Tamper Resistant Dosage Form Composition And Process Of Making The Same

Jul 3, 2014

A tamper-resistant dosage form including a therapeutic agent-substrate complex embedded in a thermo-formable matrix; such that the complex includes at least one therapeutic agent bound to at least one substrate to form the therapeutic agent-substrate complex. The at least one substrate is being selected from the group consisting of a polyelectrolyte, an organic counter-ion, a pharmacologically inert organic component of a prodrug, an inclusion compound and an inorganic adsorbent; and the thermo-formable matrix includes one or more thermoplastic polymers and optionally at least one pharmaceutical additive.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is based on, and claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/959,830, filed Sep. 3, 2013, and U.S. Ser. No. 14/157,658 which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an improved pharmaceutical dosage form. More particularly, the invention relates to a tamper-resistant dosage form including a therapeutic agent-substrate complex and a thermo-formable matrix comprising at least one thermoplastic polymer and one or more pharmaceutical additives, and the method of making same.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

Product tampering occurs when a dosage form is manipulated to achieve an objective in ways that is not intended per dosing instructions. It may involve drug abusers who tamper with the dosage form to obtain euphoria, or non-abusers such as patients and caregivers who innocently tamper with the dosage form to address legitimate concerns. For example, an elderly patient may break a dosage form to facilitate swallowing or a caregiver may break a dosage form to reduce the therapeutic dose.

Prescription medications are being abused at an alarming rate. The most commonly abused classes of prescription drug products are opioids (narcotics), sedatives/hypnotics, stimulants, and tranquilizers. The most commonly abused over-the-counter drugs are decongestants, antihistamines and cough medicines. An estimated 52 million people have used prescription drugs for nonmedical reasons at least once in their lifetimes.

Particularly, abuse of prescription painkillers is a growing, public health problem that has been steadily worsening as reflected in increased treatment admissions, emergency room visits, and overdose deaths. About 164 million patients/year visit the doctor office for pain of which 20% receive opiate prescriptions for pain treatment. Number of opiate prescriptions has been steadily increasing since 1991. In 2013 alone, 230 million opioid prescriptions were dispensed. The pain management market generated $7.3 billion in US sales in 2012. The market is predicted to increase to $9.8 billion by 2018 and to $11.3 billion by 2023.

In 2010, more than 40% of all drug poisoning deaths involved opioid analgesics, and the number of overdose deaths involving opioid analgesics has more than tripled since 1999. The CDC's latest figures show that 16,500 people died from overdoses tied to common narcotic pain relievers in 2010. Over dosage of opiates occurs due to intentional or unintentional tampering of opiate drug products. Abusers tamper with dosage form to obtain euphoria, while patients/caregivers manipulate dosage forms to facilitate dosing. Pain relievers, such as OxyContin® and Vicodin®; anti-depressants, such as Xanax® and Valium®, and stimulants, such as Concerta®, Adderall®, are the most commonly abused prescription drugs.

While drug abuse has been common with all dosage forms, modified release products have been particularly attractive to drug abusers due to the high drug content in the dosage forms. When these dosage forms are tampered with or altered, they may lead to more rapid release of the therapeutic agent, which in turn may provide the drug_abusers with greater euphoria that they desperately desire.

To address the drug abuse epidemic, pharmaceutical companies have started to develop abuse deterrent formulations, and the FDA has also issued a guideline to encourage development of more effective tamper-resistant formulations. Abuse deterrent formulations are designed to thwart deliberate attempts by drug-abusers to extract the active ingredient or blunt the euphoric effects from unapproved methods of administration.

Common methods of drug abuse include: (1) oral ingestion, where the dosage form is chewed, to destroy the release controlling matrix and deliver high doses of therapeutic agent into the gastrointestinal tract, and swallowed, with or without co-ingestion of alcohol; (2) intravenous injection, which involves extraction of the therapeutic agent from the dosage form using an appropriate solvent, followed by injection of the therapeutic agent directly into the blood stream; (3) nasal snorting, where the dosage form is crushed, milled, or ground into a fine powder and administered intra-nasally to facilitate rapid drug absorption through the lining of the nasal passages; and (4) smoking, where the therapeutic agent is vaporized for inhalation by subjecting the dosage form to heat.

In addition, dosage forms, particularly modified release dosage forms, are relatively large in size and may pose a dosing challenge to many people including the elderly and young. Often, patients and caregivers may break the dosage form to reduce the size. By doing so, they inadvertently compromise the release controlling mechanism of the dosage form and potentially lead to dose dumping, often with adverse consequences.

To circumvent dosage form tampering, many tamper resistant formulations have been described.

U.S. Pat. No. 7,510,726 describes a therapeutic pharmaceutical composition comprising a mixture consisting of at least one opioid analgesic, gel forming polyethylene oxide, and at least one disintegrant. Due to the physical properties of the gel forming polymer, the extended release properties of the disclosed dosage form is expected to be compromised upon mastication and not prevent abuse by chewing and swallowing.

U.S. Pat. No. 7,771,707 describes a solid abuse deterrent pharmaceutical composition of a pharmaceutically active agent prone to abuse, and one or more fatty acids or fatty amines present in molar excess relative to the pharmaceutically active agent. As taught, the fatty acids and fatty acid amines which impart lipophilicity on the drug substance may be susceptible to physical instability.

U.S. Pat. No. 7,776,314 describes parenteral abuse-proofed solid dosage form for oral administration, comprising one or more active ingredients with potential for abuse, and at least one viscosity-increasing agent. Invention deters only abuse by injection.

U.S. Pat. No. 8,075,872 describes an abuse resistant dosage form thermoformed by extrusion and having a breaking strength of at least 500 N, which contains a mixture of one or more active ingredients with abuse potential, polyalkylene oxides, physiologically acceptable auxiliary substances, and optionally wax and cellulosic derivatives. The disclosed dosage form contains low t_ghydrophilic polymers that may not withstand mastication when exposed to saliva due to plasticization.

U.S. Pat. No. 8,409,616 describes a therapeutic pharmaceutical composition comprising a water-soluble drug susceptible to abuse, a gel forming polymer and a disintegrant. As taught, the gel forming polymers based on polyethylene oxide are susceptible to chewing and mastication upon contact with saliva.

U.S. Pat. No. 8,449,909 describes a therapeutically effective pharmaceutical composition comprising solid microparticles, wherein the microparticles comprise an active agent, one or more fatty acids, and one or more carrier materials selected from waxes or wax-like substances. The fatty acids and fatty acid amines as taught, impart lipophilicity on the drug substance but may not ensure physical stability upon storage. U.S. Patent Application Publication 2008/0075770 describes a monolithic solidified oral dosage form prepared by a thermal process comprising a therapeutic agent and a hydrophilic polymer. The disclosed drug molecules incorporated in a hydrophilic polymeric matrix have a tendency to diffuse when mobility of the polymer is increased due to solvent or temperature effect, thereby increasing extractability.

U.S. Pat. No. 8,486,448 describes a controlled release formulation comprising a core comprising a superabsorbent material, a controlled release coat surrounding the core; and a plurality of controlled release microparticles containing a pharmaceutically active agent. This abuse deterrent relies on a hard coating that may be susceptible to extraction by both aqueous and organic solvents.

U.S. Pat. No. 8,202,542 describes an abuse resistant opioid drug-ion exchange resin complexes having hybrid coatings containing a cured polyvinylacetate polymer and a pH-dependent enteric coating layer mixed therein. As taught, these polymer coatings are soluble in aqueous or organic solvents which would make the dosage form susceptible abuse by extraction.

U.S. Patent Application Publication 2011/0020451 describes a tamper-resistant thermoformed pharmaceutical dosage form having a breaking strength of at least 300 N and comprising an opioid, a physiologically acceptable acid and a polyalkylene oxide. The disclosed dosage form is expected to be susceptible to abuse by chewing and swallowing.

U.S. Patent Application Publication 2012/0148672 describes a coated modified release opioid-ion exchange resin complex comprising a pharmaceutically effective amount of an opioid bound to a pharmaceutically acceptable ion exchange resin complex; and a pH-independent, high tensile strength, water permeable, water insoluble, diffusion barrier coating. As disclosed, the coating is expected to dissolve in organic solvents and high aqueous pH, which would make the dosage form reduce extraction by the complexing ion exchange resin only.

