PEMETREXED FORMULATIONS

Abstract

The present invention is directed to pemetrexed formulations comprising a non-aqueous solvent that remains stable after dilution for at least about 48 hours when stored at 2° C. to 8° C. The present invention is also directed to pemetrexed formulations comprising a non-aqueous solvent that remains stable for at least about 24 months when stored at 2° C. to 8° C.

Claims

1-30. (canceled)

31. A liquid pharmaceutical composition comprising: pemetrexed at a concentration of about 20 mg/mL to about 30 mg/mL; propylene glycol at about 50 mg/mL; an antioxidant; water; and optionally HCl, wherein the pH of the composition is from about 7.4 to about 7.6, and wherein the composition comprises at least 90% of said pemetrexed concentration after storage at a temperature of 2° C. to 8° C. for at least 12 months.

32. The liquid pharmaceutical composition of claim 31, comprising pemetrexed at a concentration of about 25 mg/mL.

33. The liquid pharmaceutical composition of claim 31, wherein the pemetrexed is pemetrexed diacid, pemetrexed monoacid, a pharmaceutically acceptable salt of pemetrexed, or a combination thereof.

34. The liquid pharmaceutical composition of claim 31, wherein the pemetrexed is pemetrexed disodium.

35. The liquid pharmaceutical composition of claim 31, wherein the pH of the composition is 7.4.

36. The liquid pharmaceutical composition of claim 31, wherein the pH of the composition is 7.5.

37. The liquid pharmaceutical composition of claim 31, wherein the pH of the composition is 7.6.

38. The liquid pharmaceutical composition of claim 31, wherein the composition is stored in a vial with a headspace oxygen concentration of about 20 v/v %.

39. The liquid pharmaceutical composition of claim 31, wherein the composition comprises at least 90% of said pemetrexed concentration after storage at a temperature of 2° C. to 8° C. for at least 18 months.

40. The liquid pharmaceutical composition of claim 31, wherein the composition comprises no more than about 8% w/w total impurities after storing the composition at a temperature of 2° C. to 8° C. for at least 12 months.

41. A liquid pharmaceutical composition consisting essentially of: pemetrexed at a concentration of about 20 mg/mL to about 30 mg/mL; propylene glycol at about 50 mg/mL; an antioxidant; water; and optionally HCl, wherein the pH of the composition is from about 7.4 to about 7.6 and wherein the composition comprises at least 90% of said pemetrexed concentration after storage at a temperature of 2° C. to 8° C. for at least 12 months.

42. A liquid pharmaceutical composition consisting of: pemetrexed at a concentration of about 20 mg/mL to about 30 mg/mL; propylene glycol at about 50 mg/mL; an antioxidant; water; and optionally HCl, wherein the pH of the composition is from about 7.4 to about 7.6 and wherein the composition comprises at least 90% of said pemetrexed concentration after storage at a temperature of 2° C. to 8° C. for at least 12 months.

43. A method of treating pleural mesothelioma or non-squamous, non-small cell lung cancer in a patient in need thereof comprising: providing the liquid pharmaceutical composition of claim 31; diluting the liquid pharmaceutical composition with a pharmaceutically acceptable diluent to form a diluted liquid composition having a diluted pemetrexed concentration; and intravenously administering the diluted liquid composition to the patient.

44. The method of claim 43, wherein the pharmaceutically acceptable diluent is selected from the group consisting of saline, water for injection, 5% dextrose in water, Ringer's Injection, and Lactated Ringer's Injection.

45. The method of claim 43, wherein the diluent is saline.

46. The method of claim 43, wherein the diluted liquid composition comprises at least 90% of said diluted pemetrexed concentration after storage at a temperature of 2° C. to 8° C. for at least 12 hours.

47. The method of claim 43, wherein the diluted liquid composition comprises at least 90% of said diluted pemetrexed concentration after storage at a temperature of 2° C. to 8° C. for at least 24 hours.

48. The method of claim 43, wherein the diluted liquid composition comprises at least 90% of said diluted pemetrexed concentration after storage at a temperature of 2° C. to 8° C. for at least 48 hours.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0129] FIGS. 1A-1D: Depicts the effect of propylene glycol (PG) on the stability of certain pemetrexed formulations.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0130] Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as is commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. In the event that there is a plurality of definitions for a term used herein, those definitions in this section prevail unless stated otherwise.

[0131] As used herein “single largest impurity” refers to the impurity with the largest HPLC peak by percentage.

[0132] As used herein “initial dosage concentration of pemetrexed” refers the concentration of pemetrexed at the time of dilution, prior to storage.

[0133] As used herein “initial pemetrexed concentration” refers to the concentration of pemetrexed at the time of formulation, prior to dilution and/or storage.

[0134] As used herein “room temperature” is about 20° C. to about 25° C.

[0135] Pemetrexed or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof is present in the compositions of the present invention at concentrations of between about 10 mg/mL to about 50 mg/mL when calculated as anhydrous pemetrexed diacid. In certain embodiments of the invention, pemetrexed is present at about 10 mg/mL to about 40 mg/mL, at about 10 mg/mL to about 30 mg/mL, at about 10 mg/mL to about 20 mg/mL, at about 20 mg/mL to about 50 mg/mL, at about 20 mg/mL to about 40 mg/mL, at about 20 mg/mL to about 30 mg/mL, at about 30 mg/mL to about 50 mg/mL, at about 30 mg/mL to about 40 mg/mL, or at about 40 mg/mL to about 50 mg/mL. In further embodiments of the invention, pemetrexed is available at about 10 mg/mL, about 15 mg/mL, 20 mg/mL, about 25 mg/mL, about 30 mg/mL, about 35 mg/mL, about 40 mg/mL, about 45 mg/mL, or at about 50 mg/mL.

