Composition Of A Ceramic Matrix With A Controlled Release Drug, A Tablet Obtained From The Composition And Methods For Obtaining The Composition And The Tablet

Abstract

A composition of a ceramic matrix is defined by pseudoboehmite nanoparticles and is constructed for carrying and releasing medications in a controlled manner, in the treatment of human beings and animals presenting an organic deficiency which requires the application of said medications. A method for preparing said composition, in the form of a ceramic matrix, and also a method of incorporating the drug acyclovir to said ceramic matrix, forms a tablet.

Claims

1-3. (canceled)

4. A method for preparing pseudoboehmite, characterized in that it comprises the steps of: mixing an aluminium nitrate or aluminium chloride solution with a poly(vinyl alcohol) solution, forming a precursor solution; dripping the precursor solution into an ammonium hydroxide solution, forming a gel; and ageing the gel, filtering and drying it by about 70° C. for approximately 24 hours.

5. A method for obtaining a ceramic matrix, characterized in that it comprises the production of pseudoboehmite/γ-alumina nanoparticles through the steps of: preparing pseudoboehmite according to the method of claim 4; and subsequently calcining the gel, at about 500° C. to obtain pseudoboehmite/γ-alumina presenting a specific area of 250-300 m.sup.2/g.

6. A method for producing a tablet, characterized in that it comprises, in a first phase, the production of a ceramic matrix of pseudoboehmite nanoparticles, through the steps of: mixing an aqueous aluminium nitrate solution or aqueous aluminium chloride solution (14 wt.-%) with a poly(vinyl alcohol) solution (8 wt.-% in water), forming a precursor solution; dripping the precursor solution in an ammonium hydroxide solution (28 wt.-%), forming a gel; ageing the gel, filtering and drying it at about 70° C. for approximately 24 hours; and in a second phase, mixing the ceramic matrix of pseudoboehmite, in an amount from 50% to 60% of the total tablet weight, with a pharmaceutical composition, in an amount to complement the total tablet weight and to be controllably released in a human or animal organism; and submitting the mixture ceramic matrix/pharmaceutical composition mixture to a conformation under a pressure sufficient to form the tablet.

7. The method, as set forth in claim 6, characterized in that the step of mixing the ceramic matrix to the pharmaceutical composition comprises: mixing the ceramic matrix of pseudoboehmite/γ-alumina with a drug, a pharmaceutically acceptable filler and a flow adjusting element, during at least 15 minutes; adding a lubricant agent; and mixing the ceramic matrix and the pharmaceutical composition for at least 5 minutes before submitting said mixture to the step of press-formation.

8. The method, as set forth in claim 7, characterized in that the drug is defined by any of the acyclovir and atenolol compounds, preferably characterized in that the drug is present in a therapeutic dose of 100 mg.

9. The method, as set forth in claim 7, characterized in that the pharmaceutically acceptable filler is defined by starch, which is present in an amount ranging from 20% to 30% by weight, in relation to the total tablet weight.

10. The method, as set forth in claim 7, characterized in that the flow adjusting element is defined by silicon dioxide, which is present in an amount ranging from 1.5% to 2% in relation to the total tablet weight and/or characterized in that the lubricant agent is defined by magnesium stearate, which is present in an amount ranging from 1.5% to 2% in relation to the total tablet weight and/or characterized in that the lubricant agent is defined by magnesium stearate, which is present in an amount ranging from 1.5% to 2% in relation to the total tablet weight.

11. The method, as set forth in claim 6, characterized in that the pharmaceutical composition comprises a drug, a pharmaceutically acceptable filler, a flow adjusting element and a lubricant agent.

12. The method, as set forth in claim 11, characterized in that the drug is defined by any of the acyclovir and atenolol compounds, preferably characterized in that the drug is present in a therapeutic dose of 100 mg.

