Title of Invention

ECHINOCANDIN PHARMACEUTICAL FORMULATIONS CONTAINING MICELLE-FORMING SURFACTANTS

Abstract There is disclosed a parenteral pharmaceutical formulation comprising (i) an echinocandin compound such as herein described, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof; (ii) a pharmaceutically acceptable micelle- forming surfactant,such as herein described ; (iii) a non-toxic; aqueous solvent and (iv) a stabilizing agent; wherein the surfactant is present in said formulation at a weight ratio of echinocandin compound to micelle forming surfactant from 1:1.75 and said echinocandin compound is present in an amount from 1mg/ml to 50 mg/ml and wherein said stabilizing agent is a carbohydrate.
Full Text ECHINOCANDIN PHARMACEUTICAL FORMULATIONS
CONTAINING MICELLE-FORMING SURFACTANTS
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to pharmaceutical formulations containing an
echinocandin compound, in particular, the incorporation of micelle-forming surfactants to
enhance stability and water solubility.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Parenteral (ip) formulations of pharmaceutical drugs may be administered to
patients via intramuscular (im), intravenous (iv) or subcutaneous methodology. The
formulation that is developed for a particular drug is dependent on a variety of issues. For
example, it is well-known in the art that a formulation should be water-soluble and stable.
If freeze-dried the formulation should be capable of forming a well-formed cake and readily
reconstitutable (usually in less than one minute). Finally, the formulation should have an
acceptable appearance and be prepared from generally accepted, safe excipients.
Stability is an important consideration when designing a formulation, especially for
ip applications. For practical reasons, it must be possible to store the formulation for at
least two years. Therefore, it is often desirable to freeze dry the formulation to achieve
better shelf-life and storage at room temperature.
The instability and poor water solubility ( compounds make them particularly difficult to formulate. Most of the formulations tested
to date have a shelf life of less than one year. Generally, a shelf life of two or more years is
a required. Consequently, a formulation containing an echinocandin compound may
require freeze-drying to achieve the necessary stability.
The poor water solubility of the echinocandin compounds affords a further
challenge in formulating an ip formulation containing echinocandin active materials. One
method of formulating such compounds is by the addition of a surfactant which enhances
the solubility of the drug. However, it is generally well-known in the art that the use of a
surfactant above a certain concentration generally limits the ability to freeze dry the
formulation. A typical freeze-dried formulation has a surfactant concentration less than 5%
by weight. According to a market survey of freeze-dried pharmaceutical formulations
containing surfactants, the surfactant concentration is usually less than 5% weight in the
freeze dried product. See. Carpenter et al., Pharm. Res., 14 (8), 969-975, 1977 to 1997.
Physicians" Desk Reference. 50"' edition. Medical Economics. Co. NJ (1996). It is
generally believed that a formulation with higher concentrations of surfactant is not likely
to form a freeze-dried product with desirable characteristics. Specifically, the presence of
the surfactant causes the freeze-dried cake to "collapse" resulting in a residue at the bottom
of the vial instead of a well-formed cake. The residue is generally less stable, difficult to
reconstitute, and non-reproducible.
Because of the poor water solubility of the echinocandin compounds, generally 2-
4% (weight by volume) of a surfactant is required to obtain an acceptable concentration of
the echinocandin compound in solution. As discussed above, freeze-drying is hindered at
this level of surfactant. Therefore, there is a need for a formulation that improves the
solubility of echinocandin compounds in water yet allows freeze drying to obtain optimum
stability.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Applicants have discovered a group of surfactants that solubilize echinocandin
compounds at higher concentrations and surprisingly retain the ability to freeze dry the
formulation. In one embodiment of the present invention, a parenteral pharmaceutical
formulation is provided that comprises (i) an echinocandin compound (or a
pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof), (ii) a pharmaceutically acceptable, micelle-
forming surfactant (e.g., polysorbates. lecithin, bile salts, polyoxyethylene castor oils and
mixtures thereof), and (iii) a non-toxic, aqueous solvent. The pharmaceutical solution
formulation may optionally contain one or more of a stabilizing agent, a tonicity agent
and/or a buffer. The weight ratio of echinocandin to surfactant is from about 1:1.75 to
about 1:25 (more preferably in a ratio of about 1:2 to about 1:3) and the echinocandin
compound is present in an amount greater than or equal to 1 mg/ml. The surfactant is
cenerally present in an amount greater than 1% weight per volume.
In one embodiment of the present invention, a freeze-dried pharmaceutical
formulation is provided that comprises (i) an echinocandin compound (or a
pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof), (ii) a pharmaceutically acceptable, micelle-
forming surfactant (e.g., polysorbates. lecithin, bile salts, polyoxyethylene castor oils, and
mixtures thereof), and (iii) a bulking agent. The micelle-forming surfactant is present in an
amount greater than 5% by weight in the freeze dried product and the ratio of echinocandin
to surfactant is from about 1:1.75 to about 1:25 (preferably in a ratio of about 1:2 to about
1:3). The pharmaceutical freeze-dried formulation may optionally contain one or more of a
stabilizing agent and/or a buffer. A parenteral pharmaceutical formulation prepared from
the freeze-dried formulation is also provided.
In yet another embodiment of the present invention, a process is provided for
preparing a parenteral formulation, which comprises mixing an echinocandin compound (or
echinocandin/carbohydrate complex) and a pharmaceutically acceptable, micelle-forming
surfactant in an aqueous solvent.
In another embodiment of the present invention, a process is provided for making a
freeze-dried formulation comprising in the following order the steps of: (i) dissolving into
an aqueous solvent an echinocandin compound (or echinocandin/carbohydrate complex) in
the presence of a pharmaceutically acceptable, micelle-forming surfactant, wherein the
surfactant is present in an amount greater than 1% weight by volume; (ii) sterile filtering
the solution; and (iii) freeze-drying the solution. Generally, a bulking agent is added before
freeze-drying the solution. Optionally, one may add one or more buffers, stabilizing
agents, tonicity agents, or combinations thereof before step (iii).
An alternative preparation for a freeze-dried formulation is also provided which
comprises (i) buffering a non-toxic aqueous solvent to a pH between 4.0 and 5.0 to form a
buffered solution; (ii) adding to the buffered solution a pharmaceutically acceptable,
micelle-forming surfactant; (iii) cooling the solution from step (ii) to a temperature between
5° and 15°C (preferably between 7° and 10°C) to form a cooled solution; (iv) adding a _
slurry comprising an echinocandin compound or echinocandin/carbohydrate complex and a
second non-toxic aqueous solvent to the cooled solution; (v) sterile filtering said solution
from step (iv); and (vi) freeze-drying said solution from step (v). One or more bulking
agents, stabilizing agents and/or tonicity agents may optionally be added prior to step (v).
In another embodiment of the present invention, a parenteral pharmaceutical
product is provided which is prepared by dissolving into an aqueous solvent an
echinocandin compound (or echinocandin/carbohydrate complex) in the presence of a
pharmaceutically acceptable, micelle-forming surfactant to form a solution, wherein the
surfactant is present in an amount greater than 1% weight per volume; (ii) sterile filtering
the solution; and (iii) freeze-drying the solution in a vial, wherein the weight ratio of
eehinocandin to surfactant is from about 1:1.75 to about 1:25. When ready for use. a non-
toxic, aqueous solvent is added to the vial.
In yet another embodiment of the present invention, a method is provided for
treating an antifungal infection in a mammal in need thereof, which comprises
administering to the mammal the parenteral formulation described above or a parenteral
formulation prepared by adding a pharmaceutically acceptable aqueous solvent to one of
the freeze-dried formulations described above.
Amounts and percentages are described herein as weight units unless otherwise
stated.
The term "echinocandin" refers to a compound having the following general
structure:
where: R is an alkyl group, an alkenyl group, an alkynyl group, an aryl group, heteroaryl
group, or combinations thereof; R1, R2, R3, R6, R7, and R10 are independently hydroxy or
hydrogen; R4 is hydrogen, methyl or -CH2C(O)NH2; R5 and R11 are independently methyl or
hydrogen; R8 is -OH, -OPO3H2, -OPO3HCH,, -OPO2HCH3, or -OSO3H; and R9 is -H, -OH,
or -OSO3H.
The tenn "alkyl" refers to a hydrocarbon radical of the general formula CnH2n+1
containing from 1 to 30 carbon atoms unless otherwise indicated. The alkane radical may
be straight, branched, cyclic, or multi-cyclic. The alkane radical may be substituted or
