Combination Comprising Chloroquine, Metformin and Statin for Management of Cancer, Composition and Methods Thereof

Information

  • Patent Application
  • 20220305000
  • Publication Number
    20220305000
  • Date Filed
    March 23, 2022
    2 years ago
  • Date Published
    September 29, 2022
    a year ago
Abstract
The present disclosure relates to the field of oncology and particularly towards a combination therapy for treatment of cancer. In particular, the present disclosure provides a combination therapy comprising chloroquine, metformin and statin, for treatment/management of Myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs) or any associated condition. The combinations of the present disclosure show a synergistic cytotoxic activity against cancer cells. The present disclosure also relates to a composition comprising said combination, and a method for treatment/management of MPN or any associated condition by employing said composition or combination therapy. The present disclosure also provides combination of chloroquine, metformin and statin for use in treatment/management of MPN or any associated condition.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to the field of oncology and particularly towards a combination therapy for treatment of cancer. In particular, the disclosure relates to a combination therapy comprising chloroquine, metformin and a statin or respective pharmaceutically acceptable salts or derivatives thereof, for management of Myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs) or any associated condition. The present disclosure also relates to a composition comprising said combination, and a method for management of MPN or any associated condition by employing said composition or combination therapy. The present disclosure also provides a combination of compounds for use in preparation of a medicament for managing MPN or any associated condition.


BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

Myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs) are a subset of myeloid malignancies that are characterized by the expansion of a multipotent hematopoietic progenitor stem cell. The World Health Organization classifies chronic myeloid leukemia (CML), polycythemia vera (PV), essential thrombocythemia (ET), and primary myelofibrosis (PMF) as classic MPNs. The most prominent mutations in MPNs are in the genes that encode for JAK2, MPL and CALR. Of these, the JAK2-V617F mutation was the first identified, and is present in about 95% of PV, and about 55% and 60% of ET and PMF patients, respectively. MPL mutations are present in about 3% ET patients and about 7% of PMF patients. Interestingly, CALR mutations are present in the majority of ET and PMF patients who lack JAK2 and MPL mutations, accounting for about 25% of ET and about 30% of PMF patients having a CALR mutation.


MPN is a frequent form of haematological cancer. JAK2V617 mutation are highly frequent in these cancers. Current treatment regimen of these indications is administration of Ruxolitinib, Imatinib, Azacytidine, Decitabine, Hydroxyurea, and Thalidomide. However, limitations of the current treatment include high cost of treatment, developing resistance to first line of therapy and low efficacy.


In view of the limitations observed towards the treatment of MPN or its associated condition, improved or technically advanced treatment protocols for this complex disorder is needed. A safe and effective treatment and protocol that could alleviate suffering with higher efficacy and improve outcomes at lower cost would be a significant medical advance in the treatment of MPN or associated condition.


The present disclosure aims to overcome the drawbacks of the methods of the prior art and providing a combination of compounds which has higher efficacy in managing MPN.


SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure relates to a method for treating/managing a myeloproliferative neoplasm in a subject in need thereof, comprising administering to the subject a combination therapy comprising chloroquine, metformin and a statin, or a respective pharmaceutically acceptable salt or derivative thereof.


The present disclosure also relates to a combination comprising chloroquine, metformin and a statin, or a respective pharmaceutically acceptable salt or derivative thereof. In some embodiments, the combination is a single formulation/composition comprising chloroquine, metformin and a statin optionally along with pharmaceutically acceptable excipient(s). In some embodiments, the combination is a kit comprising chloroquine, metformin and statin as separate formulations optionally along with pharmaceutically acceptable excipient(s).





BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING FIGURES

In order that the disclosure may be readily understood and put into practical effect, reference will now be made to exemplary embodiments as illustrated with reference to the accompanying figures.


The figures together with detailed description below, are incorporated in and form part of the specification, and serve to further illustrate the embodiments and explain various principles and advantages, in accordance with the present disclosure where:



FIG. 1 depicts the proposed mechanism of action of chloroquine+metformin+statin to reduce proliferation and viability.



FIG. 2 depicts the signaling rationale to explain Jakafi resistance in JAK2 V617 harboring cells.



FIGS. 3a-3b: FIG. 3a depicts experimental result of determining cell viability of BaF3 JAK2 V617F harboring cells treated with 5 μM chloroquine+0.5 mM metformin+2.5 μM simvastatin using MTT assay. FIG. 3b shows the simulation result of overall relative growth on BaF3 cell avatar created using CBM and simulated with chloroquine in dose escalation manner (c/2, c, 2c, 4c where C is characterized with 60% inhibition of target), chloroquine+metformin, chloroquine+statin and all 3 in combinations.



FIGS. 4a-4d: FIG. 4a depicts results of determination of cell viability of patient cells treated with chloroquine (5 μM) and metformin (0.5 mM) in the presence of EPO [CQ+Met (EPO+)] using MTT assay. FIG. 4b depicts the results of determination of cell viability of patient cells treated with chloroquine (5 μM) and metformin (0.5 mM) in the absence of EPO [CQ+Met (EPO−)] using MTT assay. FIG. 4c depicts the results of determination of cell viability of patient cells treated with chloroquine (5 μM)+metformin (0.5 mM)+Atorvastatin (5 μM) in the presence of EPO [CQ+Met+Atorvastatin (EPO+)] using MTT assay. FIG. 4d depicts the results of determination of cell viability of patient cells treated with chloroquine (5 μM)+metformin (0.5 mM)+Atorvastatin (5 μM) in the absence of EPO [CQ+Met+Atorvastatin (EPO−)] using MTT assay.



FIGS. 5a-5b: FIG. 5a depicts the experimental results of dose escalation study performed on Jakafi resistant JAK2 V617F harboring BaF3 cells, wherein BaF3 cells were cultured with chloroquine with doses ranging from 10 μM, 20 μM, 30 μM and 40 μM, and wherein impact on relative growth was assessed. FIG. 5b depicts the simulation result of assessing overall relative growth of Jakafi resistant JAK2 V617F BaF3 avatar created using CBM and simulated with chloroquine in dose escalation (doses of c/4, c/2, c, 2c, 4c).



FIGS. 6a-6b: FIG. 6a depicts the experimental results of dose escalation study performed on Jakafi resistant JAK2 V617F harboring BaF3 cells, wherein BaF3 cells were cultured with metformin with doses ranging from 0.25 mM, 0.5 mM, 1 mM, 5mM and 10 mM, and impact on cell viability was assessed. FIG. 6b depicts the simulation result of assessing overall relative growth of Jakafi resistant JAK2 V617F BaF3 avatar created using CBM and simulated with metformin in dose escalation (doses of c/4, c/2, c, 2c, 4c where C is 60% activation of target).



FIGS. 7a-7b: FIG. 7a depicts the experimental results of treating Jakafi resistant JAK2 V617F harboring BaF3 cells with a combination of 10 μM chloroquine+0.1 mM metformin+2.5 μM simvastatin. FIG. 7b depicts the simulation result of assessing relative growth of Jakafi resistant JAK2 V617F BaF3 cell avatar created using CBM with metformin at doses ranging from c/4, c/2, c, 2c and 4c in combination with chloroquine at fixed dose, wherein red line indicates addition of metformin at increasing doses from c/4, c/2, c, 2c and 4c, and green line indicates addition of metformin at increasing doses of c/4, c/2, c, 2c and 4c with a fixed dose of chloroquine.



FIG. 8 depicts the signaling rationale to explain Ruxolitinib Non-Responder cases in JAK2 aberration patient.





DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure addresses the limitations of the art and provides a novel combination comprising chloroquine, metformin and a statin or a respective pharmaceutically acceptable salt or derivative thereof for management of myeloproliferative neoplasm, and methods thereof.


Unless otherwise defined herein, scientific and technical terms used in connection with the present disclosure shall have the meanings that are commonly understood by those of ordinary skill in the art. Further, unless otherwise required by context, singular terms shall include the plural and plural terms shall include the singular as is considered appropriate to the context and/or application. The various singular/plural permutations may be expressly set forth herein for the sake of clarity. The use of the expression “at least” or “at least one” suggests the use of one or more elements or ingredients or quantities, as the use may be in the embodiment of the disclosure to achieve one or more of the desired objects or results. Throughout this specification, the word “comprise”, or variations such as “comprises” or “comprising” or “containing” or “has” or “having” wherever used, will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or steps, but not the exclusion of any other element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or steps.


Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment may be included in at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. Thus, the appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment” or “in an embodiment” in various places throughout this specification may not necessarily all refer to the same embodiment. It is appreciated that certain features of the disclosure, which are, for clarity, described in the context of separate embodiments, may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features of the disclosure, which are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or in any suitable sub-combination.


The term “about” as used herein encompasses variations of +/−10% and more preferably +/−5%, as such variations are appropriate for practicing the present invention.


As used herein, the term “cancer” employed in the context of the present disclosure refers to myeloproliferative neoplasm or associated conditions.


The terms “myeloproliferative neoplasm”, “myeloproliferative disorder” and “MPN” are used interchangeably and refer to a blood cancer that begins with an abnormal mutation in a stem cell in the bone marrow.


As used herein, the expression “CQ+M+S” refers to a combination comprising chloroquine (CQ), metformin (M) and statin (S) or a respective pharmaceutically acceptable salt or derivative thereof.


As used herein, the term “combination” refers to a single composition/formulation comprising chloroquine, metformin and a statin or a respective pharmaceutically acceptable salt or derivative thereof; or a kit comprising chloroquine, metformin and a statin or a respective pharmaceutically acceptable salt or derivative thereof as separate formulations; or separate formulations/dosage forms not in the form of a kit as long as the effect achieved is commensurate with the intended purpose of the invention, i.e., to work for treatment of cancer. Accordingly, the separate formulations comprising chloroquine, metformin and a statin or a respective pharmaceutically acceptable salt or derivative thereof may be administered simultaneously, or one after the other in any order.


As used herein, the term “combination therapy” refers to administration of chloroquine, metformin and a statin or their respective pharmaceutically acceptable salt or derivative to the subject for treatment/management of MPNs. In some embodiments, the subject receiving the combination therapy may still receive the first line of therapy. All three agents (CQ, M and S or their respective salts/derivatives) can be administered as a single formulation or separate formulations. The separate formulations can be administered concurrently. In some embodiments, concurrent administration comprises administration of three agents in any order within 10 minutes up to 3 hours of each other. In some embodiments, the combination therapy excludes administration of Roflumilast.


As used herein, the term “optional” or “optionally” means that the subsequently described event of circumstances may or may not occur, and that the description includes instances where said event or circumstance occurs and instances in which it does not. For example, “optionally treated with an additional therapeutic agent” means that in some embodiments, the subject is treated with the combination CQ+M+S and an additional therapeutic agent whereas in some other embodiments, the subject is treated with the combination CQ+M+S but not with the additional therapeutic agent.


As used herein, the term “managing” or “management” includes, treating or healing of a disease condition or disorder or ill effects or side effects. The term also encompasses maintenance of the optimum state such as regression of MPN and prevention of the further progress in the disease condition or disorder or ill effects or side effects. Further, “management” or “managing” refers to decreasing the risk of death due to a disease or disorder, delaying the onset of a disease or disorder, inhibiting the progression of a disease or disorder, partial or complete cure of a disease or disorder and/or adverse effect attributable to the said disease or disorder, obtaining a desired pharmacologic and/or physiologic effect (the effect may be prophylactic in terms of completely or partially preventing a disorder or disease or condition, or a symptom thereof and/or may be therapeutic in terms of a partial or complete cure for a disease or disorder and/or adverse effect attributable to the disease or disorder), or relieving a disease or disorder (i.e. causing regression of the disease or disorder).


