Suspension formulation comprising an insulinotropic peptide

Abstract
A suspension formulation of an insulinotropic peptide (e.g., glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) or exenatide) is described. The suspension formulation comprises (i) a non-aqueous, single-phase vehicle, comprising one or more polymer and one or more one solvent, wherein the vehicle exhibits viscous fluid characteristics, and (ii) a particle formulation comprising the insulinotropic peptide, wherein the peptide is dispersed in the vehicle. The particle formulation further includes a stabilizing component comprising one or more stabilizers, for example, carbohydrates, antioxidants, amino acids, and buffers. Devices for delivering the suspension formulations and methods of use are also described.
Description
SEQUENCE LISTING

The instant application contains a Sequence Listing which has been submitted in ASCII format via EFS-Web and is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. Said ACSII copy, created on Jun. 13, 2019, is named txt 611562 102487-036CON4.txt and is 1,448 bytes in size.


TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to organic chemistry, formulation chemistry, and peptide chemistry applied to pharmaceutical research and development. Aspects of the present invention provide suspension formulations of insulinotropic peptides for use in mammals and for the treatment of diseases or conditions.


BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) is ‘important hormone and a fragment of the human proglucagon molecule. GLP-1 is rapidly metabolized by a peptidase (dipeptidylpeptidase IV or DPP-IV). A fragment of GLP-1, glucagon-like peptide-1 (7-36) amide (glucagon-like insulinotropic peptide, or GLIP) is a gastrointestinal peptide that potentiates the release of insulin in physiologic concentrations (Gutniak M., et al., N Engl J Med. 1992 May 14; 326(20):1316-22). GLP-1 and GLP-1(7-36)amide are incretins. Incretins are gastrointestinal hormones that cause an increase in the amount of insulin released from beta cells after eating.


Food intake, as well as stimulation of the sympathetic nervous system, stimulates secretion of GLP-1 in the small intestine of mammals. Further, GLP-1 stimulates the production and secretion of insulin, the release of somatostatin, glucose utilization by increasing insulin sensitivity, and, in animal studies, also stimulates beta-cell function and proliferation.


GLP-1(7-36)amide and GLP-1(7-37) normalize fasting hyperglycemia in Type 2 diabetic patients (Nauck, M. A., et al., Diabet. Med. 15(11):937-45(1998)). Exendin-4 is an incretin mimetic (i.e., it mimics physiological effects of incretins) purified from Heloderma suspectum venom (Eng, J., et al., J. Biol. Chem. 267:7402-05 (1992)) and shows structural relationship to the incretin hormone GLP-1(7-36)amide. Exendin-4 and truncated exendin-(9-39)amide specifically interact with the GLP-1 receptor on insulinoma-derived cells and on lung membranes (Goke R, et al., J Biol. Chem. 268:19650-55 (1993)). Exendin-4 has approximately 53% homology to human GLP-1 (Pohl, M., et al., J Biol. Chem. 273:9778-84 (1998)). Unlike GLP-1, however, exendin-4 is resistant to degradation by DPP-IV. A glycine substitution confers resistance to degradation by DPP-IV (Young, A. A., et al., Diabetes 48(5):1026-34(1999)).


SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to suspension formulations comprising a particle formulation and a suspension vehicle, as well as devices comprising such formulations, methods of making such formulations and devices, and methods of use thereof.


In one aspect, the present invention relates to a suspension formulation comprising, a particle formulation comprising an insulinotropic peptide and one or more stabilizer selected from the group consisting of carbohydrates, antioxidants, amino acids, buffers, and inorganic compounds. The suspension formulation further comprises a non-aqueous, single-phase suspension vehicle comprising one or more polymer and one or more solvent. The suspension vehicle exhibits viscous fluid characteristics and the particle formulation is dispersed in the vehicle.


In one embodiment, the suspension formulation comprises a particle formulation comprising an insulinotropic peptide, a disaccharide (e.g., sucrose), methionine, and a buffer (e.g., citrate), and a non-aqueous, single-phase suspension vehicle comprising one or more pyrrolidone polymer (e.g., polyvinylpyrollidone) and one or more solvent (e.g., lauryl lactate, lauryl alcohol, benzyl benzoate, or mixtures thereof.


Examples of insulinotropic peptides include, but are not limited to, glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), exenatide, and derivatives or analogues thereof. In one embodiment of the invention, the insulinotropic peptide is GLP-1(7-36)amide. In another embodiment of the invention, the insulinotropic peptide is exenatide.


The particle formulations of the present invention may further comprise a buffer, for example, selected from the group consisting of citrate, histidine, succinate, and mixtures thereof.


The particle formulations of the present invention may further comprise an inorganic compound, for example, selected from the group consisting of citrate, histidine, succinate, and mixtures thereof NaCl, Na2SO4, NaHCO3, KCl, KH2PO4, CaCl2, and MgCl2.


The one or more stabilizer in the particle formulations may comprise, for example, a carbohydrate selected from the group consisting of lactose, sucrose, trehalose, mannitol, cellobiose, and mixtures thereof.


The one or more stabilizer in the particle formulations may comprise, for example, an antioxidant selected from the group consisting of methionine, ascorbic acid, sodium thiosulfate, ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), citric acid, cysteins, thioglycerol, thioglycolic acid, thiosorbitol, butylated hydroxanisol, butylated hydroxyl toluene, and propyl gallate, and mixtures thereof.


The one or more stabilizer in the particle formulations may comprise an amino acid.


In one embodiment, the solvent of the suspension vehicle of the present invention is selected from the group consisting of lauryl lactate, lauryl alcohol, benzyl benzoate, and mixtures thereof. An example of a polymer that can be to formulate the suspension vehicle is a pyrrolidone (e.g., polyvinylpyrrolidone). In a preferred embodiment, the polymer is a pyrrolidone and the solvent is benzyl benzoate.


The suspension formulation typically has an overall moisture content less than about 10 wt % and in a preferred embodiment less than about 5 wt %.


An implantable drug delivery device may be used to contain and deliver the suspension formulation of the present invention. In one embodiment the device is an osmotic delivery device.


The suspension formulations of the present invention can be used to treat any of a number of disease states or conditions in a subject in need of treatment, for example, type II diabetes. In one embodiment, an implantable drug delivery device delivers a suspension formulation of the present invention at a substantially uniform rate for a period of about one month to about a year. The device may, for example, be implanted subcutaneously in a convenient location.


The present invention also includes methods of manufacturing the suspension formulations, particle formulations, suspension vehicles, and devices of the present invention as described herein.


These and other embodiments of the present invention will readily occur to those of ordinary skill in the art in view of the disclosure herein.





BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES


FIGS. 1A and 1B presents the sequences of two examples of insulinotropic peptides: FIG. 1A, glucagon-like peptide 1 (7-36) amide (GLP-1(7-36)amide) (SEQ ID NO:1), and FIG. 1B, synthetic exenatide peptide (SEQ ID NO:2).



FIG. 2 presents data for group mean body weights of test animals treated by continuous delivery of exenatide from a DUROS® (ALZA Corporation, Mountain View, Calif., licensed to Intarcia Therapeutics, Inc., Hayward, Calif.) device. In the figure, the vertical axis is mean body weight in grams (Body Weight (g)) and the horizontal axis is the day (Day). The obese animals of Group 1 (closed diamonds) were the control group to which 0 mcg of exenatide from a DUROS® device was administered per day. The animals of Group 2 (closed squares) were obese animals to which 20 mcg of exenatide from a DUROS® device was administered per day. The animals of Group 3 (closed triangles) were lean animals to which 20 mcg of exenatide was administered per day.



FIG. 3 presents data for group mean blood glucose concentrations of test animals treated by continuous delivery of exenatide from a DUROS® device. In the figure, the vertical axis is mean blood glucose in mg/dL (Blood Glucose (mg/dL)) and the horizontal axis is the day (Day), wherein each day has three associated blood glucose values (A, B, C). Day −1A is a fasting blood glucose value and Day 8A is a fasting blood glucose value. The obese animals of Group 1 (closed diamonds) were the control group to which 0 mcg of exenatide was administered per day. The animals of Group 2 (closed squares) were obese animals to which 20 mcg of exenatide from a DUROS® device was administered per day. The animals of Group 3 (closed triangles) were lean animals to which 20 mcg. of exenatide from a DUROS® device was administered per day.



FIG. 4 presents data for group mean HbA1c values of test animals treated by continuous delivery of exenatide from a DUROS® device. In the figure, the vertical axis is mean percent HbA1c (HbA1c (%)) and the horizontal axis is the day (Day). The obese animals of Group 1 (closed diamonds) were the control group to which 0 mcg of exenatide was administered per day. The animals of Group 2 (closed squares) were obese animals to which 20 mcg of exenatide was administered per day. The animals of Group 3 (closed triangles) were lean animals to which 20 mcg of exenatide from a DUROS® device was administered per day.





DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

All patents, publications, and patent applications cited in this specification are herein incorporated by reference as if each individual patent, publication, or patent application was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference in its entirety for all purposes.


1.0.0 DEFINITIONS

It is to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to be limiting. As used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to “a solvent” includes a combination of two or more such solvents, reference to “a peptide” includes one or more peptides, mixtures of peptides, and the like.


Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the invention pertains. Although other methods and materials similar, or equivalent, to those described herein can be used in the practice of the present invention, the preferred materials and methods are described herein.


In describing and claiming the present invention, the following terminology will be used in accordance with the definitions set out below.


The terms “peptide,” “polypeptide,” and “protein” are used interchangeable herein and typically refer to a molecule comprising a chain of two or more amino acids (e.g., most typically L-amino acids, but also including, e.g., D-amino acids, modified amino acids, amino acid analogues, and/or amino acid mimetic). Peptides may also comprise additional groups modifying the amino acid chain, for example, functional groups added via post-translational modification. Examples of post-translation modifications include, but are not limited to, acetylation, alkylation (including, methylation), biotinylation, glutamylation, glycylation, glycosylation, isoprenylation, lipoylation, phosphopantetheinylation, phosphorylation, selenation, and C-terminal amidation. The term peptide also includes peptides comprising modifications of the amino terminus and/or the carboxy terminus. Modifications of the terminal amino group include, but are not limited to, des-amino, N-lower alkyl, N-di-lower alkyl, and N-acyl modifications. Modifications of the terminal carboxy group include, but are not limited to, amide, lower alkyl amide, dialkyl amide, and lower alkyl ester modifications (e.g., wherein lower alkyl is C1-C4 alkyl).


The terminal amino acid at one end of the peptide chain typically has a free amino group (i.e., the amino terminus). The terminal amino acid at the other end of the chain typically has a free carboxyl group (i.e., the carboxy terminus). Typically, the amino acids making up a peptide are numbered in order, starting at the amino terminus and increasing in the direction of the carboxy terminus of the peptide.


The phrase “amino acid residue” as used herein refers to an amino acid that is incorporated into a peptide by an amide bond or an amide bond mimetic.


The term “insulinotropic” as used herein refers to the ability of a compound, e.g., a peptide, to stimulate or affect the production and/or activity of insulin (e.g., an insulinotropic hormone). Such compounds typically stimulate the secretion or biosynthesis of insulin in a subject.


The phrase “insulinotropic peptide” as used herein includes, but is not limited to, glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1), as well as derivatives and analogues thereof, and exenatide, as well as derivatives and analogues thereof.


The term “vehicle” as used herein refers to a medium used to carry a compound. Vehicles of the present invention typically comprise components such as polymers and solvents. The suspension vehicles of the present invention typically comprise solvents and polymers that are used to prepare suspension formulations of polypeptide particles.


The phrase “phase separation” as used herein refers to the formation of multiple phases (e.g., liquid or gel phases) in the suspension vehicle, such as when the suspension vehicle contacts the aqueous environment. In some embodiments of the present invention, the suspension vehicle is formulated to exhibit phase separation upon contact with an aqueous environment having less than approximately 10% water.


The phrase “single-phase” as used herein refers to a solid, semisolid, or liquid homogeneous system that is physically and chemically uniform throughout.


The term “dispersed” as used herein refers to dissolving, dispersing, suspending, or otherwise distributing a compound, for example, a peptide, in a suspension vehicle.


The phrase “chemically stable” as used herein refers to formation in a formulation of an acceptable percentage of degradation products produced over a defined period of time by chemical pathways, such as deamidation (usually by hydrolysis), aggregation, or oxidation.


The phrase “physically stable” as used herein refers to formation in a formulation of an acceptable percentage of aggregates (e.g., dimers and other higher molecular weight products). Further, a physically stable formulation does not change its physical state as, for example, from liquid to solid, or from amorphous to crystal form.


The term “viscosity” as used herein typically refers to a value determined from the ratio of shear stress to shear rate (see, e.g., Considine, D. M. & Considine, G. D., Encyclopedia of Chemistry, 4th Edition, Van Nostrand, Reinhold, N Y, 1984) essentially as follows:

F/A=μ*V/L  (Equation 1)


where F/A=shear stress (force per unit area),


μ=a proportionality constant (viscosity), and


V/L=the velocity per layer thickness (shear rate).


From this relationship, the ratio of shear stress to shear rate defines viscosity. Measurements of shear stress and shear rate are typically determined using parallel plate rheometery performed under selected conditions (for example, a temperature of about 37° C.). Other methods for the determination of viscosity include, measurement of a kinematic viscosity using a viscometers, for example, a Cannon-Fenske viscometer, a Ubbelohde viscometer for the Cannon-Fenske opaque solution, or a Ostwald viscometer. Generally, suspension vehicles of the present invention have a viscosity sufficient to prevent a particle formulation suspended therein from settling during storage and use in a method of delivery, for example, in an implantable, drug delivery device.


The term “non-aqueous” as used herein refers to an overall moisture content, for example, of a suspension formulation, typically of less than or equal to about 10 wt %, preferably less than or equal to about 5 wt %, and more preferably less than about 4 wt %.


The term “subject” as used herein refers to any member of the subphylum chordata, including, without limitation, humans and other primates, including non-human primates such as rhesus macaque, chimpanzees and other apes and monkey species; farm animals such as cattle, sheep, pigs, goats and horses; domestic mammals such as dogs and cats; laboratory animals including rodents such as mice, rats and guinea pigs; birds, including domestic, wild and game birds such as chickens, turkeys and other gallinaceous birds, ducks, geese, and the like. The term does not denote a particular age. Thus, both adult and newborn individuals are intended to be covered.


The terms “drug,” “therapeutic agent”, and “beneficial agent” are used interchangeably to refer to any therapeutically active substance that is delivered to a subject to produce a desired beneficial effect. In one embodiment of the present invention, the drug is an insulinotropic peptide, e.g., GLP-1, exenatide, and derivatives or analogues thereof. The devices and methods of the present invention are well suited for the delivery of polypeptides as well as small molecules and combinations thereof.


The term “osmotic delivery device” as used herein typically refers to a device used for delivery of one or more beneficial agent (e.g., an insulinotropic peptide) to a subject, wherein the device comprises, for example, a reservoir (made, for example, from a titanium alloy) having a lumen that contains a suspension formulation (e.g., comprising an insulinotropic peptide) and an osmotic agent formulation. A piston assembly positioned in the lumen isolates the suspension formulation from the osmotic agent formulation. A semi-permeable membrane positioned at a first distal end of the reservoir adjacent the osmotic agent formulation, as well as a flow modulator (which defines a delivery orifice through which the suspension formulation exits the device) that is positioned at a second distal end of the reservoir adjacent the suspension formulation. Typically, the osmotic delivery device is implanted within the subject, for example, subcutaneously (e.g., in the inside, outside, or back of the upper arm; or in the abdominal area).


2.0.0 GENERAL OVERVIEW OF THE INVENTION

Before describing the present invention in detail, it is to be understood that this invention is not limited to particular types of drug delivery, particular types of drug delivery devices, particular sources of peptides, particular solvents, particular polymers, and the like, as use of such particulars may be selected in view of the teachings of the present specification. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments of the invention only, and is not intended to be limiting.


In one aspect, the present invention relates to a suspension formulation, comprising a particle formulation and a suspension vehicle. The particle formulation includes, but is not limited to, an insulinotropic peptide and one or more stabilizer. The one or more stabilizer is typically selected from the group consisting of carbohydrates, antioxidants, amino acids, and buffers. The suspension vehicle is typically a non-aqueous, single-phase suspension vehicle comprising one or more polymer and one or more solvent. The suspension vehicle exhibits viscous fluid characteristics. The particle formulation is uniformly dispersed in the vehicle.


In one embodiment of the present invention the insulinotropic peptide is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), a derivative of GLP-1 (e.g., GLP-1(7-36)amide), or an analogue of GLP-1.


In another embodiment of the present invention insulinotropic peptide is exenatide, a derivative of exenatide, or an analogue of exenatide.


The particle formulation of the present invention typically includes one or more of the following stabilizers: one or more carbohydrate (e.g., a disaccharide, such as, lactose, sucrose, trehalose, cellobiose, and mixtures thereof); one or more antioxidant (e.g., methionine, ascorbic acid, sodium thiosulfate, ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), citric acid, butylated hydroxyltoluene, and mixtures thereof); and one or more buffer (e.g., citrate, histidine, succinate, and mixtures thereof). In a preferred embodiment, the particle formulation comprises an insulinotropic peptide, sucrose, methionine, and citrate buffer. The ratio of insulinotropic peptide to sucrose+methionine is typically about 1/20, about 1/10, about 1/5, about 1/2, about 5/1, about 10/1, or about 20/1, preferably between about 1/5 to 5/1, more preferably between about 1/3 to 3/1. The particle formulation is preferably a particle formulation prepared by spray drying and has a low moisture content, preferably less than or equal to about 10 wt %, more preferably less or equal to about 5 wt %. In another embodiment the particle formulation can be lyophilized.


The suspension vehicle of the present invention comprises one or more solvent and one or more polymer. Preferably the solvent is selected from the group consisting of lauryl lactate, lauryl alcohol, benzyl benzoate, and mixtures thereof. More preferably the solvent is lauryl lactate or benzyl benzoate. Preferably the polymer is a pyrrolidone. In some embodiments the polymer is polyvinylpyrrolidone (e.g., polyvinylpyrrolidone K-17, which typically has an approximate average molecular weight range of 7,900-10,800). In one embodiment of the present invention the solvent consists essentially of benzyl benzoate and polyvinylpyrrolidone.


The suspension formulation typically has a low overall moisture content, for example, less than or equal to about 10 wt % and in a preferred embodiment less than or equal to about 5 wt %.


In another aspect, the present invention relates to an implantable drug delivery device, comprising a suspension formulation of the present invention. In a preferred embodiment, the drug delivery device is an osmotic delivery device.


The present invention further includes methods of manufacturing the suspension formulations of the present invention, as well as osmotic delivery devices loaded with a suspension formulation of the present invention. In one embodiment, the present invention includes a method of manufacturing an osmotic delivery device comprising, loading a suspension formulation into a reservoir of the osmotic delivery device.


In another aspect, the present invention relates to a method of treating diabetes (e.g., diabetes mellitus type 2 or gestational diabetes) in a subject in need of such treatment, comprising delivering a suspension formulation of the present invention from an osmotic delivery device at a substantially uniform rate. Typically the suspension formulation is delivered for a period of about one month to about a year, preferably about three months to about a year. The method may further include subcutaneously inserting an osmotic delivery device, loaded with a suspension formulation of the present invention, into the subject.


In further aspects, the present invention relates to methods of stimulating insulin secretion, suppressing glucagon secretion, slowing gastric emptying, treating diabetic related disorders, treating hyperglycemia, treating obesity, controlling appetite, reducing weight, and regulating gastrointestinal motility.


2.1.0 Formulations and Compositions


2.1.1 Particle Formulations


In one aspect, the present invention provides a pharmaceutical composition comprising a suspension formulation of an insulinotropic peptide, for example, GLP-1 or exenatide. The suspension formulation comprises a non-aqueous, single-phase vehicle including at least one polymer and at least one solvent. The vehicle preferably exhibits viscous fluid characteristics. The peptide component comprises the insulinotropic peptide in a particle formulation that is dispersed in the vehicle. Typically, the particle formulation includes a stabilizing component comprising one of more stabilizer component selected from the group consisting of carbohydrates, antioxidants, amino acids, buffers, and inorganic compounds.


Insulinotropic peptides useful in the practice of the present invention include, but are not limited to, GLP-1 and exenatide.


