Patent Description:
Anaplastic Lymphoma Kinase (ALK) is a receptor tyrosine kinase belonging to an insulin receptor family (Non Patent Literature <NUM>, Non Patent Literature <NUM>). It is reported that abnormality of ALK gene causes the production of an abnormal kinase due to a fusion with another gene.

As diseases accompanying abnormality of ALK, for example, cancer and cancer metastasis (Non Patent Literature <NUM>, Patent Literature <NUM>); and depression and cognitive dysfunction (Non Patent Literature <NUM>) are known. Providing an ALK inhibitor means providing an effective therapeutic and prophylactic agent for these diseases.

As a compound having an ALK inhibitory action, for example, a compound of the name of <NUM>-ethyl-<NUM>,<NUM>-dimethyl-<NUM>-(<NUM>-morpholin-<NUM>-yl-piperidin-<NUM>-yl)-<NUM>-oxo-<NUM>,<NUM>-dihydro-<NUM>-benzo[b]carbazole-<NUM>-carbonitrile represented by formula (I) is known (Patent Literature <NUM>, Patent Literature <NUM>, Patent Literature <NUM>).

Such a chemical compound is desirably developed as an orally-available dosage form as a medicinal agent; however, whether or not a medicinal agent can be developed as an oral formulation varies depending upon whether bioavailability of a medicinal substance is high or not. A factor influencing bioavailability is water solubility of a medicinal substance. Generally, compounds less soluble or insoluble in water are low in bioavailability if they are orally administered. Improving bioavailability of an active ingredient to thereby improve oral absorbability is important for the active ingredient to stably show its efficacy.

In the meantime, to increase the blood level of a medicinal substance less soluble or insoluble in water, thereby increasing a therapeutic effect, it is considered that the medicinal substance is used in a high dose. However, to improve patient's convenience, it is desired that the number of pills per administration and the administration times of an oral formulation are reduced. Accordingly, it is required to develop a formulation containing a large amount of a medicinal substance per unit.

A composition in which the compound represented by by formula (I) or a salt thereof is present together with a solubilizing agent has been reported (Patent Literature <NUM>). For improving solubility and oral absorbability of a less water soluble or insoluble compound, a composition containing a component such as a steroid less soluble in water, a surfactant and an organic polymer and obtained by wet granulation in the presence of water, is reported (Patent Literature <NUM>).

The present inventors found, in a dissolution process of a formulation containing a large amount of the compound represented by formula (I) or a salt thereof, a phenomenon where the compound or a salt thereof aggregates and does not collapse, thus decreasing the solubility of the compound. The present inventors conducted intensive studies to solve the problem. As a result, they found that if granules formed of less water-soluble or insoluble compound represented by formula (I) or a salt thereof are formed and used together with a disintegrating agent, a formulation with satisfactory solubility containing a large amount of the compound represented by formula (I) or a salt thereof can be obtained.

The present inventors also found that a process for producing sodium lauryl sulfate serving as a surfactant influences solubility of a compound less soluble or insoluble in water.

The present inventors further conducted studies based on these findings and accomplished the present invention.

More specifically, the present invention is as defined in the appended claims.

More specifically, the present invention is as follows:
(<NUM>-<NUM>) A pharmaceutical formulation as defined in appended claims <NUM> to <NUM> and <NUM>.

(<NUM>-<NUM>) The formulation according to any of the above,
wherein the granule contains a disintegrating agent therein.

(<NUM>-<NUM>) The formulation according to any of the above,.

(<NUM>-<NUM>) The formulation according to any of the above,
wherein the disintegrating agent contained in the granule is carmellose calcium.

(<NUM>-<NUM>) The formulation according to any of the above
comprising (i) a granule containing the compound represented by formula (I) or a salt thereof, a disintegrating agent and a solubilizing agent and (ii) the disintegrating agent.

(<NUM>-<NUM>) The formulation according to the above, wherein sodium lauryl sulfate is obtained by crystallization.

(<NUM>-<NUM>) The formulation according to the above, wherein sodium lauryl sulfate is a crystal of a <NUM>/<NUM> hydrate.

(<NUM>-<NUM>) The formulation according to any of the above,
wherein the weight ratio of the compound represented by formula (I) to the solubilizing agent is <NUM>:<NUM> to <NUM>:<NUM>.

(<NUM>-<NUM>) The formulation according to any of the above,
wherein the granule is obtained by wet granulation.

(<NUM>-<NUM>) The formulation according to any of the above,
wherein the granule has a mean particle diameter of <NUM> or more.

(<NUM>-<NUM>) The formulation according to any of the above,
wherein the granule has a mean particle diameter of <NUM> or less.

(<NUM>-<NUM>) The formulation according to any of the above,
wherein the bulk density of the granule is <NUM>/ml or more and the tapping density is <NUM>/ml or more.

(<NUM>-<NUM>) The formulation according to any of the above,
wherein the compound represented by formula (I) or a salt thereof is a monohydrochloride of the compound represented by formula (I).

(<NUM>-<NUM>) The formulation according to (<NUM>-<NUM>), wherein the monohydrochloride of the compound represented by formula (I) is a crystal having a powder X-ray diffraction pattern in which a peak is present at a diffraction angle (2θ) near <NUM>°, <NUM>°, <NUM>°, <NUM>° and <NUM>°.

(<NUM>-<NUM>) The formulation according to any of the above,
wherein the compound represented by formula (I) or a salt thereof is contained in an amount of <NUM> to <NUM> wt% in terms of the free form based on the total amount of the formulation.

(<NUM>-<NUM>) The pharmaceutical formulation according to the above, wherein the compound represented by formula (I) or a salt thereof is contained in an amount of <NUM> to <NUM> wt% in terms of the free form based on the total amount of the components to be contained in the capsule.

(<NUM>-<NUM>) Furthermore, the present invention provides a method for producing a formulation improved in solubility of a compound represented by formula (I) or a salt thereof, comprising (i) granulating a granule containing a compound represented by formula (I) or a salt thereof and (ii) blending a disintegrating agent and optionally other additives as external additives
<CHM>
as defined in appended claims <NUM> and <NUM>.

(<NUM>-<NUM>) The method according to the above,
wherein the volume of the disintegrating agent (ii) becomes <NUM> times or more when adding <NUM> of 1st fluid for dissolution test defined in the Japanese Pharmacopenia <NUM>th edition to per <NUM> of the disintegrating agent.

(<NUM>-<NUM>) The method according to any of the above, wherein the granule has a mean particle diameter of <NUM> or more and <NUM> or less.

(<NUM>-<NUM>) The method according to any of the above,
wherein the bulk density of the granule is <NUM>/ml or more and the tapping density is <NUM>/ml or more.

(<NUM>-<NUM>) The method according to any of the above, wherein the granule (i) contains a disintegrating agent therein.

(<NUM>-<NUM>) The method according to the above,
wherein the volume of the disintegrating agent (ii) becomes <NUM> times or more when adding <NUM> of 1st fluid for dissolution test defined in the Japanese Pharmacopenia <NUM>th edition to per <NUM> of disintegrating agent.

