IP Library Granted Patent US 50,805
Granted Patent E1
US 50,805 · App. 17/886,944 · Granted Feb 24, 2026

Single-layer oral dose of neuro-attenuating ketamine

Inventors: Alex Nivorozhkin (West Roxbury, MA); Nelson Landrau (Marlborough, MA)
Assignee: ACADIA Pharmaceuticals Inc.
A61K9/2059A61K9/2013A61K9/2027A61K9/2031A61K9/2054A61K31/135A61K31/13
View Patent ↗
Loading inventors, assignments & file history…
Monitor This Case
Get email alerts when status or documents change.
Order Certified Copies
Most orders are placed with the USPTO same day — all within 24 business hours.
Order via The Patent Place →
Pre-filled with this patent's details
Quick Facts
Patent No.
US 50,805
App. No.
17/886,944
Granted
Feb 24, 2026
Kind
E1
Abstract

The present invention is directed to oral neuro-attenuating ketamine (NAKET) tablet formulations, and methods of administration, which ensure the steady release of a therapeutically effective concentration of ketamine from an oral tablet without neurologically toxic spikes in ketamine concentration. In particular, the present invention provides single layer oral tablet formulation of NAKET. In a specific embodiment, the NAKET tablet formulation, and methods of administration provide steady administration of NAKET to a subject for 24 hours or greater, for example, up to 36 hours, after a single administration event.

Claims (38)

1 . A single-layer orally administered tablet composition comprising: neuro-attenuating ketamine (NAKET) and;

a polymer carrying one or more negatively charged groups selected from the group consisting of polyacrylic acid, polylactic acid, polyglycolic acid, polymethacrylate carboxylates, hyaluronic acid, salts thereof, and mixtures thereof; and

a water-insoluble neutrally charged non-ionic matrix selected from the group consisting of cellulose-based polymers, alone or enhanced by mixing with components selected from the group consisting of starches; waxes; neutral gums; polymethacrylates; PVA; PVA/PVP blends; and mixtures thereof;

wherein the tablet is formulated without another active therapeutic agent;

wherein the tablet composition does not contain an anionic gum;

wherein the tablet composition has a release period of the NAKET of greater than 12 hours after oral administration and achieves a combined concentration of ketamine and its metabolite norketamine in plasma in the range of 10-500 ng/ml; and maintains this concentration for duration of the release period.

2 . The tablet composition of claim 1 , wherein the composition is adapted for maximum sustained release polymer carrying one or more negatively charged groups is polyacrylic acid.

3 . The tablet composition of claim 1 , wherein the tablet composition comprises NAKET comprises a combination of (i) a water-insoluble neutrally charged non-ionic matrix; (ii) a polymer carrying one or more negatively charged groups; and (iii) ketamine.

4 . The tablet composition of claim 3 , wherein the non-ionic matrix is selected from cellulose-based polymers, alone or enhanced by mixing with components selected from the group consisting of starches; waxes; neutral gums; polymethacrylates; PVA; PVA/PVP blends; and mixtures thereof.

5 . The tablet composition of claim 4 claim 2 , wherein the cellulose-based polymer is hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC).

6 . The tablet composition of claim 1 , wherein the polymer carrying one or more negatively charged groups is selected from the group consisting of polyacrylic acid, polylactic acid, polyglycolic acid, polymethacrylate carboxylates, cation-exchange resins, clays, zeolites, hyaluronic acid, anionic gums, salts thereof, and mixtures thereof.

7 . The tablet composition of claim 6 , wherein the anionic gum is selected from the group consisting of naturally occurring materials and semi-synthetic materials.

8 . The tablet composition of claim 7 , wherein the naturally occurring material is selected from the group consisting of alginic acid, pectin, xanthan gum, carrageenan, locust bean gum, gum arabic, gum karaya, guar gum, and gum tragacanth.

9 . The tablet composition of claim 7 , wherein the semi-synthetic material is selected from the group consisting of carboxymethyl-chitin and cellulose gum.

10 . The tablet composition of claim 1 , comprising an amount of ketamine therapeutically effective for the treatment of pain.

11 . The tablet composition of claim 1 , comprising an amount of ketamine therapeutically effective for use in the treatment of brain injury.

12 . The tablet composition of claim 1 , comprising an amount of ketamine therapeutically effective for the treatment of depression.

