Title of Invention

A NOVEL CRYSTALLINE FORM OF 6-HYDROXY-3-(4-[2-(PIPERIDIN-1-YL) ETHOXY] PHENOXY)-2-(4-METHANOXYPHENYL) BENZO [B] THIOPHENE HYDROCHLORIDE

Abstract The present invention is directed to a novel crystalline hydrate of 6-hydroxy-3-(4-[2-(piperidin-1- yl)ethoxy]-phenoxy)-2-(4-methoxyphenyl)benzo[b]thiophene hydrochloride and uses for same, including inhibition of disease states associated with estrogen deprivation including cardiovascular disease, hyperlipidemia, and osteoporosis; and inhibition of other pathological conditions such as endometriosis, uterine fibrosis, estrogen-dependent cancer (including breast and uterine cancer), prostate cancer, benign prostatic hyperplasia, CNS disorders including Alzheimer's disease, prevention of breast cancer, and up-regulating ChAT.
Full Text A NOVEL CRYSTALLINE FORM OF 6-HYDROXY-
3-(4-[2-(PIPERIDIN-l-YL)ETHOXY]
PHENOXY)-2-(4-METHOXYPHENYL)BENZO[b]THIOPHENE HYDROCHLORIDE
Background of the Invention
6-Hydroxy-3-(4-[2-(piperidin-1-yl)ethoxy]phenoxy)-2-(4-
methoxyphenyl) benzo [b] thiophene hydrochloride (arzoxifene)
was first described generically in U.S. Patent No. 5,510,357
and was specifically disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 5,723,474
(474) and European Patent Application 0729956. Arzoxifene
is a nonsteroidal mixed estrogen antagonist/agonist, useful
for, inter alia, lowering serum cholesterol and for
inhibiting hyperlipidemia, osteoporosis, estrogen dependent
cancers including breast and uterine cancer, endometriosis,
CNS disorders including Alzheimer's disease, aortal smooth
muscle cell proliferation, and restenosis.
Specifically, arzoxifene is useful for, and is being
clinically evaluated for the treatment of receptor positive
metastatic breast cancer; the adjuvent treatment of receptor
positive patients following appropriate systemic or local
therapy; the reduction of recurrence of invasive and
noninvasive breast cancer; and the reduction of the
incidence of invasive breast cancer and ductal carcinoma in
situ (DCIS). Arzoxifene is also useful in combination with
radiotherapy, aromatase inhibitors, LHRH analogues, and
acetyl choline esterase (AChE) inhibitors.
X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetric
(TGA), proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR) and Karl
Fischer (KF) analyses of bulk arzoxifene isolated by the
procedures taught in '474 later indicated that said material
was hydrated, poorly crystalline, and contained variable
amounts of an organic volatile (ethyl acetate) in its
lattice.
Poorly crystalline materials are typically less
desirable than highly crystalline materials for formulation
processing. In addition, it is generally not desirable to
formulate Pharmaceuticals containing substantial amounts of
organic solvent (e.g., ethyl acetate) due to potential
solvent toxicity to the recipient thereof and changes in
potency of the pharmaceutical as a function of the solvent.
Although the arzoxifene prepared by the procedures
taught in 474 could be used as a pharmaceutical it would be
highly desired and advantageous to find a more crystalline
form of arzoxifene that did not contain an organic solvent
within its crystal lattice which could be reproducibly and
efficiently prepared on a commercial scale.
Summary of the Invention
The present invention is related to a novel non-
stoichiometric hydrated crystalline form of 6-hydroxy-3-(4-
[2-(piperidin-1-yl)ethoxy]phenoxy)-2-(4-
methoxyphenyl)benzo[b]thiophene hydrochloride (F-III) having
an X-ray diffraction pattern which comprises the following
peaks: 4.6 ±0.2, 7.8 ±0.2, 9.3 ±0.2, 14.0 ±0.2, 17.6 ±0.2,
20.8 ±0.2, and 24.3 ±0.2° in 20; when obtained at 25 ± 2°C
and 35 ± 10% relative humidity (RH) from a copper radiation
source.
Moreover the present invention relates to a
pharmaceutical formulation comprising F-III; one or more
pharmaceutical carriers, diluents, or excipients; and
optionally estrogen, optionally progestin, optionally an
aromatase inhibitor, optionally an LHRH analogue and
optionally an acetyl choline esterase (AChE) inhibitor.
In addition, the present invention is related to
methods for using F-III to inhibit pathological conditions
such as: uterine fibrosis, endometriosis, aortal smooth
muscle cell proliferation, restenosis, breast cancer,
uterine cancer, prostatic cancer, benign prostatic
hyperplasia, bone loss, osteoporosis, cardiovascular
disease, hyperlipidemia, CNS disorders, and Alzheimer's
disease and for using F-III for the manufacture of a
medicament for inhibiting same.
The present invention is further related to methods for
using F-III to up-regulate choline acetyltransferase (ChAT)
and for using F-III for the manufacture of a medicament for
up-regulating same.
Brief Description of the Figures
Figure 1 is a representative differential scanning
calorimetry (DSC)/TGA trace of S-II.
Figure 2 is a representative DSC/TGA trace of F-I.
Figure 3 is a representative DSC/TGA trace of F-III.
Figure 4 depicts moisture sorption isotherms for F-I
and F-III.
Figure 5 depicts desolvation of S-II as a function of
drying time and temperature.
Detailed Description of the Invention
Bulk arzoxifene prepared by the procedure taught in
M74 (Example 41, crystallization from a mixture of ethanol
and ethyl acetate, filtration and drying of the filter cake
in vacuo to a constant weight at room temperature) was
characterized by XRD and was found to be poorly crystalline.
1h NMR confirmed that the bulk material contained 6% ethyl
acetate.
The crystallization procedure taught in 474 was
subsequently modified so that ethanol was added to a
suspension of crude arzoxifene in refluxing ethyl acetate.
Upon cooling and vacuum filtration, the solid that results
from this modified procedure is a highly crystalline mixed
ethyl acetate/water solvate of arzoxifene (hereinafter
referred to as S-II) which was later discovered to be a
starting material for F-I (another non-stoichiometric
hydrated crystalline form of arzoxifene).
F-I may be prepared by removing the ethyl acetate from
S-II's crystal lattice by vacuum drying/annealing S-II at
elevated temperatures. The time and temperature required to
anneal S-II in order to prepare F-I will vary from lot to
lot but is typically on the order of 5 days at around 100°C.
High temperatures are needed to effect the conversion of S-
II to F-I via this procedure, since slurrying S-II in water
at ambient temperature or storing a sample at 98% RH for 3
weeks afforded no conversion to F-I. Furthermore, drying S-
II in a convection oven at high temperatures did not de-
solvate the material either, suggesting that a vacuum is
also required to pull the ethyl acetate from S-II's lattice.
Preferably, F-I is readily prepared and isolated at ambient
temperature by crystallization of arzoxifene (or any
polymorph/solvate thereof) from tetrahydrofuran.
In accordance with the present invention, a
particularly preferred form of arzoxifene is F-III. F-III
is readily prepared and isolated at ambient temperature.
Only moderate drying conditions are required to remove low
levels of residual crystallization solvent in the
preparation of F-III. These moderate drying conditions
consistently result in a solid of high purity (i.e., free of
residual organic solvent) and crystallinity and, thus, use
of F-III eliminates toxicology issues associated with
residual and crystal lattice organic solvent. Furthermore,
preparation of F-III is simple and efficient, i.e., is
amenable to bulk manufacture.
F-III is readily prepared and isolated at ambient
temperature by crystallization of arzoxifene (or any
polymorph/solvate thereof) from a mixture of isopropyl
alcohol (IPA) and water. Typically, arzoxifene may be
suspended in a mixture of IPA and water and heated in order
to effect dissolution of the arzoxifene starting material.
Once dissolution is achieved, the solution is allowed to
cool slowly to room temperature and then further (with the
aid of an ice bath or refrigeration) to between 0 and 5°C.
After a sufficient amount of time has elapsed for
crystallization to occur, the crystals may be collected by
vacuum filtration and dried to a constant weight in vacuo to
obtain F-III in yields greater than 80%.
Suitable arzoxifene starting material for the above
crystallization includes, but is not limited to, S-II, F-I,
arzoxifene prepared by the procedures taught in 474, or any
mixture thereof. It is not important which form of
arzoxifene one starts with because crystallization from IPA
and water, according to the procedures described herein,
results in F-III crystals. The ratio of water to IPA (v:v)
is generally about 1:1 to 9:1. More preferably, the ratio
is between 2.5 and 5.6:1. Most preferably, the ratio is
between 3 to 5.6:1. Upon collection of the crystals by
vacuum filtration, the F-III wet cake may be washed with
cold deionized water before drying in vacuo. In addition,
slightly elevated drying temperatures (about 50°C for 12 to
24 hours) are preferred. For commercial scale synthesis of
F-III, it may be advantageous to seed the crystallization
with F-III.
In a preferred process, F-III is prepared, isolated,
and purified contiguous with the chemical removal of the 6-
isopropyl hydroxy protecting group from 6-isopropoxy-3-(4-
[2-(piperidin-1-yl)ethoxy]phenoxy)-2-(4-
methoxyphenyDbenzo[b]thiophene hydrochloride (precursor A).
The deprotection reaction is monitored for complete removal
of the isopropyl protecting group and once it is determined
that the removal is substantially complete, the work-up of
the reaction will preferably include a crystallization under
the conditions that provide F-III as discussed above and
below. Methods for preparing precursor A and for removing
the isopropyl group may be found in U.S. Patent No.
5,723,474, the teachings of which are herein incorporated by
reference.
In another preferred process, F-III is prepared,
isolated and purified contiguous with the chemical reduction
of the S-oxide and chemical removal of the benzyl protecting
group from the 6-hydroxyl in 6-benzyloxy-3-(4-[2-(piperidin-
1-yl)ethoxy]phenoxy)-2-(4-methoxyphenyl)benzo[b]thiophene-
(S-oxide) (precursor B). The reduction and deprotection
reactions are monitored for complete reduction of the
sulfoxide to the sulfide and complete removal of the benzyl
hydroxy protecting group. Once it is determined that the
reduction/removal is substantially complete, the work-up of
the reaction will preferably include a crystallization under
the conditions that provide F-III as discussed herein.
Methods for preparing precursor B, for removing the benzyl
group, and for reducing the 1-sulfoxide to the corresponding
sulfide may also be found in the previously incorporated by
reference U.S. Patent No. 5,723,474.
Irrespective of the chemistry utilized in the
deprotection and reduction steps, crystallization of
arzoxifene from the IPA/water solutions disclosed herein
consistently produces F-III crystals in high purity.
Characterization and Differentiation of S-II, F-I and F-III
DSC/TGA and XRD methods were used to characterize S-II,
F-I and F-III. TGA is often very useful for distinguishing
between different solid forms of a material because the