Bell, G. I., et al., (Nature 302:716-718 (1983)) discovered that proglucagon (Lund, et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 79:345-349 (1982); Patzelt, et al., Nature, 282:260-266 (1979)) contained three discrete, highly homologous peptide regions which were designated glucagon, glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1), and glucagon-like peptide 2 (GLP-2). Lopez, et al., (Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 80:5485-5489 (1983)) demonstrated that the peptide sequence of GLP-1 was a sequence of 37 amino acids and that the peptide sequence of GLP-2 was a sequence of 34 amino acids.


Studies of the structure of rat preproglucagon revealed a similar pattern of proteolytic cleavage resulting in the formation of glucagon, GLP-1, and GLP-2 (Heinrich, G., et al., Endocrinol., 115:2176-2181 (1984)). Human, rat, bovine, and hamster sequences of GLP-1 were found to be identical (Ghiglione, M., et al., Diabetologia, 27:599-600 (1984)).


Cleavage of preproglucagon first yields GLP-1(1-37), a 37 amino acid peptide that has poor insulinotropic activity. A subsequent cleavage of the peptide bond between amino acid residues 6 and 7 produces a biologically active GLP-1 referred to as GLP-1(7-37) (by convention the amino terminus of GLP-1(7-37) was assigned number 7 and the carboxy terminus number 37). Approximately 80% of GLP-1(7-37) that is produced in mammals is amidated at the C-terminus after removal of the terminal glycine residue in L-cells, resulting in GLP-1(7-36)amide. The biological effects and metabolic turnover of the free acid GLP-1(7-37), and the amide, GLP-1(7-36)amide, are essentially the same. The sequence of GLP-1(7-36)amide is presented in FIG. 1A.


GLP-1 (including three forms of the peptide, GLP-1(1-37), GLP-1(7-37) and GLP-1(7-36)amide, as well as analogs of GLP-1) have been shown to stimulate insulin secretion (i.e., it is insulinotropic) which induces glucose uptake by cells and results in decreases in serum glucose levels (see, e g., Mojsov, S., Int. J. Peptide Protein Research, 40:333-343 (1992)). Another GLP-1 analogue is liraglutide, which is a long-acting DPP-4-resistant GLP-1 receptor agonist. Liraglutide has 97% identity to GLP-1(7-37). Liraglutide is also called NN-2211 and [Arg34, Lys26]-(N-epsilon-(gamma-Glu(N-alpha-hexadecanoyl))-GLP-1(7-37) (see, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 6,969,702).


Numerous GLP-1 derivatives and analogues demonstrating insulinotropic action are known in the art (see, e.g., U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,118,666; 5,120,712; 5,512,549; 5,545,618; 5,574,008; 5,574,008; 5,614,492; 5,958,909; 6,191,102; 6,268,343; 6,329,336; 6,451,974; 6,458,924; 6,514,500; 6,593,295; 6,703,359; 6,706,689; 6,720,407; 6,821,949; 6,849,708; 6,849,714; 6,887,470; 6,887,849; 6,903,186; 7,022,674; 7,041,646; 7,084,243; 7,101,843; 7,138,486; 7,141,547; 7,144,863; and 7,199,217). Accordingly, for ease of discussion herein, the family of GLP-1 derivatives and analogues having insulinotropic activity is referred to collectively as GLP-1.


Gastric inhibitory peptide (GIP) is also an insulinotropic peptide (Efendic, S., et al., Horm Metab Res. 36:742-6 (2004)). GIP is a hormone secreted by the mucosa of the duodenum and jejunum in response to absorbed fat and carbohydrate that stimulate the pancreas to secrete insulin. GIP is also known as glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide. GIP is a 42-amino acid gastrointestinal regulatory peptide that stimulates insulin secretion from pancreatic beta cells in the presence of glucose (Tseng, C., et al., PNAS 90:1992-1996 (1993)).


The exendins are peptides that were isolated from the venom of the Gila-monster. Exendin-4 is present in the venom of Heloderma suspectum (Eng, J., et al., J. Biol. Chem., 265:20259-62 (1990); Eng., J., et al., J. Biol. Chem., 267:7402-05 (1992); U.S. Pat. No. 5,424,286). The exendins have some sequence similarity to several members of the glucagon-like peptide family, with the highest homology, 53%, being to GLP-1(7-36)amide (Goke, et al., J. Biol. Chem., 268:19650-55 (1993)).


Exendin-4 acts at GLP-1 receptors on insulin-secreting beta-TC1 cells, dispersed acinar cells from guinea pig pancreas, and parietal cells from stomach. The exendin-4 peptide also stimulates somatostatin release and inhibits gastrin release in isolated stomachs (Goke, et al., J. Biol. Chem. 268:19650-55 (1993); Schepp, et al., Eur. J. Pharmacol., 69:183-91 (1994); Eissele, et al., Life Sci., 55:629-34 (1994)). Based on their insulinotropic activities, use of exendin-3 and exendin-4 for the treatment of diabetes mellitus and the prevention of hyperglycemia has been proposed (U.S. Pat. No. 5,424,286).


Numerous exendin-4 derivatives and analogues (including, e.g., exendin-4 agonists) demonstrating insulinotropic action are known in the art (see, e.g., U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,424,286; 6,268,343; 6,329,336; 6,506,724; 6,514,500; 6,528,486; 6,593,295; 6,703,359; 6,706,689; 6,767,887; 6,821,949; 6,849,714; 6,858,576; 6,872,700; 6,887,470; 6,887,849; 6,924,264; 6,956,026; 6,989,366; 7,022,674; 7,041,646; 7,115,569; 7,138,375; 7,141,547; 7,153,825; and 7,157,555). Exenatide is a synthetic peptide having the same 39 amino acid sequence as exendin-4. Exenatide is a peptide incretin mimetic that exhibits glucoregulatory activities similar to the mammalian incretin hormone glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1). Incretin hormones are hormones that cause an increase in the amount of insulin released when glucose levels are normal or particularly when they are elevated. Incretin hormones affect other activities defined by insulin secretion, for example, they can reduce glucagon production and delay gastric emptying. Further, incretin hormones may improve insulin sensitivity and possibly increase islet cell neogenesis.


For ease of discussion herein, the family of exendin-4 peptides, including synthetic versions (e.g., exenatide), derivatives and analogues having insulinotropic activity, is referred to collectively as exenatide.


In one aspect, the present invention provides particle formulations of insulinotropic peptides that can be used to prepare suspension formulations. The insulinotropic peptides of the present invention shall not be limited by method of synthesis or manufacture and shall include those obtained from natural sources, or synthesized or manufactured by recombinant (whether produced from cDNA or genomic DNA), synthetic, transgenic, and gene-activated methods. In preferred embodiments of the present invention the insulinotropic peptide is a GLP-1 peptide or an exendin peptide (as described herein above), for example, GLP-1(7-36)amide or exenatide. The present invention also includes combinations of two or more insulinotropic peptides, for example, GLP-1(7-36)amide and GIP.


Particle formulations of the invention are preferably chemically and physically stable for at least 1 month, preferably at least 3 months, more preferably at least 6 months, more preferably at least 12 months at delivery temperature. The delivery temperature is typically normal human body temperature, for example, about 37° C., or slightly higher, for example, about 40° C. Further, particle formulations of the present invention are preferably chemically and physically stable for at least 3 months, preferably at least 6 months, more preferably at least 12 months, at storage temperature. Examples of storage temperatures include refrigeration temperature, for example, about 5° C., or room temperature, for example, about 25° C.


A particle formulation may be considered chemically stable if less than about 25%, preferably less than about 20%, more preferably less than about 15%, more preferably less than about 10%, and more preferably less than about 5% breakdown products of the peptide particles are formed after about 3 months, preferably after about 6 months, preferably after about 12 months at delivery temperature and after about 6 months, after about 12 months, and preferably after about 24 months at storage temperature.


A particle formulation may be considered physically stable if less than about 10%, preferably less than about 5%, more preferably less than about 3%, more preferably less than 1% aggregates of the peptide particles are formed after about 3 months, preferably after about 6 months, at delivery temperature and about 6 months, preferably about 12 months, at storage temperature.


To preserve protein stability generally an insulinotropic peptide solution is kept in a frozen condition and lyophilized or spray dried to a solid state. Tg (glass transition temperature) may be one factor to consider in achieving stable compositions of peptide. While not intending to be bound by any particular theory, the theory of formation of a high Tg amorphous solid to stabilize peptides, polypeptides, or proteins has been utilized in pharmaceutical industry. Generally, if an amorphous solid has a higher Tg, such as 100° C., peptide products will not have mobility when stored at room temp or even at 40° C. because the storage temperature is below the Tg. Calculations using molecular information have shown that if a glass transition temperature is above a storage temperature of 50° C. that there is zero mobility for molecules. No mobility of molecules correlates with no instability issues. Tg is also dependent on the moisture level in the product formulation. Generally, the more moisture, the lower the Tg of the composition.


Accordingly, in some aspects of the present invention, excipients with higher Tg may be included in the protein formulation to improve stability, for example, sucrose (Tg=75° C.) and trehalose (Tg=110° C.). Preferably, particle formulations are formable into particles using processes such as spray drying, lyophilization, desiccation, freeze-drying, milling, granulation, ultrasonic drop creation, crystallization, precipitation, or other techniques available in the art for forming particles from a mixture of components. The particles are preferably substantially uniform in shape and size.


A typical spray dry process may include, for example, loading a spray solution containing a peptide, for example, an insulinotropic peptide (e.g., GLP-1(7-36)amide or exenatide), and stabilizing excipients into a sample chamber. The sample chamber is typically maintained at a desired temperature, for example, refrigeration to room temperature. Refrigeration generally promotes stability of the protein. A solution, emulsion, or suspension is introduced to the spray dryer where the fluid is atomized into droplets. Droplets can be formed by use of a rotary atomizer, pressure nozzle, pneumatic nozzle, or sonic nozzle. The mist of droplets is immediately brought into contact with a drying gas in a drying chamber. The drying gas removes solvent from the droplets and carries the particles into a collection chamber. In spray drying, factors that can affect yield include, but are not limited to, localized charges on particles (which may promote adhesion of the particles to the spray dryer) and aerodynamics of the particles (which may make it difficult to collect the particles). In general, yield of the spray dry process depends in part on the particle formulation.


In one embodiment of the present invention, the particles are sized such that they can be delivered via an implantable drug delivery device. Uniform shape and size of the particles typically helps to provide a consistent and uniform rate of release from such a delivery device; however, a particle preparation having a non-normal particle size distribution profile may also be used. For example, in a typical implantable osmotic delivery device having a delivery orifice, the size of the particles is less than about 30%, preferably is less than about 20%, more preferably is less than about than 10%, of the diameter of the delivery orifice. In an embodiment of the particle formulation for use with an osmotic delivery system, wherein the delivery orifice diameter of the implant is in a range of, for example, about 0.1 to about 0.5 mm, particle sizes may be preferably less than about 50 microns, more preferably less than about 10 microns, more preferably in a range from about 3 to about 7 microns. In one embodiment, the orifice is about 0.25 mm (250 μm) and the particle size is approximately 3-5 μm.


In a preferred embodiment, when the particles are incorporated in a suspension vehicle they do not settle in less than about 3 months at delivery temperature. Generally speaking, smaller particles tend to have a lower settling rate in viscous suspension vehicles than larger particles. Accordingly, micron- to nano-sized particles are typically desirable. In an embodiment of the particle formulation of the present invention for use in an implantable osmotic delivery device, wherein the delivery orifice diameter of the implant is in a range of, for example, about 0.1 to about 0.5 mm, particle sizes may be preferably less than about 50 microns, more preferably less than about 10 microns, more preferably in a range from about 3 to about 7 microns.


In one embodiment, a particle formulation of the present invention comprises one or more insulinotropic peptide, as described above, one or more stabilizers, and optionally a buffer. The stabilizers may be, for example, carbohydrate, antioxidant, amino acid, buffer, or inorganic compound. The amounts of stabilizers and buffer in the particle formulation can be determined experimentally based on the activities of the stabilizers and buffers and the desired characteristics of the formulation. Typically, the amount of carbohydrate in the formulation is determined by aggregation concerns. In general, the carbohydrate level should not be too high so as to avoid promoting crystal growth in the presence of water due to excess carbohydrate unbound to insulinotropic peptide. Typically, the amount of antioxidant in the formulation is determined by oxidation concerns, while the amount of amino acid in the formulation is determined by oxidation concerns and/or formability of particles during spray drying. Typically, the amount of buffer in the formulation is determined by pre-processing concerns, stability concerns, and formability of particles during spray drying. Buffer may be required to stabilize insulinotropic peptide during processing, e.g., solution preparation and spray drying, when all excipients are solubilized.


Examples of carbohydrates that may be included in the particle formulation include, but are not limited to, monosaccharides (e.g., fructose, maltose, galactose, glucose, D-mannose, and sorbose), disaccharides (e.g., lactose, sucrose, trehalose, and cellobiose), polysaccharides (e.g., raffinose, melezitose, maltodextrins, dextrans, and starches), and alditols (acyclic polyols; e.g., mannitol, xylitol, maltitol, lactitol, xylitol sorbitol, pyranosyl sorbitol, and myoinsitol). Preferred carbohydrates include non-reducing sugars, such as sucrose, trehalose, and raffinose.


Examples of antioxidants that may be included in the particle formulation include, but are not limited to, methionine, ascorbic acid, sodium thiosulfate, catalase, platinum, ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), citric acid, cysteins, thioglycerol, thioglycolic acid, thiosorbitol, butylated hydroxanisol, butylated hydroxyltoluene, and propyl gallate.


Examples of amino acids that may be included in the particle formulation include, but are not limited to, arginine, methionine, glycine, histidine, alanine, L-leucine, glutamic acid, iso-leucine, L-threonine, 2-phenylamine, valine, norvaline, praline, phenylalanine, trytophan, serine, asparagines, cysteine, tyrosine, lysine, and norleucine. Preferred amino acids include those that readily oxidize, e.g., cysteine, methionine, and trytophan.


Examples of buffers that may be included in the particle formulation include, but are not limited to, citrate, histidine, succinate, phosphate, maleate, tris, acetate, carbohydrate, and gly-gly. Preferred buffers include citrate, histidine, succinate, and tris.


Examples of inorganic compounds that may be included in the particle formulation include, but are not limited to, NaCl, Na2SO4, NaHCO3, KCl, KH2PO4, CaCl2, and MgCl2.


In addition, the particle formulation may include other excipients, such as surfactants, bulking agents, and salts. Examples of surfactants include, but are not limited to, Polysorbate 20, Polysorbate 80, PLURONIC® (BASF Corporation, Mount Olive, N.J.) F68, and sodium docecyl sulfate (SDS). Examples of bulking agents include, but are not limited to, mannitol and glycine. Examples of salts include, but are not limited to, sodium chloride, calcium chloride, and magnesium chloride.


All components included in the particle formulation are typically acceptable for pharmaceutical use in mammals, in particular, in humans.


Table 1 below presents examples of particle formulation composition ranges for particles comprising exenatide.













TABLE 1









More





Preferred



Range
Preferred Range
Range



(% by weight)
(% by weight)
(% by weight)



















Particle loading in
0.1 to 99.9%
  1 to 50%
5 to 40%


suspension


formulation


In Particles


Exenatide peptide
1 to 99%
  5 to 70%
10 to 60% 


Carbohydrate
0 to 99%
2.5 to 40%
5 to 30%


Antioxidant and/or
0 to 99%
2.5 to 30%
5 to 30%


amino acid


Buffer
0 to 99%
 10 to 80%
10 to 70% 









In one embodiment, the exenatide particle formulation comprises exenatide peptide, sucrose (carbohydrate), methionine (antioxidant), and sodium citrate/citric acid (citrate buffer).


Table 2 below presents examples of particle formulation composition ranges for particles comprising GLP-1.













TABLE 2









More





Preferred



Range (% by
Preferred Range
Range



weight)
(% by weight)
(% by weight)



















Particle loading in
0.1 to 99.9%
  1 to 50%
10-50%


suspension


formulation


In Particles


GLP-1 peptide
1 to 99%
  5 to 95%
30-90%


Carbohydrate and/or
0 to 99%
0.1 to 30%
 2-20%


Antioxidant and/or


amino acid


Buffer
0 to 99%
0.1 to 50%
 2-30%









Within these weight percent ranges for components of the particle formulation, some preferred component ratios are as follows: insulinotropic peptide (e.g., exenatide or GLP-1) to antioxidant (e.g., methionine)⇒1/10, 1/5, 1/2.5, 1/1, 2.5/1, 5/1, 10/1, preferably between about 1/5 to 5/1, more preferably between about 1/3 to 3/1 (these same component ratios apply to insulinotropic peptide to amino acid ratios); insulinotropic peptide (e.g., exenatide or GLP-1) to carbohydrate (e.g., sucrose)—1/10, 1/5, 1/2.5, 1/1, 2.5/1, 5/1, 10/1, preferably between about 1/5 to 5/1, more preferably between about 1/3 to 3/1; and/or insulinotropic peptide (e.g., exenatide or GLP-1) to antioxidant+carbohydrate (e.g., methionine+sucrose)—1/20, 1/10, 1/5, 1/2, 5/1, 10/1, 20/1, preferably between about 1/5 to 5/1, more preferably between about 1/3 to 3/1 (these same component ratios apply to insulinotropic peptide to amino acid+carbohydrate ratios). The present invention also includes ranges corresponding to all of these ratios, for example, between about 1/20 and about 20/1, between about 1/10 and about 10/1, between about 1/5 and about 5/1, and so on, as well as, for example, between about 1/5 and about 3/1, and so on.


In summary, insulinotropic peptides are formulated into dried powders in solid state, which preserve maximum chemical and biological stability of proteins or peptides. The particle formulation offers long term storage stability at high temperature, and therefore, allows delivery to a subject of stable and biologically effective peptide for extended periods of time.


Particle size distribution of the dry particle powder can be well controlled (0.1 micron-20 micron), for example, by using the methods of spray drying or lyophilization to prepare the particle formulations. The process parameters for formation of the dry powder are optimal to produce particles with desired particle size distribution, density, and surface area.


The selected excipients and buffer in the particle formulation may provide, for example, the following functions: density modification of the dry powder; preservation of the peptide chemical stability; maintenance of the peptide's physical stability (e.g., high glass transition temperature, and avoiding phase to phase transition); producing homogenous dispersions in suspension by use of bulking agents; modification of hydrophobicity and/or hydrophilicity to manipulate dry powder solubility in selected solvents; and, manipulation of pH during processing and maintenance of pH in the product (for solubility and stability).


The particle formulations of the present invention are exemplified herein below with reference to exenatide and GLP-1(7-36)amide as exemplary insulinotropic peptides (see, Example 1 and Example 2). These examples are not intended to be limiting.


2.1.2 Vehicle and Suspension Formulations


In one aspect of the present invention, the suspension vehicle provides a stable environment in which the insulinotropic peptide particle formulation is dispersed. The particle formulations are chemically and physically stable (as described above) in the suspension vehicle. The suspension vehicle typically comprises one or more polymers and one or more solvents that form a solution of sufficient viscosity to uniformly suspend the particles comprising the insulinotropic peptide.


The viscosity of the suspension vehicle is typically sufficient to prevent the particle formulation from settling during storage and use in a method of delivery, for example, in an implantable, drug delivery device. The suspension vehicle is biodegradable in that the suspension vehicle disintegrates or breaks down over a period of time in response to a biological environment. The disintegration of the suspension vehicle may occur by one or more physical or chemical degradative processes, such as by enzymatic action, oxidation, reduction, hydrolysis (e.g., proteolysis), displacement (e.g., ion exchange), or dissolution by solubilization, emulsion or micelle formation. After the suspension vehicle disintegrates, components of the suspension vehicle are absorbed or otherwise dissipated by the body and surrounding tissue of the patient.


The solvent in which the polymer is dissolved may affect characteristics of the suspension formulation, such as the behavior of the insulinotropic peptide particle formulation during storage. A solvent may be selected in combination with a polymer so that the resulting suspension vehicle exhibits phase separation upon contact with the aqueous environment. In some embodiments of the invention, the solvent may be selected in combination with the polymer so that the resulting suspension vehicle exhibits phase separation upon contact with the aqueous environment having less than approximately about 10% water.


