ADAPTER FOR USE IN A PLANETARY MIXER

The present disclosure relates to a combination including an outer container for mounting in a container holder of a planetary mixer, the outer container receiving an inner container arrangement allowing to mix ingredients into the inner container arrangement with the planetary mixer to produce in the inner container arrangement a pharmaceutical composition. The outer container may include a body having an outer wall and an inner wall. The inner wall may delimit a central cavity for nestably receiving the inner container arrangement. The outer container may also include a slot on the inner wall. The slot may engage with a protrusion on the inner container arrangement when the inner container arrangement is received in the central cavity to inhibit rotational motion of the inner container arrangement within the outer container, induced as a result of combined rotation and revolution imparted to the outer container by the planetary mixer.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure generally relates to the field of compounding pharmaceutical compositions and, more specifically, to compounded pharmaceutical compositions having improved quality properties as well as to systems and methods for making same.

BACKGROUND

Medical facilities, licensed pharmacist or physicians may produce individual pharmaceutical compositions by blending together various ingredients, such as one or more active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) and pharmaceutically acceptable excipients, diluent or solvents, to create a medicine product tailored to the needs of an individual patient. Such activities are commonly referred as pharmaceutical compounding. Practically speaking, in the context of pharmacy compounding, the pharmacist will typically prepare such product tailored to the needs of an individual patient based on a medical prescription.

Pharmaceutical compounding involves blending of the composition ingredients, which is typically performed using manual mixing, for example, using a pestle and mortar. However, manually mixing ingredients can be time-consuming and is often prone to cross-contamination from poorly decontaminated or sterilized equipment used for the mixing. Along with the contamination risk, there is also the problem that performing manual mixing often results in products that face repeatability and/or quality challenges. In other words, it is often difficult to obtain compositions having consistent concentrations of API from one composition to another and/or consistent homogeneous API concentration within one preparation per se. This may result in substantial qualitative differences during manufacture of the same recipe, which at minimum can have an effect on the effectiveness of the recipe.

In this regard, various practical devices have been previously suggested to overcome the above deficiencies of compounding pharmaceutical compositions using manual mixing.

U.S. 2012/0269029 (Konietzko) describes a program-controlled mixer, which includes a control unit, a motor-driven mixing unit with a blade mixing tool, which engages into a mixing vessel, and a lift unit. The lift unit produces an axial relative motion between the blade mixing tool and the mixing vessel, to move the blade mixing tool in the mixing vessel between an upper end position and a lower one, preferably at a constant lifting speed.

A deficiency associated with many mixing devices is that they often involve mixing using blades that contact the mixture causing high shearing forces, which can generate so much heat during mixing so as to degrade thermally labile API.

Additionally or alternatively, many mixing devices often entrain air into the composition being mixed. The entrained air forms air bubbles in the composition modifying thereafter the specific gravity of the pharmaceutical composition. Since the specific gravity is the ratio of the density of the composition to the density of a reference substance; equivalently, it is the ratio of the mass of the composition to the mass of a reference substance for the same given volume. Variations in specific gravity of a composition can be detrimental in that such variations alters the aforementioned ratio and, accordingly, alters the API weight content which is filled in a pharmaceutical container for a given volume of composition filled in. This is particularly critical for pharmaceutical dispensing devices dispensing measured doses which need to dispense consistent amounts of API for a given volume from one device to another one, and from one dispensed volume to the next in the same dispensing device.

In other cases, the entrained air must be removed in order to eliminate the air bubbles from the pharmaceutical composition and thereby improve the appearance of the pharmaceutical composition. For instance, in the production of either translucent or transparent pharmaceutical compositions, it is mandatory to remove the air bubbles since these would otherwise negatively affect the translucency or transparency of the pharmaceutical compositions by imparting opacity zones thereto. However, such de-aeration is time consuming, lowers throughput and generally requires additional vacuum configurations, which can be cumbersome and increase overall manufacturing costs.

Additionally or alternatively, many mixing devices often require mixing in device-specific mixing containers, which thus requires an additional step of decanting the pharmaceutical mixture into a dispensing device container, thereby increasing the risk of material loss during the decanting procedure. Device-specific containers also limit the volume and/or mass of materials that can be mixed to the specifications of such containers, which is not always ideal from a practical perspective. Device-specific containers also require implementing strict cleaning/sterilization procedures to avoid cross-contamination risk when one wishes to reuse the same mixing containers, which can be cumbersome and time-consuming. Otherwise, operation costs and waste are increased when container are used and are discarded after each mixing procedure, i.e., when used as single-use mixing containers.

SUMMARY

This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key aspects or essential aspects of the claimed subject matter.

There is a need to provide improved compounded pharmaceutical composition having improved quality properties as well as devices and methods for making same, which alleviate at least in part the deficiencies of the existing devices and methods for making compounded pharmaceutical compositions.

In one embodiment, the present disclosure aims to at least address how to reduce qualitative differences during manufacturing of compounded pharmaceutical composition mixtures, and/or increase productivity, and/or improve effectiveness of compounded pharmaceutical composition mixtures.

In one broad aspect, the present disclosure relates to a composition comprising an active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) dispersed in a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient, carrier or diluent, the composition exhibiting a concentration gradient of the API with ≤6%, or ≤5%, or ≤4%, or ≤3%, or ≤2%, or ≤1%, or about 0% relative standard deviation (RSD) when measured by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), wherein the concentration is that of at least top, middle and bottom layers of the composition within the container, and wherein the composition is personalized for a patient.

In another broad aspect, the present disclosure relates to a composition comprising an active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) dispersed in a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient, carrier or diluent, the composition exhibiting a concentration gradient of the API with ≤6%, or ≤5%, or ≤4%, or ≤3%, or ≤2%, or ≤1%, or about 0% relative standard deviation (RSD) when measured by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), wherein the concentration is that of at least top, middle and bottom layers of the composition within the container, and wherein the composition is personalized for a patient, the composition having a specific gravity which is within 20% of corresponding specific gravity of the pharmaceutically acceptable excipient, diluent or carrier in absence of the API.

In yet another aspect, the present disclosure relates to a troche comprising an active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) dispersed in a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient, carrier or diluent, wherein the API is thermolabile at a temperature above 60° C., and the troche includes less than 1% degradation products of the API, wherein the troche is personalized for a patient

In yet another aspect, the present disclosure relates to a compounding method, comprising: providing a container including therein a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient, carrier or diluent, and an active pharmaceutical ingredient (API); subjecting the container to superimposed revolution and rotation movements to disperse the pharmaceutically acceptable excipient, carrier or diluent, and the API and produce a composition exhibiting a concentration gradient of the API with ≤6%, or ≤5%, or ≤4%, or ≤3%, or ≤2%, or ≤1%, or about 0% relative standard deviation (RSD) when measured by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), wherein the concentration is that of at least top, middle and bottom layers of the composition within the container, and wherein the composition is personalized for a patient.

In yet another aspect, the present disclosure relates to a compounding method, comprising: providing a container including therein a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient, carrier or diluent having a first specific gravity, and an active pharmaceutical ingredient (API); and subjecting the container to superimposed revolution and rotation movements to disperse the pharmaceutically acceptable excipient, carrier or diluent, and the API and produce a composition having a second specific gravity and exhibiting a concentration gradient of the API with ≤6%, or ≤5%, or ≤4%, or ≤3%, or ≤2%, or ≤1%, or about 0% relative standard deviation (RSD) when measured by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), wherein the concentration is that of at least top, middle and bottom layers of the composition within the container, and wherein the composition is personalized for a patient, wherein the second specific gravity is within 50%, or 40%, or 30%, or 20%, or 10%, of the first specific gravity without introducing air into the composition.

In yet another aspect, the present disclosure relates to a compounding method, comprising: providing a container including therein gelatin gum base particles; subjecting the container to first superimposed revolution and rotation movements to disperse the particles and produce a melt composition; adding an active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) into the melt to obtain an API-containing melt; subjecting the container comprising the API-containing melt to second superimposed revolution and rotation movements to disperse the API-containing melt and obtain a dispersed melt composition; and cooling the dispersed melt composition to obtain a dispersed solid composition, wherein the dispersed solid composition is personalized for a patient.

In yet another aspect, the present disclosure relates to a compounding method, comprising: providing a container including therein particles of a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient, pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, or an active pharmaceutical ingredient (API), wherein the particles have a starting D50; subjecting the container to first superimposed revolution and rotation movements in presence of grinding beads to produce a milled composition including particles having a milled D50, wherein the starting D50to milled D50represent a ratio of at least 2.5, incorporating into the milled composition at least one of a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient, pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, or API and removing the grinding media from the container before or after said incorporating, and subjecting the container to second superimposed revolution and rotation movements to obtain a composition.

In one embodiment, any one of the herein described method is performed in a pharmacy setting.

In another embodiment, any one of the herein described method is performed under the supervision of a licensed pharmacist.

In another embodiment, any one of the herein described method is performed by a licensed pharmacist or a licensed physician.

In one embodiment, the composition of the present disclosure is a composition which is personalized for a patient.

For the purpose of the present disclosure, the expressions “compounded pharmaceutical composition” and “composition personalized for a patient” are used interchangeably and refer in particular to those single compositions which are assembled in a medical facility, or by a licensed pharmacy (as opposed to those compositions made in batch in a pharmaceutical industrial plant) where a pharmacist combines, mixes, or alters ingredients in response to a doctor's prescription to create a medicine tailored to the medical needs of an individual patient. In other words, the type and/or concentration of at least one of the API, the excipient, diluent or carrier is customized to create a composition tailored to the medical needs of the patient.

Compounding may, thus, be used in a variety of situations where a patient cannot be treated with a standard, commercially available, FDA- (or other regulatory body) approved medicine.

For example, a patient might be allergic to the kind of dye used in a commercially available medication. In this case, the compounding personnel would formulate the medication without the dye or with another dye. Or, sometimes elderly patients or children who cannot swallow tablets need their medicine in a liquid or suppository form that is not commercially available. Suspensions possess certain advantages over other dosage forms. Some drugs are insoluble in all acceptable media and must, therefore, be administered as a tablet, capsule, or as a suspension. Because of their liquid character, suspensions represent an ideal dosage form for patients who have difficulty swallowing tablets or capsules. This factor is of particular importance in administration of drugs to children. Suspensions of insoluble drugs may also be used externally, often as protective agents.

In addition, disagreeable tastes can be masked by a suspension of the drug or a derivative of the drug, an example of the latter being the drug chloramphenicol palmitate. Finally, drugs in suspension are chemically more stable than in solution. This is particularly important with certain antibiotics and the pharmacist is often called on to prepare such a suspension just prior to the dispensing of the preparation.

Sometimes, a patient may require a special API dosage and thus, the compounding personnel will customize the API concentration in the compounded composition.

In other cases, a patient may be allergic to the API in the commercially available medication and the compounding personnel will thus customize the composition by replacing the API with another one, hypoallergenic for the patient.

The person of skill will recognize that such are examples of a composition which is personalized for a patient.

All features of embodiments which are described in this disclosure and are not mutually exclusive can be combined with one another. Elements of one embodiment can be utilized in the other embodiments without further mention. Other aspects and features of the present invention will become apparent to those ordinarily skilled in the art upon review of the following description of specific embodiments in conjunction with the accompanying Figures.

In the drawings, embodiments are illustrated by way of example. It is to be expressly understood that the description and drawings are only for the purpose of illustrating certain embodiments and are an aid for understanding. They are not intended to be a definition of the limits of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Illustrative embodiments of the disclosure will now be more particularly described. The same features are denoted in all figures by the same reference signs. While the making and using of various embodiments of the present invention are discussed in detail below, it should be appreciated that the present invention provides many applicable inventive concepts that can be embodied in a wide variety of specific contexts. Specific embodiments discussed herein are merely illustrative of specific ways to make and use the disclosure and do not delimit the scope of the disclosure.

Composition

A composition of the present disclosure includes one or more ingredient which is tailored to medical needs of an individual patient. The composition further includes one or more characteristics which, when compared to compositions obtained with prevalent compounding methods that make use, e.g., of manual mixing, may constitute an improvement from a safety and/or quality and/or effectiveness perspective.

In one embodiment, the composition of the present disclosure can be a cream, ointment, lotion, emulsion, gel, suspension, powder, liquid solution, colloidal dispersion, troche or syrup. For the purpose of the present disclosure, the compounding composition of the present description may be packaged in a metered dose device and/or a unit dose package. A metered dose device allows administrating a dose of compounding composition, the dose of compounding composition being metered by weight or by volume. In one non-limiting example, the metered dose device is an inhaler comprising a canister, a metering valve and an actuator. The canister encloses the compounding composition, while the metering valve allows a metered dose of the compounding composition to be dispensed at each actuation of the actuator, the actuator being a mouthpiece in this example. In another non-limiting example, the metered dose device comprises a container enclosing the compounding composition, an actuator manually operated, and a metering valve allowing a metered dose of the compounding composition to be dispensed at each actuation of the actuator. A unit dose package (also referred as “individual package”) allows the compounded composition to be dispensed more safely and efficiently by enclosing each unit dose in a different recipient. A unit dose is typically a dose of medication comprising a dose of at least one compounded composition that is intended to be administrated at once. The recipients may comprise paper, cardboard, plastic, metal and/or glass materials. In one non-limiting example, the recipients are paper envelopes. In another non-limiting example, the recipients are reusable boxes. In one non-limiting example, the recipients are single-use plastic boxes with a detachable paper lid. The recipients may be tagged, marked with information, such as a name of a patient, a name of a medication, a barcode and/or a moment (i.e. a day, a date and/or a moment of the day) at which the unit dose is intended to be administrated. In one non-limiting example, each recipient is tagged with a day of the week and a meal: Monday-breakfast, Monday-diner, Tuesday-breakfast, etc. The unit dose package may be provided by manually packaging the unit doses or by an automated packaging system.