13. The method, as set forth in claim 11, characterized in that the pharmaceutically acceptable filler is defined by starch, which is present in an amount ranging from 20% to 30% by weight, in relation to the total tablet weight.

14. The method, as set forth in claim 11, characterized in that the flow adjusting element is defined by silicon dioxide, which is present in an amount ranging from 1.5% to 2% in relation to the total tablet weight and/or characterized in that the lubricant agent is defined by magnesium stearate, which is present in an amount ranging from 1.5% to 2% in relation to the total tablet weight and/or characterized in that the lubricant agent is defined by magnesium stearate, which is present in an amount ranging from 1.5% to 2% in relation to the total tablet weight.

15. A method for producing a tablet, characterized in that it comprises, in a first phase, the production of a ceramic matrix of pseudoboehmite/γ-alumina nanoparticles, through the steps of: mixing an aqueous aluminium nitrate solution or aqueous aluminium chloride solution (14 wt.-%) with a poly(vinyl alcohol) solution (8 wt.-% in water), forming a precursor solution; dripping the precursor solution in an ammonium hydroxide solution (28 wt.-%), forming a gel; ageing the gel, filtering and drying it at about 70° C. for approximately 24 hours; calcining the gel, at about 500° C. to obtain a ceramic matrix of pseudoboehmite/γ-alumina presenting a specific area of 250-300 m.sup.2/gram; and in a second phase, mixing the ceramic matrix of pseudoboehmite/γ-alumina, in an amount from 50% to 60% of the total tablet weight, with a pharmaceutical composition, in an amount to complement the total tablet weight and to be controllably released in a human or animal organism; and submitting the mixture ceramic matrix/pharmaceutical composition mixture to a conformation under a pressure sufficient to form the tablet.

16. The method, as set forth in claim 15, characterized in that the step of mixing the ceramic matrix to the pharmaceutical composition comprises: mixing the ceramic matrix of pseudoboehmite/γ-alumina with a drug, a pharmaceutically acceptable filler and a flow adjusting element, during at least 15 minutes; adding a lubricant agent; and mixing the ceramic matrix and the pharmaceutical composition for at least 5 minutes before submitting said mixture to the step of press-formation.

17. The method, as set forth in claim 16, characterized in that the drug is defined by any of the acyclovir and atenolol compounds, preferably characterized in that the drug is present in a therapeutic dose of 100 mg.

18. The method, as set forth in claim 16, characterized in that the pharmaceutically acceptable filler is defined by starch, which is present in an amount ranging from 20% to 30% by weight, in relation to the total tablet weight.

19. The method, as set forth in claim 16, characterized in that the flow adjusting element is defined by silicon dioxide, which is present in an amount ranging from 1.5% to 2% in relation to the total tablet weight and/or characterized in that the lubricant agent is defined by magnesium stearate, which is present in an amount ranging from 1.5% to 2% in relation to the total tablet weight and/or characterized in that the lubricant agent is defined by magnesium stearate, which is present in an amount ranging from 1.5% to 2% in relation to the total tablet weight.

20. The method, as set forth in claim 15, characterized in that the pharmaceutical composition comprises a drug, a pharmaceutically acceptable filler, a flow adjusting element and a lubricant agent.

21. The method, as set forth in claim 20, characterized in that the drug is defined by any of the acyclovir and atenolol compounds, preferably characterized in that the drug is present in a therapeutic dose of 100 mg.

22. The method, as set forth in claim 20, characterized in that the pharmaceutically acceptable filler is defined by starch, which is present in an amount ranging from 20% to 30% by weight, in relation to the total tablet weight.

