures of deposits on needles dosed with placebo formulations
containing glycine, lactose or mannitol as the isotonic agent.
Figure 5 shows filling equipment after 24 hours simulated filling with Arg34,
Glu(N"-hexadecanoyl)))-GLP-1(7-37) medium containing myo-inositol.
Figure 6 shows deposits on filling equipment after 24 hours simulated filling with a mannitolcontaining
placebo formulation.
Figure 7 shows deposits on needles dosed with mannitol (top panel) and propylene glycol
(bottom panel)-containing Arg34, Lys26(Ne-(y-Glu(N0-hexadecanoyl)))-GLP-1(7-37) formulations.
DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a pharmaceutical formulation comprising a peptide
or a mixture of peptides and propylene glycol where the final concentration of propylene glycol
in the formulation is 1-100 mg/ml and the pH of the formulation is in the range of from 7-
10.
The pharmaceutical formulations of the invention are found to be optimal for production
because they exhibit reduced deposits in production equipment relative to formulations
containing other isotonicity agents as measured by the simulated filling studies described in
the Examples. In addition, the pharmaceutical formulations of the invention are found to be
optimal for use in injection devices because they exhibit reduced clogging of the injection devices
relative to formulations containing other isotonicity agents as measured by the simulated
in use studies described in the Examples.
The formulations of the present invention may be formulated with any peptide where
examples of such peptides include, but are not limited to, glucagon, human growth hormone
(hGH), insulin, aprotinin, FactorVII, tissue plasminogen activator (TPA), FactorVlla, FFRFactorVlla,
heparinase, ACTH, Heparin Binding Protein, corticotropin-releasing factor, angiotensin,
calcitonin, glucagon-like peptide-1, glucagon-like peptide-2, insulin-like growth factor-1,
insulin-like growth factor-2, fibroblast growth factors, gastric inhibitory peptide, growth hormonereleasing
factor, pituitary adenylate cyclase activating peptide, secretin, enterogastrin, somatostatin,
somatomedin, parathyroid hormone, thrombopoietin, erythropoietin, hypothalamic releasing
factors, prolactin, thyroid stimulating hormones, endorphins, enkephalins, vasopressin,
oxytocin, opiods, DPP IV, interleukins, immunoglobulins, complement inhibitors, serine protease
Inhibitors, cytokines, cytokine receptors, PDGF, tumor necrosis factors, tumor necrosis factors
receptors, growth factors and analogues as well as derivatives thereof where each of these
peptides constitutes an alternative embodiment of the present invention.
In the present application, the designation "an analogue" is used to designate a peptide
wherein one or more amino acid residues of the parent peptide have been substituted by another
amino acid residue and/or wherein one or more amino acid residues of the parent peptide
have been deleted and/or wherein one or more amino acid residues have been added to the
parent peptide. Such addition can take place either at the N-terminal end or at the C-terminal
end of the parent peptide or both. Typically" an analogue" is a peptide wherein 6 or less
amino acids have been substituted and/or added and/or deleted from the parent peptide,
more preferably a peptide wherein 3 or less amino acids have been substituted and/or added
and/or deleted from the parent peptide, and most preferably, a peptide wherein one amino
acid has been substituted and/or added and/or deleted from the parent peptide.
In the present application, "a derivative" is used to designate a peptide or analogue
thereof which is chemically modified by introducing an organic substituent e.g. ester, alkyl or
lipophilic functionalities, on one or more amino acid residues of the peptide or analogue
thereof.
In one embodiment, the peptide to be included in the formulation of the invention is a
GLP-1 agonist where "a GLP-1 agonist" is understood to refer to any peptide which fully or
partially activates the human GLP-1 receptor. In a preferred embodiment, the "GLP-1
agonist" is any peptide that binds to a GLP-1 receptor, preferably with an affinity constant
(KD) or a potency (ECso) of below 1 uM, e.g. below 100 nM as measured by methods known
in the art (see e.g. WO 98/08871) and exhibits insulinotropic activity, where insulinotropic
activity may be measured in vivo or in vitro assays known to those of ordinary skill in the art.
For example, the GLP-1 agonist may be administered to an animal and the insulin
concentration measured over time.
Methods for identifying GLP-1 agonists are described in WO 93/19175 (Novo Nordisk
A/S) and examples of suitable GLP-1 analogues and derivatives which can be used according
to the present invention includes those referred to in WO 99/43705 (Novo Nordisk
A/S), WO 99/43706 (Novo Nordisk A/S), WO 99/43707 (Novo Nordisk A/S), WO 98/08871
(analogues with lipophilic substituent) and in WO 02/46227 (analogues fused to serum albumin
or to Fc portion of an lg).(Novo Nordisk A/S), WO 99/43708 (Novo Nordisk A/S), WO
99/43341 (Novo Nordisk A/S), WO 87/06941 (The General Hospital Corporation), WO
90/11296 (The General Hospital Corporation), WO 91/11457 (Buckley et al.), WO 98/43658
Lilly & Co.), EP 0708179-A2 (Eli Lilly & Co.), EP 0699686-A2 (Eli Lilly & Co.), WO
01/98331 (Eli Lilly & Co).
In one embodiment, the GLP-1 agonist is selected from the group consisting of
GLP-1(7-36)-amide, GLP-1 (7-37), a GLP-1 (7-36)-amide analogue, a GLP-1 (7-37) analogue,
or a derivative of any of these.
In one embodiment, the GLP-1 agonist is a derivative of GLP-1 (7-36)-amide, GLP-
1(7-37), a GLP-1 (7-36)-amide analogue or a GLP-1 (7-37) analogue, which comprises a lipophilic
substituent.
In this embodiment of the invention, the GLP-1 derivative preferably has three
lipophilic substituents, more preferably two lipophiiic substituents, and most preferably one
lipophilic substituent attached to the parent peptide (ie GLP-1 (7-36)-amide, GLP-1 (7-37), a
GLP-1 (7-36)-amide analogue or a GLP-1 (7-37) analogue), where each lipophilic
substituent(s) preferably has 4-40 carbon atoms, more preferably 8-30 carbon atoms, even
more preferably 8-25 carbon atoms, even more preferably 12-25 carbon atoms, and most
preferably 14-18 carbon atoms.
In one embodiment, the lipophilic substituent comprises a partially or completely
hydrogenated cyclopentanophenathrene skeleton. '
In another embodiment, the lipophilic substituent is a straight-chain or branched alkyl
group.
In yet another embodiment, the lipophilic substituent is an acyl group of a straight-chain
or branched fatty acid. Preferably, the lipophilic substituent is an acyl group having the formula
CH3(CH2)nCO-, wherein n is an integer from 4 to 38, preferably an integer from 12 to 38, and
most preferably is CH3(CH2)12CO-, CH3(CH2)14CO-, CH3(CH2)16CO-, CH3(CH2)18CO-,
CH3(CH2)2oCO- and CH3(CH2)22CO-. In a more preferred embodiment, the lipophilic substituent
is tetradecanoyl. In a most preferred embodiment, the lipophilic substituent is hexadecanoyl.
In a further embodiment of the present invention, the lipophilic substituent has a group
which is negatively charged such as a carboxylic acid group. For example, the lipophilic
substituent may be an acyl group of a straight-chain or branched alkane a,co-dicarboxylic acid of
the formula HOOC(CH2)mCO-, wherein m is an integer from 4 to 38, preferably an integer from
12 to 38, and most preferably is HOOC(CH2)14CO-, HOOC(CH2)i6CO-, HOOC(CH2)18CO-,
HOOC(CH2)20CO- or HOOC(CH2)22CO-.
In the GLP-1 derivatives of the invention, the lipophilic substituent(s) contain a
functional group which can be attached to one of the following functional groups of an amino
acid of the parent GLP-1 peptide:
(a) the amino group attached to the alpha-carbon of the N-terminal amino acid,
(b) the carboxy group attached to the alpha-carbon of the C-terminal amino acid,
(c) the epsilon-amino group of any Lys residue,
(d) the carboxy group of the R group of any Asp and Glu residue,
(e) the hydroxy group of the R group of any Tyr, Ser and Thr residue,
(f) the amino group of the R group of any Trp, Asn, Gin, Arg, and His residue, or
(g) the thiol group of the R group of any Cys residue.
In one embodiment, a lipophilic substituent is attached to the carboxy group of the R
group of any Asp and Glu residue.
In another embodiment, a lipophilic substituent is attached to the carboxy group
attached to the alpha-carbon of the C-terminal amino acid.
In a most preferred embodiment, a lipophilic substituent is attached to the epsilonamino
group of any Lys residue.
