WO2011064769A1

WO2011064769A1 - Methods and pharmaceutical compositions for the treatment of hot flashes

Info

Publication number: WO2011064769A1
Application number: PCT/IL2010/000976
Authority: WO
Inventors: Elka Touitou; Margarita Shumilov
Original assignee: Yissum Research Development Company Of The Hebrew University Of Jerusalem Ltd.
Priority date: 2009-11-24
Filing date: 2010-11-22
Publication date: 2011-06-03

Abstract

Certain embodiments disclosed herein relate to uses, methods and compositions comprising azapirones for the treatment of hot flashes. In specific embodiments, the compositions comprise buspirone as the active ingredient. The invention further provides nasal compositions, and appropriate uses and methods especially suitable for administration of buspirone for the treatment of hot flashes.

Description

METHODS AND PHARMACEUTICAL COMPOSITIONS FOR THE TREATMENT OF HOT FLASHES

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates in general to a method of treatment of temperature dysregulation disorders, specifically, hot flashes. More particularly, the invention provides the use of azaspirodecanedione (azapirone), specifically buspirone, and delivery systems thereof, for treating, inhibiting, preventing or ameliorating hot flashes associated with at least one of menopause, perimenopause, post menopause and andropause in a subj ect in need thereof.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

AH publications mentioned throughout this application are fully incorporated herein by reference, including all references cited therein.

Hot flashes (hot flushes), a common symptom of menopause and perimenopause, are typically experienced as a feeling of intense heat with sweating and rapid heartbeat, and may typically last from two to thirty minutes for each occurrence. The sensation of heat usually begins in the face or chest, although it may appear elsewhere such as the back of the neck, and it can spread throughout the whole body. In addition to being an internal sensation, the surface of the skin, especially on the face, becomes hot to the touch. This is the origin of the alternative term "hot flush," since the sensation of heat is often accompanied by visible reddening of the face. Excessive flushing can lead to rosacea, a chronic condition characterized by facial erythema, often accompanied by the appearance of pimples.

The hot-flash event may be repeated a few times each week or constantly throughout the day, with the frequency reducing over time. Hot flashes may begin to appear several years before menopause starts and last for years afterwards. Some women undergoing menopause never have hot flashes. Others have mild or infrequent flashes. The worst sufferers experience dozens of hot flashes each day. In addition, hot flashes are often more frequent and more intense during hot weather or in an overheated room, the surrounding heat apparently making the hot flashes themselves both more probable and more severe.

Severe hot flashes can make it difficult to get a full night's sleep (often characterized as insomnia), which in turn can affect mood, impair concentration, and cause other physical problems. When hot flashes occur at night, they are called "night sweats." As estrogen is typically lowest at night, some women get night sweats without having any hot flashes during the daytime. Some menopausal women may experience both standard hot flashes and a second type sometimes referred to as "slow hot flashes" or "ember flashes." The standard hot flash comes on rapidly, sometimes reaching maximum intensity in as little as a minute. It lasts at full intensity for only a few minutes before gradually fading. Slow "ember" flashes appear almost as quickly but are less intense and last for around half an hour. Women who experience them may undergo them year-round, rather than primarily in the summer, and ember flashes may linger for years after the more intense hot flashes have passed.

Another medical condition that is associated with hot flushes is hypogonadism. Hypogonadism is a medical term for a defect of the gonads that results in the underproduction of testosterone. Late-onset hypogonadism (LOH), Andropause or Androgen Decline in the Aging Male (ADAM), is a syndrome caused by a decline in gonadal production of testosterone in males that occurs with aging. This "male menopause" can also cause hypogonadism.

Hypogonadism in men over 45 is often overlooked, as free testosterone levels drop by a little over 1% a year as men age. Since many of the individual symptoms initially appear minor, men often ignore their symptoms or attribute them to getting old. In 2006, a large 2,000-man study concluded that 38.7% had hypogonadism. The symptoms are numerous: both psychological (irritability, depression, loss of libido) and physical (loss of muscle tone, bone) and may include also the appearance of hot flushes. Buspirone hydrochloride (BH), a currently used anxiolytic, is a member of the chemical class of azapirones, also known as azaspirodecanediones, psychoactive drugs derived from piperazine, used as anxyolitics, antidepressants, and antipsychotics. Their most common use is as antianxiety drugs. The azapirones chemical class includes alnespirone, binospirone, buspirone, eptapirone, gepirone, ipsapirone, perospirone, tandospirone, tiospirone, zalospirone and similar chemical structures. Azapirones have fewer side effects than most other available anxiolytics. Unlike benzodiazepines, the azapirones are not addictive, do not cause cognitive/memory impairment and do not induce significant tolerance or physical dependence.

Alnespirone (S-20,499), eptapirone (F- 11,440) and ipsapirone are antidepressants and anxiolytics, and binospirone (MDL-73,005-EF) is an anxiolytic.

Tiospirone (BMY-13,859), also sometimes called tiaspirone or tiosperone, is an atypical antipsychotic drug of the azapirone class. Tiospirone was tested in clinical trials for the treatment of schizophrenia in the late 1980s, and was found to have efficacy equivalent to that of typical antipsychotics without causing extrapyramidal side effects. However, development was not continued and it was never marketed.

Gepirone has been assessed for use in the treatment of anxiety and depressive disorders. Alnespirone (S-20499) is a psychoactive drug and research chemical from the azapirone chemical class that has anxyiolytic antidepressant properties.

Perospirone is an atypical antipsychotic of the piperazine and azapirone chemical classes. It was introduced in Japan in 2001 by Dainippon Sumitomo Pharma for the treatment of schizophrenia and acute bipolar mania.

Tandospirone is a psychoactive drug and pharmaceutical medication of the piperazine and azapirone chemical classes. It is widely used as an anxiolytic and antidepressant agent.

Zalospirone is a psychoactive drug and research chemical of the piperazine and azapirone chemical classes. It produces anxiolytic and antidepressant effects. Zalospirone was found to be effective in the treatment of anxiety and depression in clinical trials, but a high proportion of subjects dropped out due to side effects and development was subsequently never completed.

Buspirone is a psychoactive drug, used primarily as an anxiolytic, but also to a lesser extent as an antidepressant. The present inventors discovered that BH is effective in the treatment of hot flashes. More specifically, the inventors demonstrated that BH alleviates high body temperatures associated with hormonal changes, namely, hot flashes, or hot flushes.

It is therefore one object of the invention to provide a method for the treatment of flashes, specifically, hot flashes associated with at least one of menopause, perimenopause, post menopause and andropause. Particular embodiments of the invention relate to treatment of hot flushes in humans, specifically, menopausal women and hypogonadal men. The method according to the invention comprises admimstering to a subject in need of such treatment a therapeutically effective amount of azapirone, more specifically, buspirone.

In another object, the invention provides pharmaceutical compositions comprising azapirone, more specifically, buspirone, effective in the treatment of flashes, specifically, hot flashes associated with at least one of menopause, perimenopause, post menopause and andropause.

These and other objects of the invention will become apparent as the description proceeds.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides uses, methods and compositions for the treatment, inhibition, prophylaxis or amelioration of hot flashes.

Thus, in the first aspect, the invention relates to the use of a therapeutically effective amount of at least one azaspirodecanedione (azapirone) or any salt, base, ester or amide thereof or any combination or mixture thereof, in the preparation of a composition for treating, inhibiting, preventing or ameliorating hot flashes in a subject in need thereof. According to certain embodiments, the invention provides the use of buspirone for treating, inhibiting, preventing or ameliorating hot flashes.

In the second aspect, the invention provides a method of treating, inhibiting, preventing or ameliorating hot flashes in a subject in need thereof, the method comprises the step of administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of at least one azaspirodecanedione (azapirone) or any salt, base, ester or amide thereof or any combination or mixture thereof, or any composition comprising the same. According to certain embodiments, the invention provides methods using buspirone for treating, inhibiting, preventing or ameliorating hot flashes.

It is understood that the methods of the invention involve adniinistering compositions comprising at least one azaspirodecanedione (azapirone) or any salt, base, ester or amide thereof or any combination or mixture thereof. There are numerous administration routes that may be used. In some embodiments, the administration is at least one of nasal, transdermal, pulmonary, oral, buccal or sublingual administration, or any combinations thereof, specifically a combination of nasal and oral routes. Other administration modes are also applicable, for example, subcutaneous, rectal, or parenteral (including intramuscular, intraperitoneal (IP), intravenous (IV) and intradermal) administration.

According to another aspect, the invention provides a pharmaceutical composition for intranasal administration comprising buspirone hydrochloride in the range of 0.1-5 w/w%. The invention further provides to a method of treating, inhibiting, preventing or ameliorating hot flashes in a subject in need thereof, the method comprises the step of administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of a nasal pharmaceutical composition according to the invention.

The invention further provides a transdermal pharmaceutical composition comprising buspirone ranging between about 1-30 w/w%. Methods using these transdermal compositions are further provided by the invention for treating, inhibiting, preventing or ameliorating hot flashes in a subject in need thereof.

These and other aspect of the invention will become apparent by the hand of the following figures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

Figure 1

Buspirone plasma pharmacokinetic profile

Buspirone rat plasma concentration profiles following transdermal system application and oral administration. Results are provided as Mean ± SD.

Abbreviations: T. Aft. Treat, (h) (time after treatment (h)); BH Plasm. Cone. (Buspirone plasma concentration).

Figure 2A-2B

Baseline values of tail skin temperature

Fig. 2A. illustrate tail skin temperatures of either sham or ovariectomized (OVX) rat models as a function of time of day in a first experimental repeat summarized in Table 2. Fig. 2B. illustrate tail skin temperatures of either sham or ovariectomized (OVX) rat models as a function of time of day in a second experimental repeat summarized in Table 3. Mean ± SD are shown.

Abbreviations: Mea. OVX (mean OVX tail skin temperature); Mea. Sha. (mean sham tail skin temperature); TST °C (tail skin temperature °C); T.D. (time of day). Figure 3A-3B

Effect of buspirone on TST following subcutaneous buspirone injection (first experimental repeat)

Fig. 3A. TST following subcutaneous injection of 5 mg/kg of animal body, aqueous buspirone (5mg/ml) to OVX rats (n=3).

Fig. 3B. TST following subcutaneous injection of 5 mg kg of animal body, aqueous buspirone (5mg/ml) to sham operated rats (n=3). TST were measured in the active phase 1, 2, and 3 h after treatment. Mean ± SD are shown. * P< 0.05 compared to untreated group, by Mann Whitney test.

Abbreviations: TST °C (tail skin temperature °C); Untreat. OVX Cont. (untreated OVX control); BH Adm. SC OVX (buspirone administered subcutaneously to OVX rats); T. Aft. Treat, (h) (time after treatment (h)); Untreat. Sh. Cont. (untreated sham control); BH Adm. SC sham (buspirone administered subcutaneously to sham rats).

Figure 4A-4B

Effect of buspirone on TST following subcutaneous buspirone injection (second experimental repeat)

Fig. 4 A. TST following subcutaneous injection of 5 mg/kg of animal body, aqueous buspirone (5mg/ml) to OVX rats (n=2).

Fig. 4B. TST following subcutaneous injection of 5 mg/kg of animal body, aqueous buspirone (5mg/ml) to sham operated rats (n=2). TST were measured in the active phase 1, 2, and 3 h after treatment. Mean ± SD are shown.

Figure 5A-5B

Effect of buspirone following SC and transdermal administration on elevated TST in OVXrats

Fig. 5A. TST values are shown for rats (n=4) injected with buspirone subcutaneously. Fig. 5B. TST values are shown for rats (n=5) injected with buspirone transdermally. TST are measured in the active phase 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 h after treatment. Mean ± SD values are shown. *P<0.05 compared to untreated OVX group by unpaired two-tailed /-test.

Abbreviations: TST °C (tail skin temperature °C) Untreat. Cont, (untreated control); BH Adm. SC (buspirone administered subcutaneously); T. Aft. Treat, (h) (time after treatment (h)); BH T.D.V.S. (buspirone transdermal vesicular system).

Figure 6A-6B

Effect of transdermal buspirone delivery on skin histology

Fig. 6A. Hematoxilin-eosin skin sections from rats treated for 24 h with buspirone ethosomal transdermal system.

Fig. 6B. Hematoxilin-eosin skin sections from untreated animals.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The search for alternative treatments to hormonal therapy of hot flashes is in the forefront today. A WHI (Women's Health Initiative) study show increased risks of breast cancer and cardiovascular diseases in menopausal women taking hormone replacement therapy. In the present invention, the inventors found that the Azapirones chemical class that includes for example, buspirone, alnespirone, binospirone, eptapirone, gepirone, ipsapirone, perospirone, tandospirone, tiospirone, zalospirone and similar chemical structures is efficient for treatment of hot flashes. Specifically, buspirone hydrochloride (BH) has been shown by the invention as applicable in treating hot flashes.

Hot flashes are one of the most common symptoms experienced by women around the world during the transition to and through menopause. Although the exact cause of hot flashes is not fully understood, hot flashes are thought to be due to a combination of hormonal and biochemical fluctuations brought on by declining estrogen levels. Hot flashes occur in up to 40% of regularly menstruating women in their forties, so they often begin before the menstrual irregularities characteristic of menopause even begin. About 80% of women will stop having hot flashes after five years. In about 10% of women hot flashes can last as long as 10 years. Whereas prevalence rates tend to be higher in Western countries than, e.g., in Asian countries, rates vary widely and are likely influenced by a range of factors. In the U.S., hot flashes are one of the main reasons women at menopause seek medical help or look for dietary supplements and over-the-counter remedies for relief. The recent recognition that estrogen was harmful on a number of indices, have led many women stopped taking this hormone therapy and for >30%, bothersome, often severe hot flashes returned.

Azapirones are a class of drugs used as anxiolytics and antipsychotics. The term "azapirones" as use herein comprises the following anxiolytics: Buspirone (Buspar), Alnespirone (S-20,499), Binospirone (MDL-73,005), Enilospirone (CERM-3,726), Eptapirone (F- 11,440), Gepirone (Ariza, Variza), Ipsapirone (TVX-Q-7,821), Revospirone (BAY-VQ-7,813), Tandospirone (Sediel), and Zalospirone (WY-47,846), and antipsychotics: Perospirone (Lullan), Tiospirone (BMY-13,859) and Umespirone ( C-9,172). Tandospirone has also been used to augment antipsychotics in Japan as it improves cognitive and negative symptoms of schizophrenia. Buspirone was originally classified as an azaspirodecanedione, shortened to azapirone or azaspirone due to the fact that its chemical structure contained this moiety, and other drugs with similar structures were labeled as such as well. However, despite all being called azapirones, not all of them actually contain the azapirodecanedione component, and most in fact do not, or contain a variation of it. Additionally, many azapirones are also pyrimidinylpiperazines, though again this does not apply to all of them.

Buspirone hydrochloride (BH) is an anxiolytic drug used in the treatment of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and anxiety caused by alcohol craving or smoking cessation. An anxiolytic (also called an antipanic or antianxiety agent) is a drug used for the treatment of symptoms of anxiety. Some studies indicate that BH could be efficient for long-term treatment of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and major depression and have a prophylactic effect in migraines associated with anxiety disorder. This drug has advantages over other anxiolytics since it lacks anticonvulsant or muscle relaxant properties, does not impair psychomotor function, does not cause sedatation or physical dependence and does not potentiate the effects of alcohol. It appears to lack detectable deleterious effects on cognition when administered acutely at clinically meaningful doses.

Here, the inventors have surprisingly proven that BH is effective in the treatment of a prevalent menopausal syndrome, namely, hot flashes. BH was first tested on ovariectomized rat (OVX), an animal model of hot flashes. Administered subcutaneously, BH caused a decrease in tail skin temperature of OVX rats already 1 h after administration and achieved a significant alleviation in the thermo-regulatory dysfunction of the rats during the next 2 h. Consistent with the reported drug elimination half-life in rats, the total duration of the effect was about 3 h. The inventors report here for the first time the efficacy of buspirone, an anxiolytic agent, in the treatment of hot flashes.

Thus, in the first aspect, the invention provides the use of a therapeutically effective amount of at least one azaspirodecanedione (azapirone) or a combination of at least two azaspirodecanediones, or any salt, base, ester or amide thereof or any combination or mixture thereof, in the preparation of a composition for treating, inhibiting, preventing or ameliorating hot flashes in a subject in need thereof.

The terms "hot flash" and "hot. flush" as used herein are used interchangeably and are typically synonymous, referring to a sudden sensation of heat and sweating, most notably on the upper body. Hot flashes occur primarily and most intensively in peri- and postmenopausal women. They may also occur when estrogen drops suddenly and rapidly, such as after removal of the ovaries of premenopausal women, with chemically induced menopause, and also in breast cancer patients treated with selective estrogen receptor modifiers such as tamoxifen. Men can experience hot flashes, particularly when testosterone levels fall rapidly, e.g., as in hypogonadal men, men experiencing andropause, or men with prostate cancer treated medically or surgically. In both women and men, these are situations where there is an abrupt drop in sex steroid hormones, resulting in hot flashes.

It should be recognized that treatment of hot flashes according to the invention encompasses any of the hot-flashes conditions described herein.

Hot flashes can occur day or night; when they occur at night, they are called night sweats. Each particular episode lasts between 3 and 10 min and can recur with varying frequency. Some women experience hot flashes hourly or daily, while for others they may occur only occasionally. Only a small percent of women report not having any hot flashes. Although for most women, hot flashes begin and have their peak occurrence during the peri- and early postmenopausal periods, typically when a woman is in her late 40s and early 50s, at times they may begin when menstrual cycles are still regular. The majority of women have hot flashes for a year or two, but 15% may have them nonstop for 10, 20, or 30 years.

Observations of a patient undergoing a hot flash revealed at the onset of a hot flash, a sudden increase in sweating. Heart rate increased anywhere from 5 to 25 beats/min. Cutaneous vasodilation occurred and blood flow to the skin increased, evident in an increase in finger skin temperature. With the sudden and rapid increase in heat loss (sweating and cutaneous vasodilation) internal body temperature dropped. The forehead temperature also cooled given the sweating and subsequent evaporative cooling that occurred.

One long-standing assumption has been that hot flashes involve transient dysregulation of the thermoregulatory system, triggering homeostatic heat loss mechanisms to return the system to normal. During a hot flash, many of the easily observed physiological changes involve the thermoregulatory and vascular systems.

Clearly, estrogen plays some role as a mediator of hot flashes. Hot flashes occur as estrogen levels decline and they are alleviated for the most part by treatment with estrogen. Estrogen priming is likely important. Young women with low estrogen levels do not have hot flashes, but if given estrogen and then withdrawn from it, they will have hot flashes. And premenopausal women whose ovaries are removed most often experience hot flashes almost immediately. However, low estrogen levels alone do not explain the presence of hot flashes. Thus, at this time, there is no definitive determination of what it is that triggers individual hot flashes or explains why some women do or do not experience them.

Thus, in certain embodiments, hot flashes treated by the use of azapirones, specifically, buspirone, according to the invention, are associated with at least one of menopause, perimenopause, post menopause and andropause. These flashes are most preferably manifested in subjects that are any one of a menopausal woman, a perimenopausal woman, a postmenopausal woman or an andropausal man. In the interest of clarity, the term "menopause" is defined herein as the time when there have been no menstrual periods for 12 consecutive months and no other biological or physiological cause can be identified. It is the end of fertility, the end of the childbearing years. A woman can usually tell if she is approaching menopause because her menstrual periods starts changing. The medical terms used to describe this time are "perimenopause" and the "menopause transition". Natural menopause occurs when the ovaries naturally begin decreasing their production of the sex hormones estrogen and progesterone. Induced menopause occurs if the ovaries are surgically removed (by bilateral oophorectomy) or damaged by radiation or drugs. Due to the abrupt cutoff of ovarian hormones, induced menopause causes the sudden onset of hot flashes and other menopause-related symptoms such as a dry vagina and a decline in sex drive. Post-menopausal women are females that had undergone the perimenopause and menopause stages, whereas premenopausal women are those that have not yet started to experience perimenopause, but have already passed the menarche stage (i.e., are experiencing periods).

It is appreciated that hot flashes also appear in males undergoing andropause or suffering from hypogonadism. "Andropause" or "male menopause", as used herein, is a name that has been given to a menopause-like condition in aging men. This relates to the slow but steady reduction of the production of the hormones testosterone and dehydroepiandrosterone in middle-aged men, and the consequences of that reduction, which is associated with a decrease in Leydig cells. Unlike women, middle-aged men do not experience a complete and permanent physiological shutting down of the reproductive system as a normal event. A steady decline in testosterone levels with age (in both men and women) is well documented. "Andropause" is a term of convenience describing the stage of life when symptoms in aging appear in men. While the words are sometimes used interchangeably, "hypogonadism" is a deficiency state in which the hormone testosterone goes below the normal range for even an aging male.

