PHARMACEUTICAL COMBINATION FOR THE PREVENTION AND TREATMENT OF POSTMENOPAUSAL OSTEOPOROSIS

Abstract: A pharmaceutical composition for the treatment of postmenopausal syndrome, particularly for the prevention and therapy of postmenopausal osteoporosis and the treatment of climacteric disorders, containing ipriflavone in combination with estrogens, is described.

Description: PHARMACEUTICAL COMBINATION FOR THE PREVENTION AND TREATMENT OF POSTMENOPAUSAL OSTEOPOROSIS Osteoporosis is one of the major health problems in Western world, both for its high social cost and for the damages it brings about in patients, causing fractures in particular in forearm bones, in femur and in vertebrae. As a natter of fact, osteoporosis is characterized by a quantitative decrease in the amount of the bone, which means that the quality of bone tissue is normal, but it is insufficient; hence the increase of bone fragility. Osteoporosis is especially frequent in postmenopausal women, in relation with a decrease on ovaric function, and it is related to a deficit of estrogens. Therefore, estrogens have represented, and they still represent, a good therapeutic protection in the prevention of postmenopausal osteoporosis, since they slow down the bone loss and decrease the fracture rate. The use of estrogens in the treatment of postmenopausal symptoms is especially preferred, since it is useful not only to contrast and balance the loss of bone mineral content, but also to control climacteric disorders (vasomotor, neuropsychic , genitourinary disorders). There are several kinds of estrogens, both natural and synthetic. For the substitutive therapy in menopause it is preferable to use natural estrogens, that exhibit lower side-ef ects. Among natural estrogens, conjugated estrogens ar mainly used, whose minimal effective daily dose i known to be 0.625 mg, even though literature report that a dose of 0.300 mg can be sufficient for th control of bone mass loss, if combined to an adequat calcium supply. Lower doses are anyhow considered to b uneffective. The use of estrogens in therapy, however, requires a careful evaluation of risks, since it can involve very serious side-effects. There are absolute contra-indications to the use of estrogens, such as acute and chronic hepatopathies, cerebral vascular pathology and thromboembolic pathology, hypertension, mammary and endometrium neoplastic disease, and several relative contra- indications, such as cholecystopathies, endometriosis, fibrocystic mastopathy, uterine fibromyomatosis, diabetes, obesity, dyslipidemias, cardiocirculatory insufficiency, epilepsy. In order to limitate the risks connected with estrogen chronic administration, and above all the ones of carcinogenetic kind at endometrium level, estrogens are usually combined with a progestinic preparation that would exert a protecting action at endometrium level. Progestinic preparations, however, cause important side-effects on cardiovascular system, as well as changes of the serum lipid concentrations. A drug that recently turned out to be effective in prevention and treatment of postmenopausal and senile osteoporosis is ipriflavone, a compound having a complex mechanism of action that, anyhow, seems to exert a direct inhibition on bone reabsorption. Unlike other isoflavones, ipriflavone does not exert estrogen activity. Yamazi I et al. (Life Science, vol. 38, pages 757- 764) proved that ipriflavone, in ovariectomized rats, is able to enhance the uterotropic activity of small doses of estrone, without, however, causing a direct estrogenic effect. The absence of estrogenic effects was also reported in a group of 10 postmenopausal women, who were administered with oral unit doses of 600 or 1000 mg of ipriflavone; the LH (lutenizing hormone) and FSH (stimulating follicle) secretion were evaluated in a 24-hour period. LH secretion was also evaluated during a naloxone (NAL) infusion before and after 20 days from the ipriflavone treatment. Naloxone is commonly used to evaluate the stimulation of endogenous opioid system exerted by estrogens in postmenopausal women. It is well known that LH response to NAL is absent in postmenopausal women and can be restored by estrogen administration. Ipriflavone did not affect LH and FSH basal levels, nor, unlike what happened in a control group of EC-treated women, LH response to NAL treatment, thus proving to be devoid of estrogenic activity at hypothalamus and hypophysis level. Moreover, after 20 days of treatment with the drug, in his group of subjects no cytology variation at vaginal level were observed. Yamazi et al. (Life Sci. vol. 38, pages 1535-1541) also determined the effects of ipriflavone increasin doses on calcitonin secretion in ovariectomized rats, in the presence and in the absence of estrogens, showing that