Title of Invention

PROCESS FOR PRODUCINNG COATED PREPARATION

Abstract The present invention provides a production method of a preparation coated with pioglitazone hydrochloride, which is useful as a therapeutic agent for diabetes and the like, and which is superior in the characteristics of the prspaiation such as dissolution property of pioglitasone hydrochloride.
Full Text DESCRIPTION
PROCESS FOR PRODUCING COATED PREPARATION
Technical Field
The present invention relates to a production method of
a preparation coated with pioglitazone hydrochloride, which is
useful as a therapeutic agent for diabetes and the like.
Background Art
There are the following reports on pharmaceutical
compositions containing an insulin sensitizer such as a
thiazolidinedione compound and the like and a biguanide.
1) A pharmaceutical agent, which contains an insulin sensitizer
in combination with at least one member from an -glucosidase
inhibitor, an aldose reductase inhibitor, a biguanide, a statin
compound, a squalene synthesis inhibitor, a fibrate compound,
an LDL catabolism enhancer and an angiotensin converting enzyme
inhibitor, is reported (see, EP-749751 A).
2) A pharmaceutical composition, which contains an insulin
sensitizer, a biguanide antihyperglycaemic agent and a
pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, is reported (see,
WO98/57634).
3) A pharmaceutical composition, which contains
thiazolidinedione, metformin hydrochloride and a
pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, wherein thiazolidinedione
is formulated on the surface of metformin hydrochloride, is
reported (see, WO01/35940).
4) A pharmaceutical composition, which contains
thiazolidinedione, metformin hydrochloride and a
pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, wherein thiazolidinedione
and metformin hydrochloride are respectively dispersed in
pharmaceutically acceptable carriers of their own (see,
WO01/35941).
5) A core formulation, which comprises (a) a first layer
containing pioglitazone hydrochloride or a pharmaceutically
1

acceptable salt thereof as an active ingredient, and (b) a core
containing a biguanide as an active ingredient, wherein at
least a part of the core is enclosed by said first layer, is
reported (see, WO01/82875).
6) A core formulation, which comprises a first layer containing
pioglitazone hydrochloride, which covers at least a part of a
core containing a biguanide, wherein one or both of the core
and the first layer is/are dispersed in a modulating release
agent such as polysaccharides and the like, is reported (see,
USP6403121).
Disclosure of the Invention
The present invention aims to provide a production
method of a preparation coated with pioglitazone hydrochloride,
which is useful as a therapeutic agent for diabetes and the
like and superior in preservation stability and the
characteristics of the preparation such as dissolution property
of pioglitazone hydrochloride.
The present inventors have found, in producing a
preparation coated with pioglitazone hydrochloride, that a
coated preparation that shows superior dissolution property
(particularly, dissolution property within 15 min from the
start of dissolution test) of pioglitazone hydrochloride can be
obtained by coating with an aqueous dispersion of pioglitazone
hydrochloride comprising a coating material having a low
viscosity. The present inventors have further studied based on
this finding and completed the present invention.
Accordingly, the present invention relates to
1) a production method of a coated preparation, which comprises
coating with an aqueous dispersion of pioglitazone
hydrochloride comprising a coating material having a low
viscosity;
2) a coated preparation obtained according to the production
method of the aforementioned 1);
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3) the production method of the aforementioned 1), wherein the
coating material having a low viscosity in its 5% aqueous
solution shows a viscosity of not more than 35 mPa.s at 20°C;
4) the production method of the aforementioned 1), wherein the
coating material having a low viscosity is hydroxypropyl
cellulose SL, hydroxypropyl cellulose SSL or polyvinyl alcohol-
polyethylene glycol graft copolymer;
5) the production method of the aforementioned 1), wherein a
core comprising an active ingredient is coated with an aqueous
dispersion of pioglitazone hydrochloride comprising a coating
material having a low viscosity;
6) the production method of the aforementioned 5), wherein the
active ingredient is a therapeutic agent for diabetes;
7) the production method of the aforementioned 6), wherein the
therapeutic agent for diabetes is a biguanide;
8) the production method of the aforementioned 7), wherein the
biguanide is metformin hydrochloride;
9) the production method of the aforementioned 5), wherein the
active ingredient is a therapeutic agent for hyperlipidemia;

