AU2019250266A2 - Melatonin agonist treatment - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention provides isolated promoters, transgene expression cassettes, vectors, kits, and methods for treatment of genetic diseases that affect the cone cells of the retina.

Description

MELATONIN AGONIST TREATMENT CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of co-pending US Provisional Patent

Application No. 60/747,847, filed 22 May 2006, which is hereby incorporated herein.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Field of the Invention

This invention is in the field of melatonin agonists for pharmaceutical uses.

In the specification and the claims the term "comprising" shall be understood

to have a broad meaning similar to the term "including" and will be understood to

imply the inclusion of a stated integer or step or group of integers or steps but not the

exclusion of any other integer or step or group of integers or steps. This definition

also applies to variations on the term "comprising" such as "comprise" and

"comprises".

Related Art

The reference to any prior art in this specification is not, and should not be

taken as an acknowledgement or any form of suggestion that the referenced prior art

forms part of the common general knowledge in Australia.

The compound referred to herein as MA-1 is (1R-trans)-N-[[2-(2,3-dihydro-4

benzofuranyl)cyclopropyl]methyl]propanamide. It is disclosed in U.S. 5,856,529,

which is incorporated by reference herein as though fully set forth.

MA-1 is a specific and potent agonist of the MT1R and MT2R melatonin

receptors in the Suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN), the region of the brain associated

with the biological clock. (Kokkola,T. & Laitinen,J.T. Melatonin receptor genes. Ann.

Med 30, 88-94 (1998).) Engagement of these receptors by melatonin is believed to

regulate circadian rhythms, including the sleep/wake cycle. Consistent with its

receptor binding profile, MA-1 demonstrates potent chronobiotic activity in preclinical

models of acute phase-shifting and chronic re-entrainment.

Previous studies showed that MA-1 is well-tolerated by healthy volunteers in single

doses up to 300 mg and in multiple doses (up to 28 days) up to 150 mg. A 28-day

Phase II study was also conducted to investigate the effects of MA-1 in elderly

patients with primary insomnia. In this study MA-1 did not differentiate from

- 1A- placebo with respect to sleep latency and the number of nocturnal awakenings.

While patients with the lowest melatonin levels (< 5 mg) may have benefited from

MA-1 treatment more than placebo, the design of this study made it difficult to

interpret the effects of MA-1 on the sleep-wake cycle.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to the discovery of effective doses of MA-1. In an

illustrative embodiment, it comprises a method of administering MA-1 to a human

subject in need thereof which comprises orally administering MA-1 to the subject in

an amount of about 10 mg to about 100 mg per day.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

This invention, which is hereinafter described with respect to illustrative

emdodiments, contemplates use of the melatonin agonist herein referred to as MA-1,

to treat sleep disorders and circadian rhythm disorders. MA-1 is a white to off-white

powder with a melting point of about 78°C (DSC) and has the structure illustrated in

Formula 1.

Formula 1: MA-1 Chemical Structure

This invention comprises internal administration of MA1 to a patient, typically

an adult, of typical size, e.g., approximately 70 Kg and typically within the range of

about 45 to about 150 kg, who is in need thereof in doses of from about 10 mg/day

to about 100 mg/day.

Typically the drug is administered in immediate release form but controlled

release forms are included within the scope of the invention. The drug can be

delivered alone or in combination with another active pharmaceutical ingredient.

The route of administration is usually oral although other routes of

administration, e.g., parenteral, intravenous, intramuscular, buccal, lozenge,

transdermal, transmucosal, etc., can be used. Controlled release forms, e.g.,

sustained, pulsatile, or delayed, including depot forms such as are disclosed in

W02003037337 or W02004006886, can also be used.

The compositions are preferably formulated in an oral unit dosage form, each

dosage containing from about 5 to about 100 mg of MA-1. The term "unit dosage

form" refers to physically discrete units suitable as unitary dosages for human

subjects, each unit containing a predetermined quantity of active material calculated

to produce the desired prophylactic or therapeutic effect over the course of a

treatment period, in association with the required pharmaceutical carrier. So, for

example, an adult patient suffering a circadian rhythm disorder could be prescribed

1-4 tablets, each having about 5 to about 100 mg of MA-1 for a total daily dose of

about 10 to about 100 mg/day. The term, "about" means, in general, a range of plus

or minus ten percent, except that with respect to whole single digit or fractional

values, the range is within plus or minus one of the last digit recited. Thus, "about

100" includes 90 to 110, "about 5" includes 4 to 6, and "about 1.5" includes 1.4 to

1.6. In no event can the term, "about," include a nonsensical value such as a value

that exceeds 100% or is less than zero.