In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the lipophilic substituent is attached to the
parent GLP-1 peptide by means of a spacer. A spacer must contain at least two functional
groups, one to attach to a functional group of the lipophilic substituent and the other to a
functional group of the parent GLP-1 peptide.
In one embodiment, the spacer is an amino acid residue except Cys or Met, or a
dipeptide such as Gly-Lys. For purposes of the present invention, the phrase "a dipeptide such
as Gly-Lys" means any combination of two amino acids except Cys or Met, preferably a
dipeptide wherein the C-terminal amino acid residue is Lys, His or Trp, preferably Lys, and the
N-terminal amino acid residue is Ala, Arg, Asp, Asn, Gly, Glu, Gin, lie, Leu, Val, Phe, Pro, Ser,
Tyr, Thr, Lys, His and Trp. Preferably, an amino group of the parent peptide forms an amide
bond with a carboxylic group of the amino acid residue or dipeptide spacer, and an amino group
of the amino acid residue or dipeptide spacer forms an amide bond with a carboxyl group of the
lipophilic substituent.
Preferred spacers are lysyl, glutamyl, asparagyl, glycyl, beta-alanyl and gammaaminobutanoyl,
each of which constitutes an individual embodiment. Most preferred spacers are
glutamyl and beta-alanyl. When the spacer is Lys, Glu or Asp, the carboxyl group thereof may
form an amide bond with an amino group of the amino acid residue, and the amino group
thereof may form an amide bond with a carboxyl group of the lipophilic substituent. When Lys is
used as the spacer, a further spacer may in some instances be inserted between the e-amino
group of Lys and the lipophilic substituent. In one embodiment, such a further spacer is succinic
acid which forms an amide bond with the e-amino group of Lys and with an amino group present
in the lipophilic substituent. In another embodiment such a further spacer is Glu or Asp which
forms an amide bond with the e-amino group of Lys and another amide bond with a carboxyl
group present in the lipophilic substituent, that is, the lipophilic substituent is a Ne-acylated lysine
residue.
In another embodiment, the spacer is an unbranched alkane a,co-dicarboxylic acid
group having from 1 to 7 methylene groups, which spacer forms a bridge between an amino
group of the parent peptide and an amino group of the lipophilic substituent. Preferably, the
spacer is succinic acid.
In a further embodiment, the lipophilic substituent with the attached spacer is a group
of the formula CH3(CH2)pNH-CO(CH2)qCO-, wherein p is an integer from 8 to 33, preferably from
12 to 28 and q is an integer from 1 to 6, preferably 2.
In a further embodiment, the lipophilic substituent with the attached spacer is a group
of the formula CH3(CH2)rCO-NHCH(COOH)(CH2)2CO-, wherein r is an integer from 4 to 24,
preferably from 10 to 24.
In a further embodiment, the lipophilic substituent with the attached spacer is a group
of the formula CH3(CH2)SCO-NHCH((CH2)2COOH)CO-, wherein s is an integer from 4 to 24,
preferably from 10 to 24.
In a further embodiment, the lipophilic substituent is a group of the formula
COOH(CH2)tCO- wherein t is an integer from 6 to 24.
In a further embodiment, the lipophilic substituent with the attached spacer is a group
of the formula -NHCH(COOH)(CH2)4NH-CO(CH2)uCH3, wherein u is an integer from 8 to 18.
In a further embodiment, the lipophilic substituent with the attached spacer is a group
of the formula CH3(CH2)VCO-NH-(CH2)2-CO, wherein v is an integer from 4 to 24 and z is an
integer from 1 to 6.
In a further embodiment, the lipophilic substituent with the attached spacer is a group
of the formula -NHCH(COOH)(CH2)4NH-COCH((CH2)2COOH)NH-CO(CH2)wCH3, wherein w is
an integer from 10 to 16.
In a further embodiment, the lipophilic substituent with the attached spacer is a group
of the formula -NHCH(COOH)(CH2)4NH-CO(CH2)2CH(COOH)NHCO(CH2)1(CH3, wherein x is
zero or an integer from 1 to 22, preferably 10 to 16.
In yet another embodiment the GLP-1 agonist is Arg34, Lys26(Ne-(y-G'u(Na-hexadecanoyl)))-
GLP-1(7-37).
In yet another embodiment the GLP-1 agonist is selected from the group consisting
of Gly8-GLP-1(7-36)-amide, Gly8-GLP-1(7-37), Val8-GLP-1(7-36)-amide, Val8-GLP-1(7-37),
Val8Asp22-GLP-1(7-36)-amide, Val8Asp22-GLP-1(7-37). Val8Glu22-GLP-1(7-36)-amide ,
Val8Glu22-GLP-1(7-37), Val8Lys22-GLP-1(7-36)-amide, Val8Lys22-GLP-1(7-37), Val8Arg22-
^%LP-1(7-36)-amide, Val8Arg22-GLP-1(7-37), Val8His22-GLP-1(7-36)-amide,
1 (7-37), analogues thereof and derivatives of any of these.
In yet another embodiment the GLP-1 agonist is selected from the group consisting
of Arg26-GLP-1(7-37); Arg34-GLP-1(7-37); Lys^-GLP-l (7-37); Arg26'34Lys36-GLP-1(7-37);
Arg26'34-GLP-1(7-37); Arg26'34Lys40-GLP-1(7-37); Arg26Lys36-GLP-1(7-37); Arg34Lys36-GLP-1(7-
37); Val8Arg22-GLP-1(7-37); Met8Arg22-GLP-1(7-37);Gly8His22-GLP-1(7-37); VafHis^-GLP-
1(7-37); Met8His22-GLP-1(7-37);His37-GLP-1(7-37); Gly8-GLP-1(7-37); Val8-GLP-1 (7-37);
Met8-GLP-1 (7-37);Gly8Asp22-GLP-1 (7-37); VafAsp^-GLP-l (7-37); Met8Asp22-GLP-1 (7-
37);Gly8Glu22-GLP-1(7-37); Val8Glu22-GLP-1(7-37); Met8Glu22-GLP-1(7-37); Gly8Lys22-GLP-
1(7-37); Val8Lys22-GLP-1(7-37); Met8Lys22-GLP-1(7-37); Gly8Arg22-GLP-1(7-37);
Val8Lys22His37-GLP-1 (7-37); Gly8Glu22His37-GLP-1 (7-37); Val8Glu22His37-GLP-1 (7-37);
Met8Glu22His37-GLP-1(7-37);Gly8Lys22His37-GLP-1(7-37);Met8Lys22His37-GLP-1(7-
37);Gly8Arg22His37-GLP-1 (7-37); Val8Arg22His37-GLP-1 (7-37); Met8Arg22His37-GLP-1 (7-37);
Gly8His22His37-GLP-1 (7-37); Val8His22His37-GLP-1 (7-37); Met8His22His37-GLP-1 (7-37);
Gly8His37-GLP-1(7-37); Val8His37-GLP-1(7-37); Met8His37-GLP-1(7-37);Gly8Asp22 His37-GLP-
1(7-37); Val8Asp22His37-GLP-1(7-37); Met8Asp22His37-GLP-1(7-37); Arg26-GLP-1(7-36)-amide;
Arg34-GLP-1(7-36)-amide; Lys36-GLP-1(7-36)-amide; Arg26-34Lys36-GLP-1(7-36)-amide; Arg26'34-
GLP-1 (7-36)-amide; Arg^Lys^-GLP-l (7-36)-amide; Arg^Lys^-GLP-l (7-36)-amide;
Arg34Lys36-GLP-1(7-36)-amide; Gly8-GLP-1 (7-36)-amide; Vala-GLP-1(7-36)-amide; Met8-GLP-
1 (7-36)-amide;Gly8Asp22-GLP-1 (7-36)-amide; Gly^lu^His^-GLP-l (7-36)-amide; Val8Asp22-
GLP-1(7-36)-amide;Met8Asp22-GLP-1(7-36)-amide;Gly8Glu22-GLP-1(7-36)-amide; Val8Glu22-
GLP-1(7-36)-amide; Met8Glu22-GLP-1(7-36)-amide; Gly8Lys22-GLP-1(7-36)-amide; Val8Lys22-
GLP-1 (7-36)-amide; Met\ys22-GLP-1 (7-36)-amide; Gly8His22His37-GLP-1 (7-36)-amide;
Gly8Arg22-GLP-1 (7-36)-amide; Val8Arg22-GLP-1 (7-36)-amide; Met8Arg22-GLP-1 (7-36)-
amide;Gly8His22-GLP-1 (7-36)-amide; Val8His22-GLP-1 (7-36)-amide; Met8His22-GLP-1 (7-36)-
amide;His37-GLP-1(7-36)-amide;Val8Arg22His37-GLP-1(7-36)-amide;Met8Arg22His37-GLP-
1(7-36)-amide; Gly8His37-GLP-1(7-36)-amide; Val8His37-GLP-1(7-36)-amide; Met8His37-GLP-
1 (7-36)-amide;Gly8Asp22 His37-GLP-1 (7-36)-amide; Val8Asp22His37-GLP-1 (7-36)-amide;
Met8Asp22His37-GLP-1(7-36)-amide;Val8Glu22His37-GLP-1(7-36)-amide;Met8Glu22His37-GLP-
1 (7-36)-amide;Gly8Lys22 His37-GLP-1 (7-36)-amide; Va^Lys^His^-GLP-l (7-36)-amide;
Met8Lys22His37-GLP-1(7-36)-amide;Gly8Arg22His37-GLP-1(7-36)-amide;Val8His22His37-GLP-
1(7-36)-amide; Met8His22His37-GLP-1(7-36)-amide; and derivatives thereof.