23. The method, as set forth in claim 20, characterized in that the flow adjusting element is defined by silicon dioxide, which is present in an amount ranging from 1.5% to 2% in relation to the total tablet weight and/or characterized in that the lubricant agent is defined by magnesium stearate, which is present in an amount ranging from 1.5% to 2% in relation to the total tablet weight and/or characterized in that the lubricant agent is defined by magnesium stearate, which is present in an amount ranging from 1.5% to 2% in relation to the total tablet weight.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0035] FIG. 1a is a photograph taken by scanning electron microscope of a liver of an animal from a control group;

[0036] FIG. 1b is another photograph of the liver of the animal from the control group;

[0037] FIG. 1c is a photograph of a liver of an animal from a first experimental group;

[0038] FIG. 1d is another photograph of the liver of the animal from the first experimental group;

[0039] FIG. 1e is a photograph of a liver of an animal from a second experimental group;

[0040] FIG. 1f is another photograph of the liver of the animal from the second experimental group;

[0041] FIG. 1g is a photograph of a liver of an animal from a third experimental group; and

[0042] FIG. 1h is another photograph of the liver of the animal from the third experimental group.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0043] As described above, the invention includes the provision of a composition comprising a ceramic matrix and a controlled release drug, the ceramic matrix having a structure formed by pseudoboehmite nanoparticles, presenting a specific area of 250-300 m.sup.2/gram.

[0044] This large specific area of the ceramic matrix of pseudoboehmite nanoparticles allows said matrix to incorporate, in small material volumes, usually defined in tablets to be ingested by the human being or animal, a large quantity of one or more drugs, generally incorporating a pharmaceutically acceptable filler and also at least one flow adjusting element and a lubricant agent which facilitates the final compression of the composition defined by the ceramic matrix and the drug, for forming a tablet.

[0045] Thus, the invention allows obtaining a composition and also a tablet comprising a ceramic matrix formed by pseudoboehmite nanoparticles, presenting a specific area of 250-300 mg.sup.2/g and defining 50% to 60% of the total composition or tablet weight; and a drug comprising acyclovir to be controllably released in a human or animal organism and defining at least a portion of the remaining weight of the composition or the tablet.

[0046] In the case of the oral administration of the tablet the controlled and progressive release of the drug from the pseudoboehmite matrix is obtained through the structural collapse of the tablet inside the organism in which it is administered.

[0047] In the preferred way of carrying out the invention, the composition comprises not only the acyclovir, but also a pharmaceutically acceptable filler, a flow adjusting element and a lubricant agent used in the compression phase of the formation of the tablet.

[0048] The drug used in the composition is defined by the acyclovir compounds and usually provided in a dose of 100 mg.

[0049] The pharmaceutically acceptable filler may be defined by starch, which is present in the composition in an amount ranging from 20% to 30%.

[0050] The flow adjusting element is generally defined by silicon dioxide, which is present in an amount which ranges from 1.5% to 2% in relation to the total weight of the pharmaceutical composition.

[0051] The lubricant agent may be defined by magnesium stearate, which is present in the pharmaceutical composition in an amount ranging from 1.5% to 2%.

[0052] For obtaining the composition of a ceramic matrix with a controlled release drug the invention provides a method which comprises, in a first phase, the production of a ceramic matrix of pseudoboehmite nanoparticles through the steps of: [0053] mixing an aqueous aluminium nitrate or an aqueous aluminium chloride solution (14% m) with a poly(vinyl alcohol) solution (8% m in water), forming a precursor solution; [0054] dripping the precursor solution in an ammonium hydroxide solution (28% m), forming a gel; [0055] ageing the gel, filtering and drying it by about 70° C. for approximately 24 hours to obtain a ceramic matrix of pseudoboehmite presenting a specific area of 250-300 m.sup.2/gram; and, in a second phase, the step of [0056] mixing the ceramic matrix of pseudoboehmite, in an amount from 50% to 60% of the total composition weight, with a controlled release drug comprising acyclovir to be controllably released in a human or animal organism and defining at least a portion of the remaining weight of the composition.

