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WO2024209065A1 - Nanoémulsion sous pression - Google Patents

Nanoémulsion sous pression Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2024209065A1
WO2024209065A1 PCT/EP2024/059355 EP2024059355W WO2024209065A1 WO 2024209065 A1 WO2024209065 A1 WO 2024209065A1 EP 2024059355 W EP2024059355 W EP 2024059355W WO 2024209065 A1 WO2024209065 A1 WO 2024209065A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
formulation
months
nanoemulsion
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container
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Pending
Application number
PCT/EP2024/059355
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English (en)
Inventor
Montserrat FOGUET
Mirella Gwarek
Lars MÖLLMANN
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Biofrontera Bioscience GmbH
Original Assignee
Biofrontera Bioscience GmbH
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from PCT/EP2023/059292 external-priority patent/WO2024208434A1/fr
Application filed by Biofrontera Bioscience GmbH filed Critical Biofrontera Bioscience GmbH
Priority to CN202480024209.3A priority Critical patent/CN121001708A/zh
Priority to AU2024243121A priority patent/AU2024243121A1/en
Publication of WO2024209065A1 publication Critical patent/WO2024209065A1/fr
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Pending legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61K—PREPARATIONS FOR MEDICAL, DENTAL OR TOILETRY PURPOSES
    • A61K9/00—Medicinal preparations characterised by special physical form
    • A61K9/0012—Galenical forms characterised by the site of application
    • A61K9/0014—Skin, i.e. galenical aspects of topical compositions
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61K—PREPARATIONS FOR MEDICAL, DENTAL OR TOILETRY PURPOSES
    • A61K31/00—Medicinal preparations containing organic active ingredients
    • A61K31/185—Acids; Anhydrides, halides or salts thereof, e.g. sulfur acids, imidic, hydrazonic or hydroximic acids
    • A61K31/19—Carboxylic acids, e.g. valproic acid
    • A61K31/195—Carboxylic acids, e.g. valproic acid having an amino group
    • A61K31/196—Carboxylic acids, e.g. valproic acid having an amino group the amino group being directly attached to a ring, e.g. anthranilic acid, mefenamic acid, diclofenac, chlorambucil
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61K—PREPARATIONS FOR MEDICAL, DENTAL OR TOILETRY PURPOSES
    • A61K31/00—Medicinal preparations containing organic active ingredients
    • A61K31/185—Acids; Anhydrides, halides or salts thereof, e.g. sulfur acids, imidic, hydrazonic or hydroximic acids
    • A61K31/19—Carboxylic acids, e.g. valproic acid
    • A61K31/195—Carboxylic acids, e.g. valproic acid having an amino group
    • A61K31/197—Carboxylic acids, e.g. valproic acid having an amino group the amino and the carboxyl groups being attached to the same acyclic carbon chain, e.g. gamma-aminobutyric acid [GABA], beta-alanine, epsilon-aminocaproic acid or pantothenic acid
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61K—PREPARATIONS FOR MEDICAL, DENTAL OR TOILETRY PURPOSES
    • A61K31/00—Medicinal preparations containing organic active ingredients
    • A61K31/33—Heterocyclic compounds
    • A61K31/395—Heterocyclic compounds having nitrogen as a ring hetero atom, e.g. guanethidine or rifamycins
    • A61K31/435—Heterocyclic compounds having nitrogen as a ring hetero atom, e.g. guanethidine or rifamycins having six-membered rings with one nitrogen as the only ring hetero atom
    • A61K31/4353—Heterocyclic compounds having nitrogen as a ring hetero atom, e.g. guanethidine or rifamycins having six-membered rings with one nitrogen as the only ring hetero atom ortho- or peri-condensed with heterocyclic ring systems
    • A61K31/436—Heterocyclic compounds having nitrogen as a ring hetero atom, e.g. guanethidine or rifamycins having six-membered rings with one nitrogen as the only ring hetero atom ortho- or peri-condensed with heterocyclic ring systems the heterocyclic ring system containing a six-membered ring having oxygen as a ring hetero atom, e.g. rapamycin
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61K—PREPARATIONS FOR MEDICAL, DENTAL OR TOILETRY PURPOSES
    • A61K8/00—Cosmetics or similar toiletry preparations
    • A61K8/02—Cosmetics or similar toiletry preparations characterised by special physical form
    • A61K8/04—Dispersions; Emulsions
    • A61K8/046—Aerosols; Foams
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61K—PREPARATIONS FOR MEDICAL, DENTAL OR TOILETRY PURPOSES
    • A61K8/00—Cosmetics or similar toiletry preparations
    • A61K8/18—Cosmetics or similar toiletry preparations characterised by the composition
    • A61K8/30—Cosmetics or similar toiletry preparations characterised by the composition containing organic compounds
    • A61K8/33—Cosmetics or similar toiletry preparations characterised by the composition containing organic compounds containing oxygen
    • A61K8/37—Esters of carboxylic acids
    • A61K8/375—Esters of carboxylic acids the alcohol moiety containing more than one hydroxy group
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61K—PREPARATIONS FOR MEDICAL, DENTAL OR TOILETRY PURPOSES
    • A61K9/00—Medicinal preparations characterised by special physical form
    • A61K9/06—Ointments; Bases therefor; Other semi-solid forms, e.g. creams, sticks, gels
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61K—PREPARATIONS FOR MEDICAL, DENTAL OR TOILETRY PURPOSES
    • A61K9/00—Medicinal preparations characterised by special physical form
    • A61K9/10—Dispersions; Emulsions
    • A61K9/107—Emulsions ; Emulsion preconcentrates; Micelles
    • A61K9/1075—Microemulsions or submicron emulsions; Preconcentrates or solids thereof; Micelles, e.g. made of phospholipids or block copolymers
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61K—PREPARATIONS FOR MEDICAL, DENTAL OR TOILETRY PURPOSES
    • A61K9/00—Medicinal preparations characterised by special physical form
    • A61K9/10—Dispersions; Emulsions
    • A61K9/12—Aerosols; Foams
    • A61K9/124—Aerosols; Foams characterised by the propellant
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61K—PREPARATIONS FOR MEDICAL, DENTAL OR TOILETRY PURPOSES
    • A61K2800/00—Properties of cosmetic compositions or active ingredients thereof or formulation aids used therein and process related aspects
    • A61K2800/20—Chemical, physico-chemical or functional or structural properties of the composition as a whole
    • A61K2800/21—Emulsions characterized by droplet sizes below 1 micron
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61K—PREPARATIONS FOR MEDICAL, DENTAL OR TOILETRY PURPOSES
    • A61K47/00—Medicinal preparations characterised by the non-active ingredients used, e.g. carriers or inert additives; Targeting or modifying agents chemically bound to the active ingredient
    • A61K47/06—Organic compounds, e.g. natural or synthetic hydrocarbons, polyolefins, mineral oil, petrolatum or ozokerite
    • A61K47/08—Organic compounds, e.g. natural or synthetic hydrocarbons, polyolefins, mineral oil, petrolatum or ozokerite containing oxygen, e.g. ethers, acetals, ketones, quinones, aldehydes, peroxides
    • A61K47/10—Alcohols; Phenols; Salts thereof, e.g. glycerol; Polyethylene glycols [PEG]; Poloxamers; PEG/POE alkyl ethers
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61K—PREPARATIONS FOR MEDICAL, DENTAL OR TOILETRY PURPOSES
    • A61K47/00—Medicinal preparations characterised by the non-active ingredients used, e.g. carriers or inert additives; Targeting or modifying agents chemically bound to the active ingredient
    • A61K47/06—Organic compounds, e.g. natural or synthetic hydrocarbons, polyolefins, mineral oil, petrolatum or ozokerite
    • A61K47/08—Organic compounds, e.g. natural or synthetic hydrocarbons, polyolefins, mineral oil, petrolatum or ozokerite containing oxygen, e.g. ethers, acetals, ketones, quinones, aldehydes, peroxides
    • A61K47/14—Esters of carboxylic acids, e.g. fatty acid monoglycerides, medium-chain triglycerides, parabens or PEG fatty acid esters
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61K—PREPARATIONS FOR MEDICAL, DENTAL OR TOILETRY PURPOSES
    • A61K8/00—Cosmetics or similar toiletry preparations
    • A61K8/02—Cosmetics or similar toiletry preparations characterised by special physical form
    • A61K8/04—Dispersions; Emulsions
    • A61K8/06—Emulsions
    • A61K8/062—Oil-in-water emulsions
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61K—PREPARATIONS FOR MEDICAL, DENTAL OR TOILETRY PURPOSES
    • A61K9/00—Medicinal preparations characterised by special physical form
    • A61K9/10—Dispersions; Emulsions
    • A61K9/12—Aerosols; Foams
    • A61K9/122—Foams; Dry foams

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to stabilizing an oil in water nanoemulsion for pharmaceutical and cosmetic use which is comprised in a pressurized container.
  • the nanovesicles are particularly stable regarding vesicle size and vesicle size homogeneity after long-term storage at different temperatures.
  • Liquid nanoemulsions can be stored in containers under pressure with the help of a propellant. These pressurized nanoemulsions can be released as foam or spray, depending on the form of the dispenser head.
  • Foam and spray formulations are easy to distribute uniformly over the skin or the treatment area and can reach areas, which are difficult to reach, such as, wrinkles, skin folds etc., which makes them well suited for topical treatment. They are considered a convenient vehicle for topical delivery of active agents.
  • Foam and spray formulations are generally easier to apply, are less dense, and spread more easily compared with other topical dosage forms.
  • foams require negligible mechanical shearing force in order to spread the formulation on the skin. This is a major advantage when applying a medicament to highly inflamed skin; for example, in cases of sunburn where rubbing the formulation on to the skin to effect spreading may be painful or cause further inflammation.
  • these formulations break down relatively rapidly, and easily reach the stratum corneum through the hair shafts. In this respect, they behave much like lotions and scalp application solutions, therefore resulting in enhanced patient compliance.
  • Foams are colloidal systems in which gas bubbles are suspended or dispersed in a liquid medium. Liquid foams usually need some sort of stabilizing or foaming agent to prevent or retard the coalescence of the gas bubbles. Foams are very complex and sensitive systems, especially foams for cosmetic or pharmaceutical use.
  • aqueous foams such as commonly available shaving foams; hydroalcoholic foams; emulsion-based foams, comprising oil and water components; and oleaginous foams, which consist of high oil content.
  • oil containing foams are preferred, since oil contributes to skin protection and moisturization, which may improve the therapeutic effect of the formulation.
  • foams are made using liquefied hydrocarbon gas propellants, such as propane, butane and isobutane, or hydro-fluoro carbon propellants.
  • Nanoemulsions are homogeneous, transparent, and slightly opalescent dispersions of oil and water. These dispersions are colloidal systems.
  • the dispersed particles or vesicles in such emulsions are composed of a lipid core surrounded by at least one surfactant or emulsifier monolayer.
  • Nanoemulsions are characterized by a mean particle or vesicle size of less than 200 nm, often less than 100 nm and a predominantly monodisperse particle or vesicle size distribution with a polydispersity index below 0.4.
  • nanoemulsions are generally thermodynamically more stable than conventional emulsions and microemulsions, they are often not stable in stress situations such as high temperature or freezing conditions. They can be in a metastable state and tits structure depends often on the manufacturing process, making them a fragile system and complicated to formulate to a pharmaceutical or cosmetic composition, which have to maintain stability for long periods of time. If destabilized, they can become opaque, exhibit creaming or phase separation. On the other side, nanoemulsions can provide useful applications in skin care in that they may exhibit good textural and sensual properties due to the fine and homogenous nanovesicle, droplet or globule size making them a favorable vehicle for pharmaceutical and cosmetical compositions.
  • nanoemulsions are combined with active agents, such as 5-aminolevulinic acid.
  • 5-aminolevulinic acid also termed herein “ALA” or “5-ALA”
  • ALA is a small biogenic amino acid with a molecular weight (as HCI salt) of 167.59 g/mol and is very hydrophilic, i.e. readily soluble in water with an octanol-water partition coefficient (logP) of around -3.
  • ALA is used in Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) as a prodrug to drive the synthesis of protoporphyrin IX in diseased tissue, which is subsequently illuminated with light of appropriate wavelengths to induce the photodynamic effect.
  • PDT Photodynamic Therapy
  • the prior art fails to teach a nanoemulsion composition, which is highly stable, even under stressed conditions (e.g., elevated temperature or at freezing conditions), on itself or combined with active pharmaceutical or cosmetic ingredients.
  • the stability of such nanoemulsion compositions is characterized by a small droplet (nanovesicle) size and a predominantly monodisperse population of nanovesicles.
  • the concentration of active agent in cosmetic and pharmaceutical compositions with nanoemulsions is also positively influenced by a pressurized formulation.
  • the same formulations are much less stable, specially under stressed conditions, when not stored in a pressurized container. It is also surprising that the stability of the pressurized nanoemulsion is not dependent on the presence and/or concentration of gelling agents, known as emulsion stabilizers.
  • nanoemulsions tend to coalescent under certain circumstances, such as exposure to extreme temperatures, leading to bigger droplet sizes and harm the nanoemulsion quality.
  • a first aspect of the invention relates to a formulation comprising: (a) a nanoemulsion comprising:
  • aqueous component at least one aqueous component
  • a carrier component comprising (1 ) at least one lipophilic component, (2) at least one surfactant, and (3) at least one alcohol
  • a propellant wherein the formulation is comprised in a pressurized container, and wherein the formulation comprises essentially no fatty alcohol as foam adjuvant.
  • a second aspect of the invention relates to a method for stabilizing a nanoemulsion, comprising the following steps: (a) providing a nanoemulsion comprising: (i) at least one aqueous component;
  • a carrier component comprising: (1 ) at least one lipophilic component, (2) at least one surfactant, and (3) at least one alcohol; (b) introducing the nanoemulsion into a container; and (c) adding a propellant to the container to pressurize the container.
  • a third aspect of the invention relates to a use of a nanoemulsion for the preparation of a foam or a spray, comprising the following steps: (a) providing a formulation comprising a nanoemulsion, the nanoemulsion comprising: (i) at least one aqueous component; (ii) a carrier component comprising: (1 ) at least one lipophilic component, (2) at least one surfactant, and (3) at least one alcohol; (b) introducing the formulation comprising the nanoemulsion into a container; (c) adding a propellant to the container to pressurize the container; and (d) releasing a foam or a spray from the pressurized container.
  • a fourth aspect of the invention relates to a container or a dispenser product comprising a container, comprising a formulation, wherein said formulation comprises a nanoemulsion comprising (i) at least one aqueous component; (ii) a carrier component comprising (1 ) at least one lipophilic component, (2) at least one surfactant, and (3) at least one alcohol; and (b) a propellant, wherein the formulation comprises essentially no fatty alcohol; and wherein the container further comprises a propellant, wherein the propellant is provided to pressurize the container.
  • a fifth aspect of the invention relates to a foam obtained from the formulation of the first aspect.
  • a sixth aspect of the invention relates to a cosmetic use of the formulation of the first aspect or the foam of the fifth aspect.
  • a seventh aspect of the invention relates to the formulation of the first aspect or the foam of the fifth aspect for use in medicine.
  • the terms used herein are defined as described in “A multilingual glossary of biotechnological terms: (IUPAC Recommendations)”, Leuenberger, H.G.W, Nagel, B. and Kolbl, H. eds. (1995), Helvetica Chimica Acta, CH-4010 Basel, Switzerland).
  • topical formulations are chosen to accommodate the physico-chemical properties of the API and to enhance or regulate both skin/body surface penetration and stability.
  • APIs with clearly different properties such as molecular weight or degree of lipophilicity, demand markedly different formulations as suitable vehicles.
  • the formulations of the present invention bring the advantages of foams and nanoemulsions together.
  • compositions of the invention comprise three phases:
  • a gas phase i.e. a propellant
  • the aqueous phase and the lipid phase together form the nanoemulsion.
  • the nanoemulsion is present in liquid form.
  • the formulations of the invention can also be described as comprising a liquid element comprising or consisting of the nanoemulsion, and
  • liquid specifies a low-viscosity formulation of one or more fluids in which other components are dissolved or dispersed.
