EP1443944A1

EP1443944A1 - Pharmaceutical applications of hyaluronic acid preparations

Info

Publication number: EP1443944A1
Application number: EP02779554A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Johannes Reinmüller
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2001-11-12
Filing date: 2002-11-12
Publication date: 2004-08-11
Also published as: US7807656B2; US20050187185A1; WO2003041723A1

Abstract

The invention relates to novel applications of pharmaceutical compositions containing preferably long-chain hyaluronic acids which are cross-linked or not cross-linked, and conventional adjuvants and/or supporting materials.

Description

Pharmaceutical applications of hyaluronic acid preparations

description

The present invention relates to new applications of pharmaceutical compositions which contain crosslinked or uncrosslinked and preferably long-chain hyaluronic acid and conventional pharmaceutical auxiliaries and / or carriers. One aspect relates to the use of a composition containing hyaluronic acid associated with heparin for the delayed release of heparin, e.g. with wound, scar and keloid treatment, to inhibit blood clotting or to relieve pain. Another aspect of the invention relates to the use of a pharmaceutical composition containing hyaluronic acid for the treatment of viral infections, in particular for the treatment of an infection with herpes viruses. Yet another aspect of the invention relates to the use of a pharmaceutical composition containing hyaluronic acid as an analgesic, in particular for application in the area of nerve endings. Finally, yet another aspect of the invention relates to the use of a pharmaceutical composition containing hyaluronic acid for tightening skin, in particular for permanently reducing wrinkles in the facial area.

Hyaluronic acid is a non-sulfated glycosaminoglycan that occurs in the human body in synovial fluid and in extracellular matrices. It is widely used as a building block for biocompatible and biodegradable polymers in various medical applications.

European patent 061 9737 relates to a pharmaceutical composition for non-topical wound, scar and keloid treatment, which comprises one or more cross-linked glycosaminoglycans and contains conventional pharmaceutical auxiliaries and / or carriers. Examples of glycosaminoglycans include hyaluronic acid and heparin. Furthermore, the combination of crosslinked glycosammoglycans with other active pharmaceutical ingredients, such as antibiotics, is disclosed.

Surprisingly, it has now been found that a pharmaceutical composition, the crosslinked or uncrosslinked hyaluronic acid, preferably long-chain hyaluronic acid, is associated with heparin, preferably with short-chain heparin, which has a chain length of e.g. Has 5 to 10 saccharide units, is suitable for delayed release of heparin, for example for local applications, such as for wound, scar and keloid treatment, or for pain relief, but also for systemic applications, such as for inhibiting blood clotting. In addition to its own beneficial physiological effects, the hyaluronic acid serves as a matrix to enable a controlled release of heparin. The rate of release can be controlled via the degree of crosslinking and the type of crosslinking of the hyaluronic acid as well as the type of heparin and its association with the hyaluronic acid.

The composition according to the invention has an inhibiting effect on keloid formation, in particular when it is applied non-topically (intralesionally). By administering the compositions according to the invention, scars of all kinds, including deep scarring in the connective tissue, such as e.g. successfully treat the Dupuytren's disease of the palms or the so-called Induratio penis plastica (IPP), which arise without previous injury (continuity separation).

The composition has a number of advantages over known preparations. A largely pain-free administration by injection is thus possible. There are also no local overreactions and no undesirable systemic side effects. Another advantage is the biodegradability in the organism. An advantage Compared to the compositions disclosed in European Patent 0 61 9 737, the release rate of the heparin can be varied depending on the application, for example the type of hyaluronic acid matrix used and the heparin used. An essentially constant release rate of the active ingredient can be achieved both in local and in systemic applications for a longer period of time, for example 1 week or more.

Furthermore, the composition is also suitable for other known pharmaceutical applications of heparin, both for systemic and local applications, e.g. to inhibit blood clotting. In addition, the composition can also be applied in the form of an implant by surgical methods.

Subcutaneous administration of the preparation to patients for thromboprophylaxis could be carried out largely painlessly. The administration was repeated several times at 7 day intervals.

