β-cyclodextrin complexes of miconazole and econazole
This application is a continuation of application Ser. No. 184,297, filed Apr. 21, 1988, now abandoned. 
    
    
     The present invention relates to novel derivatives of miconazole and econazole, more specifically to complexes of these compounds with β-cyclodextrin having, anti-mycotic activity. 
     The cutaneous mycoses are infections mainly induced from dermatophytes and from Candida Albicans. The dermatophytes are fungi found as parasites in the horny layer, in the hair and in the nails owing to the presence of keratolytic enzymes, capable of hydrolyzing the long polypeptidic chains of keratin. 
     Three genuses (Trichophyton, Microsporum and Epidermophyton) are mainly responsible of the cutaneous pathologies. The infections induced from dermatophytes are generally defined as tinea. Depending on the part affected there are several clinical pictures: tinea capiris, tinea barbae, tinea corpotis, tinea cruris, tinea padis, tinea manuum, tinea faciei, tinea unguium. 
     The Candida albicans is a ubiquitous, non keratinophylic fungus, normally being saprophyte of cutis and of mucosae, which becomes pathogenic when its sprouting and reproduction are promoted by a particularly suitable environment or by the weakening of the organic defenses. 
     The clinical evidences induced from Candida albicans vary according to the part involved: intertriginis, vulvovaginities, oral candidiases (&#34;thrush&#34;), paronichia. 
     Among the drugs useful for the topical treatment of surface mycosis, is the imidazole derivatives have acquired, in the last years, a relevant importance. 
     Miconazole, namely 1-(2-( (2,4-dichlorophenyl)-2-(2,4-dichlorophenyl)-methoxy)ethyl)-1-imidazole having formula: ##STR1## is a compound well known for its anti-mycotic activity. More particularly, miconazole is an anti-mycotic drug with a wide activity spectrum; it is endowed with a powerful activity against dermatophytes and Candida albicans, as well as against some Gram-positive gems. The action thereof takes place by selective inhibition of the purine and glutamine fixing onto the membranes of mycetes. 
     The miconazole is used as the nitrate in several pharmaceutical forms (cream, powder, ovuli, etc.). 
     In turn econazole, namely 1-(2-((4-chlorophenylmethoxy)-2-(2,4-dichlorophenyl)ethyl)-1H-imidazole having the formula: ##STR2## is a compound also known and therapeutically used for the same indications. 
     Also, this active principle is therapeutical when used as the nitrate. 
     Lastly, cyclodextrins are a family of natural substances and are prepared through an enzymatic modification of starch to form cyclic units of D-glycopyranose α (1 →P)-linked. Depending on the number of units there are α, β and γ cyclodextrin (respectively comprising 6, 7 and 8 units. 
     The formula of one unit is the following: ##STR3## 
     The compounds of the present invention are chemically defined as inclusion complexes, respectively 1-(2-(2,4-dichlorophenyl)-2-((2,4-dichlorophenyl)-methoxy)-ethyl)-1H-imidazole β-cyclodextrin (miconazole -β-cyclodextrin) in the molecular ratio of 1:1 corresponding to the formula C 60  H 84  Cl 4  N 2  O 36 , the molecular weight of which is 1551.12, and 1-(2-((4-chlorophenyl)-methoxy)-2-(2,4-dichlorophenyl)-ethyl)-1H-imidazole β-cyclodextrin (econazole β-cyclodextrin), the molecular ratio of which is 1:1 corresponding to the formula C 60  H 85  C 3  N 2  O 36 , and having molecular weight 1516.36. 
     The compounds of the invention are in form of a white fine powder, soluble in dimethylsulfoxide, poorly soluble in water, insoluble in methyl and ethyl alcohols and in the common organic solvents. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     FIG. 1A shows the differential thermal analysis of an equimolar mixture of miconazole and β-cyclodextrin. 
     FIG. 1B shows the differential thermal analysis of the miconazole-β-cyclodextrin complex. 
     FIG. 2A shows the differential thermal analysis of an equimolar mixture of econazole and β-cyclodextrin. 
     FIG. 2B shows the differential thermal analysis of the econazole-β-cyclodextrin complex. 
     FIG. 3 shows the UV spectrum of miconazole-β-cyclodextrin complex. 
     FIG. 4 shows the IR spectrum of miconazole-β-cyclodextrin complex. 
     FIG. 5 shows the differential thermal analysis of the miconazole-β-cyclodextrin complex. 
     FIG. 6 shows the UV spectrum of econazole-β-cyclodextrin complex. 
     FIG. 7 shows the IR spectrum of econazole-βcyclodextrin complex. 
     FIG. 8 shows the differential thermal analysis of econazole-β-cyclodextrin complex. 
    