According to certain embodiments, the drug used by the invention may be at least one azapirone selected from buspirone, alnespirone, binospirone, eptapirone, gepirone, ipsapirone, perospirone, tandospirone, tiospirone, zalospirone, enilospirone, revospirone, umespirone and any metabolites thereof or any similar chemical structures or any salt, base, ester or amide thereof or any combination or mixture thereof, or any composition comprising the same.

In specific embodiments, the at least one azaspirodecanedione used by the present invention may be buspirone, or any salt, base, ester or amide thereof, or any combination or mixture thereof. Some embodiments consider the addition of at least one pharmaceutically acceptable carrier to the composition.

In specific embodiments, such carrier may be any one of spray, mist, patch, foam, alcoholic foam, oily foam, aqueous foam, bandage, membrane, gel, cream, emulsion, oily solution, aqueous solution, hydroethanolic solution, hydro-alcoholic-glycolic solution, mixture of alcohol and glycols, microemulsion, double emulsions, nanoemulsion, nanoparticles, microparticles, microcapsules, lipid particles, lipospheres, liposomes, lipid vesicles, solid lipid nanoparticles, liquid crystals, eutectic mixtures, eutectic crystsls, cubosomes, hexazomes, micelosomes, liposomal systems, vesicular systems, nanocubes, ethosomes, hydroethanolic systems, mixtures of alcohols and glycols, aqueous mixtures of alcohols and glycols, buffer solutions, polymer based delivery systems, hydrophilic or lipophilic suppository bases, chitosan and derivatives bases. For nasal administration, suitable carriers are preferably water-soluble and include water, propylene glycol and other pharmaceutically acceptable alcohols, xanthan gum, locust bean gum, galactose, other saccharides, oligosaccharides and/or polysaccharides, starch, starch fragments, dextrins, British gum and mixtures thereof. For buccal aministration, suitable carriers are water-soluble carrier materials, for example (polysaccharides like hydrolysed dextran, dextrin, mannitol, and alginates, or mixtures thereof, or mixtures thereof with other carrier materials like polyvinylalcohol, polyvinylpyrrolidine and water-soluble cellulose derivatives, like hydroxypropyl cellulose. In specific embodiments, the buccal carrier material may be gelatin, especially partially hydrolysed gelatin. According to other embodiments, carriers specifically suitable for rectal administration include, but are not limited to, theobroma oil, hard fats, glycerol-gelatin bases, macrogols (polyethylene glycols) and mixtures thereof, more specifically, hard fat bases such as esterified, hydrogenated or fractionated vegetable oils and synthetic triglyceride mixtures produced under the name of adeps solidus. Each carrier should be both pharmaceutically and physiologically acceptable in the sense of being compatible with the other ingredients and not injurious to the patient. Formulations include those suitable for nasal, transdermal, pulmonary, oral, buccal or sublingual administration, or any combinations thereof, specifically a combination of nasal and oral routes. It should be further noted that other administration modes are also applicable, for example, subcutaneous, rectal, or parenteral (including intramuscular, intraperitoneal (IP), intravenous (IV) and intradermal) administration.

According to particular embodiments, the use according to the invention is for the preparation of a composition that may be administered by any one of nasal or pulmonary administration (for example, by the respiratory tract or by inhalation), by combination of oral and nasal administration, buccal adrriinistration, transdermal administration, oral administration, sublingual administration, topical administration, by injection (subcutaneously, intraperitoneally, intramuscularly, intravenously), rectally, vaginally, intraocular, sprayed at armpit and any combination thereof.

Thus, according to specific embodiments, the pharmaceutically acceptable carrier used by the invention is adapted for any one of nasal, transdermal, pulmonary, oral, buccal, sublingual administration or any combinations thereof, specifically, combination of oral and nasal administration.

Azapirones are poorly but nonetheless appreciably absorbed and have a rapid onset of action, but have only very short half-lives ranging from 1-3 hours. As a result, they must be administered 2-3 times a day. The only exception to this rule is umespirone, which has a very long duration with a single dose lasting as long as 23 hours. Urrfortunately, umespirone has not been commercialized. Metabolism of azapirones occurs in the liver and they are excreted in urine and feces. A common metabolite of several azapirones including buspirone, gepirone, ipsapirone, revospirone, and tandospirone is l-(2- pyrimidinyl) piperazine (1-PP).

It should be noted that the azapirones, specifically, buspirone and or any salt, base, ester or amide thereof used by the invention may be administered directly to the subject to be treated. Alternatively, depending on the size of the active molecule, it may be desirable to conjugate it to a carrier prior to administration. Therapeutic formulations may be administered in any conventional dosage formulation. Formulations typically comprise at least one active ingredient, as defined above, together with one or more acceptable carriers thereof.

In some embodiments of the use of the invention, the at least one pharmaceutically acceptable carrier is adapted for at least one of nasal, transdermal, pulmonary, oral, buccal or sublingual administration, or any combinations thereof, specifically a combination of nasal and oral routes.

Furthermore, the azapirone may be administered as a single daily dose or multiple daily doses, preferably, every 1 to 7 days. It is specifically contemplated that administration may be carried out once, twice, thrice, four times, five times or six times daily, or may be performed once daily, once every 2 days, once every 3 days, once every 4 days, once every 5 days, once every 6 days, once every week, two weeks, three weeks, four weeks or even a month. The treatment may last up to a day, two days, three days, four days, five days, six days, a week, two weeks, three weeks, four weeks, a month, two months three months or even more. Specifically, administration will last from one day to one month. Most specifically, administration will last from one day to 7 days.

According to specific embodiments of the use of the invention, the at least one azapirone in the composition is in the form of a salt selected from the group consisting of: hydrochloride, salicylate, hydrobromide, sulfate, citrate, acetate, glycolate, salts with amino acids and salts with organic or inorganic acid. More specifically, the at least one azapirone in the composition is a mixture of at least one azapirone on its salt and base forms.

It should be appreciated that a mixture of a base and salt form of said at least one azapirone, specifically, buspirone, may be administered in a suitable pH such that the azapirone, specifically buspirone in its base form is partially non-dissociated and partially dissociated. According to certain embodiments, an azapirones nasal administration system, preferably a buspirone nasal adrmnistration system is provided by the present invention. The nasal administration system of the invention allows multiple daily administrations, ease of administration and rapid delivery. In order to be efficiently absorbed by the subject, and to preserve the active ingredient, a carrier for the active ingredient may be necessary.

Thus, particular embodiments according to the invention contemplate the use wherein the at least one azapirone in the composition is buspirone, and wherein the buspirone is administered intranasally, each intranasal application comprising buspirone or its salts incorporated in pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.

It is understood that certain embodiments of the invention encompass the use of at least one azapirone, specifically, buspirone, or any salt, base, ester or amide thereof or mixture thereof for nasal delivery, at a dose of between about O.lmg to 30mg. Specifically, between about 0.1 mg to about 30 mg, about 0.1 mg to about 28 mg, about 0.1 mg to about 26 mg, about 0.1 mg to about 24 mg, about 0.1 mg to about 22 mg, about 0.1 mg to about 20 mg, about 0.1 mg to about 18 mg, about 0.1 mg to about 16 mg, about 0.1 mg to about 14 mg, about 0.1 mg to about 12 mg, about 0.1 mg to about 10 mg, about 0.1 mg to about 8 mg or about 0.1 mg to about 6 mg, most specifically, 0.1 mg to about 5 mg.

Other specific embodiments consider the nasal administration of buspirone or its salts in doses of between about 0.1 mg to about 5mg each administration once to six times daily. More specifically, the buspirone used by the invention may be in a dose of between about 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.8, 0.9, 1.0, 2, 3, 4 and 5 mg. According to certain embodiments, such dose may be administered once to six times daily. Alternatively, administration may include a single daily dose of about 0.6 to about 30 mg. More specifically, about 0.6, 0.7, 0.8, 0.9, 1.0, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29 and 30mg as a single dose.

Other specific embodiments of the invention consider the use wherein the at least one azapirone is buspirone or any salts or base thereof or any mixture thereof as an aqueous solution, and wherein said buspirone is administered nasally in doses of between about 0.1 mg to about 5mg each administration once to six times daily. Specifically, the buspirone used by the invention may be in a dose of between about 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.8, 0.9, 1.0, 2, 3, 4 and 5 mg. More specifically, between about 100 to about 150 micrograms, about 150 to about 250 micrograms, about 250 to about 350 micrograms, about 350 to about 450 micrograms, about 450 to about 550 micrograms, about 550 to about 650 micrograms, about 650 to about 750 micrograms, about 750 to about 850 micrograms, about 850 to about 950 micrograms, about 950 to about 1050 micrograms, about 1 mg to about 1.5 mg, about 1.5 mg to about 2.0 mg, about 2.0 mg to about 2.5 mg, about 2.5 mg to about 3.0 mg, about 3.0 mg to about 3.5 mg, about 3.5 mg to about 4.0 mg, about 4.0 mg to about 4.5 mg, about 4.5 mg to about 5.0 mg, about 5 mg to about 6 mg, about 6 mg to about 7 mg, about 7 mg to about 8 mg, about 8 mg to about 9 mg, about 9 mg to about 10 mg, about 10 mg to about 12 mg, about 12 mg to about 14 mg, about 14 mg to about 16 mg, about 16 mg to about 18 mg, about 18 mg to about 20 mg, about 20 mg to about 22 mg, about 22 mg to about 24 mg, about 24 mg to about 26 mg, about 26 mg to about 28 mg, or about 28 mg to about 30 mg. More specifically, the dose is between 100 micrograms (or 0.1 mg) and 5 mg. For clarity, it is explained that a microgram ^g) is 0.001 mg or 10^"6g, i.e., 100μg is equivalent to O.lmg or 10^"4g.

According to certain embodiments, doses may be administered at least once per week, twice per week, thrice per week, once a day, at least twice a day, at least thrice a day, at least four times a day, at least five times a day, or even six times a day. Alternatively, buspirone according to the invention may be administered as a single daily dose of about 0.6 to about 30mg, specifically, 0.6, 0.7, 0.8, 0.9, 1.0, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29 and 30mg as a single dose.

It is appreciated that the use of the invention provides a composition for treating hot flashes that may be administered nasally. Administration of the nasal buspirone preparations of the invention involves the use of a device such as a pump, sprayer, metered device, olfactory delivery device, atomizer or any device adequate to nasal or nose-to-brain delivery.

Pharmaceutical formulations adapted for nasal administration wherein the carrier is a solid include a coarse powder having a particle size for example in the range 20 to 500 microns which is administered in the manner in which snuff is taken, i.e. by rapid inhalation through the nasal passage from a container of the powder held close up to the nose. Suitable formulations wherein the carrier is a liquid, for administration as a nasal spray or as nasal drops, include aqueous or oil solutions of the active ingredient. Suitable formulations wherein a semisolid carriers such as gel, cream or ointment may be also used for nasal administration according to the invention.

As indicated herein above, the azapirones, specifically, buspirone used by the invention can be administered via an administration device suitable for nasal administration. As used herein, an administration device is any pharmaceutically acceptable device adapted to deliver a composition of the invention to a subject's nose. A nasal administration device can be a metered administration device (metered volume, metered dose, or metered- weight) or a continuous (or substantially continuous) aerosol-producing device. Suitable nasal administration devices also include devices that can be adapted or modified for nasal administration. In some embodiments, the nasally administered dose can be absorbed into the bloodstream of a subject.

A metered nasal administration device delivers a fixed (metered) volume or amount (dose) of a nasal composition upon each actuation. Exemplary metered dose devices for nasal administration include, by way of example and without limitation, an atomizer, sprayer, dropper, squeeze tube, squeeze-type spray bottle, pipette, ampule, nasal cannula, metered dose device, nasal spray inhaler, breath actuated bi-directional delivery device, pump spray, pre-compression metered dose spray pump, monospray pump, bispray pump, and pressurized metered dose device. The administration device can be a single-dose disposable device, single-dose reusable device, multi-dose disposable device or multi- dose reusable device.

The azapirones or specifically, buspirone or compositions thereof according to the invention can be used with any known metered administration device. In some embodiments, the device is a pump nasal spray or a squeeze bottle.

A continuous aerosol-producing device delivers a mist or aerosol comprising droplet of a nasal composition dispersed in a continuous gas phase (such as air). A nebulizer, pulsating aerosol nebulizer, and a nasal continuous positive air pressure device are exemplary of such a device. Suitable nebulizers include, by way of example and without limitation, an air driven jet nebulizer, ultrasonic nebulizer, capillary nebulizer, electromagnetic nebulizer, pulsating membrane nebulizer, pulsating plate (disc) nebulizer, pulsating vibrating mesh nebulizer, vibrating plate nebulizer, a nebulizer comprising a vibration generator and an aqueous chamber, a nebulizer comprising a nozzle array, and nebulizers that extrude a liquid formulation through a self-contained nozzle array.

In some embodiments, the nasal device is a nebulizer for nasal administration. The size of the reservoir varies from one type of nebulizer to another. The volume of the liquid formulation can be adjusted as needed to provide the required volume for loading into the reservoir of a particular type or brand of nebulizer. The volume can be adjusted by adding additional liquid carrier. In general, the reservoir volume of a nebulizer is about 10 μΐ to 100 niL. Low volume nebulizers, such as ultrasonic and vibrating mesh/vibrating plate/vibrating cone/vibrating membrane nebulizers, pre-filled reservoir strips inclusive of delivery nozzle typically have a reservoir volume of 10 μΐ to 6 mL or 10 μΐ to 5 mL. The low volume nebulizers provide the advantage of shorter administration times as compared to large volume nebulizers.

Commercially available adiministration devices that are used or can be adapted for nasal administration of a composition of the invention include the OptiMist device (Oslo, Norway), OptiNose (Oslo, Norway), OPTIMIST® (Unomedical Inc., McAllen, Tex.), AERONEB® (Aerogen, San Francisco, Calif), AERONEB GO (Aerogen); PARI LC PLUS®, PARI BOY® N, PARI eflow (a nebulizer disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,962,151), PARI LC SINUS, PARI SINUSTAR®, PARI SINUNEB, VibrENT® and PARI DURANEB® (PARI Respiratory Equipment, Inc., Monterey, Calif, or Munich, Germany); MICROAIR® (Omron Healthcare, Inc, Vernon Hills, 111.), HALOLITE® (Profile Therapeutics Inc, Boston, Mass.), RESPIMAT® (Boehringer Ingelheim Ingelheim, Germany) AERODOSE® (Aerogen, Inc, Mountain View, Calif), OMRON ELITE® (Omron Healthcare, Inc, Vernon Hills, 111.), OMRON MICROAIR® (Omron Healthcare, Inc, Vernon Hills, 111.), MABISMIST® II (Mabis Healthcare, Inc, Lake Forest, 111.), LUMISCOPE® 6610, (The Lumiscope Company, Inc, East Brunswick, N.J.), AIRSEP MYSTIQUE®, (AirSep Corporation, Buffalo, N.Y.), ACORN-1 and ACORN-II (Vital Signs, Inc, Totowa, NJ.), AQUATOWER® (Medical Industries America, Adel, Iowa), AVA-NEB (Hudson Respiratory Care Incorporated, Temecula, Calif.), AEROCURRENT® utilizing the AEROCELL® disposable cartridge (AerovectRx Corporation, Atlanta, Ga.)₅ CIRRUS (Intersurgical Incorporated, Liverpool, N.Y.), DART (Professional Medical Products, Greenwood, S.C.), DEVILBISS® PULMO AIDE (DeVilbiss Corp; Somerset, Pa.), DOWNDRAFT® (Marquest, Englewood, Colo.), FAN JET (Marquest, Englewood, Colo.), MB-5 (Mefar, Bovezzo, Italy), MISTY NEB® (Baxter, Valencia, Calif), SALTER 8900 (Salter Labs, Arvin, Calif), SIDESTREAM® (Medic-Aid, Sussex, UK), UPDRAFT-II® (Hudson Respiratory Care; Temecula, Calif.), WHISPER JET ® (Marquest Medical Products, Englewood, Colo.), AIOLOS® (Aiolos Medicnnsk Teknik, Karlstad, Sweden), INSPIRON® (Intertech Resources, Inc., Bannockburn, 111.), PRODOMO®, SPIRA® (Respiratory Care Center, Hameenlinna, Finland), AERx® Essence® and Ultra®, (Aradigm Corporation, Hayward, Calif.), SONIK® LDI Nebulizer (Evit Labs, Sacramento, Calif.), ACCUSPRAY® (BD Medical, Franklin Lake, N.J.), ViaNase ID ® (electronic atomizer; Kurve, Bothell, Wash.), MAD Nasal (Wolfe Tory Medical, Inc., Salt Lake City, Utah), Freepod® (Valois, Marly le Roi, France), Dolphin® (Valois), Monopowder® (Valois), Equadel® (Valois), VP3® and VP7® (Valois), VP6 Pump® (Valois), Standard Systems Pumps (Ing. Erich Pfeiffer, Radolfzell, Germany), AmPump (Ing. Erich Pfeiffer), Counting Pump (Ing. Erich Pfeiffer), Advanced Preservative Free System (Ing. Erich Pfeiffer), Unit Dose System (Ing. Erich Pfeiffer), Bidose System (Ing. Erich Pfeiffer), Bidose Powder System (Ing. Erich Pfeiffer), Sinus Science® (Aerosol Science Laboratories, Inc., Camarillo, Calif.), ChiSys® (Archimedes, Reading, UK), Fit-Lizer® (Bioactis, Ltd, an SNBL subsidiary (Tokyo, J P), Swordfish V® (Mystic Pharmaceuticals, Austin, Tex.), DirectHaler® Nasal (DirectHaler, Copenhagen, Denmark) and SWIRLER® Radioaerosol System (AMICI, Inc., Spring City, Pa.).

Certain embodiments of the invention consider the use of device for efficient delivery of drug from nose to brain. One specific non-limiting example for such device may be the OptiMist device (Oslo, Norway). Compared with traditional spray pump delivery, the nose-to-brain device provides significantly larger initial and cumulative deposition (area under the deposition vs. time curve) in the upper posterior segment of the nasal passage, housing the sinus ostia and the olfactory region, and significantly lower deposition in the anterior segment, lined by nonciliated squamous epithelium. Thus, such a breath actuated bidirectional device, provides significantly larger deposition in the clinically important regions beyond tihe nasal valve and reduced anterior deposition. These striking advantages allow an extended use of the nose for efficient delivery of drugs from the nose into the brain.

Such unique breath actuated devices, for example, the OptiMist, deliver intranasal drugs to targeted regions of the nasal cavity, including the sinuses and the olfactory region, without lung deposition, unlike traditional nasal inhalers, nasal sprays or nebulizers. Both single and multi-use intranasal delivery devices are available for liquid and powder formulations. When using such devices to administer the azapirone or buspirone used by the invention, the patient inserts a tight-fitting nozzle into one nostril and places the device's mouthpiece into the mouth. When the patient blows into the device, drug particles are released and are carried with the airflow into the narrow passages of the nasal cavities. The airflow turns 180 degrees through an opening behind the septum and exits through the other nostril. The positive driving pressure opens the nasal passages to the drug particles. When the patient blows into the device, the positive pressure closes off the soft palate in the back of the mouth. Separation of the mouth and nose prevents the inhalation of small drug particles into the lungs. By selectively modifying the nozzle design, flow rate, and particle size, the device can target specific areas in the nasal cavity with either liquid or dry-powder formulations.

Other suitable administration devices applicable for nasal administration of buspirone used by the invention include single dose and multi-dose embodiments of: a pump spray bottle; the PARI eFlow (a nebulizer equipped with a vibrating mesh nebulizer comprising a vibration generator, an aerosol chamber, an inhalation valve, and an exhalation valve, AERx Essence and AERx Ultra (from ARADIGM; an aerosol generator comprising a nozzle array, whereby a liquid formulation is extruded through a self-contained nozzle array); Aeroneb Go (a nebulizer equipped with a vibrating mesh nebulizer comprising a vibration generator, an aerosol chamber, an inlet and an outlet); VibrENT® (a nebulizer that delivers a pressure-pulsed aerosol; the delivery rate of liquid composition is about 0.160 mL/min; PARI SINUSTAR (a nebulizer adapted for nasal administration that delivers an aqueous liquid composition at a rate of about 0.18 mL/min); and the PARI SINUS (including PARI LC Star, PARI LL and PARI Sprint). The Aradigm AERx delivery system, the AERx Essence and AERx Ultra, is suitable for use according to the invention, as it is recognized in the art as providing controlled dose expression, control of generated aerosol particle size, control of aerosol particle size, and management of the inspiration and delivery process. For example, the PARI eFlow vibrating plate nebulizer is suitable for use according to the invention, as it is recognized in the art as providing the above-mentioned desired performance parameters.

