Deuterium-enriched bupropion   

The present application claims priority benefit under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/972,205 filed 13 Sep. 2007. The disclosure of this application is incorporated herein by reference.

This invention relates generally to deuterium-enriched bupropion, pharmaceutical compositions containing the same, and methods of using the same.

Bupropion, shown below, is a well known norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor and dopamine reuptake inhibitor.

Since bupropion is a known and useful pharmaceutical, it is desirable to discover novel derivatives thereof. Bupropion is described in U.S. Pat. No. 3,819,706; the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

Accordingly, one object of the present invention is to provide deuterium-enriched bupropion or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

It is another object of the present invention to provide pharmaceutical compositions comprising a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier and a therapeutically effective amount of at least one of the deuterium-enriched compounds of the present invention or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a method for treating a disease selected from antidepressant and/or as a smoking cessation aid, comprising administering to a host in need of such treatment a therapeutically effective amount of at least one of the deuterium-enriched compounds of the present invention or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a novel deuterium-enriched bupropion or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof for use in therapy.

It is another object of the present invention to provide the use of a novel deuterium-enriched bupropion or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof for the manufacture of a medicament (e.g., for the treatment of antidepressant and/or as a smoking cessation aid).

These and other objects, which will become apparent during the following detailed description, have been achieved by the inventor's discovery of the presently claimed deuterium-enriched bupropion.

Deuterium (D or 2H) is a stable, non-radioactive isotope of hydrogen and has an atomic weight of 2.0144. Hydrogen naturally occurs as a mixture of the isotopes 1H (hydrogen or protium), D (2H or deuterium), and T (3H or tritium). The natural abundance of deuterium is 0.015%. One of ordinary skill in the art recognizes that in all chemical compounds with a H atom, the H atom actually represents a mixture of H and D, with about 0.015% being D. Thus, compounds with a level of deuterium that has been enriched to be greater than its natural abundance of 0.015%, should be considered unnatural and, as a result, novel over their non-enriched counterparts.

All percentages given for the amount of deuterium present are mole percentages.

It can be quite difficult in the laboratory to achieve 100% deuteration at any one site of a lab scale amount of compound (e.g., milligram or greater). When 100% deuteration is recited or a deuterium atom is specifically shown in a structure, it is assumed that a small percentage of hydrogen may still be present. Deuterium-enriched can be achieved by either exchanging protons with deuterium or by synthesizing the molecule with enriched starting materials.

The present invention provides deuterium-enriched bupropion or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. There are eighteen hydrogen atoms in the bupropion portion of bupropion as show by variables R1-R18 in formula I below.

The hydrogens present on bupropion have different capacities for exchange with deuterium. Hydrogen atom R1 is easily exchangeable under physiological conditions and, if replaced by a deuterium atom, it is expected that it will readily exchange for a proton after administration to a patient. Hydrogen atom R2 may be exchanged for a deuterium atom via the action of a base such as EtOD/EtOH. The remaining hydrogen atoms are not easily exchangeable for deuterium atoms. However, deuterium atoms at the remaining positions may be incorporated by the use of deuterated starting materials or intermediates during the construction of bupropion.

The present invention is based on increasing the amount of deuterium present in bupropion above its natural abundance. This increasing is called enrichment or deuterium-enrichment. If not specifically noted, the percentage of enrichment refers to the percentage of deuterium present in the compound, mixture of compounds, or composition. Examples of the amount of enrichment include from about 0.5, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 12, 16, 21, 25, 29, 33, 37, 42, 46, 50, 54, 58, 63, 67, 71, 75, 79, 84, 88, 92, 96, to about 100 mol %. Since there are 18 hydrogens in bupropion, replacement of a single hydrogen atom with deuterium would result in a molecule with about 6% deuterium enrichment. In order to achieve enrichment less than about 6%, but above the natural abundance, only partial deuteration of one site is required. Thus, less than about 6% enrichment would still refer to deuterium-enriched bupropion.

