Patent Description:
Topical retinoids are keratinization inhibitors. They work by decreasing the cohesiveness of follicular epithelial cells. This, results in an inhibition in the formation of microcomedones, preventing the formation of mature comedones and inflammatory lesions (<NPL>). Use of retinoids promotes the normal desquamation of follicular epithelium. The action of the retinoid may enhance the penetration of other topical compounds used to treat acne.

BPO is a commonly used topical antibacterial agent for acne available either by prescription in combinations or over the counter (OTC). BPO has been found to be lethal to P. acnes as well as other bacteria that may reside on the skin. So far there has been no indication of any bacteria developing a resistance to BPO. It has also been demonstrated that BPO has keratolytic activity contributing to its efficacy in treating comedonal acne (<NPL>). BPO reduces the cohesiveness of the cells of the stratum corneum, thus improving topical drug delivery through the epidermal barrier.

Silica microcapsule systems have been developed to overcome many of the limitations (such as degradation and irritation) of standard pharmaceutical formulations involving multiple active ingredients. The encapsulation of active ingredients in silica microcapsules serves to protect components in the formulation from interacting with one another and, as a consequence, increases overall formulation stability. Silica is chemically inert, photochemically and physically stable, and safe for topical use.

<CIT> discloses compositions for topical application comprising as an active ingredient a peroxide and a retinoid wherein one of the peroxide and retinoid is in the form of microparticles comprising a solid particulate matter coated by a metal oxide layer and the other of the peroxide and retinoid is present in an uncoated free form or in a coated form.

<CIT> discloses microcapsules that include a pharmaceutical active agent selected from among retinoids, an anionic hydrophilic polymer (in particular, gum arabic), and a cationic hydrophilic polymer (in particular, type-A gelatin), and dermatological uses thereof.

<CIT> discloses pharmaceutical compositions for topical use for treating skin conditions and afflictions, such as rosacea and symptoms and associated conditions.

<CIT> discloses processes for coating solid, water-insoluble particulate matter with a metal oxide, compositions comprising solid, water-insoluble particulate matter coated by a metal oxide layer, the particulate matter being a dermatological active agent, and to treating surface conditions using the compositions.

<CIT> discloses processes for coating solid, water-insoluble particulate matter with a metal oxide, particles comprising a particulate matter coated by a metal oxide layer, and uses of the particles for topical administration and for preventing, reducing, or eliminating pests at a locus using the particles.

<CIT> discloses processes for preparing microcapsules comprising a core material encapsulated by a metal oxide shell, microcapsules obtained therewith, and uses thereof. <CIT> discloses microcapsules comprising a core encapsulated by a metal oxide shell, wherein the active agent in the core can be benzoyl peroxide, tretinoin or mixtures thereof in a lipophilic phase. <CIT> discloses core-shell microcapsules which comprise solid benzoyl peroxide and optionally a retinoid.

Clinicians have been reluctant to prescribe topical retinoids and BPO concurrently due to a belief that the BPO may result in oxidation and degradation of the tretinoin molecule, thereby reducing its effectiveness, and prefer to recommend the BPO or an antibiotic/BPO combination to be applied in the morning and tretinoin at night (<NPL>).

Another publication (<NPL>) states "topical tretinoin should NOT be applied at the same time as benzoyl peroxide", despite the known fact that newer retinoid compositions like Retin A microspheres (MICROSPONGE® System) have less interaction or no short-term interaction with BPO. Obviously, concomitant administration of tretinoin and BPO is taught away by this publication.

BPO is known to oxidize tretinoin and hence it was feared that their interaction on the skin when administered together will diminish the therapeutic effect of tretinoin. Thus, while there are some reports in the literature on the value of both compounds being administered one in the morning and the other in the evening, the verdict up to now was that the two products should not be administered concomitantly.

This belief of the medical profession explains why all previous attempts to solve the stability problem of tretinoin/BPO, such as microencapsulation technology, did not yield a commercial product so far.

Since topical conditions such as acne has multiple pathogenic factors, such as abnormal follicular keratinization, P. acnes proliferation and inflammation, combining separate active agents that target these multiple factors would provide the patient with an effective and convenient treatment improving treatment outcomes.