The parameters used to effect nebulization via an electronic nebulizer, such as flow rate, mesh membrane size, aerosol inhalation chamber size, mask size and materials, inlet and outlet valves, outflow tube, internal channel plurality of air outputs communicating with the internal chamber, vibration generator and power source may be varied in accordance with the principles of the present invention to maximize their use with different types of aqueous azapirone or buspirone compositions. In some embodiments, substantially all of a dose (weight or volume) is delivered in less than 1.5 minutes or continuously delivered over 1.5 to 60 minutes.

The output rate (the rate at which the dose of the therapeutically effective agent(s) in the azapirone or buspirone solution is administered or delivered) will vary according to the performance parameters of the device used to administer the dose. The higher the output rate of a given device, the lower the amount of time required to deliver or administer the azapirone or buspirone solution, as defined herein.

The administration devices can be equipped with different types of baffles, valves, tubes, channels, reservoirs, mixing chambers, vortex chamber, particle dispersion chamber, nasal adapter, vibrating pulse and/or sound wave generator.

Nebulizers that nebulize liquid formulations containing no propellant are suitable for nasal delivery of buspirone provided herein. Any of these and other known nebulizers can be used to deliver the formulation of the invention including but not limited to the following: nebulizers available from Pari GmbH (Starnberg, Germany), DeVilbiss Healthcare (Heston, Middlesex, UK), Healthdyne, Vital Signs, Baxter, Allied Health Care, Invacare, Hudson, Omron, Bremed, AirSep, Luminscope, Medisana, Siemens, Aerogen, Mountain Medical, Aerosol Medical Ltd. (Colchester, Essex, UK), AFP Medical (Rugby, Warwickshire, UK), Bard Ltd. (Sunderland, UK), Carri-Med. Ltd. (Dorking, UK), Plaem Nuiva (Brescia, Italy), Henleys Medical Supplies (London, UK), Intersurgical (Berkshire, UK), Lifecare Hospital Supplies (Leies, UK), Medic-Aid Ltd. (West Sussex, UK), Medix Ltd. (Essex, UK), Sinclair Medical Ltd. (Surrey, UK), and many other companies.

Nebulizers for use herein include, but are not limited to, jet nebulizers (optionally sold with compressors), ultrasonic nebulizers, vibrating membrane, vibrating mesh nebulizers, vibrating plate nebulizers, vibrating cone nebulizer, and others. Exemplary jet nebulizers for use herein include Pari LC plus/ProNeb, Pari LC plus/ProNeb Turbo, Pari LC Plus/Dura Neb 1000 & 2000 Pari LC plus/Walkhaler, Pari LC plus/Pari Master, Pari LC star, Omron CompAir XL Portable Nebulizer System (NE-C18 and JetAir Disposable nebulizer), Omron compare Elite Compressor Nebulizer System (NE-C21 and Elite Air Reusable Nebulizer, Pari LC Plus or Pari LC Star nebulizer with Proneb Ultra compressor, Pulomo-aide, Pulmo-aide LT, Pulmo-aide traveler, Invacare Passport, Inspiration Healthdyne 626, Pulmo-Neb Traverler, DeVilbiss 646, Whisper Jet, Acorn II, Misty-Neb, Allied aerosol, Schuco Home Care, Lexan Plasic Pocet Neb, SideStream Hand Held Neb, Mobil Mist, Up-Draft, Up-Draft II, T Up-Draft, ISO-NEB, Ava-Neb, Micro Mist, and PulmoMate. Exemplary ultrasonic nebulizers for use herein include MicroAir, UltraAir, Siemens Ultra Nebulizer 145, CompAir, Pulmosonic, Scout, 5003 Ultrasonic Neb, 5110 Ultrasonic Neb, 5004 Desk Ultrasonic Nebulizer, Mystique Ultrasonic, Lumiscope's Ultrasonic Nebulizer, Medisana Ultrasonic Nebulizer, Microstat Ultrasonic Nebulizer, and Mabismist Hand Held Ultrasonic Nebulizer. Other nebulizers for use herein include 5000 Electromagnetic Neb, 5001 Electromagnetic Neb 5002 Rotary Piston Neb, Lumineb I Piston Nebulizer 5500, Aeroneb Portable Nebulizer System, Aerodose® Inhaler, and AeroEclipse Breath Actuated Nebulizer.

The volume or amount of composition administered can vary according to the intended delivery target and administration device used. The amount of active agent in a dose or unit dose can vary according to the intended delivery target and administration device used. During operation of a nebulizer based system, the azapirone or buspirone or their salts or bases, esters or amides or any mixtures thereof can be delivered at a rate of at least about 20-50 μg/min, or 10-200 μg/min, wherein this range may increase or decrease according to the concentration of the azapirone or buspirone or salts or bases or mixtures thereof in the composition in the administration device.

According to particular embodiments, the carrier for nasal administration may comprise inactive ingredients selected from the group consisting of glycerol, glycols, preservatives, antioxidants, short chain alcohol, surfactants, lipids, oils, thickeners, pH adjusting agents, chitosan, chitin, osmotic agents, and buffers.

When the medicinal component contained in the medicament of the present invention needs to be stabilized, or when increasing the total volume is required because the amount of the active component is too small to handle correctly, gelatin, gelatin succinate, degradated gelatin, proteins such as human serum albumin, amino acids such as aspartic acid, or sugars such as mannitol may be added to the buspirone used by the present invention. The methods for adding such agents are not specifically limited, nor is the mixing ratio thereof specifically limited.

To increase both adherence to the nasal mucosa and the stability of the administered drug composition, the present invention may include a water-soluble polymer powder, such as: polyacrylic acid or polymethacrylic acids or metal salts, such as sodium salt or potassium salts, thereof, a water-soluble acrylate polymer such as polyacrylamide, carboxyvinyl polymers, methylcelluloses, ethylcelluloses, hydroxymethylcelluloses, hydroxypropylmethylcelluloses, carboxymethylcelluloses, carboxymethylchitin, polyvinylpyrrolidone, polyvinylalcohols, ester gums, polybutene, synthetic hydroxypropyl-starch, synthetic carboxymethyl-starch, synthetic polyvinylethers, and polyethylene oxide, natural polymers such as hyaluronic acid, sodium alginate, gelatin, gluten, carboxymethyl-starch, hydroxypropyl-starch, gum arabic, mannan, dextran, tragacanth, amylopectin, xanthan gum, locust bean gum, casein, polyvinylethers, and pectin; and mixtures thereof. Specific examples of such use of carriers for nasal delivery of buspirone used by the invention is provided in certain embodiments, where a nasal composition is prepared, comprising 0.1-30 %w/w of the at least one azapirone, 0-65% short chain alcohol, 0-10% phospholipid, 0-30% propylene glycol, 0-20% hydrophilic surfactants, 0-15% chemical enhancer and water.

In another such composition, the nasal delivery system comprises 0.1-30 %w/w buspirone as a base or a salt form, 10-65% short chain alcohol, specifically, 12-18%, 0-30% propylene glycol, 0-20% hydrophilic surfactants, water, antioxidant and other inactive ingredients.

In yet another such composition, the nasal delivery system comprises 0.1-30 %w/w buspirone as a base or a salt form, 1-10% phospholipid, specifically, 5-10%, 0-30% propylene glycol, 0-20% hydrophilic surfactants, water, antioxidant and other inactive ingredients.

Still further, the nasal delivery system used by the invention may comprise 10-65%, specifically, 12%- 18% short chain alcohol, and 1-10% phospholipid, specifically, 0.2 to 10%, said buspirone as a base or a salt form is in the range of 0.1-0.9 %w/w.

It should be recognized that in addition to the systems described above, any additional nasal delivery modes or systems facilitating nasal delivery of buspirone for treating hot flashes is encompassed by the present invention.

It should be noted that the invention further contemplates the use of at least one azapirone, specifically, buspirone for combined nasal and oral or buccal or sublingual administration. In such particular embodiments, the buspirone used by the invention may be administered first using the oral route, for a period of about 1 day to 1 month, followed by repetitive nasal administrations of buspirone. The combined mode of administration is described in more detail hereinafter.

As indicated above, the azapirone, specifically, buspirone used by the invention may be administered using pulmonary administration. With respect to pulmonary administration of the azapirone or buspirone according to the invention, it should be appreciated that in the case of low molecular weight substances, it is not at all predictable that the pulmonary delivery of such compounds will be an effective means of administration due to several physiological barriers. With respect to the lung, its complexity presents several barriers to pulmonary administration. Initially, after passing through the nose or mouth, inhaled air (and any particles contained therein) moves into the respiratory tree, and reaches the alveoli, where gas exchange and pulmonary absorbtion occur. This air-blood barrier is comprised of the alveolar epithelium, the capillary endothelium, and the lymph-filled interstitial space separating these two cell layers. Most molecules must be actively or passively transported across this barrier in the absence of lung injury. In addition, vdthin the lung certain epithelial cells secrete mucous and a surfactant. In mammals, this surfactant is comprised mostly of lipid and can be a potential inhibitor of drug transport across the air-blood barrier. Another protective system employed by the lung is a syetem of numerous ciliated epithelial cells beating in a rhythmic one-way motion to propel the mucous lining overlaying the conducting airways towards the esophagus.

In view of the above, whether a particular therapeutic drug intended to have a systemic effect can be successfully delivered via the pulmonary route cannot be predicted.

Pulmonary delivery of pharmaceutical compositions intended for systemic administration to patients requires the deposition of a therapeutically active substance from a reservoir containing that active ingredient to an area of the patient's lungs capable transferring that substance, either actively or passively, to the patient's blood. The deposition is best accomplished by propelling a preparation comprised of an aqueous aerosol or solid particles containing the active ingredient into the lungs of the patient.

Devices capable of depositing aerosolized azapirone or buspirone formulations in the alveoli of a patient include nebulizers, metered dose inhalers, and powder inhalers. Other devices suitable for directing the pulmonary administration of azapirone or buspirone are also known in the art. All such devices require the use of formulations suitable for the dispensing of azapirone or buspirone in an aerosol. Such aerosols can be comprised of either solutions (both aqueous and non-aqueous) or solid particles. Nebulizers are useful in producing aerosols from solutions, while metered dose inhalers, dry powder inhalers, etc. are effective in generating small particle aerosols. Typically, each formulation is specific to the type of device employed and may involve the use of an appropriate propellant material, in addition to the usual diluents, adjuvants and/or carriers useful in azapirone or buspirone therapy. Azapirone or buspirone formulations which can be utilized in the most common types of pulmonary dispensing devices to practice this invention are now described.

Azapirone or buspirone formulations suitable for use with a nebulizer, either jet or ultrasonic, will typically comprise azapirone or buspirone, or salts, bases, esters or amides thereof, or mixtures thereof, dissolved in water. The formulation may also include a buffer and a simple sugar (e.g., for regulation of osmotic pressure), and or human serum albumin ranging in concentration from 0.1 to 10 mg/ml. Examples of buffers which may be used are sodium acetate, citrate and glycine. Generally, buffer molarities of from 2 mM to 50 n M are suitable for this purpose. Examples of sugars which can be utilized are lactose, maltose, mannitol, sorbitol, trehalose, and xylose, usually in amounts ranging from 1% to 10% by weight of the formulation.

The nebulizer formulation may also contain a surfactant to reduce or prevent surface induced aggregation of the protein caused by atomization of the solution in forming the aerosol. Various conventional surfactants can be employed, such as polyoxyethylene fatty acid esters and alcohols, and polyoxyethylene sorbitan fatty acid esters. Amounts will generally range between 0.001% and 4% by weight of the formulation.

Azapirone or buspirone formulations for use with a metered dose inhaler device will generally comprise a finely divided powder. This powder may be produced by drying liquid azapirone or buspirone formulation and may also contain a stabilizer such as human serum albumin (HSA). Typically, more than 0.5% (w/w) HSA is added. Additionally, one or more sugars or sugar alcohols may be added to the preparation if necessary. Examples include lactose maltose, mannitol, sorbitol, sorbitose, trehalose, xylitol, and xylose. The amount added to the formulation can range from about 0.01 to 200% (w/w), preferably from approximately 1 to 50%, of the azapirone or buspirone present. Such formulations are then dried and milled to the desired particle size. The invention contemplates the administration of therapeutically effective amounts of azapirone or buspirone via the pulmonary route. What constitutes a therapeutically effective amount of azapirone or buspirone will depend on the particular disease state or condition being treated and on a variety of factors which the knowledgeable practitioner will take into account in arriving at the desired dosage regimen, including the severity of the condition or illness being treated, the physical condition of the subject, and so forth.

As those skilled in the art will recognize, the operating conditions for delivery of a suitable inhalation dose will vary according to the type of mechanical device employed. For some aerosol delivery systems, such as nebulizers, the frequency of administration and operating period will be dictated chiefly by the amount of azapirone or buspirone per unit volume in the aerosol. In general, higher concentrations of drug in the nebulizer solution and, correspondingly, the aerosol will require shorter operating periods. Some devices, such as metered dose inhalers, may produce higher aerosol concentrations than others and thus will be operated for shorter periods to give the desired result.

Other devices, such as powder inhalers, are designed to be used until a given charge of active material is exhausted from the device. The charge loaded into the device will be formulated accordingly to contain the proper inhalation dose amount of azapirone or buspirone for delivery in a single administration.

More embodiments according to the method of the invention envision that the at least one azapirone is buspirone or any salts or base thereof or any mixture thereof, the buspirone is used as an aqueous solution, and administered nasally or via pulmonary administration in doses of between about 0.1 mg to about 5mg each administration once to six times daily, or as a single daily dose of about 0.6 to about 30mg.

An alternative approach the inventors took to overcome the extensive first-pass metabolism and multiple daily dose regimens associated with oral buspirone hydrochloride (BH) administration, was designing a BH transdermal ethosomal system.

The findings presented herein, specifically in Examples 28-32, suggest that buspirone, a known axiolytic drug, could be efficient in hot flashes treatment. The presented findings show that the ethosomal buspirone transdermal system could be considered as a promising delivery system for the treatment of menopausal syndromes. This system showed good bioavailability and efficient pharmacodynamic responses in animals.

Thus, the invention also contemplates the use according to the invention, wherein the at least one pharmaceutically acceptable carrier is adapted for transdermal administration, and the carrier further comprises at least one agent for enhancing penetration through the skin.

According to certain embodiments, an agent for enhancing penetration through the skin used by the invention may be any one of terpens, unsaturated acids, oleic acid, azone derivatives, surfactants, cetomacrogol, short chain alcohols, glycols, sulphoxides, alkyl sulphoxides, urea, sunscreen molecules, sunscreens in ethanolic solutions, short chain alcohols, glycols, or any combination thereof, vesicular carriers such are niosomes, flexible vesicles, transfersomes, ethosomes [Touitou E, (1998) US patent 5,716,638], biphasic vesicles and the like.

As used herein, the term "permeation enhancement" refers to an increase in the permeability of skin to a therapeutic agent, specifically azapirones or more specifically, buspirone, in the presence of a permeation enhancer as compared to permeability of skin to the same therapeutic agent in the absence of a permeation enhancer. An increase in the permeation may range between about 10-99.9%, about 20 to 80%, about 30 to 70%, about 40 to 60% and about 50% or more. More specifically, about 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 95 and 99.9%. In other embodimentsan increase in permeation enhancement often may be much more than 100%, it could range from many times to two orders of magnitude or even more. Moreover, with regards to the above, it is to be understood that, where provided, percentage values such as, for example, 10%, 50%, 120%, 500%, 1000%, 2000%» etc., are interchangeable with "fold change" values, i.e., 0.1, 0.5, 1.2, 5, etc., respectively.

According to certain embodiments, the drug, specifically, at least one azapirone, may be administered transdermally for the treatment of hot flashes in menopausal women or hypogonadal, by means such as iontophoresis, phonophoresis, microneedles, jet pressure, microporation, radioporation, heat, stripping the stratum corneum, using radiowaves, or a combination of any of the above. In more specific embodiments, the inventors describe the use of buspirone for the treatment of hot flashes in menopausal women or hypogonadal, wherein the use further combines chemicals such as terpens, unsaturated acids such as oleic acid, lauric acid, linoleic acid, gamma linoleic acid, delta linoleic acid, short chain glycerides, medium chain glycerides, unsaturated alcohols, azone derivatives, surfactants, cetomacrogol, lauromacrogol, short chain alcohols, glycols, urea, sunscreen molecules, sunscreens in ethanolic solutions, short chain volatile alcohols, glycols, DMSO, alkyMSO, pyrolidones, fatty acids, fatty alcohols, sulphoxides, phospholipids and/or glycerol.

Thus, the inventors provide a BH ethosomal system. The designed BH ethosomal system contains cationic unilamellar soft vesicles of about 200nm with entrapment efficiency of 75%. The unilamellarity of the BH ethosomes could be explained by the surface-activity of the drug which interacts with phospholipids bilayers. Investigating the enhancing effect of BH ethosomal system on the skin delivery of R6G, the inventors have found that the probe penetrates the skin to a much greater depth than from the aqueous control system (the term "skin" as used herein refers to the outer covering of a mammal body, comprising the epidermis and the dermis). Additionally, permeation studies show that buspirone flux across skin was about four times higher from the vesicular composition relative to the aqueous system.

In specific embodiments, entrapment efficiency of the ethosomal system is between about 10% to 100%, between about 10% to 20%, between about 20% to 30%, between about 30% to 40%, between about 40% to 50%, between about 50% to 60%, between about 60% to 65%, between about 65% to 70%, between about 70% to 75%, between about 75% to 80%, between about 80% to 85%, between about 85% to 95% or between about 95% to 100%, specifically, about 75.3% +/-1.5%.

Results of the instantly-presented pharmacokinetic (PK) experiments presented by Example 28, show that when administered transdermally, the drug was present in rat plasma for a much longer period compared to the oral administration, 12 h vs. 4 h, respectively. Thus, certain embodiments of the method of treatment of the invention relate to a transdermal delivery of the azapirone, buspirone, or any salts, bases, esters or amides thereof, or mixtures thereof, wherein the drug is present in -the treated subject's plasma for about 5 to 20 hours. More specifically, for about 5 to 6 hours, about 6 to 7 hours, about 7 to 8 hours, about 8 to 9 hours, about 9 to 10 hours, about 10 to 11 hours, about 11 to 12 hours, about 12 to 13 hours, about 13 to 14 hours, about 14 to 15 hours, about 15 to 16 hours, about 16 to 17 hours, about 17 to 18 hours, about 18 to 19 hours, or about 19 to 20 hours. Most specifically, the drug is present in the treated subject's plasma for about 5 to 12 hours.

By providing a non-fluctuated and continuous delivery of BH into the bloodstream, transdermal admiriistration may offer sustained efficacy with reduced side effects, thus leading to improved patient compliance. As shown by Example 28 (Table 1), a relative bioavailability of 0.89 was estimated for transdermal vs. oral admiriistration.

The term "bioavailability" as used herein, is a measurement of the extent to which a drug reaches the systemic circulation. The term "absolute bioavailability" compares the bioavailability of the active drug in systemic circulation following non-intravenous administration (i.e., after nasal, pulmonary, transdermal, oral, sublingual, buccal, rectal or subcutaneous), with the bioavailability of the same drug following intravenous administration. It is the fraction of the drug absorbed through non-intravenous administration compared with the corresponding intravenous administration of the same drug. The comparison must be dose normalized (e.g. account for different doses or varying weights of the subjects); consequently, the amount absorbed is corrected by dividing the corresponding dose administered. Therefore, a drug given by the intravenous route will have an absolute bioavailability of 1 (F=l) while drugs given by other routes usually have an absolute bioavailability of less than one. The term "relative bioavailability" measures the bioavailability (estimated as the area under curve, or AUC) of a certain drug when compared with another formulation of the same drug, usually an established standard, or through administration via a different route. When the standard consists of intravenously administered drug, this is known as relative bioavailability, and is calculated using the formula: relative bioavailability = ([AUC]_A x dose _B)/ ([AUC]_B x dose A), wherein "AUG" is area under curve, i.e., the area delineated by the X.and Y axes and the plot of the plasma drug conentration as a function of time.

Studies the inventors carried out on the pharmacodynamic responses induced by transdermal administration of BH from the ethosomal system on the skin of ovariectomized revealed a decrease in the elevated tail temperature 3 h after administration, which continued for a total period of 6 h until the end of the experiment.