In a first practical implementation, the composition of the present disclosure includes at least one active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) dispersed (mixed) in a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient, diluent or carrier in such a way that the composition has substantially the same API concentration in a top layer, a middle layer and a bottom layer of the composition, as measured with high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Such composition will be referred to in this text as being a “substantially homogeneous composition”.

The concept of having substantially the same API concentration in a top, middle and bottom layer of the composition is illustrated inFIG. 1A, which shows a cross-sectional view of a container102including a patient personalized composition, where the container102is virtually separated in top, middle and bottom sections, each including respective top2, middle4and bottom6layers of the composition. The concentration of the API dispersed (mixed) in the composition is then measured in each of layers2,4and6using a suitable technique, such as HPLC. The standard deviation (SD) between the API concentrations of the three layers2,4and6for a given composition is then determined. The relative standard deviation (% RSD), which expresses the precision and repeatability of an assay, is then calculated based on the ratio of the standard deviation to the mean.

In a non-limiting embodiment, the composition exhibits a concentration gradient of the API having ≤3% relative standard deviation (% RSD), or ≤2% RSD, or ≤1% RSD, when measured at least at the top2, middle4and bottom6layers of the composition using HPLC. In a non-limiting embodiment, the concentration gradient of the API is nil (about 0% RSD), when measured at least at the top2, middle4and bottom6layers of the composition using HPLC.

In one embodiment, the API can be present in an amount of ≤80 wt. % relative to total weight of the composition. For example, the API can be present in an amount selected in the range of 0.05 wt. % to 80 wt. %, or 0.05 to 70 wt. %, or 0.05 to 60 wt. %, or 0.05 to 50%, or 0.05 to 50 wt. %, or any other desired amount.

In a non-limiting embodiment, the composition includes at least a second API dispersed (mixed) in the pharmaceutically acceptable excipient, carrier or diluent, the second API, and the composition exhibiting a concentration gradient of the at least second API having ≤6% RSD, or ≤3% RSD, or ≤2% RSD, or ≤1% RSD, when measured at least at the top2, middle4and bottom6layers of the composition using HPLC. In a non-limiting embodiment, the concentration gradient of the at least a second API is nil (about 0% RSD), when measured at least at the top2, middle4and bottom6layers of the composition using HPLC.

In a non-limiting embodiment, the concentration gradient of the at least second API can be approximately the same as the concentration gradient of the first API.

In another non-limiting embodiment, the concentration gradient of the at least second API is significantly different than the concentration gradient of the first API.

Different types of pharmaceutical compositions have been prepared by the present inventors with the above low % RSD values.

In a second practical implementation, the composition of the present disclosure includes an API dispersed (mixed) in a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient, diluent or carrier in such a way that the composition has reduced air entrapment levels.

One practical way of assessing air entrapment levels in the composition is to measure the specific gravity of the composition before and after the dispersion (mixing) procedure and/or of a composition prepared with the herein described process to a composition prepared with a dispersion procedure of the prior art, such as mixing with an electronic mortar and pestle.

For example, it has been observed by the present inventors that compounding pharmaceutical ingredients using prior art processes such as the electronic mortar and pestle can incorporate significant amounts of air into the composition under certain circumstances (i.e., >30% variation in the composition's specific gravity). In such cases, the air entrapped in the composition creates air bubbles which are undesirable from a product quality perspective. It is, thus, common in the art to further process compositions which have been mixed with the electronic mortar and pestle with another device to remove the air bubbles entrapped therein. In such cases, the compounding process can thus include the use of at least two devices, the electronic mortar and pestle and another device such as the Unguator™ (Gako International GmbH), to remove entrapped air. The use of two devices can be cumbersome, increase operation costs, delays, likelihood of cross-contamination, material loss (e.g., through decanting from one container suitable for mixing with the electronic mortar and pestle to another container suitable for the Unguator), and/or other undesirable effects which will become apparent to the person of skill in view of the present disclosure.

In contrast, and as will be further discussed later in this text, the herein described superimposed revolution and rotation movements, typically, will not introduce air during the dispersing (mixing) process, and if the starting composition ingredients (i.e., before dispersion) initially include air entrapped therein, the herein described superimposed revolution and rotation movements will deaerate the composition while dispersing (mixing) the ingredients. This can be advantageous, in particular when the herein described superimposed revolution and rotation movements is implemented in a single device, as will be further discussed later in this text.

In this particular implementation, the patient personalized composition of the present disclosure includes an API dispersed (mixed) in a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient, diluent or carrier. The composition has a specific gravity which is within 20%, or within 10%, or within 5%, or within 2%, of the specific gravity of the pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, diluent or excipient in absence of the API. Preferably, such composition exhibits a concentration gradient of the API with ≤6% RSD, or ≤3% RSD, or ≤2% RSD, or ≤1% RSD, or RSD being nil (about 0%), when measured at least at the top2, middle4and bottom6layers of the composition using HPLC. relative standard deviation (RSD) when measured at least at a top, middle and bottom layers of the composition by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC).

In one embodiment, the composition of the present disclosure includes an API dispersed (mixed) in a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient, diluent or carrier, and has a specific gravity which is substantially identical to the specific gravity of the pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, diluent or excipient without the API.

In a third practical implementation, the composition of the present disclosure includes an API which is thermally labile at a temperature above 50° C., or above 60° C., or above 80° C. The API is dispersed (mixed) in a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient, diluent or carrier. This composition includes less than 1.0% degradation products of the thermally labile API. The person of ordinary skill will readily appreciate that the percentage here represents a wt./wt. percentage relative to the total weight of the thermally labile API added into the composition before dispersion (mixing).

In one non-limiting embodiment, the amount of degradation products of the thermally labile API represents less than 0.75%, 0.5%, 0.1%, 0.05%, or 0.01% wt./wt. percentage relative to the total weight of the thermally labile API added into the composition before dispersion.

For the purpose of the present specification, a thermally labile API is an active pharmaceutical compound that is altered or degrades when exposed to high temperatures, e.g. above 50° C., or above 60° C., or above 80° C., or more. Typically, compounding methods that make use of blades for mixing will generate high temperatures, which can alter or degrade thermally labile API to a certain extent such that it increases costs and/or reduces yield of composition having effective API concentrations and/or produces unwanted degradation and/or alteration of the API, possibly generating by-products. In certain prior art compounding methods that make use of blades, it can be quite common to obtain dispersed composition having more than 1.5% degradation products of thermally labile API.

The reader will readily understand that quantification of API degradation product levels in the dispersed composition can be performed using one of a variety of chromatographic or spectroscopic techniques known in the art, including HPLC, thin-layer chromatography (TLC), High performance thin layer chromatography (HPTLC), Atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS), and the like.

In a fourth practical implementation, the composition of the present disclosure is in the form of a molded troche and includes an API dispersed in a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient, diluent or carrier. The API is thermolabile at a temperature above 60° C. and the composition includes less than 1.0% degradation products of the thermally labile API wt./wt. percentage relative to the total weight of the thermally labile API added into the composition before dispersion.

In one non-limiting embodiment, the amount of degradation products of the thermally labile API in the troche represents less than 0.75%, 0.5%, 0.1%, 0.05%, or 0.01% wt./wt. percentage relative to the total weight of the thermally labile API added into the composition before dispersion.

In a specific embodiment, the troche is a chewable troche.

In a specific embodiment, the troche includes a gum base gelatin.

The troche can have similar features as those set forth previously with respect to the composition, namely a concentration gradient of the API with ≤6% RSD, or ≤3% RSD, or ≤2% RSD, or ≤1% RSD, or RSD being nil (about 0%), when measured at least at a top, middle and bottom layers of the troche by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC)

A troche (also interchangeably referred to in the text as a “lozenge”) is intended to be held in the mouth or pharynx and contains one or more API(s) either dissolved or dispersed in a base. Troches are typically used for patients who have difficulty swallowing solid oral dosage forms (for example, paediatric or geriatric patients) as well as for API(s) which should be released slowly to yield a constant amount of drug in the oral cavity or to coat the throat tissues with the API(s). Commercial lozenges are made by moulding or by compression.

Compression techniques are typically used when manufacturing solid troches that are intended to slowly dissolve or disintegrate in the mouth. Compression is also advisable when incorporating thermolabile APIs, as there is no excessive heat involved when compressing the troche ingredients.

Moulding techniques are typically used when manufacturing solid, soft or chewable troches and in particular, when one wishes to impart a specific shape to the troche. Moulding techniques usually involve high temperature processing of the ingredients to obtain a melt, dispersing the API in the melt to obtain an API-containing melt, and casting the dispersed API-containing melt into a mold having a desired shape, and cooling the API-containing melt into the desired shape. Because of the high temperatures (e.g., 90-100° C.) usually involved with moulding, troches made with this technique typically do not include thermolabile APIs, as thermolabile APIs will usually degrade or convert to by-products in presence of such high temperatures. This in turn effectively limits the nature or concentration of the API that can be incorporated into molded troches to a certain non-thermolabile subset, which may not be practical for certain applications.

As explained later in the present disclosure, the herein described superimposed revolution and rotation movements can be used to obtain a melt and disperse therein a thermolabile API at a temperature which is sufficiently low so as to limit the degradation of the thermolabile API and obtain an API-containing melt which can be molded into a troche having less than 1.0%, 0.75%, 0.5%, 0.1%, 0.05%, or 0.01% degradation products of the thermally labile API.

Superimposed Revolution and Rotation Movements

A number of devices can be used to obtain the compounded pharmaceutical composition of the present disclosure so long as the device is capable of implementing the superimposed revolution and rotation movements as described herein.

In one non-limiting practical implementation, the herein described superimposed revolution and rotation movements can be performed using a planetary mixer.

A planetary mixer is capable of performing the herein described superimposed revolution and rotation movements by continually and concurrently revolving and rotating a container which includes the composition ingredients. This dual action eliminates the need for mixing rods, blades or media, or an evacuation device and can dramatically reduce processing times relative to other mixing devices that use blades to mix ingredients. In one embodiment, the mixing time may be no more than 900 seconds. For example, the herein described superimposed revolution and rotation movements may be performed for less than 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 75, 100, 120, 150, 180, 240, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, or 900 seconds, as well as any values included therein.

Such processing time is significantly reduced when compared to the processing time required for compounding processes known in the art for compounding pharmaceutical compositions, such as the typical mortar and pestle system or devices with mixing blades, which may require an additional vacuum step to remove air entrapment in the composition. While the processing time in the superimposed revolution and rotation movements of the present disclosure is thus relatively reduced, the intensity of the processing procedure is sufficiently intense to disperse the ingredients to the point where the resulting mixture is substantially homogenous and is sufficiently gentle to prevent the internal temperature of the mixture from reaching or getting close to a degradation temperature threshold of the API.

In one embodiment, the superimposed revolution and rotation movement parameters may induce a maximal G force value of at least 50 g (corresponding to approximately 1490 m/s2). In some cases, the superimposed revolution and rotation movement parameters may induce a maximal G force value of less than 500 g, or in the range of 50 g to 400 g, or 75 g to 350 g, or any suitable value within these ranges. Inducing such a maximal G force in a process by performing the herein described superimposed revolution and rotation movements can be useful for compounding compositions which are otherwise difficult or cumbersome to compound using prior art electronic mortar and pestle system or devices with mixing blades.

In one embodiment, the superimposed revolution and rotation movements are operated with operational parameters that may include revolution speeds of from at least 400 revolutions per minute (“rpm” or “RPM”). For example, a suitable revolution speed can be selected in the range of from 400 to about 4000 rpm, or from 400 to about 2000 rpm, or any suitable value within these ranges.

In one embodiment, the superimposed revolution and rotation movements are operated with operational parameters that may include revolution:rotation rpm ratios of about 10:4.

In certain embodiments, the revolution rpm, the rotation rpm and the mixing time are configurable parameters and their values may be individually selectable or they may be selectable from pre-determined combinations of parameter values. In other embodiments, the ratio between rotation rpm and revolution rpm may be a configurable parameter and thus would constrain the revolution rpm for a certain rotation rpm or vice versa. Moreover, the geometric configuration of the planetary mixer (e.g., the eccentricity (distance between the center of rotation and the center of revolution), the dimensions of the container, etc.), combined with the revolution rpm and rotation rpm, results in a certain acceleration (G force, measured in g or m/s2) being felt by the material in the container. In some embodiments, the desired G force may be input to the planetary mixer, which could result in selection, by the planetary mixer, of the revolution rpm and/or the rotation rpm.