As used herein, the terms “aberration”, “anomaly”, “mutation” and “abnormality” have the same scope and meaning and are used interchangeably. An aberration or anomaly or mutation or abnormality includes numerical, sequence as well as structural aberration.


As used herein, the term “effective amount” refers to a therapeutically effective amount or a prophylactically effective amount. A “therapeutically effective amount” refers to an amount effective, at dosages and for periods of time necessary, to achieve the desired therapeutic result, such as reduced tumor size, reduced tumor cells, increased life span or increased life expectancy. A therapeutically effective amount of a compound can vary according to factors such as the disease state, age, sex, and weight of the subject, and the ability of the compound to elicit a desired response in the subject. Dosage regimens can be adjusted to provide the optimum therapeutic response. A therapeutically effective amount is also one in which any toxic or detrimental effects of the compound are outweighed by the therapeutically beneficial effects. A “prophylactically effective amount” refers to an amount effective, at dosages and for periods of time necessary, to achieve the desired prophylactic result, such as smaller tumors, lower tumor cell numbers, increased life span, increased life expectancy or prevention of the progression of MPNs. Typically, a prophylactic dose is used in subjects prior to or at an earlier stage of disease, so that a prophylactically effective amount can be less than a therapeutically effective amount. In some embodiments, the effective amount includes the amount of active ingredient required for managing cancer, or any condition, disease or disorder arising due to cancer.


The present disclosure provides a method for treating/managing a myeloproliferative neoplasm in a subject in need thereof, comprising administering to the subject a combination therapy comprising chloroquine, metformin and a statin, or a respective pharmaceutically acceptable salt or derivative thereof.


In some embodiments, the subject is suffering from a MPN selected from essential thrombocythemia, polycythemia vera, myelofibrosis, chronic myelogenous leukemia, chronic myelomonocytic leukemia, chronic neutrophilic leukemia, chronic eosionophilic leukemia, multiple myeloma, acute non lymphocytic leukemia, myelodysplasia and any combination thereof.


The term “subject” or “patient” as used herein refers to any mammal including, without limitation, humans and other primates (e.g., chimpanzees and other apes and monkey species), farm animals (e.g., cattle, sheep, pigs, goats and horses), domestic mammals (e.g., dogs and cats), and laboratory animals (e.g., rodents such as mice, rats, and guinea pigs). In some embodiments, the subject is a mammal. In some embodiments, the subject is a human. In some embodiments, the subject suffering from MPN has a mutation in JAK2, MPL and/or CALR. In some embodiments, the mutation in JAK2 is V617F, K539L, T875N, or any combination thereof.


In some embodiments, the subject suffering from MPN is responsive or sensitive to treatment with a first line of therapy (standard of care). In some embodiments, the first line of therapy comprises administration of Ruxolitinib, Azacytidine, Decitabine, Hydroxyurea, Imatinib, Thalidomide, or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, the subject is ruxolitinib-sensitive, i.e., the subject is responsive to the treatment with ruxolitinib.


In some embodiments, the subject suffering from MPN is resistant or has developed resistance to the first line of therapy. In some embodiments, the subject is ruxolitinib-resistant, i.e., the subject is not responsive to the treatment with ruxolitinib. It is possible that the subject is naturally resistant to ruxolitinib or has developed resistance to ruxolitinib due to exposure to ruxolitinib over a period of time. In some embodiments, the subject resistant to ruxolitinib comprises one or more mutations or copy number variations (CNV) in chromosome 8 and/or chromosome 9 from Tables 1 and 2.


The present disclosure is based in part on the finding that administration of a combination comprising at least three compounds viz., chloroquine, metformin and a statin, substantially reduces the number of viable tumor cells and/or proliferation of tumor cells than individual agents and aids in treating/managing myeloproliferative disorders and associated conditions with a high degree of efficacy.


Scientific Rationale of CQ+M+S (FIG. 1)

In a JAK2 V617F harboring cell-line, disease induction and signaling is established via activation of STAT3, STAT5, PI3K/AKT, mTORC1, NFkB, ERK, AP1 and increased superoxide levels. In a signaling condition with activation of said loops, the inventors hypothesized that a combination of chloroquine+metformin+a statin may prove effective in controlling increase of disease phenotypes. To explain how this combination would attain its effect (FIG. 1), individual mechanism of actions of these drugs is explained below.


Metformin is an AMPK agonist known to inhibit the mTOR signaling pathway and show anti-tumor effects. It impacts cancer cell proliferation by activating AMPK which inhibits mTOR pathway, thereby reducing protein synthesis and translation of key proliferative genes. Metformin will also reduce tumor cell viability via the inhibition of mTOR/HIF/BCL2 BIRC5 axis. Metformin induced AMPK contributes to inhibiting metastasis by reduces HIF1A [via mTOR] which reduces expression of MMP2, SNAI1 and ZEB1. SNAI1 and ZEB1 induce E cadherin thus lowering cell metastasis.


Statin attains majority of its anti-tumor activity by inhibiting HMG-CoA reductase which helps in reducing tumor cell growth, proliferation, viability and metastasis. Inhibition of HMG-CoA reductase reduces prenylation of key oncogenic genes, reduction in RHEB/mTOR and RAS/ERK thus reducing cell proliferation. Statin prevents triggering of cyto-protective autophagy by reduced prenylation and activation of RAB1A. Statin's impact of reduction in Rheb GTP causes reduction in HIF1A, thus reducing anti-apoptotic genes BCL2 and BIRC5. Depleting cellular geranylgeranyl pyrophosphate causes reduction in Rhoa, Rac1, CDC42 gene activation which lowers metastasis capability of cell.


Chloroquine inhibits autophagy thereby increasing protein aggregates, resulting in multiple downstream effects leading to reduction in cell proliferation and viability. Protein aggregation leads to increased ROS levels, which via SMPD2 and ceramide increases BAX thereby inducing apoptosis. There is increased DDIT3 which via TRIB3 inhibits AKT/NFkB. Additionally, DDIT3 inhibits BCL2 reducing cell viability. Chloroquine via reduced SQSTM leads to reduction in STAT5 and viability related genes.


BaF3/JAK2-V617F Parental Cell Line Model Resistant to Jakafi®

Downstream pathway of JAK2-V617F includes the activation of STAT3, STAT5, PI3K/AKT/NFkB and SHC1/ERK pathway. Jakafi® (ruxolitinib) would ideally work in a patient with JAK2 mutation. However, the inventors surprisingly and unexpectedly found that the MPN cells may acquire Jakafi® resistance by tuning down all the key pathways downstream of the driver JAK2V617F mutation. Low copy number of key genes downstream of JAK2 including STAT3, STAT5, PI3K, SOS1, ELK1, FOS, and MCL1 reduced the tumor burden of JAK2V617F mutation. Low CNV of DUSP1, PTPRJ, PTPRR increases ERK; Low CNV of epigenetics regulating genes such as TET2 and KAT5; a knockdown of negative regulators of beta catenin pathway causes activation of beta catenin pathway; increase in the copy number of EGFR; low CNV of RB1 activated E2F1 transcription which in turn increases transcription of proliferative genes (FIG. 2). This leads to Jakafi® resistance in JAK2 V617F BaF3 cells. Thus, there is a need to provide an alternative treatment option for treatment/management of Jakafi®/ruxolitinib resistant MPNs.


In some embodiments, the combination therapy of the present disclosure provides a higher efficacy of treatment than the first line of therapy currently available for MPN. In some embodiments, the combination of the present disclosure provides a higher efficacy for treatment/management of MPN in patients resistant to Ruxolitinib (JAKAFI®) but sensitive to the drug combination of CQ+M+S.


In some embodiments, at least about 10% of patients show enhanced efficacy score with CQ+M+S compared to Ruxolitinib. In some embodiments, about 10.9% of patients showed enhanced efficacy score with CQ+M+S compared to Ruxolitinib.


In some embodiments, the present disclosure is based on a finding that aberration of genes on Chromosome 8 and/or Chromosome 9 are responsible for Ruxolitinib resistance even if JAK2 activation mutation is present, and the combination of CQ+M+S is sensitive in such patient population.


The present disclosure is based in part on the finding that administration of a combination therapy comprising three agents viz., chloroquine, metformin and a statin (or their respective salt or derivative) aid in effectively treating/managing myeloproliferative disorders and associated conditions in patient population comprising Chromosome 8 aberration and/or Chromosome 9 aberration.


The statins employed in the combination therapy of the present disclosure are selected from a group comprising atorvastatin, simvastatin, rosuvastatin, fluvastatin, lovastatin, pitavastatin, pravastatin, or any combination thereof. Any of these statins are expected to work in the present combinations in view of a study conducted by Jing et al. where they investigated the anticancer effects of different statins and observed that almost all statins exhibited anticancer activity (“In vitro and in vivo anticancer effects of mevalonate pathway modulation on human cancer cells”, Br J Cancer. 2014 Oct. 14; 111(8):1562-71)


In some embodiments, the combination of chloroquine, metformin and a statin or their respective salt or derivative is administered to the subject as a single formulation comprising all three agents and one or more pharmaceutically acceptable excipients.


In some embodiments, the combination of chloroquine, metformin and a statin or their respective salt or derivative is administered to the subject as separate formulations. In these embodiments, it is possible that all three agents are administered as three separate formulations, or one agent is administered as a separate formulation whereas the other two agents are in a single formulation.


In some embodiments of the methods, the single formulation or separate formulations are administered orally, parenterally and/or topically.


In some embodiments, the MPN treated according to the methods of the present disclosure comprises a mutation in one or more genes selected from a group comprising JAK2 (e.g., V617F mutation), KRAS, NRAS, TP53, CDKN1A, BRAF, EGFR, B-catenin, CDKN2A, P13KCA, APC, MYC, BCL2, SOCS1, SOCS3, TGFBR1, MCL1, TET2, ASXL1, SMAD4 or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, the cancer treated according to the methods of the present disclosure is a primary MPN. In some embodiments, the cancer treated according to the methods of the present disclosure is a metastatic MPN. In some embodiments, the cancer treated according to the methods of the present disclosure is a recurrent MPN. In some embodiments, the cancer treated according to the methods of the present disclosure is a chronic or acute MPN. In some embodiments, the cancer treated according to the methods of the present disclosure is of any grade, status, or stage, as long as a person skilled in the art or a medical practitioner deems administration of the combinations of the present disclosure fit and/or necessary for treatment of such a cancer.


Each of the compounds of the present disclosure (viz., chloroquine, metformin, statin or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or derivative thereof and optionally the other therapeutic agent) are employed in the methods and compositions of the present disclosure in an amount that does not exceed the maximum tolerated dosage of each of the compounds individually.


In some embodiments, the present methods comprise administration of a therapeutically effective amount of the active. In some embodiments, the therapeutically effective amount of the chloroquine or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or derivative thereof is from about 10% to about 99% of a maximum tolerated dose; the therapeutically effective amount of the metformin or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or derivative thereof is from about 10% to about 99% of a maximum tolerated dose; and the therapeutically effective amount of the statin or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or derivative thereof is from about 10% to about 99% of a maximum tolerated dose; and/or the therapeutically effective amount of the other therapeutic agent is from about 10% to about 99% of a maximum tolerated dose; including values and ranges therebetween.


In some embodiments, the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) of chloroquine or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or derivative thereof is about 600 mg/day, the MTD of metformin or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or derivative thereof is about 2500 mg/day, and the MTD of rosuvastatin or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or derivative thereof is about 60 mg/day.


In some embodiments, the therapeutically effective amount of the chloroquine or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or derivative thereof is ranging from about 1 mg to about 600 mg per day, preferably about 1 mg to about 500 mg, about 1 mg to about 400 mg, about 100 mg to about 300 mg, or about 200 mg to about 300 mg per day, including values and ranges therebetween.