10) the production method of the aforementioned 9), wherein the
therapeutic agent for hyperlipidemia is an HMG-CoA reductase
inhibitor;
11) a method for improving dissolution of pioglitazone
hydrochloride from a preparation coated with pioglitazone
hydrochloride, which comprises, when producing said
preparation, coating with an aqueous dispersion of pioglitazone
hydrochloride comprising a coating material having a low
viscosity;
12) a coated preparation obtained according to the production
method of the aforementioned 1), which releases not less than
50% of pioglitazone hydrochloride in 15 minutes in a
dissolution test by a rotating basket method using a
hydrochloric acid-potassium chloride buffer (pH 2.0) as a test
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solution at 37°C, 100 rpm;
13) a coated preparation obtained according to the production
method of the aforementioned 1), which releases not less than
50% of pioglitazone hydrochloride in 15 minutes in a
dissolution test by a paddle method using a hydrochloric acid-
potassium chloride buffer (pH 2.0) as a test solution at 37°C,
50 rpm; and the like.
The average particle size of pioglitazone hydrochloride
used in the present invention is preferably 0.5-500 m, more
preferably 1-150 m.
The aqueous dispersion to be used in the present
invention may be an aqueous solution or an aqueous suspension.
The concentration of pioglitazone hydrochloride in an
aqueous dispersion is, for example, 1 - 25% (W/W), preferably 1
- 15% (W/W). A concentration of these ranges is preferable
from the aspects of coating workability, content uniformity of
pioglitazone hydrochloride in the obtained coated preparation
and the like.
An "aqueous dispersion of pioglitazone hydrochloride"
(hereinafter sometimes to be abbreviated as a dispersion of the
present invention) contains a coating material having a low
viscosity.
As used herein, by the coating material having a low
viscosity is meant, for example, a coating material whose 5%
(W/V) aqueous solution has a viscosity of not more than 35 mPa-
s (preferably not more than 30 mPa.s, more preferably not more
than 25 mPa.s) at 20°C. The viscosity of the coating material
may vary when concentration of the coating material in an
aqueous solution, measurement conditions such as measurement
temperature and the like are different. When the measurement
conditions are different, all coating materials having a
viscosity value within the aforementioned viscosity range on
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conversion to the viscosity of a 5% (W/V) aqueous solution at
20°C are encompassed in the "coating material having a low
viscosity" of the present invention.
As the coating material having a low viscosity", for
example, hydroxypropyl cellulose (Grade:SL, SSL (trademark);
Nippon Soda Co., Ltd.); hydroxypropyl methylcellulose
(Grade:MW, E, EW (trademark); Shin-Etsu Chemical Co.,
Ltd.)(Grade:E-3 (trademark); Nippon Soda Co., Ltd.); a premix
(Grade: SSM (trademark), Nippon Soda Co., Ltd.) of
hydroxypropyl cellulose (grade:SSL, Nippon Soda Co., Ltd.) and
hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (Grade:E-3); Polyvinyl alcohol-
polyethylene glycol graft copolymer [Kollicoat IR (trademark),
BASF, Germany] and the like can be mentioned.
The above-mentioned coating material may be a mixture of
two or more kinds thereof in an appropriate ratio. When a
coating material mixture obtained by combining one or more
kinds selected from the above-mentioned coating materials and
one or more kinds of coating materials having high viscosity at
an appropriate ratio is a "coating material whose 5% (W/V)
aqueous solution has a viscosity of not more than 35 mPa.s at
20°C", this mixture can be used as "a coating material having a
low viscosity" of the present invention. As used herein, by
the "coating material having high viscosity" is meant, for
example, a coating material whose 5% (W/V) aqueous solution has
a viscosity of more than 35 mPa.s at 20°C. Specific examples
thereof include hydroxypropyl cellulose (Grade: L (trademark);
Nippon Soda Co., Ltd.)(Grade: Klucel EF, Klucel LF (trademark);
Aqualon (USA)); hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (Grade: R
(trademark); Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd.); and the like.
A coating material having a low viscosity preferably
includes hydroxypropyl cellulose SL (viscosity of 5% aqueous
solution at 20°C: about 24mPa.s; and/or viscosity of 2% aqueous
solution at 20°C: 3.0 - 5.9 mPa.s), hydroxypropyl cellulose SSL
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(viscosity of 5% aqueous solution at 20°C: about 8 mPa.s;
and/or, viscosity of 2% aqueous solution at 20°C: 2.0 - 2.9 mPa.
s), Polyvinyl alcohol-polyethylene glycol graft copolymer
[Kollicoat IR (trademark), BASF, Germany](viscosity of 5%
aqueous solution at 20°C: about 18 mPa.s) and the like.
A coating material having a low viscosity may be
dissolved or suspended in the dispersion of the present
invention. For efficient production of a coated preparation
superior in content uniformity of pioglitazone hydrochloride
and strength of the preparation, the coating material is
preferably dissolved in the dispersion of the present
invention.
The dispersion of the present invention may further
contain a coating additive. As the coating additive, for
example, shading agents and/or coloring agents such as titanium
oxide, talc, ferric oxide and the like; plasticizers such as
polyethylene glycol, triethyl citrate, castor oil, polysorbates
and the like; organic acids such as citric acid, tartaric acid,
malic acid, ascorbic acid and the like; lactose, D-mannitol,
low-substituted hydroxypropyl cellulose, carmellose calcium,
crospovidone and the like can be mentioned.
When the coating additive is not water soluble, the
average particle size thereof is preferably not more than 500
m, more preferably not more than 150 m, particularly
preferably not more than 75 m. When a coating additive having
such average particle size is used, a coated preparation
superior in content uniformity of pioglitazone hydrochloride
and strength of the preparation can be obtained efficiently.
The concentration of the coating material having a low
viscosity in the dispersion of the present invention is, for
example, 1-30% (W/W), preferably 1-25% (W/W), more preferable
2-25% (W/W). Concentrations in these ranges are preferable in
view of coating workability, content uniformity of pioglitazone
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hydrochloride in the obtained coated preparation, and the like.
The concentration of the coating additive in the
dispersion of the present invention is, for example, 0.2-35%
(W/W), preferably 0.2-30% (W/W), more preferable 0.5-15% (W/W).
Concentrations in these ranges are preferable in view of
coating workability, content uniformity of pioglitazone
hydrochloride in the obtained coated preparation, and the like.
As the core to be coated with an aqueous dispersion of
pioglitazone hydrochloride comprising a coating material having
a low viscosity (hereinafter sometimes to be abbreviated as a
core of the present invention), for example, solid preparations
such as tablet, capsule, granule, powder, troche and the like
can be mentioned. The solid preparation may be a controlled
release preparation such as immediate release preparation,
release sustaining preparation (sustained release preparation)
and the like. The solid preparation may contain a conventional
additive in the field of pharmaceutical preparation and can be
also produced according to a known method. As the additive,
for example, excipient, disintegrant, binder, lubricant,
coloring agent, pH regulator, surfactant, release-sustaining
agent, stabilizer, sour agent, flavor, glidant and the like can
be mentioned. These additives are used in an amount
conventionally employed in the field of pharmaceutical
preparation.
As the excipient, for example, starches such as corn
starch, potato starch, wheat starch, rice starch, partly
pregelatinized starch, pregelatinized starch, porous starch and
the like; sugars and sugar alcohols such as lactose, fructose,
glucose, D-mannitol, sorbitol and the like; anhydrous calcium
phosphate, crystalline cellulose, precipitated calcium
carbonate, calcium silicate and the like can be mentioned.
As the disintegrant, for example, carboxymethyl
cellulose, calcium carboxymethyl cellulose, sodium
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carboxymethyl starch, croscarmellose sodium, crospovidone, low-
substituted hydroxypropyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl starch and
the like are used. The amount of the disintegrant to be used
is preferably 0.5-25 parts by weight, more preferably 1-15
parts by weight, per 100 parts by weight of the solid
preparation.
As the binder, for example, crystalline cellulose,
hydroxypropyl cellulose, hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose,
polyvinylpyrrolidone, gum arabic powder and the like can be
mentioned. The amount of the binder to be used is preferably
0.1-50 parts by weight, more preferably 0.5-40 parts by weight,
per 100 parts by weight of the solid preparation.
Preferable examples of the lubricant include magnesium
stearate, calcium stearate, talc, sucrose esters of fatty
acids, sodium stearyl fumarate and the like.
As the coloring agent, for example, food colors such as
Food Yellow No. 5, Food Red No. 2, Food Blue No. 2 and the
like, food lake colors, ferric oxide and the like can be
mentioned.
As the pH regulator, citrate, phosphate, carbonate,
tartrate, fumarate, acetate, amino acid salt and the like can
be mentioned.
As the surfactant, sodium lauryl sulfate, polysorbate
80, polyoxyethylene (160) polyoxypropylene (30) glycol and the
like can be mentioned.
As the release-sustaining agent, for example, cellulose
polymers such as hydroxypropyl cellulose, hydroxypropylmethyl
cellulose (preferably hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose 2910,
hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose 2208 and the like), cellulose
acetate (preferably cellulose acetate having an acetyl content
of 39.3-40%), cellulose diacetate, cellulose triacetate,
cellulose acetate propionate, ethyl cellulose, sodium
carboxymethyl cellulose, crystalline cellulose sodium
8

carboxymethyl cellulose and the like; sodium alginate,
carboxyvinyl polymer; acrylic acid polymers such as
aminoalkylmethacrylate copolymer RS [Eudragit RS (trademark),
Rohm Pharma], ethyl acrylate-methyl methacrylate copolymer
suspension [Eudragit NE (trademark), Rohm Pharma] and the like;
and the like can be mentioned. The release-sustaining agent
may contain, for example, flux enhancers (e.g., sodium
chloride, potassium chloride, sucrose, sorbitol, D-mannitol,
polyethylene glycol (preferably polyethylene glycol 400 and the
like), propylene glycol, hydroxypropyl cellulose,
hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose, hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose
phthalate, cellulose acetate phthalate, polyvinyl alcohol,
methacrylic acid polymer), plasticizers (e.g., triacetin,
acetylated monoglyceride, grape seed oil, olive oil, sesame
oil, acetyltributyl citrate, acetyltriethyl citrate, glycerin
sorbitol, diethyl oxalate, diethyl maleate, diethyl fumarate,
dibutyl succinate, diethyl malonate, dioctyl phthalate, dibutyl
sebacate, triethyl citrate, tributyl citrate, glycerol
tributyrate) and the like. Preferable examples of the release-
sustaining agent include (1) a semipermeable membrane coating
containing cellulose acetate (preferably cellulose acetate
having an acetyl content of 39.3-40%), polyethylene glycol
(preferably polyethylene glycol 400 and the like) and
triacetin; (2) a release-sustaining composition containing
sodium carboxymethyl cellulose, hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose
2910, hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose 2208 and microcrystalline
cellulose; and the like.
As the stabilizer, for example, tocopherol, tetrasodium
edetate, nicotinamide, cyclodextrins and the like can be
mentioned.
As the sour agent, for example, ascorbic acid, citric
acid, tartaric acid, malic acid and the like can be mentioned.
As the flavor, for example, menthol, peppermint oil,
9

lemon oil, vanillin and the like can be mentioned.
As the glidant, for example, light anhydrous silicic
acid, hydrated silicon dioxide and the like can be mentioned.
The above-mentioned additives may be used in a mixture
of two or more kinds thereof in an appropriate ratio.
The core of the present invention preferably contains an
active ingredient. As used herein, as the active ingredient,
therapeutic agents for diabetes, therapeutic agents for
diabetic complications, therapeutic agents for hyperlipidemia,
antihypertensive agents, antiobesity agents, diuretics,
antithrombotic agents and the like can be mentioned. These
active ingredients may be a low-molecular-weight compound, a
high-molecular-weight protein, polypeptide or antibody, a
vaccine or the like. The active ingredient may be a mixture of
two or more kinds of components in an appropriate ratio.
Use of a core containing an active ingredient as the
core of the present invention in this way affords superior
effects such as 1) enhancing the action of pioglitazone
hydrochloride or an active ingredient (synergistic effect on
the action of pharmaceutical agent), 2) reducing the dose of
pioglitazone hydrochloride or an active ingredient (effect of
reducing the dose of pharmaceutical agent as compared to a
single drug administration), 3) reducing the secondary action
(e.g., body weight gain action, ketosis, acidosis) of
pioglitazone hydrochloride or an active ingredient, and the
like.
Examples of the therapeutic agents for diabetes include
insulin preparations (e.g., animal insulin preparations
extracted from the pancreas of cattle, swine; human insulin
preparations synthesized by genetic engineering techniques
using Escherichia coli or yeast; zinc insulin; protamine zinc
insulin; fragments or derivatives of insulin (e.g., INS-1 etc.)
and the like), insulin sensitizers (e.g., pioglitazone or its
10