The solvent may be an acceptable solvent that is not miscible with water. The solvent may also be selected so that the polymer is soluble in the solvent at high concentrations, such as at a polymer concentration of greater than about 30%. However, typically the insulinotropic peptide is substantially insoluble in the solvent. Examples of solvents useful in the practice of the present invention include, but are not limited to, lauryl alcohol, benzyl benzoate, benzyl alcohol, lauryl lactate, decanol (also called decyl alcohol), ethyl hexyl lactate, and long chain (C8 to C24) aliphatic alcohols, esters, or mixtures thereof. The solvent used in the suspension vehicle may be “dry,” in that it has a low moisture content. Preferred solvents for use in formulation of the suspension vehicle include lauryl lactate, lauryl alcohol, benzyl benzoate, and combinations thereof.


Examples of polymers for formulation of the suspension vehicles of the present invention include, but are not limited to, a polyester (e.g., polylactic acid or polylacticpolyglycolic acid), pyrrolidone (e.g., polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) having a molecular weight ranging from approximately 2,000 to approximately 1,000,000), ester or ether of an unsaturated alcohol (e.g., vinyl acetate), polyoxyethylenepolyoxypropylene block copolymer, or mixtures thereof. In one embodiment, the polymer is PVP having a molecular weight of 2,000 to 1,000,000. In a preferred embodiment the polymer is polyvinylpyrrolidone K-17 (typically having an approximate average molecular weight range of 7,900-10,800). Polyvinylpyrrolidone can be characterized by its K-value (e.g., K-17), which is a viscosity index. The polymer used in the suspension vehicle may include one or more different polymers or may include different grades of a single polymer. The polymer used in the suspension vehicle may also be dry or have a low moisture content.


Generally speaking, a suspension vehicle according to the present invention may vary in composition based on the desired performance characteristics. In one embodiment, the suspension vehicle may comprise about 40% to about 80% (w/w) polymer(s) and about 20% to about 60% (w/w) solvent(s). Preferred embodiments of a suspension vehicle include vehicles formed of polymer(s) and solvent(s) combined at the following ratios: about 25% solvent and about 75% polymer; about 50% solvent and about 50% polymer; about 75% solvent and about 25% polymer.


The suspension vehicle may exhibit Newtonian behavior. The suspension vehicle is typically formulated to provide a viscosity that maintains a uniform dispersion of the particle formulation for a predetermined period of time. This helps facilitate making a suspension formulation tailored to provide controlled delivery of the insulinotropic peptide at a desired rate. The viscosity of the suspension vehicle may vary depending on the desired application, the size and type of the particle formulation, and the loading of the particle formulation in the suspension vehicle. The viscosity of the suspension vehicle may be varied by altering the type or relative amount of the solvent or polymer used.


The suspension vehicle may have a viscosity ranging from about 100 poise to about 1,000,000 poise, preferably from about 1,000 poise to about 100,000 poise. The viscosity may be measured at 37° C., at a shear rate of 10−4/sec, using a parallel plate rheometer. In some embodiments, the viscosity of the suspension vehicle ranges from approximately 5,000 poise to approximately 50,000 poise. In preferred embodiments, the viscosity range is between about 12,000 to about 18,000 poise at 33° C.


The suspension vehicle may exhibit phase separation when contacted with the aqueous environment; however, typically the suspension vehicle exhibits substantially no phase separation as a function of temperature. For example, at a temperature ranging from approximately 0° C. to approximately 70° C. and upon temperature cycling, such as cycling from 4° C. to 37° C. to 4° C., the suspension vehicle typically exhibits no phase separation.


The suspension vehicle may be prepared by combining the polymer and the solvent under dry conditions, such as in a dry box. The polymer and solvent may be combined at an elevated temperature, such as from approximately 40° C. to approximately 70° C., and allowed to liquefy and form the single phase. The ingredients may be blended under vacuum to remove air bubbles produced from the dry ingredients. The ingredients may be combined using a conventional mixer, such as a dual helix blade or similar mixer, set at a speed of approximately 40 rpm. However, higher speeds may also be used to mix the ingredients. Once a liquid solution of the ingredients is achieved, the suspension vehicle may be cooled to room temperature. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) may be used to verify that the suspension vehicle is a single phase. Further, the components of the vehicle (e.g., the solvent and/or the polymer) may be treated to substantially reduce or substantially remove peroxides (e.g., by treatment with methionine; see, e.g., U.S., Patent Application Publication No. 2007-0027105).


The particle formulation, comprising an insulinotropic peptide, is added to the suspension vehicle to form a suspension formulation. The suspension formulation may be prepared by dispersing the particle formulation in the suspension vehicle. The suspension vehicle may be heated and the particle formulation added to the suspension vehicle under dry conditions. The ingredients may be mixed under vacuum at an elevated temperature, such as from about 40° C. to about 70° C. The ingredients may be mixed at a sufficient speed, such as from about 40 rpm to about 120 rpm, and for a sufficient amount of time, such as about 15 minutes, to achieve a uniform dispersion of the particle formulation in the suspension vehicle. The mixer may be a dual helix blade or other suitable mixer. The resulting mixture may be removed from the mixer, sealed in a dry container to prevent water from contaminating the suspension formulation, and allowed to cool to room temperature before further use, for example, loading into an implantable, drug delivery device, unit dose container, or multiple-dose container.


The suspension formulation typically has an overall moisture content of less than about 10 wt %, preferably less than about 5 wt %, and more preferably less than about 4 wt %.


The suspension formulations of the present invention are exemplified herein below with reference to exenatide and GLP-1(7-36)amide as exemplary insulinotropic peptides (see, Example 3 and Example 4). These examples are not intended to be limiting.


In summary, the components of the suspension vehicle provide biocompatibility. Components of the suspension vehicle offer suitable chemico-physical properties to form stable suspensions of, for example, dry powder particle formulations. These properties include, but are not limited to, the following: viscosity of the suspension; purity of the vehicle; residual moisture of the vehicle; density of the vehicle; compatibility with the dry powders; compatibility with implantable devices; molecular weight of the polymer; stability of the vehicle; and hydrophobicity and hydrophilicity of the vehicle. These properties can be manipulated and controlled, for example, by variation of the vehicle composition and manipulation of the ratio of components used in the suspension vehicle.


3.0.0 DELIVERY OF SUSPENSION FORMULATIONS

The suspension formulations described herein may be used in an implantable, drug delivery device to provide sustained delivery of a compound over an extended period of time, such as over weeks, months, or up to about one year. Such an implantable drug delivery device is typically capable of delivering the compound at a desired flow rate over a desired period of time. The suspension formulation may be loaded into the implantable, drug delivery device by conventional techniques.


The suspension formulation may be delivered, for example, using an osmotically, mechanically, electromechanically, or chemically driven drug delivery device. The insulinotropic peptide is delivered at a flow rate that is therapeutically effective to the subject in need of treatment by the insulinotropic peptide.


The insulinotropic peptide may be delivered over a period ranging from more than about one week to about one year or more, preferably for about one month to about a year or more, more preferably for about three months to about a year or more. The implantable, drug delivery device may include a reservoir having at least one orifice through which the insulinotropic peptide is delivered. The suspension formulation may be stored within the reservoir. In one embodiment, the implantable, drug delivery device is an osmotic delivery device, wherein delivery of the drug is osmotically driven. Some osmotic delivery devices and their component parts have been described, for example, the DUROS® delivery device or similar devices (see, e.g., U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,609,885; 5,728,396; 5,985,305; 5,997,527; 6,113,938; 6,132,420; 6,156,331; 6,217,906; 6,261,584; 6,270,787; 6,287,295; 6,375,978; 6,395,292; 6,508,808; 6,544,252; 6,635,268; 6,682,522; 6,923,800; 6,939,556; 6,976,981; 6,997,922; 7,014,636; 7,207,982; 7,112,335; 7,163,688; U.S. Patent Publication Nos. 2005-0175701, 2007-0281024, and 2008-0091176).


The DUROS® delivery device typically consists of a cylindrical reservoir which contains the osmotic engine, piston, and drug formulation. The reservoir is capped at one end by a controlled-rate water-permeable membrane and capped at the other end by a diffusion moderator through which drug formulation is released from the drug reservoir. The piston separates the drug formulation from the osmotic engine and utilizes a seal to prevent the water in the osmotic engine compartment from entering the drug reservoir. The diffusion moderator is designed, in conjunction with the drug formulation, to prevent body fluid from entering the drug reservoir through the orifice.


The DUROS® device releases a therapeutic agent at a predetermined rate based on the principle of osmosis. Extracellular fluid enters the DUROS® device through a semi-permeable membrane directly into a salt engine that expands to drive the piston at a slow and even delivery rate. Movement of the piston forces the drug formulation to be released through the orifice or exit port at a predetermined sheer rate. In one embodiment of the present invention, the reservoir of the DUROS® device is load with a suspension formulation of the present invention, comprising, for example, GLP-1(7-36)amide or exenatide, wherein the device is capable of delivering the suspension formulation to a subject over an extended period of time (e.g., about 3, about 6, or about 12 months) at a predetermined, therapeutically effective delivery rate.


Implantable devices, for example, the DUROS® device, provide the following advantages for administration of a beneficial agent formulation: true zero-order release of the beneficial agent pharmacokinetically; long-term release period time (e.g., up to about 12 months); and reliable delivery and dosing of a beneficial agent.


Other implantable, drug delivery devices may be used in the practice of the present invention and may include regulator-type implantable pumps that provide constant flow, adjustable flow, or programmable flow of the compound, such as those available from Codman & Shurtleff, Inc. (Raynham, Mass.), Medtronic, Inc. (Minneapolis, Minn.), and Tricumed Medinzintechnik GmbH (Germany).


Implantable devices, for example, the DUROS® device, provide the following advantages for administration of the suspension formulations of the present invention: true zero-order release of the insulinotropic peptide pharmacokinetically; long-term release period time (e.g., up to about 12 months); and reliable delivery and dosing of the insulinotropic peptide.


The amount of beneficial agent employed in the delivery device of the invention is that amount necessary to deliver a therapeutically effective amount of the agent to achieve the desired therapeutic result. In practice, this will vary depending upon such variables, for example, as the particular agent, the site of delivery, the severity of the condition, and the desired therapeutic effect. Typically, for an osmotic delivery device, the volume of a beneficial agent chamber comprising the beneficial agent formulation is between about 100 μl to about 1000 μl, more preferably between about 120 μl and about 500 μl, more preferably between about 150 μl and about 200 μl.


Typically, the osmotic delivery device is implanted within the subject, for example, subcutaneously. The device(s) can be inserted in either or both arms (e.g., in the inside, outside, or back of the upper arm) or into the abdomen. Preferred locations in the abdomen are under the abdominal skin in the area extending below the ribs and above the belt line. To provide a number of locations for insertion of one or more osmotic delivery device within the abdomen, the abdominal wall can be divided into 4 quadrants as follows: the upper right quadrant extending 5-8 centimeters below the right ribs and about 5-8 centimeters to the right of the midline, the lower right quadrant extending 5-8 centimeters above the belt line and 5-8 centimeters to the right of the midline, the upper left quadrant extending 5-8 centimeters below the left ribs and about 5-8 centimeters to the left of the midline, and the lower left quadrant extending 5-8 centimeters above the belt line and 5-8 centimeters to the left of the midline. This provides multiple available locations for implantation of one or more devices on one or more occasions.


The suspension formulation may also be delivered from a drug delivery device that is not implantable or implanted, for example, an external pump such as a peristaltic pump used for subcutaneous delivery in a hospital setting.


The suspension formulations of the present invention may also be used in infusion pumps, for example, the ALZET® (DURECT Corporation, Cupertino Calif.) osmotic pumps which are miniature, infusion pumps for the continuous dosing of laboratory animals (e.g., mice and rats).


The suspension formulations of the present invention may also be used in the form of injections to provide highly concentrated bolus doses of biologically active insulinotropic peptides.


In one embodiment of the present invention, the continuous delivery of, for example, derivatives and analogues of GLP-1 that have short half-lives after injection into humans (e.g., GLP-1(7-36)amide or exenatide) from an implantable device would be particularly beneficial. Further, the use of an implantable device, such as the DUROS® device, to deliver insulinotropic peptides could reduce injection-related side-effects and, with increased convenience of dosing, result in increased treatment compliance. The duration of drug delivery from one implant may be weeks or as long as one year.


Some advantages and benefits of the suspension formulations of the present invention delivered via an osmotic delivery device, such as a DUROS® device, include, but are not limited to the following. Increased treatment compliance can result in better efficacy and such increased compliance can be achieved using an implanted osmotic delivery device. Efficacy of treatment can be improved because an implantable osmotic device, such as a DUROS® device, can provide continuous and consistent delivery of drug (e.g., GLP-1 or exenatide) 24 hours per day to provide better control of blood glucose levels day and night. Further, it is believed that incretins and incretin mimetics may protect the beta cells in the pancreas and slow down the progression of type 2 diabetes mellitus. Twenty-four hour continuous and consistent drug delivery of incretins or incretin mimetics from the DUROS® device thus can provide even greater protection of the beta cells and may provide reversal of the disease progression. Continuous delivery of insulinotropic peptides (e.g., GLP-1 or exenatide) from the DUROS® device also allows treated subjects complete flexibility in planning meals and thus an increased quality of life compared to, for example, treatment with bolus injections that need to be timed relative to the major meals of the day. Also, unlike other sustained release formulations and depot injections, drug dosing when using a DUROS® device can be immediately halted by removal of the device, for example, if a safety issue arises for a particular subject.


In addition to GLP-1 derivatives and analogues demonstrating insulinotropic action, other derivatives of GLP-1 (e.g., GLP-1(9-36) amide) have been shown to reduce blood glucose by a mechanism that does not involve insulin secretion (Deacon, C. F., et al., Am. J. Physiol. Endocrinol. Metab. 282:E873-E879 (2002)). Further, GLP-1(9-36) amide has been shown to reduce postprandial glycemia independently of gastric emptying and insulin secretion (Meier, J. J., et al., Am. J. Physiol. Endocrinol. Metab. 290:E1118-E1123 (2006)). Accordingly, in another aspect, the present invention includes formulation of such GLP-1 derivatives into particles, suspension of the particles in a vehicle, and delivery of these suspension formulations to subjects to reduce blood glucose and/or to reduce postprandial glycemia essentially as described herein above for GLP-1 derivatives and analogues demonstrating insulinotropic action. In addition, GIP(3-42) appears to be a weak GIP receptor antagonist that does not exert insulin-related glucoregulation. Such GIP derivatives may also be formulated (singly or in combination with other peptides) following the guidance presented herein.


The present invention also includes methods of manufacturing the formulations of the present invention, including the particle formulations, suspension vehicles, and suspension formulations described herein above.


4.0.0 SUSPENSION FORMULATION USES

The suspension formulations as described herein provide promising alternatives to insulin therapy for subjects with diabetes mellitus. Diabetes mellitus type 2 or Type 2 Diabetes (also called non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) or adult-onset diabetes) is a metabolic disorder that is primarily characterized by insulin resistance, relative insulin deficiency and hyperglycemia. The suspension formulations of the present invention, comprising insulinotropic peptides, are useful for stimulating insulin secretion, suppressing glucagon secretion, slowing gastric emptying, and possibly enhancing insulin sensitivity in peripheral tissues such as muscle and fat.


The suspension formulations of the present invention may be useful in the treatment of diabetes (e.g., diabetes mellitus, and gestational diabetes), and diabetic related disorders (e.g., diabetic cardiomyopathy, insulin resistance, diabetic neuropathy, diabetic nephropathy, diabetic retinopathy, cataracts, hyperglycemia, hypercholesterolemia, hypertension, hyperinsulinemia, hyperlipidemia, atherosclerosis, and tissue ischemia, particularly myocardial ischemia), as well as, hyperglycemia (e.g., related to treatment with medications that increase the risk of hyperglycemia, including beta blockers, thiazide diuretics, corticosteroids, niacin, pentamidine, protease inhibitors, L-asparaginase, and some antipsychotic agents), reducing food intake (e.g., treating obesity, controlling appetite, or reducing weight), stroke, lowering plasma lipids, acute coronary syndrome, hibernating myocardium, regulating gastrointestinal motility, and increasing urine flow.


In addition, the suspension formulations of the present invention may be potential regulators of appetite in subjects treated with the formulations.


In one embodiment, suspension formulations are administered using an osmotic delivery device as described above. Examples of target rates of delivery for suspension formulations of the present invention, comprising insulinotropic peptides, include, but are not limited to: suspension formulations comprising particle formulations comprising GLP-1 (e.g., GLP-1(7-36)amide), between about 20 μg/day and about 900 μg/day, preferably between about 100 μg/day and about 600 μg/day, for example, at about 480 μg/day; and suspension formulations comprising particle formulations comprising exenatide, between about 5 μg/day and about 320 μg/day, preferably between about 5 μg/day and about 160 μg/day, for example, at about 10 μg/day to about 20 μg/day. An exit sheer rate of the suspension formulation from the osmotic delivery device is determined such that the target daily target delivery rate of the insulinotropic peptide is reasonably achieved by substantially continuous, uniform delivery of the suspension formulation from the osmotic delivery device. Examples of exit sheer rates include, but are not limited to, about 1 to about 1×10−7 reciprocal second, preferably about 4×10−2 to about 6×10−4 reciprocal second, more preferably 5×10−3 to 1×10−3 reciprocal second.


A subject being treated with the suspension formulations of the present invention may also benefit from co-treatment with other agents (e.g., sulfonylureas, meglitinides (e.g., repaglinide, and nateglinide), metformin, and combinations of such agents), alpha glucosidase inhibitors, amylin (as well as synthetic analogues such as pramlintide), dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPP-IV) inhibitors (e.g., sitagliptin and vildagliptin), and long/short acting insulins.


Use of oral dipeptidyl peptidase-IV (DPP-IV or DPP-4) inhibitors orally to prevent cleavage of GLP-1 may be particularly useful when the suspension formulation of the present invention comprises a GLP-1 variant that is cleavable by dipeptidyl peptidase-IV (see, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 7,205,409).


Example 5 presents data demonstrating that delivery of a formulation comprising exenatide using the DUROS® device resulted in decreased glucose levels and weight loss in treated animals.


Other objects may be apparent to one of ordinary skill upon reviewing the following specification and claims.


5.0.0 EXAMPLES

The following examples are put forth so as to provide those of ordinary skill in the art with a complete disclosure and description of how to make and use the devices, methods, and formulae of the present invention, and are not intended to limit the scope of what the inventor regards as the invention. Efforts have been made to ensure accuracy with respect to numbers used (e.g., amounts, temperature, etc.) but some experimental errors and deviations should be accounted for. Unless indicated otherwise, parts are parts by weight, molecular weight is weight average molecular weight, temperature is in degrees Centigrade, and pressure is at or near atmospheric.


The compositions produced according to the present invention meet the specifications for content and purity required of pharmaceutical products.


Example 1
Exenatide Particle Formulations

This example describes making exenatide particle formulations.


A. Formulation 1


Exenatide (0.25 g) was dissolved in 50 mM sodium citrate buffer at pH 6.04. The solution was dialyzed with a formulation solution containing sodium citrate buffer, sucrose, and methionine. The formulated solution was then spray dried using Buchi 290 with 0.7 mm nozzle, outlet temperature of 75° C., atomization pressure of 100 Psi, solid content of 2%, and flow rate of 2.8 mL/min. The dry powder contained 21.5% of exenatide with 4.7% residual moisture and 0.228 g/ml density.


B. Formulations 2 and 3


Two additional formulations of exenatide were prepared essentially by the method just described. Following here in Table 3 is a summary of the weight percentages (wt %) of the components of the Formulations 1, 2 and 3.












TABLE 3






Particle
Particle
Particle



Formulation 1
Formulation 2
Formulation 3


Component
(wt %)
(wt %)
(wt %)


















Exenatide
21.5
11.2
50.0


Sodium Citrate*
63.6
74.7
28.4


Citric Acid*
7.1
9.1
3.6


Sucrose
3.9
2.5
9.0


Methionine
3.9
2.5
9.0





*Sodium Citrate/Citric Acid formed the citrate buffer for this particle formulation.






Example 2
GLP-1 Dry Powder

This example describes making an GLP-1(7-36)amide particle formulation. GLP-1(7-36)amide (1.5 g) was dissolved in 5 mM sodium citrate buffer at pH 4. The solution was dialyzed with a formulation solution containing sodium citrate buffer and methionine. The formulated solution was then spray dried using Buchi 290 with 0.7 mm nozzle, outlet temperature of 70° C., atomization pressure of 100 Psi, solid content of 1.5%, and flow rate of 5 mL/min. The dry powder contained 90% of GLP-1(7-36)amide.


Example 3
Exenatide Suspension Formulation

This example describes making suspension formulations comprising a suspension vehicle and an exenatide particle formulation.


