Claims for Patent: 8,486,455

Summary for Patent: 8,486,455

Title:	Polymeric delivery formulations of leuprolide with improved efficacy
Abstract:	The present invention is directed to a flowable composition that is suitable for use as a controlled release implant. The flowable composition includes a biodegradable thermoplastic polyester that is at least substantially insoluble in aqueous medium or body fluid. The flowable composition also includes a biocompatible polar aprotic solvent. The biocompatible polar aprotic solvent is miscible to dispersible in aqueous medium or body fluid. The flowable composition also includes leuprolide acetate.
Inventor(s):	Dunn; Richard L. (Fort Collins, CO), Garrett; John Steven (Fort Collins, CO), Ravivarapu; Harish (Union City, CA), Chandrashekar; Bhagya L. (Fort Collins, CO)
Assignee:	Tolmar Therapeutics, Inc. (Fort Collins, CO)
Application Number:	12/784,304
Patent Litigation and PTAB cases:	See patent lawsuits and PTAB cases for patent 8,486,455
Patent Claims:	1. A flowable composition suitable for use as a controlled release implant, the composition comprising: (a) a biodegradable thermoplastic copolymer of lactide and glycolide including a diol residue, wherein the copolymer has a weight average molecular weight of about 15,000 to about 45,000; (b) N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone; and (c) leuprolide acetate in an amount sufficient to reduce LHRH levels in a human. 2. The flowable composition of claim 1, wherein the diol residue is included as a chain extender. 3. The flowable composition of claim 1, wherein the diol is 1,6-hexanediol. 4. A biodegradable implant formed in situ, in a patient, by the steps comprising: (a) injecting the flowable composition of claim 1 within the body of the patient; and (b) allowing the N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone to dissipate to produce a solid, biodegradable implant. 5. A method of reducing serum testosterone levels in a human comprising injecting a flowable composition comprising: (a) a biodegradable thermoplastic copolymer of lactide and glycolide including a diol residue, wherein the copolymer has a weight average molecular weight of about 15,000 to about 45,000; (b) N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone; and (c) leuprolide acetate in an amount sufficient to reduce LHRH levels in a human; wherein the flowable composition is injected within a body tissue of the human so that the N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone diffuses in the body fluid of the human to cause precipitation of the copolymer of lactide and glycolide to form an in situ solid implant.