The hyaluronic acid can be used in uncrosslinked or crosslinked, for example covalently or non-covalently, crosslinked form. The crosslinked hyaluronic acid can be produced in a known manner. The covalent crosslinking is generally carried out by crosslinking with bifunctional reactive agents, such as, for example, glutaraldehyde or carbodiimide; via bifunctional amino acids, for example lysine, protamines or albumins. However, cross-links can also be produced via an amide bond, for example. Other suitable reagents for the covalent crosslinking of hyaluronic acid are ethylene glycol or 1,4-butanediol diglycidyl ether, divinyl sulfone, photocrosslinking reagents such as ethylosine, hydrazides such as bishydrazide, trishydrazide and polyvalent hydrazide compounds. Intramolecular and / or intermolecularly esterified hyaluronic acid derivatives can also be used. Non-covalent crosslinking using polyvalent metal ions such as iron, copper, zinc, calcium, magnesium, barium and other chelating metal ions is particularly preferred.

Hyaluronic acid is commercially available in the crosslinked state and can then be used according to the invention by association with heparin (for example, Hylon ^® and Hylagel ^®, a cross-linked hyaluronic acid of the company biomatrix, NJ, USA;.. See for producing also US 471 3448, US -A-4605691, APC ^® from. Fidia, Incert ^® from. Anika Therapeutics or Intergel ^® from. Lifecore).

In a particularly preferred embodiment, long-chain hyaluronic acid (molecular weight preferably between 10 ⁴ and 10 ⁶ Da, in particular between 10 ⁵ and 10 ⁶ Da) is used; the degree of crosslinking can then remain low. If the degree of crosslinking is higher, short-chain hyaluronic acid is also suitable, it also being possible to use molecules with a short chain length of only a few, for example> 10, preferably> 20 saccharide units.

The heparin can be associated with the hyaluronic acid covalently or non-covalently, for example by chemical crosslinking or by chelation, as explained above. Physiologically compatible polyvalent metal ions, such as Mg ^{2 +} , Ca ^{2 +} , Zn ^{2 +} , Fe ^{2 +} or Fe ^{3 +} , are preferably used for chelation.

The pharmaceutical compositions according to the invention preferably contain the hyaluronic acid in amounts of 0.01 to 20% by weight, based on the total pharmaceutical composition, in particular in an amount of 0.01 to 5% by weight and particularly preferably in an amount of 0.01 to 1% by weight. The proportion of heparin in the compositions can be varied in a wide range and depends on the size and type (for example crosslinked and uncrosslinked) of the heparin and its association with the hyaluronic acid and the intended type and duration of use. In general, the proportion is in the range from 0.1 to 20% by weight, based on the overall pharmaceutical composition, in particular from 0.5 to 10% by weight and particularly preferably from 1 to 5% by weight. Depending on the application, the heparin can be in long-chain or short-chain, crosslinked or uncrosslinked form. Short-chain heparin with a size of 5-50, in particular 5-10, saccharide units is preferably used.

The pharmaceutical compositions according to the invention can be in the form of preparations which can be applied by injection or surgery and in particular in the form of injectable or implantable gels or solutions, preferably with a water content of 60 to 99% by weight, or else as an anhydrous precursor, e.g. lyophilized powder in the form of a powder. As pharmaceutical auxiliaries and carriers, customary substances suitable for the application according to the invention and compatible with hyaluronic acid and heparin can be used. The preferred carrier is water or an aqueous buffer solution.

The pharmaceutical compositions according to the invention, e.g. Contain pH adjusting agents, stabilizers, antioxidants, solubilizers, penetration enhancers, preservatives and / or gelling agents, as are commonly used in such compositions. They are used in the amounts customary in such preparations.

The pharmaceutical compositions according to the invention may optionally contain hyaluronic acid plus in addition to the actual active ingredients Heparin also contains other pharmaceutical active ingredients that are compatible with hyaluronic acid and heparin in the context of the application, e.g. active ingredients for the therapy of skin diseases (dermatoses), antibiotics, e.g. gentamycin, vancomycin, penicillins or cephalosporins, sulfonamides, disinfectants, hormones ( e.g. corticoids) and hormone derivatives (e.g. cortisol), local anesthetics, e.g. of the lidocaine or novocaine type, vasoactive substances for vascular constriction (preventing bleeding), adrenaline, enzymes such as hyaluronidase, interleukins, growth factors, e.g. EGF, PDGF and or IG F, skin care agents and / or blood circulation-promoting (hyperaemic) agents. The further active ingredients can optionally be associated with the hyaluronic acid, for example through covalent or non-covalent interactions.

In a preferred application according to the invention in the form of an injection, the preparations, e.g. To avoid pain when puncturing with the injection cannula, contain local anesthetics.

The compositions according to the invention can be prepared in a generally known manner which is customary per se for the manufacture of such compositions. The order in which the individual components are mixed is generally not critical.