The inventors of the present invention have found that in order for topical treatment with tretinoin to be effective, especially in combination with BPO, the dissolution rate of the tretinoin component should be reduced to less than <NUM>%wt/h. This is achievable by designing the microcapsules encapsulating tretinoin to have a size of less than <NUM>, according to the present invention.

The present invention thus provides an encapsulated tretinoin composition, said composition comprising microcapsules comprising a core containing tretinoin dispersed in an oily phase and a phase changing material, wherein the core is coated by a metal oxide shell, wherein said tretinoin is in the solid form and said microcapsules have a size of less than <NUM>, wherein said tretinoin is in the range of <NUM> % to <NUM>% by weight of the composition, wherein said composition further comprises non-encapsulated or encapsulated benzoyl peroxide, and wherein said composition has a tretinoin dissolution rate of less than <NUM>% weight/h as measured in a medium of <NUM>%:<NUM>% V/V mixture of water and isopropyl alcohol at ambient temperature.

In other embodiments, the tretinoin dissolution rate is of less than <NUM>% weight/h.

According to the invention, the composition comprises encapsulated or non-encapsulated benzoyl peroxide.

In an embodiment, the microparticle size is less than <NUM>. In another embodiment the microcapsule size is between <NUM> to <NUM>. In another embodiment between <NUM> to <NUM>.

In some embodiments the degradation of the tretinoin from the composition of this invention is less than <NUM>% after two weeks storage at <NUM>. In another embodiment, the degradation of said tretinoin is less than <NUM>%. In other embodiments, the degradation of the tretinoin (in the presence of BPO) is not more than <NUM>% after <NUM> or <NUM> months storage at <NUM>-<NUM>. In other embodiments, the degradation of the tretinoin (in the presence of BPO) is not more than <NUM>% after <NUM> months storage at <NUM> and <NUM>% RH.

The concentration of tretinoin in the composition of this invention is between <NUM>% to <NUM>% weight of the composition. In some embodiments, the concentration of tretinoin in the composition of this invention is between <NUM>% to <NUM>% weight of the composition. In some embodiments, the concentration of tretinoin in the composition of this invention is <NUM>% weight of the composition. In some embodiments, the concentration of benzoyl peroxide in the composition of this invention is <NUM>% weight of the composition.

In some embodiments, the compositions of this invention comprise a carrier, wherein the carrier is in the form of an ointment, a cream, a lotion, an oil, a solution, an emulsion, a gel, a paste, a milk, an aerosol, a powder, or a foam.

In some embodiments, the composition of the invention is for use in treating a surface condition in a subject in need thereof, wherein the surface condition is a skin disease or disorder selected from acne, infection, inflammation, pruritus, psoriasis, seborrhea, contact dermatitis, rosacea, and a combination thereof.

In some embodiments, the composition of the invention is for use in the topical treatment of a surface condition in a subject in need thereof, wherein said surface condition is a skin condition selected from melasma, photoaging, photodamage, fine wrinkles, and a combination thereof.

In order to better understand the subject matter that is disclosed herein and to exemplify how it may be carried out in practice, embodiments will now be described, by way of non-limiting example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which
<FIG> shows the HPLC chromatogram of an embodiment composition of the invention comprising <NUM>% E-ATRA and <NUM>% E-BPO eluted with acetonitrile and acetic acid <NUM>% in water on a Zorbax RX-C18 <NUM>. 5mµ, <NUM>*<NUM> column, showing the RRT <NUM> product (all-trans <NUM>,<NUM>-epoxy retinoic acid) at retention time of about <NUM> (RRT product calculated relative to the ATRA peak at <NUM>).

The present invention provides an encapsulated tretinoin composition, said composition comprising microcapsules comprising a core containing tretinoin dispersed in an oily phase and a phase changing material, wherein the core is coated by a metal oxide shell, wherein said tretinoin is in the solid form and said microcapsules have a size of less than <NUM>, wherein said tretinoin is in the range of <NUM> % to <NUM>% by weight of the composition, wherein said composition further comprises non-encapsulated or encapsulated benzoyl peroxide, and wherein said composition has a tretinoin dissolution rate of less than <NUM>% weight/h as measured in a medium of <NUM>%:<NUM>% V/V mixture of water and isopropyl alcohol at ambient temperature.