In yet another embodiment the GLP-1 agonist is selected from the group consisting of
Val8Trp19Glu22-GLP-1(7-37), Val8Glu22Val25-GLP-1 (7-37), Val8Tyr16Glu22-GLP-1(7-37),
Val8Trp16Glu22-GLP-1 (7-37), Val8Leu16Glu22-GLP-1 (7-37), Val8Tyr18Glu22-GLP-1 (7-37),
^$a!8Glu22His37-GLP-1 (7-37), VafGlu^lle^-GLP-l (7-37), VafTrp^Glu^VafW-GLP-l (7-
37), Val8Trp16Glu22IIe33-GLP-1(7-37), Val8Glu22Val25lle33-GLP-1(7-37), Val^rp^Glu^Val25-
GLP-1(7-37), analogues thereof and derivatives of any of these.
In yet another embodiment the GLP-1 agonist is exendin-4 or exendin-3, an exend
in-4 or exendin-3 analogue or a derivative of any of these.
Examples of exendins as well as analogues, derivatives, and fragments thereof to be
included within the present invention are those disclosed in WO 97/46584, US 5,424,286 and
WO 01/04156. US 5,424,286 describes a method for stimulating insulin release with an exendin
polypeptide. The exendin polypeptides disclosed include HGEGTFTSDLSKQMEEEAVRLFIEWLKNGGX;
wherein X = P or Y, and
HX1X2GTFITSDLSKQMEEEAVRLFIEWLKNGGPSSGAPPPS; wherein X1X2 = SD (exendin-
3) or GE (exendin-4)). WO 97/46584 describes truncated versions of exendin peptide(s). The
disclosed peptides increase secretion and biosynthesis of insulin, but reduce those of glucagon.
WO 01/04156 describes exendin-4 analogues and derivatives as well as the preparation of
these molecules. Exendin-4 analogues stabilized by fusion to serum albumin or Fc portion of an
Ig are disclosed in WO 02/46227.
In one embodiment, the exendin-4 analogue is HGEGTFTSDLSKQMEEEAVRLFIEWLKNGGPSSGAPPSKKKKKK-
amide.
Where the peptide to be included in the formulation of the invention is a GLP-1
agonist, the GLP-1 agonist is present in a concentration from about 0.1 mg/ml to about 100
mg/ml, more preferably in a concentration from about 0.1 mg/ml to about 50 mg/ml, and most
preferably in a concentration of from about 0.1 mg/ml to aboutIO mg/ml.
In another embodiment, the peptide to be included in the formulation of the invention is
insulin , where "insulin" is understood to mean human insulin, [where "human insulin" means
insulin having the amino acid sequence shown in DSHW Nicol and LF Smith: Nature. (1960)
4736:483-485, which is hereby incorporated by reference], human insulin analogs, human insulin
derivatives or mixtures thereof, where examples of insulin analogs and derivatives are those
disclosed in EP 0 792 290 (Novo Nordisk A/S), EP 0 214 826 and EP 0 705 275 (Novo Nordisk
A/S), US 5,504,188 (Eli Lilly), EP 0 368 187 (Aventis), US patents 5,750,497 and 6,011,007,
EP 375437 and EP 383472 and where such insulins may include, but are not limited to, NPH
insulin, Lys Ii29 (Ne-tetradecanoyl) des(BSO) human insulin, LysB29-(N£-(Y-glutamyl-N°-
lithocholyl) des(B30) human insulin, NnB29-octanoyl insulin, 30/70 mixtures of prompt insulin zinc
(SemiLente®) with extended insulin zinc (Ultralente®), sold commercially as Lente®, insulin
glargine (Lantus®) or extended insulin zinc (Ultralente®), Lys828 Pro829 human insulin (Humalog
®), Asp628 human insulin, insulin aspart (Novolog®), or a 30/70 mixture of insulin aspart and
insulin aspart protamine (NovoMix®).
In one embodiment, the insulin is a derivative of human insulin or a human insulin analogue
where the derivative contains at least one lysine residue and a lipophilic substituent is attached
to the epsilon amino group of the lysine residue.
In one embodiment, the lysine residue to which the lipophilic substituent is attached is
present at position B28 of the insulin peptide.
In an alternative embodiment, the lysine residue to which the lipophilic substituent is
attached is present at position B29 of the insulin peptide.
In yet another embodiment, lipophilic substituent is an acyl group corresponding to a
carboxylic acid having at least 6 carbon atoms.
In another preferred embodiment, the lipophilic substituent is an acyl group, branched
or unbranched, which corresponds to a carboxylic acid having a chain of carbon atoms 8 to 24
atoms long.
In another preferred embodiment, the lipophilic substituent is an acyl group
corresponding to a fatty acid having at least 6 carbon atoms.
In another preferred embodiment, the lipophilic substituent is an acyl group
corresponding to a linear, saturated carboxylic acid having from 6 to 24 carbon atoms.
In another preferred embodiment, the lipophilic substituent is an acyl group
corresponding to a linear, saturated carboxylic acid having from 8 to 12 carbon atoms.
In another preferred embodiment, the lipophilic substituent is an acyl group
corresponding to a linear, saturated carboxylic acid having from 10 to 16 carbon atoms.
In another preferred embodiment, the lipophilic substituent is an oligo oxyethylene
group comprising up to 10, preferably up to 5, oxyethylene units.
In another preferred embodiment, the lipophilic substituent is an oligo oxypropylene
group comprising up to 10, preferably up to 5, oxypropylene units.
In one preferred embodiment, the invention relates to a human insulin derivative in which the
B30 amino acid residue is deleted or is any amino acid residue which can be coded for by the
genetic code except Lys, Arg and Cys; the A21 and the B3 amino acid residues are,
independently, any amino acid residues which can be coded for by the genetic code except Lys,
Arg and Cys; PheB1 may be deleted; the n-amino group of Lys829 has a lipophilic substituent
which comprises at least 6 carbon atoms; and 2-4 Zn2* ions may be bound to each insulin
~*examer with the proviso that when B30 is Thr or Ala and A21 and B3 are both Asn, and PheB1
is not deleted, then 2-4 Zn2* ions are bound to each hexamer of the insulin derivative.
In another preferred embodiment, the invention relates to a human insulin derivative in
which the B30 amino acid residue is deleted or is any amino acid residue which can be coded
for by the genetic code except Lys, Arg and Cys; the A21 and the B3 amino acid residues are,
independently, any amino acid residues which can be coded for by the genetic code except Lys,
Arg and Cys, with the proviso that if the B30 amino acid residue is Ala or Thr, then at least one
of the residues A21 and B3 is different from Asn; PheB1 may be deleted; and the n-amino group
of Lys629 has a lipophilic substituent which comprises at least 6 carbon atoms.
In another preferred embodiment, the invention relates to a human insulin derivative
in which the B30 amino acid residue is deleted or is any amino acid residue which can be
coded for by the genetic code except Lys, Arg and Cys; the A21 and the B3 amino acid
residues are, independently, any amino acid residues which can be coded for by the genetic
code except Lys, Arg and Cys; PheB1 may be deleted; the n-amino group of Lys829 has a
lipophilic substituent which comprises at least 6 carbon atoms; and 2-4 Zn2+ ions are bound
to each insulin hexamer.
Where the peptide to be included in the formulation of the invention is an insulin, the
insulin is present in a concentration from about 0.5 mg/ml to about 20 mg/ml, more preferably
in a concentration from about 1 mg/ml to about 15 mg/ml.