salt (preferable hydrochloride) , rosiglitazone or its salt
(preferable maleate), GI-262570, reglixane (JTT-501),
netoglitazone (MCC-555), YM-440, KRP-297, CS-011, FK-614,
compounds described in WO99/58510 (e.g., (E)-4-[4-(5-methyl-2-
phenyl-4-oxazolylmethoxy)benzyloxyimino]-4-phenylbutyric acid),
ragaglitazar (NN-622), tesaglitazar (AZ-242), BMS-298585, ONO-
5816, LM-4156, BM-13-1258, MBX-102, GW-1536, LY-519818 etc.),
-glucosidase inhibitors (e.g., voglibose, acarbose, miglitol,
emiglitate etc.), biguanides (e.g., phenformin, metformin,
buformin, or a salt thereof (e.g., hydrochloride, fumarate,
succinate) etc.), insulin secretagogues [sulfonylureas (e.g.,
tolbutamide, glibenclamide, gliclazide, chlorpropamide,
tolazamide, acetohexamide, glyclopyramide, glimepiride,
glipizide, glybuzole etc.), repaglinide, nateglinide,
mitiglinide or calcium salt hydrate thereof, GLP-1 etc.],
dipeptidylpeptidase IV inhibitors (e.g., NVP-DPP-278, PT-100,
NVP-DDP-728, LAF237, etc.), 3 agonists {e.g., CL-316243, SR-
58611-A, UL-TG-307, SB-226552, AJ-9677, BMS-196085, AZ-40140
etc.), amylin agonists (e.g., pramlintide etc.),
phosphotyrosine phosphatase inhibitors (e.g., sodium vanadate
etc.), gluconeogenesis inhibitors (e.g., glycogen phosphorylase
inhibitors, glucose-6-phosphatse inhibitors, glucagon
antagonists etc.) and SGLUT {sodium-glucose cotransporter)
inhibitors (e.g., T-1095 etc.).
Examples of the therapeutic agents for diabetic
complications include aldose reductase inhibitors (e.g.,
tolrestat, epalrestat, zenarestat, zopolrestat, minalrestat,
fidarestat (SNK-860), CT-112 etc.), neurotrophic factors (e.g.,
NGF, NT-3, BDNF etc.), neurotrophin production-secretion
promoters [e.g., neurotrophin production-secretion promoters
described in WO01/14372 (e.g., 4- (4-chlorophenyl)-2-(2-methy1-
1-imidazolyl)-5-(3-(2-methylphenoxy)propyl)oxazole and the
like)], PKC inhibitors {e.g., LY-333531 etc.), AGE inhibitors
11

(e.g., ALT946, pimagedine, pyratoxanthine, N-phenacylthiazolium
bromide (ALT766), EXO-226 etc.), active oxygen scavengers
(e.g., thioctic acid etc.) and cerebral vasodilators (e.g.,
tiapride, mexiletine etc.).
Examples of the therapeutic agents for hyperlipidemia
include HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors (e.g., pravastatin,
simvastatin, lovastatin, atorvastatin, fluvastatin, lipantil,
cerivastatin, itavastatin, rosuvastatin (ZD-4522), or their
salts (e.g., sodium salts, calcium salts, etc.), etc.), fibrate
compounds (e.g., bezafibrate, beclofibrate, binifibrate,
cyprofibrate, clinofibrate, clofibrate, clofibric acid,
etofibrate, fenofibrate, gemfibrozil, nicofibrate, pirifibrate,
ronifibrate, simfibrate, theofibrate etc.), squalene synthase
inhibitors (e.g., compounds described in WO97/10224 (e.g., 1-
[[(3R,5S)-1-(3-acetoxy-2,2-dimethylpropyl)-7-chloro-5-(2,3-
dimethoxypheny1)-2-oxo-l,2,3,5-tetrahydro-4,l-benzooxazepin-3-
yl]acetyl]piperidine-4-acetic acid, etc.), ACAT inhibitors
{e.g., Avasimibe, Eflucimibe etc.), anion exchange resins
(e.g., colestyramine etc.), probucol, nicotinic acid drugs
(e.g., nicomol, niceritrol etc.), ethyl icosapentate, plant
sterols (e.g., soysterol, -oryzanol etc.) and the like.
Examples of the antihypertensive agents include
angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors (e.g., captopril,
enalapril, delapril etc.), angiotensin II antagonists (e.g.,
candesartan cilexetil, losartan, eprosartan, valsartan,
telmisartan, irbesartan, tasosartan etc.), calcium antagonists
(e.g., manidipine, nifedipine, nicardipine, amlodipine,
efonidipine etc.), potassium channel openers (e.g.,
levcromakalim, L-27152, AL 0671, NIP-121 etc.), clonidine and
the like.
Examples of the antiobesity agents include antiobesity
agents acting on the central nervous system (e.g.,
dexfenfluramine, fenfluramine, phentermine, sibutramine,
12

amfepramone, dexamphetamine, mazindol, phenylpropanolamine,
clobenzorex etc.), pancreatic lipase inhibitors {e.g., orlistat
etc.), 3 agonists (e.g., CL-316243, SR-58611-A, UL-TG-307, SB-
226552, AJ-9677, BMS-196085, AZ-40140 etc.), peptidic
anorexiants (e.g., leptin, CNTF (Ciliary Neurotropic Factor)
etc.), cholecystokinin agonists (e.g., lintitript, FPL-15849
etc.) and the like.
Examples of the diuretics include xanthine derivatives
(e.g., sodium salicylate and theobromine, calcium salicylate
and theobromine etc.), thiazide preparations (e.g., ethiazide,
cyclopenthiazide, trichloromethyazide, hydrochlorothiazide,
hydroflumethiazide, benzylhydrochlorothiazide, penflutizide,
polythiazide, methyclothiazide etc.), antialdosterone
preparations (e.g., spironolactone, triamterene etc.),
carbonate dehydratase inhibitors (e.g., acetazolamide etc.),
chlorobenzenesulfonamide preparations (e.g., chlortalidone,
mefruside, indapamide etc.), azosemide, isosorbide, etacrynic
acid, piretanide, bumetanide, furosemide and the like.
Examples of the antithrombotic agents include heparin
(e.g., heparin sodium, heparin calcium, dalteparin sodium
etc.), warfarin (e.g., warfarin potassium etc.), anti-thrombin
drugs (e.g., aragatroban etc.), thrombolytic agents (e.g.,
urokinase, tisokinase, alteplase, nateplase, monteplase,
pamiteplase etc.), platelet aggregation inhibitors (e.g.,
ticlopidine hydrochloride, cilostazol, ethyl icosapentate,
beraprost sodium, sarpogrelate hydrochloride etc.) and the
like.
The active ingredient is preferably a therapeutic agent
for diabetes, more preferably a biguanide, particularly
preferably metformin or a salt thereof (preferably metformin
hydrochloride).
In addition, as the active ingredient, a therapeutic
agent for hyperlipidemia is also preferable. The therapeutic
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agent for hyperlipidemia is more preferably an HMG-CoA
reductase inhibitor. Particularly, simvastatin and the like
are preferable.
The amount of the active ingredient in the core of the
present invention is, for example, 0.1-100 parts by weight,
preferably 1-99 parts by weight, per 100 parts by weight of the
core of the present invention.
The core of the present invention is preferably a tablet
containing an active ingredient (preferably a therapeutic agent
for diabetes, more preferably a biguanide, particularly
preferably metformin hydrochloride). The shape of the tablet
may be any from round, caplet, oblong and the like. The tablet
can be produced by, for example, mixing or granulating the
active ingredient with the aforementioned additives, and then
compression-molding the obtained mixture or granules after
mixing, according to methods conventionally employed in the
field of pharmaceutical preparation.
Here, mixing is done using, for example, a mixer such as
a V-type mixer, a tumbler mixer and the like, and granulation
20 is done using, for example, a high speed mixer granulator, a
fluid bed granulator and the like. For compression-molding,
punching is done generally at a pressure of 5-35 kN/cm2 using a
single punch tableting machine, rotary tableting machine and
the like.
25 When the active ingredient contained in the core of the
present invention is not a pharmaceutical agent for a single
administration per day (e.g., in the case of a pharmaceutical
agent for administration twice or three times a day), the core
containing said active ingredient is preferably a sustained
release preparation.
When the compatibility of pioglitazone hydrochloride and
active ingredient contained in the core of the present
invention is poor, the core containing the active ingredient
14