As used herein unless otherwise indicated the term "microcapsule" refers to a microparticle having a core shell structure, wherein said core comprises an active agent as defined herein (tretinoin), being coated by a metal oxide shell forming the microcapsule entrapping the core.

In the context of the present invention, the term "core" and/or "core material" used interchangeably herein, refers to the inside/ internal part of the microcapsules comprising said active agent, tretinoin, and said at least one phase changing material. The core or core material is surrounded by said metal oxide shell of said microcapsule. It should be noted that additional compounds may be present in said core including for example carriers, excipients, pharmaceutically acceptable polymers or salts etc., all in accordance with the intended use of produced microcapsules, which will be apparent to a skilled artisan preparing said microcapsules.

According to the invention, a metal oxide coating is present on said core/core material, using in some embodiments metal oxide nanoparticles in combination with a sol-gel precursor, wherein the addition of phase changing material incorporated into said core provides further stability parameters to the encapsulated active agents and to the pharmaceutical composition comprising them.

There is also disclosed herein a process for preparing microcapsules of the invention having a core encapsulated within a metal oxide shell, said process comprising: (a) preparing an oil-in-water emulsion by emulsification of an oily phase comprising at least one active agent and at least one phase changing material, in an aqueous phase, wherein at least one of said oily phase and aqueous phase comprise a sol-gel precursor; (b) subjecting said emulsion to microcapsule forming conditions; thereby obtaining said microcapsules.

The oily phase utilized by a process for making microcapsules of the invention comprises at least one active agent and at least one phase changing material. Said at least one active agent may be in a form of a water insoluble liquid or dispersion in water-insoluble liquid comprising said at least one active agent. The oily phase may be constituted by a liquid water-insoluble active agent; which may comprise a first, liquid water-insoluble active agent dissolved and/or dispersed in a second, water insoluble liquid being another active agent or serving as a carrier. In another embodiment said oily phase may comprise a solid active agent dissolved and/or dispersed in a water-insoluble liquid, being another active ingredient or serving as a carrier. The term "water insoluble liquid" or "dispersion in water-insoluble liquid" refers to a solubility of the liquid (including the ingredients included therein, dissolved and/or dispersed) in water of about less than <NUM> %w/w, preferably <NUM> %w/w and most preferably <NUM> % w/w at room temperature (<NUM>-<NUM>). Accordingly, the constituents included in the core whether solid or liquid ingredients have a solubility of about less than <NUM> %w/w, preferably <NUM> %w/w and most preferably <NUM> %w/w at room temperature (<NUM>-<NUM>). The water insoluble liquid may be for example squalane oil, polydimethylsiloxane, mineral oil, castor oil, aromatic <NUM>, and mixtures thereof.

In some embodiments the viscosity of said core/core material of said microcapsule (at room temperature) may be about 300cP, 350cP, 400cP, 450cP, 500cP, 550cP, 600cP, 650cP, 700cP, 750cP, 800cP, 900cP, 1000cP, 2000cP, 3000cP, 4000cP, 5000cP, 6000cP, 7000cP, 8000cP, 9000cP, <NUM>,000cP, <NUM>,000cP, <NUM>,000cP, <NUM>,000cP, <NUM>,000cP, <NUM>,000cP, <NUM>,000cP, <NUM>,000cP, <NUM>,000cP, <NUM>,000cP, <NUM>,000cP, <NUM>,000cP, <NUM>,000cP, <NUM>,000cP, <NUM>,000cP, <NUM>,000cP, <NUM>,000cP, <NUM>,000cP or <NUM>,<NUM>,000cP (when measured under various conditions). In some embodiments, the viscosity of said core at room temperature is between about <NUM> to 600cP. In other embodiments, the viscosity of said core at room temperature is between about <NUM> to 500cP. In further embodiments, the viscosity of said core at room temperature is between about <NUM> to <NUM>,000cP. In other embodiments the viscosity of said core at room temperature is between about <NUM>,<NUM> to <NUM>,<NUM>,000cP. In some further embodiments the viscosity of said core at room temperature is between about <NUM>,<NUM> to <NUM>,<NUM>,000cP.