According to certain embodiments, the use of the invention is considered, wherein the at least one azapirone in the composition is buspirone, and wherein the buspirone is administered transdermally in a delivery system, each transdermal application comprising buspirone or its salts at a dose of between about 5mg to lOOOmg incorporated in pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. Certain embodiments envision the use of the invention wherein each transdermal application comprising buspirone or its salts is at a dose of between about 5mg to lOOOmg, between about 5mg to 900mg, between about 5mg to 800mg, between about 5mg to 700mg, between about 5mg to 600mg, between about 5mg to 500mg. More specifically, an amount of 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95, 100, 200, 250, 300, 350, 400, 450, 500, 550, 600, 650, 700, 750, 800, 850, 900, 950, and lOOOmg may be used for transdermal delivery. Such an amount, when applied on a transdermal delivery system, for example a transdermal patch, may facilitate the delivery of between about 5 to about lOOmg/day buspirone to the patient.

It should be appreciated that in cases where application of a large amount of buspirone is desired, the transdermal delivery of buspirone may involve application of about 0.1 to about lOOg of the delivery system. For example, 0.1, 0.5, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 70, 80 90 or even lOOg of the delivery system may be applied transdermally to provide application of about 5 to lOOOmg of the active ingredient, namely, buspirone, facilitating the delivery of about 5 to lOOmg/day buspirone.

According to certain embodiments, the use of the invention is for preparing a composition comprising a therapeutically effective amount of a transdermal delivery system comprising 1-30 %w/w of the at least one azapirone, 10-65% short chain alcohol, 0-10% phospholipid, 0-30% propylene glycol, 0-20% hydrophilic surfactants, 0-15% chemical enhancer and water, the transdermal delivery system optionally further comprises at least one of adhesives, antioxidant and other inactive ingredients.

In other embodiments, the use of the invention is for preparing a composition comprising a therapeutically effective amount of a transdermal delivery system comprising 1-30 %w/w buspirone as a base or a salt form, 10-65% short chain alcohol, 0-10% phospholipid, 0-40% propylene glycol, 0-20% hydrophilic surfactants, 0-15% chemical enhancer, water, antioxidant and other inactive ingredients.

It should be appreciated that according to certain embodiments, the invention involves the use of a transdermal delivery system containing l-30%w/w buspirone salt, base or any mixture thereof in a transdermal adhesive system. Such adhesive system may include a patch, a gel, a cream, a spray, a mist, foam or a film.

It is also appreciated that according to certain embodiments, the invention uses a composition containing l-30%w/w buspirone salt, base or any mixture thereof in an adhesive system.

More specifically, according to certain embodiments shown by Examples 12 and 13, the composition of the invention comprises a therapeutically effective amount of a transdermal delivery system comprising 1-15 %w/w of bupirone, 10-65 %w/w short chain alcohol, 0.2-10 %w/w phospholipid, 0-30 %w/w propylene glycol, 0-3 %w/w hydrophilic surfactants, 0.1-2 %w/w chemical enhancer and water, the transdermal delivery system optionally further comprises at least one of adhesives, antioxidant and other inactive ingredients.

It is understood that the relative part (%w/w) of each ingredient of the composition may be modified within certain limits. According to particular embodiments, the buspirone is between about 1 to 30%w/w, between about 1 to about 15 %w/w, between about 1.2 to about 14 %w/w, between about 1.4 to about 13 %w/w, between about 1.6 to about 12 %w/w, between about 1.6 to about 11 %w/w, between about 1.8 to about 10 %w/w, between about 2 to about 8 %w/w, between about 2.2 to about 6 %w/w, between about 2.4 to about 4 %w/w, between about 2.5 to about 3.5 %w/w, most specifically, about 3 %w/w. In some embodiments, the Phospholipon 90G or other surfactant is between about 0 to about 10 %w/w, between about 0.2 to about 9 %w/w, between about 0.4 to about 8 %w/w, between about 0.6 to about 7 %w/w, between about 0.8 to about 6 %w/w, between about 1.0 to about 5 %w/w, between about 1.2 to about 4 %w/w, between about 1.4 to about 3.5 %w/w, between about 1.6 to about 3.2 %w/w, between about 1.8 to about 3.1 %w/w, between about 2 to about 3 %w/w, most specifically, about 2.5 %w/w. According to certain embodiments, the ethanol or other short-chain alcohol is between about 10 to about 65 %w/w, between about 15 to about 60 %w/w, between about 20 to about 55 %w/w, between about 25 to about 50 %w/w, between about 30 to about 45 %w/w, between about 35 to about 40 %w/w, most specifically, about 38 %w/w. In further embodiments, the propylene glycol is between about 0 to about 30 %w/w, between about 2 to about 30 %w/w, between about 2 to about 28 %w/w, between about 2 to about 25 %w/w, between about 2 to about 20 %w/w, between about 2 to about 18 %w/w, between about 4 to about 16 %w/w, between about 6 to about 14 %w/w, between about 8 to about 12 %w/w, most specifically, about 10 %w/w. Specific embodiments contemplate the Carbopol 980. or other carbomer ingredient in a concentration between about 0 to about 3 %w/w, between about 0.1 to about 2 %w/w, between about 0.2 to about 1.8 %w/w, between about 0.3 to about 1.5 %w/w, between about 0.4 to about 1.3 %w/w, between about 0.5 to about 1.1 %w/w, between about 0.6 to about 1 %w/w, between about 0.6 to about 0.9 %w/w, between about 0.6 to about 0.8 %w/w, most specifically, about 0.7 %w/w. Finally, according to some embodiments, the Vitamin E acetate or other chemical enhancer may range between about 0.1 to about 2 %w/w, between about 0.01 to about 2 %w/w, between about 0.05 to about 1.9 %w/w, between about 0.05 to about 1.5 %w/w, between about 0.1 to about 1.3 %w/w, between about 0.1 to about 1.1 %w/w, between about 0.15 to about 0.9 %w/w, between about 0.15 to about 0.5 %w/w, between about 0.15 to about 0.4 %w/w, most specifically, about 0.2 %w/w.

Transdermal therapeutic systems have been designed to provide controlled continuous delivery of drugs via the skin to the systemic circulation. Moreover, it over comes various side effects like painful delivery of the drugs and the first pass metabolism of the drug occurred by other means of drug delivery systems. The main advantages of these systems are that there is controlled release of the drug and the medication is painless. In a broad sense, the term transdermal delivery system includes all topically administered drug formulations intended to deliver the active ingredient into the general circulation.

It should be noted that topical adrninistration may involve the use of any one of an ointment, cream, suspensions, paste, lotions, powders, solutions, oils, encapsulated gel, ethosomes, liposomes or any nano-particles containing azapirone, specifically, buspirone, or sprayable aerosol or vapors containing the buspirone according to the invention. Conventional pharmaceutical carriers, aqueous, powder or oily bases, thickeners and the like may be necessary or desirable. The term "topically applied" or "topically administered" means that the ointment, cream, emollient, balm, lotion, solution, salve, unguent, or any other pharmaceutical form is applied to some or a portion of the skin of a patient. A patient that is, or has been, affected by, or shows, or has shown, one or more symptoms of hot flashes.

In certain embodiments, transdermal delivery involves the use of a transdermal patch which adheres to the skin. A transdermal patch has several components like liners, adherents, drug reservoirs, drug release membrane etc. which play a vital role in the release of the drug via skin. Various types of patches along with various methods of applications have been discovered to delivery the drug from the transdermal patch.

The application of the transdermal patch and the flow of the active drug constituent from the patch to the circulatory system via skin occur through various methods described herein, involving active or passive delivery.

Iontophoresis is one method that passes a few milliamperes of current to a few square centimeters of skin through the electrode placed in contact with the formulation, which facilitates drug delivery across the barrier.

Electroporation is another method of application involving short, high- oltage electrical pulses to the skin. After electroporation, the permeability of the skin for diffusion of drugs is increased by 4 orders of magnitude. The electrical pulses are believed to form transient aqueous pores in the stratum corneum, through which drug transport occurs. It is safe and the electrical pulses can be administered painlessly using closely spaced electrodes to constrain the electric field within the nerve-free stratum corneum. Application of ultrasound, particularly low frequency ultrasound, has been shown to enhance transdermal transport of various drugs including macromolecules. It is also known as sonophoresis.

Transdermal patches with microscopic projections called microneedles used to facilitate transdermal drug transport and are also applicable in the delivery of buspirone according to the invention. Needles ranging from approximately 10-1000 μτη in length are arranged in arrays. When pressed into the skin, the arrays make microscopic punctures that are large enough to deliver macromolecules, but small enough that the patient does not feel the penetration or pain. The drug is surface coated on the microneedles to aid in rapid absorption.

Various other methods used for the application of the transdermal patches like thermal poration, magnetophoresis, and photomechanical waves are also encompassed by the invention.

In one specific embodiment, a single-layer system may be used by the invention. In this type of patch the adhesive layer not only serves to adhere the various layers together, along with the entire system to the skin, but is also responsible for the releasing of the drug. The adhesive layer is surrounded by a temporary liner and a backing.

The multi-layer drug-in adhesive patch is similar to the single-layer system in that both adhesive layers are also responsible for the releasing of the drug. The multi-layer system is different however that it adds another layer of drug-in-adhesive, usually separated by a membrane (but not in all cases). This patch also has a temporary liner-layer and a permanent backing.

Unlike the single-layer and multi-layer drug-in-adhesive systems the reservoir transdermal system that may be also used by the invention, has a separate drug layer. The drug layer is a liquid compartment containing a drug solution or suspension separated by the adhesive layer. This patch is also backed by the backing layer. In this type of system the rate of release is zero order. In yet another embodiment a matrix system may be used. The matrix system has a drug layer of a semisolid matrix containing a drug solution or suspension. The adhesive layer in this patch surrounds the drug layer partially overlaying it.

Vapour patch is another example for patch applicable herein. In this type of patch the adhesive layer not only serves to adhere the various layers together but also to release vapour.

It should be understood that the present invention encompasses any additional transdermal delivery systems, modes or patches facilitating topical delivery of buspirone for treating hot flashes.

As indicated herein above, the use of azapiranes, specifically, buspirone for treating hot flashes may involve different modes of administration, including the oral, buccal or sublingual routes. According to certain embodiments, the drug, specifically, at least one azapirone, and more specifically, an effective amount of buspirone, may be administered orally in a form selected from the group consisting of tablets, granules, granulates, powders, capsules, soft capsules, coated tablets, multilayer tablets, film, immediate release, sustained release, extended release or delayed release dosage form, GIR dosage form, controlled release dosage form; fast dissolving dosage form, buccal spray, buccal patch, lozenges, chew gum, quick soluble tablets, pellets, quick soluble pellets, syrup, elixir, drops, aqueous solution, nanoemulsion, microemulsion, suspension, films, soft lozenges, semisolids, emulsions, suspensions and other delivery dosage forms. It is appreciated that different administration regimes may be convenient or beneficial, for example, in some embodiments, the at least one azapirone is administered as a single daily dose or multiple daily dose, whereas other embodiments consider the at least one azapirone every 1 to 7 days. Some embodiments of the treatment method of the invention envisage embodiments wherein the at least one azapirone is in the form of a salt selected from the group consisting of: hydrochloride, salicylate, hydrobromide, sulfate, citrate, acetate, glycolate, salts with amino acids, and salts with organic or inorganic acid. A specific embodiment relates to the at least one azapirone, wherein the azapirone is a mixture of at least one azapirone and its salt and base forms. It should be appreciated that a mixture of a base and salt form of said at least one azapirone, specifically, buspirone, may be administered in a suitable pH such that the azapirone, specifically buspirone in its base form, is partially non-dissociated and partially dissociated.

In yet another embodiment, a buccal or sublingual administration of azapirone, specifically, buspirone is applicable in treating hot flashes. Any drug suitable for transmucosal administration may be incorporated into the buccal dosage form of this invention. Such drugs may include locally or systemically acting drugs, but in most cases will be systemically acting drugs. The drugs may be selected from among any group wherein a transmucosal administration of the drug over a period ranging from a few minutes to several minutes is desired.

The proportion of active ingredient in the buccal dosage form of the invention will vary according to the potency of the drug and the needs of the patient, as will be understood by those skilled in the art. The active ingredient will generally comprise from about 0.01 percent by weight to about 25 percent by weight, typically 0.1 percent to 1 percent by weight, the remainder of the composition being the matrix. The concentration of the drug in the composition will also vary with the size of the dosage form prepared, since as will be understood by those skilled in the art, the amount of drug delivered in a single dose will depend on both the concentration of the drug in the matrix and the size of the buccal dosage form.

The buccal dosage forms prepared from the composition of this invention may have any of the conventional shapes and sizes used for such dosage forms. For example a dosage form may be in the form of a lozenge, a lamella, a disk, a wafer, a tablet or the like. It should have dimensions which fit conveniently into the buccal cavity or under the tongue. Suitable dimensions for the dosage form are a length of 5 to 10 mm, a width of 2 to 10 mm and a thickness of 0.2 to 3 mm. A specific thickness is 0.5 to 1.5 mm. The total weight of the dosage form may be from about 10 to about 150 mg, preferably 50 to 100 mg.

In yet another embodiment, a sublingual or rapid oral disintegrating preparation may also be applicable. Such preparation may be in the form of a solid preparation such as a tablet, or may be in the form of an oral mucosal patch (film). The sublingual or rapid oral disintegrating preparation is preferably a preparation containing the buspirone used by the invention and an excipient. The preparation may also contain auxiliary agents such as a lubricant, an isotonizing agent, a hydrophilic carrier, a water-dispersible polymer, a stabilizer, etc. Further, for the purpose of promoting the absorption and enhancing the bioavailability, the preparation may also contain p-cyclodextrin or 13-cyclodextrin derivatives (e.g., hydroxypropyl—cyclodextrin, etc.). Examples of the above excipient include lactose, saccharose, D- mannitol, starch, crystalline cellulose, light silicic anhydride, etc. Examples of the lubricant include magnesium stearate, calcium stearate, talc, colloidal silica, etc., with magnesium stearate and colloidal silica being preferred. Examples of the isotonizing agent include sodium chloride, glucose, fructose, mannitol, sorbitol, lactose, saccharose, glycerin and urea, with mannitol being particularly preferred. As the hydrophilic carrier, there are, for example, a swelling hydrophilic carrier such as crystalline cellulose, ethyl cellulose, cross linked polyvinyl pyrrolidone, light silicic anhydride, silicic acid, dicalcium phosphate, calcium carbonate, etc., with crystalline cellulose (e.g., microcrystalline cellulose, etc.) being preferred. As the water- dispersible polymer, there are, for example, a gum (e.g., tragacanth gum, acacia gum, guar gum), alginate (e.g., sodium alginate), cellulose derivatives (e.g., methyl cellulose, carboxymethylcellulose, hydroxymethyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose), gelatin, water-soluble starch, polyacrylic acid (e.g., carbomer), polymethacrylic acid, polyvinyl alcohol, polyethylene glycol, polyvinyl pyrrolidone, polycarbophil, ascorbate palmitate salt, etc., with hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose, polyacrylic acid, alginate, gelatin, carboxymethylcellulose, polyvinyl pyrrolidone and polyethylene glycol being preferred. Hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose is particularly preferred. As the stabilizer, there are, for example, cysteine, thiosorbitol, tartatic acid, citric acid, sodium carbonate, ascrobic acid, glycine, sodium sulfite, etc., with citric acid and ascorbic acid being particularly used.

The sublingual, buccal or rapid oral disintegrating preparation can be prepared by mixing azapirones, specifically, buspirone used by the invention and an excipient by a method per se known. Furthermore, if desired, the auxiliary agents described above, such as the lubricant, isotonizing agent, hydrophilic carrier, water-dispersible polymer, stabilizer, colorant, sweetener, preservative, etc. may also be admixed. After mixing the components described above simultaneously or at certain time intervals, the mixture is compressed W 201

40

into tablets to obtain the sublingual, buccal or oral quick disintegration tablet. In order to obtain a suitable hardness, a solvent such as water, an alcohol, etc. can be used to moisturize or wet the components before or after tabletting, followed by drying.

In preparing the oral mucosal patch (film), the azapirones, specifically, buspirone used by the invention and the water-dispersible polymer (for example, hydroxypropyl cellulose, hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose), excipient, etc. described above are dissolved in a solvent such as water, etc. and then the resulting solution is cast into a film. In addition, additives such as a plasticizer, a stabilizer, an antioxidant, a preservative, a colorant, a buffering agent, a sweeteners, etc. may be added to the preparation. A glycol such as polyethylene glycol, propylene glycol, etc. may be added to impart an appropriate elasticity to a film, and a bioadhesive polymer (e.g., polycarbophile, carbopol) may also be added to enhance the adhesion of the film to the oral mucosal lining. The casting can be carried out by pouring a solution onto a non-adhesive surface, spreading the solution using a coater such as a doctor blade in a uniform thickness (preferably, approximately 10 to 1000 microns), and then drying the solution to form a film. The film thus formed is dried at room temperature or while warming, and then cut into pieces each having a desired surface area.

It should be appreciated that the oral mucosal patch (film) described herein is also applicable for any other transdermal delivery modes.

A specific rapid oral disintegrating preparation is, for example, a rapid diffusion preparation in a solid network form, which comprises the azapirone, specifically, buspirone used by the invention and an inert water- soluble or water-diffusible carrier. The network is formed by sublimating a solvent from a solid composition comprising a solution of the compositions of the invention in a suitable solvent. In addition to the azapirones, specifically, buspirone and or any salt, base, ester or amide thereof used by the invention, the rapid oral disintegrating preparation may specifically contain a matrix- forming agent and a secondary component. Such preparation in solid network form is also applicable for any other transdermal delivery modes. Examples of the matrix-forming agent include gelatins, dextrins and animal or vegetable proteins from soybean, wheat, psyllium seed, etc., gummy materials such as gum arable, guar gum, agar, xanthane gum, etc., polysaccharides, alginates, carboxymethylcelluloses, carrageenans, dextrans, pectins, synthetic polymers such as polyvinyl pyrrolidones, materials derived from gelatin-gum arable complexes, etc. The matrix-forming agent further includes saccharides such as mannitol, dextrose, lactose, galactose, trehalose, etc., cyclic saccharides such as cyclodexkins, etc., inorganic salts such as sodium phosphate, sodium chloride, aluminum silicate, etc., amino acids having 2 to 12 carbon atoms such as glycine, L-alanine, L-aspartic acid, L-glutamic acid, L-hydroxyproline, L-isoleucine, L- leucine, L-phenylalanine, etc. One or more matrix-forming agents can be incorporated into a solution or suspension before solidification. The matrix-forming agents may be present in addition to a surfactant, or may be present in the absence of a surfactant. The matrix-forming agents serve not only to form a matrix itself, but also assist to maintain diffusion of the compositions of the invention in the solution or suspension. These are also applicable for any transdermal delivery modes (e.g., via skin, rectal or vaginal modes).

The invention provides uses, methods and compositions which are effective in the treatment, inhibition, amelioration and prophylaxis of hot flashes. According to some embodiments, the invention is thus effective in reducing the body temperature of a subject in need thereof, wherein said temperature referred to is the body surface temperature, by between about 0.1 °C to about 5°C, between about 0.2°C to about 4.9°C, between about 0.3°C to about 4.8°C, between about 0.4°C to about 4.7°C, between about 0.5°C to about 4.6°C, between about 0.6°C to about 4.5°C, between about 0.7°C to about 4.4°C, between about 0.8°C to about 4.3°C, between about 0.8°C to about 4.3°C, between about 0.9°C to about 4.2°C, between about 1°C to about 4.1°C, between about 1.1 °C to about 4.0°C, between about 1.2°C to about 3.9°C, between about 1.3°C to about 3.8°C, between about 1.4°C to about 3.7°C, between about 1.5°C to about 3.6°C, between about 1.6°C to about 3.5°C, between about 1.7°C to about 3.4°C, between about 1.8°C to about 3.3°C, between about 1.9°C to about 3.2°C, between about 2.0°C to about 3.1°C, between about 2.1°C to about 3.0°C, between about 2.2°C to about 2.9°C, between about 2.3°C to about 2.9°C, between about 2.4°C to about 2.9°C, between about 2.5°C to about 2.9°C, specifically, between about 2.6°C to about 2.9°C or between about 2.7°C to about 2.8°C. It should be noted that the decrease in said skin temperature in a subject in need thereof may continue for at least 1 h to at least 12 h, more specifically, at least 1 h, at least 2 h, at least 3 h, at least 4 h, at least 5 h, at least 6 h, at least 7 h, at least 8 h, at least 9 h, at least 10 h, at least 11 h or at least 12 h.

In particular embodiments, the use of azapirones, specifically, buspirone according to the invention is particularly effective in the prophylaxis, i.e., prevention of skin temperature increases associated with hot flashes and hot flushes. Thus, subjects administered with said compositions are less likely to experience skin temperature rises associated with hot flashes and hot flushes, and said skin temperature rises are also less likely to re-occur in a subject who has already experienced them in the past.