ipriflavone, in the presence of the estrogen, stimulates calcitonin secretion. Ipriflavone was administered orally, the estrogen subcutaneously. According to these data, the authors assumed that ipriflavone, at least partially, had mechanism inhibiting bone mass loss mediated by an increase in calcitonin secretion in the presence of estrogens. However, the effects and possible interferences of ipriflavone and estrogens combination were never investigated in animals, nor in man. On the other hand, this therapeutic approach cannot ignore the fundamental role played by the substitutive hormonal therapy in the control of climacteric symptoms, with a direct dose-effect relationship (Jensen J, Christiansen C, Maturitas 1983, 5, 125). It has now been found, and it is the object of the present invention, that ipriflavone can favourably be administered in combination with estrogens, either in the free or conjugated or esterified form, for a more effective and safer therapy of the complex postmenopausal symptoms. The Applicant could evidence that ipriflavone, which is per se active on bone metabolism and able to stop mineral bone loss, when administered at normal therapeutic dosages in combination with estrogens not only does not interfere with the estrogen actions, but it dramatically reduces the required dosage of the latter, while keeping the effectiveness thereof in the control of climacteric symptoms. This result is particularly surprising since it evidences an unforeseeable functional synergism between the two drugs, allowing to carry out a complete therapy of postmenopausal condition (osteoporosis prevention and treatment of climacteric disorders), with evident advantages. As a matter of fact: a) ipriflavone, at normal therapeutic doses (600 mg/day) keeps unchanged ~ its^e-fficacy towards bone demineralization. ' - " b) estrogen proves to be active in the control of climacteric symptoms at very low doses (0.300 mg/day and even 0.150 mg/day), which is equal to about a half and about a quarter, respectively, of the usual daily dose (0.625 mg/day). c) the dramatic reduction of the estrogen daily dose reduces at the same extent the risk of serious side-effects; d) consequently, both the dosage and the frequence of administration of the progestinic therapy can be remarkably reduced. The effect of the combined administration of ipriflavone and estrogens were shown in a one year study carried out in corresponding groups of patients, in physiological menopause for 12-24 months, confirmed by laboratory tests, which patients had not bee subjected to previous treatments. Each group was treated according to a different therapeutic scheme: - group 1: natural conjugated estrogens (CE) 0.3 mg/day + placebo - group 2: CE 0.3 mg/day + ipriflavone 600 mg/day - group 3: CE 0.15 mg/day + placebo - group 4: CE 0.15 mg/day + ipriflavone 600 mg/day. A control group was administered with placebo only. For ethical reasons towards the control group, and in order to ensure the maintainance of an adequate calcium exogenous intake, all the patients participating in the study were also administered with a daily dose of 1 g of calcium. Ipriflavone and placebo were not distinguishable and were compared in double-blind conditions. 3 Months after the beginning of the treatment, a first clinical control was carried out, with the evaluation, inter alia, of typical menopausal symptoms. 6 Months after the beginning of the treatment, besides the clinical controls, also a mineralometric examination was carried out by means of dual-photon absorptiometry in fixed points. The results obtained in the determination of bone mineral contents at the radius level in 76 women after a 6 month treatment are reported in Table 1. 2 Table 1. Bone mineral contents expressed in mg/cm (± S.E.) at the level of radius distal portion in menopausal women before and after 6 months of combined treatment with ipriflavone + conjugated estrogens. - % % % % % b months 372.00 -1.44 354.31 -0.23 401.12 +1.47 414.55 +3.03 353.35 -3.28 17.55 18.95 17.03 16.96 15. 72 P = placebo P+CE 0.15 - placebo + conjugated estrogens 0.15 mg/day P+CE 0.30 - placebo + conjugated estrogens 0.30 mg/day Ip+CE 0.15 - Ipriflavone 600 mg/day+ conjugated estrogens 0.15 mg/day Ip+CE 0.30 - Ipriflavone 600 mg/day+ conjugated estrogens 0.30 mg/day n - number of patients in each group % - percent difference vs. basal * - Wilcoxon test between treatments p < 0.001 vs. placebo ° - "t" Student test within treatments p < 0.002 vs. basal The results of Table 1 prove that the combinati with sub-active doses of estrogens not only maintai unchanged the capability of ipriflavone to prevent bo mineral loss, but enhances said effect. In fact, while already in the group of patient treated with Ip+CE 0.15 an effective control of th bone mass