In another embodiment, the peptide to be included in the formulations of the invention
is hGH or Met-hGH.
Where the peptide to be included in the formulation of the invention is hGH or MethGH,
the hGH or Met-hGH is present in a concentration from about 0.5 mg/ml to about 50
mg/ml, more preferably in a concentration from about 1 mg/ml to about 10 mg/ml.
In yet another embodiment, the peptide to be included in the formulations of the
invention is GLP-2 or an analogue or derivative thereof.
Where the peptide to be included in the formulation of the invention is GLP-2 or an
analogue or derivative thereof, the GLP-2 or an analogue or derivative thereof is present in a
concentration from about 1 mg/ml to about 100 mg/ml, more preferably in a concentration
from about 1 mg/ml to about 10 mg/ml.
In yet a further embodiment, the peptide to be included in the formulations of the
invention is Factor VII or Factor Vila or an analogue or derivative thereof.
Where the peptide to be included in the formulation of the invention is Factor VII or
Factor Vila or an analogue or derivative thereof, the Factor VII or Factor Vila or an analogue
^%r derivative thereof is present in a concentration from about 0.1 mg/ml to about 10 mg/ml,
more preferably in a concentration from about 0.5 mg/ml to about 5 mg/ml.
In one embodiment, the final concentration of propylene glycol in the formulations of
the invention is from about 1 to about 50 mg/ml.
In another embodiment, the final concentration of propylene glycol in the formulations
of the invention is from about 5 to about 25 mg/ml.
In yet another embodiment, the final concentration of propylene glycol in the
formulations of the invention is from about 8 to about 16 mg/ml.
In yet a further embodiment, the final concentration of propylene glycol in the formulations
of the invention is from about 13 to about 15 mg/ml.
In still another embodiment, the final concentration of propylene glycol in the formulations
of the invention is from about 13.5 to about 14.5 mg/ml.
In another embodiment of the invention, the formulation has a pH in the range from
about 7.0 to about 9.5 where the term "about" as used in connection with pH means + or -
0.1 pH units from the stated number.
In a further embodiment of the invention, the formulation has a pH in the range from
about 7.0 to about 8.0.
In yet a further embodiment of the invention, the formulation has a pH in the range
from about 7.2 to about 8.0.
In a further embodiment of the invention, the formulation has a pH in the range from
about 7.0 to about 8.3.
In yet a further embodiment of the invention, the formulation has a pH in the range
from about 7.3 to about 8.3.
In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the formulations contain, in addition to a
peptide and propylene glycol, a buffer and/or a preservative.
Where a buffer is to be included in the formulations of the invention, the buffer is
selected from the group consisting of sodium acetate, sodium carbonate, citrate,
glycylglycine, histidine, glycine, lysine, arginin, sodium dihydrogen phosphate, disodium
hydrogen phosphate, sodium phosphate, and tris(hydroxymethyl)-aminomethan, or mixtures
thereof. Each one of these specific buffers constitutes an alternative embodiment of the
invention. In a preferred embodiment of the invention the buffer is glycylglycine, sodium
dihydrogen phosphate, disodium hydrogen phosphate, sodium phosphate or mixtures
thereof.
Where a pharmaceutically acceptable preservative is to be included in the
formulations of the invention, the preservative is selected from the group consisting of
-flfienol, m-cresol, methyl p-hydroxybenzoate, propyl p-hydroxybenzoate, 2-phenoxyethanol,
butyl p-hydroxybenzoate, 2-phenylethanol, benzyl alcohol, chlorobutanol, and thiomerosal,
or mixtures thereof. Each one of these specific preservatives constitutes an alternative
embodiment of the invention. In a preferred embodiment of the invention the preservative is
phenol or m-cresol.
In a further embodiment of the invention the preservative is present in a concentration
from about 0.1 mg/ml to about 50 mg/ml, more preferably in a concentration from about 0.1
mg/ml to about 25 mg/ml, and most preferably in a concentration from about 0.1 mg/ml to
about 10 mg/ml
The use of a preservative in pharmaceutical compositions is well-known to the skilled
person. For convenience reference is made to Remington: The Science and Practice of Pharmacy,
19th edition, 1995.
In a further embodiment of the invention the formulation may further comprise a
chelating agent where the chelating agent may be selected from salts of
ethlenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), citric acid, and aspartic acid, and mixtures thereof.
Each one of these specific chelating agents constitutes an alternative embodiment of the
invention.
In a further embodiment of the invention the chelating agent is present in a
concentration from 0.1 mg/ml to 5mg/ml. In a further embodiment of the invention the
chelating agent is present in a concentration from 0.1 mg/ml to 2mg/ml. In a further
embodiment of the invention the chelating agent is present in a concentration from 2mg/ml to
5mg/ml.
The use of a chelating agent in pharmaceutical compositions is well-known to the
skilled person. For convenience reference is made to Remington: The Science and Practice of
Pharmacy, 19th edition, 1995.
In a further embodiment of the invention the formulation may further comprise a
stabiliser selected from the group of high molecular weight polymers or low molecular
compounds where such stabilizers include, but are not limited to, polyethylene glycol (e.g.
PEG 3350), polyvinylalcohol (PVA), polyvinylpyrrolidone, carboxymethylcellulose, different
salts (e.g. sodium chloride), L-glycine, L-histidine, imidazole, arginine, lysine, isoleucine,
aspartic acid, tryptophan, threonine and mixtures thereof. Each one of these specific
stabilizers constitutes an alternative embodiment of the invention. In a preferred embodiment
of the invention the stabiliser is selected from the group consisting of L-histidine, imidazole
and arginine.
In a further embodiment of the invention the high molecular weight polymer is present
in a concentration from 0.1mg/ml to 50mg/ml. In a further embodiment of the invention
the high molecular weight polymer is present in a concentration from 0.1mg/ml to 5mg/ml. In
a further embodiment of the invention the high molecular weight polymer is present in a concentration
from 5mg/ml to 10mg/ml. In a further embodiment of the invention the high molecular
weight polymer is present in a concentration from Omg/ml to 20mg/ml. In a further
embodiment of the invention the high molecular weight polymer is present in a concentration
from 20mg/ml to 30mg/ml. In a further embodiment of the invention the high molecular weight
polymer is present in a concentration from SOmg/ml to 50mg/ml.
In a further embodiment of the invention the low molecular weight compound is present
in a concentration from 0.1mg/ml to 50mg/ml. In a further embodiment of the invention
the low molecular weight compound is present in a concentration from 0.1mg/ml to 5mg/ml.
In a further embodiment of the invention the low molecular weight compound is present in a
concentration from 5mg/ml to 10mg/ml. In a further embodiment of the invention the low molecular
weight compound is present in a concentration from 10mg/ml to 20mg/ml. In a further
embodiment of the invention the low molecular weight compound is present in a concentration
from 20mg/ml to 30mg/ml. In a further embodiment of the invention the low molecular
weight compound is present in a concentration from 30mg/ml to 50mg/ml.
The use of a stabilizer in pharmaceutical compositions is well-known to the skilled
person. For convenience reference is made to Remington: The Science and Practice of Pharmacy,
19th edition, 1995.
In a further embodiment of the invention the formulation of the invention may further
comprise a surfactant where a surfactant may be selected from a detergent, ethoxylated
castor oil, polyglycolyzed glycerides, acetylated monoglycerides, sorbitan fatty acid esters,
poloxamers, such as 188 and 407, polyoxyethylene sorbitan fatty acid esters,
polyoxyethylene derivatives such as alkylated and alkoxylated derivatives (tweens, e.g.
