Title of Invention

"IL-1 ANTAGONIST FORMULATIONS"

Abstract Formulations of an interleukin-1 (IL-1) antagonist are provided i inclucling a pre-lyophilized formalation, a reconstituted lyophilized formulation, and a stable liquid formulation. Preferably, the IL-l antagonist is an IL-1 trap composed of a dimer of two fusion protein having an amino acid sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQIDNO:2,4, 6,8, 10, 12,14,16,18, 20, 22, 24, and 26. Most preferably, the fusion protein has the sequence of SEQ ID NO: 10.
Full Text BACKGROUND OF INVENTION
Field of the Invention
[0001] The present invention is directed to pharmaceutical formulations comprising agents
capable of inhibiting interleukin-1 (IL-1), and to methods for making and using such
formulations.
Statement of Related Art
[0002] Interleukin-1 (IL-1) antagonists capable of blocking or inhibiting the biological action of
IL-1, have been described. An example IL-1 antagonist, an IL-1 trap, is described in U.S. Patent
Publication No. 2003/0143697, published 31 July 2003. An IL-1 trap is an IL-1-specific fusion
protein comprising two IL-1 receptor components and a multimerizing component.
[0003] Lyophilization (freeze drying under controlled conditions) is commonly used for long
term storage of proteins. The lyophilized protein is substantially resistant to degradation,
aggregation, oxidation, and other degenerative processes while in the freeze dried state {see,
for example, U.S. 6,436,897).
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0004] Stable formulations of an interleukin-1 (IL-1) antagonist are herein provided. The
pharmaceutically acceptable formulations of the invention comprise an IL-1 trap with a
pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. In specific embodiments, liquid and freeze-dried, or
lyophilized formulations are provided.
[0005] In a first example aspect, the invention features a pre-lyophilization formulation of an
interleukin-1 (IL-1) antagonist, comprising an IL-1 protein antagonist capable of binding to and
inhibiting the biological action of IL-1, a buffer, an organic co-solvent or bulking agent, and one
or more lyoprotectants. In a specific embodiment, the IL-1 antagonist is a fusion protein capable
of binding to IL-1, the buffer is histidine, the organic co-solvent or bulking agent is PEG, and the
lyoprotectant(s) is at least one of glycine, arginine, and sucrose. In one embodiment, the prelyophilized
formulation of the invention does not contain a preservative.
[0006] In one embodiment of the pre-lyophilization formulation of the invention, the formulation
comprises 5-100 mM histidine, 0.5-3,0% PEG, 0.25-3.0% glycine, 5-50 mM arginine, 0.5-30.0%
sucrose, and 5-50 mg/m! of an IL-1 antagonist, at a pH of about 6,5. In one embodiment, the
pre-lyophilization formulation may further comprise up to 5 mM citrate and/or 0.003-0.005%
polysorbate. The polysorbate present may be, for example, polysorbate 20 or 80.
[0007] In a more specific embodiment, the pre-lyophilization formulation of an IL-1 antagonist
comprises about 20 mM histidine, about 1.5% PEG 3350, about 0.5% glycine, about 25 mM
arginine, about 1.0% sucrose, and about 40 mg/ml IL-1 trap, at a pH of about 6.5. In a specific
embodiment, the IL-1 antagonist is an IL-1 trap fusion protein as shown in SEQ ID NO:2, 4, 6, 8,
10,12,14,16,18, 20, 22, 24, 26. More preferably, the IL-1 trap is the trap shown in SEQ ID
NO:10.
[0008] In a preferred embodiment, the pre-lyophilization IL-1 antagonist formulation consists
essentially of about 20 mM histidine, about 1,5% PEG 3350, about 0,5% glycine, about 25 mM
arginine, about 1.0% sucrose, and about 40 mg/ml of the IL-1 fusion protein having the
sequence of SEQ ID NO:10, atapH of about 6.5. Citrate (less than or equal to about 0.15 mM)
and poiysorbate (less than or equal to about 0.005%) may be present.
