Patent Description:
Type <NUM> diabetes is an increasingly prevalent disease that frequently leads to cardiovascular complications. Diabetes may be co-morbid with cardiovascular disease. The declining cardiovascular health of a patient with diabetes can be associated with increased medical expense and may result in death. There is desire for a single product oral treatment that can be used to treat or alleviate hyperglycemia associated with type <NUM> diabetes and alleviate or treat related co-morbidities such as hyperlipidemia and/or hypertension. The literature demonstrates that early intensive control of blood glucose, blood pressure, and blood cholesterol reduces the risks of major clinical outcomes, including death, in diabetes. See, <NPL>.

A three component tablet comprising metformin, atorvastatin, and valsartan is desired, however, the fixed dose combination presents several manufacturing and development challenges. There is a propensity for one or more of the components to react with each other during manufacturing, storage, distribution, and/or usage. In particular, the three component fixed dose tablet should be swallowed by the patient without crushing or splitting the tablet because premature contact between the components may result in undesirable impurities and undesirable physical form changes impacting drug product dissolution profiles. Pharmaceutical formulations containing two pharmaceutically active ingredients for use in treating Type <NUM> diabetes are known. Such formulations are commercially available. For example, Invokamet XR™ contains canagliflozin and metformin hydrochloride XR, Kombiglyze XR™ contains saxaglitpin and metformin hydrochloride XR. There are additional known two component fixed dose compositions for use in treating Type <NUM> diabetes, each with metformin and either an SGLT2 inhibitor or a DPP4 inhibitor. Additionally, <CIT> relates to a method of providing an orally-active anti-metabolic disease fixed dose combinations (FDC) for use as personalized medicine to treat different components of the methabolic syndrome or insulin resistance syndrome such as Type II diabetes, hypertension, hyperlipidemia and obesity. It discloses a fixed dose combination comprising <NUM> to <NUM> Celecoxib in an immediate release form, <NUM> to <NUM> metformin in an immediate release or extended release or delayed release form, <NUM> to <NUM> Valsartan in a delayed release form and <NUM> of Atorvastatin in an extended release form.

There continues to be a need for a single product to treat Type <NUM> diabetes by comprehensive management of blood sugar, lipid, and blood pressure. A fixed dose combination offers the advantages of convenience to patients and improved adherence for taking the medication at appropriate dose and intervals as prescribed (see, for example, <NPL>).

In particular, there is a need for a single combination product which is small enough that it can be swallowed easily by an adult, whilst being stable and whilst retaining the dissolution characteristics of the active components as found in the respective commercially available monotherapy products.

Compositions of this invention provide a treatment that may improve glycemic control in patients in need thereof, and further simultaneously treat hyperlipidemia and/or hypertension that may be related to or caused by increased blood glucose, in a patient in need thereof.

The present invention is a single product oral composition comprising the three fixed dose pharmaceutically active ingredients metformin hydrochloride, valsartan, and atorvastatin calcium trihydrate, wherein the composition comprises a bilayer part comprising a metformin layer and valsartan layer; and an immediate release atorvastatin coating. The present invention provides fixed dose compositions which are stable and which have desirable dissolution characteristics.

The present invention is a solid oral fixed dose composition comprising a bilayer part comprising.

and further comprising an immediate release coating layer comprising atorvastatin calcium trihydrate in a unit dose strength of <NUM> plus or minus <NUM>%, triacetin, and one or more excipients, wherein the composition is a tablet.

In one embodiment, the extended release layer comprises metformin hydrochloride, hypromellose and microcrystalline cellulose. Preferably, the extended release layer further comprises magnesium stearate and colloidal silicon dioxide.

In one embodiment, the metformin hydrochloride is present in the form of granules which additionally comprise povidone and magnesium stearate. In a further embodiment, the metformin containing extended release layer additionally comprises sodium stearyl fumarate or magnesium stearate; microcrystalline cellulose; and colloidal silicon dioxide.

The metformin hydrochloride is present in a unit dose strength of <NUM> plus or minus <NUM>%.

The valsartan is present in a unit dose strength of <NUM> plus or minus <NUM>%.

