Topical compositions containing LYCD and other topically active medicinal ingredients

Abstract: A topical composition comprising LYCD together with known topically active useful medicinal agents such anti-wrinkling, antibiotic, anticancer,antifungal, antiinflammatory such as anti-acne, antiviral, wound healing, and hair-growing agents. The LYCD works together with the other active agents to achieve a synergistic result more effective than can be obtained from the topical agents individually, and more effective than could be predicted from the mere addition of the known efficacies of the individual ingredients.

Description: BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention The present invention relates to topically applied medicinal compositions, and more particularly refers to such compositions having active topical medicinal ingredients, and additionally having LYCD in amounts sufficient to act with the other active ingredients to provide synergistic therapeutic results. Description of the Prior Art LYCD as utilized herein in the specification and claims is the acronym for Live Yeast Cell Derivative. The material is also known as Skin Respiratory Factor (SRF), Tissue Respiratory Factor (TRF), and Procytoxoid (PCO). The product, LYCD, is an alcoholic extract of viable Saccharomyces cerevisiae. The material is produced and marketed by MDH Laboratories, Inc., Cincinnati, Ohio 45210 as a standard article of commerce. Another producer of LYCD is Universal Foods Corporation, Fermentation Division, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53202. LYCD is available for experimental use as a bulk drug assaying 5 units to 40 units/mg of respiratory activity. In topical medicinal preparations it is characterized and quantified in terms of Skin Respiratory Factor (SRF) units. A unit of activity is calculated as the amount of SRF which is required to increase the oxygen uptake of 1 mg of dry weight rat abdominal skin by 1 percent at the end of a 1 hour testing period in a Warburg apparatus. LYCD is also available as LYCODERM (R) ointment containing 2,000 units Skin Respiratory Factor (SRF) per ounce, from Arel Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Cincinnati, Ohio. In the prior art the well known hemorrhoidal ointment, PREPARATION H (R) , contains 2000 units of SRF (ca 1%) per ounce of ointment. J. Z Kaplan (Arch. Surge. 119(9) p. 1005-8 (1984) has reported that, in a double blind human skin graft study donor sites treated with LYCD ointment, statistically significant earlier angiogenesis and epitheliazation occurred as compared with donor sites in the same patients treated with ointment bases (without LYCD). This study confirmed earlier laboratory reports such as that of Wm. Goodson et. al. Journal of Surgical Research 21: 125-129 (1976) showing that LYCD is capable of stimulating wound oxygen consumption, epitheliazation, and collagen synthesis. As reported in the Cincinnati Inquirer of December 12, 1986, Ashlley Hunter Cosmetic Co. offers a facial cream containing LYCD to minimize wrinkles. For mild forms of acne, which may be inflammatory, topical benzoyl peroxide (BP), an antibacterial and oxidizing agent, topical erythromycin (EM), clindamycin phosphate (VP), oral tetracyclines, or EM antibiotics are usually effective treatments, as disclosed in the prior art. (C. D. Bunker, Drugs Today, 24 , 229 (1988)). US-A-4 797 392 and US-A 4 427 654 discloses topical compositions comprising respectively chlorophillin copper complex and commercial cuttlebone, i.e. wound healing promoters, together with LYCD at a dosage of 2000 units per ounce (71 units per gram). SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to provide topically applied pharmaceutical compositions suitable for the treatment of acne. It is a further object to provide compositions of the type described which are more effective than compositions presently known in the art. It is a prime object of the invention provide topical compositions of the type described for the treatment of acne, and more particularly, severe forms of acne, which compositions are more effective as remedies than the compositions presently known and used in the art. The foregoing and other objects, advantages and characterizing features will become apparent from the following description of certain illustrative embodiments of the invention. According to the invention, pharmaceutical compositions for topical application are