[0009] In a second aspect, the invention features a pre-lyophilization IL-1 antagonist
formulation that consists essentially of about 20 mM histidine, about 1.5% PEG 3350, abcut
0.5% glycine, about 25 mM arginine, about 1.0% sucrose, and about 40 mgyml of the IL-1 rusion
protein having the sequence of SEQ ID NO:10, at a pH of about 6,5, wherein the pre- .
lyophilization formulation does not contain a preservative, a phosphate buffer, more than trace
amounts of NaCI, and/or more than 1.5% sucrose. Citrate may be present in amounts of less
than about 0.15 mM and up to about 0.005-0.01% poiysorbate 20 may also be present.
[0010] In a third aspect, the invention features a method of producing a lyophiiized formulation
of an IL-1 antagonist, comprising subjecting the pre-lyophilization IL-1 antagonist formulation of
the invention to lyophilization to generate a lyophiiized IL-1 antagonist formulation. The
lyophiiized formulation may be lyophiiized by any method known in the art for lyophiiizing a
liquid. '
[0011] In a fourth related aspect, the invention features a method of producing a reconstituted
ty9phiJfc^..fPrm.M.Iat.i°.i]i of an IL-1.antagonist, comprising reconstituting.the lypphilized
formulation of the invention to a reconstituted formulation. In one embodiment, the reconstituted
formulation is twice the concentration of the pre-lyophilized formulation, e.g., the method of the
invention comprises: (a) producing a pre-lyophilization formulation of an IL-1 antagonist
consisting of about 20 mM histidine, about 1.5% PEG 3350, about 0.5% glycine, about 25 mM
arginine, about 1,0% sucrose, and about 40 mg/ml of an IL-1 protein antagonist, at a pH of
about 6.5; (b) subjecting the pre-lyophilized formulation of step (a) to lyophilization; and (c)
reconstituting the lyophiiized formulation of step (b) to a composition consisting of about 40 mM
histidine, about 3% PEG 3350, about 1% glycine, about 50 mM arginine, about 2.0% sucrose,
and about 80 mg/ml of the IL-1 protein antagonist, wherein the reconstituted formulation may
further contain about 0.2 mM citrate and/or about 0.008% poiysorbate 20. In a specific
embodiment, the IL-1 antagonist is an IL-1 trap fusion protein as shown in SEQ ID NO;2, 4, 6, 8,
10, 12,14,16,18, 20, 22, 24, 26. More preferably, the IL-1 trap is the trap shown in SEQ ID
NO: 10. In separate embodiments, the reconstituted formulation is 3 times the concentration of
the pre-lyophilized formulation, e.g., a 20 mg IL-1 antagonist protein/ml pre-lyophilization
formulation is reconstituted to a final formulation of 60 mg IL-1 antagonist protein/ml. Generally,
the lyophilized formulation is reconstituted with sterile water suitable for injection. In one
embodiment, the reconstitution liquid may be bacteriostatic water.
[0012] In specific embodiments of the method of producing a reconstituted lyophilized
formulation, a pre-lyophilization solution is present in a vial as a 40 mg IL-1 antagonist protein
per ml solution of pre-lyophilization formulation, which is lyophilized and reconstituted to an
mg/ml solution. In another embodiment, a 20 mg/ml pre-lyophilization solution is lyophilized and
reconstituted to a 40 mg/ml solution. In another embodiment, a 25 mg/ml pre-lyophilization
solution is lyophilized and reconstituted to a 50 mg/ml solution. In another embodiment, a 12.5
mg/ml pre-lyophilization solution is lyophilized and reconstituted to a 25 mg/ml solution. In
another embodiment, a 12.5 mg/ml pre-lyophilization solution is lyophilized and reconstituted to
a 50 mg/ml solution. In another embodiment, a 25 mg/ml pre-lyophilization solution is
lyophilized and reconstituted to a 75 mg/ml solution. In another embodiment, a 40 mg/ml prelyophilization
solution is lyophilized and reconstituted to a 120 mg/ml solution. In another
embodiment, a 40 mg/ml pre-lyophilization solution is lyophilized and reconstituted to a 20
mg/ml solution. Preferably, the reconstituted lyophilized formulation does not contain a
preservative. In another embodiment, the reconstituted formulation includes up to 30% sucrose
and one or more preservatives. .