  • Low viscosity in the context of the present specification refers to a viscosity of ⁇ 8 Pa s (pascal-second), ⁇ 6 Pa s, ⁇ 5 Pa s, preferably ⁇ 4 Pa s, ⁇ 3 Pa s, more preferably ⁇ 1 .0 Pa s, or ⁇ 0.5 Pa s.
  • the viscosity is determined as described in the examples section.
  • the examples of the present invention demonstrate that the stability of a formulation comprising nanovesicles can be improved when stored in a pressurized storage device.
  • the stability is improved when stored under stressed conditions, such as storage at elevated temperatures (e.g., 40°C), or when subjected to a freeze-thaw cycle.
  • a gelling agent such as xanthan gum or poloxamer
  • xanthan gum or poloxamer can further improve the stability, in particular at elevated temperature (e.g., 40°C), and/or when subjected to a freeze- thaw cycle.
  • elevated temperature e.g. 40°C
  • the data of the invention demonstrate that surprisingly, nanovesicle size stability is dependent on the interplay between lipid content and gelling agent in formulations stored under pressure. This is not the case in formulations stored in conventional storage devices, such as tubes or glass vials and which do not form a foam.
  • the addition of poloxamer provides better nanovesicle size stability at stressed conditions (e.g., at 40°C) with high lipid contents (e.g., 20%), while at lower lipid content (e.g., 10%), the absence of any gelling agent provides better stability at stressed conditions (e.g., at 40°C).
  • the gelling agent poloxamer can have opposite effects on nanovesicle stability depending on the lipid content of the nanoemulsion. With high lipid content (such as 20%), poloxamer improves stability, while with lower lipid content (such as 10%) this effect was not observed. The discovery of this specific interplay is unprecedented by prior knowledge.
  • the data of the invention demonstrates that high lipid content (e.g., of 15-20% w/w with respect to the nanovesicles) can improve foam strength (characterized by the collapse time) of a foam generated from the formulation comprising nanovesicles, as described herein.
  • xanthan gum provides better nanovesicle size stability at stressed conditions (e.g., 40°C) in pressurized containers.
  • the present invention demonstrates that the stability of a formulation comprising nanovesicles can be improved, wherein an active agent is dissolved in the aqueous phase or dissolved into the nanovesicles, when stored in a pressurized device, compared to a conventional storage device, such as a glass vial, stability meaning both or either nanovesicle size and/or chemical stability of the active ingredients.
  • a conventional storage device such as a glass vial
  • stability meaning both or either nanovesicle size and/or chemical stability of the active ingredients.
  • the inventors have found that the stabilizing effect can be observed in nanoemulsions (and foams derived thereof) carrying active agents with very different properties.
  • hydrophilic compound 5-aminolevulinic acid hydrochloride weight of 131 g/mol the hydrophilic compound 5-aminolevulinic acid hydrochloride weight of 131 g/mol
  • lipophilic compound tacrolimus having a molecular weight of 804 g/mol.
  • These exemplary compounds not limiting the scope of the invention, cover hydrophilic and lipophilic compounds with a molecular weight in the range of about 100 g/mol to about 1000 g/mol.
  • An exemplary formulation of the invention comprises ALA.
  • a formulation comprising ALA can be prepared with a lipid phase (or carrier component) of, for example, 10%.
  • TC TC
  • a formulation comprising TC.
  • the release of TC from a formulation and subsequent penetration of the skin can be improved using a nanoemulsion formulation, in particular a nanoemulsion foam, with a lipid phase (or carrier component) of, for example, 20%.
  • Foams may further be beneficial in combination with TC, because they are easier and more pleasant to apply due to their soft texture. This is of added value when sensitive or irritated skin is treated, such as with atopic dermatitis or similar conditions.
  • the nanoemulsion foam formulation in pressurized containers is able to stabilize TC under stressed conditions.
  • BMP betamethasone propionate
  • a BMP nanoemulsion according to the invention can comprise 15% of carrier component. It thus has properties in between ALA and TC, further highlighting the versatility of the nanoemulsion formulation of the invention.
  • a formulation comprising:
  • a carrier component comprising:
  • the formulation comprised in the pressurized container can also be referred to as “pressurized formulation”, and the nanoemulsion comprised in the formulation can be referred to as “pressurized nanoemulsion”.
  • the formulation is a lotion, a spray, a foam, an emulsion, a nanoemulsion, a gel or a cream.
  • the formulation comprised in the pressurized container is a lotion, an emulsion, a nanoemulsion, a gel or a cream.
  • the formulation comprised in the pressurized container is a lotion.
  • a lotion is a low-viscosity topical preparation intended for application to the skin.
  • the formulation is a liquid as specified above. The pressurized formulation can be released from the pressurized container as a spray or foam.
  • the formulation comprising the nanoemulsion is a foamable formulation.
  • the term “foamable” signifies that when a formulation is released from the pressurized container via a suitable valve, a foam is obtained.
  • suitable valves for the formation of a foam from a liquid formulation comprised in a pressurized container Relevant information relating to the generation of a foam from a liquid formulation comprised in a pressurized container can be found e.g. in “Pharmazeutician Technologie” 9 th edition, Rudolf Voigt (Deutscher maschiner Verlag Stuttgart 2000).
  • the aqueous component comprises an aqueous phase or forms an aqueous phase.
  • the carrier component comprises or consists of nanovesicles.
  • the nanoemulsion comprises nanovesicles.
  • the nanovesicles comprise the at least one lipophilic component, the at least one surfactant, and the at least one alcohol.
  • the formulation is provided for topical use.
  • the term “foam adjuvant” relates to compounds capable of increasing the foaming capacity of a formulation and/or stabilizing a foam.
  • the term “foam adjuvant” relates to fatty acids and fatty alcohols having at least 6 carbon atoms.
  • the formulation of the first aspect of the invention comprises essentially no fatty alcohol.
  • the formulation comprises essentially no fatty alcohol and essentially no fatty acid. More preferably, the formulation comprises essentially no foam adjuvant.
  • the expression “essentially no” specifies that the formulation is either free of a compound or comprises less than 0.5% (w/w), less than 0.4% (w/w), less than 0.3% (w/w), less than 0.2% (w/w), less than 0.1 % (w/w), less than 0.08% (w/w), less than 0.07% (w/w), less than 0.06% (w/w), less than 0.05% (w/w), less than 0.04% (w/w), less than 0.03% (w/w), less than 0.02% (w/w), or less than 0.01% (w/w) of a compound based on the total weight of the formulation.
  • the formulation comprises “essentially no compound X”, it is preferred that the formulation comprises “no compound X”.
  • fatty alcohol relates to alcohols having at least 6 carbon atoms, usually 6-28 carbon atoms. Fatty alcohols can be saturated or unsaturated and unbranched or branched. Fatty alcohols are usually straight-chain primary alcohols.
  • fatty alcohol as used herein relates to fatty alcohols in their standalone form and does not include esters comprising fatty alcohols.
  • fatty acids relates to carboxylic acids with an aliphatic chain of at least 6 carbon atoms, usually 6-28 carbon atoms. Fatty acids can be saturated or unsaturated and unbranched or branched. Most naturally occurring fatty acids have an unbranched chain of carbon atoms.
  • fatty acid as used herein relates to fatty acids in their standalone form and does not include esters comprising fatty acids.
  • the formulation is either free of a fatty alcohol (in its standalone form, or in other words as isolated molecule) or comprises less than 0.5% (w/w), less than 0.4% (w/w), less than 0.3% (w/w), less than 0.2% (w/w), less than 0.1% (w/w), less than 0.08% (w/w), less than 0.07% (w/w), less than 0.06% (w/w), less than 0.05% (w/w), less than 0.04% (w/w), less than 0.03% (w/w), less than 0.02% (w/w), or less than 0.01% (w/w) of a fatty alcohol (in its standalone form, or in other words as isolated molecule) based on the total weight of the formulation.
  • the formulation is either free of a fatty acid and a fatty alcohol (in their standalone form, or in other words as isolated molecules) or comprises less than 0.5% (w/w), less than 0.4% (w/w), less than 0.3% (w/w), less than 0.2% (w/w), less than 0.1 % (w/w), less than 0.08% (w/w), less than 0.07% (w/w), less than 0.06% (w/w), less than 0.05% (w/w), less than 0.04% (w/w), less than 0.03% (w/w), less than 0.02% (w/w), or less than 0.01% (w/w) of a fatty acid and a fatty alcohol (in their standalone form, or in other words as isolated molecules) based on the total weight of the formulation.
  • the formulation is either free of foam adjuvant or comprises less than 0.5% (w/w), less than 0.4% (w/w), less than 0.3% (w/w), less than 0.2% (w/w), less than 0.1% (w/w), less than 0.08% (w/w), less than 0.07% (w/w), less than 0.06% (w/w), less than 0.05% (w/w), less than 0.04% (w/w), less than 0.03% (w/w), less than 0.02% (w/w), or less than 0.01 % (w/w) of a foam adjuvant based on the total weight of the formulation.
  • the formulation of the present invention comprised in a pressurized container has a high foaming capacity and forms a stable foam (long collapse time) when released from the pressurized container, even in the absence of a fatty alcohol or another foam adjuvant.
  • the formulation of the first aspect of the invention comprises essentially no emollient selected from a monoester or diester comprising an alcohol and a carboxylic acid.
  • the term “monoester” relates to a molecule containing one and only one ester group
  • the term “diester” relates to a molecule containing two and only two ester groups.
  • Emollient relates to compounds that have a softening or hydrating effect when applied to skin. Emollients are capable of covering skin with a protective film to prevent loss of moisture.
  • emollients are isostearic acid esters, isopropyl palmitate, isopropyl isostearate, diisopropyl adipate, diisopropyl dimerate, octyl palmitate, cetyl lactate, cetylricinoleate, tocopheryl acetate, cetyl acetate, phenyl trimethicone, glyceryl oleate, tocopheryllinoleate, arachidyl propionate, myristyl lactate, decyl oleate, propylene glycol ricinoleate, isopropyl lanolate, pentaerythrityl tetrastearate, neopentyl glycol dicaprylate/dicaprate, isononyl isononanoate, isotridecyl isononanoate, myristyl myristate, triisocetyl citrate, o
  • the formulation of the first aspect of the invention comprises essentially no diisopropyl adipate, essentially no isopropyl myristate and essentially no glyceryl monostearate.
  • petrolatum Another example of an emollient is petrolatum.
  • the term “petrolatum” relates to a semi-solid mixture of hydrocarbons derived from the distillation of petroleum.
  • the hydrocarbons that make up petrolatum mainly comprise at least 25 carbon atoms.
  • the CAS number of petrolatum is 8009-03-8.
  • the formulation of the first aspect of the invention comprises essentially no petrolatum.
  • the formulation of the first aspect of the invention comprises essentially no gelling agent or only low amounts of a gelling agent. If the formulation of the first aspect of the invention comprises a gelling agent, the gelling agent is comprised in an amount that does not effect the formation of a gel. As described above, the formulation of the first aspect of the invention comprises a liquid element (the element comprising the nanoemulsion) and a gas element (the propellant). In instances where the formulation comprises a gelling agent, the gelling agent is comprised at a concentration of 5% or less, 4% or less, 3% or less, 2% or less, 1 % or less or 0.5% or less based on the total weight of the formulation.
  • the formulation comprises Poloxamer as a gelling agent
  • Poloxamer is comprised at a concentration of 5% or less, 4% or less, 3% or less, 2% or less, 1% or less or 0.5% or less based on the total weight of the formulation.
  • Xanthan is comprised at a concentration of 2% or less, 1 % or less or 0.5% or less based on the total weight of the formulation.
  • the formulation of the first aspect of the invention comprises essentially no gelling agent.
  • gelling agent relates to a polymeric agent capable of increasing the viscosity of a formulation.
  • Gelling agents include poloxamer, xanthan, bentonite, sodium carboxymethylcellulose, hydroxymethyl cellulose, carbomer, hydroxypropyl cellulose, gellan gum, guar gum, pectin, poly(ethylene)oxide, polycarbophil, alginate, tragacanth, povidone, and gelatin. Gelling agents were described to increase the stability of a nanoemulsion formulation.
  • the formulation of the present invention comprised in a pressurized container is highly stable with regard to nanovesicle size, even in the absence of a gelling agent or in the presence of only low concentrations of a gelling agent.
  • the formulation comprises an active agent.
  • active agent and “active ingredient” are used interchangeably herein.
  • the active agent may be dissolved in the aquaeous phase and capable to interact with the surface of the nanovesicles, and/or the active agent may be dissolved in the core of the nanovesicles.
  • the formulation of the present invention comprised in a pressurized container is highly stable with regard to the concentration of the active agent, even in the absence of a gelling agent or in the presence of only low concentrations of a gelling agent.
  • “capable to interact with the surface of the nanovesicles” includes non-covalently binding of the active agent to the nanovesicles, in particular to the surface of the nanovesicles. For example, at least 10%, at least 20%, at least 30%, at least 40%, at least 50%, at least 70%, at least 80%, or at least 90%, of the total amount of active agent interacts with the surface of the nanovesicles, the balance being dissolved in the aqueous phase.
  • the nanoemulsions of the present invention are transparent and exhibit a novel texture. Further, the nanoemulsion of the present invention can carry active agents more efficiently and, thus, become increasingly important in the field of medicine and pharmacy.
  • the formulation of the present invention provided in a pressurized container is surprisingly resistant to aging at stressed conditions in respect to API content and nanoemulsion vesicle size, compared to a nanoemulsion which has been stored in a non-pressurized container, e.g., in a tube or glass vial.
  • the active ingredient content is stable over a long period of time.
  • stability can be further improved if the formulation comprises an adjuvant or gelling agent chosen from polymeric agents, such as xanthan gum or poloxamer, such as Poloxamer 407.
  • “Aging” as used herein, refers to alteration, disintegration and/or degradation of the formulation and/or the active agent, affecting chemical and physical stability during storage, in particular under stressed conditions. Such physical or chemical changes due to storage may include, but are not limited to, Ostwald ripening, flocculation or coalescence, which may lead to a change in nanovesicle size or polydispersity index.
  • Aging also refers to alteration, disintegration and/or degradation of the active agent, affecting chemical and physical stability during storage, in particular under stressed conditions. Such physical or chemical changes due to storage may include, but are not limited to a decrease in the concentration of the active agent or the increase of impurities.
  • stressed conditions for storage are temperatures significantly exceeding room temperature (e.g., 40°C), or being significantly below commonly used storage temperatures (e.g., below 0°C, such as -15 to -25°C).
  • a “nanovesicle emulsion” or a “nanoemulsion” is a dispersion of oil in water (oil- in-water dispersion, oil-in-water emulsion, O/W emulsion).
  • the nanoemulsion can be monophasic, transparent, and slightly opalescent.
  • the nanoemulsions of the present invention can be colloidal systems.
  • the dispersed vesicles in such emulsions can be composed of a lipid core surrounded by at least one surfactant or emulsifier monolayers.
  • the nanoemulsions of the present invention can be characterized by a mean vesicle size of less than 500 nm less, than 200 nm, or less than 100 nm.
  • the nanoemulsions of the present invention can have a predominantly monodisperse vesicle size distribution, for example a vesicle size distribution characterized by a polydispersity index of less than or equal to 0.4 or 0.3.
  • lipid vesicle As used herein, “nanovesicle”, “nano vesicle”, “lipid vesicles”, “oil droplets”, “droplets” and “oil globules” are interchangeable and refer to small oil droplets in an oil in water emulsion.
  • a lipid vesicle of an average size (see above, e.g., below 500, 200, 100 nm) comprises a monolayer of a surfactant and a lipid core.
  • the nanovesicles can have a size of less than or equal to 500 nm, or less than or equal to 300 nm, or less than or equal to 200 nm, preferably in the range of 5 nm to 200 nm, more preferably in the range of 5 nm to 100 nm.
  • nanoparticle or “nano particle”, is distinguished form “nanovesicles”, and refers to solid particles, which are not described in this invention.
  • the formulation of the present invention may be a formulation which is essentially free of nanoparticles. “Essentially free of nanoparticles” means, that the formulation comprises less than or equal to 2% by weight, or less than or equal to 1% by weight, or does not comprise nanoparticles. Nanoparticles are mainly inorganic or polymeric solid particles may have a size of below 100 nm, below 200 nm, or below 500. The size can be determined by the methods as described herein. For example, the formulation may be essentially free of nanoparticles with a diameter of less than 100 nm, as determined by dynamic light scattering.
