Patent Description:
Pain management and control of fever are key elements in post-operative patient care in hospitals. Several analgesics are available for oral, topical and parenteral application. Ibuprofen, due to its high efficacy and good safety profile, is a preferred option in this context. There is an emerging need for formulations that allow for short-term treatment by intravenous infusion.

Ibuprofen formulations for parenteral use are available in the form of concentrates. However, they require additional steps (e.g. a dilution step) in order to obtain solutions ready for injection.

There is a need for ready-to-use parenteral Ibuprofen formulations, which are easier to handle and allow for a convenient and safe application. Ideally, such a formulation is stored in a container that is also easy, convenient and safe to use, such as a plastic container.

<CIT> discloses an aqueous pharmaceutical composition for parenteral administration comprising ibuprofen and a phosphate buffer, wherein the concentration of ibuprofen is in the range of <NUM>-<NUM> mmol/I or <NUM>-<NUM>/l, and wherein the molar ratio of phosphate to ibuprofen is in the range of <NUM>:<NUM> to <NUM>:<NUM>.

The inventors have surprisingly found that an Ibuprofen formulation comprising relatively low amounts of a phosphate buffer and relatively low ratios phosphate buffer to Ibuprofen is stable and is more convenient for the patients compared to Ibuprofen formulations comprising higher amounts of phosphate buffer and higher ratios phosphate buffer to Ibuprofen. Advantageously, such a formulation can be stored in a plastic container.

Accordingly, in one aspect of the invention there is provided a pharmaceutical composition for parenteral administration comprising.

wherein the concentration of Ibuprofen or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof is in the range of <NUM>-<NUM> mmol/l, and wherein the molar ratio of phosphate to Ibuprofen is in the range of <NUM>:<NUM> to <NUM>:<NUM>.

In a further aspect of the invention there is provided a pharmaceutical composition for parenteral administration comprising.

wherein the concentration of Ibuprofen or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof is in the range of <NUM>-<NUM>/l, and wherein the molar ratio of phosphate to Ibuprofen is in the range of <NUM>:<NUM> to <NUM>:<NUM>.

In yet a further aspect of the invention there is provided a pharmaceutical composition as defined herein in a plastic container.

In yet a further aspect of the invention there is provided a pharmaceutical composition as defined herein for use in the treatment of pain and/or reduction of fever.

Advantageously, the pharmaceutical composition of the invention is ready to use and thus easy to handle. The composition of the invention allows for a convenient and safe parenteral administration of Ibuprofen in the required dose regime to patients in need thereof. Advantageously, the pharmaceutical composition does neither require large amounts of the buffer, nor does it require the presence of excipients (e.g. amino acids) that may cause adsorption to a plastic container.

The pharmaceutical composition of the invention comprises Ibuprofen or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. Ibuprofen is known to a person skilled in the art. Preferred salts of Ibuprofen are sodium, potassium, lithium or ammonium salts. More preferred salts of Ibuprofen are sodium or potassium salt. A particularly preferred salt of Ibuprofen is sodium.

The pharmaceutical composition of the invention comprises a phosphate buffer. A person skilled in the art knows what a phosphate buffer is. Phosphate buffer as used herein refers to a buffer system comprising phosphate, hydrogen phosphate, dihydrogenphosphate and/or phosphoric acid.

The pharmaceutical composition of the invention comprises Ibuprofen or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof and a phosphate buffer in a specific ratio. The molar ratio of phosphate to Ibuprofen as used herein refers to the ratio of moles Ibuprofen and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof to the sum of moles phosphate, hydrogen phosphate, dighydrogenphosphate and phosphoric acid. For example, in a composition comprising <NUM> mmol/I Ibuprofen or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, <NUM> mmol/I sodiumdihydrogenphosphate and <NUM> mmol/l disodiumhydrogenphosphate, the molar ratio of phosphate to Ibuprofen as used herein is <NUM>.

If not indicated otherwise, the expression "mmol/l" refers to "mmol per l of the pharmaceutical composition". If not indicated otherwise, the expression "g/l" refers to "g per l of the pharmaceutical composition". In particular, the Ibuprofen and phosphate buffer concentrations given herein are based on the total volume of the pharmaceutical composition.

The pharmaceutical composition of the present invention is for parenteral administration. Preferably, the pharmaceutical composition is for intravenous administration.

The molar ratio of phosphate to Ibuprofen is in the range of <NUM>:<NUM> to <NUM>:<NUM>.

Preferably, the phosphate buffer comprises trialkalimetalphosphates, dialkalimetalhydrogenphosphates and/or alkalimetaldihydrogenphosphates, more preferably dialkalimetalhydrogenphosphates and/or alkalimetaldihydrogenphosphates.

Alkali metal as used herein preferably refers to lithium (Li), sodium (Na) or potassium (K), more preferably sodium or potassium, particularly preferably sodium.