In some embodiments, the therapeutically effective amount of the metformin or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or derivative thereof is ranging from about 1 mg to about 2500 mg per day, preferably about 100 mg to about 2500 mg, about 200 mg to about 2500 mg, about 300 mg to about 2500 mg, about 400 mg to about 2500 mg, about 500 mg to about 2500 mg, about 600 mg to about 2500 mg, about 700 mg to about 2500 mg, about 800 mg to about 2500 mg, about 900 mg to about 2500 mg, about 1000 mg to about 2500 mg, about 1100 mg to about 2500 mg, about 1200 mg to about 2500 mg, about 1300 mg to about 2500 mg, about 1400 mg to about 2500 mg, about 1500 mg to about 2500 mg, about 1600 mg to about 2500 mg, about 1700 mg to about 2500 mg, about 1800 mg to about 2500 mg, about 1900 mg to about 2500 mg, about 2000 mg to about 2500 mg, about 2100 mg to about 2500 mg, about 2200 mg to about 2500 mg, about 2300 mg to about 2500 mg, or about 2400 mg to about 2500 mg per day, including values and ranges therebetween.


In some embodiments, the therapeutically effective amount of the statin or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or derivative thereof is from about 1 mg to about 200 mg per day, preferably 1 mg to about 100 mg or about 50 mg to about 100 mg per day, including values and ranges therebetween.


In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the therapeutically effective amount of the chloroquine or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or derivative thereof is ranging from about 100 mg/day to about 300 mg/day, preferably about 200 mg/day to about 300 mg/day; the therapeutically effective amount of the metformin or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or derivative thereof is ranging from about 1500 mg/day to about 2500 mg/day, preferably about 2000 mg/day to about 2500 mg/day; and/or the therapeutically effective amount of the statin or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or derivative thereof is ranging from about 10 mg/day to about 30 mg/day, preferably about 20 mg/day to about 30 mg/day.


In an exemplary and non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, the therapeutically effective amount of the chloroquine or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or derivative thereof is about 200 mg/day; the therapeutically effective amount of the metformin or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or derivative thereof is about 1250 mg twice a day; and/or the therapeutically effective amount of the statin (such as but not limiting to rosuvastatin) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or derivative thereof is about 20 mg/day.


In an exemplary embodiment, the combination drug dosage is as tabulated below:











TABLE A









Pharmacokinetics












Dosage Regime

Peak




(After meal)
MTD
Concentration












Drug
Morning
Evening
(mg/day)
at Dosage




















Chloroquine
200
mg


600
1.18
μM
20-60
days


Metformin
1250
mg
1250
mg
2500
5.8
μM
6.2
hours















Rosuvastatin

20
mg
60
0.09
μM
19
hours









In some embodiments, the foregoing values and ranges are merely suggestive. Dosages are altered depending on a number of variables, including, for example, the activity of the compound used, the disease, disorder or condition to be treated, the mode of administration, the requirements of the individual subject, the severity of the disease, disorder or condition being treated, and the judgment of the practitioner. A dose is modulated to achieve a desired pharmacokinetic or pharmacodynamics profile, such as a desired or effective blood profile.


In some embodiments, the present methods comprise administration of the formulation(s) to the subject orally, parenterally, or topically. In embodiments where chloroquine, metformin and statin are administered as separate formulations, all formulations can be administered using the same route of administration (e.g., orally, parenterally, or topically) or one formulation can be administered using one route of administration (e.g., orally, parenterally, or topically) and the other formulation(s) can be administered using the other routes of administration (e.g., if one is administered orally, the other is administered parenterally or topically or vice versa).


Parenteral administration comprises administration via injection or infusion. In some embodiments, parenteral administration is selected from intravenous, intramuscular, intradermal, subcutaneous, intratumoral, intralesional, intraperitoneal, and intrathecal administration. In some embodiments, parenteral administration is administration via intravenous infusion.


In some embodiments, BaF3 expressing Jak2-V617F cells were created using Computation Biology Modeling (CBM). Genomic aberrations of BaF3 cells were studied to identify chromosomal alterations to extract copy number changes in chromosome as well as mutations. Using this information, a predictive simulation BaF3 cells was created expressing JAK2V617F mutation. Effect of the drug agents chloroquine, metformin and statin on the BaF3 cell avatar, individually and in combinations thereof, was assessed on overall relative growth index from simulation outcome. The predictive simulation indicated synergistic efficacy of chloroquine, metformin and statin. The combination of inhibiting autophagy and prenylation machinery, and inducing AMPK using chloroquine, statin and metformin respectively, was predicted to reduce proliferation and viability of JAK2-V617F cells which have hyper-activated JAK2, STAT3, and STAT5. In some embodiments, the simulation predictions are validated by in-vitro, ex-vivo and in-vivo studies.


The administration of the combination therapy comprising chloroquine, metformin and the statin or their respective salts/derivatives is cytotoxic to MPN cancer cells, e.g., cancer cells having a JAK2 mutation and/or an aberration in chromosome 8 and/or 9. In some embodiments, the level of cytotoxicity provided by the combination therapy is statistically significantly higher than that exhibited by chloroquine, metformin and the statin alone or in a combination of any two. In some embodiments, the combination therapy comprising chloroquine, metformin and statin shows a synergistic effect against cancer cells compared to the sum of effects shown by chloroquine, metformin and statin alone.


The present disclosure contemplates administration of pharmaceutically acceptable salts or derivatives of chloroquine, metformin and a statin. Pharmaceutically acceptable salts include, for example, acid-addition salts and base-addition salts. The acid that is added to the compound to form an acid-addition salt is an organic acid or an inorganic acid. A base that is added to the compound to form a base-addition salt is an organic base or an inorganic base. In some embodiments, a pharmaceutically acceptable salt is a metal salt. In some embodiments, a pharmaceutically acceptable salt is an ammonium salt.


Metal salts arise from the addition of an inorganic base to a compound of the present disclosure. The inorganic base consists of a metal cation paired with a basic counterion, such as, for example, hydroxide, carbonate, bicarbonate, or phosphate. The metal is an alkali metal, alkaline earth metal, transition metal, or main group metal. In some embodiments, the metal is lithium, sodium, potassium, cesium, cerium, magnesium, manganese, iron, calcium, strontium, cobalt, titanium, aluminium, copper, cadmium, or zinc.


In some embodiments, a metal salt is a lithium salt, a sodium salt, a potassium salt, a cesium salt, a cerium salt, a magnesium salt, a manganese salt, an iron salt, a calcium salt, a strontium salt, a cobalt salt, a titanium salt, an aluminum salt, a copper salt, a cadmium salt, or a zinc salt.


Ammonium salts arise from the addition of ammonia or an organic amine to a compound of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, the organic amine is triethyl amine, diisopropyl amine, ethanol amine, diethanol amine, triethanol amine, morpholine, N-methylmorpholine, piperidine, N-methylpiperidine, N-ethylpiperidine, dibenzylamine, piperazine, pyridine, pyrrazole, pipyrrazole, imidazole, pyrazine, or pipyrazine.


In some embodiments, an ammonium salt is a triethyl amine salt, a diisopropyl amine salt, an ethanol amine salt, a diethanol amine salt, a triethanol amine salt, a morpholine salt, an N-methylmorpholine salt, a piperidine salt, an N-methylpiperidine salt, an N-ethylpiperidine salt, a dibenzylamine salt, a piperazine salt, a pyridine salt, a pyrrazole salt, a pipyrrazole salt, an imidazole salt, a pyrazine salt, or a pipyrazine salt.


Acid addition salts arise from the addition of an acid to a compound of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, the acid is organic. In some embodiments, the acid is inorganic. In some embodiments, the acid is hydrochloric acid, hydrobromic acid, hydroiodic acid, nitric acid, nitrous acid, sulfuric acid, sulfurous acid, a phosphoric acid, isonicotinic acid, lactic acid, salicylic acid, tartaric acid, ascorbic acid, gentisinic acid, gluconic acid, glucaronic acid, saccaric acid, formic acid, benzoic acid, glutamic acid, pantothenic acid, acetic acid, propionic acid, butyric acid, fumaric acid, succinic acid, methanesulfonic acid, ethanesulfonic acid, benzenesulfonic acid, p-toluenesulfonic acid, citric acid, oxalic acid, or maleic acid.


In some embodiments, the salt is a hydrochloride salt, a hydrobromide salt, a hydroiodide salt, a nitrate salt, a nitrite salt, a sulfate salt, a sulfite salt, a phosphate salt, isonicotinate salt, a lactate salt, a salicylate salt, a tartrate salt, an ascorbate salt, a gentisinate salt, a gluconate salt, a glucaronate salt, a saccarate salt, a formate salt, a benzoate salt, a glutamate salt, a pantothenate salt, an acetate salt, a propionate salt, a butyrate salt, a fumarate salt, a succinate salt, a methanesulfonate (mesylate) salt, an ethanesulfonate salt, a benzenesulfonate salt, a p-toluenesulfonate salt, a citrate salt, an oxalate salt, or a maleate salt.


The present disclosure provides a combination comprising chloroquine, metformin and a statin or their respective pharmaceutically acceptable salt/derivative for use in treatment of a myeloproliferative neoplasm. In some embodiments, the combination consists of chloroquine, metformin and a statin or their respective pharmaceutically acceptable salt/derivative. The MPN, the subjects in whom the combination is used, the statin, the pharmaceutically acceptable salt/derivative of chloroquine, metformin and a statin, their dosages, compositions, and routes of administration are as described herein.


The present disclosure provides use of a combination comprising chloroquine, metformin and a statin or their respective pharmaceutically acceptable salt/derivative for the preparation of a medicament for treatment of a myeloproliferative neoplasm. In some embodiments, the combination consists of chloroquine, metformin and a statin or their respective pharmaceutically acceptable salt/derivative. The MPN, the subjects in whom the combination is used, the statin, the pharmaceutically acceptable salt/derivative of chloroquine, metformin and a statin, their dosages, compositions, and routes of administration are as described herein.


The present disclosure provides a combination comprising chloroquine, metformin and a statin or their respective pharmaceutically acceptable salt/derivative. In some embodiments, the combination of chloroquine, metformin and a statin or their respective salt or derivative is a single formulation comprising all three agents and one or more pharmaceutically acceptable excipients. In some other embodiments, the combination of chloroquine, metformin and a statin or their respective salt or derivative is a kit comprising separate formulations. In these embodiments, all three agents can be provided as three separate formulations/dosage forms, or one agent can be provided as a separate formulation/dosage form while the other two agents can be in a single formulation/dosage form.


The combination of the three compounds in the present disclosure (i.e., chloroquine, metformin and a statin) reduces viability and/or proliferation of MPN cells through different mechanisms of actions.


In some embodiments, the combination of the present disclosure provides a higher efficacy in subjects suffering from MPN having a mutation in Janus Kinase 2 (JAK2). The mutations in JAK2 are as described herein.


In some embodiments, the combination of the present disclosure provides a higher efficacy in subjects sensitive/responsive to the first line of therapy for MPN compared to the efficacy provided by the first line of therapy alone.


In some embodiments, the combination of the present disclosure provides a higher efficacy in subjects sensitive/responsive to ruxolitinib compared to the efficacy provided by ruxolitinib alone.


In some embodiments, the combination of the present disclosure is effective for treating subjects resistant to the first line of therapy, e.g., administration of ruxolitinib.


In some embodiments, the combination of the present invention comprising chloroquine, metformin and a statin or their respective salt/derivative may further comprise one or more additional therapeutic agent. The additional therapeutic agent may be administered to a subject prior to, concurrently, or post administration of CQ+M+S.


In some embodiments, the combination of the present invention is administered along with the first line of therapy. That is, the patient while receiving the combination is also receiving the first line of therapy.