Still further, it should be appreciated that the invention further provides the use of buspirone for treating hot flashes associated conditions, for example, sweating, redness of the skin or increased heart beats, and the like. Thus, according to certain embodiments, the use of buspirone according to the invention is particularly suitable for treating, ameliorating, preventig or delaying the onset of the hot flush, i.e., redness of the skin associated with hot flashes, brought about by superficial vasodilatation, or any associated conditions. In specific embodiments, the compositions according to the invention reduce, inhibit, attenuate or diminish said hot flashes, hot flush or redness of the skin or any associated conditions such as sweating by at least about 5%, at least about 10%, at least about 15%, at least about 20%, at least about 25%, at least about 30%, at least about 35%, at least about 40%, at least about 45%, at least about 50%, at least about 55%, at least about 60%, at least about 65%, at least about 70%, at least about 75%, at least about 80%, at least about 85%, at least about 90%, at least about 95%, or about 100%.

In a second aspect, the invention relates to a method of treating, inhibiting, preventing or ameliorating hot flashes in a subject in need thereof, the method comprises the step of administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of at least one azaspirodecanedione (azapirone) or a combination of at least two azaspirodecanediones or any salt, base, ester or amide thereof or any combination or mixture thereof, or any composition comprising the same. The hot flashes treated by the method of the invention are specifically associated with at least one of menopause, perimenopause, post menopause and andropause. These hot flashes are most preferably manifested in subjects that are any one of a menopausal woman, a perimenopausal woman, a postmenopausal woman or an andropausal man.

It should be appreciated that the invention further provides the use of buspirone for treating hot flashes associated conditions, for example, sweating or increased heart beats, and the like.

According to certain embodiments, the method of the invention uses at least one azapirone selected from buspirone, alnespirone, binospirone, eptapirone, gepirone, ipsapirone, perospirone, tandospirone, tiospirone, zalospirone, enilospirone, revospirone, umespirone and any metabolites thereof or any similar chemical structures or any salt, base, ester or amide thereof or any combination or mixture thereof, or any composition comprising the same. According to specific embodiments the method of the invention uses buspirone or any salt, base, ester or amide thereof or any combination or mixture thereof. In particular embodiments, the at least one azapirone is administered with at least one pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.

It is appreciated that the pharmaceutically acceptable carrier used by the method of the invention may be adapted for nasal, transdermal, pulmonary, oral or buccal administration, or any combinations thereof, for example a combination of nasal and oral delivery . In specific embodiments, such carrier may be any one of spray, mist, patch, foam, alcoholic foam, oily foam, aqueous foam, bandage, membrane, gel, cream, emulsion, oily solution, aqueous solution, hydroethanolic solution, hydro-alcoholic- glycolic solution, mixture of alcohol and glycols, microemulsion, double emulsions, nanoemulsion, nanoparticles, microparticles, microcapsules, lipid particles, lipospheres, liposomes, lipid vesicles, solid lipid nanoparticles, liquid crystals, eutectic mixtures, eutectic crystsis, cubosomes, hexazomes, micelosomes, liposomal systems, vesicular systems, nanocubes, ethosomes, hydroethanolic systems, mixtures of alcohols and glycols, aqueous mixtures of alcohols and glycols, buffer solutions, polymer based delivery systems, hydrophilic or lipophilic suppository bases, chitosan and derivatives bases.

It is understood that the method of the invention involves administration by any one of nasal, transdermal, pulmonary, oral, buccal or sublingual administration, or any combinations thereof, specifically a combination of nasal and oral routes. However, it should be appreciated that the azapirone used by the method of the invention, specifically, buspirone, may be administered by injection (subcutaneously, intraperitoneally, intramuscularly, intravenously), rectally, vaginally, intraocular, sprayed at armpit and any combination thereof.

In other embodiments, the at least one azapirone, specifically, buspirone, is adrrii istered by the method of the invention as a single daily dose or multiple daily dose, whereas still other embodiments consider the method of the invention wherein the at least one azapirone is administered every 1 to 7 days. More particularly, it is specifically contemplated that administration may be carried out once, twice, thrice, four times, five times or six times daily, or may be performed once daily, once every 2 days, once every 3 days, once every 4 days, once every 5 days, once every 6 days, once every week, two weeks, three weeks, four weeks or even a month. The treatment may last up to a day, two days, three days, four days, five days, six days, a week, two weeks, three weeks, four weeks, a month, two months three months or even more. More specifically, administration will last from one day to one month. Most specifically, administration will last from one day to 7 days.

According to some embodiments, the at least one azapirone, specifically, buspirone used by the method of the invention is in the form of a salt selected from the group consisting of: hydrochloride, salicylate, hydrobromide, sulfate, citrate, acetate, glycolate, salts with amino acids and salts with organic or inorganic acid. In further embodiments, the at least one azapirone is a mixture of at least one azapirone on its salt and base forms. It should be appreciated that a mixture of a base and salt form of the at least one azapirone, specifically, buspirone, may be administered in a suitable pH such that the azapirone, specifically buspirone in its base form, is partially non-dissociated and partially dissociated. W

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Accordingly, in specific embodiments of the method of the invention, the at least one azapirone is buspirone, which is administered intranasally, each intranasal application comprising buspirone or its salts incorporated in pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.

Specifically, according to other embodiments the at least one azapirone is buspirone, and the buspirone is administered intranasally at a dose of between about 0.1 mg to 30mg incorporated in pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. Specifically, it is understood that certain embodiments of the invention encompass the use of at least one azapirone, specifically, buspirone, or any salt, base, ester or amide thereof or mixture thereof in an amount of between about 0.1 mg to about 30 mg, about 0.1 mg to about 28 mg, about 0.1 mg to about 26 mg, about 0.1 mg to about 24 mg, about 0.1 mg to about 22 mg, about 0.1 mg to about 20 mg, about 0.1 mg to about 18 mg, about 0.1 mg to about 16 mg, about 0.1 mg to about 14 mg, about 0.1 mg to about 12 mg, about 0.1 mg to about 10 mg, about 0.1 mg to about 8 mg, about 0.1 mg to about 6 mg.

It should be appreciated that using the nasal route, a direct delivery of the drugs used by the invention, specifically, buspirone, to the target tissue (specifically, the brain by using for example the nose-to-brain delivery), is being achieved, and therefore, lower amounts of buspirone may be used. Thus, according to other specific embodiments of the method of the invention, the at least one azapirone or any salts or base thereof or any mixture thereof, is buspirone, administered nasally in doses of between about 0.1 mg to about 5mg each administration once to six times daily, or as a single daily dose of about 0.6 to about 30mg. More specifically, the at least one azapirone, buspirone, or any salt, base, ester or amide thereof or mixture thereof used by the method of the invention is administered nasally in doses of between about 0.1 mg to about 5 mg. Particularly, about any one of 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.8, 0.9, 1.0, 2, 3, 4 and 5 mg. According to certain embodiments, such dose may be administered by the method of the invention once to six times daily. Alternatively, administration may include a single daily dose of about 0.6 to about 30 mg. More specifically, any one of 0.6, 0.7, 0.8, 0.9, 1.0, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29 and 30mg as a single dose. Alternative embodiments contemplate the method of the invention, wherein the at least one azapirone, specifically, buspirone or any salts or base thereof or any mixture thereof is in an aqueous solution. The buspirone is administered nasally in doses of between about 0.1 mg to about 5mg each administration once to six times daily, or as a single daily dose of about 0.6 to about 30mg.

According to certain embodiments, the invention provides a method for treating hot flashes by administering buspirone using a device selected from the group consisting of: a pump, sprayer, metered device, olphactory delivery device, atomizer or any device adequate to nasal delivery. The different devices applicable in the method of the invention for delivery of the buspirone were discussed herein before. It should be appreciated that a device specified for nose to brain delivery, for example, the Optimist, or similar devices are also applicable for the method of the invention.

In certain embodiments, the carrier for nasal administration comprises inactive ingredients selected from the group consisting of glycerol, glycols, preservatives, antioxidants, short chain alcohol, surfactants, lipids, oils, thickeners, pH adjusting agents, chitosan, chitin, osmotic agents, and buffers.

According to certain embodiments, the method of the invention uses a therapeutically effective amount of a nasal delivery system or nasal composition comprising 0.1-30 %w/w of said at least one azapirone, 0-65% short chain alcohol, 0-10% phospholipid, 0- 40% propylene glycol, 0-20% hydrophilic surfactants, 0-15% chemical enhancer and water.

According to particular embodiments, the nasal composition used by the method of the invention comprises between, about 0.1 to 30 w/w% buspirone, specifically, between about 0.1 to about 5 w/w% buspirone, between about 0.3 to about 4.7 w/w% buspirone, between about 0.5 to about 4.4 w/w% buspirone, between about 0.7 to about 4.1 w/w% buspirone, between about 0.9 to about 3.8 w/w% buspirone, between about 1.1 to about 3.5 w/w% buspirone, between about 1.3 to about 3.2 w/w% buspirone, between about 1.5 to about 2.9 w/w% buspirone, between about 1.7 to about 2.7 w/w% buspirone. In certain embodiments the nasal composition uses about 2.5 w/w% buspirone. The nasal composition of the invention further comprises between about 0 to about 18 w/w% short chain alcohol, between about 3 to about 18 w/w% short chain alcohol, between about 6 to about 18 w/w% short chain alcohol, between about 9 to about 18 w/w% short chain alcohol, between about 10 to about 18 w/w% short chain alcohol, between about 11 to about 18 w/w% short chain alcohol, specifically, between about 12 to about 18 w/w% short chain alcohol, most specifically 15 w/w%; the nasal composition of the invention further comprises between about 0 to about 40 w/w% propylene glycol, between about 4 to about 35 w/w% propylene glycol, between about 0 to about 40 w/w% propylene glycol, between about 10 to about 30 w/w% propylene glycol, between about 15 to about 25 w/w% propylene glycol, most specifically, about 20 w/w% propylene glycol.

It is appreciated that according to some embodiments, when either short chain alcohol or phospholipids are absent from the nasal composition, but not when both short chain alcohol and phospholipids are absent from the nasal composition, said nasal composition comprises between about 0.1 to about 5 w/w% buspirone. More specifically, between about 0.3 to about 4.7 w/w% buspirone, between about 0.5 to about 4.4 w/w% buspirone, between about 0.7 to about 4.1 w/w% buspirone, between about 0.9 to about 3.8 w/w% buspirone, between about 1.1 to about 3.5 w/w% buspirone, between about 1.3 to about 3.2 w/w% buspirone, between about 1.5 to about 2.9 w/w% buspirone, between about 1.7 to about 2.7 w/w% buspirone, most specifically, about 2.5 w/w% buspirone. However, in embodiments where both short chain alcohol and phospholipids are present in the nasal composition, the nasal composition used by the method of the invention may comprise between about 0.1 to about 0.9 w/w% buspirone.

In many instances, therapies employing two or more administration methods are required to adequately address different medical conditions and/or effects of a certain disorder under treatment. Thus, at least one azapirone or buspirone, or any salts or base thereof or any mixture thereof, may be administered by the method of the invention using a combination of at least two acm inistration methods. Combining these at least two administration methods safely and effectively improves overall beneficial effect on the disorders addressed by this invention. Thus, it is understood that according to some embodiments of the method of the invention, the method further comprises an oral administration of buspirone before, simultaneously with, after or any combination thereof, the intranasal or pulmonary administration of the buspirone.

According to certain embodiments, a therapeutically effective amount of at least one azapirone or buspirone, or any salts or base thereof or any mixture thereof, is orally adniinistered before, simultaneously with, after, or any combination thereof, a nasal administration of at least one azapirone or buspirone, or any salts or base thereof or any mixture thereof, to the subject in need thereof. Specifically, the therapeutically effective amount of at least one azapirone or buspirone, or any salts or base thereof or any mixture thereof, is orally administered before nasal adrninistration of the at least one azapirone or buspirone, or any salts or base thereof or any mixture thereof, to the subject in need thereof. The oral administration regime may consist of a single daily dose or multiple daily doses, whereas other embodiments consider administration every 1 to 7 days. The oral administration may be limited to 1 day, 2 days, 3 days, 4 days, 5 days, 6 days or a week, or may be extended to two weeks, three weeks, four weeks, a months, two months, three months, four months or even more. Specifically, the oral administration is provided for about one month, before, after or simultaneously with the nasal adrninistration.

In one specific embodiment, the oral adrninistration is provided for about one week to about one month, specifically, one, two, three or four weeks before the nasal administration. More specifically, said oral administration for two weeks takes place prior to the nasal administration. In certain embodiments the oral administration regime may also take the form of a single daily dose or multiple daily doses, or possibly every 1 to 7 days. The dosages administered in the oral form may vary independently and comprise the doses between about 100 micrograms to about 30mg.

It is understood that the nasal administration regime may also take the form of a single daily dose or multiple daily dose, or possibly every 1 to 7 days. The nasal adrninistration may be limited to 1 day, 2 days, 3 days, 4 days, 5 days, 6 days or a week, or may be extended to two weeks, three weeks, four weeks, a months, two months, three months, four months or even more. The dosages administered in the nasal form may vary independently and comprise the doses between about 100 micrograms to about 30mg.

Specifically, between about 0.1 mg to about 30 mg, about 0.1 mg to about 28 mg, about 0.1 mg to about 26 mg, about 0.1 mg to about 24 mg, about 0.1 mg to about 22 mg, about 0.1 mg to about 20 mg, about 0.1 mg to about 18 mg, about 0.1 mg to about 16 mg, about 0.1 mg to about 14 mg, about 0.1 mg to about 12 mg, about 0.1 mg to about 10 mg, about 0.1 mg to about 8 mg, about 0.1 mg to about 6 mg. More specifically, from about 100 to about 150 micrograms, about 150 to about 250 micrograms, about 250 to about 350 micrograms, about 350 to about 450 micrograms, about 450 to about 550 micrograms, about 550 to about 650 micrograms, about 650 to about 750 micrograms, about 750 to about 850 micrograms, about 850 to about 950 micrograms, about 950 to about 1050 micrograms, about 1 mg to about 1.5 mg, about 1.5 mg to about 2.0 mg, about 2.0 mg to about 2.5 mg, about 2.5 mg to about 3.0 mg, about 3.0 mg to about 3.5 mg, about 3.5 mg to about 4.0 mg, about 4.0 mg to about 4.5 mg, about 4.5 mg to about 5.0 mg, about 5 mg to about 6 mg, about 6 mg to about 7 mg, about 7 mg to about 8 mg, about 8 mg to about 9 mg, about 9 mg to about 10 mg, about 10 mg to about 12 mg, about 12 mg to about 14 mg, about 14 mg to about 16 mg, about 16 mg to about 18 mg, about 18 mg to about 20 mg, about 20 mg to about 22 mg, about 22 mg to about 24 mg, about 24 mg to about 26 mg, about 26 mg to about 28 mg, or about 28 mg to about 30 mg. The actual doses administered will be as directed by the treating physician.

It is understood that the method of the invention may also include other combinations of administration routes, for example, oral-transdermal, nasal-buccal, nasal-transdermal and the like. According to certain embodiments, a therapeutically effective amount of at least one azapirone or buspirone, or any salts or base thereof or any mixture thereof, is orally administered before, simultaneously with, after, or any combination thereof, transdermal administration of at least one azapirone or buspirone, or any salts or base thereof or any mixture thereof, to the subject in need thereof. In other embodiments, a therapeutically effective amount of at least one azapirone or buspirone, or any salts or base thereof or any mixture thereof, is orally administered before, simultaneously with, after, or any combination thereof, sublingual administration, topical administration, buccal administration, by injection, subcutaneous administration, intraperitoneal administration, intramuscular administration, intravenous adnrinistration, rectal administration, vaginal administration, intraocular administration, spraying at armpit and any combination thereof.

According to one specific embodiment, the method of the invention involves the use of a transdermal delivery system for administering azapirone, specifically, buspirone to a subject in need thereof for treating hot flashes and associated conditions. Thus, at least one pharmaceutically acceptable carrier used by the method of the invention may be adapted for transdermal administration, and the carrier further comprises at least one agent for enhancing penetration through the skin.

According to certain embodiments, an agent for enhancing penetration through the skin used by the method of the invention may be any one of terpens, unsaturated acids, oleic acid, azone derivatives, surfactants, cetomacrogol, short chain alcohols, glycols, sulphoxides, alkyl sulphoxides, urea, sunscreen molecules, sunscreens in ethanolic solutions, short chain alcohols, glycols, or any combination thereof.

According to further embodiments, the drug, specifically, at least one azapirone, may be administered transdermally, for example by means such as iontophoresis, phonophoresis, microneedles, jet pressure, microporation, radioporation, heat, stripping the stratum corneum, using radiowaves, or a combination of any of the above.

Specific embodiments contemplate the method of the invention, wherein the at least one azapirone, specifically, buspirone, is administered transdermally in a delivery system or composition. Each transdermal application comprising buspirone or its salts at a dose of between about 5mg to lOOOmg incorporated in pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. It should be noted that such an amount applied on a transdermal patch or any other transdermal system, should support a delivery of about 5 to lOOmg/day buspirone to the patient's circulation.

In particular embodiments, a therapeutically effective amount of a transdermal delivery system comprising 1-30 %w/w of the at least one azapirone, 10-65% short chain alcohol, 0-10% phospholipid, 0-40% propylene glycol, 0-20% hydrophilic surfactants, 0-15% chemical enhancer and water, the transdermal delivery system optionally further comprises at least one of adhesives, antioxidant and other inactive ingredients.

It should be understood that all transdermal delivery system modes described herein before in connection with the use of the invention are also applicable for any of the methods of the invention.

It should be appreciated that according to certain embodiments, the method of the invention involves the use of a transdermal delivery system containing l-30%w/w buspirone salt, base or any mixture thereof in a transdermal adhesive system. Such adhesive system may include a patch, a gel, a cream, a spray, a mist, foam or a film.

According to other embodiments, the invention provides a method for treating hot flashes where the patient receives buspirone by injection of drug doses in the range of 500 micrograms to 50 mg per administration, daily or at intervals as directed by the physician.

The term "treatment" in accordance with hot flashes may refer to one or more of the following: elimination of hot flashes, or decreasing the intensity or frequency of hot flash incidence. The treatment may be undertaken when a hot flash incidence is beginning or may be a continuous administration, for example by administration every 1 to 14 days, to prevent or decrease occurrence of hot flashes in an individual prone to hot flashes. Thus, the term "treatment" is also meant as prophylactic or ameliorating treatment.

The term "reduction" or "reduce", as referred to herein, relates to a decrease in value, amount, or rate of the intensity or frequency of hot flashes in the treated subject. A decrease or a reduction as referred to herein, relate to a reduction or lessening of a quantity or intensity of hot flashes by any one of about 1% to 99.9%. More specifically, about 1% to 5%, about 5% to 10%, about 10% to 15%, about 15% to 20%, about 20% to 25%, about 25% to 30%, about 30% to 35%, about 35% to 40%, about 40% to 45%, about 45% to 50%, about 50% to 55%, about 55% to 60%, about 60% to 65%, about 65% to 70%, about 75% to 80%, about 80% to 85% about 85% to 90%, about 90% to 95%, about 95% to 99%, or about 99% to 99.9%. The term "inhibition" as referred to herein, relates to the retardation, retraining or reduction of the intensity or frequency of hot flashes by about 1% to 99.9%. More specifically, by any one of about 1% to 5%, about 5% to 10%, about 10% to 15%, about 15% to 20%), about 20%) to 25%₀, about 25% to 30%, about 30% to 35%, about 35% to 40%, about 40% to 45%, about 45% to 50%, about 50% to 55%, about 55% to 60%, about 60% to 65%, about 65% to 70%, about 75% to 80%, about 80% to 85% about 85% to 90%, about 90% to 95%, about 95% to 99%, or about 99% to 99.9%.

The term "prophylaxis" refers to prevention or reduction the risk of occurrence of the biological or medical event, specifically, the occurrence of hot flashes, that is sought to be prevented in a tissue, a system, animal or human by a researcher, veterinarian, medical doctor or other clinician, and the term "prophylactically effective amount" is intended to mean that amount of a pharmaceutical composition that will achieve this goal. Thus, in particular embodiments, the methods of the invention are particularly effective in the prophylaxis, i.e., prevention of skin temperature increases associated with hot flashes and hot flushes. Thus, subjects administered with said compositions are less likely to experience skin temperature rises associated with hot flashes and hot flushes, and said skin temperature rises are also less likely to re-occur in a subject who has already experienced them in the past.