Tween-20, or Tween-80), monoglycerides or ethoxylated derivatives thereof, diglycerides or
polyoxyethylene derivatives thereof, glycerol, cholic acid or derivatives thereof, lecithins,
alcohols and phospholipids, glycerophospholipids (lecithins, kephalins, phosphatidyl serine),
glyceroglycolipids (galactopyransoide), sphingophospholipids (sphingomyelin), and
sphingoglycolipids (ceramides, gangliosides), DSS (docusate sodium, docusate calcium,
docusate potassium, SDS (sodium dodecyl sulfate or sodium lauryl sulfate), dipalmitoyl
phosphatidic acid, sodium caprylate, bile acids and salts thereof and glycine or taurine
conjugates, ursodeoxycholic acid, sodium cholate, sodium deoxycholate, sodium
taurocholate, sodium glycocholate, N-Hexadecyl-N,N-dimethyl-3-ammonio-1-
propanesulfonate, anionic (alkyl-aryl-sulphonates) monovalent surfactants, palmitoyl
lysophosphatidyl-L-serine, lysophospholipids (e.g. 1-acyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphate esters of
ethanolamine, choline, serine or threonine), alkyl, alkoxyt (alkyl ester), alkoxy (alkyl ether)-
derivatives of lysophosphatidyl and phosphatidylcholines, e.g. lauroyl and myristoyl
derivatives of lysophosphatidylcholine, dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine, and modifications of
the polar head group, that is cholines, ethanolamines, phosphatidic acid, serines, threonines,
glycerol, inositol, and the postively charged DODAC, DOTMA, DCP, BISHOP,
lysophosphatidylserine and lysophosphatidylthreonine, zwitterionic surfactants (e.g. N-alkyl-
N,N-dimethylammonio-1-propanesulfonates, 3-cholamido-1-propyldimethylammonio-1-
propanesulfonate, dodecylphosphocholine, myristoyl lysophosphatidylcholine, hen egg
lysolecithin), cationic surfactants (quarternary ammonium bases) (e.g. cetyltrimethylammonium
bromide, cetylpyridinium chloride), non-ionic surfactants,
polyethyleneoxide/polypropyleneoxide block copolymers (Pluronics/Tetronics, Triton X-100,
Dodecyl p-D-glucopyranoside) or polymeric surfactants (Tween-40, Tween-80, Brij-35),
fusidic acid derivatives- (e.g. sodium tauro-dihydrofusidate etc.), long-chain fatty acids and
salts thereof C6-C12 (eg. oleic acid and caprylic acid), acylcarnitines and derivatives, Naacylated
derivatives of lysine, arginine or histidine, or side-chain acylated derivatives of
lysine or arginine, Na-acylated derivatives of dipeptides comprising any combination of lysine,
arginine or histidine and a neutral or acidic amino acid, Na-acylated derivative of a tripeptide
comprising any combination of a neutral amino acid and two charged amino acids, or the
surfactant may be selected from the group of imidazoline derivatives, or mixtures thereof.
Each one of these specific surfactants constitutes an alternative embodiment of the invention.
The use of a surfactant in pharmaceutical compositions is well-known to the skilled
person. For convenience reference is made to Remington: The Science and Practice of Pharmacy,
19th edition, 1995.
The formulations of the invention may be prepared by conventional techniques, e.g.
as described in Remington's Pharmaceutical Sciences, 1985 or in Remington: The Science
and Practice of Pharmacy, 19th edition, 1995, where such conventional techniques of the
pharmaceutical industry involve dissolving and mixing the ingredients as appropriate to give
the desired end product..
As mentioned above, in a preferred embodiment, the formulations of the inventioncontain,
in addition to a peptide and propylene glycol, a buffer and/or a preservative.
In one embodiment, the method for preparing such a peptide formulation comprises:
a) preparing a first solution by dissolving preservative, propylene glycol and buffer
in water;
b) preparing a second solution by dissolving the peptide in water;
c) mixing the first and second solutions; and
d) adjusting the pH of the mixture in c) to the desired pH.
In another embodiment, the method for preparing such a peptide formulation comprises:
a) preparing a first solution by dissolving preservative and buffer in water;
b) adding propylene glycol to the first solution;
c) mixing the first solution with a second solution containing peptide dissolved in
water; and
d) adjusting the pH of the mixture in c) to the desired pH.
In yet another embodiment, the method for preparing a peptide formulation comprises:
a) preparing a solution by dissolving preservative, buffer and propylene glycol in
water;
b) adding the peptide to the solution of step a); and
c) adjusting the pH of the solution of step b) to the desired pH.
As the formulations of the invention are optimal for production and for use in
injection devices since they exhibit reduced deposits of production equipment and reduced
clogging of injection devices, the above methods of production can be used to produce
peptide formulations suitable for use in production and/or for use in injection devices.
The formulations of the invention are suitable for administration to a mammal,
preferably a human. The route of administration of the formulations of the invention may be
any route which effectively transports the peptide contained in the formulation to the
appropriate or desired site of action, such as oral, nasal, buccal, pulmonal, transdermal or
parenteral.
Due to the ability of propylene glycol to reduce clogging of injection devices when
compared to other isotonic agents and to mannitol in particular, in a preferred embodiment, the
formulations of the invention are to be administered parenterally to a patient in need thereof.
Parenteral administration may be performed by subcutaneous, intramuscular or intravenous injection
by means of a syringe, optionally a pen-like syringe. Alternatively, parenteral administration
can be performed by means of an infusion pump.
A further option is a composition which may be a powder or a liquid for the administration
of the formulation in the form of a nasal or pulmonal spray. As a still further option, the formulation
can also be administered transdermally, e.g. from a patch, optionally a iontophoretic
patch, or transmucosally, e.g. bucally. The above-mentioned possible ways to administer the
formulations of the invention are not to be considered as limiting the scope of the invention.
Of course, it is understood that depending on the peptide or peptides included in the
formulations of the invention, the formulations may be used in methods of treatment of diseases
or conditions for which use of the peptide is indicated. One skilled in the art would understand
that when used in such methods of treatment, the formulations would have to be administered
in amount effective to treat the condition or disease for which the peptide was being administered
where an "effective amount" or an "amount...effective" is understood to mean a dosage
which is sufficient in order for the treatment of the patient with the disease or condition to be
treated to be effective compared to treatment without the administered dosage. It is to be understood
that "an effective amount" is the effective dose to be determined by a qualified
practitioner, who may titrate dosages to achieve the desired response. Factors for consideration
of dose will include potency, bioavailability, desired pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic profiles,
the condition or disease to be treated (e.g. diabetes, obesity, weight toss, gastric ulcers), patient-
related factors (e.g. weight, health, age, etc.), presence of co-administered medications
(e.g. insulin), time of administration, or other factors known to a medical practitioner.
The present invention also relates to a method for reducing deposits on production
equipment during production of a peptide formulation, where the method comprises replacing
the isotonicity agent previously utilized in said formulation with propylene glycol at a concentration
of between 1-100 mg/ml.
In one embodiment, the reduction in deposits on the production equipment during
production by the propylene glycol-containing formulation relative to that observed for the
formulation containing the previously utilized isotonicity agent is measured by a simulated
filling experiment as described in the Examples.
In another embodiment, the isotonicity agent to be replaced by propylene glycol is selected
from the group consisting of sorbitol, sucrose, glycine, mannitol, lactose monohydrate,
arginin, myo-inositol and dimethylsulfon.
In a further embodiment, the isotonicity agent previously utilized in said formulation
is replaced with propylene glycol in a concentration of from about 1 to about 50 mg/ml.
In another embodiment, the isotonicity agent previously utilized in said formulation is
replaced with propylene glycol in a concentration of from about 5 to about 25 mg/ml.
In yet another embodiment, the isotonicity agent previously utilized in said formulation
is replaced with propylene glycol in a concentration of from about 8 to about 16 mg/ml.
In another embodiment of the invention, the propylene glycol-containing formulation
has a pH in the range from about 7.0 to about 9.5.
In a further embodiment of the invention, the propylene glycol-containing formulation
has a pH in the range from about 7.0 to about 8.0.
In yet a further embodiment of the invention, the propylene glycol-containing formulation
has a pH in the range from 7.2 to about 8.0.
In a further embodiment of the invention, the propylene glycol-containing formulation
has a pH in the range from about 7.0 to about 8.3.
In a further embodiment of the invention, the propylene glycol-containing formulation
has a pH in the range from 7.3 to about 8.3.
The present invention also relates to a method for reducing deposits in the final
product during production of a peptide formulation, where the method comprises replacing
the isotonicity agent previously utilized in said formulation with propylene glycol at a concentration
of between 1-100 mg/ml.
In one embodiment, the reduction in deposits in the final product is measured by a
reduction in the number of vials and/or cartridges of the propylene glycol-containing formulation
that must be discarded due to deposits relative to number of vials and/or cartridges of
the formulation containing the previously utilized isotonicity agent that must be discarded due
to deposits.
In another embodiment, the isotonicity agent to be replaced by propylene glycol is selected
from the group consisting of sorbitol, sucrose, glycine, mannitol, lactose monohydrate,
arginin, myo-inositol and dimethylsulfon.
In a further embodiment, the isotonicity agent previously utilized in said formulation
is replaced with propylene glycol in a concentration of from about 1 to about 50 mg/ml.
In another embodiment, the isotonicity agent previously utilized in said formulation is
replaced with propylene glycol in a concentration of from about 5 to about 25 mg/ml.