As a result, in spite of the various tamper-resistant formulation approaches mentioned above, there is still a need for improved abuse deterrent formulations that better prevent common methods of dosage form tampering and associated drug abuse administration routes with or without the incorporation of aversive agents and agonist/antagonists in the dosage form.

In contrast, the present invention eliminates or reduces all forms of tampering, and hence all modes of abuse. The invention relates to an erodible dosage form that has a dry core which hydrates on the surface upon exposure to extraction fluid to form a thin gel layer that limits water penetration into the core. The dosage form also has a synchronized barrier system that provides it with plasticity and hardness which renders the dosage form resistant to chewing, crashing and grinding, and volatilization.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to one embodiment, the present invention is related to a tamper-resistant dosage form comprising of a therapeutic agent-substrate complex embedded in an erodible thermo-formable matrix, wherein the therapeutic agent-substrate complex is prepared by an extrusion process, and the therapeutic agent-substrate complex is embedded in an erodible thermo-formable matrix by a granulation process. The ratio of the therapeutic agent to the substrate in the complex is from 1:20 to 20:1 by weight, while the ratio between the therapeutic agent-substrate complex to the erodible thermo-formable matrix is from 1:10 to 10:1 also by weight. Optionally, a free therapeutic agent or a substrate is embedded in the erodible thermo-formable matrix along with the therapeutic agent-substrate complex.

Alternatively, a prodrug, which is comprised of a covalently bonded drug with an organic moiety, is embedded in the erodible thermo-formable matrix in place of the therapeutic agent-substrate complex.

The erodible thermo-formable matrix comprises at least one cellulosic thermoplastic polymer and optionally at least one non-cellulosic thermoplastic polymer and at least one pharmaceutical additive, wherein the amount of the pharmaceutical additive in the matrix is less than 20% by weight.

The tamper-resistant dosage form is comprised of tablets and multiparticulates wherein tampering is reduced or eliminated through a synchronized barrier mechanism; wherein the detrimental effects of overdosing is minimized or eliminated through the interaction between the dosage form and the contents of the gastrointestinal fluid which limits drug availability for absorption; wherein the dosage forms comprise template formulations where one therapeutic agent is substituted for another in a given formulation without altering the dissolution profiles or tamper-resistant properties of the dosage form; wherein the chemical and physical stability of the therapeutic agent and the physical stability of the dosage form is assured

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a schematic drug release mechanism of tamper resistant dosage forms.

FIG. 2a shows extraction of Coffee grinder milled tablets after 15 minutes.

FIG. 2b shows extraction of Coffee grinder milled tablets after 60 minutes.

FIG. 3 shows dissolution profiles of tamper resistant tablets.

FIG. 4 shows dissolution profiles of three different therapeutic agents in the same template tamper resistant tablet formulation.

FIG. 5 shows dissolution profiles of tamper resistant multiparticulates compressed in tablets.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

An embodiment of the invention is an erodible tamper-resistant dosage form that is resistant to various tampering modes. The tamper-resistant dosage form comprises a therapeutic agent-substrate complex embedded in a thermo-formable matrix. It has been discovered that a therapeutic agent-substrate complex embedded into a thermo-formable matrix is effective against all forms of product tampering and drug abuse without the use of aversion agents and antagonists. A complex of the therapeutic agent and a substrate is formed first prior to incorporation into the thermo-formable matrix in order for the formulation to provide tamper-resistance. While pre-formation of the complex is preferred for optimal performance, in some cases, particularly with inorganic additives, the drug-substrate association could occur in situ during processing. Alternatively, a prodrug, which is comprised of a covalently bonded drug with an organic moiety, is embedded in the erodible thermo-formable matrix in place of the therapeutic agent-substrate complex.

According to the disclosure, a “therapeutic agent” means a substance that elicits a pharmacologic response when administered by a patient or drug abuser. “Therapeutic agent” and “drug” are used interchangeably. “Substrate” means a substance that interacts with the therapeutic agent to form a complex. “Complex” means a chemical association of a drug substance with a substrate through ionic bonds, polar covalent bonds, covalent bonds, and hydrogen bonds. A “prodrug” is substance that converts into an active form through enzymatic cleavage when ingested, and considered a complex according to the disclosure. A “pharmaceutical additive” is a substance that is added to formulations to improve functionality and processability of the dosage forms. A “thermoplastic” polymer is a polymer that is solid at room temperature, and becomes pliable and moldable at elevated temperatures. “Tampering” means an intentional or an unintentional manipulation of dosage forms in a manner that is not intended for by dosing instructions, such as by chewing, crushing, grinding, extraction and volatilization.

Preparation of the Therapeutic Agent-Substrate Complex:

The therapeutic agent-substrate complex is prepared using a novel reactive extrusion process. The process is fast and continuous and more efficient compared to other commonly used processes. It allows the complexation process to proceed at a faster rate by providing flexibility in processing temperatures and online incorporation of pH modifiers and other additives that promote complex formation. As a result, the process has greater than 95% efficiency in the degree of complexation, a factor that is critical when considering the high cost of therapeutic agents. The extruder, which behaves as a reactor, is preferably a twin screw extruder. It comprises uniquely assembled conveying and mixing elements, and temperature controlled modular barrels that constitute a continuous reaction vessel. Along the extruder length, one or more liquid injection and powder feed ports are inserted in the barrels, wherein the number and location of the ports are dictated by the complexation process requirements.

During the complexation process, the drug and substrate are pre-blended and the blend introduced into the extruder through a powder feed port. At a second port downstream from the first feed port, an aqueous liquid is added at a controlled rate to generate a heavy suspension. The suspension is collected, dried in a drying oven and stored for further processing.

The ratio of the therapeutic agent to the substrate in the complex is from 1:50 to 50:1 by weight, preferably 1:20 to 20:1 and more preferably, from 1:10 to 10:1. The average particle size distribution of the substrate is less than 500 u (micron), preferably less than 250 u and more preferably, less than 75 u.

Alternatively, the complex may be prepared by a variety of processes known in the art.

Embedding Therapeutic Agent-Substrate Complex within Thermo Formable Matrix:

The therapeutic agent-substrate complex is blended with at least one cellulosic thermoplastic polymer and optionally at least one non-cellulosic thermoplastic polymer, or at least one pharmaceutical additive, or both, and the blend melt granulated at processing temperatures of less than 175° C. and preferably less than 150° C. using a twin-screw extruder. Alternatively, a blend of the thermoplastic polymers and optionally at least one pharmaceutical additive is fed into the extruder through the first powder feed port and allowed to melt before the therapeutic agent-substrate complex is introduced through a second powder feed port downstream from the first feed port and mixed with the molten mass in the extruder. In both procedures, the melt granulated material or extrudate is shaped downstream to provide tamper-resistant tablets or multiparticulates that are filled into capsules or compressed into tablets. The ratio of the therapeutic agent-substrate complex to the thermo-formable matrix varies, by weight, from 1:20 to 20:1, and preferably from 1:10 to 10:1, and more preferably from 1:5: to 5:1.

The tamper-resistant dosage form of the present invention can be prepared according to the steps of:

(1) Blending at least one therapeutic agent and at least one substrate in a drug-to-substrate ratio from between 1:20 to 20:1 by weight;

(2) Reacting the at least one therapeutic agent and the at least one substrate to form a therapeutic agent-substrate complex using a reactive extrusion process;

(3) Forming a thermo-formable matrix blend with at least one cellulosic thermoplastic polymer and optionally at least one non-cellulosic thermoplastic polymer, and at least one pharmaceutical additive;

(4) Mixing the therapeutic agent-substrate complex and the thermo-formable matrix blend in a ratio from between 1:10 to 10:1;

(5) Granulating the therapeutic agent-substrate complex and the thermo-formable matrix blend to form the tamper-resistant dosage form in which the therapeutic agent-substrate complex is embedded in the thermo-formable matrix; and

(6) Shaping the tamper-resistant dosage form into one of tablet form and multiparticulate form.

The granulating step of (5) can be carried out by a hot melt extrusion process, or optionally by a wet granulation process or a dry granulation process.