In other embodiments, the minimum or maximum G force may be specified, resulting in thresholding of the rotation rpm and/or the revolution rpm, depending on the values entered. In still further embodiments, certain parameters (such as the rotation rpm or the revolution rpm) may be dynamic (i.e., vary over time) and may be input as a function of time function so as to follow a pre-determined curve. There may exist still further controllable parameters of superimposed revolution and rotation movements implemented by a planetary mixer, such as the total weight of the container being mixed.

The reader will readily recognize that the herein described process offers a number of benefits to the compounding industry, in particular when this process can be integrated within a single device, namely a planetary mixer.

Various implementations of the herein described superimposed revolution and rotation movements will now be described with reference to dispersing, milling, melting and de-aerating applications for compounding pharmaceutical compositions (i.e., patient personalized compositions), which can be advantageously performed in a pharmacy setting in a single device, namely a planetary mixer.

While each of these applications is described in the following sections as separate variant processes, the reader will readily understand that these applications are not mutually exclusives. In other words, more than one of these applications can be performed during the same superimposed revolution and rotation movements implemented in single planetary mixer, i.e., ingredients of a patient personalized composition can be processed so as to mix and de-aerate; or so as to mix, melt and de-aerate; or so as to mix and grind; or any other combinations thereof.

Mixing Process

FIG. 2is a flow chart of a general process100of preparing a compounded pharmaceutical composition in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

In the process100, the superimposed revolution and rotation movements are implemented in a planetary mixer for preparing a patient personalized composition by dispersing an API into a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient, diluent or carrier so as to obtain a substantially homogeneous patient personalized composition.

At step110, the process includes providing the composition ingredients in a container (also referred to in this text as a “jar”) configured for containing the composition ingredients. Typically, the composition ingredients include at least one API and at least one pharmaceutically acceptable excipient, diluent or carrier.

At step120, the process includes obtaining pre-determined or determining dispersing parameters which are required to perform a superimposed revolution and rotation movements on the composition ingredients to obtain a substantially homogeneous dispersed composition.

At step130, the process then includes dispersing the composition using the superimposed revolution and rotation movements at least based on the pre-determined or determined dispersing parameters so as to produce the substantially homogeneous dispersed composition.

Melting Process

FIG. 3is a flow chart of a process variant100′ of preparing a compounded pharmaceutical composition in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. In this variant, the process100′ is implemented in a planetary mixer for preparing a patient personalized composition by reversibly melting pharmaceutically acceptable excipient, diluent or carrier initially in the form of solid or semi-solid particles, incorporate into the resulting melt an API, dispersing the API into the melt, and casting the melt into a desired shape, such as a troche.

The variant100′ includes at step210, providing pharmaceutically acceptable excipient, diluent or carrier in the form of solid or semi-solid particles in a container configured for containing the particles. Optionally, at this step, at least one API is also provided in the container.

In one embodiment, the excipient, diluent or carrier in the form of solid or semi-solid particles is a polymeric material which can be reversibly melted. In a particular implementation, excipient, diluent or carrier in the form of solid or semi-solid particles is a gelatin-based material.

At step220, the process includes obtaining pre-determined or determining dispersing parameters which are required to perform the superimposed revolution and rotation movements on the solid or semi-solid particles to obtain a more or less viscous melt.

At step230, the process includes dispersing the solid or semi-solid particles at least based on the pre-determined or determined parameters to obtain the melt. Without being bound by any theory, it is believed that the superimposed revolution and rotation movements can melt the solid or semi-solid particles through impact of the particles against each other and/or against the container walls, thus generating kinetic energy, without requiring the addition of external heat. This process advantageously can melt the material at a temperature which is below the Tg or Tm of the solid or semi-solid particles.

In one embodiment, the at least one API is not incorporated into the container at step210. In such embodiment, the solid or semi-solid particles are thus melted in step230in the absence of an API. In such embodiment, it is thus necessary to incorporate at least one API at one point to obtain the compounded pharmaceutical composition. This is achieved with optional step240, in which an API is added to the melt obtained in step230so as to obtain an API-containing melt. InFIG. 3, step240is therefore labelled as being optional as it may be discarded in case at least one API was incorporated into the container at step210and no further API is added to the composition.

At step250, the process includes obtaining pre-determined or determining second dispersing parameters which are required to perform second superimposed revolution and rotation movements on the API-containing melt to obtain a substantially homogeneous dispersed composition.

At step260, the process then includes dispersing the API-containing melt at least based on the pre-determined or determined second dispersing parameters to so as to produce a substantially homogeneous dispersed composition.

At step270, the process then includes incorporating the dispersed composition into a mold having a desired shape and causing the incorporated dispersed composition to solidify into the mold shape.

This process100′ thus affords the reversible melt of pharmaceutically acceptable excipients, carriers or diluents which can be useful, for example, when making compositions which require pouring into some sort of mold to impart a shape thereto, for instance when making compounded pharmaceutical compositions in the form of troches, suppositories or throat lozenges. Advantageously, the melt can be obtained with the herein described dispersing process at temperatures below the typical molten transition temperature of the ingredients being dispersed such that it may enable the production of solid dispersion systems from thermally incompatible materials. In other words, such composition can advantageously incorporate thermally labile API which are typically not found or are found in limited concentration in troches.

In the prior art, such shaped compounded pharmaceutical compositions are typically made by first thermally treating a suitable pharmaceutically acceptable excipients, carriers or diluents in solid form for a sufficient extent of time so as to obtain a melt, adding the desired API (or mixture thereof), dispersing the API into the melt to obtain a mixture, and pouring the mixture into the mold so as to obtain the desired shaped compounded pharmaceutical composition. It will be noted that, typically, API which are incorporated into such melted pharmaceutically acceptable excipients, carriers or diluents are more thermally resistant so as to be able to bear the higher temperatures involved with melting the carrier, excipient or diluent. This, in turn, can limit the nature of the API that can be incorporated into such melts or requires higher amounts of API to take into account the expected API thermal degradation.

Milling Process

FIG. 4is a flow chart of a process variant100″ of preparing a compounded pharmaceutical composition in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. In this variant, the process100″ is implemented in a planetary mixer for preparing a patient personalized composition which includes a step of reducing the particle size distribution (PSD) of at least one of the ingredients in the patient personalized composition. Reducing the PSD of one of the ingredients can be useful in reducing the gritty feeling of the resulted compounded composition, such as for example but not being limited to the case of a topical cream, ointment or gel.

The process100″ includes at step310, providing a container including at least one patient personalized composition ingredient such as one of an API, a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient, diluent or carrier in the form of particles where the container is configured for containing the particles.

At step320, the process includes obtaining pre-determined or determining dispersing parameters which are required to perform superimposed revolution and rotation movements on the particles to reduce the PSD to a desired target PSD. Advantageously, the pre-determined or determined dispersing parameters are selected so as to ensure that any heat generation which could be caused during the dispersing step through the impact of particles and/or grinding media against each other and/or against the container inner walls does not reach a degradation temperature of the API.

At step330, the process includes adding grinding media to the container. It will be apparent to the reader that steps320and330can occur in any sequence and are not limited to a serial sequence. In other words, the step330can occur before, during or after step320.

At step340, the process includes dispersing the grinding media and the particles at least based on the pre-determined or determined parameters to reduce the PSD to the desired target PSD.

At step350, the grinding media is separated from the dispersed composition. This can be achieved either by removing from the container, the grinding media or the dispersed composition.

When step310does not include the addition of an API and/or when the compounding prescription recipe requires addition of an API after the dispersing step340, the process includes a step360. It will be apparent that this step is optional as the API can be incorporated at step310. At step360, an API is incorporated into the dispersed composition obtained after step350.

At optional step370, the process includes obtaining pre-determined or determining second dispersing parameters which are required to perform superimposed revolution and rotation movements on the dispersed composition obtained after step360so as to obtain a substantially homogeneous dispersed composition.

At optional step380, the process includes dispersing the composition using the superimposed revolution and rotation movements at least based on the pre-determined or determined second dispersing parameters so as to produce the substantially homogeneous dispersed composition.

It will apparent that in a variant, the superimposed revolution and rotation movements in presence of grinding media are performed on the API in presence of the pharmaceutically acceptable excipient, diluent or carrier.

In another variant, the superimposed revolution and rotation movements in presence of grinding media are performed on the API in absence of the pharmaceutically acceptable excipient, diluent or carrier.

When performing the process in presence of grinding media, the size of the particles to grind, the size of the grinding media used to grind, and the size of the resulting particles can be selected such that, for example:

where MS(SP) represents the mean size diameter of the particles before grinding (starting particles), MS(FP) represents the mean size diameter of the particles after grinding (final particles), and MS(B) is the mean size diameter of the grinding beads.

The grinding media may include balls (spheres) or pellets (cylinders) made of, for example, but not limited to, hardened steel, stainless steel, tungsten carbide, agate, sintered aluminium oxide, silicon nitride or zirconium oxide.

FIG. 5is a flow chart of a process variant100′″ of preparing a compounded pharmaceutical composition in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

In this variant, the process100′″ is implemented in a planetary mixer for preparing a patient personalized composition by dispersing an API into a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient, diluent or carrier in such manner as to minimize air entrapment into the dispersed composition or to remove any air which was present in the composition before dispersion. This can be useful in controlling the composition's specific gravity and/or reducing incorporation of air bubbles in the resulting patient personalized composition, such as for example but not limited to topical creams, ointments or gels.

The process100′″ includes at step410, providing patient personalized composition ingredients such as an API, a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient, diluent or carrier in a container configured for receiving these ingredients.

At step420, the process includes obtaining pre-determined or determining dispersing parameters which are required to perform superimposed revolution and rotation movements on the personalized composition ingredients to disperse same while reducing or maintaining a target content of incorporated air in the composition.

At step430, the process includes dispersing the ingredients using the superimposed revolution and rotation movements at least based on the pre-determined or determined parameters to disperse same while reducing or maintaining a target content of incorporated air in the composition.

Equipment and Processes for Industrial Applicability of the Invention

The herein described bladeless dispersion pattern process may be performed in a single device, notably in a planetary mixer.

Commercially available planetary mixers, such as the MAZERUSTAR mixer KK-300SS, KK-400W or KK-10QQW from Kurabo Industries, Ltd. of Osaka, japan or the THINKY MIXER AR-100, ARE-310, ARE-400TWIN, ARE-500, ARV-50LED, ARV-310/310LED, ARV-930-TWIN, ARV-5000, ARV-3000TWIN, and ARV-10kTWIN from Thinky Corporation of Tokyo, Japan, and the like, can be used for this purpose.

A planetary mixer typically includes a jar arranged eccentrically on a so-called sun wheel, at a certain distance from the center. The jar is configured for receiving a container which contains the ingredients being processed. The planetary mixer is configured to impart a revolution movement to the sun wheel and a rotational movement to the jar, where the revolution movement is in an opposite direction to that one of the rotation such that the ingredients contained in the container are subjected to a pattern of motion throughout space, which includes superimposed revolution and rotation movements. Advantageously, this pattern of motion throughout space does not involve any blades, i.e., it is a bladeless dispersion pattern of motion throughout space. When grinding media is added to the container, the grinding media is also subjected to these superimposed movements, where the difference in speeds between the grinding media and the container produces an interaction between frictional and impact forces, which releases high dynamic energies causing size reduction of the materials in the container.

In certain embodiments, the container receiving the ingredient is adapted to receive on a top end thereof, a dispensing system element such as a pump, a spray nozzle, applicator cap, and the like. It will be appreciated that the dispensing system element can further be adapted for dispensing metered doses as described, e.g., in U.S. 2014/0221945 filed Feb. 4, 2014 and PCT/CA2016/050179, filed Feb. 23, 2016. This implementation effectively avoids or eliminates decanting steps, thus, minimizing the risk of material loss. This implementation also reduces time required for cleaning the container after a compounding procedure, which is typically required to avoid cross-contamination risks that exist when using the same container for dispersion of various compounded pharmaceutical compositions. The reader will appreciate that when performing the milling step, the grinding media is preferably removed from the container before the latter receives the dispensing system element at the top end thereof.

Such features are also advantageous to the compounding industry and are believed to address an unmet need in this industry.

FIG. 6generally shows a planetary mixing system10which includes a planetary mixing apparatus100configured to effect the herein described superimposed revolution and rotation movements through rotation and revolution of a jar102placed in a jar holder104.

The system10includes a lid106that attaches onto a mouth108of the jar102. The lid106may be a screw-on lid as shown, or it may be a snap-on lid, for example. The jar102and the lid106may be made of high density polyethylene (HDPE) or polypropylene, for example.

The jar102may have different interior and exterior dimensions. With reference to the elevated cross-sectional view inFIG. 1, the jar102may have an inside diameter202,204,206that changes from the top of the jar102to the bottom of the jar102. For example, the inside diameter202at the top of the jar102may be smaller than the inside diameter206at the bottom of the jar102. This gradient can be achieved in two or more sections or as a gradual taper. In the illustrated embodiment, the jar102has three sections212,214,216, with the top section212having the smallest inside diameter202, the bottom section216having the largest inside diameter206and the middle section214whose inside diameter204is somewhere in between. Example dimensions for the top, middle and bottom inside diameters, not to be considered limiting, are 65 to 70 mm, 65 to 70 mm and 65 to 70 mm, respectively. Alternatively, one can consider that the top inside diameter202is between 90 and 99.9 percent of the middle inside diameter204, and the middle inside diameter204is between 90 and 99.9 percent of the inside diameter206. Also, there are multiple height dimensions possible for the jar102. For example, the height dimension of the jar102(measure externally) could be in the range from 85 mm to 120 mm.