[0013] In a fifth aspect, the invention features a stable liquid formulation of an IL-1 antagonist,
comprising an IL-1 antagonist protein capable of binding to and inhibiting the biological action of
IL-1, a buffer, an organic co-solvent, and one or more thermal stabilizers, In a specific
embodiment, the IL-1 antagonist is an IL-1 trap fusion protein as shown in SEQ ID N0:2, 4, 6, 8,
10, 12,14,16, 18, 20, 22, 24, 26. More preferably, the IL-1 trap is the trap shown in SEQ ID
NO:10, In one embodiment, the buffer is a phosphate buffer. In one embodiment, the organic
co-solvent agent is PEG, preferably PEG 3350. In one embodiment, the thermal stabilizers are
NaCI and/or sucrose. More preferably, the thermal stabilizers are both NaCI and sucrose.
[0014] In a specific embodiment, the stable liquid formulation of an IL-1 antagonist comprises
5-100 mM phosphate buffer, 0.5-3% PEG, 25-150 mM NaCI, 5-30% sucrose, 10-500 mg/ml of
an IL-1 trap protein, at a pH of about 6-6.5. In a more specific embodiment, the stable liquid
formulation of an IL-1 antagonist comprises 10 mM phosphate buffer, 3% PEG 3350, 50 mM
NaCI, 5-20% sucrose, 12.5-50 mg/m! of an IL-1 trap protein, at a pH of about 6-6.5.
Additionally, low or trace amounts of a citrate buffer or polysorbate may be present. The stable
liquid formulation of the IL-1 antagonist of the invention exhibits little or no precipitation as
determined by visual inspection after storage of a 50 mg/ml IL-1 trap formulation for up to about
29 months at 5°C. Further, little or no aggregation is observed as determine by size-exclusion
chromatography, e.g., HPLC, after storage of a 50 mg/ml IL-1 trap formulation for up to about
months at 5°C.
[0015] Other objects and advantages will become apparent from a review of the ensuing
detailed description.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0016] The present invention is not limited to particular methods, and experimental conditions
described, as such methods and conditions may vary. It is also to be understood that the
terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only, and is not
intended to be limiting unless indicated, since the scope of the present invention will be limited
only by the appended claims.
[0017] As used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms "a", "an", and
"the" include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus for example,
references to "a method" include one or more methods, and/or steps of the type described
herein and/or which will become apparent to those persons skilled in the art upon reading this
disclosure.
[0018] Unless stated otherwise, all technical and scientific terms and phrases used herein have
the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the
invention belongs. Although any methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described
herein can be used in the practice or testing of the present invention, the preferred methods and
materials are now described.
General Description
[0019] Safe handling and administration of formulations comprising proteins represent
significant challenges to pharmaceutical formulators. Proteins possess unique chemical and
physical properties that present stability problems: a variety of degradation pathways exist for
proteins, implicating both chemical and physical instability. Chemical instability includes
deamination, aggregation, clipping of the peptide backbone, and oxidation of methionine
residues. Physical instability encompasses many phenomena, including, for example,
aggregation.
[0020] Chemical and physical stability can be promoted by removing water from the protein.
Lyophilization (freeze-drying under controlled conditions) is commonly used for long-term
storage of proteins. The iyophilized protein is substantially resistant to degradation,
aggregation, oxidation, and other degenerative processes while in the freeze-dried state. The
Iyophilized protein is normally reconstituted with water optionally containing a bacteriostatic
preservative (e.g., benzyl alcohol) prior to administration.