The thermo-formable matrix imparts plasticity and hardness to the dosage form. Embedding the drug-substrate complex in the thermo-formable matrix produces a synergistic effect that renders the dosage form more resistant to tampering while releasing the therapeutic agent in a controlled manner. If only the therapeutic agent-substrate is used without the thermo-formable matrix during the preparation of extended release dosage forms, or if the therapeutic agent is dispersed in the thermo-formable matrix without a substrate, or if only a blend of the therapeutic agent and the substrate but not a complex is dispersed in the thermo-formable matrix the formulations do not exhibit both tamper-resistant and extended release properties.

According to the disclosure, cellulosic thermoplastic polymers comprise, but not limited to, hydroxylpropyl cellulose, hydroxylpropyl methylcellulose, hydroxyethyl cellulose, and methylcellulose cellulose; and non-cellulosic thermoplastic polymers comprise, but not limited to, polyvinyl pyrrolidone, polyvinyl acetate polyvinyl alcohol, butyl/methyl methacrylate-dimethylaminoethylmethacrylate copolymer, polyethylene glycol, polyethylene oxide, polypropylene glycol and polyvinyl caprolactam-polyvinyl acetate-polyethylene glycol.

In one embodiment, the thermo-formable matrix comprises at least hydroxypropyl cellulose wherein the molecular weight is from 80,000 g/mol to 1,150,000 g/mol.

In another embodiment, the thermo-formable matrix comprises at least polyvinyl caprolactam-polyvinyl acetate-polyethylene glycol copolymer, wherein the molecular weight is 118,000 g/mol.

The yet another embodiment, the thermo-formable matrix comprises one or more substrates, including polyelectrolytes, inorganic adsorbents, inclusion compounds and fatty acids.

In one aspect, substrates comprising polyelectrolytes are selected, for example, from the group consisting of nucleic acids, poly (L-lysine), poly (L-glutamic acid), carrageenan, alginates, and hyaluronic acid, pectin, chitosan (deacetylation of chitin), cellulose-based, starch-based and dextran-based polymers poly(vinylbenzyl trialkyl ammonium), poly(4-vinyl-N-alkyl-pyridimiun), poly(acryloyl-oxyalkyl-trialkyl ammonium), poly(acryamido-alkyl-trialkyl ammonium), poly(diallydimethyl-ammonium), poly(acrylic or methacrylic acid), and poly(itaconic acid) and maleic acid/diallyamine copolymer, crosslinked copolymers such as carbopols, crosscarmellose, ion exchange resins and mixtures thereof.

Examples of ion exchange resins include sulfonated copolymer of styrene and divinylbenzene, a carboxylate copolymer of styrene and divinylbenzene, a copolymer of styrene and divinylbenzene containing quaternary ammonium groups such as Amberlite® IR-120, Amberlite® XE-69, Amberlite® IRP-64/69, Dowex® 50WX2, Dowex® 50WX4, Dowex® 50WX8, f Duolite® AP 143, Indion® 204, Indion® 214, Indion® 234, Indion® 264, Tulsion® 335, Tulsion® 339, and Tulsion® 343 and mixtures thereof.

In another aspect, substrates comprising inorganic adsorbents are selected, for example, from the group consisting of but not limited to aluminum silicate, attapulgite, bentonite, calcium silicate, kaolin, lithium magnesium aluminum silicate, lithium magnesium silicate, lithium magnesium sodium silicate, magnesium silicate, magnesium trisilicate, montmorillonite, pyrophyllite, sodium magnesium silicate, zeolite, and zirconium silicate and mixtures thereof.

In yet another aspect, substrates comprising inclusion compounds are selected, for example, from the group consisting of but not limited to α-cyclodextrins, β-cyclodextrins and γ-cyclodextrins.

In yet another aspect, substrates comprising fatty acids are selected from the group, for example, consisting of but not limited to arachidonic acid, capric acid, caprylic acid, dihomo-γ-linoleic acid, docesenoic acid, docosatetraenoic acid, docosohexaconic acid, docosopentanoic acid, eicosapentanoic acid, gondoic acid, lauric acid, linoleic acid, α-linoleic acid, 6-linoleic acid, myristic acid, nervonic acid, oleic acid, oleostearic acid, palmitic acid, palmitoleic acid, stearic acid, and vaccenic acid and mixtures thereof.

In another embodiment, the thermo-formable matrix comprises prodrugs consisting of, for example, from the group but not limited to amides and esters of therapeutic agents.

In another embodiment, the thermo-formable matrix comprises pharmaceutical additives consisting of plasticizers, waxes, surfactants, inorganic fillers, anti-adherents, erosion enhancers, and optionally, stabilizers.

Examples of plasticizers include, but not limited to, dibutyl sebacate, glycerol, polyethylene glycol, propylene glycol, triacetin, tributyl citrate, and triethyl citrate and mixtures thereof.

Examples of waxes include, but not limited to, bees wax, candilila wax, carnuba wax, and paraffin wax and mixtures thereof.

Examples of surfactants include, but not limited to, alkyl benzene sulfones, alkyl sulfates, ether carboxylates, glycerol/propylene glycol fatty acid esters, hexadecyl triammonium bromide, hydroxylated lecithin, lauryl carnitine, lower alcohol-fatty acid esters, mono-/di-glycerides, Ovothin®, polyethylene glycol alkyl ethers, polyethylene glycol-fatty acid monoesters, polyethylene glycol-fatty acid diesters, polyethylene glycol-glycerol esters, polyethylene glycol phenols, polyethylene glycol-sorbitan fatty acid esters, polyglyceride fatty acids, polyoxyethylene-polyoxypropylene block copolymers, propylene glycol-fatty acid esters, sodium cholate, sodium lauryl sulfate, sodium palmitate, sodium taurocholate, sorbitan-fatty acid esters, sterol and sterol derivatives, sugar esters, transesterification products of oils and alcohols and mixtures thereof.

Examples of inorganic fillers include, but not limited to silicon dioxide, aluminum silicate, attapulgite, bentonite, calcium silicate, calcium carbonate, dicalcium phosphate, kaolin, lithium magnesium aluminum silicate, lithium magnesium silicate, lithium magnesium sodium silicate, magnesium silicate, magnesium trisilicate, montmorillonite, pyrophyllite, sodium magnesium silicate, talc, titanium dioxide, zeolite, and zirconium silicate, and mixtures thereof.

Examples of anti-adherents include, but not limited to, calcium carbonate, dicalcium phosphate, kaolin, talc, and titanium dioxide, and mixtures thereof.

Examples of erosion enhancers include, but not limited to, hydroxyethyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose, polyvinyl pyrrolidone; mannitol, malitol, sorbitol, xylytol, sodium lauryl sulfate, Chremophor and Polysorbate 80, and mixtures thereof.

Examples of stabilizers include, but not limited to, butylhydroxytoulene, butylhydroxyanisole, propyl gallate, ascorbic acid, vitamin E-TPGS, phosphates, citrates, acetates, oxides and carbonates, and mixtures thereof.

In another embodiment, the tamper-resistant dosage form comprises therapeutic agents that are susceptible to abuse, i.e. “abuse-prone”, and those that are not.