In yet another embodiment, the isotonicity agent previously utilized in said formulation
is replaced with propylene glycol in a concentration of from about 8 to about 16 mg/ml.
In another embodiment of the invention, the propylene glycol-containing formulation
has a pH in the range from about 7.0 to about 9.5.
In a further embodiment of the invention, the propylene glycol-containing formulation
has a pH in the range from about 7.0 to about 8.0.
In yet a further embodiment of the invention, the propylene glycol-containing formulation
has a pH in the range from 7.2 to about 8.0.
In a further embodiment of the invention, the propylene glycol-containing formulation
has a pH in the range from about 7.0 to about 8.3.
In a further embodiment of the invention, the propylene glycol-containing formulation
has a pH in the range from 7.3 to about 8.3.
The present invention further relates to a method for reducing the clogging of injection
devices by a peptide formulation, where the method comprises replacing the isotonicity
agent previously utilized in said formulation with propylene glycol at a concentration of between
1-100 mg/ml.
In one embodiment, the reduction in clogging of the injection device by the propylene
glycol-containing formulation relative to that observed for the formulation containing the
previously utilized isotonicity agent is measured in a simulated in use study as described in
the Examples.
In another embodiment, the isotonicity agent to be replaced by propylene glycol is selected
from the group consisting of inositol, maltose, glycine, lactose and mannitol.
In a further embodiment, the isotonicity agent previously utilized in said formulation
is replaced with propylene glycol in a concentration of from about 1 to about 50 mg/ml.
In another embodiment, the isotonicity agent previously utilized in said formulation is
replaced with propylene glycol in a concentration of from about 5 to about 25 mg/ml.
In yet another embodiment, the isotonicity agent previously utilized in said formulation
is replaced with propylene glycol in a concentration of from about 8 to about 16 mg/ml.
In another embodiment of the invention, the propylene glycol-containing formulation
has a pH in the range from about 7.0 to about 9.5.
In a further embodiment of the invention, the propylene glycol-containing formulation
has a pH in the range from about 7.0 to about 8.0.
In yet a further embodiment of the invention, the propylene glycol-containing formulation
has a pH in the range from 7.2 to about 8.0.
All scientific publications and patents cited herein are specifically incorporated by reference.
The following examples illustrate various aspects of the invention but are in no way intended
to limit the scope thereof.
EXAMPLES
EXAMPLE 1
Simulated filling experiments, drop and clogging tests of replacement candidates for
mannitol
As laboratory experiments have shown that with regards to clogging of needles and
deposits on needles, formulations without peptide ("placebo") give the same conclusions as
formulations with peptide at 0.3-5.0 mg/ml, the screening studies in Example 1 have been done
using placebo except where indicated otherwise.
Preparation of Formulations With Different Isotonic Agents
Preservative (5.5 mg/ml phenol) and buffer 1,24 mg/ml disodium hydrogen phosphate, dihydrate)
were dissolved in water and the isotonic agent was added while stirring. pH was adjusted
to pH 7.9 using Sodium Hydroxide and/or Hydrochloric acid. Finally, the formulation was
filtered through a 0.22 urn filter. The isotonic agents tested in each formulation and their concntrations
are shown in Table 1.
Table 1 Composition of the tested formulations
Formulation
no.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
Tonicity modifier
Glucose monohydrate
(38.0 mg/ml)
Laktose monohydrate
(65.0 mg/ml)
Maltose
(67.2 mg/ml)
Glycine
(15.1 mg/ml)
Polyethylenglycol 400
(77.5 mg/ml)
L-arginin
(24.6 mg/ml)
Myo-lnositol
(35.2 mg/ml)
Propylene glycol
(13.7 mg/ml)
Dimethylsulfon (18 mg/ml)
Mannitol (35.9 mg/ml)
Sorbitol (39.5 mg/ml)
Xylitol (39.5 mg/ml)
Sucrose (79.1 mg/ml
Glycerol (16 mg/ml)
jpfcmolarity
The osmolarity of the different placebo formulations was determined and the results are shown
in Table 2.
An isotonic solution has an osmolarity of around 0.286 osmol/L. As can be seen from Table 2
three of the formulations (PEG 400, sucrose and xylitol) are more than 20% from being isotonic
( 0.229-0.343 osmol/l), however for these kind of experiments the osmolarity is not expected to
influence the results, though, the tonicity of the formulations should be adjusted in future experiments.
1 Table 2. The measured osmolarity of the formulations
Formulation no.
1
2
3
4
5
6
78
9
10
11
12
13
14
Isotonic agent
Glucose monohydrate (38.0 mg/ml)
Laktose monohydrate (65.0 mg/ml)
Maltose (67.2 mg/ml)
Glycine(15.1 mg/ml)
Polyethylenglykol 400 (77.5 mo/ml)
L-arginin(24.6 mg/ml)
Myo-lnositol (35.2 mg/ml)
Propytene glycol (13.7 mg/ml)
Dimethylsulfon (18 mg/ml)
Mannitol (35.9 mg/ml)
Sorbitol (39.5 mg/ml|
Xylitol (39.5 mg/ml)
Sucrose (79.1 mg/ml
Glycerol (16 mg/ml)
Osmolarity
0.315
0.283
0.306
0.286
0.370
0.318
0.285
0.268
0.274
0.284
0.310
0.351
0.346
0.262
Drop test
A droplet of each formulation is placed on a microscope slide and let to dry. The deposit is visually
examined by eye and light microscope.
A photograph of the dried droplets of some of the formulations is shown in Figure 1. In this figure
it is clearly observed that mannitol cause deposits on the microscope slide when let to dry.
No deposits were observed for sorbitol, xylitol, sucrose and glycerol. The droplet on the far right
(Form 1) contains mannitol and Arg34, Lys26(Ne-(y-Glu(Na-hexadecanoyl)))-GLP-1(7-37).
In Figure 2, the candidates causing the most deposits on the microscope slide are shown. For
comparison glycerol, which does not cause deposits, is shown (mannitol, arginine, inositol).
Clogging test
In this test 10 NovoPens® 1.5 ml mounted with NovoFine 30® G (G 30 needle) were tested for
each formulation, 5 of them placed in upright and 5 in horizontal position. The Pensystems were
stored at room temperature in between testing. Each day the needle was examined for deposits
and an air shot was performed prior to injection into a tissue. Degree of resistance and clogging,
if any, was noted. Injections were made on a daily basis with the same needle, and this was
done for 9 working days for all the formulations.
results from the clogging test are shown in Table 3.
Table 3 Clogging test in NovoPen 1.5 using 30G NovoFfne
Isotonic
agent Dried
(no. of Some Much Drop at drop at
observa- resist- Resist- resist- top of needle
tions) ance ance ance Clogged needle top
Mannitol
(90)
Glycerol
(90)
Sucrose
(90)
Propylene
glycol (90)
PEG 400
(90)
arginin
(90)
Xylitol (90)
Dimethyls
ulfon (90)
sorbitol
(90)
Myoinositol
(90)
Glucose
(90)
glycine
(90)
maltose
(90)
laktose
(90)
10
13
23
20
25
26
14
21
12
20
32
41
35
44
0
0
0
0
1
2
0
0
0
1
11
9
8
10
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
p
2
5
2
7
8
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
6
0
0
4
0
0_
1
0
0
12 (5 at
needle)
3 (2 at
needle)
5
4
9
6
16 (7 at
needle)
1 (2 at
needle)
16 (6 at
needle)
5
2
0
0
0
0
1
0
0
1
0
1
0
0
0
Gellike
drop
on
needle
0
3
21
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
Deposits
on needle
43
0
0
0
0
0
0
o '
1
47
(1 at
needle)
31 (2 at
needle)
1 (5 at
needle)
31 (2 at
needle)
In Table 3 and in Figure 3 it was observed that inositol and maltose clogged the needle. For
comparison glycerol which does not clog the needle is shown in Figure 3. In Figure 4, and in
Table 3, it was observed that formulations containing glycine, lactose and mannitol gave rise to
a tot of deposits on the needle. For glycine, the deposits were a droplet deposited down the
needle, whereas for lactose and mannitol the deposits occurred at the top of the needle.
Simulated filling
,l. of each formulation was subjected to a simulated filling experiment which lasted for 24
hours. After 24 hours the filling equipment was inspected for the presence of deposits.