is attained after 6 months, the group treate with Ip+CE 0.30 surprisingly shows an unexpecte statistically significant increase in bone minera content. This result is even more surprising in that n enhancements of the effects deriving from th combination with estrogens were reported hitherto fo any drug acting on bone metabolism. The results obtained in the evaluation of som typical climacteric symptoms are reported in Table 2 Symptoms were evaluated according to the followin scores: - hot flushes: 0 - none; 1 = less than 5 a day; 2 from 5 to 10 a day; 3 - more than 10 a day. - other symptoms: 0 - none; 1 - slight; 2 - medium; 3 severe. In Table 2 the score average value and the related standard error are reported in correspondence of each time and for each treatment. Symptoms were analyzed according to significance test by Wilcoxon Signed-Rank, applied on differences at time t3 and t6. Table 2. Evaluation of some vaso otor symptoms in menopausal women before and 3 and 6 months after the beginning of a combined treatment with ipriflavone + conjugated estrogens. Symptoms P P+CE 0.15 P+CE 0.30 Ip+CE 0.15 Ip+CE 0.30 n 12 15 14 11 13 tO 1.42(10.19) 1.80(10.17) 1.53(10.22) 1.73(10.30) 2.08(+0.26) t3 1.17(10.17) 0.87(10.26) 0.79(10.24) 0.18(10.18) 0.69(10.21) Hot N.S. p<0.01 p<0.01 p<0.01 p<0.01 flushes to 0.83(10.21) 0.60(+0.2I) 0.64(10.23) O.C9(+O.C9) 0.65(-0.21) p<0.05 p<0.01 p<0.01 p<0.01 p<0.01 Λ 12 12 14 13 14 tO 1.42(+0.23) 1.83(10.21) 1.79(10.21) 1.77(10.20) 1.86(10.25) Arthral- gia/ t3 1.00(10.25) 1.00(10.28) 1.14(10.29) 0.77(10,26) 1.07(10.30) Myalgia N.S. p<0.05 p<0.01 p<0.01 p<0.05 tδ 1.00(10.28) 0.75(10.28) 1.00(10.26) 0.38(10.18) 1.00(+0.26) N.S. p<0.05 p<0.05 p<0.01 p<0.05 n 10 11 12 7 13 tO 1.00(10.30) 1.36(10.15) 1.33(10.14) 1.14(10.14) 1.46(10.24) cardio- palmo t3 1.10(10.23) 0.64(10.20) 0.58(10.19) 0.57(10.20) 0.69(10.21) N.S. p<0.01 p<0.01 N.S. p<0.01 tδ 0.80(10.20) 0.64(+0.20) 0.33(+0.22) 0.29(+0.1S) 0.69(+0.17) N.S. pcθ.01 _K0.01 p<0.05 p<0.05 p - placebo P+CE 0.15 - Placebo + conjugated estrogens 0.15 mg/day P+CE 0.30 - placebo + conjugated estrogens 0.30 mg/day Ip+CE 0.15 - Ipriflavone 600 mg/day + conjugated estrogens 0.15 mg/day Ip+CE 0.30 - Ipriflavone 600 mg/day + conjugated estrogens 0.30 mg/day n - number of patients in each group The results of Table 2 evidence the effective control of climacteric symptoms which can be obtained with very low estrogen doses, for example from about 0.15 mg/day. However, at such low doses, estrogens alone are inadequate in controlling the bone mineral loss, as the results of Table 1 clearly show. The combined treatment with ipriflavone, which is a drug acting on bone mineral metabolism, allows to use a very low estrogen dosage, thus obtaining: - a prevention and a control of bone mineral loss; - a prevention and a control of climacteric disorders; with a dramatic reduction in the side-effects deriving from the use of estrogens. The combination of the two active ingredients can be carried out either extemporarily, by administering the two drugs separately, simultaneously or sequentially, or using unitary pharmaceutical compositions containing the two combined drugs. In the first case, which allows to use a more adaptable and flexible treatment scheme, suitable packages will be prepared in form of kit-of-parts containing separate administration units for each drug, which units being sufficient to a given treatment time. In the second case, novel pharmaceutical compositions will be used containing the two active ingredients in a single unit-dose. Some illustrative compositions are reported hereinbelow. In said compositions, the estrogen unit dose is indicated in 0.15 mg or 0.30 mg for sake of simplicity and that of ipriflavone in 600 mg, any other estrogen or ipriflavone dosage (higher, intermediate or lower), as far as it is effective and non-toxic, being comprised within the scope of the invention. EXAMPLE 1. Unitary composition of soft-gelatin capsules containing as the active ingredient 300 mg of ipriflavone in combination with 0.15 mg of conjugated estrogens. Ipriflavone 300.00 mg Natural conjugated estrogens 0.15 mg Soy lecithin 50.00 mg Medium-chain triglycerides 259.85 mg Hydrogenated vegetable oils 70.00 mg EXAMPLE 2. Unitary composition of soft-gelatin capsules containing as the active ingredient 300 mg of ipriflavone in combination with 0.30 mg of conjugated estrogens. Ipriflavone 300.00 mg Natural conjugated estrogens 0.30 mg Soy lecithin 50.00 mg Medium-chain triglycerides 259.70 mg Hydrogenated vegetable oils 70.00 mg EXAMPLE 3. Unitary composition of squeezable capsules containing as the active ingredient 600 mg of ipriflavone in combination with 0.30 mg of conjugated estrogens. Ipriflavone 600.00 mg Natural conjugated estrogens 0.30 mg Soy lecithin 27.00 mg