The term "amelioration" as referred to herein, relates to a decrease in the deviation of the body temperature of a subject suffereing from body temperature dysregulation, from the normal physiological temperature range for that subject. More specifically, "amelioration" relates to an improvement in a subject's body temperature properties. For instance, as a non-limiting example, the symptoms of a subject suffering from hot flashes, hot flashes or hypogonadism are ameliorated by the body-temperature reducing treatment with the composition of the invention or according to the method of the invention.

By "patient" or "subject in need" it is meant any mammal who may be affected by the above-mentioned conditions, and to whom the treatment methods herein described is desired, including human, bovine, equine, canine, murine and feline subjects. Preferably said patient is a human. It should be noted that administering of the azapirones, specifically, buspirone of the invention to the patient includes both self-administration and administration to the patient by another person. Specifically, said subject is a menopausal woman, a perimenopausal woman, a postmenopausal woman or an andropausal man.

The term "therapeutically effective amount" is intended to mean that amount of a drug or pharmaceutical agent that will elicit the biological or medical response of a tissue, a system, animal or human that is being sought by a researcher, veterinarian, medical doctor or other clinician. According to specific embodiments, administration of a "therapeutically effective amount" of a drug or pharmaceutical agent, e.g. azapirone or buspirone, will induce a reduction in deviation of a subject's body temperature from the normal physiological temperature range. Preferably, said administration of a "therapeutically effective amount" of a drug or pharmaceutical agent, e.g. azapirone or buspirone, will reduce the subject's temperature, bringing it to the normal physiological temperature range. Most preferably, said adrriinistration of a "therapeutically effective amount" of a drug or pharmaceutical agent, e.g. azapirone or buspirone is effective in reducing abnormally high body temperatures caused by hormonal regulation, e.g. hot flashes or preventing the elevation of body temperatures manifested in hot flashes.

In another aspect, the invention relates to a pharmaceutical composition for intranasal administration. The composition of the invention may comprise buspirone hydrochloride in the range of 0.1-5 w/w%, 0-18 w/w% short chain alcohol, 0-10 w/w% phospholipid, 0- 30 w/w% propylene glycol, 0-20 w/w% hydrophilic surfactants, 0-15 w/w% chemical enhancer and water.

In one embodiment, an aqueous composition of buspirone according to the invention is contemplated, said composition contains phospholipids in a concentration of 0 to 10% by weight, in combination with one or more short chain alcohols, wherein the weight concentration of water is not less than 30% by weight and the weight concentration of the alcohol(s) is in the range between 12 to 30% by weight, said composition may be adapted for use as an intranasal drug delivery vehicle.

It is appreciated that in different embodiments, the concentrations (w/w%) of the ingredients of the pharmaceutical composition comprising at least buspirone, Phospholipon 90G or other phospholipid and ethanol or other short-chain alcohol may be modified within the specified ranges.

According to particular embodiments, the nasal composition of the invention comprises between about 0.1 to about 5 w/w% buspirone, between about 0.3 to about 4.7 w/w% buspirone, between about 0.5 to about 4.4 w/w% buspirone, between about 0.7 to about 4.1 w/w% buspirone, between about 0.9 to about 3.8 w/w% buspirone, between about 1.1 to about 3.5 w/w% buspirone, between about 1.3 to about 3.2 w/w% buspirone, between about 1.5 to about 2.9 w/w% buspirone, between about 1.7 to about 2.7 w/w% buspirone, and about 2.5 w/w% buspirone. More specifically, said buspirone concentrations are between about 0.05 w/w% to about 0.1 w/w%₅ between about 0.1 w/w% to about 0.2 w/w%, between about 0.2 w/w% to about 0.3 w/w%, between about 0.3 w/w% to about 0.4 w/w%, between about 0.4 w/w% to about 0.5 w/w%, between about 0.5 w/w% to about 0.6 w/w%, between about 0.6 w/w% to about 0.7 w/w%, between about 0.7 w/w% to about 0.8 w/w%, between about 0.8 w/w% to about 0.9 w/w%, between about 0.9 w/w% to about 1 w/w%, between about 1 w/w% to about 2 w/w%, between about 2 w/w% to about 3 w/w%, between about 3 w/w% to about 4 w/w%, or between about 4 w/w% to about 5 w/w%.

With respect to the short-chain alcohols or specifically, ethanol, concentrations of the pharmaceutical composition, said ethanol or short chai alcohol concentrations are between about 0 to about 18 w/w% short chain alcohol, between about 3 to about 18 w/w% short chain alcohol, between about 6 to about 18 w/w% short chain alcohol, between about 9 to about 18 w/w% short chain alcohol, between about 10 to about 18 w/w% short chain alcohol, between about 11 to about 18 w/w% short chain alcohol, specifically, between about 12 to about 18 w/w% short chain alcohol and about 15 w/w%.

More specifically, the short-chain alcohols may range between about 0 w/w% to about 0.1 w/w%, between about 0.1 w/w% to about 1 w/w%, between about 1 w/w% to about 1.5 w/w%, between about 1.5 w/w% to about 2 w/w%, between about 2 w/w% to about 2.5 w/w%, between about 2.5 w/w% to about 3 w/w%, between about 3 w/w% to about 3.5 w/w%, between about 3.5 w/w% to about 4 w/w%, between about 4 w/w% to about 4.5 w/w%, between about 4.5 w/w% to about 5 w/w%, between about 5 w/w% to about 6 w/w%, between about 6 w/w% to about 7 w/w%, between about 7 w/w% to about 8 w/w%, between about 8 w/w% to about 9 w/w%, between about 9 w/w% to about 10 w/w%, between about 10 w/w% to about 11 w/w%, between about 11 w/w% to about 12 w/w%, between about 12 w/w% to about 13 w/w%, between about 13 w/w% to about 14 w/w%, between about 14 w/w% to about 15 w/w%, between about 15 w/w% to about 16 w/w%, between about 16 w/w% to about 17 w/w%, between about 17 w/w% to about 18 w/w%.

With respect to the phospholipid concentrations of the pharmaceutical composition, said phospholipids, for example, phosphatidylcholine, Phospholipon 90G or any other phospholipids may range between about 0 w/w% to about 10 w/w%. More specifically, between about 0 w/w% to about 0.5 w/w%, between about 0.5 w/w% to about 1 w/w%, between about 1 w/w% to about 1.5 w/w%, between about 1.5 w/w% to about 2 w/w%, between about 2 w/w% to about 2.5 w/w%, between about 2.5 w/w% to about 3 w/w%, between about 3 w/w% to about 3.5 w/w%, between about 3.5 w/w% to about 4 w/w%, between about 4 w/w% to about 4.5 w/w%, between about 4.5 w/w% to about 5 w/w%, between about 5 w/w% to about 5.5 w/w%, between about 5.5 w/w% to about 6 w/w%, between about 6 w/w% to about 6.5 w/w%, between about 6.5 w/w% to about 7 w/w%, between about 7 w/w% to about 7.5 w/w%, between about 7.5 w/w% to about 8 w/w%, between about 8 w/w% to about 8.5 w/w%, between about 8.5 w/w% to about 9 w/w%, between about 9 w/w% to about 9.5 w/w%, or between about 9.5 w/w% to about 10 w/w.

The other ingredients of the pharmaceutical composition are modified accordingly, as the skilled man would appreciate. As illustrated by Examples 2, 9, 10 and 11 and explained herein, in embodiments where the composition comprises either ethanol or other short- chain alcohol, or phospholipids (such as phosphatidylcholine, soybean phospholipid, egg yolk phospholipid, or specifically, Phospholipon 90G), but not both, the buspirone is between about 0.1 %w/w to about 5 %w/w. More specifically, about 0.1 %w/w, about 0.5 %w/w, about 1 %w/w, about 1.5 %w/w, about 2 %w/w, about 2.5 %w/w, about 3 %w/w, about 3.5 %w/w, about 4 %w/w, about 4.5 %w/w, or about 5 %w/w. According to specific embodiments, these compositions may comprise between 0.1 to 5 %w/w buspirone, between 12 to 18 %w/w ethanol, about 20 %w/w propylene glycol and water to 100 %w/w. More specifically, said nasal composition of the invention comprises 2.5 %w/w buspirone, 15 %w/w ethanol, about 20 %w/w propylene glycol and water to 100 %w/w as shown in Example 2. In an alternative specific embodiment, the nasal composition of the invention comprises between 0.1 to 5 %w/w buspirone, between about 2 to 10 %w/w phospholipids, about 20 %w/w propylene glycol and water to 100 %w/w. More specifically, said nasal composition of the invention comprises 1 %w/w buspirone, 5 %w/w phospholipids, about 20 %w/w propylene glycol and water to 100 %w/w, as shown in Example 10. In another alternative specific embodiment, the nasal composition of the invention comprises between 0.1 to 5 %w/w buspirone, between 12 to 18 %w/w ethanol, about 20 %w/w propylene glycol and water to 100 %w/w. More specifically, said nasal composition of the invention comprises 1 %w/w buspirone, 15 %w/w ethanol, about 20 %w/w propylene glycol and water to 100 %w/w, as shown in Example 10. In yet a further specific embodiment, the nasal composition of the invention comprises between 0.1 to 5 %w/w buspirone, between 12 to 18 %w/w ethanol. More specifically, said nasal composition of the invention comprises 1 %w/w buspirone and 15 %w/w ethanol, as illustrated by Example 11.

It should be noted that phospholipids suitable for use in the preparation of the composition according to the present invention include phosphatidylcholine (PC) and other phospholipids, for example, soybean phospholipid, egg yolk phospholipid, glycerophospholipids, sphingophospholipids, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylserine, phosphatidylinositol, phosphatidylinositol polyphosphate, phosphatidylglycerol, diphosphatidylglycerol (cardiolipin), phosphatidic acid, lysophosphatidylcholine, lysophosphatidylethanolamine, lysophosphatidylserine, lysophosphatidylinositol, lysophosphatidylglycerol and lysophosphatidic acid, and the like.

The term short-chain alcohol, or C2-C4 alcohols, as used herein, refers to alkanols containing two, three or four carbon atoms. The alcohols to be used according to the present invention specifically include ethanol, 1-propanol, and isopropyl alcohol and tert- butyl alcohol, with the former being especially preferred. The concentration of ethanol in the composition contemplated by the present invention for use as an intranasal drug delivery vehicle is preferably in the range of 12 to 18% by weight. According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the composition further comprises one or more water miscible polyols, and especially glycols (1,2-diols, such as ethylene glycol and propylene glycol, with the latter being especially preferred), at a concentration of 1 to 30% by weight, more specifically 5 to 20 by weight.

The compositions of the present invention may be prepared by mixing together the various components, namely, water, phospholipids, one or more short-chain alcohols (and possibly also one or more polyols) and the active ingredient, namely, buspirone, under conditions that allow the formation of vesicles. More specifically, the compositions of the present invention may be conveniently prepared by dissolving the phospholipids in the alcohol (or in the alcohol/glycol mixture), followed by the addition of the buspirone, either in the form of an aqueous solution thereof or in a solid form, with a subsequent addition of water. The preparation of the composition is preferably carried out under stirring, typically at room temperature or at an elevated temperature, which is preferably not higher than 50° C.

Alternatively, a dispersion of the phospholipids and the active ingredient in water is prepared, into which the alcohol, optionally together with polyol (e.g., a mixture of ethanol and propylene glycol) are added with stirring, possibly under heating. It is also possible to first prepare freeze-dried lipid vesicles having the active ingredient encapsulated therein, and subsequently dispersing the same in a mixture of water, the short-chain alcohol and optionally polyol.

The compositions according to the present invention may be applied to the nasal cavity as liquids, sprays, aerosols, nebulizers or semi-solid preparations. Semisolid preparations may be on the base of gels, w/o creams or hydrophilic/lipophilic ointments. The compositions may contain molecularly dispersed (soluble, solubilized, etc.) active agent or the fine particles/crystals of the active agent. The compositions could be administered from nasal sprays, metered-dose sprays, squeeze bottles, liquid droppers, disposable one- dose droppers, nebulizers, cartridge systems with unit-dose ampoules, single-dose pumps, bi-dose pumps, multiple-dose pumps or any other device. For example, the compositions of the invention may be stored in delivered from a spray or aerosol device/container as described in details in Remington's Pharmaceutical Sciences (16th edition, Chapters 83 and 92).

As mentioned above, the combination of phospholipids, water, and the water-miscible organic solvents (namely, the alcohol and the polyol) according to the concentrations and weight ratios specified above allows the formation of a non-irritant, vesicular composition, with the vesicles present therein, whose size ranging between 30 nm to few microns, and more specifically, up to 5 μιη, exhibiting good properties for enhanced nasal absorption.

It should be noted that the intranasal drug delivery of buspirone according to the present invention may be adapted for the administration of active agents that can be used for medical, pharmaceutical, veterinary, research or diagnostic purposes.

It is understood that these nasal buspirone compositions may be particularly useful for treating, inhibiting, preventing or ameliorating hot flashes in a subject in need thereof. With regards to the hot flashes suffered by the subject, according to a preferred embodiment, the hot flashes are associated with at least one of menopause, perimenopause, post menopause and andropause.

Ways to cope with such hot flashes are provided in embodiments of the invention that relate to a method of treating, inhibiting, preventing or ameliorating hot flashes in a subject in need thereof. The method comprises the step of administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of a nasal pharmaceutical composition according to the embodiments of the invention.

The invention further provides a pharmaceutical composition specific for transdermal delivery, comprising buspirone, Phospholipon 90G, ethanol, propylene glycol, Carbopol 980, vitamin E acetate and water, the composition further comprises a base for neutralization of Carbopol 980, wherein the composition having the following ratios of compounds w/w%: Buspirone 3 w/w%, phospholipids, for example, Phospholipon 90G 2.5 w/w%, Ethanol 38 3 w/w%, Propylene glycol 103 w/w%, Carbopol 980 0.73 w/w%, Vitamin E acetate 0.2 3 w/w% and Water to 100. In a another embodiment, the invention provides a pharmaceutical composition specific for transdermal delivery, comprising buspirone, phospholipid, ethanol, propylene glycol, carbomer, vitamin E acetate and at least one agent selected from: sodium hydroxide aqueous solution, ammonium hydroxide and triethanolamine, wherein the composition having the following ratios of compounds w/w%: buspirone 1-30, phospholipid 0.2-10, ethanol 10-65, propylene glycol 0-30, carbomer 0-3, vitamin E acetate 0.1-2, and an agent selected from one of: sodium hydroxide aqueous solution, ammonium hydroxide and or triethanolamine.

It should be noted that the composition according to the present invention may include additional excipients that are well known in the art, such as surfactants, preservatives, t ckening agents, co-solvents, adhesives, antioxidants, buffers, viscosity and absorption enhancing agents and agents capable of adjusting the pH and osmolarity of the formulation.

Suitable surfactants that can be used in accordance with the present invention include ionic, nonionic or amphoteric surface active agents. More specifically, hydrophilic surfactants (e.g. Tweens, Tween 80, Brij, Labrasol etc.) or lipophilic surfactants (eg. Span 20, Span 60, Arlacel 83 and such) may be suitably used, preferably at a concentration in the range of 0-25% by weight.

In some embodiments, the compositions according to the invention are adapted for transdermal administration. In preferable embodiments, the compositions according to the invention are useful for treating, inhibiting, preventing or ameliorating hot flashes in a subject in need thereof. Specifically, the hot flashes are associated with at least one of menopause, perimenopause, post menopause and andropause.

The invention further provides a method of treating, inhibiting, preventing or ameliorating hot flashes in a subject in need thereof, the method comprises the step of administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of the transdermal pharmaceutical composition according to the invention. According to the invention, the compositions of the invention may be delivered transdermally. Transdermal delivery may be accomplished in various ways. By transdermal herein is meant the passing through the skin and into a subject's blood stream, whereby to provide a systemic effect. Whilst the term embraces transmucosal, i.e. passing through mucosal tissue so as to embrace sublingual, buccal, vaginal and rectal delivery, typically transdermal delivery is effected through a subject's skin. For this reason, references are generally made herein to skin for simplicity's sake only although it will be appreciated that the transdermal delivery described herein may also be transmucosal.

According to some embodiments, a transdermal delivery system is provided comprising a composition of the invention. Such compositions may be presented in a number of different ways, a typical presentation being one that permits transdermal delivery. For example, the compositions may be contained within an adhesive patch designed to be affixed to the skin of a patient, or formulated into a capsule or sachet susceptible to easy rupture (e.g. by rubbing or squeezing between fingers) for release of a calculated dose of buspirone formulation onto the skin into which it may be rubbed. Such sachets or capsules are disclosed in US patent number 5,096,715. Other formulations, such as topically applied gels, are known to the skilled person. Typically the compositions of the present invention are presented as adhesive transdermal patches. Such patches comprising composition of the invention constitute a delivery system for transdermal delivery of the composition of the invention contained within them.

Transdermal patches comprising the compositions of this invention contain a quantity of buspirone to be delivered and an adhesive to allow contact between the patch and the skin to be maintained in absence of external pressure. Typically the patches comprise a first face that contacts the skin, and a protective backing layer on a second face of the patch opposing the first face, one face of the backing layer being exposed to the environment during use and comprising a material that is impervious to the components present in the patch. Attached to the first face of a transdermal patch is typically a releasable protective layer that protects the patch prior to its use and which may be released from the adhesive disposed at the first face of the patch prior to the patch being affixed to the skin. By a patch or adhesive patch herein is meant material adapted for adhesion to a subject's skin or mucosal tissue. Typically patches herein have a substantial degree of rigidity and, in use, comprise a backing layer exposed to the environment and a composition of the invention beneath the backing layer. However, the patches of the invention may also be of a non-rigid nature, for example as described in US Patent No. 6,093,419.

An example of a transdermal patch is described in some embodiments of the invention, wherein a system for transdermal administration of the at least one azapirone, buspirone, or any salt, base, ester or amide, or any combination or mixture thereof, herein the active ingredient, is provided. The system comprises: (a) at least one drug reservoir containing the at least one azapirone, buspirone, or any salt, base, ester or amide, or any combination or mixture thereof and, optionally, a pharmaceutically acceptable inorganic or organic base in an amount effective to enhance the flux of the active ingredient through the body surface without causing damage thereto; (b) a means for maintaining the system in active ingredient transmitting relationship to the body surface and forming a body surface- system interface; and (c) a backing layer that serves as the outer surface of the device during use. In one embodiment, the drug reservoir comprises a polymeric matrix of a pharmaceutically acceptable adhesive material that serves to affix the system to the skin during drug delivery; typically, the adhesive material is a pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA) that is suitable for long-term skin contact, and which should be physically and chemically compatible with the active ingredient, inorganic or organic base, and any carriers, vehicles or other additives that are present. Examples of suitable adhesive materials include, but are not limited to, the following: polyethylenes; polysiloxanes; polyisobutylenes; polyacrylates; polyacrylamides; polyurethanes; plasticized ethylene- vinyl acetate copolymers; and tacky rubbers such as polyisobutene, polybutadiene, polystyrene- isoprene copolymers, polystyrene-butadiene copolymers, and neoprene (polychloroprene). Preferred adhesives are polyisobutylenes.

The said transdermal patches that may be used in transdermal delivery of the at least one azapirone, buspirone, or any salt, base, ester or amide, or any combination or mixture thereof comprise the backing layer, the active ingredient-containing layer and the release liner. The release-control membranes to control the transdermal absorption of the active ingredient or the adhesive layers to adhere to the skin can be added, if desired. Furthermore, reservoir-type patches can be adopted. In some embodiments, in the active ingredient-containing layer is a matrix-type adhesive layer containing the active ingredient and an adhesive agent as a base agent. By providing the patches as the matrix- type patches, the patches can be easily designed and the additional layer such as the adhesive layers is not needed so that the cost for manufacturing the patches can be reduced.

The adhesive agents contained in the drug-containing layers of the transdermal patches of the present invention are, according to specific embodiments, non-aqueous adhesive agents, and are inclusive of rubber adhesive agents, acryl polymers and silicone polymers.

The rubber adhesive agents are inclusive of one or not less than two agents selected from styrene-isoprene-styrene block copolymer, styrene-butadiene-styrene block copolymer, styrene-butadiene rubber, polyisobutylene, polybutene, butyl rubber, natural rubber and isoprene rubber and can be used in the present invention.

