HK1246761A1

HK1246761A1 - Non-aqueous liquid and semi-solid formulations of amorphous calcium carbonate

Info

Publication number: HK1246761A1
Application number: HK17110746.7A
Authority: HK
Inventors: 伊加尔‧布卢姆; 约瑟夫‧本; 莎伦‧赫斯科维兹
Original assignee: 艾玛菲克有限公司
Priority date: 2014-07-31
Filing date: 2015-07-30
Publication date: 2018-09-14

Abstract

The present invention provides stabilized amorphous calcium carbonate (ACC) formulations, comprising ACC and a non-aqueous liquid carrier in which the ACC is dispersed. The present invention further provides cosmetic and pharmaceutical compositions comprising ACC.

Description

Non-aqueous liquid and semi-solid formulations of amorphous calcium carbonate

Technical Field

The present invention relates to non-aqueous liquid or semi-solid compositions containing Amorphous Calcium Carbonate (ACC), and methods of using the compositions in therapy.

Background

Calcium is one of the most important minerals recognized for the human body. It is required for maintenance of bone mass density, and is also essential for exocytosis of neurotransmitters; it is part of the mechanism of muscle cell contraction, it also replaces sodium as a depolarizing mineral in the heart, and is also involved in many other physiological functions. Calcium carbonate-the inorganic phase of calcium-is a licensed food additive and is also the predominant compound form used commercially in the nutritional supplement market. There are six common polymorphic forms of calcium carbonate, three of which are anhydrous crystals (i.e., calcite, aragonite, and vaterite); two are hydrated crystals (i.e., crystalline monocalcite monohydrate and hydrocalcite hexahydrate); the sixth is hydrated amorphous, i.e. Amorphous Calcium Carbonate (ACC). The most thermodynamically stable of these crystalline phases is calcite, and the least stable is amorphous calcium carbonate. Amorphous calcium carbonate is a progressive polymorph that is precipitated from supersaturated solutions following the Ostwald's step rule. If not stabilized by any element or compound, the amorphous calcium carbonate will crystallize rapidly within seconds and become one of the other five more stable polymorphs. Solubility studies show that there is great variability between calcium carbonate polymorphs: the crystalline phase generally has a poor dissolution force, but the amorphous polymorph has a dissolution force about 120 times higher than that of litholytic crystals.

Several techniques for synthesizing and stabilizing amorphous calcium carbonate have been described, including the use of amino acid phosphates to make amorphous amino acids stable for more than 4 months under ambient conditions (Meiron et a1., J.bone Min.Res., 2011, Vol.26(2), page 364-. In nature, a minority of organisms can utilize amorphous calcium carbonate, primarily crustaceans and other invertebrates, to develop the ability to stabilize amorphous calcium carbonate at temporary mineral deposits. These organisms require a particularly efficient source of minerals for the regular mobilization, absorption and accumulation of calcium. Some crustaceans, such as freshwater crayfish, have large amounts of amorphous calcium carbonate stored in a special temporary storage organ called gastrolith.

There are several known methods of using stabilized amorphous calcium carbonate (sACC), including oral formulations for use as food supplements and/or pharmaceuticals. Furthermore, the formulation of the stable amorphous calcium carbonate is usually provided in the form of a dry material.

For example, international patent application No. WO 2005/115414 discloses that gastrolith organs ground to a fine powder are useful as calcium compositions for pharmaceutical and nutraceutical applications. Also for example international patent application No. WO 2009/053967 is directed in particular to pharmaceutical and nutraceutical products containing synthetic amorphous calcium carbonate stabilized by phosphorylated peptides or amino acids. Also for example international patent application No. WO 2014/024191 covers a process for the preparation of stabilized amorphous calcium carbonate, which can be obtained as a suspension or as a powder. The method comprises stepwise combining a soluble calcium salt, a soluble carbonate salt, a first stabilizer and a second stabilizer, and a water-miscible organic solvent.

There is an unmet need for a non-aqueous liquid or semi-solid formulation of amorphous calcium carbonate, wherein the amorphous calcium carbonate remains stable over a prolonged period of time, which can be used, for example, as a topical therapeutic.

Disclosure of Invention

The present invention relates to liquid and semi-solid formulations containing amorphous calcium carbonate which are essentially anhydrous. The present invention demonstrates that amorphous calcium carbonate can be provided as a stable dispersion in a biocompatible non-aqueous medium and is effective in preventing, treating or ameliorating a variety of human unfortunate conditions. It has surprisingly been found that the dispersed amorphous calcium carbonate particles stably remain in amorphous form in the formulation for a prolonged period of time, even if the particles are not microencapsulated in a protective solid matrix. The dispersed carrier may thus be used in place of, or in addition to, the well-known amorphous calcium carbonate stabilizer in accordance with the principles of the present invention. Furthermore, the liquid and semisolid formulations of the present invention are homogeneous, i.e., the amorphous calcium carbonate particles are uniformly dispersed throughout the dispersion medium.

The formulations provided by the present invention may conveniently be administered by the topical route (e.g. as an ointment, liquid, cream, gel, paste, suppository) or as drops (e.g. nasal, ocular or oral drops). In accordance with the principles of the present invention, the amorphous calcium carbonate formulation may also be administered by the oral route, for example being packaged in a capsule for oral administration. The inventors have demonstrated that liquid and semi-solid formulations can be safely used in accordance with the principles of the present invention for topical administration to mammalian subjects, including on the skin and/or mucous membranes. The inventors have further demonstrated that these non-aqueous topical formulations are effective in treating inflammation due to cell-mediated immunity.

In one aspect, the present invention provides a liquid or semi-solid non-aqueous composition in the form of a dispersion or suspension of Amorphous Calcium Carbonate (ACC) particles, said composition comprising: amorphous calcium carbonate particles comprising amorphous calcium carbonate and at least one agent stabilizing the amorphous calcium carbonate in amorphous form, and a non-aqueous liquid carrier in which the amorphous calcium carbonate particles are insoluble and are substantially uniformly dispersed or suspended.

The present invention further provides a liquid or semi-solid non-aqueous composition in the form of a dispersion or suspension of Amorphous Calcium Carbonate (ACC) particles, said composition comprising: amorphous calcium carbonate particles comprising amorphous calcium carbonate and at least one agent stabilizing the amorphous calcium carbonate in amorphous form, and a non-aqueous liquid carrier in which the amorphous calcium carbonate particles are insoluble and are substantially uniformly dispersed or suspended; the composition has a viscosity of 40 centipoise (cP) or greater at 25 ℃.

The present invention further provides a liquid or semi-solid non-aqueous composition in the form of a dispersion or suspension of Amorphous Calcium Carbonate (ACC) particles, said composition comprising: amorphous calcium carbonate particles comprising amorphous calcium carbonate and at least one agent stabilizing the amorphous calcium carbonate in amorphous form, and a non-aqueous liquid carrier in which the amorphous calcium carbonate particles are insoluble and are substantially uniformly dispersed or suspended; the composition has a viscosity of 40cP or more at 25 ℃, and contains water in an amount of 10% by weight or less of the total composition.

The present invention further provides a liquid or semi-solid non-aqueous composition in the form of a dispersion or suspension of Amorphous Calcium Carbonate (ACC) particles, said composition comprising: a plurality of amorphous calcium carbonate particles comprising amorphous calcium carbonate and at least one agent that stabilizes the amorphous calcium carbonate in amorphous form, the particles having an average size of about 0.1 μm to about 100 μm in their longest dimension; and more than 30% by weight of the total composition comprises a non-aqueous liquid carrier in which the amorphous calcium carbonate particles are insoluble and are substantially uniformly dispersed or suspended; the composition has a viscosity of 40cP or more at 25 ℃, and contains water in an amount of 10% by weight or less of the total composition.

The present invention further provides a liquid or semi-solid non-aqueous composition in the form of a dispersion or suspension of Amorphous Calcium Carbonate (ACC) particles, said composition comprising: a plurality of amorphous calcium carbonate particles comprising amorphous calcium carbonate and at least one agent that stabilizes the amorphous calcium carbonate in amorphous form, the particles having an average size of about 0.1 μm to about 100 μm in their longest dimension; and more than 50% by weight of the total composition comprises a non-aqueous liquid carrier in which the amorphous calcium carbonate particles are insoluble and are substantially uniformly dispersed or suspended; the composition has a viscosity of 40cP or more at 25 ℃, and contains water in an amount of 10% by weight or less of the total composition.

In certain embodiments, the composition has a viscosity of 100cP or greater, 1,000cP or greater, 10,000cP or greater, or 100,000cP or greater at 25 ℃. In certain embodiments, the composition has a viscosity of from about 100cP to about 50,000cP, from about 1,000cP to about 30,000cP, or from about 2,000cP to about 20,000cP at 25 ℃. In certain embodiments, the composition has a viscosity of from about 1,000cP to about 300,000cP, from about 10,000cP to about 200,000cP, or from about 30,000cP to about 100,000cP at 25 ℃. Each possibility represents a separate embodiment of the invention.

In certain embodiments, the amorphous calcium carbonate particles have an average size of about 0.1 μm to about 100 μm, or about 0.1 μm to about 10 μm in the longest dimension. In certain embodiments, the amorphous calcium carbonate particles have an average size of the longest dimension of 100 μm or less, or 10 μm or less. Each possibility represents a separate embodiment of the invention.

In certain embodiments, the compositions of the present invention contain less than 10% water by weight of the total composition. In certain embodiments, the compositions of the present invention contain less than about 5% water by weight of the total composition. In certain embodiments, the compositions of the present invention contain less than about 3% water by weight of the total composition.

In certain embodiments, the compositions of the present invention comprise at least about 0.01% by weight of the total composition of at least about 0.1% by weight of at least about 1% by weight of at least about 10% by weight of amorphous calcium carbonate. In certain embodiments, the compositions of the present invention comprise from about 0.01 to about 40%, from about 0.01 to about 10%, from about 0.1 to about 10%, or from about 1 to 10% by weight of the total composition of amorphous calcium carbonate. Each possibility represents a separate embodiment of the invention.

In certain embodiments, the non-aqueous liquid carrier is selected from the group consisting of organic polyols, water-immiscible lipids, synthetic oils, and mixtures thereof. In certain embodiments, the non-aqueous liquid carrier contains an organic polyol, a water-immiscible lipid, a synthetic oil, or any combination of the above. Each possibility represents a separate embodiment of the invention.

In certain embodiments, the organic polyol is selected from the group consisting of Propylene Glycol (PG), polyethylene glycol (PEG), polyethylene glycol derivatives, glycerin, and any combination thereof. In certain embodiments, the organic polyol is selected from the group consisting of Propylene Glycol (PG), polyethylene glycol (PEG), polyethylene glycol derivatives, glycerin, and any combination thereof. In certain embodiments, the polyethylene glycol is selected from the group consisting of PEG 100, PEG 200, PEG 300, PEG400, PEG 500, PEG 600, PEG 700, PEG 800, PEG 900, and any combination thereof. In certain embodiments, the polyethylene glycol is selected from the group consisting of branched PEG comprising 3-10 PEG chains emanating from a central core, star PEG comprising 10-100 PEG chains emanating from a central core, and comb PEG comprising a plurality of PEG chains attached to a polymer backbone. Each possibility represents a separate embodiment of the invention.

In certain embodiments, the water-immiscible lipid is selected from the group consisting of natural oils, medium chain triglycerides, and any combination thereof. In certain embodiments, the natural oil is selected from the group consisting of castor oil, corn oil, cottonseed oil, olive oil, peanut oil, peppermint oil, sunflower oil, sesame oil, soybean oil, hydrogenated vegetable oil, hydrogenated soybean oil, and combinations thereof. In certain embodiments, the medium chain triglycerides comprise medium chain triglycerides of coconut oil or palm seed oil. In certain embodiments, the natural oil is a glyceride. In certain embodiments, the glyceride is hydrogenated. In certain embodiments, the glyceride is selected from a monoglyceride, a diglyceride, or a triglyceride. In certain embodiments, the glyceride is a mono-long chain glyceride.

According to certain embodiments, the medium chain triglycerides comprise medium chain triglycerides of coconut oil or palm seed oil. The composition comprises about 5-50% w/w medium chain triglycerides. In certain embodiments, the composition contains about 10-40% w/w medium chain triglycerides, such as about 15-35% w/w medium chain triglycerides, or about 15, 18, or 33% w/w medium chain triglycerides. Each possibility represents a separate embodiment of the invention.

In certain embodiments, the synthetic oil is selected from the group consisting of polydimethylsiloxane, functionally modified polydimethylsiloxane, dimethicone copolyol, dimethicone crosspolymer, and combinations thereof. In certain embodiments, the polydimethylsiloxane is linear. In certain embodiments, the polydimethylsiloxane is cyclic. In certain embodiments, the polydimethylsiloxane is selected from the group consisting of decamethylcyclopentasiloxane, cyclotetrapolydimethylsiloxane, and combinations thereof. In certain embodiments, the functionally modified polydimethylsiloxane is a siloxane monomer modified by independently substituting one or two methyl groups with one hydrogen, hydroxyl, phenyl, propyl, octyl, aminopropyl, or vinyl group. In certain embodiments, the dimethicone copolyol is a mixture of decamethylcyclopentasiloxane and a PEG/PPG-18/18 dimethicone. In certain embodiments, the polydimethylsiloxane cross-polymer is a mixture of one decamethylcyclopentasiloxane and one polydimethylsiloxane cross-polymer. Each possibility represents a separate embodiment of the invention.

In certain embodiments, the above composition further comprises at least one adjuvant selected from the group consisting of surfactants, emollients, thickeners, and dispersants.

