Patent Description:
The organ of sight, which has the function of capturing the luminous radiations coming from the external world to transform them into nerve impulses, used for perceptive purposes such as vision and reflexes, is separated from the external environment by the tear film, a layer of liquid in turn composed of several layers. The tear film is continuously and uniformly distributed on the ocular surface by the closure of the eyelids and has a crucial function in maintaining the homeostasis of the ocular surface. It allows adequate lubrication of the corneal epithelium by reducing friction with the eyelids, allows the transport and diffusion of vital molecules (oxygen, carbon dioxide, ions, mucins, lipids) for the survival of the epithelia and cornea. It also possesses a marked antibacterial activity, thanks to the presence of some enzymes and, finally, it guarantees the exchange and keeps the ocular surface clean, removing impurities coming from the environment, metabolic waste and desquamated cells.

From the outside towards the inside, the layers of the tear film are as follows:.

The stability of the tear film is therefore the result of the balance of different components, the alteration of which can lead to the onset of lacrimal dysfunction syndrome, also known as dry eye syndrome, and other ophthalmic diseases.

The aqueous layer of the tear film is constantly subjected to evaporation, which is continuously compensated by the tear secretion. When this compensatory secretion for some reason is reduced or insufficient, the symptoms of dry eye disease appear, consisting of a dehydration that involves continuous ocular discomfort, with foreign body sensation in the eye, itching, burning, difficulty opening your eyes, desire to wash or rub your eyes, discomfort when looking at the light, eyestrain during the day. Reddened and less luminous eyes are almost always a sign of a bad state of hydration of the ocular surface.

Dry eye due to reduced tear production is distinguished more precisely into two main subclasses: dry eye associated with Sjögren's syndrome (SSDE), a chronic inflammatory disease of an autoimmune nature, and dry eye not caused by Sjögren's syndrome, which collects the cases of lacrimal dysfunction in which the systemic autoimmune aspects characteristic of the SSDE have been excluded.

Also some ocular surface diseases can change the amount and composition of tear fluid. The most obvious case is that of blepharitis, in which the inflammation of the eyelid creates alterations in the production of the secretion of the meibomian glands, with consequent alteration of the tear film. Even the incorrect use of contact lenses, of any type, worn for too many hours during the day, can cause an alteration of the tear film.

Another problem, which appeared in more recent times, which shares some of the symptoms associated with dry eye syndrome, is caused by the massive use of smartphones and computers, and of all screens that emit light radiation that interact with the different parts of the eye. The latter has to "filter" these radiations, the artificial component of which called "blue light" is the most harmful. Blue light is emitted in a more or less evident way from all light sources, especially from cold light sources, such as LED light, and is used in a widespread way. Exposure to radiation corresponding to wavelengths in the range between <NUM> and <NUM> nanometers, which also include a part of the near ultraviolet, is in fact harmful to the eye, and is associated with an increase in ocular inflammation because determines an increase in the production of oxygen free radicals, which contribute to the progressive degeneration of the retina.

In addition, during the use of the computer the blinking frequency is significantly reduced, and consequently there is an increase in the exposure time of the ocular surface, and a greater evaporation of tear fluid.

All this has led the American Optometric Association to define the socalled "computer vision syndrome" (CVS), which is currently a widespread problem, with a huge number of people affected all over the world, and a pool of potential very high patients. Symptoms are varied and are of a visual, neurological and musculoskeletal type; they do not necessarily occur all together, they vary greatly from person to person and are grouped into external and internal symptoms. The former include burning, irritation, tearing, dryness, and appear to be related to poor lacrimation problems, while the latter include eye fatigue, headache, eye pain, double vision and blurry vision, and are generally related to visual problems in strict sense (refractive, accommodative or binocular).

To contribute to the improvement of dry eyes, numerous formulations of tear substitutes (artificial tears) have been introduced on the market, to be applied periodically by instillation on the cornea or in the conjunctival fornix, with the aim of providing appropriate therapeutic means for alleviate symptoms. Specifically, the main objectives of a dry eye treatment are to improve ocular comfort and quality of life, and to restore the normal homeostatic balance of the ocular surface and tear film. Although symptoms can rarely be completely eliminated, they can often be improved.

