Title of Invention

A COMPOSITION COMPRISING LOTEPREDNOL AND DFHO FOR RESPIRATORY DISEASES, ALLERGIC DISEASES ASTHMA AND CHRONIC OBSTRUCTIVE PULMONARY DISEASES

Abstract A composition comprising a loteprednol or a pharmaceutically acceptable ester thereof and NO(3,5-dichloropyridin-4-yl)-2-[1-(4-fluorobenzyl)-5-hydroxyindol-3-yl]-2-oxoacetamide (DFHO) or its pharmaceutically acceptable salts in fixed or free combination for the treatment of respiratory diseases, allergic diseases, asthma and/or chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases.
Full Text Novel combination of glucocorticoids and PDE-4
inhibitors for treating respiratory diseases, allergic
diseases, asthma and COPD
The present invention relates to a novel combination of
a glucocorticoid, especially loteprednol, and at least
one phosphodiesterase-4 inhibitor (PDE-4 inhibitor),
especially the hydroxyindole derivative N-(3,5-di-
chloropyridin-4-yl)-2-[1-(4-fluorobenzyl)-5-
hydroxyindol-3-yl]-2-oxoacetamide, for a simultaneous,
sequential or separate administration in the treatment
of respiratory diseases, allergic diseases, asthma and
chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases (COPD).
Allergic diseases and chronic obstructive pulmonary
diseases (COPD) are based on inflammatory processes
characterized by an increased number of inflammatory
cells and increased release or secretion of
inflammation mediators. Studies over the last 20 years
have revealed that inflammation of the respiratory
tract is of central importance for the respiratory
dysfunction in asthma and COPD. Comparable changes have
been observed in allergic inflammations of the nose and
of the eyes. Normally, the mucosa is infiltrated by a .
large number of cells, including mast cells,
eosinophils and lymphocytes. These cells release a
number of mediators, including in particular
interleukin-4 (IL-4), GM-CSF (granulocyte/macrophage
colony-stimulating factor) and the tumor necrosis
factor a (TNF-a), which eventually bring about the
inflammations and the symptoms of allergic diseases and
of COPD.
At the present time, a similar anti-inflammatory
therapeutic approach is followed for all allergic
diseases. The pathology of these diseases has revealed
that the inflammatory process in the mucosa of patients
primarily determines the symptom activity. Of the anti-
inflammatory compounds currently available for the
treatment of asthma, rhinitis or conjunctivitis,
glucocorticoids are the most effective. Active
ingredients which can be administered topically by
inhalational, intranasal or intraocular administration
are preferably employed. On the basis of the successful
use of inhalable glucocorticoids in the treatment and
prevention of respiratory inflammations and permanent
lung damage in asthma patients, this therapeutic
approach has also been applied to COPD patients
although there are no data which might unambiguously
prove a long-term efficacy of these active ingredients
in COPD patients (Whittaker AJ, Spiro SG; Curr Opin
Pulm Med 2000; 6:104-9).
One of the most important anti-inflammatory properties
of glucocorticoids arises from inhibition of cytokine
release. It is known that several cytokines such as IL-
4, IL-5, GM-CSF and TNF-oc are involved in respiratory
inflammation. The efficacy of glucocorticoids can in
part be explained by the inhibitory effect on cytokine
synthesis and cytokine release (Marx et al.; Pulm
Pharimacol Ther 2002; 15:7-15) .
One disadvantage of glucocorticoids arises from their
possible systemic side effects such as, for example,
growth retardation or else osteoporosis. Sensible
measures for reducing the risk of side effects on
topical administration of glucocorticoids include the
use of the minimum effective dose or restriction of the
systemic availability of the active ingredient. A novel
route is opened up by the use of so-called soft
steroids. In contrast to other glucocorticoids, most of
which undergo degradation to pharmacodynamically
inactive metabolites only in the liver, the soft
steroids undergo partial metabolic inactivation even at
the site of their administration (intranasal, ocular or
intrapulmonary). Following this partial local
metabolism, only very little, or no,
pharmacodynamically active substance reaches the
systemic blood circulation, so that the steroid-
specific side effects are not to be expected in
practice. The most prominent example of this novel
class of active ingredients is loteprednol, which is
already approved for the therapy of allergic
conjunctivitis and uveitis.
A further class of potential therapeutics for allergic
diseases and COPD comprises the phosphodiesterase-4