may be coated with the aforementioned coating material and the
like.
The core of the present invention is more preferably a
sustained release preparation (preferably tablet) containing a
biguanide (preferably metformin hydrochloride). As such
preparation, for example, a controlled release pharmaceutical
agent tablet described in WO99/47125, a two-layer controlled
release delivery system described in WO99/47128, a controlled
release oral pharmaceutical agent described in USP6340475 and
the like can be mentioned.
As a sustained release preparation containing a
biguanide,
(1) a biguanide-containing tablet coated with a semipermeable
membrane coating, which contains cellulose acetate (preferably
cellulose acetate having an acetyl content of 39.3-40%),
polyethylene glycol (preferably polyethylene glycol 400 and the
like) and triacetin (said semipermeable membrane coating may
have a hole or pore);
(2) a tablet obtained by mixing a release-sustaining
composition containing sodium carboxymethyl cellulose,
hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose 2910, hydroxypropylmethyl
cellulose 2208 and crystalline cellulose with a biguanide, and
then compression-molding the mixture, and the like are
preferable.
In the production method of the present invention, the
coating is done according to known methods. For example,
coating is done using a film coating equipment.
In addition, coating is done such that the core of the
present invention is generally 50-99 parts by weight,
preferably 70-99 parts by weight, more preferably 70-98 parts
by weight, per 100 parts by weight of the obtained coated
preparation.
Furthermore, the "preparation coated with pioglitazone
15

hydrochloride" obtained according to the production method of
the present invention (hereinafter sometimes to be abbreviated
as a coated preparation of the present invention) may be coated
with the aim of improving preparation strength, improving a
bitter taste, increasing light resistance, coloring and the
like of the coated preparation. Such coating can be applied
according to a known method and using, for example, the
aforementioned coating material and the like.
As the dosage form of the coated preparation of the
present invention, for example, tablet, capsule, granule,
powder, troche and the like can be mentioned. The dosage form
of the coated preparation is preferably a tablet. The shape of
the tablet may be any from round, caplet, oblong and the like.
In addition, a mark or a letter may be printed on the tablet
for identifiability, and a separating line may be made to
facilitate division.
The amount of the active ingredient in the coated
preparation of the present invention is, for example, generally
0.01-99 parts by weight, preferably 0.1-99 parts by weight, per
100 parts by weight of the coated preparation. Particularly,
when the active ingredient is a biguanide (preferably metformin
hydrochloride), the amount of the biguanide in the coated
preparation is, for example, generally 5-98 parts by weight,
preferably 15-96 parts by weight, per 100 parts by weight of
the coated preparation.
The amount of pioglitazone hydrochloride in the coated
preparation of the present invention is, for example, generally
0.01-30 parts by weight, preferably 0.5-25 parts by weight,
more preferably 0.5-10 parts by weight, per 100 parts by weight
of the coated preparation.
The coated preparation of the present invention can be
administered orally and safely to mammals (e.g., mouse, rat,
rabbit, cat, dog, cattle, horse, monkey, human and the like).
16

The coated preparation of the present invention is
superior in the characteristics of the preparation, such as
dissolution property (particularly, dissolution property
immediately after administration to the body or within 15 min.
from the start of a dissolution test) of pioglitazone
hydrochloride and the like, and is useful as a prophylactic or
therapeutic agent for, for example, diabetes (e.g., type-1
diabetes, type-2 diabetes, gestational diabetes etc.),
hyperlipidemia (e.g., hypertriglyceridemia,
hypercholesterolemia, hypo-HDL-emia, postprandial
hyperlipidemia etc.), impaired glucose tolerance [IGT (Impaired
Glucose Tolerance)], diabetic complications [e.g., neuropathy,
nephropathy, retinopathy, cataract, macroangiopathy,
osteopenia, hyperosmolar diabetic coma, infectious disease
(e.g., respiratory infection, urinary tract infection,
gastrointestinal infection, dermal soft tissue infections,
inferior limb infection etc.), diabetic gangrene, xerostomia,
hypacusis, cerebrovascular disorder, peripheral blood
circulation disorder etc.], obesity, osteoporosis, cachexia
(e.g., cancerous cachexia, tuberculous cachexia, diabetic
cachexia, blood disease cachexia, endocrine disease cachexia,
infectious disease cachexia or cachexia due to acquired
immunodeficiency syndrome), fatty liver, hypertension,
polycystic ovary syndrome, kidney disease (e.g., diabetic
nephropathy, glomerular nephritis, glomerulosclerosis,
nephrotic syndrome, hypertensive nephrosclerosis, end stage
kidney disease etc.), muscular dystrophy, myocardial
infarction, angina pectoris, cerebrovascular accident (e.g.,
cerebral infarction, cerebral apoplexy), insulin resistance
syndrome. Syndrome X, hyperinsulinemia, hyperinsulinemia-
induced sensory disorder, tumor (e.g., leukemia, breast cancer,
prostate cancer, skin cancer etc.), irritable bowel syndrome,
acute or chronic diarrhea, inflammatory diseases [e.g.,
17

Alzheimer's disease, chronic rheumatoid arthritis, spondylitis
deformans, osteoarthritis cleformans, lumbagor pain, gout,
postoperative or traumatic inflammation, remission of tumentia,
neuralgia, pharyngolaryngitis, cystitis, hepatitis (inclusive
of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis), pneumonia, pancreatitis,
inflammatory bowel disease, ulcerative colitis, etc.], visceral
obesity syndrome, arteriosclerosis (e.g., atherosclerosis
etc.) and the like.
The coated preparation of the present invention is also
useful for the secondary prevention (e.g., secondary prevention
of cardiovascular event such as myocardial infarction etc.) and
suppression of progression (e.g., suppression of progression of
impaired glucose tolerance into diabetes, suppression of
progression of arteriosclerosis in diabetic patients) of the
above-mentioned various diseases.
The dose of the coated preparation of the present
invention is 7.5-60 mg/day, preferably 15-60 mg/day, more
preferably 15-45 mg/day, based on the amount of pioglitazone
hydrochloride, for an adult (body weight 60 kg).
When the coated preparation of the present invention is
obtained using a core containing an active ingredient, the
coated preparation preferably contains an effective amount of
the active ingredient. For example, the effective amount when
the active ingredient is a biguanide (preferably metformin
hydrochloride) is 125-2550 mg/day, preferably 250-2550 mg/day,
for an adult (body weight 60 kg). Furthermore, an effective
amount when the active ingredient is an HMG-CoA reductase
inhibitor (preferably simvastatin, atorvastatin calcium,
fluvastatin sodium) is 1 - 100 mg/day, preferably 5-80
mg/day, per an adult (body weight 60 kg).
The coated preparation of the present invention may be
used in combination with one or more pharmaceutical agents
selected from therapeutic agents for diabetes, therapeutic
18

agents for diabetic complications, therapeutic agents for
hyperlipiciemia, antihypertensive agents, antiobesity agents,
diuretics, antithrombotic agents and the like (hereinafter
sometimes to be abbreviated as a concomitant drug). As such
concomitant drugs, those exemplified above as the active
ingredient can be used. The time of administration of the
coated preparation of the present invention and that Of the
concomitant drug are not limited, and they may be administered
Simultaneously or at staggered times to the administration
subject The dose of the concomitant drug can be appropriately
determined based on the dose clinically employed. In addition,
the mixing ratio of the coated preparation of the present
invention and the concomitant drug can be appropriately
determined according to the administration subject,
administration route, target disease, condition, combination,
and the like. For example, when the administration subject is
a human, the concomitant drug may be used in an amount of 0.01
to 100 parts by weight per 1 part by weight of the coated
preparation.
Use of the concomitant drug in this way provides superior
effects such as 1) enhancing the action of the coated
preparation of the present invention or the concomitant drug
(synergistic effect on the action of the pharmaceutical
agents), 2) reducing the dose of the coated preparation of the
present invention or the concomitant drug (effect of reducing
the dose of pharmaceutical agents as compared to a single drug
administration), 3) reducing the secondary action (e.g., body
weight gain action, ketosis, acidosis) of the coated
preparation of the present invention or the concomitant drug,
and the like.
The present invention further relates to "a method for
improving dissolution of pioglitazone hydrochloride from a
preparation coated with pioglitazone hydrochloride, which
19