In certain embodiments, the surfactant is a nonionic organic surfactant or an anionic organic surfactant. In certain embodiments, the nonionic organic surfactant is selected from the group consisting of polysorbates, sorbitan esters, fatty acid esters, wax esters, poloxamers, and phospholipids. In certain embodiments, the polysorbate is selected from the group consisting of tween-80, tween-60, tween-40, tween-20, and combinations thereof. In certain embodiments, the fatty acid ester is selected from the group consisting of polyoxyethylene fatty acid esters, sucrose esters of fatty acids, glyceryl monostearate, and combinations thereof. In certain embodiments, the fatty acid ester is selected from the group consisting of span-80, span-60, span-40, span-20, Sisterna, Cuitna, MYRJ52, soluto HS15, and combinations thereof. In certain embodiments, the wax ester is isostearyl isostearate. In certain embodiments, the anionic organic surfactant is sodium lauryl sulfate. Each possibility represents a separate embodiment of the invention.

In certain embodiments, the emollient is selected from the group consisting of waxes, solid fats, glycerides, fatty alcohol polyoxyethylene ethers, and combinations thereof. In certain embodiments, the thickener is selected from the group consisting of cellulose polymers, silsesquioxanes, silicas, and combinations thereof. In certain embodiments, the cellulose polymer is selected from the group consisting of hydroxypropyl ethyl cellulose, sodium carboxymethyl cellulose, and combinations thereof. In certain embodiments, the dispersant is a cyclodextrin. In certain embodiments, the cyclodextrin is selected from the group consisting of alpha-cyclodextrin, beta-cyclodextrin, gamma-cyclodextrin, and combinations thereof. Each possibility represents a separate embodiment of the invention.

In certain embodiments, the at least one amorphous calcium carbonate stabilizer is selected from the group consisting of organic acids, sulfates of hydroxycarboxylic acids, organic amine compounds, organic compounds containing hydroxyl groups, organic phosphorus compounds or salts thereof, bisphosphate compounds, organic phosphorus compounds, organic phosphine compounds, inorganic phosphoric acids, polyphosphate compounds, organic surfactants, bio-essential inorganic ions, and any combination thereof. Each possibility represents a separate embodiment of the invention.

In another aspect, the present invention further provides a cosmeceutical composition comprising any of the above compositions.

In another aspect, the present invention further provides a pharmaceutical composition comprising any of the above compositions.

In certain embodiments, the above pharmaceutical compositions are for treating or ameliorating a local inflammatory condition, or for treating or ameliorating a skin condition.

In another aspect, the present invention further provides a topical pharmaceutical composition comprising stabilized amorphous calcium carbonate formulated for topical administration, for treating or ameliorating a condition of topical inflammation, or for treating or ameliorating a skin condition.

In certain embodiments, the inflammation is associated with an autoimmune response. In certain embodiments, the skin disorder is psoriasis. In certain embodiments, the skin condition is psoriasis and the prevention or improvement of at least one clinical parameter selected from the group comprising erythema (redness), induration (thickening), and desquamation (scaling) is obtained.

In another aspect, the present invention further provides a method of treating or ameliorating a localized inflammatory or dermatological condition in a patient in need thereof, the method comprising the step of topically administering to the patient a therapeutically effective amount of stable amorphous calcium carbonate.

In certain embodiments, the above methods comprise a method of treating or ameliorating a localized inflammatory or dermatological condition in a patient in need thereof, the method comprising the step of topically administering to the patient a therapeutically effective amount of a non-aqueous amorphous calcium carbonate composition disclosed herein.

All the above and other features of the invention and its embodiments will be further understood by reference to the following illustrative and non-limiting description of embodiments thereof, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

Brief description of the drawings

Figure 1a X-ray diffraction (XRD) pattern of amorphous calcium carbonate formulation 5.

Fig. 1b XRD pattern of amorphous calcium carbonate formulation 6.

Figure 2a. ear thickness in an inflammatory mouse model.

Figure 2b body weight in a mouse model of inflammation.

Detailed description of the invention

The present invention provides non-aqueous liquid and semi-solid formulations containing Amorphous Calcium Carbonate (ACC). The liquid preparation of the present invention contains a dispersion vehicle (phase) in which amorphous calcium carbonate is stably and uniformly dispersed without dissolving. The formulations may be administered to a human subject parenterally, topically or parenterally and may be formulated in a variety of different dosage forms. Thus, the amorphous calcium carbonate formulation provides the benefits of amorphous form of calcium carbonate, such as better calcium bioavailability when administered to a human subject. To the best of the inventors' knowledge, stable topical formulations, including amorphous calcium carbonate, or parenteral formulations, have not been previously conceived or demonstrated.

The amorphous calcium carbonate formulations provided by the present invention also include benefits over other amorphous calcium carbonate compositions and formulations previously disclosed. For example, it is well known that amorphous calcium carbonate is very unstable in an aqueous environment, and the formulation of the present invention provides a non-aqueous, stable environment for amorphous calcium carbonate. In addition, biological agents cannot thrive in non-aqueous environments, and thus non-aqueous formulations can be prepared and stored essentially without preservatives. Furthermore, non-aqueous formulations generally do not evaporate and/or drip as aqueous formulations do, representing the possibility of extending the contact time between the formulation and the tissue to which it is applied. For example, silicone-based formulations can be easily applied and remain adhered to the skin even in prolonged contact with water, such as bathing or swimming in a swimming pool or sea. In addition, the use of silicone enables the formulation to present a silky texture which is easier to apply than a more user-friendly, also more viscous suspension.

To obtain the formulation of the present invention, the inventors overcome several technical difficulties that have heretofore hindered the development of non-solid stable amorphous calcium carbonate formulations. For example, in formulating an aqueous emulsion, surfactants may be selected for a particular suspension/emulsifier, typically comprising water and oil, by using the hydrophilic-lipophilic balance (HLB) commonly used on many compounds as a guide. However, this HLB value does not provide good guidance if used in a non-aqueous emulsifier. Moreover, anhydrous formulations are generally viscous and greasy. Homogeneity is also important because lumps can cause serious side effects. The present invention provides a way to overcome these technical and other traps.

In the formulation of the present invention, the amorphous calcium carbonate remains in its amorphous form for a long period of time. Without being bound by any theory or mechanism of action, the enhanced stability may be attributed to the hydrophobicity of the dispersion vehicle. The choice of the dispersing support is in particular governed by the ability of the support to disperse the amorphous calcium carbonate homogeneously while retaining the amorphous state of the amorphous calcium carbonate and the insolubility of the amorphous calcium carbonate in the dispersing support. Most preferably, the dispersion vehicle used in the formulations of the present invention is a pharmaceutically acceptable vehicle, and as such, the vehicle allows the formulation to be administered to a human subject by a parenteral, topical or enteral route. The dispersion vehicle may further be used to release the amorphous calcium carbonate in a desired body organ and/or to promote calcium absorption in a desired body organ.

The term "dispersion" as used herein is a system in which particles of amorphous calcium carbonate are dispersed in a continuous phase of a non-aqueous liquid carrier. The term "suspension" as used herein is a system in which the particles of amorphous calcium carbonate are dispersed throughout a non-aqueous liquid carrier by mechanical agitation, using certain excipients or suspending agents. The suspension may be mechanically agitated by the end user to enable the particles of the amorphous calcium carbonate to be uniformly dispersed in the non-aqueous liquid carrier.

According to certain embodiments, the composition is in the form of a colloid. As used herein, the term "colloid" is associated with a homogeneous dispersion of the amorphous calcium carbonate particles in the continuous non-aqueous liquid carrier. According to certain embodiments, the amorphous calcium carbonate particles cannot be separated from the continuous, non-aqueous liquid carrier by ordinary filtration or centrifugation used for suspension. According to a further embodiment, the amorphous calcium carbonate particles do not precipitate or float in the colloid.

As used herein, the term "colloid" is further associated with the microstructurally dispersed stable amorphous calcium carbonate particles in a continuous liquid carrier. According to certain embodiments, the colloid is a homogeneous colloid. The term "homogeneous colloid" as used herein means a dispersion of the stable amorphous calcium carbonate particles in the continuous liquid carrier in which the amorphous calcium carbonate particles are essentially uniformly dispersed throughout the colloid. According to certain embodiments, the stable amorphous calcium carbonate particles are uniformly dispersed throughout the colloid for a period of at least 2 days. According to a further embodiment, the amorphous calcium carbonate particles do not float or precipitate in the colloid. The dispersion vehicle for the colloid can comprise one or more non-aqueous solvents in which the solvents are generally miscible.

According to certain embodiments, the colloid further comprises a dispersant that maintains the uniform dispersion of the amorphous calcium carbonate particles throughout the colloid. In addition, the dispersant prevents or reduces precipitation or flotation of the amorphous calcium carbonate particles in the colloid in certain embodiments.

In certain embodiments, the non-aqueous liquid carrier can be in the form of a viscous liquid, paste, emulsion, or gel. And the terms "suspension" and "colloid" mean the form in which the amorphous calcium carbonate particles are distributed in the non-aqueous liquid carrier, and the terms "emulsion", "paste" and "gel" are associated with the appearance of the non-aqueous liquid carrier.

As used herein, the term "emulsion" is used in connection with a non-aqueous liquid carrier containing two or more liquid immiscible phases, one of which is the dispersed phase and the other of which is the continuous phase, in which carrier the dispersed phase is dispersed in the continuous phase in the form of droplets. The amorphous calcium carbonate particles may be dispersed in any immiscible phase. The emulsion may be in the form of a macroemulsion, a microemulsion or a nanoemulsion.

As used herein, the term "emulsion" further relates to a dispersion of amorphous calcium carbonate particles in a composition comprising two or more liquid immiscible phases, one of which is the dispersed phase and the other of which is the continuous phase, in which carrier the dispersed phase is dispersed in the form of droplets in the continuous phase. The amorphous calcium carbonate particles may be dispersed in any immiscible phase. Thus, according to certain embodiments, the liquid carrier of the emulsion contains at least two non-aqueous solvents, which are immiscible.

According to certain embodiments, the emulsion is a homogeneous emulsion. The term "homogeneous emulsion", as used herein, means a dispersion of amorphous calcium carbonate particles stabilized in either the continuous or dispersed phase of the emulsion, in which dispersion the amount of amorphous calcium carbonate particles dispensed is essentially uniform throughout the emulsion, and thus predictable and predetermined. According to certain embodiments, the amorphous calcium carbonate particles are uniformly dispersed throughout the emulsion for a period of at least 6 months.

According to certain embodiments, the emulsion is a stable emulsion. As used herein, the term "stable emulsion" means a dispersion of amorphous calcium carbonate particles stabilized in the continuous or dispersed phase of the emulsion in which the amorphous calcium carbonate particles remain in the emulsion without visible floating or settling. Alternatively, the term "stable emulsion" means the two or more immiscible phases that are maintained in a relationship with each other for a period of at least 6 months.

According to some embodiments, the emulsion comprises a hydrophilic liquid. In certain embodiments, the amorphous calcium carbonate particles are dispersed in the hydrophilic liquid. In a further embodiment, the hydrophilic liquid is dispersed in a continuous phase of the lipophilic liquid. Alternatively, the lipophilic liquid and the amorphous calcium carbonate particles are dispersed in a continuous phase of a hydrophilic liquid. In certain embodiments, the amorphous calcium carbonate particles are dispersed in a hydrophobic liquid. In a further embodiment, the lipophilic liquid is dispersed in a continuous phase of the hydrophilic liquid. Alternatively, the hydrophilic liquid and the amorphous calcium carbonate particles are dispersed in a continuous phase of a lipophilic liquid.

The emulsion may be in the form of a macroemulsion, a microemulsion or a nanoemulsion. Each possibility represents a separate embodiment of the invention.

Microemulsions and nanoemulsions appear translucent to coarse emulsions because of their smaller droplet size. As used herein, the term "microemulsion" means a translucent, thermodynamically stable mixture of a hydrophobic liquid, a hydrophilic liquid, and an amphiphilic component. Generally, a microemulsion form will form spontaneously when the ingredients are combined and mixed with each other, without the need for high energy input as is typical in formulating macroemulsions. Microemulsions may have a colloidal lipophilic phase dispersed in a hydrophilic phase or a colloidal hydrophilic phase dispersed in a lipophilic phase. The size of the dispersed phase is typically in the range of about 5nm to 400nm, with sizes below about 200nm being most common. In certain embodiments, the particle size is from about 5nm to about 100 nm. As used herein, the term "nanoemulsion" means a nanoscale dispersion of droplets of one immiscible liquid in another. The manufacture of nanoemulsions requires special equipment but less amphoteric content than microemulsions.

According to certain embodiments, the emulsion further comprises a surfactant or an emulsifier. The addition of a surfactant enables the mixing of two or more liquid immiscible phases to produce an emulsion. The additional addition of surfactant further stabilizes the emulsion. According to certain embodiments, the surfactant aids in the uniform dispersion of the amorphous calcium carbonate particles throughout the emulsion.

As used herein, the term "paste" is associated with a viscous, thick liquid. The pastes are thick either because of the non-aqueous liquid carrier used, e.g. glycerin, or because of the additional addition of adjuvants, e.g. thickeners.

As used herein, the term "gel" is associated with a non-aqueous liquid carrier comprising a dispersion of liquid molecules contained in a solid, the solid being the continuous phase and the liquid being the discontinuous phase. According to certain embodiments, the amorphous calcium carbonate particles are dispersed in a discontinuous phase of a liquid.

The term "amorphous calcium carbonate particles" as used herein means a combination of amorphous calcium carbonate and a stabilizer for amorphous calcium carbonate. The amount (percentage by weight) of amorphous calcium carbonate in the compositions disclosed herein means the amount of amorphous calcium carbonate particles, unless specifically indicated otherwise.

As used herein, the terms "stabilized amorphous calcium carbonate", "stabilized amorphous calcium carbonate" or "stabilized form of amorphous calcium carbonate" relate to a composition comprising amorphous calcium carbonate and at least one stabilizer that results in an increased stability of the stabilized form of amorphous calcium carbonate under dry conditions compared to pure amorphous calcium carbonate without the stabilizer. The term "stabilized amorphous calcium carbonate" is used herein to indicate that the calcium carbonate can be maintained in an amorphous state under essentially dry conditions for a long period of time, e.g., several weeks to several years, during which time the calcium carbonate is converted to a crystalline phase by no more than 20%.