unsubstituted. Similarly, the alkyl portion of an alkoxy group or alkanoate have the same
definition as above.
The term "alkenyl" refers to an acyclic hydrocarbon containing at least one carbon-
carbon double bond. The alkene radical may be straight, branched, cyclic, or multi-cyclic.
The alkene radical may be substituted or unsubstituted.
The term "alkynyl" refers to an acyclic hydrocarbon containing at least one carbon
carbon triple bond. The alkyne radical may be straight, or branched. The alkyne radical
may be substituted or unsubstituted.
The term "aryl" refers to aromatic moieties having single (e.g.. phenyl) or fused ring
systems (e.g., naphthalene, anthracene, phenanthrene, etc.). The aryl groups may be
substituted or unsubstituted. Substituted aryl groups include a chain of aromatic moieties
(e.g., biphenyl. terphenyl, phenylnaphthalyl. etc.).
The term '"heteroaryl" refers to aromatic moieties containing at least one heteroatom
within the aromatic ring system (e.g., pyrrole, pyridine, indole, thiophene. furan.
benzofuran, imidazole, pyrimidine, purine, benzimidazole, quinoline. etc.). The aromatic
moiety may consist of a single or fused ring system. The heteroaryl groups may be
substituted or unsubstituted.
Within the field of organic chemistry and particularly within the field of organic
biochemistry, it is widely understood that significant substitution of compounds is tolerated
or even useful. In the present invention, for example, the term alky] group allows for
substituents which is a classic alkyl, such as methyl, ethyl, isopropyl. isobutyl. tertiary
butyl, hexyl, isooctyl, dodecyl. stearyl, etc. The term group specifically envisions and
allows for substitutions on alky is which are common in the art, such as hydroxy, halogen,
alkoxy, carbonyl, keto. ester, carbamato, etc., as well as including the unsubstituted alkyl
moiety. However, it is generally understood by those skilled in the art that the substituents
should be selected so as to not adversely affect the pharmacological characteristics of the
compound or adversely interfere with the use of the medicament. Suitable substituents for
any of the groups defined above include alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, aryl, halo, hydroxy, alkoxy,
aryloxy, mercapto, alkylthio, arylthio, mono- and di-alkyl amino, quaternary ammonium
salts, aminoalkoxy, hydroxyalkylamino, aminoalkylthio, carbamyl, carbonyl, carboxy,
glycolyl, glycyl, hydrazino, guanyl, and combinations thereof.
"Echinocandin/carbohydrate complex" refers to a crystalline complex formed
between an echinocandin compound and an carbohydrate when the echinocandin is
recrystallized from a solvent in the presence of the carbohydrate. A more detailed
description of the echinocandin/carbohydrate complexes may be found in Larew, et al.,
filed on March 3, 1999 entitled "Echinocandin/Carbohydrate Complexes."
"Carbohydrate" refers to an aldehydic or ketonic derivative of polyhydric alcohols
represented by the formulas Cn(H2O)n (e.g., glucose, C6(H2O)t; sucrose. C,2(H2O)n).
Carbohydrates include compounds with relatively small molecules, such as the simple
sugars (e.g., monosaccharides, disaccharides, etc.), as well as macromolecular (polymeric)
substances such as starch, glycogen, and cellulose polysaccharides. Sugars are
carbohydrates (saccharides) having the general composition (CH2O)n and simple derivatives
thereof. Although the simple monomeric sugars (glycoses) are described as polyhydroxy
aldehydes or ketones, e.g., HOCH2-(CHOH)4-CHO for aldohexoses (e.g., glucose) or _
HOCH2-(CHOH)3-CO-CH2OH for 2-ketoses (e.g., fructose), the structures are commonly
written as five (furanose) or six (pyranose) membered ring cyclic ethers, e.g.
The term '"micelle-forming surfactant" refers to an amphophilic material that
spontaneously and reversibly forms a water soluble aggregate. For a more detailed
description of micelle formation and a listing of micelle-forming surfactants see Attwood et
al. Surfactant Systems. Their Chemistry. Pharmacy and Biology, Chapman and Hall
(1983). Block copolymers of propylene oxide and ethylene oxide do not perform well in
the formulations of the present invention; therefore, these block copolymers are not
considered within the meaning of micelle-forming surfactants.
The term "pharmaceutically acceptable" when used herein as an adjective, means
substantially non-toxic and substantially non-deleterious to the recipient.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
The cyclic peptides used in the present invention may be produced by culturing
various microorganisms. Suitable natural product starting materials belonging to the
echinocandin cyclic peptide family include Echinocandin B, Echinocandin C, Echinocandin
D, Aculeacin A?, Mulundocandin, Sporiofungin A, Pneumocandin Ao, WF11899A. and
Pneumocandin Bo. In general, the cyclic peptides may be characterized as a cyclic
hexapeptide nucleus with an acylated amino group on one of the amino acids. The amino
group on the naturally-occurring cyclic peptide is typically acylated with a fatty acid group
forming a side chain off the nucleus. Examples of naturally-occurring acyl groups include
linoleoyl (Echinocandin B, C and D), palmitoyl (Aculeacin A? and WFl 1899A). stearoyl,
12-methylmyristoyl (Mulundocandin). 10.12-dimethylmyristoyl (Sporiofungin A and
Pneumocandin Ao) and the like.
Semi-synthetic derivatives may be prepared by removing the fatty acid side chain
from the cyclic peptide nucleus to produce a free amino group (i.e.. no pendant acyl group
C(O)R). The free amine is then reacylated with a suitable acyl group. For example, the
echinocandin B nucleus has been re-acylated with certain non-naturally occurring side
chain moieties to provide a number of antifungal agents. See. i.e., U.S. Patent No.
4.293,489. Those skilled in the an will appreciate that the N-acyl side chain encompasses a
variety of side chain moieties known in the art. Suitable side chain moieties include
substituted and unsubstituted alkyl groups, alkenyl groups, alkynyl groups, aryl groups,
heteroaryl groups and combinations thereof. Preferably, the side chain contains both a
linearly rigid section and a flexible alkyl section to maximize antifungal potency.
Representative examples of preferred acyl side chains include R groups having the
following structures:
where A, B, C and D are independently hydrogen, C1-C12 alkyl, C2-C12 alkynyl, C1-C12
alkoxy, C1-C12 alkylthio, halo, or -O-(CH2)m-[O-(CH2)n]p-O-(C1-C12 alkyl), or -O-(CH2)q-X-
E; m is 2, 3 or 4; n is 2, 3 or 4; p is 0 or 1; q is 2, 3 or 4; X is pyrrolidine piperidino or
piperazino; and E is hydrogen, C1-C12 alkyl, C3-C12 cycloalkyl, benzyl or C3-C12
cycloalkylmethyl.
As noted above, the cyclic peptides described herein may be prepared by
fermentation of known microorganisms as described in the art. The subsequent deacylation
is typically carried out enzymatically using a deacylase enzyme by known materials and
procedures described in the art.
For example. U.S. Patent No. 3.293.482 describes the deacylation and preparation
of the cyclic peptide of formula I where R4, R5. and R11 are methyl, R9 is hydrogen, and R10
R2, R3, R6, R7, R8 and R10 are each hydroxy. U.S. Patent No. 4,299.763 describes the
deacylation and preparation of the cyclic peptide of formula I where R4, R5. and R11 are
methyl, R2 is hydroxy, R7 and R9 are hydrogen and R1, R3. R6, R8 and R10 are each hydroxy.
U.S. Patent No. 3.978.210 describes the preparation of aculeacin. U.S. Patent No.
4.304,716 describes the deacylation and preparation of the cyclic peptide of formula I
where R5 is -CH2C(O)NH2; R11 is methyl; R4 and R9 are hydrogen; R1, R2, R3, R6, R7, R8 and
R10 are each hydroxy and the acyl group with substituent R is myristoyl.
Cyclic peptides where R2 and R7 are each hydrogen may be prepared by subjecting
the corresponding compound (where R2 and R7 are each hydroxy; the ornithine alpha-amino
group may be a free amino group or acylated) to a strong acid and a reducing agent at a
temperature of between -5°C and 70°C, in a suitable solvent. Suitable strong acids include
trichloroacetic acid, trifluoroacetic acid or boron trifluoride etherate.. A preferred strong
acid is trifluoroacetic acid. Suitable reducing agents include sodium cyanoborohydride or
triethylsilane. A preferred reducing agent is triethylsilane. Suitable solvents include
methylene chloride, chloroform or acetic acid, preferably methylene chloride. The strong
acid is present in an amount from about 2 to 60 mol per mol of substrate, and the reducing
agent is present in an amount from about 2 to 60 mol per mol of substrate. The acid
reduction process selectively removes the aminal (R2) and benzylic (R7) hydroxy groups.
Acylation of the a-amino group on the ornithine unit may be accomplished in a
variety of ways well known to those skilled in the art. For example, the amino group may
be acylated by reaction with an appropriately substituted acyl halide, preferably in the
presence of an acid scavenger such as a tertiary amine (e.g., triethylamine). The reaction is
typically carried out at a temperature between about -20°C to 25ºC. Suitable reaction
solvents include polar aprotic solvents, such as dioxane or dimethylformamide. Solvent
choice is not critical so long as the solvent employed is inert to the ongoins reaction and the
reactants are sufficiently solubilized to effect the desired reaction.
The amino group may also be acylated by reaction with an appropriately substituted
carboxylic acid, in the presence of a coupling agent. Suitable coupling aeents include
dicyclohexylcarbodiimide (DCC), N.N'-carbonyldiimidazole, bis(2-oxo-3-