A. Suspension Formulation of 20 wt % Exenatide Particles


An exenatide particle formulation was generated by spray-drying, and contained 20 wt % exenatide, 32 wt % sucrose, 16 wt % methionine and 32 wt % citrate buffer.


A suspension vehicle was formed by dissolving the polymer polyvinylpyrrolidone in the solvent benzyl benzoate at approximately a 50/50 ratio by weight. The vehicle viscosity was approximately 12,000 to 18,000 poise when measured at 33° C. Particles containing the peptide exenatide were dispersed throughout the vehicle at a concentration of 10% particles by weight.


B. Suspension Formulations of Particle Formulations 1, 2, and 3


A suspension vehicle was formed by dissolving the polymer polyvinylpyrrolidone K-17 (typically having an approximate average molecular weight range of 7,900-10,800) in the solvent benzyl benzoate heated to approximately 65° C. under a dry atmosphere and reduced pressure at approximately a 50/50 ratio by weight. The vehicle viscosity was approximately 12,000 to 18,000 poise when measured at 33° C. Particle formulations 1-3, described in Example 1, were dispersed throughout the vehicle at the concentrations (by weight percent) shown in Table 4.












TABLE 4






Suspension
Suspension
Suspension



Formulation 1
Formulation 2
Formulation 3


Component
(wt %)
(wt %)
(wt %)







Particle Formulation 1
21.40




Particle Formulation 2

11.73



Particle Formulation 3


10.05


Polyvinylpyrrolidone
39.30
44.13
44.98


Benzyl Benzoate
39.30
44.13
44.98









Example 4
GLP-1(7-36)Amide Formulation

This example describes making a suspension formulation comprising a suspension vehicle and an GLP-1(7-36)amide particle formulation. A GLP-1(7-36)amide particle formulation was generated by spray-drying, and contained 90 wt % GLP-1, 5 wt % methionine and 5 wt % citrate buffer.


A suspension vehicle containing the polymer polyvinylpyrrolidone was dissolved in the solvent benzyl benzoate at approximately a 50/50 ratio by weight. The vehicle viscosity was approximately 12,000 to 18,000 poise when measured at 33° C. Particles containing the peptide GLP-1(7-36)amide were dispersed throughout the vehicle at a concentration of 33% particles by weight.


Example 5
Continuous Delivery of Exenatide Using the DUROS® Device Resulted in Decreased Glucose Levels and Weight Loss in Treated Animals

The data in this Example demonstrated the effect of continuous and consistent delivery of an exenatide formulation from the DUROS® device on glucose levels and weight in the Zucker Diabetic Fatty (ZDF) rat model of type 2 diabetes.


The ZDF rat model has been previously described as an accurate model for Type 2 diabetes based on impaired glucose tolerance caused by the inherited obesity gene mutation which leads to insulin resistance (see, e.g., Clark, J., et al., Proc. Soc. Exp. Biol. Med. 173: 68-75 (1983); Peterson, R. G., et al., ILAR News 32: 16-19 (1990); Peterson, R. G., In Frontiers in Diabetes Research. Lessons from Animal Diabetes III, edited by E. Shafrir, pp. 456-458. London: Smith-Gordon (1990); Vrabec, J. T., Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 118: 304-308 (1998); Sparks, J. D., et al., Metabolism 47: 1315-1324 (1998)). The study design presented in Table 5 was used.














TABLE 5








Treatment

Number of



Group
(mcg*/day)
ZDF Rate Type
Males









1
Control
Obese
6



2
20
Obese
6



3
20
Lean
6







*micrograms






Rats (Group 2, obese, and Group 3, lean, n=6/group) in treatment groups were exposed to 20 mcg/day of exenatide (Suspension Formulation 2; Example 3, Table 4) continuously delivered using DUROS® devices for seven 24 hour periods (wherein the device was inserted on day 1 and removed on day 8), while placebo devices were inserted into rats in the control group (Group 1; n=6). The DUROS® devices were inserted subcutaneously into each of the animals.


Over the treatment period the following endpoints were evaluated. Clinical signs/Mortality were assessed at least once daily. Body weight was determined prior to implantation, daily during the observation period, and at termination. Blood glucose was determined as follows: fasted blood samples collected on Days −1 and 8; and un-fasted blood samples were taken three times each day (4-6 hours apart) Days −1 and 8, with two un-fasted blood samples taken on Days −1 and 8. Blood glucose was determined using a OneTouch Ultra® (Johnson & Johnson, New Brunswick N.J.) blood glucose meter. Glucose levels were measured three times per day. Quantitative HbA1c was determined for fasted blood samples collected on Days −1 and 8 using a DCA 2000 Plus Analyzer (GMI, Inc., Ramsey Minn.). Serial blood samples were obtained pre-Implant (0), at 12, 24, 36, 48, 72 hours and at Days 5 and 7 after implantation. These samples were centrifuged, the plasma harvested, and stored at −70° C. Necropsy included macroscopic examination performed on Day 8 of the observation period.



FIG. 2 presents the data obtained for group mean body weights (in grams). Decreased body weight was observed in both obese (FIG. 2; closed squares) and lean (FIG. 2; closed triangles) rats treated with exenatide by Day 4 (Obese: Day 1=329±15.2 g versus Day 4=296.2±14.2 g (p<0.01); and lean: Day 1=265.4±9.1 g versus Day 4=237.6±7.8 g (p<0.01)). Overall, there was a 10.7% weight loss in obese treated rats and a 15.1% weight loss in lean treated rats by Day 6. In contrast, obese rats with placebo devices (FIG. 2; closed diamonds) showed a slight increase (1.8%) in body weight by Day 6.



FIG. 3 presents the data obtained for group mean blood glucose concentrations (in mg/dL). Decreased blood glucose levels were apparent in obese treated rats (FIG. 3; closed squares) compared to obese controls (FIG. 3; closed diamonds) within 1 day after DUROS® device insertion. Starting at Day 3 mean glucose levels in obese treated rats were 163±92 mg/dL, while obese control rats were 481±47 mg/dL (p<0.05). Between Days 3-7, obese rats treated with 20 mcg/day of exenatide had decreased blood glucose levels that approached those in lean animals, while placebo-treated obese rats had mean glucose levels of 502 mg/dL. Lean animals (FIG. 3; closed triangles) were consistently around glucose levels of 100 mg/dL. A glucose level of 100 mg/dL is considered to be normal.



FIG. 4 presents the data obtained for group mean blood HbA1c values.


Treated obese rats (FIG. 4; closed squares) showed an overall increase of 5.8% in HbA1c levels, while obese control rats (FIG. 4; closed diamonds) showed an increase of 6.7% over the study period. Even though there was a decrease of mean blood glucose concentrations over time for the treated obese rats there did not appear to be a corresponding decrease in HbA1c in these animals. This result is likely because the study was not long enough as HbA1c levels are proportional to average blood glucose concentrations over one to two month periods.


These data demonstrated that continuous, uniform delivery of exenatide resulted in glucose-lowering together with a potent effect on body weight in treated animals. These results support the use of the DUROS® device for long-term steady state dosing of incretin mimetics, for example, a suspension formulation comprising exenatide, in the treatment of human diabetes.


As is apparent to one of skill in the art, various modification and variations of the above embodiments can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of this invention. Such modifications and variations are within the scope of this invention.

Claims
  • 1. A suspension formulation comprising: a particle formulation comprising: an insulinotropic peptide, an antioxidant, a carbohydrate, and a buffer, wherein the insulinotropic peptide is at least one of exenatide, a derivative of exenatide, or an analogue of exenatide; anda non-aqueous, single-phase suspension vehicle that comprises about 20 wt % to about 60 wt % solvent and about 80 wt % to about 40 wt % pyrrolidone polymer, the suspension vehicle having a viscosity from 5,000 poise to 50,000 poise at 33° C.;wherein: the solvent is at least one of lauryl lactate, lauryl alcohol, and benzyl benzoate;the pyrrolidone polymer is polyvinylpyrrolidone;30 to 90% by weight of the particle formulation is the insulinotropic peptide;the particle formulation has a wt % ratio of insulinotropic peptide to antioxidant plus carbohydrate of 1/2 to 10/1; andthe particle formulation is dispersed in the suspension vehicle.
  • 2. The suspension formulation of claim 1, wherein the insulinotropic peptide is exenatide.
  • 3. The suspension formulation of claim 1, wherein the buffer is selected from at least one of citrate, histidine, succinate, and tris.
  • 4. The suspension formulation of claim 1, wherein the carbohydrate is sucrose.
  • 5. The suspension formulation of claim 1, wherein the solvent is benzyl benzoate.
  • 6. The suspension formulation of claim 1, wherein the antioxidant is at least one of methionine, ascorbic acid, sodium thiosulfate, ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), citric acid, and butylated hydroxyltoluene.
  • 7. The suspension formulation of claim 1, wherein the particle formulation comprises exenatide, sucrose, methionine, and citrate.
  • 8. The suspension formulation of claim 1, wherein the particle formulation has a wt % ratio of insulinotropic peptide to antioxidant plus carbohydrate of 5/1 to 10/1.
  • 9. The suspension formulation of claim 1, wherein the particle formulation has a moisture content of less than 5 wt %.
  • 10. A delivery device comprising a suspension formulation, the suspension formulation comprising: a particle formulation comprising: an insulinotropic peptide, an antioxidant, a carbohydrate, and a buffer, wherein the insulinotropic peptide is at least one of exenatide, a derivative of exenatide, or an analogue of exenatide; anda non-aqueous, single-phase suspension vehicle that comprises about 20 wt % to about 60 wt % solvent and about 80 wt % to about 40 wt % pyrrolidone polymer, the suspension vehicle having a viscosity from 5,000 poise to 50,000 poise at 33° C.;wherein: the solvent is at least one of lauryl lactate, lauryl alcohol, and benzyl benzoate;the pyrrolidone polymer is polyvinylpyrrolidone;30 to 90% by weight of the particle formulation is the insulinotropic peptide;the particle formulation has a wt % ratio of insulinotropic peptide to antioxidant plus carbohydrate of 1/2 to 10/1; andthe particle formulation is dispersed in the suspension vehicle.
  • 11. The delivery device of claim 10, wherein the insulinotropic peptide is exenatide.
  • 12. The delivery device of claim 10, wherein the buffer is selected from at least one of citrate, histidine, succinate, and tris.
  • 13. The delivery device of claim 10, wherein the carbohydrate is sucrose.
  • 14. The delivery device of claim 10, wherein the antioxidant is at least one of methionine, ascorbic acid, sodium thiosulfate, ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), citric acid, and butylated hydroxyltoluene.
  • 15. The delivery device of claim 10, wherein the particle formulation comprises exenatide, sucrose, methionine, and citrate.
  • 16. A method of treating type II diabetes in a subject in need of such treatment, the method comprising: delivering the suspension formulation from the delivery device of claim 10 at a substantially uniform rate for a period of about one month to about one year.
  • 17. A method for the reduction of at least one of body weight in a subject, glucose concentrations in blood of the subject, and HbA1C levels in the subject, the method comprising: delivering the suspension formulation from the delivery device of claim 10 at a substantially uniform rate for a period of about one month to about one year.
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/612,581, filed on Jun. 2, 2017, which application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/291,523, filed Oct. 12, 2016, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,682,127, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/605,348, filed Jan. 26, 2015, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/927,432, filed Nov. 15, 2010, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,940,316, which is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/148,896, filed Apr. 22, 2008, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,299,025, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/072,202, filed Mar. 28, 2008, and U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/926,005, filed Apr. 23, 2007, and which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/347,562, filed Feb. 3, 2006, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,114,437, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/650,225, filed Feb. 3, 2005. Each of the above-referenced applications is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.