13 . The tablet composition of claim 1 , wherein the neuro-attenuating ketamine achieves a combined concentration of ketamine and its metabolite norketamine in plasma in the range of 10-500 ng/ml, and maintains this concentration for duration of the release period.

14 . The tablet composition of claim 1 , wherein the polymer comprises one or more negatively charged groups.

15 . A tablet composition formulated for oral administration comprising: ketamine and:

a polymer carrying one or more negatively charged groups selected from the group consisting of polyacrylic acid, polylactic acid, polyglycolic acid, polymethacrylate carboxylates, hyaluronic acid, salts thereof, and mixtures thereof; and

a water-insoluble neutrally charged non-ionic matrix selected from the group consisting of cellulose-based polymers, alone or enhanced by mixing with components selected from the group consisting of starches; waxes; neutral gums; polymethacrylates; PVA; PVA/PVP blends; and mixtures thereof;

wherein the tablet is formulated without another active therapeutic agent;

wherein the tablet composition does not contain an anionic gum;

wherein the tablet composition has a release period of the ketamine of greater than 12 hours after oral administration and achieves a combined concentration of ketamine and its metabolite norketamine in plasma in the range of 10-500 ng/ml, and maintains this concentration for duration of the release period.

16 . The tablet of claim 15 wherein the polymer comprises one or more negatively charged groups.

17 . The tablet of claim 15 wherein the polymer comprises one or more acid groups.

18 . The tablet of claim 17 wherein the polymer comprises a water-insoluble neutrally charged non-ionic matrix.

19 . The table of claim 18 wherein the non-ionic matrix is selected from cellulose-based polymers, alone or enhanced by mixing with components selected from the group consisting of starches; waxes; neutral gums; polymethacrylates; PVA; PVA/PVP blends; and mixtures thereof.

20 . The tablet composition of claim 19 claim 15 , wherein the cellulose-based polymer is hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC).

21 . A kit for the treatment of a subject with ketamine comprising 1) a single-layer orally administered tablet composition of claim 1 and 2) and instructions for use in the treatment of pain.

22 . A kit for the treatment of a subject with ketamine comprising 1) a single-layer orally administered tablet composition of claim 1 and 2) instructions for use in the treatment of brain injury.

23 . A kit for the treatment of a subject with ketamine comprising 1) a single-layer orally administered tablet composition of claim 1 and 2) instructions for use in the treatment of depression.

24 . The kit of claim 21 , wherein the polymer comprises one or more negatively charged groups.

25 . The kit of claim 22 , wherein the polymer comprises one or more negatively charged groups.

26 . The kit of claim 23 , wherein the polymer comprises one or more negatively charged groups.

27. The tablet composition of claim 1 , wherein the NAKET achieves a combined concentration of ketamine and its metabolite norketamine in plasma in the range of 10-300 ng/ml, and maintains this concentration for duration of the release period.

28. The tablet composition of claim 1 , wherein the NAKET achieves a combined concentration of ketamine and its metabolite norketamine in plasma in the range of 10-100 ng/ml, and maintains this concentration for duration of the release period.