The atorvastatin calcium trihydrate is present in a unit dose strength of <NUM> plus or minus <NUM>%.

The composition is a tablet, preferably a tablet that is of pharmaceutically acceptable size to be swallowed intact by an adult.

The present invention provides a process for preparing a solid fixed dose composition of the invention comprising forming a compressed bilayer part comprising:.

and coating with an immediate release coating layer comprising atorvastatin calcium trihydrate, triacetin and one or more excipients.

In one embodiment, the pH of the immediate release coating layer comprising atorvastatin, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, is maintained at or above pH <NUM>.

In an embodiment, the fixed dose composition further comprises an intermediate coat layer between the bilayer part, which comprises the metformin and valsartan layers, and the immediate release coating layer containing the atorvastatin. An immediate release top coat may also be applied on top of the immediate release coating layer comprising atorvastatin, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

The fixed dose composition is advantageously useful for the treatment of a patient in need of treatment for Type <NUM> diabetes or a patient at risk for developing Type <NUM> diabetes. The fixed dose composition may be useful for treating a patient in need of treatment for pre-diabetes. The fixed dose composition is useful in the treatment of a patient in need of treatment for metabolic syndrome. The fixed dose composition can be useful for treating a patient in need of treatment for pre-diabetes and one or two conditions selected from the group consisting of hypertension and hyperlipidemia. The fixed dose composition can be useful for treating a patient in need of treatment for Type <NUM> diabetes and one or two conditions selected from the group consisting of hypertension and hyperlipidemia.

The present invention provides a method of treating Type <NUM> diabetes mellitus in a patient in need thereof comprising administering an effective amount of a composition of the invention. The present invention further provides a method of treating pre-diabetes in a patient in need thereof comprising administering an effective amount of a composition of the invention. The present invention further provides a method of treating metabolic syndrome in a patient in need thereof comprising administering an effective amount of a composition of the invention.

The present invention provides a composition of the invention for use in therapy. The present invention further provides a composition of the invention for use in the treatment of Type <NUM> diabetes mellitus. The present invention further provides a composition of the invention for use in the treatment of pre-diabetes. The present invention further provides a composition for use in the treatment of metabolic syndrome.

The present invention provides the use of a composition of the invention in the manufacture of a medicament for the treatment of Type <NUM> diabetes mellitus. The present invention further provides the use of a composition of the invention in the manufacture of a medicament for the treatment of pre-diabetes. The present invention further provides the use of a composition of the invention in the manufacture of a medicament for the treatment of metabolic syndrome.

In a particular embodiment, the patient being treated for Type <NUM> diabetes or pre-diabetes is also in need of treatment for hypertension and/or hyperlipidemia.

In a particular embodiment, the fixed dose composition of the invention is administered to the patient once per day.

Pharmaceutically acceptable salts and common methodology for preparing them are well known in the art. See, e.g., P. <NPL>); <NPL>.

In a preferred embodiment, the pharmacokinetic parameters of area under the curve (AUC) and maximum concentration (Cmax) for each component are within a <NUM>% confidence interval of <NUM>-<NUM>% of the regulatory approved monotherapy.

As used herein, "about" means plus or minus <NUM>%. Preferably, the term "about" means plus or minus <NUM>%.

The term "tablet" as used herein means an oral pharmaceutical dosage formulation of all sizes and shapes. In an embodiment, the tablet is compressed. In an embodiment, the tablet may be swallowed by an adult without breaking or crushing the tablet.

The term "pre-diabetes" is a condition wherein the individual is pre-disposed to the development of Type <NUM> diabetes mellitus.

The term "treating" or "treatment" comprise therapeutic treatment of a patient diagnosed with a condition. Therapeutic treatment may be symptomatic treatment in order to relieve the symptoms of a condition or may stop or slow the progression of the condition.