[0136] Pemetrexed is present in the composition as the diacid, monoacid, a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, or as combinations thereof. In certain embodiments of the invention, pemetrexed is present as pemetrexed disodium, in further embodiments of the invention, pemetrexed is present as pemetrexed dipotassium. In yet further embodiments of the invention, pemetrexed is present as pemetrexed meglumine. In still further embodiments of the invention, pemetrexed is present as pemetrexed tromethamine.

[0137] Non-Aqueous Solvents

[0138] Suitable non-aqueous solvents include, but are not limited to alcohols, ketones, esters, ethers, aromatic hydrocarbons, nitriles, aprotic polar solvents, acidic solvents, and mixtures of any two or more thereof. Useful alcohols include, for example, methanol, ethanol, denatured spirits, n-propanol, isopropanol, n-butanol, isobutanol, t-butanol, polyhydroxy alcohols example glycerin, propylene glycol, polyethylene glycol, diethylene glycol, diglycerin, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, trimethylolpropane and the like. Useful ketones include propanone, 2-butanone, and the like. Useful esters include, for example, ethyl acetate, n-propyl acetate, isopropyl acetate, n-butyl acetate, t-butyl acetate, and the like. Useful ethers include, for example, dimethyl ether, diethyl ether, methyl t-butyl ether, ethyl methyl ether, diisopropyl ether, and the like. Useful aromatic hydrocarbons include, for example, and the like. Useful nitriles include acetonitrile, propionitrile, and the like. Useful aprotic polar solvents include N,N-dimethylformide (DMF), dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO), N,N-dimethylacetamide (DMA), and the like.

[0139] In certain embodiments of the invention, the non-aqueous solvent is an alcohol. In further embodiments of the invention, the non-aqueous solvent is a polyhydroxy alcohol. In still further embodiments of the invention, the non-aqueous solvent is propylene glycol. In yet further embodiments of the invention, the non-aqueous solvent is polyethylene glycol. In particular embodiments of the invention, the non-aqueous solvent is low molecular weight polyethylene glycol. In other embodiments of the invention, the non-aqueous solvent is selected from the group consisting of polyethylene glycol 200, polyethylene glycol 300, polyethylene glycol 400, or combinations thereof. In certain embodiments of the invention, more than one non-aqueous solvent is present, such as, but not limited to polyethylene glycol and propylene glycol.

[0140] In certain embodiments of the invention, the non-aqueous solvent is present at a concentration of about 50 mg/mL to 300 mg/mL prior to dilution. In further embodiments of the invention, the non-aqueous solvent is present at about 50 mg/mL to 100 mg/mL, 50 mg/mL to 200 mg/mL, 50 mg/mL to 250 mg/mL, 50 mg/mL to 300 mg/mL, 100 mg/mL to 200 mg/mL, 100 mg/mL to 250 mg/mL, 100 mg/mL to 300 mg/mL, 200 mg/mL to 250 mg/mL, 200 mg/mL to 300 mg/mL, or 250 mg/mL to 300 mg/mL prior to dilution.

[0141] In particular embodiments, the non-aqueous solvent is present at a concentration of no more than 30 weight percent (wt. %) of the formulation prior to dilution. In further embodiments, the non-aqueous solvent is present at a concentration of at least 5 weight percent (wt. %) of the formulation prior to dilution. In certain embodiments of the invention the non-aqueous solvent is present at 5-30 weight percent (wt. %) of the formulation prior to dilution. In particular embodiments of the invention the non-aqueous solvent is present at about 10-30 wt. %, 15-30 wt. %, 20-30 wt. %, 25-30 wt. %, 5-28%, 10-28 wt. %, 15-28 wt. %, 20-28 wt. %, 25-28 wt. %, 5-25%, 10-25 wt. %, 15-25 wt. %, 20-25 wt. %, 25-28 wt. %, 5-20%, 10-20 wt. %, 15-20 wt. %, 5-15%, 10-15 wt. %, or 5-10 wt % prior to dilution.

[0142] In particular embodiments, the non-aqueous solvent is present at a concentration of no more than 300 μL/mL prior to dilution. In further embodiments, the non-aqueous solvent is present at a concentration of at least 50 μL/mL prior to dilution. In certain embodiments of the invention, the non-aqueous solvent is present at a concentration of about 50 μL/mL to 300 μL/mL. In further embodiments of the invention, the non-aqueous solvent is present at about 50 μL/mL to 100 μL/mL, 50 μL/mL to 200 μL/mL, 50 μL/mL to 250 μL/mL, 50 μL/mL to 275 μL/mL, 50 μL/mL to 300 μL/mL, 100 μL/mL to 200 μL/mL, 100 μL/mL to 250 μL/mL, 100 μL/mL to 275 μL/mL, 100 μL/mL to 300 μL/mL, 200 μL/mL to 250 μL/mL, 200 μL/mL to 300 μL/mL, or 250 μL/mL to 300 μL/mL prior to dilution.