Definitions
[0021] By the term "therapeutically or pharmaceutically effective dose" is meant a dose that
produces the desired effect for which it is administered. The exact dose will depend on the
purpose of the treatment, and will be ascertamable by one skilled in the art using known
techniques (see, for example, Lloyd (1999) The Art, Science and Technology of Pharmaceutical
Compounding).
[0022] By the term "blocker", "inhibitor", or "antagonist" is meant a substance that retards or
prevents a chemical or physiological reaction or response. Common blockers or inhibitors
include, but are not limited to, antisense molecules, antibodies, antagonists and their
derivatives.
[0023] The term "pharmaceutically acceptable" includes approval by a regulatory agency of the
federal or a state government or listed in the U.S. Pharmacopeia or other generally recognized
pharmacopeia for use in animals, and more particularly in humans.
[0024] The term "carrier" includes a diluent, adjuvant, excipient, or vehicle with which a
composition is administered. Carriers can include sterile liquids, such as, for example, water
and oils, including oils of petroleum, animal, vegetable or synthetic origin, such as, for example,
peanut oil, soybean oil, mineral oil. sesame oil and the like.
[0025] The term "excipient" includes a non-therapeutic agent added to a pharmaceutical
composition to provide a desired consistency or stabilizing effect. Suitable pharmaceutical
excipients include, for example, starch, glucose, lactose, sucrose, gelatin, malt, rice, flour, chalk,
silica gel, sodium stearate, glycerol monostearate, talc, sodium chloride, dried skim milk,
glycerol, propylene glycol, water, ethanol and the like.
[0026] The term "lyophilized" or "freeze-dried" includes a state of a substance that has been
subjected to a drying procedure such as lyophilization, where at least 50% of moisture has been
removed.
[0027] The phrase "bulking agent" includes a compound that is pharmaceutically acceptable
and that adds bulk to a lyo cake. Generally, acceptable bulking agents known to the art include,
for example, carbohydrates, including simple sugars such as dextrose, ribose, fructose and the
like, alcohol sugars such as mannitol, inositoi and sorbitol, disaccharides including trehalose,
sucrose and lactose, naturally occurring polymers such as starch, dextrans, chitosan,
hyaluronate, proteins (e.g., gelatin and serum albumin), glycogen, and synthetic monomers and
polymers. In the formulations of the invention, PEG 3350 is an organic co-solvent which is used
to stabilize the IL-1 protein antagonist when agitated, mixed, or handled, and as a bulking agent
to help produce an acceptable bulk.
[0028] The term "lyoprotectanf includes a substance that may be added to a freeze-dried or
lyophilized formulation to help maintain protein structure when freeze-dried or lyophilized.
[0029] A "preservative" includes a bacteriostatic, bacteriocidal, fungistatic orfungicidal
compound that is generally added to formulations to retard or eliminate growth of bacteria or
other contaminating microorganisms in the formulations. Preservatives include, for example,
benzyl alcohol, phenol, benzalkonium chloride, m-cresol, thimerosol, chlorobutanol,
methylparaben, propylparaben and the like. Other examples of pharmaceutically acceptable
preservatives can be found in the USP.
IL-1 Antagonists
[0030] An IL-1 antagonist is a compound capable of blocking or inhibiting the biological action of
IL-1, including fusion proteins capable of trapping IL-1, such as an IL-1 trap. In a preferred
embodiment, the fL-1 trap is an IL-1-specific fusion protein comprising two IL-1 receptor
components and a multimerizing component, for example, an !L-1 trap described in U.S. Patent
Publication No. 2003/0143697, published 31 July 2003. In a specific embodiment, the IL-1 trap
is the fusion protein shown in SEQ ID NO:2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12,14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24, 26. A
preferred IL-1 trap is shown in SEQ ID NO:10. The invention encompasses the use of an IL-1
trap substantially identical to the protein of SEQ ID NO: 2, 4, 6, 8,10, 12,14.16,18, 20, 22, 24,
26, that is, a protein having at feast 95% identity, preferably at least 97% identity, and more
preferably at least 98% identity to the protein of SEQ ID NO: 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12,14, 16, 18, 20,
24, 26 and capable of binding and inhibiting IL-1. Further, in specific embodiments, the IL-1
antagonist is a modified IL-1 trap comprising one or more receptor components and one or more
immunoglobulin-derived components specific for IL-1 and/or an IL-1 receptor. In another
embodiment, the IL-1 antagonist is a modified IL-1 trap comprising one or more
immunoglobulin-derived components specific for IL-1 and/or an IL-1 receptor.