The type, dose and frequency of administration of the composition according to the invention and the nature (e.g. viscosity, degree of crosslinking, active ingredient content etc.) depend in particular on the type and severity of the disease and on the general condition of the patient and the condition of the application site, for example the condition and sensitivity of a scar and skin or wound after surgery. If the compositions according to the invention are administered in the form of topically administrable preparations, this corresponds to Administration usually under the conditions customary for such compositions.

The type of treatment and the frequency of application depend in particular on the individual response of the people to be treated. Gels or solutions are preferably applied at intervals of several days to 1 or 2 months, in particular approximately 1 to 2 weeks.

If the compositions according to the invention are administered intralesonally in the form of injectable gels, this is preferably done by injection with the aid of fine cannulas and with pressure-resistant syringes. However, the gels according to the invention can also be transdermally injected using pressure devices; pressure devices can be used for this, as are known in medicine for such an application. Certain preparations can also be systemic, i.e. in the circulation or in body cavities, e.g. after surgery. Implantable compositions are preferably in the form of viscous gels or solutions, so-called instillation solutions.

Due to the association with long-chain hyaluronic acid, uncrosslinked and even short-chain heparin can be applied as an active ingredient by injection. The rapid removal of the heparin from the site of action without the association with hyaluronic acid is avoided by the compositions according to the invention. The heparin remains dependent on the breakdown of the hyaluronic acid matrix and the type of binding for days, weeks or months at the application site, e.g. in keloid tissue, effective. The duration of action is particularly preferably 5-20 days, e.g. about 1-2 weeks.

There is also an advantage of the preferred preparations according to the invention, for example in the form of injectable or implantable gels and their application in that no additional hygienic measures are required after the injection sites or the surgical sutures have healed. All regions of the body can be treated equally and the mobility of the patients is not restricted by dressings. Treatment with the preparations according to the invention can prevent the appearance or recurrence of keloids, which shows their preventive effect.

Another form of application for the prevention of keloids or contracted scars is the application of water-free compositions (e.g. as a lyophilisate) in the form of a wound powder in fresh wounds or body cavities. The powder is sprinkled into the open wound or wound cavity before the wound is closed. Then the wound is closed by suturing, by staples or the like. The powder absorbs water from the tissue in the wound and then corresponds to the preparation according to the invention in the form of a gel or is itself a preparation according to the invention.

Compositions in powder or gel form can also be introduced into large body cavities to prevent unwanted adhesions, e.g. into the abdominal or chest cavity, during a surgical operation on the intestine or on the lungs, in the pericardium, or after surgery on drainage. In the case of inflammatory effusions in large body cavities, the preparation according to the invention can also be introduced via the lying cannula after puncture and emptying of the effusion.

The preparation according to the invention can also be introduced into cavities and passages of the body which are accessible from the outside, for example into the nasal and paranasal sinuses or nasal passages or into the tear ducts to prevent scarred adhesions, possibly also on a suitable carrier (for example a tampon). Yet another aspect of the invention is new uses of pharmaceutical compositions that contain cross-linked or uncross-linked hyaluronic acid as an active ingredient. In the case of these compositions, reference is made to the statements above with regard to their hyaluronic acid content and their application forms.

In a first aspect, these compositions are intended for the treatment of viral infections, for example in the treatment of infections with neurotropic viruses, such as herpes viruses, for example herpes simplex or herpes zoster. Depending on the type of viral infection, the application can be local or systemic. The composition is preferably used for the treatment of dermal or mucosal herpes infections, for example herpes labialis or genital herpes. Further preferred fields of application are the treatment of infections with hepatotropic viruses, such as hepatitis viruses, for example hepatitis A, B, C viruses, the treatment of infections with immunotrόpen viruses, for example HIV, cytomegalovirus, or the treatment of infections with other neurotropic viruses, for example polio , Infections with other viruses can also be treated which cause diseases of the eyes, for example keratoconjunctivitis epidemica, or the respiratory tract, for example colds, runny nose or flu. Examples of such viruses are rhino and influenza viruses. In some cases, local, for example topical or transdermal application is preferred. Further preferred forms of application are ophthalmic compositions or compositions for nasal administrations, for example drops, sprays and inhalable aerosols. On the other hand, the composition can also be administered systemically, for example by intravenous injection or orally as a drinking or rinsing solution, for example for combating infections of the gastrointestinal tract or throat. Single or multiple prophylactic administration before the onset of an acute illness is particularly preferred. Surprisingly, when the composition was administered in the form of a gel by intra- or subdermal injection into the affected area in patients with recurrent herpes labialis, it was found that the onset of the infection could at least be largely prevented. After administration of the compositions, the patients were free from fluorescence. Administration in the prodromal stage was particularly effective when itching occurred. If necessary, the administration of the composition can be repeated prophylactically at longer intervals, for example of 3 months.