[0143] In certain embodiments, water is present at a concentration of at least about 500 μL/mL prior to dilution. In other embodiments of the invention, water is present at a concentration of at least about 600 μL/mL, 750 μL/mL, or 950 μL/mL prior to dilution. In further embodiments of the invention, water is present at a concentration of about 500 μL/mL to 950 μL/mL prior to dilution. In still further embodiments of the invention, water is present at about 500 μL/mL to 800 μL/mL, 500 μL/mL to 700 μL/mL, 500 μL/mL to 600 μL/mL, 600 μL/mL to 750 μL/mL, 600μL/mL to 800 μL/mL, 600 μL/mL to 950 μL/mL, 700 μL/mL to 800 μL/mL, 700 μL/mL to 950 μL/mL, or 750 μL/mL to 950 μL/mL prior to dilution.

[0144] In particular embodiments, water is present at a concentration of at least about 50 wt. % of the formulation prior to dilution. In further embodiments, water is present at a concentration of at least about 60 wt. %, 75 w t %, or 95 wt. % prior to dilution. In certain embodiments of the invention water is present at a concentration of at least about 50-95 wt. % prior to dilution. of the invention water is present at a concentration of at least about 50-60 wt. %, 50-70 wt. %, 50-80 wt. %, 60-70 wt. %, 60-80 wt. %, 60-95 wt. %, 70-80 wt. %, or 70-95 wt. % prior to dilution

[0145] In certain embodiments of the invention the formulation is substantially free of anti-oxidants and/or amino acids. In particular embodiments of the invention, the formulation is substantially free of anti-oxidants. In further embodiments of the invention, the formulation is substantially free of chelating agents. As used herein, substantially free of anti-oxidants, amino acids, and/or chelating agents means the formulation does not comprise one or more anti-oxidants, amino acids, and/or chelating agents, at a concentration sufficient to have a stabilizing effect.

[0146] In particular embodiments, the formulation is substantially free of additives selected from the group consisting of ascorbic acid and derivatives, tocopherols and derivatives, propyl gallate, thioglycerol, lactobionic acid, methionine, tertiary butylhydroquinone (TBHQ), butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA), butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT), sodium formaldehyde sulfoxylate, sodium hydrogen sulfite, Eethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) and derivatives, monoethanolamine gentisate, glutathione, propionic acid, acetone sodium bisulfate, sodium dithionite, citric acid and derivatives, tribasic (tri sodium citrate dihydrate), or suitable mixtures thereof. As used herein, substantially free means the formulation does not comprise one or more additives listed above at a concentration sufficient to have a stabilizing effect.

[0147] In particular embodiments of the invention, the formulation comprises tromethamine. In certain embodiments of the invention, the formulation comprises about 12 to 24 mg/mL tromethamine. In further embodiments of the invention, the formulation comprises about 12 to 14 mg/mL tromethamine, about 12 to 16 mg/mL tromethamine, about 14 to 16 mg/mL tromethamine, about 14 to 18 mg/mL tromethamine, about 16 to 18 mg/mL tromethamine, about 16 to 20 mg/mL tromethamine, about 17 to 19 mg/mL tromethamine, about 17 to 21 mg/mL tromethamine, about 18 to 20 mg/mL tromethamine, about 18 to 22 mg/mL tromethamine, about 20 to 22 mg/mL tromethamine, about 20 to 24 mg/mL tromethamine, or about 22 to 24 mg/mL tromethamine. In yet further embodiments of the invention, the formulation comprises about 18 mg/mL tromethamine.

[0148] In certain embodiments of the invention, the formulation is not substantially degraded after storage at room temperature for at least about 6 months. In particular embodiments of the invention, the formulation is not substantially degraded after storage at room temperature for at least about 1 year. In further embodiments of the invention, the formulation is not substantially degraded after storage at room temperature for at least about 18 months. In still further embodiments of the invention, the formulation is not substantially degraded after storage at room temperature for at least about 2 years.

[0149] In further embodiments of the invention, the formulation is not substantially degraded after storage at 2-8° C. for at least about 6 months. In certain embodiments of the invention, the formulation is not substantially degraded after storage at 2-8° C. for at least about 1 year. In further embodiments of the invention, the formulation is not substantially degraded after storage at 2-8° C. for at least about 18 months. In still further embodiments of the invention, the formulation is not substantially degraded after storage at 2-8° C. for at least about 2 years.

[0150] In other embodiments of the invention, the formulation comprises no more than about 10% w/w impurities, no more than about 8% w/w impurities, no more than about 6% w/w impurities, no more than about 5% w/w impurities, no more than about 4% w/w impurities, no more than about 3.5% w/w impurities, no more than about 3% w/w impurities, no more than about 2.5% w/w impurities, no more than about 2% w/w impurities, no more than about 1.5% w/w impurities, no more than about 1% w/w impurities, no more than about 0.5% w/w impurities, no more than about 0.2% w/w impurities, no more than about 0.1% w/w impurities, after storage at room temperature for at least about 6 months, about 12 months, about 18, months, or about 24 months.