temperature(s) at which a physical change in a material
occurs is usually characteristic of the polymorph or
solvate. DSC is a technique that is often used to screen
compounds for polymorphism and solvate formation. Lastly,
XRD is a technique that detects long-range order in a
crystalline material.
Arzoxifene prepared by the procedures taught in 474
gave XRD patterns with poor signal-to-noise ratios and a
raised baseline, indicative of poorly crystalline material.
Therefore, comparisons of F-I and F-III are made to the
material (S-II) produced by the modified arzoxifene
crystallization procedure discussed above (addition of
ethanol to a suspension of arzoxifene in refluxing ethyl
acetate).
Representative DSC/TGA traces of S-II, F-I and F-III
are shown in Figures 1, 2 and 3, respectively. The DSC
trace for S-II shows a broad endotherm beginning at about
62°C, corresponding to the loss of ethyl acetate and water
from the lattice. The endotherm beginning at about 152°C
represents a melt. The TGA weight loss of approximately
2.5% occurs simultaneous with the first transition, while
the remaining 0.5% weight loss occurs up to the onset of
melting, suggesting that some solvent molecules are more
tightly held in the lattice.
The DSC trace of F-I shows a broad endotherm beginning
at about 75°C, followed by a second endotherm beginning at
about 155°C corresponding to a melt. The TGA trace of F-I
shows a gradual weight loss of 0.3% followed by a sharp loss
of 1.5%, which together represent dehydration of the
lattice. The onset of the first DSC transition and the
corresponding TGA weight loss are offset slightly due to the
difference in heating rates. The initial weight loss
represents weakly held waters of hydration while the second
weight loss is consistent with approximately 0.5 mole of
water present in the lattice at very low relative humidities
(below 5% - see moisture sorption data).
The DSC trace of F-III features a broad, low-
temperature endotherm at about 3 0°C, followed by a second
broad and relatively weak endotherm beginning at about 7 0°C,
and a final transition beginning at about 146°C
corresponding to a melt. The sharp 1.5% (~0.5 mole) weight
loss in the TGA coincident with the first endotherm
corresponds to loss of weakly held water molecules, while
the additional ~1.6% weight loss above 60°C represents loss
of more tightly held water molecules, i.e., those which are
present at very low relative humidities. The weight loss
observed after 170°C corresponds to decomposition of F-III.
The XRD patterns of F-I and F-III feature sharp peaks
and a flat baseline, indicative of highly crystalline
materials. The angular peak positions in 20 and
corresponding I/Io data for representative samples of F-I,
F-III and S-II is tabulated in Table 1. Although many of
the intense reflections are generally at similar diffraction
angles, each of the forms gives a different powder pattern,
allowing for a clear distinction between S-II, F-I and F-
III.
It is well known in the crystallography art that, for
any given polymorph, the relative intensities of the
diffraction peaks may vary due to preferred orientation
resulting from factors such as crystal morphology. Where
the effects of preferred orientation are present, peak
intensities are altered, but the characteristic peak
positions of the polymorph are unchanged. See, e.g., The
United States Pharmacopeia #23, National Formulary #18,
pages 1843-1844, 1995. Thus, based on peak intensities as
well as peak position, F-III may be identified by the
presence of peaks at 4.6 ±0.2, 7.8+0.2, 9.3 ±0.2,
14.0 ±0.2, 17.6 ±0.2, 20.8 ±0.2, and 24.3 ±0.2° in 20; when
the pattern is obtained at 25 ± 2°C and 35 ± 10% relative
humidity from a copper radiation source.
Further Characterization of F-I and F-III
Hygroscopicicity studies were performed on F-I and F-
III. The moisture sorption isotherms for F-I and F-III are
shown in Figure 4. Upon initial exposure of the samples to
approximately 5% RH, there was an immediate weight gain of
1.5% and 1.7% moisture for F-I and F-III, respectively,
equivalent to approximately 0.5 mole of water. Both forms
show a continuous sorption of moisture through the entire
humidity range, which is likely due to incorporation of
water molecules in the lattices.
The difference in the moisture uptake of the two forms
likely reflects the amount of water that can be incorporated
into the two lattices (i.e., the amount of available space
in the lattice that can accommodate water molecules). Lack
of hysteresis in the sorption-desorption isotherms of F-I
and F-III indicates that the crystal forms rapidly
equilibrate at any given humidity.
The moisture sorption profiles for F-I and F-III reveal
that these forms are essentially non-stoichiometric
hydrates. At ambient relative humidity (about 50% RH), F-I
contains approximately 1.7% water, corresponding to 0.5
moles of water, while F-III has sorbed about 3.0% water
which corresponds to about 0.85 moles of water. The bulk
forms of F-I and F-III rapidly equilibrate with the
atmosphere, so that the water content observed by analytical
techniques is a reflection of the relative humidity at the
time of data collection. Lot-to-lot differences observed in
the DSC data likely results from the samples being hydrated
to different extents due to different ambient storage
conditions.
XRD patterns were obtained for samples of F-I and F-III
stored at different relative humidities (0, 22, 50, and
80%). There is a gradual shifting of the initial (0% RH) F-
III peaks at about 13.8, 17.6, 18.0, 20.5 and 24.0° in 20 as
well as slight shifting of less intense peaks, as the
relative humidity is increased. These observed changes in
the XRD patterns of F-III indicate that the unit cell
dimensions are changing, presumably to accommodate weakly
held water molecules as the relative humidity is increased.
The continuous shifting of peaks with humidity correlates
well with moisture sorption data that showed a gradual
weight gain over this RH range, providing evidence for
variable hydrate formation.
A similar experiment was carried out on F-I to
determine whether varying the relative humidity would have a
similar effect on its lattice (0, 25, 52, 73 and 95% RH).
Very slight shifting of the 0% RH peaks at about 7.7, 18.3,
18.5, 20.5, 20.8° in 20 is observed as the relative humidity
is increased. The peaks at about 7.7, 20.8, and 24.1 also
appear to become slightly broadened and less resolved at
higher relative humidities, indicating that water is being
sorbed into amorphous components (or plasticizes the solid),
particularly at 73 and 95% RH. The shifting of peaks in the
XRD patterns of F-I is less dramatic than the peak shifts
observed as F-III was exposed to different relative
humidities. This suggests that the F-I lattice does not
undergo the same expansion and/or contraction as the F-III
lattice.
F-I and F-III were found to be stable over the entire
relative humidity range, despite the ability of F-III to
sorb nearly twice as much water. The two forms were found
to have comparable crystal size, morphology, aqueous
solubilities and dissolution rates.
A drying study was carried out to monitor the
desolvation of S-II as a function of drying time and
temperature (see Figure 5).. XRD patterns were taken at
various timepoints during the desolvation experiment. Many
diffraction peaks from the desolvation study of S-II appear
at similar angles to F-I, confirming that the lattices of S-
II and F-I are very similar. The disappearance of
diffraction peaks at about 6.8, 7.2 and 14.0° in 29 after
only minimal drying suggests that these reflections may be
attributed to crystallographic planes containing partial
electron density of ethyl acetate molecules.
Extended annealing of the solvated material under
vacuum at high temperatures yielded F-I. F-I prepared this
way showed a high degree of crystallinity by XRD.
Therefore, material generated by crystallization from a
solution of ethanol and ethyl acetate followed by vacuum
drying for only a few hours as taught in 474 showed very
poor crystallinity because such a procedure results in
partially desolvated S-II.
F-I and F-III have several advantages over the prior
art form of arzoxifene described above. Relative to the
arzoxifene produced by the procedures taught in 474, F-I
and F-III are more stable at ambient temperature and are,
therefore, more amenable to pharmaceutical development,
i.e., development of a dosage formulation. In addition, F-I
and F-III are much more crystalline than the form disclosed
in 474. Crystalline materials are generally less
hygroscopic and more stable (e.g., less prone to chemical
degradation, maintains consistent potency) than amorphous
materials and are, therefore, more desirable for formulation
processing. Furthermore, unlike the form of arzoxifene
produced by the procedures taught in 474, which contained
ethyl acetate and water in its lattice, F-I and F-III
contain only water.
Characterization Methods
DSC measurements were performed on a TA Instruments
2920 Modulated DSC attached to a Thermal Analyst 3100 and
equipped with a refrigerated cooling system. Samples (3-5
mg) were heated in crimped aluminum pans from 10 to 240°C at
a heating rate of 2°C/min.
TGA analyses were performed on a TA Instruments 2 050
Thermogravimetric Analyzer attached to a Thermal Analyst
3100. Samples (5-10 mg) were heated in open pans from 25°C
to 250°C at a heating rate of 5°C/min.
XRD patterns were obtained on a Siemens D5000 X-ray
powder diffractometer, equipped with a CuKCX source (l =
1.54056 A) and a Kevex solid-state detector, operating at 50
kV and 40 mA. Each sample was scanned between 4o and 35o in
20. Samples were allowed to equilibrate for at least 30
minutes at the desired temperature and/or relative humidity
before data collection.
Hygroscopicity measurements were made for F-I and F-III
using the VTI method as follows. Each sample was dried
under vacuum at 60°C until no further weight loss was
detected, at which time the sample chamber was brought to 0%
relative humidity. Moisture sorption isotherms were
obtained at 25°C using a VTI vacuum moisture balance with
the following conditions: sample size 10-15 mg,
adsorption/desorption range 0-95% relative humidity, step
interval 5%, sample interval 10 minutes.
The following examples further illustrate processes for
preparing the hydrate of the present invention. The
examples are not intended to be limiting to the scope of
these processes in any respect, and should not be so
construed.
Examples
Example 1
F-III From 6-Isopropoxy-3-(4-[2-(piperidin-1-
yl)ethoxy]phenoxy)-2-(4-methoxyphenyl)benzo[b]thiophene
Hydrochloride
To a methylene chloride solution (100 mL) of 6-
isopropoxy-3-(4-[2-(piperidin-1-yl)ethoxy]phenoxy)-2-(4-
methoxyphenyl)benzo[b]thiophene hydrochloride (10 g, 18
mmol) under a nitrogen atmosphere at -10°C to -2 0°C, was
added BCI3(g) (4.23 g, 34 mmol) at a rate which maintains
the temperature of the reaction below -10°C. After the
addition was complete, the reaction was allowed to stir for
an additional 2 hours. To the reaction, isopropyl alcohol