Based on the results from the simulated filling studies (data not shown), the placebo formulations
can be divided into three categories. 1. Those isotonic agents that do not cause deposits
on the filling equipment: Xylitol, glycerol, glucose monohydrate, maltose, PEG 400 and propylene
glycol. 2. Those isotonic agent that cause few deposits and have superior filling properties
compared to mannitol: Sorbitol, sucrose and glycine. 3. Those isotonic agent that are comparable
or worse than mannitol: Mannitol, lactose monohydrate, arginin, myo-inositol and dimethylsulfon.
Conclusion
In the simulated filling experiment xylitol, glycerol, glucose, maltose, PEG 400, propylene glycol,
sorbitol, sucrose and glycine were found to be suitable replacements candidates for mannitol.
However, as glucose is a reducing saccharide, and therefore is able to initiate unwanted degradation
in the formulation, this tonicity modifier is ruled out. Furthermore, maltose is ruled out due
to clogging of needles. This leads to the following candidates: glycerol, xylitol, sorbitol, sucrose,
glycine, propylene glycol and PEG 400, which are found to have suitable properties as replacements
candidates for mannitol in peptide formulations with regards to drop test, clogging of
needles and simulated filling.
However, on the basis of the following considerations, propylene glycol was chosen as the isotonic
agent over the other candidates to be further investigated in head to head comparison
studies with mannitol:
a. propylene glycol was observed to have no influence on the physical and
chemical stability of Arg34, Lys26(NE-(y-Glu(Na-hexadecanoyl)))-GLP-1(7-
37)-containing formulations;
b. propylene glycol was observed to have no influence on antimicrobial
preservative testing; and
c. use of propylene glycol would no require that further toxicity studies be
tested
EXAMPLE 2
Comparison Of Mannitol and Propylene Glycol-Containing Placebo Formulations In
Simulated Filling Studies and Simulated Use Studies
Preparation of Formulations
Preservative and buffer were dissolved in water and the isotonic agent was added while stirring.
pH was adjusted to the aimed pH using Sodium Hydroxide and/or Hydrochloric acid. Finally, the
formulation was filtered through a 0.22 urn filter. The compositions of the formulations were as
follows:
Disodium hydrogen phosphate, dihydrate: 1.42 mg/ml
Phenol: 5.5 mg/ml
Propylene glycol or mannitol: 13.7 or 35.9 mg/ml
Water for Injection: up to 1.0 ml.
pH: 7.90
Simulated Filling Study
A simulated filling study lasting 24 hours was performed as described in Example 1
and after 24 hours, the filling equipment was inspected for the presence of deposits. No deposits
were observed on the filling equipment for the propylene glycol formulation. By comparison,
after 24 hours, a lot of deposits were observed on the filling equipment for the mannitol formulation
(see Figure 6).
Simulated In Use Study
For the simulated in use study, a clogging test was conducted as described in Example
1. The same needle was used during the study period of ten working days and each day, the
needle was inspected for the presence of deposits. Figure 7 shows photographs of needles
dosed with the propylene glycol (top panel) or mannitol (bottom panel) containing formulations.
Deposits on the needle were observed in 48% of the cases when mannitol was used as an isotonic
agent whereas no deposits were observed when propylene glycol was used as the isotonic
agent.
Example 3
Comparison of Propylene Glycol to Mannitol In Arg34, Lys26{NXY^>Iu(Na4iexacleceuioyl)))-
GLP-1(7-37) Containing Formulations
Preparation of Formulations
Preservative, isotonic agent (mannitol or propylene glyool) and buffer were dissolved in water
and pH was adjusted to the desired pH. Arg34, Lys*(^-(y-Glu(Na-riexadecanoyl)))-GLP-1(7-37)
was dissolved in water while stirring slowly. The two solutions were then mixed and pH adjusted
to the desired pH using sodium hydroxide and/or hydrochloric acid. Finally, the formulation
was filtered through a 0.22 urn filter. The compositions of the formulations were as follows:
Arg34, Lys26(Ne-(Y-GIu(N°-hexadecanoyl)))-GLP-1(7-37) (6.25 mg/ml),
Disodium hydrogen phosphate, dihydrate (1.42 mg/ml),
Phenol (5.5 mg/ml),
mannitol or propylene glycol (35.9 or 14.0 mg/ml),
Water for Injection (up to 1.0 ml),
pH:8.15
Simulated In Use Study
For the simulated in use study, a clogging test was conducted as described in Example
1 except that a G31 needle was used. The same G31 needle was used during the
study period of ten working days and each day. the needle was inspected for the presence of
deposits. Figure 7 shows photographs of needles with no deposits when dosed with the propylene
glycol (bottom panel) or showing deposits when dosed with the mannitol (top panel)
containing formulations.
For the mannitol containing formulation, clogging of the needle was observed in 1
out of 10 cases on day 4, 2 out of 10 cases on day 5, 3 out of 10 cases on day 8 and 4 out of
10 cases on day 9. By comparison, no clogging of needles was observed for the propylene
glycol containing formulation.
It is believed that similar results to those obtained with the above-described propylene
glycol-containing formulation would also be obtained if the pH was adjusted to 7.40, 7.70
or 7.90. In addition, additional formulations which could be tested include those having the
following compositions:
Buffering agents: glycylglycine (1.32 mg/ml), L-Histidine (1.55 mg/ml), Hepes (2.38
mg/ml), or bicine (1.63 mg/ml)
Preservatives: phenol (5.0 or 5.5 mg/ml), benzylalcohol (18 mg/ml) or a mixture of
m-cresol and phenol (2.5/2.0 mg/ml)
Propylene glycol: 14.0 or 14.3 mg.ml
Water for injection: up to 1.0 ml
pH: 7.40, 7.70, 7.90 or 8.15
Example 4
Influence of Peptide Concentration On Clogging of Needles
Arg34, LysZ6(NXY-G'u(Na-hexadecanoyl)))-GLP-1 (7-37) formulations were prepared as described
in Example 3 using peptide concentrations ranging from 0-5 mg/ml of Arg34, Lys26(N£-
(y-Glu(Na-hexadecanoyl)))-GLP-1(7-37). The compositions of the formulations were as follows:
Liraglutide: 0, 0.3, 3 and 5 mg/ml
Disodium hydrogen phosphate, dihydrate: 0.71 mg/ml
Sodium dihydrogenphosphate, dihydrate: 0.62 mg/ml
Mannitol: 36.9 mg/ml
Phenol: 5.0 mg/ml
Water for injection: up to 1.0 ml
pH 7.40
A simulated in use study was conducted as in Example 3 except that a G30 needle was used
and the results (data not shown) indicated that the clogging effect of the mannitol-containing
formulations relative to the absence of clogging with the propylene glycol formulations was
observed independent of the peptide concentration.
Example 5
Clogging of needles in Lys R29 (Ne-tetradecanoyl) des(B30) human insulin and NovoMix
30 formulations Containing Mannitol
Preparation Of Formulations
The Lys B29 (Ne-tetradecanoyl) des(BSO) human insulin-containing formulation was prepared
as follows:
Prepared a first solution by dissolving buffer, sodium chloride, preservatives (phenol and
m-cresol) and mannitol in water
b) Prepared a second solution of Lys IJ29 (Ne-tetradecanoyl) des(B30) human insulin and
zinc acetate dissolved in water
c) added the peptide-containing solution of step b) to the solution of step a); and
d) adjusted the pH of the solution to the desired pH
The composition of Lys G29 (Ne-tetradecanoyl) des(B30) human insulin-containing formulation
prepared in the above manner was as follows:
Lys B29 (Ne-tetradecanoyl) des(B30) human insulin (2400 nmol), Phenol (1.80 mg/ml), m-cresol
(2.06 mg/ml), Mannitol (30.0 mg/ml), disodiumphosphate, dihydrate (0.890 mg/ml), Sodium
chloride (1.17 mg/ml). Zinc acetate (65.4 ug/ml), water for injection (up to 1 ;0 ml), pH: 7.4
The NovoMix 30-containing formulation was prepared as follows:
a) Prepared a solution by dissolving buffer, sodium chloride, phenol, mannitol and sodium
hydroxide in water
b) Prepared a solution of sodium chloride, phenol and mannitol in water
c) Prepared a solution of protamine sulphate in water
d) Prepared a solution of insulin, hydrochloric acid and zinc in water
e) Solutions b), c) and d) were mixed
f) Solution e) was added to the solution of step a)
g) Adjustedthe pH of the solution to the desired pH and crystallized at room temperature
h) Prepared a solution by dissolving m-cresol, phenol and mannitol in water
i) Solution h) is added to the crystalline fraction of step g); and
j) Adjusted the pH to the desired pH
The composition of the NovoMix 30-containing formulation prepared in the above manner was
as follows:
Insulin aspart (100 units/ml), protamine sulphate (approx. 0.33 mg/ml), phenol (1.50 mg/ml),
m-cresol (1.72 mg/ml), mannitol (30.0 mg/ml), disodiumphosphate dihydrate (1.25 mg/ml),
sodium chloride (0.58 mg/ml), zinc (19.6 ug/ml), water for injection (up to 1.0 ml), pH: 7.3.