[0151] In further embodiments of the invention, the formulation comprises no more than about 10% w/w impurities, no more than about 8% w/w impurities, no more than about 6% w/w impurities, no more than about 5% w/w impurities, no more than about 4% w/w impurities, no more than about 3.5% w/w impurities, no more than about 3% w/w impurities, no more than about 2.5% w/w impurities, no more than about 2% w/w impurities, no more than about 1.5% w/w impurities, no more than about 1% w/w impurities, no more than about 0.5% w/w impurities, no more than about 0.2% w/w impurities, no more than about 0.1% w/w impurities, after storage at 2-8° C. for at least about 6 months, about 12 months, about 18, months, or about 24 months.

[0152] In still further embodiments of the invention, the formulation comprises no more than about 10% w/w of the single largest impurity, no more than about 8% w/w of the single largest impurity, no more than about 6% w/w of the single largest impurity, no more than about 5% w/w of the single largest impurity, no more than about 4% w/w of the single largest impurity, no more than about 3.5% w/w of the single largest impurity, no more than about 3% w/w of the single largest impurity, no more than about 2.5% w/w of the single largest impurity, no more than about 2% w/w of the single largest impurity, no more than about 1.5% w/w of the single largest impurity, no more than about 1% w/w of the single largest impurity, no more than about 0.5% w/w of the single largest impurity, no more than about 0.2% w/w of the single largest impurity, no more than about 0.1% w/w of the single largest impurity, after storage at room temperature for at least about 6 months, about 12 months, about 18, months, or about 24 months.

[0153] In yet further embodiments of the invention, the formulation comprises no more than about 10% w/w of the single largest impurity, no more than about 8% w/w of the single largest impurity, no more than about 6% w/w of the single largest impurity, no more than about 5% w/w of the single largest impurity, no more than about 4% w/w of the single largest impurity, no more than about 3.5% w/w of the single largest impurity, no more than about 3% w/w of the single largest impurity, no more than about 2.5% w/w of the single largest impurity, no more than about 2% w/w of the single largest impurity, no more than about 1.5% w/w of the single largest impurity, no more than about 1% w/w of the single largest impurity, no more than about 0.5% w/w of the single largest impurity, no more than about 0.2% w/w of the single largest impurity, no more than about 0.1% w/w of the single largest impurity, after storage at 2-8° C. for at least about 6 months, about 12 months, about 18, months, or about 24 months.

[0154] In particular embodiments of the invention, the formulation retains at least about 85% of its initial pemetrexed concentration, at least about 90% of its initial pemetrexed concentration, the formulation retains at least about 92% of its initial pemetrexed concentration, at least about 95% of its initial pemetrexed concentration, the formulation retains at least about 97% of its initial pemetrexed concentration, at least about 98% of its initial pemetrexed concentration, at least about 99% of its initial pemetrexed concentration, at least about 99.5% of its initial pemetrexed concentration, after storage at room temperature for at least about 6 months, about 12 months, about 18, months, or about 24 months.

[0155] In further embodiments of the invention, the formulation retains at least about 85% of its initial pemetrexed concentration, at least about 90% of its initial pemetrexed concentration, the formulation retains at least about 92% of its initial pemetrexed concentration, at least about 95% of its initial pemetrexed concentration, the formulation retains at least about 97% of its initial pemetrexed concentration, at least about 98% of its initial pemetrexed concentration, at least about 99% of its initial pemetrexed concentration, at least about 99.5% of its initial pemetrexed concentration, after storage at 2-8° C. for at least about 6 months, about 12 months, about 18, months, or about 24 months.

[0156] In certain embodiments of the invention, the formulation is further diluted in a pharmaceutically acceptable diluent. Suitable diluents include, but are not limited to saline, dextrose, water, Ringer's Injection, and Lactated Ringer's Injection. In certain embodiments of the invention, the formulation can be diluted in a calcium containing diluent, such as Ringer's Injection or Lactated Ringer's Injection.

[0157] In particular embodiments of the invention, the formulation is diluted in a pharmaceutically acceptable diluent to a suitable initial dosage concentration of pemetrexed. In certain embodiments of the invention the initial dosage concentration of pemetrexed is based on various factors, such as, but not limited to the patient's weight, age, and condition as well as the volume of diluent and can be determined by a practitioner or one of skill in the art. In further embodiments, pemetrexed is diluted to an initial dosage concentration and can be further diluted prior to administration.

[0158] In other embodiments of the invention, the formulation retains at least about 85% of its initial dosage concentration of pemetrexed, at least about 90% of its initial dosage concentration of pemetrexed, at least about 92% of its initial dosage concentration of pemetrexed, at least about 95% of its initial dosage concentration of pemetrexed, at least about 97% of its initial dosage concentration of pemetrexed, at least about 98% of its initial dosage concentration of pemetrexed, at least about 99% of its initial dosage concentration of pemetrexed, at least about 99.5% of its initial dosage concentration of pemetrexed, after dilution and storage at about 2° C. to about 8° C. for at least about 12 hours.

[0159] In still other embodiments of the invention, the formulation retains at least about 85% of its initial dosage concentration of pemetrexed, at least about 90% of its initial dosage concentration of pemetrexed, at least about 92% of its initial dosage concentration of pemetrexed, at least about 95% of its initial dosage concentration of pemetrexed, at least about 97% of its initial dosage concentration of pemetrexed, at least about 98% of its initial dosage concentration of pemetrexed, at least about 99% of its initial dosage concentration of pemetrexed, at least about 99.5% of its initial dosage concentration of pemetrexed, after dilution and storage at about 2° C. to about 8° C. for at least about 24 hours.