(IPA, 12.35 mL, 167 mmol) was slowly added at less than
-10°C and stirring was continued for 3 0 minutes. A separate
flask was charged with 100 mL water and cooled with an ice
bath to approximately 0°C. The product solution was
transferred to the water via cannula, maintaining vigorous
stirring. The resultant white slurry was allowed to stir at
0°C for 1 hour. The product was recovered by filtration and
rinsed with 25 mL 40% CH2Cl2/water then with 25 mL cold
water. The product was suspended into 60 mL IPA and 60 mL
water and heated to 60°C. A solution was obtained at 48°C.
Additional water (12 0 mL) was added. The solution was
allowed to cool to 35°C and the slurry was further cooled
slowly to 0-5°C and stirred for several hours. The product
was isolated by filtration and washed with cold deionized
water (25 mL). F-III wetcake was dried to a constant weight
in vacuo at 50°C for 12 to 24 hours to provide F-III.
Example 2
F-III From 6-Benzyloxy-3-(4-[2-(piperidin-1-
yl)ethoxy]phenoxy)-2-(4-methoxyphenyl)benzo[b]thiophene-(S-
oxide)
To a 2 50 mL Parr bottle was added deionized water (5.25
mL), 1M HC1 (7.74 mL, 7.75 mmol), 10% Pd/C (type A32110,
1.37 g, 1.29 mmol Pd), [6-benzyloxy-3-(4-[2-(piperidin-1-
yl)ethoxy]phenoxy)-2-(4-methoxyphenyl)benzo[b]thiophene-(S-
oxide) (3 g, 5.16 mmol), and isopropyl alcohol (32 mL) at
ambient temperature. The bottle was fitted to a Parr
shaker, sequentially evacuated and gassed with nitrogen
twice, and subsequently evacuated and filled with hydrogen
gas to a pressure of 30 psig. The shaker was started and
the reaction mixture was heated to 60°C. The reaction was
determined to be complete by HPLC analysis after
approximately 4 hours. The reaction mixture was filtered
through a pad of diatomaceous earth, and the pad was washed
with 0.1 M HC1 (2 x 10 mL). The solvent was removed in
vacuo at approximately 5 0°C. The resultant residue was
dissolved into 50% isopropyl alcohol/deionized water (30 mL)
and gently heated on a steam bath until a solution was
obtained. To the solution was added deionized water (22 mL)
and the solution was allowed to cool to ambient temperature.
The product slurry is further cooled to 0°C. The product
was isolated by filtration, washed with cold deionized water
(2 x 15 mL), and dried in vacuo at 50°C to constant weight
to provide F-III.
Example 3
F-III from [6-Isopropoxy-3-[4-[2-(piperidin-1-
yl)ethoxy)phenoxy]-2-(4-methoxyphenyl)]benzo[b]thiopene-(S-
oxide)
Methylene chloride (105 L) and [6-isopropoxy-3-[4-[2-
(piperidin-1-yl)ethoxy)phenoxy]-2-(4-
methoxyphenyl)]benzo[b]thiopene-(S-oxide) (10.5 kg) are
combined and cooled to -15 to -20°C. Boron trichloride (4.6
kg) is added while maintaining the reaction temperature
between -10 and -2 0°C. Stirring is continued until the area
% by HPLC of the starting material is less than 1%. HPLC
system (4.6 mm ID x 25 cm Zorbax SB-Phenyl column 30°C,
70:30 methanol: 0.01 N sulfuric acid; flow 1.5 ml/min;
detector 300 run). Isopropanol (10.28 kg) is added while
maintaining the reaction temperature between -10 and -2 0°C.
The reaction mixture is stirred for 3 0 to 45 minutes. The
crude reaction product is isolated by adding the reaction
mixture to an additional 105 L of water, pre-cooled to 2 to
7°C while maintaining the reaction temperature at 2 to 7°C.
The addition is followed by a methylene chloride rinse (20
L) pre-cooled to 7 to 2°C. The crystalline slurry is
stirred for 2 to 3 hours and filtered and sequentially
washed with methylene chloride (26 kg) pre-cooled to 7 to
2°C and water (53 L) pre-cooled to 7 to 2°C. The crude wet
cake is combined with water (42 L) and isopropanol (40 L)
and heated to 65 to 70°C to effect dissolution. The hot
solution is filtered. The filtration is followed with a
rinse consisting of a mixture of isopropanol (20 L) and
water (21 L) heated to 65 to 70°C and a rinse consisting of
water (126 L) pre-heated to 65 to 70°C. The solution is
cooled to 40 to 45°C, seeded and stirred at this temperature
for 2 to 3 hours to allow crystal growth. The slurry is
cooled to 0 to 5°C, stirred for 3 to 4 hours and filtered.
The filter cake is washed with water (122.6L) pre-cooled to
2 to 7°C. The product is vacuum dried at a maximum
temperature of 5 0°C until the change in cake weight was less
than 0.05 kgs over a 2-4 hour period. Yield: 8.468 kgs
(87.3%). HPLC potency: 98.5%. Water by Karl Fischer: 3.0%.
Total related substances by HPLC: 1.7 9%.
Example 4
F-III from [6-Benzyloxy-3-[4-[2-(piperidin-1-
yl)ethoxy)phenoxy]-2-(4-methoxyphenyl)]benzo[b]thiopene-(S-
oxide)
Tetrahydrofuran (2 61 ml), water (45 ml) concentrated
sulfuric acid (6.14 g) and [6-benzyloxy-3-[4-[2-(piperidin-
1-yl)ethoxy)phenoxy]-2-(4-methoxyphenyl)]benzo[b]thiopene-
(S-oxide) (HPLC potency 99%, HPLC total related substance
level 0.35%) were combined and stirred until homogeneous.
10% Pd/C (5.6 g slurried in 22 ml of water) was added with a
5 ml water rinse. The resulting slurry was evacuated and
overlaid with 60 psi of hydrogen. The reaction temperature
was adjusted to 30°C. After 2 hours, 10% Pd/C (5.6 g) of
was added with water (30 ml). Hydrogenation at 60 psi and
30°C was continued for an additional 22 hours. An
additional 4.40 g of 10% Pd/C in 30 ml water was added and
hydrogenation at 60 psi and 3 0°C continued for an additional
2.5 hours. The catalyst was removed by filtration and the
pH of the filtrate was adjusted to 7.24 with 50% sodium
hydroxide. Sodium chloride (8.66 g) dissolved in water (18
ml) was added and the biphasic solution stirred for 3 0
minutes. The phases were separated and the aqueous phase
was back extracted with 50 ml of tetrahydrofuran. The
organic phases were combined and concentrated by atmospheric
distillation to a volume of 50 ml. To the concentrate at
24°C was added methanol, 180 ml over a 1 hour period. The
resulting crystalline slurry was stirred for 30 minutes at
24°C, cooled to 0°C and stirred for 1 hour. The solids were
isolated by filtration and washed sequentially with 39 ml of
water and 39 ml of methanol followed by vacuum drying
overnight at 50°C. Yield 15.52 g (67.8%)
Isopropanol (33 ml), water (66 ml) and 10 g of solid
isolated from above were combined. To the stirred mixture
at 25°C is added 1.8 M HCl (21 ml). The solids quickly
dissolved followed by re-precipitation of the hydrochloride
salt. After stirring for 30 minutes, the slurry was heated
to 70°C to effect dissolution of all of the solids. The
solution was cooled to 60°C and 33 ml of water added. The
resulting solution was cooled to 25°C over a 3 hour period
during which time the hydrochloride salt precipitated. The
slurry was stirred for approximately 3 hours at 2 5°C,
filtered, washed with water (30 ml) and vacuum dried
overnight at 50°C to yield 8.9 g (82.7%) of F-III. HPLC
potency: 96.5%. Water by Karl Fischer: 2.44%. HPLC related
substances: 1.09%.
Utilities
As used herein, the term "effective amount" means an
amount of F-III that is capable of inhibiting conditions, or
detrimental effects thereof, described herein. When F-III
is co-administered with estrogen, progestin, an aromatase
inhibitor, an LHRH analogue, or an AChE inhibitor, the term
"effective amount" also means an amount of such an agent
capable of producing its intended effect.
The terms "inhibiting" and "inhibit" include their
generally accepted meaning, i.e., preventing, prohibiting,
restraining, alleviating, ameliorating, slowing, stopping,
or reversing the progression or severity of a pathological
condition, or sequela thereof, described herein.
The terms "preventing", "prevention of", "prophylaxis",
"prophylactic" and "prevent" are used herein interchangeably
and refer to reducing the likelihood that the recipient of
F-III will incur or develop any of the pathological
conditions, or sequela thereof, described herein.
The terms "estrogen deprived" and "estrogen
deprivation" refer to a condition, either naturally
occurring or clinically induced, where a woman can not
produce sufficient endogenous estrogenic hormones to
maintain estrogen dependent functions, e.g., menses,
homeostasis of bone mass, neuronal function, cardiovascular
condition, etc. Such estrogen deprived situations arise
from, but are not limited to, menopause and surgical or
chemical ovarectomy, including its functional equivalent,
e.g., medication with an aromatase inhibitor, GnRH agonists
or antagonists, ICI 182780, and the like. Disease states
associated with an estrogen deprived state include, but are
not limited to: bone loss, osteoporosis, cardiovascular
disease and hyperlipidemia.
As used herein, the term "estrogen" includes steroidal
compounds having estrogenic activity such as, for example,
17|3-estradiol, estrone, conjugated estrogen (Premarin®) ,
equine estrogen 170-ethynyl estradiol, and the like. A
preferred estrogen-based compound is Premarin®, and
norethylnodrel.
As used herein, the term "progestin" includes compounds
having progestational activity such as, for example,
progesterone, norethylnodrel, nongestrel, megestrol acetate,
norethindrone, and the like. Norethindrone is a preferred
progestin-based agent.
As used herein the term "aromatase inhibitor" includes
compounds capable of inhibiting aromatase, for example
commercially available inhibitors such as aminoglutemide
(CYTANDREN®), Anastrazole (ARIMIDEX®), Letrozole (FEMARA®) ,
Formestane (LENATRON®) , Exemestane (AROMASIN®) , and the
like.
As used herein, the term "LHRH analogue" refers to an
analogue of lutenizing hormone releasing hormone that
inhibits estrogen production in a premenopausal women
including for example, goserlin (ZOLADEX®), leuprolide
(LUPRON®) and the like.
As used herein, the term "AChE inhibitor" includes
compounds that inhibit acetyl choline esterase, for example,
physostigmine salicylate, tacrine hydrochloride, donepezil
hydrochloride and the like.
The term "up-regulate ChAT" refers to increasing the
enzymatic activity of ChAT, i.e., promoting the conversion
of choline to acetyl choline. This promotion would include
an increase in the efficiency and/or rate of reaction of
ChAT and choline and/or an increase in the amount of ChAT
present at the site of action. This increase in the amount
of enzyme present may be due to gene regulation or other
synthetic step of the enzyme's formation and/or a decrease
in the enzyme's de-activation and metabolism.
Selected Testing Procedures
General Rat Preparation Procedure: Seventy-five day old
(unless otherwise indicated) female Sprague Dawley rats
(weight range of 200 to 225g) are obtained from Charles
River Laboratories (Portage, MI). The animals are either
bilaterally ovariectomized (OVX) or exposed to a Sham
surgical procedure at Charles River Laboratories, and then
shipped after one week. Upon arrival, they are housed in
metal hanging cages in groups of 3 or 4 per cage and have ad
libitum access to food (calcium content approximately 0.5%)
and water for one week. Room temperature is maintained at
22.2° ± 1.7°C with a minimum relative humidity of 40%. The
photoperiod in the room was 12 hours light and 12 hours
dark.
Dosing Regimen Tissue Collection: After a one week
acclimation period (therefore, two weeks post-OVX) daily