The normal tear substitutes, consisting of artificial tears, ointments and gels, generally function as lubricants of the ocular surface, and the numerous substances used for this purpose as viscosifying agents do not have a real pharmacological action: the only activity attributable to them with certainty is lubrication. As regards the computer vision syndrome, in any case, the use of electronic screens for periods of more than <NUM>-<NUM> hours a day is not recommended. Again, if necessary, it is recommended to instill ocular lubricants to reduce the burning sensation and dryness.

It is known that lutein and its stereoisomer zeaxanthin, members of the xanthophyll family of carotenoids (β, ε-caroten-<NUM>,<NUM>'-diol), are antioxidant molecules that the human body is unable to synthesize, the absorption of which, therefore, depends on the consumption of certain fruits, vegetables or animal products such as eggs. As reported in the literature, these antioxidant molecules are highly concentrated in the retina and macula of the human eye (<NPL>). Absorption of lutein has also been reported to improve visual acuity and slow down progression of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) (<NPL>; <NPL>).

Thanks to its physical property of absorbing light in the wavelengths typical of blue light and UVA/UVB/UVC rays, lutein exerts a barrier effect that protects the eye and the photoreceptive structures of the retina from light insults, such as those coming from the sunrays and from computer screens, smartphones or other electronic devices. Its characteristic structure with nine double bonds:
<CHM>
is in fact responsible for the absorbance of some wavelengths of light and the emission of other wavelengths. In particular, lutein and zeaxanthin absorb visible blue light (<NUM>-<NUM>) with an absorption peak at <NUM>. It has been shown by the cited literature that age-related or diet-related loss of lutein and zeaxanthin increases UV-induced damage to the eye, and that dietary supplementation with these carotenoids has a protective effect against induced damage from UV radiation to the retina.

Although lutein is widely used in the formulation of specific food supplements in the ophthalmic field, it is not commercially available in preparations for topical ophthalmic use, i.e. to be administered directly into the eye in the form of eye-drops or aqueous-based gel, or in the form of ointment or ophthalmic ointment. To formulate a lipophilic molecule such as lutein in a topical ophthalmic product it is, in fact, necessary to convey it in an oil-in-water emulsion, which is stable over time, in order to guarantee its conservation for the times envisaged for a commercial product of this type, and without penalizing the bioavailability of the active ingredient.

The <CIT>) discloses a topical ophthalmic gel composition for application to the eyelids and in the orbital area, which composition may comprise lutein and tocopherol acetate, as well as carboxyvinyl polymers (carbomer) as a gelling agent. The composition exploits a penetration enhancer to have the actives penetrate into the underlying tissues and into the vascular network of the orbit.

The international patent publication <CIT> discloses ophthalmic compositions in the form of aqueous solutions or gels, in which lutein is encapsulated in liposomes/cerasomes. The compositions may also comprise hyaluronic acid (salts) and buffers.

A known and widely used emulsifying agent also in the ophthalmic sector is an amphiphilic derivative of vitamin E (specifically, of the most widespread component of vitamin E, β-tocopherol), consisting of a hydrophilic polar head formed by a polyethylene glycol chain, connected to the tocopherol structure by the diester bridge of succinic acid.

This compound, whose chemical name is d-alpha-tocopheryl polyethylene glycol <NUM> succinate (where <NUM> refers to the chain length of the PEG), is known as vitamin E TPGS, or also with the names TPGS (the English acronym) and tocofersolan (INN).

Vitamin E TPGS shows a low critical micellar concentration and a large surface area, characteristics that make it a good emulsifier. For these reasons, this compound is considered a multi-role excipient and is widely used in nutraceutical preparations, being able to emulsify or help solubilize a wide range of immiscible water-oil compounds and other poorly soluble compounds (<NPL>).

The use of TPGS in the ophthalmic field is described, for example, in <CIT>, which proposes to use it in ophthalmic formulas with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory active ingredients (NSAIDs), with the function of reducing the effect irritant of NSAIDs when applied directly to the cornea, and also to improve its solubility in aqueous phases.

Furthermore, as regards the problem of lipophilic active ingredients, the use of TPGS as a specific emulsifier has been proposed, for example, in the European patent <CIT>, where it is formulated together with another surfactant (a PEG alkyl-arylether, octoxynol-<NUM>) to obtain micellar solutions for the delivery of active principles inhibiting calcineurin, in particular cyclosporine A, in a topical ophthalmic preparation. The preparative method involves the mixing of the lipophilic active ingredient with the two surfactants in a common solvent, the evaporation of the solvent to give an almost solid material, the hydration of this material with an aqueous solution and the dissolution of the product, to give an optically transparent micellar solution.