  • topical use of the formulation of the invention describes an application to a particular place on or in the body, in particular the human body. This includes, but is not limited to administration of the formulation to body surfaces such as the skin or mucous membranes.
  • the topical use can be epicutaneous, meaning that the formulation is directly administered to the skin.
  • the topical use can be pharmaceutical or cosmetic use.
  • the “stability” of a formulation comprising nanovesicles, as described herein includes, but is not limited to the physical and chemical stability.
  • a formulation is stable if the integrity of the nanovesicles is found to be stable.
  • a measure known to the skilled person to describe integrity of the nanovesicles is the average size and the polydispersity index, as for example determined by dynamic light scattering, as described herein.
  • the nanovesicles produced according to the invention can have a size below 200 nm, preferably below 100 nm, more preferably below 50 nm, even more preferably below 30 nm, immediately after manufacture.
  • the examples of the invention demonstrate that the size of the nanovesicles may increase to more than 1000 nm or 1500 nm in non-stabilized comparative formulations when stored at stressed condition.
  • the size of nanovesicles remains small in the formulations of the invention comprised in a pressurized container.
  • the formulation as described herein is stable if the nanovesicles in the formulation of the present invention have a size (or diameter) of less than or equal to 500 nm or less than or equal to 300 nm, or less than or equal to 200 nm, preferably in the range of 5 nm to 200 nm, more preferably in the range of 5 nm to 100 nm when stored, for example, at stressed conditions, as described herein.
  • “Stability” can also refer to the absence of processes above described as aging, leading to a loss of pharmaceutical functionality or quality.
  • the pharmaceutical composition described in this invention is pharmaceutically functional, as long as the nanovesicle size is less than or equal to 500 nm or less than or equal to 300 nm, or less than or equal to 200 nm, preferably in the range of 5 nm to 200 nm, more preferably in the range of 5 nm to 100 nm.
  • “stability” can refer to the stable content of the active pharmaceutical agent or cosmetic agent.
  • the content of the pharmaceutical active agent or cosmetic active agent is, for example, considered stable if at least 70%, at least 80% or at least 90% of the content of the active agent is still present, when stored, for example, at stressed conditions, as described herein.
  • duration is described as “one month, two months, three months” etc., this is meant to include embodiments in which the duration is “at least one month, at least two months, at least three months” etc.
  • the ALA content may be any suitable fatty acid.
  • the ALA content may be any suitable fatty acid.
  • the TC content may be
  • the formulation can be stable for at least 2 months, at least 3 months, at least 6 months, at least 9 months, at least 12 months, at least 18 months, at least 24 months, or at least 36 months, e.g. at elevated temperature (e.g. 40°C).
  • the formulation of the invention can be stable for at least 3 months, at least 6 months, at least 9 months, at least 12 months, at least 24 months, at least 36 months, or at least 48 months at 2-25°C, e.g. at 15-25°C or at about 5°C.
  • the formulation of the invention can be stable when subjected to 1 , 2, 3, 4, 5 or even more freeze-thaw cycles.
  • the nanovesicles comprised in the formulation of the present invention have a stable size.
  • the size of the nanovesicles is as indicated below upon preparation. Importantly, the size stays within the indicated ranges even after storage at stressed conditions, in particular storage at elevated temperatures or freezing and thawing.
  • the formulation of the present invention is homogeneous (predominantly monodisperse) as characterized by a polydispersity index of less than or equal to 0.4.
  • the formulation of the present invention has a stable polydispersity index.
  • the polydispersity index is less than or equal to 0.4 upon preparation.
  • the polydispersity index is also less than or equal to 0.4 even after storage at stressed conditions, in particular storage at elevated temperatures or freezing and thawing.
  • the polydispersity index is less than or equal to 0.3.
  • the nanovesicles in the formulation of the present invention may have a size of less than or equal to 500 nm, or less than or equal to 300 nm, preferably in the range of 5 nm to 200 nm, more preferably in the range of 5 nm to 100 nm, in particular when stored for three, four, five, six, nine, twelve, eighteen, or twenty-four months at 40 °C in a pressurized container.
  • the nanovesicles in the formulation of the present invention may have a size (or diameter) of less than or equal to 500 nm or less than or equal to 300 nm, preferably in the range of 5 nm to 200 nm, more preferably in the range of 5 nm to 150 nm, in particular when subjected to at least one freeze-thaw cycle, preferably one, two, three, four or five freeze-thaw cycles.
  • a formulation comprising xanthan, as described herein may comprise nanovesicles having this size.
  • the at least one freeze-thaw cycle may comprise storage of the formulation independently below -15°C, preferably at -24°C, and thawing, for example at room temperature (e.g., independently selected from 15-25°C).
  • the formulation may be stored for a period allowing to cool down, for example at least 10 min, at the maximum 30 min, at the maximum 1 h, at the maximum 2 h, at the maximum 6 h or at the maximum 12 h.
  • the formulation may be stored, for example for at the maximum 1 day, at the maximum 2 days, at the maximum 3 days, at the maximum 4 days, at the maximum 5 days, at the maximum 6 days, or even longer.
  • the nanovesicles in the formulation of the present invention may have a size (or diameter) of less than or equal to 500 nm or less than or equal to 300 nm, preferably in the range of 5 nm to 200 nm, more preferably in the range of 5 nm to 150 nm, in particular when stored below -15°C, preferably at -24°C, in a pressurized container.
  • the formulation may be stored for a period allowing to cool down, for example at least 10 min, at the maximum 30 min, at the maximum 1 h, at the maximum 2 h, at the maximum 6 h or at the maximum 12 h.
  • the formulation may be stored, for example for at the maximum 1 day, at the maximum 2 days, at the maximum 3 days, or at the maximum 4 days, or even longer.
  • a formulation comprising xanthan, as described herein may comprise nanovesicles having this size.
  • the vesicle size or diameter of the nanovesicles as described herein can be expressed as the Z- average (also termed “z-average”).
  • the size distribution of the nanovesicles can be characterized by the polydispersity index. These parameters are well known to the skilled person, and are widely used in the art to characterize particle or vesicles in emulsions, suspensions and/or polymeric solutions.
  • the z-average (e.g., in nm) and/or the polydispersity index of nanovesicle formulations can be determined by dynamic light scattering (also referred as Photon Correlation Spectroscopy (PCS) or Quasi-Elastic Light Scattering (QELS)).
  • Dynamic light scattering is well known in the art and well established to determine size of nano or micro particles or vesicles in emulsions, suspensions and/or polymeric solutions with a laser.
  • the total aqueous component can be present in an amount of 50% to 99% w/w, based on the total weight of the nanoemulsion (a), preferably from 70% to 95% (w/w), and more preferably from 75 % to 95% (w/w).
  • the aqueous component can comprise at least one pH buffering agent. Any suitable buffering agent may be used. Suitable buffering agents are known to the skilled person.
  • the at least one pH buffering agent can be selected from the group consisting of citrate, phosphate, acetate and carbonate.
  • the pH of the aqueous component can be in the range of 2-9.
  • the pH of the aqueous component can also be preferably in the range of 2-7 or 2-6, such as 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6, more preferably in the range of 3-6 or 4-6, such as 3, 4, 5 or 6.
  • the pH of the aqueous component can also be in the range of 7-9.
  • the at least one lipophilic component can be selected from triglycerides and mixtures thereof.
  • the at least one lipophilic component is a lipid, a vegetable oil, a synthetic oil and/or an animal oil.
  • Suitable lipids according to the present invention are physiologically acceptable lipids such as ceramide, mono-, di- and triacylglycerin (triglycerides).
  • the at least one lipophilic component is a triglyceride, in particular a triglyceride comprising a Cs- fatty acid, or a mixture thereof.
  • the at least one lipophilic component is a caprylic and/or capric triglyceride and/or a mixture thereof, particularly preferably Miglyol (such as Miglyol 812, available from IOI Oleochemical) or Myritol (such as Myritol 318, available from BASF).
  • Miglyol such as Miglyol 812, available from IOI Oleochemical
  • Myritol such as Myritol 318, available from BASF.
  • Suitable vegetable and animal oils e.g., are sunflower oil, soybean oil, peanut oil, rape oil, fish oil and/or cetaceum.
  • the at least one lipophilic component can be present in an amount of from 0.1% to 30% (w/w) based on the total weight of the nanoemulsion (a), preferably from 0.25% to 15% (w/w), preferably from 0.25% to 10% (w/w), and more preferably from 0.5% to 8% (w/w) or 3% to 8% (w/w). Also preferred is the at least one lipophilic component being present in an amount of from 10 % to 30% (w/w) based on the total weight of the nanoemulsion (a), more preferably 15-30%, or 20-30%.
  • a triglyceride or triglycerides can be present in an amount of from 2% to 10% (w/w), based on the total weight of the nanoemulsion (a), preferably from 3% to 8% (w/w).
  • the at least one surfactant may be any suitable surfactant known to the skilled person.
  • HLB hydrophilic/lipophilic balance
  • lipophilic emulsifiers are used for water-in-oil emulsions and hydrophilic emulsifiers for oil-in-water emulsions.
  • emulsifiers or mixtures of them are suited for the preferred vehicles and purpose of the composition.
  • combinations of emulsifiers might be advantageous.
  • a suitable membrane-forming surfactant is a phospholipid, a lysophospholipid, a ceramide and/or a mixture thereof.
  • the phospholipid is lecithin or cephalin from soybeans or hens’ eggs. More preferably the at least one surfactant is lecithin, most preferably soy lecithin.
  • the phospholipid, the lysophospholipid, the ceramide and/or the mixture thereof can be present in an amount of from 1 % to 10% (w/w), based on the total weight of the nanoemulsion (a), preferably from 1.25% to 5% (w/w), and more preferably from 1.5% to 4% (w/w), most preferably 1.5% to 2% (w/w) based on the total weight of the nanoemulsion (a).
  • the phospholipid, the lysophospholipid, the ceramide and/or the mixture thereof can be present in an amount from 0.1% to 10% (w/w), preferably from 0.15% to 5% (w/w), more preferably from 0.2% to 3% (w/w) or from 0.2% to 4% (w/w), most preferably from 0.2% to 0.4% (w/w) based on the total weight of the formulation.
  • the lecithin has a phosphatidylcholine content of at least 80% by weight, more preferably of at least 90% by weight, and most preferably of at least 94% by weight.
  • the quality of the lecithin, namely its phosphatidylcholine content, plays a crucial role for the size of the vesicles of the nanoemulsion. The higher the phosphatidylcholine content of the lecithin, the smaller is the size of the vesicles of the nanoemulsion.
  • anionic, nonionic, cationic and/or amphoteric surfactants are suitable as well as block copolymers.
  • Suitable anionic surfactants are soaps, alkylbenzene sulphonates, alkane sulphonates, alkylsulfates and/or alkyl ether sulfates.
  • Suitable cationic surfactants are quaternary ammonium compounds, preferably having one or two hydrophobic groups (e.g., cetyltrimethylammonium bromide and cetyltrimethylammonium chloride) and/or salts of tong-chain primary amines.
  • a suitable amphoteric surfactant is N-(acylamidoalkyl)betaine, phosphate-alkyl-ammonium compounds, N-alkyl-p-aminopropionate and/or amine-N-oxide.
  • a suitable copolymer building block for example, is propylene oxide.
  • a nonionic surfactant is particularly preferred as O/W emulsion-forming surfactant.
  • the at least one surfactant can be any a polyoxyethylenetype surfactant.
  • a suitable nonionic surfactant can be selected from the group consisting of fatty alcohol polyglycolether, alkylphenol polyglycolether, alkylpolyglucoside, fatty acid glucamide, fatty acid polyglycolether, ethylen oxide-propylene oxide-block polymer, polyglycerol fatty acid ester, fatty acid alcanolamide and (ethoxylated) sorbitane fatty acid ester (sorbitane).
  • a particularly preferred ethoxylated sorbitane fatty acid ester is polyoxyethylene sorbitane monooleate, most preferably Polysorbate 80.
  • the at least one surfactant such as the polyoxyethylene-type surfactant, can be present in an amount of from 1 % to 10% (w/w), based on the total weight of the nanoemulsion (a), preferably from 2% to 10% (w/w), from 2% to 8% (w/w), and more preferably from 3% to 7% (w/w).
  • the formulation of the invention can comprise as least one hydrophilic surfactant with an HLB of 9 to 17, more preferably 12-16, particularly polysorbate 80.
  • the at least one surfactant can be a sugar-based surfactant.
  • Sugar-based surfactants are a group of non-ionic surfactants using hydrophilic sugars to which hydrophobic tails are bound.
  • One common substance of this class is n-dodecyl-p-D-maltoside, a member of the maltoside surfactants so named because the sugar unit used is maltose.
  • An example of a pyranoside surfactant is n-octyl-p-D-thioglucopyranoside. This class uses pyranose as the sugar unit.
  • the glycoside surfactants are octyl glucoside, decyl glucoside, and lauryl glucoside.
  • An example of a polysugar surfactant is digitonin.
  • Tween surfactants Another very important group of sugar-based surfactants are the Tween surfactants, most notable Tween 20 (also termed herein Polysorbate 20) and Tween 80 (also termed herein Polysorbate 80). These surfactants are based on a sorbitan sugar, which is why they are commonly referred to as polysorbate surfactants. Three oligo(ethylene glycol) side groups of varying lengths are bound to the sugar increasing the hydrophilicity of the head group. This structure forms the core of all Tween surfactants. They deviate in the hydrophobic tail, which is a fatty acid coupled via an ester to four oligo(ethylene glycol) tail. In Tween 20 this fatty acid is lauric acid; in Tween 80 it is oleic acid.
  • the at least one surfactant is selected from the group consisting of a phospholipid, in particular phosphatidylcholine, a lysophospholipid, a ceramide and/or a mixture thereof.
  • the at least one surfactant is a polyoxyethylene-type surfactant.
  • the at least one surfactant is phosphatidylcholine.
  • the formulation comprises a phospholipid as surfactant and a polyoxyethylene-type surfactant.
  • the formulation comprises phosphatidylcholine as surfactant and a polyoxyethylene-type surfactant.
  • the formulation comprises phosphatidylcholine and polysorbate 80 as surfactants.
  • the at least one alcohol comprises no more than 5 carbon atoms and can have independently 3-5 or 3-4 carbon atoms.
  • Particularly suitable alcohols having 5 carbon atoms are 1 -pentanol and/or 4-methyl-2-pentanol.
  • Suitable alcohols having 4 carbon atoms are 1 -butyl alcohol, /so-butyl alcohol (2-methyl-1 -propanol), tert-butyl alcohol (2-methyl-2- propanol) and/or sec-butyl alcohol (2-butanol).
  • the at least one alcohol has 3-5 carbon atoms, even more preferably 3 carbon atoms, i.e. is selected from the group consisting of 1 -propanol or 2-propanol (isopropyl alcohol) and mixtures thereof.
  • a preferred alcohol is 2-propanol.
  • the alcohol may present in an amount of from 0.1 % to 10% w/w based on the total weight of the nanoemulsion (a), preferably from 0.5% to 5% (w/w), and more preferably from 1% to 3% (w/w).
  • the alcohol may be a C3 to C5 alcohol present in an amount of from 1% to 5% (w/w) based on the total weight of the nanoemulsion (a).
  • any suitable propellant may be used. Suitable propellants and mixtures thereof are known to the skilled person.
  • the propellant is selected from propane, isobutane, n-butane and mixtures thereof. More preferably, the propellant is a mixture of propane and isobutane.
  • the propellant is provided to pressurize the container in which the formulation of the invention is provided.
  • the formulation as described herein may comprise a gelling agent.
  • a gelling agent in the formulations described herein is not necessary to obtain a stable formulation or to form foams but may provide further resistance to formulation aging.
  • Any suitable gelling agent may be used. Suitable gelling agents and mixtures thereof are known to the skilled person.
  • the gelling agent may be selected from the group consisting of poloxamer, xanthan, bentonite, sodium carboxymethylcellulose, hydroxymethyl cellulose, carbomer, hydroxypropyl cellulose, gellan gum, guar gum, pectin, poly(ethylene)oxide, polycarbophil, alginate, tragacanth, povidone, gelatin, and mixtures thereof.