The acryl polymers include, but not limited to, the polymers or copolymers containing at least one kind of the (meth)acrylate represented by 2-ethylhexyl acrylate, methyl acrylate, butyl acrylate, 2-hydroxyethyl acrylate, 2-ethylhexyl methacrylate and the like as a monomer unit, for example, adhesive polymers such as acrylic acid-octyl acetate copolymer, 2-ethylhexyl acrylate-N-vinyl-2-pyrrolidone-l,6-hexaneglycolyl dimethacrylate copolymer, 2-ethylhexyl acrylate- vinyl acetate copolymer, 2-ethylhexyl acrylate- vinyl acetate-acrylic acid copolymer, 2-ethylhexyl acrylate-2-ethylhexyl methacrylate-dodecyl methacrylate copolymer, methyl methacrylate-2-ethylhexyl acrylate copolymerization resin emulsion, acryl polymer contained in acryl resin- alkanolamine solution can be used and the commercially available DU O-TA (registered trademark) acrylate adhesive agents series (provided by Henkle Japan Ltd.), GELVA (registered trademark) acrylate adhesive agents series (provided by Monsanto Co.), SK-DYNE MATRIDERM (provided by Soken Chemical and Engineering Co., Ltd) or EUDRAGIT (registered trademark) series (provided by Higuchi Inc.) and can be used in the present invention. The silicone polymers include derivatives of polysiloxane (for example, silicone polymer such as polydimethylsiloxane and amine-resistant polydimethylsiloxane).

It should be noted that the matrix and film applicable for the transdermal delivery system are described herein later in connection with rapid oral delivery, and are also relevant for the transdermal delivery.

The invention further encompasses any patch or any other delivery mode for transdermal or topical delivery of buspirone for treating hot flashes.

Still further, the pharmaceutical compositions of the invention may comprise a buffering agent, an agent who adjusts the osmolarity thereof, and optionally, one or more pharmaceutically acceptable carriers, excipients and/or additives as known in the art. Supplementary active ingredients can also be incorporated into the compositions. The carrier can be solvent or dispersion medium containing, for example, water, ethanol, polyol (for example, glycerol, propylene glycol, and liquid polyethylene glycol, and the like), suitable mixtures thereof, and vegetable oils. The proper fluidity of particles can be maintained, for example, by the use of a coating, such as lecithin, by the maintenance of the required particle size in the case of dispersion and by the use of surfactants.

As used herein "pharmaceutically acceptable carrier" includes any and all solvents, dispersion media, coatings, antibacterial and antifungal agents and the like. The use of such media and agents for pharmaceutical active substances is well known in the art. Except as any conventional media or agent is incompatible with the active ingredient, its use in the therapeutic composition is contemplated.

The pharmaceutical compositions of the present invention, which may conveniently be presented in unit dosage form, may be prepared according to conventional techniques well known in the pharmaceutical industry. Such techniques include the step of bringing into association the active ingredients with the pharmaceutical carrier(s) or excipient(s). In general formulations are prepared by uniformly and intimately bringing into association the active ingredients with liquid carriers or finely divided solid carriers or both, and then, if necessary, shaping the product. The compositions of the present invention may be formulated into any of many possible dosage forms such as, but not limited to, tablets, capsules, liquids, foams, syrups, soft gels, creams, ointments, patches, suppositories, and enemas. The compositions of the present invention may also be formulated as suspensions in aqueous, non-aqueous or mixed media. Aqueous suspensions may further contain substances which increase the viscosity of the suspension including, for example, sodium carboxymethylcellulose, sorbitol and/or dextran. The suspension may also contain stabilizers. The term "stabilizer" refers to a compound used in a formulation to prevent chemical degradation by means other than oxidation or microbial digestion. An "effective amount" of an oxidant is that amount necessary to prevent unacceptable degradation of the active compound.

The pharmaceutical compositions of the present invention also include, but are not limited to, emulsions and liposome-containing formulations.

The nature, availability and sources, and the administration of all such compounds including the effective amounts necessary to produce desirable effects in a subject are well known in the art and need not be further described herein. The preparation of pharmaceutical compositions is well known to the skilled man of the art and has been described in many articles and textbooks, see e.g., Remington's Pharmaceutical Sciences, Gennaro A. R. ed., Mack Publishing Co., Easton, PA, 1990.

According to certain embodiments, pharmaceutical compositions comprising buspirone and/or any other azapirones used by the present invention are also useful for parenteral administration, i.e., subcutaneously (s.c), intraperitoneally (i.p.), intramuscularly (i.m.) and intravenously (i.v.). The compositions for parenteral administration commonly comprise a solution of the buspirone or other azapirone, or a cocktail thereof dissolved in an acceptable carrier, preferably an aqueous carrier. A variety of aqueous carriers can be used, e.g., water, buffered water, 0.4% saline, 0.3% glycine and the like. These solutions are sterile and generally free of particulate matter. The compositions may contain pharmaceutically acceptable auxiliary substances as required to approximate physiological conditions such as pH adjusting and buffering agents, toxicity adjusting agents and the like, for example sodium acetate, sodium chloride, potassium chloride, calcium chloride, sodium lactate. The concentration of the buspirone or other azapirone, for example buspirone in these formulations, can vary widely, i.e., from less tihan about 0.01%, usually at least about 0.1% to as much as 10% by weight and will be selected primarily based on fluid volumes, and viscosities in accordance with the particular mode of administration selected.

More specifically, injectable compositions that include buspirone or other azapirone, for example buspirone as used by the invention, may be prepared in water, saline, isotonic saline, phosphate-buffered saline, citrate-buffered saline, and the like and may optionally mixed with a nontoxic surfactant. Under ordinary conditions of storage and use, these preparations may contain a preservative to prevent the growth of microorganisms.

The term "preservative" refers to a compound or mixture of compounds used in a formulation which is useful for reducing or eliminating microbial growth in a formulation. A preservative must be pharmaceutically acceptable at the concentrations used, and should not interfere with the action of the active compound in the formulation. An "effective amount" of a preservative is that amount necessary to prevent the growth of microorganisms in the formulation.

Pharmaceutical dosage forms suitable for injection or infusion include sterile, aqueous solutions or dispersions or sterile powders comprising an active ingredient which powders are adapted for the extemporaneous preparation of sterile injectable or infusible solutions or dispersions. Preferably, the ultimate dosage form is a sterile fluid and stable under the conditions of manufacture and storage. A liquid carrier or vehicle of the solution, suspension or dispersion may be a solvent or liquid dispersion medium comprising, for example, water, ethanol, a polyol such as glycerol, propylene glycol, or liquid polyethylene glycols and the like, vegetable oils, nontoxic glyceryl esters, and suitable mixtures thereof. Proper fluidity of solutions, suspensions or dispersions may be maintained, for example, by the formation of liposomes, by the maintenance of the desired particle size, in the case of dispersion, or by the use of nontoxic surfactants. The prevention of the action of microorganisms can be accomplished by various antibacterial and antifungal agents, for example, parabens, chlorobutanol, phenol, sorbic acid, Ihimerosal, and the like. Isotonic agents such as sugars, buffers, or sodium chloride may be included. Prolonged absorption of the injectable compositions can be brought about by the inclusion in the composition of agents delaying absorption, for example, aluminum monosterate hydrogels and gelatin. Solubility enhancers may be added.

Sterile injectable compositions may be prepared by incorporating buspirone or other azapirone, in the desired amount in the appropriate solvent with various other ingredients, e.g. as enumerated above, and followed by sterilization, as desired, by, for example filter sterilization. In the case of sterile powders for the preparation of sterile injectable solutions, methods of preparation include vacuum drying and freeze-drying techniques, which yield a powder of the active ingredient plus any additional desired ingredient present in a previously sterile-filtered solution. Any suitable sterilization process may be employed, such as filter sterilization, e.g. 0.22 micron filter or nanofiltration, gamma or electron beam sterilization.

In various embodiments, the final solution is adjusted to have an appropriate pH. The pH of the composition may be adjusted with a pharmacologically acceptable acid, base or buffer.

Still further, the compositions of the invention adapted for any of the aa¾iimstrations modes described herein before, may be presented in unit dose forms containing a predetermined amount of each active ingredient per dose. Such a unit may be adapted to provide 0.001-1000 mg of buspirone or other azapirone, for example, buspirone as shown by the invention. Specifically, each dose may include 0.001-1000, 0.005-1000, 0.01-1000 mg, 0.1-1000 mg, 0.5-1000 mg, 1-1000 mg, 5-1000 mg, 10-1000 mg, 25-1000 mg, 40- 1000 mg, 60-1000, 70-1000mg, 80-1000, 90-1000, 100-1000, 200-1000, 300-1000, 400- 1000, 500-1000, 600-1000, 700-1000, 800-1000, 900-1000 mg of azapirone, buspirone, or any salt, base, amide or ester thereof, or any mixture or combination thereof. More specifically, each administration the dose maybe any one of 0.01, 0.05, 0.1, 0.5, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, 900 and 1000. Such doses can be provided in a single dose or as a number of discrete doses. In preferable embodiments, the dose for nasal is between about 0.1 mg to about 30 mg of azapirone, buspirone, or any salt, base, amide or ester thereof, or any mixture or combination thereof. In specific embodiments, the dose may range between about 0.1 mg to about 0.9 mg of azapirone, buspirone, or any salt, base, amide or ester thereof, or any mixture or combination thereof. For transdermal delivery, the amount applied on the transdermal patch or system may range between about 5 to lOOOmg buspirone. Such an amount is sufficient to provide delivery of between about 5 to lOOmg/day buspirone to the patient.

As indicated above, the compositions of the invention may be adapted for administration by nasal or transdermal delivery. It should be noted that any other appropriate route, for example by the oral (including buccal or sublingual), rectal, topical or vaginal route may be also applicable. Such formulations may be prepared by any method known in the art of pharmacy, for example by bringing into association the active ingredient with the carrier(s) or excipient(s).

Suitable preservatives that can be used with the present formulations include, for example, benzyl alcohol, parabens, chlorobutanoL benzalkonium salts and combinations thereof. Some examples of antioxidants include tocopherols, butyl hydroxytoluene, sodium metabisulfite, potassium metabisulfite, ascorbyl palmitate and the like. These preservatives and antioxidants may be present in the formulations in a concentration of from about 0.001% up to about 5% w/w.

Pharmaceutical compositions and formulations for topical administration may include transdermal patches, ointments, lotions, creams, gels, drops, suppositories, sprays, liquids and powders. Conventional pharmaceutical carriers, aqueous, powder or oily bases, thickeners and the like may be necessary or desirable.

Pharmaceutical formulations adapted for transdermal administration may be presented as discrete patches intended to remain in intimate contact with the epidermis of the recipient for a prolonged period of time.

Pharmaceutical formulations adapted for topical administration may be formulated as ointments, creams, suspensions, lotions, powders, solutions, pastes, gels, sprays, foams, aerosols or oils. For applications to the eye or other external tissues, for example the mouth and skin, the formulations are preferably applied as a topical ointment or cream. When formulated in an ointment, the active ingredient may be employed with either paraffin or a water- miscible ointment base. Alternatively, the active ingredient may be formulated in a cream with an oil-in-water cream base or a water-in-oil base. Non limiting example for such preparation is disclosed by Examples 22-23.

Pharmaceutical formulations adapted for topical administration to the eye include eye drops wherein the active ingredient is dissolved or suspended in a suitable carrier, especially an aqueous solvent.

Pharmaceutical formulations adapted for topical administration in the mouth include lozenges, pastilles and mouth washes.

Compositions and formulations for oral administration include powders or granules, suspensions or solutions in water or non-aqueous media, capsules, sachets or tablets. Thickeners, flavoring agents, diluents, emulsifiers, dispersing aids or binders may be desirable.

Pharmaceutical formulations adapted for oral administration may be presented as discrete units such as capsules or tablets, powders or granules, solutions or suspensions in aqueous or non-aqueous liquids, edible foams or whips, or oil-in-water liquid emulsions or water- in-oil liquid emulsions. It should be understood that in addition to the ingredients particularly mentioned above, the formulations may also include other agents conventional in the art having regard to the type of formulation in question, for example those suitable for oral administration may include flavoring agents.

Regarding thickening agents, the viscosity of the formulations of the present invention can be maintained at a desired level using a pharmaceutically acceptable iMckening agent. Thickening agents that can be added to the compositions of the present invention include for example, methyl cellulose, xanthan gum, tragacanth, adhesives, guar gum, carboxymethyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, carbomer, polyvinyl alcohol, alginates, acacia, chitosans, mucoadhesive polymer-systems like poly(acrylates), cellulose derivatives, hyaluronic acid, hyaluronic acid derivatives, chitin, collagen, pectin, starch, poly(ethylene glycol), sulfated polysaccharides, carrageenan, fta-alginate, gelatin, pectin and combinations thereof. The desired concentration of the thickening agent will depend upon the agent selected and the viscosity desired.

Pharmaceutical formulations adapted for rectal administration may be presented as suppositories or enemas.

Pharmaceutical formulations adapted for vaginal administration may be presented as pessaries, tampons, creams, gels, pastes, foams or spray formulations.

Preferred unit dosage formulations are those containing a daily dose or sub-dose, as herein above recited, or an appropriate fraction thereof, of an active ingredient.

It should be further noted that the compositions of the invention, can be administered for prophylactic and/or therapeutic treatments. In therapeutic application, compositions are administered to a patient already affected by hot flashes in an amount sufficient to cure or at least partially arrest the condition and its complications. The doses administrated to a patient may range from about 0.001 to lOOmg daily. However, it should be understood that when using for example, a transdermal delivery system, the dose or drug amount in the transdermal patch could be much higher, and may also include a dose of up to lOOOmg, an amount sufficient to deliver a dose of about 0.001 to lOOmg/day to the patient. Thus, an amount adequate to accomplish this is defined as a "therapeutically effective dose". Amounts effective for this use will depend upon the severity of the condition and the general state of the patient, but generally range from about 0.001 to about 1000 mg of buspirone or other azapirone, preferably buspirone, with dosages of from 0.01 to 1000 mg and 0.1 to 500 mg or 0.01 to lOOmg. Single or multiple administrations on a daily, weekly or monthly schedule can be carried out with dose levels and pattern being selected by the treating physician.

In prophylactic applications, compositions containing buspirone or other azapirone, preferably buspirone, are administered to a patient who is at risk of developing the hot flashes, enhance the patient's resistance. Such an amount is defined to be a "prophylactically effective dose". In this use, the precise amounts again depend upon the patient's state of health, but generally range from 0.001 to 1000 mg per dose, especially 0.01-500 mg per dose, 0.1-100 mg per dose or 1 to 100 mg per dose.

Single or multiple adrmnistrations of the compositions are administered depending on the dosage and frequency as required and tolerated by the patient. In any event, the composition should provide a sufficient quantity of buspirone or other azapirone, preferably buspirone, to effectively treat the patient. The dosage is administered once or periodically until either a therapeutic result is achieved or until side effects warrant discontinuation of therapy. Generally, the dose is sufficient to treat or ameliorate symptoms or signs of disease without producing unacceptable toxicity to the patient.

As shown by Figure 6, buspirone administered transdermally is safe to the skin.

It should be appreciated that the pharmaceutical compositions provided herein can be formulated as a modified release dosage form. As used herein, the term "modified release" refers to a dosage form in which the rate or place of release of the active ingredient(s) is different from that of an immediate dosage form when administered by the same route. Modified release dosage forms include, but are not limited to, delayed-, extended-, prolonged-, sustained-, pulsatile-, controlled-, accelerated- and fast-, targeted-, programmed-release, and gastric retention dosage forms. When referring to "controlled release", it is meant that the active ingredient is released from the formulation at a controlled rate such that therapeutically beneficial blood levels (but below toxic levels) of the agent are maintained over an extended period of time, e.g., providing up to 24 hour therapeutic effect. In other embodiments, "controlled release" formulations encompass any formulations which release no more than about 20-80% of their active pharmaceutical ingredients within 60 minutes.

The pharmaceutical compositions in modified release dosage forms can be prepared using a variety of modified release devices and methods known to those skilled in the art, including, but not limited to, matrix controlled release devices, osmotic controlled release devices, multi-particulate controlled release devices, ion-exchange resins, enteric coatings, multilayered coatings, microspheres, liposomes, and combinations thereof. The release rate of the active ingredient(s) can also be modified by varying the particle sizes and polymorphism of the active ingredient(s). Examples of modified release include, but are not limited to, those described in U.S. Patent Nos.: 3,845,770; 3,916,899; 3,536,809; 3,598,123; 4,008,719; 5,674,533; 5,059,595; 5,591,767; 5,120,548; 5,073,543; 5,639,476; 5,354,556; 5,639,480; 5,733,566; 5,739,108; 5,891,474; 5,922,356; 5,972,891; 5,980,945; 5,993,855; 6,045,830; 6,087,324; 6,113,943; 6,197,350; 6,248,363; 6,264,970; 6,267,981; 6,376,461; 6,419,961; 6,589,548; 6,613,358; and 6,699,500.

Controlled release parenteral formulations of the compositions of the present invention can be made as implants, oily injections, or as particulate systems.

It should be noted that the invention further encompasses the delivery of azapirones, specifically, buspirone in any particulate system. Particulate systems as used herein include the described ethosomes, microspheres, microparticles, microcapsules, nanocapsules, nanospheres, liposomes, lipospheres, SLN (solid lipid nanoparticles), and nanoparticles. Microcapsules contain the therapeutic compositions as a central core. In microspheres the therapeutic is dispersed throughout the particle.

The term "QS" (in Latin, Quantum Suj iciat) as used in the Examples section, refers to "quantity sufficient", i.e., a quantity of a component of a solution that is sufficient to produce the amount of composition being prepared. For example, in preparing a 1 L 10% NaCl solution, one would weigh lOOg NaCl, initially dissolve them in an amount of water smaller than 1 L and then add water to the concentrated solution up to 1L, or, in other words, add water QS.

The term "about" as used herein indicates values that may deviate up to 1%, more specifically 5%, more specifically 10%, more specifically 15%, and in some cases up to 20% higher or lower than the value referred to, the deviation range including integer values, and, if applicable, non-integer values as well, constituting a continuous range.

It must be noted that, as used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" include plural referents unless the content clearly dictates otherwise. Throughout this specification and the Examples and claims which follow, unless the context requires otherwise, the word "comprise", and variations such as "comprises" and "comprising", 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.

Disclosed and described, it is to be understood that this invention is not limited to the particular examples, methods steps, and compositions disclosed herein as such methods steps and compositions may vary somewhat. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is used for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and not intended to be limiting since the scope of the present invention will be limited only by the appended claims and equivalents thereof.

The following examples are representative of techniques employed by the inventors in carrying out aspects of the present invention. It should be appreciated that while these techniques are exemplary of preferred embodiments for the practice of the invention, those of skill in the art, in light of the present disclosure, will recognize that numerous modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and intended scope of the invention.

EXAMPLES Materials

Buspirone hydrochloride (BH) was a gift of Unipharm, Israel.

Carbomer (Carbopol® 940, Noveon, USA).

Phospholipid (Phospholipon® 90G, Phospholipid GMbH, Germany).

Pvhodamine 6G and sodium chloride (Sigma-Aldrich, Israel).

Potassium dihydrogen phosphate (Merck, Germany).

Ethanol (Gadot, Israel).

Acetonitrile, methanol (J.T. Baker, Holland).

Tocopheryl acetate (Tamar Ltd., Israel).

Animals

Wistar rats (Harlan, Israel)

Sprague-Dawley rats (Harlan, Israel)

Studies in animal models

The joint ethics committee (LACUC) of the Hebrew University and Hadassah Medical Center for animal welfare approved all animal study protocols. The Hebrew University is an AAALAC International accredited institute. Animal experiments were conducted in full compliance with the approved protocols. Animals were housed under normal 12-h light/dark cycle and a temperature of 21-22°C, with food and water freely available.

Experimental Procedures

Preparation of BH aqueous solution

Buspirone aqueous solution was prepared by dissolving buspirone in water at a concentration of 2 mg/ml. Determination of BH plasma concentration in rats

Pharmacokinetic study

Wistar rats (Harlan, Israel), 300-330 g in weight, were randomly divided into two equal groups. A day before the experiment the back area of 5 6 cm² was shaved using an electrical clipper (Oster, USA). The tested compound was applied on the skin at a dose indicated in the Examples. The animals were restricted by hands for 5 min after application and then the rats were placed in individual cage. The other group of rats were orally administered an indicated dose of the tested compound as an aqueous solution by gavage needle. Blood samples of 500 μΐ were collected, at several pre-defined intervals after dosing (1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 11 and 24 h), by 250 μΐ heparinized glass capillary tubes into 1.5 ml vials. Following centrifugation at 4000 rpm for 10 min, plasma was separated and then frozen immediately at -20°C until assayed. Before detection, the samples were thawed and then 20 μΐ of methanol, 300 μΐ of acetonitrile and 80 μΐ NaCl saturated solution were added. The mixture was centrifuged for 15 min at 6000 rpm. 50 μΐ of supernatant were injected into HPLC. Plasma standard curve was prepared from whole blood samples collected from intact rats. Stock solution of the tested compound (in methanol) was added to yield final plasma concentrations ranging from 15-750 ng/ml. The samples were then prepared for analysis as described above. Analysis of the tested compound was carried out using a Nucleosil C18, 125x4 mm, 5 μ column with a mobile phase of acetonitrile: phosphate buffer 0.01M pH 5.8 (40:60 v/v) at 1 ml/min.