(<NUM>-<NUM>) The method according to any of the above,
wherein the solubilizing agent is sodium lauryl sulfate obtained by crystallization.

(<NUM>-<NUM>) The method according to any of the above,
wherein the sodium lauryl sulfate is NIKKOL SLS.

(<NUM>-<NUM>) The method according to any of the above,
wherein a weight ratio of the compound represented
by formula (I) to the solubilizing agent is <NUM>:<NUM> to <NUM>:<NUM>.

(<NUM>-<NUM>) The method according to any of the above,
wherein the granule contains a binder therein.

(<NUM>-<NUM>) The method according to (<NUM>-<NUM>), wherein the binder is hydroxypropylcellulose.

(<NUM>-<NUM>) The method according to any of the above,
wherein the compound represented by formula (I) or a salt thereof is contained in an amount of <NUM> to <NUM> wt% in terms of the free form based on the total amount of the formulation.

(<NUM>-<NUM>) The method according to any of the above,
wherein the dissolution rate of the compound represented by formula (I) or a salt thereof is <NUM>% or more at <NUM> minutes after initiation of a dissolution test at <NUM>.

(<NUM>-<NUM>) A formulation produced by the process according to any of the above.

In the present invention, the "granule(s)" refers to grain(s) having almost a uniform shape and size, which is obtained by granulating a raw material in the state of powder, aggregate, solution or molten liquid by means of e.g., wet granulation, dry granulation or heat granulation. As the equipment used for granule preparation, a high-shear granulator is preferable to a mortar from the perspective of elution. Note that the granules may be changed in size and shape in a process (e.g., tablet making step) for obtaining a formulation of the present invention.

The mean particle diameter of granules of the present invention is, for example, <NUM> or more, preferably, <NUM> or more, more preferably, <NUM> or more and further preferably <NUM> or more, and especially preferably, <NUM> or more. The upper limit of the mean particle diameter of granules, which is not particularly limited, is, for example, <NUM>.

The mean particle diameter is obtained by performing following steps: (i) feed a granulated substance sampled onto the top of the stacked sieves different in mesh size (mesh size: <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>), (ii) shake the sieves for <NUM> minutes, (iii) measure the weights of granulated substances remaining on the individual sieves, (iv) calculate the particle diameter of the granules which have a cumulative percentage of <NUM>% by means of approximation of logarithmic normal distribution from the mesh size of the sieve and cumulative weight percentage undersize. If the granulated substance contains more than <NUM>% by weight of granules which have a particle diameter of larger than <NUM>, the mean particle diameter is obtained by calculating a particle diameter of the granule which has a cumulative percentage of <NUM>% by means of approximation of Rosin-Rammler distribution from the mesh size of the sieve and cumulative weight percentage oversize.

The granule of the present invention preferably have a bulk density of <NUM>/ml or more and a tapping density of <NUM>/ml or more, and more preferably have a bulk density of <NUM>/ml or more and a tapping density of <NUM>/ml or more. Upper limit of a bulk density and a tapping density are not limited, but preferably <NUM>/ml. Bulk density and tapping density are measured according to the test methods described in the Japanese Pharmacopoeia <NUM>th edition.

In the present invention, the "wet granulation" refers to a method for granulating powder while adding, spraying or spreading water or a solution mixture of water and e.g., alcohol serving as a granulation solvent.

The size of particle diameter, of granules can be adjusted by increasing or decreasing the amount of water or solution mixture used during the wet granulation process.

The pharmaceutical composition or pharmaceutical formulation of the present invention is a composition or a formulation comprising (i) a granule containing a compound represented by formula (I) or a salt thereof and (ii) a disintegrating agent and having a satisfactory solubility as defined in the appended claims <NUM> to <NUM> and <NUM>.

The disintegrating agent (ii) refers to one to be added as an external additive. The "disintegrating agent" in the present invention is a component facilitating rapid disintegration of a solid formulation orally taken. In the present invention, the "external additive" and "external component" refer to additives externally added to granules. As the additive, other than the disintegrating agent, additives such as a lubricant and a fluidizer may be further optionally added. General examples of the disintegrating agent include sodium starch glycolate, low-substituted hydroxypropylcellulose, carmellose calcium, sodium hydrogen carbonate, pregelatinized starch, sodium chloride, corn starch, croscarmellose sodium, crystalline cellulose, silicic anhydride, carmellose, etc. The volume of disintegrating agent becomes preferably more than <NUM> times, and more preferably, more than <NUM> times when adding <NUM> of 1st fluid for dissolution test defined in the Japanese Pharmacopenia <NUM>th edition to per <NUM> of the disintegrating agent.

The disintegrating agent (ii) according to the present invention is carmellose calcium.

The amount of the disintegrating agent (ii) is <NUM> wt% or more based on the total amount of the composition or formulation of the present invention. The upper limit of the amount used is <NUM> wt%. Note that, if the formulation of the present invention is a formulation having a coating film such as a capsule, the amount used refers to the amount used based on the total amount of the components to be covered with the coating film (or the total amount of the components to be put in a capsule).

In the present invention, the granule (i) may contain various types of additives other than the compound represented by formula (I) or a salt thereof.

In one aspect of the present invention, the granule (i) contains a compound represented by formula (I) or a salt thereof, a disintegrating agent, a solubilizing agent, an excipient and a binder. The granule may further contain one or more additives selected from a lubricant, a coating agent, a stabilizer, a flavoring agent and a diluent.

Examples of the disintegrating agent to be contained in the granule (i) include sodium starch glycolate, low-substituted hydroxypropylcellulose, carmellose calcium, sodium hydrogen carbonate, pregelatinized starch, sodium chloride, corn starch, croscarmellose sodium, crystalline cellulose, silicic anhydride and carmellose. The preferable disintegrating agent is such that the volume of the disintegrating agent becomes preferably more than <NUM> times, and more preferably, more than <NUM> times when adding <NUM> of 1st fluid for dissolution test defined in the Japanese Pharmacopenia <NUM>th edition to per <NUM> of the disintegrating agent. Examples of preferable dissolusion agent include low-substituted hydroxypropylcellulose, carmellose calcium, sodium starch glycolate, and pregelatinized starch and so on.

The term "solubilizing agent" refers to a surfactant, an organic polymer or a pH modifier.

The term "surfactant" refers to a substance having a hydrophilic group together with a hydrophobic group in a molecule. General examples of the surfactant include an ionic surfactant and a nonionic surfactant.

The term "ionic surfactant" refers to an ionic surfactant which ionizes into ions (charged atoms or atomic groups) when dissolved in water. The term ionic surfactant is further classified into an anionic surfactant, a cationic surfactant and an amphoteric surfactant depending upon the charge of the ion to be produced.