inhibitors. Phosphodiesterase enzymes are responsible
for the inactivation of cyclic adenosine monophosphate
(cAMP) and cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP).
Inhibition of phosphodiesterase-4 leads to an increase
in cAMP in the cells, in turn leading to downregulation
of the function of virtually all proinflammatory cells
or immune cells. It is of interest that inflammatory
cells involved in the pathogenesis of diseases such as
asthma, conjunctivitis, rhinitis or chronic obstructive
pulmonary disease preferentially express the
phosphodiesterase-4 enzymes.
In recent years there have been advances in the
development of phosphodiesterase-4 inhibitors which can
be employed for the therapy of allergic diseases,
asthma or COPD. It has been possible to show the in
vitro inhibitory activity on cytokine release and the
therapeutic efficacy in asthma models for example for
the active ingredients roflumilast, cilomilast or else
piclamilast (Torphy et al.; Pulm Pharmacol Ther 1999;
12:131-5; Poppe et al.; Allergy 2000; 55(Suppl 63):270;
Giembycz MA; Expert Opin Investig Drugs 2001; 10:1361-
79; Ezeamuzie CI; Eur J Pharmacol 2001; 417:11-8).
There is particular interest in a novel class of
substituted hydroxyindol.es which are described in
DE 19 818 964, DE 19 917 504 and US 6,251,923, and also
novel 7-azaindoles which are dissclosed in DE 10 053 275
and PCT/EP 01/12376.
It has now surprisingly been found that the novel
combination of a glucocorticoid with at least one
phosphodiesterase-4 inhibitor is advantageous in the
treatment of respiratory diseases, allergic diseases,
asthma and/or chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases.
Add-on therapy of a phosphodiesterase-4 inhibitor,
especially the hydroxyindole derivative N-(3,5-
dichloropyridin-4-yl)-2-[l-(4-fluorobenzyl)-5-
hydroxyindol-3-yl]-2-oxoacetamide, which can be
administered orally, intranasally or by inhalation,
with topical glucocorticoids, especially loteprednol,
is distinguished by improved therapeutic efficacy as
well as by the occurrence of /few side effects.
The invention serves to improve the therapy of
respiratory diseases, allergic diseases, asthma and
chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases, as well as the
prophylaxis thereof. It is possible with a
phosphodiesterase-4 inhibitor present in the
combination and with a glucocorticoid successfully to
control the inflammations which underlie the
pathological states. Moreover, add-on therapy with
phosphodiesterase-4 inhibitor leads to a smaller use of
glucocorticoids, thus reducing the risk of side
effects.
The present invention therefore relates to a
composition which comprises a glucocorticoid and at
least one phosphodiesterase-4 inhibitor in fixed or
free combination, and to the use thereof for producing
a medicament. The invention also relates to a
medicament for the treatment of respiratory diseases,
allergic diseases, asthma and/or chronic obstructive
pulmonary diseases, which comprises as active
ingredient a glucocorticoid and at least one
phosphodiesterase-4 inhibitor in fixed or free
combination, and to a process for the production
thereof.
It is possible to employ all glucocorticoids for the
purposes of the present invention. So-called soft
steroids are preferably used. The examples which may be
cited of glucocorticoids which can be employed
according to the invention are beclomethasone (9-
chloro-llb,17,21-trihydroxy-16b-methyl-l,4-pregnadiene-
3,20-dione),. especially beclomethasone dipropionate,
budesonide (16a,17-butylidenedioxy-11b, 21-dihydroxy-
1,4-pregnadiene-3,20-dione), ciclesonide (see, for
example, WO 98/52542 and literature cited therein),
fluticasone (S-(fluoromethyl) 6a,9-difluoro-llp-
carbothioate), especially fluticasone propionate,
mometasone (9,21-dichloro-11b,17-dihydroxy-16a-methyl-
1,4-pregnadiene-3,20-dione), in particular mometasone
furoate, and loteprednol, especially loteprednol
etabonate (chloromethyl 17a-[(ethoxycarbonyl)oxy]-11b-
hydroxy-3-oxoandrosta-l,4-diene-17b-carboxylate).
In a preferred embodiment of the invention, loteprednol
and its pharmaceutically acceptable esters, especially
loteprednol etabonate, is used as soft steroid. The
preparation of loteprednol and loteprednol etabonate is
described for example in the German patent
DE 3 126 732, the corresponding US patent 4,996,335 and
the corresponding Japanese patent JP-89011037.
Further soft steroids suitable according to the
invention are described for example in the German
patent DE 3 786 174, the corresponding patent
EP 0 334 853 and the corresponding US patent 4,710,495.
It is possible for the purposes of the present
