Dermatological disorders having an inflammatory or proliferative component are treated with pharmaceutical compositions containing on the order of 0.3% by weight of 6-[3-(1-adamantyl)-4-methoxyphenyl]-2-naphthanoic acid (adapalene) or salt thereof, formulated into pharmaceutically acceptable media therefore, advantageously topically applicable gels, creams or lotions.

Description of the Invention

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Technical Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to the administration to individuals in need of such treatment of 6-[3-(1-adamantyl)-4-methoxyphenyl]-2-naphthanoic acid, the chemical structure of which is as follows -- see Original Patent.

2. Description of Background and/or Related and/or Prior Art

6-[3-(1-Adamantyl)-4-methoxyphenyl]-2-naphthanoic acid (hereinafter referred to as adapalene) is a retinoid derived from naphthoic acid, having anti-inflammatory properties. This molecule has been the subject of development for the topical treatment of common acne and dermatoses sensitive to retinoids.

Adapalene is described in EP-0,199,636, and a process for synthesizing same is described in EP-0,358,574, both assigned to the assignee hereof.

The assignee hereof markets adapalene formulated at a weight concentration of 0.1% in the form of an alcoholic lotion, an aqueous gel and a cream. These compositions are suited for the treatment of acne.

Finally, adapalene is described as having a beneficial action on photo-damaged skin (Photographic assessment of the effects of adapalene 0.1% and 0.3% gels and vehicle on photo-damaged skin. M. Goldfarb et al., Clinical Dermatology, Vienna, Austria, May 2000).

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Novel pharmaceutical compositions have now been developed containing adapalene at a weight concentration of 0.3% formulated into pharmaceutically acceptable media therefor, useful for the treatment (regime or regimen) of dermatological ailments, conditions or afflictions having an inflammatory or proliferative component. Specifically, it has now surprisingly been shown that, in addition to exhibiting better therapeutic efficacy compared to known compositions, the compositions according to the invention exhibits good tolerance, comparable to those of the known compositions with a lower concentration of active principle.

The results regarding tolerance observed in trials relating to photo-damaged skin (indication "photodamage"), obtained on individuals on average 65 years old, could not be exploited in the context of the present invention. Specifically, as regards use of adapalene on young individuals (in particular regarding acne with populations of teenagers or young adults), the skin exhibits very different physiopathological characteristics (presence of many lesions, in particular inflammatory lesions, modifying skin permeability, hypercornification of the follicular channel, immuno response, bacterial colonization of the skin (P. acnes), sebaceous hyperplasia with hyperseborrhea).

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF BEST MODE AND SPECIFIC/PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

Thus, the present invention features formulating 6-[3-(1-adamantyl)-4-methoxyphenyl]-2-naphthanoic acid (adapalene), or its salts, into pharmaceutical compositions useful for the treatment of dermatological ailments, conditions or afflictions having an inflammatory or proliferative component, such pharmaceutical compositions comprising 0.3% by weight of adapalene relative to the total weight of the composition.

The term "adapalene salts" is intended to mean the salts formed with a pharmaceutically acceptable base, in particular organic bases such as sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide and aqueous ammonia, or organic bases such as lysine, arginine or N-methylglucamine.

The term "adapalene salts" is also intended to mean the salts formed with fatty amines such as dioctylamine and stearylamine.

The administration of the compositions according to the invention may be carried out enterally, parenterally, topically or occularly.

The pharmaceutical compositions according to the invention are preferably administered topically.

Enterally, the pharmaceutical composition may be in the form of tablets, gelatin capsules, dragees, syrups, suspensions, solutions, powders, granules, emulsions, or suspensions of microspheres or nanospheres or of lipid or polymeric vesicles for controlled release. Parenterally, the pharmaceutical composition may be in the form of solutions or suspensions for infusion or for injection.

Topically, the pharmaceutical compositions according to the invention are more particularly suited for treatment of the skin and the mucous membranes, and may be in the form of ointments, creams, milks, pomades, powders, impregnated pads, solutions, gels, sprays, lotions or suspensions. They may also be in the form of suspensions of microspheres or nanospheres or of lipid or polymeric vesicles, or of polymeric patches and hydrogels for controlled release. These compositions for topical application may be in anhydrous form, in aqueous form or in the form of an emulsion.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the pharmaceutical composition according to the invention is in the form of a gel, a cream or a lotion.

In particular, the pharmaceutical composition may be an aqueous gel containing in particular one or more ingredients selected from among Carbomer 940 (BF Goodrich, Carbopol 980) and propylene glycol, or a cream containing in particular one or more ingredients selected from among perhydrosqualene, cyclomethicone, PEG-20 methyl glucose sequistearate and methyl glucose sequistearate, or a polyethylene glycol-based alcoholic lotion.

The pharmaceutical compositions according to the invention may also contain inert additives or combinations of these additives, such as wetting agents; flavor enhancers; preservatives such as para-hydroxybenzoic acid esters; stabilizers; moisture regulators; pH regulators; osmotic pressure modifiers; emulsifiers; UV-A and UV-B screening agents; and antioxidants, such as .alpha.-tocopherol, butylhydroxyanisole or butylhydroxytoluene, superoxide dismutase, ubiquinol or certain metal chelating agents.

Of course, those skilled in the art will take care to select the optional compound(s) to be added to these compositions in such a way that the advantageous properties intrinsically associated with the present invention are not, or are not substantially, adversely affected by the envisaged addition.

The formulation of adapalene into pharmaceutical compositions according to the invention is especially intended for the treatment of dermatological ailments, conditions and afflictions having an inflammatory or proliferative component, selected from the group consisting of: common acne, comedones, polymorphous acne, nodulocystic acne, acne conglobata, secondary acne such as solar, drug-related or occupational acne; widespread and/or severe forms of psoriasis, ichtyoses and ichtyosiform states; Darier's disease; actinic keratoses; palmo plantar keratoderma and keratosis pilaris; leucoplasias and leucoplasiform states, lichen planus; any benign or malignant, severe and extensive dermatological preparations.

The compositions according to the invention are particularly suitable for the treatment of acne, such as common acne, and in particular for the treatment of common acne of moderate to moderately severe intensity.

Various formulations of compositions comprising 0.3% of adapalene will now be given, it being understood that same are intended only as illustrative and in nowise limitative. Also given are results showing the therapeutic effects of the compositions according to the invention and the good tolerance to same by the treated patients.

Claim 1 of 3 Claims

1. A method for treating common acne, comedones, polymorphous acne, nodulocystic acne, acne conglobata or secondary acne afflicting the skin of an individual in need of such treatment, comprising topically administering to said individual a thus effective amount of a pharmaceutical composition which is a gel of -- see Original Patent.

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