An effective amount, quantitatively, may vary, e.g., depending upon the

patient, the severity of the disorder or symptom being treated, and the route of

administration. Such dose can be determined by routine studies. In general, for systemic administration, e.g., oral administration, the dose of MA-1 will be in the range of about 10 to about 100 mg/day, in one or more unit dosage forms.

It will be understood that the dosing protocol including the amount of MA-1 or

MA-2 actually administered will be determined by a physician in the light of the

relevant circumstances including, for example, the condition to be treated, the

chosen route of administration, the age, weight, and response of the individual

patient, and the severity of the patient's symptoms. Patients should of course be

monitored for possible adverse events.

Particle size will also affect the dose selected. At larger particle sizes, i.e.,

D50 is greater than about 100 um, e.g., about 100 to about 200 um, oral doses at

the higher end, i.e., up to about 100 mg are effective, whereas at smaller particle

sizes, i.e., D50 is less than about 100 um, e.g., about 20 to about 50 um, lower

doses, i.e., less than about 100 mg, are useful, e.g., about 10 mg to about 80 mg

and about 20 mg to about 50 mg. (Particle size measurements supporting the above

were made laser diffraction using a Malvern Mastersizer. The D50 (D10, D90, D100)

value means that 50% (10%, 90%, 100%) of the particles by weight are of the

indicated diameter or smaller.) In one embodiment of the invention, the above doses

are administered in immediate release form, i.e., a non-controlled release

formulation.

If desired, doses can optionally be adjusted for body size using the following

as guidance: useful amounts for larger particles are up to about 1.5 mg/kg; useful

amounts for smaller particles include doses of less than about 1.5 mg/kg, e.g., about

.1 mg/kg to about 1.2 mg/kg and about .3 mg/kg to about .7 mg/kg.

Treatment is continued until the patient's circadian rhythm is restored to

normal, i.e., until the patient's normal daily functioning is not inhibited by the circadian rhythm disorder or, in the case of a sleep disorder, until the patient is sleeping normally, i.e., until the patient's normal daily functioning is not inhibited by the sleep disorder. Treatment can continue for some time after these end points are achieved so as to lessen the likelihood of relapse.

For therapeutic or prophylactic use, MA-1 or MA-2 will normally be

administered as a pharmaceutical composition comprising as the (or an) essential

active ingredient at least one such compound in association with a solid or liquid

pharmaceutically acceptable carrier and, optionally, with pharmaceutically

acceptable adjuvants and excipients employing standard and conventional

techniques.

MA-1 is very soluble or freely soluble in 95% ethanol, methanol, acetonitrile,

ethyl acetate, isopropanol, polyethylene glycols (PEG-300 and PEG-400), and only

slightly soluble in water. The native pH of a saturated solution of MA-1 in water is

8.5 and its aqueous solubility is practically unaffected by pH.

Pharmaceutical compositions useful in the practice of this invention include

suitable dosage forms for oral, parenteral (including subcutaneous, intramuscular,

intradermal and intravenous), transdermal, bronchial or nasal administration. Thus,

if a solid carrier is used, the preparation may be tableted, placed in a hard gelatin

capsule in powder or pellet form, or in the form of a troche or lozenge. The solid

carrier may contain conventional excipients such as binding agents, fillers, tableting

lubricants, disintegrants, wetting agents and the like. The tablet may, if desired, be

film coated by conventional techniques. If a liquid carrier is employed, the

preparation may be in the form of a syrup, emulsion, soft gelatin capsule, sterile

vehicle for injection, an aqueous or non-aqueous liquid suspension, or may be a dry

product for reconstitution with water or other suitable vehicle before use. Liquid preparations may contain conventional additives such as suspending agents, emulsifying agents, wetting agents, non-aqueous vehicle (including edible oils), preservatives, as well as flavoring and/or coloring agents. For parenteral administration, a vehicle normally will comprise sterile water, at least in large part, although saline solutions, glucose solutions and like may be utilized. Injectable suspensions also may be used, in which case conventional suspending agents may be employed. Conventional preservatives, buffering agents and the like also may be added to the parenteral dosage forms. Particularly useful is the administration of a compound of Formula I in oral dosage formulations. The pharmaceutical compositions may be prepared by conventional techniques appropriate to the desired preparation containing appropriate amounts of MA-1 or MA-2. See, for example, Remington's Pharmaceutical Sciences, Mack Publishing Company,

Easton, Pa., 17th edition, 1985.