Results
A simulated in use study was conducted as described in Example 3 using G31 needles
where 20 needles were investigated for 10 days. The results were as follows: Clogging of
needles was observed for Lys B29 (Ne-tetradecanoyI) des(B30) human insulin on day 2
(5%), day 3 (70%) and on day 4 (100%). Clogging of needles for NovoMix 30 was observed
on day 3 (5%), day 4 (10%), day 5 (35%), day 6 (40%), day 8 (50%), day 9 (55%) and day 10
(80%). Thus, the effect of mannitol on the clogging of needles is independent of the type of
peptide included in the formulations since a comparable clogging effect was observed with
Arg34, Lys26(Ne-(Y-Glu(Na-hexadecanoyl)))-GLP-1(7-37), Lys B29 (Ne-tetradecanoyI) des(B30)
human insulin and NovoMix 30.
Example 6
Testing of Lys B29 (Ne-tetradecanoyI) des(BSO) human insulin and NovoMix 30 formulations
containing propylene glycol
The preparation and composition of the Lys B29 (Ne-tetradecanoyI) des(B30) human insulin
and NovoMix 30 formulations will be as described in Example 5 except that mannitol will be
replaced with a concentration of propylene glycol that assures tonicity. A simulated in use
test will then be conducted as described in Example 5.
Based on the fact that the clogging effect of Lys 1129 (Ne-tetradecanoyI) des(B30) human insulin
and NovoMix 30 mannitol-containing formulations was similar to that observed with
Arg34, Lys26(Nc-(y-Glu(Na-hexadecanoyl)))-GLP-1 (7-37) mannitol-containing formulations, it is
believed that the effect of propylene glycol on the clogging effect of Lys IS29 (NetetradecanoyI)
des(B30) human insulin and NovoMix 30-containing formulations will be similar
to that observed with Arg34, Lys26(Ne-(y-Glu(Na-hexadecanoyl)))-GLP-1(7-37)-containing
formulations.

We claim:
1. A method for reducing deposits on production equipment during production of
a GLP-1 agonist formulation, said method comprising replacing the isotonicity
agent previously utilized in said formulation with propylene glycol at a
concentration of between 1-1 00 mg/ml.
2. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the reduction in deposits on the
production equipment during production by the propylene glycol-containing
formulation relative to that observed for the formulation containing the
previously utilized isotonicity agent is measured by a simulated filling
experiment.
3. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the isotonicity agent to be
replaced by propylene glycol is selected from the group consisting of sorbitol,
sucrose, glycine, mannitol, lactose monohydrate, arginin, myo-inositol and
dimethylsulfon.
4. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the concentration of propylene
glycol is from 1 mglml to 50 mglml.
5. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the concentration of propylene
glycol is from 5 mglml to 25 mglml.
6. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the concentration of propylene
glycol is from 8 mglml to 16 mglml.
7. The method as claimed in claim I, wherein said formulation has a pH of from
7.0 to 10.0
8. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the pH of said formulation is 7.0 to
9.5.
9. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the pH of said formulation is 7.0 to
8.3.
10.The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the pH of said formulation is 7.3 to
8.3.
11 .The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein said formulation further comprises
a preservative.
12.The method as claimed in claim 11, wherein said formulation further
comprising a preservative, wherein said preservative is present in a
concentration from 0. I mglml to 20mglml.
13.The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein said formulation further comprises
a buffer.
14.The method as claimed in claim 13, wherein said buffer is selected from the
group consisting of glycylglycine, L-histidine, Hepes, bicine and disodium
phosphate dihydrate.
1 &The method as claimed in claim 13, wherein said buffer is disodium
phosphate dihydrate.
16.The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein said GLP-1 agonist is Arg34,
Lys26(N-E-(y-Glu(N-a-hexadecanoy1)))-GLP-I (7-37).
17.A method for reducing deposits in the final product during production of a
GLP-1 agonist formulation, said method comprising replacing the isotonicity
agent previously utilized in said formulation with propylene glycol at a
concentration of between 1-1 00 mglml.
18.The method as claimed in claim 17, wherein the reduction in deposits in the
final product is measured by a reduction in the number of vials andlor
cartridges of the propylene glycol-containing formulation that must be
discarded due to deposits relative to number of vials and/or cartridges of the
formulation containing the previously utilized isotonicity agent that must be
discarded due to deposits.
19.The method as claimed in claim 17, wherein the isotonicity agent to be
replaced by propylene glycol is selected from the group consisting of sorbitol,
glycerol, sucrose, glycine, mannitol, lactose monohydrate, arginin, myoinositol
and dimethylsulfon.
20.The method as claimed in claim 17, wherein the concentration of propylene
glycol is from 1 mglml to 50 mglml.
The method as claimed in claim 17, wherein the concentration of propylene
glycol is from 5 mglml to 25 mglml.
21 .The method as claimed in claim 17, wherein the concentration of propylene
glycol is from 8 mglml to 16 mglml.
22.The method as claimed in claim 17, wherein said formulation has a pH of
from 7.0 to 10.0
23.The method as claimed in claim 17, wherein the pH of said formulation is 7.0
to 9.5.
24.The method as claimed in claim 17, wherein the pH of said formulation is 7.0
to 8.3.
25.The method as claimed in claim 17, wherein the pH of said formulation is 7.3
to 8.3.
26.The method as claimed in claim 17, wherein said formulation further
comprises a preservative.
27.The method as claimed in claim 26, wherein said formulation further
comprising a preservative, wherein said preservative is present in a
concentration from 0.1 mglml to 20mglml.
28.The method as claimed in claim 17, wherein said formulation further
comprises a buffer.
29.The method as claimed in claim 28, wherein said buffer is selected from the
group consisting of glycylglycine, L-histidine, Hepes, bicine and disodium
phosphate dihydrate.
30.The method as claimed in claim 28, wherein said buffer is disodium
phosphate dihydrate.
31 .The method as claimed in claim 17, wherein said GLP-1 agonist is Arg34,
Lys26(N-E-(y-Glu(N-a-hexadecanoy1)))-GLP- (7-37).
32.A method for reducing the clogging of injection devices by a GLP-1 agonist
formulation, said method comprising replacing the isotonicity agent previously
utilized in said formulation with propylene glycol at a concentration of between
1-1 00 mglml.
33.The method as claimed in claim 32, wherein the reduction in clogging of the
injection device by the propylene glycol-containing formulation relative to that
observed for the formulation containing the previously utilized isotonicity agent
is measured in a simulated in use study.
34.The method as claimed in claim 32, wherein the isotonicity agent to be
replaced by propylene glycol is selected from the group consisting of inositol,
maltose, glycine, lactose and mannitol.
35.The method as claimed in claim 32, wherein the concentration of propylene
glycol is from 1 mglml to 50 mglml.
36.The method as claimed in claim 32, wherein the concentration of propylene
glycol is from 5 mglml to 25 mglml.
37.The method as claimed in claim 32, wherein the concentration of propylene
glycol is from 8 mglml to 16 mglml.
38.The method as claimed in claim 32, wherein said formulation has a pH of
from 7.0 to 10.0
39.The method as claimed in claim 32, wherein the pH of said formulation is 7.0
to 9.5.
40.The method as claimed in claim 32, wherein the pH of said formulation is 7.0
to 8.3.
41.The method as claimed in claim 32, wherein the pH of said formulation is 7.3
to 8.3.
42.The method as claimed in claim 32, wherein said formulation further
comprises a preservative.
43.The method as claimed in claim 42, wherein said formulation further
comprising a preservative, wherein said preservative is present in a
concentration from 0. I mglml to 20mglml.
44.The method as claimed in claim 32, wherein said formulation further
comprises a buffer.
45.The method as claimed in claim 44, wherein said buffer is selected from the
group consisting of glycylglycine, L-histidine, Hepes, bicine and disodium
phosphate dihydrate.
46.The method as claimed in claim 44, wherein said buffer is disodium
phosphate dihydrate.
47.The method as claimed in claim 32, wherein said GLP-1 agonist is Arg34,
Lys26(N-E-(y-Glu(N-a-hexadecanoy1)))-GL- (7-37).