General examples of the nonionic surfactant include sugar ester surfactants such as a sorbitan fatty acid ester (C12-<NUM>), a POE sorbitan fatty acid ester (C12-<NUM>) and sucrose fatty acid ester; fatty acid ester surfactants such as a POE fatty acid ester (C12-<NUM>), a POE resin acid ester and a POE fatty acid diester (C12-<NUM>); alcohol based surfactants such as a POE alkyl ether (C12-<NUM>); alkyl phenol surfactants such as a POE alkyl (C8-<NUM>) phenyl ether, a POE dialkyl (C8-<NUM>) phenyl ether and a POE alkyl (C8-<NUM>) phenyl ether formalin condensate; polyoxyethylene-polyoxypropylene block polymer surfactants such as a polyoxyethylene-polyoxypropylene block polymer and an alkyl (C12-<NUM>) polyoxyethylene-polyoxypropylene block polymer ether; alkylamine surfactants such as a POE alkylamine (C12-<NUM>) and a POE fatty acid amide (C12-<NUM>); bisphenol surfactants such as a POE fatty acid bisphenyl ether; polycyclic aromatic surfactants such as a POA benzylphenyl (or phenylphenyl) ether and a POA styrylphenyl (or phenylphenyl) ether; POE ether and ester type silicon and fluorine surfactants; and vegetable oil surfactants such as POE castor oil and POE hydrogenated castor oil. Preferably, e.g., polyoxyl <NUM> stearate, sorbitan trioleate, polyoxyethylene (<NUM>) polyoxypropylene (<NUM>) glycol, polyoxyethylene hydrogenated castor oil <NUM>, polyoxyl <NUM> castor oil and lauromacrogol are mentioned.

General examples of the anionic surfactant include sulfate surfactants such as an alkyl sulfate (C12-<NUM>, Na, NH<NUM>, alkanolamine), a POE alkyl ether sulfate (C12-<NUM>, Na, NH<NUM>, alkanolamine), a POE alkyl phenyl ether sulfate (C12-<NUM>, NH<NUM>, alkanolamine, Ca), a POE benzyl (or styryl) phenyl (or phenylphenyl) ether sulfate (Na, NH<NUM>, alkanolamine), a polyoxyethylene and a polyoxypropylene block polymer sulfate (Na, NH<NUM>, alkanolamine); sulfonate surfactants such as a paraffin (alkane) sulfonate (C12-<NUM>, Na, Ca, alkanolamine), an AOS (C14-<NUM>, Na, alkanolamine), a dialkyl sulfosuccinate (C8-<NUM>, Na, Ca, Mg), an alkylbenzene sulfonate (C12, Na, Ca, Mg, NH<NUM>, alkylamine, alkanol, amine, cyclohexylamine), a mono or dialkyl (C3-<NUM>) naphthalene sulfonate (Na, NH4, alkanolamine, Ca, Mg), a naphthalene sulfonate-formalin condensate (Na, NH<NUM>), an alkyl (C8-<NUM>) diphenyl ether disulfonate (Na, NH<NUM>), a lignin sulfonate (Na, Ca), a POE alkyl (C8-<NUM>) phenyl ether sulfonate (Na) and a POE alkyl (C12-<NUM>) ether sulfosuccinic acid half ester (Na); carboxylic acid surfactants such as a fatty acid salt (C12-<NUM>, Na, K, NH<NUM>, alkanolamine), a N-methyl-fatty acid sarcosinate (C12-<NUM>, Na) and a resinate (Na, K); and phosphate surfactants such as a POE alkyl (C12-<NUM>) ether phosphate (Na, alkanolamine), a POE mono or dialkyl (C8-<NUM>) phenyl ether phosphate (Na, alkanolamine), a POE benzylated (or styrylated) phenyl (or phenylphenyl) ether phosphate (Na, alkanolamine), a polyoxyethylene-polyoxypropylene block polymer (Na, alkanolamine), a phosphatidylcholine-phosphatidyl ethanol imine (lecithin) and an alkyl (C8-<NUM>) phosphate. Preferably, e.g., monoalkyl sulfates such as sodium lauryl sulfate, sodium tetradecyl sulfate, sodium hexadecyl sulfate and sodium octadecyl sulfate, dioctylsodium sulfosuccinate, sodium lauroyl sarcosinate and sodium dodecylbenzenesulfonate are mentioned.

The term "organic polymer" refers to a substance having carbon as a main skeleton and a molecular weight of <NUM>,<NUM> or more. Examples of the organic polymer include proteins and polysaccharides derived from animals and plants, and synthetic resins.

General examples of the organic polymer include polysaccharides such as hydroxypropylcellulose (hereinafter also referred to as HPC), hydroxypropylmethylcellulose, methylcellulose, propylene glycol alginate, powdered agar, guar gum, zein and hydroxyethylmethylcellulose; synthetic resins such as a carboxyvinyl polymer, a polyvinyl alcohol, a vinyl acetate resin and a sodium polystyrene sulfonate; and phosphoproteins such as casein and casein sodium.

Of the organic polymers, a polymer having a solubility to water of <NUM>/<NUM> or more is called a water-soluble polymer. General examples thereof include hydroxypropylcellulose, hydroxypropylmethylcellulose, methylcellulose, propylene glycol alginate, casein sodium, a carboxyvinyl polymer, powdered agar, guar gum, copolyvidone, hydroxyethylmethylcellulose and a polyvinyl alcohol.

Of the organic polymers, a polymer dissolved in acidic conditions (pH of the gastric juice, <NUM> to <NUM>) is called a gastrosoluble polymer; whereas a polymer quickly dissolved in the intestinal pH (<NUM> to <NUM>) is called an enteric polymer. General examples of the gastrosoluble polymer include an aminoalkyl methacrylate copolymer E and a polyvinyl acetal diethylamino acetate. Examples of the enteric polymer include a methacrylic acid copolymer LD (emulsion), methacrylic acid copolymer S, purified shellac, carboxymethylethylcellulose, cellulose acetate phthalate (cellaphate), hydroxypropylmethylcellulose acetate succinate, casein and zein.

The term "pH modifier" refers to a substance controlling pH of a solution by adding an acid agent or an alkali agent to improve solubility of a less water soluble or insoluble compound. The pH modifier is appropriately selected in accordance with the feature of a substance to be solubilized. For example, in the case of a basic and less water soluble or insoluble compound, the solubility may be often improved if an acid agent is added to change pH to be acidic.

Examples of the pH modifier include adipic acid, citric acid, trisodium citrate, gluconic acid, sodium gluconate, gluconodelta lactone, potassium gluconate, succinic acid, monosodium succinate, disodium succinate, sodium acetate, L-tartaric acid, L-potassium hydrogen tartrate, L-sodium tartrate, DL-tartaric acid, DL-potassium hydrogen tartrate, DL-sodium tartrate, sodium hydrogen carbonate, potassium carbonate (anhydrous), sodium carbonate, carbon dioxide, lactic acid, sodium lactate, glacial acetic acid, disodium dihydrogen pyrophosphate, fumaric acid, monosodium fumarate, DL-malic acid, DL-sodium malate, phosphoric acid, potassium dihydrogen phosphate, sodium dihydrogen phosphate, dipotassium hydrogen phosphate and disodium hydrogen phosphate.