In making pharmaceutical compositions for use in the invention, the active

ingredient(s) will usually be mixed with a carrier, or diluted by a carrier, or enclosed

within a carrier which may be in the form of a capsule, sachet, paper or other

container. When the carrier serves as a diluent, it may be a solid, semi-solid or liquid

material which acts as a vehicle, excipient, or medium for the active ingredient.

Thus, the composition can be in the form of tablets, pills, powders, lozenges,

sachets, cachets, elixirs, suspensions, emulsions, solutions, syrups, aerosols (as a

solid or in a liquid medium), ointments containing for example up to 10% by weight of

the active compound, soft and hard gelatin capsules, suppositories, sterile injectable

solutions and sterile packaged powders.

Some examples of suitable carriers and diluents include lactose, dextrose,

sucrose, sorbitol, mannitol, starches, gum acacia, calcium phosphate, alginates, tragacanth, gelatin, calcium silicate, microcrystalline cellulose, polyvinylpyrrolidone, cellulose, water, syrup, methyl cellulose, methyl- and propylhydroxybenzoates, talc, magnesium stearate and mineral oil. The formulations can additionally include lubricating agents, wetting agents, emulsifying and suspending agents, preserving agents, sweetening agents or flavoring agents. The compositions of the invention may be formulated so as to provide quick, sustained or delayed release of the active ingredient after administration to the patient.

The compositions are preferably formulated in a unit dosage form, each

dosage containing from about 0.1 to about 100 mg of the active ingredient. The term

"unit dosage form" refers to physically discrete units suitable as unitary dosages for

human subjects and other mammals, each unit containing a predetermined quantity

of active material calculated to produce the desired prophylactic or therapeutic effect

over the course of a treatment period, in association with the required

pharmaceutical carrier. So, for example, an adult patient suffering a depressive

disorder could be prescribed 1-4 tablets, each having 5-100 mg of MA-1, to be taken

once, twice or three times daily and might expect improvement in his or her condition

within about one to about 12 weeks.

A typical unit dose form could be size 0 or size 1 capsule comprising 20, 50,

or 100 mg of MA-1 in addition to anhydrous lactose, microcrystalline cellulose, silicon

dioxide colloidal, croscarmellose sodium, and magnesium stearate. Storage at 15 to

200C with protection from moisture and sunlight is recommended.

In accordance with one embodiment of this invention, the D50 of the MA-1

administered is less than about 100 um, for example, about 20 to about 50 um or

about 30 to 40 um.

MA-1 can also be formulated in a controlled release form, e.g., delayed,

sustained, or pulsatile release. MA-1 can also be administered concomitantly with

other drug therapies, including but not limited to other antidepressant drug therapies

or other drug therapies for treating other emotional disorders. So, for example, the

invention encompasses administration of MA-1 or MA-2 in combination with other

melatonergic agonists or other sleep-inducing agents.

Examples

The examples that follow are illustrative and not limiting of the invention and

illustrate the usefulness of MA-1 in the prevention and treatment of symptoms of

depressive disorders.

Example 1.

A clinical trial was conducted to assess the safety of MA-1 as well as to

determine the ability of MA-1 to shift the sleep/wake cycle following a 5 hour

advance in bedtime. The study was a randomized, double-blind, parallel group,

placebo-controlled study. It consisted of a 2-4 week outpatient screening period

followed by an 8-day inpatient stay. After acclimating to the sleep lab, bedtime was

advanced by 5 hours. The primary objectives of this study were to investigate the

exposure-response to MA-1 on advancement of circadian release of endogenous

melatonin rhythm as measured by dim light melatonin onset (DLMO, a biomarker of

the sleep-wake cycle), to investigate the exposure-response to MA-1 on mean sleep

efficiency parameters as measured by PSG, to investigate the exposure-response to

MA-1 on objective neurobehavioral performance lapses during scheduled work-time

as measured by computerized continuous performance testing, and to assess the

safety and tolerability of MA-1. Forty-five healthy volunteers, men and women aged

18-50, were enrolled into this study. Thirty-nine subjects were randomized. The

results of this study are presented below.