dosing with F-III is initiated. 17a-ethynyl estradiol or
F-III is given orally, unless otherwise stated, as a
suspension in 1% carboxymethylcellulose or dissolved in 20%
cyclodextrin. Animals are dosed daily for 4 days.
Following the dosing regimen, animals are weighed and
anesthetized with a ketamine: Xylazine (2:1, v:v) mixture
and a blood sample is collected by cardiac puncture. The
animals are then sacrificed by asphyxiation with CO2, the
uterus is removed through a midline incision, and a wet
uterine weight is determined. 17a-ethynyl estradiol is
obtained from Sigma Chemical Co., St. Louis, MO.
Cardiovascular Disease/Hyperlipidemia
The blood samples from above are allowed to clot at
room temperature for 2 hours, and serum is obtained
following centrifugation for 10 minutes at 3000 rpm. Serum
cholesterol is determined using a Boehringer Mannheim
Diagnostics high performance cholesterol assay. Briefly the
cholesterol is oxidized to cholest-4-en-3-one and hydrogen
peroxide. The hydrogen peroxide is then reacted with phenol
and 4-aminophenazone in the presence of peroxidase to
produce a p-quinone imine dye, which is read
spectrophotemetrically at 500 nm. Cholesterol concentration
is then calculated against a standard curve. The entire
assay is automated using a Biomek Automated Workstation.
Uterine Eosinophil Peroxidase (EPO) Assay
The uteri from above are kept at 4°C until time of
enzymatic analysis. The uteri are then homogenized in 50
volumes of 50 mM Tris buffer (pH - 8.0) containing 0.005%
Triton X-100. Upon addition of 0.01% hydrogen peroxide and
10 mM O-phenylenediamine (final concentrations) in Tris
buffer, increase in absorbance is monitored for one minute
at 450 nm. The presence of eosonophils in the uterus is an
indication of estrogenic activity of a compound. The
maximal velocity of a 15 second interval is determined over
the initial, linear portion of the reaction curve.
Inhibition of Bone Loss (Osteoporosis) Test Procedure
Following the general preparation procedure described
above, the rats are treated daily for thirty-five days (6
rats per treatment group) and sacrificed by carbon dioxide
asphyxiation on the 36th day. The thirty-five day time
period is sufficient to allow maximal reduction in bone
density, measured as described herein. At the time of
sacrifice, the uteri are removed, dissected free of
extraneous tissue, and the fluid contents are expelled
before determination of wet weight in order to confirm
estrogen deficiency associated with complete ovariectomy.
Uterine weight is routinely reduced about 75% in response to
ovariectomy. The uteri are then placed in 10% neutral
buffered formalin to allow for subsequent histological
analysis.
The right femurs are excised and digitilized X-rays
generated and analyzed by an image analysis program (NIH
image) at the distal metaphysis. The proximal aspect of the
tibiae from these animals are also scanned by quantitative
computed tomography. In accordance with the above
procedures, F-III or ethynyl estradiol (EE2) in 20%
hydroxypropyl b-cyclodextrin are orally administered to test
animals. F-III is also useful in combination with estrogen
or progestin.
MCF-7 Proliferation Assay
MCF-7 breast adenocarcinoma cells (ATCC HTB 22) are
maintained in MEM (minimal essential medium, phenol red-
free, Sigma, St. Louis, MO) supplemented with 10% fetal
bovine serum (FBS) (V/V) , L-glutamine (2 inM) , sodium
pyruvate (1 mM), HEPES {(N-[2-hydroxyethyl]piperazine-N'-[2-
ethanesulfonic acid]10 mM}, non-essential amino acids and
bovine insulin (1 ug/mL) (maintenance medium). Ten days
prior to assay, MCF-7 cells are switched to maintenance
medium supplemented with 10% dextran coated charcoal
stripped fetal bovine serum (DCC-FBS) assay medium) in place
of 10% FBS to deplete internal stores of steroids. MCF-7
cells are removed from maintenance flasks using cell
dissociation medium (Ca++/Mg++ free HBSS (phenol red-free)
supplemented with 10 mM HEPES and 2 mM EDTA). Cells are
washed twice with assay medium and adjusted to 80,000
cells/mL. Approximately 100 mL (8,000 cells) are added to
flat-bottom microculture wells (Costar 3596) and incubated
at 37°C in a 5% CO2 humidified incubator for 48 hours to
allow for cell adherence and equilibration after transfer.
Serial dilutions of drugs or DMSO as a diluent control are
prepared in assay medium and 50 mL transferred to triplicate
microcultures followed by 50 mL assay medium for a final
volume of 200 mL. After an additional 48 hours at 37°C in a
5% CO2 humidified incubator, microcultures are pulsed with
tritiated thymidine (1 uCi/well) for 4 hours. Cultures are
terminated by freezing at -70°C for 24 hours followed by
thawing and harvesting of microcultures using a Skatron
Semiautomatic Cell Harvester. Samples are counted by liquid
scintillation using a Wallac BetaPlace b counter.
DMBA-Induced Mammary Tumor Inhibition
Estrogen-dependent mammary tumors are produced in
female Sprague-Dawley rats which are purchased from Harlan
Industries, Indianapolis, Indiana. At about 55 days of age,
the rats receive a single oral feeding of 20 mg of 7,12-
dimethylbenz[a]anthracene (DMBA). About 6 weeks after DMBA
administration, the mammary glands are palpated at weekly
intervals for the appearance of tumors. Whenever one or
more tumors appear, the longest and shortest diameters of
each tumor are measured with a metric caliper, the
measurements are recorded, and that animal is selected for
experimentation. An attempt is made to uniformly distribute
the various sizes of tumors in the treated and control
groups such that average-sized tumors are equivalently
distributed between test groups. Control groups and test
groups for each experiment contain 5 to 9 animals.
F-III is administered either through intraperitoneal
injections in 2% acacia, or orally. Orally administered
compounds are either dissolved or suspended in 0.2 mL corn
oil. Each treatment, including acacia and corn oil control
treatments, is administered once daily to each test animal.
Following the initial tumor measurement and selection of
test animals, tumors are measured each week by the above-
mentioned method. The treatment and measurements of animals
continue for 3 to 5 weeks at which time the final areas of
the tumors are determined. For each compound and control
treatment, the change in the mean tumor area is determined.
Uterine Fibrosis Test Procedures
Test 1: Between 3 and 2 0 women having uterine fibrosis are
administered F-III. The amount of compound administered is
from 0.1 to 1000 mg/day, and the period of administration is
3 months. The women are observed during the period of
administration, and up to 3 months after discontinuance of
administration, for effects on uterine fibrosis.
Test 2: The same procedure is used as in Test 1, except the
period of administration is 6 months.
Test 3: The same procedure is used as in Test 1, except the
period of administration is 1 year.
Test 4: Prolonged estrogen stimulation is used to induce
leiomyomata in sexually mature female guinea pigs. Animals
are dosed with estradiol 3-5 times per week by injection for
2-4 months or until tumors arise. Treatment consisting of
F-III or vehicle is administered daily for 3-16 weeks and
then animals are sacrificed and the uteri harvested and
analyzed for tumor regression.
Test 5: Tissue from human leiomyomas are implanted into the
peritoneal cavity and/or uterine myometrium of sexually
mature, castrated, female, nude mice. Exogenous estrogen is
supplied to induce growth of the explanted tissue. In some
cases, the harvested tumor cells are cultured in vitro prior
to implantation. Treatment consisting of F-III or vehicle
is supplied by gastric lavage on a daily basis for 3-16
weeks and implants are removed and measured for growth or
regression. At the time of sacrifice, the uteri are
harvested to assess the status of the organ.
Test 6: Tissue from human uterine fibroid tumors is
harvested and maintained, in vitro, as primary non-
transformed cultures. Surgical specimens are pushed through
a sterile mesh or sieve, or alternately teased apart from
surrounding tissue to produce a single cell suspension.
Cells are maintained in media containing 10% serum and
antibiotic. Rates of growth in the presence and absence of
estrogen are determined. Cells are assayed for their
ability to produce complement component C3 and their
response to growth factors and growth hormone. In vitro
cultures are assessed for their proliferative response
following treatment with progestins, GnRH, F-III, and
vehicle. Levels of steroid hormone receptors are assessed
weekly to determine whether important cell characteristics
are maintained in vitro. Tissue from 5-25 patients is
utilized.
Test 7: F-III's ability to inhibit estrogen-stimulated
proliferation of leiomyoma-derived ELT cell lines is
measured substantially as described in Fuchs-Young, et al.,
"Inhibition of Estrogen-Stimulated Growth of Uterine
Leiomyomas by Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulators", Mol.
Car., 17(3):151-159 (1996), the teachings of which are
herein incorporated by reference.
Endometriosis Test Procedures
Test 1: Twelve to thirty adult CD strain female rats are
used as test animals. They are divided into three groups of
equal numbers. The estrous cycle of all animals is
monitored. On the day of proestrus, surgery is performed on
each female. Females in each group have the left uterine
horn removed, sectioned into small squares, and the squares
are loosely sutured at various sites adjacent to the
mesenteric blood flow. In addition, females in Group 2 have
the ovaries removed. On the day following surgery, animals
in Groups 1 and 2 receive intraperitoneal injections of
water for 14 days whereas animals in Group 3 receive
intraperitoneal injections of 1.0 mg of F-III per kilogram
of body weight for the same duration. Following 14 days of
treatment, each female is sacrificed and the endometrial
explants, adrenals, remaining uterus, and ovaries, where
applicable, are removed and prepared for histological
examination. The ovaries and adrenals are weighed.
Test 2: Twelve to thirty adult CD strain female rats are
used as test animals. They are divided into two equal
groups. The estrous cycle of all animals is monitored. On
the day of proestrus, surgery is performed on each female.
Females in each group have the left uterine horn removed,
sectioned into small squares, and the squares are loosely
sutured at various sites adjacent to the mesenteric blood
flow. Approximately 50 days following surgery, animals
assigned to Group 1 receive intraperitoneal injections of
water for 21 days whereas animals in Group 2 receive
intraperitoneal injections of 1.0 mg of F-III per kilogram
of body weight for the same duration. Following 21 days of
treatment, each female is sacrificed and the endometrial
explants and adrenals are removed and weighed. The explants
are measured as an indication of growth. Estrous cycles are
monitored.
Test 3: Autographs of endometrial tissue are used to induce
endometriosis in rats and/or rabbits. Female animals at
reproductive maturity undergo bilateral oophorectomy, and