[0057] For obtaining a tablet comprising the composition as defined above, it is applied a method which comprises, in a first phase, the production of a ceramic matrix of pseudoboehmite nanoparticles, through the steps of: [0058] mixing an aqueous aluminium nitrate solution or aqueous aluminium chloride solution (14% m) with a poly(vinyl alcohol) solution (8% m in water), forming a precursor solution; [0059] dripping the precursor solution in an ammonium hydroxide solution (28% m), forming a gel; [0060] ageing the gel, filtering and drying it at about 70° C. for approximately 24 hours to obtain a ceramic matrix of pseudoboehmite presenting a specific area of 250-300 m.sup.2/gram; and in a second phase, the steps of [0061] mixing the ceramic matrix of pseudoboehmite, in an amount from 50% to 60% of the total tablet weight, with a controlled release drug comprising acyclovir to be controllably released in a human or animal organism and defining at least part of the remaining weight of the tablet; and [0062] submitting the mixture ceramic matrix/acyclovir to a conformation under a pressure sufficient to form the tablet.

Preparation of the Tablets:

[0063] The procedures related to the production of tablets using the acyclovir drug will be commented below.

[0064] There were produced lots of acyclovir tablets adsorbed with the pseudoboehmite, for conducting in-process dissolution and control tests. Another lot was made using a physical mixture of the drug and of the ceramic material, in predefined proportions.

[0065] The preparation of the tablets was carried out by direct compression, through the rotating press (brand Lemaq—model Mini Express L.N.S.), according to a formulation as exemplified below:

Acyclovir=quantity sufficient to form a dose of 100 mg;
Starch—30% of the total tablet formulation;
Colloidal silicon dioxide (Aerosil 200)=2% of the total tablet formulation; and
Magnesium stearate=2% of the total tablet formulation;
Pseudoboehmite=50 to 60% of the total tablet formulation.

Procedure:

[0066] Mixing the formulation components (ceramic matrix/acyclovir/starch/colloidal silicon dioxide), except the magnesium stearate, in a V-shaped mixer (brand Lemaq—model M “V”), for at least 15 minutes.

[0067] Adding the magnesium stearate and mixing for at least 5 minutes. Transferring the mixture to the press-forming machine, with the aid of a scoop. Pressing the mixture in a 10 mm punch. Proceeding to the in-process control tests (average mass, friability and hardness).

[0068] According to the invention, and considering the pseudoboehmite synthesis study previously carried out at the Material Characterization Laboratory of the Universidade Presbiteriana Mackenzie (Mackenzie Presbyterian University) (CARRIO, 2007; MUNHOZ JR, 2006), pseudoboehmites were synthesized from two precursors AlCl3 and Al(NO3)3.9H2O. The samples obtained were structurally analyzed and used as a support for the production of nanoparticulate systems containing bioactive molecules.

[0069] The evaluation of the systems produced as drug carriers was conducted through interaction tests, by using the techniques of UV-VIS spectrometry, scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction and spectrophotometry in the infrared region.

Preparation of the Pseudoboehmites

[0070] As already previously cited, the used reagents are aqueous aluminium nitrate solution (Al(NO3)3.9H2O), aqueous aluminium chloride solution, aqueous ammonium hydroxide solution (NH4OH) (14% m and 28% m) and aqueous poly(vinyl alcohol) solution (8% m in water).

[0071] The poly(vinyl alcohol) solution was used to increase the viscosity of the aluminium nitrate or aluminium chloride solution.

[0072] The aluminium nitrate or aluminium chloride solution is mixed to the poly(vinyl alcohol) solution, forming a precursor solution which is then dripped in the ammonium hydroxide solution, forming a gel. After ageing the gel, it is filtered in a Buchner funnel and dried at 70° C. for 24 hours.

Incorporation of the Acyclovir to the Pseudoboehmite

[0073] The incorporation of the acyclovir to the ceramic matrix to form the composition of the invention is conducted through the solubilization of the active principle in an appropriate solvent, followed by addition of the pseudoboehmite. The mixture is maintained under constant agitation, at a determined temperature, during a given period of time.