comprises, when producing said preparation, coating with an
aqueous dispersion of pioglitazone hydrochloride comprising a
coating material having a low viscosity".
Use o£ the production method of the present invention
when producing a preparation coated with pioglitazone
hydrochloride can afford a coated preparation superior in the
dissolution property (particularly, dissolution property
immediately after administration to the body or within 15 min.
from the start of a dissolution test) of pioglitazone
hydrochloride.
The present invention moreover relates to "a coated
preparation obtained according to the production method of the
present invention, which releases not less than 50% of
pioglitazone hydrochloride in 15 minutes in a dissolution test
by a rotating basket method using a hydrochloric acid-potassium
chloride buffer (pH 2.0) as a test solution at 37°C, 100 rpm".
As used herein, the dissolution test is performed according to
the method described in The Japanese Pharmacopoeia 14th
Edition. The "hydrochloric acid-potassium chloride buffer (pH
2.0)" used as a test solution can be prepared according to a
known method. The amount of the hydrochloric acid-potassium
chloride buffer used as a test solution is generally 900 mL.
The "coated preparation obtained according to the
production method of the present invention, which releases not
less than 50% of pioglitazone hydrochloride in 15 minutes in a
dissolution test by a rotating basket method using a
hydrochloric acid-potassium chloride buffer (pH 2.0) as a test
solution at 37°C, 100 rpm" can be administered orally and
safely to mammals (e.g., mouse, rat, rabbit, cat, dog, bovine,
horse, monkey, human and the like) in the same manner as the
aforementioned coated preparation of the present invention,
wherein the target disease, dose and the like are the same as
those in the aforementioned coated preparation of the present
20

invention.
The present invention moreover relates to "a coated
preparation obtained according to the production method of the
present invention, which releases not less than 50% of
pioglitazone hydrochloride in 15 minutes in a dissolution test
by a paddle method using a hydrochloric acid-potassium chloride
buffer (pH 2.0) as a test solution at 37°C, 50 rpm". As used
herein, the dissolution test is performed according to the
method described in The Japanese Pharmacopoeia 14th Edition.
The Mhydrochloric acid-potassium chloride buffer (pH 2.0)" used
as a test solution can be prepared according to a known method.
The amount of the hydrochloric acid-potassium chloride buffer
used as a test solution is generally 900 mL.
The "coated preparation obtained according to the
production method of the present invention, which releases not
less than 50% of pioglitazone hydrochloride in 15 minutes in a
dissolution test by a paddle method using a hydrochloric acid-
potassium chloride buffer (pH 2.0) as a test solution at 37°C,
50 rpm" can be administered orally and safely to mammals (e.g.,
mouse, rat, rabbit, cat, dog, bovine, horse, monkey, human and
the like) in the same manner as the aforementioned coated
preparation of the present invention, wherein the target
disease, dose and the like are the same as those in the
aforementioned coated preparation of the present invention.
The present invention is explained in detail in the
following by referring to Examples, Reference Examples,
Comparative Examples and Experimental Examples, which are not
to be construed as limitative.
As the preparation additives (e.g., D-mannitol, corn
starch, hydroxypropyl cellulose, magnesium stearate,
microcrystalline cellulose, lactose, hydroxypropyl
methylcellulose, polyethylene glycol 6000, titanium oxide, low-
substituted hydroxypropyl cellulose, talc,
21

carboxymethylcellulose calcium) used in the following Examples,
Reference Examples and Comparative Examples, those capable of
meeting the standards of The Japanese Pharmacopoeia 14th
Edition were used. As triethyl citrate, yellow ferric oxide,
ferric oxide and the aqueous ethylcellulose dispersion, those
capable of meeting the standards of Japanese Pharmaceutical
Excipients (1998) were used.
Example 1
Hydroxypropyl cellulose (26.4 g, Grade SSL, Nippon Soda
Co., Ltd.) (viscosity of 5% aqueous solution at 20°C: 8 mPa.s),
polyethylene giycol 6000 (1.32 g), titanium oxide (2.64 g) and
pioglitazone hydrochloride (16.5 g) were dispersed in water
(297 g) to give a coating solution.
The tablets (300 g) obtained in Reference Example 1 were
fed in a film coating equipment (Hicoater-Mini, Freund
Industrial Co. Ltd.) and coated with the aforementioned coating
solution at an inlet temperature of 70°C to give a coated
preparation weighing 260.9 mg per tablet.
Example 2
Hydroxypropyl cellulose (24 g. Grade SL, Nippon Soda
Co., Ltd.) (viscosity of 5% aqueous solution at 20°C: 24 mPa.
s), polyethylene glycol 6000 (1.2 g), titanium oxide (2.4 g)
and pioglitazone hydrochloride (15 g) were dispersed in water
(344.7 g) to give a coating solution.
The tablets (250 g) obtained in Reference Example 2 were
fed in a film coating equipment (Hicoater-Mini, Freund
Industrial Co. Ltd.) and coated with the aforementioned coating
solution at an inlet temperature of 75°C to give a coated
preparation weighing 381 mg per tablet.
Example 3
Hydroxypropyl cellulose (24 g. Grade SSL, Nippon Soda
Co., Ltd.) (viscosity of 5% aqueous solution at 20°C: 8 mPa.s),
polyethylene glycol 6000 (1.2 g), titanium oxide (2.4 g) and
22

pioglitazone hydrochloride (15 g) were dispersed in water
(344.7 g) to give a coating solution.
The tablets (250 g) obtained in Reference Example 2 were
fed in a film coating equipment (Hicoater-Mini, Freund
Industrial Co. Ltd.) and coated with the aforementioned coating
solution at an inlet temperature of 75°C to give a coated
preparation weighing 382 mg per tablet.
Example 4
Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (24 g, Grade MW, Shin-Etsu
Chemical Co., Ltd.) (viscosity of 5% aqueous solution at 20°C:
21 mPa.s), polyethylene glycol 6000 (1.2 g), titanium oxide
(2.4 g) and pioglitazone hydrochloride (15 g) were dispersed in
water (310 g) to give a coating solution.
The tablets (250 g) obtained in Reference Example 2 were
fed in a film coating equipment (Hicoater-Mini, Freund
Industrial Co. Ltd.) and coated with the aforementioned coating
solution at an inlet temperature of 70°C to give a coated
preparation weighing 382 mg per tablet.
Example 5
Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (24 g. Grade EW, Shin-Etsu
Chemical Co., Ltd.) (viscosity of 5% aqueous solution at 20°C:
12 mPa.s), polyethylene glycol 6000 (1.2 g), titanium oxide
{2.4 g) and pioglitazone hydrochloride (15 g) were dispersed in
water (344.7 g) to give a coating solution.
The tablets (250 g) obtained in Reference Example 2 were
fed in a film coating equipment (Hicoater-Mini, Freund
Industrial Co. Ltd.) and coated with the aforementioned coating
solution at an inlet temperature of 70°C to give a coated
preparation weighing 382 mg per tablet.
Example 6
Polyvinyl alcohol-polyethylene glycol graft copolymer
(trademark: Kollicoat IR, 24 g, BASF, Germany) (viscosity of 5%
aqueous solution at 20°C: 18 mPa.s) , titanium oxide (2.4 g) and
23