In one aspect, abuse-prone therapeutic agents comprise, but not limited to, alfenatil, allylprodine, alphaprodine, anileridine, apomorphine, apocodeine, benzylmorphine, benzitramide, buprenorphine, butorphanol, clonitrazene, codeine, codeine methylbromide, codeine phosphate, codeine sulfate, cyclazocine, cyclorphen, cyprenorphine, desmorphine, dextromethorphan, dextromoramide, dezocine, diamromide, dihydrocodeine, dihydrocodeinone, dihydromorphine, dimenoxadol, dimepheptanol, dimethylthiambutene, dioxyaphetyl butyrate, dipipanone, eptazocine, ethoheptazine, ethylmethylthiambutene, ethylmorphine, etonitazene, fentanyl, hydrocodone, hydrocodone barbiturate, hydroxymethylmorphinan, hydromorphone, hydroxypethidine, isomethadone, ketobemidone, levallorphan, levorphanol, levophenacylmorphan, lofentanil, meperidine, meptazinol, metazocine, methadone, methylmorphine, metopon, morphine, morphine derivatives, myrophine, nalbuphine, narceine, nicomorphine, norlevorphanol, normethadone, nalorphine, normorphine, norpipanol, ohmefentanyl, opium, oxycodone, oxymorphone, papaverum, pentazocine, phenadoxone, phenomorphan, phenazocine, phenoperidine, pheoperidine, pholcodine, piminodine, piritramide, propheptazine, promedol, profadol, properidine, propiram, propoxyphene, remifentanyl, sufentanyl, tramadol, tilidine, naltrexone, naloxone, nalmefene, methylnaltrexone, naloxone methiodide, naloxonazine, trindole, naltrindole isothiocyanate, naltriben, norbinaltorphimine, funaltrexmine, and salts or esters of any of the opioids, acecabromal, bomisovalum, capruide, cabromal, ectylurea, chlorhexadol, ethcholorvynol, meparfynol, 4-methyl-5-thiazolethanol, tetrapentylalcohol, butoctamide, diethylbromoacetamide, ibrotamide, isovarleryl diethylamide, niaprazine, triacetamide, trimetozine, zolpidem, zopiclone; barbituric acid derivatives such as allobarbital, amobarbital, aprobarbital, barbital, brallabarbital, butabarbital sodium, butabarbital, butallylonal, buthetal, carbubarb, cyclobarbital, cyclopentobarbital, enallylpropymal, 5-ethyl-5-(1-piperidyl)barbituric acid, 5-furfuryl-5-isopropylbarbituric acid, heptabarbital, hexethal sodium, hexobarbital, mephobarbital, methitural, narcobarbital, nealbarbital, pentobarbital sodium, phenallylmal, phenobarbital, phenobarbital sodium, phenylmethylbarbituric acid, probarbital, propallylonal, proxibarbal, reposal, secobarbital sodium, thiopental, talbutal, tetrabarbital, thiobarbital, thiamylal, vinbarbital sodium, and vinylbital, benzodiazepine derivatives such as alprazolam, brotizolam, clorazepate, chlordiazepoxide, clonazepam, diazepam, doxefazepam, estazolam, flunitrazepam, flurazepam, haloxazolam, lorazepam, loprazolam, lormetazepam, nitrazepam, quazepam, temazepam, and triazolam; carbamates such as amylcarbamate, ethinamate, hexaprypymate, meparfynol carbamate, novonal and trichlorourethan; chloral derivatives such as carbocloral, chloral betaine, chloral formamide, chloral hydrate, chloralantipyrine, dichloralphenazone, pentaerithriol chloral and tricloflos; piperidinediones such as gluthemide, methylprylon, piperidione, taglutimide, thalidomide; quinazolone derivatives such as etaqualone, mecloquanone, and methaqualone; and others such as acetal, acetophenone, aldol, ammonium valerate, amphenidone, d-bornyl-a-bromoisovalerate, d-bornylisovalerate, calcium 2-ethylbutanoate, carfinate, α-chlorolose, clomethiazole, cypripedium, doxylamine, etodroxizine, etomidate, fenadiazole, homofenazine, hydrobromic acid, mecloxamine, methyl valerate, opium, paraldehyde, perlapine, propiomazine, rimazafone, sodium oxybate, sulfomethylmethane, sulfonmethane, amphethamine, dextroamphethamine, levoamphetamine, methamphetamine, methylphenidate, phenmetrazine, modatinil, avafinil, armodafinil, and ampalimes; cannabinoids such as tetrahydro-cannabinol, nabilone; ketamine, tiletamine, dextromethorphan, ibogaine, dixocilpine; anabolic steroids such as androisoxazole, androstenediol, bolandiiol, clostebol, ethylesternol, formyldienolone, 4-hydroxy-19-nortestosterone, methandriol, methenolone, methyltrienolone, nandrolone, nandrolone deconate, nandrolone p-hexyloxyphenylpropionate, nandrolone phenpropionate, norbolethone, oxymestrone, pizotyline, quinbolone, stenbolone and trenbolone; anorexics such as aminorex, amphecloral, benzaphetamine, chlorphentermine, clobenzorex, cloforex, clortermine, cyclexedrine, diethylpropion, diphemethoxidine, n-ethylamphetamine, fenbutrazate, fenfluramine, fenproporex, furfurylmethylamphetamine, levophacetoperate, mazindol, mefenorex, metamfeproamone, norpseudoephedrine, phendimetrazine, phendimetrazine trtrate, phentermine, phenylpropanolamine hydrochloride, picilorex, pseudoephedrine, ephedrine, levo-methamphetamine, phenylpropanolamine, propylhexedrine and synephrine.

In another aspect, therapeutic agents that are not susceptible to abuse comprise, but not limited to, atenolol, albendazole, alendronate, alprostadil, allopurinol, amlexanox, anagrelide, aminophylline, alitretinoin, amodiaquine, astemizole, atovaquone, aztreonam, atorvastatin, azlocillin, baclofen, benazepril, benzonatate, bitolterol mesylate, brompheniramine, cabergoline, carisoprodol, celecoxib, cefpiramide, chlorothiazide, chlormezanone, cimetidine, cetirizine, cefotaxime, ciprofloxacin, cephalexin, chloroquine, clomocycline, cyclobenzaprine, cyproheptadine, cyproheptadine, cefmenoxime, cyclophosphamide, ciclopirox, cladribine, chlorpheniramine, chlorzoxazone, clemastine, clofarabine, cytarabine, dacarbazine, dantrolene, daunorubicin, dexamethasone, diclofenac, diethylcarbamazine, diphenhydramine, diphenylpyraline, disopyramide, diltiazem, dopamine, dofetilide, doxazosin, enoxacin, epirubicin, eplerenone, erlotinib, ertapenem, etoposide, exemestane, ezetimibe, fexofenadine, flucloxacillin, fulvestrant, fenofibrate, fenoprofen, fenoldopam, fluocinonide, flunisolide, fluorouracil, gefitinib, gemcitabine, grepafloxacin, guaifenesin, halofantrine, ibuprofen, ibandronate, ipratropium, irinotecan, isosorbide mononitrate, ipratropium, ivermectin, ketoconazole, ketoprofen, ketorolac, levamisole, letrozole, levosimendan, levofloxacin, lovastatin, loratadine, lymecycline, loracarbef, lisuride, meclofenamate, mefloquine, meloxicam, methocarbamol, methylbromide, metolazone, methyldopa, methdilazine, mequitazine, mitotane, mivacurium, moxifloxacin, mometasone, midodrine, milrinone, nabumetone, naproxen, nifedipine, nilutamide, nedocromil, omeprazole, olmesartan, oxaliplatin, oxamniquine; orphenadrine, pantoprazole, pefloxacin, pentamidine, penicillamine, pemetrexed, perhexiline, phenylbutazone, pipobroman, piroxicam, propranolol, phentermine, phentolamine, piperacillin, piperazine, primaquine, piroxicam, pivoxil, praziquantel, probenecid, porfimer, propafenone, prednisolone, proguanil, pyrimethamine, quinine, quinidine, ranolazine, remikiren, rofecoxib, salmeterol, sulfanilamide, sulfadiazine, suprofen, sulfinpyrazone, tenoxicam, triamterene, tolmetin, toremifene, tolazoline, tamoxifen, teniposide, theophylline, terbutaline, terfenadine, thioguanine, tolmetin, trimetrexate, triprolidine, trovafloxacin, verapamil, valsartan, vinorelbine, valrubicin, vincristine, valdecoxib and mixtures thereof.

Tamper-Resistant Dosage Form Properties:

Tamper-resistance is achieved through a synchronized barrier mechanism composed of mechanical, physical and chemical components. According to the disclosure, hardness and plasticity is imparted onto the dosage form through a combination of thermal processing and the incorporation of uniquely blended water-soluble and water-insoluble polymers and other pharmaceutical additives in the formulation. As a result, the dosage form does not easily get plasticized during chewing and mastication. It instead hydrates, forms a thin gel layer and slowly erodes from the surface upon chewing or mastication while keeping the core dry and hard with limited liquid penetration. Similarly, the dosage form resists crushing, breaking and grinding using commonly used tools and hence does not generate fine powders suitable for snorting. Even grinding using a coffee grinder only produces coarse particles that are not suitable for snorting. Moreover, even if the powders were suitable for snorting, which is not the case; the drug would not be available for absorption through the lining of the nasal cavity due to the complex and the rigid matrix in the particles.