The terms "amorphous," "amorphous form," and "amorphous state" may be used interchangeably. The terms "amorphous calcium carbonate," "amorphous phase of calcium carbonate," "amorphous form of calcium carbonate," and "amorphous state of calcium carbonate" are used interchangeably and refer to a polymorph that is in a phase, form, or state that is not any crystalline form of calcium carbonate.

The terms "calcium carbonate stabilizer" or "calcium carbonate stabilizing agent" are used interchangeably herein and refer to any substance that helps maintain the amorphous calcium carbonate in an amorphous state under substantially dry conditions. The terms "stabilizer" or "stabilizing agent" are used interchangeably herein and refer to any substance that, under essentially dry conditions, helps to maintain unencapsulated calcium carbonate in an amorphous state. "conditions of essentially drying" or "drying" means, in certain embodiments, an environment containing less than 20% wt. of moisture relative to the total weight of the stabilized amorphous calcium carbonate.

As used herein, the term "non-aqueous" is intended to mean a formulation containing about 20% or less by weight moisture. The term "liquid carrier" as used herein means the combination of all excipients used in the formulation, particularly with the exception of amorphous calcium carbonate. The term "adjuvant" as used herein means a non-therapeutic agent added to the amorphous calcium carbonate, for example, to provide a desired viscosity, homogeneity, stability, or any desired effect. In certain embodiments, the phrase refers to a formulation that is made without the use of any aqueous solvent.

The term "liquid carrier" further includes all excipients described in the present invention that are liquid at ambient temperature alone, that is to say without being mixed with the amorphous calcium carbonate particles or any other excipients. The term "liquid carrier" further includes all combinations of adjuvants described herein that are liquid at ambient temperature, that is, when mixed with the amorphous calcium carbonate particles.

According to certain embodiments, the liquid carrier comprises at least two organic liquids. According to certain embodiments, the at least two organic solvents are miscible. In certain embodiments, the composition is in the form of a suspension. According to certain embodiments, the at least two organic solvents are immiscible. In certain embodiments, the at least two organic liquids form an emulsion.

The terms "dispersed" or "suspended" and the like are used to mean a homogeneous composition formed. The term includes, but is not limited to, all forms of solutions, dispersions, suspensions or emulsions.

According to certain embodiments, the composition is homogenous. The phrase "homogeneous" or "uniformly dispersed or suspended amorphous calcium carbonate particles" as used herein, means that a dispersion or suspension of amorphous calcium carbonate in a non-aqueous liquid carrier is stabilized in which the amorphous calcium carbonate particles are essentially dispersed throughout the non-aqueous liquid carrier. According to certain embodiments, the amorphous calcium carbonate particles are uniformly dispersed throughout the composition after mechanical stirring, e.g., shaking. According to certain embodiments, the amorphous calcium carbonate particles are uniformly dispersed throughout the composition for at least 2 hours, and most preferably at least 12 hours, from the time the composition is prepared. According to a further embodiment, however, the concentration of agglomerated particles in the homogeneous formulation is maintained essentially constant.

According to certain embodiments, the composition is stable. As used herein, the term "stable composition" means a dispersion of amorphous calcium carbonate particles in the non-aqueous liquid carrier in which the amorphous calcium carbonate particles are maintained without visible floating or settling in the non-aqueous liquid carrier. According to certain embodiments, the amorphous calcium carbonate particles are maintained without visible floating or settling in the non-aqueous liquid carrier for at least 2 hours, such as 2 hours from resuspension.

According to certain embodiments, the suspension is a stable suspension. As used herein, the term "stable suspension" means a dispersion of stabilized amorphous calcium carbonate particles in a continuous liquid carrier in which the stabilized amorphous calcium carbonate particles remain suspended without visible floating or settling. According to certain embodiments, the amorphous calcium carbonate particles remain suspended without visible floating or settling for at least 12 hours from the preparation of the suspension.

The present invention further provides a liquid or semi-solid non-aqueous composition in the form of a dispersion or suspension of Amorphous Calcium Carbonate (ACC) particles, said composition comprising: amorphous calcium carbonate particles comprising amorphous calcium carbonate and at least one agent stabilizing the amorphous calcium carbonate in amorphous form, and a non-aqueous liquid carrier in which the amorphous calcium carbonate particles are insoluble and are substantially uniformly dispersed or suspended; the composition has a viscosity of 40cP or more at 25 ℃.

As used herein, the term "viscosity" relates to a measure of the resistance of a material to deformation that occurs gradually as a result of stress. As used herein, the term "cP" means centipoise. A centipoise is a measure of the viscosity of a substance, also in percent poise, or one millipascal-second (mPa · s). The term "dynamic (shear) viscosity" as used herein means the shear flow of a material in which adjacent layers move parallel to each other at different velocities.

There are several techniques that can be used to determine the viscosity of a material under different conditions using a variety of different instruments. Conversely, these various techniques can provide a wide range of viscosity values for essentially the same material. In accordance with the principles of the present invention, the viscosity of the compositions and formulations of the present invention is measured at ambient temperature (about 25℃.) with a rotational viscometer. The rotational viscometer measures the torque of rotating an object in a liquid as the viscosity of the liquid. This method is often used in quality control and laboratory production. The following example provides a non-limiting example of a method for determining the viscosity of the compositions and formulations. More specifically, in certain embodiments, the viscosity is measured at room temperature (24.8 ℃) using a DV-II + Pro and Spindle #16 Brookfield viscometer at 1rpm, 1.5rpm, and/or 2 rpm.

In certain embodiments, the composition has a viscosity of 100cP or greater, 1,000cP or greater, 10,000cP or greater, or 100,000cP or greater at 25 ℃. In certain embodiments, the composition has a viscosity of from about 100cP to about 50,000cP, from about 1,000cP to about 30,000cP, or from about 2,000cP to about 20,000cP at 25 ℃. In certain embodiments, the composition has a viscosity of from about 1,000cP to about 500,000cP, from about 10,000cP to about 300,000cP, or from about 30,000cP to about 100,000cP at 25 ℃. Each possibility represents a separate embodiment of the invention.

The size of the amorphous calcium carbonate particles of the composition of the present invention can be determined directly or indirectly by several methods known in the art. In certain embodiments, the particles may be spherical and the longest dimension of the particles is their diameter. In certain embodiments, the particles may be elongated and the longest dimension of the particles is their elongated or longest axis.

The "average" particle size of the particles can be defined and therefore can be calculated by several methods known in the art. The mean, median and mode are the three most common "averages". The "average" (or arithmetic mean) is the total number of a collection of values divided by the number of values in the collection. The "median" is the value that distinguishes the upper half of the values in the set from the lower half of the values. "mode" is the longest occurring value or range of values in a set of values.

In certain embodiments, the amorphous calcium carbonate particles have an average size of about 0.1 μm to about 1000 μm, about 0.1 μm to about 100 μm, or about 0.1 μm to about 10 μm in the longest dimension. In certain embodiments, the amorphous calcium carbonate particles have an average size of the longest dimension of 1000 μm or less, 100 μm or less, or 10 μm or less. Each possibility represents a separate embodiment of the invention. Large particles may be agglomerated with smaller particles, for example particles of 1-10 μm in size. According to other embodiments, the composition is substantially free of lumps. It is understood here that the size means the size of the particles introduced into the composition, whereas agglomerates of larger size may form in the suspension.

While the compositions provided by the present invention are non-aqueous in nature in manufacture, storage and use, certain moisture levels may not be completely avoided. In certain embodiments, the composition comprises less than 20% moisture by weight of the total weight of the composition. In certain embodiments, the compositions of the present invention comprise less than 5% by weight moisture, based on the total weight of the composition. In certain embodiments, the compositions of the present invention comprise less than 1% by weight moisture, based on the total weight of the composition.

In certain embodiments, the compositions of the present invention comprise at least about 0.01%, at least about 0.1%, or at least about 1% by weight of the total weight of the composition of amorphous calcium carbonate. In certain embodiments, the compositions of the present invention comprise from about 0.01 to 40%, from about 0.01 to about 10%, from about 0.1 to about 10%, from about 1 to about 10%, or from about 5 to about 20% by weight of the total weight of the composition of amorphous calcium carbonate. Each possibility represents a separate embodiment of the invention. In accordance with the principles of the present invention, the compositions provided herein may further comprise other cosmeceutical or pharmaceutical agents in the amorphous calcium carbonate particles and/or in the liquid carrier.

The term "organic polyol" as used herein includes any organic material containing a plurality of hydroxyl groups. The term "water-immiscible lipid" as used herein includes any water-immiscible lipid. Miscibility of both materials is usually determined visually: when the two miscible materials are combined, the resulting liquid is clear. If the mixture is hazy, the two materials are immiscible. Other methods of determining miscibility are well known in the art. The term "synthetic oil" as used herein includes artificially produced oils, such as silicone-based synthetic oils.

According to certain embodiments, the silicone-based fluid is a polydiorganosiloxane. The polydiorganosiloxane may be a linear, cyclic or crosslinked polydiorganosiloxane. The polydiorganosiloxane may be selected from the group consisting of polydimethylsiloxanes, also known as "siloxanes" and "polydimethylsiloxanes", polyphenylmethylsiloxanes, diphenylsiloxane-dimethylsiloxane copolymers, dimethylsiloxane-methylvinylsiloxane copolymers, dimethylsiloxane-phenylmethylsiloxane copolymers, and diphenylsiloxane-dimethylsiloxane-methylvinylsiloxane copolymers.

In certain embodiments, the silicon-based liquid comprises a synthetic oil. In a further embodiment, the oil comprises a silicone oil. The term "silicone oil" may mean any liquid which polymerizes with silicones, usually polydimethylsiloxanes. According to certain embodiments, the silicone oil is selected from polydimethylsiloxane, phenyl silicone oil, phenyl trimethicone, diphenyl polydimethylsiloxane, or polymethylphenylsiloxane.

The most preferred polyols are selected from the group consisting of diols, triols, and combinations of the above. According to certain embodiments, the polyol is a diol. The term "diol", as used herein, means a chemical compound containing two hydroxyl groups per molecule. A non-limiting example of a low molecular weight diol includes propylene glycol. According to certain embodiments, the polyol is a triol. The term "triol," as used herein, means a chemical compound containing three hydroxyl groups per molecule. A non-limiting example of a low molecular weight triol includes glycerol (also referred to herein as "glycerin").

Examples of high molecular weight polyols may include polyether polyols, polyester polyols, polycarbonate polyols, polyvinyl alcohols, polysiloxane polyols, halogenated polyethers and polyesters, and the like, as well as any mixtures or combinations thereof. Polyether polyols include any compound containing a-C-O-C-group and a C-OH group. One non-limiting example of a polyether polyol useful in the compositions described herein includes polyethylene glycol (PEG). According to some embodiments, the molecular weight of the PEG is in the range of 100-600Da, such as 200-500Da, or 300-400Da. Polyester polyols include any compound containing a group-C (═ O) -O-and a group-C-O. Polycarbonate polyols include any compound containing a-O-C (═ O) -O-group and a C-OH group.

In certain embodiments, the organic polyol is selected from the group consisting of Propylene Glycol (PG), polyethylene glycol (PEG), polyethylene glycol derivatives, glycerin, and any combination thereof. In certain embodiments, the organic polyol is selected from the group consisting of Propylene Glycol (PG), polyethylene glycol (PEG), polyethylene glycol derivatives, glycerin, and any combination thereof. In certain embodiments, the organic polyol is selected from the group consisting of Propylene Glycol (PG), polyethylene glycol (PEG), polyethylene glycol derivatives, and any combination thereof. In certain embodiments, the polyethylene glycol is selected from the group consisting of PEG 100, PEG 200, PEG 300, PEG400, PEG 500, PEG 600, PEG 700, PEG 800, PEG 900, and any combination thereof, wherein the number means the molecular weight of the polymer. In certain embodiments, the polyethylene glycol is selected from the group consisting of branched PEG comprising 3-10 PEG chains emanating from a central core, star PEG comprising 10-100 PEG chains emanating from a central core, and comb PEG comprising a plurality of PEG chains attached to a polymer backbone. Each possibility represents a separate embodiment of the invention.

The term "PEG derivative" means a glycol derivative containing PEG common repeating units. Examples of PEG derivatives include, but are not limited to, diethylene glycol (DEG), tetraethylene glycol (TEG), polyethylene glycol containing primary amino groups, diethylene glycol monoallyl ether, diethylene glycol monomethylsulfonate, triethylene glycol monoallyl ether, triethylene glycol monomethylsulfonate, triethylene glycol monobenzyl ether, triethylene glycol monotrityl ether, triethylene glycol monochloromethyl ether, triethylene glycol monotosyl monoallyl ether, triethylene glycol monoallyl monomethyl ether, tetraethylene glycol monoallyl ether, tetraethylene glycol monotosyl sulfonate, tetraethylene glycol monobenzyl ether, tetraethylene glycol monotrityl ether, tetraethylene glycol mono 1-hexenyl ether, tetraethylene glycol mono 1-heptenyl ether, tetraethylene glycol mono 1-octenyl ether, tetraethylene glycol mono 1-decenyl ether, tetraethylene glycol mono-1-undecylenyl ether, pentylene glycol monomethyl ether, pentylene glycol monoallyl monomethyl ether, pentylene glycol monotosyl monoallyl ether, hexaethylene glycol monomethyl ether, hexaethylene glycol monobenzyl ether, hexaethylene glycol monotrityl ether, hexaethylene glycol mono-1-hexenyl ether, hexaethylene glycol mono-1-heptenyl ether, hexaethylene glycol mono-1-octenyl ether, hexaethylene glycol mono-1-decenyl ether, hexaethylene glycol mono-1-undecenyl ether, hexaethylene glycol mono-4-benzophenone mono-1-undecenyl ether, heptaethylene glycol monoallyl ether, heptaethylene glycol monomethyl ether, heptaethylene glycol monotosyl monomethyl ether, heptaethylene glycol monoallyl monomethyl ether, octaethylene glycol monoallyl ether, pentaethylene glycol monoallyl, Octaethyleneglycol monotoluenesulfonate, octaethyleneglycol monotoluenesulfonylmonoallyl ether, undecaethyleneglycol monomethyl ether, undecaethyleneglycol monoallyl monomethyl ether, undecaethyleneglycol monotosyl monomethyl ether, undecaethyleneglycol monoallyl ether, octadecaethyleneglycol monoallyl ether, octaethyleneglycol, decaethyleneglycol, dodecaethyleneglycol, tetradecaneglycol, hexadecaneglycol, octadecaethyleneglycol, benzophenone-4-hexaethyleneglycol allyl ether, benzophenone-4-hexaethyleneglycol hexenyl ether, benzophenone-4-hexaethyleneglycol octenyl ether, benzophenone-4-hexaethyleneglycol decenyl ether, benzophenone-4-hexaethyleneglycol undecenyl ether, 4-fluorobenzophenone-4 '-hexaethyleneglycol allyl ether, 4-fluorobenzophenone-4 lambda-hexaethyleneglycol undecenyl ether, 4-fluorobenzophenone-4' -hexaethyleneglycol undecenyl ether, 4-hydroxybenzophenone-4' -hexaethyleneglycol allyl ether, 4-hydroxybenzophenone-4 r-hexaethyleneglycol undecenyl ether, 4-hydroxybenzophenone-4 "-tetraethyleneglycol allyl ether, 4-hydroxybenzophenone-4" -tetraethyleneglycol undecenyl ether, 4-morpholinobenzophenone-4 r-hexaethyleneglycol allyl ether, 4-morpholinobenzophenone-4 λ -hexaethyleneglycol undecenyl ether, 4-morpholinobenzophenone-4-tetraethyleneglycol allyl ether, and 4-morpholinobenzophenone-4 r-tetraethyleneglycol undecenyl ether.