  • the formulation of the invention comprises a gelling agent
  • the gelling agent is selected from poloxamer, xanthan and/or mixtures thereof.
  • the formulation of the invention comprises a gelling agent
  • the gelling agent is a poloxamer
  • the formulation of the invention comprises a gelling agent
  • the gelling agent is xanthan (xanthan gum).
  • Poloxamers are nonionic triblock copolymers composed of a central hydrophobic chain of polyoxypropylene (polypropylene oxide)) flanked by two hydrophilic chains of polyoxyethylene (polyethylene oxide)).
  • Commercially available are Poloxamer 407 and Poloxamer 188.
  • Poloxamer 407 can have an average molecular weight of about 12600 Dalton.
  • Poloxamer 188 can have an average molecular weight of about 8400 Dalton.
  • a preferred poloxamer is Poloxamer 407.
  • the gelling agent may be present in an amount of from 0.1 % to 10% w/w based on the total weight of the formulation, preferably from 0.25% to 5% (w/w), and more preferably from 0.5% to 4% (w/w).
  • the nanovesicles in the formulation of the present invention comprising a gelling again may have a size (or diameter) of less than or equal to 500 nm or less than or equal to 300 nm, preferably in the range of 5 nm to 200 nm, more preferably in the range of 5 nm to 150 nm, when subjected to at least one freeze-thaw cycle, preferably one, two, three, four or five freeze-thaw cycles.
  • a freeze-thaw cycle may be as described herein.
  • the nanovesicles in the formulation of the present invention may have a size (or diameter) of less than or equal to 500 nm or less than or equal to 300 nm, preferably in the range of 5 nm to 200 nm, more preferably in the range of 5 nm to 150 nm, when stored at -15°C to -25°C, preferably at -24°C, in a pressurized container, for example for 4 days. Conditions of storage are as described herein.
  • the at least one lipophilic component is present in an amount of from 0.1% to less than 15% (w/w), based on the total weight of the nanoemulsion (a), preferably from 0.1% to less than 10% (w/w), preferably from 0.25% to less than 10% (w/w), and more preferably from 0.5% to 8% (w/w) or 3% to 8% (w/w), and the formulation is essentially free of a gelling agent.
  • the formulation is free of a gelling agent.
  • the formulation may be free of a poloxamer, such as Poloxamer 407 and Poloxamer 188.
  • the formulation may be free of xanthan.
  • the formulation may be free of xanthan and a poloxamer, such as Poloxamer 407 and Poloxamer 188.
  • the at least one lipophilic component is as described herein.
  • the at least one lipophilic component is present in an amount of from at least 10% to 30% (w/w) based on the total weight of the nanoemulsion (a), preferably from at least 15% to 30% (w/w), and more preferably from at least 20% to 30% (w/w), and
  • the formulation comprises a gelling agent, in an amount of less than 10 % based on the total weight of the formulation, in particular from 0.1 % to 10% w/w based on the total weight of the formulation, preferably from 0.25% to 5% (w/w), and more preferably from 0.5% to 4% (w/w).
  • the gelling agent is a poloxamer, such as Poloxamer 407 and/or Poloxamer 188, as described herein.
  • the at least one lipophilic component is as described herein.
  • the formulation as described herein may comprise a preservative. Any suitable preservative may be used. Suitable preservatives are known to the skilled person.
  • the preservative can be selected from benzoate, citric acid, EDTA, potassium sorbate, vitamin C and/or derivatives and any mixtures thereof, wherein the preservative is preferably sodium benzoate. Suitable aqueous mixtures of sodium benzoate and potassium sorbate are commercially available, for example EuxylTM k 712 preservative (Ashland).
  • the preservative can be present in the formulation as described herein in an amount of from 0.01% to 3% (w/w) based on the total weight of the formulation, preferably from 0.2% to 2% (w/w) or 0.1 -2% (w/w), and more preferably from 0.2% to 1 .5% (w/w).
  • the formulation of the present inventions is essentially free of parabens, preferably free of parabens.
  • the class of paraben compounds include p-hydroxybenzoates and esters of p- hydroxybenzoic acid (also known as 4-hydroxybenzoic acid).
  • Parabens are only slightly soluble in water.
  • parabens In the preparation of an aqueous formulation or a formulation comprising an aqueous component, parabens must be solved in a solvent suitable to introduce the parabens in the aqueous phase.
  • a suitable solvent is propylene glycol.
  • propane-1 ,2-diol also known as 1 ,2-propanediol, a-propylene glycol, 1 ,2-dihydroxypropane, methyl ethyl glycol or methylethylene glycol.
  • this preparation of a solution of a paraben in propylene glycol is not needed, so the formulation of the present invention can be free of propylene glycol.
  • the formulation of the present inventions can be essentially free of propylene glycol, preferably free of propylene glycol.
  • the formulation of the present inventions can be essentially free of propylene glycol and a paraben, preferably free of propylene glycol and a paraben.
  • the formulation comprises no, essentially no or less than 0.9% 0.8%, 0.7%. 0.6%, 0.5%, 0.4%, 0.3%, 0.2%, or 0.1 % w/w of a non-cyclic polyol having 2 to 3 carbon atoms (i.e., having not more than 3).
  • the formulation comprises no, essentially no or less than 0.9% 0.8%, 0.7%.
  • the formulation comprises no, essentially no or less than 0.9%, 0.8%, 0.7%.
  • the formulation comprises no, essentially no or less than 0.9% 0.8%, 0.7%. 0.6%, 0.5%, 0.4%, 0.3%, 0.2%, or 0.1 % w/w of a non-cyclic polyol having 2 to 15, 2 to 20, 2 to 25 or 2 to 30 carbon atoms (i.e., having not more than 15, 20, 25 or 30 carbon atoms, respectively).
  • the formulation comprises no, essentially no or less than 0.9%, 0.8%, 0.7%. 0.6%, 0.5%, 0.4%, 0.3%, 0.2%, or 0.1 % w/w of a polyol having 2 to 15, 2 to 20, 2 to 25 or 2 to 30 carbon atoms (i.e., having not more than 15, 20, 25 or 30 carbon atoms, respectively). Even more preferably, the formulation comprises no, essentially no or less than 0.9% 0.8%, 0.7%. 0.6%, 0.5%, 0.4%, 0.3%, 0.2%, or 0.1% w/w of a non-cyclic polyol.
  • Non-cyclic polyol in the context of the present specifications means that the polyol does not comprise any cyclic hydrocarbon moieties, in particular no cyclic sugar moieties.
  • the non-cyclic polyol may be linear or branched.
  • the non-cyclic polyol may be a diol, a triol or may comprise more than three OH groups.
  • the formulation of the invention comprises no, essentially no or less than 0.9%, 0.8%, 0.7%. 0.6%, 0.5%, 0.4%, 0.3%, 0.2%, or 0.1 % w/w of a polyol having a molecular weight of less than 100 g/mol, less than 200 g/mol, less than 300 g/mol, less than 400 g/mol, less than 500 g/mol, less than 600 g/mol, less than 700 g/mol, less than 800 g/mol, less than 900 g/mol, or less than 1000 g/mol .
  • the expressions “essentially free of compound X”, “does essentially not comprise compound X”, or “comprises essentially no compound X” with respect to a formulation are interchangeable.
  • these expressions specify that the formulation is either free of compound X or comprises less than 0.1 % (w/w), less than 0.08% (w/w), less than 0.07% (w/w), less than 0.06% (w/w), less than 0.05% (w/w), less than 0.04% (w/w), less than 0.03% (w/w), less than 0.02% (w/w), or less than 0.01% (w/w) of compound X based on the total weight of the formulation.
  • the expression “the composition comprises less than X% of compound X”, is meant to include embodiments in which the composition is essentially free of compound X.
  • the formulation comprises essentially no propylene glycol” or “the formulation essentially does not comprise propylene glycol” means that the formulation is essentially free of propylene glycol.
  • the pharmaceutical formulation of the invention is free of propylene glycol, i.e. the formulation does not comprise propylene glycol.
  • the formulation of the present invention may be essentially free of propylene glycol.
  • the formulation of the present invention may be essentially free of glycerin.
  • the formulation of the present invention may be essentially free of diglycerin.
  • the formulation of the present invention may be essentially free of polyglycerin.
  • the formulation of the present invention may be essentially free of diethylene glycol.
  • the formulation of the present invention may be essentially free of dipropylene glycol.
  • the formulation of the present invention may be essentially free of butylene glycol.
  • the formulation of the present invention may be essentially free of pentylene glycol.
  • the formulation of the present invention may be essentially free of hexylene glycol.
  • the formulation of the present invention may be essentially free of 1 ,3-propanediol.
  • the formulation of the present invention may be essentially free of 1 ,5-pentanediol.
  • the formulation of the present invention may be essentially free of octane-1 ,2-diol.
  • the formulation of the present invention may be essentially free of polyethylene glycols, particularly having from 2 to 50 ethylene oxide groups.
  • the formulation of the present invention may be essentially free of monosaccharides and disaccharides such as sorbitol, mannitol, and mixtures thereof.
  • the formulation of the present invention may comprise less than or equal to 0.9%, 0.8%, 0.7%. 0.6%, 0.5%, 0.4%, 0.3%, 0.2%, or 0.1% w/w of propylene glycol or no propylene glycol.
  • This formulation may be free of a paraben, as described herein.
  • the formulation of the present invention may comprise less than or equal to 0.7%, 0.5%, 0.3% or 0.1% w/w of propylene glycol.
  • This formulation may be free of a paraben, as described herein.
  • the formulation of the present invention may comprise less than or equal to 0.5%, 0.3% or 0.1% w/w of propylene glycol.
  • This formulation may be free of a paraben, as described herein.
  • the formulation of the present invention may comprise less than or equal to 0.3% or 0.1 % w/w of propylene glycol.
  • This formulation may be free of a paraben, as described herein.
  • the formulation of the present invention comprises no propylene glycol.
  • the formulation of the present invention may comprise less than or equal to 0.9%, 0.8%, 0.7%. 0.6%, 0.5%, 0.4%, 0.3%, 0.2%, or 0.1% w/w of glycerin or no glycerin.
  • This formulation may be free of a paraben, as described herein.
  • the formulation of the present invention may comprise less than or equal to 0.7%, 0.5%, 0.3% or 0.1 % w/w of glycerin.
  • This formulation may be free of a paraben, as described herein.
  • the formulation of the present invention may comprise less than or equal to 0.5%, 0.3% or 0.1% w/w of glycerin.
  • This formulation may be free of a paraben, as described herein.
  • the formulation of the present invention may comprise less than or equal to 0.3% or 0.1 % w/w of glycerin.
  • This formulation may be free of a paraben, as described herein.
  • the formulation of the present invention may comprise less than or equal to 0.9%, 0.8%, 0.7%. 0.6%, 0.5%, 0.4%, 0.3%, 0.2%, or 0.1% w/w of diglycerin or no diglycerin. This formulation may be free of a paraben, as described herein.
  • the formulation of the present invention may comprise less than or equal to 0.7%, 0.5%, 0.3% or 0.1% w/w of diglycerin.
  • This formulation may be free of a paraben, as described herein.
  • the formulation of the present invention may comprise less than or equal to 0.5%, 0.3% or 0.1% w/w of diglycerin.
  • This formulation may be free of a paraben, as described herein.
  • the formulation of the present invention may comprise less than or equal to 0.3% or 0.1 % w/w of diglycerin.
  • This formulation may be free of a paraben, as described herein.
  • the formulation of the present invention may comprise less than or equal to 0.9%, 0.8%, 0.7%. 0.6%, 0.5%, 0.4%, 0.3%, 0.2%, or 0.1 % w/w of polyglycerin or no polyglycerin. This formulation may be free of a paraben, as described herein. In particular, the formulation of the present invention may comprise less than or equal to 0.7%, 0.5%, 0.3% or 0.1% w/w of polyglycerin. This formulation may be free of a paraben, as described herein.
  • the formulation of the present invention may comprise less than or equal to 0.5%, 0.3% or 0.1% w/w of polyglycerin.
  • This formulation may be free of a paraben, as described herein.
  • the formulation of the present invention may comprise less than or equal to 0.3% or 0.1 % w/w of polyglycerin.
  • This formulation may be free of a paraben, as described herein.
  • the formulation of the present invention may comprise less than or equal to 0.9%, 0.8%, 0.7%. 0.6%, 0.5%, 0.4%, 0.3%, 0.2%, or 0.1% w/w of diethylene glycol or no diethylene glycol.
  • This formulation may be free of a paraben, as described herein.
  • the formulation of the present invention may comprise less than or equal to 0.7%, 0.5%, 0.3% or 0.1% w/w of diethylene glycol.
  • This formulation may be free of a paraben, as described herein.
  • the formulation of the present invention may comprise less than or equal to 0.5%, 0.3% or 0.1% w/w of diethylene glycol.
  • This formulation may be free of a paraben, as described herein.
  • the formulation of the present invention may comprise less than or equal to 0.3% or 0.1% w/w of diethylene glycol.
  • This formulation may be free of a paraben, as described herein.
  • the formulation of the present invention may comprise less than or equal to 0.9%, 0.8%, 0.7%. 0.6%, 0.5%, 0.4%, 0.3%, 0.2%, or 0.1% w/w of dipropylene glycol or no dipropylene glycol.
  • This formulation may be free of a paraben, as described herein.
  • the formulation of the present invention may comprise less than or equal to 0.7%, 0.5%, 0.3% or 0.1% w/w of dipropylene glycol.
  • This formulation may be free of a paraben, as described herein.
  • the formulation of the present invention may comprise less than or equal to 0.5%, 0.3% or 0.1% w/w of dipropylene glycol.
  • This formulation may be free of a paraben, as described herein.
  • the formulation of the present invention may comprise less than or equal to 0.3% or 0.1 % w/w of dipropylene glycol.
  • This formulation may be free of a paraben, as described herein.
  • the formulation of the present invention may comprise less than or equal to 0.9%, 0.8%, 0.7%. 0.6%, 0.5%, 0.4%, 0.3%, 0.2%, or 0.1% w/w of butylene glycol or no butylene glycol.
  • This formulation may be free of a paraben, as described herein.
  • the formulation of the present invention may comprise less than or equal to 0.7%, 0.5%, 0.3% or 0.1% w/w of butylene glycol.
  • This formulation may be free of a paraben, as described herein.
  • the formulation of the present invention may comprise less than or equal to 0.5%, 0.3% or 0.1 % w/w of butylene glycol.
  • This formulation may be free of a paraben, as described herein.
  • the formulation of the present invention may comprise less than or equal to 0.3% or 0.1 % w/w of butylene glycol.
  • This formulation may be free of a paraben, as described herein.
  • the formulation of the present invention may comprise less than or equal to 0.9%, 0.8%, 0.7%. 0.6%, 0.5%, 0.4%, 0.3%, 0.2%, or 0.1 % w/w of pentylene glycol or no pentylene glycol.
  • This formulation may be free of a paraben, as described herein.
  • the formulation of the present invention may comprise less than or equal to 0.7%, 0.5%, 0.3% or 0.1% w/w of pentylene glycol.
  • This formulation may be free of a paraben, as described herein.
  • the formulation of the present invention may comprise less than or equal to 0.5%, 0.3% or 0.1% w/w of pentylene glycol.
  • This formulation may be free of a paraben, as described herein.
  • the formulation of the present invention may comprise less than or equal to 0.3% or 0.1 % w/w of pentylene glycol.
  • This formulation may be free of a paraben, as described herein.
  • the formulation of the present invention may comprise less than or equal to 0.9%, 0.8%, 0.7%. 0.6%, 0.5%, 0.4%, 0.3%, 0.2%, or 0.1% w/w of hexylene glycol or no hexylene glycol.
  • This formulation may be free of a paraben, as described herein.
  • the formulation of the present invention may comprise less than or equal to 0.7%, 0.5%, 0.3% or 0.1 % w/w of hexylene glycol.
  • This formulation may be free of a paraben, as described herein.
  • the formulation of the present invention may comprise less than or equal to 0.5%, 0.3% or 0.1% w/w of hexylene glycol.
  • This formulation may be free of a paraben, as described herein.