estrogen is supplied exogenously thus providing a specific
and constant level of hormone. Autologous endometrial
tissue is implanted in the peritoneum of 5-150 animals and
estrogen supplied to induce growth of the explanted tissue.
Treatment consisting of a compound of the present invention
is supplied by gastric lavage on a daily basis for 3-16
weeks, and implants are removed and measured for growth or
regression. At the time of sacrifice, the intact horn of
the uterus is harvested to assess status of endometrium.
Test 4: Tissue from human endometrial lesions is implanted
into the peritoneum of sexually mature, castrated, female,
nude mice. Exogenous estrogen is supplied to induce growth
of the explanted tissue. In some cases, the harvested
endometrial cells are cultured in vitro prior to
implantation. Treatment consisting of F-III supplied by
gastric lavage on a daily basis for 3-16 weeks, and implants
are removed and measured for growth or regression. At the
time of sacrifice, the uteri are harvested to assess the
status of the intact endometrium.
Test 5: Tissue from human endometrial lesions is harvested
and maintained in vitro as primary non-transformed cultures.
Surgical specimens are pushed through a sterile mesh or
sieve, or alternately teased apart from surrounding tissue
to produce a single cell suspension. Cells are maintained
in media containing 10% serum and antibiotic. Rates of
growth in the presence and absence of estrogen are
determined. Cells are assayed for their ability to produce
complement component C3 and their response to growth factors
and growth hormone. In vitro cultures are assessed for
their proliferative response following treatment with
progestins, GnRH, F-III, and vehicle. Levels of steroid
hormone receptors are assessed weekly to determine whether
important cell characteristics are maintained in vitro.
Tissue from 5-25 patients is utilized.
CNS Disorders Including Alzheimer's Disease
Estrogens, such as 17b-estradiol, regulate gene
transcription by binding to estrogen receptors (ER) which
reside in the cytoplasm of certain cell populations. Ligand
activation of the ER is a prerequisite for nuclear transport
of the complex where binding to a 13 base-pair palindromic
DNA consensus sequence (estrogen response element, or ERE)
begins assembly of a transcriptional apparatus which
culminates in the activation of appropriate target genes. A
variety of genes have been identified which are regulated by
estrogen. These include cytoskeletal proteins, neuro-
transmitter biosynthetic and metabolic enzymes and
receptors, as well as other hormones and neuropeptides.
ERE's have been identified in many estrogen-responsive genes
including vitellogenin, c-fos, prolactin, and luteinizing
hormone.
Of significance in the central nervous system, ERE-like
sequences have been identified in p75ngr and trkA, both of
which serve as signaling molecules for the neurotrophins:
nerve growth factor (NGF), brain derived nerve growth factor
(BDNGF), and neurotrophin-3.
BDNF as well as NGF have been shown to promote the
survival of cholinergic neurons in culture. It is
postulated that if the interactions between neurotrophins
and estrogens are important, for the development and survival
of basal forebrain neurons (which degenerate in Alzheimer's
disease) then clinical conditions in which an estrogen
deficiency exists (as after menopause) may contribute to a
loss of these neurons.
The following experiment is conducted in ovariectomized
rats (prepared as described above) to determine the
similarities and/or differences between F-III and estrogen
at affecting gene expression in various brain regions. Six
week old rats are dosed daily with subcutaneous injections
of estradiol benzoate (0.03 mg/kg), F-III or vehicle
(control). After five weeks of treatment, animals are
sacrificed and their brains removed and hippocampi collected
by microdissection. The hippocampi are fast frozen in
liquid nitrogen and stored at -70°C. Total RNA is prepared
from pooled tissue from the appropriate treatment and
control groups and reverse transcribed using a 3'
oligonucleotide primer which is selected for specific mRNA
(poly-A+) populations. Polymerase chain reactions (PCR) are
carried out in a cocktail consisting of: random 5'
oligonucleotides (10 base-pairs in length; total of 150),
reaction buffer, Taq polymerase, and a 32PdTCP.
After 40 rounds of amplification, the reaction products
are size fractionated on a 6% TBE-urea gel, dried and
exposed to X-ray film. The resulting mRNA display patterns
are compared between treatment groups.
Use of F-III in Conjunction with Estrogen
Peri- and post-menopausal women often undergo hormone
replacement therapy (HRT) to combat negative consequences
associated with the drop in circulating endogenous estrogen,
e.g., to treat hot flashes. However, HRT has been
associated with increased risks of certain cancers including
uterine and breast cancer. F-III may be employed in
conjunction with HRT to inhibit these risks.
Use of F-III in Conjunction With an Aromatase Inhibitor
By definition, the ovaries of a postmenopausal woman
are not functioning. Her only source of estrogen is through
conversion of adrenal androgens to estrogens by the enzyme
aromatase, which is found in peripheral tissues (including
fat, muscle and the breast tumor itself). Thus, drugs that
inhibit aromatase (aromatase inhibitors) deplete the
postmenopausal woman of circulating estrogen. Estrogen
deprivation by means of aromatase inhibition is an important
treatment option for patients with metastatic breast cancer.
During therapy with an aromatase inhibitor, lack of
circulating estrogen may cause negative, unintended side-
effects, for example on serum lipid levels. F-III may be
employed to inhibit these negative effects.
Use of F-III in Conjunction with a LHRH Analogue
Continuous exposure to a LHRH (lutenizing hormone
releasing hormone) analogue inhibits estrogen production in
the premenopausal women by desensitizing the pituitary
gland, which then no longer stimulates the ovaries to
produce estrogen. The clinical effect is a "medical
oophrectomy" which is reversible upon cessation of the LHRH
analogue. During therapy with a LHRH analogue, lack of
circulating estrogen may cause negative, unintended side-
effects, for example on serum lipid levels. F-III may be
employed to inhibit these negative effects.
Increasing Levels of Acetyl Choline
It is known that patients suffering from Alzheimer's
disease have a markedly smaller level of cholinergic neurons
in the hippocampus than their non-Alzheimer peers. The
progressive loss of these cholinergic neurons appears to
mirror the progressive loss in memory and cognitive function
in these patients. It is thought that one reason for the
decline of these neurons is the loss or decreased function
of the neurotransmitter, acetyl choline.
The level of acetylcholine in a neuron is basically
determined by where the equilibrium between its bio-
synthesis and bio-degradation lies. The enzyme choline
acetyltransferase (ChAT) is primarily responsible for its
synthesis and acetylcholineesterase (AChE) for its
degradation.
In the order to determine F-III's effect on levels of
ChAT, the following experiment is performed: Following the
general rat preparation procedure described above, 40 rats
are dosed daily by subcutaneous injection or oral gavage
with F-III at 3 mg/kg/day in a vehicle containing 10%
cyclodextrin, estradiol benzoate at 0.03 or 0.3 mg/kg/day,
or vehicle control. Animals are treated for 3 or 10 days.
There are twenty animals per each dosing regimen. At the
appropriate time intervals, the animals are sacrificed and
their brains dissected. The particular portions of the
brains are homogenized and assayed. Homogenates from the
hippocampus and frontal cortex were processed and
determination of ChAT activity is made by a radio-labelled
assay of the bio-synthesis of acetyl choline. This
procedure may be found in Schoepp et al., J. Neural
Transmiss., 78:183-193, 1989, the teachings of which are
incorporated by reference.
As expected, in the OVX animals, ChAT levels are
reduced >5 0% (p controls.
In another embodiment of the present invention, F-III
is used in combination with an AChE inhibitor. Use of an
AChE inhibitor increases levels of acetylcholine by blocking
its degradation via inhibition of AChE.
Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)
For background on the link between estrogen action and
treatment of BPH and prostate carcinoma, see PCT Application
No. WO 98/07274, International Publication Date: October 15,
1998.
In the experiments described below, the ability of F-
III to bind at estrogen receptors in several human prostatic
cancer cell lines is evaluated.
Lysates of the LNCaP, DU-45 and PC-3 human prostatic
cancer cell lines are prepared in a TEG medium comprising 50
nM Tris?HCl pH 7.4, 1.5 mM ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid
(EDTA) 0.4 M KC1, 10% glycerol, 0.5 mM 2-ME, and 10 mM
sodium molybdate further containing the protease inhibitors
pepstatin (1 mg/mL), leupeptin (2 mg/mL), aprotinin (5
mg/mL) and phenylmethylsulfonyl fluoride (PMSF, 0.1 mM)
(TEGP).
The cell lysates are centrifuged and the pellets
resuspended in cold TEGP (1 mL TEGP/100 mg of pellet) and
sonicated for 30 seconds (duty cycle 70%, output 1.8) on a
Branson Model 450 Sonifier.. Lysates are pelleted by
centrifugation at 10,000 x G for 15 minutes at 4°C after
which the supernates are withdrawn and either used
immediately or stored at -7 0°C.
Competitive Binding Assay: The binding buffer is TEG in
which the 0.4 M KC1 is replaced by 50 mM NaCl and to which 1
mg/mL of ovalbumin had been further added (TEGO). F-III is
diluted to 20 nM in TEGO from which 3-fold serial dilutions
are prepared. Assays are performed in round-bottom
polyprolylene microplates in triplicate microwells. Each
well receives 35 mL of tritiated 17|3-estradiol (0.5 nM,
specific activity 60.1 Ci/mmol, DuPont-New England Nuclear,
Boston, MA) and 35 mL of cold competitot test compound (0.1
nM - 5 mM) or TEGO, and following incubation for 5 minutes
at 4°C with shaking, 70 mL of MCF-7 cell line lysate.
Plates are incubated for 24 hours at 4°C after which
time 7 0 mL of dextran-coated charcoal (DCC) is added to each
well followed by vigorous shaking for 8 minutes at 4°C. The
plates are then centrifuged at 1500 x G for 10 minutes at
4°C. Supernate is harvested from each well into a flexible
polystyrene microplate for scintillation counting in a
Wallac Micobeta Model 1450 counter. Radioactivity is
expressed as disintegrations per minute (DPM) after
correcting for counting efficiency (35-40%) and background.
Additional controls are total counts and total counts + DCC
to defined the lower limit of DCC extractable counts. The
results of these competitive binding assays are expressed as
mean percent bound (% Bound) +/- standard deviation using
the formula:
DPMtest compound ~ DPMtotal count + DCC
% Bound = ------------------------------------------------------- x 100
DPMno test compound ~ DPMtotai count + DCC
Prevention of Breast Cancer
This invention also relates to the administration of F-