    
     The differential thermal analysis of the mere physical mixture both of miconazole and of econazole with β-cyclodextrin shows the presence of the endothermal peak of the miconazole and of the econazole at 85° C., whereas in the case of the compounds of the invention the corresponding thermograph is fully different and the disappearance of such a peak is observed (FIGS. 1 and 2). 
     The saturated aqueous solutions of said compounds have a pH of 3,70 for miconazole β-cyclodextrin and of 3.75 for econazole β-cyclodextrin, as measured with a glass electrode. 
     The compounds of the invention are prepared by reacting equimolar amounts of miconazole, respectively econazole, with β-cyclodextrin in water and then by lipophylization of the solution. The process shall be better understood from the following examples, given only for illustrative but not limiting purposes. 
     EXAMPLE 1 
     4.8 mmoles of miconazole and 4.8 mmoles of β-cyclodextrin are charged in a flask containing 2 liters of bidistilled water and the mixture is stirred by means of magnetic stirrer in a thermostatic bath at 40° C. for 5 days. This solution is then lipophylized by means of an Edwards Minifast Mod. Do. 2 ligostat, by carrying out complete freezing at -35° C., the primary cryoscopic drying at +20° C. under a vacuum of 10 -1  mbar, the secondary one at +30° C. and 10 mbar up to completion. The thus obtained product is then washed with ethyl ether, filtered and dried. Thus, the inclusion complex of miconazole β-cyclodextrin is obtained in quantitative yield. 
     The U.V. and I.R. spectra and the differential thermal analysis confirm its formation (see FIGS. 3, 4 and 5). 
     EXAMPLE 2 
     5.24 mmoles of econazole and 5.24 mmoles of β-cyclodextrin are charged in a flask containing 2 liters of bidistilled water and the mixture is stirred by means of magnetic stirrer in a thermostatic bath at 40° C. for 5 days. This solution is then lipophylized by means of an Edwards Minifast Mod. Do. 2 lipostat, by carrying out the complete freezing at -35° C., the primary cryoscopic drying at +20° C under a vacuum of 10 -1  mbar, the secondary one at +30° C and 10 -2  mbar up to complete. The thus-obtained product is then washed with ethyl ether, filtered and dried. Thus, the inclusion complex of econazole β-cyclodextrin is obtained in quantitative yield. 
     The U.V. and I.R. spectra and the differential thermal analysis confirm its formation (see FIGS. 6, 7 and 8). 
     In Vitro Antimycotic Activity 
     a) Miconazole β-cyclodextrin 
     The antimycotic activity of miconazole β-cyclodextrin was evaluated against Candida albicans 73/079 (YMA and SAB), Cryptococcus neoformans 451, Sapcharomyces cerevisiae, Aspergillus niger, Trichophyton mentagrophytes 569A, Hendersonula toruloidea TH65 and Pacilomyces varioti. 
     The microorganisms were incubated in an agar-glucose medium, (Sabourauds medium) at 30° or 37° C., depending on the species, in the presence of miconazole β-cyclodextrin. 
     The incubation was for 24 hours for Candida and Cryptococcus, and for 48-72 hours for the other mycetes. The miconazole β-cyclodextrin was solubilized in dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO), and then diluted in phosphate buffer at pH 6.6 up to a concentration of 100 ug/ml. 
     The diameters of the inhibition areas are reported in table 1. 
     Under these experimental conditions the results indicate a relevant anti-mycotic activity in vitro of miconazole β-cyclodextrin. 
     