With the natural abundance of deuterium being 0.015%, one would expect that for approximately every 6,667 molecules of bupropion (1/0.00015=6,667), there is one naturally occurring molecule with one deuterium present. Since bupropion has 18 positions, one would roughly expect that for approximately every 120,006 molecules of bupropion (18×6,667), all 18 different, naturally occurring, mono-deuterated bupropions would be present. This approximation is a rough estimate as it doesn't take into account the different exchange rates of the hydrogen atoms on bupropion. For naturally occurring molecules with more than one deuterium, the numbers become vastly larger. In view of this natural abundance, the present invention, in an embodiment, relates to an amount of an deuterium enriched compound, whereby the enrichment recited will be more than naturally occurring deuterated molecules.

In view of the natural abundance of deuterium-enriched bupropion, the present invention also relates to isolated or purified deuterium-enriched bupropion. The isolated or purified deuterium-enriched bupropion is a group of molecules whose deuterium levels are above the naturally occurring levels (e.g., 6%). The isolated or purified deuterium-enriched bupropion can be obtained by techniques known to those of skill in the art (e.g., see the syntheses described below).

The present invention also relates to compositions comprising deuterium-enriched bupropion. The compositions require the presence of deuterium-enriched bupropion which is greater than its natural abundance. For example, the compositions of the present invention can comprise (a) a μg of a deuterium-enriched bupropion; (b) a mg of a deuterium-enriched bupropion; and, (c) a gram of a deuterium-enriched bupropion.

In an embodiment, the present invention provides an amount of a novel deuterium-enriched bupropion.

Examples of amounts include, but are not limited to (a) at least 0.01, 0.02, 0.03, 0.04, 0.05, 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, to 1 mole, (b) at least 0.1 moles, and (c) at least 1 mole of the compound. The present amounts also cover lab-scale (e.g., gram scale), kilo-lab scale (e.g., kilogram scale), and industrial or commercial scale (e.g., multi-kilogram or above scale) quantities as these will be more useful in the actual manufacture of a pharmaceutical. Industrial/commercial scale refers to the amount of product that would be produced in a batch that was designed for clinical testing, formulation, sale/distribution to the public, etc.

In another embodiment, the present invention provides a novel, deuterium enriched compound of formula I or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

wherein R1-R18 are independently selected from H and D; and the abundance of deuterium in R1-R18 is at least 6%. The abundance can also be (a) at least 11%, (b) at least 17%, (c) at least 22%, (d) at least 28%, (e) at least 33%, (f) at least 39%, (g) at least 44%, (h) at least 50%, (i) at least 56%, (j) at least 61%, (k) at least 67%, (l) at least 72%, (m) at least 78%, (n) at least 83%, (o) at least 89%, (p) at least 94%, and (q) 100%.

In another embodiment, the present invention provides a novel, deuterium enriched compound of formula I or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein the abundance of deuterium in R1 is 100%.

In another embodiment, the present invention provides a novel, deuterium enriched compound of formula I or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein the abundance of deuterium in R2 is 100%.

In another embodiment, the present invention provides a novel, deuterium enriched compound of formula I or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein the abundance of deuterium in R3-R5 is at least 33%. The abundance can also be (a) at least 67%, and (b) 100%.

In another embodiment, the present invention provides a novel, deuterium enriched compound of formula I, wherein the abundance of deuterium in R6-R9 is at least 25%. The abundance can also be (a) at least 50%, (b) at least 75%, and (c) 100%.

In another embodiment, the present invention provides a novel, deuterium enriched compound of formula I or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein the abundance of deuterium in R10-R18 is at least 11%. The abundance can also be (a) at least 22%, (b) at least 33%, (c) at least 44%,(d) at least 56%, (e) at least 67%, (f) at least 78%, (g) at least 89%, and (h) 100%.

In another embodiment, the present invention provides an isolated novel, deuterium enriched compound of formula I or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

wherein R1-R18 are independently selected from H and D; and the abundance of deuterium in R1-R18 is at least 6%. The abundance can also be (a) at least 11%, (b) at least 17%, (c) at least 22%, (d) at least 28%, (e) at least 33%, (f) at least 39%, (g) at least 44%, (h) at least 50%, (i) at least 56%, (j) at least 61%, (k) at least 67%, (l) at least 72%, (m) at least 78%, (n) at least 83%, (o) at least 89%, (p) at least 94%, and (q) 100%.