pioglitazone hydrochloride (15 g) were dispersed in water (200
g) to give a coating solution.
The tablets (250 g) obtained in Reference Example 2 were
fed in a film coating equipment (Hicoater-Mini, Freund
Industrial Co. Ltd.) and coated with the aforementioned coating
solution at an inlet temperature of 75°C to give a coated
preparation weighing 380.5 mg per tablet.
Example 7
Hydroxypropyl cellulose (48.0 g. Grade SL, Nippon Soda
Co., Ltd.) (viscosity of 5% aqueous solution at 20°C: 24 mPa-
s), polyethylene glycol 6000 (2.4 g), titanium oxide (4.8 g)
and pioglitazone hydrochloride (30.0 g) were dispersed in water
(540 g) to give a coating solution.
The tablets (250 g) obtained in Reference Example 4 were
fed in a film coating equipment (Hicoater-Mini, Freund
Industrial Co. Ltd.) and coated with the aforementioned coating
solution at an inlet temperature of 90°C to give a coated
preparation weighing 459 mg per tablet.
Example 8
Polyvinyl alcohol-polyethylene glycol graft copolymer
(trademark: Kollicoat IR, 48.0 g, BASF, Germany) (viscosity of
5% aqueous solution at 20°C: 18 mPa.s), polyethylene glycol
6000 (2.4 g), titanium oxide (4.8 g) and pioglitazone
hydrochloride (30.0 g) were dispersed in water (540 g) to give
a coating solution.
The tablets (250 g) obtained in Reference Example 4 were
fed in a film coating equipment (Hicoater-Mini, Freund
Industrial Co. Ltd.) and coated with the aforementioned coating
solution at an inlet temperature of 90°C to give a coated
preparation weighing 461 mg per tablet.
Example 9
Polyvinyl alcohol-polyethylene glycol graft copolymer
(trademark: Kollicoat IR, 18.0 g, BASF, Germany) (viscosity of
24

5% aqueous solution at 20°C: 18 mPa.s), titanium oxide {1.8 g) ,
low-substituted hydroxypropyl cellulose {trademark: L-HPC 31,
3.6 g, Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd.) and pioglitazone
hydrochloride {11.3 g) were dispersed in water (207 g) to give
a coating solution.
The tablets (30 tablets) obtained in Reference Example 5
and the tablets (240 g, about 800 tablets) obtained in
Reference Example 3 were fed in a film coating equipment
(Hicoater-Mini, Freund Industrial Co. Ltd.) and coated with the
aforementioned coating solution at an inlet temperature of
95°C. From the appearance of the obtained tablets, coated
preparations (479 mg per tablet) containing the tablet obtained
in Reference Example 5 as a core were selected.
Example 10
Hydroxypropyl cellulose (24.0 g. Grade SSL, Nippon Soda
Co., Ltd.) (viscosity of 5% aqueous solution at 20°C: 8 mPa.s),
polyethylene glycol 6000 (1.2 g), titanium oxide (2.4 g) and
pioglitazone hydrochloride (15.0 g) were dispersed in water
(350 g) to give a coating solution.
Glucophage XR tablets (trademark, 30 tablets, sustained
release tablet containing 500 mg of metformin
hydrochloride)(Bristol-Myers Squibb Company) and the tablets
(250 g) obtained in Reference Example 3 were fed in a film
coating equipment (Hicoater-Mini, Freund Industrial Co. Ltd.)
and coated with the aforementioned coating solution at an inlet
temperature of 70°C. From the appearance of the obtained
tablets, coated preparations (weight per tablet: 1.086 g)
containing the Glucophage XR tablet as a core and containing
metformin hydrochloride 500 mg/pioglitazone hydrochloride 16.53
mg per tablet were selected.
Example 11
Polyvinyl alcohol-polyethylene glycol graft copolymer
(trademark: Kollicoat IR, 36.0 g, BASF, Germany) (viscosity of
25

5% aqueous solution at 20°C: 18 mPa.s) , titanium oxide (3.6 g)
and pioglitazone hydrochloride (22.5 g) were dispersed in water
(300 g) to give a coating solution.
Glucophage XR tablets (trademark, 30 tablets, sustained
release tablet containing 500 mg of metformin
hydrochloride)(manufactured by Bristol-Myers Squibb Company)
and the tablets (250 g) obtained in Reference Example 3 were
fed in a film coating equipment (Hicoater-Mini, Freund
Industrial Co. Ltd.) and coated with the aforementioned coating
solution at an inlet temperature of 70°C. From the appearance
of the obtained tablets, coated preparations (weight per
tablet: 1.082 g) containing the Glucophage XR tablet as a core
and containing metformin hydrochloride 500 mg/pioglitazone
hydrochloride 16.53 mg per tablet were obtained.
Example 12
Hydroxypropyl cellulose (24.0 g. Grade SL, Nippon Soda
Co., Ltd.) (viscosity of 5% aqueous solution at 20°C: 24 mPa-
s), polyethylene glycol 6000 (1.2 g), titanium oxide (2.4 g)
and pioglitazone hydrochloride (15.0 g) were dispersed in water
(350 g) to give a coating solution.
Lipovas tablet 20 (trademark, 30 tablets, Banyu
Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., major axis 14.0 mm, minor axis 7.5
mm, weight 400 mg) containing simvastatin as an active
ingredient and the tablets (250 g) obtained in Reference
Example 9 were fed in a film coating equipment (Hicoater-Mini,
Freund Industrial Co. Ltd.) and coated with the aforementioned
coating solution at an inlet temperature of 70°C. From the
appearance of the obtained tablets, coated preparations (weight
per tablet: 449 mg) containing simvastatin 20 mg/pioglitazone
hydrochloride 17.78 mg per tablet were obtained.
Example 13
Hydroxypropyl cellulose (72 g, Grade SL, Nippon Soda
Co., Ltd.) (viscosity of 5% aqueous solution at 20°C: 24 mPa-
26

s), polyethylene glycol 6000 (3.6 g) , titanium oxide (7.2 g)
and pioglitazone hydrochloride (45 g) were dispersed in water
(1050 g) to give a coating solution.
The tablets (30 tablets) obtained in Reference Example
10 and the tablets (250 g) obtained in Reference Example 9 were
fed in a film coating equipment (Hicoater-Mini, Freund
Industrial Co. Ltd.) and coated with the aforementioned coating
solution at an inlet temperature of 80°C. From the appearance
Of the Obtained tablets, coated preparations (weight per
tablet: 349 mg) containing simvastatin 15 mg/pioglitazone
hydrochloride 16.25 mg per tablet were obtained.
Example 14
Hydroxypropyl cellulose (72 g. Grade SL, Nippon Soda
Co., Ltd.) (viscosity of 5% aqueous solution at 20°C: 24 mPa-
s), polyethylene glycol 6000 (3.6 g), titanium oxide (7.2 g)
and pioglitazone hydrochloride (45 g) were dispersed in water
(1050 g) to give a coating solution.
The tablets (30 tablets) obtained in Reference Example 11
and the tablets (250 g) obtained in Reference Example 9 were
fed in a film coating equipment (Hicoater-Mini, Freund
Industrial Co. Ltd.) and coated with the aforementioned coating
solution at an inlet temperature of 80°C. From the appearance
of the obtained tablets, coated preparations (weight per
tablet: 349 mg) containing atorvastatin calcium 21
mg/pioglitazone hydrochloride 16.93 mg per tablet were
obtained.
Reference Example 1
D-mannitol (2176 g) and corn starch (918 g) were charged
in a fluid bed granulator (FD-3S, manufactured by POWREX
CORPORATION) and granulated while spraying an aqueous solution
(1700 g) containing hydroxypropyl cellulose (102 g), which was
followed by a drying step to give granules. Microcrystalline
cellulose (160.2 g) and magnesium stearate (32 g) were added to
27

the obtained granule powder (3012 g) and mixed. The obtained
granule powder mixture was tableted by a tableting machine
(Correct 19K, manufactured by Kikusui Seisakusho Ltd.){tablet
size: 8.5 ram Φ compression pressure 9KN/punch) to give tablets
weighing 244 mg per tablet.
Reference Example 2
Lactose (2470 g) , corn starch (315 g) and carmellose
calcium (157.5 g) were charged in a fluid bed granulator (FD-
3S, manufactured by POWREX CORPORATION) and granulated while
spraying an aqueous solution (1575 g) containing hydroxypropyl
cellulose (94.5 g) , which was followed by a drying step to give
granules. Carmellose calcium (89.3 g) and magnesium stearate
(17.9 g) were added to the obtained granule powder (2868 g) and
mixed. The obtained granule powder mixture was tableted by a
tableting machine (Correct 19K, manufactured by Kikusui
Seisakusho Ltd.)(tablet size: major axis 12 mm, minor axis 7
mm, compression pressure 15KN/punch) to give tablets weighing
350 mg per tablet.
Reference Example 3
Lactose (1976 g), corn starch (252 g) and
carboxymethylcellulose calcium (126 g) were charged in a fluid
bed granulator (FD-3S, manufactured by POWREX CORPORATION) and
granulated while spraying an aqueous solution (1260 g)
containing hydroxypropyl cellulose (75.6 g), which was followed
by a drying step to give granules. Carboxymethylcellulose
calcium (71.4 g) and magnesium stearate (14.3 g) were added to
the obtained granule powder (2294 g) and mixed. The obtained
granule powder mixture was tableted by a tableting machine
(Correct 19K, manufactured by Kikusui Seisakusho Ltd.) (tablet
size: 9 mm Φ, compression pressure 7KN/punch) to give tablets
weighing 300 mg per tablet.
Reference Example 4
The tablets (400 g) obtained in Reference Example 2 were
28