In the same field, the European patent <CIT>, discloses topical ophthalmic preparations consisting of an oil-in-water microemulsion comprising: one or more liposoluble active ingredients (which may also be lacking, in case an artificial tear is desired), an emulsifying agent consisting of d-α-tocopheryl polyethylene glycol <NUM> succinate (TPGS), an oily component consisting of medium chain triglycerides (MCT) and an ophthalmologically acceptable aqueous phase. The concentration of TPGS in the product is between <NUM> and <NUM>% by weight, the weight ratio of MCT to TPGS is between <NUM>: <NUM> and <NUM>: <NUM>. Further, there are no co-surfactants present, and the average size of the particles of the oily phase dispersed in the aqueous phase is not greater than <NUM>, normally not greater than <NUM>. With the aforementioned specifications, it is reported that the preparation of the microemulsion takes place spontaneously and at room temperature, taking care to first mix the components of the oily phase (i.e. any fat-soluble active ingredient, MCTs and vitamin E TPGS), then the components of the aqueous phase together, and then join the two phases together, always under stirring and at room temperature.

The presence of vitamin E (α-tocopherol) in a topical ophthalmic product is certainly beneficial and well tolerated, first of all because α-tocopherol was detected in tears at the physiological concentration of <NUM>-<NUM> (<NPL>). Furthermore, it is confirmed that the antioxidant properties of Vitamin E are useful in case of glaucoma, cataracts, dry eye syndrome and other ocular pathologies (<NPL>). Vitamin E, thanks to its antioxidant properties, also has photoprotective functions. In fact, the literature data indicate that Vitamin E is able to filter UV rays (range of <NUM>-<NUM>, with a peak at <NUM>), and has protective effects against cell damage induced by rays. UV (<NPL>).

It is also known that vitamin E and lutein act together as powerful antioxidants that neutralize reactive oxygen species (ROS) induced by UV radiation. These two compounds in combination are even more useful for ocular photoprotection from UV, as they protect the eye from lipid peroxidation, which causes the oxidative degradation of lipids and the formation of free radicals: it has been shown that lutein and Vitamin E act synergistically to neutralize free radicals. In particular, the effects of lutein and vitamin E on lipid peroxidation in human lens epithelial cells after UVB irradiation were examined, and it was found that the pretreatment of cell cultures with lutein and vitamin E prior to UVB radiation exposure reduced lipid peroxidation by <NUM>-<NUM>% compared to control epithelial cells treated with UVB only (<NPL>).

In the light of the prior art described, it is evident that it would be extremely advantageous to have an ophthalmic preparation for topical use which makes lutein easily administrable and bioavailable together with the other components, mostly water-soluble, normally used for the treatment of disorders and pathologies which require protection and lubrication of the ocular surface and internal structures of the eye.

The object of the present invention is, therefore, to provide a tear substitute containing a lipid phase composed exclusively of vitamin E-TPGS and lutein in combination. Such combination has never been used in a preparation for topical ophthalmic administration. The tear substitute must be biocompatible and suitable for use even while wearing contact lenses, must be suitable for the management and therapy of the aforementioned pathologies, so as to alleviate the symptoms shared between dry eye syndrome and CVS (irritation, burning, foreign body sensation, photophobia) thanks to its lubricating, antioxidant and photoprotective properties.

As noted, lutein, being a lipophilic molecule, is insoluble in water. In the initial stages of the experimentation connected with the present invention, preliminary tests were carried out which confirmed that lutein, added to an aqueous solution, for the most part deposits rapidly on the bottom, even if the mixture was subjected to a strong and prolonged stirring.

According to the invention, it has been found that it is possible to obtain an ophthalmic preparation containing lutein, which is biocompatible and at the same time has lubricating, antioxidant and photoprotective activity, which keeps its physico-chemical characteristics stable over time, realizing, through a particular manufacturing process, a micellar solution (or microemulsion) of lutein emulsified with vitamin E TPGS. This micellar solution based on lutein is made, according to the invention, without the use of additional lipid excipients, with the exception of a minimum amount of vitamin E-TPGS.