The outside of the jar102may be configured to be received in the jar holder104. In particular, the jar holder104may include a plurality of circumferentially spaced projections104A. Correspondingly, and as shown with additional reference toFIG. 7, the jar102may, accordingly, include a plurality of circumferentially spaced notches302that receive the projections104A, so as to prevent free-spinning of the jar102within the jar holder104. As a result, rotation of the jar102will only occur when the jar104holder itself rotates. Other rotational stoppage mechanisms may be provided in different embodiments. In other embodiments, the jar102may be of any other suitable shape and may include an internal surface that may be smooth, rough, and/or comprise any suitable texture.

Containers of various sizes for containing pharmaceutical composition exist in the market, such as (i) containers in which compounds are traditionally dispersed by an electric mortar/pestle and (ii) containers from which compounds are dispensed (such as bottles and syringes). As will be discussed later in this text, the system10may be configured to implement the superimposed revolution and rotation movements described here in containers/jars of various sizes.

FIG. 8shows an example container402in which pharmaceutical composition ingredients would traditionally be dispersed by an electric mortar/pestle. One example of the container402is referred to in the industry as an Unguator™ jar (available from GAKO Konietzko GmbH, Bamberg, Germany), although recently similar containers have been made available by Samix GmbH, Zella-Mehlis, Germany.

The container402includes a body404and a cover406. The body404and the cover406may be complementarily threaded. The cover406includes a nozzle408, which may include an external thread408A to receive an internally threaded cap410. The cap410has an external diameter denoted410A. The nozzle408has an aperture412that allows fluid to escape the container402when the cap410is removed and a piston (not shown) is pushed from underneath the body404. For electric mortar/pestle mixing, the cap410is removed from the cover, the cover406is removed from the body404, a blade shaft (not shown) is inserted from underneath the cover406and through the aperture412and connected to a motor (not shown); meanwhile, the body is filled with the composition ingredients to be dispersed, then the blade is positioned inside the body404and the cover406is secured back onto the body404.

FIG. 9shows alternative containers502A,502B and502C. The containers502A,502B and502C include a respective cylindrical body504,504′ and504″, and an actuator506. The actuator506can be actuated by a user to dispense a composition contained in the body504. Depending on the embodiment, the actuator506may in fact allow metered dispensing of the composition.

As is apparent from the above, the containers used for dispersing pharmaceutical composition ingredients (e.g., containers402,502A) do not necessarily correspond to the jar102. As such, in accordance with various embodiments, and with reference toFIG. 10B, there is provided an adapter602between the jar102and the container600(generally referred to by600but which could be one of the aforementioned containers402,502A). The container600has a smaller volume than the jar102and is secured to an interior of the jar102by the adapter602. The adapter is designed not to hold the composition but rather to secure the container600to the jar102. The ability to secure a container600with a smaller volume entirely within the jar102can allow smaller quantities of pharmaceutical composition ingredients to undergo efficient dispersing despite the small amount of the composition.

In one embodiment, the jar102may have a volume of approximately 250 ml, while the container600may have a volume of approximately 100 ml, or approximately 80 ml, or approximately 50 ml, or approximately 35 ml, or approximately 30 ml, or approximately 20 ml or approximately 15 ml. It should be appreciated that a height-to-base ratio (HBR) associated with a certain quantity of a composition to be dispersed in a particular vessel may be defined as the quotient between a height dimension occupied by the quantity of the composition and a base dimension occupied by the quantity of the composition, when that quantity is placed into the particular vessel. The HBR may be a parameter indicative of how efficiently the composition will be dispersed, where more efficient dispersing could be defined as reaching the same degree of homogeneity earlier in the dispersion process, or reaching a higher degree of homogeneity at the same duration of dispersion.

With continued reference toFIG. 10A, there is shown an example quantity of composition610placed in the jar102and with reference toFIG. 10B, the same quantity of composition612placed in the container600that is secured to the jar102by the adapter602. The height dimension occupied by the composition610in the jar102is given by HJ and the base dimension is given by the bottom inside diameter206of the jar102, which can be referred to as B206. Thus, the HBR associated with the quantity of composition610is HJ/B206for the jar102. Turning now to the case of the container600, it is seen that the height dimension occupied by the composition612in the container600is given by HC and the base dimension is given by the bottom inside diameter of the container600, which can be referred to as BC. Thus, the HBR associated with the quantity of composition612is HC/BC for the container600.

It should be apparent, therefore, that for the same quantity of pharmaceutical composition, the HBR for the container600is greater than for the jar102. In fact, the smaller the quantity of the composition, the greater the difference in HBR between the jar102and the container600. This increase in HBR from the jar102to the container600(for the same quantity of composition) is a function of the ratio between the base area of the jar and the base area of the container. For certain quantities of ingredients and certain container sizes, the HBR will fall outside a desired range (e.g., 0.75 to 1.5, or 0.75 to 1.33, or even 1 to 1.25) if the composition is placed directly in the jar102and will be closer to, or within, the desired range, if the composition is placed in the container600.

Another parameter that could be indicative of how efficiently the composition will be dispersed may be “percent volume occupancy” (PVO). For a quantity of composition in a vessel with a generally cylindrical internal volume, the PVO may be defined as the ratio of the height dimension occupied by the composition to the overall interior height dimension of the vessel. In the example ofFIG. 10A, the PVO for the jar102is clearly under 20%, whereas for the container600inFIG. 10Bit is over 50%. It should be apparent, therefore, that for the same quantity of composition, the PVO for the container600is greater than for the jar102. In fact, the smaller the quantity of the composition, the greater the difference in PVO between the jar102and the container600.

Expressed another way, the use of the container600with the jar102can allow a composition that occupies % of the jar capacity to have an F1BR between 0.75 and 1.5 (or between 0.75 and 1.33, or even between 1 and 1.25) when the composition is placed into the container600.

As such, it may be more desirable to utilize a container600having a certain size, rather than the jar102, in order to process smaller quantities of composition, so as to obtain a more suitable F1BR or PVO. This is especially the case when the quantity of the composition to be processed is less than half the capacity of the jar102or less than a quarter of the capacity of the jar or less than a tenth of the capacity of the jar.

To allow the use of a smaller container with improved HBR or PVO, the adapter602may help reduce or prevent rattling and other instabilities within the jar102during processing by the apparatus100. The adapter602is disposed between the interior of the jar102and the exterior of the container600. When the adapter602is attached to the container600, it can be inserted into and removed from the jar102, and for this reason the container600together with the adapter602may be referred to as a removable “containing system”606.

Different embodiments of the adapter602may be provided for different versions of the container600. Thus, depending on whether the container600is a compounding bottle with a nozzle (such as container402) or a cylindrical bottle (such as container502A), the adapter602may take on a different shape or structure. This is now described in some detail.

FIG. 11shows a non-limiting embodiment of an adapter700for use with a nozzled container, such as the container402. The adapter700may be in the form of a disk with an aperture702in the center thereof. The adapter700occupies an area in 3-dimensional space that is outlined by an envelope704. The adapter700may be populated with voids706that reduce the weight of the adapter and therefore the density of the adapter700vis-à-vis the envelope704that it occupies. In some embodiments, the voids706are evenly spaced circumferentially and give the adapter700the appearance of a wheel.

In some embodiments, the adapter700is configured to attach to a container with a nozzle, such as the container402previously described. To this end, the aperture702has a dimensionality that is selected according to the configuration of the nozzle408of the container402. In particular,FIG. 12shows details of the external threads408A on the nozzle408and the adapter700shown inFIG. 11may accordingly include internal threads708in the area of the central aperture702so as to enable the adapter700to be screwed onto the nozzle408. It should be appreciated that when nozzled containers of different sizes all share the same design of the nozzle408, the same adapter700may be used for these various containers.

FIG. 13shows an alternative non-limiting embodiment of an adapter900, also including an aperture902, but where the aperture902is made slightly wider than the aperture702and in fact slightly wider than the maximum diameter of the external threads408A of the nozzle408. However, the width of the aperture902is smaller than the external diameter410A of the cap410(shown inFIG. 8). Thus, when the adapter900is placed over the nozzle408and then the cap410is threaded onto the nozzle408, the adapter900ends up being enclosed between the cover406and the cap410.

The adapters700,900may have a thickness of between 0.5 mm and 5 mm, or even between 1 and 3 mm, although it may be thinner in some embodiments and thicker in others. Other design considerations include (i) that there be sufficient threading408A in the nozzle408to allow the cap410to be securely mounted thereto and (ii) once the cap410is mounted to the nozzle408(on top of the adapters700,900) and a containing system606is positioned in the jar102, that there be sufficient clearance (the minimum being zero, i.e., flush) between the top of the cap410and the underside of the lid106of the jar102once the lid106has been mounted to the mouth108of the jar102.

To mitigate lateral rattling, the containing system606should fit frictionally within the jar102. To this end, with reference toFIG. 14, the adapter602is seen as having a cross-sectional width1002that is substantially equal to the cross-sectional width108W of the mouth108of the jar102. When the containing system606is placed into the jar102, the maximum space between the outer edge of the adapter602and the inner surface218of the jar102may be less than 2 mm, in some cases less than 1 mm and in some cases less than 100 microns.

It should be appreciated that although it is important that there be sufficient clearance between the top of the cap410(mounted to the adaptors700,900) and the underside of the lid106of the jar102once the lid106has been mounted to the mouth108of the jar102, excessive clearance could allow motion along the main axis608of the containing system606during mixing by the mixing apparatus100. (Of course, the main axis608is shown as being vertical in the drawings, but in use, it is recognized that the jar102sits at an angle, and therefore the main axis608will be oblique). Excessive clearance is caused by the smaller container sizes that do not have sufficient height dimensions, such that when the adapters700,900are used, the ensuing containing system606would still be free to travel in a piston like fashion.

With reference toFIG. 15, there is shown an alternative embodiment of an adapter1100, which may be useful with smaller container sizes. The adapter1100includes a disk1102and a band1104that surrounds and extends upwardly from the disk1102. The disk1102has a central aperture1106that could be similar to the aperture702inFIG. 11(which is internally threaded to engage the external thread408A of the nozzle408) or to the aperture902inFIG. 13(which is wider than the nozzle408). The band1104includes a ring1108and, optionally, a lip1110. The ring1108has an outside diameter1112than is substantially equal to the top inside diameter202of the jar102. The lip1110extends radially outwardly beyond the ring1108, but only slightly, as it is configured to rest on the mouth108of the jar102without protruding radially from the jar102. The lip1110therefore also has a circular shape and its maximum diameter corresponds to the outer diameter220of the jar body102. The ring1110therefore fits frictionally into the jar102, descending towards the middle section214of the jar102, while the lip1110acts as a stopper to prevent the ring1108from being pushed too deep into the jar102. The lid106may still be placed onto the mouth108of the jar102, although in reality it is being placed onto an upper surface of the lip1110. Thus, the height of the jar is increased by no more than 1 or 2 mm, on top of which the lid106is positioned.

As shown inFIG. 16, the adapter1100may be attached to the container402between the top surface of the cover406and the bottom surface of the cap410. When the containing system606is placed in the jar102, a range of smaller sizes of containers402can be secured in place by the adapter1100. In particular, assuming that they all share the same nozzle408and cap410configuration, the largest size container402will be the one whose bottom1114touches the bottom of the inside of the bottom surface of the jar102when attached to the adapter1100ofFIGS. 15 and 16.

Thus, smaller sizes of the container402can be accommodated by the adapter1100. In particular, containers having less height can be accommodated by attaching the adapter1100in exactly the same way. The difference is that the container will now be suspended within the jar. This is shown in the cross-sectional drawing ofFIG. 17. In particular, it is seen that no direct contact exists between the container1302and the inner wall218of the jar102. Rather, the adapter1100provides the only contact with inner wall218of the jar102. However, this is not a requirement. For example, in other embodiments (not shown), the cap410that is threaded onto the nozzle408of the container1302may contact the underside of the lid106of the jar102. An advantage of the adapter1100ofFIGS. 15 to 17may be that the same adapter1100can accommodate different size nozzled containers, for example, 50 ml, 30 ml or 20 ml, to name a few non-limiting possibilities.

It should be appreciated that for certain container sizes, although the container1302is suspended within the jar102at rest by the adapter1100, during operation, there may be contact between the outer wall of the container1302and the inner wall218of the jar102. This may be caused by the high centrifugal force exerted by the apparatus100on the containing system1306(i.e., the adapter1100and the container1302, including its contents), which could temporarily deform the container1302and/or the adapter1100to a point where at least a portion surface of the container1302makes direct contact with the inner wall218of the jar102.

In another embodiment, the container that contains the composition to be dispersed does not have a cover with a threaded nozzle. Rather, the container may be a cylindrical container with a substantially smooth and even cylindrical profile. In this case, the adapter may be configured to clamp the container from the sides.