The study was designed to assess the safety and efficacy of four oral doses

of MA-1 (10 mg, 20 mg, 50 mg and 100 mg) compared to matching placebo on

circadian phase shift, sleep parameters during the major sleep episode, and subject

alertness. After written informed consent was signed, subjects that met the

inclusion/exclusion criteria at screening and baseline were enrolled into the 8-day in

patient portion of the study. All in-patient assessments were conducted in a time

isolation sleep lab in which no time cues were available to subjects. During the first

three nights, subjects were given placebo 30 minutes prior to bedtime (11:00 PM) in

a single-blind fashion. Baseline assessments for the efficacy parameters were

measured during this period. At 5:00 PM on day 3, subjects started a 19 hour Pre

constant posture (CP) segment during which time the subjects remained seated in a

semi-recumbent position and blood samples were collected approximately every

hour from 7:00 AM to 12:00 PM. The purpose of the pre-CP segment is to provide a

measure of each subject's circadian phase before the start of the night shift

segment. On day 4, subjects were randomized to once daily treatment in one of the

five treatment groups. In addition, subject sleep-wake routines were advanced 5

hours, such that subjects were required to sleep from approximately 6:00 PM - 2:00

AM. Treatment was administered and the time shift was maintained for 3 days.

Efficacy parameters were collected during this time. To measure circadian phase at

the end of the study, a 24-hour post-CP was conducted immediately after the

treatment segment on day 7. Over the course of the study, approximately 500 mL of

blood was drawn from each subject. Safety was assessed throughout the study, at the end of study (EOS) visit on day 8, and at the Follow-up visit. The target number of subjects for enrollment was 40 but 45 were actually enrolled.

The particle size of the MA-1 used in this study was:

D10 D50 D90 D100

10 um 115 um 316 um 631 um

It is hypothesized that in order to achieve maximum efficacy peak plasma

concentrations of MA-1 should coincide with the time that subjects go to bed. Since

peak plasma concentration (Cmax) is reached at 0.5-1 hour after oral

administration 4 ' 5, MA-1 was administered 30 minutes prior to bedtime. A placebo

control was used to distinguish the effects of the drug from other components of

treatment in the study population over a defined treatment period.

The oral doses selected were based on safety and efficacy data obtained

from previous MA-1 pre-clinical and clinical trials. In vitro pharmacologic models of

acute and chronic phase-shifting demonstrated chronobiotic activity at doses ranging

from 1 to 5 mg/kg. Extrapolation of these data to humans suggests that the 0.14 to

0.71 mg/kg, or 10 to 50 mg in a 70 kg subject, should effectively advance the sleep

wake cycle. Though not optimally designed to assess the chronobiotic potential of

MA-1, clinical trial CN116-002 measured the effects MA-1 on the circadian sleep

wake cycle. Results from that study showed that 50 mg MA-1 consistently shifted

circadian rhythms. The doses selected for the study (10, 20, 50 and 100 mg) were

within the expected dose range for efficacy. The safety of the selected doses for this

study is supported by previous clinical studies. In Phase I clinical trials, a single oral

dose of 1 to 300 mg of MA-1 was safe and well tolerated in healthy subjects.

Additionally, safety and tolerability of MA-1 at doses up to 150 mg has been

demonstrated in daily administration for 28 days in healthy subjects and elderly subjects with chronic insomnia. The highest dose in the study, 100 mg, is well within the safety margin established in both Phase I single and multiple ascending dose trials and in a Phase Il study.

To assess circadian sleep-wake cycles in the study, plasma melatonin levels

were assessed. The onset of melatonin production, or dim light melatonin onset

(DLMO), is associated with onset of sleep. DLMO is considered a standard marker

used frequently to assess circadian phase 4 . To assess the effects of MA-I on the

sleep-wake cycles, DLMO was monitored in subjects before and after treatment. For

this study, DLMO was defined as the time when melatonin production reaches 25%

of the nightly peak (MEL25%up) of the fitted melatonin phase curve 7

. Because light has a significant confounding effect on melatonin release, light

levels in the sleep laboratory were carefully regulated. Subjects were exposed to a

light intensity of 25 lux in the angle of gaze (50 lux maximum light intensity in the

room) during the awake portions of the protocol, except in the first 6 hours of the CP

segment. Twenty-five lux in the angle of gaze was chosen because this low intensity

reduces the phase-shifting effect of light and is also consistent with the light

exposure many shift workers experience at work. Subjects were exposed to a light

intensity of less than 2 lux in the angle of gaze (8 lux maximum intensity in the room)

during the first 6 hours of the CP segments. Endogenous melatonin production,

including the onset and maximum plasma concentration, is measured during the CP

portion of the protocol. Low light intensity was chosen to eliminate the effect of light

on endogenous melatonin secretion.