US Referenced Citations (737)
Number Name Date Kind
2110208 Eggert Mar 1938 A
2168437 Buercklin Aug 1939 A
3025991 Gillon Mar 1962 A
3122162 Sands Feb 1964 A
3523906 Vrancken et al. Aug 1970 A
3625214 Higuchi Dec 1971 A
3632768 Bergy et al. Jan 1972 A
3691090 Kitajima et al. Sep 1972 A
D226915 Huggins May 1973 S
3732865 Higuchi et al. May 1973 A
3737337 Schnoring et al. Jun 1973 A
3773919 Boswell et al. Nov 1973 A
3797492 Place Mar 1974 A
3869549 Geller Mar 1975 A
3891570 Fukushima et al. Jun 1975 A
D236035 Ciencewicki Jul 1975 S
3960757 Morishita et al. Jun 1976 A
3987790 Eckenhoff et al. Oct 1976 A
3995631 Higuchi et al. Dec 1976 A
3995632 Nakano et al. Dec 1976 A
4008719 Theeuwes et al. Feb 1977 A
4034756 Higuchi et al. Jul 1977 A
4078060 Benson et al. Mar 1978 A
4111201 Theeuwes Sep 1978 A
4111202 Theeuwes Sep 1978 A
4111203 Theeuwes Sep 1978 A
4203439 Theeuwes May 1980 A
4211771 Witkowski et al. Jul 1980 A
4221862 Naito et al. Sep 1980 A
4243030 Lynch et al. Jan 1981 A
D258837 Spranger et al. Apr 1981 S
4305927 Theeuwes et al. Dec 1981 A
4310516 Chang et al. Jan 1982 A
4340054 Michaels Jul 1982 A
4350271 Eckenhoff Sep 1982 A
4373527 Fischell Feb 1983 A
4376118 Daher et al. Mar 1983 A
4384975 Fong May 1983 A
4389330 Tice et al. Jun 1983 A
4439196 Higuchi Mar 1984 A
4455143 Theeuwes et al. Jun 1984 A
4455145 Theeuwes Jun 1984 A
4530840 Tice et al. Jul 1985 A
4552561 Eckenhoff et al. Nov 1985 A
4588614 Lauchenauer May 1986 A
4594108 Greminger, Jr. et al. Jun 1986 A
4609374 Ayer Sep 1986 A
4639244 Rizk et al. Jan 1987 A
4655462 Balsells Apr 1987 A
4673405 Guittard et al. Jun 1987 A
4675184 Hasegawa et al. Jun 1987 A
4695623 Stabinsky Sep 1987 A
4727138 Goeddel et al. Feb 1988 A
4734284 Terada et al. Mar 1988 A
4737437 Gutsell, Jr. et al. Apr 1988 A
4743449 Yoshida et al. May 1988 A
4753651 Eckenhoff Jun 1988 A
4762791 Goeddel et al. Aug 1988 A
4765989 Wong et al. Aug 1988 A
4783337 Wong et al. Nov 1988 A
4818517 Kwee et al. Apr 1989 A
4820638 Swetly et al. Apr 1989 A
4826144 Balsells May 1989 A
4830344 Balsells May 1989 A
4840896 Reddy et al. Jun 1989 A
4845196 Cowling Jul 1989 A
4847079 Kwan Jul 1989 A
4851228 Zentner et al. Jul 1989 A
4865845 Eckenhoff et al. Sep 1989 A
4873080 Brickl et al. Oct 1989 A
4874388 Wong et al. Oct 1989 A
4876781 Balsells Oct 1989 A
4885166 Meyer et al. Dec 1989 A
4886668 Haslam et al. Dec 1989 A
4892778 Theeuwes et al. Jan 1990 A
4893795 Balsells Jan 1990 A
4897471 Stabinsky Jan 1990 A
4907788 Balsells Mar 1990 A
4915366 Balsells Apr 1990 A
4915949 Wong et al. Apr 1990 A
4915954 Ayer et al. Apr 1990 A
4917887 Hauptmann et al. Apr 1990 A
4917895 Lee et al. Apr 1990 A
4923805 Reddy et al. May 1990 A
4927687 Nuwayser May 1990 A
4929554 Goeddel et al. May 1990 A
4931285 Edgren et al. Jun 1990 A
4934666 Balsells Jun 1990 A
4940465 Theeuwes et al. Jul 1990 A
4940588 Sparks et al. Jul 1990 A
4952402 Sparks et al. Aug 1990 A
4957119 de Nijs Sep 1990 A
4961253 Balsells Oct 1990 A
4964204 Balsells Oct 1990 A
4969884 Yum Nov 1990 A
4974821 Balsells Dec 1990 A
4976966 Theeuwes et al. Dec 1990 A
5004689 Fiers et al. Apr 1991 A
5006346 Theeuwes et al. Apr 1991 A
5019382 Cummins, Jr. May 1991 A
5019400 Gombotz et al. May 1991 A
5023088 Wong et al. Jun 1991 A
5024842 Edgren et al. Jun 1991 A
5030216 Theeuwes et al. Jul 1991 A
5034229 Magruder et al. Jul 1991 A
5057318 Magruder et al. Oct 1991 A
5059423 Magruder et al. Oct 1991 A
5066436 Komen et al. Nov 1991 A
5071642 Lahr et al. Dec 1991 A
5072070 Balsells Dec 1991 A
5079388 Balsells Jan 1992 A
5091188 Haynes Feb 1992 A
5108078 Balsells Apr 1992 A
5110596 Magruder et al. May 1992 A
5112614 Magruder et al. May 1992 A
5113938 Clayton May 1992 A
5117066 Balsells May 1992 A
D326718 Maxwell Jun 1992 S
5118666 Habener Jun 1992 A
5120306 Gosselin Jun 1992 A
5120712 Habener Jun 1992 A
5120832 Goeddel et al. Jun 1992 A
5122128 Cardinal et al. Jun 1992 A
5122377 Miller Jun 1992 A
5126142 Ayer et al. Jun 1992 A
5126147 Silvestri et al. Jun 1992 A
5134244 Balsells Jul 1992 A
5137727 Eckenhoff Aug 1992 A
5151093 Theeuwes et al. Sep 1992 A
5160122 Balsells Nov 1992 A
5160743 Edgren et al. Nov 1992 A
5161806 Balsells Nov 1992 A
5180591 Margruder et al. Jan 1993 A
5190765 Jao et al. Mar 1993 A
5203849 Balsells Apr 1993 A
5204108 Illum Apr 1993 A
5207752 Sorensen et al. May 1993 A
5209746 Balaban et al. May 1993 A
5213809 Wright et al. May 1993 A
5213810 Steber May 1993 A
5219572 Sivaramakrishnan Jun 1993 A
5221278 Linkwitz et al. Jun 1993 A
5223265 Wong Jun 1993 A
5225205 Orsolini Jul 1993 A
5231176 Goeddel et al. Jul 1993 A
5234424 Yum et al. Aug 1993 A
5234692 Magruder et al. Aug 1993 A
5234693 Magruder et al. Aug 1993 A
5234695 Hobbs et al. Aug 1993 A
5252338 Jao et al. Oct 1993 A
5260069 Chen Nov 1993 A
5278151 Korb et al. Jan 1994 A
5279608 Cherif Cheikh Jan 1994 A
5284655 Bogdansky et al. Feb 1994 A
5288501 Nürnberg et al. Feb 1994 A
5288502 Mcginity et al. Feb 1994 A
5290271 Jernberg Mar 1994 A
5300079 Niezink et al. Apr 1994 A
5300302 Tachon et al. Apr 1994 A
5308348 Balaban et al. May 1994 A
5312335 McKinnon et al. May 1994 A
5312389 Theeuwes et al. May 1994 A
5312390 Wong May 1994 A
5318558 Linkwitz et al. Jun 1994 A
5318780 Viegas et al. Jun 1994 A
5320616 Magndu et al. Jun 1994 A
5324280 Wong et al. Jun 1994 A
5336057 Fukuda et al. Aug 1994 A
5336505 Ng et al. Aug 1994 A
5352662 Brooks et al. Oct 1994 A
5368588 Bettinger Nov 1994 A
5368863 Eckenhoff et al. Nov 1994 A
5371089 Rattan Dec 1994 A
5374620 Clark et al. Dec 1994 A
5385738 Yamahira et al. Jan 1995 A
5385887 Yim et al. Jan 1995 A
5407609 Tice et al. Apr 1995 A
D358644 Park May 1995 S
5411951 Mitchell May 1995 A
5413572 Wong et al. May 1995 A
5413672 Hirotsuji et al. May 1995 A
5424286 Eng Jun 1995 A
5428024 Chu et al. Jun 1995 A
5429602 Hauser Jul 1995 A
5439688 Orsolini et al. Aug 1995 A
5443459 Wong et al. Aug 1995 A
5445829 Paradissis et al. Aug 1995 A
5456679 Balaban et al. Oct 1995 A
5458888 Chen Oct 1995 A
5464929 Bezwada et al. Nov 1995 A
5472708 Chen Dec 1995 A
5478564 Wantier et al. Dec 1995 A
5486365 Takado et al. Jan 1996 A
5498255 Wong et al. Mar 1996 A
5511355 Dingler Apr 1996 A
5512293 Landrau et al. Apr 1996 A
5512549 Chen et al. Apr 1996 A
5514110 Teh May 1996 A
5529914 Hubbell et al. Jun 1996 A
5531736 Wong et al. Jul 1996 A
5540665 Mercado et al. Jul 1996 A
5540912 Roorda et al. Jul 1996 A
5541172 Labrie et al. Jul 1996 A
5542682 Goldstein et al. Aug 1996 A
5543156 Roorda et al. Aug 1996 A
5545618 Buckley et al. Aug 1996 A
5556642 Kobayashi et al. Sep 1996 A
5557318 Gabriel Sep 1996 A
5571525 Roorda et al. Nov 1996 A
5574008 Johnson et al. Nov 1996 A
5574137 Gray et al. Nov 1996 A
5580578 Oshlack et al. Dec 1996 A
5589167 Cleland et al. Dec 1996 A
5595751 Bezwada Jan 1997 A
5595759 Wright et al. Jan 1997 A
5597579 Bezwada et al. Jan 1997 A
5602010 Hauptmann et al. Feb 1997 A
5605688 Himmler et al. Feb 1997 A
5607687 Bezwada et al. Mar 1997 A
5609885 Rivera et al. Mar 1997 A
5614221 Fjellstrom Mar 1997 A
5614492 Habener Mar 1997 A
5618552 Bezwada et al. Apr 1997 A
5620698 Bezwada et al. Apr 1997 A
5620705 Dong et al. Apr 1997 A
5630796 Bellhouse et al. May 1997 A
5633011 Dong et al. May 1997 A
5635213 Nystrom et al. Jun 1997 A
5639477 Maruyama et al. Jun 1997 A
5639640 Reddy et al. Jun 1997 A
5645850 Bezwada et al. Jul 1997 A
5648088 Bezwada et al. Jul 1997 A
5650173 Ramstack et al. Jul 1997 A
5654008 Herbert et al. Aug 1997 A
5654010 Johnson et al. Aug 1997 A
5656297 Bernstein et al. Aug 1997 A
5656299 Kino et al. Aug 1997 A
5658533 Orly et al. Aug 1997 A
5660847 Magruder et al. Aug 1997 A
5660858 Parikh et al. Aug 1997 A
5660861 Jao et al. Aug 1997 A
5667808 Johnson et al. Sep 1997 A
5668170 Gyory Sep 1997 A
5672549 Minami et al. Sep 1997 A
5676942 Testa et al. Oct 1997 A
5686097 Taskovich et al. Nov 1997 A
5688801 Mesens et al. Nov 1997 A
5690925 Gray et al. Nov 1997 A
5690952 Magruder et al. Nov 1997 A
5698213 Jamiolkowski et al. Dec 1997 A
5700486 Canal et al. Dec 1997 A
5700583 Jamiolkowski et al. Dec 1997 A
5703200 Bezwada et al. Dec 1997 A
5707644 Illum Jan 1998 A
5711967 Juch Jan 1998 A
5713847 Howard, III et al. Feb 1998 A
5718922 Herrero-Vanreli Feb 1998 A
5728088 Margruder et al. Mar 1998 A
5728396 Peery et al. Mar 1998 A
5733572 Unger et al. Mar 1998 A
5736159 Chen et al. Apr 1998 A
5738845 Imakawa Apr 1998 A
5747058 Tipton et al. May 1998 A
5756450 Hahn et al. May 1998 A
5767251 Reddy et al. Jun 1998 A
5770231 Mesens et al. Jun 1998 A
5782396 Mastri et al. Jul 1998 A
5792477 Rickey et al. Aug 1998 A
5795591 Lee et al. Aug 1998 A
5795779 McCormick et al. Aug 1998 A
5807876 Armistead et al. Sep 1998 A
5814323 Lyle Sep 1998 A
5817129 Labrecque et al. Oct 1998 A
5830501 Dong et al. Nov 1998 A
5836935 Ashton et al. Nov 1998 A
5843891 Sherman Dec 1998 A
5844017 Jamiolkowski et al. Dec 1998 A
5851451 Takechi et al. Dec 1998 A
5858746 Hubbell et al. Jan 1999 A
5859150 Jamiolkowski et al. Jan 1999 A
5861166 Eckenhoff Jan 1999 A
5871770 Margruder et al. Feb 1999 A
5871778 Kino et al. Feb 1999 A
5874388 Hsu Feb 1999 A
5876746 Jona et al. Mar 1999 A
5882676 Lee et al. Mar 1999 A
D408917 Hacker Apr 1999 S
5904935 Eckenhoff et al. May 1999 A
5906816 Soos et al. May 1999 A
5906830 Farinas et al. May 1999 A
5908621 Glue et al. Jun 1999 A
5916598 Rickey et al. Jun 1999 A
5922253 Herbert et al. Jul 1999 A
5928666 Farinas et al. Jul 1999 A
5932547 Stevenson et al. Aug 1999 A
5938654 Wong et al. Aug 1999 A
5939286 Johnson et al. Aug 1999 A
5942223 Bazer et al. Aug 1999 A
5942253 Gombotz et al. Aug 1999 A
5945126 Thanoo et al. Aug 1999 A
5948430 Zerbe et al. Sep 1999 A
5958909 Habener Sep 1999 A
5962023 Jamiolkowski et al. Oct 1999 A
5965168 Mesens et al. Oct 1999 A
5972370 Eckenhoff et al. Oct 1999 A
5972373 Yajima et al. Oct 1999 A
5976109 Heruth Nov 1999 A
5980945 Ruiz Nov 1999 A
5981719 Woiszwillo et al. Nov 1999 A
5984890 Gast et al. Nov 1999 A
5985305 Peery et al. Nov 1999 A
5989463 Tracy et al. Nov 1999 A
5997527 Gumucio et al. Dec 1999 A
5997902 Maruyama et al. Dec 1999 A
6007805 Foster et al. Dec 1999 A
6017545 Modi Jan 2000 A
6022561 Carlsson et al. Feb 2000 A
6029361 Newman Feb 2000 A
6056718 Funderburk et al. May 2000 A
6060450 Soos et al. May 2000 A
6069133 Carlo et al. May 2000 A
6074660 Jamiolkowski et al. Jun 2000 A
6074673 Guillen Jun 2000 A
6100346 Jamiolkowski et al. Aug 2000 A
6110503 Rickey et al. Aug 2000 A
6113938 Chen et al. Sep 2000 A
6113947 Cleland et al. Sep 2000 A
6120787 Gustafsson et al. Sep 2000 A
6124261 Stevenson et al. Sep 2000 A
6124281 Lewis et al. Sep 2000 A
6127520 Ueda et al. Oct 2000 A
6129761 Hubbell Oct 2000 A
6130200 Brodbeck et al. Oct 2000 A
6132420 Dionne et al. Oct 2000 A
6133249 Hills Oct 2000 A
6133429 Davis et al. Oct 2000 A
6147168 Jamiolkowski et al. Nov 2000 A
6156331 Peery et al. Dec 2000 A
6172046 Albrecht Jan 2001 B1
6174547 Dong et al. Jan 2001 B1
6177096 Zerbe et al. Jan 2001 B1
6183461 Matsuura et al. Feb 2001 B1
6187095 Labrecque et al. Feb 2001 B1
6190350 Davis et al. Feb 2001 B1
6190700 Okada et al. Feb 2001 B1
6190702 Takada et al. Feb 2001 B1
6191102 DiMarchi et al. Feb 2001 B1
6204022 Johnson et al. Mar 2001 B1
6217893 Pellet et al. Apr 2001 B1
6217906 Gumucio et al. Apr 2001 B1
6217908 Mathiowitz et al. Apr 2001 B1
6218431 Schoen et al. Apr 2001 B1
6224894 Jamiolkowski et al. May 2001 B1
6235712 Stevenson et al. May 2001 B1
6245349 Yiv et al. Jun 2001 B1
6245357 Edgren et al. Jun 2001 B1
6248112 Gambale et al. Jun 2001 B1
6251435 Jamiolkowski et al. Jun 2001 B1
6258377 New et al. Jul 2001 B1
6261584 Peery et al. Jul 2001 B1
6268343 Knudsen et al. Jul 2001 B1
6270700 Ignatious Aug 2001 B1
6270787 Ayer Aug 2001 B1
6277413 Sankaram Aug 2001 B1
6283949 Roorda Sep 2001 B1
6284264 Zerbe et al. Sep 2001 B1
6284725 Coolidge et al. Sep 2001 B1
6284727 Kim et al. Sep 2001 B1
6287295 Chen et al. Sep 2001 B1
6329336 Bridon et al. Dec 2001 B1
6331311 Brodbeck et al. Dec 2001 B1
6372218 Cummins, Jr. Apr 2002 B1
6372256 Jamiolkowski et al. Apr 2002 B2
6375978 Kleiner et al. Apr 2002 B1
6395292 Peery et al. May 2002 B2
6403655 Bezwada et al. Jun 2002 B1
6419952 Wong et al. Jul 2002 B2
6433144 Morris et al. Aug 2002 B1
6436091 Harper et al. Aug 2002 B1
6447522 Gambale et al. Sep 2002 B2
6451974 Hansen Sep 2002 B1
6458385 Jamiolkowski et al. Oct 2002 B2
6458387 Scott et al. Oct 2002 B1
6458924 Knudsen et al. Oct 2002 B2
6461605 Cutler et al. Oct 2002 B1
6464688 Harper et al. Oct 2002 B1
6468961 Brodbeck et al. Oct 2002 B1
6471688 Harper et al. Oct 2002 B1
6472512 LaFleur et al. Oct 2002 B1
6485706 McCoy et al. Nov 2002 B1
6495164 Ramstack et al. Dec 2002 B1
6506724 Hiles et al. Jan 2003 B1
6508808 Carr et al. Jan 2003 B1
6514500 Bridon et al. Feb 2003 B1
6514517 Jamilolkowski et al. Feb 2003 B2
6524305 Peterson et al. Feb 2003 B1
6528093 Kamei et al. Mar 2003 B1
6528486 Larsen et al. Mar 2003 B1
6541021 Johnson et al. Apr 2003 B1
6544252 Theeuwes et al. Apr 2003 B1
6551613 Dong et al. Apr 2003 B1
6569420 Chen et al. May 2003 B2
6572890 Faour et al. Jun 2003 B2
6579851 Goeke et al. Jun 2003 B2
6592887 Zerbe et al. Jul 2003 B2
6593295 Bridon et al. Jul 2003 B2
6635268 Peery et al. Oct 2003 B2
6667061 Ramstack et al. Dec 2003 B2
6670368 Breault et al. Dec 2003 B1
6673767 Brodbeck et al. Jan 2004 B1
6682522 Carr et al. Jan 2004 B2
6703225 Kojima et al. Mar 2004 B1
6703359 Young et al. Mar 2004 B1
6706689 Coolidge et al. Mar 2004 B2
6709671 Zerbe et al. Mar 2004 B2
6720407 Hughes et al. Apr 2004 B1
6730328 Maskiwicz et al. May 2004 B2
6767887 Hoffmann et al. Jul 2004 B1
6821949 Bridon et al. Nov 2004 B2
6833256 Pontzer et al. Dec 2004 B1
6835194 Johnson et al. Dec 2004 B2
6840931 Peterson et al. Jan 2005 B2
6849708 Habener Feb 2005 B1
6849714 Bridon et al. Feb 2005 B1
6858576 Young et al. Feb 2005 B1
6872700 Young et al. Mar 2005 B1
6875748 Manthorpe et al. Apr 2005 B2
6887470 Bridon et al. May 2005 B1
6887849 Bridon et al. May 2005 B2
6899887 Ayer May 2005 B2
6899898 Albayrak May 2005 B2
6902744 Kolterman et al. Jun 2005 B1
6903186 Dong Jun 2005 B1
6913767 Cleland et al. Jul 2005 B1
6923800 Chen et al. Aug 2005 B2
6924264 Prickett et al. Aug 2005 B1
6939556 Lautenbach Sep 2005 B2
6956026 Beeley et al. Oct 2005 B2
6969702 Bertilsson et al. Nov 2005 B2
6976981 Ayer Dec 2005 B2
6989366 Beeley et al. Jan 2006 B2
6992065 Okumu Jan 2006 B2
6997922 Theeuwes et al. Feb 2006 B2
7014636 Gilbert Mar 2006 B2
7022674 DeFelippis et al. Apr 2006 B2
7041646 Pan et al. May 2006 B2
7074423 Fereira et al. Jul 2006 B2
7084243 Glaesner et al. Aug 2006 B2
7101567 Sano et al. Sep 2006 B1
7101843 Glaesner et al. Sep 2006 B2
7112335 Lautenbach Sep 2006 B2
7115569 Beeley et al. Oct 2006 B2
7138375 Beeley et al. Nov 2006 B2
7138486 Habener et al. Nov 2006 B2
7141547 Rosen et al. Nov 2006 B2
7144863 DeFelippis et al. Dec 2006 B2
7153825 Young et al. Dec 2006 B2
7157555 Beeley et al. Jan 2007 B1
7163688 Peery et al. Jan 2007 B2
7163697 Hanes et al. Jan 2007 B2
7199217 DiMarchi et al. Apr 2007 B2
7205409 Pei et al. Apr 2007 B2
7207982 Dionne et al. Apr 2007 B2
7241457 Chen et al. Jul 2007 B2
7258869 Berry et al. Aug 2007 B1
7297761 Beeley et al. Nov 2007 B2
7316680 Gilbert Jan 2008 B2
7393827 Nadler Jul 2008 B2
7407499 Trautman Aug 2008 B2
7442682 Kitaura et al. Oct 2008 B2
7456254 Wright et al. Nov 2008 B2
7459432 Cowley et al. Dec 2008 B2
7521423 Young et al. Apr 2009 B2
7563871 Wright et al. Jul 2009 B2
7589169 Bolotin Sep 2009 B2
7612176 Wright et al. Nov 2009 B2
7635463 Bolotin et al. Dec 2009 B2
7655254 Dennis et al. Feb 2010 B2
7655257 Peery et al. Feb 2010 B2
7666835 Bloom et al. Feb 2010 B2
7682356 Alessi et al. Mar 2010 B2
7727519 Moran Jun 2010 B2
7731947 Eliaz et al. Jun 2010 B2
7736665 Patel et al. Jun 2010 B2
7741269 Young et al. Jun 2010 B2
7790140 Bolotin Sep 2010 B2
7825091 Bloom et al. Nov 2010 B2
7829109 Chen et al. Nov 2010 B2
7833543 Gibson et al. Nov 2010 B2
7879028 Alessi et al. Feb 2011 B2
7879794 Weyer et al. Feb 2011 B2
7919109 Berry et al. Apr 2011 B2
7928065 Young et al. Apr 2011 B2
7959938 Rohloff et al. Jun 2011 B2
7964183 Eliaz et al. Jun 2011 B2
8039432 Bridon et al. Oct 2011 B2
8048438 Berry et al. Nov 2011 B2
8052996 Lautenbach et al. Nov 2011 B2
8058233 Cowley et al. Nov 2011 B2
8101576 Bloom Jan 2012 B2
8114430 Rohloff et al. Feb 2012 B2
8114437 Rohloff et al. Feb 2012 B2
8158150 Lautenbach et al. Apr 2012 B2
8173150 Berry et al. May 2012 B2
8202836 Moore et al. Jun 2012 B2
8206745 Rohloff et al. Jun 2012 B2
8211467 Rohloff et al. Jul 2012 B2
8217001 Cowley et al. Jul 2012 B2
8231859 Bolotin et al. Jul 2012 B2
8257682 Bolotin et al. Sep 2012 B2
8257691 Eliaz et al. Sep 2012 B2
8262667 Silver et al. Sep 2012 B1
8263545 Levy et al. Sep 2012 B2
8263736 Berry Sep 2012 B2
8268341 Berry Sep 2012 B2
8273365 Lautenbach et al. Sep 2012 B2
8273713 Pittner et al. Sep 2012 B2
D669589 Delaey Oct 2012 S
8277776 Bolotin et al. Oct 2012 B2
8278267 Weyer et al. Oct 2012 B2
8288338 Young et al. Oct 2012 B2
8298561 Alessi et al. Oct 2012 B2
8299025 Alessi et al. Oct 2012 B2
8343140 Alessi et al. Jan 2013 B2
8367095 Lautenbach et al. Feb 2013 B2
8372424 Berry et al. Feb 2013 B2
8398967 Eliaz et al. Mar 2013 B2
8440226 Rohloff et al. May 2013 B2
8460694 Rohloff et al. Jun 2013 B2
8470353 Lautenbach et al. Jun 2013 B2
8801700 Alessi et al. Aug 2014 B2
8865202 Zerbe et al. Oct 2014 B2
8888745 Van Der Graaf et al. Nov 2014 B2
8926595 Alessi et al. Jan 2015 B2
8940316 Alessi et al. Jan 2015 B2
8992961 Berry et al. Mar 2015 B2
8992962 Lautenbach et al. Mar 2015 B2
9044209 Dayton et al. Jun 2015 B2
9078900 Kuzma et al. Jul 2015 B2
9095553 Rohloff et al. Aug 2015 B2
9332995 Russo May 2016 B2
9526763 Rohloff et al. Dec 2016 B2
9539200 Lautenbach Jan 2017 B2
9572889 Alessi et al. Feb 2017 B2
9682127 Alessi et al. Jun 2017 B2
20010012511 Bezwada et al. Aug 2001 A1
20010021377 Jamiolkowski et al. Sep 2001 A1
20010021822 Ayer Sep 2001 A1
20010022974 Ayer Sep 2001 A1