Specifically,FIGS. 18A and 18Beach show an embodiment of an adapter1400at rest, including a base1402and a plurality of prongs1404distributed circumferentially. The adapter1400defines a central opening1414into which a container such as the container502A may be inserted and surrounded by the prongs1404. The adapter1400has a height dimension1406that may correspond substantially to the inside height of the jar102. The prongs1404may be resilient and slightly outwardly biased. As such, when the adapter1400is at rest (outside the jar102, as shown inFIGS. 18A and 18B), the prongs1404define a substantially band-like cross-section1408with an inside width1410and an outside width1412. The inside width1410, near the top of the adapter1400, is slightly greater than an outside diameter508of the container502A for which it is configured. Thus there is a gap1502as shown inFIG. 19. Also, at rest, the outside width1412, near the top of the adapter1400, is slightly greater than the top inside diameter202of the jar102(seeFIG. 1). As will now be explained, there is enough resiliency in the prongs1404so that they may be compressed radially inwardly.

In particular,FIG. 20shows a cross-sectional view of the adapter1400when the containing system1600(including the adapter1400and the container502A) is placed inside the jar102. Here, the prongs1504are compressed inwardly (towards the center) and the inside width1410of the band-like cross-section1408formed by the prongs1404is now substantially the same as the outside diameter508of the container502A and the outside width1412of the band-like cross-section formed by the prongs1404is now substantially the same as the top inside diameter202of the jar102. As a result, the container502A is more snugly maintained by the prongs1404within the central opening1414.

The number of prongs1404is not particularly limited. The embodiment ofFIGS. 18A and 18Bshow the adapter1400having three prongs1404. However, in other embodiments, such as inFIG. 21, the adapter1700has four prongs1704.

To limit the amount of material used to make the adapter1400,1700, the adapter may include cut-outs1418,1718between the prongs1404,1704. The cut-outs have a depth defined as a relative distance occupied by the cut-outs in a height dimension of the adapter compared to the overall height of the respective adapter1400,1700. For example, for the adapter1700for which a side elevational view is shown inFIG. 21, the depth of the cut-outs1718is over 50%. In other embodiments, such as for the adapter1400for which a side elevational view is shown inFIG. 18, the depth of the cut-outs1418may be over 60%, over 70% or even over 80%. In further embodiments, it may be between 40% and 50%.

The cut-outs1418,1718may take on different shapes and configurations. InFIGS. 18B and 21, the cut-outs1418,1718have a deep parabolic shape. In other embodiments, the cut-outs may have a more square-like (or rectangular) appearance.

In certain embodiments, as shown inFIG. 19, the container502A may include a vertical viewing window1504that allows a user to see a level to which the container502A is filled. Accordingly, the cut-outs1418may be shaped so as to allow at least part of the viewing window1504to be unobstructed.

Turning back toFIG. 18, with additional reference toFIG. 14, the base1402of the adapter1400may be circular and may have a diameter D1402that is substantially identical to the top inside diameter202of the jar102, or even slightly greater than it (e.g., corresponding to the middle inside diameter204or by up to 1 mm or even 2 mm larger). Thus, aligning the base1402of the adapter1400with the mouth108of the jar102may make it difficult or even impossible to fit the adapter1400into the jar102. Thus, a different technique for inserting the adapter1400into the jar102may be required. To this end, the base1402can be tilted and then placed onto the mouth108of the jar102, such that only two diametrically opposite extremities1419,1420of the base1402are in contact with the inner surface218of the jar at respective contact points222,224of the adapter1400. The adapter1400is then urged into the jar, which causes a very slight expansion of the width of the mouth108, while resulting in a contraction of the mouth elsewhere between the two aforementioned contact points222,224. However, since the adapter1400is not in contact with these contracting regions, the jar102is allowed to flex, and thus allows the adapter1400to slip into the jar102. Once the two contact points222,224of the adapter1400pass the top section212of the jar102(which has the smallest width, namely the top inside diameter202) and move to the middle section214of the jar102(which has the second-smallest width, namely the middle inside diameter204), the mouth108of the jar102returns back to its original shape, which may be circular.

It should be appreciated that in the case of the container502A, with a cylindrical exterior shape, the actuator506may be provided so that the mixed composition can be dispensed to an end user without the need for transfer into a separate dispenser. Of course, the actuator506takes up part of the headroom available between the container502A and the underside of the lid106, thus limiting the volume of the composition that can be placed in the body504for mixing. Thus, it is possible to provide a container consisting primarily of the body504but without the actuator506. In this case, a temporary cap (not shown) could be fitted on the container body504, with the temporary cap being relatively short (a height less than that of the actuator506) and having a maximum width that is no wider than the body504of the container502A. After mixing, the temporary cap may be removed, and replaced with the actuator506. Because the temporary cap can be designed with a smaller height dimension than the actuator506, higher (i.e., more voluminous) containers may be accommodated.

Those ordinarily skilled in the art will appreciate that further improvements may be made to the design of the adapter. In particular, in the case where an adapter is designed that has a maximum width that is less than the width of the jar, rotational motion of the jar may induce slippage in the containing system (which includes the adapter and the container). The amount of slippage may further be a function of the dimensions of the container and the weight and/or volume of the composition contained therein. To reduce slippage, various possible anti-slippage mechanisms may be provided, depending on operational requirements.

Firstly,FIG. 22shows an adapter2100fitted with a rubberized exterior peripheral band2012. In another example, as shown inFIG. 23, the inner surface218of the jar102may be provided with an engaging element2202and an adapter2200may be provided with a complementary engaging element2204that engages with the engaging element2202. For example, one of the engaging elements2202,2204may be a slot, while the other one of the engaging elements2202,2204may be a protrusion or pin. Of course, many other forms of complementary engaging elements may be devised that inhibit rotational motion of the adapter2200and/or the containing system within the jar102.

Those skilled in the art will recognize that further improvements may be made to enhance performance during the herein described bladeless dispensing pattern process. For example, in the event that the user wishes to mix a composition that gives off heat, such heat may damage the API of the composition above a certain temperature, known as the degradation temperature threshold. With additional reference toFIG. 24, it is within the scope of the present invention to delay reaching this temperature by providing a heat conductive material2304between the adapter1400(or1700) and the inner surface218of the jar102. The heat conductive material2304may serve to dissipate heat better than simply the air that would ordinarily occupy this space. In some cases, a thermally conductive foil, foam or gel may be provided, as are made available by Fischer Elektronik GmbH, Lüdenscheid, Germany.

In another embodiment, rather than a thermally conductive material, it may be desirable to place a thermally insulating material2404between the adapter1400and the inner surface218of the jar102, as shown inFIG. 25. The insulating material2404may serve as a barrier to heat leaving the container502A, which will result in an increase in the temperature within the container502A. As a result, it may be possible to melt the compound that is undergoing the herein described bladeless dispensing pattern process within the container502A, thereby leading to a state change of the composition through novel use of the apparatus100. Moreover, the use of the heat insulating material2404may accelerate the melting process, i.e., shortening the time it takes to melt the composition, thus leading to a more efficient usage of the apparatus100.

With reference toFIG. 26, there is shown an insert2502that may be removably positioned within the jar102. The insert2502has the form of a metallic cup with a bottom, but in other embodiments it may be a bottomless sleeve. The insert2502may be made of hardened steel, stainless steel, tungsten carbide, agate, sintered aluminium oxide, silicon nitride or zirconium oxide, for example. Also provided are grinding media2504such as balls or pellets made of similar materials, as shown inFIG. 27. In an embodiment, the insert2502is friction fitted to the inner surface218of the jar102and may have a thickness of between 10 and 100 mils, although other thicknesses are possible. In another embodiment, the insert2502may have a smaller volume and may be held in place within the jar by an adapter, which may be similar to the previously described adapters. As a result, it may be possible to grind ingredients of the compounding composition through novel use of the apparatus100.

Definitions

Compounding activities, in the context of the present specification, also applies to combining, mixing or altering ingredients for a cosmetic composition which may include active over the counter (OTC) ingredients or prescription pharmaceutical ingredients. Within the context of the present specification, OTC and prescription ingredients are encompassed by the expression “active pharmaceuticals ingredients” (i.e., “API”).

In certain embodiments, the API is a poorly water-soluble drug or a drug with a high melting point.

The API may be found in the form of one or more pharmaceutically acceptable salts, esters, derivatives, analogs, prodrugs, and solvates thereof. As used herein, a “pharmaceutically acceptable salt” is understood to mean a compound formed by the interaction of an acid and a base, the hydrogen atoms of the acid being replaced by the positive ion of the base. Non-limiting examples of pharmaceutically acceptable salts include sulfate, citrate, acetate, oxalate, chloride, bromide, iodide, nitrate, bisulfate, phosphate, acid phosphate, isonicotinate, lactate, salicylate, acid citrate, tartrate, oleate, tannate, pantothenate, bitartrate, ascorbate, succinate, maleate, gentisinate, fumarate, gluconate, glucaronate, saccharate, formate, benzoate, glutamate, methanesulfonate, ethanesulfonate, benzenesulfonate, p-toluenesulfonate, and pamoate. Another method for defining the ionic salts may be as an acidic functional group, such as a carboxylic acid functional group, and a pharmaceutically acceptable inorganic or organic base. Non-limiting examples of bases include, but are not limited to, hydroxides of alkali metals such as sodium, potassium and lithium; hydroxides of calcium and magnesium; hydroxides of other metals, such as aluminum and zinc; ammonia; and organic amines, such as unsubstituted or hydroxy substituted mono-, di-, or trialkylamines; dicyclohexylamine; tributylamine; pyridine; N-methyl-N-ethylamine; diethylamine; triethylamine; mono-, bis- or tris-(2-hydroxy-lower alkyl amines), such as mono- bis- or tris-(2-hydroxyethyl)amine, 2-hydroxy-tert-butylamine, or tris-(hydroxymethyl)methylamine, N,N-di-lower alkyl-N-(hydroxy lower alkyl)-amines, such as N,N-dimethyl-N-(2-hydroxyethyl)amine, or tri-(2-hydroxyethyl)amine; N-methyl-D-glucamine; and amino acids such as arginine, lysine, and the like.

The APIs may be used in a variety of application modalities, including oral delivery as tablets, capsules or suspensions; pulmonary and nasal delivery; topical delivery as emulsions, ointments or creams; transdermal delivery; and parenteral delivery as suspensions, microemulsions or depot.

For the purpose of the present disclosure, the pharmaceutically acceptable excipient, diluent or carrier may be a solid, semi-solid (more or less viscous fluid) or fluid (for example a cream or an emulsion). The person of skill will appreciate that pharmaceutically acceptable excipients, diluents or carriers are known in the art and may include, but without being limited thereto, anti-adherents such as magnesium stearate; binders, such as saccharides and their derivatives (sucrose, lactose, starches, cellulose or modified cellulose, sugar alcohols such as xylitol, sorbitol or maltitol), proteins such as gelatins, synthetic polymers such as polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) or polyethylene glycol (PEG); coloring dyes or fragrance; glidants such as fumed silica, talc, and magnesium carbonate; hydrophilic or hydrophobic lubricants such as talc or silica, and fats, e.g. vegetable stearin, magnesium stearate or stearic acid; preservatives such as antioxidant vitamins or synthetic preservatives like parabens; sorbents or other desiccant; vehicles that serve as a medium for conveying the active ingredient such as petrolatum, gum base gelatin, dimethyl sulfoxide and mineral oil or commercial products such as VersaPro™ Gel, HRT™ Cream, OleaBase™ Plasticized, PLO Gel Mediflo™, Oral Mix™ or VersaPro™ cream, all from Medisca Pharmaceutique (Canada).

For the purpose of the present disclosure, the compounding compositions of the present description may be adapted for oral, rectal, vaginal, topical, urethral, ocular, or transdermal administration.

EXAMPLES

Details of specific practical implementation of the present disclosure will be further described in the following examples.

In the following experiment, a compounding composition of 150 ml including 10% progesterone dispersed in an excipient was prepared according to the herein described superimposed revolution and rotation movements. The characteristics of the resulting composition were assessed.

In a dispersing container, 15 g of USP micronized progesterone (NDC: 0043-08, Lot: 56345/B) was levigated with 12.5 mL of ethoxy diglycol by hand. The container was then filled with 122.75 mL of pharmaceutically acceptable excipient VersaPro™ Cream (NDC: 2529-01, Lot: 56035D), and placed in a planetary mixer (Mazerustar KK-250S). The parameters for operating the superimposed revolution and rotation movements were set, including revolution, rotation and time variables. The resulting dispersed 10% progesterone composition was separated in the container into three layers, namely top (T), middle (M) and bottom (B) layers.

The progesterone concentration of each layer was determined using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The person of skill will be able to determine the HPLC assay parameters without undue effort as HPLC is a known technique. The standard deviation (SD) between the progesterone concentrations of the three layers for each prepared formulation was determined. The design of experiment (DOE) was setup as a 23 full factorial design. Explanatory operating parameters included: revolution (x1), rotation (x2) and time (x3). The response variable (y1) was defined as the standard deviation (SD) between the concentrations of progesterone from three separated layers of the prepared composition in the dispersing container. Coding of these variables with respect to mixer settings are shown in Table 1.