Preferably, the pH modifier is acid agents such as adipic acid, citric acid, gluconic acid, gluconodelta lactone, succinic acid, L-tartaric acid, DL-tartaric acid, carbon dioxide, lactic acid, glacial acetic acid, fumaric acid, DL-malic acid and phosphoric acid may be mentioned.

Generally, two types or more solubilizing agents may be used by combining them in an appropriate ratio.

Preferable solubilizing agents are as follows:
citric acid, hydroxypropylcellulose, hydroxypropylmethylcellulose, sodium stearyl fumarate, methacrylic acid copolymer LD, methylcellulose, sodium lauryl sulfate, polyoxyl <NUM> stearate, purified shellac, sodium dehydroacetate, fumaric acid, DL-malic acid, L-ascorbyl stearate, L-asparagine acid, adipic acid, aminoalkyl methacrylate copolymer E, propylene glycol alginate, casein, casein sodium, a carboxyvinyl polymer, carboxymethylethylcellulose, powdered agar, guar gum, succinic acid, copolyvidone, cellulose acetate phthalate, tartaric acid, dioctylsodium sulfosuccinate, zein, powdered skim milk, sorbitan trioleate, lactic acid, aluminum lactate, ascorbyl palmitate, hydroxyethylmethylcellulose, hydroxypropylmethylcellulose acetate succinate, polyoxyethylene (<NUM>) polyoxypropylene (<NUM>) glycol, polyoxyethylene hydrogenated castor oil <NUM>, polyoxyl <NUM> castor oil, poly(sodium <NUM>-styrenesulfonate), polyvinyl acetal diethylamino acetate, polyvinyl alcohol, maleic acid, methacrylic acid copolymer S, lauromacrogol, sulfuric acid, aluminum sulfate, phosphoric acid, calcium dihydrogen phosphate, sodium dodecylbenzenesulfonate, a vinyl pyrrolidone-vinyl acetate copolymer, sodium lauroyl sarcosinate, acetyl tryptophan, sodium methyl sulfate, sodium ethyl sulfate, sodium butyl sulfate, sodium octyl sulfate, sodium decyl sulfate, sodium tetradecyl sulfate, sodium hexadecyl sulfate and sodium octadecyl sulfate.

More preferable solubilizing agents are generally as follows:.

Generally, further preferable solubilizing agents are as follows:.

According to the present invention, the granule contains sodium laurylsulfate as the solubilizing agent.

The content of the solubilizing agent in the composition or formulation of the present invention is preferably <NUM> wt% to <NUM> wt%, more preferably, <NUM>-<NUM> wt %, based on the compound represented by formula (I) (free form).

In the present invention,
it is more preferable to obtain a crystal of sodium lauryl sulfate by crystallization rather than spray dry. Note that as a crystal polymorphism of sodium lauryl sulfate, a monohydrate, a <NUM>/<NUM> hydrate, a <NUM>/<NUM> hydrate and a non-solvate are known (<NPL>). Any of the crystals can be used in the composition or formulation of the present invention.

Examples of the excipient which may be contained in the granule (i) of the present invention include starches such as corn starch, potato starch, wheat flour starch, rice starch, partial pregelatinized starch, pregelatinized starch and porous starch; sugar or sugar alcohols such as lactose hydrate, fructose, glucose, mannitol and sorbitol; and anhydrous dibasic calcium phosphate, crystalline cellulose, precipitated calcium carbonate and calcium silicate. Examples of preferable excipient may include starches such as starch, potato starch and corn starch; lactose hydrate, crystalline cellulose and anhydrous dibasic calcium phosphate, and more preferable excipient is lactose hydrate. The amount of excipient which is used in the present invention is preferably <NUM> to <NUM> parts by weight, and more preferably, <NUM> to <NUM> parts by weight based on <NUM> parts by weight of the composition or formulation.

Note that if the formulation of the present invention is a formulation having a coating film as a capsule, the amount used refers to the amount used based on the total amount of the components to be covered with the coating film (or the total amount of the components to be put in a capsule.

Examples of the binder which may be contained in the granule (i) of the present invention may include hydroxypropylcellulose, polyvinylpyrrolidone, macrogol and similar compounds as mentioned in the excipient. Specific examples of the binder include hydroxypropylcellulose, hydroxypropylmethylcellulose, methylcellulose, povidone (polyvinylpyrrolidone) and powdered acacia, and preferable binder is hydroxypropylcellulose. The amount of binder used is preferably <NUM> to <NUM> parts by weight, further preferably <NUM> to <NUM> parts by weight and further more preferably <NUM> to <NUM> parts by weight based on <NUM> parts by weight of the composition or formulation.

Examples of preferable lubricants which may be contained in the granule (i) of the present invention include magnesium stearate, calcium stearate, talc, sucrose fatty acid ester and sodium stearyl fumarate.

Examples of the stabilizer which may be contained in the granule (i) of the present invention may include para-oxybenzoates such as methyl paraben and propyl paraben; alcohols such as chlorobutanol, benzyl alcohol and phenylethyl alcohol; benzalkonium chloride, phenols such as phenol and cresol, thimerosal, dehydroacetic acid and sorbic acid.

Examples of the flavoring agent which may be contained in the granule (i) of the present invention may include a sweetener, an acidulant and a fragrance usually used.

The granule (i) of the present invention is produced by granulating a composition comprising the compound represented by formula (I) or a salt thereof, and optionally, additive(s) such as a disintegrating agent, a solubilizing agent, an excipient, a lubricant, a coating agent, a binder, a stabilizer, a flavoring agent and a diluent as defined in step (i) of claim <NUM> appended.

In the present invention, the "pharmaceutical composition" refers to a mixture comprising two or more substances which is used for treating and preventing a disease. According to an aspect of the present invention, the pharmaceutical composition is used for production of a pharmaceutical formulation.

In the present invention, the "pharmaceutical formulation" refers to a formulation for treating and preventing a disease.

In the present invention, the "oral formulation" refers to a formulation that can be orally administered. The oral administration refers to swallowing a formulation so as to enter the gastrointestinal tract and an active ingredient is mainly absorbed through the intestinal tract.

General examples of an oral formulation include solid formulations such as a tablet, a capsule, a solution, a powder, a lozenge, a chewable agent, a granule, a gel, a film agent and a spray and liquid formulations. General examples of the liquid formulation include a suspension, a solution, syrup and an elixir. Such a formulation can be used as filler in soft or hard capsules. Generally, as a carrier, for example, water, ethanol, polyethylene glycol, propylene glycol, methylcellulose, or appropriate oil, and one or more emulsifiers and/or a suspending agent are used. A liquid formulation can be also prepared by dissolving a unit-dose solid medicinal agent, for example, dissolving a pharmaceutical composition in a package into a carrier such as water. The pharmaceutical formulation of the present invention is a capsule.