III to a recipient who is at risk of developing de novo
breast cancer. The term "de novo", as used herein, means
the lack of transformation or metamorphosis of normal breast
cells to cancerous or malignant cells in the first instance.
Such a transformation may occur in stages in the same or
daughter cells via an evolutionary process or may occur in a
single, pivotal event. This de novo process is in contrast
to the metastasis, colonization, or spreading of already
transformed or malignant cells from the primary tumor site
to new locations.
A person who is at no particular risk of developing
breast cancer is one who may develop de novo breast cancer,
has no evidence or suspicion of the potential of the disease
above normal risk, and who has never had a diagnosis of
having the disease. The greatest risk factor contributing
to the development of breast carcinoma is a personal history
of suffering from the disease, or an earlier occurrence of
the disease, even if it is in remission with no evidence of
its presence. Another risk factor is family history of the
disease.
Induction of mammary tumors in rats by administration
of the carcinogen N-nitroso-N-methylurea is a well-accepted
animal model for the study of breast cancer and has been
found suitable for analyzing the effect of chemopreventive
agents.
In two separate studies, 55-day old female Sprague-
Dawley rats are given an intravenous (Study 1) or
intraperitoneal (Study 2) dose of 50 mg of N-nitroso-N-
methylurea per kilogram of body weight one week prior to
feeding ad libitum a diet into which varying amounts of F-
III, (Z)-2-[4-(1,2-diphenyl-l-butenyl)phenoxy]-N, N-
dimethylethanamine base (tamoxifen base), or control are
blended.
In Study 1, the dietary doses of 60 mg/kg of diet and
2 0 mg/kg of diet translates into roughly comparable doses of
3 and 1 mg/kg of body weight for the test animals.
In Study 2, the dietary doses of 20, 6, 2, and 0.6
mg/kg of diet translates roughly into comparable doses of 1,
0.3, 0.1 and 0.03 mg/kg of body weight for the test animals.
Rats are observed for evidence of toxicity and are
weighed and palpated for tumor formation once a week. The
animals are sacrificed after thirteen weeks (Study 1) or
eighteen weeks (Study 2) and tumors are confirmed and
weighed at autopsy.
Formulations
The term "pharmaceutical" when used herein as an
adjective means substantially non-deleterious to the
recipient mammal. By "pharmaceutical formulation" it is
meant the carrier, diluent, excipients and active
ingredient(s) must be compatible with the other ingredients
of the formulation, and not deleterious to the recipient
thereof.
F-III is preferably formulated prior to administration.
The selection of the formulation should be decided by the
attending physician taking into considerations the same
factors involved with determining the effective amount.
The total active ingredients in such formulations
comprises from 0.1% to 99.9% by weight of the formulation.
Preferably, no more than two active ingredients are
contained in said formulation. That is, it is preferred to
formulate F-III with a second active ingredient selected
from an estrogen, progestin, aromatase inhibitor, LHRH
analogue and AChE inhibitor. Most preferred formulations
are those where F-III is the sole active ingredient.
Pharmaceutical formulations of the present invention
are prepared by procedures known in the art using well known
and readily available ingredients. For example, F-III,
either alone, or in combination with an estrogen, progestin,
aromatase inhibitor, LHRH analogue, or an AChE inhibitor
compound, are formulated with common excipients, diluents,
or carriers, and formed into tablets, capsules, suspensions,
solutions, injectables, aerosols, powders, and the like.
Pharmaceutical compositions of this invention for
parenteral administration comprise sterile aqueous or non-
aqueous solutions, dispersions, suspensions, or emulsions,
as well as sterile powders which are reconstituted
immediately prior to use into sterile solutions or
suspensions. Examples of suitable sterile aqueous and non-
aqueous carriers, diluents, solvents or vehicles include
water, physiological saline solution, ethanol, polyols (such
as glycerol, propylene glycol, poly(ethylene glycol), and
the like), and suitable mixtures thereof, vegetable oils
(such as olive oil), and injectable organic esters such as
ethyl oleate. Proper fluidity is maintained, for example,
by the use of coating materials such as lecithin, by the
maintenance of proper particle size in the case of
dispersions and suspensions, and by the use of surfactants.
Parenteral compositions may also contain adjuvants such
as preservatives, wetting agents, emulsifying agents, and
dispersing agents. Prevention of the action of
microorganisms is ensured by the inclusion of antibacterial
and antifungal agents, for example, paraben, chlorobutanol,
phenol sorbic acid, and the like. It may also be desirable
to include isotonic agents such as sugars, sodium chloride,
and the like. Prolonged absorption of injectable
formulations may be brought about by the inclusion of agents
which delay absorption such as aluminum monostearate and
gelatin.
In some cases, in order to prolong the effect of the
drug, it is desirable to slow the absorption of the drug
following subcutaneous or intramuscular injection. This may
be accomplished by the use of a liquid suspension of
crystalline material of low water solubility or by
dissolving or suspending the drug in an oil vehicle. In the
case of the subcutaneous or intramuscular injection of a
suspension containing a form of the drug with low water
solubility, the rate of absorption of the drug depends upon
its rate of dissolution.
Injectable "depot" formulations of F-III are made by
forming microencapsulated matrices of the drug in
biodegradable polymers such as poly(lactic acid),
poly(glycolic acid), copolymers of lactic and glycolic acid,
poly (orthoesters), and poly (anhydrides) these materials
which are described in the art. Depending upon the ratio of
drug to polymer and the characteristics of the particular
polymer employed, the rate of drug release can be
controlled.
Injectable formulations are sterilized, for example, by
filtration through bacterial-retaining filters, or by
presterilization of the components of the mixture prior to
their admixture, either at the time of manufacture or just
prior to administration (as in the example of a dual chamber
syringe package).
Solid dosage forms for oral administration include
capsules, tablets, pills, powders, and granules. In such
solid dosage forms, F-III is mixed with at least one inert,
pharmaceutical carrier such as sodium citrate, or dicalcium
phosphate, and/or (a) fillers or extenders such as starches,
sugars including lactose and glucose, mannitol, and silicic
acid, (b) binding agents such as carboxymethyl-cellulose and
other cellulose derivatives, alginates, gelatin,
poly(vinylpyrrolidine), sucrose and acacia, (c) humectants
such as glycerol, (d) disintegrating agents such as agar-
agar, calcium carbonate, sodium bicarbonate, potato or
tapioca starch, alginic acid, silicates and sodium
carbonate, (e) moisturizing agents such as glycerol; (f)
solution retarding agents such as paraffin, (g) absorption
accelerating agents such as quaternary ammonium compounds,
(h) wetting agents such as cetyl alcohol and glycerin
monostearate, (i) absorbents such as kaolin and bentonite
clay, and (j) lubricants such as talc, calcium stearate,
magnesium stearate, solid poly(ethylene glycols), sodium
lauryl sulfate, and mixtures thereof. In the case of
capsules, tablets and pills, the dosage form may also
contain buffering agents.
Solid compositions of a similar type may also comprise
the fill in soft or hard gelatin capsules using excipients
such as lactose as well as high molecular weight
poly(ethylene glycols) and the like.
Solid dosage forms such as tablets, dragees, capsules,
pills and granules can also be prepared with coatings or
shells such as enteric coatings or other coatings well known
in the pharmaceutical formulating art. The coatings may
contain opacifying agents or agents which release the active
ingredient(s) in a particular part of the digestive tract,
as for example, acid soluble coatings for release of the
active ingredient(s) in the stomach, or base soluble
coatings for release of the active ingredient(s) in the
intestinal tract.
The active ingredient(s) may also be microencapsulated
in a sustained-release coaling, with the microcapsules being
made part of a pill of capsule formulation.
Liquid dosage forms for oral administration of F-III
include solution, emulsions, suspensions, syrups and
elixirs. In addition to the active components, liquid
formulations may include inert diluents commonly used in the
art such as water or other pharmaceutical solvents,
solubilizing agents and emulsifiers such as ethanol,
isopropanol, ethyl carbonate, ethyl acetate, benzyl alcohol,
benzyl benzoate, propylene glycol, 1,3-butylene glycol,
dimethyl formamide, oils (in particular, cottonseed, ground
nut, corn, germ, olive, castor, and sesame oils), glycerol,
tetrahydrofurfuryl alcohol, poly(ethylene glycols), fatty
acid esters of sorbitol, and mixtures thereof.
Besides inert diluents, the liquid oral formulations
may also include adjuvants such as wetting agents,
emulsifying and suspending agents, and sweetening,
flavoring, and perfuming agents.
Liquid suspension, in addition to the active
ingredient(s) may contain suspending agents such as
ethoxylated isostearyl alcohols, polyoxyethylene sorbitol
and sorbitan esters, microcrystalline cellulose, aluminum
metahydroxide, bentonite clay, agar-agar, and tragacanth,
and mixtures thereof.
Compositions for rectal or intravaginal administration
are prepared by mixing F-III with suitable non-irritating
excipients such as cocoa butter, polyethylene glycol or any
suppository wax which is a solid at room temperature, but
liquid at body temperature and therefore melt in the rectum
or vaginal cavity to release the active component(s). The
compounds are dissolved in the melted wax, formed into the
desired shape, and allowed to harden into the finished
suppository formulation.
F-III may also be administered in the form of
liposomes. As is know in the art, liposomes are generally
derived from phospholipids or other lipid substances.
Lipososome formulations are formed by mono- or multilamellar
hydrated liquid crystals which are dispersed in an aqueous
medium. Any non-toxic, pharmaceutical, and metabolizable
lipid capable of forming liposomes can be used. The present
compositions in liposome form can contain, in addition to F-
III, stabilizers, excipients, preservatives, and the like.
The preferred lipids are phospholipids and the phosphatidyl
cholines (lecithins), both natural and synthetic.
Methods for forming liposomes are know in the art as
described, for example, in Prescott, Ed., Methods in Cell
Biology, Volume XIV, Academic Press, New York, N. Y. (1976),
p. 33 efc seq.
The following formulation examples are illustrative
only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present
invention.