Eight experimental runs were executed at boundary conditions and three were done at centre point values as set forth in Table 2

Trials were randomized and the results are found in Table 3:

TABLE 3Percent Progesterone and Standard DeviationValues for Each FormulationPercentAverageRelativeProges-Top, Middle,Concen-StandardStandardSampleteroneBottomtrationDeviationDeviation#(w/w)layers(w/w)(SD)(RSD) (%)19.0T9.30.3513.7729.3M39.7B49.7T9.70.3003.0959.4M610.0B71.2T5.94.3927486.6M99.9B108.2T9.52.16622118.3M1212.0B133.3T9.410.078107143.8M1521.0B169.7T9.50.3463.64179.1M189.7B199.8T9.60.2082.17209.7M219.4B221.1T7.88.997115234.2M2418.0B257.1T8.83.65941266.3M2713.0B284.2T9.18.54593294.2M3019.0B

The mixing process can be modeled by the following predictive cubic regression:

In the equation (1), x1is the revolution setting, x2is the rotation setting and x3is the time setting.

The combined effect of revolution, rotation and time was found to have the greatest effect, followed by rotation and revolution. The time setting x3by itself, was not statistically significant. The interaction effects were found to be relatively influential, particularly the combination effect of all three parameters. The interaction effects can be seen inFIG. 28.

The model was reduced through an iterative method in order to better observe the parameter and interaction effects on a more statistically significant level. The codependency of the revolution, rotation and time was observed to have the strongest effect on the SD of progesterone concentration, followed by rotation and revolution. As expected, faster rotation and revolution speeds, decreased the SD of percent progesterone. These relationships are illustrated inFIG. 29.

The reduced model can be represented by the following reduced equation:

In equation 2, x1is the revolution setting, x2is the rotation setting and x3is the time setting.

Based on the cubic regression model (equation 1), a desirability algorithm was derived for optimization of the dispersing process. For optimal conditions, desirability was set such that SD of percent progesterone was zero and the time setting was minimized to the lowest value (i.e., 10 seconds). It was found that ideal conditions could be met given the following mixer settings: revolution=9, rotation=9 and time=1. This optimization is shown inFIG. 30.

In this example, the superimposed revolution and rotation movements were performed in a planetary mixer (Mazerustar kk-300ss) in presence of grinding media. The following assays surprisingly demonstrated that the herein described superimposed revolution and rotation movements can be used to grind particles in presence of grinding media to obtain a desirable particle size distribution, while maintaining the temperature of the materials being grinded at a safe level below typical degradation temperature of thermally labile API.

Briefly, the container was filled with grinding media and sodium chloride for a total volume of 32 ml, and the superimposed revolution and rotation movements were performed at 1000 rpm (revolution) and 400 rpm (rotation) for 60 seconds with either sphere grinding media of 8 mm (58 beads) or cylinder grinding media of 10 mm (37 beads). A control grinding experiment was performed using mortar and pestle of sodium chloride.

A first assay was performed with 20 g of sodium chloride (NDC 0629-08; lot number 602576/B, melting temperature of 801° C.).FIG. 31Ashows that the sodium chloride prior to processing had the following particle size distribution (PSD) in μm: D10of 225.563, D50of 354.819 and D90of 539.090.FIG. 31Bshows that the control experiment of mortar and pestle for 60 seconds demonstrated virtually no change in the PSD, with the following values in μm: D10of 171.989, D50of 328.938 and D90of 548.544.FIG. 31Cshows that in contrast, grinding with spheres of 8 mm significantly shifted the PSD to the following lower values in μm: D10of 8.476, D50of 43.919 and D90of 126.183, while maintaining the temperature of the mixture at a safe level below typical degradation temperature of thermally labile API. Similarly,FIG. 31Dshows that grinding with cylinders also significantly shifted the PSD to the following lower values in μm: D10of 11.835, D50of 64.803 and D90of 181.616, while maintaining the temperature of the mixture at a safe level below typical degradation temperature of thermally labile API. The results are also reported in the following Table 4:

Similar results were obtained when milling 30 g of sodium chloride using a mix of bead sizes, namely 80 beads were 8 mm and 25 beads were 6 mm, for a total weight of 310 g. Qualitative assessment of grinding efficacy was also performed in the planetary mixer using as starting material, granular sodium chloride at 10 g, 20 g or 30 g with 45 beads (spherical) of 8 mm filling the bottom layer of the container, for 60 sec at 1000 rpm. The results are that the various weights of materials were effectively grinded with these parameters.

A second assay was performed with Gabapentin (NDC 2461-05; lot number 607832/B; melting temperature of 162° C.).FIG. 32Ashows that the API prior to milling had the following particle size distribution (PSD) in μm: D10of 9.688, D50of 59.399 and D90of 164.334.FIG. 32Bshows that the control experiment of mortar and pestle for 60 seconds demonstrated virtually no change in the PSD, with the following values in μm: D10of 8.033, D50of 53.500 and D90of 163.239.FIG. 32Cshows that in contrast, grinding with spheres for 60 seconds at 1000 rpm (revolution) and 400 rpm (rotation) significantly shifted the PSD to the following lower values in μm: D10of 1.524, D50of 9.170 and D90of 58.913, while maintaining the temperature of the mixture at a safe level below the degradation temperature of the API. Similarly,FIG. 32Dshows that grinding with cylinders for 60 seconds at 1000 rpm also significantly shifted the PSD to the following lower values in μm: D10of 3.878, D50of 33.616 and D90of 150.820, while maintaining the temperature of the mixture at a safe level below the degradation temperature of the API.

The results are also reported in the following Table 4A:

Similar results were obtained when milling 15 g of Gabapentin using a mix of bead sizes, namely 80 beads were 8 mm and 42 beads were 6 mm, for a total weight of 310 g.

Other experiments were also made with the following starting material and grinding media using higher settings, namely a revolution speed of 2000 rpm and a rotation speed of 800 rpm:

Other experiments were also made with 2 g of sodium chloride as starting material and grinding media using various settings to more easily visually detect particle size reduction:

Other experiments were also made with Gabapentin 2 g as starting material and grinding media using lower settings, namely a revolution speed of 1000 rpm and a rotation speed of 400 rpm:

These last results suggest that processing time parameters of 30 and 60 seconds keep temperature below 40° C., which is below the typical degradation temperature for a thermally labile API.

In this example, the following compounded pharmaceutical compositions were prepared using the herein described superimposed revolution and rotation movements using a planetary mixer (Mazerustar kk-300ss) with the following dispersion parameters: processing time of 30 sec or 60 sec (either continuously or in two intervals of 30 seconds each), and dispersion speeds of 2000 rpm revolution and 800 rpm rotation. In some cases, a dye was added to the ingredients showing that the herein described superimposed revolution and rotation movements can be used to also disperse colorant within a compounded pharmaceutical composition.

In the particular pain pharmaceutical composition described in Table 11, the red dye was added on top of the ingredients. Following the dispersion of the ingredients, the resulting mixture had a substantially homogeneous pink color as early as 30 sec.

In this particular example of a pharmaceutical suspension being dispersed in presence of a red dye, the dye was placed on top of the ingredients. Following the dispersion of the ingredients, the resulting mixture had a substantially homogeneous pink color as early as 30 sec.

In this example, the following compounded pharmaceutical compositions were prepared using the herein described superimposed revolution and rotation movements in a planetary mixer (Mazerustar kk-300ss). The dispersing time and the dispersing speed parameters were modified, and a dispersing assessment was made, as indicated in the following tables. Note that the rotation speed (rpm) was kept at a value of 40% of the revolution speed (rpm).

In the above results, * means that the G forces were observed as being insufficient to achieve a mix whereas ** means that the temperature exceeded the pre-determined threshold temperature of 45° C. for thermally labile API. In this example, a red dye was used to qualitatively assess the dispersion.

In this example, the following compounded pharmaceutical compositions including 3 different APIs were prepared using the herein described superimposed revolution and rotation movements, or using an Unguator™ as control comparative blade mixing device (Gako International), with the following ingredients:

The superimposed revolution and rotation movements parameters were: 2000 rpm for 30 sec (samples 1-3). The parameters for the Unguator™ control comparative blade mixing device (samples 4-5) were: speed 5 for 120 sec (sandwich protocol). Each of the resulting composition was then separated in top, middle and bottom layers and the concentration of each API in each layer was measured with HPLC. The average concentration ([ ]), the standard deviation (SD) and the relative standard deviation (% RSD) were calculated for each API. The results are shown in the following Table:

These results show that the average % RSD is significantly lower when using the superimposed revolution and rotation movements relative to the Unguator™ control comparative blade mixing device. The inventors were also able to consistently (in over 80% of the cases) obtain for a given API less than 3% RSD, suggesting a significant homogeneity in the compositions made as well as more reproducible results (i.e., less variations from one composition to another). In contrast, the Unguator™ control comparative blade mixing device consistently (in over 80% of the cases) showed higher and variable % RSD for a given API, suggesting less homogeneous compositions and less reproducible results.

In this example, the following compounded pharmaceutical compositions including 4 different APIs were prepared using the herein described superimposed revolution and rotation movements, with the following ingredients:

The superimposed revolution and rotation movements parameters were: 2000 rpm for 30 sec (samples 4-6). The parameters for the Unguator™ control comparative blade mixing device (samples 1-3) were: speed 5 for 120 sec (sandwich protocol). Each of the resulting composition was then separated in top, middle and bottom layers and the concentration of each API in each layer was measured with HPLC. The average concentration ([ ]), the standard deviation (SD) and the relative standard deviation (% RSD) were calculated for each API. The results are shown in the following Table:

These results show that the average % RSD is significantly lower when using the superimposed revolution and rotation movements relative to the Unguator™ control comparative blade mixing device. The inventors were also able to consistently (in over 80% of the cases) obtain for a given API less than 3% RSD, suggesting a significant homogeneity in the compositions made as well as more reproducible results (i.e., less variations from one composition to another). In contrast, the Unguator™ control comparative blade mixing device consistently (in over 80% of the cases) showed higher and variable % RSD for a given API, suggesting less homogeneous compositions and less reproducible results.

In this example, a jar container having a certain internal ratio was used to disperse ingredients using the herein described superimposed revolution and rotation movements. The jar is equipped with an adaptor to fit the jar container into a receiving basket of a planetary mixer. The ingredients used a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, excipient or diluent, Versapro Cream Base and a red dye, as a tracer. The amount of Versapro added into the container was sufficient to reach the top of the viewing window on the jar container (MD line of containers, from Medisca Pharmaceutique). Note that the rotation speed (rpm) was kept at a value of 40% of the revolution speed (rpm).

Safe dispersing parameters so as to avoid leakage, thus, appear to be 1500 rpm at 0.5 min, and are applicable to all sizes of the MD line of jar containers.

In this example, a 6.5 ml syringe container (Medisca Pharmaceutique) was used to disperse ingredients using the herein described superimposed revolution and rotation movements. The syringe container is equipped with an adaptor to fit the syringe container into a receiving basket of the planetary mixer. The ingredients used were a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, excipient or diluent, Versapro Cream Base and a red dye, as a tracer. The amount of Versapro added into the syringe container was of 6.5 g. The dispersed cream was then visually assessed for entrapped air bubbles levels and red dye homogeneity dispersion. Note that the rotation speed (rpm) was kept at a value of 40% of the revolution speed (rpm).

TABLE 21Results for Versapro Cream in syringe containerRevolutionTime(rpm)(sec)Observation500120Dye failed to travel down. No noticeable change in air bubble size orshape.1000120Dye failed to travel down. Air bubbles size has decreased but still largenumber of bubbles visible (mostly non-uniform in size and shape).150030Dye moved down 2 cm. Air bubbles size has decreased and shape of airbubbles is more uniform.60Dye moved down a further 0.5 cm. Layers of colour near the centersuggesting heterogeneous mixing.90Dye moved down a further 0.5 cm. Layers of colour near the centersuggesting heterogeneous mixing.120Dye stopped at center cartridge. Heterogeneous mix200030Dye moved down effectively (2.7 cm). Fewer air bubbles, size has alsodecreased. Less bubble towards the top.60Dye moved down an additional 1-1.5 cm. Mixing flow visible. Layers ofdistinct shades of pink indicate non-uniform mixing near the center.Slightly more uniform bubble size and shape. No significant change innumber of bubbles. Temperature: 28.5° C.90Dye moved down (1 cm above the bottom of the cartridge). Mixing flowvisible. Top layer (darker pink) has increased, more uniform in the middlecompared to before, however, layers still visible. No significant Change insize, shape or number of bubbles. Temperature: 29.7 C. °120Dye has reached bottom of cartridge completely. Mixing flow visible.Layers are less prevalent, color is more uniform throughout. Noticeablechange in number of bubbles. Size has slightly decreased. Temp: 31.2 C. °

Similar results were obtained when dispersing in a syringe container of 5.0 ml (Medisca Pharmaceutique, Montreal, Canada).

In this example, various pharmaceutically acceptable excipients, carriers or diluents in solid or semi-solid form (i.e., more or less viscous, so long as it cannot be poured like a liquid) were submitted to the herein described superimposed revolution and rotation movements in an attempt to obtain a reversible melt. The dispersing parameters used were 2000 rpm revolution and 800 rpm rotation.