[0031] The IL-1 trap of the methods and formulations of the invention can be prepared by any
suitable method known in the art, or that comes to be known, that is useful in preparing an IL-1
trap. The IL-1 trap is preferably substantially free of protein contaminants at the time it is used to
prepare the pharmaceutically acceptable formulation. By "substantially free of protein
contaminants" is meant, preferably, that at least 90 % of the weight of protein of an IL-1 trap
preparation used for making a formulation comprising an IL-1 trap is IL-1 trap protein, more
preferably at least 95%, most preferably at least 99%, The 1L^1 trap is preferably substantially
free of aggregates, "Substantially free of aggregates" means that at least 90% of the weight of
IL-1 trap protein is not present in an aggregate at the time the IL-1 trap is used to prepare the
pharmaceutically effective formulation. The IL-1 trap of the methods and formulations of the
invention may contain low or trace amounts of compounds as a results of the purification
process, for example, low or trace amounts of citrate and/or polysorbate. In one embodiment of
the pre-lyophilization formulation of the invention containing about 40 mg of IL-1 trap/ml, citrate
may be present at a concentration of about 0.1 mM and/or polysorbate may be present at a
concentration of about 0.004%. If the pre-lyophilizatlon formulation is reconstituted after
lyophilization to half of the original volume (e.g., 80 mg/ml of IL-1 trap), the resulting
concentrations may be 0.2 mM citrate and/or 0.008% polysorbate. If the pre-lyophilization
formulation is reconstituted after lyophilization to a third of the original volume (e.g., 120 mg/ml
of IL-1 trap), the resulting concentrations may be 0,6 mM citrate and/or 0.012% polysorbate,
Lyophilization and Lyophiiized Formulations
[0032] In one aspect of the invention, a pharmaceuticatly acceptable formulation comprising an
!M trap is provided, wherein the formulation is a freeze-dried or lyophiiized formulation.
Preferably, the freeze-dried or lyophiiized formulation comprises a pharmaceutically effective
amount of an IL-1 trap. Lyophiiized formulations can be reconstituted into solutions,
suspensions, emulsions, or any other suitable form for administration or use. Lyophiiized
formulations are typically first prepared as liquids, then frozen and lyophiiized. The total liquid
volume before lyophilization can be less, equal to, or more than, the final reconstituted volume
of the lyophiiized formulation. The lyophilization process is well known to those of ordinary skill
in the art, and typically includes sublimation of water from a frozen formulation under controlled
conditions.
[0033] Lyophiiized formulations can be stored at a wide range of temperatures. Lyophiiized
formulations may be stored at or below 30°C, for example, refrigerated at 4°C, or at room
temperature (e.g., approximately 25°C). Preferably, lyophiiized formulations are stored below
about 25°C, more preferably, at about 4-20°C; below about 4°C; below about -20CC; about -
40°C; or about -70°C.
[0034] Lyophiiized formulations are typically reconstituted for use by addition of an aqueous
solution to dissolve the lyophiiized formulation. A wide variety of aqueous solutions can be used
to reconstitute a lyophiiized formulation. Preferably, lyophiiized formulations are reconstituted
using water. Lyophiiized formulations are preferably reconstituted with a solution consisting
essentially of water (e.g., USP WFI, or water for injection) or bacteriostatic water (e.g., USP WFI
with 0.9% benzyl alcohol). However, solutions comprising buffers and/or excipients and/or one
or more pharmacetically acceptable carries can also be used.