fed in a film coating equipment (Hicoater-Mini, Freund
Industrial Co. Ltd.), coated with a coating solution containing
aqueous ethylcellulose dispersion (trademark: Aquacoat, Asahi
Kasei Corporation, 148.2 g), talc (2.2 g), triethyl citrate
(13.3 g), yellow ferric oxide (0.36 g) and water (231.1 g) at
an inlet temperature of 90°C, whereby tablets weighing 391 mg
per tablet were obtained. Furthermore, the tablets were Coated
with a solution of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (47.3 g) ,
polyethylene glycol 6000 (9.5 g), titanium oxide (6.3 g) and
ferric oxide (0.09 g) in water (473 g) under the similar
conditions as above to give tablets weighing 416 mg per tablet.
Reference Example 5
The tablets (400 g) obtained in Reference Example 2 were
fed in a film coating equipment (Hicoater-Mini, Freund
Industrial Co. Ltd.), coated with a coating solution containing
aqueous ethylcellulose dispersion (trademark: Aquacoat, Asahi
Kasei Corporation, 74.1 g), talc (1.1 g), triethyl citrate (6.7
g), yellow ferric oxide (0.18 g) and water (115.6 g) at an
inlet temperature of 58°C, whereby tablets weighing 381 mg per
tablet were obtained. Furthermore, the tablets were coated
with a solution of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (47.3 g) ,
polyethylene glycol 6000 (9.5 g) , titanium oxide (6.3 g) and
ferric oxide (0.09 g) in water (473 g) under the similar
conditions as above to give tablets weighing 429 mg per tablet.
Reference Example 6
Hydroxypropyl cellulose (26.4 g. Grade L, Nippon Soda
Co., Ltd.) (viscosity of 5% aqueous solution at 20°C: 42 mPa.
s), polyethylene glycol 6000 (1.32 g), titanium oxide (2.64 g)
and pioglitazone hydrochloride (16.5 g) were dispersed in water
(297 g) to give a coating solution.
The tablets (300 g) obtained in Reference Example 1 were
fed in a film coating equipment (Hicoater-Mini, Freund
Industrial Co. Ltd.) and coated with the aforementioned coating
29

solution at an inlet temperature of 70°C to give a coated
preparation weighing 262.1 mg per tablet.
Reference Example 7
Hydroxypropyl cellulose (24 g, Grade L, Nippon Soda Co.,
Ltd.) (viscosity of 5% aqueous solution at 20°C: 42 mPa.s),
polyethylene glycol 6000 (1.2 g), titanium oxide (2.4 g) and
pioglitazone hydrochloride (15 g) were dispersed in water
(344.7 g) to give a coating solution.
The tablets (250 g) obtained in Reference Example 2 were
fed in a film coating equipment (Hicoater-Mini, Freund
industrial Co. Ltd.) and Coated uitli the aforementioned coating
solution at an inlet temperature of 75°C to give a coated
preparation weighing 382 mg per tablet.
Reference Example 8
Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (24 g. Grade R, Shin-Etsu
Chemical Co., Ltd.) (viscosity of 5% aqueous solution at 20°C:
40 mPa.s), polyethylene glycol 6000 (1.2 g), titanium oxide
(2.4 g) and pioglitazone hydrochloride (15 g) were dispersed in
water (270 g) to give a coating solution.
The tablets (250 g) obtained in Reference Example 2 were
fed in a film coating equipment (Hicoater-Mini, Freund
Industrial Co. Ltd.) and coated with the aforementioned coating
solution at an inlet temperature of 70°C to give a coated
preparation weighing 381.2 mg per tablet.
Reference Example 9
Lactose (41160 g), corn starch (5250 g) and carmellose
calcium (2625 g) were charged in a fluid bed granulator (FD-
WSG-60, POWREX CORPORATION) and granulated while spraying an
aqueous solution (31510 g) containing hydroxypropyl cellulose
(1575 g), which was followed by a drying step to give granules.
Carmellose calcium (1491 g) and magnesium stearate (298.2 g)
were added to the obtained granule powder (47910 g) and mixed.
The obtained granule powder mixture was tableted by a tableting
30

machine (Correct 19K, Kikusui Seisakusho Ltd.) (tablet size: 7
mm Φ, compression pressure 5.7KN/punch) to give tablets
weighing 105 mg per tablet.
Reference Example 10
Lipovas tablets 5 mg (trademark, Banyu Pharmaceutical
Co., Ltd., weight 100 mg) containing simvastatin as an active
ingredient were pulverized in a mortar, and 300 mg of the
pulverized powder corresponding to 15 mg of simvastatin was
tableted by a universal testing instrument (Shimadzu
Corporation, UH-10A) (compression pressure 9.5 KN/puncn) using
a 9.0 mmΦ punch with a R and a die to give 30 tablets.
Reference Example 11
Lipitor tablets 5 mg (trademark, Yamanouchi
Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., weight about 72 mg) containing
atorvastatin calcium as an active ingredient were pulverized
in a mortar, and 300 mg of the pulverized powder corresponding
to 21 mg of atorvastatin calcium was tableted by a universal
testing instrument (Shimadzu Corporation, UH-10A, compression
pressure 9.5 KN/punch) using a 9.0 mnΦ punch with a R and a
die to give 30 tablets.
Comparative Example 1
Hydroxypropyl cellulose (48.0 g. Grade L, Nippon Soda
Co., Ltd.) (viscosity of 5% aqueous solution at 20°C: 42 mPa-
s), polyethylene glycol 6000 (2.4 g), titanium oxide (4.8 g)
and pioglitazone hydrochloride (30.0 g) were dispersed in water
(540 g) to give a coating solution.
The tablets (250 g) obtained in Reference Example 4 were
fed in a film coating equipment (Hicoater-Mini, Freund
Industrial Co. Ltd.) and coated with the aforementioned coating
solution at an inlet temperature of 90°C to give a coated
preparation weighing 459 mg per tablet.
Comparative Example 2
Hydroxypropyl cellulose (48.0 g. Grade L, Nippon Soda
31

Co., Ltd.) (viscosity of 5% aqueous solution at 20°C: 42 mPa-
s),, polyethylene glycol 6000 (2.4 g) , titanium oxide (4.8 g)
and pioglitazone hydrochloride (30.0 g) were dispersed in water
(700 g) to give a coating solution.
Lipovas tablet 20 (trademark, 30 tablets, Banyu
Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., major axis 14.0 mm, minor axis 7.5
mm, weight 400 mg) containing simvastatin as an active
ingredient and the tablets (250 g) obtained in Reference
Example 9 were fed in a film coating equipment (Hicoater-Mini,
Freund Industrial Co. Ltd.) and coated with the aforementioned
coating solution at an inlet temperature of 70°C. From the
appearance of the obtained tablets, coated preparations (weight
per tablet: 445 mg) containing simvastatin 20 mg/pioglitazone
hydrochloride 16.23 mg per tablet were obtained.
Experimental Example 1
The coated preparations obtained in the aforementioned
Examples were evaluated for the dissolution property of
pioglitazone hydrochloride by a rotating basket method (100
rpm) using a 0.3 M hydrochloric acid-potassium chloride buffer
(900 mL, 37°C, pH 2.0). The results are shown in Table 1.
[Table 1] Dissolution profiles (%) of pioglitazone
hydrochloride

As shown in Table 1, the coated preparation obtained by
the production method of the present invention showed superior
dissolution property of pioglitazone hydrochloride.
Experimental Example 2
The coated preparations obtained in the aforementioned
32