  • the formulation of the present invention may comprise less than or equal to 0.3% or 0.1 % w/w of hexylene glycol.
  • This formulation may be free of a paraben, as described herein.
  • the formulation of the present invention may comprise less than or equal to 0.9%, 0.8%, 0.7%. 0.6%, 0.5%, 0.4%, 0.3%, 0.2%, or 0.1 % w/w of 1 ,3-propanediol or no 1 ,3-propanediol.
  • This formulation may be free of a paraben, as described herein.
  • the formulation of the present invention may comprise less than or equal to 0.7%, 0.5%, 0.3% or 0.1% w/w of 1 ,3-propanediol.
  • This formulation may be free of a paraben, as described herein.
  • the formulation of the present invention may comprise less than or equal to 0.5%, 0.3% or 0.1% w/w of 1 ,3-propanediol.
  • This formulation may be free of a paraben, as described herein.
  • the formulation of the present invention may comprise less than or equal to 0.3% or 0.1 % w/w of 1 ,3-propanediol.
  • This formulation may be free of a paraben, as described herein.
  • the formulation of the present invention may comprise less than or equal to 0.9%, 0.8%, 0.7%. 0.6%, 0.5%, 0.4%, 0.3%, 0.2%, or 0.1 % w/w of 1 ,5-pentanediol or no 1 ,5-pentanediol.
  • This formulation may be free of a paraben, as described herein.
  • the formulation of the present invention may comprise less than or equal to 0.7%, 0.5%, 0.3% or 0.1% w/w of 1 ,5-pentanediol.
  • This formulation may be free of a paraben, as described herein.
  • the formulation of the present invention may comprise less than or equal to 0.5%, 0.3% or 0.1% w/w of 1 ,5-pentanediol.
  • This formulation may be free of a paraben, as described herein.
  • the formulation of the present invention may comprise less than or equal to 0.3% or 0.1 % w/w of 1 ,5-pentanediol.
  • This formulation may be free of a paraben, as described herein.
  • the formulation of the present invention may comprise less than or equal to 0.9%, 0.8%, 0.7%. 0.6%, 0.5%, 0.4%, 0.3%, 0.2%, or 0.1 % w/w of octane-1 ,2-diol or no octane-1 ,2-diol.
  • This formulation may be free of a paraben, as described herein.
  • the formulation of the present invention may comprise less than or equal to 0.7%, 0.5%, 0.3% or 0.1% w/w of octane-1 ,2-diol.
  • This formulation may be free of a paraben, as described herein.
  • the formulation of the present invention may comprise less than or equal to 0.5%, 0.3% or 0.1% w/w of octane-1 ,2-diol.
  • This formulation may be free of a paraben, as described herein.
  • the formulation of the present invention may comprise less than or equal to 0.3% or 0.1 % w/w of octane-1 ,2-diol.
  • This formulation may be free of a paraben, as described herein.
  • the formulation of the present invention may comprise less than or equal to 0.9%, 0.8%, 0.7%. 0.6%, 0.5%, 0.4%, 0.3%, 0.2%, or 0.1% w/w of polyethylene glycols or no polyethylene glycols, particularly having from 2 to 50 ethylene oxide groups.
  • This formulation may be free of a paraben, as described herein.
  • the formulation of the present invention may comprise less than or equal to 0.7%, 0.5%, 0.3% or 0.1% w/w of polyethylene glycols, particularly having from 2 to 50 ethylene oxide groups.
  • This formulation may be free of a paraben, as described herein.
  • the formulation of the present invention may comprise less than or equal to 0.5%, 0.3% or 0.1% w/w of polyethylene glycols, particularly having from 2 to 50 ethylene oxide groups.
  • This formulation may be free of a paraben, as described herein.
  • the formulation of the present invention may comprise less than or equal to 0.3% or 0.1 % w/w of polyethylene glycols, particularly having from 2 to 50 ethylene oxide groups.
  • This formulation may be free of a paraben, as described herein.
  • the formulation of the present invention may comprise less than or equal to 0.9%, 0.8%, 0.7%. 0.6%, 0.5%, 0.4%, 0.3%, 0.2%, or 0.1% w/w of monosaccharides and disaccharides such as sorbitol, mannitol and mixtures thereof.
  • This formulation may be free of a paraben, as described herein.
  • the formulation of the present invention may comprise less than or equal to 0.7%, 0.5%, 0.3% or 0.1% w/w of monosaccharides and disaccharides such as sorbitol, mannitol and mixtures thereof or no monosaccharides and disaccharides such as sorbitol, mannitol and mixtures thereof.
  • This formulation may be free of a paraben, as described herein.
  • the formulation of the present invention may comprise less than or equal to 0.5%, 0.3% or 0.1% w/w of monosaccharides and disaccharides such as sorbitol, mannitol and mixtures thereof.
  • This formulation may be free of a paraben, as described herein.
  • the formulation of the present invention may comprise less than or equal to 0.3% or 0.1 % w/w of monosaccharides and disaccharides such as sorbitol, mannitol and mixtures thereof.
  • This formulation may be free of a paraben, as described herein.
  • the formulation of the present invention may be free of, may be essentially free of or may comprise less than an indicated amount, such as less than 0.9%, less than 0.8%, less than 0.7%, less than 0.6%, less than 0.5%. less than 0.4%, less than 0.3%, less than 0.2% or less than 0.1% of one polyol, all polyols or any chosen number of polyols selected from the group consisting of glycerin, diglycerin, polyglycerin, diethylene glycol, propylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, butylene glycol, pentylene glycol, hexylene glycol, 1 ,3-propanediol, 1 ,5-pentanediol, octane-1 ,2-diol, polyethyleneglycols, particularly having from 2 to 50 ethylene oxide groups, and sugars such as sorbitol, mannitol and mixtures thereof.
  • the formulation of the present invention may be essentially free of one polyol or any chosen number of polyols selected from the group consisting of glycerin, diglycerin, polyglycerin, diethylene glycol, propylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, butylene glycol, pentylene glycol, hexylene glycol, 1 ,3-propanediol, 1 ,5-pentanediol, octane-1 ,2- diol, polyethyleneglycols, particularly having from 2 to 50 ethylene oxide groups, and monosaccharides or disaccharides such as sorbitol, mannitol and mixtures thereof, but may comprise another polyol.
  • polyol selected from the group consisting of glycerin, diglycerin, polyglycerin, diethylene glycol, propylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, butylene glycol, pentylene glycol, hexylene glycol, 1
  • the formulation of the present invention may be essentially free of a polyol that is linear or branched.
  • the formulation of the present invention may be essentially free of a polyol having a carbon atom number of 2 to 30, more preferably 2 to 20, even more preferably 2 to 10 or 2 to 8, most preferably 2 to 6 or 2 to 3.
  • the formulation of the present invention may be essentially free of a polyol having a carbon atom number of 2 to 8 or 2 to 6.
  • the formulation of the present invention may comprise less than or equal to 0.9%, 0.8%, 0.7%. 0.6%, 0.5%, 0.4%, 0.3%, 0.2%, or 0.1% w/w of a polyol or no polyol.
  • the polyol may be a polyol as described herein. This formulation may be free of a paraben, as described herein.
  • the formulation of the present invention may comprise less than or equal to 0.7%, 0.5%, 0.3% or 0.1 % w/w of a polyol.
  • the polyol may be a polyol as described herein. This formulation may be free of a paraben, as described herein.
  • the formulation of the present invention may comprise less than or equal to 0.5%, 0.3% or 0.1% w/w of a polyol.
  • the polyol may be a polyol as described herein. This formulation may be free of a paraben, as described herein.
  • the formulation of the present invention may comprise less than or equal to 0.3% or 0.1% w/w of a polyol.
  • the polyol may be a polyol as described herein. This formulation may be free of a paraben, as described herein.
  • the formulation of the present invention may be essentially free of a polyol.
  • the formulation of the present inventions can be essentially free of a polyol, as described herein, and a paraben, preferably free of a polyol and a paraben, as described herein.
  • the formulation as described herein can contain an active agent.
  • the active agent may be present in an amount of from 0.0001 % to 50% w/w, based on the total weight of the formulation.
  • the active agent may be present in an amount of from 0.001 % to 50% w/w, based on the total weight of the formulation, in an amount of from 0.01% to 30% w/w, based on the total weight of the formulation, or 0.01 % to 10% w/w, based on the total weight of the formulation.
  • the active is agent is either Tacrolimus or is not Tacrolimus.
  • Tacrolimus (also termed herein “TC”) is a macrolide lactone molecule harvested from the soil bacterium Streptomyces tsukubaensis. In pharmaceutical medicine, it is described as a calcineurin inhibitor with immunosuppressant capacity. It is applied topically to treat immune system mediated skin conditions such as atopic dermatitis or psoriasis.
  • TC is a molecule with a molecular weight of 804.03 g/mol and very lipophilic properties (logP > 3), i.e. by six orders of magnitude more lipophilic than ALA. Due to its very lipophilic nature, TC has been formulated in mixtures of mineral oil, paraffin, propylene carbonate, white petrolatum and white wax. TC has previously been found to be weakly stable in aqueous formulations (approx. 90 days at room temperature).
  • Liquid formulations of TC in predominantly water-based systems have not been commercialized as finished drug products by pharmaceutical companies so far, likely hampered by the challenges of solubilizing and stabilizing it in such formulations.
  • a topical formulation of TC two additional challenges exist. The first being the high lipophilicity, which may hinder its release from a fat-based formulation into the skin. The other being its weak ability to distribute in the skin’s watery compartments (such as living cells).
  • the active is agent is not Tacrolimus.
  • the active agent is another active agent, such as, for example, 5- aminolevulinic acid.
  • the active is agent is not a highly lipophilic macrolide lactone.
  • the active is agent is a highly lipophilic macrolide lactone.
  • the active is agent is not a macrolide lactone having a logP value of 3.0 or higher, wherein P is the octanol-water partition-coefficient.
  • the active is agent is a macrolide lactone having a logP value of 3.0 or higher, wherein P is the octanol-water partition-coefficient.
  • the active is agent is not Tacrolimus, Pimecrolimus, Everolimus or Sirolimus, a derivative, a precursor, a metabolite, hydrate, and/or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
  • the active is agent is Tacrolimus, Pimecrolimus, Everolimus or Sirolimus, a derivative, a precursor, a metabolite, hydrate, and/or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
  • the active is agent is Tacrolimus, a derivative, a precursor, a metabolite, hydrate, and/or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
  • the active agent is a biogenic substance.
  • biogenic substance is a substance that is produced or can be produced by a living organism.
  • 5-aminolevulinic acid is a biogenic substance that is produced by living organisms including plants, algae, bacteria, fungi and animals.
  • 5-aminolevulinic acid can also by produced in vitro by chemical synthesis. Since it can be produced by a living organism, 5-aminolevulinic acid is a biogenic substance the context of the present specification, regardless of whether it was produced by chemical synthesis or by a living organism.
  • active agent includes an active pharmaceutical agent (herein also termed “pharmaceutical active agent” or “active pharmaceutical ingredient”, “API”) and an active cosmetic agent (herein also termed “cosmetic active agent”).
  • an active pharmaceutical agent is defined as the chemical, biological, mineral or any other entity or component responsible for the therapeutic (pharmacological, physiological, physical, etc.) effects in a product.
  • an active cosmetic agent is defined as the chemical, biological, mineral or any other entity or component responsible for the cosmetic effects in a product.
  • the active agent may be a plant extract.
  • the formulations of the invention provide a very efficient delivery system for a wide variety of active agents.
  • the active agent may be any agent suitable in a pharmaceutical or cosmetic use as described herein.
  • active agents that may be useful include, but are not limited to an anti-infective, an antibiotic, an antibacterial agent, an antifungal agent, an antiviral agent, an antiparasitic agent, a steroidal anti-inflammatory agent, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agent, an immunosuppressive agent, an immunomodulator, an immunoregulating agent, a hormonal agent, vitamin A, a vitamin A derivative, vitamin B, a vitamin B derivative, vitamin C, a vitamin C derivative, vitamin D, a vitamin D derivative, vitamin E, a vitamin E derivative, vitamin F, a vitamin F derivative, Vitamin K, a vitamin K derivative, a wound healing agent, a disinfectant, an anesthetic, an antiallergic agent, an alpha hydroxyl acid, lactic acid, glycolic acid, a beta-hydroxy acid, a protein, a peptid
  • the active agent may be a hydrophilic agent, such as 5-aminolevulinic acid, which can be dissolved in the aqueous phase (or aqueous component) and is capable to interact with the surface of the nanovesicles.
  • the active agent may also be a hydrophobic agent, such as diclofenac or tacrolimus, which can be dissolved in the lipid phase (or the carrier component) and thus be incorporated in the lipid core of the nanovesicles.
  • Another aspect of the present invention relates to the formulation of the first aspect as described herein which is a pharmaceutical formulation.
  • the active agent may be a small organic molecule, for example with a molecular weight of from 50 to 2500 g/mol, preferably from 100 to 1000 g/mol, more preferably from 1 15 to 950 g/mol, and even more preferably from 130 to 900 g/mol.
  • the active agent may be present in the form of a pharmaceutically and/or cosmetically acceptable salts, such as hydrochloride, phosphates, acetates, sodium and sulfates.
  • the active agent may be present in the form of a pharmaceutically and/or cosmetically acceptable derivatives or analog such as esters, ethers, (methyl-) thioester, (methyl-) thioethers, methoxy-substituted benzyl ethers, silyl ethers, sulfonates, sulfenates, sulfinates, (cyclic) carbonates, carbamates, cyclic acetals or ketals, (chiral) ketones, hydrazones, enamines and enols.
  • Such derivatives or protecting groups are well known for a person skilled in the art and are not limited to the mentioned groups.
  • formulation of the present invention may comprise or consist of:
  • an aqueous component present in an amount of 60 to 96% w/w, preferably 70-95% w/w, based on the total weight of the nanoemulsion (a).
  • Tacrolimus may be present in an amount of from 0.001 -5% w/w, based on the total weight of the formulation.
  • tacrolimus may be present in an amount of from 0.01 -3% w/w, based on the total weight of the formulation, or 0.05-1% w/w, based on the total weight of the formulation, or 0.01 -1%, based on the total weight of the formulation.
  • the formulation of the present invention may comprise or consist of:
  • an aqueous component present in an amount of 70-95% w/w, based on the total weight of the nanoemulsion (a).
  • the formulation comprising a pharmaceutically acceptable macrolide lactone, preferably a calcineurin inhibitor, such as tacrolimus and/or a pharmaceutically acceptable analog or derivative thereof may contain the aqueous component, the at least one phospholipid, the at least one polyoxyethylene-type surfactant, the C3 to C5 alcohol, the triglycerides, the gelling agent, the at least one preservative, and the propellant independently selected according the herein-described disclosure.
  • the active agent may be a photosensitizer or a metabolic photosensitizer precursor, such as 5- aminolevulinic acid (also termed herein “ALA” or “5-ALA”), a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, a derivative, precursor and/or metabolite thereof.
  • 5- aminolevulinic acid also termed herein “ALA” or “5-ALA”
  • a preferred salt of 5-aminolevulinic acid is 5-aminolevulinic acid hydrochloride.
  • 5-Aminolevulinic acid has the following chemical structure:
  • 5-Aminolevulinic acid and/or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof may be present in an amount of from 0.1 -30% w/w, based on the total weight of the formulation.
  • 5- aminolevulinic acid and/or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, ester or other pharmaceutically relevant derivative, such as methyl-, or hexyl aminolevulinic acid thereof may be present in an amount of from 1 -20% w/w, based on the total weight of the formulation, or 1 -10% w/w, based on the total weight of the formulation.
  • the active agent may be a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), such as Diclofenac, a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, a derivative, precursor and/or metabolite thereof.
  • NSAID nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug
  • Diclofenac has the following chemical structure: H f X MolecularO Weight 29 e6,15
  • Diclofenac and/or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof may be present in an amount of from 0.01 -30% w/w, based on the total weight of the formulation.
  • diclofenac and/or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, ester or other pharmaceutically relevant derivative may be present in an amount of from 0.1 -20% w/w, based on the total weight of the formulation, or 0.1 - 10% w/w, based on the total weight of the formulation.