invention to employ all phosphodiesterase-4 inhibitors.
These include, in particular but not restrictively, the
class of substituted hydroxyindole derivatives which
are described in DE 19 818 964, DE 19 917 504 and
US 6,251,923, and also novel 7-azaindole derivatives
which are disclosed in DE 10 053 275 and
PCT/EP 01/12376. Examples of phosphodiesterase-4
inhibitors which can be used according to the invention
are rolipram ((R)-4-[3-(cyclopentyloxy)-4-
methoxyphenyl]-2-pyrrolidinone), roflumilast (Byk-
Gulden), piclamilast (Rhone-Poulenc Rorer), cilomilast
(GlaxoSmithKline) and the hydroxyindole derivative
N- (3,5-dichloropyridin-4-yl)-2-[1-(4-fluorobenzyl)-5-
hydroxyindol-3-yl]-2-oxoacetamide. Particular
preference is given to the substituted hydroxyindole
derivative N-(3,5-dichloropyridin-4-yl)-2-[1-(4-fluoro-
benzyl) -5-hydroxyindol-3-yl]-2-oxoacetamide ("DFHO"
hereinafter), which is described for example in DE 19
818 964. The phosphodiesterase-4 inhibitors can also be
employed as pharmaceutically acceptable salts as are
known to the skilled worker.
The inventive combination of a glucocorticoid, in
particular of a soft steroid, with at least one
phosphodiesterase-4 inhibitor can be administered both
prophylactically and after appearance of symptoms. They
can also be used to retard or prevent progression of
the diseases.
In a preferred embodiment, a combination of the active
ingredients loteprednol etabonate and N-(3,5-
dichloropyridin-4-yl) -2- [1- (4-fluorobenzyl) -5-hydroxy-
indol-3-yl]-2-oxoacetamide (DFHO) is used.
The following description of experiments serves to
explain the inventive teaching in detail without
restricting it.
Inhibition of GM-CSF release from LPS-stimulated
monocytes
EDTAized human whole blood was mixed with Hanks" buffer
in the ratio 1:1. Histopaque 1077 solution (15 ml) was
cautiously overlaid with max. 40 ml of the blood:
Hanks" mixture and centrifuged (2000 rpm) at room
temperature for 30 min. The band enriched with
leukocytes was aspirated off, washed twice with Hanks"
buffer and transferred into RPMI 164 0 medium with
Glutamax I (Gibco BRL, Eggenstein). The monocytes were
removed through their adherence to the cell culture
bottle over a period of two hours. The cells were then
thoroughly washed with medium in order to remove non-
adherent cells. The resulting monocytes were cultured
in RPMI 1640 medium with 10% heat-inactivated fetal
calf"s serum (FCS) and 100 U/ml penicillin and
100 mg/ml streptomycin in a CO2 incubator (5% CO2, 96%
relative humidity, 37°C).
Primary monocytes were seeded in 24-well plates at 5x105
cells/well. The cells were preincubated with the stated
test substances for 30 minutes. LPS was then added, and
incubation was continued for a period of 24 h. The
supernatants were aspirated off and investigated by
ELISA.
The amount of secreted human GM-CSF in the cell culture
supernatants was determined by using an OptEIA™ human
GM-CSF ELISA test (Pharmingen, San Diego). It was
carried out in microtiter plates. Anti-human monoclonal
antibodies were coupled as antibodies to the plate at
4°C overnight. This coating and three washes were
followed by saturation of nonspecific bindings by means
of assay diluent solution™ (PBS with 10% FCS, pH 7.0)
(Pharmingen, San Diego) at RT for 1 h. This was
followed by incubation with the samples and the
standard (recombinant human GM-CSF) at 4°C overnight.
The samples were prepared undiluted or in a dilution of
1:50, of the standard dilutions according to the
protocol starting from a stock solution with 500 pg/ml
human GM-CSF. Bound human GM-CSF was detected with the
aid of biotinylated monoclonal anti-human GM-CSF
antibodies and an avidin-horseradish peroxidase reagent
at RT for 1 h. All the steps were followed by washing 5
or 7 times with PBS/0.05% Tween 20. The enzyme activity
was determined using substrate solution™
(tetramethylbenzidine (TMB) and hydrogen peroxide,
Pharmingen, San Diego) as substrate at RT for 30 min.
The enzyme-substrate reaction was stopped with 1M
phosphoric acid, and the extinction at 450 nm was
measured.
Results
Firstly, dose-activity plots were established
separately for N-(3,5-dichloropyridin-4-yl)-2-[1-(4-
fluorobenzyl)-5-hydroxyindol-3-yl]-2-oxoacetamide
(DFHO) and loteprednol. From these, the IC50 for GM-CSF
release from human monocytes was calculated
respectively as 3.2 mM for DFHO and 53.7 nM for
loteprednol. In further experiments, IC50 values for
DFHO and loteprednol were established in the presence
of sub-IC50 concentrations of the respective other
substance. In these cases, addition of 5 nM DFHO
lowered the IC50 for loteprednol from 53.7 nM to