In some embodiments, the combination of the present disclosure comprises:


(i) chloroquine or its pharmaceutically acceptable salt/derivative, metformin or its pharmaceutically acceptable salt/derivative, and simvastatin or its pharmaceutically acceptable salt/derivative;


(ii) chloroquine or its pharmaceutically acceptable salt/derivative, metformin or its pharmaceutically acceptable salt/derivative, and atorvastatin or its pharmaceutically acceptable salt/derivative;


(iii) chloroquine or its pharmaceutically acceptable salt/derivative, metformin or its pharmaceutically acceptable salt/derivative and rosuvastatin or its pharmaceutically acceptable salt/derivative;


(iv) chloroquine or its pharmaceutically acceptable salt/derivative, metformin or its pharmaceutically acceptable salt/derivative, and Fluvastatin or its pharmaceutically acceptable salt/derivative;


(v) chloroquine or its pharmaceutically acceptable salt/derivative, metformin or its pharmaceutically acceptable salt/derivative and lovastatin or its pharmaceutically acceptable salt/derivative;


(vi) chloroquine or its pharmaceutically acceptable salt/derivative, metformin or its pharmaceutically acceptable salt/derivative, and pitavastatin or its pharmaceutically acceptable salt/derivative; or


(vii) chloroquine or its pharmaceutically acceptable salt/derivative, metformin or its pharmaceutically acceptable salt/derivative and pravastatin or its pharmaceutically acceptable salt/derivative.


In some embodiments, the combination of the present disclosure consists of:


(i) chloroquine or its pharmaceutically acceptable salt/derivative, metformin or its pharmaceutically acceptable salt/derivative, and simvastatin or its pharmaceutically acceptable salt/derivative;


(ii) chloroquine or its pharmaceutically acceptable salt/derivative, metformin or its pharmaceutically acceptable salt/derivative, and atorvastatin or its pharmaceutically acceptable salt/derivative;


(iii) chloroquine or its pharmaceutically acceptable salt/derivative, metformin or its pharmaceutically acceptable salt/derivative and rosuvastatin or its pharmaceutically acceptable salt/derivative;


(iv) chloroquine or its pharmaceutically acceptable salt/derivative, metformin or its pharmaceutically acceptable salt/derivative, and Fluvastatin or its pharmaceutically acceptable salt/derivative;


(v) chloroquine or its pharmaceutically acceptable salt/derivative, metformin or its pharmaceutically acceptable salt/derivative and lovastatin or its pharmaceutically acceptable salt/derivative;


(vi) chloroquine or its pharmaceutically acceptable salt/derivative, metformin or its pharmaceutically acceptable salt/derivative, and pitavastatin or its pharmaceutically acceptable salt/derivative; or


(vii) chloroquine or its pharmaceutically acceptable salt/derivative, metformin or its pharmaceutically acceptable salt/derivative and pravastatin or its pharmaceutically acceptable salt/derivative.


In some embodiments, chloroquine, metformin and a statin or their respective salt/derivative are present in the combination or are administered to the subject in a ratio of chloroquine:metformin:statin ranging from 0.5:10:1 to 8:200:1. In some embodiments, the ratio of chloroquine:metformin:statin is 2:200:1, 4:40:1, 1:100:1, 2:40:1, 2:50:1, or 5:100:1, and the like.


In some embodiments, chloroquine, metformin and a statin or their respective salt/derivative are present in the combination or are administered to the subject in a ratio of chloroquine:metformin:statin from 0.25:0.5:1 to 12:50:1. In some embodiments, the ratio of chloroquine:metformin:statin is 2:4:1, 2.5:4:1, 2:5:1, 4:10:1, and the like.


Each active agent of the present disclosure (viz., chloroquine, metformin, statin or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or derivative thereof and optionally the additional therapeutic agent) is employed in the present disclosure in an amount that does not exceed its maximum tolerated dosage.


In some embodiments, each active agent described herein is present in a composition in an amount that is a fraction or percentage of the maximum tolerated amount. The maximum tolerated amount is as determined in a subject, such as a mouse or human. The fraction is expressed as a ratio of the amount present in the composition divided by the maximum tolerated dose. In some embodiments, the ratio is ranging from about 1/20 to about 1/1. In some embodiments, the ratio is about 1/20, about 1/19, about 1/18, about 1/17, about 1/16, about 1/15, about 1/14, about 1/13, about 1/12, about 1/11, about 1/10, about 1/9, about 1/8, about 1/7, about 1/6, about 1/5, about 1/4, about 1/3, about 1/2, or about 1/1. In some embodiments, the ratio is 1/20, 1/19, 1/18, 1/17, 1/16, 1/15, 1/14, 1/13, 1/12, 1/11, 1/10, 1/9, 1/8, 1/7, 1/6, 1/5, 1/4, 1/3, 1/2, or 1/1. In some embodiments, the ratio, expressed as percentage, is ranging from about 5% to about 100%.


In some embodiments, the therapeutically effective amount of the chloroquine or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or derivative thereof is from about 10% to about 99% of a maximum tolerated dose; the therapeutically effective amount of the metformin or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or derivative thereof is from about 10% to about 99% of a maximum tolerated dose; and the therapeutically effective amount of the statin or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or derivative thereof is from about 10% to about 99% of a maximum tolerated dose; and/or the therapeutically effective amount of the other therapeutic agent is from about 10% to about 99% of a maximum tolerated dose; including values and ranges therebetween.


In some embodiments, the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) of chloroquine or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or derivative thereof is about 600 mg/day, the MTD of metformin or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or derivative thereof is about 2500 mg/day, and the MTD of rosuvastatin or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or derivative thereof is about 60 mg/day.


In some embodiments, the therapeutically effective amount of the chloroquine or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or derivative thereof is ranging from about 1 mg to about 600 mg per day, preferably about 1 mg to about 500 mg, about 1 mg to about 400 mg, about 100 mg to about 300 mg, or about 200 mg to about 300 mg per day, including values and ranges therebetween. Accordingly, the single formulation/dosage form or the separate formulation/dosage form is formulated to deliver the therapeutically effective amount of chloroquine or its salt/derivative as a single dose or multiple doses per day.


In some embodiments, the therapeutically effective amount of the metformin or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or derivative thereof is ranging from about 1 mg to about 2500 mg per day, preferably about 100 mg to about 2500 mg, about 200 mg to about 2500 mg, about 300 mg to about 2500 mg, about 400 mg to about 2500 mg, about 500 mg to about 2500 mg, about 600 mg to about 2500 mg, about 700 mg to about 2500 mg, about 800 mg to about 2500 mg, about 900 mg to about 2500 mg, about 1000 mg to about 2500 mg, about 1100 mg to about 2500 mg, about 1200 mg to about 2500 mg, about 1300 mg to about 2500 mg, about 1400 mg to about 2500 mg, about 1500 mg to about 2500 mg, about 1600 mg to about 2500 mg, about 1700 mg to about 2500 mg, about 1800 mg to about 2500 mg, about 1900 mg to about 2500 mg, about 2000 mg to about 2500 mg, about 2100 mg to about 2500 mg, about 2200 mg to about 2500 mg, about 2300 mg to about 2500 mg, or about 2400 mg to about 2500 mg per day, including values and ranges therebetween. Accordingly, the single formulation/dosage form or the separate formulation/dosage form is formulated to deliver the therapeutically effective amount of metformin or its salt/derivative as a single dose or multiple doses per day.


In some embodiments, the therapeutically effective amount of the statin or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or derivative thereof is from about 1 mg to about 200 mg per day, preferably 1 mg to about 100 mg or about 50 mg to about 100 mg per day, including values and ranges therebetween. Accordingly, the single formulation/dosage form or the separate formulation/dosage form is formulated to deliver the therapeutically effective amount of statin or its salt/derivative as a single dose or multiple doses per day.


In some embodiments, contemplated combinations/compositions of the present invention provide a therapeutically effective amount of the compounds of the present disclosure over an interval of about 30 minutes to about 8 hours after administration, enabling, for example, once-a-day, twice-a-day, three times a day, and etc. administration if desired.


In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the therapeutically effective amount of the chloroquine or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or derivative thereof is ranging from about 100 mg/day to about 300 mg/day, preferably about 200 mg/day to about 300 mg/day; the therapeutically effective amount of the metformin or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or derivative thereof is ranging from about 1500 mg/day to about 2500 mg/day, preferably about 2000 mg/day to about 2500 mg/day; and/or the therapeutically effective amount of the statin or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or derivative thereof is ranging from about 10 mg/day to about 30 mg/day, preferably about 20 mg/day to about 30 mg/day.


In an exemplary and non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, the therapeutically effective amount of the chloroquine or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or derivative thereof is about 200 mg/day; the therapeutically effective amount of the metformin or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or derivative thereof is about 1250 mg twice a day; and/or the therapeutically effective amount of the statin or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or derivative thereof is about 20 mg/day.


In an exemplary embodiment, the combination drug dosage is as tabulated below:











TABLE B









Pharmacokinetics












Dosage Regime

Peak




(After meal)
MTD
Concentration












Drug
Morning
Evening
(mg/day)
at Dosage




















Chloroquine
200
mg


600
1.18
μM
20-60
days


Metformin
1250
mg
1250
mg
2500
5.8
μM
6.2
hours















Rosuvastatin

20
mg
60
0.09
μM
19
hours









In some embodiments, the foregoing values and ranges are merely suggestive. Dosages are altered depending on a number of variables, including, for example, the activity of the compound used, the disease, disorder or condition to be treated, the mode of administration, the requirements of the individual subject, the severity of the disease, disorder or condition being treated, and the judgment of the practitioner. A dose is modulated to achieve a desired pharmacokinetic or pharmacodynamics profile, such as a desired or effective blood profile.


The combinations of the present disclosure comprising chloroquine, metformin and a statin are cytotoxic to MPN cancer cells, preferably in cancer cells having a JAK2 mutation and/or aberration in chromosome 8 and/or 9. In some embodiments, the level of cytotoxicity exhibited by the combination is statistically significantly more than that exhibited by chloroquine, metformin and statin alone or in a combination of any two. In some embodiments, the combination comprising chloroquine, metformin and statin shows a synergistic effect against cancer cells compared to the sum of effects shown by chloroquine, metformin and statin alone.


In some embodiments, the combination of the present disclosure comprising chloroquine, metformin and statin provides synergistic efficacy on the end-point markers, while dosing as low as about 10-100% of the recommended therapeutic dose of the individual agent in humans. Using a lower dose of the individual drug also provides an advantage in terms of minimizing the intensity of side-effects or toxicities associated with the drugs. Also, the drug combination works by inhibiting multiple targets minimally, so that an amplified effect is observed on all of the primary end-point markers and at the same time ensuring that all the targets have primary response ability, so as to negate the possibility of immune suppression and secondary infections. Use of smaller doses of individual drugs also lowers the cost of manufacture and formulation, providing an improved effect at lower price to the subject. Smaller doses also mitigate against wasteful administration of a drug to a physiological system that has been saturated or has reached a peak therapeutic response from smaller, synergistic doses.


In some embodiments, cell viability of tumor cells is assessed by conventional technologies, such as but not limiting to MTT assay, Clonogenic assay, etc.


In some embodiments, administration of the combinations disclosed herein comprising chloroquine, metformin and a statin or their respective salt/derivative provides about 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 80%, 90% or 100%, including values and ranges therebetween, reduction in the number of cancer cells compared to the number of cancer cells prior to administration of the combination.


In some embodiments, reduction in the number of cancer cells provided by the combinations disclosed herein comprising chloroquine, metformin and a statin or their respective salt/derivative is about 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 80%, 90% or 100% higher than that provided by chloroquine, metformin and the statin alone or in a combination of any two.


In some embodiments, administration of the combinations disclosed herein comprising chloroquine, metformin and a statin or their respective salt/derivative provides about 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 80%, 90% or 100%, including values and ranges therebetween, reduction in the number of JAKAFI® resistant cancer cells compared to the number of cancer cells prior to administration of the combination.