oxazolidinyl)phosphinic chloride (BOP-Cl), N-ethoxycarbonyl-2-ethoxy-1,2-
dihydroquinoline (EEDQ), benzotriazole-1-yloxy- tripynolidinophosphonium
hexafluorophosphate (PyBOP) and the like.
Alternately, the amino group may be acylated with an activated ester of a carboxylic
acid such as p-nitrophenyl. 2.4.5-trichlorophenyl, hydroxybenzotriazole hydrate
(HOBT-H2O), pentafluorophenol. and N-hydroxysuccinimide carboxylate esters. Preferred
acylating moieties are the 2,4.5-trichlorophenyl and HOEBT carboxylate esters. The
reaction is typically ran 1 to 65 hours at a temperature from about 0°C to 30°C in an aprotic
solvent. The reaction is generally complete after about 24 to 48 hours when carried out at a
temperature between about 15°C to 30°C. Suitable solvents include tetrahydrofuran and
dimethylformamide or mixtures thereof. The amino group is generally present in
equimolar proportions relative to the activated ester or with a slight excess of the amino
group.
The R-COOH precursor acids are prepared by hydrolyzing a.nitrile of the formula
R-CN or an ester of the formula R-COO(C1-C4 alkyl). The nitrile and ester intermediates
may be prepared using procedures known in the art. For example, the nitrile and ester
intermediates wnere R is an alkoxy aryl moiety may be prepared using Procedure A or
Procedure B.
Procedure A One equivalent of an alkyl bromide, iodide, or p-toluenesulfonate is
added to a mixture containing one equivalent of a base, such as potassium t-butoxide or
potassium carbonate (K2CO3), and one equivalent of an hydroxy aryl compound in 200-
300ml of acetonitrile (CH3CN). The reaction mixture is refluxed for 6h and then
concentrated in vacuo to provide a residue which is dissolved in a Et2O/2N NaOH mixture.
The resulting layers are separated and the organic layer is dried over magnesium sulfate
(MgSO4), filtered and dried to provide the alkoxy aryl product.
Procedure B Diethylazodicarboxylate (1 equiv.) is added dropwise to a mixture
containing an hydroxy aryl compound (1 equiv.). an alkyl alcohol (1 equiv.) and
triphenylphosphine (1 equiv.) in 200-300ml of THF. After 17h, the solvent is removed
in vacuo to provide a residue which is dissolved in Et2O. The resulting mixture is washed
with a 2N NaOH solution, dried over MgSO4, filtered and concentrated to provide a product

which is then crystallized from a Et2O/pentane mixture or, if the product contains a tertiary
amine, the hydrochloride salt is formed and crystallized from a methanol (MeOH)/EtOAc
mixture. The nitrile and ester intermediates where R is an alkynyl aryl moiety may be
prepared using Procedure C.
Procedure C A mixture containing Et20 (2 equiv.), palladium dichloride (0.05
equiv.), triphenylphosphine (0.1 equiv.). cuprous iodide (0.025 equiv.) and an alkyne (1
equiv.) is added to one equivalent of an aryl bromide, iodide, or trifiuoromethanesulfonate
in CH3CN (600ml/0.1mol of aryl reactant), under nitrogen (N2). The resulting mixture is
refluxed for 17h and then the solvent is removed in vacuo to provide a residue which is
slurried in 300 ml of Et2O and then filtered. The filtrate is washed with a 1N HCl solution,
dried over MgSO4. filtered and then dried to provide the product. The ester intermediates
where R is a terphenyl moiety may be prepared using Procedure D.
Procedure D
1. Formation of boronic acid reactant
Butyl lithium (1.2 equivalents) is added to one equivalent of a cold (-78°C) aryl
halide in THF. After 15 minutes, triisopropyl borate (2 equiv.) is added. After 10 minutes,
the reaction mixture is wanned to room temperature and quenched by the addition of water
(H2O), followed by the addition of 1N HCl. The resulting layers are separated and the
organic layer is concentrated in vacuo to provide a solid which is collected by filtration and
washed with hexane.
2. Formation of terphenyl ester
Tetrakis(triphenylphosphine)palladium (0.03 equiv.) is added to a mixture
containing an aryl boronic acid (1 equiv.), K2CO3 (1.5 equiv.) and methyl 4-iodobenzoate
(1 equiv.) (or trichlorophenyl ester of iodobenzoate) in N2-purged toluene. The reaction
mixture is refluxed for 7h and then decanted to remove the K2CO3 and dried in vacuo to
provide a residue. This residue is triturated in CH3CN and filtered to provide the product.
The aryl nitriles and esters described above may be converted to the corresponding
carboxylic acids by hydrolysis using Procedure E or Procedure F.
Procedure E An aryl nitrile is dissolved in ethanol (EtOH) and an excess of 50%
NaOH solution and refluxed for 2h. Water is added to the reaction mixture until a solid