                       TABLE 1                                                     
______________________________________                                    
Diameter of the inhibition area for some microorganisms in the            
presence of miconazole β-cyclodextrin and miconazole nitrate.        
                 M.B-DXT.                                                 
                         M.N.                                             
Microorganism      mm                                                     
______________________________________                                    
Candida Albicans   20.2      23.8                                         
73/079 (YMA)                                                              
Candida Albicans   16.7      20.0                                         
73/079 (SAB)                                                              
Cryptococcus 451   28.3      30.4                                         
Saccharomyces cer. 21.6      24.9                                         
Aspergillus niger  16.0      17.0                                         
Trychopyton 569A   43.9      31.4                                         
Hendersonula toruloidea                                                   
                   23.4      23.1                                         
TH65                                                                      
______________________________________                                    
 M.B DXT. = miconazole cyclodextrin                                       
 M.N. = miconazole nitrate                                                
 b) econazole cyclodextrin                                                
 
    
     The antimycotic activity of econazole β-cyclodextrin was evaluated against Candida albicans 78/079 (YMA and SAB), Cryptococcus neoformans 451, Sapcharomyces cerevisiae, Aspergillus niger, Trichophyton mentagrophytes 569A, Hendersonula toruloidea TH65 and Pacilomyces varioti. 
     The microorganisms was incubated in a agar-glucose medium, (Sabourauds medium) at 30° or 37° C., depending on the species, in the presence of econazole β-cyclodextrin. 
     The incubation was for 24 hours for Candida and Cryptococcus, and for 48-72  hours for the other mycetes. The econazole β-cyclodextrin was solubilized in dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) , and then diluted in phosphate buffer at pH 6.6 up to a concentration of 100 ug/ml. 
     The diameters of the inhibition areas are reported in table 2. 
     Under these experimental conditions the results indicate a relevant anti-mycotic activity in vitro of econazole β-cyclodextrin. 
     
                       TABLE 2                                                     
______________________________________                                    
Diameter of the inhibition area for some microorganisms in the            
presence of econazole p-cyclodextrin and econazole nitrate.               
                 E.B-DXT E.N.                                             
Microorganism      mm                                                     
______________________________________                                    
Candida Albicans   20.8      23.8                                         
73/079 (YMA)                                                              
Candida Albicans   21.3      20.0                                         
73/079 (SAB)                                                              
Cryptococcus 451   23.3      30.4                                         
Saccharomyces cer. 24.0      24.9                                         
Aspergillus niger  20.3      17.0                                         
Trychopyton 569A   30.0      31.4                                         
Hendersonula toruloidea                                                   
                   23.6      23.1                                         
TH65                                                                      
______________________________________                                    
 E.B DXT. = econazole cyclodextrin                                        
 E.N. = econazole nitrate                                                 
 