DLMO

DLMO is a biomarker of the circadian sleep-wake cycle. One of the primary

objectives of this study was to investigate the exposure-response of MA-1 on the sleep-wake cycle as measured by DLMO. To construct the melatonin phase curve, plasma melatonin levels (pg/ml) were measured once every 30 minutes during the first 14 hours of the CP segments and hourly for the remainder of the CP segments.

The full melatonin phase curve was constructed so that peak melatonin

concentrations could be defined. Based on peak melatonin concentrations, DLMO,

defined as 25% of the peak, was determined. During double-blind treatment (Days

4-6), plasma melatonin levels were measured every 30 minutes from 4:00 PM to

2:00 AM. This window of time was estimated to contain the DLMO. To determine if

any dose of MA-1 induced a phase-shift in circadian rhythm, the difference between

DLMO on treatment days and baseline for MA-1-treated subject was compared

against the difference between DLMO on treatment days and baseline for placebo

treated subjects.

Sleep Efficiency

Another primary objective of this study was to investigate the exposure

response to MA-1 on mean sleep efficiency parameters. Sleep efficiency (time

asleep/time in bed * 100%) was measured using polysomnography (PSG). A variety

of sensors were applied to the subjects with paste or tape through which brain

waves, eye movements, muscle tone, body movements, heart rate, and breathing

were recorded. Audiovisual recordings were also taken. PSG recording was done

during the sleep episodes of days 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7 of this study (referred to as

Nights 1-7). Sleep efficiencies of MA-1-treated subjects were compared with sleep

efficiencies from placebo-treated subjects. Data from PSG on Nights 3 and 7 were

not analyzed.

Secondary Efficacy Parameters

Other Polysomnographic Parameters

Sleep parameters were recorded during all sleep episodes (11:00 PM to 7:00

AM on Nights 1, 2, and 3, and 6:00 PM to 2:00 AM on Nights 4, 5, 6, and 7). From

these recordings sleep latency (latency to persistent sleep) and wake after sleep

onset (WASO) were calculated. PSG on Nights 3 and 7 was not analyzed.

Efficacy Analyses

Primary Efficacy Variables

Dim Liqht Melatonin Onset

Peak melatonin was determined from a subject's melatonin values as the

mean of the maximal values obtained on Night 3 and Night 7; if melatonin was not

sampled on one of these days (or if there were inadequate samples obtained during

the period at which melatonin should peak), peak melatonin was the peak for the

other day. For the primary analysis, threshold was calculated as 25% of peak

melatonin (DLM25%). DLMO was calculated by linear interpolation of these

melatonin values and the corresponding time points.

The differences in DLMO25% between the endpoint day (Nights 4, 5 and 6)

and baseline (Night 3) were analyzed by comparing pairwise each dose group to

placebo using a linear one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) model using in SAS@

(SAS@Institute, Cary, North Carolina). Means were calculated using the LS Means

method in SAS@. Standard deviations were calculated using the Statistical

Summary function in SAS. Other statistical tests were also presented in graphics.

These included: linear regression of response vs. exposure (dose, AUC, or Cmax),

Kendall-tau nonparametric regression, and Spearman nonparametric regression.

Sleep Efficiency

Another primary outcome of interest was sleep efficiency (SE). SE (%) was

defined as the total time asleep divided by the time allowed as an opportunity for

sleep in a period multiplied by 100%. SE over portions of the night was also

analyzed, including first and second halves of the night, and first, second and final

thirds of the night. Time allowed for sleep was 8 hours (480 minutes).

The effect of treatment (Nights 4, 5, and 6) vs. baseline (Night 2) was based

on the difference between SE values on these days. The overall mean sleep

efficiency on Nights 4, 5, and 6 was also calculated and compared to baseline. The

same baseline and endpoint days were used for the portions of the night analyses.

The differences in SE between the endpoint day and baseline were analyzed by

comparing pairwise each dose group to placebo using a linear one-way analysis of

variance (ANOVA) model in SAS@ (SAS@ Institute, Cary, North Carolina). Means

were calculated using the LS Means method in SAS@. Standard deviations were

calculated using the Statistical Summary function in SAS@. Other statistical tests

were also presented in graphics. These included: linear regression of response vs.

exposure (dose, AUC, or Cmax), Kendall-tau nonparametric regression, and

Spearman nonparametric regression.

Secondary Efficacy Variable(s)

DLMO - Time to Onset and Lowest Effective Dose

Time (day) at which maximum advance in the circadian period occurred was

determined by comparing DLMO25% from baseline and treated nights for all

subjects, as described above. Additionally, the lowest effective dose was also

determined by comparing DLMO25% from baseline and treated nights as described above. The first dose with a statistically significant p-value in the ANOVA with pairwise contrast was considered the lowest effective dose.