[0160] In yet other embodiments of the invention, the formulation retains at least about 85% of its initial dosage concentration of pemetrexed, at least about 90% of its initial dosage concentration of pemetrexed, at least about 92% of its initial dosage concentration of pemetrexed, at least about 95% of its initial dosage concentration of pemetrexed, at least about 97% of its initial dosage concentration of pemetrexed, at least about 98% of its initial dosage concentration of pemetrexed, at least about 99% of its initial dosage concentration of pemetrexed, at least about 99.5% of its initial dosage concentration of pemetrexed, after dilution and storage at about 2° C. to about 8° C. for at least about 48 hours.

[0161] In further embodiments of the invention, the formulation comprises no more than about 10% w/w impurities, no more than about 8% w/w impurities, no more than about 6% w/w impurities, no more than about 5% w/w impurities, no more than about 4% w/w impurities, no more than about 3.5% w/w impurities, no more than about 3% w/w impurities, no more than about 2.5% w/w impurities, no more than about 2% w/w impurities, no more than about 1.5% w/w impurities, no more than about 1% w/w impurities, no more than about 0.5% w/w impurities, no more than about 0.2% w/w impurities, no more than about 0.1% w/w impurities, after dilution and storage at about 2° C. to about 8° C. for at least about 12 hours.

[0162] In other embodiments of the invention, the formulation comprises no more than about 10% w/w impurities, no more than about 8% w/w impurities, no more than about 6% w/w impurities, no more than about 5% w/w impurities, no more than about 4% w/w impurities, no more than about 3.5% w/w impurities, no more than about 3% w/w impurities, no more than about 2.5% w/w impurities, no more than about 2% w/w impurities, no more than about 1.5% w/w impurities, no more than about 1% w/w impurities, no more than about 0.5% w/w impurities, no more than about 0.2% w/w impurities, no more than about 0.1% w/w impurities, after dilution and storage at about 2° C. to about 8° C. for at least about 24 hours.

[0163] In yet other embodiments of the invention, the formulation comprises no more than about 10% w/w impurities, no more than about 8% w/w impurities, no more than about 6% w/w impurities, no more than about 5% w/w impurities, no more than about 4% w/w impurities, no more than about 3.5% w/w impurities, no more than about 3% w/w impurities, no more than about 2.5% w/w impurities, no more than about 2% w/w impurities, no more than about 1.5% w/w impurities, no more than about 1% w/w impurities, no more than about 0.5% w/w impurities, no more than about 0.2% w/w impurities, no more than about 0.1% w/w impurities, after dilution and storage at about 2° C. to about 8° C. for at least about 48 hours.

[0164] In still other embodiments of the invention, the formulation comprises no more than about 10% w/w of the single largest impurity, no more than about 8% w/w of the single largest impurity, no more than about 6% w/w of the single largest impurity, no more than about 5% w/w of the single largest impurity, no more than about 4% w/w of the single largest impurity, no more than about 3.5% w/w of the single largest impurity, no more than about 3% w/w of the single largest impurity, no more than about 2.5% w/w of the single largest impurity, no more than about 2% w/w of the single largest impurity, no more than about 1.5% w/w of the single largest impurity, no more than about 1% w/w of the single largest impurity, no more than about 0.5% w/w of the single largest impurity, no more than about 0.2% w/w of the single largest impurity, no more than about 0.1% w/w of the single largest impurity, after dilution and storage at about 2° C. to about 8° C. for at least about 12 hours.

[0165] In further embodiments of the invention, the formulation comprises no more than about 10% w/w of the single largest impurity, no more than about 8% w/w of the single largest impurity, no more than about 6% w/w of the single largest impurity, no more than about 5% w/w of the single largest impurity, no more than about 4% w/w of the single largest impurity, no more than about 3.5% w/w of the single largest impurity, no more than about 3% w/w of the single largest impurity, no more than about 2.5% w/w of the single largest impurity, no more than about 2% w/w of the single largest impurity, no more than about 1.5% w/w of the single largest impurity, no more than about 1% w/w of the single largest impurity, no more than about 0.5% w/w of the single largest impurity, no more than about 0.2% w/w of the single largest impurity, no more than about 0.1% w/w of the single largest impurity, after dilution and storage at about 2° C. to about 8° C. for at least about 24 hours.

[0166] In still further embodiments of the invention, the formulation comprises no more than about 10% w/w of the single largest impurity, no more than about 8% w/w of the single largest impurity, no more than about 6% w/w of the single largest impurity, no more than about 5% w/w of the single largest impurity, no more than about 4% w/w of the single largest impurity, no more than about 3.5% w/w of the single largest impurity, no more than about 3% w/w of the single largest impurity, no more than about 2.5% w/w of the single largest impurity, no more than about 2% w/w of the single largest impurity, no more than about 1.5% w/w of the single largest impurity, no more than about 1% w/w of the single largest impurity, no more than about 0.5% w/w of the single largest impurity, no more than about 0.2% w/w of the single largest impurity, no more than about 0.1% w/w of the single largest impurity, after dilution and storage at about 2° C. to about 8° C. for at least about 48 hours.

[0167] In other embodiments of the invention, the formulation retains at least about 85% of its initial dosage concentration of pemetrexed, at least about 90% of its initial dosage concentration of pemetrexed, at least about 92% of its initial dosage concentration of pemetrexed, at least about 95% of its dosage concentration of pemetrexed, at least about 97% of its dosage concentration of pemetrexed, at least about 98% of its dosage concentration of pemetrexed, at least about 99% of its dosage concentration of pemetrexed, at least about 99.5% of its dosage concentration of pemetrexed, after dilution and storage at room temperature for at least about 12 hours.