In certain embodiments, the composition may comprise about 5-99.95% w/w of the polyol. In certain embodiments, the composition comprises about 50-99.95% w/w polyol, or about 5-95% w/w polyol. In certain embodiments, the composition comprises about 9, 10, 11, 33, 35, 61, 70, 77, 88, 89, 91, 98, or 99% w/w of the polyol. Each possibility represents a separate embodiment of the invention.

The term "medium chain triglycerides" (MCTs), as used herein, means triglycerides wherein the aliphatic tails of the fatty acids have 6-12 carbon atoms. The fatty acids found in medium chain triglycerides are referred to as Medium Chain Fatty Acids (MCFAs). Medium chain triglycerides contain one major bond of glycerol and three fatty acids, the two or three fatty acid chains attached to glycerol being medium chain in length. The medium chain fatty acids of the medium chain triglycerides include caproic acid (C6: 0), caprylic acid (C8: 0), capric acid (C10: 0), and lauric acid (C12: 0). According to certain embodiments, the liquid formulation comprises caprylic/capric triglyceride. Useful commercially extracted abundant sources of triglycerides include coconut oil and palm seed oil.

The term "natural oil" as used herein means any oil, such as a plant or vegetable, that is taken from a natural source or is the same as an oil taken from a natural source.

In certain embodiments, the synthetic oil is a silicone oil. In certain embodiments, the synthetic oil is selected from the group consisting of decamethylcyclopentasiloxane, polydimethylsiloxane, cetyldimethylpolysiloxane, octylmethicone, C30-4s alkyl methicone, bis-phenyl hexamethylsiloxane, dimethicone crosspolymer, vinyl dimethicone crosspolymer, PEG/PPG-18/18 dimethicone, and PEG-12 dimethicone.

In certain embodiments, the synthetic oil is selected from the group consisting of polydimethylsiloxane, functionally modified polydimethylsiloxane, dimethicone copolyol, dimethicone crosspolymer, and combinations thereof. In certain embodiments, the polydimethylsiloxane is linear. In certain embodiments, the polydimethylsiloxane is cyclic. In certain embodiments, the polydimethylsiloxane is selected from the group consisting of decamethylcyclopentasiloxane, cyclotetrapolydimethylsiloxane, and combinations thereof. In certain embodiments, the functionally modified polydimethylsiloxane is a siloxane monomer modified by independently substituting one or two methyl groups with one hydrogen, hydroxyl, phenyl, propyl, octyl, aminopropyl, or vinyl group. In certain embodiments, the dimethicone copolyol is a mixture of decamethylcyclopentasiloxane and a PEG/PPG-18/18 dimethicone. In certain embodiments, the polydimethylsiloxane cross-polymer is a mixture of one decamethylcyclopentasiloxane and one polydimethylsiloxane cross-polymer. Each possibility represents a separate embodiment of the invention. The polydimethylsiloxane can be selected from linear, cyclic and crosslinked polydimethylsiloxanes.

The term "functionally modified polydimethylsiloxane" as used herein means any compound that substitutes at least one methyl group of polydimethylsiloxane with a different functional group.

In certain embodiments, the compositions provided herein further comprise at least one adjuvant selected from the group consisting of surfactants, emollients, thickeners, and dispersants.

As used herein, the term "surfactant" is defined as a compound that reduces the surface tension (or interfacial tension) between two liquids or a liquid and a solid. Surfactants may be used as detergents, wetting agents, emulsifiers, foaming agents and dispersing agents. As used herein, the terms "emulsifier" or "emulsifying agent" are defined as an agent that forms or protects an emulsion and prevents or reduces the separation of two immiscible liquids. Without wishing to be bound by any theory or mechanism of action, the surfactant is added to the composition to promote homogeneity of the stable amorphous calcium carbonate dispersion in the liquid carrier.

According to certain embodiments, the surfactant prevents or reduces the instances of floating or settling of the stable amorphous calcium carbonate particles in the dispersion vehicle. The surfactant can further prevent or reduce the agglomeration of the stable amorphous calcium carbonate particles. The surfactant may comprise a nonionic, cationic, anionic, amphoteric surfactant, or a combination thereof. According to certain embodiments, the liquid formulation comprises at least two different surfactants.

As used herein, the term "emollient" is defined as a compound or mixture of compounds that makes the outer layer of the skin (epidermis) softer and more pliable. Emollients increase the hydration (water content) of the skin, for example by reducing evaporation.

As used herein, a "thickening agent" is defined as a compound that increases the viscosity of a liquid without substantially changing other characteristics of the liquid. Thickeners may also facilitate the suspension or emulsification of other ingredients, thus also increasing the stability of the product.

As used herein, the term "dispersing agent" is defined as a compound that facilitates the separation of particles and/or prevents or ameliorates the settling or agglomeration of particles. Without wishing to be bound by any theory or mechanism of action, the dispersing agent is added to the liquid formulation to promote homogeneity of the dispersion of the amorphous calcium carbonate in the dispersing vehicle. According to certain embodiments, the dispersion agent prevents or reduces the instances of stable amorphous calcium carbonate particles floating or precipitating in the dispersion vehicle. The dispersion agent can further prevent or reduce the agglomeration of the amorphous calcium carbonate particles. The dispersion agent may include a solubilizer.

The dispersing agent may be selected from the group consisting of biopolymers, biocompatible polymers, and combinations thereof.

According to some embodiments, the biopolymer comprises a cyclodextrin. The cyclodextrin can be selected from alpha-, beta-or gamma-cyclodextrin, or a pharmaceutically acceptable derivative of the above, such as hydroxypropyl cyclodextrin or sulfobutyl cyclodextrin. Each possibility represents a separate embodiment of the invention. Alternatively, the biopolymer may comprise a protein. One non-limiting example of a protein useful in the formulations of the present invention includes human serum protein.

The biocompatible polymer suitable for use as a dispersing agent in the liquid formulation of the present invention may be biodegradable or non-biodegradable. Non-limiting examples of biocompatible non-biodegradable polymers include polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and polyvinylpyrrolidone. The biodegradable polymer may comprise a polyester fiber, such as polylactic acid, polyglycolic acid, polylactic-co-glycolic acid, or a polyphospholipid.

Possible nonionic organic surfactants include polysorbates, such as polyoxyethylene sorbitan laurate (tween-20), polyoxyethylene sorbitan monopalmitate (tween-40), polyoxyethylene sorbitan stearate (tween-60), and polyoxyethylene sorbitan monooleate (tween-80); glyceryl stearates, such as Cutina GMS V; polyoxyethylene (POE) fatty acid esters, such as glize-45, glize-49, glize-52, and glize-59; sorbitan fatty acid esters such as sorbitan monolaurate (span-20), sorbitan monopalmitate (span-40), sorbitan monooleate (span-80), sorbitan monostearate (span-60); mono/di glyceryl caprylate/caprate such as, but not limited to, Imwitor-742, Imwitor-308; polyoxyethylene alkyl ethers such as polyoxyethylene cetyl ether (brij-52, brij-56, brij-58), polyoxyethylene palmityl ether, polyoxyethylene cetyl ether, polyethylene glycol cetyl ether and the like; polyoxyethylene castor oil derivatives such as Cremophor EL, ELP and RH 40; PEG-6 glyceryl caprylate/caprate, e.g., Softigen 767 and the like; polyoxyethylene triolein, such as, but not limited TO, Tagat TO; decaglycerol monooleate/decaglycerol dioleate, such as Caprol PGE860 and the like; sucrose esters of fatty acids such as, but not limited to, sucrose ester of palm oil and Sistema SP10, and the like; poloxamers, which are nonionic triblock copolymers of polyoxypropylene (poly (propylene oxide)) having a central hydrophobic chain flanked by two segments of hydrophilic polyoxyethylene (poly (ethylene oxide)), also known by the trade names Synperonics, Pluronics, Kolliphor, and Solutol, among others; and combinations of the above. Each possibility represents a separate embodiment of the invention.

Non-limiting examples of possible cationic surfactants include phospholipids, such as phosphatidylcholine and the like; quaternary ammonium cationic surfactants such as cetyltrimethylammonium bromide and the like; pyridine cationic surfactants such as, but not limited to, dodecyl pyridine chloride; and combinations of the above.

Anionic surfactants useful in preparing the liquid formulation of the stable amorphous calcium carbonate include sodium alkyl sulfates, such as, but not limited to, sodium lauryl sulfate; sodium alkyl sulfonates; sodium alkyl aryl sulfonates such as sodium dodecylbenzenesulfonate and the like; sodium stearate; sodium octyl sulfosuccinate; sodium cholate; and combinations of the above. Each possibility represents a separate embodiment of the invention.

The amphoteric surfactant may include lecithin, lauramidopropionic acid, cocamidopropyl betaine, or combinations thereof. Each possibility represents a separate embodiment of the invention.

In certain embodiments, the surfactant is a nonionic organic surfactant, or is an anionic organic surfactant. In certain embodiments, the nonionic organic surfactant is selected from the group consisting of a polysorbate, a sorbitan ester, a fatty acid ester, a wax ester, a poloxamer, and a phospholipid. In certain embodiments, the polysorbate is selected from the group consisting of tween-80, tween-60, tween-40, tween-20, and combinations thereof. In certain embodiments, the fatty acid ester is selected from the group consisting of polyoxyethylene fatty acid esters, sucrose esters of fatty acids, glyceryl monostearate, and combinations thereof. In certain embodiments, the fatty acid ester is selected from the group consisting of span-80, span-60, span-40, span-20, Sistema, Cuitna, MYRJ52, soluto HS15, ethyl oleate, ethyl palmitate, ethyl myristate, ethyl stearate, and combinations thereof. In certain embodiments, the wax ester is isostearyl isostearate. In certain embodiments, the anionic organic surfactant is sodium lauryl sulfate. Each possibility represents a separate embodiment of the invention.

In certain embodiments, the emollient is selected from the group consisting of waxes, solid fats, glycerides, fatty alcohol polyoxyethylene ethers, and combinations thereof.

In certain embodiments, the thickener is selected from the group consisting of cellulose polymers, silsesquioxanes, silicas, and combinations thereof. In certain embodiments, the cellulose polymer is selected from the group consisting of hydroxypropyl ethyl cellulose, sodium carboxymethyl cellulose, and combinations thereof. Each possibility represents a separate embodiment of the invention.

In certain embodiments, the dispersant is a cyclodextrin. In certain embodiments, the cyclodextrin is selected from the group consisting of alpha-cyclodextrin, beta-cyclodextrin, gamma-cyclodextrin, and combinations thereof. Each possibility represents a separate embodiment of the invention.

Suitable stabilizers for stabilizing the amorphous calcium carbonate may be selected from, but are not limited to, organic acids; phosphate/sulfate esters of hydroxycarboxylic acids; an organic amine compound including an amino acid; organic compounds containing hydroxyl groups, including carbohydrates; organic phosphorus compounds and salts thereof; organic phosphates, organic phosphonates; an inorganic phosphate; a polyphosphate salt; biologically essential inorganic ions; or combinations of the above ingredients, but the selected stabilizer or stabilizers are food grade. Alternatively, the stabilizer comprises a molecule containing one or more functional groups selected from, but not limited to, hydroxyl, carboxyl, ester, amine, phosphine-carboxyl, phosphate, sulfonyl, or sulfone groups. In combination with the hydroxide, a compound containing a hydroxyl group, or other functional groups such as a carboxyl group, etc., but the hydroxyl group is not esterified. The organic acids may comprise, for example, ascorbic acid or acetic acid, or they may comprise carboxylic acids containing at least two carboxyl groups and having a molecular weight of not more than 250g/mol, for example citric acid, tartaric acid, malic acid, etc. The organic acid may further comprise oxalic acid, malonic acid, glutaconic acid, succinic acid, maleic acid, lactic acid, aconitic acid, or combinations thereof.

The esters may include, for example, phosphoenolpyruvate. In other embodiments, the phosphate or sulfate ester of a hydroxycarboxylic acid contains an amino acid, examples of which include phosphoserine, phosphothreonine, sulfatosulserine, and sulfatosuhreonine. In other embodiments, the stabilizing molecule is a phosphate derivative of an amino acid, such as creatine phosphate. The compound containing hydroxyl groups in combination with the hydroxide may contain, for example, mono-, di-, tri-, oligo-and polysaccharides, such as sucrose or other polyols, such as glycerol. The hydroxyl group-containing compound may further contain a hydroxy acid such as citric acid, tartaric acid, malic acid, etc., or an amino acid containing a hydroxyl group such as serine or threonine. Each possibility represents a separate embodiment of the invention.