20010026793 Jamiolkowski et al. Oct 2001 A1
20010027311 Chen et al. Oct 2001 A1
20010031790 Beisswenger Nov 2001 A1
20010036472 Wong et al. Nov 2001 A1
20010040326 Balczun Nov 2001 A1
20020001631 Okumu Jan 2002 A1
20020004481 Cleland et al. Jan 2002 A1
20020012818 Ruppi et al. Jan 2002 A1
20020034532 Brodbeck et al. Mar 2002 A1
20020037309 Jaworowicz et al. Mar 2002 A1
20020048600 Bhatt et al. Apr 2002 A1
20020136848 Yoshii et al. Sep 2002 A1
20020137666 Beeley et al. Sep 2002 A1
20020141985 Pittner et al. Oct 2002 A1
20020197185 Jamiolkowski et al. Dec 2002 A1
20020197235 Moran Dec 2002 A1
20030032947 Harper et al. Feb 2003 A1
20030044467 Brodbeck et al. Mar 2003 A1
20030045454 Okumu et al. Mar 2003 A1
20030059376 Libbey et al. Mar 2003 A1
20030060425 Ahlem et al. Mar 2003 A1
20030097121 Jolly et al. May 2003 A1
20030104063 Babcock et al. Jun 2003 A1
20030108608 Laridon et al. Jun 2003 A1
20030108609 Berry et al. Jun 2003 A1
20030113380 Ramstack et al. Jun 2003 A1
20030114837 Peterson et al. Jun 2003 A1
20030118660 Rickey et al. Jun 2003 A1
20030138403 Drustrup Jul 2003 A1
20030138491 Tracy et al. Jul 2003 A1
20030157178 Chen et al. Aug 2003 A1
20030170289 Chen et al. Sep 2003 A1
20030180364 Chen et al. Sep 2003 A1
20030186858 Arentsen Oct 2003 A1
20030191099 Bohlmann et al. Oct 2003 A1
20030211974 Brodbeck et al. Nov 2003 A1
20030215515 Truong-Le et al. Nov 2003 A1
20040001689 Goldsmith et al. Jan 2004 A1
20040001889 Chen et al. Jan 2004 A1
20040002442 Pan et al. Jan 2004 A1
20040022859 Chen et al. Feb 2004 A1
20040024068 Levy et al. Feb 2004 A1
20040024069 Chen et al. Feb 2004 A1
20040029784 Hathaway Feb 2004 A1
20040039376 Peery et al. Feb 2004 A1
20040097906 Fereira et al. May 2004 A1
20040101557 Gibson et al. May 2004 A1
20040102762 Gilbert May 2004 A1
20040115236 Chan et al. Jun 2004 A1
20040142867 Oi et al. Jul 2004 A1
20040142902 Struijker-Boudier Jul 2004 A1
20040151753 Chen et al. Aug 2004 A1
20040157951 Wolf Aug 2004 A1
20040198654 Glaesner et al. Oct 2004 A1
20040209801 Brand et al. Oct 2004 A1
20040224903 Berry et al. Nov 2004 A1
20040225113 LaFleur et al. Nov 2004 A1
20040243106 Ayer Dec 2004 A1
20040265273 Li et al. Dec 2004 A1
20040266683 Hathaway et al. Dec 2004 A1
20040266692 Young et al. Dec 2004 A1
20050004557 Russell Jan 2005 A1
20050008661 Fereira et al. Jan 2005 A1
20050009742 Bertilsson et al. Jan 2005 A1
20050010196 Fereira et al. Jan 2005 A1
20050010942 Kim et al. Jan 2005 A1
20050070883 Brown et al. Mar 2005 A1
20050070927 Feinberg Mar 2005 A1
20050079200 Rathenow et al. Apr 2005 A1
20050079202 Chen et al. Apr 2005 A1
20050095284 Trautman May 2005 A1
20050101943 Ayer et al. May 2005 A1
20050106214 Chen May 2005 A1
20050112188 Eliaz et al. May 2005 A1
20050118206 Luk et al. Jun 2005 A1
20050118221 Blakely et al. Jun 2005 A1
20050131386 Freeman et al. Jun 2005 A1
20050131389 Peterson et al. Jun 2005 A1
20050175701 Pan et al. Aug 2005 A1
20050201980 Moran Sep 2005 A1
20050215475 Ong et al. Sep 2005 A1
20050216087 Zucherman, Jr. et al. Sep 2005 A1
20050266087 Junnarkar et al. Dec 2005 A1
20050271702 Wright et al. Dec 2005 A1
20050276856 Fereira et al. Dec 2005 A1
20050281879 Chen et al. Dec 2005 A1
20060013879 Brodbeck et al. Jan 2006 A9
20060014678 Cowley et al. Jan 2006 A1
20060030526 Liu et al. Feb 2006 A1
20060069029 Kolterman et al. Mar 2006 A1
20060084604 Kitaura et al. Apr 2006 A1
20060084922 Botha Apr 2006 A1
20060094652 Levy et al. May 2006 A1
20060106399 Taras et al. May 2006 A1
20060141040 Chen et al. Jun 2006 A1
20060142234 Chen et al. Jun 2006 A1
20060160736 Nadler Jul 2006 A1
20060178304 Juul-Mortensen et al. Aug 2006 A1
20060193918 Rohloff et al. Aug 2006 A1
20060216242 Rohloff et al. Sep 2006 A1
20060224145 Gills Oct 2006 A1
20060233841 Brodbeck et al. Oct 2006 A1
20060024613 Rohloff et al. Nov 2006 A1
20060251618 Dennis et al. Nov 2006 A1
20060263433 Ayer et al. Nov 2006 A1
20060264890 Moberg et al. Nov 2006 A1
20060280795 Penhasi et al. Dec 2006 A1
20060293232 Levy et al. Dec 2006 A1
20070027105 Junnarkar et al. Feb 2007 A1
20070149011 Kent et al. Jun 2007 A1
20070166352 Wright et al. Jul 2007 A1
20070020795 Bridon et al. Sep 2007 A1
20070248572 Moran et al. Oct 2007 A1
20070281024 Lautenbach et al. Dec 2007 A1
20080020016 Li et al. Jan 2008 A1
20080038316 Wong et al. Feb 2008 A1
20080064636 Bloom et al. Mar 2008 A1
20080065090 Scribner et al. Mar 2008 A1
20080091176 Alessi et al. Apr 2008 A1
20080110515 Angelosanto et al. May 2008 A1
20080112994 Junnarkar et al. May 2008 A1
20080200383 Jennings et al. Aug 2008 A1
20080207512 Roth et al. Aug 2008 A1
20080226625 Berry et al. Sep 2008 A1
20080226689 Berry et al. Sep 2008 A1
20080260838 Hokenson et al. Oct 2008 A1
20080260840 Alessi et al. Oct 2008 A1
20080269725 Deem et al. Oct 2008 A1
20080312157 Levy et al. Dec 2008 A1
20090022727 Houston et al. Jan 2009 A1
20090036364 Levy et al. Feb 2009 A1
20090042781 Petersen et al. Feb 2009 A1
20090074734 Rottiers Mar 2009 A1
20090087408 Berry et al. Apr 2009 A1
20090156474 Roth et al. Jun 2009 A1
20090163447 Maggio Jun 2009 A1
20090186817 Ghosh et al. Jul 2009 A1
20090202481 Li et al. Aug 2009 A1
20090202608 Alessi et al. Aug 2009 A1
20090209460 Young et al. Aug 2009 A1
20090210019 Kim et al. Aug 2009 A1
20090215694 Kolterman et al. Aug 2009 A1
20090234392 Dziedzic Sep 2009 A1
20090247463 Wright et al. Oct 2009 A1
20090254143 Tweden et al. Oct 2009 A1
20090286723 Levy et al. Nov 2009 A1
20090312246 Baron et al. Dec 2009 A1
20100092566 Alessi et al. Apr 2010 A1
20100105627 Salama et al. Apr 2010 A1
20100144621 Kim et al. Jun 2010 A1
20100185184 Alessi et al. Jul 2010 A1
20100297209 Rohloff et al. Nov 2010 A1
20100298840 Schwartz Nov 2010 A1
20110076317 Alessi et al. Mar 2011 A1
20110091527 Moonen et al. Apr 2011 A1
20110104111 Rohloff et al. May 2011 A1
20110152181 Alsina-Femandez et al. Jun 2011 A1
20110152182 Alsina-Femandez et al. Jun 2011 A1
20110160708 Berry et al. Jun 2011 A1
20110166554 Alessi et al. Jul 2011 A1
20110264077 Rohloff et al. Oct 2011 A1
20110306549 Tatarkiewicz et al. Dec 2011 A1
20120208755 Leung Aug 2012 A1
20130030417 Alessi Jan 2013 A1
20130034210 Rohloff et al. Feb 2013 A1
20130052237 Eliaz et al. Feb 2013 A1
20140058425 Porat Feb 2014 A1
20140121741 Bennett et al. May 2014 A1
20140257272 Clark, III et al. Sep 2014 A1
20140378900 Alessi et al. Dec 2014 A1
20150001118 Selepack et al. Jan 2015 A1
20150057227 Leung Feb 2015 A1
20150133791 Sato et al. May 2015 A1
20150231062 Lautenbach et al. Aug 2015 A1
20150231256 Berry et al. Aug 2015 A1
20150297509 Schwarz Oct 2015 A1
20160000225 Alessi et al. Jan 2016 A1
20160030337 Kuzma et al. Feb 2016 A1
20160354115 Smith et al. Dec 2016 A1
20160354305 Alessi et al. Dec 2016 A1
20170056476 Rohloff et al. Mar 2017 A1
20170079906 Alessi et al. Mar 2017 A1
20170119854 Alessi et al. May 2017 A1
20170119855 Berry et al. May 2017 A1
20170181964 Lautenbach et al. Jun 2017 A1
20170252409 Leung Sep 2017 A1
20170319470 Eliaz et al. Nov 2017 A1
20170319662 Berry et al. Nov 2017 A1
Foreign Referenced Citations (180)
Number Date Country
0052510 May 1982 EP
0079405 May 1983 EP
0254394 Jan 1988 EP
0295411 Dec 1988 EP
0302582 Feb 1989 EP
0368339 May 1990 EP
0373867 Jun 1990 EP
0431942 Jun 1991 EP
0486959 May 1992 EP
0521586 Jan 1993 EP
0596161 May 1994 EP
0379147 Sep 1994 EP
0627231 Dec 1994 EP
0729747 May 1997 EP
0771817 May 1997 EP
0841359 May 1998 EP
0767689 Jun 1999 EP
1046399 Oct 2000 EP
1084703 Mar 2001 EP
1300129 Apr 2003 EP
1300173 Apr 2003 EP
1600187 Jan 2009 EP
2133073 Dec 2009 EP
2020990 Sep 2010 EP
640907 Jul 1928 FR
1049104 Nov 1966 GB
1518683 Jul 1978 GB
2501400 Oct 2013 GB
H02124814 May 1990 JP
H07196479 Aug 1995 JP
9241153 Sep 1997 JP
11-100353 Apr 1999 JP
2006213727 Aug 2006 JP
10-0183058 May 1999 KR
10-2004-0055813 Jun 2004 KR
9100160 Aug 1992 NL
592113 Aug 2012 NZ
200634060 Oct 2006 TW
WO1989003678 May 1989 WO
WO1990013285 Nov 1990 WO
WO1990013361 Nov 1990 WO
WO1990013780 Nov 1990 WO
WO 9107160 May 1991 WO
WO1992019241 Nov 1992 WO
WO 9306819 Apr 1993 WO
WO 9306821 Apr 1993 WO
WO 93008832 May 1993 WO
WO 9309763 May 1993 WO
WO 9323083 Nov 1993 WO
WO 9409743 May 1994 WO
WO1994010982 May 1994 WO
WO 9421262 Sep 1994 WO
WO 9501167 Jan 1995 WO
WO 9509006 Apr 1995 WO
WO 9509007 Apr 1995 WO
WO1995013799 May 1995 WO
WO 9534285 Dec 1995 WO
WO 96001134 Jan 1996 WO
WO 96003116 Feb 1996 WO
WO1996036317 Nov 1996 WO
WO 9639142 Dec 1996 WO
WO 9640049 Dec 1996 WO
WO 9640139 Dec 1996 WO
WO 9640355 Dec 1996 WO
WO1996040049 Dec 1996 WO
WO 9715289 May 1997 WO
WO 9715296 May 1997 WO
WO 9728181 Aug 1997 WO
WO1997031943 Sep 1997 WO
WO1997044039 Nov 1997 WO
WO 9746204 Dec 1997 WO
WO 9747339 Dec 1997 WO
WO 9800152 Jan 1998 WO
WO 9800157 Jan 1998 WO
WO 9800158 Jan 1998 WO
WO 9802169 Jan 1998 WO
WO1997041837 Feb 1998 WO
WO1998007412 Feb 1998 WO
WO 9816250 Apr 1998 WO
WO 9817315 Apr 1998 WO
WO 9820930 May 1998 WO
WO 9827960 Jul 1998 WO
WO 98027962 Jul 1998 WO
WO 9827963 Jul 1998 WO
WO 98030231 Jul 1998 WO
WO 9832463 Jul 1998 WO
WO1998030231 Jul 1998 WO
WO 9842317 Oct 1998 WO
WO 9847487 Oct 1998 WO
WO 9851282 Nov 1998 WO
WO 9903453 Jan 1999 WO
WO 9904767 Feb 1999 WO
WO 99004768 Feb 1999 WO
WO1999012549 Mar 1999 WO
WO 9916419 Apr 1999 WO
WO 99025728 May 1999 WO
WO 9929306 Jun 1999 WO
WO 99033446 Jul 1999 WO
WO 9933449 Jul 1999 WO
WO 9939700 Aug 1999 WO
WO 99040788 Aug 1999 WO
WO 99044659 Sep 1999 WO
WO 990625 01 Dec 1999 WO
WO 99064061 Dec 1999 WO
WO 00013663 Mar 2000 WO
WO 00029206 May 2000 WO
WO 00038652 Jul 2000 WO
WO 00039280 Jul 2000 WO
WO 00040273 Jul 2000 WO
WO 00041548 Jul 2000 WO
WO 00045790 Aug 2000 WO
WO 00054745 Sep 2000 WO
WO2000059476 Oct 2000 WO
WO 00066138 Nov 2000 WO
WO 00067728 Nov 2000 WO
WO2000066087 Nov 2000 WO
WO2001019345 Mar 2001 WO
WO2001028525 Apr 2001 WO
WO 01043528 Jun 2001 WO
WO 01051041 Jul 2001 WO
WO 0178683 Oct 2001 WO
WO 02028366 Apr 2002 WO
WO 02036072 May 2002 WO
WO 02043800 Jun 2002 WO
WO 02045752 Jun 2002 WO
WO 0247716 Jun 2002 WO
WO 02067895 Sep 2002 WO
WO 02069983 Sep 2002 WO
WO 0276344 Oct 2002 WO
WO 02085428 Oct 2002 WO
WO 03000230 Jan 2003 WO
WO 03007981 Jan 2003 WO
WO 03011892 Feb 2003 WO
WO 03024357 Mar 2003 WO
WO 03024503 Mar 2003 WO
WO2003020245 Mar 2003 WO
WO 03030923 Apr 2003 WO
WO 03041684 May 2003 WO
WO 03041757 May 2003 WO
WO 03053400 Jul 2003 WO
WO2003066585 Aug 2003 WO
WO 03072113 Sep 2003 WO
WO 03072133 Sep 2003 WO
WO 04002565 Jan 2004 WO
WO2004034975 Apr 2004 WO
WO2004035754 Apr 2004 WO
WO2004035762 Apr 2004 WO
WO2004036186 Apr 2004 WO
WO 04052336 Jun 2004 WO
WO 04056338 Jul 2004 WO
WO 04089335 Oct 2004 WO
WO2004103342 Dec 2004 WO
WO 05048930 Jun 2005 WO
WO 05048952 Jun 2005 WO
WO 05102293 Nov 2005 WO
WO2005102293 Nov 2005 WO
WO2005110425 Nov 2005 WO
WO 06017772 Feb 2006 WO
WO 06023526 Mar 2006 WO
WO 06081279 Aug 2006 WO
WO 06083761 Aug 2006 WO
WO 06084139 Aug 2006 WO
WO 06086727 Aug 2006 WO
WO 06101815 Sep 2006 WO
WO 06111169 Oct 2006 WO
WO2006131730 Dec 2006 WO
WO 07024700 Mar 2007 WO
WO 07056681 May 2007 WO
WO 07075534 Jul 2007 WO
WO 07084460 Jul 2007 WO
WO 07133778 Nov 2007 WO
WO 07140416 Dec 2007 WO
WO 08021133 Feb 2008 WO
WO2008041245 Apr 2008 WO
WO 08061355 May 2008 WO
WO 08133908 Nov 2008 WO
WO 08134425 Nov 2008 WO
WO 09109927 Sep 2009 WO
WO2009143285 Nov 2009 WO
WO 2013004983 Jan 2013 WO
Non-Patent Literature Citations (248)
Entry
Akers, et al., “Formulation Design and Development of Parenteral Suspensions,” Journal of Parenteral Science & Technology, 41(3): 88-96 (1987).
Alonso, et al., “Determinants of Release Rate of Tetanus Vaccine from Polyester Microspheres,” Pharmaceutical Research, 10(7):945-953 (1993).
Beck, et al., “Poly(dl-lactide-co-glycolide)/norethisterone microcapsules: An injectable biodegradable contraceptive,” Biology of Reproduction, 28(1): 186-195 (1983).
Bodmeier and McGinity, “Solvent selection in the preparation of poly(dl-lactide) microspheres prepared by the solvent evaporation method,” International Journal of Pharmaceutics, 43(1-2): 179-186 (Apr. 1988).
Cha and Pitt, “A one-week subdermal delivery system for l-methadone based on biodegradable microcapsules,” Journal of Controlled Release, 7: 69-78 (1988).
Cha and Pitt, “The acceleration of degradation-controlled drug delivery from polyester microspheres,” Journal of Controlled Release, 8: 259-265 (1989).
Cohen, et al., “Controlled delivery systems for proteins based on poly(lactic/glycolic acid) microspheres,” Pharmaceutical Research, 8(6): 713-720 (1991).
Conti, et al., “Use of polylactic acid for the preparation of microparticulate drug delivery systems,” Journal of Microencapsulation, 9(2): 153-166 (1992).
Hodgman, et al., Eds., Handbook of Chemistry and Physics, 35th Edition, 1024-1025 (1953).
Jalil and Nixon, “Biodegradable poly(lactic acid) and poly(lactide-co-glycolide) microcapsules: Problems associated with preparative techniques and release properties,” Journal of Microencapsulation, 7(3): 297-325 (Jul.-Sep. 1990).
Lee and Timasheff, “The stabilization of proteins by sucrose,” J. Biological Chem., 256(14): 7193-7201 (Jul. 1981).
Li, et al., “Prediction of solvent removal profile and effect on properties for peptide-loaded PLGA microspheres prepared by solvent extraction/evaporation method,” Journal of Controlled Release, 37: 199-214 (1995).
Maa and Hsu, “Liquid-liquid emulsification by static mixers for use in microencapsulation,” Journal of Microencapsulation, 13(4): 419-433 (Jul.-Aug. 1996).
Maulding, et al., “Biodegradable microcapsules: Acceleration of polymeric excipient hydrolytic rate by incorporation of a basic medicament,” Journal of Controlled Release, 3: 103-117 (1986).
Mehta, et al.,“Peptide containing microspheres from low molecular weight and hydrophilic poly(d.l-lactide-co-glycolide),” Journal of Controlled Release, 41: 249-257 (1996).
Sah, et al., “A novel method of preparing PLGA microcapsules utilizing methylethyl ketone,” Pharmaceutical Research, 13(3): 360-367 (1996).
Sato, et al., “Porous biodegradable microspheres for controlled drug delivery. I. Assessment of processing conditions and solvent removal techniques,” Pharmaceutical Research, 5(1): 21-30 (1988).
Szayna, et al., “Exendin-4 decelerates food intake, weight gain, and fat deposition in Zucker rats,” Endocrinology, 141(6): 1936-1941 (2000).
Thomasin, et al., “A contribution to overcoming the problem of residual solvents in biodegradable microspheres prepared by coacervation,” Eur. J. Pharm. Biopharm., 42(1): 16-24 (1996).
van Santbrink and Fauser, “Urinary follicle-stimulating hormone for normogonadotropic colomiphene-resistant anovulatory infertility: Prospective, randomized comparison between low dose step-up and step-down dose regimens,” J. Clin. Endocrin. Metab., 82(11): 3597-3602 (1997).
Tracy et al., “Factors affecting the degradation rate of poly(lactide-co-glycolide) microspheresin vivo and in vitro.” Biomaterials. 20(11:): 1057-1062 (1999).
Ertl et al., “Poly (DL-lactide-co-glycolide) microspheres as carriers for peptide vaccines,” Vaccine 14(9):879-885.(1996).
Thompson et al., “Biodegradable microspheres as a delivery system for rismorelin porcine, a porcine-growth-hormone-releasing hormone,” Journal of Controlled Release 43(1):9-22 (1997).
“Abstracts 2007,” Diabetologia Clinical & Experimental Diabetes & Metabolism, Springer, Berlin, Germany, vol. 50 S243 (Aug. 21, 2007) (paragraph [0586]) (XP002538652).
Jetschmann et al., “Open-label rising-dose study of omega interferon in IFN-naive patients with chronic hepatitis C,” Gastroenterology 122:A278-A347 (Apr. 1, 2002) (Abstract M1454).
Bray, “Gut Signals and Energy Balance: Ghrelin, Peptide YY, Leptin, and Amylin,” (Dec. 19, 2007) (slides and transcript for presentation at Medscape CME).
“Implantable infusion pumps: technology poised for takeoff,” BBI Newsletter 17(12):209-211 (Dec. 1994).
Adamson et al., “Phase I trial and pharmacokinetic study of all-trans-retinoic acid administered on an intermittent schedule in combination with interferon-alpha2a in pediatric patients with refractory cancer,” J. Clin. Oncol. 15(11):3330-3337 (Nov. 1997).
Adolf et al., “Monoclonal antibodies and enzyme immunoassays specific for human interferon (IFN) ω1: evidence that IFN-ω1 is a component of human leukocyte IFN,” Virology 175(2):410-471 (Apr. 1990).
Adolf et al., “Antigenic structure of human interferon ω1 (Interferon αll 1): comparison with other human interferons,” J. Gen. Virol. 68(6):1669-1676 (Jun. 1987).
Adolf et al., “Purification and characterization of natural human interferon ω1,” J. Bio. Chem. 265(16):9290-9295 (Jun. 1990).
Adolf et al., “Human interferon ω1: isolation of the gene, expression in Chinese hamster ovary cells and characterization of the recombinant protein,” Biochim. Biophys. Acta 108(9):167-174 (Jun. 1991).
Andrx Pharmaceuticals, LLC, ANDA for Concerta® Extended-Release Tablets, 6 pages (correspondence dated Sep. 6, 2005).
ASTM International, Annual Book of ASTM Standards, 8.02:208-211, 584-587 (1984).
Ansel et al., “Dosage Form Design: Pharmaceutical and Formulation Considerations,” Pharmaceutical Dosage Forms and Drug Delivery Systems, Ch. 3 at 87-92 (7th ed. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins 1999).
Ansel et al., “Modified-Release Dosage Forms and Drug Delivery Systems,” Pharmaceutical Dosage Forms and Drug Delivery Systems, Ch. 8 at 229-243 (7th ed. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins 1999).
Aulitzky, “Successful Treatment of Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma With a Biologically Active Dose of Recombinant Interferon-Gama,” Journal of Clinical Oncology 7(12):1875-1884 (1989).
Hauck, “Engineer's Guide to Plastics,” Materials Engineering 5(72):38-45 (Jul. 17, 1972).
Bailon et al., “Rational Design of a Potent, Long-lasting Form of Interferon: A 40 kDa Branched Polyethylene Glycol-conjugated Interferon Alpha-2a for the Treatment of Hepatitis C,” Bioconjugate Chemistry 12(2):195-202 (2001).