13.4 nM. Conversely, addition of 10 nM loteprednol
lowered the IC50 for DFHO from 3.2 mM to 0.06 mM.
The IC50 values found for loteprednol for release of TNF
and of GM-CSF from LPS-stimulated monocytes correspond
to the IC50 values indicated in the literature for other
cell systems. This means that the cell system used is
valid and suitable, and the investigations which are
necessary for the aim of the project with this system
come to a reliable conclusion. The IC50 values for DFHO
correspond to those values indicated in the patent
literature.
When 5 nM DFHO was given, the reduction in the IC50 for
loteprednol for TNF release was 65% and for GM-CSF
release was 75%. The concentration of 5 nM DFHO is far
below the IC50 for this substance, which is respectively
5.7 uM and 3.2 mM, so that no effect is to be observed
when 5 nM DFHO is given on its own.
Conversely, the reduction in the IC50 for DFHO for TNF
release was 99% and for GM-CSF release was 98% when
10 nM loteprednol was given . simultaneously. The
concentration of 10 hM loteprednol is far below the IC50
of this substance, which is 85.5 nM and 53.7 nM
respectively, so that no effect is to be observed when
10 nM loteprednol is given on its own.
A surprising observation which could not have been
predicted by the skilled worker is that there is here a
superadditive effect brought about by the simultaneous
administration of loteprednol and DFHO on the
inhibition of TNF and GM-CSF release.
The dosage forms mentioned below are particularly
suitable for administration of the inventive
combination of active ingredients.
Thus, the active ingredients present in the combination
can for example be administered separately as two oral
formulations, or one active ingredient is in the form
of an oral formulation and the other is in topical form
(intranasal, inhalational).
In one embodiment of the invention, the
phosphodiesterase-4 inhibitor can be administered
orally. Customary pharmaceutical formulations are used
in this case, such as tablets, syrup, capsules,
preparations with slowed release (sustained release
formulation), pastilles or effervescent granules.
Solid pharmaceutical forms such as tablets may comprise
inert ingredients and carriers such as, for example,
calcium carbonate, calcium phosphate, sodium phosphate,
lactose, starch, mannitol, alginates, gelatin, guar
gum, magnesium stearate or aluminum stearate, methyl-
cellulose, talc, colloidal silicas, silicone oil, high
molecular weight fatty acids (such as stearic acid),
agar-agar or vegetable or animal fats and oils, solid
high molecular weight polymers (such as polyethylene
glycol); preparations suitable for oral administrations
may, where appropriate, comprise additional flavorings
or sweeteners. The compositions in capsule form can be
produced by generally customary processes, for example
by using the aforementioned carriers in a hard gelatin
capsule shell. For compositions in the form of soft
gelatin capsules it is possible to employ
pharmaceutical carriers normally used for producing
dispersions or suspensions, such as, for example,
aqueous gums, celluloses, silicates or oils, which are
incorporated into a soft gelatin capsule shell. Syrup
formulations normally consist of a suspension or
solution of the compound or of a salt thereof in a
liquid carrier such as, for example, ethanol, peanut
oil, olive oil, glycerol or water, it being possible
for flavorings and colorants to be present.
It is possible through topical administration of the
inventive combination of active ingredients to achieve
therapeutically effective concentrations even with
lower dosages. For this reason, topical formulations,
which include in particular intranasal and inhalational
formulations, are preferred for the purposes of the
present invention.
Intranasal preparations may be administered as aqueous
or oily solutions, suspensions or emulsions. For the
administration of an active ingredient by inhalation,
it can be administered in the form of a suspension,
solution or emulsion which is present as dry powder or
as aerosol, it being possible to use all customary
propellants.
In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the
phosphodiesterase-4 inhibitor composition is in the
form of a nasal spray or of a metered aerosol or of a
metered dry powder for inhalation. The glucocorticoid
composition is preferably likewise a topical
preparation, and for the soft steroid loteprednol a
formulation in the form of nasal spray, metered aerosol
or metered dry powder for inhalation is again
preferred.
The soft steroid loteprednol etabonate employed
according to the invention is preferably formulated as