Non-limiting examples of stabilizers containing phosphate, phosphite, phosphonate and their salts or esters include phytic acid, dimethyl phosphate, trimethyl phosphate, sodium pyrophosphate, tetraethyl pyrophosphate, ribulose bisphosphonic acid, etidronic acid, zoledronic acid and other pharmaceutical bisphosphonates, 3-phosphoglycerate, glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate, 1-deoxy-D-glucose-5-phosphate, diethylenetriaminepentamethylenephosphonic acid, aminotrimethylenephosphonic acid, 5-phosphoribosyl-1-pyrophosphate sodium salt, adenosine-5 '-diphosphate adenosine sodium salt, adenosine-5' -triphosphate disodium salt (calcium-free), alpha-D-galactose-1-phosphate, L-ascorbic acid-2-phosphate trisodium salt, sodium salts of phosphoric acid, salts of phosphoric, alpha-D-galactose-1-phosphate dipotassium salt pentahydrate, alpha-D-galactosamine-1-phosphate, ethanolamine phosphate, disodium salt hydrate, 2, 3-diphosphate-D-glycerate pentasodium salt, phosphoenolpyruvate monosodium salt hydrate, D-glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate, sn-glycerol-3-phosphate lithium salt, D- (-) -3-phosphoglycerate disodium salt, D-glucose-6-phosphate sodium salt, phosphatidic acid, ibandronate sodium, phosphorylacetic acid, DL-2-amino-3-phosphopropionic acid, or a combination thereof.

The bio-essential inorganic ions may include sodium, potassium, magnesium, zinc, iron, phosphorus, sulfur, nitrogen, among others; phosphorus or sulfur as an oxidation phase; or nitrogen is ammonia or nitro.

Further examples of stabilized amorphous calcium carbonate and its preparation can be found in international patent applications WO 2009/053967 and WO 2014/024191, which are hereby incorporated in their entirety by reference.

In certain embodiments, the at least one stabilizing agent for amorphous calcium carbonate is selected from the group consisting of organic acids, sulfates of hydroxycarboxylic acids, organic amine compounds, organic compounds containing hydroxyl groups, organic phosphorus compounds or salts thereof, bisphosphate compounds, organic phosphorus compounds, organic phosphine compounds, inorganic phosphoric acid, organic or inorganic polyphosphate compounds, organic polyphosphates, such as ATP and phytic acid, organic surfactants, bio-essential inorganic ions, and any combination thereof. Each possibility represents a separate embodiment of the invention.

According to certain particular embodiments, the at least one stabilizer stabilizing the amorphous calcium carbonate is selected from the group consisting of organic acids; phosphate/sulfate esters of hydroxycarboxylic acids; an organic amine compound including an amino acid; organic compounds containing hydroxyl groups, including carbohydrates; organic phosphorus compounds and salts thereof; organic phosphates, organic phosphonates; an inorganic phosphate; a polyphosphate salt; biological essential inorganic ions; or a combination of the above. According to certain particular embodiments, the stabilized amorphous calcium carbonate contains at least two stabilizers. In certain embodiments, the stabilizing agent is pharmaceutically acceptable. Some specific non-limiting examples of such pharmaceutically acceptable stabilizers include phytic acid, citric acid, disodium hydrogen phosphate, adenosine 5 '-monophosphate (AMP) sodium salt, adenosine 5' -diphosphate (ADP) sodium salt, and adenosine 5-triphosphate (ATP) disodium salt, hydroxyethylidene diphosphonic acid, zoledronic acid, phosphoserine, other phosphorylated amino acids, and combinations of the above. According to certain particular embodiments, the stabilizer comprises at least one ingredient selected from the group consisting of phosphate or sulfate esters of hydroxycarboxylic acids, such as phosphoenolpyruvate, phosphoserine, phosphothreonine, sulfate serine, or sulfate threonine, and compounds containing hydroxyl groups selected from the group consisting of mono-, di-, tri-, oligo-and polysaccharides, such as sucrose, mannose, glucose, and the like. The hydroxyl-containing compound may further contain at least one alkali metal hydroxide, such as sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide, and the like. The phosphorylated acids may be present as oligopeptides and polypeptides. In other embodiments of the invention, the stabilizer is an organic acid, most preferably a carboxylic acid, including a monocarboxylic acid, a dicarboxylic acid, or a tricarboxylic acid. Each possibility represents a separate embodiment of the invention. The organic acid is most preferably selected from the group consisting of citric acid, oxalic acid, malonic acid, glutaconic acid, succinic acid, tartaric acid, maleic acid, lactic acid, aconitic acid, malic acid and combinations thereof. In certain embodiments of the invention, the stabilizing agent is selected from the group consisting of phosphorylated amino acids, polyols, and combinations thereof. In certain embodiments, the stabilized amorphous calcium carbonate comprises a stabilizer comprising one carboxylic acid or a plurality of carboxylic acids. In certain embodiments, the stabilized amorphous calcium carbonate comprises a phosphorylated compound as a stabilizer, wherein the phosphorylation is performed on a hydroxyl group of an organic compound. In certain embodiments, the stabilized amorphous calcium carbonate comprises a stabilizer selected from the group consisting of citric acid, phosphoserine, phosphothreonine, and combinations thereof. In certain embodiments, the stable amorphous calcium carbonate comprises citric acid. According to certain embodiments, the stable amorphous calcium carbonate is gastrolith obtained from crustaceans. In certain embodiments, the stabilizing agent comprises from about 0.1 to about 15% of the total weight of the stabilized amorphous calcium carbonate. According to certain embodiments, the amorphous calcium carbonate is stabilized by a dispersion of a non-aqueous semi-solid formulation.

According to certain embodiments, the composition retains at least 90% of the calcium carbonate in the amorphous state for a period of at least one month, at least two months, at least three months, at least four months, at least five months, or at least six months at ambient temperature. Each possibility represents a separate embodiment of the invention.

According to certain embodiments, the liquid carrier comprises a polyol and a water-insoluble lipid. According to a further embodiment, the polyol forms a continuous phase of the emulsion and the water-insoluble lipid forms a dispersed phase. Alternatively, the polyol forms the dispersed phase of the emulsion and the water-insoluble lipid forms the continuous phase. According to certain embodiments, the stable amorphous calcium carbonate is dispersed in the emulsion. The stable amorphous calcium carbonate can be dispersed in the continuous phase of the emulsion, or in the dispersed phase of the emulsion. Each possibility represents a separate embodiment of the invention.

According to certain embodiments, the liquid carrier further comprises a dispersant. The dispersant can be used to assist and maintain uniform dispersion of the amorphous calcium carbonate particles throughout the liquid carrier. The dispersant may be a solubilizer. The dispersant can be selected from the group consisting of a biopolymer, a biocompatible polymer, and combinations thereof. According to some embodiments, the biopolymer comprises a cyclodextrin. Alternatively, the biopolymer may comprise a protein. According to certain embodiments, the protein is a human serum protein. The biocompatible polymer may be selected from the group consisting of polyester, polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), polyvinylpyrrolidone, and combinations thereof. Each possibility represents a separate embodiment of the invention. In certain embodiments, the polyester is selected from polylactic acid, polyglycolic acid, polylactic acid-glycolic acid copolymer, or a combination thereof. In certain embodiments, the protein comprises a human serum protein.

According to certain embodiments, the liquid carrier further comprises at least one surfactant. The surfactant is selected from the group consisting of polysorbates, sorbitan esters, fatty acid esters, poloxamers, phospholipids, silicone-based emulsifiers, and combinations thereof. The fatty acid ester may be selected from the group consisting of polyoxyethylene fatty acid esters, sucrose esters of fatty acids, glycerol esters of fatty acids, and combinations thereof. One suitable non-limiting example of a glyceride of a fatty acid is glyceryl monostearate. A suitable non-limiting example of a phospholipid is lecithin. Each possibility represents a separate embodiment of the invention.

According to certain embodiments, the liquid carrier is highly viscous ("semi-solid") and contains about 0.01-10% w/w of stable amorphous calcium carbonate; about 50-99.95% w/w of an organic liquid, a silicone-based liquid, or a combination thereof; and about 0.1-25% w/w of the dispersion. According to certain embodiments, the liquid formulation comprises from about 0.1 to 10% w/w of the stable amorphous calcium carbonate; about 50-99.95% w/w of an organic liquid, a silicone-based liquid, or a combination thereof; and about 0.1-30% w/w surfactant. Alternatively, the liquid composition may comprise from about 0.01 to 20% w/w of the stable amorphous calcium carbonate; about 50-99.95% w/w of an organic liquid, a silicone-based liquid, or a combination thereof; about 0.1-25% w/w of a dispersant; and about 0.1-2.5% w/w surfactant.

According to certain embodiments, the liquid carrier is in the form of a suspension, wherein the liquid carrier comprises at least one organic liquid comprising a polyol. In further embodiments, the polyol comprises a combination of propylene glycol and PEG. The liquid carrier can further include a dispersant and or a surfactant. In certain such embodiments, the liquid carrier comprises from about 0.01 to 20% w/w of the stable amorphous calcium carbonate; about 50-99.95% w/w of a polyol; and about 0.1-25% w/w of a dispersant. According to a further embodiment, the liquid carrier comprises from about 0.01 to 4% w/w of the stable amorphous calcium carbonate; about 75-99.95% w/w of a polyol; and about 0.1-25% w/w of a dispersant.

According to certain embodiments, the liquid carrier is in the form of an emulsion, wherein the liquid carrier comprises at least two organic liquids comprising a polyol and a water-insoluble lipid. In certain such embodiments, the composition comprises from about 0.01 to 10% w/w of the stabilized amorphous calcium carbonate; about 5-95% w/w of a polyol; about 0.1-40% w/w of a water-insoluble lipid; and about 150.1-75% w/w surfactant. According to a further embodiment, the composition comprises from about 0.1 to 10% w/w of stabilized amorphous calcium carbonate; about 5-80% w/w of a polyol; about 15-40% w/w water-insoluble lipid; and about 0.1-40% w/w surfactant.

According to certain embodiments, the composition further comprises at least one silicone-based liquid. According to certain embodiments, the liquid carrier comprises from about 0.1 to 20% w/w of the stable amorphous calcium carbonate; about 0.1-20% w/w of a polyol; about 5-70% w/w silicone-based liquid; about 0.1-20% w/w of a water-insoluble lipid; and about 1-40% w/w surfactant.

In certain embodiments, the composition retains at least 90% of the total weight of the stable amorphous calcium carbonate in an amorphous form for a period of at least six months at ambient temperature. In certain preferred embodiments, the amorphous calcium carbonate that retains the amorphous phase is undissolved amorphous calcium carbonate. The solubility of the stable amorphous calcium carbonate in the liquid carrier may be less than about 1% w/w, for example less than about 0.5% w/w or less than about 0.1% w/w. Each possibility represents a separate embodiment of the invention.

In certain embodiments, the composition comprises a stabilized amorphous calcium carbonate, a polyol, and a dispersant. In a further embodiment, the composition comprises stabilized amorphous calcium carbonate, a polyol, a dispersant, and a surfactant.

In certain embodiments, the composition comprises 0.01 to 20% w/w of the stabilized amorphous calcium carbonate, 50 to 99.95% w/w of the polyol, and 0.1 to 25% w/w of the dispersant. In a further embodiment, the composition comprises 0.01-4% w/w of the stable amorphous calcium carbonate, 75-99.95% w/w of the polyol, and 0.1-25% w/w of the dispersant. In a still further embodiment, the composition comprises 0.01-20% w/w of the stabilized amorphous calcium carbonate, 50-99.95% w/w of the polyol, 0.1-25% w/w of the dispersant, and 0.1-2.5% w/w of the surfactant. In a still further embodiment, the composition comprises 0.01-4% w/w of the stabilized amorphous calcium carbonate, 75-99.95% w/w of the polyol, 0.1-25% w/w of the dispersant, and 0.1-2.5% w/w of the surfactant.

In certain embodiments, the composition comprises 0.01-2% w/w of the stabilized amorphous calcium carbonate, 40-80% w/w of propylene glycol, 20-60% PEG, and 0.1-15% w/w of the cyclodextrin. In a further embodiment, the composition comprises 0.01-2% w/w of the stable amorphous calcium carbonate, 40-80% w/w of propylene glycol, 20-60% PEG, and 0.1-15% w/w of the cyclodextrin, and 0.1-2.5% w/w of the poloxamer.

In certain embodiments, the composition comprises about 0.1% w/w of the amorphous calcium carbonate, about 99% w/w of the polyol, and about 0.1% w/w of the dispersing agent. Alternatively, the composition may comprise about 0.05% w/w of the stabilized amorphous calcium carbonate, about 99.5% w/w of the polyol, and about 0.5% w/w of the dispersing agent. In addition, the composition may comprise about 0.2% w/w of the stabilized amorphous calcium carbonate, about 98% w/w of the polyol, and about 1.5% w/w of the dispersing agent. In additional embodiments, the composition comprises about 0.8% w/w of the stabilized amorphous calcium carbonate, about 89% w/w of the polyol, and about 10% w/w of the dispersant.

In certain embodiments, the composition comprises amorphous calcium carbonate, a polyol, a water-insoluble lipid, and a surfactant. In a further embodiment, the composition comprises stabilized amorphous calcium carbonate, a polyol, a water-insoluble lipid, an aromatic alcohol, and a surfactant. According to a further embodiment, the composition comprises stabilized amorphous calcium carbonate, propylene glycol, oil, medium chain triglycerides, phospholipids, polysorbates, and ethoxylated castor oil derivatives. According to certain exemplary embodiments, the composition comprises stabilized amorphous calcium carbonate, PEG, propylene glycol, glycerin, oil, benzyl alcohol, a phospholipid, polysorbate, and a poloxamer. According to certain exemplary embodiments, the composition comprises stabilized amorphous calcium carbonate, PEG, medium chain triglycerides, and one or more surfactants.