Bakan et al., “Physicochemical Characterization of a Synthetic Lipid Emulsion for Hepatocyte-Selective Delivery of Lipophilic Compounds: Application to Polyiodinated triglycerides as Contrast Agents for Computed Tomography,” J. Pharm. Sci., 85(9):908-914 (1996).
Bakhtiar et al., “Taking Delivery,” Soap Perfumery & Cosmetics 76(3):59-65 (2003) (liposomes in cosmetic delivery systems).
Balkwill,F., “Interferons,” Lancet 1(8646):1060-1063 (May 1989).
Bauer et al., “Non-aqueous emulsions as vehicles for capsule fillings,” Drug Dev. & Industrial Pharmacy 10(5):699-712 (1984).
Bekkering et al., “Estimation of early hepatitis C viral clearance in patients receiving daily interferon and ribavirin therapy using a mathematical model,” Hepatology 33(2):419-423 (Feb. 2001).
Bell et al., “Hamster preproglucagon contains the sequence of glucagon and two related peptides,” Nature 302:716-718 (1983).
Bell et al., “Impact of moisture on thermally induced denaturation and decomposition of lyophilized bovine somatotropin,” Drug Delivery Research & Dev. Biopolymers, (35):201-209 (1995).
Bertoncello et al., “Haematopoietic radioprotection by Cremophor EL: a polyethoxylated castor oil,” Int. J. Radiat. Biol. 67(1):57-64 (1995).
Bohlinder et al., “Use and characteristics of a novel lipid particle-forming matrix as a drug-carrier system,” Euro. J. Pharm. Sci. 2(4):271-279 (1994).
Bolinger et al., “Recombinant interferon γ for treatment of chronic granulomatous disease and other disorders,” Clin. Pharm. 11(10):834-850 (Oct. 1992).
Bonkovsky et al., “Outcomes research in chronic viral hepatitis C: effects of interferon therapy,” Can. J. Gastroenterol. 14(Supp. B):21B-29B (Jul.-Aug. 2000).
Borden et al., “Second-generation interferons for cancer: clinical targets,” Semin. Cancer Biol. 10(2):125-144 (Apr. 2000).
Boue et al., “Antiviral and antiluteolytic activity of recombinant bovine IFN-ω1 obtained from Pichia pastoris,” J. Interferon & Cytokine Res. 20:677-683 (2000).
Buckwold et al. “Antiviral activity of CHO-SS cell-derived human omega interferon and other human interferons against HCV RNA replicons and related viruses,” Antiviral Res. 73(2):118-25 (Feb. 2007) (Epub Sep. 11, 2006).
Cantor, “Theory of lipid monolayers comprised of mixtures of flexible and stiff amphiphiles in anthermal solvents: fluid phase coexistence,” J. Chem. Physics 104(20):8082-8095 (1996).
CAS No. 56-81-5 (Nov. 16, 1984).
Chang et al., “Biodegradable polyester implants and suspension injection for sustained release of a cognitive enhancer,” Pharm. Tech. 20(1):80-84 (1996).
Chapman et al., “Physical Studies of Phospholipids. VI. Thermotropic and Lyotropic Mesomorphism of Some 1,2-Diacylphosphatidylcholines (lecithins),” Chem. & Physics of Lipids 1(5):445-475 (1967).
Chaumeil, “Micronization: a method of improving the bioavailability of poorly soluble drugs,” Methods & Findings in Experimental & Clinical Pharmacology 20(3):211-215 (1998).
Clark et al., “The diabetic Zucker fatty rat,” Proc. Soc. Exp. Biol. 173(1):68-75 (1983).
Condino-Neto, “Interferon-γ improves splicing efficiency of CYBB gene transcripts in an interferon responsive variant of chronic granulomatous disease due to a splice site consensus region mutation,” Blood 95(11):3548-3554 (Jun. 2000).
Darney, “Subdermal progestin implant contraception,” Current Opinion in Obstetrics & Gynecology 3:470-476 (1991).
Das et al., “Reviewing Antisense Oligonucleotide Therapy: Part 2, Delivery Issues,” BioPharm, 2(11):44-51 (1999).
Dash et al., “Therapeutic applications of implantable drug delivery systems,” Journal of Pharmacological and Toxicological Methods, 40(1):1-12 (1998).
Davis et al., “Durability of viral response to interferon alone or in combination with oral ribavirin in patients with chronic hepatitis C,” Prog. Abstr. 50th Annu. Mtg. Postgrad. Courses Am. Assn. Study Liver Dis., Dallas, TX (Nov. 5-9, 1999)(Abstract 570 ).
Deacon et al., “GLP-1-(9-36) amide reduces blood glucose in anesthetized pigs by a mechanism that does not involve insulin secretion,” Am. J. Physiol. Endocrinol. Metab., 282:E873-E879 (2002).
Desai et al., “Protein structure in the lyophilized state: a hydrogen isotope exchange/NMR study with bovine pancreatic trypsin inhibitor,” J. Am. Chem. Soc. 116(21):9420-9422 (1994).
Di Marco et al., “Combined treatment of relapse of chronic hepatitis C with high-dose α-2B interferon plus ribavirin for 6 or 12 months,” Prog. Abstr. 50th Annu. Mtg. Postgrad. Courses Am. Assn. Study Liver Dis., Dallas, TX (Nov. 5-9, 1999)(Abstract 569).
Dorr et al., “Phase I-II trial of interferon-alpha 2b by continuous subcutaneous infusion over 28 days,” J. Interferon Res. 8:717-725 (1988).
Uhlig et al., “The electro-osmotic actuation of implantable insulin micropumps,” J. Biomed. Materials Res. 17:931-943 (1983).
Efendic et al., “Overview of incretin hormones,” Horm. Metab. Res., 36(11-12):742-746 (2004).
Eissele et al., “Rat gastric somatostatin and gastrin release: interactions of exendin-4 and truncated glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) amide,” Life Sci., 55(8):629-634 (1994).
Elias et al., “Infusional Interleukin-2 and 5-fluorouracil with subcutaneous interferon-α for the treatment of patients with advanced renal cell carcinoma: a southwest oncology group Phase II study,” Cancer 89(3):597-603 (Aug. 2000).
Eng et al., “Isolation and characterization of exendin-4, an exendin-3 analogue, from Heloderma suspectum venom. Further evidence for an exendin receptor on dispersed acini from guinea pig pancreas,” J. Biol. Chem., 267(11):7402-7405 (1992).
Eng et al., “Purification and structure of exendin-3, a new pancreatic secretagogue isolated from Heloderma horridum venom,” J. Biol. Chem., 265(33):20259-20262 (1990).
Eppstein et al., “Biological activity of liposome-encapsulated murine interferon γ is mediated by a cell membrane receptor,” PNAS USA 82:3688-3692 (1985).
Eros et al., “Multiple phase emulsions as controlled drug delivery therapeutic systems,” Proc.-Conf. Colloid Chem. 193-196 (1993).
Fang et al., “The impact of baseline liver histology on virologic response to interferon γ-2b±p ribavirin therapy in patients with chronic hepatitis C,” Prog. Abstr. 50th Annu. Mtg. Postgrad. Courses Am. Assn. Study Liver Dis., Dallas, TX (Nov. 5-9, 1999)(Abstract 572).
Felker et al., “The Rate of Transfer of Unesterified Cholesterol from Rat Erythrocytes to Emulsions Modeling Nascent Triglyceride-Rich Lipoproteins and Chylomicrons Depends on the Degree of Fluidity of the Surface,” J. Nutritional Biochem. 4(1):630-634 (1993).
Ferenci et al., “Combination of interferon (IFN) induction therapy and ribavirin in chronic hepatitis C,” Prog. Abstr. Dig. Dis. Week 2000, San Diego, CA (May 21-24, 2000) (Abstract 977).
Fontaine et al., “Recovery from chronic hepatitis C in long-term responders to ribarivin plus interferon α,” Lancet 356(9223):41 (Jul. 2000).
Franchetti et al., “Furanfurin and Thiophenfurin: Two Novel Tiazofurin Analogues. Synthesis, Structure, Antitumor Activity, and Interactions with Inosine Monophosphate Dehydrogenase,” J. Medicinal Chem. 38(19):3829-3837 (1995).
Fujii et al., “Effect of phosphatidylcholine on Skin Permeation of Indomethacin from gel prepared with Liquid Paraffin and Hydrogenated Phospholipid,” Int'l J. Pharmaceutics 222(1):57-64 (2001).
Fujii et al., “Enhancement of skin permeation of miconazole by phospholipid and dodecyl 2-(N, N-dimethylamino) propionate (DDAIP),” Int'l J. Pharmaceutics 234(1-2):121-128 (2002).
Luft et al., “Electro-osmotic valve for the controlled administration of drugs,” Med. & Biological Engineering & Computing 45-50 (Jan. 1978) (non-English with English abstract).
Gan To Kagaku Ryoho, “Phase II study of recombinant leukocyte A interferon (Ro22-8181) in malignant brain tumors,” Cancer & Chemotherapy 12(4):913-920 (Apr. 1985) (non-English with English abstract).
Gappa et al., “Juvenile laryngeal papillomatosis—a case report,” Pneumologie 45(11):936-938 (Nov. 1991) (XP009079028) (non-English with English abstract).
Gause et al., “Phase I study of subcutaneously administered interleukin-2 in combination with interferon alfa-2a in patients with advanced cancer,” J. Clin. Oncol. 14(8):2234-2241 (Aug. 1996).
Ghiglione et al., “How glucagon-like is glucagon-like peptide-1?” Diabetologia 27:599-600 (1984).
Glue et al., “A dose-ranging study of Peg-intron and ribavirin in chronic hepatitis C—safety, efficacy, and virological rationale,” Prog. Abstr. 50th Annu. Mtg. Postgrad. Courses Am. Assn. Study Liver Dis., Dallas, TX(Nov. 5-9, 1999)(Abstract 571).
Goke et al., “Exendin-4 is a high potency agonist and truncated exendin-(9-39)-amide an antagonist at the glucagon-like peptide 1-(7-36)-amide receptor of insulin-secreting beta-cells,” J. Biol. Chem., 268(26):19650-19655 (1993).
Gonzales et al., “Randomized controlled trial including an initial 4-week ‘induction’ period during one year of high-dose interferon α-2B treatment for chronic hepatitis C,” Prog. Abstr. Dig. Dis. Week 2000, San Diego, CA (May 21-24, 2000) (Abstract 975).
Gosland et al., “A phase I trial of 5-day continuous infusion cisplatin and interferon alpha,” Cancer Chemother. Pharmacol. 37(1-2):39-46 (1995).
Grant et al., “Combination therapy with interferon-α plus N-acetyl cysteine for chronic hepatitis C: a placebo controlled double-blind multicentre study,” J. Med. Virol. 61(4):439-442 (Aug. 2000).
Gutniak et al., “Antidiabetogenic effect of glucagon-like peptide-1 (7-36)amide in normal subjects and patients with diabetes mellitus,” N. Engl. J. Med., 326(20):1316-1322 (1992).
Hageman, “The Role of Moisture in Protein Stability, ” Drug Dev. & Ind. Pharm. 14(14):2047-2070 (1988).
Heathcote et al., “Peginterferon alfa-2a in Patients With Chronic Hepatitis C and Cirrhosis,” New England J. Med. 343(23):1673-1680 (2000).
Heim et al., “Intracellular signaling and antiviral effects of interferons,” Dig. Liver Dis. 32(3):257-263 (Apr. 2000).
Heinrich et al., “Pre-proglucagon messenger ribonucleic acid: nucleotide and encoded amino acid sequences of the rat pancreatic complementary deoxyribonucleic acid,” Endocrinol., 115:2176-2181 (1984).
Hellstrand et al., “Histamine and cytokine therapy,” Acta Oncol. 37(4):347-353 (1998).
Hellstrand et al., “Histamine and the response to IFN-α in chronic hepatitis C,” Interferon Cytokine Res. 18(1):21-22 (Jan. 1998).
Hellstrand et al., “Histamine in immunotherapy of advanced melanoma: a pilot study,” Cancer Immunol Immunother. 39(6):416-419 (Dec. 1994).
Hisatomi et al., “Toxicity of polyoxyethylene hydrogenated castor oil 60 (HCO-60) in experimental animals,” J. Toxicol. Sci., 18(3):1-9 (1993).
Hodoshima et al., “Lipid nanoparticles for delivering antitumor drugs,” International Journal of Pharmaceutics, 146(1):81-92 (1997).
Hoffmann-La Roche Inc., Pegasys® (peginterferon alfa-2a), 15 pages (2002).
Horton et al., “Antitumor effects of interferon-omega: in vivo therapy of human tumor xenografts in nude mice” Cancer Res 59(16):4064-4068 (Aug. 1999).
Hubel et al., “A phase I/II study of idarubicin dexamethasone and interferon-alpha (1-Dexa) in patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma” Leukemia 11 Suppl 5:S47-S51 (Dec. 1997).
Iacobelli et al., “A phase I study of recombinant interferon-alpha administered as a seven-day continuous venous infusion at circadian-rhythm modulated rate in patients with cancer,” Am. J. Clin. Oncol. 18(1):27-31 (1995).
IFNB Multiple Sclerosis Study Group, “Interferonβ-1b is effective in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis,” Neurology 43(4):655-667 (Apr. 1993).
Intermune® Inc., Infergen® (Interferon alfacon-1), 5 pages (2002).
“Introduction to Antibodies”, http://www.chemicon.com/resource/ANT101/a1.asp, 8 pages (retrieved May 2, 2007).
Isaacs et al., “Virus interference. I. The interferon,” Pro. R. Soc. Lond. B. Biol. Sci. 147:258-267 (1957).
Jain et al., “Controlled delivery of drugs from a novel injectable in situ formed biodegradable PLGA microsphere system,” J. Microencapsulation 17(3):343-362 (2000).
Jordan et al., “Guidelines for Antiemetic Treatment of Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea and Vomiting: Past, Present and Future Recommendations,” The Oncologist 12(9):1143-1150 (2007).
Kabalnov et al., “Macroemulsion type and stability of alkane-water-phospholipid systems,” Abstracts of Papers, Part 1, 210th ACS National Meeting, 0-8412-3222-9, American Chemical Society, Chicago, IL (Aug. 20-24, 1995) (Abstract only).
Kabalnov et al., “Phospholipids as Emulsion Stabilizers.2. Phase Behavior Versus Emulsion Stability,” Journal of Colloid and Interface Science 184(1):227-235 (1996).
Khalili et al., “Interferon and ribavirin versus interferon and amantadine in interferon nonresponders with chronic hepatitis C,” Am. J. Gastroenterol. 95(5):1284-1289 (May 2000).
Kildsig et al., “Theoretical Justification of Reciprocal Rate Plots in Studies of Water Vapor Transmission through Films,” J. Pharma. Sci. 29(11):1634-01637 (Nov. 17, 1970).
Kirkwood et al., “Interferon alfa-2b adjuvant therapy of high-risk resected cutaneous melanoma: The Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group Trial EST 1684,” J. Clin. Oncol. 14(1):7-17 (1996).
Kita et al., “Characterization of a polyethylene glycol conjugate of recombinant human interferon-γ,” Drug Des. Deliv. 6(3):157-0167 (Sep. 1990).
Knepp et al., “Identification of antioxidants for prevention of peroxide-mediated oxidation of recombinant human ciliary neurotrophic factor and recombinant human nerve growth factor,” J. Pharm. Sci. Tech. 50(3):163-171 (1996).
Knepp et al., “Stability of nonaqueous suspension formulations of plasma derived factor IX and recombinant human alpha interferon at elevated temperatures,” Pharma. Res. 15(7):1090-1095 (1998).
Knobler et al., “Systemic α-interferon therapy of multiple sclerosis,” Neurology 34(10):1273-1279 (Oct. 1984).
Kovacevic et al., “Treatment of chronic viral hepatitis B in secondary membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis using recombinant α-2 interferon,” Maksic Dj Vojnosanit. Pregl. 57(2):235-240 (Mar.-Apr. 2000) (non-English with English abstract).
Kracke et al., “Mx proteins in blood leukocytes for monitoring interferon β-1b therapy in patients with MS,” Neurology 54(1):193-199 (Jan. 2000).
Kronenberger et al., “Influence of interferon-α on CD82-expression in HCV-positive patients,” Prog. Abstr. Dig. Dis. Week 2000, San Diego, CA (May 21-24, 2000) (Abstract 976).
Krown et al., “Interferons and interferon inducers in cancer treatment,” Semin. Oncol. 13(2):207-217 (1986).
Kubes et al., “Cross-species antiviral and antiproliferative activity of human interferon-ω,” J. Interferon Res. 14:57-59 (1994).
Kunzi et al., “Role of interferon-stimulated gene ISG-15 in the interferon-ω-mediated inhibition of human immunodeficiency virus replication,” J. Interferon Cytokine Res. 16(11):919-927 (Nov. 1996).
Larsson, “Stability of emulsions formed by polar lipids,” Progress in the Chemistry of Fats and Other Lipids 16:163-0169 (1978).
Lee et al., “Dynamics of hepatitis C virus quasispecies turnover during interferon-A treatment,” Prog. Abstr. Dig. Dis. Week 2000, San Diego, CA (May 21-24, 2000) (Abstract 974).
Lee, “Therapy of hepatitis C: interferon alfa-2A trials,” Hepatology 26: 89S-95S (Sep. 1997) (XP000981288).
Lopez et al., “Mammalian pancreatic preproglucagon contains three glucagon-related peptides,” Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA, 80(18):5485-5489 (1983).
Lukaszewski et al., “Pegylated α interferon is an effective treatment for virulent Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus and has profound effects on host immune response to infection,” J. Virol. 74(11):5006-5015 (Jun. 2000).
Lund et al., “Pancreatic preproglucagon cDNA contains two glucagon-related coding sequences arranged in tandem,” Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA, 79(2):345-349 (1982).
Lundberg, “A submicron lipid emulsion coated with amphipathic polyethylene glycol for parenteral administration of paclitaxel (Taxol),” J. Pharm. & Pharmacol. 49(1):16-21 (1997).
Magnuson et al. “Enhanced recovery of a secreted mammalian protein from suspension culture of genetically modified tobacco cells,” Protein Expression & Purification 7:220-228 (1996).
Malley et al., “Chronic Toxicity And Oncogenicity Of N-Methylpyrrolidone (Nmp) In Rats And Mice By Dietary Administration,” Drug Chem Toxicol. 24(4):315-38 (Nov. 2001).
Manning et al., “Stability of protein pharmaceuticals,” Pharm. Res. 6(11):903-918 (1989).
Marincola et al., “Combination therapy with interferon alfa-2a and interleukin-2 for the treatment of metastatic cancer,” J. Clinical Oncol. 13(5):1110-1122 (1995) (XP009078965).
Massey, “Interaction of vitamin E with saturated phospholipid bilayers,” Biochem. & Biophys. Res. Comms. 106(3):842-847 (1982).
McHutchison et al., “Interferon α-2b alone or in combination with ribavirin as initial treatment for chronic hepatitis C,” N. Engl. J. Med. 339(21):1485-1492 (Nov. 1998).
McHutchison et al., “Open-label phase 1B study of hepatitis C viral dynamics with omega interferon treatment,” Hepatology 34(4):A333 (Oct. 1, 2001) (XP004716177) (Abstract Only).
Meier et al., “The glucagon-like peptide-1 metabolite GLP-1-(9-36) amide reduces postprandial glycemia independently of gastric emptying and insulin secretion in humans,” Am. J. Physiol. Endocrinol. Metab., 290(6):E1118-E1123 (2006).
Merad et al., “Generation of monocyte-derived dendritic cells from patients with renal cell cancer: modulation of their functional properties after therapy with biological response modifiers (IFN-α plus IL-2 and IL-12),” J. Immunother. 23(3):369-378 (May-Jun. 2000).
Milella et al., “Neutralizing antibodies to recombinant α-interferon and response to therapy in chronic hepatitis C virus infection,” Liver 13(3):146-150 (Jun. 1993).