In the present invention, "ALK" stands for "Anaplastic Lymphoma Kinase" and refers to a receptor tyrosine kinase belonging to an insulin receptor family.

In the present invention, as a salt of the compound represented by formula (I), a hydrochloride is preferable and a monohydrochloride is more preferable.

The compound represented by formula (I) or a salt thereof can be produced by the method(s) etc. disclosed in Patent Literatures <NUM> to <NUM>.

In the present invention, the compound represented by formula (I) or a salt thereof include a hydrate, a pharmaceutically acceptable solvate and a crystal polymorphism.

In one aspect of the present invention, a monohydrochloride of the compound represented by formula (I) is a crystal (hereinafter, referred to as Form I crystal) having a powder X-ray diffraction pattern in which peaks are present at diffraction angles (2θ) of <NUM>°, <NUM>°, <NUM>°, <NUM>° and <NUM>°. Form I crystal can be obtained by adding the compound represented by formula (I) dropwise in a solution mixture of ethanol and hydrochloric acid (containing <NUM> mole equivalent or more of hydrochloric acid to the compound of formula (I)) while keeping the temperature of the solution mixture at about <NUM> or more.

An example of the measurement results of powder X-ray diffraction of Form I crystal is shown in <FIG> and a peak in the powder X-ray diffraction pattern will be shown below.

In the present invention, analysis of powder X-ray diffraction can be made, for example, by a customary method such as the "powder X-ray diffraction measurement method" described in the Japanese pharmacopeia (15th revised). The Japanese pharmacopeia describes that diffraction angles 2θ of the same types of crystals usually match with each other within the range of ± <NUM> degrees. Therefore, not only a crystal having a peak diffraction angle in the powder X-ray diffraction completely matches but also a crystal having a peak diffraction angle matched with an error range of about ± <NUM> degrees is included in the present invention.

An example of the measurement conditions of powder X-ray diffraction analysis are shown below:.

The pharmaceutical composition or formulation is a composition or formulation having a good solubility which comprises (i) a glanule containing a compound of formula (I) and a salt thereof and (ii) a disintegrating agent.

In the present invention, the "composition or formulation having good solubility" or "formulation improved in solubility" is, for example, a formulation having a drug substance dissolution rate of <NUM>% or more <NUM> minutes after initiation of the dissolution test at <NUM>, preferably, <NUM>% or more at <NUM> minutes after initiation of the dissolution test at <NUM>, more preferably, a dissolution rate of <NUM>% or more at <NUM> minutes after initiation of a dissolution test at <NUM> and <NUM>% or more at <NUM> minutes after initiation of a dissolution test at <NUM>, and particularly, a dissolution rate of <NUM>% or more at <NUM> minutes after initiation of a dissolution test at <NUM> and <NUM>% or more at <NUM> minutes after initiation of a dissolution test at <NUM>.

In the above dissolution test, the dissolution test by the paddle method(specified in the Japanese pharmacopeia <NUM>th edition) is performed by using 1st fluid for dissolution test defined in the Japanese Pharmacopenia <NUM>th edition (<NUM>) containing polyoxyethylene (<NUM>) octyl phenyl ether (<NUM>%) at <NUM> rotations/minute.

The formulation of the present invention can be produced by mixing the granules (i) of the present invention, the disintegrating agent carmellose calcium and, optionally, additives, and subjecting the mixture to a general production process, preferably by the following production processes.

In the methods <NUM>) and <NUM>), a granule obtained by means of e.g., dry granulation or heat granulation in place of wet granulation may be used.

The composition and formulation of the present invention may contain a lubricant or a fluidizer in addition to the disintegrating agent (ii) as an external additive. Examples of the lubricant and fluidizer may include magnesium stearate, calcium stearate, talc, sucrose fatty acid ester and sodium stearyl fumarate. Preferably, magnesium stearate may be mentioned. The use amount of lubricant and fluidizer is preferably <NUM> to <NUM> parts by mass based on the composition or formulation (<NUM> parts by weight) and further preferably <NUM> to <NUM> parts by weight. Note that, if the formulation of the present invention is a formulation having a coating film such as a capsule, the use amount refers to that based on the total amount of the components to be covered with the coating film (the total amount of the components to be put in a capsule.

General examples of the coating material may include ethylcellulose, hydroxypropylcellulose, hydroxypropylmethylcellulose, shellac, talc, carnauba wax and paraffin.

General examples of a base for an enteric film coating material include cellulose polymers such as hydroxypropylmethylcellulose phthalate, hydroxypropylmethylcellulose acetatesuccinate, carboxymethylethylcellulose and cellulose acetate phthalate; acrylic acid polymers such as methacrylic acid copolymer L [EUDRAGIT L (trade name), Evonik Degussa], methacrylic acid copolymer LD [EUDRAGIT L-30D55 (trade name), Evonik Degussa] and methacrylic acid copolymer S [EUDRAGIT S (trade name), Evonik Degussa]; and natural products such as shellac.

General examples of a base for a sustained-release film coating material include cellulose polymers such as ethylcellulose; acrylic acid polymers such as aminoalkyl methacrylate copolymer RS [EUDRAGIT RS (trade name), Evonik Degussa], an ethyl acrylate-methyl methacrylate copolymer suspension solution [EUDRAGIT NE (trade name), Evonik Degussa]; and cellulose acetate.

Two types or more of the bases for coating materials mentioned above may be mixed in an appropriate ratio and put in use.

To the coating material, if necessary, e.g., a water-soluble substance for controlling a dissolution rate and a plasticizer may be added. As the water-soluble substance, one or more substance selected from a water-soluble polymer such as hydroxypropylmethylcellulose; a sugar alcohol such as mannitol; a sugar such as sucrose and anhydrous maltose; a surfactant such as sucrose fatty acid ester and polyoxyethylene polyoxypropylene glycol, polysorbate and sodium lauryl sulfate, etc. can be used. As the plasticizer, one or more substance selected from acetylated monoglyceride, triethyl citrate, triacetin, dibutyl sebacate, dimethyl sebacate, middle-chain fatty acid triglyceride, acetyltriethyl citrate, tributyl citrate, acetyltributyl citrate, dibutyl adipate, oleic acid, oleynol, etc. can be used.

As a method for coating tablets with the coating material, a general method can be used. Examples thereof include a pan coating method, a fluid coating method, a roll coating method and a fluid/roll coating method. The coating liquid to be used in such a method is obtained by mixing the base for a coating material, talc and a solvent (preferably, ethanol or a mixture of ethanol and water). The concentration of a solid content of such a coating liquid preferably falls within the range of <NUM> to <NUM> mass% based on the total mass of such a coating liquid.