Further input regarding the process of obtaining a core stabilized microcapsule can be found in the International publication <CIT>.

In one embodiment, said at least one phase changing material is selected from natural or synthetic paraffins (e.g. having a molecular formula of CnH2n+<NUM>, wherein n=<NUM>-<NUM>), C<NUM>-C<NUM> alkane, C<NUM>-C<NUM> alkene (having at least one double bond), C<NUM>-C<NUM> alkyne (having at least one triple bond), aliphatic alcohols (e.g. having a molecular formula of CH<NUM>(CH<NUM>)nOH, wherein n=<NUM>-<NUM>) and fatty acids (e.g. having a molecular formula of CH<NUM>(CH<NUM>)2nCOOH, wherein n-<NUM>-<NUM>), or any combination thereof.

In some embodiments, said at least one phase changing material is at least one natural or synthetic paraffin. In some embodiments, said at least one phase changing material is a C<NUM>-C<NUM> aliphatic alcohol (in other embodiments C<NUM>, C<NUM>, C<NUM>, C<NUM>, C<NUM>, C<NUM>, C<NUM>, C<NUM>, C<NUM> to C<NUM> aliphatic alcohol). In further embodiments, said at least one phase changing material is a C<NUM>-C<NUM> aliphatic fatty acid (in other embodiments C<NUM>, C<NUM>, C<NUM>, C<NUM>, C<NUM>, C<NUM>, C<NUM>, C<NUM>, C<NUM> to C<NUM> aliphatic fatty acid).

In one embodiment said PCMs are liquified (or at least become substantially or partially liquified, pliable or semi-solid, and capable of being handled by a process of the invention) at a temperature range of between about <NUM> to about <NUM>, more preferably in a temperature range of between about <NUM> to about <NUM>.

Examples of phase changing materials capable of being used by the processes for making microcapsules of the invention include, but are not limited to: Carnauba wax (m. <NUM>-<NUM>), Beeswax pure (m. <NUM>-<NUM>), Beeswax white pure, (m. <NUM>-<NUM>), Beeswax bleached technical (m. <NUM>-<NUM>), Montan wax bleached (m. <NUM>-<NUM>), Montan wax bleached, partially saponified (m. <NUM>-<NUM>), Montanic acid (m. <NUM>-<NUM>), Hydrocarbon wax synthetic (m. <NUM>-<NUM>), Microcrystalline wax (m. <NUM>-<NUM>), Microcrystalline wax (m. <NUM>-<NUM>), Hardwax partially saponified (m. <NUM>-<NUM>), Beeswax yellow (m. <NUM>-<NUM>), Polishing Wax (m. <NUM>-<NUM>), Castor wax (m. <NUM>-<NUM>), Microwax (m. <NUM>-<NUM>), Microwax (m. <NUM>-<NUM>), Microwax (m. <NUM>-<NUM>), Ozokerite (m. <NUM>-<NUM>), Microcrystalline wax, plastic (m. <NUM>-<NUM>), Microcrystalline wax, soft (m. <NUM>-<NUM>), Wax blend (m. <NUM>-<NUM>), Polyolefin wax (m. <NUM>-<NUM>), Lanolin, Shellac, Bayberry wax (m. <NUM>), Candelilla wax (m. <NUM>-<NUM>), Ouricury wax, Rice bran wax (m. <NUM> - <NUM>), Soy candle (wax), Paraffin (m. <NUM> - <NUM>), Chinese wax, and any combinations thereof.

In one aspect of a process for the preparation of a microcapsule, said at least one phase changing material is in a liquid state. Thus, prior to the addition of said at least one PCM, its temperature is raised until it is substantially homogenously liquified. In a further aspect, the process is carried out under a temperature wherein said at least one phase changing material is in a liquid state, throughout the entire emulsification and encapsulation process disclosed herein above and below. It is noted that said at least one PCM utilized by a process is selected such that its heat of fusion allows for processes to be carried out substantially without compromising the active agents used, the emulsion formed and the metal oxide shell produced for the microcapsules of the invention.