Drug extraction from the dosage form is eliminated or minimized through a synchronized barrier mechanism. During the extraction process, the thermo-formable matrix generates a thin viscous gel layer on the surface over the hard and dry core of the dosage form, the thickness of which is dictated by the type of extraction solvent employed. In all cases, however, the drug-substrate complex present at the solvated gel layer cannot diffuse out into the extraction medium due to its poor mobility within the gel layer. Even if the thin gel layer were to erode and releases the drug-substrate complex into the extraction medium, the drug which, is tightly bound to the complex, and in turn “coated” by the thermoplastic polymer from the matrix, does not readily become available for extraction. This synchronized barrier mechanism comprising physical, mechanical and chemical components is a feature that differentiates the invention from prior art.

Abusers often heat the dosage forms to vaporize the drug for smoking purposes. According to the invention, vaporization of a drug from the dosage form is prevented through density and hardness of the dosage form, immobilization of the drug within the drug-substrate complex, and immobilization of the drug-substrate complex within the thermo-formable matrix. The drug-substrate complex has much lower vapor pressure than that of the free drug, and, as a result, requires much higher heat energy to liberate the free drug from the complex and the matrix, if the dosage form were thermally stable when exposed to elevated temperatures. However, it was discovered that excessive heating of the dosage form leads to decomposition and charring of formulation components which potentially liberate obnoxious fumes that the abuser may not tolerate.

Mechanism of Drug Release:

Without limiting the scope of this invention, the mechanism of how a drug is released from the tamper-resistant dosage form can be illustrated by FIG. 1. According to the invention, the tamper-resistant dosage form and the mechanism of release are applicable to either the tablet or the multiparticulate forms of the drug. As shown in FIG. 1, a tablet may be represented by a plurality of drug-substrate (DS) complexes, including prodrugs, imbedded in a matrix.

Under Step 1, the tablet surface undergoes a hydration process that leads to the formation of a gel layer when a tablet is immersed in a dissolution medium or gastrointestinal fluid. Under Step 2, erosion of the gel layer takes place, leading to the release of the drug-substrate (DS) complexes. At this stage, the drug-substrate (DS) complexes are dislodged from the tablet and get suspended in the dissolution medium or gastrointestinal fluid. Under Step 3, free drug (D) is released from the drug-substrate (DS) complexes into the dissolution medium or gastrointestinal fluid through ionic displacement, enzymatic cleavage or pH effect.

According to the invention, drug release from the tamper-resistant dosage form is controlled by (a) hardness of the dosage from which controls the rate of fluid penetration into the core, (b) composition of the dosage form which controls the strength, hydration rate and dissolution of the gel layer, and (c) the decomplexation process in the dissolution medium or gastrointestinal fluid. Such control as described in the present invention ensures that the dosage form would not be susceptible to dose dumping or food effect as is frequently observed with dosage forms that rely exclusively on matrix control for release.

In one embodiment, the tamper-resistant dosage form according to the invention is resistant to abuse by chewing. The dosage form cannot be chewed irrespective of the bite force. It only erodes over time. The eroded material still contains the drug-substrate complex “coated” by the thermoformable matrix components which would in turn make the drug less available for absorption upon ingestion. Examples of prescription drugs abused by swallowing include; barbiturates such as phenobarbital and secobarbital; opioids such as morphine, codeine, fentanyl, methadone, oxycodone HCl, hydrocodone bitartrate, hydromorphone, oxymorphone, meperidine, propoxyphene and dextromethorphan; benzodiazepines such as diazepam and clonazepam; sleep medications such as zolpidem and zaleplon; and stimulants such as amphetamine and methylphenidate.

In another embodiment, the dosage form according to the invention is resistant to abuse by snorting. Since the dosage form does not get reduced into fine powder, it does not allow the abuser to administer the therapeutic agent intra-nasally to facilitate drug absorption through the lining of the nasal passages by snorting. Even if the dosage from were susceptible to produce fine powders upon pulverization, which is not the case, the therapeutic agent would still be tightly bound to the substrate and “coated” by the thermoplastic polymer, and not become available for intra-nasal absorption. Examples of prescription drugs abused by snorting include: opioids such as morphine, codeine, fentanyl, methadone, oxycodone HCl, hydrocodone bitartrate, hydromorphone, oxymorphone, meperidine and propoxyphene; sleep medications such as zolpidem and zaleplon; stimulants such as amphetamine and methylphenidate.

In yet another embodiment, the dosage form according to the invention prevents abuse by injection. Extraction of the therapeutic agent using commonly used organic and household solvents with continuous agitation of the dosage form for at least 8 hours in 30 mL or 200 mL extraction volume leads to insignificant drug release. Similar results were obtained when the dosage form was milled in a coffee grinder and similarly tested for 15 minutes (as shown in FIG. 2A) and 60 minutes (as shown in FIG. 2B). Examples of prescription drugs abused by injection include: barbiturates, such as phenobarbital and secobarbital; opioids such as morphine, codeine, fentanyl, methadone, oxycodone HCl, hydrocodone bitartrate, hydromorphone, oxymorphone, meperidine and propoxyphene; stimulants such as amphetamine and methylphenidate.

In yet another embodiment, the present invention relates to a dosage form that prevents drug abuse by smoking where the therapeutic agent needs to vaporize for inhalation after exposure of the dosage form to heat. For example, the dosage form is placed on top of a spoon, and heated from underneath using a cigarette lighter or high temperature acetylene torch to vaporize the therapeutic agent. Excessive heating of the dosage form leads to decomposition and charring of formulation components. Examples of prescription drugs abused by smoking include: fentanyl and its analogs, amphetamines, and morphine.

In yet another embodiment, the present invention relates to a dosage form that prevents drug abuse by ingestion of multiple tablets. The amount of drug released from multiple tablets in simulated gastrointestinal fluid relative to a single unit is greatly reduced and is not dose proportional. It is expected that the spike desired by abusers would not occur when more units than required by dosing instructions are ingested by the abusers.

In yet another embodiment, the present invention relates to formulations that provide multiple modified release profiles. The profiles, which range from over 90% in 4 hours to greater than 90% in 24 hours (FIG. 3), demonstrate the flexibility of the formulations and the opportunity they provide during the development of dosage forms that satisfy the diverse pharmacokinetic requirements of therapeutic agents.

In yet another embodiment, the present invention relates to a dosage form that generates release rates that are independent of therapeutic agents. That is, different therapeutic agents incorporated in a given formulation provide the same release profiles. Such a surprising discovery makes it possible to establish base formulations (templates) that would form the basis for the development of different products, thereby shortening development time (FIG. 4).

In yet another embodiment, the present invention relates to a dosage form that increases the shelf life of products by eliminating or at least minimizing oxidative or hydrolytic decomposition of therapeutic agents. Many therapeutic agents, including opioids, undergo oxidative or hydrolytic degradation when exposed to acidic or alkaline aqueous environments or thermal stresses, or both. Moreover, some pharmaceutical additives, such as polyethylene oxide, contain trace amounts of peroxides and promote oxidation of the therapeutic agent upon storage or during thermal processing, and, as a result, anti-oxidants and buffering agents are routinely added to formulations to prevent potential degradation of therapeutic agents through the shelf-life of the dosage forms. In the present invention, the formation and incorporation of the drug-substrate complex within the thermo-formable matrix generally obviates the need for incorporating anti-oxidants and buffering agents in the dosage form, although incorporation of these agents is also possible in special cases.

In yet another embodiment, the invention relates to a tamper-resistant dosage form that ensures dissolution stability and consequently the shelf-life of products. The dissolution stability of matrix-based dosage forms is dictated by the rate of migration of the drug molecules within the matrix which in turn depends on the physical stability of the matrix and the properties of the drug substance. Changes in the physical stability of the matrix retards or accelerates the migration of the drug molecules, which in turn affect release rate. In contrast, according to the current invention, mobility of the drug-substrate complex is restricted within the matrix, thereby enhancing dissolution stability of the dosage form.

In yet another embodiment, the invention relates a tamper-resistant dosage form comprising multi-particulates that are compressed into tablets and release the therapeutic agent from less than an hour up to 24 hours (FIG. 5). Multiparticulates are blended with other tableting excipients and compressed prior to dissolution testing. During dissolution, the compressed tablets disintegrate in less than a minute to regenerate the original multiparticulates which control the release rate.