precipitates. This solid is collected by filtration, added to a dioxane/6N HCl mixture and
the resulting mixture is refluxed for 17h. When the reaction is substantially complete, the
carboxylic acid product is crystallized by the addition of H,0 and then collected by
filtration and dried in vacuo.
Procedure F An excess of 2N NaOH is added to an aryl ester in MeOH. and the
resulting solution is refluxed for 5h and then acidified by the addition of excess HCl.
Water is added to the reaction mixture until a solid (carboxylic acid) precipitates. The
carboxylic acid is collected by filtration and dried in vacuo. The carboxylic acids may be
converted to the corresponding 2.4.5-trichlorophenyl esters using Procedure G. below. The
activated esters are then used to acylate the amino nucleus.
Procedure G A mixture containing an aryl carboxylic acid (1 equiv.), 2,4.5-
trichlorophenol (1 equiv.) and DCC (1 equiv.) in CH2Cl2 is stirred for 17h and then filtered.
The filtrate is concentrated to provide a residue which is dissolved in Et2O, filtered, and
then pentane is added until crystallization begins. The crystals are collected by filtration
and dried in vacuo. Alternatively, the carboxylic acid may be activated by conversion to
the corresponding hydroxybenzotriazole ester using Procedure H.
Procedure H An aryl carboxylic acid (1 equiv.) and a slight excess of N-mesylate
substituted hydroxybenzotriazole (1.2 equiv.) were reacted in the presence of a slight
excess of a base such as triethylamine (Et3N) (1.3 equiv.) in DMF, under N2. When the
reaction was complete, the mixture was diluted with toluene and washed with H2O. The
organic portion was diluted with H2O and then filtered using /-butyl methyl ether (MTBE)
for transferring the material. The resultant solid was washed with MTBE and then dried in
vacuo.
The echinocandin compound may be isolated and used per se or in the form of its
pharmaceutically acceptable salt or hydrate, or as a echinocandin/carbohydrate complex.
The term "pharmaceutically acceptable salt" refers to non-toxic acid addition salts derived
from inorganic and organic acids. Suitable salt derivatives include halides. thiocyanates,
sulfates, bisulfates. sulfites, bisulfites, arylsulfonates. alkylsulfates, phosphonates.
monohydrogen-phosphates, dihydrogenphosphates. metaphosphates, pyrophosphonates,
alkanoates, cycloalkylalkanoates, arylalkonates. adipates. alginates, aspartates, benzoates.
fumarates, glucoheptanoates. glycerophosphates, lactates, maleates. nicotinates, oxalates.
palmitates, pectinates, picrates, pivalates, succinates, tanarates. citrates, camphorates, _
camphorsulfonates, digluconates, trifluoroacetates, and the like.
"Echinocandin/carbohydrate complex" refers to a crystalline complex formed
between an echinocandin compound and an carbohydrate (or sugar) when the echinocandin
is recrystallized from a solvent in the presence of the carbohydrate. A more detailed
description of the echinocandin/carbohydrate complexes may be found in Larew. et al.,
filed on March 3. 1999 entitled "Echinocandin/Carbohydrate Complexes" and incorporated
herein by reference. The complexes are formed using standard crystallization procedures
such as those typically performed for purifying compounds by recrystallization. The
echinocandin material and carbohydrate are dissolved at an elevated temperature
(approximately 45 to 60°C, preferably less than 55°C) in a solvent. The solution is then
slowly cooled until the crystallization begins. A seed crystal (such as a previously
crystallized complex or an insoluble sugar) may be added to initiate crystallization.
Suitable solvents include any solvent, or mixture of solvents, inert to the ongoing reaction
that sufficiently solubilizes the reactants to afford a medium within which to effect the
desired complexation between the carbohydrate and the echinocandin compound, such as
protic or ketone solvents including methanol, ethanol, benzyl alcohol, as well as mixtures
of benzyl alcohol with solvents such as methanol, ethanol, n-propanol, isopropanol, n-
butanol, 2-butanol, t-butanol, 2-pentanol, 2-methyl-l-propanol, MEK, acetone, ethyl
acetate, toluene, acetonitrile, fluorobenzene, methylene chloride, nitromethane, or cyclic
ketones such as cyclopentanone and cyclohexanone. Preferred solvents include methanol,
ethanol, benzyl alcohol, and mixtures of benzyl alcohol with methyl ethyl ketone, ethyl
acetate, and acetonitrile.
Suitable carbohydrates include adonitol, arabinose, arabitol, ascorbic acid, chitin, D-
cellubiose, 2-deoxy-D-ribose, dulcitol, (S)-(+)-erythrulose, fructose, fucose, galactose,
glucose, inositol, lactose, lactulose, lyxose. maltitol, maltose, maltotriose. mannitol.
mannose, meiezitose, melibiose. microcrystalline cellulose, palatinose, pentaerythritol,
raffinose. rhamnose. ribose. sorbitol, sorbose, starch, sucrose, trehalose, xylitol. xylose and
hydrates thereof. Suitable carbohydrates also include the D and L enantiomers. as well as
the alpha and beta anomers of the compounds listed above. Preferred carbohydrates are the
simple sugars (e.g., mono- and di-saccharides).
The echinocandin compound can be present in a formulation of the present
invention prior to freeze drying at concentrations greater than or equal to 1 mg/ml.
Generally, the echinocandin compound is present in a range from about 1 mg/rnl to about
50 mg/ml. preferably at a concentration in the range from about 1 mg/ml to about 40
mg/ml, more preferably from about 1 mg/ml to about 30 mg/ml and most preferably from
about 8 mg/ml to about 12 mg/ml.
The formulations of the present invention contain a micelle-forming surfactant that
is a pharmaceutically acceptable amphiphilic excipient having hydrophobic and hydrophilic
units or groups which are capable of solubilizing a non-water soluble drug in water. HLB
values of 10-18 are generally most favorable for solubilization of the echinocandin
compounds. The surfactant is present in the formulation at a weight ratio of echinocandin
to surfactant from about 1:1.75 to about 1:25, more preferably in a ratio of about 1:2 to
about 1:3. The upper limit of surfactant added to the formulation may be limited by its
toxicity in application of the pharmaceutical medicament; therefore, the upper limit may
vary depending upon the particular surfactant selected. Suitable surfactants include
polysorbates (e.g., polysorbate 80, polysorbate 40, polysorbate 20), polyoxyethylene castor
oil derivatives (e.g., Chemophors™ (polyoxyl 35 castor oil, polyoxyl 40 hydrogenated
castor oil. and polyoxyl 60 hydrogenated castor oil) available from BASF)),
polyoxyethylene stearates (e.g., Solutol™ HS 15 (macrogol-660-hydroxystearate, available
from BASF), sorbitan trioleate, bile salts (e.g., cholic acids, deoxycholic acids and salts
thereof (e.g., sodium deoxycholate or sodium taurodeoxycholate)), lecithin, and the like.
Preferred surfactants include polysorbate 80, polysorbate 40,polysorbate 20, and
polyoxyethylene hydroxystearates having reduced histamine effects (e.g., Solutol™ HS
15). Surfactants that do not solubilize well include certain poloxamers which are block
copolymers of propylene oxide and ethylene oxide.
"Polysorbate" refers to materials having the following general structure:
where x+y+w+z is equal to an integer between 5 and 20.
The commercial product Tween™ 20. 40 and 80 (available from ICI Americas Inc.,
Wilmington, DL) are represented by the above structure when x+y+w+z = 20.
"Lecithin" refers to materials having the following general structure:
R is typically the residue from stearic acid, palmitic acid or oleic acid.
"Bile salts" refer to materials having the following general structure:
where R3, R7, and R12 are -OH, -H or -SO3" groups and R24 is -OH or an alkali salt of-
CO2, -C(O)NH(CH2)nSO3, or -C(O)NH(CH2)nCO2-and n is equal to an integer between 1
and 4.
A typical solution formulation includes an echinocandin compound and a micelle-
forming surfactant. Applicants have observed that the incorporation of the micelle-forming
surfactant not only optimizes the solubilization of the echinocandin compound but also
enhances the stability of the solution. The formulation may optionally include one or more
of a buffer, a stabilizing agent, and/or a tonicity agent. If the formulation is in the form of a
solution then a solvent is also present. Solvents are generally selected based on solvents
recognized as safe (GRAS) to be administered parenterally to a mammal. In general, safe
solvents are non-toxic aqueous solvents such as, water and other non-toxic solvents that are
soluble or miscible in water. Suitable solvents include water, ethanol, propylene glycol,
polyethylene glycols (e.g., PEG400. PEG300). etc. and mixtures thereof. A preferred
solvent is water.
A typical freeze-dried formulation includes an echinocandin compound, a
pharmaceutically acceptable micelle-forming surfactant, a bulking agent and/or a
stabilizing agent. The formulation may optionally include one or more buffering agents.
Applicants have observed that the addition of the micelle-forming surfactant not only
optimizes the reconstitution of the freeze-dried formulation in a non-toxic aqueous solvent
but also provides enhanced stability to the freeze-dried materials.
Both solution and freeze-dried formulations may optionally contain a stabilizing
agent. A stabilizing agent is generally present at a concentration in the range from about
0.5% to about 40% (wgt./vol.). more preferably at a concentration in the range from about
1% to about 6%. The term "stabilizing agent" refers to a pharmaceutically acceptable
excipient that enhances the chemical or physical stability of the active ingredient in the
formulation. Suitable stabilizing agents include polyols (e.g., polyethylene and propylene
glycols, and carbohydrates such as sucrose, trehalose, fructose, lactose and mannitol),
amino acids and surfactants such as polysorbates and bile salts. Preferred stabilizing agents
for freeze dried formulation include mannitol, sucrose, trehalose, fructose, lactose and
combinations thereof. In solution most preferred stabilizing agents are the bile salts,
polyethylene glycols and propylene glycol.
Both solution and freeze-dried formulations may also optionally contain a buffer.
The buffer is present at a concentration in the range from about 0.03% to about 5.0%
(wgt./vol.), more preferably at a concentration in the range from about 0.1% to about 1.0%.
The term "buffer" refers to a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient that maintains the pH of
the solution within a particular range specific to the buffering system. A suitable pH range
is from pH 3.0-7.0. Preferably the pH range is from 4.0-5.5, more preferably 4.0-5.0.
Suitable buffers include acetates, citrates, phosphates, tartrates, lactates, succinates, amino
acids and the like. Preferred buffers for the solution formulation include acetate, citrate,
tartrates, phosphate salts and combinations thereof. For the freeze dried formulation, the
preferred buffer is tartaric acid.
Solution formulations may optionally contain one or more tonicity agents. The
tonicity agent is generally present at a concentration in the range from about 1 to about 100

mg/ml. more preferably in the range from about 9 to about 50 mg/ml. The term "tonicity
agent" refers to a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient that makes the solution compatible
with blood. Tonicity agents are desirable in injectable formulations. Suitable tonicity
agents include glycerin, lactose, mannitol. dextrose, sodium chloride, sodium sulfate,
sorbitol and the like. Preferred tonicity agents include mannitol. sorbitol, lactose and
sodium chloride and combinations thereof.
When freeze-dried. the formulations may optionally contain a bulking agent. The
bulking agent is present in a formulation at a concentration in the range from about 2% to
about 10% (wgt./vol.), more preferably at a concentration in the range from about 3% to
about 6%. The term "bulking agent" refers to a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient that
adds bulk to a formulation which results in a well-formed cake upon freeze drying.
Suitable bulking agents include mannitol, glycine, lactose, sucrose, trehalose, dextran,
hydroxyethyl starch, ficoll and gelatin. Preferred bulking agents include mannitol. sucrose,
trehalose, lactose and combinations thereof.
The formulations may be prepared using conventional dissolution and mixing
procedures. For example, the bulk drug substance (e.g., echinocandin compound or
echinocandin/carbohydrate complex) is dissolved in a non-toxic aqueous solvent in the
presence of a pharmaceutically acceptable micelle-forming surfactant and optionally one or
more bulking agents, buffers, stabilizing agents and/or tonicity agents. The resulting
solution is then sterile filtered and preferably freeze-dried to provide the desired
formulation. Prior to freeze drying, the surfactant is generally present in an amount greater
than 1% weight per voiume of solution.
Alternatively, the pharmaceutical solution may be prepared by forming an aqueous
buffer solution buffered to a pH from about 3.0 to 7.0 (preferably from 4.0 to 5.5, more
preferably from about 4.0 to 5.0). The buffer used may be any of the buffers described
earlier. The micelle-forming surfactant is then added to the buffered solution and the
solution cooled to about 5° to 15°C (preferably about 7° to 10°C). A slurry of the
echinocandin compound or echinocandia/carbohydrate complex in a non-toxic aqueous
solvent (which may or may not be the same as the solvent used in the buffer solution) is
added to the cooled solution containing the surfactant. One or more bulking agents,
stabilizing agents and/or tonicity agents may be added to the solution prior to freeze-drying.