TABLE 22Melting of excipient, carrier or diluentExcipient, carrier or diluentObservationVersaPro ™ Cream300 sec dispersing resulted in a temperature of 31.6° C.,appears as a creamOleaBase ™ Plastisized240 sec dispersing resulted in a temperature of 38.2° C.Ointment Base300 sec dispersing resulted in a temperature of 34.2° C., thebase became very soft and liquid. There is a major change inconsistency and texture.PLO Gel Mediflo ™ 30210 sec dispersing resulted in a temperature of 39.1° C., thegel appears like a cream, not a poutable liquidPolyPeg Suppository Base300 sec dispersing resulted in a temperature of 51.1° C., thebase appears like a cream, not a pourable liquidSPG Supposi-Base ™300 sec dispersing resulted in a temperature of 34.1° C., thebase appears like a cream, not a pourable liquidGum Base Gelatin180 sec dispersing resulted in a temperature of 55.1° C., theinitial cube shaped gelatin forms melt into a pourable liquid.

The experiment was repeated in different planetary mixer devices, as per the following paragraphs.

FIG. 33shows a typical gum base gelatin particle unaltered from the manufacturers' container (left) and a plurality of these particles contained in the dispersion jar (right). The block has a maximal extent size of about 1 inch.

FIG. 34shows gum base gelatin particles which have been cut down from the initial size present in the manufacturers' container (left) and a plurality of these particles contained in the dispersion jar (right). The cut down particles have a size of less than about 0.5 inch.

A two (2) decimal place balance was used to weigh the gelatin gum base. During the weighing operations, a plastic jar was placed on the balance and tared. During the first experiment run, 50 grams was processed unaltered. During the second experiment run, the 50 grams of gelatin gum base was minced into smaller pieces. The initial temperature was recorded using a digital thermometer with stainless steel probe by inserting the tip inside of the gum base gelatin before being inserted inside the planetary mixer. The final temperature was measured once the dispersion process was completed, by inserting and swirling the stainless steel probe in the gelatin in order to avoid coagulation as much as possible.

The herein described superimposed revolution and rotation movements was used to melt the gelatin gum base and the process parameters/results obtained were compared to those performed/obtained when using a hot plate. The melted gelatin gum base was assessed by measuring the temperature before and after the melting process by using a digital thermometer with a stainless-steel probe.FIG. 35A-35Eshows examples of gum base that completely melted (35A), partially melted (35B,35C and35D), and did not melt (35E).

Hot Plate

Material and Methods

Hot Plate

A water bath was set with a water temperature of 65° C. A hot plate Thermos Scientific Cimarec™ model SP131325 was used. A beaker of size Pyrex™ number 1003 with capacity 1000 ml, 4 in diameter and 6 in in height, was used to contain the water. A beaker of size Veegee™ Glassco number 20229 with capacity 600 ml, 3.5 in diameter and 5 in in height, was used to contain the gelatin. The gelatin gum base was placed in the melting beaker and the timer was started. The water temperature of 65° C. was maintained while briefly mixing every 3 minutes. Time was recorded once all gelatin cubes had melted. Final temperature of melted gelatin gum base was recorded. This experimental assessment was reproduced for 50, 75 and 100 grams.

A two (2) decimal place balance was used to weight the gelatin gum base. During the weighing operations, a plastic jar was placed on the balance and tared. Various amounts of gelatin gum base were tested due to the varying capacities of the different planetary mixers, the weights of 25, 50, 75, 100, 120, 150, 200, 300 and 500 grams were selected. The temperature was recorded using a digital thermometer with stainless steel probe by inserting the tip inside of the gelatin gum base. The final temperature was measured by repeating the process and swirling the stainless steel probe as to avoid coagulation as much as possible.

Parameters of 180 seconds time period in combination with 25, 50 and 75 grams were used for increasing G Force and RPM. For the Mazerustar KK-300SS: 182 G Force corresponds to 1600 RPM; 230 G Force corresponds to 1800 RPM; and 284 G Force corresponds to 2000 RPM.

Parameters of G Force of 284 (2000 RPM) in combination with 75 grams were used for increasing the time of melting in the Mazerustar. For the Mazerustar KK-300SS times of 180, 300 and 450 seconds were used.

Parameters of G force of 284 (2000 RPM) in combination with 180 seconds were used for increasing the mass of melting in the Mazerustar. For the Mazerustar KK-300SS mass of 25, 50 and 75 grams were used.

Parameters of G force of 284 (2000 RPM) in combination with 300 seconds were used for increasing the mass of melting in the Mazerustar. For the Mazerustar KK-300SS mass of 25, 50, 75 and 100 grams were used.

Parameters of 450 seconds time period in combination with 75 grams were used for increasing G Force and RPM. For the Mazerustar KK-400: 170 G Force corresponds to 1058 RPM; 226 G Force corresponds to 1218 RPM; and 273 G Force corresponds to 1340 RPM.

Parameters of G Force of 273 (1340 RPM) in combination with 25, 50 and 75 grams were used for increasing the time of melting in the Mazerustar. For the Mazerustar KK-400 times of 180, 300, 450 and 600 seconds were used.

Parameters of G Force of 273 (1340 RPM) in combination with 100 grams were used for increasing the time of melting in the Mazerustar. For the Mazerustar KK-400 times of 300, 450 and 600 seconds were used.

Parameters of G force of 273 (1340 RPM) in combination with 180 seconds were used for increasing the mass of melting in the Mazerustar. For the Mazerustar KK-400 mass of 25, 50 and 75 grams were used.

Parameters of G force of 284 (2000 RPM) in combination with 300 and 450 seconds were used for increasing the mass of melting in the Mazerustar. For the Mazerustar KK-400 mass of 25, 50, 75 and 100 grams were used.

Parameters of G force of 284 (2000 RPM) in combination with 600 seconds were used for increasing the mass of melting in the Mazerustar. For the Mazerustar KK-400 mass of 25, 50, 75, 100 and 150 grams were used.

Parameters of 450 seconds time period in combination with 200 grams were used for increasing G Force and RPM. For the Mazerustar KK-1000: 149 G Force corresponds to 770 RPM; 186 G Force corresponds to 860 RPM; and 227 G Force corresponds to 950 RPM.

Parameters of G Force of 227 (950 RPM) in combination with 200 grams were used for increasing the time of melting in the Mazerustar. For the Mazerustar KK-1000 times of 180, 300, 450 and 600 seconds were used.

Parameters of G force of 227 (950 RPM) in combination with 450 seconds were used for increasing the mass of melting in the Mazerustar. For the Mazerustar KK-1000 mass of 100, 200, 300 and 500 grams were used.

Results and Discussion

The following can be deduced from the results reported in tables 20 and 20.1 to 20.20 as well as inFIGS. 36-38.

The gelatin particles melted as the planetary motion induced friction between the particles and the inside surfaces of the jar. By nature, gelatin gum base has an adhesive surface. The gelatin gum base chunk volume and mass increased proportionally. However, the surface area adhering to the plastic of the same chunk of gelatin gum base also increased but at a lower rate than the mass. The smaller the mass of the gelatin chunk, the more difficulty the planetary mixer had of dislodging the mass of gelatin stuck on the wall and, thus, not being able to melt.

The results show that that there was a direct correlation between melting and the planetary mixer's G Force/RPM speed, time and mass of gum base gelatin. The final temperature of the melted substance increased as the G Force/RPM speed increased and the time increased. The final temperature of the melted substance followed a quadratic function, where a minimal and a maximal mass can be used to melt the gelatin gum base.

In this example, an Unguator cartridge was used to disperse ingredients the herein described superimposed revolution and rotation movements. The cartridge is fitted with an adaptor to fit the Unguator cartridge into a receiving basket of the planetary mixer. The ingredients used were a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, excipient or diluent, Versapro Cream Base and a red dye, as a tracer. The amount of Versapro added into the Unguator cartridge was the nominal value recommended by the Unguator manufacturer. The dispersed cream was then visually assessed for red dye homogeneity dispersion. Note that the rotation speed (rpm) was kept at a value of 40% of the revolution speed (rpm).

Safe dispersing parameters so as to avoid leakage, thus, appear to be 1000 rpm at 0.5 min, and are applicable to all sizes of the Unguator cartridge line of containers with the herein described adapters.

In this example, grinding of variable amounts of ingredient particles was performed the herein described superimposed revolution and rotation movements in a planetary mixer (Mazerustar kk-300ss, kk-400 or kk-1000) in presence of grinding media. The container was filled with grinding media and the ingredient particles. The dispersing time and the dispersing speed parameters were modified, and a dispersing assessment was made, as indicated in the following tables.

It is to be noted that this tables make reference to particle size distribution values such as D10, D50and D90. These are known manners to represent particle size distribution. For example, D90signifies the point in the size distribution, up to and including which, 90% of the total volume of material in the sample is ‘contained’. For example, if the D90is 844 nm, this means that 90% of the sample has a size of 844 nm or smaller.

Methods

Reference Point

The Sodium Chloride (NaCl) powder was taken from the original packaged container (LOT number: 613788) with a stainless steel laboratory spatula and placed in an inert plastic container. The powder (NaCl) was transferred to the laser diffraction particle sizer MasterSizer 2000®. The data was collected and the distribution was noted at D10, D50and D90. These measurements consist of the reference points for the following milling experimental assay.

Mortar and Pestle

A two (2) decimal place balance was used to weight the Sodium Chloride (NaCl) powder (LOT #613788). During the weighing operations, a weigh boat was placed on the balance and tared, two different amounts of powder (NaCl) were tested, i.e., 23 grams and 50 grams. Due to the volume capacity difference of the planetary mixers tested, the weights of 23 grams and 50 grams were selected. The results gathered from the 23 grams trituration steps were used to compare with the KK-300SS and KK-400. The results gathered from the 50 grams trituration steps were used to compare with the KK-1000. Once the desired mass of powder was weighed, the powder (NaCl) was then transferred from the weigh boat to a mortar and pestle. The triturating process began once the timer started. During testing, times of 60, 180 and 300 seconds were used. Also, two (2) different individuals performed the trituration process. Once the time of a trituration run had elapsed, the milled powder (NaCl) was transferred from the mortar to an inert plastic container. A random sample of 3 grams from the powder was placed in the laser diffraction particle sizer MasterSizer 2000®. The data was collected and the distribution was noted at D10, D50and D90. These measurements consisted of the reference points for the following milling experimental assay.

A two (2) decimal place balance was used to weigh the Sodium Chloride (NaCl) powder (LOT #613788). During the weighing operations, a stainless steel liner was placed on the balance and tared. Two different amounts of powder (NaCl), 22.90 grams and 53.00 grams, which each occupied ¼ of the volume of their respective liners, were tested. The 22.90 grams experiments were tested on the Mazerustar KK-300SS and KK-400 units. The 53.00 grams experiments were tested on the Mazerustar KK-1000 unit. Once the desired mass of powder was weighed, the spherical grinding media of 8 mm diameter was added to the stainless steel container. For this experiment a total grinding media mass of 106.4 grams was used for the experiments with 22.90 grams of powder, and a total grinding media mass of 245.79 grams was used for the experiments with 53.00 grams of powder.

Times of 60 seconds were used for increasing G Force and RPM. For the Mazerustar KK-300SS: 86 G Force corresponds to 1100 RPM; 120 G Force corresponds to 1300 RPM; 182 G Force corresponds to 1600 RPM; 230 G Force corresponds to 1800 RPM.

Parameters of G Force of 86 (1100 RPM) were used for increasing the time of milling in the Mazerustar. For the Mazerustar KK-300SS times of 60, 90, 120, 180 and 300 seconds were used.

Parameters of 60 seconds were used for increasing G Force and RPM. For the Mazerustar KK-400: 98 G Force corresponds to 804 RPM; 133 G Force corresponds to 935 RPM; 170 G Force corresponds to 1058 RPM; and 226 G Force corresponds to 1218 RPM.

Parameters of G Force of 98 (804 RPM) were used for increasing the time of milling in the planetary mixer. For the Mazerustar KK-400 times of 60, 90, 120, 180 and 300 seconds were used.

Parameters of 60 seconds were used for increasing G Force and RPM. For the Mazerustar KK-1000: 88 G Force corresponds to 590 RPM; 116 G Force corresponds to 680 RPM; 186 G Force corresponds to 960 RPM; 227 G Force corresponds to 960 RPM.

Parameters of G Force of 88 (590 RPM) were used for increasing the time of milling in the planetary mixer. For the Mazerustar KK-1000 times of 60, 90, 120, 180 and 300 seconds were used.

Once the time had elapsed, the milled powder was placed in an inert plastic container. A random sample of 3 grams from the powder was placed in the laser diffraction particle sizer MasterSizer 2000®. The data was collected and the distribution was noted at D10, D50and D90. These measurements were the reference points for the following milling experimental assay.

Clean up for the planetary mixer and for the mortar and pestle took comparatively the same period of time.

Observations

Constant G Force with Increased Time Duration

One can observe that compounding pharmaceutical ingredients using the herein described superimposed revolution and rotation movements in the presence of grinding media with a planetary mixer is very efficient compared to the conventional method of the mortar and pestle.

The longer the duration, the finer the particles became. After 60 seconds, the planetary mixer could bring the (D10) within 10 μm. The mortar and pestle could barely reach (D10) of 10 μm after 300 seconds. It is important to note the overall particle size for the (D50) and (D90). The planetary mixer could reduce the particle size within 60 seconds for the overall particle size for the (D50) and (D90). After processing with the planetary mixer for a duration exceeding 180 seconds, the powder reached a state whereby the fineness of the powder exhibited hygroscopic properties of clumping, creating larger particle size.