[0074] All the experimental conditions are optimized with the purpose of searching for a greater interaction between the acyclovir molecule and the ceramic material, in a shorter time and at a lower temperature for the test.

[0075] After the incorporation of the active principle, the mixture is centrifuged and the supernatant analyzed by UV-VIS spectrophotometry, for determining the quantity of acyclovir molecules which interacted with the ceramic material.

[0076] The dispersion is filtered and the resulting material is washed and dried to be used in posterior analytic procedures.

Interaction Test

[0077] Scanning electron microscopy, UV-VIS spectrophotometry, X-ray diffraction and infrared spectroscopy are the techniques used to confirm the interaction of the acyclovir molecules with the pseudoboehmite ceramic matrix.

Scanning Electron Microscopy: Direct Determination of the Interaction Process Between Acyclovir/Pseudoboehmite.

[0078] The scanning electron microscopy (SEM) is a technique which allows analyzing, visually, the spatial distribution of the particulate matters and, therefore, aids in analyzing the acyclovir/pseudoboehmite interaction process, contributing to the analysis of the uniformity of its distribution and to the homogeneity of the inorganic crystals of the ceramic material. The SEM provides information about the diameter of the particulate materials and about the reproducibility of the synthesis conditions, thus allowing adjusting and improving these procedures.

UV-VIS Spectrometry: Determination of the Adsorption of the Acyclovir to the Pseudoboehmite.

[0079] The quantification of the active component to be adsorbed by the ceramic material may be evaluated through the ultraviolet UV-VIS spectrophotometry, via calibration curve of each of the substances in the appropriate solvent for the adsorption test and in the more adequate wave length for each substance.

[0080] The optimization of the test conditions can be obtained by analyzing the conditions which most favor the adsorption. The parameters to be optimized are: total test time, temperature and the relation of concentration between the active principle of the acyclovir and the pseudoboehmite.

[0081] Through the analysis by UV-VIS, it can be determined the amount of active component which was not adsorbed by the matrix and, by comparing these data with the previously obtained calibration curve, one can indirectly find the concentration of bioactive molecules which were adsorbed by the ceramic matrix.

[0082] Thus, it is possible to evaluate, for example, the pseudoboehmite/acyclovir interaction and to know its adsorption yield.

X-Ray Diffraction: Determination of the Interaction Process Between Acyclovir and Pseudoboehmite

[0083] It should be emphasized that an X-ray diffraction equipment provides qualitative and quantitative information about the obtained structure and about the acyclovir/pseudoboehmite nanointeractions.

Absorption Spectroscopy in the Infrared Region: Determination of the Interaction Process Between Acyclovir and Pseudoboehmite

[0084] The analysis by spectrophotometry in the infrared region can provide information about the adsorption mechanism, comparing the infrared spectra of the adsorbed acyclovir and of the pure acyclovir. It is possible to verify the absorption displacement of some groups of adsorbed acyclovir by influence of the ceramic material (WHITE & HEM, 1983).

[0085] The production of pseudoboehmite through the sol-gel process, from high-purity reagents, makes possible to obtain high-purity grade pseudoboehmite presenting a high specific area and being totally devoid of contaminants, making it, therefore, adequate for applications in controlled release of drugs. In view of the possible use of pseudoboehmite as excipient for controlled release of drugs, tests were conducted in order to determine its acute toxicity (50 mg/kg, 300 mg/kg, and 2000 mg/kg) and sub-acute toxicity (1000 mg/kg) in Wistar rats. The tests were performed according to Organization for Economic Cooperation and development OECD 423 guide. The methodology consisted of toxicity by evaluating and analyzing of the biochemical and histopathological parameters which resulted from administration thereof. Finally, pseudoboehmite was tested in vivo as a possible controlled releaser of the acyclovir drug. In both tests' the administration did not determine mortality in the groups. Furthermore, no changes were observed in the tissue integrity during the histopathological evaluation of the animal livers.