  • Another aspect of the present invention relates to the formulation of the first aspect as described herein which is a cosmetic formulation.
  • the active agent is a cosmetic active agent.
  • the cosmetic active agent is selected from plant extracts, natural or synthetic moisturizers, natural or synthetic cleaning agents, natural or synthetic protective agents, natural or synthetic detergents, natural or synthetic anti-oxidants, natural or synthetic skin conditioning agents and natural or synthetic vitamins.
  • Suitable plant extracts include, but are not limited to extracts obtained from Mahonia root, Matricaria chamomilla, Camellia sinensis, Salvia officinalis (common sage), Achillea millefolium, Hamamelis virginiana, yeast, Glycyrrhiza glabra (liquorice), Shea tree (e.g., shea butter), plant oils that contain squalan, avocado and Acmella oleracea (main compound: spilanthol), and mixtures thereof.
  • An extract of Salvia officinalis or Mahonia is preferred.
  • berberine alkaloid from Mahonia aquifolium, can be found also in other plants
  • a-(-)-bisabolol monocyclic sesquiterpene alcohol, can be found in German chamomile.
  • the cosmetic formulation of the present invention can be used to moisturize skin, clean the skin, protect from sun (LIV rays) or other external influences, help maintain skin barrier function, beautify the skin, reduce signs of skin ageing, and as supportive care for stressed skin or diseased skin.
  • formulation of the first aspect of the present invention may comprise or consist of:
  • a nanoemulsion comprising (i) an aqueous component, present in an amount of 70% to 95% w/w, based on the total weight of the nanoemulsion (a);
  • the formulation comprising 5-aminolevulinic acid and/or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, the aqueous component may contain the at least one phospholipid, the at least one polyoxyethylene-type surfactant, the C3 to C5 alcohol, the triglycerides, the gelling agent, the at least one preservative, and the propellant independently selected according to the herein- described disclosure.
  • the present invention also relates to a nanovesicle, comprising
  • a preferred nanovesicle of the invention comprises
  • the present invention also relates to a nanoemulsion, comprising
  • aqueous phosphate buffer for example aqueous 5-20 mM phosphate buffer, pH 2-8, preferably pH 2-7, more preferably pH 3-6, ad 100%.
  • a preferred nanoemulsion of the present invention comprises:
  • the BF200 nanoemulsion can be obtained by contacting a mixture of ingredients (a)-(d) in a total amount of 10% w/w and 90% w/w of an aqueous 10 mM phosphate buffer, pH 6, under condition allowing formation of a nanoemulsion, thereby forming the nanoemulsion.
  • An exemplary method for manufacture of the BF200 formulation is described in Example 1.
  • Another preferred nanoemulsion of the present invention comprises:
  • the BF215 nanoemulsion can be obtained by contacting a mixture of ingredients (a)-(d) in a total amount of 15% w/w and 85% w/w of an aqueous 10 mM phosphate buffer, pH 6, under condition allowing formation of a nanoemulsion, thereby forming the nanoemulsion.
  • An exemplary method for manufacture of the BF215 formulation is described in Example 1.
  • Yet another preferred nanoemulsion of the present invention comprises:
  • the BF220 nanoemulsion can be obtained by contacting a mixture of ingredients (a)-(d) in a total amount of 20% w/w and 80% w/w of an aqueous 10 mM phosphate buffer, pH 6, under condition allowing formation of a nanoemulsion, thereby forming the nanoemulsion.
  • An exemplary method for manufacture of the BF220 formulation is described in Example 1.
  • a preferred formulation of the present invention comprises:
  • Another preferred formulation of the present invention comprises:
  • This formulation may have a pH of 2.5-3.5.
  • Yet another preferred formulation of the present invention comprises:
  • Yet another preferred formulation of the present invention comprises:
  • This formulation may have a pH of 5.0-6.5.
  • Formulations of the first aspect of the invention comprise the above described preferred formulations and further a propellant and are comprised in a pressurized container.
  • the formulations of the first aspect of the invention comprise essentially no fatty alcohol.
  • Another aspect of the present invention is a formulation, said formulation comprising
  • a carrier component comprising:
  • the formulation of this aspect comprises essentially no fatty alcohol, preferably essentially no foam adjuvant. In preferred embodiments, the formulation of this aspect comprises essentially no fatty alcohol, preferably essentially no foam adjuvant.
  • the optional gelling agent (b) is a gelling agent as described herein.
  • the propellant, provided to pressurize the container is a propellant, as described herein.
  • the container can be a container, as described herein, in particular a dispenser, such as a foam dispenser or a spray dispenser, preferably a foam dispenser, as described herein.
  • the formulation provided in a container may be used in medicine.
  • the medical use may be any medical use as described herein, in particular the treatment and/or prevention of a dermatological disease or condition in a subject, as described herein.
  • Another aspect of the present invention is a formulation, said formulation comprising
  • a carrier component comprising:
  • the nanoemulsion (a) is a nanoemulsion as described herein.
  • the propellant is not defined as integral component of the formulation. Instead, the formulation is defined as such, and the propellant is provided to pressurize the formulation, thereby providing a pressurized formulation.
  • the formulation of this aspect comprises essentially no fatty alcohol, preferably essentially no foam adjuvant.
  • the optional gelling agent (b) is a gelling agent as described herein.
  • the propellant, provided to pressurize the container is a propellant, as described herein.
  • the pressurized formulation may be used in medicine.
  • the medical use may be any medical use as described herein, in particular the treatment and/or prevention of a dermatological disease or condition in a subject, as described herein.
  • Another aspect of the present invention relates to a formulation that is defined as the formulation of the first aspect of the invention but may comprise a fatty alcohol or another foam adjuvant.
  • a second aspect of the invention relates to a method for stabilizing of a nanoemulsion, comprising the following steps: (a) providing a nanoemulsion comprising: (i) at least one aqueous component; (ii) a carrier component comprising: (1 ) at least one lipophilic component, (2) at least one surfactant, and (3) at least one alcohol; (b) introducing the nanoemulsion into a container; and (c) adding a propellant to the container to pressurize the container.
  • This aspect is based on the surprising finding that the stability of a nanoemulsion can be significantly increased when the nanoemulsion is stored together with a propellant in a pressurized container, compared to storage in another vessel, such as a glass vial.
  • the overall increase in stability does not depend on the presence of a gelling agent.
  • the increase in stability is particularly striking at stressed conditions, such as storage at elevated temperatures.
  • the skilled person is aware of suitable methods to fill the nanoemulsion or the formulation comprising the nanoemulsion and the propellant a container to obtain a pressurized container comprising the nanoemulsion or the formulation comprising the nanoemulsion and the propellant.
  • the propellant is added to the container comprising the nanoemulsion or the formulation comprising the nanoemulsion via a valve.
  • the method also provides for stabilizing of a nanoemulsion formulation, i.e. a formulation comprising a nanoemulsion and further an active agent and/or an additional aqueous component such as water, a buffer or a gelling agent.
  • a nanoemulsion formulation i.e. a formulation comprising a nanoemulsion and further an active agent and/or an additional aqueous component such as water, a buffer or a gelling agent.
  • the method of the second aspect is a method for stabilizing of a formulation comprising a nanoemulsion.
  • the active agent is also stabilized, i.e. the concentration of the active agent remains stable, even under stressed conditions.
  • the nanoemulsion is a nanoemulsion as defined with respect to the first aspect.
  • the formulation comprising the nanoemulsion corresponds to the formulation as defined with respect to the first aspect, with the difference that the formulation does not comprise a propellant (the propellant is provided in step (c)), and that the formulation comprising the nanoemulsion may comprise a fatty alcohol or another foam adjuvant.
  • the formulation comprising the nanoemulsion comprises essentially no fatty alcohol, preferably essentially no foam adjuvant.
  • the formulation comprising the nanoemulsion comprises essentially no gelling agent.
  • the nanovesicles comprised in the nanoemulsion have a stable size of less than or equal to 500 nm, preferably in the range of 5 nm to 200 nm, when stored one month, two months, three months, six months, nine months, twelve months, eighteen months, twenty four months, thirty six months or at least one month, at least two months, at least three months, at least six months, at least nine months, at least twelve months, at least eighteen months, or at least twenty four months at 4-40°C, at 10-40°C, at 20-40°C, at 30-40°C, or at 40°C in the pressurized container.
  • the size is determined by dynamic light scattering.
  • the nanoemulsion is characterized by a stable polydispersity index of less than or equal to 0.4 and/or 0.3, when stored one month, two months, three months, six months, nine months, twelve months, eighteen months, twenty four months, thirty six months or at least one month, at least two months, at least three months, at least six months, at least nine months, at least twelve months, at least eighteen months, or at least twenty four months at 4- 40°C, at 10-40°C, at 20-40°C, at 30-40°C, or at 40°C in the pressurized container.
  • the polydispersity index is determined by dynamic light scattering.
  • a third aspect of the invention relates to a use of a nanoemulsion for the preparation of a foam, comprising the following steps: (a) providing a formulation comprising a nanoemulsion, the nanoemulsion comprising: (i) at least one aqueous component; (ii) a carrier component comprising: (1 ) at least one lipophilic component, (2) at least one surfactant, and (3) at least one alcohol; (b) introducing the formulation comprising the nanoemulsion into a container; (c) adding a propellant to the container to pressurize the container; and (d) releasing a foam from the pressurized container.
  • the foam comprises the nanoemulsion.
  • This third aspect is based on the surprising finding that a stable foam can be prepared from a formulation comprising a nanoemulsion that is comprised in a pressurized container, even in the absence of a fatty alcohol or another foam adjuvant.
  • the foam is characterized by a high stability and a long collapse time.
  • the collapse time is at least 8 minutes, at least 9 minutes or at least 10 minutes at temperatures below 40°C, e.g. at 25°C or 36°C.
  • this third aspect is based on the surprising finding that the stability of a nanoemulsion can be significantly increased when the nanoemulsion is stored together with a propellant in a pressurized container, compared to storage in another vessel, such as a glass vial, even in the absence of a fatty alcohol or another foam adjuvant.
  • the active agent is also stabilized, i.e. the concentration of the active agent remains stable, even under stressed conditions.
  • the nanoemulsion is a nanoemulsion as defined with respect to the first aspect.
  • the formulation comprising the nanoemulsion corresponds to the formulation as defined with respect to the first aspect, with the difference that the formulation does not comprise a propellant (the propellant is provided in step (c)), and that the formulation comprising the nanoemulsion may comprise a fatty alcohol or another foam adjuvant.
  • the formulation comprising the nanoemulsion comprises essentially no fatty alcohol, preferably essentially no foam adjuvant.
  • the formulation comprising the nanoemulsion comprises essentially no gelling agent.
  • Yet another aspect of the present invention is a method for the preparation the formulation of first aspect of the present invention, comprising the following steps:
  • step (a) mixing the at least one lipophilic component, the at least one surfactant, and the at least one alcohol, (b) contacting the mixture obtained in step (a) with an aqueous component, under conditions allowing formation of a nanoemulsion,
  • the method may comprise a step of adding an active agent.
  • the conditions allowing formation of the nanoemulsion may include mixing both phases at an appropriate temperature and stirring in a fashion to form nanovesicle.
  • suitable temperature and stirring conditions A vesicle size of less than or equal to 500 nm or less than or equal to 300 nm, preferably in the range of 5 nm to 200 nm, more preferably in the range of 5 nm to 100 nm can be obtained.
  • the preparation of the nanoemulsion of the present invention according to step (b) can be prepared without the use of high energy methods, which are well known in the art.
  • High energy method includes high-pressure homogenization, microfluidization, and ultrasonication (Prev Nutr Food Sci. 2019 Sep; 24(3): 225-234).
  • the container is comprised in a dispenser, such as a foam dispenser or spray dispenser, preferably a foam dispenser.
  • a dispenser such as a foam dispenser or spray dispenser, preferably a foam dispenser.
  • the container may be part of a dispenser.
  • the dispenser may be any suitable dispenser. Examples of a foam dispenser and a spray dispenser are shown in Fig. 1 . Suitable dispensers are known to the skilled person.
  • the container may be any suitable container, capable of being pressurized. Suitable containers are known to the skilled person.
  • the active agent may be added in step (a), or may be added to the aqueous component before contacting the mixture obtained in step (a) with an aqueous component in step (b), or may be added to the nanoemulsion obtained in step (b).
  • the conditions allowing interactions of the active agent with the surface of the nanovesicles when dissolved in the aqueous phase, and/or dissolving the active agent in the lipid core of the nanovesicles may depend upon the hydrophilicity or lipophilicity of the active agent.
  • a hydrophilic compound such as an amino acid, preferably a photosensitizer or a metabolic precursor, such as ALA, or/and a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof (such as ALA hydrochloride) or acceptable derivative (such as Methyl-ALA), can be added to the aqueous component before contacting the mixture obtained in step (a) with an aqueous component in step (b), such that the active agent is dissolved in the aqueous phase, and capable to interact with the nanovesicles (in particular to the nanovesicle surface) in step (b).
  • a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof such as ALA hydrochloride
  • acceptable derivative such as Methyl-ALA
  • a hydrophilic compound such as an amino acid, preferably a photosensitizer or a metabolic precursor, such as ALA, or/and a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof (such as ALA hydrochloride) or acceptable derivative (such as Methyl-ALA), can also be added to the nanoemulsion obtained in step (b), such that the active agent is dissolved in the aqueous phase, and capable to interact with the nanovesicles (in particular to the nanovesicle surface).
  • a photosensitizer or a metabolic precursor such as ALA
  • a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof such as ALA hydrochloride
  • acceptable derivative such as Methyl-ALA
  • a lipophilic compound such as a pharmaceutically acceptable macrolide lactone, preferably a calcineurin inhibitor, such as tacrolimus, or/and a pharmaceutically acceptable derivative, can be added in step (a), such that the active agent is dissolved in the lipid core of the nanovesicles.
  • the method for the preparation the formulation of the present invention can further comprise:
  • a fourth aspect of the invention relates to a container or a dispenser product comprising a container, comprising a formulation, wherein said formulation comprises a nanoemulsion comprising (i) at least one aqueous component; (ii) a carrier component comprising (1 ) at least one lipophilic component, (2) at least one surfactant, and (3) at least one alcohol; and (b) a propellant, wherein the formulation comprises essentially no emollient, essentially no fatty alcohol, preferably essentially no foam adjuvant and/or essentially no gelling agent; and wherein the container further comprises a propellant, wherein the propellant is provided to pressurize the container.
  • the dispenser product is a foam dispenser or a spray dispenser, preferably a foam dispenser.
  • the dispenser product comprises a container, containing the formulation and a pressurized propellant, and a foam-generating device mounted on the container.
  • Said foam-generating device can comprise a valve for releasing and dosing of the formulation, and a push button for actuating the valve. Upon actuating the push button, the formulation can be released and can form a foam. Examples of dispensers are shown in Fig. 1. Suitable dispensers are known to the skilled person.
  • a fifth aspect of the invention relates to a foam obtained from the formulation of the first aspect.
  • the foam comprises the formulation as described herein.
  • the foam is formed upon release of the formulation from a suitable pressurized device, for example from the foam dispenser product as described herein.
  • the nanoemulsion foam obtained from the formulation of the invention, has a collapse time of at least 10 min at room temperature without any foaming agents, after the formulation comprised in a pressurized container was subjected to stressed conditions, such as freeze-thaw cycles or storing under elevated temperatures (40°C).
  • the collapse time is the time for the foam to collapse to half of its initial foamed volume upon release.
  • the nanoemulsion foam described in the present invention does not need any foaming agent to form a stable foam upon release but breaks under sheer force.
  • the foam described in the present invention has a collapse time of at least 8 min at 36°C (skin temperature). It is preferred that the formulation of the invention has a collapse time which is at least 8 minutes or at least 10 minutes at room temperature, for example 20-25°C.
  • a sixth aspect of the invention relates to a cosmetic use of the formulation of the first aspect or the foam of the fifth aspect.
  • the formulation comprises a cosmetic agent as described herein.
  • a seventh aspect of the invention relates to the formulation of the first aspect or the foam of the fifth aspect for use in medicine.
  • the formulation or foam is provided for use in a method of treatment and/or prevention of a dermatological disease or condition in a subject.