[0035] Freeze-dried or lyophiiized formulations are typically prepared from liquids, that is, from
solutions, suspensions, emulsions, and the like. Thus, the liquid that is to undergo freeze-drying
or lyophilization preferably comprises all components desired in a final reconstituted liquid
formulation. As a result, when reconstituted, the freeze-dried or lyophiiized formulation will
render a desired liquid formulation upon reconstitution. A preferred liquid formulation used to
generate a freeze-dried or lyophiiized formulation comprises an IL-1 trap in a pharmaceutically
effective amount, a buffer, a stabilizer, and a bulking agent. Freeze-dried or lyophiiized
formulations preferably comprise histidine, since histidine, in comparison to phosphate, is more
effective at stabilizing the IL-1 trap when the IL-1 trap is lyophiiized. Organic cosolvents, such
as PEG 3350, are used to stabilize the IL-1 trap when agitated, mixed, or handled. A
lyoprotectant is preferably used in freeze-dried or lyophiiized formulations. Lyoprotectants help
to maintain the secondary structure of proteins when freeze-dried or lyophilized. Three
preferred example lyoprotectants are glycine, arginine, and sucrose, which are preferably used
together.
Stable Liquid Formulations
[0036] In one aspect, the invention provides a stable pharmaceutically acceptable formulation
comprising an IL-1 trap, wherein the formulation is a liquid formulation. Preferably, the liquid
formulation comprises a pharmaceutically effective amount of an IL-1 trap. The formulation can
also comprise one or more pharmaceutically acceptable carriers, buffers, bulking agents,
stabilizers, preservatives, and/or exctpients. An example of a pharmaceutically acceptable
liquid formulation comprising an IL-1 trap comprises an IL-1 trap in a pharmaceutically effective
amount, a buffer, a co-solvent, and one or more stabilizers.
[0037] A preferred liquid formulation comprises phosphate buffer, an organic co-solvent, and
one or more thermal stabilizers to minimize formation of aggregates and low molecular weight
products when stored, and about 12.5 mg/ml to about 50 mg/ml IL-1 trap, wherein the
formulation is from about pH 6.0 to about pH 6.75. A more preferred liquid formulation
comprises 10 mM phosphate buffer, 3% PEG, 50 mM NaCI, 5-20% sucrose, and 10-100 mg/ml
IL-1 trap, wherein the formulation is at a pH of about 6,0 to about 6.5. Although either NaCI or
sucrose can be used as a stabilizer, a combination of NaCI and sucrose has been established to
stabilize the IL-1 trap more effectively than either individual stabilizer alone. Preferably, PEG is
PEG 3350, which has been established to enhance IL-1 trap stability,
[0038] Table 1 shows the percent of native IL-1 trap or percent aggregated IL-1 trap in samples
containing either 5 or 20% sucrose as determined over a period of up to 24 months when
incubated at 5°C. In the presence of 20% sucrose, the native (non-aggregated) form of IL-1 trap
dropped from 92.6% at day 0 to 88.9% at 24 months and the percentage aggregate increased
from 2.3% to 3.4% over the same time period. The 5% sucrose formulation had a native (nonaggregated)
form of IL-1 trap dropped from 92.4% at day 0 to 86.9% at 24 months and the
percentage aggregate increased from 2.6% to 3.6% over the same time period.
[0040] Formulations, whether liquid or freeze-dried and lyophilized, can be stored in an oxygendeprived
environment. Oxygen-deprived environments can be generated by storing the
formulations under an inert gas such as, for example, argon, nitrogen, or helium.
[0041] The stability of pre-lyophilized and lyophilized formulations was determined. A prelyophilized
formulation containing 40 mg/ml IL-1 trap (SEQ ID NO:10), 20 mM histidine, 1.5%
PEG-3350,1% sucrose, 0.5% glycine, 25 mM arginine-HCI, pH 6.5 was incubated at 5°C for
52 weeks. As shown in Table 3, the native (non-aggregated) form of IL-1 decreased from
(0 weeks) to 92.3 (52 weeks), and the percent aggregate increased from 1% to 1.8% in the
same time period.(Table Removed)




WE CLAIM:
1. A formulation suitable for lyophilization, "comprising 5-100 mM histidine, 0.5-3.0% PEG, 0.25-3% glycine, 5-50 mM arginine, 0.5-30% sucrose, and 5-50 mg/ml of an IL-1 protein antagonist comprising the sequence of the fusion protein of SEQ ID NO: 10.