Another application of the compositions containing hyaluronic acid is the use as an analgesic, preferably as a peripheral analgesic, in particular for application in the area of nerve endings, e.g. of injured nerve endings, for example after cuts. As described above, the application can take place locally, for example, by injection. Administration of the composition in surgical wounds, e.g. As a powder, gel or solution before wound closure, led to considerable pain relief in several cases and also to a significant reduction in the need for additional peripheral or central pain relievers.

Yet another application of the compositions containing hyaluronic acid is skin tightening. Surprisingly, it was found that when the compositions were applied, a lasting effect, ie an effect which could be recognized over a period of at least 6 months and in particular over one to several years, could be achieved. For example, the forehead wrinkles were visibly reduced in several patients one year after application of the composition. The compositions are thus suitable as a "lifting serum" for tightening facial skin and can help to avoid surgical procedures for tightening the face. The application is preferably transdermal, for example by injection or with one of the previously described transdermal ^' n application systems, and can be carried out selectively and / or extensively on the skin areas to be tightened.

Hyaluronic acid can also be added to infiltration solutions that are pre-injected into the tissue before liposuction. Such infiltration solutions are usually isotonic or hypotonic saline solutions, which may contain additives, for example vasoconstricting and / or pain-reducing additives, such as noradrenaline, adrenaline, lidocaine, prilocaine, bicarbonate, corticosteroids etc. These solutions are hyaluronic acid (crosslinked or / and non-crosslinked in hyaluronic acid) Concentrations of advantageously 0.001 to 1.0% (w / w ol), preferably 0.01 to 0.5% (w / v), for example about 0.025% (w / w ol.) added. It has been found that the addition of hyaluronic acid mechanically facilitates the liposuction process, i.e. handling the suction curette, which is moved through the fatty tissue, requires less effort .; Furthermore, structures of the adipose tissue that are worth preserving, e.g. Blood vessels, nerves or connective tissue tapes, spared. The process of liposuction is also significantly more atraumatic due to the hyaluronic acid additive compared to the conventional procedure. Finally, the hyaluronic acid additive to the infiltration solution improves the flow properties of the fatty tissue aspirate, so that it is possible to work with a lower vacuum. This also leads to a reduction in tissue trauma. Overall, the addition of hyaluronic acid to the infiltration solution protects the remaining adipose tissue in the organism and gently removes the adipose adipose tissue. This improves the survival of fat cells in the aspirate.

This is important because adipose tissue aspirates can be used as the body's own grafts. By adding hyaluronic acid to the infiltration solution, the fat cells are spared when removed, so that in the case of a transplant, there is an increased growth of the transferred tissue is observed at the recipient site. Hyaluronic acid is therefore particularly preferably always added to the infiltration solution when the aspirated fatty tissue is to be transferred to other parts of the body as an autologous graft. An object of the invention is thus a fatty tissue aspirate which contains hyaluronic acid (cross-linked or non-cross-linked).

The fat aspirate is particularly preferred for cosmetic purposes, e.g. used to pad soft tissues on the face. Here, the aspirate is inserted into the recipient site through thin cannulas, for example with a diameter of 1-2 mm. The presence of hyaluronic acid in the aspirate or graft facilitates the passage of the tissue through the cannula. This means less application of pressure for transport through the cannula, less traumatization of the transferred tissue and / or a higher rate of growth of the transferred tissue at the recipient site.

The fatty tissue aspirate containing hyaluronic acid according to the invention can also be used after conventional suction (without the addition of hyaluronic acid) in a higher concentration, e.g. 0.1-1% (w / o) are added to the fat tissue portion (fraction) of the aspirate to be transferred, which likewise leads to an increased unitization rate of the transferred tissue.

In general, a hyaluronic acid additive (cross-linked and / or non-cross-linked) e.g. when transferring grafts of autologous or xenogeneic tissue or / and autologous or xenogenic loose or isolated cells that are not combined in a tissue association, by cannula-shaped applicators improve the survival and / or the growth of the transferred tissue particles or cells.