The aforementioned micellar solution is dispersed in an aqueous phase containing one or more viscosifying agents (rheological modifiers) and/or mucoadhesive agents, in addition to the usual isotonizing agents (osmotizing agents, tonicity-adjusting agents), buffers and any further water-soluble components. The ophthalmic preparation of the invention can be obtained by implementing a specific four-step preparation method specially developed.

It has in fact been found, according to the present invention, that in certain conditions of temperature and stirring, vitamin E-TPGS, being an amphiphilic molecule with a polar hydrophilic head and a lipophilic tail, is able to bind lutein and subsequently carry it inside an aqueous solution, in stable micellar form. The molecular characteristics of vitamin E-TPGS make it an excellent solubilizer for lutein, causing it to spontaneously form with it, under the conditions specified according to the invention, a double layer in which its hydrophilic heads are turned towards the external aqueous phase, while the hydrophobic tails that bind the lutein are turned towards the interior of the micelle, without the need for further oily components in the lipid phase.

Thanks to the thermal/mechanical energy supplied to the system during preparation, it is possible to obtain a size of the dispersed particles of less than <NUM>, generally in a range between <NUM> and <NUM>. The preparation has in fact a limpid aspect with a bright orange color.

The ophthalmic product for topical use of the invention can be obtained through a preparation process in four steps. In the claimed process, in the first step a predetermined quantity of deionized water is introduced into a first vessel, to which one or more of the other water-soluble ingredients of the formulation, such as the buffer system, are added. In the second step, vitamin E TPGS is heated in a second vessel and under stirring, bringing it first to melt and then to a temperature between <NUM> and <NUM>; then lutein is added while maintaining high temperature and stirring speed until a homogeneous oily solution is formed. In the third step, a part of the aqueous solution of the first vessel is added to the oily solution, slowly and under stirring, after having heated it to a temperature between <NUM> and <NUM>; when addition is finished, heating is continued and the stirring speed is increased, keeping the temperature between <NUM> and <NUM> in order to obtain a stable micellar solution of vitamin E TPGS and lutein in the aqueous phase. Finally, in the fourth step, the micellar solution obtained is added to the solution remaining in the first vessel, while keeping it under stirring. Once the solution has cooled down to a temperature not exceeding <NUM>, the remaining water-soluble ingredients are added one at a time, including one or more viscosifying or gelling agents. Then, the ingredients are let to completely dissolve and the product is sterilized.

By proceeding rigorously according to the indicated method, it has been possible, according to the present invention, to ensure the successful formation of a micellar aggregate vitamin E-TPGS-lutein so as to make the lutein practically "water-soluble", and to keep it stably in solution.

Thanks to the antioxidant activity and the light absorption properties in the wavelengths typical of blue light and UVA/UVB/UVC rays shown by lutein and the β-tocopherol contained in TPGS, the combination of vitamin E TPGS and lutein according to the invention affords to strengthen the barrier effect that protects the eye and the retinal photoreceptive structures from light insults, such as those coming from sunrays, computer screens, smartphones and other electronic devices.

In addition to the innovative combination of ingredients described above, the ophthalmic preparation according to the invention contains, in the aqueous phase, one or more of the usual water-soluble ingredients already known as ocular surface lubricants, such as viscosity regulating agents, mucoadhesives and corneal surface moisturizers, preferably those based on polysaccharides, such as for example hyaluronic acid (HA) or a salt thereof, and cellulose derivatives, such as carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) and hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (HPMC, hypromellose), possibly modified by cross-linking.

According to other embodiments of the present invention, the preparation containing lutein and vitamin E TPGS can be formulated in the form of eye drops, and also in the form of an ophthalmic gel, by including in the water-soluble components of the fourth step of the preparation process a polymer forming gel, such as polyacrylic acid (Carbomer), together with the related neutralizing agent.

The ophthalmic formulations of the invention have been developed both in different single-dose formats without preservatives (preservative-free) and in the multidose format version containing preservatives. Both the versions without preservative and those with preservative can be formulated with different buffer systems as needed, for example with borate, citrate or phosphate buffer. All the embodiments of the products obtainable according to the present invention can also be used while wearing contact lenses.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, the specific object of the invention is a process for the production of a water-soluble ophthalmic topical preparation containing lutein which comprises, in sequence, the following operations:.