As used herein "pharmaceutically acceptable size" means a size that is generally suitable for swallowing by an adult intact without fracture, breaking, or crushing. Generally, the largest dimension of the tablet should not exceed about <NUM>. As used herein, the largest cross sectional area means the largest cross sectional area of the tablet that lies in a plane perpendicular to the longest axis of the tablet. If the shape is nonconventional, such as a pentagon, triangle, diamond, and the like, then the largest cross sectional area will be the area of the smallest circle, oval, or ellipse that would completely enclose the cross sectional shape. In an embodiment, the fixed dose composition is oval in shape with dimensions of less than <NUM> by <NUM>, preferably less than <NUM> by <NUM>. It may be preferred that the pharmaceutically acceptable size is an oval or oblong shape of less than or equal to about <NUM> by <NUM>, preferably about <NUM> by <NUM>. It may be preferred that the pharmaceutically acceptable size is a round shape less than about <NUM> diameter. The thickness of the fixed dose composition may vary but preferably it is in the range of <NUM> to <NUM>.

As used herein, the term "extended release" means that the active is gradually released from the composition. Generally, the active is released over a period of up to <NUM> hours from administration. Preferably, the active, in particular metformin or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, is released over a period of between <NUM> and <NUM> hours. The release of the active from the composition (the dissolution) is measured in pH <NUM> buffer using conventional dissolution testing.

As used herein, the term "immediate release" means that the majority of the active is released quickly from the composition. Preferably, at least <NUM>% of the active is released within <NUM> minutes from administration, preferably within <NUM> minutes. The release of the active from the composition (the dissolution) is measured in pH <NUM> buffer using conventional dissolution testing.

As used herein, the term "hypromellose" means hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC). An example of a commercially available hypromellose is Methocel ™ K100M.

The term "metformin" as used herein refers to metformin or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. Metformin is a well-known, commercially available pharmaceutical for use in treating type <NUM> diabetes. Metformin is chemically described as <NUM>,<NUM>-dimethylbiguanide. Such pharmaceutically acceptable salts of metformin include for example, metformin hydrochloride, metformin fumarate salt, metformin succinate salt, metformin hydrobromide salt, metformin p-chlorophenoxy acetate salt, and metformin embonate, and other known metformin salts of mono and dibasic carboxylic acids. A metformin hydrochloride salt is a preferred pharmaceutically acceptable salt.

Metformin is preferably administered as an extended release formulation, also known as XR or ER, of metformin hydrochloride. Exemplary metformin extended release formulations are known, for example, <CIT>, <CIT>, and <CIT>.

It is preferred that the metformin hydrochloride is present in an extended release formulation comprising a diffusion rate controlling polymer such as, but not limited to, hypromellose, diluents such as microcrystalline cellulose, magnesium stearate, and colloidal silicon dioxide. A further preferred metformin layer comprises a granulation of metformin hydrochloride with povidone, and magnesium stearate, wherein the metformin granulation is mixed with hypromellose, and microcrystalline cellulose, silicon dioxide, and magnesium sterate. A further preferred metformin layer comprises a granulation of metformin hydrochloride about <NUM>% by weight, povidone about <NUM>% by weight, and magnesium stearate about <NUM>% by weight. In a further embodiment, the metformin granulation is combined with hypromellose, microcrystalline cellulose, magnesium stearate, and colloidal silicon dioxide.

In an embodiment, the metformin hydrochloride is present in the form of granules. In a further embodiment, the metformin granules additionally comprise a binder, for example povidone and sodium carboxymethylcellulose, and optionally, a lubricant, for example magnesium stearate, sodium stearyl fumarate and stearic acid. The preferred binder in the granules is povidone. Povidone may be present in an amount of up to <NUM>% by weight of the granules, preferably about <NUM>%. The preferred lubricant in the granules is magnesium stearate. Magnesium stearate may be present in an amount of up to <NUM>% by weight of the granules, preferably about <NUM>%.

The preferred dissolution control polymer in the extended release layer comprising metformin hydrochloride is hypromellose. Hypromellose K200M, Hypromellose K100M and Hypromellose K15M are preferred. Hypromellose K100M is particularly preferred. Hypromellose may be present in an amount of <NUM> to <NUM>% by weight of this extended release layer, preferably <NUM> to <NUM>% by weight and more preferably <NUM> to <NUM>% by weight.