According to a further embodiment, the composition comprises stabilized amorphous calcium carbonate, PEG, medium chain triglycerides, one or more polysorbates, sorbitan fatty acid esters, sucrose fatty acid esters, and glyceryl stearate. Alternatively, the composition may comprise stabilized amorphous calcium carbonate, PEG, medium chain triglycerides, one or more polysorbates, one or more sorbitan fatty acid esters, polyoxyethylene fatty acid esters, and glyceryl stearate.

In certain embodiments, the composition comprises 0.01-10% w/w of the stabilized amorphous calcium carbonate, 5-95% w/w of the polyol, 0.1-40% w/w of the water-insoluble lipid, and 0.1-75% w/w of the surfactant. In a further embodiment, the composition comprises 0.01-10% w/w of the stable amorphous calcium carbonate, 5-95% w/w of the polyol, 0.1-40% w/w of the water-insoluble lipid, and 0.1-30% w/w of the surfactant. In a still further embodiment, the composition comprises 0.1-10% w/w of the stabilized amorphous calcium carbonate, 5-80% w/w of the polyol, 15-40% w/w of the water-insoluble lipid, and 0.1-75% w/w of the surfactant. In certain embodiments, the composition comprises 0.01-10% w/w of the stable amorphous calcium carbonate, 5-95% w/w of the polyol, 0.1-40% w/w of the water-insoluble lipid, 0.1-30% w/w of the surfactant, and 0.05-1% w/w of the aromatic alcohol. According to certain embodiments, the composition is in the form of a suspension.

In certain embodiments, the composition comprises 0.5-10% w/w of the stable amorphous calcium carbonate, 40-80% w/w propylene glycol, 5-30% w/w oil, 5-30% w/w medium chain triglycerides, and 2-15% w/w surfactant. In certain embodiments, the composition comprises 0.01-1.5% w/w of the stable amorphous calcium carbonate, 20-50% w/w propylene glycol, 5-15% w/w glycerin, 5-30% w/w oil, and 2-15% w/w surfactant. In a further embodiment, the composition comprises 0.01-1.5% w/w of stabilized amorphous calcium carbonate, 20-50% w/w propylene glycol, 5-15% w/w glycerol, 5-30% w/w oil, 2-15% w/w surfactant, and 0.05-4% w/w benzyl alcohol. In certain embodiments, the composition comprises 1-10% w/w of the stabilized amorphous calcium carbonate, 5-15% w/w of PEG, 15-50% w/w of the medium chain triglyceride, and 25-75% w/w of the surfactant. In certain embodiments, the composition comprises 5-20% w/w of the stabilized amorphous calcium carbonate, 20-50% w/w of PEG, 10-40% w/w of the medium chain triglyceride, and 25-75% w/w of the surfactant.

In certain embodiments, the composition comprises about 2% stabilized amorphous calcium carbonate, about 60% w/w of a polyol, about 30% w/w of a water-insoluble lipid, and about 7.5% w/w of a surfactant. Alternatively, the composition may comprise about 0.3% of stabilized amorphous calcium carbonate, about 77% w/w of a polyol, about 15% w/w of a water-insoluble lipid, about 0.2% w/w of an aromatic alcohol, and about 7.5% w/w of a surfactant. Additionally, the composition may comprise about 5% stabilized amorphous calcium carbonate, about 9% w/w of a polyol, about 33% w/w of a water-insoluble lipid, and about 52% w/w of a surfactant. In additional embodiments, the composition comprises about 8% stabilized amorphous calcium carbonate, about 35% w/w of a polyol, about 22% w/w of a water-insoluble lipid, and about 48% w/w of a surfactant.

According to certain embodiments, the composition comprises from about 0.1 to 20% w/w of the stable amorphous calcium carbonate, from about 0.1 to 20% w/w of the polyol, from about 5 to 70% silicone-based liquid, from about 0.1 to 20% w/w of the water-insoluble lipid, and from about 1 to 40% w/w of the surfactant.

According to certain exemplary embodiments, the composition comprises stabilized amorphous calcium carbonate, propylene glycol, PEG, and cyclodextrin. According to a further exemplary embodiment, the composition comprises stabilized amorphous calcium carbonate, propylene glycol, PEG, poloxamer, and cyclodextrin. According to certain exemplary embodiments, the composition comprises 0.01 to 1% of stabilized amorphous calcium carbonate, 40 to 75% of propylene glycol, 30 to 60% of PEG, and 0.5 to 10% of cyclodextrin. According to a further exemplary embodiment, the composition comprises 0.01-1% of stabilized amorphous calcium carbonate, 40-75% of propylene glycol, 30-60% of PEG, 0.5-10% of cyclodextrin, and 0.1-1% of poloxamer.

According to certain exemplary embodiments, the composition comprises stabilized amorphous calcium carbonate, PEG, medium chain triglycerides, polysorbate, and fatty acid esters. According to certain exemplary embodiments, the composition comprises 2-10% of stabilized amorphous calcium carbonate, 5-15% PEG, 30-40% medium chain triglycerides, 38-48% polysorbate, and 9-13% fatty acid esters. According to certain exemplary embodiments, the composition comprises 5-10% of stabilized amorphous calcium carbonate, 30-40% PEG, 15-20% medium chain triglycerides, 15-25% polysorbate, and 15-25% fatty acid esters.

According to certain exemplary embodiments, the composition comprises stabilized amorphous calcium carbonate, propylene glycol, oil, medium chain triglycerides, and one or more surfactants. According to certain exemplary embodiments, the composition comprises 1-3% of stabilized amorphous calcium carbonate, 50-70% of propylene glycol, 15-20% of oil, 10-20% of medium chain triglycerides, and 5-10% of surfactant.

According to certain exemplary embodiments, the composition comprises stabilized amorphous calcium carbonate, PEG, propylene glycol, glycerin, oil, benzyl alcohol, and one or more surfactants. According to certain exemplary embodiments, the composition comprises 0.1-1% of stabilized amorphous calcium carbonate, 30-40% of PEG, 30-40% of propylene glycol, 5-15% of glycerin, 10-20% of oil, 0.1-0.5% of benzyl alcohol, and 5-10% of a surfactant.

According to certain exemplary embodiments, the composition comprises stabilized amorphous calcium carbonate, PEG, propylene glycol, cyclodextrin, and a cellulose polymer. According to certain exemplary embodiments, the composition comprises 1-10% of stabilized amorphous calcium carbonate, 35-45% of PEG, 45-55% of propylene glycol, 1-5% of cyclodextrin, and 0.5-3% of a cellulose polymer.

According to certain exemplary embodiments, the composition comprises stabilized amorphous calcium carbonate, natural oil, propylene glycol, synthetic oil, and wax. According to certain exemplary embodiments, the composition comprises 1-10% of the stable amorphous calcium carbonate, 0.5-2% of a natural oil, 5-15% of propylene glycol, 70-80% of a synthetic oil, and 5-15% of a wax. According to certain exemplary embodiments, the composition comprises 1-5% of stabilized amorphous calcium carbonate, 0.5-2% of a natural oil, 5-15% of propylene glycol, 70-80% of a synthetic oil, and 10-15% of a wax.

According to certain exemplary embodiments, the composition comprises stabilized amorphous calcium carbonate, glycerin, silica, a cellulose polymer, and a surfactant. According to certain exemplary embodiments, the composition comprises 1-10% of stabilized amorphous calcium carbonate, 60-80% of glycerin, 15-25% of silica, 0.5-3% of a cellulose polymer, and 0.5-2% of a surfactant.

According to certain exemplary embodiments, the composition comprises stabilized amorphous calcium carbonate, PEG, glycerin, and a hard. According to certain exemplary embodiments, the composition comprises 1-10% stabilized amorphous calcium carbonate, 20-25% PEG, 5-15% glycerin, and 60-70% hard fat.

According to certain embodiments, the composition is selected from formulations 1-11 as shown in examples 1-6 below. According to certain embodiments, the composition comprises any one of formulations 1-11 shown in examples 1-6 below. According to certain embodiments, the composition consists of any one of formulations 1-11 shown in examples 1 to 6 below.

In another aspect, the invention further provides a pharmaceutical composition comprising any of the above compositions.

The term "cosmeceutical composition" as used herein means a composition comprising a combination of cosmetic and pharmaceutical agents. Cosmeceuticals are cosmetic products having biologically active ingredients aimed at providing medicinal or pharmaceutical-like benefits, particularly to areas of the body such as the skin. The term "pharmaceutical composition" as used herein means a composition of agents containing a drug. According to the principles of the present invention, amorphous calcium carbonate is considered to be an agent of an active drug. The amorphous calcium carbonate may further be considered as an active cosmetic agent.

In certain embodiments, the pharmaceutical composition comprises amorphous calcium carbonate and an additional pharmaceutical agent. In certain embodiments, the additional pharmaceutical agent is contained within the amorphous calcium carbonate particles. In certain embodiments, the additional pharmaceutical agent is contained in a liquid carrier.

The term "pharmaceutical composition" as used herein further includes, in accordance with the principles of the present invention, a composition comprising a therapeutically effective amount of the stabilized amorphous calcium carbonate, or further comprising suitable diluents, preservatives, solubilizers, emulsifiers, adjuvants and/or carriers. "therapeutically effective dose" as used herein means a dose that provides a therapeutic effect for a particular condition and dosage regimen.

The cosmeceutical or pharmaceutical compositions of the present invention can take a variety of routes of administration, including parenteral, topical, ophthalmic, nasal, and oral. In one embodiment, the pharmaceutical composition is administered by a route that is parenteral, paracancerous, mucosal, transdermal, intramuscular, intravenous, intradermal, subcutaneous, intraocular, intratracheal, intracisternal, intraperitoneal, epidural, intracerebroventricular, intracranial, or intratumoral.

According to certain preferred embodiments, the pharmaceutical cosmetic or pharmaceutical composition comprising amorphous calcium carbonate, in accordance with the principles of the present invention, does not require the addition of carriers or diluents. In certain embodiments, the amorphous calcium carbonate composition is capable of taking any of the above routes of administration without the need for further formulation.

The pharmaceutical composition can be delivered in a controlled release system. For example, the amorphous calcium carbonate composition may be administered by intravenous drip, an implantable osmotic pump, a transdermal patch, liposomes, or other type of administration.

According to certain embodiments, the cosmeceutical or pharmaceutical composition is formulated in a form suitable for parenteral administration. The form can be selected from a suspension, emulsion or gel. Routes of such parenteral administration may include subcutaneous, intramuscular, intravenous, intradermal, intraocular, intratracheal, intracisternal, intraperitoneal, and epidural administration. In certain embodiments, the parenteral administration is intravenous administration. The pharmaceutical cosmetic or pharmaceutical composition formulated for parenteral administration, including intravenous administration, optimally contains no more than 2% w/w of stabilized amorphous calcium carbonate. In certain such embodiments, the stable amorphous calcium carbonate has particles, examples of which have an average particle size of less than about 10 μm, less than about 1 μm, or less than about 500 nm. Alternatively, the stabilized amorphous calcium carbonate has an average particle size in the range of about 50nm to about 10 μm.

According to certain embodiments, the cosmeceutical or pharmaceutical composition is formulated in a form suitable for topical administration. The form can be selected from a gel, an emulsion, a cream, an ointment, a liquid, a suppository or a patch. The topical route of administration may include epidermal, inhaled, ocular, otic, or nasal administration. In certain embodiments, the topical administration is ocular administration. The pharmaceutical composition may thus be formulated in the form of eye drops or eye ointments. Each possibility represents a separate embodiment of the invention. The pharmaceutical cosmetic or pharmaceutical composition formulated for topical administration, optimally comprises from about 0.05% to about 10% w/w of the stable amorphous calcium carbonate. In a further embodiment, the average particle size of the stable amorphous calcium carbonate is in the range of about 100nm to about 200 μm.

According to certain embodiments, the cosmeceutical or pharmaceutical composition is formulated in a form suitable for oral administration. The form can be selected from a suspension, emulsion, syrup, elixir, capsule or gel. The pharmaceutical cosmetic or pharmaceutical composition formulated for oral administration optimally comprises from about 1% to about 20% w/w of the stable amorphous calcium carbonate. In a further embodiment, the average particle size of the stable amorphous calcium carbonate is in the range of about 200nm to about 1000 μm.

In accordance with the principles of the present invention, the pharmaceutical compositions containing the amorphous calcium carbonate compositions are most preferably used to treat conditions associated with calcium metabolism or calcium signaling. The condition may be selected from the group consisting of pain, proliferative disorders, neurological disorders, immunological disorders, cardiovascular disorders, pulmonary disorders, nutritional disorders, reproductive disorders, musculoskeletal disorders, calcium malabsorption, and dental problems. The treatment may include alleviating the symptoms of the disease. The proliferative disease may be selected from sarcoma, epithelial cell carcinoma, lymphoma, and melanoma. Such as breast cancer or bronchial cancer. The treatment may result in tumor atrophy, stop the growth of the tumor, or slow or prevent the proliferation of cells within the tumor. The pain may be selected from post-operative pain, post-traumatic pain, pain associated with cancer, and neuropathic pain. The neurological disorder may be selected from demyelinating diseases, dementia, and movement disorders; the disorder is, for example, multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, or other degenerative diseases. The condition to be treated may comprise a bone or bone marrow disorder, such as a bone fracture or osteoporosis. In the most preferred embodiment, a composition of the invention is used to treat a neurodegenerative disease. Calcium malabsorption may occur in patients after bariatric surgery, or in patients with hypoparathyroidism, crohn's disease, cystic fibrosis, inflammatory bowel disease, or celiac disease. People taking additional classes of drugs, such as proton pump inhibitors, antispasmodics, and chronic corticosteroids, may also experience calcium malabsorption.