In a particularly preferred embodiment the phosphate buffer comprises sodiumdihydrogenphosphate and disodiumhydrogenphosphate. Sodiumdihydrogenphosphate can, for example, be used in the form of a hydrate, such as a dihydrate (NaH<NUM>PO<NUM> x <NUM><NUM>O). Disodiumhydrogenphosphate can, for example, be used in the form of a hydrate, such as a dodecahydrate (Na<NUM>HPO<NUM> x <NUM><NUM>O).

The amount of phosphate buffer in the pharmaceutical composition according to the invention is preferably adjusted in a way that it allows for the preparation of a storage stable. Typically, the concentration of the phosphate buffer is in the range of <NUM>-<NUM> mmol/l, preferably <NUM>-<NUM> mmol/I more preferably <NUM>-<NUM> mmol/l, based on the total volume of the pharmaceutical composition.

The pharmaceutical composition may comprise alkalizing and/or acidifying agents in order to adjust the pH of the pharmaceutical composition according to the requirements for solutions for parenteral administration. An alkalizing agent (particularly preferably sodium hydroxide) can also be used to solubilize Ibuprofen. In one embodiment the pharmaceutical composition comprises an alkalizing agent. Preferably, the alkalizing agent is selected from the group consisting of sodium carbonate, potassium carbonate, sodium bicarbonate, potassium bicarbonate, sodium hydroxide and potassium hydroxide, preferably sodium hydroxide. In another embodiment the pharmaceutical composition comprises an acidifying agent, preferably hydrochloric acid.

Preferably, the pH of the pharmaceutical composition of the present invention is in the range of <NUM> to <NUM>, more preferably <NUM>-<NUM>, even more preferably <NUM>-<NUM>.

Typically, the concentration of Ibuprofen or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof is in the range of <NUM>-<NUM>/l, preferably <NUM>-<NUM>/l, more preferably <NUM>,<NUM>-<NUM>/l, based on the total volume of the pharmaceutical composition. Also typically, the concentration of the Ibuprofen or the pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof is in the range of <NUM>-<NUM> mmol/l, preferably <NUM>-<NUM> mmol/I more preferably <NUM>-<NUM> mmol/l, based on the total volume of the pharmaceutical composition.

Preferably, the pharmaceutical composition comprises a tonicity modifying agent in order to adjust the tonicity of the pharmaceutical composition according to the requirements for solutions for parenteral administration. Suitable tonicity modifying agents are known by a person skilled in the art. Preferred tonicity modifying agents are glycerol, propylene glycol, sorbitol, mannitol, dextrose, lactose, potassium chloride or sodium chloride. More preferred tonicity agents are glycerol, propylene glycol, or sodium chloride. A particularly preferred tonicity agent is sodium chloride.

In one embodiment the pharmaceutical composition does not comprise an amino acid or a salt thereof and/or an organic amine or a salt thereof.

Preferably, the pharmaceutical composition is an aqueous composition. Generally, an aqueous composition is a composition comprising water. In such preferred embodiments, the water content of the pharmaceutical composition is typically in the range of <NUM>-<NUM> volume %, more preferably <NUM>-<NUM> volume %, even more preferably <NUM>-<NUM> volume %, particularly preferably <NUM>-<NUM> volume %, for example <NUM>-<NUM> volume %, based on the total volume of the pharmaceutical composition. Particularly preferably, water is used as the sole solvent. Preferably the water comprised in the pharmaceutical composition is microbiologically purified water capable of being used for parenteral purposes, such as water for injection (WFI).

Preferably, the pharmaceutical composition of the present invention is a ready-to-use composition. Ready-to-use composition as used herein refers to a composition which does not need to be further diluted before administration. It can be administered as it is.

The pharmaceutical composition of the invention is typically a clear and colorless to pale yellowish solution with good storage stability. It can, for example, be stored at <NUM> for at least <NUM> months.

In one aspect the invention provides a pharmaceutical composition in a plastic container.

Preferably, the plastic container is a plastic bottle, a plastic bag or a plastic vial, even more preferably a plastic bottle or a plastic bag, particularly preferably a plastic bottle. Such plastic containers are stable and easy to handle, and allows for easy transport and administration.

Preferably, the plastic container comprises polymers selected form the group of polyethylene, polypropylene, polybutylene, polyisoprene, polystyrene and polyvinylchloride, more preferably polyethylene, even more preferably low density polyethylene (LDPE). The polymers may be present in the form of homo-polymers or co-polymers. Co-polymers as used herein include random- and block-copolymers.

The plastic container may comprise one or more layers, preferably <NUM>-<NUM> layers, more preferably <NUM> layer. In the case the plastic container comprises more layers the layers may be identical of different regarding their polymer composition.

Preferably, the plastic container comprises a plastic cap. Preferably, the plastic cap comprises polyethylene, polypropylene, polyvinylchloride or mixtures or copolymers thereof, more preferably polypropylene or copolymers thereof.

Preferably, the plastic container has a volume in the range of <NUM>-<NUM>, preferably <NUM>-<NUM>, more preferably <NUM>-<NUM>, particularly preferably <NUM>.

Typically, the pharmaceutical composition in the plastic container has a storage stability of at least <NUM> months, preferably at least <NUM> months, more preferably at least <NUM> months at <NUM>.