[0168] In still other embodiments of the invention, the formulation retains at least about 85% of its initial dosage concentration of pemetrexed, at least about 90% of its initial dosage concentration of pemetrexed, at least about 92% of its initial dosage concentration of pemetrexed, at least about 95% of its dosage concentration of pemetrexed, at least about 97% of its dosage concentration of pemetrexed, at least about 98% of its dosage concentration of pemetrexed, at least about 99% of its dosage concentration of pemetrexed, at least about 99.5% of its dosage concentration of pemetrexed, after dilution and storage at room temperature for at least about 24 hours.

[0169] In yet other embodiments of the invention, the formulation retains at least about 85% of its initial dosage concentration of pemetrexed, at least about 90% of its initial dosage concentration of pemetrexed, at least about 92% of its initial dosage concentration of pemetrexed, at least about 95% of its initial pemetrexed concentration, the formulation retains at least about 97% of its initial pemetrexed concentration, at least about 98% of its initial pemetrexed concentration, at least about 99% of its initial pemetrexed concentration, at least about 99.5% of its initial pemetrexed concentration, after dilution and storage at about room temperature for at least about 48 hours.

[0170] In further embodiments of the invention, the formulation comprises no more than about 10% w/w impurities, no more than about 8% w/w impurities, no more than about 6% w/w impurities, no more than about 5% w/w impurities, no more than about 4% w/w impurities, no more than about 3.5% w/w impurities, no more than about 3% w/w impurities, no more than about 2.5% w/w impurities, no more than about 2% w/w impurities, no more than about 1.5% w/w impurities, no more than about 1% w/w impurities, no more than about 0.5% w/w impurities, no more than about 0.2% w/w impurities, no more than about 0.1% w/w impurities, after dilution and storage at room temperature for at least about 12 hours.

[0171] In other embodiments of the invention, the formulation comprises no more than about 10% w/w impurities, no more than about 8% w/w impurities, no more than about 6% w/w impurities, no more than about 5% w/w impurities, no more than about 4% w/w impurities, no more than about 3.5% w/w impurities, no more than about 3% w/w impurities, no more than about 2.5% w/w impurities, no more than about 2% w/w impurities, no more than about 1.5% w/w impurities, no more than about 1% w/w impurities, no more than about 0.5% w/w impurities, no more than about 0.2% w/w impurities, no more than about 0.1% w/w impurities, after dilution and storage at room temperature for at least about 24 hours.

[0172] In yet other embodiments of the invention, the formulation comprises no more than about 10% w/w impurities, no more than about 8% w/w impurities, no more than about 6% w/w impurities, no more than about 5% w/w impurities, no more than about 4% w/w impurities, no more than about 3.5% w/w impurities, no more than about 3% w/w impurities, no more than about 2.5% w/w impurities, no more than about 2% w/w impurities, no more than about 1.5% w/w impurities, no more than about 1% w/w impurities, no more than about 0.5% w/w impurities, no more than about 0.2% w/w impurities, no more than about 0.1% w/w impurities, after dilution and storage at room temperature for at least about 48 hours.

[0173] In further embodiments of the invention, the formulation comprises no more than about 10% w/w of the single largest impurity, no more than about 8% w/w of the single largest impurity, no more than about 6% w/w of the single largest impurity, no more than about 5% w/w of the single largest impurity, no more than about 4% w/w of the single largest impurity, no more than about 3.5% w/w of the single largest impurity, no more than about 3% w/w of the single largest impurity, no more than about 2.5% w/w of the single largest impurity, no more than about 2% w/w of the single largest impurity, no more than about 1.5% w/w of the single largest impurity, no more than about 1% w/w of the single largest impurity, no more than about 0.5% w/w of the single largest impurity, no more than about 0.2% w/w of the single largest impurity, no more than about 0.1% w/w of the single largest impurity, after dilution and storage at room temperature for at least about 12 hours.

[0174] In yet further embodiments of the invention, the formulation comprises no more than about 10% w/w of the single largest impurity, no more than about 8% w/w of the single largest impurity, no more than about 6% w/w of the single largest impurity, no more than about 5% w/w of the single largest impurity, no more than about 4% w/w of the single largest impurity, no more than about 3.5% w/w of the single largest impurity, no more than about 3% w/w of the single largest impurity, no more than about 2.5% w/w of the single largest impurity, no more than about 2% w/w of the single largest impurity, no more than about 1.5% w/w of the single largest impurity, no more than about 1% w/w of the single largest impurity, no more than about 0.5% w/w of the single largest impurity, no more than about 0.2% w/w of the single largest impurity, no more than about 0.1% w/w of the single largest impurity, after dilution and storage at room temperature for at least about 24 hours.

[0175] In still further embodiments of the invention, the formulation comprises no more than about 10% w/w of the single largest impurity, no more than about 8% w/w of the single largest impurity, no more than about 6% w/w of the single largest impurity, no more than about 5% w/w of the single largest impurity, no more than about 4% w/w of the single largest impurity, no more than about 3.5% w/w of the single largest impurity, no more than about 3% w/w of the single largest impurity, no more than about 2.5% w/w of the single largest impurity, no more than about 2% w/w of the single largest impurity, no more than about 1.5% w/w of the single largest impurity, no more than about 1% w/w of the single largest impurity, no more than about 0.5% w/w of the single largest impurity, no more than about 0.2% w/w of the single largest impurity, no more than about 0.1% w/w of the single largest impurity, after dilution and storage at a room temperature for at least about 48 hours.