Assignments (2)
ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNOR'S INTEREST Recorded May 17, 2024
From: NIVOROZHKIN, ALEX; LANDRAU, NELSON
To: AMORSA THERAPEUTICS, INC.
Reel/Frame 067452/0640 →
ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNOR'S INTEREST Recorded May 17, 2024
From: AMORSA THERAPEUTICS, INC.
To: ACADIA PHARMACEUTICALS INC.
Reel/Frame 067452/0731 →
Continuity (4)
Continuation 14914416
Provisional Application 62015513 · Jun 22, 2014
Provisional Application 61869884 · Aug 26, 2013
Reissue 15885231 · Jan 31, 2018
References Cited (41)
US 5204116A · Edgren et al. · 1993 [cited by applicant]
US 6194000B1 · Smith et al. · 2001 [cited by applicant]
US 6855735B2 · Friedman · 2005 [cited by applicant]
US 7727557B2 · Sackler · 2010 [cited by examiner]
US 9073819B2 · Amin et al. · 2015 [cited by applicant]
US 9913803B2 · Nivorozhkin et al. · 2018 [cited by applicant]
US 11554100B2 · Nivorozhkin · 2023 [cited by examiner]
US 20170042878A1 · Fava · 2017 [cited by examiner]
US 20200261370A1 · Nivorozhkin et al. · 2020 [cited by applicant]
CA 1316108C · 1993 [cited by examiner]
CA 2806752A1 · 2012 [cited by examiner]
EP 1103256A1 · 2001 [cited by applicant]
JP 6216413A · 1987 [cited by examiner]
JP 2004520410A · 2004 [cited by applicant]
JP 2004528338A · 2004 [cited by applicant]
WO WO0008092A1 · 2000 [cited by examiner]
WO 02067903A2 · 2002 [cited by applicant]
WO 02087512A2 · 2002 [cited by applicant]
WO 2008118785A2 · 2008 [cited by applicant]
WO 2009131794A1 · 2009 [cited by applicant]
WO 2013003669A2 · 2013 [cited by applicant]
WO 2014020155A1 · 2014 [cited by applicant]
Cheng et al., “Chemical Profiling of 3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) Tablets Seized in Hong Kong”, J. Forensic Sci, 2009, vol. 48, 11 pages. [cited by applicant]
Tanner-Smith, “Pharamcological content of tablets sold as ‘ecstasy’: Results from an online testing service”, Drug and Alcohol Dependence, 2005, 8 pages. [cited by applicant]
Yanagihara, “Studies on Development and Clinical Application of Ketamine Preparations for Neuropathic Pain Relief”, Japanese Society of Pharmaceutical Health Care and Sciences, 2006, vol. 32, No. 4, pp. 275-288. [cited by applicant]
Yanagihara, “Preparation of Ketamine Tablets for Treatment of Patients with Neuropathic Pain”, Yakugaku Zasshi, 1999, vol. 119, pp. 980-987. [cited by applicant]
International Preliminary Report on Patentability for Application No. PCT/US2014/052786 dated Nov. 26, 2014 (9 pages). [cited by applicant]
Japanese Patent Office Decision of Refusal for Application No. 2016-537782 dated Sep. 30, 2019 (8 pages Including English translation). [cited by applicant]
Japanese Patent Office Notice of Reasons for Refusal for Application No. 2016-537782 dated Nov. 29, 2018 (8 pages including English translation). [cited by applicant]
European Patent Office Examination Report for Application No. 14840272.0 dated Apr. 25, 2019 (5 pages). [cited by applicant]
Applicant response dated Jan. 14, 2019 filed in counterpart European Application No. 14840272.0 (14 pages). [cited by applicant]
Notification of Reason for Refusal issued in corresponding Japanese Patent Application No. 2016-537782, dated May 8, 2018, 8 pages. [cited by applicant]
Chong, et al., Development of a Sublingual/Oral Formulation of Ketamine for Use in Neuropathic Pain: Preliminary Findings from a Three-Way Randomized Crossover Study, Clin Drug Invest (2009) 8 pages. [cited by applicant]
E. Tanner-Smith, “Pharmacological content of tablets sold as “ecstasy”: Results from an online testing service”, Elsevier Scientific Publishers, IR, Drug and Alcohol Dependence, 2006, vol. 83, pp. 247-254. [cited by applicant]
W. Cheng, et al., “Chemical Profiling of 3, 4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) Tablets Seized in Hong Kong”, Journal of Forensic Sciences, Nov. 2003, vol. 48, No. 6. [cited by applicant]
K. Sherlock et al., “Analysis of illicit ecstacy tablets: implications for clinical management in the accident and emergency department”, Emergency Medicine Journal, vol. 16, No. 3, May 1999, pp. 194-197. [cited by applicant]
C. Chong et al., “Development of a Sublingual/Oral Formulation of Ketamine for Use in Neuropathic Pain”, Clinical Drug Investigation, 2009, vol. 29, No. 5, pp. 317-324. [cited by applicant]
Supplemental European Search Report issued in counterpart European Application No. 14840272.0, dated Feb. 24, 2017 (5 pages). [cited by applicant]
Search Opinion issued in counterpart European Application No. 14840272.0, dated Feb. 24, 2017 (4 pages). [cited by applicant]
Pending Claims issued in counterpart European Application No. 14840272.0, dated Feb. 24, 2017 (3 pages). [cited by applicant]
International Search Report issued in International Application No. PCT/2014/052786, daed Nov. 26, 2014 (2 pages). [cited by applicant]