  • Treatment and/or prevention of the dermatological disease or condition may comprise:
  • a pharmaceutically effective amount of the formulation comprising a pharmaceutically acceptable macrolide lactone, preferably a calcineurin inhibitor, such as tacrolimus, a derivative, precursor, analog and/or metabolite thereof, as described herein, to a diseased or affected area and an area surrounding the diseased or affected area of the skin, wherein the formulation forms a foam, and,
  • the treatment and/or prevention of the dermatological disease or condition may also comprise:
  • a pharmaceutically effective amount of the formulation comprising a photosensitizer or a metabolic precursor thereof, preferably 5-aminolevulinic acid, a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, a derivative, precursor and/or metabolite thereof, as described herein, to a diseased or affected area and optionally an area surrounding the diseased or affected area of the skin, wherein the formulation forms a foam, and
  • the treatment and/or prevention of the dermatological disease or condition may also comprise:
  • a pharmaceutically effective amount of the formulation comprising a photosensitizer or a metabolic precursor thereof, preferably 5-aminolevulinic acid, a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, a derivative, precursor and/or metabolite thereof, as described herein, to a diseased or affected area and optionally an area surrounding the diseased or affected area of the skin, wherein the formulation forms a foam, and (b) optionally incubating the pharmaceutically formulation on the skin of the subject with or without occlusion of the area of the skin to which the formulation was administered, the occlusion preferably performed using low density polyethylene or polyurethane film, to enhance deep layer tissue penetration, and
  • the light spectrum used for irradiation in step (c) may match the absorption spectrum of a fluorescent porphyrin.
  • the light spectrum may match the absorption peaks of protoporphyrin IX.
  • the light used for irradiation in step (c) may comprise any visible wavelength in the range of 380 nm to 780 nm, preferably with equal irradiance throughout or irradiance peak(s) at around 410 and/or 505 and/or 542 and/or 575 and/or 635 nm.
  • the wavelength spectrum may be essentially free of radiation with a wavelength of less than 380 nm and/or larger than 780 nm.
  • the light used for irradiation in step (c) may comprise any visible wavelength in the range of 380-440 nm and/or 580-650 nm.
  • the light used for irradiation in step (c) may further be capable to induce red fluorescence of accumulated porphyrins.
  • the light used in step (c) may be red light, blue light, green light and/or violet light, preferably red light and/or violet light, more preferably wherein (a) the red light results in a radiant exposure of 10-75 J/cm 2 , preferably of 25-45 J/cm 2 ; and/or the violet light results in a radiant exposure of 1 - 30 J/cm 2 , preferably 5 to 15 J/cm 2 .
  • Irradiation in step (c) may be performed with artificial light, sunlight and/or daylight or with an artificial light source emitting light with a wavelength spectrum and preferably also irradiance similar or identical to sun light.
  • the light with a wavelength spectrum and preferably also irradiance similar or identical to sun light may have a wavelength spectrum of 100 nm to 1000 nm, a wavelength spectrum of 380 nm to 780 nm, preferably with equal irradiance throughout or irradiance peak(s) at around 410 and/or 505 and/or 635 nm, or a wavelength spectrum of 570 nm to 650 nm or 570 nm to 630 nm, and/or a wavelength spectrum of 380 nm to 440 nm.
  • Artificial light may be provided by an LED.
  • a suitable device providing artificial light is described, for example, in US patent No. 1 1235169 B1 and US patent No. 1 1219781 B2, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by
  • the area surrounding the diseased or affected area of the skin may include a surrounding area not affected, to ensure that the diseased or affected area is adequately treated in the peripheral diseased or affected areas.
  • the area surrounding the diseased or affected area of the skin may include an area of at least about 5 mm width.
  • the dermatological disease or condition to be treated with the pharmaceutical formulation as described herein may include, but is not limited to, diseases or conditions of the skin, skin appendages or mucosa.
  • the dermatological disease or condition to be treated with the pharmaceutical formulation as described herein may be selected from the group consisting of inflammatory, neoplastic, proliferative, infectious, and/or autoimmune diseases or conditions, and/or the cutaneous manifestation thereof, and/or diseases associated with single lesions or fields of lesions, neoplastic, proliferative and/or inflammatory changes.
  • the inflammatory dermatological disease or condition to be treated with the pharmaceutical formulation as described herein may be selected from the group consisting of dermatitis, contact dermatitis, acne, atopic dermatitis, eczema, pustular dermatitis, seborrheic dermatitis, perioral dermatitis, chronic wound, urticaria, skin ulcer, rosacea, rash, drug eruptions, toxic epidermal necrolysis; erythema multiforme, erythema nodosum, granuloma annulare, and other cutaneous manifestations of inflammation.
  • the neoplastic and/or proliferative dermatological disease or condition to be treated with the pharmaceutical formulation as described herein may be selected from the group consisting of basal cell carcinoma, preferably superficial basal cell carcinoma or nodular basal cell carcinoma; squamous cell carcinoma, preferably Morbus Bowen or invasive squamous cell carcinoma; vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia (VIN) ; cutaneous T-cell lymphoma; Merkel cell carcinoma; hemangioma; a nodular or subcutaneous cancer disease; field cancerization; non-melanoma skin cancer in organ transplant recipients; and prevention of non-melanoma skin cancer in organ transplant recipients.
  • basal cell carcinoma preferably superficial basal cell carcinoma or nodular basal cell carcinoma
  • squamous cell carcinoma preferably Morbus Bowen or invasive squamous cell carcinoma
  • VIN vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia
  • cutaneous T-cell lymphoma Merkel cell carcinoma
  • infectious dermatological disease or condition to be treated with the pharmaceutical formulation as described herein may be selected from the group consisting of bacterial infections, viral infections, fungal infections, parasitic infections, and combinations thereof.
  • the autoimmune dermatological disease or condition, or the cutaneous manifestation of the autoimmune condition to be treated with the pharmaceutical formulation as described herein, may be selected from the group consisting of psoriasis, pemphigus, systemic lupus erythematodes, lichen planus, morphea, sclerodermia, epidermolysis bullosa, dermatomyositis, graft-versus-host syndrome.
  • the dermatological disease or condition to be treated with the pharmaceutical formulation as described herein may be selected from the group consisting of disorders of sweating, pigmentation disorders including hypopigmentation such as vitiligo, albinism and post inflammatory hypopigmentation and hyperpigmentation such as melasma, reactions to sunlight, such as sunburn, skin ageing, photosensitivity, disorders of hair follicles and sebaceous glands such as hypertrichosis, alopecia, male pattern baldness.
  • pigmentation disorders including hypopigmentation such as vitiligo, albinism and post inflammatory hypopigmentation and hyperpigmentation such as melasma
  • reactions to sunlight such as sunburn, skin ageing, photosensitivity, disorders of hair follicles and sebaceous glands such as hypertrichosis, alopecia, male pattern baldness.
  • a pharmaceutical composition comprising a photosensitizer or a metabolic precursor thereof, preferably 5-aminolevulinic acid, a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, a derivative, precursor and/or metabolite thereof, as described herein, may be used in a method of photodynamic diagnosis of a neoplastic and/or proliferative dermatological disease or condition, such as benign or malignant neoplasia or precursors thereof; an inflammatory dermatological disease or condition; and/or a condition associated with bacterial proliferation such as acne.
  • a pharmaceutically acceptable macrolide lactone preferably a calcineurin inhibitor, such as tacrolimus, a derivative, precursor and/or metabolite thereof
  • a pharmaceutically acceptable macrolide lactone preferably a calcineurin inhibitor, such as tacrolimus, a derivative, precursor and/or metabolite thereof
  • a pharmaceutically acceptable macrolide lactone preferably a calcineurin inhibitor, such as tacrolimus, a derivative, precursor and/or metabolite thereof
  • neoplastic and/or proliferative dermatological diseases or conditions such as benign or malignant skin neoplasia or precursors thereof, inflammatory dermatological diseases or conditions such as atopic dermatitis, eczema, psoriasis, rosacea or chronic wounds, and conditions associated with bacterial proliferation such as acne.
  • Yet another aspect of the present invention is the use of the formulation of the present invention, as described herein, for the manufacture of a medicament for the treatment and/or prevention of a dermatological disease or condition in a subject.
  • the dermatological disease is a dermatological disease or condition as described herein.
  • Yet another aspect of the present invention is a method of treatment and/or prevention of a dermatological disease or condition in a subject, said method comprising administering to the subject, a pharmaceutically effective amount of the formulation as described herein.
  • the dermatological disease is a dermatological disease or condition as described herein.
  • Yet another aspect of the present invention is a method of photodynamic diagnosis of a neoplastic and/or proliferative dermatological disease or condition, such as benign or malignant neoplasia or precursors thereof; an inflammatory dermatological disease or condition; and/or a condition associated with bacterial proliferation such as acne.
  • a neoplastic and/or proliferative dermatological disease or condition such as benign or malignant neoplasia or precursors thereof
  • an inflammatory dermatological disease or condition such as acne.
  • a condition associated with bacterial proliferation such as acne.
  • ALA (and derivatives) containing drugs drive the synthesis of fluorescent porphyrins that accumulate preferentially in cells/tissues with increased metabolic activity.
  • This can be exploited in the method of photodynamic diagnostics, which can be applied to neoplastic diseases of the skin, such as benign or malignant neoplasia or precursors thereof, inflammatory conditions or conditions associated with bacterial proliferation such as acne.
  • a ALA (or derivative) containing formulation is applied to the skin area to be diagnosed and incubated for an appropriate time. Subsequently, blue spectrum light is applied to induce red fluorescence of accumulated porphyrins. The fluorescence can be detected by visual inspection or appropriate technical devices for qualitative or quantitative assessment.
  • the method of photodynamic diagnosis may comprise:
  • a photosensitizer or a metabolic precursor thereof preferably 5-aminolevulinic acid, a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, a derivative, precursor and/or metabolite thereof may be incubated on the skin for an appropriate duration.
  • the skin can be irradiated with light capable to induce red fluorescence of accumulated porphyrins. Suitable irradiation conditions are described herein.
  • Diagnosis of the neoplastic and/or proliferative dermatological disease or condition can be performed by detection of increased fluorescence (e.g., compared with healthy tissue and/or skin, e.g., adjacent to the suspected area). Detection of fluorescence can be performed by visual inspection or appropriate technical devices for qualitative or quantitative assessment.
  • Diagnosis according to the method described herein may be performed for demarcation of tumor borders to assist surgery, to assess treatment efficacy, and/or the assessment of light induced photobleaching for light dosimetry in photodynamic therapy.
  • Yet another aspect of the present invention is a method of cosmetic treatment and/or prevention of a dermatological condition in a subject, said method comprising administering to the subject, an effective amount of the formulation as described herein.
  • the cosmetic treatment and/or prevention may include to moisturize skin, clean the skin, protect the skin from sun (LIV rays) or other external influences, help maintain skin barrier function, beautify the skin, reduce signs of skin ageing, and as supportive care for stressed skin or diseased skin.
  • a formulation comprising:
  • a carrier component comprising:
  • nanoemulsion a comprises nanovesicles having a size of less than or equal to 500 nm, preferably in the range of 5 nm to 200 nm, when stored one month, two months, three months, six months, twelve months, eighteen months, twenty four months or thirty six months, at 2-40°C, at 10-40°C, at 20-40°C, at 30-40°C, or at 40°C in the pressurized container; and/or b.
  • a polydispersity index of less than or equal to 0.4, when stored one month, two months, three months, six months, twelve months, eighteen months, twenty four months or thirty six months, at 2-40°C, at 10-40°C, at 20-40°C, at 30-40°C, or at 40°C in the pressurized container; and/or c.
  • a polydispersity index of less than or equal to 0.4, when stored one month, two months, three months, six months, twelve months, eighteen months, twenty-four months or thirty six months, at 2-25°C, at 10-25°C, at 15-25°C, at 2-8°C, at 5°C or at 25°C in the pressurized container; and/or f.
  • nanovesicles having a size of less than or equal to 500 nm, preferably in the range of 5 nm to 200 nm, when stored one month, two months, three months, six months, twelve months, eighteen months, twenty-four months, thirty months, thirty six months or forty-eight months at 2-8°C or at 5°C in the pressurized container; and/or g. is characterized by a polydispersity index of less than or equal to 0.4, when stored one month, two months, three months, six months, twelve months, eighteen months, twenty-four months, thirty months, thirty six months, or forty-eight months, at 2-8°C or at 5°C in the pressurized container and/or h.
  • any one of embodiments 1 to 8 comprising an active agent.
  • the active agent is 5-aminolevulinic acid, a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, a derivative, precursor and/or metabolite thereof.
  • the formulation of any one of embodiments 1 to 10 wherein
  • the at least one lipophilic component is selected from triglycerides and mixtures thereof;
  • the at least one surfactant is selected from the group consisting of a phospholipid, a lysophospholipid, a ceramide and/or a mixture thereof, and/or the at least one surfactant is a polyoxyethylene-type surfactant;
  • the at least one alcohol has 3-5 carbon atoms; and/or the propellant is propane, isobutane or n-butane or a mixture thereof.
  • the formulation of any one of embodiments 1 to 11 comprising a total aqueous component in an amount of from 50% to 99% (w/w).
  • the gelling agent is selected from the group consisting of poloxamer, xanthan, bentonite, sodium carboxymethylcellulose, hydroxymethyl cellulose, carbomer, hydroxypropyl cellulose, gellan gum, guar gum, pectin, poly(ethylene)oxide, polycarbophil, alginate, tragacanth, povidone, gelatin, and mixtures thereof.
  • a method for stabilizing a nanoemulsion comprising the following steps:
  • a carrier component comprising:
  • the nanoemulsion a comprises nanovesicles having a size of less than or equal to 500 nm, preferably in the range of 5 nm to 200 nm, when stored one month, two months, three months, six months, twelve months, eighteen months, twenty four months or thirty six months, at 2-40°C, at 10-40°C, at 20-40°C, at 30-40°C, or at 40°C in the pressurized container; and/or b.
  • a polydispersity index of less than or equal to 0.4, when stored one month, two months, three months, six months, twelve months eighteen months, twenty-four months or thirty six months, at 2-40°C, at 10-40°C, at 20-40°C, at 30-40°C, or at 40°C in the pressurized container; and/or c.
  • nanovesicles having a size of less than or equal to 500 nm, preferably in the range of 5 nm to 200 nm, when stored one month, two months, three months, six months, twelve months, 18 months, 24 months, or 36 months, at 2-25°C, at 10- 25°C, at 15-25°C, at 2-8°C, at 5°C or at 25°C in the pressurized container; and/or d. comprises nanovesicles having a size of less than or equal to 500 nm, preferably in the range of 5 nm to 200 nm, when subjected to 1 , 2, 3, 4, 5 or more freezethaw cycles; and/or e.
  • a polydispersity index of less than or equal to 0.4, when stored one month, two months, three months, six months, twelve months, 18 months, 24 months, or 36 months, at 2-25°C, at 10-25°C, at 15-25°C, at 2-8°C, at 5°C or at 25°C in the pressurized container; and/or f.
  • nanovesicles having a size of less than or equal to 500 nm, preferably in the range of 5 nm to 200 nm, when stored one month, two months, three months, six months, twelve months, eighteen months, twenty-four months, thirty months, thirty six months, or forty-eight, at 2-8°C or at 5°C in the pressurized container; and/or g. is characterized by a polydispersity index of less than or equal to 0.4, when stored one month, two months, three months, six months, twelve months, eighteen months, twenty-four months, thirty months, thirty six months, or forty-eight, at 2- 8°C or at 5°C in the pressurized container and/or h. is characterized by a polydispersity index of less than or equal to 0.4, when subjected to 1 , 2, 3, 4, 5 or more freeze-thaw cycles.
  • a carrier component comprising:
  • a container or a foam dispenser or spray dispenser product comprising a container, comprising the formulation of any one of embodiments 1 to 13.
  • Cosmetic use of the formulation of embodiment any one of embodiments 1 to 13.
  • a method of treating a dermatological disease or condition comprising administration of an effective amount of the formulation of embodiment 9 to a subject in need thereof.
  • the invention also pertains to the following items:
  • a formulation comprising:
  • a carrier component comprising:
  • a propellant wherein the formulation is comprised in a pressurized container, and wherein the formulation comprises essentially no fatty alcohol, preferably essentially no fatty alcohol and no fatty acid.