In one aspect of a process for the preparation of a microcapsule, at least one metal oxide nanoparticle is added to said aqueous phase prior, during or after emulsification of step (a).

In a further aspect of a process for the preparation of a microcapsule, the process further comprises a step of cooling obtained microcapsules to room temperature. It is noted that upon cooling of said obtained microcapsules, the viscosity of said core, comprising said at least one active agent and at least one PCM, changes to have values of between about 300cP to <NUM>,<NUM>,000cP (when measured under various conditions). It should be understood that such PCMs used by a process for making microcapsules of the invention are accumulated in the core of obtained microcapsules and are not incorporated in any part of the metal-oxide shell formed by encapsulation process.

The size of the microcapsules (denoted herein also by the general term "particles" or "microparticles") as will be referred to herein refers to D<NUM> meaning that <NUM>% of the particles have the stated dimension or less (measured by volume). Thus, for examples, for spherical particles stated to have a diameter of less than about <NUM> ("microns"), this means that the particles have a D<NUM> of <NUM> microns. The D<NUM> (termed also d(<NUM>)) may be measured by laser diffraction. For particles having a shape other than spheres, the D<NUM> refers to the mean average of the diameter of a plurality of particles.

In some embodiments, said microcapsule size is less than about <NUM>. In other embodiments, said microcapsule size is between about <NUM> to about <NUM>. In other embodiments, said microcapsule size is between about <NUM> to about <NUM>. In other embodiments, said microcapsule size is between about <NUM> to about <NUM>. In certain embodiments, the microcapsule size is about <NUM> to about <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the metal oxide shell is formed by a sol-gel encapsulation/coating process.

In some embodiments, the metal oxide is selected from silica, titania, alumina, zirconia, ZnO, and mixtures thereof. In some other embodiments, the metal oxide is silica.

According to certain embodiments of the present invention, the surface of the metal oxide layer of the coated particulate matter may be chemically modified by organic groups, in some embodiments hydrophobic groups, attached to its surface. The hydrophobic groups may be for example alkyl groups (such alkyl groups may be further substituted with one or more fluoro atoms), aryl groups (such as benzyl or phenyl), and combinations thereof. The groups may be as described below with respect to the process.

In some aspects, the microcapsules are formed using a process as disclosed in the following documents: <CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT>,<CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT>, and <CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT>, and <CIT>, disclose sol-gel microcapsules and methods for their preparation; <CIT> and <CIT> teach microcapsules containing core material and a capsule wall made of organopolysiloxane, and their production; <CIT> and <CIT> also teach the preparation of microcapsules having shell walls of organopolysiloxane; <CIT> describes a method of forming microcapsules or micromatrix bodies having an interior water-immiscible liquid phase containing an active, water-immiscible ingredient. Microcapsules prepared by a sol-gel process are also disclosed in <CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT>.

According to some aspects, the coated form of the active ingredient (microcapsule) may be in form of a polymeric microsponge/silica microsphere where the active ingredient is adsorbed, embedded, impregnated or entrapped in the microsponge/silica microsphere as described for example in <CIT>; <CIT>,<CIT>, <CIT>, and <CIT>.

In other aspects, microcapsules are formed by the encapsulation process disclosed in the following publications: <CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT>. Controlled release microcapsules: <CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT>.

Further according to an embodiment of the present invention the obtained metal oxide coating layer has a width (thickness) of <NUM> or above, in some embodiments the metal oxide coating layer has a width (thickness) of <NUM> - <NUM>.

Additionally, according to an embodiment of the present invention the obtained metal oxide coating layer has a width (thickness) of <NUM> or above, in some embodiments the metal oxide coating layer has a width of <NUM> - <NUM>.

Additionally, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the thickness of the metal oxide layer is in the range of <NUM>-<NUM>. In some further embodiments, the thickness of the metal oxide layer is in the range of <NUM> - <NUM>, and in some further embodiments in the range of <NUM>-<NUM>. The thickness of the metal oxide layer may also be in some embodiments in the range of <NUM> to <NUM>, and in some other embodiments in the range of <NUM> to <NUM>.

Further according to an embodiment of the present invention the obtained metal oxide coating layer has a width (thickness) of about <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> or <NUM> or above, in some embodiments up to <NUM>.