Preferably, the hypromellose has a viscosity from about <NUM>,<NUM> mPa. s to about <NUM>,<NUM> mPa. s, more preferably from about <NUM>,<NUM> to about <NUM>,<NUM> mPa. s, and more preferably <NUM>,<NUM> mPa. s to <NUM>,<NUM> mPa. s, measured as a <NUM>% solution in water. A viscosity of about <NUM>,<NUM> mPa. s (K100M) may be preferred.

In an embodiment, the extended release layer comprising metformin hydrochloride comprises, in addition to the metformin granules, microcrystalline cellulose. Microcrystalline cellulose may be present in an amount of <NUM> to <NUM>% by weight of this extended release layer, more preferably <NUM> to <NUM>% by weight.

In a further embodiment, the extended release layer comprising metformin hydrochloride comprises, in addition to the metformin granules, colloidal silicon dioxide. Colloidal silicon dioxide may be present in an amount of up to <NUM>% by weight of this extended release layer.

In a further embodiment, the extended release layer comprising metformin hydrochloride comprises in addition to the metformin granules, a lubricant, for example sodium stearyl fumarate, magnesium stearate or stearic acid. The preferred lubricant is sodium stearyl fumarate. The lubricant, in particular sodium stearyl fumarate, may be present in an amount of up to <NUM>% by weight of this extended release layer.

The extended release layer of the composition which comprises metformin hydrochloride can be prepared using common tableting methods that involve mixing, comminution, and fabrication steps commonly practiced and well known to those skilled in the art. It may be preferred that the metformin is dry mixed.

The extended release layer comprising metformin hydrochloride preferably has a total weight of no more than <NUM>. More preferably, it has a total weight of <NUM> to <NUM>. In a particular embodiment, this layer has a total weight which is less than the total tablet weight of the regulatory approved monotherapy product Glucophage® XR (about <NUM>).

Valsartan is a well-known commercially available pharmaceutical for use in treating hypertension. Valsartan is chemically described as N-(<NUM>-oxopentyl)-N-[[<NUM>'-(<NUM>-tetrazol-<NUM>-yl)[<NUM>,<NUM>-biphenyl]-<NUM>-yl]methyl]-L-valine. Valsartan is a free acid with pKas of <NUM> and <NUM>. The most common solid form of commercially available valsartan is the semi-crystalline form, also sometimes called crystalline mesophase possessing a melting endotherm, Tm of about <NUM>.

In an embodiment, the immediate release layer comprising valsartan comprises microcrystalline cellulose. Microcrystalline cellulose may be present in an amount of <NUM> to <NUM>% by weight of this immediate release layer. Alternatively, other common diluents and fillers such as lactose or mannitol may be added.

In a further embodiment, the immediate release layer comprising valsartan, comprises colloidal silicon dioxide. Collodial silicon dioxide may be present in an amount of <NUM> to <NUM>% by weight of this immediate release coating layer.

In a further embodiment, the immediate release layer comprising valsartan, comprises a lubricant, for example sodium stearyl fumarate, magnesium stearate or stearic acid. The preferred lubricant is sodium stearyl fumarate. The lubricant, in particular sodium stearyl fumarate, may be present in an amount of <NUM> to <NUM>% by weight of this immediate release layer.

In a further embodiment, the immediate release layer comprising valsartan, comprises a disintegrant, for example croscarmellose sodium or crospovidone. The preferred disintegrant is croscarmellose sodium. The disintegrant, in particular croscarmellose sodium, may be present in an amount of <NUM> to <NUM>% by weight of this immediate release layer.

In a further embodiment, the immediate release layer comprising valsartan, comprises iron oxide red.