Medium-chain triglycerides 870.70 mg Mixture of palmitic and stearic 56.00 mg acids mono-, di- and tri-glycerides White chocolate 600.00 mg Sodium saccharine 1.00 mg Sorbitol 300.00 mg Orange flavour 25.00 mg The pharmaceutical compositions of the Examples to 3 can be prepared according to the process disclose in PCT Appl. n. WO 91/14429, filed on March 19, 1991, in the Applicant's name. The availability of both the two drugs in separated units and one or more compositions containing the two active ingredients at set doses, allows the physician to choose the treatment type and scheme assumed to be the most suitable. Various administration schemes could be used, for instance 200-600 mg for ipriflavone and 0.15 to 0.30 mg for the estrogens, respectively. Ipriflavone is provided in the form of 200 mg capsules, to be administered 3 times a day, at meals. Recently, two novel pharmaceutical compositions containing ipriflavone have been prepared. The first one consists of soft-gelatin capsules, each containing 300 mg of ipriflavone, to be administered twice a day; the other one consists of squeezable capsules containing 600 mg of ipriflavone, to be administered only once a day, during the evening meal. The present invention also relates to pharmaceutical compositions containing the two active ingredients at set dosages, namely: Ipriflavone 300 mg + conjugated estrogens in unitary dose ranging from 0.15 mg to 0.30 mg; and Ipriflavone 600 mg + conjugated estrogens in a amount ranging from 0.15 to 0.30 mg. Therefore, the possible daily therapeutical schem are as follows: A. Ipriflavone, 200 mg tablets: 3 tablets/day to b taken at meals + 0.15-0.30 mg of estrogens to b taken after the evening meal. B. Ipriflavone, 300 mg capsules: 2 capsules/day, t be taken at the two main meals + 0.15-0.30 mg o estrogens to be taken after the evening meal. C. Ipriflavone, 300 mg capsule: 1 capsule/day, to b taken at the noon meal + 1 capsule prepare according to the examples of the invention, containing 300 mg of ipriflavone in a se combination with 0.15-0.30 mg of estrogens, to b taken after the evening meal. D. Ipriflavone, 300 mg capsules : 2 capsules/day in set combination with 0.15 mg of estrogens, to be taken at the two main meals. E. Ipriflavone, 600 mg squeezable capsule: 1 capsule/day in a set combination with 0.15-0.30 mg estrogens, to be taken at the evening meal. The preferred treatment scheme, among the above reported ones, will be selected according to the physician's judgement. Since one of the more important objects of the invention is provided by a combination product of ipriflavone with very low doses of estrogens, which doses are per se ineffective in preventing bone mass loss but active in controlling climacteric symptoms, such a product can be prepared in a variety of ways using the estrogens in all of the possibl administration forms, including transdermic patches. In order to make an effective therapy cycle easy suitable packages can be envisaged for each product o the invention, with specific information about th treatment seσuence.

Claims: CLAIMS 1. A pharmaceutical composition for the treatment of postmenopausal syndrome, particularly for the prevention and therapy of postmenopausal osteoporosis and the treatment of climacteric disorders, containing ipriflavone in combination with estrogens. 2. A pharmaceutical composition according to claim 1, characterized in that the estrogens are conjugated estrogens or esterified estrogens. 3. A pharmaceutical composition according to claim 1, containing ipriflavone and estrogens as a combined preparation for simultaneous, separate or sequential use . 4. A pharmaceutical composition—-according to anyone of claims from 1 to 3, characterized in that ipriflavone is present in amounts from 200 mg to 600 mg and estrogens are present as unit-dose containing from 0.15 to 0.30 mg. 5. A pharmaceutical composition according to claims 1 or 2 , in form of soft capsules, each containing as the active ingredient 300 mg of ipriflavone in combination with estrogens in amounts ranging from about 0.15 to about 0.30 mg. 6. A pharmaceutical composition according to claims 1 or 2, each containing as the active ingredient 600 mg of ipriflavone in combination with estrogens in amounts ranging from about 0.15 to about 0.30 mg. 7. A pharmaceutical composition according to anyone of claims from 1 to 6, characterized in that the estroσen is estradiol. 8. The combined use of estrogens and ipriflavone fo the preparation of a medicament for the prevention an treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis and for th treatment of climacteric disorders.

Inventors: CHIESI PAOLO, CHIESI, PAOLO
Applicants: CHIESI FARMA SPA, CHIESI FARMACEUTICI S.P.A.
Application year: 1992
Main classification: A61K31
IPC codes: A61K31