In another embodiment, the present invention provides an isolated novel, deuterium enriched compound of formula I or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein the abundance of deuterium in R1 is 100%.

In another embodiment, the present invention provides an isolated novel, deuterium enriched compound of formula I or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein the abundance of deuterium in R2 is 100%.

In another embodiment, the present invention provides an isolated novel, deuterium enriched compound of formula I or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein the abundance of deuterium in R3-R5 is at least 33%. The abundance can also be (a) at least 67%, and (b) 100%.

In another embodiment, the present invention provides an isolated novel, deuterium enriched compound of formula I, wherein the abundance of deuterium in R6-R9 is at least 25%. The abundance can also be (a) at least 50%, (b) at least 75%, and (c) 100%.

In another embodiment, the present invention provides an isolated novel, deuterium enriched compound of formula I or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein the abundance of deuterium in R10-R18 is at least 11%. The abundance can also be (a) at least 22%, (b) at least 33%, (c) at least 44%,(d) at least 56%, (e) at least 67%, (f) at least 78%, (g) at least 89%, and (h) 100%.

In another embodiment, the present invention provides novel mixture of deuterium enriched compounds of formula I or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

wherein R1-R18 are independently selected from H and D; and the abundance of deuterium in R1-R18 is at least 6%. The abundance can also be (a) at least 11%, (b) at least 17%, (c) at least 22%, (d) at least 28%, (e) at least 33%, (f) at least 39%, (g) at least 44%, (h) at least 50%, (i) at least 56%, (j) at least 61%, (k) at least 67%, (l) at least 72%, (m) at least 78%, (n) at least 83%, (o) at least 89%, (p) at least 94%, and (q) 100%.

In another embodiment, the present invention provides a novel mixture of, deuterium enriched compound of formula I or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein the abundance of deuterium in R1 is 100%.

In another embodiment, the present invention provides a novel mixture of, deuterium enriched compound of formula I or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein the abundance of deuterium in R2 is 100%.

In another embodiment, the present invention provides a novel mixture of, deuterium enriched compound of formula I or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein the abundance of deuterium in R3-R5 is at least 33%. The abundance can also be (a) at least 67%, and (b) 100%.

In another embodiment, the present invention provides a novel mixture of, deuterium enriched compound of formula I, wherein the abundance of deuterium in R6-R9 is at least 25%. The abundance can also be (a) at least 50%, (b) at least 75%, and (c) 100%.

In another embodiment, the present invention provides a novel mixture of, deuterium enriched compound of formula I or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein the abundance of deuterium in R10-R18 is at least 11%. The abundance can also be (a) at least 22%, (b) at least 33%, (c) at least 44%,(d) at least 56%, (e) at least 67%, (f) at least 78%, (g) at least 89%, and (h) 100%.

In another embodiment, the present invention provides novel pharmaceutical compositions, comprising: a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier and a therapeutically effective amount of a deuterium-enriched compound of the present invention.

In another embodiment, the present invention provides a novel method for treating a disease selected from antidepressant and/or as a smoking cessation aid comprising: administering to a patient in need thereof a therapeutically effective amount of a deuterium-enriched compound of the present invention.

In another embodiment, the present invention provides an amount of a deuterium-enriched compound of the present invention as described above for use in therapy.

In another embodiment, the present invention provides the use of an amount of a deuterium-enriched compound of the present invention for the manufacture of a medicament (e.g., for the treatment of antidepressant and/or as a smoking cessation aid).

The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential attributes thereof. This invention encompasses all combinations of preferred aspects of the invention noted herein. It is understood that any and all embodiments of the present invention may be taken in conjunction with any other embodiment or embodiments to describe additional more preferred embodiments. It is also to be understood that each individual element of the preferred embodiments is intended to be taken individually as its own independent preferred embodiment. Furthermore, any element of an embodiment is meant to be combined with any and all other elements from any embodiment to describe an additional embodiment.