Atorvastatin is a well-known commercially available pharmaceutical for use in treating hyperlipidemia. Atorvastatin calcium trihydrate ([R-(R*,R*)]-<NUM>-(<NUM>-fluorophenyl)-β,δ-dihydroxy-<NUM>-(<NUM>-methylethyl)-<NUM>-phenyl-<NUM>-[(phenylamino)carbonyl]-<NUM>-pyrrole-<NUM>-heptanoic acid, calcium salt (<NUM>:<NUM>) trihydrate) is the most common solid form of commercial atorvastatin drug substance and possesses known pH dependent chemical instability. At pH < <NUM>, atorvastatin degrades to an undesired byproduct, a lactone. The acid-sensitivity of atorvastatin raises a potential problem when formulating with the active valsartan, a free acid. Many common tableting excipients have a surface pH < <NUM>, that can lead to atorvastatin lactone formation when mixed and during storage. Thus, a straightforward combination of atorvastatin with many common tableting excipients produces an unstable product under typical ICH storage conditions. Atorvastatin is therefore often wet granulated with a basic agent, e.g. calcium carbonate, to raise the local pH to prevent lactone formation.

Atorvastatin is often granulated with basic excipients, such as the alkaline metal salts calcium carbonate or sodium bicarbonate, to decrease lactone formation. Valsartan, a free acid, has been shown to form salts with such alkaline metals salts. It is challenging to formulate valsartan in the fixed dose composition in the presence of stabilizing alkaline metal salt excipients to avoid physical conversion of the valsartan to a salt form that may have different dissolution properties thereby impacting in-vivo dissolution and absorption.

In an embodiment, the immediate release coating layer comprising atorvastatin calcium trihydrate, comprises a film former, for example, hypromellose or polyvinyl acetate. The preferred film former is hypromellose. The film former, in particular hypromellose, may be present in an amount of <NUM> to <NUM>% by weight of this immediate release coating layer.

The immediate release coating layer comprising atorvastatin calcium trihydrate, comprises the plasticizer triacetin. The plasticizer triacetin may be present in an amount of <NUM> to <NUM>% by weight of this immediate release coating layer.

In a further embodiment, the immediate release coating layer comprising atorvastatin calcium trihydrate, comprises an anti-tacking agent, for example talc.

In a further embodiment, the immediate release coating layer comprising atorvastatin calcium trihydrate, comprises calcium carbonate. Calcium carbonate may be present in an amount of <NUM> to <NUM>% by weight of this immediate release coating layer.

Other common coating components for example opacifiers (such as titanium dioxide) and pigments may be included in the immediate release coating layer.

The unit dose strength of metformin hydrochloride, in the fixed dose composition is <NUM> plus or minus <NUM>%.

The unit dose of atorvarstatin calcium trihydrate is <NUM> plus or minus <NUM>%.

The unit dose of valsartan is <NUM> plus or minus <NUM>%.

Tablets may be prepared by direct compression or other commonly used processes such as wet granulation of dry granulation (roller compaction). The addition of lubricants may be helpful and are known in the art. Typical lubricants are for example, magnesium stearate, stearic acid, and hydrogenated vegetable oil.

Additional excipients may be added, provided that the overall size of the tablet is minimized. For example, granulating aids, binders, and additives to enhance powder flowability, tablet hardness, and tablet friability.

As used herein "coating" and "coat" means a layer added to the bilayer part of the composition. The skilled artisan will recognize that a coating may be added to enhance the pharmaceutical elegance, taste mask, enhance stability, coloring, ease of swallowing, and the like.

As used herein "active coating" or "active coat" means a coating layer containing a pharmaceutically active ingredient, such as atorvastatin. The pharmaceutically active ingredient, atorvastatin, is used in the coating suspension or solution to form an "active coating" layer over the bilayer part of the composition.

As used herein "clear coating" means a tablet coating that does not change the color of the original tablet and does not contain an active pharmaceutical agent. Clear coating is optionally added over the active coating.

A layer may be provided between pharmaceutically active layers or as a coat to enhance stability, pharmaceutical elegance, and/or lamination of the active layer(s).

As used herein "intermediate coat" means a layer which is between the bilayer part and the active coating.

As used herein "top coat" means the outer most layer of the composition. The top coat can be colored, opaque or clear.

As used herein "PVA" means polyvinyl acetate.

The skilled person will readily appreciate that the fixed dose compositions of the present invention may be prepared using various techniques known in the art. This section provides examples of techniques and conditions which may be used but is in no way limiting.