[0176] In particular embodiments of the invention the formulation is in a vial with a headspace oxygen concentration of less than about 20 v/v %, 18 v/v %, 16 v/v %, 14 v/v %, 12 v/v %, 10 v/v %, 8 v/v %, 6 v/v %, 5 v/v %, 4 v/v %, 3 v/v %, 2 v/v %, or 1 v/v % oxygen.

[0177] In certain embodiments of the invention, the formulation is in a single-dose vial. In further embodiments of the invention, the formulation is in a multi-dose vial. In yet further embodiments of the invention, the formulation is in a multi-dose vial intended for use by the same patient. In still further embodiments of the invention, the formulation is in a multi-dose vial intended for use by different patients.

[0178] In another embodiment, the invention relates to a method of administering pemetrexed to a patient in need thereof comprising administering an effective amount of a formulation as described herein. In a further embodiment, the invention relates to a method of administering pemetrexed to a patient in need thereof comprising administering an effective amount of a formulation comprising pemetrexed and a non-aqueous solvent present at less than 30 wt %. In a further embodiment, the invention relates to a method of administering pemetrexed to a patient in need thereof comprising administering an effective amount of a formulation comprising pemetrexed and propylene glycol wherein the propylene glycol is present at 5-30 wt %.

EXAMPLES

Example 1: Effect of Non Aqueous Solvents on Pemetrexed Stability

[0179] Formulations as described in Table 1 were prepared as follows:

[0180] Water for Injection, a suitable base solution (0.1-1 N NaOH or KOH), and citric acid, if present, were combined and mixed to yield a visually uniform mixture. Pemetrexed diacid was incrementally added to the mixture under continuous agitation, and the resulting homogenous suspension was agitated until all solids were completely dissolved. The pH of the solution was adjusted to about 7.4-7.6. Propylene glycol, if present, was then added to the pemetrexed solution, and the mixture was agitated until a visually uniform mixture was obtained. The pH of the solution was adjusted to 7.4-7.6.

TABLE-US-00001 B C F I Pemetrexed 25 25 25 25 (diacid) (mg/mL) Citric Acid• 13.2 13.2 — — H.sub.2O(mg/mL) Propylene 250 — — 250 Glycol(μL/mL) NaOH qs to qs to qs to qs to pH 7.5 pH 7.5 pH 7.5 pH 7.5 Hydrochloric Acid qs to qs to qs to qs to pH 7.5 pH 7.5 pH 7.5 pH 7.5 WFI qs qs qs qs

[0181] The stability of Formulations B, C, F, and I was tested under accelerated conditions at 60° C. and 40° C./75% RH over the course of several days. Samples were taken at various time points and diluted with HPLC diluents (60:40 (v/v, Water:ACN)) prior to testing. Impurities were measured by HPLC.

[0182] The results are shown in Tables 2A-2D and FIGS. 1A-1D.

TABLE-US-00002 TABLE 2A Single Largest Impurity (% w/w) after storage at 60° C. B C F 1 Initial 0.09 0.15 0.10 0.07 1 day 0.61 1.26 1.00 0.56 2 day 1.16 2.56 1.97 1.04 3 day 1.68 4.01 2.91 1.50

TABLE-US-00003 TABLE 2B Total Impurities (% w/w) after storage at 60° C. Total Impurity B C F I Initial 0.69 0.92 0.74 0.70 1 day 1.50 2.35 2.02 1.39 2 day 2.20 3.93 3.31 2.04 3 day 2.86 5.63 4.54 2.65

TABLE-US-00004 TABLE 2C Single Largest Impurity (% w/w) after storage at 40° C./75% RH RRT 0.87 B C F I Initial 0.09 0.15 0.10 0.07 2 days 1.70 6.36 3.36 1.33 4 days 3.29 13.44 9.24 2.35

TABLE-US-00005 TABLE 2D Total Impurities after (% w/w) storage at 40° C./75% RH Total Impurity B C F I Initial 0.69 0.92 0.74 0.70 2 days 3.63 11.75 7.28 2.75 4 days 6.05 20.94 16.71 4.31

[0183] The long term stability, real-time, and projected, of formulations B, I, and K (See Table 4, prepared as described above) were also measured. Results are shown in Table 3

TABLE-US-00006 TABLE 3 Long Term Stability of Pemetrexed Formulations B, I, and K Single Projected Projected Storage Largest Total TI in SLI in Head at 2-8 C. Impurity Impurities 24M 24M Assay space (Months) (% w/w) (% w/w) (% w/w) (% w/w) (% LC) pH oxygen Formulation B 15 0.57 4.70 7.52 0.91 93.6 7.59 18.1 Formulation I 15 0.31 1.70 2.72 0.50 97.8 7.50 20.9 Formulation K 14 0.42 2.96 5.07 0.72 95.2 7.47 19.6

TABLE-US-00007 TABLE 4 Pemetrexed Formulation K Ingredient /mL Pemetrexed diacid 25.0 mg Propylene Glycol  250 μL Tromethamine qs to pH 7.4-7.6 Hydrochloric Acid qs to pH 7.4-7.6 Water for Injection qs to 1 mL

Example 2: Stability of Pemetrexed Formulation K after Dilution

[0184] The stability of pemetrexed for up to 48 hours after dilution of Formulation K was evaluated. Normal saline, water for injection and 5% dextrose in water, Ringer's Injection, and Lactated Ringer's Injection were purchased directly and used as is. The pH of each diluent was tested and recorded in Table 6.