It is already known that cells which are later intended for transmission into a recipient organism are in a culture with hyaluronic acid be treated. However, it has been found that the concentration of hyaluronic acid in such cultures is not sufficient to ensure a protective effect when transmitted through thin cannulas. It is therefore advisable to carry out a hyaluronic acid addition according to the invention before the transfer of such cells, a final concentration of 0.05 to 1.0%, in particular 0.1 to 0.5% (w / v) hyaluronic acid, being advantageously established ,

If tissue particles or cells are transferred into body cavities, hyaluronic acid also acts as a lubricant and thus also as a protective film for grafts, e.g. in the pericardium, in the pleural space or in the peritoneum, since organs are shifted against each other in these cavities or spaces. Hyaluronic acid can therefore also be used as a lubricant in the above-mentioned gaps.

Claims

Expectations

1 . Pharmaceutical composition containing cross-linked or uncross-linked hyaluronic acid associated with heparin as well as customary pharmaceutical auxiliaries and / or carriers.

2. Composition according to claim 1, characterized in that the hyaluronic acid by covalent and / or non-covalent

Interactions is networked.

3. Composition according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the hyaluronic acid has an average molecular weight in the range of 1 0 ⁴ to 1 0 ⁶ Da.

4. Composition according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that it contains an uncrosslinked heparin.

5. Composition according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that it contains a short-chain heparin.

6. The composition according to claim 5, characterized in that the heparin has a chain length of 5-10 saccharide units.

7. Use of a composition according to any one of claims 1 to 6 for the delayed release of heparin.

8. Use according to claim 7 for wound, scar and keloid treatment.

9. Use according to claim 7 for inhibiting blood coagulation.

1 0. Use according to claim 7 for pain relief.

1 1. Use of a pharmaceutical composition containing crosslinked or uncrosslinked hyaluronic acid and conventional pharmaceutical auxiliaries and / or carriers for the treatment of viral

Infections.

1 2. Use according to claim 1 1 for the treatment of an infection with herpes viruses.

1 3. Use according to claim 1 2 for the treatment of a dermal or mucosal herpes infection.

14. Use according to one of claims 1 1 to 1 3 for local, e.g. topical or transdermal application.

1 5. Use according to one of claims 1 1 to 1 3 for systemic, e.g. intravenous application.

1 6. Use of a pharmaceutical composition containing crosslinked or uncrosslinked hyaluronic acid and conventional pharmaceutical auxiliaries and / or carriers as an analgesic.

1 7. Use according to claim 1 6 for application in the area of nerve endings.

1 8. Use of a pharmaceutical composition containing crosslinked or uncrosslinked hyaluronic acid and conventional pharmaceutical auxiliaries and / or carriers for firming the skin.

1 9. Use according to claim 1 8 for reducing wrinkles.

20. Use according to claim 1 8 or 1 9 for application in the facial area.

21. Use according to one of claims 1 8 to 20 for permanent tightening of skin.

22. Use according to one of claims 1 8 to 21 for transdermal punctiform and / or extensive application.

23. Use of a pharmaceutical composition containing crosslinked or uncrosslinked hyaluronic acid and conventional pharmaceutical auxiliaries and / or carriers as an infiltration solution for liposuction.

24. Use according to claim 23, characterized in that the infiltration solution is an isotonic or hypotonic saline solution which optionally contains vascular-contracting and / or analgesic additives.

25. Use according to claim 23 or 24, characterized in that the infiltration solution contains 0.001 to 1% (w / w / ol.) Hyaluronic acid.

26 Infiltra ^'tion solution to liposuction, characterized in that it contains crosslinked or non-crosslinked hyaluronic acid.

27. Use of a pharmaceutical composition containing crosslinked or uncrosslinked hyaluronic acid and conventional pharmaceutical auxiliaries and / or carriers for reducing the traumatization of transplants.

28. Use of a pharmaceutical composition containing crosslinked or uncrosslinked hyaluronic acid and conventional pharmaceutical auxiliaries and / or carriers to improve the growth or healing of transplants.

29. Use according to claim 27 to 28, characterized in that the transplants comprise tissue particles and / or isolated cells.

30. Use according to one of claims 27 to 29, characterized in that the grafts comprise fatty tissue.

31 Use according to claim 30 for padding soft parts on the face.

32. Use according to one of claims 27 to 31, characterized in that the grafts are applied by cannulae.

33. Graft, characterized in that the material to be transplanted is in a composition that contains cross-linked or uncross-linked hyaluronic acid.

34. Graft according to claim 33, characterized in that it is a fatty tissue aspirate.