    
     Since for some imidazole derivatives a discrepancy has been detected, sometimes of relevant magnitude , between the antimycotic activity in vitro and that in vivo (Richardson et al., Antimicrob Agents Chemother 27: 832, 1985), and since both the tests of antimycotic activity in vivo and the tests of therapeutical activity in the human being suffering from skin mycosis are considered as more reliable than those in vitro (Odds et al. J. Antimicrob. Chemoter. 18, 473, 1986), the antimycotic activity of miconazole β-cyclodextrin has been determined both in the experimental animals and in human beings. 
     Antimycotic Activity In Vivo 
     a) Miconazole β-cyclodextrin The antimycotic activity of miconazole β-cyclodextrin has been investigated in vivo in an infection model induced from Candida albicans in comparison with miconazole nitrate. 
     The experiment has been carried out according to the model of Van Cutsem and Thienpont (J. Van Cutsem and D. Thienpont. Experimental cutaneous Candida Albicans infections in guinea pigs. Sabouraudia 9:17, 1971). 
     A group of 40 guinea pigs, previously treated with alloxan, was inoculated with 3×10 6  astospores and C. Albicans in a shaved cutis area. The hair was shaved at beginning of the experiment and, subsequently, every seven days. 
     Immediately after the inoculation, the animals were divided into four groups: the first group did not received any treatment and was used as the control; the second group was treated with a placebo; the third group was treated with 2% miconazole nitrate cream; the fourth group was treated with 2% miconazole β-cyclodextrin cream. All the treatments were carried out with two cutaneous applications per day at 12 hours interval between them. 
     The lesion entity was evaluated after 7, 15 and 25 days from the inoculation according to a rating score scale: 0) no lesions; 1) slight lesion; 2) moderate lesion; 3) marked lesion; 4) heavy lesion. 
     The results are reported in table 3. 
     The placebo application (cream devoid of the active principle) had no influence on the lesion behaviour, as demonstrated from the possibility of superimposing the scopes of the first group (no treatment) and of the second group of animals (placebo). 
     On the contrary, relevant slighter lesions and a quick recovery were observed in animals treated in comparison with 2% miconazole nitrate cream, as demonstrated from the lower score recorded fop the third group at each of the three observation times. 
     Lastly, fop the animals treated with 2% miconazole β-cyclodextrin cream a relevantly faster recovery was observed with respect to the animals treated with 2 % miconazole nitrate cream, as demonstrated from difference of the scores recorded for the third and fourth groups of animals. 
     The results of the experiments demonstrated that miconazole β-cyclodextrin is endowed with an in vivo anti-mycotic activity higher than that of miconazole nitrate, thus leading to the recovery of the lesion induced from Candida albicans in shorter times and in a more efficacious way. 
     
                       TABLE 3                                                     
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Antimycotic activity of miconazole β-ciclodextrin in comparison      
with miconazole nitrate in a cutaneous infection model induced            
from Candida Albicans                                                     
          N. of gui-                                                      
                  Lesions scores                                          
Group       nea pigs  0      1    2    3    4                             
______________________________________                                    
No treatment                                                              
            10        0      0    0    4    6                             
                      0      0    1    4    5                             
                      6      0    3    4    3                             
Placebo     10        0      0    1    4    5                             
                      0      0    2    5    3                             
                      0      1    2    4    3                             
Miconazole nitra-                                                         
            10        1      3    4    2    0                             
te 2%                 2      3    3    3    0                             
                      5      2    3    0    0                             
Miconazole  10        4      3    3    0    0                             
B-DXT 2%              5      3    2    0    0                             
                      7      3    0    0    0                             
______________________________________                                    
 Scores of the lesions: 0) absent; 1) slight; 2) moderate; 3) marked; 4)  
 heavy                                                                    
 b  econazole cyclodextrin                                                
 
    
     The experimentation was repeated as at the paragraph (a) supra. The results are reported in the table 4. 
     
                       TABLE 4                                                     
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Antimycotic activity of econazole β-cyclodextrin in comparison       
with econazole nitrate in a cutaneous infection model                     
induced Candida Albicans.                                                 
          N. of gui-                                                      
                  Lesion scores                                           
Group       nea pigs  0      1    2    3    4                             
______________________________________                                    
No treatment                                                              
            10        0      0    0    5    5                             
                      0      0    1    5    4                             
                      0      1    2    4    3                             
Placebo     10        0      0    1    6    3                             
                      0      0    3    4    3                             
                      0      1    2    4    3                             
Econazole nitra-                                                          
            10        1      3    3    3    0                             
te 2%                 2      3    3    2    0                             
                      5      3    2    0    0                             
Econazole   10        3      4    3    0    0                             
B-DXT 2%              5      3    2    0    0                             
                      8      2    0    0    0                             
______________________________________                                    
 Scores of the lesions: 0) absent; 1) slight; 2) moderate; 3) marked; 4)  
 heavy.                                                                   
 