The resultant solution is then diluted with addition solvent, filtered and freeze-dried to
provide the desired formulation.
A suitable method for freeze-drying is described in Nail et al. Freeze Drying
Principles and Practice, in Pharmaceutical Dosage Forms, 2nd Ed.. Marcel Dekker, Inc. NY,
pp. 163-233 (1993). The formulation is preferably freeze-dried in a vial which can then be
stored until needed. A non-toxic, aqueous solvent is added to the vial to dissolve the
freeze-dried material thus forming a solution that can be used in a parenteral therapeutic
application. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the aqueous solvent includes other
common solutions used in such applications (e.g., saline solutions, dextrose solutions, etc.).
In general, freeze-dried formulations contain a bulking agent and non freeze-dried
formulations contain one or more tonicity agents. In application, the formulations are
typically diluted or reconstituted (if freeze-dried) and further diluted if necessary, prior to
administration. An example of reconstitution instructions for the freeze-dried product are
to add ten ml of water for injection (WFI) to the vial and gently agitate to dissolve. Typical
reconstitution times are less than one minute. The resulting solution is then further diluted
in an infusion solution such as dextrose 5% in water (D5W), prior to administration.
The active ingredient is typically formulated into pharmaceutical dosage forms to
provide an easily controllable dosage of the drug and to give the patient an elegant and
easily handleable product. Formulations may comprise from 0.1% to 60% by weight of
active ingredient, more generally from about 10% to about 30% by weight.
As used herein, the term "unit dose" or "unit dosage" refers to physically discrete
units that contain a predetermined quantity of active ingredient calculated to produce a
desired therapeutic effect. When a unit dose is administered parenterally, it is typically
provided in the form of measured units in ampoules (or vials).
The dosage to be administered may vary depending upon the physical
characteristics of the patient, the severity of the patient's symptoms, and the means used to
administer the drug. The specific dose for a given patient is usually set by the judgment of
the attending physician.
Suitable carriers, diluents and excipients are known in the art and include materials
such as carbohydrates, waxes, water soluble and/or swellable polymers, hydrophilic or
hydrophobic materials, gelatin, oils, solvents, water, and the like. The particular carrier.

diluent or excipient used will depend upon the means and purpose for which the active _
ingredient is being applied. The formulations may also include wetting agents, lubricating
agents, emulsifiers. suspending agents, preservatives, sweeteners, perfuming agents,
flavoring agents and combinations thereof.
A pharmaceutical composition may be administered using a variety of methods.
Suitable methods include injection. The particular treatment method used will depend upon
the type of infection being addressed.
Echinocandin and semi-synthetic echinocandin compounds have been shown to
exhibit antifungal and antiparasitic activity such as growth inhibition of various infectious
fungi including Candida spp. (i.e., C. Albicans, C. Parapsilosis, C. Krusei, C. Glabrala, C
Tropicalis, or C. Lusitaniaw); Torulopus spp. (i.e., T. Glabrata); Aspergillus spp. (i.e., A.
Fumigatus): Histoplasma spp. (i.e., H. Capsulatum): Cryptococcus spp. (i.e., C
Neoformans); Blastomyces spp. (i.e.. B. Dermatitidis)\ Fusarium spp.; Trichophyton spp.,
Pseudallescheria boydii, Coccidioides immits, Sporothrix schenckii, etc.
Compounds of this type also inhibit the growth of certain organisms primarily
responsible for opportunistic infections in immunosuppressed individuals, such as growth
inhibition of Pneumocystis carinii (the causative organism of Pneumocystis pneumonia
(PCP) in AIDS and other immunocompromised patients. Other protozoans that are
inhibited by echinocandin-type compounds include Plasmodium spp., Leishmania spp.,
Trypanosoma spp., Cryptosporidium spp., Isospora spp., Cyclospora spp., Trichomnas spp.,
Microsporidiosis spp., etc.
Consequently, the formulations of the present invention are useful in combating
either systemic fungal infections or fungal skin infections. Accordingly, the processes and
formulations of the present invention may be used in the manufacture of a medicament for
the therapeutic applications described herein. For example, fungal activity (preferably,
Candida albicans or Aspergillus fumigatis activity) or parasitic activity may be inhibited by
contacting a pharmaceutical formulation prepared by the present invention with a fungus or
parasite, respectively. The term "contacting" includes a union or junction, or apparent
touching or mutual tangency of a compound of the invention with a parasite or fungus. The
term does not imply any further limitations to the process, such as by mechanism of
inhibition. The methods are defined to encompass the inhibition of parasitic and fungal