The examples provided in the definitions present in this application are non-inclusive unless otherwise stated. They include but are not limited to the recited examples.

The compounds of the present invention may have asymmetric centers. Compounds of the present invention containing an asymmetrically substituted atom may be isolated in optically active or racemic forms. It is well known in the art how to prepare optically active forms, such as by resolution of racemic forms or by synthesis from optically active starting materials. All processes used to prepare compounds of the present invention and intermediates made therein are considered to be part of the present invention. All tautomers of shown or described compounds are also considered to be part of the present invention.

“Host” preferably refers to a human. It also includes other mammals including the equine, porcine, bovine, feline, and canine families.

“Treating” or “treatment” covers the treatment of a disease-state in a mammal, and includes: (a) preventing the disease-state from occurring in a mammal, in particular, when such mammal is predisposed to the disease-state but has not yet been diagnosed as having it; (b) inhibiting the disease-state, e.g., arresting it development; and/or (c) relieving the disease-state, e.g., causing regression of the disease state until a desired endpoint is reached. Treating also includes the amelioration of a symptom of a disease (e.g., lessen the pain or discomfort), wherein such amelioration may or may not be directly affecting the disease (e.g., cause, transmission, expression, etc.).

“Therapeutically effective amount” includes an amount of a compound of the present invention that is effective when administered alone or in combination to treat the desired condition or disorder. “Therapeutically effective amount” includes an amount of the combination of compounds claimed that is effective to treat the desired condition or disorder. The combination of compounds is preferably a synergistic combination. Synergy, as described, for example, by Chou and Talalay, Adv. Enzyme Regul. 1984, 22:27-55, occurs when the effect of the compounds when administered in combination is greater than the additive effect of the compounds when administered alone as a single agent. In general, a synergistic effect is most clearly demonstrated at sub-optimal concentrations of the compounds. Synergy can be in terms of lower cytotoxicity, increased antiviral effect, or some other beneficial effect of the combination compared with the individual components.

“Pharmaceutically acceptable salts” refer to derivatives of the disclosed compounds wherein the parent compound is modified by making acid or base salts thereof. Examples of pharmaceutically acceptable salts include, but are not limited to, mineral or organic acid salts of the basic residues. The pharmaceutically acceptable salts include the conventional quaternary ammonium salts of the parent compound formed, for example, from non-toxic inorganic or organic acids. For example, such conventional non-toxic salts include, but are not limited to, those derived from inorganic and organic acids selected from 1,2-ethanedisulfonic, 2-acetoxybenzoic, 2-hydroxyethanesulfonic, acetic, ascorbic, benzenesulfonic, benzoic, bicarbonic, carbonic, citric, edetic, ethane disulfonic, ethane sulfonic, fumaric, glucoheptonic, gluconic, glutamic, glycolic, glycollyarsanilic, hexylresorcinic, hydrabamic, hydrobromic, hydrochloric, hydroiodide, hydroxymaleic, hydroxynaphthoic, isethionic, lactic, lactobionic, lauryl sulfonic, maleic, malic, mandelic, methanesulfonic, napsylic, nitric, oxalic, pamoic, pantothenic, phenylacetic, phosphoric, polygalacturonic, propionic, salicyclic, stearic, subacetic, succinic, sulfamic, sulfanilic, sulfuric, tannic, tartaric, and toluenesulfonic.

Scheme 1 shows an example of how to prepare bupropion.

Using combinations of various deuterated starting materials and intermediates shown in Scheme 1, a person skilled in the art of organic chemistry should be able to prepare a wide variety of deuterated bupropion analogs.

Table 1 provides compounds that are representative examples of the present invention. When one of R1-R18 is present, it is selected from H or D.

1 2 3 4 5 6

Table 2 provides compounds that are representative examples of the present invention. Where H is shown, it represents naturally abundant hydrogen.

7 8 9 10 11 12

Numerous modifications and variations of the present invention are possible in light of the above teachings. It is therefore to be understood that within the scope of the appended claims, the invention may be practiced otherwise that as specifically described herein.