As used herein, the term "treating" or "treatment" means ameliorating one or more symptoms associated with the disease. As used herein, the term "preventing" means alleviating the symptoms of the disease. As used herein, the term "effective amount" means an amount effective to prevent and/or treat a patient at risk of, or diagnosed with, the condition, and thereby achieve the desired therapeutic effect. As used herein, the term "patient" means a mammal (e.g., a human).

According to certain embodiments, the cosmeceutical or pharmaceutical composition is formulated in a form suitable for parenteral administration. In certain embodiments, the composition may be formulated in a form selected from the group consisting of a suspension, a gel, and an emulsion. The parenteral administration may be selected from subcutaneous, intramuscular, subcutaneous, intravenous, intradermal, intraocular, intratracheal, intracisternal, intraperitoneal, or epidural administration. Each possibility represents a separate embodiment of the invention. According to certain embodiments, the parenteral administration is intravenous administration. According to certain embodiments, the composition is formulated in an injectable form. In certain embodiments, the stable amorphous calcium carbonate has particles with an average size of less than about 10 μm, less than about 1 μm, less than about 500nm, or less than about 100 nm. In a further embodiment, the composition comprises up to about 2% w/w of the stable amorphous calcium carbonate.

According to certain embodiments, the cosmeceutical or pharmaceutical composition is formulated in a form suitable for topical administration. In certain such embodiments, the cosmeceutical or pharmaceutical composition is formulated in a form selected from the group consisting of a gel, an emulsion, a cream, an ointment, a liquid, a paste, an emulsion (an emulsion in gel form), a suppository, and a patch.

According to certain embodiments, the pharmaceutical cosmetic or pharmaceutical composition of the present invention provides controlled delivery of the stable amorphous calcium carbonate. According to certain embodiments, the cosmeceutical or pharmaceutical composition is in a dosage form formulated as eye drops.

According to certain embodiments, the cosmeceutical or pharmaceutical composition is formulated in a form suitable for oral administration. In certain such embodiments, the cosmeceutical or pharmaceutical composition is formulated in a form selected from the group consisting of suspensions, emulsions, syrups, elixirs, capsules and gels.

In certain embodiments, the pharmaceutical composition is used to treat or ameliorate a localized inflammatory condition. In certain embodiments, the above pharmaceutical composition is for treating or ameliorating a skin condition.

The term "local inflammation" as used herein means any inflammation of exposed areas of the body, such as the skin, or hidden areas of the body, such as the oral cavity (including the gums and periodontal pockets), and vaginal and rectal inflammation. The term "skin condition" as used herein means any disease, disorder or condition of the skin, oral cavity (including gingiva and periodontal pockets), vagina and rectum.

In another aspect, the present invention further provides a topical pharmaceutical composition comprising stabilized amorphous calcium carbonate formulated for topical administration for treating or ameliorating a localized inflammation.

In another aspect, the present invention further provides a topical pharmaceutical composition comprising stabilized amorphous calcium carbonate configured for topical administration for treating or ameliorating a skin condition.

In certain embodiments, the inflammation is associated with an autoimmune response. In certain embodiments, the skin disorder is psoriasis. In certain embodiments, the skin disorder is psoriasis, psoriasis. In certain embodiments, the skin condition is psoriasis and at least one clinical parameter selected from the group consisting of erythema (redness), induration (thickening), and desquamation (scaling) is prevented or improved. In another aspect, the present invention further provides a method of treating or ameliorating localized inflammation in a patient in need thereof, said method comprising the step of topically administering to the patient a therapeutically effective amount of stabilized amorphous calcium carbonate.

In another aspect, the invention further provides a method of treating or ameliorating a skin condition in a patient in need thereof, said method comprising the step of topically administering to the patient a therapeutically effective amount of stabilized amorphous calcium carbonate.

In certain embodiments, the above method comprises the step of topically administering to the patient a therapeutically effective amount of any of the above amorphous calcium carbonate compositions.

In another aspect, the present invention further provides a process for preparing a liquid or semi-solid non-aqueous composition in the form of a dispersion or suspension of Amorphous Calcium Carbonate (ACC) particles, said process comprising the steps of mixing at least one non-aqueous liquid carrier and at least one additional agent selected from the group comprising dispersants, surfactants, thickeners and emulsifiers; the method also includes adding amorphous calcium carbonate to the mixture.

In certain embodiments, the methods comprise a method of preparing two different non-aqueous liquid carriers, in which method the amorphous calcium carbonate is added to one of the non-aqueous liquid carriers before being mixed with the other non-aqueous liquid carrier. In certain embodiments, mixing comprises high shear mixing or the use of a microfluidizer. In certain embodiments, mixing is continued until all of the non-liquid agent is dissolved in the non-aqueous liquid carrier. In certain embodiments, the amorphous calcium carbonate is a dried, stabilized amorphous calcium carbonate. In certain embodiments, the method further comprises heating the non-aqueous liquid carrier.

As used herein, the term "about" when referring to a measurable quantity, such as an amount, a period of time, and the like, is intended to encompass variations of +/-10%, or +/-5%, +/-1%, or even +/-0.1% from the specified quantity.

The present invention will now be understood more generally by reference to the following examples, which are presented in the figures and are not intended to limit the invention thereto.

Examples

Example 1. liquid preparations of amorphous calcium carbonate formulated into suspensions (formulations 1-4).

Suspensions were prepared according to the following procedure (formulations 1-3, as shown in table 1):

polyethylene glycol (PEG) and Propylene Glycol (PG) were mixed according to the components shown in table 1.

Hydroxypropyl-beta-cyclodextrin was added to the PEG/PG solution with high shear mixing until completely dissolved. The stable amorphous calcium carbonate stabilized with phosphoserine and citric acid in powder form was added to a solution of PEG/PG and hydroxypropyl- β -cyclodextrin with high shear mixing until the suspension became clear. The transparent suspension was mixed with a microfluidizer until a particle size of 100-200nm was reached. The average size of the particle diameters in formulation 1 was below 186.2 nm.

Etidronic acid was repeated in this experiment with formulation 1, comprising in formulation 1 stabilized amorphous calcium carbonate with one or more of pyrophosphate, phosphoserine, phytic acid, citric acid, ATP, ADP and zoledronic acid as stabilizers. The suspension (formulation 4) was prepared in a similar manner. The surfactant (poloxamer) is added to the suspension at the time of the second step. The composition of formulation 4 is also presented in table 1.

Table 1. liquid formulations of amorphous calcium carbonate formulated into suspensions (% in relation to weight percent).

Example 2. liquid preparation of amorphous calcium carbonate formulated as an emulsion.

The emulsion (formulation) was prepared according to the following procedure:

the following mixtures were prepared: phase a mixture containing PEG400 (15%), tween-60 (polysorbate) (60%), tween-20 (polyoxyethylene sorbitan stearate) (6%); phase B mixture comprising Myritol318 (caprylic capric triglyceride) (53%), span-60 (sorbitol monostearate) (10%), siterna SP10C (sucrose polystearate) (5%), Cutina GMS V (glyceryl stearate) (3%), amorphous calcium carbonate (8%).

Phase A and phase B (except for amorphous calcium carbonate) were heated at 75-80 deg.C respectively while stirring. The amorphous calcium carbonate was slowly added to the heated phase B with a high shear homogenizer (rotor stator system) until the amorphous calcium carbonate powder was completely dispersed. Phase a was slowly added to phase B with 5 minutes of high shear mixing. The mixed batch was cooled to room temperature with continued mixing with an anchor stirrer. Alternative shearing techniques may be used to form the emulsion.

Final composition of formulation 5 (% means weight percent): 400-9% of PEG, 60-38% of Tween-60, 20-4% of Tween-20, 318-33% of Myritol, 60-6% of span-60, 10-3% of Sisterna SP, 2% of Cutina GMS V and 5% of stable amorphous calcium carbonate.

An emulsion (formulation 6) was prepared according to the following procedure:

the following mixtures were prepared: phase a was made to contain PEG400 (42%), amorphous calcium carbonate (8%), tween-60 (20%), span-60 (sorbitan monostearate) (5%), tween-80 (polyoxyethylene sorbitan monopalmitate) (5%); phase B was prepared from Myrritol 318 (caprylic capric triglyceride) (22%), MYRJ52 (polyoxyethylene 40 stearate) (5%), Cutina GMS V (glyceryl stearate) (5%), span-80 (sorbitan monooleate) (5%), span-60 (sorbitan monostearate) (3%), etc.

While stirring, phase A and phase B (except for the amorphous calcium carbonate) were heated to 75-80 deg.C, respectively. The amorphous calcium carbonate was slowly added to the heated a phase with a high shear homogenizer (rotor/stator) until the amorphous calcium carbonate powder was completely dispersed. Phase B was then added to phase a with 5 minutes high shear. The mixed batch was cooled to room temperature with continued mixing with an anchor stirrer. Other shearing techniques may be used to form the emulsion. Alternatively, the amorphous calcium carbonate may be added after mixing the A and B phases at 50 ℃.

Final composition of formulation 6 (% means weight percent): 400-35% of PEG, 60-17% of Tween-60, 60-7% of span-80, 4-80% of Tween-318, 18% of Myritol, 78-4% of MYRJ52, 4% of Cutina GMS V, 80-4% of span-4% and 7% of stable amorphous calcium carbonate.

Formulations 5 and 6 were first tested for their calcium content by atomic Absorption Analysis (AA), while the stability of the amorphous calcium carbonate in the emulsion was analyzed by Raman (Raman) and XRD spectroscopy (fig. 1A-1B).

Other emulsions (formulations 7 and 8) can be formulated in a similar procedure to that described above.

Composition of formulation 7: 60.6 percent of propylene glycol, 5 percent of phospholipid, 2 percent of castor oil polyoxyethylene ether, 20 percent to 0.4 percent of tween-20, 15 percent of injectable oil, 15 percent of caprylic/capric triglyceride and 2 percent of stable amorphous calcium carbonate.

Composition of formulation 8: PEG400 or PEG 300-32%, propylene glycol-35%, glycerin-10%, phospholipid-2%, Tween-80-5%, solutol HS 15-0.5%, benzyl alcohol-0.2%, injectable oil-15%, and stable amorphous calcium carbonate-0.3%.

EXAMPLE 3 amorphous calcium carbonate liquid formulations formulated as suspensions for parenteral injection.

Laboratory mice were injected from the tail vein into 260-280 μ l of the suspension as detailed in table 2. The mice did not show any side effects many days after the injection.

Table 2. detailed data of injection experiments.

In the experiments repeated with formulation 1, i.e. formulation 1 was prepared from stabilized amorphous calcium carbonate containing one or more of pyrophosphate, phosphoserine, phytic acid, citric acid, ATP, ADP and zoledronic acid as stabilizers, injection of formulation 1 into rats did not produce any adverse effects per se as described above.

Example 4 use of amorphous calcium carbonate for the treatment and amelioration of inflammation (formulations 2F, 3F).

The objective of this study was to evaluate the potential of amorphous calcium carbonate-based formulations for anti-inflammatory action, using two routes of administration, in a mouse model of contact delayed hypersensitivity.

Animals: the study used 10-week old female ICR mice.

Animal model: essentially as above, an established animal model of delayed hypersensitivity (DTH) was used to test the effectiveness of the novel anti-inflammatory compounds and formulations. The DTH response is an in vivo model of inflammation caused by cell-mediated immunity. In this model, skin allergy to oxazolone is used to elicit DTH responses. The subject animal is first treated topically with a solution of oxazolone, which derives skin proteins that are recognized as foreign by the immune system. This step is called "sensitization" and since then the test mice typically become susceptible to renewed exposure to oxazolone.

At 5/6 days after sensitization, a "challenge" was performed by re-exposing the test mice to the allergen oxazolone. Re-exposure to this allergen results in the release of T cell hormones, such as IFN- γ and IL-17, which in turn provoke a strong inflammatory response in the epidermal keratinization system. The inflammatory response relies on T cells, B cells, basophils and activated macrophages.

When re-contact testing is performed on the ears of the test mice, the ears typically thicken within hours due to the immune response caused by re-contact with oxazolone. If left untreated, the ear will reach its maximum thickness within a day and then decrease in thickness to near normal thickness within 100 hours. Thus, after a "challenge" is applied to the ear, the experiment is monitored for an inflammatory response for 72-96 hours, and ear thickness is measured every 24 hours.

The prerequisites are: the 31 ICR mouse was ethically licensed and used to perform this study: female mice, 10 weeks old, weigh 25-30 grams. Formulations of amorphous calcium carbonate (liquid suspension (cream #1)) and cream suspension (cream #2) and oral administration of amorphous calcium carbonate were prepared by amorphic. Oxazolone (sigma, 4 ℃ storage) was used to trigger disease.

Sensitization: on the first day of the study, the abdomen of each mouse was shaved and epidermal application was performed, with sensitization on the shaved abdomen using a micropipette with a disposable tip, commonly used in the field, at a concentration of 150 μ l of a 3% oxazolone solution. After the application, the mice are fixed for a period of 3-5 seconds, allowing at least a portion of the oxazolone solvent to evaporate.

Examination: on the sixth day of the study, immediately after measuring ear thickness, the right ear of the mouse was topically applied with 10 μ l of a 1% concentration solution of oxazolone (20 μ l total) on both the inside and outside sides.

The following table illustrates the experimental treatments received by each group of mice tested:

TABLE 3 study design

Cream #1 and cream #2 contained amorphous calcium carbonate; the preparation procedure and composition thereof are described in detail below. The procedure for oral administration of amorphous calcium carbonate is described below.

Topical liquid suspension 2F: 3 percent of hydroxypropyl-beta-cyclodextrin, 5 percent of amorphous calcium carbonate-PS, 400 percent to 40 percent of PEG, 50.5 percent of propylene glycol and 1.5 percent of hydroxypropyl ethyl cellulose. All ingredients were mixed at high shear for 10 minutes/3 speed (HOG-500).