According to some specific embodiments of the invention, said topical ophthalmic preparation is in liquid form, i.e. an eye drop to be administered in drops. In this case, in operation a) of Step <NUM>, in addition to deionized water, also the components of a buffer system are introduced into said first vessel, said components being, preferably but not necessarily, boric acid and sodium tetraborate, or citric acid and sodium citrate, or the components of a phosphate buffer. In the event that the ophthalmic viscosifying agent is cross-linked hyaluronic acid (HA-CK), this ingredient is added after the two components of the buffer system, in Step <NUM>.

In addition or alternatively, the one or more viscosifying and/or mucoadhesive agents, which are preferably selected from hyaluronic acid or one of its salts (HA), carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) and cross-linked carboxymethylcellulose (CMC-CK), is/are incorporated into the prepared during operation b) of Step <NUM>.

Sodium hyaluronate or hyaluronic acid (HA) is a natural polysaccharide consisting of a particular structure formed by repeated units of D-glucuronic acid and N-acetylglucosamine, which, thanks to its well-known hygroscopic properties, enhances lubrication, hydration and protection the ocular surface. HA stabilizes both the aqueous layer of the tear film and, in the presence of contact lenses, the aqueous layer of the pre-lens tear film (PrLTF). In addition, the mucoadhesive properties and the lubricating action of hyaluronic acid assist the physiological repair processes of the corneal epithelium.

Actually, in the healthy eye, the presence of an intact mucous layer is essential, as it converts the corneal epithelium from a hydrophobic to a hydrophilic surface, protects the epithelia from eyelid rubbing, thanks to its viscoelastic properties, prevents bacterial adhesion and allows the regular and uniform distribution of the lipid layer of the tear film on the aqueous layer, thus reducing the surface tension. If the production of mucus is reduced, for example due to damage to the goblet cells of the cornea, the distribution of the same on the ocular surface is compromised, with consequent reduction of contact between the tear film and the ocular surface, loss of film stability and formation of dry areas.

It follows that the symptomatological efficacy of a tear substitute is closely related both to its ability to remain on the ocular surface, and to its mucomimetic and mucoadhesive characteristics. For these reasons macromolecular compounds are added to the tear substitutes which act as viscosity regulating agents, which, in addition to washing away and diluting the toxic or irritating substances present in the tear film, hydrate the gelatinous mucin formations. These compounds also increase the holding time, offering a longer period of comfort to the user. Furthermore, viscosifying agents protect the epithelium of the ocular surface.

With specific reference to hyaluronic acid, numerous experiments have been carried out with the aim of chemically modifying its molecule in order to further improve its properties. The most used chemical strategy to modify HA is cross-linking, by direct addition of side chains or by adding spacer arms, which can then form stabilizing bonds between the molecules of HA. In this way there is a greater viscoelasticity, which extends the contact time of HA with the ocular surface.

Carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) is one of the most widely used viscosity regulators in the ophthalmic field. This polymer is often added to medical devices for its property of thickening and stabilizing the tear film on the corneal surface, hydrating it and creating a protective, transparent and viscoelastic shield capable of extending the lifetime of the tear film on the cornea between blinks (break-up time). The break-up time is typically shortened in dry eye conditions. CMC also has cytoprotective activity on the ocular surface when applied before contact lenses. In addition, subacute and chronic toxicity studies have reported the absence of adverse effects induced by CMC, confirming its safety.

A cross-linked variant (CMC-CK, cross-linked) is also commercially available for carboxymethylcellulose, the toxicological profile of which has been judged equivalent to that of CMC by the European Commission.

According to the aforementioned first embodiments of the invention, the ophthalmic solution obtained from operation b) of Step <NUM> of the process is filtered at <NUM> to make it sterile, and sent for packaging in suitable containers.

According to other specific embodiments of the invention, in which the topical preparation is in the form of an ophthalmic gel, in operation b) of Step <NUM> a predetermined quantity of a gelling agent, preferably carboxyvinyl polymer (Carbomer), is added to the stirred vessel through a sieve. The gelling agent is allowed to soak and subsequently disperse, while continuing stirring until a lump-free dispersion is obtained. It is then neutralized with a neutralizing agent, gently continuing the stirring.