The pharmaceutical compositions of the invention can be prepared employing processes known by a person skilled in the art. For example, the pharmaceutical composition can be prepared by a) mixing its components and b) optionally pH adjustment. In particularly preferred embodiments, where the pharmaceutical composition is in a plastic container and sterilized, the manufacturing process may, for example, comprise the following the steps:.

The filtration can, for example, be done using filters having pore sizes in the range of <NUM>-<NUM>, capable of removing microbiological contaminations. In particularly preferred embodiments, the filtration comprises two filtration steps.

The filling of the plastic container is done using filling techniques known in the art. In preferred embodiments, where the plastic container is a a LDPE container, the filling can, for example, be done using a Blow-Fill-Seal technology.

Preferably, the pharmaceutical composition in a plastic container is sterilized in order to provide a storage stable composition for parenteral administration. Typical sterilization methods include sterilization by dry heat, moist heat, irradiation and gases. Preferably, heat sterilization is used. More preferably, moist heat sterilization is used. Particularly preferably, moist heat sterilization with overheated water as sterilizing medium is used. The temperature of the overheated water is generally at least <NUM>, preferably at least <NUM>, more preferably at least <NUM>. In a preferred embodiment, the temperature of the overheated water is about <NUM>. In another embodiment, the temperature of the overheated water is about <NUM>.

According to one aspect of the invention the pharmaceutical composition as defined herein is for use in the treatment of pain and/or reduction of fever. Preferably, the treatment is a short-term treatment. More preferably, the treatment is a short-term acute treatment. Preferably, the pain is a mild to moderate pain. In one embodiment the pharmaceutical composition is for use in the treatment of pain, preferably for use in the short-term treatment of mild to moderate pain. In another embodiment the pharmaceutical composition is for use in the reduction of fever.

<FIG> ICP-MS results (example <NUM> d) part II), ion content in mg/L.

The invention is further illustrated by the following examples without being limited thereby.

At <NUM>-<NUM>° sodium hydroxide solution was added to WFI. Subsequently, Ibuprofen powder was added. After complete dissolution of the Ibuprofen the solution was cooled to <NUM> followed by the addition of sodium chloride and phosphate buffer substances. The pH of the solution was adjusted to pH=<NUM>-<NUM>. The solution was filtered in a two-step filtration process employing a <NUM> filter in the first step and a <NUM> filter in a second step.

The composition comprises the following ingredients in a total volume of <NUM>:.

Filling and sterilization: Polyethylene containers (KabiPac®) were filled with the pharmaceutical composition and sealed. The filled containers were sterilized by autoclaving (≥ <NUM>).

Two formulations having the composition as shown in example <NUM> were prepared. One formulation was aerated and one stored under nitrogen protection. Both formulations showed comparable results with respect to appearance of the solutions, degree of coloration, pH, visible- and sub-visible particles, osmolality and impurities. All results fulfilled the acceptance criteria of solutions for parenteral administration with respect to all parameters investigated.

A pharmaceutical composition (pH=<NUM>-<NUM>) in a polyethylene container (KabiPac® Fresenius Kabi) as descried in example <NUM> was prepared. The pH remained stable over time. The formulation did not show adsorption behavior after <NUM> months storage.

The formulation having the composition as described in example <NUM> was tested for stability in a low density polyethylene container (KabiPac®, Fresenius Kabi) at <NUM> for <NUM> and <NUM> weeks and at <NUM> and <NUM> for <NUM> and <NUM> months. The pH stability was tested at pH = <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM>. No pH changes were detectable over the whole stability testing period.

Formulations having the composition as described in example <NUM> in (Kabipac®) were prepared.

The formulations were stored under different conditions for <NUM> and <NUM> months, respectively.

The formulations were stable over the tested period. For example, the amount of total degradation products was < <NUM> % in all cases (i.e. under all tested storage conditions after <NUM> and <NUM> months, respectively).

Samples having the composition as described in example <NUM> were prepared. <NUM> of the resulting pharmaceutical composition were filled in KabiPac® bottles and glass bottles having a hydrolysis class (HK) HK1 and HK2, respectively.

Sterilization of KabiPac® was done at <NUM>. Sterilization of glass bottles was done at <NUM> as appropriate for glass packaging materials.

The analysis of samples was performed by induced coupled plasma mass spectrometry (IC-MS). The results (table <NUM> and <FIG>) clearly demonstrate the higher storage stability of the KabiPac® container in comparison to the two different glass containers used in the experiment illustrated by the higher leakage of Aluminum-, Boron-, Silicon-, Barium-, Magnesium- and Calcium ions from the glass container.

Claim 1:
Pharmaceutical composition for parenteral administration comprising
a) Ibuprofen or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, and
b) a phosphate buffer,
wherein the concentration of Ibuprofen or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof is in the range of <NUM>-<NUM> mmol/l or in the range of <NUM>-<NUM>/l, and wherein the molar ratio of phosphate to Ibuprofen is in the range of <NUM>:<NUM> to <NUM>:<NUM>.