Valsartan is mixed with a cellulosic excipient and other appropriate tableting excipients. This layer is compressed (as layer <NUM>) onto a hypromellose matrix tablet of metformin (layer <NUM>), to form a bilayer tablet. The extended release layer comprising metformin or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof is reduced to the smallest feasible size of <NUM> to not more than <NUM>, preferably <NUM> to <NUM>, more preferably <NUM> to <NUM>, that maintains a dissolution profile similar to that of the regulatory agency approved mono product (Glucophage ® XR). Atorvastatin is then applied as a component of an immediate release film onto the bilayer tablet. An intermediate coat and/or top coat may optionally be applied to the tablet to further improve stability and/or elegance. The selection of an immediate release film coating system that provides a stable environment, specifically, an appropriate pH, is required to ensure the atorvastatin remains stable. Common film coating systems include HPMC and PVA based systems. HPMC based film coating may be a preferred embodiment. Addition of pH modifying agents, such as calcium carbonate, may be incorporated into the coating system to achieve the desired pH and maintain active ingredient stability.

The fixed dose composition may also contain one or more additional formulation ingredients selected from a wide variety of excipients known in the pharmaceutical arts. Such ingredients may include, but are not limited to, diluents, compression aids, binders, glidants, disintegrants, lubricants, colors, flavors, flavor enhancers, sweeteners and preservatives.

It is preferred that the fixed dose composition may be swallowed by an adult without crushing or breaking. The oral composition may be administered once per day or twice per day, as determined by a physician. It is especially preferred that the oral composition may be administered once per day.

Appropriate process and packaging controls to ensure control of water activity to levels may be beneficial in preparation of a pharmaceutically acceptable stable product.

Specific tablet shape (e.g. modified oval or capsule shape), and design, (e.g. two color tablet) may be incorporated to reduce visual bulkiness, facilitate swallowing, and maintain tablet strengths.

The composition is prepared using the components set forth in Table A, below. Hypromellose, colloidal silicon dioxide, metformin HCl granules (<NUM>% granulation potency), and microcrystalline cellulose are pre-blended in a bag for <NUM> to <NUM> minutes, de-lumped and blended again in a V-blender for <NUM> minutes. After sieving, magnesium stearate is charged to the same V-blender and the mixture is blended for <NUM> minutes.

For layer <NUM>, valsartan, microcrystalline cellulose, colloidal silicon dioxide, iron oxide red, and croscarmellose sodium are pre-blended in a bag for <NUM>-<NUM> minutes, de-lumped, and blended in a V-blender for <NUM> minutes. After sieving, the magnesium stearate is charged to the same V-blender and the mixture is blended for <NUM> minutes.

The blends are loaded into separate hoppers in a bilayer tablet press. Using modified oval tooling (<NUM> x <NUM> inch), bilayer tablets are prepared targeting a <NUM> metformin layer weight and a <NUM> valsartan layer weight.

The coating suspensions are prepared using commercially available coating system (for example, Opadry, 03K19229 Clear from Colorcon, West Point, Pennsylvania, USA). The intermediate coat and top coat suspension are prepared by dispersing/dissolving the coating system in deionized water to <NUM>% total solids content and mixing for not less than <NUM> minutes. The suspension is prepared to a batch size of <NUM>, which includes an excess. The pH of the coating suspension is measured as <NUM>.

The active coat is prepared in a substantially the same as the intermediate coat and top coat; however, the total solids content is comprised of <NUM>% atorvastatin calcium trihydrate and <NUM>% coating system giving a total solids content of <NUM>%. The coating system is first dispersed/dissolved in deionized water and mixed for not less than <NUM> minutes. The atorvastatin calcium trihydrate is added to the coating mixture and mixed for not less than <NUM> minutes to fully disperse the atorvastatin. The pH of the coating suspension is measured as <NUM>.