In some embodiments, reduction in the number of JAKAFI® resistant cancer cells provided by the combinations disclosed herein comprising chloroquine, metformin and a statin or their respective salt/derivative is about 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 80%, 90% or 100% higher than that provided by chloroquine, metformin and the statin alone or in a combination of any two.


In some embodiments, administration of the combinations disclosed herein comprising chloroquine, metformin and a statin or their respective salt/derivative provides about 2.5-fold, 3-fold, 4-fold, 5-fold, 7.5-fold, 8-fold, 10-fold, 12-fold, 15-fold, 20-fold, 25-fold, 30-fold, 35-fold, 40-fold, 45-fold, 50-fold, 55-fold, 60-fold, 65-fold, 70-fold, 80-fold, or 90-fold, including values and ranges therebetween, reduction in the number of cancer cells compared to the number of cancer cells prior to administration of the combination.


In some embodiments, reduction in the number of cancer cells provided by the combinations disclosed herein comprising chloroquine, metformin and a statin or their respective salt/derivative is about 2.5-fold, 3-fold, 4-fold, 5-fold, 7.5-fold, 8-fold, 10-fold, 12-fold, 15-fold, 20-fold, 25-fold, 30-fold, 35-fold, 40-fold, 45-fold, 50-fold, 55-fold, 60-fold, 65-fold, 70-fold, 80-fold, or 90-fold higher than that provided by chloroquine, metformin and the statin alone or in a combination of any two.


In some embodiments, administration of the combinations disclosed herein comprising chloroquine, metformin and a statin or their respective salt/derivative provides about 2.5-fold, 3-fold, 4-fold, 5-fold, 7.5-fold, 8-fold, 10-fold, 12-fold, 15-fold, 20-fold, 25-fold, 30-fold, 35-fold, 40-fold, 45-fold, 50-fold, 55-fold, 60-fold, 65-fold, 70-fold, 80-fold, or 90-fold, including values and ranges therebetween, reduction in the number of cancer cells compared to the number of JAKAFI® resistant cancer cells prior to administration of the combination.


In some embodiments, reduction in the number of JAKAFI® resistant cancer cells provided by the combinations disclosed herein comprising chloroquine, metformin and a statin or their respective salt/derivative is about 2.5-fold, 3-fold, 4-fold, 5-fold, 7.5-fold, 8-fold, 10-fold, 12-fold, 15-fold, 20-fold, 25-fold, 30-fold, 35-fold, 40-fold, 45-fold, 50-fold, 55-fold, 60-fold, 65-fold, 70-fold, 80-fold, or 90-fold higher than that provided by chloroquine, metformin and the statin alone or in a combination of any two.


The single formulation or the separate formulations comprising the chloroquine, metformin and a statin or their respective salt/derivative optionally along with additional therapeutic agents can be in any pharmaceutically acceptable dosage forms. In some embodiments, pharmaceutically acceptable dosage forms are selected from an oral dosage form, a parenteral dosage form, or a topical dosage form. Oral dosage forms can be discrete units, such as hard or soft capsules, tablets, pills, or lozenges; or a liquid form such as emulsions, solutions, suspensions, syrups, and elixirs. Parenteral dosage forms can be a liquid form such as emulsions, solutions, and suspensions or a solid form packaged in a single-dose or multidose containers that is reconstituted prior to administration. In some embodiments, parenteral dosage form is a ready-to-use (RTU) liquid form. Topical dosage forms can be solutions, collodion, suspensions, emulsions (e.g., lotions), and semisolids (e.g., foams, ointments, pastes, creams, and gels), etc.


In some embodiments, the present disclosure provides a combination comprising chloroquine, metformin and a statin or their respective salt/derivative for use in treatment/management of Myeloproliferative Neoplasm or any associated condition. In some embodiments, said combination for use in treatment/management of MPN is a single formulation comprising chloroquine, metformin and statin. In this embodiment, the other therapeutic agent(s) may be present in the same formulation as the combination of chloroquine, metformin and statin, or alternately the other therapeutic agent(s) may be administered as a separate formulation prior to, concurrently or post administration of the combination comprising chloroquine, metformin and statin. In some embodiments, said combination for use in treatment/management of MPN is a kit comprising chloroquine, metformin and statin or their respective salt/derivative optionally along with other therapeutic agents as separate formulations. In some embodiments, the present disclosure provides a combination comprising chloroquine, metformin and a statin for use in treating any myeloproliferative neoplasm or any associated condition including but not limiting to condition comprising a mutation in JAK2 preferably V617F, any cancer with JAK2 dominant profile, mutations and/or copy number variations in chromosome 8, mutations in chromosome 9, essential thrombocythemia, polycythemia vera, myelofibrosis, chronic myelogenous leukemia, chronic myelomonocytic leukemia, chronic neutrophilic leukemia, chronic eosionophilic leukemia, multiple myeloma, acute non lymphocytic leukemia, myelodysplasia or any combination of conditions thereof. The dosing amounts and the routes of administration of the combination are as disclosed herein.


In some embodiments, the present disclosure provides use of a combination comprising chloroquine, metformin and statin optionally along with other therapeutic agents in preparation of a medicament for treatment/management of Myeloproliferative Neoplasm or any associated condition. In some embodiments, said combination for use in treatment/management of MPN is a single formulation comprising chloroquine, metformin and statin. In this embodiment, the other therapeutic agent(s) may be present in the same formulation as the combination of chloroquine, metformin and statin, or alternately the other therapeutic agent(s) may be administered as a separate formulation prior to, concurrently or post administration of the combination comprising chloroquine, metformin and statin. In some embodiments, said combination for use in management of MPN is a kit comprising chloroquine, metformin and statin optionally along with other therapeutic agents as separate formulations. In some embodiments, the present disclosure provides a combination comprising chloroquine, metformin and statin for use in treating any myeloproliferative neoplasm or any associated condition including but not limiting to condition comprising mutation in JAK2 preferably V617F, any cancer with JAK2 dominant profile, mutations and/or copy number variations in chromosome 8, mutations and/or copy number variations in chromosome 9, essential thrombocythemia, polycythemia vera, myelofibrosis, chronic myelogenous leukemia, chronic neutrophilic leukemia, chronic eosionophilic leukemia, chronic myelomonocytic leukemia, multiple myeloma, acute non lymphocytic leukemia, myelodysplasia or any combination of conditions thereof, or any condition having a mutation therein. The dosing amounts and the routes of administration of the combination are as disclosed herein.


The present disclosure provides a single formulation/composition comprising chloroquine, metformin and a statin or their respective salt/derivative optionally along with one or more pharmaceutically acceptable excipient.


In addition to chloroquine, metformin and/or statin, the single formulation/composition or the multiple formulation of the present disclosure may further comprise one or more pharmaceutically acceptable excipient. Non-limiting examples of pharmaceutically acceptable excipients suitable for use in the present disclosure include carriers, stabilizers, diluents, dispersing agents, thickening agents, granulating agents, binding agents, lubricating agents, disintegrating agents, sweetening agents, glidants, anti-adherents, anti-static agents, surfactants, anti-oxidants, gums, coating agents, coloring agents, flavouring agents, coating agents, plasticizers, preservatives, suspending agents, emulsifying agents, plant cellulosic material and spheronization agents, and any combination thereof.


Non-limiting examples of pharmaceutically-acceptable excipients are found, for example, in Remington: The Science and Practice of Pharmacy, Nineteenth Ed (Easton, Pa.: Mack Publishing Company, 1995); Hoover, John E., Remington's Pharmaceutical Sciences, Mack Publishing Co., Easton, Pa. 1975; Liberman, H. A. and Lachman, L., Eds., Pharmaceutical Dosage Forms, Marcel Decker, New York, N.Y., 1980; and Pharmaceutical Dosage Forms and Drug Delivery Systems, Seventh Ed. (Lippincott Williams & Wilkins1999), each of which is incorporated by reference in its entirety.


In some embodiments, the combination/composition of the present disclosure is administered in a local or systemic manner, for example, via injection of the compound directly into an organ, optionally in a depot or sustained release formulation. Pharmaceutical compositions/formulations are provided in the form of a rapid release formulation, in the form of an extended release formulation, or in the form of an intermediate release formulation. A rapid release form provides an immediate release. An extended-release formulation provides a controlled release or a sustained delayed release.


In some embodiments, the present disclosure provides a process for preparing a composition/formulation comprising chloroquine, metformin and statin, said process comprising act of combining chloroquine, metformin and statin, optionally along with other therapeutic agent and/or pharmaceutically acceptable excipient, in any ratio, any concentration or any order thereof to obtain the composition/formulation.


The composition/formulation is modified depending upon the route of administration chosen. In some embodiments, the formulation/compositions comprising the compounds described herein are manufactured in a conventional manner, for example, by means of conventional mixing, dissolving, granulating, dragee-making, levigating, emulsifying, encapsulating, entrapping or compression processes. The compositions/formulations may include at least one pharmaceutically acceptable excipient (including carriers and diluents) and compounds described herein as free-base or pharmaceutically-acceptable salt form. The methods and pharmaceutical compositions described herein include the use of crystalline forms (also known as polymorphs), and active metabolites of these compounds having the same type of activity.


In some embodiments, methods for the preparation of compositions comprising the compounds described herein include formulating the compounds with one or more inert, pharmaceutically acceptable excipients to form a solid, semi-solid, or liquid composition. Solid compositions include, for example, powders, tablets, dispersible granules, capsules, cachets, and suppositories. Liquid compositions include, for example, solutions in which a compound is dissolved, emulsions comprising a compound, or a solution containing liposomes, micelles, or nanoparticles comprising a compound as disclosed herein. Semi-solid compositions include, for example, gels, suspensions and creams. The compositions may be in liquid solutions or suspensions, solid forms suitable for solution or suspension in a liquid prior to use, or as emulsions. These compositions may also contain minor amounts of nontoxic, auxiliary substances, such as wetting or emulsifying agents, pH buffering agents, and other pharmaceutically-acceptable additives.


The present disclosure provides a kit comprising chloroquine, metformin and statin. In some embodiments, chloroquine, metformin and statin are present as a single formulation or as separate formulations. In some embodiments, the kit comprises a single or a plurality of dosage forms. In some embodiments, the kit includes written instructions on the use of the compounds and formulations of the present disclosure. The instructions provide information on the identity of the therapeutic agent(s), modes of administration, or the indications for which the therapeutic agent(s) are used.


Pharmaceutical combinations/compositions containing compounds described herein are administered for prophylactic and/or therapeutic treatments. In therapeutic applications, the compounds/compositions are administered to a subject already suffering from a disease or condition, in an amount sufficient to cure or at least partially arrest the symptoms of the disease or condition, or to cure, heal, improve, or ameliorate the condition itself. In prophylactic applications, the compounds/compositions are administered to a subject to avoid occurrence of disease/disorder, to increase resistance to disease/disorder, to detect and address an existing disease/disorder prior to the appearance of symptoms or to reduce negative impact of symptomatic disease.


Amounts effective for this use vary based on the severity and course of the disease or condition, previous therapy, the subject's health status, weight, and response to the drugs, and the judgment of the treating physician. Pharmaceutically acceptable amounts are determined by routine experimentation, for example, by a dose escalation clinical trial.


Multiple active agents are administered in any order or simultaneously. If simultaneously, the multiple actives are provided in a single, unified form, or in multiple forms, for example, as multiple separate pills. The compounds are packed together or separately, in a single package or in a plurality of packages. One or all of the compounds are given in multiple doses. If not simultaneous, the timing between the multiple doses may vary such as about a month.


In some embodiments, compounds of the disclosure are administered sequentially at a time interval. The time interval ranges from about 60 seconds to about 720 minutes.