activity by the action of the compounds and their inherent antiparasitic and antifungal —
properties.
A method for treating a fungal infection which comprises administering an effective
amount of a pharmaceutical formulation of the present invention to a host in need of such
treatment is also provided. A preferred method includes treating a Candida albicans or
Aspergillus fumigatis infection. The term "effective amount" refers to an amount of active
compound which is capable of inhibiting fungal activity. The dose administered will vary
depending on such factors as the nature and severity of the infection, the age and general
health of the host and the tolerance of the host to the antifungal agent. The particular dose
regimen likewise may vary according to these factors. The medicament may be given in a
single daily dose or in multiple doses during the day. The regimen may last from about 2-3
days to about 2-3 weeks or longer. A typical daily dose (administered in single or divided
doses) contains a dosage level between about 0.01 mg/kg to 100 mg/kg of body weight of
an active compound. Preferred daily doses are generally between about 0.1 mg/kg to 60
mg/kg and more preferably between about 2.5 mg/kg to 40 mg/kg.
The following examples are provided to illustrate but not limit the invention. All
references cited herein are hereby incorporated herein by reference.
EXAMPLES
The echinocandin compound used to exemplify the formulations of the present
invention was prepared as described in the following preparations. Specifically, the
following sequence describes the preparation of anti-fungal compound 6(a) having the
following structure:
It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the following serves as an
illustrative example and that other semi-synthetic echinocandin compounds useful as anti-
fungal agents may be synthesized using similar procedures or procedures described in
references cited earlier in the specification. Materials used in the following preparations
are available from Aldrich Chemicals (Milwaukee, Wisconsin) unless designated
otherwise.
Compound Preparations
Preparation of 4-Bromo-4 '-pentyloxybiphenyl 1 (a)
Anhydrous K2CO3 (4)6g, 3mol) was added to a mixture of 4-bromo-4'-
hydroxybiphenyl (300g, 1.2mol). 1-iodopentane (234ml. t.79mol) and 2-butanone (600ml).
The reaction mixture was refluxed for 44h until TLC (85:15 hexanes/EtOAc) showed
complete consumption of the bromo alcohol. The mixture was cooled to about 30°C.
diluted with CH2C12 (600ml) and then filtered. The filtrate was washed twice with H2O and
twice with a saturated aqueous NaCl solution, dried over anhydrous Na2SO4, filtered and
then dried at reduced pressure to provide a solid. This solid was isolated by filtration,
washed repeatedly with a total of 2L of ice-cold heptane to remove all traces of iodopentane
and then dried overnight under high vacuum. Yield: 340g (88%) of a white powder.
Alternative Preparation of 4-bromo-4'-pentyloxybiphenyl 1(a):
4-Bromo-4'-hydroxybiphenyl (12.5g. 50.2mmol) was added to a solution of NaOH
(2.28g. 97% pure. 55.2mmol) in deionized H2O (150ml). followed by the addition of
1-iodopentane (11.9g. 60.2mmol) and tetrabutylammonium bromide (0.82g. 2.51mmol).
The mixture was stirred at 90°C for 3.75h until the solids went into solution. Then, as the
reaction proceeded, the desired product began to precipitate. The mixture was slowly
cooled and then filtered to provide a solid which was washed with deionized water until the
pH of the filtrate was neutral and then dried for 16h in a vacuum oven at 30cC.
Yield: 15.41g (96%) of 5a. Rf 0.5 (97:3 hexanes/EtOAc). 1H NMR: d 0.93 (t, 3H.
J=6.9Hz); 1.41 (m, 4H); 1.79 (m. 2H): 3.97 (t, 2H: J= 6.6Hz); 6.98 (m. 2H): 7.23 (m,6H).
13C NMR: d 14.03; 22.43; 28.22; 28.98; 68.12; 114.91; 120.71; 127.93; 128.27; 131.77;
132.24; 139.82; 159.03. MS(FAB'): m/z 320. IR(CHCl3): 2960.2936, 2874. 1608, 1518,
1485, 1475 cm-1. Analysis for Cl7H19BrO: Calcd: C, 63.96; H. 6.00: Br. 25.0; Found: C,
64.10; H. 5.97; Br, 25.28.
Preparation of 4-Boronic acid-4'-pentyloxybiphenyl 2(a):
To a cold (-20°C) mixture of Compound 1(a) (lOOg, 0.31mol) in t-butylmethylether
(MTBE) (lL), was slowly added n-butyl lithium (150m) of a 2.5M hexanes solution,
0.37mol) dropwise under N2, while maintaining the internal temperature between -19° and
-18°C. The resultant mixture was stirred for 3.5h between -17° and -16°C which resulted in
a light yellow-green solution. This solution was cooled to -78°C and diluted with 100ml of
anhydrous THF which resulted in a white precipitate. Then, a cold (-78°C) solution of
triisopropylborate (145ml, 0.62mol) in MTBE (200ml), under nitrogen was added dropwise
over 1.5h while maintaining the reaction temperature between -78° and -74°C. The
resultant reaction mixture was stirred for 1.5h at -78°C. then allowed to warm to -50ºC over
1h at which time the cooling bath was removed and the mixture was stirred overnight (16-
21 h) which resulted in a white precipitate. The mixture was shaken vigorously with 2M
HCl (1000ml) for 5 minutes and then the resulting layers were separated and the organic
layer was dried at reduced pressure to provide a residue. This residue was diluted with
MTBE (100ml), followed by heptane (800ml) to provide a white powder which isolated-by
suction filtration and washed 3 times with heptane (300ml).
Yield: 88g(98%). Rf 0.45 (95:5 CH2Cl2/MeOH).1H NMR: d 0.92 (m. 3H): 1.41
(m. 4H); 1.80 (m. 2H); 4.00 (m. 2H): 6.99 (m. 2H); 7.45-7.63 (m. 3H):, 7.67 (m. 2H); 8.24
(d. 1H. J=8.3Hz). 13CNMR: 14.01: 22.26; 28.03; 28.77; 39.61: 39.89: 40.17; 40.45; 67.82;
114.77: 125.32; 127.83: 132.93; 134.84: 141.88; 158.71. MS(FD~): m/z 284. IR(CHCl3):
2959.2952,2874. 1606. 1526.1500 cm-1.
Preparation of Compound 3(a):
A solution of toluene (174ml) and propanol (20ml) was degassed 3 times by
applying vacuum to the solution for 20-30 seconds followed by purging with N2. A 2M
solution of Na2CO3 was also degassed. The toluene/propanol solution (97ml) was added to
a mixture of methyl 4-iodobenzoate (14.12g, 53.9mmol) and Compound 2(a) (15.0g,
52.8mmol), followed by a degassed 2M aqueous Na2CO3 solution (29ml, 58.0mmol). The
resultant mixture was degassed 2 times for 20-30 seconds each under a positive pressure of
N2, followed by the addition of palladium (II) acetate (0.24g, 1.1mmol) and
triphenylphosphine (0.84g, 3.2mmol) and then degassed 2 more times. The reaction
mixture was then refluxed under N2 for 5h resulting in a light-yellow mixture. This mixture
was cooled to 23°C resulting in the formation of a precipitate which was collected by
filtration, washed successively with toluene (123ml). 2:1 MTBE/EtOAc (143ml), deionized
water (123ml) and 2:1 MTBE/EtOAc (42ml) and then dried for 16h in a vacuum oven at
35°C. Yield: 18.7g (94%). Rf 0.48 (benzene). 1H NMR: d 0.93 (t. 3H, J=6.80Hz); 1.42
(m. 4H); 1.81 (m. 2H); 3.95 (s. 3H); 4.00 (t, 2H. J= 6.48 Hz); 6.97 (d. 2H. J=8.52Hz); 7.55
(d, 2H. J= 8.52Hz): 7.66 (m, 6H). 8.10 (d. 2H. J=8.20Hz). MS(FD-): m/z 374. IR(KBr):
2938.1723 cm-1. Analysis for C25H26O3: Calcd: C. 80.18; H. 7.00; Found: C. 79.91; H.
6.94.
Preparation of Compound 4(a):
A mixture of Compound 3(a) (80g. 0.21mol). 5M KOH (160ml) and
cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (4.8g. 0.013mol) in xylene (800ml) was refluxed for 3h
and then cooled to 10°C and filtered to provide a white solid. This solid was washed 3
times with H2O (500ml each) to remove the catalyst and most of the base. The resultant
material was treated with DME (500 ml). The pH of the solution was adjusted to pH by the
addition of 6M HCl (100ml). The resultant mixture was refluxed for 30 minutes while
periodically checking the pH to assure that it remained acidic, then cooled and filtered. The
resulting solid was washed successively with MTBE (400ml) and water (4x400ml) until the
washings were neutral to litmus. Yield: 76 g (98% yield). 1H NMR 5 0.89 (t, 3H. J=
6.82HZ), 1.38 (m, 4H), 1.73 (m, 2H), 3.96 (t. 2H. J= 6.3Hz), 6.95 (d, 2H, J=8.56Hz), 7.57
(d, 2H, J=8.54Hz), 7.64-7.74 (m, 6H), 8.00 (d, 2H, J=8.21 Hz), 8.09 (s. 1H). MS(FD+) m/z
360. IR(KBr): 2958,2937,2872,1688 cm-1. Analysis for C24H24O3: Calcd: C, 79.97; H.
6.71; Found: C, 80.50; H. 6.77.
Preparation of HOBT ester of Compound 4(a):
A. Formation of HOBT mesylate
To a cold (0°C) mixture of hydroxybenzotriazole hydrate (200g, 1.48mol) in
anhydrous CH2Cl2 (1.5L). was slowly added anhydrous Et3N (268ml, 1.92mol) while
maintaining a temperature of 0-10°C, followed by the addition of meihanesulfonyl chloride
(126ml, 1.63mol) while maintaining a temperature of 0-5°C. The resultant mixture was
stirred for 3h at 0°C and washed successively with cold water (2 x 1.2L) and brine (1.2L).
The combined organic extracts were concentrated at reduced pressure to provide a solid.
This solid was recrystallized from CH2C12 (100ml) and heptane (1L). The crystals were
collected by suction filtration and washed repeatedly with a total of 1.L of heptane and then
dried overnight under high vacuum (0.5 mm Hg). Yield: 245g (78%) R, 0.55 (1:1
hexanes/CH2Cl2). 1H NMR: d 3.58 (s. 3H). 7.46 (t, 1H. J= 7.60Hz), 7.60 (d. 1 H. J= 8.28
Hz). 7.65 (d. 1H.J=8.56Hz). 7.68 (d.1H. J= 8.20 Hz). 8.05 (d. 1H. J=8.41Hz).