Sleep and PSG-based Outcomes

Sleep latency (latency to persistent sleep and wake after sleep onset (WASO)

were measured by PSG on Nights 1, 2, 4, 5, and 6.

The differences in these sleep parameters between the endpoint day and

baseline were analyzed by comparing pairwise each dose group to placebo using a

linear one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) model in SAS@ (SAS@ Institute, Cary,

North Carolina). Means were calculated using the LS Means method in SAS®.

Standard deviations were calculated using the Statistical Summary function in

SAS. Other statistical tests were also presented in graphics. These included:

linear regression of response vs. exposure (dose, AUC, or Cmax), Kendall-tau

nonparametric regression, and Spearman nonparametric regression.

Primary Efficacy Results

11.1.1.1 Shift of Dim Light Melatonin Onset

In this study, Dim Light Melatonin Onset 2 5 %,LOQ5 (DLMO 2 5 %,LOQ5) wasdefined as the

time when melatonin production reached 25% of the maximum melatonin

concentration (MELmax) and samples below the limit of quantification (LOQ) of the

melatonin assay were assigned 5 pg/ml. LOQ5 represents half of the lowest level of

quantification for the assay (10 pg/ml) and is a more probable value to estimate for

samples below the limit of quantification than assigning a value of zero.

MA-1, when compared to placebo, was able to induce a forward shift in

DLM 2 5 %, LOQ5 on the first night of treatment (Night 4) when compared to baseline

DLM 2 5 %, LOQ5 (Night 3) in a dose-dependent manner (Table 11.1.1).

Table 11.1.1 Change in DLMO25%,LOQ5 between Night 4 and Night 3 by Dose*

Dose

Group

DLMO 2 5 %,LOQ5 Placebo 10 mg 20 mg 50 mg 100 mg

Changein N =6 N =8 N =7 N =4 N =5

Hours

-0.48 0.18 -2.74 ±1.95 0.84 -1.14 -0.50 (0.0276)

*Values for change in DLMO mean± SD) are displayed for each dose group exhibiting

evidence of a statistically significant effect. The p-value (in parentheses) compares

that dose group to placebo using ANOVA with contrasts.

Change in Sleep Efficiency

The ability of MA-1 to correct the disruption in sleep caused by a phase

advance was investigated by comparing the change in sleep efficiencies of MA-1

treated subjects upon a phase advance against the change in sleep efficiencies in

placebo upon a phase advance. Sleep efficiency (time asleep/opportunity to sleep*

100%) was measured objectively by overnight polysomnogramic recordings.

Polysomnographic recording from baseline (Night 1 and 2) and on treatment nights

4, 5, and 6 were analyzed for this study.

Full Night Sleep Efficiency

MA-1 was able to minimize the disruption in full night sleep efficiency between

Night 4 and Night 2 in a dose-related manner. (Table 11.1.2).

Table 11.1.2 Change in Sleep Efficiency between Night 4 and Night 2 by Dose*

Mean Change SD in Sleep Efficiency

Dose Full Night 2nd Third of the Night

(% points) (% points)

Placebo 1 -20.27 18.72 -34.92 ±38.23 (N=7)

MA-1 -12.64 ±13.83 10 mg _7.77 (0.0303) (N=8)2

MA-1 -5.11 ±12.78 20 mg -6.68 (0.0048) (N=8)

MA-1 -5.87 9.89 -2.10 ±4.14 50mg

(0.0487) (0.0028) (N=7)

MA-1 -2.02 ±4.94 -2.30 ±5.72 100 mg (0.0141) (0.0030) (N=7)

*Values for change in sleep efficiency for the full night (mean ±SD) are displayed for each

dose group exhibiting evidence of a statistically significant effect. The p-value (in

parentheses) compares that dose group to placebo using ANOVA with contrasts.

Sleep Efficiency in Parts of the Niqht

Sleep efficiency was also compared in parts of the night by dividing the full

night into thirds. MA-1 improved sleep efficiency in the middle third of the night in a

dose-related manner. (Table 11.1.2).