The compound represented by formula (I) or a salt thereof has an excellent ALK inhibitory action and excellent stability in a living body and is useful as a preventive or therapeutic agent (particularly therapeutic agent) for proliferative diseases. More specifically, the compound represented by formula (I) or a salt thereof is useful as a preventive or therapeutic agent (particularly therapeutic agent) for diseases such as various types of cancers like leukemia (e.g., acute myelogenous leukemia, chronic myelogenous leukemia, acute lymphocytic leukemia, chronic lymphocytic leukemia), malignant lymphoma (e.g., Hodgkin's lymphoma, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma), brain tumor, neuroblastoma, glioma, thyroid cancer, myelodysplastic syndrome, head and neck cancer, esophageal cancer, stomach cancer, colon cancer, colorectal cancer, breast cancer, ovarian cancer, lung cancer, pancreatic cancer, liver cancer, gallbladder cancer, skin cancer, malignant melanoma, kidney cancer, renal pelvis ureter cancer, bladder cancer, ovarian cancer, uterine cancer, testicular cancer and prostate cancer. The compound or a salt thereof of the present invention is also useful as a preventive or therapeutic agent (particularly therapeutic agent) for infiltration and metastasis of a solid cancer. The compound or a salt thereof of the present invention is also effective as a preventive or therapeutic agent for other diseases in connection with ALK such as depression or cognitive dysfunction.

When the composition of the present invention is used as an ALK inhibitor or a therapeutic or preventive agent for a proliferative disease or depression or a therapeutic or preventive agent for cognitive dysfunction, the composition is administered orally, rectally, parenterally (intravenously, intramuscularly, subcutaneously), intracisternally, intravaginally, intraperitoneally, intravesically and locally (intravenous drip, powder, ointment, gel or cream) and through inhalation (oral or nose spray). Examples of the dosage form thereof include tablet, capsule, granule, powder, pill, aqueous and nonaqueous oral solution and suspension, and parenteral solution put in small containers for a unit dose. The dosage form may be designed so as to adapt to various methods for administrating a formulation including a controlled release formulation to be subcutaneously grafted.

The dosage form is oral administration by capsules.

When the composition of the present invention is used as an ALK inhibitor or a therapeutic or preventive agent for a proliferative disease or depression or cognitive dysfunction, the dosage of the active ingredient (a compound represented by formula (I) or a salt thereof of the present invention) may vary depending upon the symptom, age, body weight, relative health condition, other medication, administering method, etc. For example, a generally effective amount of active ingredient (the compound or a salt thereof of the present invention represented by formula (I)) to a patient (a warm-blooded animal, particularly a human) orally administered is preferably <NUM> to <NUM> and further preferably <NUM> to <NUM> per body weight (<NUM>) per day. The dosage thereof used per day preferably falls within the range of <NUM> to <NUM> per adult patient having an ordinary body weight. In the case of a parenteral agent, the amount thereof used is preferably <NUM> to <NUM> and further preferably <NUM> to <NUM> per body weight (<NUM>) per day. It is desirable that the amount thereof used is administered once per day or administered depending upon the symptom by dividing the amount used into several portions.

The composition of the present invention preferably contains the compound represented by formula (I) or a salt thereof in an amount of, for example, <NUM> to <NUM> wt%, preferably, <NUM> to <NUM> wt%, and especially preferably, <NUM> to <NUM> wt% in terms of the free form based on the total amount of the composition.

The formulation of the present invention preferably contains the compound represented by formula (I) or a salt thereof in an amount of, for example, <NUM> to <NUM> wt%, preferably, <NUM> to <NUM> wt%, and especially preferably,<NUM> to <NUM> wt% in terms of the free form based on the total amount of the formulation. Note that, if the formulation of the present invention is a formulation having a coating film such as a capsule, the content refers to the content based on the total amount of the components to be covered with the coating film (or the total amount of the components to be put in a capsule.

More specifically, for the capsule formulation of the present invention, the compound represented by formula (I) or a salt thereof is preferably contained in an amount of, for example, <NUM> to <NUM> wt%, preferably, <NUM> to <NUM> wt%, and especially preferably, <NUM> to <NUM> wt% in terms of the free form based on the total amount of the components to be put in a capsule.

The formulation of the present invention contains the compound represented by formula (I) or a salt thereof in an amount of <NUM> to <NUM> in terms of the free form per unit formulation.

According to another aspect, the following (<NUM>-<NUM>) to (<NUM>-<NUM>) are provided but not part of the invention.

(<NUM>-<NUM>)
A pharmaceutical formulation comprising a compound less soluble or insoluble in water and sodium lauryl sulfate as defined above, in which the sodium lauryl sulfate is obtained by crystallization.

(<NUM>-<NUM>)
The formulation according to (<NUM>-<NUM>), wherein the sodium lauryl sulfate is a crystal of a <NUM>/<NUM> hydrate.

(<NUM>-<NUM>)
A method for producing a pharmaceutical formulation improved in solubility of a compound less soluble or insoluble in water as defined above, comprising blending sodium lauryl sulfate crystallized and optionally other additives with the compound.

(<NUM>-<NUM>)
A method for manufacturing a pharmaceutical formulation having an improved solubility of a compound which is less soluble or insoluble in water as defined above, characterized in that the method comprises blending NIKKOL SLS as sodium lauryl sulfate and optionally other additive(s) with the compound.

(<NUM>-<NUM>)
A method for improving solubility of a compound less soluble or insoluble in water contained in a pharmaceutical formulation as defined above, comprising blending sodium lauryl sulfate obtained by crystallization and optionally other additives with the compound.

(<NUM>-<NUM>)
A method for improving solubility of a compound which is less soluble or insoluble in water contained in a pharmaceutical formulation as defined above, characterized in that the method comprises blending NIKKOL SLS as sodium lauryl sulfate and optionally other additive(s) with the compound.

(<NUM>-<NUM>)
The method according to any of (<NUM>-<NUM>) to (<NUM>-<NUM>), wherein the sodium lauryl sulfate is a crystal of a <NUM>/<NUM> hydrate.

The term "less soluble or insoluble in water" means that solubility of a compound to water at <NUM> is less than <NUM>µg/mL. According to an aspect of the present invention, the solubility of the "compound less soluble or insoluble in water" at <NUM> is less than <NUM>µg/mL. The solubility can be measured in accordance with a conventional method. As an example of the compound less soluble or insoluble in water, <NUM>-ethyl-<NUM>,<NUM>-dimethyl-<NUM>-(<NUM>-morpholin)-<NUM>-yl-piperidin-<NUM>-yl)-<NUM>-oxo-<NUM>,<NUM>-dihydro-<NUM>-benzo[b]carbazole-<NUM>-carbonitrile and a salt thereof may be mentioned.

The term
"crystallization" means that a crystal of sodium lauryl sulfate is precipitated from a solution or suspension containing sodium lauryl sulfate.

The terms
"solubility is improved" and "a pharmaceutical formulation improved in solubility" mean, for example, drug substance dissolution rate is <NUM>% or more <NUM> minutes after initiation of a dissolution test at <NUM>, preferably, <NUM>% or more <NUM> minutes after initiation of a dissolution test at <NUM>, and a formulation which has the above dissolution profile, respectively. In the above dissolution test, a dissolution test by the paddle method(specified in the Japanese pharmacopeia <NUM>th edition) is performed by using 1st fluid for dissolution test defined in the Japanese Pharmacopenia <NUM>th edition (<NUM>) containing polyoxyethylene (<NUM>) octyl phenyl ether (<NUM>%) at <NUM> rotations/minute.