In the case of the production of gel preparations according to the invention, the sterilization operation c) of Step <NUM> is carried out by subjecting the product obtained to autoclaving or to treatment with gamma rays.

It should be noted that a fundamental step of the proposed method is to heat the solution obtained in Step <NUM> to between <NUM> and <NUM> before a part of it is added to the vitamin E TPGS-lutein aggregate of Step <NUM>. If this operation is performed at a lower temperature, there would be a thermal shock in the vitamin E TPGS-lutein aggregate, which would no longer lead to the production of a clear solution but to a cloudy liquid. Going on with the production process and filtering at <NUM>, a transparent solution would be obtained, but in any case such solution would not comply with the specifications, as the finished product could be colorless. This result indicates a loss of the vitamin E TPGS-lutein aggregate.

In Step <NUM> the critical points are as follows:.

Proceeding with the following operations without being sure of compliance with the two conditions indicated would result in a product not having a clear appearance and not being free of precipitates.

In Step <NUM>, if all the previous steps of the preparation method have been followed, it becomes crucial not to reduce the agitation speed, and keep the temperature between <NUM> and <NUM> until the micellar solution becomes transparent.

Compliance with all the specified operating conditions is necessary in order to obtain a product that is not only compliant but also stable over time. In this regard, it is important to note that it is not sufficient to add to the solvent all the components declared in the order described because, despite the use of vitamin E-TPGS as an emulsifier, a final product would be obtained in which the lutein would deposit on the bottom as an insoluble precipitate.

The preparation method according to the invention does not cause the disappearance of the lutein in solution, as is demonstrated by the fact that the orange color of the product remains present despite the treatments to which it is subjected during some steps of the preparation, in particular, during the steps at high temperature and during the filtration of the semi-finished product. As a matter of fact, if the temperature somehow compromised the molecular structure of lutein by breaking the chain of double bonds responsible for the absorption of visible blue light between <NUM>-<NUM> (Roberts et al. , <NUM>, already cited) and the consequent emission of the corresponding wavelengths (ranging from yellow to red, passing, actually, through orange), already in the semi-finished product (i.e., before filtration) it would not be possible to obtain the characteristic color of lutein. It would not be obtained even if filtration at <NUM> mechanically blocked the micellar solution of the vitamin E TPGS-lutein aggregate.

The product obtained by applying the production process of the invention has the following characteristics:.

According to a further aspect, the present invention relates to a topical ophthalmic preparation consisting of a stable micellar solution (microemulsion) of vitamin E TPGS and lutein, suspended in an aqueous phase comprising viscosifying and/or mucoadhesive agents, or gelling agents, together with other pharmacologically acceptable excipients.

Preferred embodiments of the described preparation are those in which the viscosifying and/or mucoadhesive agents are selected from hyaluronic acid or its salts (HA), cross-linked hyaluronic acid (HA-CK), carboxymethylcellulose (CMC), cross-linked carboxymethylcellulose (CMC-CK ) and their mixtures. Other preferred embodiments are those in aqueous gel, in which the gelling agent is based, for example, on a carboxyvinyl polymer (Carbomer).

A generic example of formulation of an obtainable ophthalmic solution according to the present invention may have the composition indicated in the following table.

The above is an example of the formulation of the ophthalmic product in eye drops, based on a stable micellar solution of vitamin E TPGS and lutein according to the invention. A similar example of a gel product can be obtained by eliminating the buffer system and the polysaccharide from the previous formulation and inserting a hydrophilic gelling polymer in its place, in addition to any related neutralizing agent.

Some specific embodiments of the formulation method and the related products according to the invention are described below by way of example but not of limitation, together with the results of the experiments carried out.

It should be emphasized that the preparation method proposed for products in liquid form always follows the same steps, except for the formulations, with or without preservative, containing HA-CK. For this type of formulations the difference concerns one of the steps of Step <NUM>, in which HA-CK can also be added immediately after the addition of the components that determine the buffer. This practice can improve and speed up its passage into solution, as suggested by the manufacturer.

Below are reported the compositions of two eye drops preparations, with and without preservative, with lutein solubilized with vitamin E TPGS in citrate buffer, which have sodium hyaluronate (HA) the viscosifying agent.

The specific procedure through which the two preparations in question were obtained is as follows:.