TABLE-US-00008 TABLE 6 pH of diluents Diluent pH Normal Saline (NS) 6.8 Water for Injection (WFI) 7.01 Ringer’s Injection (LR) 6.6 Lactated Ringer’s Injection (LRS) 6.5 5% Dextrose in Water (D5W) 7.5

[0185] Formulation K (25 mg/mL) was diluted to 0.15, 1.5, and 15 mg/mL in the diluents listed above. The mixtures were stored at 2-8° C. and tested at 12, 24, and 48 hours for appearance, assay, impurities, and pH. A sample was taken immediately after dilution for the time zero sample. The 0.15 mg/mL samples were analyzed as is without further dilution, while the 1.5 mg/mL and 15 mg/mL samples were diluted with HPLC diluents (60:40 (v/v, Water:ACN)) prior to testing. Results are in Tables 6 & 7 (each Table represents separate studies).

TABLE-US-00009 TABLE 6 Stability of Formulation K after dilution in Normal Saline or Water for Injection Theoretical *Percentage of Total Pemetrexed cone Assay Theoretical Impurity Diluents Time (hrs) (mg/mL) (mg/g) Pemetrexed % pH (% w/w) Bulk — 25.0 24.80 99.2 7.50 0.16 Solution NS 0 0.15 100.00 7.45 0.08 24 0.15 0.15 100.00 7.50 0.10 48 0.15 100.00 7.43 0.19 0 1.5 1.52 101.54 7.40 0.12 24 1.51 100.87 7.52 0.17 48 1.50 100.20 7.52 0.16 0 15 14.55 98.84 7.47 0.08 24 14.61 99.25 7.54 0.19 48 14.71 99.93 7.58 0.17 WFI 0 0.15 0.15 100.00 7.42 0.07 24 0.15 100.00 7.53 0.04 48 0.15 100.00 7.56 0.07 0 1.5 1.50 100.20 7.30 0.14 24 1.50 100.20 7.47 0.17 48 1.51 100.87 7.50 0.16 0 14.60 99.18 7.52 0.14 24 15 14.40 97.82 7.58 0.16 48 14.70 99.86 7.59 0.11

TABLE-US-00010 TABLE 7 Stability of Formulation K after dilution in Ringer’s Injection, Lactated Ringer’s Injection, or 5% Dextrose Theoretical *Percentage of Time Pemetrexed cone Assay Theoretical Total Diluents (hrs) (mg/mL) (% LC) Pemetrexed % pH Impurity Bulk — 25.0 97.6 NA 7.37 0.35 solution RS 0 0.15 95.4 97.8 7.23 0.41 12 95.8 98.2 7.62 0.40 24 95.3 97.6 7.57 0.42 48 95.4 97.8 7.72 0.44 0 1.5 95.8 98.2 7.45 0.31 12 96.2 98.6 7.53 0.34 24 95.1 97.4 7.46 0.36 48 95.4 97.7 7.53 0.34 0 15 97.8 100.2 7.47 0.35 12 98.3 100.7 7.55 0.35 24 97.4 99.7 7.39 0.36 48 95.6 98.0 7.53 0.33 LRS 0 0.15 98.5 100.9 7.54 0.47 12 98.9 101.3 7.45 0.55 24 98.5 100.9 7.24 0.48 48 98.8 101.2 7.68 0.45 0 1.5 98.4 100.8 7.59 0.32 12 98.1 100.5 7.49 0.33 24 97.4 99.8 7.33 0.34 48 98.2 100.6 7.58 0.35 0 15 97.8 100.2 7.41 0.33 12 98.3 100.7 7.58 0.32 24 98.2 100.6 7.36 0.34 48 98.7 101.1 7.46 0.33 D5W 0 0.15 97.8 100.2 7.50 0.40 12 97.9 100.3 7.37 0.46 24 97.7 100.1 7.34 0.58 48 97.9 100.3 7.57 0.52 0 1.5 97.0 99.4 7.39 0.31 12 96.6 99.0 7.62 0.33 24 97.5 99.9 7.30 0.40 48 97.2 99.6 7.53 0.39 0 15 97.7 100.1 7.47 0.31 12 98.0 100.3 7.61 0.34 24 97.9 100.3 7.40 0.32 48 98.0 100.4 7.59 0.34

[0186] The foregoing detailed description has been given for clearness of understanding only and no unnecessary limitations should be understood there from as modifications will be obvious to those skilled in the art.

[0187] While the invention has been described in connection with specific embodiments thereof, it will be understood that it is capable of further modifications and this application is intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of the invention following, in general, the principles of the invention and including such departures from the present disclosure as come within known or customary practice within the art to which the invention pertains and as may be applied to the essential features hereinbefore set forth and as follows in the scope of the appended claims.

[0188] The disclosures, including the claims, figures and/or drawings, of each and every patent, patent application, and publication cited herein are hereby incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.