The meaning of the term of "pharmaceutical formulation" in (<NUM>-<NUM>) to (<NUM>-<NUM>) is the same as defined above.

The formulations according to (<NUM>-<NUM>) to (<NUM>-<NUM>) are produced by a method well known in the art using a compound less soluble or insoluble in water, sodium lauryl sulfate, and optional additives such as an excipient, a disintegrating agent, a binder, a lubricant, a coating agent, a stabilizer, a flavoring agent and a diluent, or can be produced based on the method described in the specification of the present application.

Examples of the excipient may include starches such as corn starch, potato starch, wheat flour starch, rice starch, partial pregelatinized starch, pregelatinized starch and porous starch; sugar or sugar alcohols such as lactose hydrate, fructose, glucose, mannitol and sorbitol; and anhydrous dibasic calcium phosphate, crystalline cellulose, precipitated calcium carbonate and calcium silicate. As the disintegrating agent, for example, the same compounds as those mentioned as the excipient and croscarmellose sodium and chemically modified starches and celluloses such as sodium starch glycolate, cross-linked polyvinylpyrrolidone may be mentioned. Specific examples of the disintegrating agent that is to be used may include sodium starch glycolate, carboxymethylcellulose, carboxy methylcellulose calcium, carboxymethyl starch sodium, croscarmellose sodium, crospovidone, low-substituted hydroxypropylcellulose, hydroxypropyl starch, etc. As the binder, for example, polyvinylpyrrolidone, macrogol and the same compounds as mentioned in the excipient may be mentioned. Specific examples of the binder may include hydroxypropylcellulose, hydroxypropylmethylcellulose, methylcellulose, povidone (polyvinylpyrrolidone) and powdered acacia. As the lubricant, for example, magnesium stearate, calcium stearate, talc, sucrose fatty acid ester and sodium stearyl fumarate may be mentioned.

As a crystal polymorphism of sodium lauryl sulfate, a monohydrate, a <NUM>/<NUM> hydrate, a <NUM>/<NUM> hydrate and a non-solvate are known (<NPL>). Any of the crystal can be used in the inventions of (<NUM>-<NUM>) to (<NUM>-<NUM>).

Now, the present invention will be more specifically described by way of Examples; however, the present invention is not limited by these. Note that, in Examples <NUM> to <NUM>, as sodium lauryl sulfate, NIKKOL SLS((product name, Nikko Chemicals Co. ) was used.

In accordance with the amounts of components shown in Table <NUM>, six formulations different in amount of sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) were prepared. Individual components for each granular formulation were fed in a high-shear granulator and preparatorily mixed. An appropriate amount of purified water was sprayed to the mixture and the mixture was mixed, granulated and vacuum dried to obtain dried powder. The dried powder was adjusted by a sizer. The obtained granules and external components (carmellose calcium, magnesium stearate) were mixed by a mixer to obtain a powder blend. Capsule containers were each charged with the powder blend to produce an encapsulated formulation.

Formulations of Examples <NUM> to <NUM> and <NUM> were subjected to the dissolution test by the paddle method (specified in the Japanese pharmacopeia) performed by using 1st fluid (<NUM>) containing polyoxyethylene (<NUM>) octyl phenyl ether (<NUM>%) specified in the dissolution test according to the Japanese pharmacopeia, at <NUM> and <NUM> rotations/minute. The dissolution profile is shown in <FIG>. Formulations of Examples <NUM> and <NUM> to <NUM> were subjected to the dissolution test by the paddle method (specified in the Japanese pharmacopeia) performed by using 1st fluid (<NUM>) containing polyoxyethylene (<NUM>) octyl phenyl ether (<NUM>%) specified by the dissolution test according to the Japanese pharmacopeia, at <NUM> and <NUM> rotations/minute. The dissolution profile is shown in <FIG>.

As is shown in dissolution profiles of <FIG> and <FIG>, the formulations of Examples <NUM> to <NUM> containing SLS were all improved in dissolution compared to the formulation of Example <NUM> containing no SLS. More specifically, it was demonstrated that as the amount of SLS in a formulation increases, solubility tends to be improved and that solubility is significantly improved if SLS is contained in a pharmaceutical formulation even slightly, as is apparent particularly from comparison between Examples <NUM> and <NUM> in <FIG>.

In accordance with the amounts of components shown in Table <NUM>, two formulations different in granular particle diameter were prepared by adjusting the amount of purified water. Individual components for each granular formulation were fed in a high-shear granulator and preparatorily mixed. The purified water shown in Table <NUM> was sprayed to the mixture and the mixture was mixed, granulated and vacuum dried to obtain dried powder. The dried powder was adjusted by a sizer. The obtained size-regulated granules and external components (carmellose calcium, magnesium stearate) were mixed by a mixer to obtain a powder blend. Capsule containers were each charged with the powder blend to produce an encapsulated formulation. [Table <NUM>].

Particle size distribution of size-regulated granules was measured. The mean particle diameter was <NUM> in Example <NUM> and <NUM> in Example <NUM>. Formulations of Examples <NUM> and <NUM> were subjected to the dissolution test by the paddle method (specified in the Japanese pharmacopeia) performed by using 1st fluid (<NUM>) containing polyoxyethylene (<NUM>) octyl phenyl ether (<NUM>%) specified by the dissolution test according to the Japanese pharmacopeia, at <NUM> and <NUM> rotations/minute. The dissolution profiles are shown in <FIG>.

Note that the mean particle diameter was obtained by feeding a <NUM> of granulated substance sampled onto the top of the stacked sieves different in mesh size (mesh size: <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>), shaking the sieves for <NUM> minutes, measuring the weights of granulated substances remaining on the individual sieves, and caluculating the particle diameter of the granules which have a cumulative percentage of <NUM>% by means of approximation of logarithmic normal distribution from the mesh size of the sieve and cumulative weight percentage undersize.

As shown in <FIG>, it was demonstrated that the formulation of Example <NUM> having a larger granule particle diameter is improved in solubility.

It is reported that if the particle diameter of a granule is large, solubility decreases (<NPL>). It was totally beyond expectation that a formulation having a larger granule in diameter is improved in solubility.

Examples <NUM> to <NUM>: Relationship between addition method and amount of disintegrating agent and solubility of drug substance.

In accordance with the amounts of components shown in Table <NUM>, five formulations different in amount of carmellose calcium to be added as an external component were prepared. Individual components for each granular formulation were fed in a high-shear granulator and preparatorily mixed. An appropriate amount of purified water was sprayed to the mixture and the mixture was mixed, granulated and vacuum dried to obtain dried powder. The dried powder was adjusted by a sizer. The obtained granules and the external component (carmellose calcium) were mixed to obtain a powder blend. Capsule containers were each charged with the powder blend to produce an encapsulated formulation. [Table <NUM>].