The width of the metal oxide layer may be determined for example by a Transmission Electron Microscope or Confocal Microscope such that in a circular cross-sectional area of the particle the smallest width is at least e.g. <NUM> (the width is determined as the smallest distance from the surface of the particle (i.e. metal oxide surface) to the core-metal oxide interface).

The microcapsules are in some embodiments characterized in that the core material is substantially free of the metal oxide and further in that the metal oxide layer is substantially free of the core material, e.g. either as particle dispersion (in the nano-metric range of below <NUM>) of the particulate matter or as molecular dispersion of the particulate matter.

Thus, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the metal oxide layer is substantially free of core material (either in the form of molecules or as nano-metric particles). The term "substantially free" in this context denotes that the concentration of the molecules of the core material or the concentration of the nano-metric particles of the core material is negligible as compared to the metal oxide. Similarly, by the term "the core material is substantially free of the metal oxide" is meant that the concentration of the metal oxide in the core is negligible as compared to the core material.

According to another aspect, when the microcapsules are prepared by a method such as spray drying, the core material comprising the active agent may further comprise up to about <NUM>% w/w, in some embodiments up to about <NUM>% metal oxide and the metal oxide coating layer may further comprise up to about <NUM>%w/w, in some embodiments up to about <NUM>%w/w of the active agent.

According to an embodiment of the present invention the weight ratio of the metal oxide to the solid particulate matter is in the range of <NUM>:<NUM> to <NUM>:<NUM>. The weight ratio of the metal oxide layer to the solid particulate matter may be also in the range of <NUM>:<NUM> to <NUM>:<NUM>, <NUM>:<NUM> to <NUM>:<NUM>, <NUM>:<NUM> to <NUM>:<NUM>, <NUM>:<NUM> to <NUM>:<NUM>, <NUM>:<NUM> to <NUM>:<NUM>. Further, according to an embodiment of the present invention the rate ratio of the metal oxide to the solid particulate matter is in the range of <NUM>:<NUM> to <NUM>:<NUM>.

According to another aspect, when spray drying method is used, the weight ratio of the metal oxide to the solid particulate matter may be in the range <NUM>:<NUM> to <NUM>:<NUM>.

In some embodiments, said composition of the invention has tretinoin dissolution rate of less than about <NUM>% weight/h as measured in a medium of <NUM>%:<NUM>% V/V mixture of water and isopropyl alcohol at ambient temperature.

It should be noted that the dissolution rate (release rate) defined herein relates to the measurement (either in vitro or in vivo) of the rate at which the active agents (tretinoin) is released from the topical medicament of the invention, to the extracting media or skin. The release rate is measured using known method as defined herein, i.e. <NUM>% IPA (isopropyl alcohol) and <NUM>% water and optionally an antioxidant (such as BHT) at room temperature.

According to the invention, , a composition of the invention comprises benzoyl peroxide (BPO), as a second active agent.

In some embodiments, said BPO is non-encapsulated in a composition of the invention. In another embodiments, said BPO is encapsulated in a separate microcapsule (i.e. "BPO microcapsule", a microcapsule that is different and separated from the microcapsule encapsulating the tretinoin ("tretinoin microcapsule") in a composition of the invention). In some embodiments, said microcapsule encapsulating said BPO has a shell different than the shell of said tretinoin microcapsule. In other embodiments, said microcapsule encapsulating said BPO has a shell similar to the shell of said tretinoin microcapsule (i.e. it is formed using similar encapsulating processes or similar encapsulating reagents). In some embodiments, the shell of said BPO microcapsule is a metal oxide shell. In some embodiments, said BPO is in the solid form. In other embodiments, said BPO microcapsule has a solid core. In other embodiments, said BPO microcapsule consists of solid BPO. In other embodiments, said shell of said BPO microcapsule is directly deposited on solid BPO.