In some embodiments, therapeutics is combined with genetic or genomic testing to determine whether an individual is a carrier of a mutant gene that is known to be correlated with certain diseases or conditions. A personalized medicine approach is used to provide companion diagnostic tests to discover a subject's predisposition to certain conditions and susceptibility to therapy. The companion diagnostic test is performed on a tissue sample of the subject, such as blood, hair, or skin. Instructions on the use of a companion diagnostic test are provided on written material packaged with a compound, composition, or kit of the present disclosure. The written material is, for example, a label. The written material suggests conditions or genetic features relevant to the compounds of the present disclosure. The instructions provide the subject and the supervising physician with the best guidance for achieving the optimal clinical outcome from the administration of the therapy.


In an embodiment of the present disclosure, JAK2 mutation diagnostics is used for patient selection with the inclusion criteria being JAK2 mutant positive. JAK2/V617F mutation is detected using a specific quantitative real time PCR assay in bone marrow aspirates or plasma samples.


The active agents described herein are administered before, during, or after the occurrence of a disease or condition, and the timing of administering the composition containing a compound may vary. For example, the active agents are used as a prophylactic and are administered continuously to subjects with a propensity to conditions or diseases in order to prevent the occurrence of the disease or condition. The compounds and compositions may be administered to a subject during or as soon as possible after the onset of the symptoms.


The initial administration is via any route practical, such as by any route described herein using any formulation described herein. A compound is administered as soon as is practicable after the onset of a disease or condition is detected or suspected, and for a length of time necessary for the treatment of the disease, such as, for example, from about 1 month to about 3 months. The length of treatment varies for each subject, and the length is determined using the known criteria.


In an exemplary and non-limiting embodiment, advantages of the combination, method and use of the present disclosure are selected from a group comprising but not limited to the following:

    • 1. Synergistic efficacy: The combination of compounds provided in the present disclosure has a synergistic effect for management of MPN.
    • 2. Higher efficacy: The combination of chloroquine, metformin and statin has higher efficacy for management of MPN compared with other first line of therapy available for MPN.
    • 3. Higher efficacy in patient's subset where first line of therapy failed to respond: The combination of chloroquine, metformin and statin works as a responder drug where Ruxolitinib failed to respond or was responding initially and acquired resistance later.
    • 4. Reduction of dosage and side effects: The combination reduces dosages of drugs/compounds being used in the treatment of MPN and minimizes the intensity of side-effects or toxicities associated with the drugs used in the treatment of MPN.
    • 5. Lower cost of treatment: Cost of chloroquine, metformin and statin is much lower compared to the first line of therapy regimen available for MPN.


Additional embodiments and features of the present disclosure will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in art based on the description provided herein. The embodiments herein provide various features and advantageous details thereof in the description. Descriptions of well-known/conventional methods and techniques are omitted so as to not unnecessarily obscure the embodiments herein.


Any possible combination of two or more of the embodiments described herein is comprised within the scope of the present disclosure.


The foregoing description of the specific embodiments will so fully reveal the general nature of the embodiments herein that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily modify and/or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments without departing from the generic concept, and, therefore, such adaptations and modifications should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. Therefore, while the embodiments in this disclosure have been described in terms of preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments herein can be practiced with modification within the spirit and scope of the embodiments as described herein.


Any discussion of documents, acts, materials, devices, articles and the like that has been included in this specification is solely for the purpose of providing a context for the disclosure. It is not to be taken as an admission that any or all of these matters form a part of the prior art base or were common general knowledge in the field relevant to the disclosure as it existed anywhere before the priority date of this application.


Further, while the instant disclosure is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific aspects thereof has been shown by way of examples and drawings and are described in detail below. However, it should be understood that it is not intended to limit the invention to the particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and the scope of the invention.


EXAMPLES

The present disclosure is further described with reference to the following examples, which are only illustrative in nature and should not be construed to limit the scope of the present disclosure in any manner.


Example 1: In Vitro Preclinical Validation—Effect of Chloroquine, Metformin and Statin in BaF3 Cells Expressing Jak2-V617F

To assess the impact of active agents chloroquine, metformin and a statin individually as well as in combination, BaF3 expressing Jak2-V617F cells were created using Computation Biology Modeling (CBM). Genomic aberrations of BaF3 cells were studied to identify chromosomal alterations to extract copy number changes in chromosome as well as mutations. Using this information, a predictive simulation BaF3 cells was created expressing JAK2V617F mutation. Chlorquine, metformin and statin were then simulated, individually or in combination, against the modeled BaF3/Jak2-V617F cells in the following protocol.


(i) Chloroquine was targeted on the BaF3 cell avatar in dose escalationanging from c/2, c, 2c, 4c and Sc.


(ii) along with dose escalation of chloroquine, metformin was added at fixed dose of [c],


(iii) along with dose escalation of chloroquine, simvastatin was added at fixed dose of [c],


(iv) along with dose escalation of chloroquine, metformin and simvastatin were added at fixed dose of [c].


MTT assay was used to assess cell viability.


Effect of drug agents on the BaF3 cell avatar was assessed on overall relative growth index from simulation outcome. Chloroquine individually was able to reduce relative growth in dose dependent manner, and the efficacy only increased when combined with metformin and statin. The predictive simulation indicated synergistic efficacy of chloroquine, metformin and statin (FIG. 3b). The combination of inhibiting autophagy and prenylation machinery, and inducing AMPK using chloroquine, statin and metformin respectively, was predicted to reduce proliferation and viability of JAK2-V617F cells which have hyper-activated JAK2, STAT3, and STAT5.


To validate the simulation predictions, BaF3/Jak2-V617F cells (University of Florida, USA) were treated with 5 μM chloroquine, 2.5 μM simvastatin and 0.5 mM metformin individually or in combination. The combination of chloroquine, simvastatin and metformin significantly reduced the viability of the cells.


Example 2: Ex-Vivo Preclinical Validation—Effect of Chloroquine, Metformin and Statin on Patient Samples

Effect of chloroquine, metformin and statin combination on human patient samples was assessed in presence or absence of erythropoietin (EPO). Erythropoietin (EPO) is a key regulator in most ex vivo protocols. It stimulates the production of red blood cells. It also acts as a major regulator of erythropoiesis by promoting the survival, proliferation, and differentiation of erythroid progenitor cells and regulating the number of erythrocytes in peripheral blood.


Tumor patient cells were cultured with chloroquine (5 μM)+metformin (0.5 mM) in the presence (FIG. 4a) or absence (FIG. 4b) of EPO. MTT assay was performed to assess cell viability of patient cells. A 45% reduction in viable cells was observed in precense of EPO and 41% reduction in viable cells was observed in absence of EPO, when compared to patient cells in untreated condition.


Further, patient cells were cultured with chloroquine (5 μM)+metformin (0.5 mM)+Atorvastatin (5 μM) in the presence (FIG. 4c) or absence (FIG. 4d) of EPO. MTT assay was done to assess cell viability of patient cells. A 75% reduction in viable cells was observed in precense of EPO and 79% reduction in viable cells was observed in absence of EPO, when compared to untreated patient cells. Thus, addition of atorvastatin to chloroquine+metformin (FIG. 4c) showed an added efficacy in reduction of viable patient cancer cells treated with chloroquine+metformin (FIG. 4a) by 30%. Further, the results obtained illustrated that EPO did not interfere with the efficacy of the drug.


Example 3: Effect of Chloroquine on Jakafi Resistant JAK2 V617F BaF3 Cell-Line

The impact of chloroquine on Jakafi resistant JAK2 V617F harboring BaF3 cell-line was assessed. Chloroquine was administered in Jakafi resistant BaF3 cells (University of Florida, USA) at doses of 10 μM, 20 μM, 30 μM and 40 μM, and impact on relative growth was assessed. Relative growth of cells was assessed using MTT assay. There was a steady decrease in relative growth of BaF3 cells with increasing concentration of chloroquine (FIG. 5a). Jakafi resistant JAK2 V617F BaF3 cell avatar was created using CBM and using simulations chloroquine was tested on the avatar at doses ranging from c/4, c/2, c, 2c and 4c. Relative growth was plotted and results matched as seen in in-vitro study with steady decrease in relative growth with increasing concentration of chloroquine (FIG. 5b).


Example 4: Effect of Metformin on Jakafi Resistant JAK2 V617F BaF3 Cell-Line

The impact of metformin on Jakafi resistant JAK2 V617F harboring BaF3 cell-line was assessed. Metformin was administered in Jakafi resistant BaF3 cells at doses of 0.25 mM, 0.5 mM, 1 mM, 5 mM and 10 mM (FIG. 6a). Viable cells % was assessed using MTT assay. There was a steady decrease in cell viability of BaF3 cells with increasing concentration of metformin. Jakafi resistant JAK2 V617F BaF3 cell avatar was created using CBM and using simulations metformin was tested on avatar at doses ranging from c/4, c/2, c, 2c and 4c (FIG. 6b). Cell viability was plotted and results matched as seen in in-vitro study with steady decrease in viability with increasing concentration of metformin.


Example 5: Effect of Chloroquine+Metformin+Simvastatin on Jakafi Resistant JAK2 V617F BaF3 Cell-Line

Next, the impact of the three active agent combination—chloroquine+metformin+simvastatin—on Jakafi resistant JAK2 V617F harboring BaF3 cell-line was assessed. Jakafi resistant JAK2 V617F BaF3 cells were cultured with 10 μM chloroquine+0.1 mM metformin+2.5 μM simvastatin. Viable cells % was assessed using MTT assay (FIG. 7a). The combination of chloroquine, simvastatin and metformin significantly reduced the viability of the cells.


Jakafi resistant JAK2 V617F BaF3 cell avatar was created using CBM and using simulations metformin was tested on avatar at doses ranging from c/4, c/2, c, 2c and 4c in combination with chloroquine at fixed dose (FIG. 7b). Red line indicates addition of metformin at increasing doses from c/4, c/2, c, 2c and 4c. Relative growth was plotted which showed a reduction of 62% on relative growth. Green line indicates addition of metformin at increasing doses of c/4, c/2, c, 2c and 4c with a fixed dose of chloroquine. The efficacy of inhibiting relative growth seen was higher in combination of chloroquine+metformin than in metformin alone.


Example 6: Efficacy Comparison Between MPN Standard of Care Drugs and CO+M+S on Cell Line and Patients

Efficacy comparison study of standard of care drugs in MPN Cell Lines and Patients is provided hereunder:


Efficacy Data Tested on Cell Lines





    • Ruxolitinib was sensitive in 75% of JAK2 Cell line populations whereas resistance in 83.33% of non JAK2 population.

    • Azacytidine was sensitive in 50% of JAK2 Cell line populations whereas resistance in 50% of non JAK2 population

    • Decitabine was sensitive in 50% of JAK2 Cell line populations whereas resistance in 50% of non JAK2 population

    • Hydroxyurea was sensitive in 0% of JAK2 Cell line populations whereas resistance in 100% of non JAK2 population.

    • Imatinib was sensitive in 0% of JAK2 Cell line populations whereas resistance in 83.33% of non JAK2 population.

    • Thalidomide was sensitive in 75% of JAK2 Cell line populations whereas resistance in 16.67% of non JAK2 population.





Efficacy of Standard of Care Drugs on Patient Cohort





    • Ruxolitinib was sensitive in 81.18% of JAK2 patient populations whereas resistance in 87.81% of non JAK2 population.

    • Azacytidine was sensitive in 34.16% of JAK2 patients and resistance in 74% of non JAK2 patient's population.

    • Decitabine was sensitive in 34.16% of JAK2 patients and resistance in 74% of non JAK2 patient's population

    • Hydroxyurea was sensitive in 1% of JAK2 patients and resistance in 100% of non JAK2 patient's population.