Examples and Comparative Example were evaluated for the
dissolution property of pioglitazone hydrochloride by a paddle
method (50 rpm) using a 0.3 M hydrochloric acid-potassium
chloride buffer (900 mL, 37°C, pH 2.0). The results are shown
in Table 2.
[Table 2] Dissolution profiles (%) of pioglitazone
hydrochloride

As shown in Table 2, the coated preparations of the
present invention showed superior dissolution property of
pioglitazone hydrochloride.
Experimental Example 3
The coated preparations obtained in the aforementioned
Example and Comparative Example were evaluated for the
dissolution property of pioglitazone hydrochloride in a manner
similar to Experimental Example 2. The results are shown in
Table 3.
[Table 3] Dissolution profiles (%) of pioglitazone
33
hydrochloride


As shown in Table 3, the coated preparations of the
present invention showed superior dissolution property of
pioglitazone hydrochloride.
Industrial Applicability
The coated preparation obtained by the production method
of the present invention is useful as a therapeutic agent for
diabetes and the like and superior in the characteristics of
the preparation such as dissolution property (particularly,
dissolution property immediately after administration to the
body or within 15 minutes from the start of a dissolution test)
of pioglitazone hydrochloride and the like and preservation
stability.
Moreover, according to the production method of the
present invention, preparations coated with pioglitazone
hydrochloride can be conveniently produced. Therefore, the
production method of the present invention is useful as an
industrial production method for the mass production of the
aforementioned coated preparation.

CLAIMS
1. A production method of a coated preparation, which comprises
coating with an aqueous dispersion of pioglitazone
hydrochloride comprising a coating material having a low
viscosity.
2. A coated preparation obtained according to the production
method of claim 1.
3. The production method of claim 1, wherein the coating
material having a low viscosity in its 5% aqueous solution
shows a viscosity of not more than 35 mPa.s at 20°C.
4. The production method of claim lf wherein the coating
meterial having a low viscosity is hydroxypropyl cellulose SL,
hydroxypropyl cellulose SSL or polyvinyl alcohol-polyethylene
glycol graft copolymer.
5. The production method of claim 1, wherein a core comprising
an active ingredient is coated with an aqueous dispersion of
pioglitazone hydrochloride comprising a coating material having
a low viscosity.
6. The production method of claim 5, wherein the active
ingredient is a therapeutic agent for diabetes.
7. The production method of claim 6, wherein the therapeutic
agent for diabetes is a biguanide.
8. The production method of claim 7, wherein the biguanide is
metformin hydrochloride.
35

9. The production method of claim 5, wherein the active
ingredient is a therapeutic agent for hyperlipidemia.
10. The production method of claim 9, wherein the therapeutic
agent for hyperlipidemia is an HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor.
11. A method for improving dissolution of pioglitazone
hydrochloride from a preparation coated with pioglitazone
hydrochloride, which comprises, when producing said
preparation, coating with an aqueous dispersion of pioglitazone
hydrochloride comprising a coating material having a low
viscosity.
12. A coated preparation obtained according to the production
method of claim 1, which releases not less than 50% of
pioglitazone hydrochloride in 15 minutes in a dissolution test
by a rotating basket method using a hydrochloric acid-potassium
chloride buffer (pH 2.0) as a test solution at 37°C, 100 rpm.
13. A coated preparation obtained according to the production
method of claim 1, which releases not less than 50% of
pioglitazone hydrochloride in 15 minutes in a dissolution test
by a paddle method using a hydrochloric acid-potassium chloride
buffer (pH 2.0) as a test solution at 37°C, 50 rpm.
25


Dated this 12th day of AUGUST 2005.

36


The present invention provides a production method of a preparation coated with pioglitazone hydrochloride, which is useful as a therapeutic agent for diabetes and the like, and which is superior in the characteristics of the prspaiation such as dissolution property of pioglitasone hydrochloride.

Documents:

01620-kolnp-2005-abstract.pdf

01620-kolnp-2005-claims.pdf

01620-kolnp-2005-description complete.pdf

01620-kolnp-2005-form 1.pdf

01620-kolnp-2005-form 2.pdf

01620-kolnp-2005-form 3.pdf

01620-kolnp-2005-form 5.pdf

01620-kolnp-2005-international publication.pdf

1620-KOLNP-2005-ABSTRACT 1.1.pdf

1620-KOLNP-2005-AMANDED CLAIMS.pdf

1620-KOLNP-2005-CANELLED PAGES.pdf

1620-KOLNP-2005-CLAIMS 1.1.pdf

1620-KOLNP-2005-CORRESPONDENCE 1.2.pdf

1620-KOLNP-2005-CORRESPONDENCE-1.1.pdf

1620-KOLNP-2005-CORRESPONDENCE.pdf

1620-kolnp-2005-correspondence1.3.pdf

1620-KOLNP-2005-DESCRIPTION (COMPLETE) 1.1.pdf

1620-KOLNP-2005-ENGLISH TRANSLATION.pdf

1620-kolnp-2005-examination report.pdf

1620-KOLNP-2005-FORM 1.1.1.pdf

1620-kolnp-2005-form 18.pdf

1620-KOLNP-2005-FORM 2.1.1.pdf

1620-KOLNP-2005-FORM 27.pdf

1620-KOLNP-2005-FORM 3.1.1.pdf

1620-kolnp-2005-form 3.pdf

1620-kolnp-2005-form 5.pdf

1620-KOLNP-2005-FORM-27.pdf

1620-kolnp-2005-gpa.pdf

1620-kolnp-2005-granted-abstract.pdf

1620-kolnp-2005-granted-claims.pdf

1620-kolnp-2005-granted-description (complete).pdf

1620-kolnp-2005-granted-form 1.pdf

1620-kolnp-2005-granted-form 2.pdf

1620-kolnp-2005-granted-letter patent.pdf

1620-kolnp-2005-granted-specification.pdf

1620-KOLNP-2005-OTHERS 1.1.pdf

1620-KOLNP-2005-OTHERS.pdf

1620-kolnp-2005-others1.2.pdf

1620-KOLNP-2005-PETITION UNDER RULE 137.pdf

1620-KOLNP-2005-PETITION UNDER SECTION 8(1) WITH RULE 12-1.1.pdf

1620-KOLNP-2005-REPLY TO EXAMINATION REPORT-1.1.pdf

1620-KOLNP-2005-REPLY TO EXAMINATION REPORT.pdf

1620-kolnp-2005-reply to examination report1.2.pdf

1620-kolnp-2005-translated copy of priority document.pdf


Patent Number 245011
Indian Patent Application Number 1620/KOLNP/2005
PG Journal Number 53/2010
Publication Date 31-Dec-2010
Grant Date 28-Dec-2010
Date of Filing 12-Aug-2005
Name of Patentee TAKEDA PHARMACEUTICAL COMPANY LIMITED
Applicant Address 1-1, DOSHOMACHI 4-CHOM, CHUO-KU, OSAKA-SHI, OSAKA 541-0045 JAPAN
Inventors:
# Inventor's Name Inventor's Address
1 OHKOUCHI , KAZUHIRO C/O TAKEDA PHARMACEUTICAL COMPANY LIMITED, 17-85, JUSOHONMACHI 2-CHOME, YADOGAWA-KU OSAKA-SHI, OSAKA 532-8686 JAPAN
2 KOYAMA , HIROYOSHI C/O TAKEDA PHARMACEUTICAL COMPANY LIMITED, 17-85, JUSOHONMACHI 2-CHOME, YADOGAWA-KU OSAKA-SHI, OSAKA 532-8686 JAPAN
3 HAMAGUCHI, NAORU C/O TAKEDA PHARMACEUTICAL COMPANY LIMITED, 17-85, JUSOHONMACHI 2-CHOME, YADOGAWA-KU OSAKA-SHI, OSAKA 532-8686 JAPAN
4 KOIKE , MASAHIKO 1720 MCCORMICK ROAD APT C, WEST LAFAYETTE INDIANA 47906 U. S. A.
PCT International Classification Number A61K 31/439, 31/155
PCT International Application Number PCT/JP2004/000754
PCT International Filing date 2004-01-28
PCT Conventions:
# PCT Application Number Date of Convention Priority Country
1 2003-276894 2003-07-18 Japan
2 2004-001128 2004-01-06 Japan
3 2003 020925 2003-01-29 Japan