As used herein by the term "non-encapsulated form" or "non-coated form" is meant that the active ingredient (BPO) is present in the composition in its "naked" form meaning that it is not intimately embedded, encapsulated, entrapped or encased in a polymeric carrier, and is present in the composition in direct contact with the composition carrier. As used herein by the term "coated form of the active ingredient" is meant that the active ingredient is embedded, dispersed, entrapped, or encased, e.g. as a solid dispersion or molecular dispersion in a polymeric carrier which may be an organic or inorganic carrier and which may serve as a matrix for dispersing the active ingredient or as encapsulated material coating said active ingredient (i. e the active ingredient is present in a core or is a core material encapsulated by a shell composed of a polymeric material which may be an organic or inorganic polymer).

The composition of the invention comprising BPO, in some embodiments the concentration of RRT (relative retention time) <NUM> (all-trans <NUM>,<NUM>-epoxy retinoic acid) is lower than <NUM>% after two weeks storage at <NUM>. In other embodiments, the concentration of RRT <NUM> (all-trans <NUM>,<NUM>-epoxy retinoic acid) is lower than <NUM>% after two weeks storage at <NUM>.

When referring to RRT <NUM> it should be understood to relate to the degradation product of tretinoin in the presence of BPO as shown in the HPLC chromatography of the composition of the invention after two weeks of storage at <NUM>. An example of the RRT product can be seen in <FIG> at retention time <NUM>. In other embodiments, RRT <NUM> refers to all-trans <NUM>,<NUM>-epoxy retinoic acid (<NPL>) represented by the following structure:
<CHM>.

The composition of the invention comprising BPO, in some embodiments the degradation of said tretinoin is less than <NUM>% after two weeks storage at <NUM>. In other embodiments, the degradation of said tretinoin is less than <NUM>%.

The composition of the invention comprising BPO, in some embodiments the degradation of said tretinoin is not more than <NUM>% after <NUM> or <NUM> months storage at <NUM>-<NUM>. In other embodiments, the degradation of said tretinoin is not more than <NUM>% after <NUM> months storage at <NUM> and <NUM>% RH.

In some embodiments, said medicament is administered in a single composition, single fixed dose medicament, comprising both said active agents (BPO and tretinoin). The term "fixed dose medicament" should be understood as meaning a combination whose active agents are combined at fixed doses in the same vehicle (single formula) that delivers them together to the point of application.

In further aspects, , said medicament comprises two separate compositions each one comprising each of said active agents. In such aspects, the weight % amount of each active agent relates to each of their weight amount in each composition separately. In some aspects said two separate compositions of said medicament are administered concomitantly. In further aspects, said two separate compositions are administered sequentially.

The composition of the invention comprises tretinoin in the amount of between about <NUM>% to about <NUM>% weight of the composition.

In some embodiments, a composition of the invention comprises tretinoin in the amount of between about <NUM>% to about <NUM>% weight of the composition.

In some embodiments, a composition of the invention comprises tretinoin in the amount of about <NUM>% weight of the composition.

In other embodiments, a composition of the invention comprises BPO in an amount of about <NUM>% weight of the composition.

In another embodiment, a composition of the invention comprises tretinoin in an amount of about <NUM>% weight and benzoyl peroxide in an amount of about <NUM>% weight. In another embodiment, a composition of the invention comprises tretinoin in an amount of about <NUM>% weight and benzoyl peroxide in an amount of about <NUM>% weight.

In one embodiment, the term "about", refers to a deviance of between <NUM>-<NUM>% from the indicated number or range of numbers. In one embodiment, the term "about", refers to a deviance of between <NUM> -<NUM>% from the indicated number or range of numbers.

According to an embodiment of the present invention the carrier is in the form of an ointment, a cream, a lotion, an oil, a solution (in some embodiments an aqueous solution), an emulsion, a gel, a paste, a milk, an aerosol, a powder, or a foam, each represents another embodiment of this invention. In some embodiments, the carrier is an aqueous-based carrier (such as a gel, oil-in water emulsion or oil-in water cream, aqueous solution, foam, lotion, spray).

In a further aspect, the composition of the invention is for use in the treatment of a surface condition in a subject in need thereof, wherein said surface condition is a skin disease or disorder selected from acne, infection, inflammation, pruritus, psoriasis, seborrhea, contact dermatitis, rosacea, and a combination thereof.