Core bilayer tablets are loaded into a pan coater with an <NUM> inch coating pan and a Spraying System Spray Nozzle Setup. Tablets are pre-warmed to <NUM> in the pan coater. The average weight of <NUM> pre-warmed tablets is measured. For the optional intermediate coat application, the tablets are coated to a theoretical weight gain of <NUM>%, assuming a core tablet weight of <NUM>. The coating conditions, spray rate, inlet temperature, and flow volume, are adjusted to maintain a temperature of <NUM> during coating. Once the intermediate coat weight gain is achieved, the active coat is then applied in a substantially the same manner, targeting a theoretical weight gain of <NUM>%, assuming a core tablet weight of <NUM>. The coating conditions are adjusted to maintain a temperature of <NUM> during coating. Once the active-coat weight gain is achieved, the optional top coat is applied in substantially the same way as the intermediate coat, targeting a theoretical weight gain of <NUM>%, assuming a core tablet weight of <NUM>. The coating conditions are adjusted to maintain a temperature of <NUM> during coating. Tablets are then dried in the pan coater for <NUM>-<NUM> minutes at <NUM> and then discharged into a bag.

The final fixed dose combination tablet is oval in shape and measures <NUM> x <NUM>.

The tablet size and weight are acceptable to the patient for oral consumption without fracturing the tablet. The formulation comprising fixed dose combination of Example <NUM> is consistent with pharmaceutically elegant formulations that may be swallowed without fracture of the tablet.

The fixed dose composition is prepared substantially as described for Example <NUM>, except that PEG400 is used instead of triacetin at each occurence.

For comparison, a bilayer tablet is prepared using a wet granulation formulation.

A bilayer tablet is prepared using a simple dry mix.

Tablets are placed on an accelerated stability study and the primary degradant, the atorvastatin lactone, is monitored to gauge the effectiveness of the stabilization of atorvastatin in the dosage form. Samples are stored in an open dish at elevated controlled temperature and humidity. Samples are tested for the atorvastatin lactone impurity using HPLC with UV detection. The data provided in Table B and Table C, demonstrate the stability of the Example <NUM> and Comparative.

Unexpectedly, the composition of Comparative Example <NUM> resulted in more atorvastatin lactone formation than expected.

Also surprisingly, the pH of the coating suspension of atorvastatin in Comparative Example <NUM> is measured as a pH = <NUM> despite all excipients in the coating having no acidic functionality, and being neutral in nature.

The composition of Example <NUM> is compared to the Comparative Alternate Preparation <NUM> in an open dish stressed stability study. Example <NUM> is found to have superior stability, with no measureable increase of the lactone impurity found in Example <NUM>. This demonstrates that separating the atorvastatin from the valsartan and adding it to a coating layer has a favourable effect on stability.

Dissolution of the two immediate release actives are measured using a USP apparatus II and HPLC with UV detection and <NUM> pH <NUM> phosphate buffer at <NUM> as the media. The film coated prototypes compare favorably to the regulatory approved mono products in dissolution testing. The regulatory approved atorvastatin product is Lipitor® and the regulatory approved valsartan product is Diovan®.

Dissolution of metformin is measured in <NUM> pH <NUM> phosphate buffer at <NUM> using a USP apparatus II with HPLC and UV detection. The percent release of metformin in the film coated prototypes compare favorably to the regulatory approved mono product (Glucophage® XR) over <NUM> hours.

The dissolution rate of metformin hydrochloride in two metformin-valsartan bilayer tablets in which the total weight of metformin layer was reduced relative to the commercially available metformin product Glucophage®XR was measured and compared to the dissolution rate in Glucophage®XR.

The bilayer tablets are prepared substantially as described in Example <NUM>. The composition of the bilayer tablet is set out below in Table F.

Dissolution of metformin hydrochloride is measured in <NUM> pH <NUM> phosphate buffer at <NUM> using a USP apparatus I. The results are set out below in Table G.

Claim 1:
A solid oral fixed dose composition comprising a bilayer part comprising
a. an extended release layer comprising metformin hydrochloride in a unit dose strength of <NUM> plus or minus <NUM>%, and one or more excipients; and
b. an immediate release layer comprising valsartan in a unit dose strength of <NUM> plus or minus <NUM>%, and one or more excipients;
and further comprising an immediate release coating layer comprising atorvastatin calcium trihydrate in a unit dose strength of <NUM> plus or minus <NUM>%, triacetin, and one or more excipients, wherein the composition is a tablet.