B. Formation of HOBT ester
A mixture of Compound 4(a) (50g, 0.14mol) and the material described above in
part A (36g, 0.17mol) in DK4F (650ml) was treated dropwise with Et3N (25ml. 0.18mol),
under N2. The resultant mixture was stirred for 4h at room temperature until all the acid
was consumed, as determined by TLC (95:5 CH2Cl2/MeOH). When all the acid was
consumed, an aliquot of the reaction mixture (~3 pipes drops) gave a clear homoseneous
solution when diluted with 3ml of 1:1 CH2Cl2/THF. The reaction mixture was then diluted
with toluene (500ml). washed with water (500ml). The organic layer (containing solid
product) was diluted with water (500ml) and filtered using MTBE for transferring. The
solid was rinsed with MTBE (2 x 400ml) and dried under vacuum to provide green-white
flakes of material. NOTE: This material could be dissolved in THF and filtered to remove
any remaining metal contamination. Yield: 61 g (92%). Rf 0.68 (1:1 CH2Cl2/hexanes). 1H
NMR: d 0.93 (t, 3H. J=7.0Hz), 1.42 (m. 4H), 1.81 (m, 2H), 4.00 (t, 2H. J=6.53Hz), 6.99 (d,
2H, J=8.6Hz), 7.42-7.59 (m. 5H), 7.71 (dd, 4H, J=13.91Hz. 8.40Hz), 7.86 (d, 2H,
J=8.30Hz), 8.11 (d, lH, J= 8.31Hz), 8.35 (d, 2H, J=8.33Hz). 13C NMR: d 14.03, 22.44,
28.18, 28.94, 40.10,40.37,68.11, 108.45, 110.11, 114.95, 118.71, 120.48, 123.04, 124.94,
124.99, 127.00, 127.23, 127.51, 127.73, 128.06, 128.82, 128.86, 131.35, 132.30, 137.15,
141.43,143.54,147.85,159.15,162.73. MS(FD'): m/z 477. IR(CHCl3): 2960,2936,
2874, 1783, 1606 cm-1. Analysis for C30H27N3O3: Calcd: C, 75.45; H, 5.70; N, 8.80;
Found: C, 75.69; H, 5.58; N, 8.92.
Preparation of Anti-fungal Compound 6(a):
Deionized water was used throughout the procedure. A mixture of Compound 5(a)
(11 g, 23-mmol) and the nucleus of Compound 6(a) (where R is hydrogen - 92% pure by
HPLC. 19.25 g, 22.2mmol) in anhydrous DMF (275ml) was stirred, under N2 for 4h (until
HPLC showed complete consumption of the cyclic peptide starting material). The mixture
was filtered through a bed of celite and the filtrate was concentrated under reduced pressure
at 35°C to provide a paste that could be stirred. This paste was poured into MTBE (500ml)
which resulted in the precipitation of a fine powder which was collected by vacuum
filtration and dried to provide 27g of crude material. This material was crushed to a
powder with a mortar and pestle, slurried for 5 minutes in toluene (200ml). suction filtered
(slow filtered), rinsed with MTBE (100ml) and then dried in vacuo to provide a yellow
solid. Yield: 23 g (95% pure by HPLC, retention time = 7.79 min).
Alternatively, the conversion may be carried out using an excess of the cyclic
nucleus (1.1 equiv.). When the reaction is substantially complete, as indicated by HPLC.
the crude material (10g of a powder) is added portion-wise to a vigorously stirred mixture
of 9:1 acetone/water (60ml). Celite (2.5 g, pre-washed with a 9:1 acetone/water mixture) is
added to the resultant suspension. After stirring for 2 minutes, the mixture is filtered
through a bed of celite (prewashed with 9:1 acetone/water) and the cake is rinsed twice with
9:1 acetone/water (10ml). The filtrate is poured into a beaker of deionized water (200ml)
while gently swirling the mixture which resulted in the formation of a precipitate. This
precipitate is collected by suction filtration, rinsed with H2O (4 x 25ml). and then dried in
vacuo at room temperature. Yield: 6.81g (97% pure by HPLC).
The product was further purified using preparatory HPLC chromatography. Rf 0.29
(80:20 CHCl3/MeOH). MS(FAB-): m/z for C58H74N7O7, Calcd: 1140.5141; Found:
1140.5103. IR(KBr): 3365,2934. 1632, 1518 cm-1.
Pharmaceutical Formulations
The following Examples illustrate the formulations of the invention and methods for
their preparation. The Examples are not intended to limit the scope of the invention in any
respect and should not be so construed.
The following formulations were prepared by Method A. Method B or Method C.
The quantity of Compound 6(a) was determined by calculating the theoretical potency
needed for the experiments and dividing that value by the "as-is"' HPLC potency of the
compound.
Method A After adjusting the pH of 50 ml of a 0.1M citrate buffer stock solution to
pH 4. 2.5g of polysorbate 80 was added and the resultant mixture was mixed until
dissolved, followed by the addition of 1g of the compound, of Preparation 6(a) (potency).
The resultant mixture was mixed until dissolved, followed by the addition of 3g of
mannitol (bulking agent) and 2g of trehalose (stabilizing agent). The resultant mixture was
again mixed until dissolved. The resultant solution was diluted with water to 100 ml in a
volumetric flask. A 3 ml sample of this solution was transferred to a vial and then freeze-
dried in a lyophilizer.
Method B The pH of a solution of 0.3005g of acetic acid in 50 ml of water was _
adjusted to pH 4.0 using a 1N sodium hydroxide solution. While mixing. 2.5g of
polysorbate 80 and 5.0g of mannitol (bulking agent) were added and the resultant mixture
was mixed until dissolved, followed by the addition of 1g of Compound 6(a) (potency).
The resultant mixture was again mixed until dissolved. The resultant solution was diluted
with water to 100 ml in a volumetric flask, filtered and then filled into vials. The vials may
be freeze-dried in a lyophilizer or stored at 5°C.
Method C The pH of a solution of 0.113 g of tartaric in 50 ml of water was
adjusted to pH 4.3 using a 10% sodium hydroxide solution. While mixing. 2.5 g of
polysorbate 80 was added and mixed until dissolved. The temperature of the solution was
reduced to 5-15°C. followed by the addition of 1 g of Compound 6(a) (potency) as a slurry
in water. The resultant mixture was again mixed until dissolved followed by the addition
of 1.0 g of fructose (stabilizing agent) and 5.0g of mannitol (bulking agent). The resultant
mixture was again mixed until dissolved. The resultant solution was diluted with water to
100 ml in a volumetric flask, filtered and then filled into vials. The vials may be freeze-
dried in a lyophilizer or stored at 5°C.
The following Formulation Examples 1-27 wert prepared substantially in
accordance with Methods A and B, described above. The symbol "-" means that the
designated ingredient was omitted from the formulation. In Table 1 and subsequent tables,
all weights are in (grams); concentrations ([]) are in mg/ml; CA stands for citric acid; Y
stands for yes; N stands for no: Man stands for mannitol; Tre stands for trehalose; Col.
stands for Collapse Cake; C stands for citrate; BA stands for bulking agent; B stands for
buffer; PEG is polyethylene glycol; PPG is polypropylene glycol; SA stands for stabilizing
agent; Ace is acetate; Poly 80 is polysorbate 80; Com is compound; Sue is sucrose; His is
histidine: Sur is surfactant: Lac is lactose: Fru is fructose; TA is tartaric acid; and AA is
acetic acid.
Solubility Studies
Solubility studies were performed at room temperature by transferring 5 ml of test
solution (surfactant in water optionally containing a bulking agent, a buffer or a stabilizing
agent) and 50 mg of Com 6(a) into a glass test tube. The test tubes were agitated overnight
and examined for excess solid. Test tubes containing excess solid were removed for
analysis. An additional 50mg Compound 6(a) was added to test tubes which did not
contain excess solids and the resultant mixture was agitated again. This process was
repeated until excess solid was observed in the test tube. All samples were allowed to stand
1h, supernatant was removed, filtered and analyzed by reverse phase HPLC to determine
the potency of Com 6(a) per Ml of solution.
The stability of solution and freeze-dried formulations was evaluated by monitoring
a sample of the formulation for the percent increase in related substances by reverse phase
HPLC at initial. 2 weeks and 4 weeks of storage at 40°C.
We claim:
1. A parenteral pharmaceutical formulation comprising
(i) an echinocandin compound, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof;
(ii) a pharmaceutically acceptable micelle-forming surfactant;
(iii) a non-toxic, aqueous solvent; and
(iv) a stabilizing agent;
wherein said surfactant is present in said formulation at a weight ratio of
echinocandin compound to micelle-forming surfactant from 1:1.75 to 1:25 and said
echinocandin compound is present in an amount from 1 mg/ml to 50 mg/ml;
wherein said echinocandin compound is represented by the following structure:
wherein:
R1, R2, R3, R6, R7, and R10 are hydroxy;
R4 is methyl;
R5 and R11 are methyl;
R8 is -OH;
R9 is -H;
and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof;
and wherein said stabilizing agent is a carbohydrate.
2. The formulation of Claim 1 wherein said micelle-forming surfactant is selected
from the group consisting of polysorbates, polyoxyethylene castor oil derivatives,
polyoxyethylene stearates, sorbitan trioleate, bile salts, lecithin and combinations thereof.
3. The formulation of Claim 1 wherein said echinocandin compound is present in an
amount from 1 to 30 mg/ml.
4. The formulation of Claim 1 wherein said surfactant is represented by the following
formula:
wherein x+y+z+w is equal to an integer between 5 and 20.
5. The formulation of Claim 1 wherein said weight ratio of echinocandin to surfactant
is from 1:2 to 1:3.
6. The formulation of Claim 1 wherein said solvent is selected from the group
consisting of water, ethanol, propylene glycol, polyethylene glycols and mixtures thereof.
7. The formulation of Claim 1 wherein said stabilizing agent is present in an amount
from 0.5% to 10% by weight per volume.
8. The formulation of Claim 7 wherein said stabilizing agent is present in an amount
from 1% to 6% by weight per volume.
9. The formulation of Claim 1 wherein said stabilizing agent is selected from the
group consisting of mannitol, sucrose, fructose, trehalose, lactose and mixtures thereof.
10. The formulation of Claim 1 further comprising a buffer.
11. The formulation of Claim 10 wherein said buffer is selected from the group
consisting of acetates, citrates, tartrates, lactates, succinates and phosphates and amino
acids.
12. The formulation of Claim 1 further comprising a tonicity agent.
13. The formulation of Claim 12 wherein said tonicity agent is selected from the group
consisting of glycerin, lactose, mannitol, dextrose, sodium chloride, sodium sulfate and
sorbitol.
14. The formulation of Claim 12 wherein said tonicity agent is present in amount from
1 to 100mg/ml.
15. The formulation of Claim 12 wherein said tonicity agent is present in amount from
9 to 50 mg/ml.
16. A freeze-dried formulation comprising
(i) an echinocandin compound, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof,
(ii) a pharmaceutically acceptable micelle-forming surfactant;
(iii) a bulking agent, and
(iv) a stabilizing agent;
wherein said micelle-forming surfactant is present in said freeze-dried formulation
in an amount greater than 5% by weight; and