    • Imatinib was sensitive in 0.5% of JAK2 patients and resistance in 100% of non JAK2 patient's population.

    • Thalidomide was sensitive in 33.17% of JAK2 patients and resistance in 75.61% of non JAK2 patient's population.





Thus, Ruxolitinib efficacy was higher in JAK2 population compared to a drug combination of CQ+M+S.


Example 7: Analysis of Ruxolitinib Non-Responder Cases in JAK2 Aberration Segment

Next, screening was done for all patient's resistant to Ruxolitinib (JAKAFI®) but sensitive to the drug combination of CQ+M+S.


There were ˜15 patients which showed enhanced efficacy score with CQ+M+S compared to JAKAFI and out of 15 there were 14 patient which had chromosome 9 aberration (OE) in the same region. Thus, Chromosome 9 OE is responsible for Ruxolitinib resistance.


Key findings of the present disclosure include that aberration of Chromosome 8 and Chromosome 9 is responsible for Ruxolitinib resistance even if JAK2 is aberrated and the combination of CQ+M+S is sensitive in this segment.


Further, Table 1 provides the list of genes from chromosomes 8 and 9 responsible to support the findings of the present disclosure.














TABLE 1





Gene
Location
Aberration
Drug
Response
Rationale







PTPN3
Chromosome 9
Trisomy 9
RUXOLITINIB
Exclusion
RUXOLITINIB-|JAK2 −>







STAT3/STAT5







PTPN3---|STAT3/STAT5 −>







BCL2L1--|Apoptosis


PPP2R2A
Chromosome 8
Trisomy 8
RUXOLITINIB
Exclusion
RUXOLITINIB-|JAK2 −>







STAT3/STAT5







PPP2R2A---|STAT3 −>







BCL2L1--|Apoptosis


IFNA1
Chromosome 9
Trisomy 9
RUXOLITINIB
Exclusion
RUXOLITINIB --|







JAK2/JAK1−> STAT1







IFNA1−> IFNAR1−>







JAK1 −> STAT1−>







CDKN1A/CDKN1B---|







Proliferation


IFNA2
Chromosome 9
Trisomy 9
RUXOLITINIB
Exclusion
RUXOLITINIB --|







JAK2/JAK1−> STAT1







IFNA2−> IFNAR1−>







JAK1 −> STAT1−>S







CDKN1A/CDKN1B---|







Proliferation









Table 2 provides identified responder in Trisomy 8 and 9 for CQ+M+S.














TABLE 2





Gene
Location
Aberration
Drug
Response
Rationale







TGFBR1
Chromosome 9
Trisomy 9
Metformin
Inclusion
METFORMIN−>PRKAA1-







|SMAD2/3







TGFBR1−>SMAD2/







3−>CANCERPROGRESSION


MCL1
Chromosome 8
Trisomy 8
Chloroquine
Inclusion
CHLOROQUINE-|AUTOPHAGY-







|ERSTRESS−>APOPTOSIS







MCL1-|BECN1−>AUTOPHAGY-







|ERSTRESS










FIG. 8 depicts the signaling rationale to explain Ruxolitinib Non-Responder cases in JAK2 aberration patient.


Example 8: Comparison of Side Effects of CO+S+M and Ruxolitinib

Based on FDA and Sider database, side effects of Ruxolitinib were compared with individual


Chloroquine, Rosuvastatin and Metformin. The comparison is show below.













TABLE 3






Jakafi/






Ruxolitinib
Rosuvastain
Metformin
Chloroquine


Side effects
All Grades (%)
All Grades (%)
All Grades (%)
All Grades (%)







Thrombocytopenia
69.7
Not reported
Not reported
Not reported


Anemia
96.1
Not reported
Not reported
Not reported


Neutropenia
18.7
Not reported
Not reported
Not reported


Headache
14.8
8.5
5.7
Not reported


Diarrhoea
Not reported
Not reported
53
Not reported


Nausea
Not reported
6.3
25.5
Not reported









As shown in Table 3, nearly all the patients in the Jakafi/Ruxolitinib group faces Anemia and/or Thrombocytopenia. In 40-45% of patients Anemia is of grade 3 or more in Jakafi group. Many types of myeloproliferative neoplasms like myelofibrosis or essential thrombocytopenia have anemia or thrombocytopenia as their disease characteristics. In these conditions, Ruxolitinib may even worsen the outcome based on its side effects. On the contrary, grade ¾ toxicity for chloroquine, metformin or statin is rarely reported. These drugs are well tolerated and if combined may not give high toxicity. Since efficacy of CQ+S+M combination is comparable to Jakafi; however, the side effects profile of the combination is very mild compared to ruxolitinib, this combination can be a preferred choice over Ruxolitinib (Jakafi).


NUMBERED EMBODIMENTS OF THE DISCLOSURE

1. A combination comprising chloroquine, metformin and statin or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or derivative thereof.


2. A combination comprising chloroquine, metformin and statin or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or derivative thereof for use in management of myeloproliferative neoplasm or any associated condition.


3. The combination as recited in embodiment 1 or 2, wherein the statin is selected from a group comprising simvastatin, atorvastatin, rosuvastatin, fluvastatin, lovastatin, pitavastatin and pravastatin or any combination thereof.


4. The combination as recited in embodiment 1 or 2, wherein the statin is simvastatin.


5. The combination as recited in embodiment 1 or 2, wherein the statin is atorvastatin.


6. The combination as recited in embodiment 1 or 2, wherein the statin is rosuvastatin.


7. The combination as recited in embodiment 1 or 2, wherein the combination consists of chloroquine, metformin and rosuvastatin; or chloroquine, metformin and simvastatin; or chloroquine, metformin and atorvastatin; or chloroquine, metformin and fluvastatin; or chloroquine, metformin and lovastatin; or chloroquine, metformin and pitavastatin; or chloroquine, metformin and pravastatin.


8. The combination as recited in any one of embodiments 1-7, wherein the combination further comprises one or more therapeutic agent.


9. The combination as recited in any one of embodiments 1-8, wherein the chloroquine, metformin, statin or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or derivative thereof and optionally the therapeutic agent are administered simultaneously/concurrently or individually one after the other in any order.


10. The combination as recited in embodiment 9, wherein the chloroquine, metformin, statin or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or derivative thereof and optionally the therapeutic agent are administered concurrently in a single formulation or in multiple formulation or a combination thereof.


11. The combination as recited in any one of embodiments 1-10, wherein the combination is a single formulation comprising chloroquine, metformin and statin or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or derivative thereof and optionally the therapeutic agent.


12. The combination as recited in any one of embodiments 1-10, wherein the combination is a kit comprising chloroquine, metformin and statin or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or derivative thereof and optionally the therapeutic agent as separate formulations.


13. The combination as recited in any one of embodiments 10-12, wherein the formulation is in a dosage form selected from a group comprising oral, parenteral or topical dosage form or a combination thereof.


14. The combination as recited in embodiment 13, wherein the parenteral dosage form is selected from a group comprising intravenous, intramuscular, intradermal, transdermal, subcutaneous, intratumoral, intralesional, intraperitoneal, and intrathecal administration or a combination thereof.


15. The combination as recited in embodiment 14, wherein the parenteral dosage form is intravenous administration.


16. The combination as recited in any one of embodiments 1-15, wherein the combination is administered in one or plurality of dosage forms.


17. The combination as recited in embodiment 12, wherein the kit comprises one or plurality of dosage forms.


18. The combination as recited in any one of embodiments 10-14, wherein the formulation is in dosage form having an immediate release, a controlled release, or a sustained delayed release mechanism.


19. The combination as recited in any one of embodiments 10-14 or 18, wherein the formulation is formulated into dosage form selected from group comprising pellet, lozenge, liquid, elixir, aerosol, inhalant, spray, powder, tablet, pill, capsule, gel, geltab, nanosuspension, nanoparticle, microgel, suppository troche, aqueous or oily suspension, ointment, patch, lotion, dentifrice, emulsion, cream, drop, dispersible powder or granule, emulsion in hard or soft gel capsule, syrup, phytoceutical, nutraceutical, or any combinations thereof.


20. The combination as recited in any one of embodiments 10-14 or 18-19, wherein the formulation further comprises a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient.


21. The combination as recited in embodiment 20, wherein the pharmaceutically acceptable excipient is selected from group comprising carrier, diluent, granulating agent, binding agent, lubricating agent, disintegrating agent, sweetening agent, glidant, anti-adherent, anti-static agent, surfactant, anti-oxidant, gum, coating agent, coloring agent, flavouring agent, coating agent, plasticizer, preservative, suspending agent, emulsifying agent, plant cellulosic material, spheronization agent, immediate release agent, controlled release agent and sustained delayed release agent, or any combinations thereof.


22. Use of a combination of chloroquine, metformin and statin or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or derivative thereof as recited in any one of embodiments 1-21 for preparation of a medicament for management of myeloproliferative neoplasm or any associated condition.


23. A method for managing myeloproliferative neoplasm or any associated condition in a subject in need thereof, comprising administering to the subject the combination as recited in any one of embodiments 1-21.


24. The use or method as recited in embodiment 22 or 23, wherein the myeloproliferative neoplasm or any associated condition is a condition comprising mutation in Janus kinase 2, wherein said mutation is optionally selected from a group comprising V617F, K539L and T875N, or any combinations thereof.


25. The use or method as recited in any one of embodiments 22-24, wherein the myeloproliferative neoplasm or any associated condition is selected from group comprising any cancer with JAK2V617F mutation, any cancer with JAK2 dominant profile, essential thrombocythemia, polycythemia vera, myelofibrosis, chronic myelogenous leukemia, chronic neutrophilic leukemia, chronic eosionophilic leukemia, chronic myelomonocytic leukemia, multiple myeloma, acute non lymphocytic leukemia, myelodysplasia or any combination of conditions thereof, or any condition having a mutation therein.


26. A method of treating a patient having myeloproliferative neoplasm or any associated condition comprising administering to the patient a combination therapy comprising chloroquine, metformin and statin or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or derivative thereof as recited in any one of embodiments 1-21, wherein the therapy is administered post determining the genetic profile of the patient.


27. The method as recited in embodiment 26, wherein the patient is characterized by presence of at least one mutation in Janus kinase 2 gene (JAK2).


28. The method as recited in embodiment 27, wherein the mutation in JAK2 is selected from a group comprising V617F, K539L and T875N, or any combinations thereof.


29. The method as recited in embodiment 27 or 28, wherein the mutation is V617F.


30. The method as recited in any one of embodiments 27-29, wherein the mutation is a JAK2V617F mutation or JAK2V617F mutation in combination with gene mutation selected from a group comprising KRAS, NRAS, TP53, CDKN1A, BRAF, EGFR, B-catenin, CDKN2A, P13KCA, APC, MYC, BCL2, SOCS1, SOCS3, TGFBR1, MCL1, TET2, ASXL1, SMAD4, or any combinations thereof.


31. The method as recited in any one of embodiments 26-30, wherein the patient is characterized by presence of at least one mutation and/or copy number variations in Chromosome 8, Chromosome 9 or a combination thereof.


32. The method as recited in any one of embodiments 26-31, wherein the patient has responded to a first line of therapy.


33. The method as recited in any one of embodiments 26-32, wherein the patient is resistant to or has developed resistance to first line of therapy.


34. The method as recited in any one of embodiments 26-33, wherein the patient is resistant to first line of therapy.


35. The method as recited in any one of embodiments 32-34, wherein the first line of therapy is selected from a group comprising Ruxolitinib, Azacytidine, Decitabine, Hydroxyurea, Imatinib and Thalidomide or any combination thereof.