11.1.2 Secondary Efficacy Results

11.1.2.1 DLMO Shift - Time to Onset and Lowest Effective Dose

As detailed in Section 11.1.1.1, MA-1, when compared to placebo, was able

to induce a forward shift in DLMO 2 5 %,LOQ5 on the first night of treatment (Night 4)

when compared to baseline (Night 3) in a dose-dependent manner (Table 11.1.1,

Figure 11.1.1). While nonparametric analysis clearly indicates an overall dose

response, the MA-1 100 mg dose is considered the lowest effective dose for DLMO

shift since it was the first dose with a statistically significant p-value in the ANOVA

with contrasts.

11.1.2.2 Other Sleep Parameters

In addition to sleep efficiency, the exposure-response of MA-1 on sleep

latency, sleep maintenance, and sleep architecture were examined.

Sleep Latency

MA-1, when compared to placebo, was able to reduce latency to persistent

sleep (LPS) on the first night of treatment (Night 4) when compared to baseline

(Night 2) (Table 11.1.3).

Table 11.1.3 Change in Sleep Latency between Night 4 and Night 2 by dose*

Dose Latency to Persistent Sleep (Min) Placebo (N=8) 15.13± 21.25 MA-1 -8.25 ±16.34 10 mg (N=8) (0.0034) MA-1 5.00 20 mg (N=8) MA-1 -3.71 ±10.97 50 mg (N=7) (0.0193) MA-1 -4.17 ±6.93 100 mg (N=6) (0.0214) *Values for change in sleep latency mean± SD) are

displayed for each dose group exhibiting evidence of a

statistically significant effect. The P value (in parentheses)

compares that dose group to placebo using ANOVA with

contrasts.

Sleep maintenance

Table 11.1.4 Change in Sleep Maintenance between Night 4 and Night 2 by dose*

WASO WASO Dose (Min) (% points) Placebo (N=7) 77.00 ±91.01 17.22 ±19.69 MA-1 10 mg (N=8) 40.56 8.37 MA-1 20 mg (N=8) 31.19 6.91 MA-1 50 mg (N=7) 31.21 6.61 MA-1 100 mg (N=7) 8.50 ±20.39 1.85 ±4.29 (0.0452) (0.0391) *Values for change in sleep maintenance mean± SD) are displayed for each dose group exhibiting evidence of a statistically significant effect. The P value (in parentheses) compares that dose group to placebo using ANOVA with contrasts.

Wake after sleep onset (WASO) was calculated as both a unit of time

(number of minutes that a subject was awake after falling into persistent sleep) and as a fraction (fraction of time that the subject was awake in the time frame from persistent sleep to lights on). Statistical significance was achieved when the MA-1

100 mg dose was compared to placebo in WASO as both a unit of time and as a

fraction (Table 11.1.4). While dose response as measured by nonparametric

analyses was not statistically significant, linear regression analysis of change in

WASO at each dose tested demonstrates that the MA-1 100 mg dose was able to

minimize the disruption in wake after sleep onset between Day 4 and Day 2 in the

majority of subjects in this treatment arm.

Sleen Architecture and REM Polarity

MA-1 did not change the percentage of time in each sleep stage between

Night 4 and Night 2.

On Night 4, MA-1 was able to minimize the disruption in REM polarity caused

by a phase advance by increasing the number of episodes of REM during the final

third of the night. After Hour 4 on Night 4, there were fewer cumulative episodes of

REM with placebo compared to the larger doses of MA-1. This disruption in REM

polarity was not observed on Night 2.

Additional analyses evaluated cumulative REM epochs during the thirds of the

night. MA-1 was able to induce a dose-related increase in the number of episodes of

REM during the final third of the night consistent with preserving the REM sleep

architecture of Night 2 prior to the phase advance.

Example 2.

A multi-center, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group

study was conducted to investigate the efficacy and safety of single oral doses of

VEC-162 (20, 50, and 100 mg) and matching placebo in healthy male and female

subjects with induced transient insomnia. Approximately four hundred subjects were

randomized in approximately a 1:1:1:1 ratio to the treatment groups.

In general, a screening period began 14 to 35 days prior to the start of the

evaluation period, which was Day 1. Prior to Day 1, subjects were asked to increase

their sleep time to 9 hours per night. Drug, or placebo, was administered on Night 1,

approximately 0.5 hour prior to lights off.

The primary efficacy variable was LPS. LPS is defined as the length of time

elapsed between lights off and onset of persistent sleep. In this trial, persistent sleep

is defined as the point at which 10 minutes of uninterrupted sleep has begun. Sleep

was determined on the basis of polysomnography (PSG).

Secondary efficacy parameters included the following:

Wake After Sleep Onset (WASO): WASO is defined as the time spent awake

between onset of sleep and Lights On during Night 1, determined by PSG.