The formulation above may be changed in compliance with the
reasonable variations provided.
A tablet formulation is prepared using the ingredients
below:
The components are blended and compressed to form tablets.
Alternatively, tablets each containing 2.5 - 1000 mg of
F-III are made up as follows:
F-III, starch, and cellulose are passed through a No. 45
mesh U.S. sieve and mixed thoroughly. The solution of
polyvinylpyrrolidone is mixed with the resultant powders
which are then passed through a No. 14 mesh U.S. sieve. The
granules so produced are dried at 50°-60°C and passed
through a No. 18 mesh U.S. sieve. The sodium carboxymethyl
starch, magnesium stearate, and talc, previously passed
through a No. 60 U.S. sieve, are then added to the granules
which, after mixing, are compressed on a tablet machine to
yield tablets.
Suspensions each containing 0.1 - 1000 mg of medicament
per 5 ml dose are made as follows:
The medicament is passed through a No. 45 mesh U.S. sieve
and mixed with the sodium carboxymethyl cellulose and syrup
to form a smooth paste. The benzoic acid solution, flavor,
and color are diluted with some of the water and added, with
stirring. Sufficient water is then added to produce the
required volume.
An aerosol solution is prepared containing the
following ingredients:
F-III is mixed with ethanol and the mixture added to a
portion of the propellant 22, cooled to 30°C, and
transferred to a filling device. The required amount is
then fed to a stainless steel container and diluted with the
remaining propellant. The valve units are then fitted to
the container.
Suppositories are prepared as follows:
F-III is passed through a No. 60 mesh U.S. sieve and
suspended in the saturated fatty acid glycerides previously
melted using the minimal necessary heat. The mixture is
then poured into a suppository mold of nominal 2 g capacity
and allowed to cool.
An intravenous formulation is prepared as follows:
The solution of the above ingredients is intravenously
administered to a patient at a rate of about 1 mL per
minute.
Dosage
The specific dose of F-III administered according to
this invention is determined by the particular circumstances
surrounding each situation. These circumstances include,
the route of administration, the prior medical history of
the recipient, the pathological condition or symptom being
treated, the severity of the condition/symptom being
treated, and the age and sex of the recipient.
Generally, an effective minimum daily dose of F-III is
about 1, 5, 10, 15, or 20 mg. Typically, an effective
maximum dose is about 800, 100, 60, 50, or 40 mg. Most
typically, the dose ranges between 15 mg and 60 mg. The
exact dose may be determined, in accordance with the
standard practice in the medical arts of "dose titrating"
the recipient; that is, initially administering a low dose
of the compound, and gradually increasing the does until the
desired therapeutic effect is observed.
Although it may be necessary to dose titrate the
recipient with respect to the combination therapies
discussed above, typical doses of active ingredients other
than F-III are as follows: ethynyl estrogen (0.01 - 0.03
mg/day), mestranol (0.05 - 0.15 mg/day), conjugated
estrogenic hormones (e.g., Premarin®, Wyeth-Ayerst; 0.3 -
2.5 mg/day), medroxyprogesterone (2.5 -10 mg/day),
norethylnodrel (1.0 - 10.0 mg/day), nonethindrone (0.5 - 2.0
mg/day), aminoglutemide (250-1250 mg/day, preferably 250 mg
four times per day), anastrazole (1-5 mg/day, preferably 1
mg once per day), letrozole (2.5-10 mg/day, preferably 2.5
mg once a day), formestane (250-1250 mg per week, preferably
250 mg twice weekly), exemestane (25-100 mg/day, preferably
25 mg once per day), goserlin (3-15 mg/three months,
preferably 3.6-7.2 mg once every three months) and
leuprolide (3-15 mg/month, preferably 3.75-7.5 mg once every
month).
Route of administration
F-III can be administered by a variety of routes
including oral, rectal, transdermal, subcutaneus,
intravenous, intramuscular, and intranasal. The method of
administration of each estrogen- and progestin-based agent
is consistent with that which is known in the art. F-III,
alone or in combination with estrogen, progestin, or an AChE
inhibitor generally will be administered in a convenient
formulation.
The pharmaceutical compositions of this invention may
be administered to humans and other mammals (e.g., dogs,
cats, horses, swine and the like) orally, rectally,
intravaginally, parenterally, topically, bucally or
sublingually, or nasally. The term "parenteral
administration" refers herein to modes of administration
which include intravenous, intramuscular, intraperitoneal,
instrasternal, subcutaneous, or intraarticular injection or
infusion.
Mode/Length of Administration
For the majority of the methods of the present
invention, F-III is administered continuously, from 1 to 3
times daily or as often as needed to deliver an effective
amount of F-III to the recipient. Cyclical therapy may
especially be useful in the treatment of endometriosis or
may be used acutely during painful attacks of the disease.
In the case of restenosis, therapy may be limited to short
(1-6 months) intervals following medical procedures such as
angioplasty.
Crystalline 6-hydroxy-3-(4-[2-(piperidin-l-yl) ethoxy] phenoxy)-2-(4-
methoxyphenyl) benzo [b] thiophene hydrochloride hydrate (F-III) having an X-
ray diffraction pattern which comprises the following peaks: 4.6 ± 0.2, 7.8 ± 0.2,
9.3 ±0.2, 14.0±0.2, 17.6±0.2, 20.8±0.2 and 24.3±0.2° in 20; when obtained at
25±2° C and 35 ±10% relative humidity from a copper radiation source.
A pharmaceutical formulation comprising the crystalline compound as claimed as
claim 1, along with one or more pharmaceutical carriers, diluents, or excipients;
and optionally a pharmaceutical substance.
The formulation as claimed in claim 2, wherein the pharmaceutical substance is
selected from a group of estrogen, progestin, aromatase inhibitor, LHRH analogue
and an acetyl choline esterase (AChE) inhibitor.
The formulation as claimed in claim 2, which comprises the crystalline compound
of claim 1; one or more pharmaceutical carriers, diluents, or excipients ; and
estrogen.
The formulation as claimed in claim 4, wherein the estrogen is Premarin.
The formulation as claimed in claim 2, which comprises the crystalline compound
of claim 1; on or more pharmaceutical carriers, diluents, or excipients and
progestin.
The formulation as claimed in claim 6, wherein the progestin is selected from the
group consisting of norethylnodrel and norethindrone.
The formulation as claimed in claim 2, which comprises the crystalline compound
of claim 1, along with one or more pharmaceutical carriers, diluents, or
excipients; and an AChE inhibitor.
The formulation as claimed in claim 8, wherein the AChE inhibitor is selected
from the group of physostigmine salicylates, tacrine hydrochloride, and donepezil
hydrochloride.
, The formulation as claimed in claim 2, which comprises the crystalline compound
of claim 1, one or more pharmaceutical carriers, diluents, or excipients; estrogen;
and progestin.
11. A process for preparing the compound as claimed in claim 1, said process
comprising the step of crystallizing 6-hydroxy-3-(4-(2-piperidine-l-yl]ethoxy
phenoxy)-2-(4-methoxyphenyl)benzo[b] thiophene hydrochloride from a mixture
of isopropanol and water.
12. The process as claimed in claim 11, wherein the ratio of isopropanol (v:v) is in a
range of 1 and 9 to 1.
13. The process as claimed in claim 12, where the ratio is in a range 2.5 and 5.6 to 1.
14. The process as claimed in claim 13, where the ratio is in a range 3 and 5.6 to 1.
15. The compound as claimed in claim 1, whenever prepared by the process of any
one of claims 10-13.
The present invention is directed to a novel
crystalline hydrate of 6-hydroxy-3-(4-[2-(piperidin-1-
yl)ethoxy]-phenoxy)-2-(4-methoxyphenyl)benzo[b]thiophene
hydrochloride and uses for same, including inhibition of
disease states associated with estrogen deprivation
including cardiovascular disease, hyperlipidemia, and
osteoporosis; and inhibition of other pathological
conditions such as endometriosis, uterine fibrosis,
estrogen-dependent cancer (including breast and uterine
cancer), prostate cancer, benign prostatic hyperplasia, CNS
disorders including Alzheimer's disease, prevention of
breast cancer, and up-regulating ChAT.