Macroscopic and Histopathological Evaluation—Acute Oral Toxicity.

[0086] No abnormal changes were observed during macroscopic tests of the organs of the animals.

[0087] In the slices of the liver of the Wistar rats, it was evaluated the presence of hepatic necrosis, proliferation of biliary ducts, proliferation of fibrous conjunctive tissue, and blood extravasation (Cunha, et. al., 2009).

[0088] During the histopathological evaluation of the livers of the animals, there were not observed any changes in the tissue integrity or apparent injuries in the different experimental groups. However, in one of the rodents from group 2 (single dose of 300 mg/kg), a sinusoidal congestion was detected (see attached FIG. 1f). The occurrence of this congestion in one single animal of the group excludes the administration of pseudoboehmite as being its cause.

[0089] FIGS. 1a to 1h of the drawings refer to the histopathological analysis of the acute oral toxicity of the pseudoboehmite in the control and experimental groups (increase: 200×).

[0090] FIG. 1a shows a liver of the animal from the control group, evidencing tissue integrity, hepatocytes, gate space (A), hepatic artery (B), and gate vein (C).

[0091] FIG. 1b shows a liver of the animal from the control group, evidencing tissue integrity, hepatocytes, and biliary duct (D).

[0092] FIG. 1c shows a liver of the animal from the experimental group (GROUP 1— single dose of 50 mg/kg), evidencing tissue integrity, hepatocytes, hepatic artery (B), and biliary duct (D).

[0093] FIG. 1d shows a liver of the animal from the experimental group (GROUP 1— single dose of 50 mg/kg), evidencing tissue integrity, hepatocytes, and vesicles of fat (E).

[0094] FIG. 1e shows a liver of the animal from the experimental group (GROUP 2— single dose of 300 mg/kg), evidencing hepatocytes and sinusoidal congestion (F).

[0095] FIG. 1f shows a liver of the animal from the experimental group (GROUP 2— single dose of 300 mg/kg), evidencing hepatocytes and sinusoidal congestion (F).

[0096] FIG. 1g shows a liver of the animal from the experimental group (GROUP 3— single dose of 2000 mg/kg), evidencing tissue integrity, hepatocytes, hepatic artery (B), and biliary duct (D).

[0097] FIG. 1h shows a liver of the animal from the experimental group (GROUP 3— single dose of 2000 mg/kg), evidencing tissue integrity, hepatocytes, hepatic artery (B), gate vein (C), and biliary duct (D).

[0098] In the administration tests of acyclovir along with pseudoboehmite in Wistar rats, the analysis of the blood of the rats, which was carried out by using a high performance liquid chromatography, showed that, in fact, there occurred the absorption of the acyclovir in the systemic circulation in those animals which received pseudoboehmite along with acyclovir.

[0099] The acyclovir administered along with pseudoboehmite was absorbed by the gastrointestinal tract. The acyclovir which was present in the plasma of the rats allowed to confirm that it is present in the systemic circulation of said animals even after the desorption of pseudoboehmite. The results showed that pseudoboehmite has a low short-term repeated-dose toxicity, and that it can be categorized as non-toxic. The plasma of the rats that received pseudoboehmite was analyzed by using atomic absorption spectrophotometry; the absence of aluminum in the plasma samples emphasizes the absence of absorption of aluminum to the systemic circulation.

[0100] Consequently, the results of the toxicity tests show that the pseudoboehmite has a low toxicity when administered at short-term, repeated-dose and therefore falls in the nontoxic category.

[0101] The tests of acyclovir administration in the presence of pseudoboehmite showed that the acyclovir was absorbed into the systemic circulation of the rats. Further, acyclovir presented in the plasma of the rats allowed to confirm that it is present in the systemic circulation of the animals even after the desorption of the pseudoboehmite.