Topical semi-solid cream suspension 3F: decamethylcyclopentasiloxane and PEG/PPG-18/18 polydimethylsiloxane-20%, polydimethylsiloxane and polydimethylsiloxane cross-linked polymer-5%, decamethylcyclopentasiloxane and cyclotetrapolydimethylsiloxane-48%, beeswax-10%, hydrogenated castor oil-1%, amorphous calcium carbonate-PS-5%, and propylene glycol-11%. All ingredients (except for amorphous calcium carbonate + propylene glycol) were mixed with a magnetic stirrer and heated to 80 ℃ until uniform, and cooled to 50-55 ℃. The amorphous calcium carbonate was then added at a rate of 5 minutes/3 using a high shear homogenizer. Propylene glycol was added during high shear. Cooling to room temperature by a dissolution stirrer.

Oral gavage dosage form: 1 percent of amorphous calcium carbonate-PS and 99 percent of propylene glycol. All ingredients were mixed at high shear (rotor/stator) for 10 minutes/3 speed (HOG-500).

Cream #1 and cream #2 used in the 2F and 3F groups were applied to both sides of the right ear of the test mice on the sixth day of the study (after one hour of challenge) until the end of the study (day ten) for a total period of 96 hours. All test specimens received a dose of-0.03 ml per animal tested. The test animals of the 4F group were fed ad libitum from the first day of the study until the end of the study (day ten). The test cohort was taken and compared to the 1F cohort which did not receive any experimental treatment before and after the test was performed.

Ear thickness measurements were made with a digital caliper. Ear thickness measurements were taken for each mouse to obtain baseline values prior to challenge administration on the sixth day of the study (t 0). The thickness of the right ear was measured to assess the change in ear thickness for all groups tested, on study day seven (24 hours after challenge administration) until day ten (96 hours after topical administration). Body weights of the mice were also recorded on the first day of the study, twice weekly, and at the end of the study (day ten).

At the end of the study, the test animals were sacrificed by carbon dioxide asphyxiation. After sacrifice, all mice were horizontally excised from the root where the ears receded and weighed.

As a result: FIG. 2A depicts ear thickness as a function of a second exposure to oxazolone treatment. As we can see, when the ear was exposed to oxazolone again, significant swelling was observed on the 1F group, representing the occurrence of inflammation within a period of 24 hours after the re-exposure to oxazolone. The mice tested with oral administration of calcium amorphous carbonate developed less inflammation than the control group. Mice receiving topical application of a cream based on calcium carbonate (groups 2F and 3F) showed virtually no ear swelling, representing little to no inflammation.

Figure 2B shows the mean body weight of mice treated with the experiment as a function of the test group from the beginning to the end of the study. No abnormal weight was found in all groups treated with the experiment. While a decrease in body weight was observed in the control group not receiving the experimental treatment, in the 4F group (group fed with calcium carbonate).

Table 4 average ear weight at the end of the study (day ten) as a function of treated group.

All groups tested showed similar ratios of left and right ear weights, i.e. the difference was between 1.14 and 1.19.

And (4) conclusion: this study examined the use of amorphous calcium carbonate for diseases that contain skin inflammation by a mouse model of delayed hypersensitivity (DTH). The results of this study confirm that topical administration of a cream based on amorphous calcium carbonate significantly prevents and/or reduces the instances of ear swelling in mice, thus preventing or reducing the development of inflammation. Based on this result, we can conclude that amorphous calcium carbonate can be used to treat and/or ameliorate inflammation, including autoimmune-related inflammation.

Example 5 use of amorphous calcium carbonate for the treatment and amelioration of skin conditions (formulation 9).

Research and design: patients suffering from different skin diseases and conditions, such as psoriasis, will be administered according to the invention amorphous calcium carbonate topically on the part of their treatable area several times a day (e.g. twice a day) for several weeks (e.g. four weeks). The other areas were given placebo as negative control. Throughout the experiment, clinical parameters such as erythema (redness), induration (thickening) and desquamation (scaling) were monitored. Severity parameters are also measured and graded from 0 to 4, none to maximum. The sum of all severity parameters for the area under treatment and the control area is then calculated.

The following is an example of a topical cream that may be used or used in accordance with the principles of the present invention in the above experiment: amorphous calcium carbonate-2.7%, beeswax-3%, isostearyl isostearate-7%, decamethylcyclopentasiloxane and PEG/PPG-18/18 polydimethylsiloxane-26.3%, cyclotetrapolydimethylsiloxane and decamethylcyclopentasiloxane-29%, decamethylcyclopentasiloxane and polydimethylsiloxane crosspolymer-14.5%, hydrogenated castor oil-1%, propylene glycol-10%, C_30-45Alkanol dimethyl silyl polypropylene silsesquioxane-2% and polydimethylsiloxane-4.5%.

By "decamethylcyclopentasiloxane (and) PEG/PPG-18/18 dimethicone" under the International nomenclature for cosmetic raw materials (INCI) is meant a mixture of 70-90% decamethylcyclopentasiloxane (cyclopentdimethicone) and 10-30% PEG/PPG-18/18 dimethicone (dimethyl, hydroxypropyl methyl, ethyl oxypropyloxy silicone).

The designation "decamethylcyclopentasiloxane (and) polydimethylsiloxane crosspolymer" under the 1NCI designation means a mixture of 70-90% decamethylcyclopentasiloxane (cyclopentadimethicone) and 10-30% polydimethylsiloxane crosspolymer (dimethylmethylhydrogensiloxane reaction product and 1, 5-hexadiene).

"polydimethylsiloxane" (dimethicone), "polydimethylsiloxane" (polydimethylsiloxane), and "PDMS" may be used interchangeably and generally refer to a group of polymeric organosilicon compounds, typically silicones. PDMS is of the formula CH3[ Si (CH3)2O ] nSi (CH3)3, where "n" is the number of repeating monomer [ (CH3)2SiO ] units, density is 965kg/m3 and CAS registry number is 63148-62-9.

Example 6. semisolid formulations (formulations 10, 11).

Toothpaste: 70.3 percent of glycerin, 21 percent of silicic acid, 1 percent of sodium lauryl sulfate, 0.2 percent of flavoring agent, 1 percent of titanium dioxide, 5 percent of amorphous calcium carbonate and 1.5 percent of sodium carboxymethylcellulose.

Suppository: solid fat (hydrogenated coconut oil glycerides) -30%, cocoa butter-2%, amorphous calcium carbonate-5%, glycerol-10%, PEG 400-23%, solid fat and glycerol monooleate-15%, solid fat and glycerol monoricinoleate and ethoxylated fatty alcohol-15%.

Example 7 measurement of viscosity and Density (formulation 9).

The viscosity of formulation 9 (topical cream of example 5) was measured with a two-part Brookfield digital viscometer DV-II + Pro and Spindle #16 at room temperature (24.8 ℃) at different rotational speeds. The viscosity at 2rpm was 56,208cP, the viscosity at 1.5rpm was 63,640cP, and the viscosity at 1rpm was 74,784 cP. The density of the cream was 0.97 gr/mL.

While the present invention has been particularly described, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that many variations and modifications of the invention may be made. Therefore, the present invention should not be construed as limited to particular embodiments, but rather the scope, spirit and concept of the present invention will be more readily understood by reference to the following claims.

Claims

1. A liquid or semi-solid non-aqueous composition in the form of a dispersion or suspension of Amorphous Calcium Carbonate (ACC) particles, the composition comprising: amorphous calcium carbonate particles comprising amorphous calcium carbonate and at least one agent stabilizing the amorphous calcium carbonate in amorphous form, and a non-aqueous liquid carrier in which the amorphous calcium carbonate particles are insoluble and are substantially uniformly dispersed or suspended; the composition has a viscosity of 40 centipoise (cP) or greater at 25 ℃.

2. The composition of claim 1, wherein the composition comprises less than 20% water by weight of the total composition.

3. The composition according to claim 2, wherein the composition comprises less than 5% by weight of water based on the total weight of the composition.

4. The composition according to claim 1, wherein the composition comprises from 0.01 to 40% by weight of the amorphous calcium carbonate particles.

5. A composition according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the non-aqueous liquid carrier is selected from the group consisting of organic polyols, water-immiscible lipids, synthetic oils and mixtures thereof.

6. The composition of claim 5, wherein the organic polyol is selected from the group consisting of Propylene Glycol (PG), polyethylene glycol (PEG), polyethylene glycol derivatives, glycerin, and combinations thereof.

7. The composition of claim 6, wherein the PEG in the composition is selected from the group consisting of PEG 300, PEG400, and combinations thereof.

8. The composition of claim 5, wherein the water-immiscible lipid in the composition is selected from the group consisting of natural oils, medium chain triglycerides, and combinations thereof.

9. The composition of claim 8, wherein the natural oil in the composition is selected from the group consisting of castor oil, corn oil, cottonseed oil, olive oil, peanut oil, peppermint oil, sunflower oil, sesame oil, soybean oil, hydrogenated vegetable oil, hydrogenated soybean oil, and combinations thereof.

10. The composition of claim 8, wherein the medium chain triglycerides in the composition comprise medium chain triglycerides of coconut oil or palm seed oil.

11. The composition of claim 5, wherein the synthetic oil is selected from the group consisting of dimethicone, functionally modified dimethicone, dimethicone copolyol, dimethicone crosspolymer, and combinations thereof.

12. The composition of claim 11, wherein the polydimethylsiloxane in the composition is selected from the group consisting of decamethylcyclopentasiloxane, cyclotetrasiloxane, and combinations thereof.

13. The composition of claim 11, wherein the functionally modified polydimethylsiloxane is a siloxane monomer modified by independently substituting one or two methyl groups with one hydrogen, hydroxyl, phenyl, propyl, octyl, aminopropyl, or vinyl group.

14. The composition of claim 11, wherein the dimethicone copolyol in the composition is a mixture of 70-90% decamethylcyclopentasiloxane and 10-30% PEG/PPG-18/18.

15. The composition of claim 11, wherein the polydimethylsiloxane cross-polymer in the composition is a mixture of 70-90% decamethylcyclopentasiloxane and 10-30% cross-polymer.

16. The composition of claim 1, wherein the composition further comprises at least one adjuvant selected from the group consisting of a surfactant, an emollient, a thickener, and a dispersant.

17. The composition of claim 16, wherein the surfactant in the composition is a nonionic organic surfactant or an anionic organic surfactant.

18. The composition of claim 17, wherein the nonionic organic surfactant is selected from the group consisting of polysorbates, sorbitan esters, fatty acid esters, wax esters, poloxamers, and phospholipids.

19. The composition of claim 18, wherein the polysorbate is selected from the group consisting of tween-80, tween-60, tween-20, and combinations thereof.

20. The composition of claim 18, wherein the fatty acid ester in the composition is selected from the group consisting of polyoxyethylene fatty acid esters, sucrose esters of fatty acids, glycerol monostearate, and combinations thereof.

21. The composition of claim 18, wherein the fatty acid ester in the composition is selected from the group consisting of span-80, span-60, Sisterna, Cutina, MYRJ52, solutol HS15, and combinations thereof.

22. The composition of claim 18, wherein the wax ester in the composition is isostearyl isostearate.

23. The composition of claim 17, wherein the anionic organic surfactant in the composition is sodium lauryl sulfate.

24. The composition of claim 16, wherein the emollient is selected from the group consisting of waxes, solid fats, glycerin, fatty alcohol-polyoxyethylene ethers, and combinations thereof.

25. The composition of claim 16, wherein the thickener is selected from the group consisting of cellulose polymers, silsesquioxanes, silica, and combinations thereof.

26. The composition of claim 25, wherein the cellulosic polymer in the composition is selected from the group consisting of hydroxypropyl ethyl cellulose, sodium carboxymethyl cellulose, and combinations thereof.

27. The composition of claim 16, wherein the dispersant is a cyclodextrin.

28. The composition of claim 27, wherein the cyclodextrin of the composition is selected from the group consisting of α -cyclodextrin, β -cyclodextrin, γ -cyclodextrin, and combinations thereof.

29. A cosmeceutical composition comprising a composition according to any one of claims 1 to 28.

30. A pharmaceutical composition comprising a composition according to any one of claims 1 to 28.

31. The composition of claim 30, wherein said composition is for treating or ameliorating a localized inflammation, or for treating or ameliorating a skin condition.

32. A topical pharmaceutical composition comprising stabilized amorphous calcium carbonate formulated for topical administration for treating or ameliorating a topical inflammation or for treating or ameliorating a skin condition

33. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 31 or 32, wherein the inflammation is associated with an autoimmune response.

34. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 31 or 32, wherein the skin condition is psoriasis.

35. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 34, wherein at least one clinical parameter selected from the group consisting of erythema (redness), induration (thickening), and desquamation (scaling) is treated or improved.

36. A method of treating or ameliorating a localized inflammation or a skin condition in a patient in need thereof, said method comprising the step of topically administering to said patient a therapeutically effective amount of stabilized amorphous calcium carbonate.

37. The method of claim 34, wherein said method comprises the step of topically administering to said patient a therapeutically effective amount of the composition of any one of claims 1-28.

38. A process for preparing a liquid or semi-solid non-aqueous composition in which Amorphous Calcium Carbonate (ACC) particles are present in the form of a dispersion or suspension, said process comprising the steps of:

i. mixing at least one non-aqueous liquid carrier and at least one additional agent selected from the group consisting of dispersants, surfactants, thickeners, and emollients; and

adding amorphous calcium carbonate to the mixture.

39. The method of claim 38, wherein the method comprises preparing two different non-aqueous liquid carriers, wherein the amorphous calcium carbonate is mixed with one of the non-aqueous liquid carriers after being added to the other non-aqueous liquid carrier.

40. The method of claim 38 or 39, wherein the mixing comprises high shear mixing or using a microfluidizer.

41. The method of claims 38-39, wherein the mixing is continued until all of the non-liquid agent is dissolved in the non-aqueous liquid carrier.

42. The method of claim 38, wherein the amorphous calcium carbonate is a dried, stabilized amorphous calcium carbonate.

43. The method of claims 38-42, further comprising heating the non-aqueous liquid carrier.