In a further aspect, the composition of the invention is for use in the topical treatment of a surface condition in a subject in need thereof, wherein said surface condition is a skin condition selected from melasma, photoaging, photodamage, fine wrinkles, and a combination thereof.

The term "treating" or "treatment" as used herein includes any treatment of a condition, disease or disorder associated with a patient's body surface such as the skin or mucosal membrane, and includes inhibiting the disease or disorder (i.e. arresting its development), relieving the disease or disorder (i.e. causing regression of the disease or disorder), or relieving the conditions caused by the disease (i.e. symptoms of the disease). The concentrations of the dermatological agents that can be used for treatment of a specific disease or disorder may be as described in <NPL>.

Although individual needs may vary, determination of optimal ranges for effective amounts of the compositions is within the skill of the art. Generally, the dosage required to provide an effective amount of a pharmaceutical composition, which can be adjusted by one skilled in the art, will vary depending on the age, health, physical condition, weight, type and extent of the disease or disorder of the recipient, frequency of treatment, the nature of concurrent therapy (if any) and the nature and scope of the desired effect(s).

Thus, the final form of the composition may be any of the above forms, mentioned with respect to the carrier, where the microcapsules are dispersed in the carrier. The final form of the composition may also be in the form of a wash or cleanser.

The following examples are presented in order to more fully illustrate the preferred embodiments of the invention.

<NUM> grams of Cyclomethicone 5N, <NUM> grams of Cetyl Alcohol, and <NUM> grams of Mono-and di-Glycerides were mixed and heated to <NUM> until melting. <NUM> grams of Carbopol <NUM> NF were added and the oily phase was mixed and heated until addition to the main reactor.

<NUM> grams of Ethylenediaminetetraacetate Disodium salt, <NUM> grams of Macrogol Stearate Type I, <NUM> grams of Glycerin (<NUM>%) and <NUM> grams of Imidurea were dissolved into <NUM> kilograms of water. The solution was mixed and heated to <NUM> until addition of the oily phase to the main reactor.

<NUM> grams of Anhydrous Citric Acid were added into <NUM>,<NUM> grams of <NUM>% encapsulated benzoyl peroxide water suspension. The suspension was mixed and heated to <NUM>-<NUM> until addition to the main reactor.

The oily phase was added to the water phase under circulation and mixing at <NUM> for <NUM> minutes. The resulting emulsion was homogenized, mixed and circulated under vacuum for <NUM> minutes then additional <NUM> minutes after adding <NUM> grams of NaOH <NUM>% solution. E-BPO/ Citric acid phase was added to the emulsion under moderate mixing and circulation then mixing was continued for <NUM> minutes. The emulsion pH was adjusted to <NUM> by HCl <NUM>% solution titration. <NUM> grams of encapsulated ATRA <NUM>% water suspension were added to <NUM> emulsion during mixing then water was added until the total weight of the emulsion reached <NUM> kilograms and mixed for <NUM> minutes. The emulsion continued mixing for <NUM> minutes during cool down to <NUM>.

Table <NUM> below shows the particle size distribution of eight E-ATRA suspensions (the left side of the Table) and its influence on the stability of the cream formulations (the right side of the table). The eight cream formulations were prepared from the eight E-ATRA suspensions. The differences between the various suspensions is the manufacturer of the critical raw materials. As can be seen from the table the particle size distribution of the suspensions influences the percentage of the ATRA degradant RRT <NUM> (all-trans <NUM>,<NUM>-epoxy retinoic acid) and the % degradation of ATRA in the cream formulations after stability of <NUM> weeks at <NUM> /<NUM>% RH.

Claim 1:
An encapsulated tretinoin composition, said composition comprising microcapsules comprising a core containing tretinoin dispersed in an oily phase and a phase changing material,
wherein the core is coated by a metal oxide shell, wherein said tretinoin is in the solid form and said microcapsules have a size of less than <NUM>, wherein said tretinoin is in the range of <NUM>% - <NUM>% by weight of the composition, wherein said composition further comprises non-encapsulated or encapsulated benzoyl peroxide, and wherein said composition has a tretinoin dissolution rate of less than <NUM>% weight/h as measured in a medium of <NUM>%:<NUM>% V/V mixture of water and isopropyl alcohol at ambient temperature.