    
     In this case, too, the placebo application (cream devoid of the active principle) had no influence on the lesion behaviour, as demonstrated from the possibility of superimposing the scores of the first group (no treatment) and of the second group of animals (placebo). 
     On the contrary, relevant slighter lesions and a quick recovery were observed in animals treated in comparison with 2% econazole nitrate cream, as demonstrated from the lower score recorded for the third group at each of the three observations times. 
     Lastly, for the animals treated with 2% econazole β-cyclodextrin cream a relevantly faster recovery was observed with respect to the animals treated with 2% econazole nitrate cream, as demonstrated by the difference of the scores recorded for the third and fourth groups of animals. 
     The results of the experiments demonstrated that econazole β-cyclodextrin is endowed with an in vivo anti-mycotic activity higher than that of miconazole nitrate, thus leading to the recovery of the lesion induced from Candida albicans in shorter times and in a more efficacious way. 
     Antimycotic Activity in the Human Being 
     a) miconazole β-cyclodextrin 
     The antimycotic activity of miconazole β-cyclodextrin in the human being has been evaluated in comparison with miconazole nitrate in the case of 20 patients suffering from vulvovaginalis candidiasis, diagnostically assessed by means of cultural and microscopical examination. 
     The patients were randomized and treated, 20 with miconazole nitrate and 20 with miconazole β-cyclodextrin , in form of vaginal ovuli, each containing the equivalent of 100 mg of miconazole base. The posology was of 2 ovuli per day for 14 days. The cultural and microscopic examinations have been repeated after 7 and 14 days from the beginning of the treatment and the results were recorded and reported in table 5. 
     
                       TABLE 5                                                     
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Antimycotic activity of miconazole β-cyclodextrin and                
miconazole nitrate in women suffering from                                
vulvovaginalis candidiasis.                                               
______________________________________                                    
a) Percentage of positivity at culture examination for                    
Candida albicans                                                          
            Treatment days                                                
              0            7     14                                       
______________________________________                                    
Miconazole nitrate                                                        
              100          40    20                                       
Miconazole B-DXT                                                          
              100          10     0                                       
______________________________________                                    
b) Percentage of positivity at microscopical examination for              
Candida albicans                                                          
            Treatment days                                                
              0            7     14                                       
______________________________________                                    
Miconazole nitrate                                                        
              100          40    20                                       
Miconazole B-DXT                                                          
              100          10     0                                       
______________________________________                                    
 
    
     From the results of clinical experiments a greater therapeutical effectiveness of the miconazole β-cyclodextrin with respect to the miconazole nitrate is shown as evidenced from the percentages of positivity at the culture examination (10 vs 40% at the seventh day; 0 vs 20% at 14° day (p&lt;0.01) and at the microscopical examination for Candida Albicans (10 vs 40% at 7° days; 0 vs 20% at 14° days) (p&lt;0.01). 
     b) econazole β-cyclodextrin 
     The experimentation A was repeated as in the previous paragraph (a). The results are reported in Table 6. 
     
                       TABLE 6                                                     
______________________________________                                    
Antimycotic activity of miconazole β-cyclodextrin and                
econazole nitrate in women suffering from                                 
vulvovaginalis candidiasis.                                               
______________________________________                                    
a) Percentage of positivity at culture examination for                    
Candida albicans                                                          
            Treatment days                                                
              0            7     14                                       
______________________________________                                    
Econazole nitrate                                                         
              100          35    15                                       
Econazole B-DXT                                                           
              100          10     0                                       
______________________________________                                    
b) Percentage of positivity at microscopical examination for              
Candida albicans                                                          
            Treatment days                                                
              0            7     14                                       
______________________________________                                    
Econazole nitrate                                                         
              100          35    15                                       
Econazole B-DXT                                                           
              100          10     0                                       
______________________________________                                    
 
    
     From the results of clinical experiments a greater therapeutical effectiveness of the econazole β-cyclodextrin with respect to the econazole nitrate is shown as evidenced from the percentages of positivity at the culture examination (10 vs 35% at the seventh day; 0 vs 15% at 14° day (p&lt;0.01). 
     The compounds of the present invention are used for the preparation of pharmaceutical forms suitable for the topical use and thus for the foreseen therapeutical application, such as creams, ointments, lotions gels, milk, tinctures, powders, ovuli, foams, vaginal capsules, vaginal washings, oral gels. 
     For their preparation the normal excipients, solvents, vehicles and additives are used, according to the standard pharmaceutical techniques. As regards the dosage of the active principle in the aforesaid pharmaceutical formulations and as regards the use posology, the dosage and posology already known and used for the corresponding nitrates still holds true.