2. The formulation of claim 1, comprising about 20 mM histidine, about 1.5% PEG 3350, about 0.5% glycine, about 25 mM arginine, about 1.0% sucrose, and about 40 mg/ml IL-1 antagonist.
3. The formulation of any one of claims 1 or 2 which does not contain a phosphate buffer, more than about 1.5% sucrose, more than about 0.15 mM citrate and more than about 0.005% polysorbate 20.
4. The formulation of any one of the preceding claims, wherein pH is from 6 to 6.75, preferably 6 to 6.5; more preferably 6.5.
5. A lyophilized formulation obtainable by lyophilization of a pre-lyophilized formulation of any one of claims 1 to 4.
6. A method of producing a lyophilized formulation of an IL-1 antagonist, comprising lyophilizing a pre-lyophilized formulation of any one of the preceding claims to to generate a lyophilized IL-1 antagonist formulation.
7. A method of producing a reconstituted lyophilized formulation of an IL-1 antagonist, comprising reconstituting a lyophilized formulation of claim 5 or a lyophilized formulation obtained by the method of claim 6 to a reconstituted formulation.
8. The method of claim 7, wherein the reconstituted formulation comprises about 20-120 mg/ml of the IL-1 antagonist.
9. The method of claim 7 wherein the reconstituted formulation is twice or 3 times the concentration of the pre-lyophilized formulation.
10. A reconstituted lyophilized formulation of an IL-1 protein antagonist comprising the
sequence of the fusion protein of SEQ ID NO: 10; said formulation comprising about 40mM

histidine, about 3% PEG 3350, about 1% glycine, about 50mM arginine.-about 2.0% sucrose, and about 80mg/m! of said IL-1 protein antagonist.
11. A stable liquid formulation of an IL-1 protein antagonist comprising the sequence of the fusion protein of SEQ ID NO:10; said formulation comprising 10 mM phosphate buffer; 3% PEG 3350, 50 mM NaCI, 20% sucrose, and 10-100 mg/ml of the IL-1 antagonist.
12. The liquid formulation of claim 11, wherein the IL-1 antagonist exhibits less than 4% aggregation upon visual inspection after storage of a 50 mg/ml IL-1 trap formulation for 29 months at 5°C.

Documents:

http://ipindiaonline.gov.in/patentsearch/GrantedSearch/viewdoc.aspx?id=leLPy8K0mzhz6eQeBzZRcw==&loc=+mN2fYxnTC4l0fUd8W4CAA==


Patent Number 270214
Indian Patent Application Number 1344/DELNP/2007
PG Journal Number 49/2015
Publication Date 04-Dec-2015
Grant Date 02-Dec-2015
Date of Filing 20-Feb-2007
Name of Patentee REGENERON PHARMACEUTICALS,INC.
Applicant Address 777 OLD SAW MILL RIVER ROAD, TARRYTOWN, NY 10591, USA
Inventors:
# Inventor's Name Inventor's Address
1 DANIEL DIX 55 MEMORY TRAIL, LA GRANGEVILLE, NY 12540, USA
2 KATHERINE BOWERS 43 HEMINGWAY PARK ROAD, WATERTOWN, CT 06795, USA
3 GOOLCHARRAN CHIMANLALL 15 MONARCH DRIVE, HOPEWELL JUNCTION, NY 12533, USA
PCT International Classification Number C07K 14/545
PCT International Application Number PCT/US2005/029428
PCT International Filing date 2005-08-17
PCT Conventions:
# PCT Application Number Date of Convention Priority Country
1 60/602,137 2004-08-17 U.S.A.