Below are the compositions of two eye drops preparations, with and without preservative, with lutein solubilized with vitamin E TPGS in citrate buffer, which have cross-linked sodium hyaluronate (HA-CK) as the viscosifying agent.

The procedure through which the two preparations in question were obtained is the same, respectively, of Examples <NUM> and <NUM>, except for the fact, already mentioned, that sodium hyaluronate CK is added in Step <NUM>, and not in the final step.

Below are the compositions of two eye drops preparations, with and without preservative, with lutein solubilized with vitamin E TPGS in citrate buffer, which have carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) as the viscosifying agent.

The procedure through which the two preparations in question were obtained is the same, respectively, of Examples <NUM> and <NUM>.

Below are the compositions of two eye drops preparations, with and without preservative, with lutein solubilized with vitamin E TPGS in citrate buffer, which have cross-linked carboxymethylcellulose (CMC-CK) as the viscosifying agent.

Below are the compositions of two eye drops preparations, with and without preservative, with lutein solubilized with vitamin E TPGS in citrate buffer, which have a carboxyvinyl polymer as the gelling agent.

The specific procedure through which the two gel preparations were obtained is similar, respectively, to that of Examples <NUM> and <NUM>, except for some sequences of Steps <NUM> and <NUM>, which are reported below.

In order to experimentally demonstrate the presence of lutein in the final product, the concentration data of the total carotenoids (intended as lutein and zeaxanthin) present in the finished product were obtained from some product samples prepared according to the method of the invention. The analysis made use of the spectrophotometric technique, exploiting the absorption peak at <NUM>.

The main purpose of the analysis was to demonstrate with experimental data the presence or absence of lutein in the finished product and, as a secondary purpose, to quantify lutein in order to be able to decide which initial concentration to use in order to obtain proportionally in the product the final concentration desired.

The analysis was conducted on three different types of solutions produced according to the invention, containing the same initial concentration of lutein, equal to <NUM>% w/w, but different excipients.

As already hypothesized, the above results confirm the thesis that the production process does not eliminate lutein.

In the finished product, lutein, intended as a raw material expressed as total carotenoids, averaged around <NUM>%. This result should not be considered with respect to the starting quantity added to the solution, equal to <NUM>% w/w, but taking into account the fact that the total carotenoids in the raw material are equal to <NUM>% and not <NUM>%. The trend observed is, therefore, an average loss of product of about <NUM>%. Thus, the data obtained allows to establish upstream, according to the present invention, the initial percentage of lutein to use in order to obtain the desired quantity in the finished product.

Claim 1:
A process for the production of a water-soluble ophthalmic topical preparation containing lutein, said process comprising, in sequence, the following operations:
Step <NUM>:
a) introducing a predetermined amount of deionized water and, optionally, the components of a buffer system and, also optionally, a predetermined amount of an ophthalmic viscosifying agent into a first stirred vessel, waiting for the complete solubilization of the optional ingredients;
Step <NUM>:
a) in a second stirred vessel, heating a predetermined amount of vitamin E TPGS up to a temperature of <NUM>-<NUM>, and waiting for complete melting thereof;
b) bringing the vitamin E TPGS to a temperature of <NUM>-<NUM> and adding a predetermined amount of lutein, while continuing stirring until complete dissolution and formation of a homogeneous orange oily solution, consisting exclusively of vitamin E TPGS and lutein;
Step <NUM>:
a) heating the water or the aqueous solution obtained from operation a) of Step <NUM> to a temperature of <NUM>-<NUM> and adding an aliquot thereof equal to about <NUM>% per volume of the final product, gradually, to said second vessel, while keeping it under stirring;
b) once the addition is complete, increasing the stirring speed while maintaining the temperature in the <NUM>-<NUM> range until a completely clear and optically homogeneous orange liquid is obtained;
Step <NUM>:
a) adding the solution of Step <NUM> to the remaining water or aqueous solution obtained from operation a) of Step <NUM>;
b) after verifying that the temperature has fallen down to, or below, <NUM>, adding to the stirred vessel the other water-soluble ingredients of the topical ophthalmic preparation being produced, one at a time and in predetermined quantities, including one or more viscosifying agents and/or mucoadhesives, waiting for the complete solubilization thereof;
c) sterilizing the product thus obtained.