EXAMPLES

The following examples are included to demonstrate certain embodiments of the present invention and not intended to be limiting. They are for illustrative purposes only and it is to be noted that changes and variations can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Example 1 Preparation of Drug-Substrate Complex

In this example, a general process for the preparation of a drug-substrate complex is illustrated using an ion exchange resin as a model substrate. For example, a drug-ion exchange resin complex is prepared from a blend of the drug and Amberlite IRP 69 (Sodium polystyrene sulfonate, manufactured by Rohm Haas, Philadelphia, Pa., USA and supplied by Dow Chemical Company, Midland, Mich., USA) using a novel reactive extrusion process. A 16 mm twin-screw extruder is used as a reactor, although larger size extruders could be used if the desired batch size is high. The drug and Amberlite IRP 69 are pre-blended and the blend introduced into the extruder through a powder feed port. At a second port downstream from the first feed port, deionized water is added at a controlled rate to generate a heavy suspension. The extrusion process is carried out at a screw speed of 300 rpm and processing temperatures of 25° C. The suspension is collected, dried in a drying oven and stored for further processing.

Alternatively, the suspension is washed using deionized water to remove any free uncomplexed drug as is done with other methods known in the art. The supernatant is decanted and discarded. The residue comprising a drug-ion exchange resin complex is then dried in a drying oven.

Example 2 Propranolol Ion-Exchange Resin Complex Particles

A formulation composed of a complex of a therapeutic agent (propranolol), and a substrate (ion-exchange resin) only, without the incorporation of a thermoplastic polymer, and hence a thermoformable matrix, was prepared. The propranolol ion exchange resin complex was prepared using the procedure described in Example 1.

Dissolution Studies:

Dissolution studies were conducted in 900 mL of pH 6.8 Phosphate buffer (0.05M) consisting of 0.2% sodium chloride using USP Apparatus II (Paddle) at 75 rpm. The dissolution data is given below:

Time % (h) Released 0.25 78 0.5 89 1 96 2 98

Extraction Studies

Extraction studies were conducted in different solvents using a wrist action shaker at a speed of 416 rpm and 18° angle. Samples were withdrawn at 15 minutes and 60 minutes and the drug release was determined using a spectrophotometer. The results are given below:

% Released Extraction 15 60 Solvent min min 0.9% NaCl 3.4 3.6 solution Methanol 0.4 0.5 Water 0.5 0.4 0.1N HCl 1.4 1.4 Ethanol 40% 0.4 0.4 0.1N NaOH 2.7 2.5 Ethanol 96% 0.2 0.2 Isopropanol 0.6 0.8 Ethylacetate 0.2 0.2

Example 3 Propranolol HCl Multiparticulates

A formulation composed of a therapeutic agent (propranolol), thermoplastic polymers (hydroxypropylcellulose I and II) and a pharmaceutical additive (silicon dioxide) was prepared. Neither a substrate, nor a therapeutic agent-substrate complex was included in the formulation.

Propranolol HCl (free drug), hydroxypropylcellulose (I), hydroxypropylcellulose (II) and silicon dioxide were blended, fed into a 16 mm twin screw extruder and extruded. The extrusion process was carried out at a processing temperature of 140° C. and a screw speed of 200 rpm. The extrudates were shaped into multiparticulates downstream. A portion of the multiparticulates were mixed with external excipients and compressed into tablets. The tablets and the remaining portion of multiparticulates were collected and stored in high density polyethylene (HDPE) bottles.

% Ingredient w/w Propranolol HCl 25 Hydroxypropyl cellulose (I) 35.5 (M.W. 370,000) Hydroxypropyl cellulose (II) 35.5 (M.W. 80,000) Silicon dioxide 4 Total 100

Dissolution Studies:

Dissolution studies were conducted in pH 6.8 Phosphate buffer (0.05M) consisting of 0.2% sodium chloride using USP Apparatus II (Paddle) at 75 rpm. The tablets disintegrated within 1 minute in the dissolution medium. The dissolution data is given below:

Time % (h) Released 0.25 41 0.5 69 1 100

Extraction Studies

Extraction studies were conducted in different solvents using a wrist action shaker at a speed of 416 rpm and 18° angle. Samples were withdrawn at 15 minutes and 60 minutes and drug release determined using a spectrophotometer. The results are given below:

% Released Extraction 15 60 Solvent min min 0.9% NaCl 62.6 94.2 solution Methanol 94.7 99.3 Water 77.4 94.2 0.1N HCl 68.7 90.8 Ethanol 40% 42.4 85.9 0.1N NaOH 4.3 5.0 Ethanol 96% 42.8 80.7 Isopropanol 22.5 44.1 Ethylacetate 23.4 25.4

Example 4 Propranolol HCl and Ion-Exchange Resin Blend-Based Multiparticulates

A formulation composed of a therapeutic agent (propranolol), a substrate (Amberlite IRP 69), thermoplastic polymers (hydroxypropylcellulose I and II) and a pharmaceutical additive (silicon dioxide) was prepared. The therapeutic agent and the substrate were incorporated in the formulation independently and not as a pre-formed complex.

Propranolol HCl (free drug), Amberlite IRP 69 (uncomplexed resin), hydroxypropylcellulose (I), hydroxypropylcellulose (II) and silicon dioxide were blended, fed into a 16 mm twin screw extruder and extruded. The extrusion process was carried out at processing temperatures of 140° C. and a screw speed of 200 rpm. The extrudates were shaped into multiparticulates downstream. A portion of the multiparticulates were mixed with external excipients and compressed into tablets. The tablets and the remaining portion of the multiparticulates were collected and stored in high density polyethylene (HDPE) bottles.

% Ingredient w/w Propranolol HCl 25 Amberlite IRP 69 (Ion-exchange 25 resin) Hydroxypropyl cellulose (I) 23 (M.W. 370,000) Hydroxypropyl cellulose (II) 23 (M.W. 80,000) Silicon dioxide 4 Total 100

Dissolution Studies:

Time % (h) Released 0.25 43 0.5 63 1 93 2 100

Extraction Studies

Extraction studies were conducted on the multiparticulates in different solvents using a wrist action shaker at a speed of 416 rpm and 18° angle. Samples were withdrawn at 15 minutes and 60 minutes and the drug release was determined using a spectrophotometer. The results are given below:

% Released Extraction 15 60 Solvent min min 0.9% NaCl 45.6 58.3 solution Methanol 75.4 77.6 Water 54.5 57.2 0.1N HCl 41.2 40.6 Ethanol 40% 44.6 45.1 0.1N NaOH 5.7 5.4 Ethanol 96% 64.8 69.5 Isopropanol 36.4 55.2 Ethylacetate 9.3 12.3

Example 5 Propranolol Ion-Exchange Resin Complex-Based Multiparticulates

A formulation composed of a therapeutic agent-substrate complex (Propranolol-Amberlite IRP 69 complex), thermoplastic polymers (hydroxypropylcellulose I and II) and a pharmaceutical additive (silicon dioxide) was prepared.

Propranolol ion exchange complex, hydroxypropylcellulose (I), hydroxypropylcellulose (II) and silicon dioxide were blended, fed into a 16 mm twin screw extruder and extruded. The extrusion process was carried out at a processing temperature of 140° C. and a screw speed of 200 rpm. The extrudates were shaped into multiparticulates downstream. A portion of the multiparticulates were mixed with external excipients and compressed into tablets. The tablets and the remaining portion of multiparticulates were collected and stored in high density polyethylene (HDPE) bottles.

% Ingredient w/w Propranolol Ion Exchange 50 Resin Complex Hydroxypropyl cellulose (I) 23 (M.W. 370,000) Hydroxypropyl cellulose (II) 23 (M.W. 80,000) Silicon dioxide 4 Total 100

Dissolution Studies:

Time % (h) Released 0.25 0.5 0.5 4 1 13 2 35 3 62 4 77

Extraction Studies

% Released Extraction 15 60 Solvent min min 0.9% NaCl 3.1 4.5 solution Methanol 2.3 2.6 Water 0.9 3.4 0.1N HCl 1.5 2.1 Ethanol 40% 1.0 1.1 0.1N NaOH 5.5 5.7 Ethanol 96% 1.9 5.0 Isopropanol 1.0 2.5 Ethylacetate 0.7 1.2

Example 6 Dextromethorphan-Ion Exchange Resin Complex-Based Tablets

A mixture of Dextromethorphan ion exchange resin complex, hydroxypropylcellulose (I), hydroxypropylcellulose (II) and polyethylene glycol were blended and fed into a 16 mm twin screw extruder and extruded at extrusion temperatures of 100° C. and a screw speed of 200 rpm. The extrudate was shaped into tablets downstream. The tablets were collected and stored in high density polyethylene (HDPE) bottles.