provided by utilizing LYCD in combination with known pharmaceutical agents or remedies. The LYCD acts synergistically with the other agents to provide a composition having greater effectiveness than that of the individual agents, and a greater effectiveness than could be predicted by combining (in an additive fashion) the known or theoretical effectiveness of the individual ingredients. In accordance with a first aspect of the invention there is provided a topical composition adapted for application the skin comprising in admixture with a pharmaceutically acceptable topical carrier, an antiinfective agent effective in the treatment of acne, said antiinfective agent being erythromycin, or a pharmaceutically useful ester thereof, lincomycin hydrochloride, clindamycin phosphate, benzoyl peroxide or vitamin A acid, and from about 0.1% to about 3.0% by weight of said composition of Live Yeast Cell Derivative (LYCD) in amounts effective to ameliorate the effects of acne when applied to an affected area of the skin. In accordance with a second aspect of the invention there is provided use of a pharmaceutically acceptable topical carrier, an antiinfective agent effective in the treatment of acne and Live Yeast Cell Derivative (LYCD), for manufacture of a topical composition comprising about 0.1% to about 3.0% by weight of said composition of the LYCD, for use in ameliorating the topical symptoms associated with acne when applied to an affected area of the skin. DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS LYCD, Live Yeast Cell Derivative, also known as SRF or TRF, is a commercial material produced by the method set forth in U.S. Patents Nos. 2,239,345, 2,320,478, and 2,320,479. which are herein incorporated by reference, and is standardized as units with 1 unit (U) of SRF increasing the uptake of oxygen by minced rat abdominal skin (l mg. dry weight) by 1% in a 1-hour measurement by Warburg manometry. Example 1. The compositions of the invention may be produced by either of two general methods. In the first method, for example, an ointment composition may be formulated by mixing LYCD with conventional ointment-forming ingredients. One such ointment composition is LYCODERM (R) . a registered trademark material marketed by Arel Pharmaceuticals, Cincinnati, Ohio, having the following compositions: Per 100 Parts Beeswax 4.0 Lanolin 4.0 Petrolatum 87.9 Shark liver oil 3.0 Phenyl mercuric nitrate 0.01 LYCD (2000) SRF units/ounce) 1.0 approx. Thyme oil 0.1 PROCEDURE In preparing the above compositions, the beeswax, petrolatum, shark liver oil and phenyl mercuric nitrate are treated together to a temperature of 60°C (140 deg. F.) in a steam-jacketed s.s. kettle. The materials are mixed until the mixture is uniform. Then the steam is turned off and cooling water is introduced while mixing is continued. When the mixture has reached a temperature of 110 deg. F., the LYCD and thyme oil are added. When the composition becomes uniform, mixing is stopped. Filling may be carried out at temperatures of between 32 and 43°C (90 and 110 deg. F.). In utilizing the first method of producing the compositions of the invention, the LYCODERM (R) ointment as produced above but utilizing 7.1 to 63 SRF units per gram (200 to 1800 SRF units per ounce) of formulation is mixed with the known pharmaceutical agent by a conventional method. The second method of carrying out the present invention comprises mixing bulk LYCD into the conventional pharmaceutical composition. In general, it has been found that effective compositions are formulated using LYCD concentrations in the range of about 0.1% to 0.5% by weight of the composition, constituting, for example, 10% to 50% of that employed in the basic LYCODERM (R) ointment formulation. This translates into 7.1 to 35 LYCD or SRF units per gram (200 to 1000 LYCD or SRF units per ounce) of combined product. Stated in another way, the new compositions have a LYCD concentration of approximately 0.1% to 0.5% compared with approximately 1.0% LYCD in the basic LYCODERM (R) formulation. However, for certain compositions LYCD in the amount of 0.8% of the total composition produces optimum results. Correspondingly, the other active components of the new compositions are found to be synergistically efficacious at concentrations in the range of 5% to 50% of that found to be efficacious in marketed pharmaceutical products. ANTI ACNE COMPOSITIONS Example 2. The above-described LYCODERM (R) ointment was formulated using 35 units of SRF per gram (1000 units of SRF per ounce). To this formulation was added sufficient 2% erythromycin to yield an ointment containing 0.5% LYCD and 1% erythromycin. In a controlled clinical trial this composition was equally effective in the topical control of acne vulgaris as a conventional 2% ointment preparation of erythromycin. (An example of such a medicinal preparation, NDA 50-584, Akneymycin Topical Ointment, 2%, is a topical erythromycin accepted by the FDA for topical control of acne vulgaris.) Example 3. Alternatively, a marketed anti-acne 2% Erythromycin product was reformulated as follows: Erythromycin Base 1% w/v LYCD 0.5% w/v Alcohol 55% v/v Oleyl Alcohol 5% w/v Perfume q.s. Propylene Glycol to 100% Following the same treatment regimen, the 1% Erythromycin solution containing approximately 0.5% LYCD of Example 2 (assaying 35 units of SRF per gram (1,000 units of SRF per ounce) of formulation) was found to be more effective than a similar 2% Erythromycin solution without LYCD in the treatment of Acne grades 2 and 3 (moderate to severe). Example 4. In an analogous fashion, Lincomycin Hydrochloride or Clindamycin Phosphate at a concentration of 0.5% is combined with 0.5% LYCD in the LYCODERM (R) formulation to provide an ointment as effective in treating common acne as the conventional 1% Clindamycin Phosphate topical medication, and more effective than either agent individually or predictable in their combination. Example 5. Ten patients suffering with severe acne completely refractory to months of prior treatment with a variety of conventional acne medications were treated with an admixtured combination of Cleocin T (clindamycin phosphate solution) and LYCODERM (R) Ointment. The final formulation contained approximately 0.34% clindamycin and 0.56% LYCD. Each subject applied this formulation twice daily for 30 days with the following results: Patient 1: female, age 16: Refractory to Acromycin, Erythrocin, diet, local treatment. The patient was subsequently treated with the low dose combination product of Example 5, and as a result experienced 80% improvement. Patient 2: male, age 25: Refractory to Achromycin, curattage, Acutane. The patient was then treated with the low dose combination product of Example 5, and as a result experienced 90% improvement. Patient 3: male, age 30: Refractory to proprietary medicines, Erythromycin, Achromycin, Fostex (10% Benzoyl Peroxide). The patient was then treated with the low dose combination product of Example 5, and experienced 50% improvement. Patient 4: female, age 21: Refractory to astringents, Erythromycin, and diet. The patient was then treated with the low dose combination product of Example 5, and experienced 85% improvement. Patient 5: Female, age 18: Refractory to Achromycin, diet, and astringents. The patient was subsequently treated with the low dose formulation of Example 5, and experienced almost 100% improvement. Patient 6: female, age 24: Refractory to Achromycin, curettage, and diet. The patient was subsequently treated with the low dose formulation of Example 5, and experienced 85% improvement. Patient 7: Female, age 24: Refractory to Achromycin, diet, local Rx, and proprietary drugs. The patient was subsequently treated with the low dose formulation product of Example 5, and experienced 85% improvement. Patient 8: Female, age 29: Refractory to Vitamin A ointment, diet, and Achromycin. The patient was subsequently treated with the low dose formulation of Example 5, and experienced 80% improvement. Patient 9: Male, age 30: Refractory to Achromycin, local Rx, and Acutane: The patient was subsequently treated with the low dose formulation of Example 5, and experienced 80% improvement. Patient 10: Female, age 20: Refractory to Achromycin, and coal tar products. The patient was subsequently treated with the low dose formulation of Example 5, and experienced 85% improvement. Example 6. In an analogous fashion topical acne treatment formulations containing 5% or 10% Benzoyl Peroxide anti-acne formulations were admixed with LYCODERM (R) ointment to provide lower dose Benzoyl Peroxide/LYCD combination products more effective than the higher concentration of Benzoyl Peroxide conventionally used in the treatment of acne vulgaris. Additionally, desquamation, symptoms of burning, and other side effects were less frequent. Example 7. In a further test 1.5 oz. FOSTEX (R) 5% Benzoyl Peroxide Gel was