Formulations of Examples <NUM> to <NUM> were subjected to the dissolution test by the paddle method (specified in the Japanese pharmacopeia) performed by using 1st fluid (<NUM>) containing polyoxyethylene (<NUM>) octyl phenyl ether (<NUM>%) specified by the dissolution test according to the Japanese pharmacopeia, at <NUM> and <NUM> rotations/minute. The dissolution profiles are shown in <FIG>.

As shown in <FIG>, the formulations containing the external additive (<NUM> to <NUM> wt%) were slightly improved in dissolution compared to the formulation containing no external additive. Solubility was significantly improved by adding <NUM> wt% or more of the external additive.

Examples <NUM> to <NUM>: Relationship between predetermined disintegrating agents including carmellose calcium and solubility of drug substance.

To the granules prepared in Example <NUM>, external components (<NUM> types in total, Examples <NUM> to <NUM>) shown in Table <NUM> were separately added and mixed to obtain powder blends. The blending ratio of the granules prepared in Example <NUM> was <NUM> parts by weight and the blending ratio of the external additive was <NUM> part by weight. Capsule containers were each charged with the powder blend to produce an encapsulated formulation. [Table <NUM>].

Formulations of Examples <NUM> and <NUM> to <NUM> were subjected to the dissolution test by the paddle method (specified in the Japanese pharmacopeia) performed by using 1st fluid (<NUM>) containing polyoxyethylene (<NUM>) octyl phenyl ether (<NUM>%) specified by the dissolution test according to the Japanese pharmacopeia, at <NUM> and <NUM> rotations/minute. The dissolution profiles are shown in <FIG>.

As shown in <FIG>, it was demonstrated that the disintegrating agents showing high solubility are low-substituted hydroxypropylcellulose (Example <NUM>), carmellose calcium (Example <NUM>), sodium hydrogen carbonate (Example <NUM>) and pregelatinized starch (Example <NUM>).

A volume of low-substituted hydroxypropylcellulose and carmellose calcium became <NUM> times or more and that of crosscarmellose sodium, sodium starch glycolate and pregelatinized starch became <NUM> times or more when adding <NUM> of 1st fluid for dissolution test difined in the Japanese Pharmacopenia <NUM>th edition to per <NUM> of the disintegrating agent.

In accordance with the amounts of components shown in Table <NUM>, two formulations were prepared by varying the formulation of the disintegrating agent using low-substituted hydroxypropylcellulose and carmellose calcium as a disintegrating agent. Individual components for each granular formulation were fed in a high-shear granulator and preparatorily mixed. An appropriate amount of purified water was sprayed to the mixture and the mixture was mixed, granulated and vacuum dried to obtain dried powder. The dried powder was adjusted by a sizer. The obtained granules and an external component were mixed by a mixer to obtain a powder blend. Capsule containers were each charged with the powder blend to produce an encapsulated formulation. Note that the components of the formulation of Example <NUM> are the same as in Example <NUM>. [Table <NUM>].

Formulations of Examples <NUM> and <NUM> were subjected to the dissolution test by the paddle method (specified in the Japanese pharmacopeia) performed by using 1st fluid (<NUM>) containing polyoxyethylene (<NUM>) octyl phenyl ether (<NUM>%) specified by the dissolution test according to the Japanese pharmacopeia, at <NUM> and <NUM> rotations/minute. The dissolution profiles are shown in <FIG>.

As shown in <FIG>, formulations separately using low-substituted hydroxypropylcellulose and carmellose calcium as a disintegrating agent both showed satisfactory solubility. In consideration of individual variations of data, it was demonstrated that the formulation using carmellose calcium is rather better.

Using different products of sodium lauryl sulfate, two formulations were prepared in accordance with the amount of components shown in Table <NUM>. Individual components for each granular formulation were fed in a high-shear granulator and preparatorily mixed. An appropriate amount of purified water was sprayed to the mixture and the mixture was mixed, granulated and vacuum dried to obtain dried powder. The dried powder was adjusted by a sizer. The obtained size-regulated granules and external components were mixed by a mixer to obtain a powder blend. Capsule containers were each charged with the powder blend to produce an encapsulated formulation. Note that crystals of sodium lauryl sulfate used in these Examples were analyzed by powder X-ray diffraction. It was confirmed that the crystals are <NUM>/<NUM> hydrates. [Table <NUM>].

Examples <NUM> and <NUM> were subjected to the dissolution test by the paddle method (specified in the Japanese pharmacopeia) performed by using 1st fluid (<NUM>) containing polyoxyethylene (<NUM>) octyl phenyl ether (<NUM>%) specified in the dissolution test according to the Japanese pharmacopeia as a test solution at <NUM> and <NUM> rotations/minute. The dissolution profile is shown in <FIG>.

As is shown in <FIG>, it was found that a formulation using NIKKOL SLS (NIKKO Chemicals) has higher solubility than that using Kolliphor® SLS Fine (BASF), beyond expectation.

As a result of observation of the properties of each products of Sodium lauryl sulfate which were used in the examples, it was considered that NIKKOL SLS (Nikko Chemicals) is obtained through crystallization and Kolliphor® SLS Fine (BASF) is obtained through spray drying. These results suggest that the manufacturing method of Sodium lauryl sulfate affects the dissolution rate of the formulation.

Bulk density and tapping density of granules contained in the formulations obtained in Example <NUM> to <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM> were measured by the Method <NUM> described in Japanese pharmacopenia <NUM>th edition. The results are shown in table <NUM>.

<NUM>-Ethyl-<NUM>,<NUM>-dimethyl-<NUM>-(<NUM>-morpholin-<NUM>-yl-piperidin-<NUM>-yl)-<NUM>-oxo-<NUM>,<NUM>-dihydro-<NUM>-benzo[b]carbazole-<NUM>-carbonitrile (<NUM>) was dissolved in a solvent mixture of methyl ethyl ketone (<NUM>), acetic acid (<NUM>) and distilled water (<NUM>) at room temperature. This solution was added dropwise in a mixture of ethanol (<NUM>) and 2N hydrochloric acid (<NUM>) at <NUM>. The precipitated solid substance was obtained by filtration, washed with ethanol (<NUM>) and dried to obtain Form I crystal (<NUM>) of monohydrochloride of the title compound.

Claim 1:
A pharmaceutical formulation comprising a pharmaceutical composition comprising (i) a granule containing a compound represented by formula (I) or a salt thereof and (ii) a disintegrating agent, wherein the compound represented by formula (I) or a salt thereof is contained in an amount of <NUM> to <NUM> in terms of the free form per unit formulation,
<CHM>
wherein the disintegrating agent is carmellose calcium and wherein the granule contains a solubilizing agent therein and wherein the solubilizing agent is sodium lauryl sulfate, wherein the disintegrating agent (ii) is contained in an amount of 10wt% or more with an upper limit of <NUM> wt% based on the total amount of the composition, wherein the formulation is a capsule.