Constant Time Duration with Increased G Force

One can observe that milling at higher G Force for the same duration diminished the particle size in the planetary mixer. G Forces higher than 170 demonstrated that particle size variance was very similar.

Temperature Gain for 60 Seconds at Different G Force

Increasing the G Force while maintaining a constant time milling time of 60 seconds generated more friction between the stainless steel liner and the zirconium coated balls, which in turn created a larger temperature gain. This temperature gain stabilised once the 180 G Force mark was passed.

Temperature Gain for Constant G Force at Different Time Duration

The temperature gain increased as the processing time increases. The temperature gain stabilised quickly for any value after the 90-second marks.

In the following experiment, a compounding composition including 3 API was dispersed in an excipient was prepared according to the herein described superimposed revolution and rotation movements, or using an Electric Mortar and Pestle (EMP) Mixer as control comparative mixing device. The characteristics of the resulting composition were assessed. Notably, this experiment demonstrated that the superimposed revolution and rotation movements can be implemented independently of the processing capacity or planetary mixer model used.

Homogeneity was assessed by measuring the API potency with high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) at three layers of a given mixing vessel (top, middle and bottom layers). The API potency was reported in the form of a weight/weight concentration on triplicate batches. In other words, the formulation for a given container and volume size was repeated three (3) times in order to obtain statistically significant data.

The assays were performed with different planetary mixer models, namely the Mazerustar KK-300SS, KK-400W, and KK-1000W and an EMP Mixer.

Samples were prepared using six (6) different mixer/volume configurations with a formula of Baclofen 2%, Cyclobenzaprine 6% and Diclofenac 10% in VersaPro™ Cream. Briefly, the baclofen and cyclobenzaprine hydrochloride were weighted into separate glass mortar and pestles. The baclofen and cyclobenzaprine hydrochloride were triturated until a fine powder with no grittiness was formed. In a glass mortar and pestle the desired quantity of baclofen, cyclobenzaprine hydrochloride and diclofenac sodium were combined. Desired amounts of ethoxy diglycol and pentylene glycol were incorporated into the powder blend until the powder blend was levigated and a smooth paste was achieved.

The dispersing container (Mazerustar or EMP jar) was filled with the desired amount of Versapro Cream and placed into the respective device (planetary Mazerustar or EMP). The parameters for operating the devices were set, including revolution, rotation and time variables for the planetary mixers.

The resulting 3 API formulation composition were separated in the container into three layers, namely top (T), middle (M) and bottom (B) layers.

The superimposed revolution and rotation movement parameters in the planetary mixer were (samples 1-3):1. Mazerustar KK-300SS: 2000 RPM (revolution)/800 RPM (rotation) for 30 sec (standard jar) [which provides a G force of 284 g]2. Mazerustar KK-400W: 1340 RPM (revolution)/1340 RPM (rotation) for 70 sec [which provides a G force of 273 g]3. Mazerustar KK-1000W: 960 RPM (revolution)/950 RPM (rotation) for 130 sec [which provides a G force of 227 g]

The EMP parameters were (samples 4-6):4. EMP 200 mL Jar: Lift Engine Step 01, Mix Engine Step 06 for 120 sec5. EMP 300 mL Jar: Lift Engine Step 01, Mix Engine Step 06 for 120 sec6. EMP 1 L Jar: Lift Engine Step 01, Mix Engine Step 06 for 180 sec

Each of the resulting composition was then separated in top, middle and bottom layers and the concentration of each of the 3 API in each layer was measured with HPLC. The average concentration ([ ]), the standard deviation (SD) and the relative standard deviation (% RSD) were calculated for each API. The results are shown in the following Tables:

TABLE 34Results for a composition including 3API dispersed in Mazerustar KK-300SSLayerFormu-(top,lationSamplemiddle,BaclofenCyclobenzaprineDiclofenac##bottom)(w/w)(w/w)(w/w)11Top2.0456.14410.0452Middle2.0196.0709.9253Bottom2.0706.17510.11424Top1.9926.1299.9705Middle2.0856.25110.1566Bottom2.0326.27010.19137Top2.0716.33410.3198Middle2.0706.31110.2659Bottom2.1166.42110.456

TABLE 35Results for a composition including3 API dispersed in Mazerustar KK-400WLayerFormu-(top,lationSamplemiddle,BaclofenCyclobenzaprineDiclofenac##bottom)(w/w)(w/w)(w/w)410Top2.0896.33210.33411Middle2.1136.34510.37512Bottom2.1276.31610.352513Top2.0696.34010.29214Middle2.0906.42610.48615Bottom2.0516.39710.438616Top2.0676.32110.30617Middle2.0946.31210.318Bottom2.0816.39410.41

TABLE 36Results for a composition including 3API dispersed in Mazerustar KK-1000WLayerFormu-(top,lationSamplemiddle,BaclofenCyclobenzaprineDiclofenac##bottom)(w/w)(w/w)(w/w)719Top2.0856.43210.55620Middle2.0686.43510.53521Bottom2.0396.29510.32822Top2.1056.42610.37423Middle2.1066.42710.38924Bottom2.0866.4610.418925Top2.1306.36910.38226Middle2.1086.22410.17927Bottom2.1076.29410.28

TABLE 37Results for a composition including3 API dispersed in EMP 200 mL JarLayerFormu-(top,lationSamplemiddle,BaclofenCyclobenzaprineDiclofenac##bottom)(w/w)(w/w)(w/w)1028Top2.1656.47510.61229Middle2.0216.0899.98530Bottom2.0246.1110.0211131Top2.1336.4410.53632Middle2.126.28810.28533Bottom2.056.21210.1691234Top2.2096.45710.56535Middle2.0746.18210.13636Bottom2.1136.27910.288

TABLE 38Results for a composition including3 API dispersed in EMP 300 ml JarLayerFormu-(top,lationSamplemiddle,BaclofenCyclobenzaprineDiclofenac##bottom)(w/w)(w/w)(w/w)1337Top2.2356.67410.93538Middle2.0826.27210.29539Bottom2.2086.4810.6041440Top2.1856.55710.75241Middle2.0876.20510.1542Bottom1.9986.0479.9081543Top2.236.74311.03544Middle2.0896.22810.20545Bottom2.0446.21610.193

TABLE 39Results for a composition including3 API dispersed in EMP 1 L JarLayerFormu-(top,lationSamplemiddle,BaclofenCyclobenzaprineDiclofenac##bottom)(w/w)(w/w)(w/w)1646Top2.1136.37610.45447Middle2.0736.09710.00348Bottom2.1016.14710.0931749Top2.0316.29410.30150Middle2.0946.48810.55851Bottom1.9876.18210.0211852Top2.0986.39610.28453Middle2.1546.50610.48654Bottom2.0886.1829.932

TABLE 40% RSD Results for the compositions of Table 34 to 39Formu-lationBaclofen, 2%Cyclobenzaprine, 6%Diclofenac, 10%#% RSD11.2%0.9%1.0%22.3%1.2%1.2%31.3%0.9%1.0%40.9%0.2%0.2%50.9%0.7%1.0%60.6%0.7%0.6%71.1%1.3%1.2%80.5%0.3%0.2%90.6%1.2%1.0%104.0%3.5%3.4%112.1%1.8%1.8%123.3%2.2%2.1%133.8%3.1%3.0%144.5%4.2%4.2%154.6%4.7%4.6%161.0%2.4%2.3%172.6%2.4%2.6%181.7%2.6%2.7%

In the following experiment, a compounding composition including 2 API was dispersed in an excipient was prepared according to the herein described superimposed revolution and rotation movements, or using an Electric Mortar and Pestle (EMP) Mixer as control comparative mixing device. The characteristics of the resulting composition were assessed. Notably, this experiment demonstrated that the superimposed revolution and rotation movements can be implemented independently of the processing capacity or planetary mixer model used.

Homogeneity was assessed as in Example 12. The dispersing processes were performed with the same devices as in Example 12.

Samples were prepared using six (6) different mixer/volume configurations with a formula of Estradiol 0.05% and Estriol 0.2% in VersaPro Cream. Briefly, the estradiol and estriol were weighted into separate plastic weigh boats. A 3 decimal place balance was used to prepare the formulation. Desired amounts of propylene glycol were incorporated into the powder blend until the powder blend was levigated and a smooth homogeneous liquid. The dispersing container (Mazerustar or EMP jar) was filled with the desired amount of Versapro Cream and placed into the respective device (planetary Mazerustar or EMP). The parameters for operating the devices were set, including revolution, rotation and time variables for the planetary mixers.

The resulting 2 API formulation composition were separated in the container into three layers, namely top (T), middle (M) and bottom (B) layers.

The superimposed revolution and rotation movement parameters in the planetary mixer (samples 1-3) and the EMP parameters (samples 4-6) were the same as in Example 12.

Each of the resulting composition was then separated and analyzed as in Example 12. The results are shown in the following Tables:

TABLE 42Results for a composition including 2 API dispersed in KK-300SSLayerFormu-(top,lationSamplemiddle,EstriolEstradiol##bottom)(w/w)(w/w)1955Top0.1810.05556Middle0.1790.05557Bottom0.1830.0542058Top0.2110.04659Middle0.2040.04460Bottom0.2080.0452161Top0.1990.04862Middle0.1980.04763Bottom0.1960.047

TABLE 43Results for a composition including2 API dispersed in Mazerustar KK-400WLayerFormu-(top,lationSamplemiddle,EstriolEstradiol##bottom)(w/w)(w/w)2264Top0.1950.04965Middle0.1940.04866Bottom0.1940.0492367Top0.2010.04868Middle0.2010.04869Bottom0.2010.0482470Top0.180.0571Middle0.1810.05172Bottom0.1810.05

TABLE 44Results for a composition including 2API dispersed in Mazerustar KK-1000WLayerFormu-(top,lationSamplemiddle,EstriolEstradiol##bottom)(w/w)(w/w)2573Top0.2010.0574Middle0.2030.05175Bottom0.2020.052676Top0.1980.03777Middle0.1980.03778Bottom0.1970.0372779Top0.2030.05180Middle0.2010.05181Bottom0.2010.051

TABLE 45Results for a composition including2 API dispersed in EMP 200 mL JarLayerFormu-(top,lationSamplemiddle,EstriolEstradiol##bottom)(w/w)(w/w)2882Top0.2360.05883Middle0.190.04784Bottom0.1690.0412985Top0.2470.06486Middle0.1640.04387Bottom0.1320.0343088Top0.3030.0789Middle0.1790.04190Bottom0.1410.033

TABLE 46Results for a composition including2 API dispersed in EMP 300 mL JarLayerFormu-(top,lationSamplemiddle,EstriolEstradiol##bottom)(w/w)(w/w)3191Top0.2130.05592Middle0.2070.05393Bottom0.1770.0453294Top0.2070.05395Middle0.1680.04396Bottom0.170.0443397Top0.2040.05698Middle0.2030.05599Bottom0.1930.053

TABLE 47Results for a composition including2 API dispersed in EMP 1 L JarLayerFormu-(top,lationSamplemiddle,EstriolEstradiol##bottom)(w/w)(w/w)34100Top0.1830.044101Middle0.1840.044102Bottom0.1780.04335103Top0.150.038104Middle0.160.041105Bottom0.160.04136106Top0.1830.043107Middle0.1660.039108Bottom0.1740.041

TABLE 48% RSD Results for the compositions of Tables 42 to 47EstriolEstradiolFormulation% RSD191.1%1.1%201.7%2.2%210.8%0.0%220.3%1.2%230.0%0.0%240.3%1.1%250.5%1.1%260.3%0.0%270.6%0.0%2817.3%17.7%2932.8%32.8%3040.8%40.6%319.7%10.4%3212.1%11.8%333.0%2.8%341.8%1.3%353.7%4.3%364.9%4.9%

Other examples of implementations will become apparent to the reader in view of the teachings of the present description and as such, will not be further described here.

Note that titles or subtitles may be used throughout the present disclosure for convenience of a reader, but in no way these should limit the scope of the invention. Moreover, certain theories may be proposed and disclosed herein; however, in no way they, whether they are right or wrong, should limit the scope of the invention so long as the invention is practiced according to the present disclosure without regard for any particular theory or scheme of action.

All references cited throughout the specification are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety for all purposes.

It will be understood by those of skill in the art that throughout the present specification, the term “a” used before a term encompasses embodiments containing one or more to what the term refers. It will also be understood by those of skill in the art that throughout the present specification, the term “comprising”, which is synonymous with “including,” “containing,” or “characterized by,” is inclusive or open-ended and does not exclude additional, un-recited elements or method steps.

As used in the present disclosure, the terms “around”, “about” or “approximately” shall generally mean within the error margin generally accepted in the art. Hence, numerical quantities given herein generally include such error margin such that the terms “around”, “about” or “approximately” can be inferred if not expressly stated.

In the present disclosure, each of the variously stated ranges is intended to be continuous so as to include each numerical parameter between the stated minimum and maximum value of each range. For Example, a range of about 1 to about 4 includes: about 1, 1, about 2, 2, about 3, 3, about 4, and 4.

Although various embodiments of the disclosure have been described and illustrated, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art in light of the present description that numerous modifications and variations can be made. The scope of the invention is defined more particularly in the appended claims.