Mohler, “Primer on electrodeposited coatings,” Materials Engineering 5:38-45 (1972).
Mojsov, “Structural requirements for biological activity of glucagon-like peptide-I,” Int. J. Peptide Protein Research, 40:333-343 (1992).
Morgan, “Structure and Moisture Permeability of Film-Forming Poloyers,” Ind. Eng. Chem. 45(10):2296-2306 (1953).
Motzer et al., “Phase I trial of 40-kd branched pegylated interferon alfa-2a for patients with advanced renal cell carcinoma,” J. Clinical Oncol. 19(5):1312-1319 (2001).
Nauck et al., “Normalization of fasting glycaemia by intravenous GLP-1 ([7-36 amide] or [7-37]) in type 2 diabetic patients,” Diabet. Med., 15(11):937-945(1998).
Neumann et al., “Hepatitis C Viral Dynamics In Vivo and the Antiviral Efficacy of Interferon-alpha Therapy,” Science 282:103-107 (Dec. 1998).
Nieforth et al., “Use of an indirect pharmacodynamic stimulation model of MX protein induction to compare in vivo activity of interferon-α-2a and a polyethylene glycol-modified derivative in healthy subjects,” Clin. Pharmacol. Ther. 59(6):636-646 (Jun. 1996).
Norden et al., “Physicochemical characterization of a drug-containing phospholipid-stabilized o / w emulsion for intravenous administration,” Eur. J. Pharm. Sci. 13(4):393-401 (2001).
Olaso et al., “Early prediction of lack of response to treatment with interferon and interferon plus ribavirin using biochemical and virological criteria in patients with chronic hepatitis C,” Esp. Quimioter. 12(3):220-228 (Sep. 1999) (non-English with English abstract).
Ortiz et al., “A differential scanning calorimetry study of the interaction of α-tocopherol with mixtures of phospholipids,” Biochim et Biophys Acta 898(2):214-222 (1987).
Panitch, “Interferons in multiple sclerosis,” Drugs 44(6):946-962 (Dec. 1992).
Patzelt et al., “Identification and processing of proglucagon in pancreatic islets,” Nature, 282:260-266 (1979).
Peterson et al., “Zucker Diabetic Fatty Rat as a Model for Non-insulin-dependent Diabetes Mellitus,” ILAR Journal, 32(3):16-19 (1990).
Peterson et al., “Neuropathic complications in the Zucker diabetic fatty rat (ZDF/Drt-fa),” Frontiers in diabetes research. Lessons from Animal Diabetes III, Shafrir, E. (ed.), pp. 456-458, Smith-Gordon, London (1990).
Pimstone et al., “High dose (780 MIU/52 weeks) interferon monotherapy is highly effective treatment for hepatitis C,” Prog. Abstr. Dig. Dis. Week 2000, San Diego, CA (May 21-24-2000) (Abstract 973).
Plauth et al., “Open-label phase II study of omega interferon in previously untreated HCV infected patients,” Hepatology 34(4):A331 (Oct. 1, 2001) (XP004716169) (Abstract Only).
Plauth et al., “Open-label study of omega interferon in previously untreated HCV-infected patients,” J. Hepatology 36(Supp. 1):125 (Apr. 2002) (XP002511882) (Abstract Only).
Pohl et al., “Molecular cloning of the helodermin and exendin-4 cDNAs in the lizard. Relationship to vasoactive intestinal polypeptide/pituitary adenylate cyclase activating polypeptide and glucagon-like peptide 1 and evidence against the existence of mammalian homologues,” J. Biol. Chem., 273(16):9778-9784 (1998).
Poynard et al., “Is an ‘a la carte’ combined interferon α 2b plus ribavirin possible for the first line treatment in patients with chronic hepatitis C,” Hepatology 31(1):211-218 (Jan. 2000).
Poynard et al., “Randomized trial of interferon α 2b plus ribavirin for 48 weeks or for 24 weeks versus interferon α 2b plus placebo for 48 weeks for the treatment of chronic infection with hepatitis C virus,” Lancet 352(9138):1426-1432 (Oct. 1998).
“Intarcia Presents Positive ITCA 650 Phase 2 Study Results for Type 2 Diabetes at EASD,” Intarcia Therapeutics, Inc. (Sep. 22, 2010) (Press Release).
Quesada et al., “Interferons in Hematological Malignancies”, eds. Baron et al., U. Tex. 487-495 (1987).
Quintanar-Guerrero et al., “Applications of the ion-pair concept to hydrophilic substances with special emphasis on peptides,” Pharm. Res. 14(2):119-127 (1997).
Rajkumar et al., “Phase I evaluation of radiation combined with recombinant interferon alpha-2a and BCNU for patients with high-grade glioma,” Int'l J. Radiat. Oncol. Biol. Phys. 40(2):297-302 (Jan. 15, 1998).
Roche Pharmaceuticals, Roferon®—A (Interferon alfa-2a, recombinant), 22 pages (2003).
Roff et al., “Handbook of Common Polymers”, Cleveland Rubber Co. 72 pages (1971).
Rogers et al., “Permeability Valves,” Ind. & Eng. Chem. 49(11):1933-1936 (Nov. 17, 1957).
Roman et al., “Cholestasis in the rat by means of intravenous administration of cyclosporine vehicle, Cremophor EL,” Transplantation 48(4):554-558 (1989).
Roth et al., “High Dose Etretinate and Interferon-alpha—A Phase I Study in Squamous Cell Carcinomas and Transitional Cell Carcinomas,” Acta Oncol. 38(5):613-617 (1999).
Roth et al., “Combination therapy with amylin and peptide YY[3-36] in obese rodents: anorexigenic synergy and weight loss additivity,” Endocrinol. 148(12):6054-61 (Dec. 2007).
Schepp et al., “Exendin-4 and exendin-(9-39)NH2: agonist and antagonist, respectively, at the rat parietal cell receptor for glucagon-like peptide-1-(7-36)NH2,” Eur. J. Pharmacol., 269(2):183-191 (1994).
Schering Corp., Intron® A for Injection, 6 pages (2001).
Schering Corp., PEG-Intron™ (Peginterferon alfa-2b) Powder for Injection, 29 pages (2003).
Schmalfub et al., “Modification of drug penetration into human skin using microemulsions,” J. Controlled Release 46(3):279-285 (1997).
Sen et al., “The interferon system: a bird's eye view of its biochemistry,” J. Biol. Chem. 267(8):5017-5020 (Mar. 1992).
Shiffman et al., “A decline in HCV-RNA level during interferon or interferon/ribavirin therapy in patients with virologic nonresponse is associated with an improvement in hepatic histology,” Prog. Abstr. 50th Annu. Mtg. Postgrad. Courses Am. Assn. Study Liver Dis., Dallas, TX (Nov. 5-9, 1999) (Abstract 567).
Shima et al., “Serum total bile acid level as a sensitive indicator of hepatic histological improvement in chronic hepatitis C patients responding to interferon treatment,” J. Gastroenterol. Hepatol. 15(3):294-299 (Mar. 2000).
Shiratori et al., “Histologic improvement of fibrosis in patients with hepatitis C who have sustained response to interferon therapy,” Ann. Int. Med. 132(7):517-524 (Apr. 2000).
Simon et al., “A longitudinal study of T1 hypointense lesions in relapsing Ms: MSCRG trial of interferon β1a,” Neurology 55(2):185-192 (Jul. 2000).
Sparks et al., “Lipoprotein alterations in 10- and 20-week-old Zucker diabetic fatty rats: hyperinsulinemic versus insulinopenic hyperglycemia,” Metabolism, 47(11):1315-1324 (1998).
Sulkowski et al., “Pegylated Interferon Alfa-2A (Pegasys™) and Ribavirin Combination Therapy for Chronic Hepatitis C: A Phase II Open-Label Study,” Gastroenterology 118(4, Supp. 2) (2000) (Abstract 236).
Sulkowski et al., “Peginterferon-α-2a (40kD) and ribavirin in patients with chronic hepatitis C: a phase II open label study,” Biodrugs 16(2):105-109 (2002).
Talpaz et al., “Phase I study of polyethylene glycol formulation of interferon alpha-2B (Schering 54031) in Philadelphia chromosome-positive chronic myelogenous leukemia,” Blood 98(6):1708-1713 (2001).
Talsania et al., “Peripheral exendin-4 and peptide YY(3-36) synergistically reduce food intake through different mechanisms in mice,” Endocrinology 146(9):3748-56 (Sep. 2005).
Tanaka et al., “Effect of interferon therapy on the incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma and mortality of patients with chronic hepatitis C: a retrospective cohort study of 738 patients,” Int. J. Cancer 87(5):741-749 (Sep. 2000).
Tong et al., “Prediction of response during interferon α 2b therapy in chronic hepatitis C patients using viral and biochemical characteristics: a comparison,” Hepatology 26(6):1640-01645 (Dec. 1997).
Touza Rey et al., “The clinical response to interferon-γ in a patient with chronic granulomatous disease and brain abscesses due to Aspergillus fumigatus,” Ann. Med. Int. 17(2):86-87 (Feb. 2000).
Trudeau et al., “A phase I study of recombinant human interferon alpha-2b combined with 5-fluorouracil and cisplatin in patients with advanced cancer,” Cancer Chemother. Pharmacol. 35(6):496-500 (1995).
Tseng et al., “Glucose-dependent insulinotropic peptide: structure of the precursor and tissue-specific expression in rat,” PNAS USA, 90(5):1992-1996 (1993).
Tsung et al., “Preparation and Stabilization of Heparin/Gelatin Complex Coacervate Microcapsules,” J. Pharm. Sci. 86(5):603-7 (May 1997).
Unniappan et al., “Effects of dipeptidyl peptidase IV on the satiety actions of peptide YY,” Diabetologia; Clinical and Experimental Diabetes and Metabolism 49(8):1915-1923 (Jun. 27, 2006).
Vokes et al., “A phase I trial of concomitant chemoradiotherapy with cisplatin dose intensification and granulocyte-colony stimulating factor support for advanced malignancies of the chest,” Cancer Chemother. Pharmacol. 35(4):304-312 (1995).
Vrabec, “Tympanic membrane perforations in the diabetic rat: a model of impaired wound healing,” Otolaryngol. Head Neck Surg., 118(3 Pt. 1):304-308 (1998).
Wang et al., “Preferential interaction of α-tocopherol with phosphatidylcholines in mixed aqueous dispersions of phosphatidylcholine and phosphatidylethanolamine,” Eur. J. Biochem. 267(21):6362-6368 (2000).
Wang et al., “Ripple phases induced by α-tocopherol in saturated diacylphosphatidylcholines,” Archives of Biochem. & Biophys. 377(2):304-314 (2000).
Wang et al., “The distribution of α-tocopherol in mixed aqueous dispersions of phosphatidylcholine and phosphattidylethanolamine,” Biochimica et Biophysica Acta-Biomembranes 1509(1-2):361-372 (2000).
Wang et al., “Parenteral formulations of proteins and peptides: stability and stabilizers,” J. Parenter. Sci. Technol. 42(2S):S4-S26 (1988).
Weinstock-Guttman et al., “What is new in the treatment of multiple sclerosis?” Drugs 59(3):401-410 (Mar. 2000).
Weissmann et al., “The interferon genes,” Prog. Nucleic Acid Res. Mol. Biol. 33:251-300 (1986).
Wright et al., “Preliminary experience with α-2b-interferon therapy of viral hepatitis in liver allograft recipients,” Transplantation 53(1):121-123 (Jan. 1992).
Young et al., “Glucose-lowering and insulin-sensitizing actions of exendin-4: studies in obese diabetic (ob/ob, db/db) mice, diabetic fatty Zucker rats, and diabetic rhesus monkeys (Macaca mulatta),” Diabetes, 48(5):1026-1034 (1999).
Younossi et al., “The role of amantadine, rimantadine, ursodeoxycholic acid, and NSAIDs, alone or in combination with α interferons, in the treatment of chronic hepatitis C,” Semin. Liver Dis. 19(Supp. 1):95-102 (1999).
Yu et al., “Preparation, characterization, and in vivo evaluation of an oil suspension of a bovine growth hormone releasing factor analog,” J. Pharm. Sci. 85(4):396-401 (1996).
Zeidner et al., “Treatment of FeLV-induced immunodeficiency syndrome (feLV-FAIDS) with controlled release capsular implantation of 2′,3′-dideoxycytidine,” Antivir. Res. 11(3):147-0160 (Apr. 1989).
Zein, “Interferons in the management of viral hepatitis,” Cytokines Cell Mol. Ther. 4(4):229-241 (Dec. 1998).
Zeuzem et al., “Peginterferon Alfa-2a in Patients with Chronic Hepatitis C,” New Engl. J. Med. 343(23):1666-1672 (2000).
Zeuzem et al., “Hepatitis C virus dynamics in vivo: effect of ribavirin and interferon α on viral turnover,” Hepatology 28(1):245-252 (Jul. 1998).
Zhang et al., “Report on Large Dosage Interferon to Treat 30 Cases of Viral Encephalitis,” J. Clinical Pediatrics 14(2):83-84 (1996).
Zhang et al., “A new strategy for enhancing the stability of lyophilized protein: the effect of the reconstitution medium on keratinocyte growth factor,” Pharm. Res. 12(10):1447-1452 (1995).
Zheng et al. “Therapeutic Effect of Interferon Varied Dose in Treating Virus Encephalitis,” Beijing Med. J. 13(2):80-81 (1998).
Ziesche et al., “A preliminary study of long-term treatment with interferon γ-1b and low-dose prednisolone in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis,” New Engl. J. Med. 341(17):1264-1269 (Oct. 1999).
Sanofi-Aventis U.S. LLC, Prescribing Information for Adlyxin® (Lixisenatide) Injection, for Subcutaneous Use, rev. Jul. 2016, 31 pages.
Amylin Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Prescribing Information for Byetta® (Exenatide) Injection, rev. Oct. 2009, 34 pages.
Astrazeneca Pharmaceuticals LP, Prescribing Information for Bydureon® (Exenatide Extended-Release for Injectable Suspension), rev. Mar. 2015, 60 pages.
Novo Nordisk A/S, Prescribing Information for Victoza® (Liraglutide [rDNA Origin] Injection), Solution for Subcutaneous Use, v. 1, Jan. 2010, 23 pages.
Glaxosmithkline LLC, Prescribing Information for Tanzeum® (Albiglutide) for Injection, for Subcutaneous Use, rev. Jun. 2014, 55 pages.
Eli Lilly & Company, Prescribing Information for Trulicity® (Dulaglutide) Injection, for Subcutaneous Use, rev. Mar. 2015, 19 pages.
Adolf, “Human interferon omega—a review,” Mult. Sclr. 1:S44-47 (1995).
Costantino et al., “Protein Spray Freeze Drying. 2. Effect of Formulation Variables on particle Size and Stability,” J. Pharm. Sci. 91:388-395 (2002).
Henry et al., “Comparing ITCA 650, continuous subcutaneous delivery of exenatide via DUROS® device, vs. twice daily exenatide injections in metformin-treated type 2 diabetes,” oral presentation at the 46th Annual Meeting of the European Association for the Study of Diabetes in Stockholm, Sweden , 21 pages (Sep. 20-24, 2010).
Huggins et al., “Synergistic antiviral effects of ribavirin and the C-nucleoside analogs tiazofurin and selenazofurin against togaviruses, bunyaviruses, and arenaviruses,” Antimicrobial Agents & Chemotherapy, 26(4):476-480 (1984).
Ishiwata et al., “Clinical effects of the recombinant feline interferon-omega on experimental parvovirus infection in beagle dogs,” J. Vet. Med. Sci. 60(8):911-917 (1998).
Johnson et al., “How interferons fight disease,” Sci. Am. 270(5):68-75 (May 1994).
Lublin et al., “Defining the clinical course of multiple sclerosis: results of an international survey,” Neurology, 46:907-911 (1996).
Madsbad, “Exenatide and liraglutide: different approaches to develop GLP-1 receptor agonists (incretin mimetics)—preclinical and clinical results,” Best Practice & Research Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism 23:463-77 (2009).
Nielsen, “Incretin mimetics and DPP-IV inhibitors for the treatment of type 2 diabetes,” Drug Discovery Today 10(10):703-710 (May 15, 2005).
Palmeri et al., “5-Fluorouracil and recombinant a-interferon-2a in the treatment of advanced colorectal carcinoma: a dose optimization study,” J. Chemotherapy 2(5):327-330 (Oct. 1990).
Patti et al., “Natural interferon-b treatment of relapsing-remitting and secondary-progressive multiple sclerosis patients: two-year study,” Acta. Neurol. Scand. 100:283-289 (1999).
Paty et al., “Interferon beta-1 b is effective in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis,” Neurology 43:662-667 (1993).
PCT International Search Report for PCT/US2009/00+D15360916, 4 pages (dated Aug. 12, 2009).
“Intarcia Therapeutics Announces Final Results from a Phase 2 Study of Injectable Omega Interferon plus Ribavirin for the Treatment of Hepatitis C Genotype-1,” NLV Partners Press Coverage Portfolio News (Apr. 12, 2007) (Press Release).
Quianzon et al., “Lixisenatide-Once-daily Glucagon-like Peptide-1 Diabetes,” US Endocrinology 7(2):104-109 (2011).
Ratner et al., “Dose-dependent effects of the one-daily GLP-1 receptor agonist lixisenatide in patients with Type 2 diabetes inadequately controlled with metfmmin: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial,” Diabetic Medicine 27(9):1024-1032 (Sep. 2010).
Roberts et al., “The Evolution of the Type I Interferons1,” J. Interferon Cytokine Res. 18(10):805-816 (Oct. 1998).
Rohloff et al., “DUROS Technology Delivers Peptides and Proteins at Consistent Rate Continuously for 3 to 12 Months,” J. Diabetes Sci. & Tech., 2(3):461-467 (May 1, 2008).
“Sequence Listings for International Patent Application Publication No. W02009109927, WIPO Patentscope”, http://patentscope.wipo.int/search/docservicepdf_pct/id00000008776887, 1 page (last visited Nov. 14, 2012).
Shire et al., “Challenges in the Development of High Protein Concentration Formulations,” J. Pharm. Sci. 93:1390-1402 (2004).
Smith, “Peripheral Neuro-hormones as a Strategy to Treat Obesity,” oral presentation at the 2007 Cardiometabolic Health Congress in Boston, MA, pp. 1-35 (Sep. 26-29, 2007).
Written Opinion for International Patent Application No. PCT/US2009/005629 (corresponding to U.S. Appl. No. 12/587,946), 5 pages (dated Apr. 15, 2011).
Zhang et al., “Efficacy observations of different dosages of interferon to treat 150 Hepatitis B carriers,” Current Physician 2(12):45-46 (1997).
Pratley et al., “Targeting Incretins in Type 2 Diabetes: Role of GLP-1 Receptor Agonists and DPP-4 Inhibitors,” Rev. Diabet. Stud., 5(2):73-94 (2008).
Gonzalez, et al., “Hemoglobin Alc: A Reliable and Accurate Test for Diabetes Care? A Prospective Study in Mexico,” Salud Publica Mex 55:462-468 (2013).
Ahn et al., “A New Approach to Search for the Bioactive Confirmation of Glucagon: Positional Cyclization Scanning” Journal of Medicinal Chemistry, vol. 44, No. 19, (2001): 3109-3116.
Related Publications (1)
Number Date Country
20200054717 A1 Feb 2020 US
Provisional Applications (3)
Number Date Country
61072202 Mar 2008 US
60926005 Apr 2007 US
60650225 Feb 2005 US
Divisions (1)
Number Date Country
Parent 12148896 Apr 2008 US
Child 12927432 US
Continuations (4)
Number Date Country
Parent 15612581 Jun 2017 US
Child 16441803 US
Parent 15291523 Oct 2016 US
Child 15612581 US
Parent 14605348 Jan 2015 US
Child 15291523 US
Parent 12927432 Nov 2010 US
Child 14605348 US
Continuation in Parts (1)
Number Date Country
Parent 11347562 Feb 2006 US
Child 12148896 US