Stable sustained release therapeutic compositions in aprotic polar solvents and methods of manufacturing the same

Abstract

The present invention relates to the use of aprotic polar solvents and an ionization stabilizing agent to prepare storage stable sustained release therapeutic formulations by dissolving a therapeutic agent (active ingredient) in an aprotic polar solvent system that can then be administered to patients suffering from or predisposed to a variety of physical conditions or disorders, notably hypoglycemia. In certain embodiments, the invention is directed to formulations comprising one or more therapeutic agents, as well as methods of making such formulations, comprising at least one therapeutic agent dissolved in an aprotic polar solvent such as DMSO, comprising at least one ionization stabilizing excipient (suitably, a mineral acid) and at least one sustained release modifier (suitably, a divalent cation-donating compound such as a zinc salt and/or a polymer such as a PLGA) in concentrations sufficient to impart physical and chemical stability to the therapeutic agent and to produce a formulation that results in a sustained release of the therapeutic agent into the bloodstream of an animal to which the formulation has been administered. The invention also relates to methods of producing such storage stable sustained release therapeutic formulations and to methods of treating, preventing and diagnosing certain physical conditions and disorders, notably hypoglycemia, by administering such storage stable sustained release therapeutic formulations to a patient.