Documents:

431-CAL-2000-CORRESPONDENCE.pdf

431-cal-2000-granted-abstract.pdf

431-cal-2000-granted-claims.pdf

431-cal-2000-granted-correspondence.pdf

431-cal-2000-granted-description (complete).pdf

431-cal-2000-granted-drawings.pdf

431-cal-2000-granted-examination report.pdf

431-cal-2000-granted-form 1.pdf

431-cal-2000-granted-form 13.pdf

431-cal-2000-granted-form 18.pdf

431-cal-2000-granted-form 2.pdf

431-cal-2000-granted-form 26.pdf

431-cal-2000-granted-form 3.pdf

431-cal-2000-granted-form 5.pdf

431-cal-2000-granted-reply to examination report.pdf

431-cal-2000-granted-specification.pdf

431-cal-2000-granted-translated copy of priority document.pdf

431-CAL-2000-PA.pdf


Patent Number 223396
Indian Patent Application Number 431/CAL/2000
PG Journal Number 37/2008
Publication Date 12-Sep-2008
Grant Date 10-Sep-2008
Date of Filing 28-Jul-2000
Name of Patentee ELI LILLY AND COMPANY
Applicant Address LILLY CORPORATE CENTER, INDIANPOLIS, IN
Inventors:
# Inventor's Name Inventor's Address
1 BUSH JULIE KAY 10671 RED BERRY COURT FISHERS, INDIANA 46038
2 CONRAD PRESTON CHARLES 7336 CAMPFIRE RUN, INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA 462 36
3 FLOM MERLYN GERARD 404 ROXBURY LANE, NOBLESVILLE, INDIANA 46060
PCT International Classification Number CO 7D
PCT International Application Number N/A
PCT International Filing date
PCT Conventions:
# PCT Application Number Date of Convention Priority Country
1 60/146,184 1999-07-29 U.S.A.
2 60/147,642 1999-08-06 U.S.A.
3 60/149,820 1999-08-19 U.S.A.