wherein said bulking agent is selected from the group consisting of mannitol, glycine,
sucrose, trehalose, lactose, dextran, hydroxyethyl starch, ficoll and gelatin;
wherein said echinocandin compound is represented by the following structure:
wherein:
R1, R2, R3, R6, R7, and R10 are hydroxy;
R4 is methyl;
R5 and R11 are methyl;
R8 is -OH;
R9, is -H;
and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof;
and wherein said stabilizing agent is a carbohydrate.
17. The formulation of Claim 16 wherein said micelle-forming surfactant is selected
from the group consisting of polysorbates, polyoxyethylene castor oil derivatives,
polyoxyethylene stearates, sorbitan trioleate, bile salts, lecithin and combinations thereof.
18. The formulation of Claim 16 wherein said surfactant is represented by the following
formula:
wherein x+y+z+w is equal to an integer between 5 and 20.
19. The formulation of Claim 16 wherein said surfactant is present in said formulation
at a weight ratio of echinocandin to surfactant from 1:1.75 to 1:25.
20. The formulation of Claim 19 wherein said weight ratio of echinocandin to
surfactant is from 1:2 to 1:3.
21. A parenteral formulation comprising the freeze-dried formulation of Claim 16 and
an aqueous solvent.
22. The formulation of Claim 21 wherein said stabilizing agent is selected from the
group consisting of mannitol, fructose, sucrose, trehalose, lactose and mixtures thereof.
23. The formulation of Claim 21 wherein said surfactant is present in said formulation
at a weight ratio of echinocandin to surfactant from 1:1.75 to 1:25.
24. The formulation of Claim 21 further comprising a buffer.
25. The formulation of Claim 24 wherein said buffer is selected from the group
consisting of acetates, tartrates, citrates, phosphates and amino acids.
26. A process for preparing a parenteral formulation comprising the step of mixing an
echinocandin compound as defined in Claim 1 or an echinocandin/carbohydrate complex
containing said echinocandin compound and a pharmaceutically acceptable
micelle-forming surfactant in an aqueous solvent, wherein said micelle-forming surfactant
is present in said formulation at a weight ratio of echinocandin compound to surfactant
from 1:1.75 to 1:25 and said echinocandin compound is present in an amount from 1 mg/ml
to 50 mg/ml.
27. The process of Claim 26 wherein said echinocandin compound is present in an
amount from 1 mg/ml to 30 mg/ml.
28. A process for making a freeze-dried formulation comprising in the following order
the steps of-
(i) dissolving into an aqueous solvent an echinocandin compound as defined in
Claim 1 or echinocandin/carbohydrate complex containing said echinocandin compound in
the presence of a pharmaceutically acceptable micelle-forming surfactant and a bulking
agent to form a solution, wherein said surfactant is present in an amount greater than 1 %
weight per volume of solution;
(ii) sterile filtering said solution; and
(iii) freeze-drying said solution.
29. The process of Claim 28 further comprising the step of adding one or more buffers,
stabilizing agents, tonicity agents, or combinations thereof before step (ii).
30. The process of Claim 28 wherein said micelle-forming surfactant is selected from
the group consisting of polysorbates, polyoxyethylene castor oil derivatives,
polyoxyethylene stearates, sorbitan trioleate, bile salts, lecithin and combinations thereof.
31. A process for preparing a freeze-dried formulation comprising the steps of
(i) buffering a non-toxic aqueous solvent to a pH between 4.0 and 5.5 to form a
buffered solution;
(ii) adding to said buffered solution a pharmaceutically acceptable, micelle-forming
surfactant;
(iii) cooling the solution from step (ii) to a temperature between 5° and 15°C to
form a cooled solution;
(iv) adding a slurry comprising an echinocandin compound as defined in Claim 1 or
echinocandin/carbohydrate complex and a bulking agent and a second non-toxic aqueous
solvent to said cooled solution;
(v) sterile filtering said solution from step (iv); and
(vi) freeze-drying said solution from step (v).
32. The process of Claim 31 wherein said temperature in step (iii) is from 7°C to 10°C.
33. The process of Claim 31 further comprising the step of adding one or more
stabilizing agents, tonicity agents, or combinations thereof before step (v).
34. A parenteral formulation comprising an aqueous solvent and a freeze-dried
formulation prepared by the process of Claim 31.
35. A pharmaceutical product prepared by (i) dissolving into an aqueous solvent an
echinocandin compound as defined in Claim 1 or echinocandin/carbohydrate complex
containing said echinocandin compound in the presence of a pharmaceutically acceptable
micelle-forming surfactant and a bulking agent to form a solution, wherein said surfactant
is present in an amount greater than 1% weight per volume of solution; (ii) sterile filtering
said solution; and (iii) freeze-drying said solution from step (ii) in a vial.
36. The product of Claim 35 wherein the preparation of said product further comprises
adding a non-toxic, aqueous solvent to said vial after step (iii).
37. The product of Claim 35 wherein the weight ratio of echinocandin compound to
surfactant is from 1:1.75 to 1:25.
There is disclosed a parenteral pharmaceutical formulation comprising (i) an
echinocandin compound such as herein described, or a pharmaceutically acceptable
salt thereof; (ii) a pharmaceutically acceptable micelle- forming surfactant,such as
herein described ; (iii) a non-toxic; aqueous solvent and (iv) a stabilizing agent;
wherein the surfactant is present in said formulation at a weight ratio of
echinocandin compound to micelle forming surfactant from 1:1.75 and said
echinocandin compound is present in an amount from 1mg/ml to 50 mg/ml and
wherein said stabilizing agent is a carbohydrate.

Documents:

IN-PCT-2001-303-KOL-CORRESPONDENCE.pdf

IN-PCT-2001-303-KOL-FORM 27.pdf

IN-PCT-2001-994-KOL-CORRESPONDENCE 1.1.pdf

IN-PCT-2001-994-KOL-CORRESPONDENCE-1.1.pdf

IN-PCT-2001-994-KOL-CORRESPONDENCE.pdf

IN-PCT-2001-994-KOL-FORM 27-1.1.pdf

IN-PCT-2001-994-KOL-FORM-27.pdf

in-pct-2001-994-kol-granted-abstract.pdf

in-pct-2001-994-kol-granted-assignment.pdf

in-pct-2001-994-kol-granted-claims.pdf

in-pct-2001-994-kol-granted-correspondence.pdf

in-pct-2001-994-kol-granted-description (complete).pdf

in-pct-2001-994-kol-granted-examination report.pdf

in-pct-2001-994-kol-granted-form 1.pdf

in-pct-2001-994-kol-granted-form 18.pdf

in-pct-2001-994-kol-granted-form 2.pdf

in-pct-2001-994-kol-granted-form 3.pdf

in-pct-2001-994-kol-granted-form 5.pdf

in-pct-2001-994-kol-granted-gpa.pdf

in-pct-2001-994-kol-granted-reply to examination report.pdf

in-pct-2001-994-kol-granted-specification.pdf

in-pct-2001-994-kol-granted-translated copy of priority document.pdf

IN-PCT-2001-994-KOL-PA-CERTIFIED COPIES.pdf


Patent Number 225669
Indian Patent Application Number IN/PCT/2001/994/KOL
PG Journal Number 47/2008
Publication Date 21-Nov-2008
Grant Date 19-Nov-2008
Date of Filing 25-Sep-2001
Name of Patentee ELI LILLY AND COMPANY
Applicant Address LILLY CORPORATE CENTER, INDIANAPOLIS, IN
Inventors:
# Inventor's Name Inventor's Address
1 MILTON NATHANIEL 6388 KENTSTONE DRIVE, INDIANA-POLIS, IN 46268
2 MODER KENNETH PHILIP 160 DRURY LANE WEST LAFAYETTE IN 47906
3 SABATOWSKI JAMES LAWRENCE 243 SANDCASTLE DRIVE, HOLLAND, MI 49424
4 SWEETANA STEPHANIE ANN 4112 SARATOGA DRIVE, BLOOMING-TON, IN 47408
PCT International Classification Number A61K 9/107, 9/19
PCT International Application Number PCT/US00/05546
PCT International Filing date 2000-03-02
PCT Conventions:
# PCT Application Number Date of Convention Priority Country
1 60/122,623 1999-03-03 U.S.A.