  • formulation comprises essentially no emollient selected from a monoester or diester of an alcohol and a fatty acid.
  • nanoemulsion comprises nanovesicles comprising the carrier component.
  • the aqueous component comprises at least one pH buffering agent, preferably wherein the at least one pH buffering agent is selected from the group consisting of citrate, phosphate, acetate and carbonate.
  • At least one lipophilic component is selected from triglycerides and mixtures thereof, preferably wherein the at least one lipophilic component is a caprylic and/or a capric triglyceride or a mixture thereof.
  • the at least one surfactant is selected from the group consisting of a phospholipid, a lysophospholipid, a ceramide and/or a mixture thereof, and/or the at least one surfactant is a polyoxyethylene-type surfactant.
  • the at least one surfactant is lecithin, preferably soy lecithin, preferably wherein the lecithin has a phosphatidylcholine content of at least 80% by weight.
  • the at least one alcohol is selected from the group consisting of 1 -propanol or 2-propanol and mixtures thereof.
  • gelling agent is selected from the group consisting of poloxamer, xanthan, bentonite, sodium carboxymethylcellulose, hydroxymethyl cellulose, carbomer, hydroxypropyl cellulose, gellan gum, guar gum, pectin, poly(ethylene)oxide, polycarbophil, alginate, tragacanth, povidone, gelatin, and mixtures thereof.
  • an aqueous component present in an amount of 70% to 95% w/w, based on the total weight of the nanoemulsion (a);
  • composition for use of item 37, wherein treatment and/or prevention of the dermatological disease or condition comprises:
  • neoplastic and/or proliferative dermatological disease or condition is selected from the group consisting of basal cell carcinoma, preferably superficial basal cell carcinoma or nodular basal cell carcinoma; squamous cell carcinoma, preferably Morbus Bowen or invasive squamous cell carcinoma; vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia (VIN) ; cutaneous T-cell lymphoma; Merkel cell carcinoma; hemangioma; a nodular or subcutaneous cancer disease; field cancerization; non-melanoma skin cancer in organ transplant recipients; and prevention of non-melanoma skin cancer in organ transplant recipients.
  • basal cell carcinoma preferably superficial basal cell carcinoma or nodular basal cell carcinoma
  • squamous cell carcinoma preferably Morbus Bowen or invasive squamous cell carcinoma
  • VIN vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia
  • cutaneous T-cell lymphoma Merkel cell carcinoma
  • hemangioma a nodular or subcutaneous cancer disease
  • the dermatological disease or condition is selected from the group consisting of disorders of sweating, pigmentation disorders including hypopigmentation such as vitiligo, albinism and post inflammatory hypopigmentation and hyperpigmentation such as melasma, reactions to sunlight, such as sunburn, skin ageing, photosensitivity, disorders of hair follicles and sebaceous glands such as hypertrichosis, alopecia, male pattern baldness.
  • any one of the items 34-35 for use in a method of photodynamic diagnosis of a neoplastic and/or proliferative dermatological disease or condition, such as benign or malignant neoplasia or precursors thereof; an inflammatory dermatological disease or condition; and/or a condition associated with bacterial proliferation such as acne.
  • the formulation according to any one of the items 1 -29 which is a cosmetic formulation.
  • a method for the preparation the formulation of any one of the items 1 -50 comprising the following steps:
  • step (b) contacting the mixture obtained in step (a) with an aqueous component, under conditions allowing formation of a nanoemulsion
  • a container comprising a formulation, wherein said formulation comprises a nanoemulsion comprising:
  • a carrier component comprising:
  • the formulation comprises essentially no emollient; and wherein the container further comprises a propellant, wherein the propellant is provided to pressurize the container.
  • a dispenser product comprising a container, comprising a formulation, wherein said formulation comprises a nanoemulsion comprising:
  • a carrier component comprising:
  • the formulation comprises essentially no foam adjuvant; and wherein the container further comprises a propellant, wherein the propellant is provided to pressurize the container.
  • a formulation comprising
  • a carrier component comprising:
  • a formulation comprising
  • a carrier component comprising:
  • a foam obtained from or comprising the formulation of any one of items 1 -50, or 57-61 .
  • Method of treatment and/or prevention of a dermatological disease or condition in a subject comprising administering to the subject, a pharmaceutically effective amount of the formulation of any one of the items 1 -48, 57, 58 and 59.
  • Method of photodynamic diagnosis of a neoplastic and/or proliferative dermatological disease or condition such as benign or malignant neoplasia or precursors thereof; an inflammatory dermatological disease or condition; and/or a condition associated with bacterial proliferation such as acne, said method comprising
  • a method for stabilizing a nanoemulsion comprising the following steps
  • a carrier component comprising:
  • the nanoemulsion comprises nanovesicles comprising the carrier component, and wherein the nanovesicles have a stable size of less than or equal to 500 nm, preferably in the range of 5 nm to 200 nm, when stored one month, two months, three months, or at least one month, at least two months, three months, six months, nine months, twelve months, eighteen months, twenty-four months or at least thirty six months, at 4-40°C, at 10-40°C, at 20-40°C, at 30-40°C, or at 40°C in the pressurized container; and/or the nanoemulsion is characterized by a stable polydispersity index of less than or equal to 0.4 and/or 0.3, when stored one month, two months, three months, six months, nine months, twelve months, eighteen months, twenty-four months or at least thirty six months, or at least one month, at least two months, at least three months, at least six months, at least nine months, at least twelve months, eighteen months, at least thirty six
  • a nanoemulsion for the preparation of a foam or a spray comprising the following steps: (a) providing a formulation comprising a nanoemulsion comprising:
  • a carrier component comprising:
  • Figure 1 Exemplary pressurized dispensers (or containers) with spray head (middle) or foam dispenser valve (left) used in the Examples of the invention for storage of the exemplary formulations.
  • Glass vial used in the Examples of the invention for storage of the exemplary unpressurized comparative formulations (right).
  • Figure 2 Comparison of nanoemulsion formulations with different lipophilic contents and without gelling agent: vesicle size over time at different temperatures.
  • Figure 3 Comparison of nanoemulsion formulations with different pH values and without gelling agent: vesicle size over time at different temperatures.
  • Figure 12 Analysis of foam collapse times at room temperature and 36°C of nanoemulsions BF200 and BF220 as described in Table 2.
  • vesicle size and API content describing stability of nanoemulsion formulations are determined, depending on lipophilic content, pH and gelling agents under various conditions (0°C, 25°C, 40°C, freeze-thaw cycles).
  • Example 1 Preparation of Nanoemulsions BF200, BF215 and BF220 and nanoemulsion formulations
  • composition of the nanoemulsions BF200, BF215 and BF220 are given in Table 2.
  • Table 2 Composition of nanoemulsions BF200, BF215 and BF220
  • the formulations are free of a gelling agent, such as Poloxamer 407.
  • the manufacturing process for the nanoemulsions in a typical batch size consists of the following steps 1 -4:
  • Step 1 Preparation of a 10 mM phosphate buffer (aqueous component)
  • Step 2 Preparation of a carrier containing the lipophilic component, the surfactants and the alcohol
  • Step 3 Manufacturing of the nanoemulsion by mixing the aqueous component from Step 1 and the carrier from Step 2 for a lipid content of 10% (BF200)
  • Step 2 Manufacturing of an emulsion by mixing 900 g phosphate buffer (from Step 1 ) and 100 g carrier (from Step 2).
  • the aqueous component comprising the phosphate buffer was heated to approximately 45°C-60°C in a suitable vessel.
  • the carrier (concentrate) of step 2 was heated to approximately 45°C-60°C.
  • the carrier was poured to the phosphate buffer under continuous stirring with a propeller mixer resulting in the formation of a stable trombe (or spout) having the maximal possible diameter without causing foaming or sputtering.
  • the resulting nanoemulsion was stirred for about 15 min.
  • the nanoemulsion was cooled down to room temperature.
  • nanoemulsion BF215 In nanoemulsion BF215, 850 g phosphate buffer (from Step 1 ) and 150 g carrier were mixed. In nanoemulsion BF220, 800 g phosphate buffer (from Step 1 ) and 200 g carrier were mixed.
  • nanoemulsion BF200 nanoemulsion BF215
  • nanoemulsion BF220 nanoemulsions prepared according to steps 1-3.
  • Nanoemulsions BF200, BF215 and BF220 were used in Examples A and G.
  • Step 4 Preparation of the final nanoemulsion formulation and primary packaging
  • the nanoemulsion was optionally sterilized by filtration through a sterile filter and filled into 100 ml sterile glass bottles under laminar flow hood.
  • nanoemulsion formulation BF200 e.g., by adding water, a suitable buffer, or an aqueous gel base with poloxamer 407 or xanthan gum.
  • suitable “nanoemulsion formulation” e.g., by adding water, a suitable buffer, or an aqueous gel base with poloxamer 407 or xanthan gum.
  • nanoemulsion formulation BF200 e.g., by adding water, a suitable buffer, or an aqueous gel base with poloxamer 407 or xanthan gum.
  • nanoemulsion formulation BF215 e.g., by adding water, a suitable buffer, or an aqueous gel base with poloxamer 407 or xanthan gum.
  • nanoemulsions or nanoemulsion formulations were filled into a conventional glass vial continuuBF200 glass vial “, maybeBF215 glass vial” and expediBF220 glass vial”) or a foam dispenser, pressurized with a mixture of propane, isobutane and n-butane mecanicBF200 pressurized", etcBF215 pressurized” and expediBF220 pressurized”).
  • Typical examples of dispensers (pressurized containers) and a glass vial are shown in Figure 1.
  • Example 2 Preparation of Nanoemulsion BF200, BF215 and BF220 at pH 3 or 5
  • the BF200, BF215 and BF220 nanoemulsions are produced according to Example 1 , Step 1 -3, except that in Step 3 (manufacturing of the nanoemulsion by mixing the aqueous component from Step 1 and the carrier from Step 2), a phosphate buffer with an appropriate pH is used.
  • a phosphate buffer with an appropriate pH is used.
  • Other acids different to phosphoric acid and it salts can be used for pH adjustment.
  • the pH may be additionally adjusted by adding a suitable acids, salts or buffers.
  • Example 3 Preparation of Nanoemulsion formulations BF200, BF215 and BF220 containing 0.5 or 1% w/w of xanthan.
  • nanoemulsion formulations described in this example were used in Examples C, D, G and H.
  • Example 4 Preparation of nanoemulsion formulations BF200, BF215 and BF220 containing 1 or 2% w/w of Poloxamer 407 (PX)
  • nanoemulsion formulations are produced according to Example 1 with the addition of the appropriate amount of an aqueous gel base with poloxamer 407 in step 4.
  • Example 5 Preparation of nanoemulsion formulation BF200 containing 3% 5- aminolevulinic acid and 2% Poloxamer 407
  • the formulations were prepared according to Example 1 with the addition of the appropriate amount of an aqueous gel base with poloxamer 407 in step 4. 5-ALA in an amount of 3% was added.
  • Example 6 Preparation of nanoemulsion formulation BF220 containing 0.1% tacrolimus (TC) and 4 % Poloxamer 407
  • the formulations were prepared according to Example 1 with the addition of the appropriate amount of an aqueous gel base with poloxamer 407 in step 4. TC in an amount of 0.1 % was added.
  • Example 7 Determination of vesicle size and polydispersity index by dynamic light scattering
  • the size, expressed as the z-average size (e.g., in nm), and the polydispersity index of nanoemulsion formulations was determined by dynamic light scattering (sometimes referred as Photon Correlation Spectroscopy (PCS) or Quasi-Elastic Light Scattering (QELS)).
  • PCS Photon Correlation Spectroscopy
  • QELS Quasi-Elastic Light Scattering
  • the technique is well known in the art and well established to determine size of nano or micro particles or vesicles in emulsions, suspensions or polymeric solutions with a laser.
  • For foam samples the analysis was performed following collapse of the foam. Measurements were conducted with an Zetasizer Nano ZS (Malvern Instruments Ltd, Malvern, Worcestershire, UK). The measurement was performed according to the manufacturer's instructions.
  • the Zetasizer Nano ZS is instrumented with a 633 nm green laser and optics with a 173°scattering detector angle for size measurement.
  • the device may be operated under vacuum for measurements, but in these cases, vacuum was not applied to the samples for size and homogeneity measurements.
  • Viscosity was measured by rotation (measuring geometry: cone/plate) with a constant shear rate of 90.0 s-1 at 20°C.
  • Nanoemulsions BF200, BF215 and BF220 were prepared as described in Example 1. The nanoemulsions were stored for 36 months at 25°C or 12 months at 40°C. The size of the nanovesicles was determined at 0 (starting point) and various time points during the storage period by dynamic light scattering as described in Example 7. The results are shown in Figure 2 and Table 4.
  • Table 4 Polydispersity index of nanoemulsions BF200, BF215 and BF220 stored at 40°C
  • the vesicle size is extremely stable at ambient conditions (25°C) and stressed conditions (40°C), compared with conventional storage in a glass vial that degrade much earlier under phase separation.
  • the nanoemulsions were stored 36 months at 25°C or up to 36 months at 40°C.
  • the size of the nanovesicles was determined at 0 (starting point) and various time points during the storage period by dynamic light scattering as described in Example 7. The results are shown in Figure 3 and Table 5.
  • Table 5 Vesicle size after 12 months of storage at 40°C without any stabilizing agent.
  • the pressurized can is extremely advantageous for storage of nanoemulsions at pH 3 or pH 5 at ambient and elevated temperatures (e.g., 25°C and 40°C).
  • the nanoemulsion formulations were stored for 36 months at 25°C or 12 months at 40°C.
  • the size of the nanovesicles was determined at 0 (starting point) and various time points during the storage period by dynamic light scattering as described in Example 7. The results are shown in Figure 4.
  • the ambient temperatures e.g., 25°C
  • the pressurized can is extremely advantageous for storage of nanoemulsion formulations containing xanthan as a gelling agent at ambient (25°C) and elevated temperatures (e.g., 40°C).
  • the nanoemulsion formulations were stored for 36 months at 25°C or 12 months at 40°C.
  • the size of the nanovesicles was determined at 0 (starting point) and various time points during the storage period by dynamic light scattering as described in Example 7. The results are shown in Figure 5.
  • the ambient temperatures e.g., 25°C
  • the nanoemulsion formulations were stored for 36 months at 25°C or 12 months at 40°C.
  • the size of the nanovesicles was determined at 0 (starting point) and various time points during the storage period by dynamic light scattering as described in Example 7. The results are shown in Figure 7.
  • nanoemulsions were not prepared based on the results of example G.
  • the formulations undergo 5 freeze-thaw cycles. In a cycle, the nanoemulsion will be frozen at - 24°C, thereafter thawed at room temperature. After final thawing, vesicle size will be determined after thawing, as described in Example 7. The results are described in Figure 9 and Table 7.
  • the nanoemulsion formulations were stored at 25°C and 2-8°C.
  • the content of ALA was determined at 0 (starting point) and various time points during the 36 months storage period. The results are shown in Figure 11 .
  • pressurized cans preserve the API (5-ALA) content better than conventional storing units (e.g., glass vials). After 36 months storage at 2-25°C, the ALA content was at least 90%.
  • the nanoemulsion formulations were stored at 2-8°C and 25°C.
  • the content of TC was determined at 0 (starting point) and various time points up to 48 months storage period. The results are shown in Figure 10.
  • pressurized cans preserve the API (TC) content better than conventional storing units (e.g., glass vials).
  • the formulation stored in a pressurized container was found to be stable for at least 48 months storage at 2-8°C (5°C) and 6 months at 25°C. After 48 months storage at 2-8°C or 6 months at 25°C, the TC content was at least 95%.

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Abstract

La présente invention concerne la stabilisation d'une nanoémulsion d'huile dans l'eau dans un récipient sous pression. Les nanovésicules comprises dans la nanoémulsion sont particulièrement stables en termes de taille de vésicule et d'homogénéité de taille de vésicule après un stockage à long terme à différentes températures.
PCT/EP2024/059355 2023-04-06 2024-04-05 Nanoémulsion sous pression Pending WO2024209065A1 (fr)

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