% Ingredient w/w Dextromethorphan Ion Exchange Resin 50 Complex Hydroxypropyl cellulose (I) (M.W. 26.25 370,000) Hydroxypropylcellulose (II) (M.W. 8.75 80,000) Polyethylene glycol (M.W. 400) 15 Total 100

Dissolution Studies:

Dissolution studies were conducted in pH 6.8 Phosphate buffer (0.05M) consisting of 0.2% sodium chloride using USP Apparatus I (basket) at 100 rpm. The dissolution data is given below:

Time % (h) Released 1 7 2 15 3 21 4 28 5 34 6 40 7 45 8 49

Extraction Studies

Extraction studies were conducted in different solvents using a wrist action shaker at a speed of 416 rpm and 18° angle. Samples were withdrawn at 15 minutes and 60 minutes, and the drug release was determined using a UV-spectrophotometer. The results are given below:

Intact Tablets % Released Extraction 15 60 Solvent min min Methanol 1.2 2.3 Water 0.2 0.3 0.1N HCl 1.7 2.7 Ethanol40% 0.5 0.7 0.1N NaOH 6.9 6.2 Ethanol 96% 0.7 1.5 Isopropanol 0.3 0.6 Ethylacetate 0.3 0.7

Example 7 Propranolol Tablet Formulations Manufactured by Dry Granulation

A mixture of Propranolol ion exchange resin complex, hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose K100M CR (I), Lactose, PVP K30 and stearic acid were blended, dry granulated, milled and compressed. Tablets were collected and stored in high density polyethylene (HDPE) bottles.

% Ingredient w/w Propranolol Ion Exchange Resin 50 Complex Hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose 30 K100 M CR Lactose 10 PVP K30 9.5 Stearic acid 0.5 Total 100

Dissolution Studies:

Dissolution studies were conducted using USP Apparatus II (Paddle) at 100 rpm in pH 6.8 Phosphate buffer (0.05M) consisting of 0.2% sodium chloride. The dissolution data is given below

Time % (h) Released 0 0 1 11 2 20 3 27 4 33 5 38 6 45 7 51 8 56

% Released Extraction 15 60 Solvent min min Methanol 3.0 3.2 0.1N HCl 2.9 3.1 0.1N NaOH 6.7 8.0 Ethylacetate 1.1 1.8

Example 8 Propranolol Tablet Formulations Manufactured by Wet Granulation

A mixture of Propranolol ion exchange resin complex, hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose LVCR CR (I), and Polyethylen oxide, PVP K30 were blended and wet granulated. The granulation was dried in forced air oven at 40° C. overnight and delumped by passing through a screen. The milled granulation was then compressed in to appropriate tablet size. Tablets were collected and stored in high density polyethylene (HDPE) bottles.

% Ingredient w/w Propranolol Ion Exchange Resin 50 Complex Hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose LV CR 40 Polyethylenoxide (M.W. 200,000) 10 Total 100

Dissolution Studies:

Dissolution studies were conducted using USP Apparatus II (Paddle) at 100 rpm in pH 6.8 Phosphate buffer (0.05M) consisting of 0.2% sodium chloride. The dissolution data is given below:

Time % (h) Released 0 0 1 6 2 14 3 22 4 31 5 44 6 55 7 71 8 82

% Released Extraction 15 60 Solvent min min Methanol 8.2 9.5 0.1N HCl 3.5 4.4 0.1N NaOH 7.9 15.4 Ethylacetate 2.2 3.2

Examples 2-4 demonstrate that a pre-formed therapeutic agent-substrate complex embedded into the hard, erodible, thermo-formable matrix is critical to generate a dosage form that is tamper-resistant and provides programmed extended release profiles. Examples 5 and 6 show that target dissolution profiles and tamper-resistance can be achieved whether the dosage form comprises tablets or multiparticulates, very surprising results not taught in the prior art. Examples 7 and 8 demonstrate that a variety of dissolution profiles with excellent tamper-resistance can be obtained consistently by a dry granulation process or a wet granulation process as long as the therapeutic agent-substrate complex is embedded within the thermo-formable matrix.

Claims

1. A tamper resistant dosage form composition, comprising: a therapeutic agent-substrate complex prepared by an extrusion process.

2. The dosage form of claim 1, wherein the weight ratio of the therapeutic agent to substrate of the therapeutic agent-substrate complex is from between 1:20 and 20:1.

3. A tamper resistant dosage form composition, comprising a therapeutic agent-substrate complex; said therapeutic agent-substrate complex is embedded in an erodible thermo-formable matrix prepared by a granulation process.

4. The dosage form of claim 3, wherein the weight ratio of the therapeutic agent-substrate complex to the erodible thermo-formable matrix is from between 1:10 to 10:1.

5. The dosage form of claim 3, wherein the therapeutic agent-substrate and a free substrate is embedded in the erodible thermo-formable by the granulation process.

6. The tamper resistant dosage form composition, comprising an erodible thermo-formable matrix comprising at least one cellulosic thermoplastic polymer and optionally at least one non-cellulosic thermoplastic polymer and at least one pharmaceutical additive.

7. The tamper resistant dosage form of claim 6, wherein the amount of the pharmaceutical additives in the thermo-formable matrix is less than 20% by weight.

8. The tamper resistant dosage form composition, comprising: monolithic tablets and multiparticulates comprising a therapeutic agent-substrate complex embedded in an erodible thermo-formable matrix, wherein the dosage form is resistant to tampering through a synchronized barrier mechanism.

9. The tamper resistant dosage form composition, comprising: monolithic tablets and multiparticulates comprising a therapeutic agent-substrate complex embedded in an erodible thermo-formable matrix, wherein the release mechanism eliminates or reduces the effect of intentional or unintentional dosing of multiple tablets.

10. The tamper resistant dosage form composition, comprising: monolithic tablets and multiparticulates comprising a therapeutic agent-substrate embedded in an erodible thermo-formable matrix, wherein said dosage forms comprise drug independent template formulations.

11. The tamper resistant dosage form composition, comprising: monolithic tablets and multiparticulates comprising a therapeutic agent-substrate complex embedded in an erodible thermo-formable matrix wherein the formulations impart physical and chemical stability on to dosage form.

12. The tamper resistant dosage form composition, comprising: monolithic tablets and multiparticulates comprising a therapeutic agent-substrate complex embedded in an erodible thermo-formable matrix wherein the release profiles extend from one hour to 24 hours.

13. The dosage form in claim 1 wherein the extrusion process comprises a reactive extrusion process wherein the therapeutic agent and the substrate interact to form the complex.

14. The dosage form in claim 13 wherein the substrate has an average particle size distribution is from 5 u up to 250 u.

15. The dosage form in claim 3 wherein the granulation process comprises melt granulation, wet granulation and dry granulation.

16. The dosage form in claim 6 wherein the cellulosic thermoplastic polymer comprises hydroxylpropyl cellulose, hydroxylpropyl methylcellulose, hydroxyethyl cellulose, and methylcellulose.

17. The dosage form in claim 6 wherein the non-cellulosic thermoplastic polymer comprises polyvinyl pyrrolidone, polyvinyl acetate polyvinyl alcohol, butyl/methyl methacrylate-dimethylaminoethylmethacrylate copolymer, polyethylene glycol, polyethylene oxide, polypropylene glycol and polyvinyl caprolactam-polyvinyl acetate-polyethylene glycol.

18. The dosage form in claim 6 wherein the at least one pharmaceutical additives are selected from the group consisting of a plasticizer, a wax, a surfactant, inorganic filler, an anti-adherent, an erosion enhancer, a stabilizer, and mixtures thereof.

19. The dosage form in claim 1 further comprising a synchronized barrier mechanism comprising physical, mechanical and chemical components.