admixed with 2 oz. LYCD ointment to provide a formulation containing approximately 2% Benzoyl Peroxide and 0.5% LYCD (assaying approximately 1,000 units of SRF per ounce of formulation). Further 1 oz. of CLEAPASIL (R) , 10% benzoyl peroxide anti-acne cream, was admixed with 4 oz. of LYCODERM (R) ointment to provide a formulation containing approximately 2% benzoyl peroxide and 0.8% LYCD. Both compositions are effective in treating mild to severe acne. Example 8. A LYCODERM (R) composition is prepared comprising containing 35 units of SRF per gram (1000 units of SRF per ounce) (ca 0.5%) and 0.25% of vitamin A acid to provide a topical ointment composition more effective than the retinoic acid by itself in ameliorating the effects of moderate to severe acne. Example 9.. The LYCODERM (R) formulation was applied for twelve weeks to mild to moderately severe acne afflicted subjects in the absence of conventional drugs used in the treatment of acne. The treatment resulted in a 40% reduction in inflammatory lesions. For clinical testing purposes the same formulation was prepared as a placebo by leaving out the LYCD. During this period the placebo, when applied to similarly afflicted patients proved to be ineffective, The compositions of the present invention contain, in addition to LYCD and the other pharmaceutically active ingredient, a carrier suitable for rendering the composition as a formulation to be used for topical applications. In one method for forming the compositions of the present invention the carrier is provided by the LYCODERM (R) . In another method the carrier is provided by the commercial form of the other active ingredient. Alternatively, a suitable carrier known in the art may be added to both the LYCD and the other active ingredient. In all examples above the indicated percent content of the stated ingredients is based on the weight of the total ingredients, the LYCD, the other pharmaceutically active ingredient, and the carrier. The herein described new topical compositions and methods of treatment are equally applicable to veterinary problems, that is, the treatment of farm animals as well as domestic pets. Although the invention has been described in connection with specific embodiments thereof, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications, and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art in the light of the foregoing description. Accordingly, it is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications and variations within the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

Claims: A topical composition adapted for application to the skin comprising in admixture with a pharmaceutically acceptable topical carrier, an antiinfective agent effective in the treatment of acne, said antiinfective agent being erythromycin, or a pharmaceutically useful ester thereof, lincomycin hydrochloride, clindamycin phosphate, benzoyl peroxide or vitamin A acid, and from about 0.1% to about 3.0% by weight of said composition of Live Yeast Cell Derivative (LYCD) in amounts effective to ameliorate the effects of acne when applied to an affected area of the skin. A topical composition according to Claim 1, wherein said LYCD is present in an amount of from about 0.1% to about 1.0% by weight of said composition. A topical composition according to either preceding claim, for use in ameliorating the topical symptoms associated with acne infection in a human being. Use of a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, Live Yeast Cell Derivative (LYCD) and an antiinfective agent effective in the treatment of acne, for manufacture of a composition according to either of claims 1 and 2, for use in ameliorating the topical symptoms associated with acne when applied to an affected area of skin. Use of a pharmaceutically acceptable topical carrier, an antiinfective agent effective in the treatment of acne and Live Yeast Cell Derivative (LYCD), for manufacture of a topical composition comprising about 0.1% to about 3.0% by weight of said composition of the LYCD, for use in ameliorating the topical symptoms associated with acne when applied to an affected area of the skin. Use according to claim 5, wherein the topical composition is in accordance with either of claims 1 and 2.

Inventors: LEVIN ROBERT H, LEVIN, ROBERT H.
Applicants: LEVIN ROBERT H, LEVIN, ROBERT H.
Application year: 1990
Main classification: A61K35
IPC codes: A61K38, A61K8, A61K31, A61Q7, A61Q19