suspension in water, with further ingredients such as
preservatives, stabilizers, tonicity agents,
thickeners, suspension stabilizers, excipients to
adjust the pH, buffer systems and wetting agents. For
further details of suitable excipients, reference is
made for example to DE 19 947 234.
The pharmaceutical preparations of the invention may,
besides the glucocorticoid and at least one
phosphodiesterase-4 inhibitor active ingredients,
comprise further ingredients such as customary
preservatives, stabilizers, thickeners, flavorings,
etc.
Exemplary embodiment
Nasal spray suspension with loteprednol etabonate (1%)
Production
Introduce 45 kg of purified water into a suitable
agitating container with homogenizing device, and
homogenize Avicel RC 591 therein at high speed. Then
dissolve the substances polysorbate 80, sorbitol
solution, sodium edetate and benzalkonium chloride
together while agitating.
Subsequently homogenize the active ingredient
loteprednol etabonate at high speed until a uniform
suspension is produced. Then make up the final volume
with purified water and homogenize further.
Subsequently evacuate the suspension in order to remove
the air bubbles which have been produced. The resulting
suspension is subsequently dispensed into bottles which
are then provided with a suitable nasal spray pump.
In an advantageous embodiment, the active components of
this combination are in the form of a fixed
combination, thus simplifying use for the patient.
Administration of the active ingredients can in this
case take place simultaneously, sequentially or
separately in free or fixed combination. They can be
administered both in a single-dose form and as two
separate formulations, which may be identical or
different. Delivery can take place at the same time,
simultaneously, or at separate times, by which is meant
both short and long intervals such as, for example,
administration of loteprednol in the evening and
administration of the phosphodiesterase-4 inhibitor in
the morning, or vice versa.
The active ingredients can be administered from once to
six times a day. The active ingredients are preferably
administered once to twice a day, particularly
preferably twice a day. The dose of one or more
phosphodiesterase-4 inhibitors is approximately from
0.1 to 20 mg per day per adult, preferably between 0.2
and 5 mg. The dose of the glucocorticoid can be in the
region of the approved dosage, i.e. in the range from
0.1 to 1.6 mg per day, preferably between 0.2 and
0.8 mg per day. The actual dose depends on the general
condition of the patients (age, weight, etc.) and the
severity of the disease.
We Claim:
1. A composition comprising a loteprednol or a pharmaceutically
acceptable ester thereof and N0(3,5-dichloropyridin-4-yi)-2-[l-(4-
fluorobenzyl)-5-hydroxyindol-3-yl]-2-oxoacetamide (DFHO) or its
pharmaceutically acceptable salts in fixed or free combination for
the treatment of respiratory diseases, allergic diseases, asthma
and/or chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases.
2. The composition a claimed in claim 1, wherein it contains
loteprednol etabonate.
3. A medicament for the treatment of respiratory diseases, allergic
diseases, asthma and/or chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases,
comprising loteprednol or a pharmaceutically acceptable ester
thereof and N-(3,5-dichloropyridin-4-yl)-2-[l-(4-fluorobenzyl)-5-
hydroxyindol-3-yl]-2-oxoacetamide (DFHO) or its
pharmaceutically acceptable salts in fixed or free combination,
where appropriate together with customary excipients or carriers.
4. The medicament as claimed in claim 3, wherein it can be
administered orally.
5. The medicament as claimed in claim 3, wherein it can be
administered topically.
6. The medicament as claimed in claim 5, wherein it can be
administered simultaneously, sequentially or separately from one
another, intranasally or by inhalation.
7. The medicament as claimed in claim 5 or 6, wherein it is an
inhalable liquid or solid preparation.
8. The medicament as claimed in claim 3, wherein one active
ingredient is administered orally and at least one active ingredient
is administered topically.
9. The medicament as claimed in claim 3, wherein the
phosphodiesterase-4 inhibitor can be administered orally.
A composition comprising a loteprednol or a pharmaceutically acceptable
ester thereof and N0(3,5-dichloropyridin-4-yl)-2-[1-(4-fluorobenzyl)-5-
hydroxyindol-3-yl]-2-oxoacetamide (DFHO) or its pharmaceutically
acceptable salts in fixed or free combination for the treatment of respiratory
diseases, allergic diseases, asthma and/or chronic obstructive pulmonary
diseases.