Latency to Non-Awake (LNA): LNA is defined as the number of minutes to

reach any stage of sleep.

Total Sleep Time (TST): TST is defined as the number of minutes spent

asleep during the entire time in bed.

The particle size of the MA-1 used in this study was:

D10 D50 D90 D100

5um 25um 72um 316um

Illustrative results included the following.

• Latency to Persistent Sleep (LPS): Improvement compared with placebo of

21.5 (p<0.001), 26.3 (p<0.001), and 22.8 (p<0.001) minutes at 20, 50, and

100 mg respectively.

• Latency to Non-Awake (LNA): Improvement compared with placebo of 11.1

(p<0.006), 14.3 (p<0.001), and 12.3 (p<0.002) minutes at 20, 50, and 100 mg

respectively.

• Wake After Sleep Onset (WASO): Improvement compared with placebo of

24.2 (p<0.02), 33.7 (p=0.001), and 17.5 (p=0.081) minutes at 20, 50, and 100

mg respectively.

• Total Sleep Time (TST): Improvement compared with placebo of 33.7

(p<0.002), 47.9 (p<0.001) and 29.6 (p<0.005) minutes at 20, 50, and 100 mg

respectively.

The trial also demonstrated that VEC-162 was well-tolerated at all doses.

Several conclusions can be drawn from Examples 1 and 2. These include but

are not necessarily limited to the following.

• MA-1 was well-tolerated at doses of 10, 20, 50, and 100mg.

• MA-1, when compared to placebo, induced a forward shift in DLMO 2 5 %,LOQ5

on the first night of treatment in a dose-dependent manner.

• MA-1 minimized the disruption in sleep efficiency (full night and middle third of

the night) caused by a phase advance.

• MA-1 minimized the disruption in REM polarity caused by a phase advance by

increasing in the number of episodes of REM during the final third of the night.

• MA-1 minimized the disruption in wake after sleep onset (WASO) caused by a

phase advance.

• MA-1 improved sleep latency which was increased by the phase advance.

• The Cmax values increased in a manner approximately proportional to the

dose. AUC increased approximately proportional to dose.

• Exposure levels were not affected by age, weight, height, gender, creatinine

clearance, or ALT baseline levels.

• 50 mg was more efficacious than 100 mg despite both doses being well

tolerated, indicating that a single oral dose of about 50 mg is preferable to an

oral dose of about 100 mg.

• 20 mg was comparable or superior to 100 mg in efficacy despite 100 mg

being well-tolerated, indicating that a single oral dose of about 20 mg is

preferable to an oral dose of about 100 mg.

• An oral dose of about 20 to about 50 mg is effective in treating sleep

disorders.

• An oral dose of about 20 to about 50 mg is effective in treating sleep disorders

when administered about 1/2 hour before sleep time.

The invention also includes a method of marketing MA-1 that comprises

disseminating to prescribers or to patients any one or more of the preceding

conclusions.

The foregoing description of various aspects of the invention has been

presented for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be

exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed, and modifications

and variations are possible. Such modifications and variations are intended to be

included within the scope of the invention as defined by the accompanying claims.

Claims (7)

CLAIMS What is claimed is:

1. A method of treating a sleep disorder in a patient in need thereof, the method comprising orally administering to said patient (1R-trans)-N-[[2-(2,3-dihydro-4 benzofuranyl)cyclopropyl]methyl]propanamide in an amount of about 20 mg to about 50 mg per day.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the amount is about 20 mg per day.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein administering includes administering the (1R trans)-N-[[2-(2,3-dihydro-4-benzofuranyl)cyclopropyl]methyl]propanamide at or within about two hours before the patient's bedtime.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein administering includes administering the (1R trans)-N-[[2-(2,3-dihydro-4-benzofuranyl)cyclopropyl]methyl]propanamide about one half hour before the patient's sleep time.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein the D5o of the (1R-trans)-N-[[2-(2,3-dihydro-4 benzofuranyl)cyclopropyl]methyl]propanamide is less than about 100 pm.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein the D5o of the (1R-trans)-N-[[2-(2,3-dihydro-4 benzofuranyl)cyclopropyl]methyl]propanamide is about 20 pm to about 50 pm.

7. The method of claim 1, wherein the amount of (1R-trans)-N-[[2-(2,3-dihydro-4 benzofuranyl)cyclopropyl]methyl]propanamide improves at least one sleep parameter selected from a group consisting of: sleep latency and waking after sleep onset.