36. The method as recited in any one of embodiments 26-35, wherein the patient is resistant to Ruxolitinib.


37. The use or method as recited in any one of embodiments 22-36, wherein the combination is administered using one or plurality of dosage forms, each dosage form comprising one or more components, and wherein each dosage form optionally comprises one or more pharmaceutically acceptable excipient.


38. The use or method as recited in embodiment 37, wherein the pharmaceutically acceptable excipient is selected from group comprising carrier, diluent, granulating agent, binding agent, lubricating agent, disintegrating agent, sweetening agent, glidant, anti-adherent, anti-static agent, surfactant, anti-oxidant, gum, coating agent, coloring agent, flavouring agent, coating agent, plasticizer, preservative, suspending agent, emulsifying agent, plant cellulosic material, spheronization agent, immediate release agent, controlled release agent and sustained delayed release agent, or any combinations thereof.


39. The use or method as recited in embodiment 37, wherein the combination is administered in a dosage form selected from a group comprising oral, parenteral or topical dosage form or a combination thereof.


40. The use or method as recited in embodiment 39, wherein the parenteral dosage form is selected from a group comprising intravenous, intramuscular, intradermal, transdermal, subcutaneous, intratumoral, intralesional, intraperitoneal, and intrathecal administration or a combination thereof.


41. The use or method as recited in embodiment 40, wherein the parenteral dosage form is intravenous administration.


42. The use or method as recited in any one of embodiments 37-41, wherein the combination is formulated into dosage form selected from group comprising pellet, lozenge, liquid, elixir, aerosol, inhalant, spray, powder, tablet, pill, capsule, gel, geltab, nanosuspension, nanoparticle, microgel, suppository troche, aqueous or oily suspension, ointment, patch, lotion, dentifrice, emulsion, cream, drop, dispersible powder or granule, emulsion in hard or soft gel capsule, syrup, phytoceutical, nutraceutical, or any combinations thereof.


43. The use or method as recited in any one of embodiments 22-42, wherein the combination is administered at a therapeutically effective amount.


44. The use or method as recited in embodiment 43, wherein the therapeutically effective amount of the chloroquine or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or derivative thereof is from about 10% to about 99% of a maximum tolerated dose; the therapeutically effective amount of the metformin or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or derivative thereof is from about 10% to about 99% of a maximum tolerated dose; and the therapeutically effective amount of the statin or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or derivative thereof is from about 10% to about 99% of a maximum tolerated dose; and the therapeutically effective amount of the other therapeutic agent is from about 10% to about 99% of a maximum tolerated dose.


45. The use or method as recited in embodiment 43 or 44, wherein the therapeutically effective amount of the chloroquine or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or derivative thereof is from about 1 mg to about 600 mg/day, the therapeutically effective amount of the metformin or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or derivative thereof is from about 1 mg to about 2500 mg/day, the therapeutically effective amount of the statin or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or derivative thereof is from about 1 mg to about 200 mg/day, and the therapeutically effective amount of the other therapeutic agent is from about 1 mg to about 2000 mg/day, including ranges and values therebetween.


46. The combination as recited in any one of embodiments 2-21, wherein the myeloproliferative neoplasm or any associated condition is a condition comprising mutation in Janus kinase 2, wherein said mutation is optionally selected from a group comprising V617F, K539L and T875N, or any combinations thereof.


47. The combination as recited in embodiment 46, wherein the myeloproliferative neoplasm or any associated condition is selected from group comprising any cancer with JAK2V617F mutation, any cancer with JAK2 dominant profile, mutation and/or copy number variations in chromosome 8, mutation and/or copy number variations in chromosome 9, essential thrombocythemia, polycythemia vera, myelofibrosis, chronic myelogenous leukemia, chronic neutrophilic leukemia, chronic eosionophilic leukemia, chronic myelomonocytic leukemia, multiple myeloma, acute non lymphocytic leukemia, myelodysplasia, or any combination of conditions thereof, or any condition having a mutation therein.


48. The combination as recited in embodiment 46 or 47, wherein said mutation is a JAK2V617F mutation or JAK2V617F mutation in combination with gene mutation selected from a group comprising KRAS, NRAS, TP53, CDKN1A, BRAF, EGFR, B-catenin, CDKN2A, P13KCA, APC, MYC, BCL2, SOCS1, SOCS3, TGFBR1, MCL1, TET2, ASXL1, SMAD4 or any combinations thereof.


49. A composition comprising chloroquine, metformin and statin or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or derivative thereof.


50. The composition as recited in embodiment 49, wherein the statin is selected from a group comprising simvastatin, atorvastatin, rosuvastatin, fluvastatin, lovastatin, pitavastatin and pravastatin or any combination thereof.


51. The composition as recited in embodiment 49 or 50, wherein the statin is simvastatin.


52. The composition as recited in embodiment 49 or 50, wherein the statin is atorvastatin.


53. The composition as recited in embodiment 49 or 50, wherein the statin is rosuvastatin.


54. The composition as recited in embodiment 49 or 50, wherein the combination consists of chloroquine, metformin and rosuvastatin; or chloroquine, metformin and simvastatin; or chloroquine, metformin and atorvastatin; or chloroquine, metformin and fluvastatin; or chloroquine, metformin and lovastatin; or chloroquine, metformin and pitavastatin; or chloroquine, metformin and pravastatin.


55. The composition as recited in any one of embodiments 49 or 54, wherein the composition further comprises one or more therapeutic agent.


56. The composition as recited in any one of embodiments 49-55, wherein the composition further comprises a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient.


57. The composition as recited in embodiment 56, wherein the pharmaceutically acceptable excipient is selected from group comprising carrier, diluent, granulating agent, binding agent, lubricating agent, disintegrating agent, sweetening agent, glidant, anti-adherent, anti-static agent, surfactant, anti-oxidant, gum, coating agent, coloring agent, flavouring agent, coating agent, plasticizer, preservative, suspending agent, emulsifying agent, plant cellulosic material, spheronization agent, immediate release agent, controlled release agent, sustained delayed release agent, or any combinations thereof.


58. The composition as recited in any one of embodiments 49-57, wherein the composition is in a dosage form formulated for oral, parenteral or topical administration.


59. The composition as recited in embodiment 58, wherein the parenteral dosage form is selected from a group comprising intravenous, intramuscular, intradermal, transdermal, subcutaneous, intratumoral, intralesional, intraperitoneal, and intrathecal administration or a combination thereof, preferably intravenous administration.


60. The composition as recited in any one of embodiments 49-59, wherein the composition is in dosage form having an immediate release, a controlled release, or a sustained delayed release mechanism.


61. The composition as recited in any one of embodiments 49-60, wherein the composition is formulated into dosage form selected from group comprising pellet, lozenge, liquid, elixir, aerosol, inhalant, spray, powder, tablet, pill, capsule, gel, geltab, nanosuspension, nanoparticle, microgel, suppository troche, aqueous or oily suspension, ointment, patch, lotion, dentifrice, emulsion, cream, drop, dispersible powder or granule, emulsion in hard or soft gel capsule, syrup, phytoceutical, nutraceutical, or any combinations thereof.


62. A process of preparing composition as recited in any one of embodiments 49-61, said process comprising act of combining chloroquine, metformin and statin or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or derivative thereof, optionally along with therapeutic agent, in any ratio, any concentration or any order thereof to obtain the composition.


63. A kit comprising the combination or composition of any of the preceding embodiments.


64. The kit as recited in embodiment 63, wherein the kit comprises one or plurality of dosage forms.


65. The kit as recited in embodiment 63 or 64, wherein the kit further comprises an instructional manual for use in management of myeloproliferative neoplasm or associated conditions.

Claims
  • 1. A method for treating a myeloproliferative neoplasm in a subject in need thereof, comprising administering to the subject a combination therapy comprising chloroquine, metformin and a statin, or a respective pharmaceutically acceptable salt or derivative thereof.
  • 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the myeloproliferative neoplasm is selected from essential thrombocythemia, polycythemia vera, myelofibrosis, chronic myelogenous leukemia, chronic myelomonocytic leukemia, chronic neutrophilic leukemia, chronic eosionophilic leukemia, multiple myeloma, acute non lymphocytic leukemia, myelodysplasia and any combination thereof.
  • 3. The method of claim 1, wherein the statin is selected from the group consisting of simvastatin, atorvastatin, rosuvastatin, fluvastatin, lovastatin, pitavastatin, pravastatin and any combination thereof.
  • 4. The method of claim 1, wherein the subject comprises at least one mutation in Janus kinase 2 gene (JAK2).
  • 5. The method of claim 4, wherein the mutation in JAK2 is V617F, K539L, T875N, or any combination thereof.
  • 6. The method of claim 4, wherein the mutation of JAK2 is V617F or the subject comprises V617F in combination with a mutation in a gene selected from the group consisting of: KRAS, NRAS, TP53, CDKN1A, BRAF, EGFR, B-catenin, CDKN2A, P13KCA, APC, MYC, BCL2, SOCS1, SOCS3, TGFBR1, MCL1 TET2, ASXL1, SMAD4, and any combination thereof.
  • 7. The method of claim 1, wherein the subject has responded to, or is resistant to, or has developed resistance to a first line of therapy.
  • 8. The method of claim 7, wherein the first line of therapy comprises administration of Ruxolitinib, Azacytidine, Decitabine, Hydroxyurea, Imatinib, Thalidomide, or any combination thereof.
  • 9. The method of claim 7, wherein the first line of therapy comprises administration of Ruxolitinib.
  • 10. The method of claim 7, wherein the subject comprises at least one mutation in Chromosome 8, Chromosome 9, or a combination thereof.
  • 11. The method of claim 1, wherein the combination therapy is administered as a single formulation comprising chloroquine, metformin and the statin, or respective pharmaceutically acceptable salt or derivative thereof; or as separate formulations of chloroquine, metformin and the statin or respective pharmaceutically acceptable salt or derivative thereof.
  • 12. The method of claim 11, wherein the single formulation or separate formulations are administered orally, parenterally and/or topically.
  • 13. The method of claim 1, wherein the chloroquine or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or derivative thereof is administered to the subject in an amount of about 1 mg to about 600 mg/day; the metformin or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or derivative thereof is administered to the subject in an amount of about 1 mg to about 2500 mg/day; and the statin or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or derivative thereof is administered to the subject in an amount of about 1 mg to about 200 mg/day.
  • 14. A combination comprising chloroquine, metformin and a statin, or a respective pharmaceutically acceptable salt or a derivative thereof.
  • 15. The combination of claim 14, wherein the statin is selected from the group consisting of simvastatin, atorvastatin, rosuvastatin, fluvastatin, lovastatin, pitavastatin, pravastatin or any combination thereof.
  • 16. The combination of claim 14 wherein a ratio of chloroquine:metformin:statin or their respective salts or derivatives ranges from 0.5:10:1 to 8:200:1.
  • 17. The combination of claim 14 wherein a ratio of chloroquine:metformin:statin or their respective salts or derivatives ranges from 0.25:0.5:1 to 12:50:1.
  • 18. The combination of claim 14, wherein the combination is a single formulation.
  • 19. The combination of claim 14, wherein the combination is a kit comprising chloroquine, metformin and statin, or a respective pharmaceutically acceptable salt or derivative thereof as separate formulations.
  • 20. The combination of claim 19, wherein the formulation is in the form of a dosage form selected from the group consisting of oral, parenteral, topical, and a combination thereof.
  • 21. The combination of claim 15, wherein a ratio of chloroquine:metformin:statin or their respective salts or derivatives ranges from 0.5:10:1 to 8:200:1.
  • 22. The combination of claim 15, wherein a ratio of chloroquine:metformin:statin or their respective salts or derivatives ranges from 0.25:0.5:1 to 12:50:1.
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/164,828, filed on Mar. 23, 2021, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein in their entirety.

Provisional Applications (1)
Number Date Country
63164828 Mar 2021 US