Documents:

00155-kolnp-2005-abstract.pdf

00155-kolnp-2005-claims.pdf

00155-kolnp-2005-correspondence.pdf

00155-kolnp-2005-description (complete).pdf

00155-kolnp-2005-form 1.pdf

00155-kolnp-2005-form 13.pdf

00155-kolnp-2005-form 18.pdf

00155-kolnp-2005-form 2.pdf

00155-kolnp-2005-form 26.pdf

00155-kolnp-2005-form 3.pdf

00155-kolnp-2005-form 5.pdf

00155-kolnp-2005-letter patent.pdf

00155-kolnp-2005-reply first examination report.pdf

00155-kolnp-2005-translated copy of priority document.pdf


Patent Number 216870
Indian Patent Application Number 155/KOLNP/2005
PG Journal Number 12/2008
Publication Date 21-Mar-2008
Grant Date 19-Mar-2008
Date of Filing 09-Feb-2005
Name of Patentee VIATRIS GMBH & CO. KG.
Applicant Address BENZSTRASSE 1, D-61352 BAD HOMBURG
Inventors:
# Inventor's Name Inventor's Address
1 MATHIAS LOCHER ODENWALDSTR. 12, 63549 RONNEBURG
2 ROBERT HERMANN FRANZ-SCHMAL-STR. 3/2, 78315 RADOLFZELL
PCT International Classification Number A 61 K 31/56
PCT International Application Number PCT/EP03/008607
PCT International Filing date 2003-08-04
PCT Conventions:
# PCT Application Number Date of Convention Priority Country
1 10236688.8 2002-08-09 Germany