20. The dosage form in claim 20 wherein the synchronized barrier provides resistance to chewing, crushing, milling, extraction or vaporization.

21. The dosage form in claim 19 wherein the synchronized barrier prevents drug abuse by swallowing, snorting, injection or smoking.

22. The dosage form in claim 1 wherein a release mechanism reduces or eliminates the undesirable effects of swallowing multiple dosage forms in a manner not intended by the dosing instructions.

23. The dosage form in claim 1 wherein a drug independent template formulations comprise formulations that permit substitution of one therapeutic agent for another without altering dissolution profiles and tampering properties.

24. The dosage form in claim 3, wherein physical and chemical stability of the therapeutic agent and physical stability of the matrix is achieved by a combination of the therapeutic agent-substrate complex and the rigid, erodible thermo-formable matrix.

25. The dosage form in claim 1, wherein the tablets release the therapeutic agent in 4 to 24 hours.

26. The dosage form in claim 1, wherein the multiparticulates release the therapeutic agent in 1 to 24 hours.

27. The dosage form in claim 1 wherein the therapeutic agent is selected from the group consisting of morphine, hydromorphone, oxymorphone, codeine, hydrocodone oxycodone, pentazocine, naloxone, noltrexone, alprazolam, zopiclone, amphetamine, methylphenidate, dextromethorphan, ephedrine, pseudoephedrine, chlorpheniramine, propranolol, verapamil, clonidine, albuterol and acceptable salts thereof.

28. The dosage form in claim 1 wherein the substrate is selected from the group consisting of a polyelectrolyte, a fatty acid, an inorganic adsorbent and an inclusion compound.

29. The dosage form in claim 1 wherein reactive extrusion is carried out in a twin screw extruder under controlled conditions of temperature, pressure and pH.

30. The dosage form in claim 3, wherein the melt granulation is carried out in a twin screw extruder at processing temperatures below 150° C.

31. The dosage form in claim 28 wherein the polyelectrolyte is selected from the group consisting of nucleic acids, poly (L-lysine), poly (L-glutamic acid), carrageenan, alginates, hyaluronic acid, pectin, chitosan (deacetylation of chitin), cellulose-based, starch-based, dextran-based polymers, poly (vinylbenzyl trialkyl ammonium), poly (4-vinyl-N-alkyl-pyridimiun), poly (acryloyl-oxyalkyl-trialkyl ammonium), poly (acryamidoalkyl-trialkyl ammonium), poly (diallydimethyl-ammonium), poly (acrylic or methacrylic acid), and poly (itaconic acid) and maleic acid/diallyamine copolymer, carbopols, crosscarmellose, and ion exchange resin.

32. The dosage form in claim 30 wherein the ion exchange resin is selected from the group consisting of a sulfonated copolymer of styrene and divinylbenzene, a carboxylate copolymer of styrene and divinylbenzene, a copolymer of styrene and divinylbenzene containing quaternary ammonium groups.

33. The dosage form in claim 28 wherein the fatty acid is selected from the group consisting of arachidonic acid, capric acid, caprylic acid, dihomo-γ-linoleic acid, docesenoic acid, docosatetraenoic acid, docosohexaconic acid, docosopentanoic acid, eicosapentanoic acid, gondoic acid, lauric acid, linoleic acid, α-linoleic acid, 6-linoleic acid, myristic acid, nervonic acid, oleic acid, oleostearic acid, palmitic acid, palmitoleic acid, stearic acid, vaccenic acid and mixtures thereof.

34. The dosage form in claim 28 wherein the inorganic adsorbent is selected from the group consisting of silicon dioxide, aluminum silicate, attapulgite, bentonite, calcium silicate, kaolin, lithium magnesium aluminum silicate, lithium magnesium silicate, lithium magnesium sodium silicate, magnesium silicate, magnesium trisilicate, montmorillonite, pyrophyllite, sodium magnesium silicate, zeolite, and zirconium silicate and mixtures thereof.

35. The dosage form in claim 28 wherein the inclusion compound is selected from the group consisting of α-cyclodextrin, β-cyclodextrin and γ-cyclodextrin.

36. The dosage form in claim 18, wherein the plasticizer is selected from the group consisting of dibutyl sebacate, glycerol, polyethylene glycol, propylene glycol, triacetin, tributyl citrate, and triethyl citrate and mixtures thereof.

37. The dosage form in claim 18, wherein the wax is selected from the group consisting of bee's wax, candilila wax, carnuba wax, and paraffin wax and mixtures thereof.

38. The dosage form in claim 18, wherein the surfactant is selected from the group consisting of alkyl benzene sulfones, alkyl sulfates, ether carboxylates, glycerol/propylene glycol fatty acid esters, hexadecyl triammonium bromide, hydroxylated lecithin, lauryl carnitine, lower alcohol-fatty acid esters, mono-/di-glycerides, Ovothin®, polyethylene glycol alkyl ethers, polyethylene glycol-fatty acid monoesters, polyethylene glycol-glycerol esters, polyethylene glycol phenols, polyethylene glycol-sorbitan fatty acid esters, polyglyceride fatty acids, polyoxyethylene-polyoxypropylene block copolymers, propylene glycol-fatty acid esters, sodium cholate, sodium lauryl sulfate, sodium palmitate, sodium taurocholate, sorbitan-fatty acid esters, sterol and sterol derivatives, sugar esters, and mixtures thereof.

39. The dosage form in claim 18, wherein the inorganic fillers is selected from the group consisting of aluminum silicate, attapulgite, bentonite, calcium silicate, kaolin, lithium magnesium aluminum silicate, lithium magnesium silicate, lithium magnesium sodium silicate, magnesium silicate, magnesium trisilicate, montmorillonite, pyrophyllite, sodium magnesium silicate, zeolite, and zirconium silicate and mixtures thereof.

40. The dosage form in claim 18, wherein the anti-adherent is selected from the group consisting of calcium carbonate, dicalcium phosphate, kaolin, talc, and titanium dioxide, and mixtures thereof.

41. The dosage form in claim 18, wherein the erosion enhancer is selected from the group consisting of hydroxypropyl cellulose, hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose, polyethylene oxide, polyvinyl pyrollidone, mannitol, malitol, sorbitol, xylitol, lactose, sodium lauryl sulfate, Polysorbate 80, and chremophor and mixtures thereof.

42. The dosage form in claim 18, wherein the stabilizer is selected from the group consisting of butylhydroxytoulene, butylhydroxyanisole, propyl gallate, ascorbic acid, vitamin E-TPGS, phosphates, citrates, acetates, oxides, carbonates and mixtures thereof.

43. A process for making a tamper resistant dosage form; the process comprising:

(1) blending at least one therapeutic agent and at least one substrate in a therapeutic agent-to-substrate ratio between 1:20 to 20:1 by weight;

(2) reacting the at least one therapeutic agent and the at least one substrate to form a therapeutic agent-substrate complex;

(3) forming a thermo-formable matrix blend with at least one thermoplastic polymer and optionally at least one pharmaceutical additive;

(4) mixing the therapeutic agent-substrate complex and the thermo-formable matrix blend in a ratio between 1:10 to 10:1 by weight;

(5) granulating the therapeutic agent-substrate complex and the thermo-formable matrix blend to form the tamper-resistant dosage form in which the therapeutic agent-substrate complex is embedded in the thermo-formable matrix; and

(6) shaping the tamper-resistant dosage form into a tablet and multiparticulates.

Patent History

Publication number: 20150064251
Type: Application
Filed: Jul 3, 2014
Publication Date: Mar 5, 2015
Inventor: Isaac Ghebre-Sellassie (Morris Plains, NJ)
Application Number: 14/323,412

Classifications

Current U.S. Class: Where Particles Are Granulated (424/470); Alkanol Group Only Between The Amino Nitrogen And An Ether Oxygen Which Is Bonded Directly To The Aryl Ring Or Aryl Ring System (i.e., Aryloxy Alkanol Amines) (514/652); Two Of The Cyclos Share At Least Three Ring Members (i.e., Bridged) (e.g., Morphinans, Etc.) (514/289); Treated With Nitrogen-containing Material (521/32); With Subsequent Uniting Of The Particles (264/6)
International Classification: A61K 9/20 (20060101); A61K 31/485 (20060101); A61K 31/137 (20060101);