Pharmacokinetic parameters

The AUCo_₂ was calculated by the trapezoidal rule for the time interval 0 to the last measurable point, 24 h. The peak plasma concentration, C_max, and time to reach the maximum drug plasma concentration, t_max, were obtained from concentration-time plot. The relative bioavailability (F_re0 was calculated from the relationship F_rei = (D_po x AUCT_S) / (DT_S AUCp₀)₅ where "po" is oral and "TS" is transdermal administration.

Estrogen deficiency-associated thermoregulatory dysfunction rat model

Estrogen deficiency-associated thermoregulatory dysfunction of ovariectomized (OVX) rodent models was used to measure effects of candidate compounds on changes in tail skin temperature (TST). Bilateral ovariectomy or sham-surgery (which left their ovaries intact) was performed to female Sprague-Dawley rats (Harlan, Israel), 250-330g in weight, followed by two weeks of recovery period. Animals were housed under normal 12-h light/dark cycle and a temperature of 21-22 °C, with food and water freely available. Prior to the experiment the back area of 5 cm* 6cm was shaved using an electrical clipper. One day before treatment, baseline measurements were performed to OVX and sham rats. TST of the sham-operated rats was considered as the normal tail skin temperature. On the day of experiment, nine OVX rats were divided into two groups of four and five animals. The first group received 5mg/kg of animal body BH aqueous solution subcutaneously. In the second group of OVX animals, BH vesicular system at a dose of 15 mg/kg was applied nonocclusively on 16cm² of the back skin. The animals were restricted by hands for 5min after application and then placed in individual cages. Thermal measurements were conducted during 4 min on animal kept in a flat bottom restrain. Measurement of tail skin temperature was carried out by using the Thermocouple probe (Omega, USA). The tip of the probe was attached to the skin approximately 1 cm from the base of the tail.

Skin histological examination

Histological examination of the skin sections at the site of the treatment was performed to evaluate any change in the state of the skin (thickness of the horny layer, cyst and bubble formation). Skin samples from animals that underwent the pharmacokinetic experiment were examined following routine fixation with 4% formaldehyde, paraffin block processing and staining with haematoxylin-eosin. Microscopic evaluation was performed by a blinded assessor.

Data analysis

All results are expressed as mean values ± standard deviations. Statistical analyses were performed using one-way ANOVA at a significance level set at P < 0.05 or less. When a statistical analysis was performed for only two groups, an unpaired two-tailed t-test was used. EXAMPLE 1

Aqueous composition for nasal administration

The following composition was prepared:

% w/w

Buspirone 0.1-15

Additives QS

Water to 100

To this composition, preservatives, antioxidants, buffers, isotonic agents, polymers, thickening agents, glycols, short chain alcohols, glycerol, surfactants, penetration enhancers, lipids, phospholipids, oils, chitosan and other ingredients are added.

One mode of treatment is to administer nasally the anti-flushes drug following an oral treatment with buspirone for 14 days to one month. Then a preventive single dose of the nasal composition of buspirone is administrated daily.

Another mode of treatment is to administer nasally the anti-flushes drug following an oral treatment with Buspirone for 14 days to one month. Then the drug is administrated nasally up to five times a day or as needed when the patient has a hot flush.

EXAMPLE 2

Nasal administration of 2.5-12.5mg buspirone in humans

The following composition was prepared:

% w/w

Buspirone 2.5

Ethanol 15

Propylene Glycol 20

Water to 100

1.5 grams of EtOH was added under constant mixing (Heidolph mixer; 400 rpm) to 1.5 grams DDW. In a separate container, 2 grams of propylene glycol were added and mixed with 4 grams DDW to obtain a clear system. To this system, 250 mg of buspirone HCl dissolved in 750 mg DDW were slowly added under constant stirring at room temperature in Heidolph mixer (700 rpm). The obtained system was added slowly to the 50% EtOH mixture under constant mixing at 400 rpm. The obtained composition was mixed for additional 5 minutes.

To this composition, preservatives, antioxidants, buffers, isotonic agents, polymers, thickening agents and other ingredients could be added. The composition is administered from spray device or as drops or from a nose to brain device. The administration volume varies between 50 to 250μ1 per nostril.

EXAMPLE 3

Nasal administration of 2.5-12.5 mg buspirone in humans

The following composition was prepared:

%w/w

Buspirone 2.5

Ethanol 15

Phospholipid 5

Propylene Glycol 20

Water to 100

500 mg of Phospholipon 90 were dissolved in 1.5 grams EtOH; this solution was mixed to obtain a clear system. In a separate container, 2 grams of propylene glycol were slowly added under constant stirring at room temperature (Heidolph mixer; 700 rpm) to 5 grams DDW. A further 250 mg of buspirone HCl dissolved in 750 mg DDW were slowly added under constant stirring. The obtained system was stirred for additional 5 minutes.

To this composition, preservatives, antioxidants, buffers, isotonic agents, polymers, tMckeriing agents and other ingredients could be added. The composition is administered from spray device or as drops or from a nose to brain device. The administration volume varies between 50 to 250μ1 per nostril. EXAMPLE 4

Nasal administration of 5-25mg buspirone in humans

Previous to the nasal administration, patients are treated for 14 days to one month with oral administration of Buspirone. A preventive single dose of the nasal composition of Buspirone is adrriinistrated daily. The following composition is administrated:

%w/w

Buspirone 5

Ethanol 15

Phospholipid 5

Propylene Glycol 20

Water to 100

500 mg of Phospholipon 90 were dissolved in 1.5 grams EtOH; this solution was mixed to obtain a clear system. In a separate container, 2 grams of propylene glycol were slowly added under constant stirring at room temperature (Heidolph mixer; 700 rpm) to 4 grams DDW. A further 500 mg of buspirone HC1 dissolved in 1.5 grams DDW were slowly added under constant stirring. The obtained system was stirred for additional 5 minutes.

To this composition, preservatives, antioxidants, buffers, isotonic agents, polymers, thickening agents and other ingredients could be added.

The composition is administered from spray device or as drops or from a nose to brain device. The administration volume varies between 50 to 250μ1 per nostril.

EXAMPLE 5

Nasal administration of 0.1-0.9mg buspirone in humans

Previous to the nasal administration, patients are treated for 14 days to one month with oral administration of buspirone. A preventive single dose of the nasal composition of Buspirone is administrated daily. The following composition is administrated:

%w/w

Buspirone 0.1-0.9

Ethanol 15

Phospholipid 5

Propylene Glycol 20 Water to 100

500 mg of Phospholipon 90 were dissolved in 1.5 grams EtOH; this solution was mixed to obtain a clear system. In a separate container, 2 grams of propylene glycol were slowly added under constant stirring at room temperature (Heidolph mixer; 700 rpm) to 4 grams DDW. A further 50 mg of buspirone HCI dissolved in 1.95 grams DDW were slowly added under constant stirring. The obtained system was stirred for additional 5 minutes.

The composition is administered from spray device or as drops or from a nose to brain device. The administration volume is 50 μΐ per nostril.

EXAMPLE 6

Nasal administration of 0.5-2.5mg buspirone in humans

The following composition is prepared:

% w/w

Buspirone 0.5

Thickening agents 1-5

Buffer solution QS

Water to 100

EXAMPLE 7

Nasal administration of 0.5-2.5mg buspirone in humans

% w/w

Buspirone 0.5

Thickening agents 1-5

Buffer solution QS

Water to 100

To this composition, preservatives, antioxidants, isotonic agents, polymers and other ingredients could be added.

The composition is administered from spray device or as drops or from a nose to brain device. The administration volume varies between 50 to 150μ1 per nostril.

EXAMPLE 8

Nasal daily administration of l~25mg buspirone in humans

The following composition is administered:

% w/w

Buspirone 1

Ethanol 15

Phospholipid 5

Water to 100

For a 10 gram preparation, 500 mg of Phospholipon 90 were dissolved in 1.5 grams EtOH; this solution was mixed to obtain a clear system. To this mixture, 100 mg of buspirone HCl dissolved in 7.9 grams DDW was slowly added under constant stirring at room temperature (Heidolph mixer; 700 rpm). The obtained system was stirred for additional 5 minutes.

To this composition, preservatives, antioxidants, buffers, isotonic agents, polymers, tMckening agents and other ingredients could be added. The composition is administered from a spray device or as drops or from a nose to brain device. The administration volume varies between 50 to 250μ1 per nostril, from once to five times/ day.

EXAMPLE 9

Nasal daily administration of l-25mg buspirone in humans

The following composition is administered:

% w/w

Buspirone 1

Propylene Glycol 20

Phospholipid 5

Water to 100

For a 10 gram preparation, 2 grams of propylene glycol were slowly added under constant stirring at room temperature (Heidolph mixer; 700 rpm) to 4 grams DDW. To this mixture, 500 mg of Phospholipon 90 were added under constant stirring. Further, 100 mg of buspirone HC1 dissolved in 3.4 grams DDW were slowly added under constant stirring. The obtained system was stirred for additional 5 minutes.

The composition is administered from spray device or as drops or from a nose to brain device. The administration volume varies between 50 to 250 μΐ per nostril, from once to five times/ day.

EXAMPLE 10

Nasal daily administration of 1-25mg buspirone in humans

The following composition is administered:

% w/w

Buspirone 1

Propylene Glycol 20

Ethanol 15 Water to 100

For a 10 gram preparation, 2 grams of propylene glycol were slowly added under constant stirring at room temperature (Heidolph mixer; 700 rpm) to 1.5 grams EtOH and 2.5 grams DDW. To this mixture, 500 mg of Phospholipon 90 were added under constant stirring. A further 100 mg of buspirone HCI dissolved in 3.4 grams DDW were slowly added under constant stirring. The obtained system was stirred for additional 5 minutes.

The composition is administered from spray device or as drops or from a nose to brain device. The administration volume varies between 50 to 250μ1 per nostril, one to five administrations daily

EXAMPLE 11

Nasal daily administration of l-25mg buspirone in humans

The following composition is administered:

% w/w

Buspirone 1

Ethanol 15

Thickening agent QS

Water to 100

For a 10 gram preparation, 1.5 grams of EtOH were added under constant stirring at room temperature (Heidolph mixer; 700 rpm) to 1.5 grams DDW. To this' mixture, 100 mg of buspirone HCI dissolved in 3.0 grams DDW was slowly added under constant stirring. A thickening agent was incorporated as needed. The obtained system was stirred for additional 5 minutes.

To this composition, preservatives, antioxidants, buffers, isotonic agents, polymers, and other ingredients could be added.

The composition is administered from spray device or as drops or from a nose to brain device. The administration volume varies between 50 to 250μ1 per nostril, once to five times per day EXAMPLE 12

Buspirone transdermal composition for treatment of hot flashes

The inventors provided a composition based on the ethosomal system according to the invention for the efficient transdermal delivery of buspirone, comprising:

% w/w

Buspirone 3

Phospholipon 90G 2.5

Ethanol 38

Propylene glycol 10

Carbopol 980 0.7

Vitamin E acetate 0.2

Water to 100

The systems were prepared as follows: the aqueous solution of the drug was added slowly with continuous mixing at 700rpm (Heidolph, Germany) to the ethanolic solution of phospholipid and tocopherol acetate. The mixture was then added to a 0.7% Carbopol 980 gel to obtain the final ethosomal system.

The composition contains a base (triethanolamine, sodium hydroxide or ammonium hydroxide or similar bases) for neutralization of Carbopol 980. The buspirone carried by the ethosomal system may be adrninistered at concentration ranges of 1-10% in such a transdermal adhesive matrix applied to the human body for treatment of hot flushes.

EXAMPLE 13

Buspirone transdermal composition for treatment of hot flashes

The inventors provided another composition according to the invention for the efficient transdermal delivery of buspirone, comprising:

% w/w

Buspirone 1-15

Phospholipid 0.2-10

Ethanol 10-65 Propylene glycol 0-30

Carbomer 0-3

Vitamin E acetate 0.1-2

Sodium Hydroxide aqueous solution

or Ammonium hydroxide

or Triethanolamine QS

Water to 100

[QS (quantity sufficient) refers to an added quantity of said material sufficient to produce the amount of composition being prepared].

The systems were prepared as follows: the aqueous solution of the drug is added slowly with continuous mixing at 700rpm (Heidolph, Germany) to the ethanolic solution of phospholipid and tocopheryl acetate. Sodium hydroxide aqueous solution, or ammonium hydroxide or triethanolmine or AMP95 are added to neutralize the carbomer. The mixture was then added to a 0.7% carbomer gel to obtain the final ethosomal system. The buspirone carried by the delivery system may be administered at concentration ranges of 1-10% in such a transdermal adhesive matrix applied to the human body for treatment of hot flushes.

EXAMPLE 14

Solution for parenteral administration

An injectable composition for the delivery of buspirone, comprising:

% w/w

Buspirone 0.5-15

Water for injection to 100

Buspirone is dissolved in water under sterile conditions.

To this solution, preservatives, antioxidants, buffers, isotonic agents, NaCl or other salts, polymers and other ingredients are optionally added. EXAMPLE 15

Sublingual tablet for treatment of hot flushes

Different buspirone dosage compositions for sublingual delivery of buspirone are provided. The sublingual buspirone tablet which dissolves when held beneath the tongue, permitting direct absorption of the active ingredient by the oral mucosa comprises 0.2mg, or 0.5mg, or 0.7 mg, or lmg, or 2mg or 5mg buspirone.

The below-mentioned products are used: granulated mannitol available under the trademark Parteck M300. Microcrystalline cellulose available under the trademark Avicel® PH200. Dihydrate dibasic calcium phosphate available under the name Emcompress. 49.75% Parteck M300 (granulated mannitol), 49.75% Avicel® PH200 (microcrystalline cellulose) and 0.50% magnesium stearate are mixed and compressed on a rotary tablet press. The compressed cores have the following characteristics: shape and size: round, flat chamfered tablets 6 mm in diameter; mass 70 mg; hardness: 150 N. A coating solution comprising buspirone is prepared and sprayed, in a perforated drum, onto 700 g of compressed cores, this mass corresponding to approximately 10,000 tablets. The coated tablets obtained have a unit dosage of 0.5mg of buspirone.

Buspirone 0.2mg, 0.5mg, 0.7 mg, lmg, 2mg, 5mg

Ingredients qs to prepare a sublingual soluble tablet.

EXAMPLE 16

Buccal tablet for treatment of hot flushes

Different buspirone dosage compositions for buccal delivery of buspirone are provided. The buccal buspirone tablet dissolves when held on the tongue and comprises 0.2mg, or 0.5mg, or 0.7 mg, or lmg, or 2mg, 5mg or 10 mg buspirone.

An appropriate amount of 50 g buspirone is mixed with 900.0 g sorbitol and 50.0 g Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate .10000 tablets weighing about 100 mg/tablet are formed using a compression force of about 1000 PSI.

Buspirone 0.2mg, 0.5mg, 0.7 mg, lmg, 2mg, 5mg

Ingredients qs to prepare a buccal rapid disintegrating/dissolving tablet Buspirone 0.2mg, 0.5mg, 0.7 mg, lmg, 2mg, 5mg

Ingredients qs to prepare a buccal soluble tablet

EXAMPLE 17

Chewing gum for treatment of hot flushes

Different buspirone dosage compositions for delivery using a chewing gum are provided. A chewing gum formulation is produced as follows: a mixer is charged with sorbitol powder and silica gel. The sorbitol and silica gel are mixed. Gum base are added to the mixer and the sorbitol, silica gel and gum base are mixed. The contents of the mixer (i.e., the chewing gum formulation) are then emptied into drums by opening the exit port and allowing the chewing gum formulation, in particulate form, to fall from the mixer into the drums. The chewing gum formulation is screened through a sifter. A preblend of crystalline xylitol, aspartame, citric acid monohydrate, strawberry flavor, mixed fruit flavor and masking flavor is prepared by adding the components to a clean container (i.e., a fiber drum) and then rolling the container on the floor by hand for about one minute. The above-described preblend is then screened through a sifter. The chewing gum formulation, screened preblend and the buspirone are then charged to a double cone blender and mixed. In a separate step, talc and magnesium stearate are added to a clean drum which is then rolled by hand on the floor for about one minute. The mixture of the talc and the magnesium stearate is added to the blender and the contents of the blender are further mixed. The contents of the blender (i.e., the chewing gum composition) are discharged as a free-flowing particulate into drums. Each buspirone chewing gum contains 0.2mg, or 0.5mg, or 0.7 mg, or lmg, or 2mg, or 5mg buspirone.

EXAMPLE 18

Buspirone transdermal composition for treatment of hot flushes

A composition based on the ethosomal system according to the invention for the efficient transdermal delivery of buspirone, comprising:

% w/w

Buspirone 3

Phospholipon 90G 2.5

Ethanol 38

Propylene glycol 10

Carbopol 0.7

Vitamin E acetate 0.2

Water to 100

The systems are prepared as follows: the aqueous solution of the drug is added slowly with continuous mixing at 700rpm (Heidolph, Germany) to the ethanolic solution of phospholipid and tocopheryl acetate. The mixture is then added to a 0.7% Carbopol gel to obtain the final ethosomal system.

The composition contains a base (triethanolamine, sodium hydroxide or ammonium hydroxide or similar bases) for neutralization of Carbopol 980.

Buspirone drug carried by the ethosomal system may be administered at concentration ranges of 1-30% in such a transdermal adhesive matrix applied to the human body for treatment of hot flushes.

EXAMPLE 19

Buspirone transdermal composition for treatment of hot flushes

Another composition based on the ethosomal system according to the invention for the efficient transdermal delivery of buspirone, comprising:

% w/w

Buspirone 1-30

Phospholipid 0.2-10

Ethanol 10-65

Propylene glycol 0-30 Carbomer 0-3

Vitamin E acetate 0.1-2

Sodium Hydroxide aqueous solution

or Ammonium hydroxide

or Triemanolamine QS

Water to 100

The systems are prepared as follows: the aqueous solution of the drug is added slowly with continuous mixing at 700rpm (Heidolph, Germany) to the ethanolic solution of phospholipid and tocopheryl acetate. Sodium hydroxide aqueous solution, or ammonium hydroxide or triethanolmine are added to neutralize the carbomer. The mixture is then added to a 0.7% carbomer gel to obtain the final ethosomal system. Buspirone drug carried by the ethosomal system may be administered at concentration ranges of 1-30% in such a transdermal adhesive matrix applied to the human body for treatment of hot flushes.

EXAMPLE 20

Buspirone sprayable delivery system based on one or more solvents as carriers for treatment of hot flushes

The formulation, according to the invention, contains (total quantity: 600 g):

60g Buspirone HCL

4 g Carbopol

235 g Distilled Water

18g Polysorbate 20

3g Span 80

60g Propylene glycol

219 g Isopropyl alcohol

In a separate recipient Polysorbate 20 and BH are dissolved in 100 g water.

In the main recipient, Carbopol is dispersed in 135g water by mixing; when a homogeneous colloidal system is obtained the BH aqueous solution is added with mixing. In a separate recipient isopropyl alcohol is mixed with propylene glycol, span is dissolved and the obtained solution is added with mixing to the main recipient composition. A thin layer of the final product is applied as a pressurized spray forming a film on the skin. The alcohol evaporates on the skin.

Buspirone drug may be administered at concentration ranges of 1-30% in such a sprayable composition comprising a carrier comprising one or more solvents from the group of short chain alcohols and applied to the human body for treatment of hot flushes.

EXAMPLE 21

Buspirone sprayable delivery system

Buspirone drug 1-20% in a carrier comprising one or more solvents from the group of short chain alcohols and one or more permeation enhancing agents, sprayed on the human body for treatment of hot flushes.

Buspirone 5-20g

Ethanol 57- 67 g

Phospholipid 5 g

Hydroxypropylcellulose 0.4g

Propylene glycol 7g

Vitamin E 0.5g

Water to lOOg

EXAMPLE 22

Washable Cream, Ointment or Gel compositions comprising buspirone for hot flashes treatment

%w/w

Buspirone HC1 5-15

Water QS

Washable Cream (O/W) base to 100

The buspirone HC1 is dissolved in water and mixed with the washable cream base. Examples of washable creams that may be used are pharmacopeal cetrimide cream, aqueous cream and creams containing nonionic complex emulgators. BH is dissolved in a minimum required amount of water and incorporated in the cream base by admixing to the solution slowly.

EXAMPLE 23

Oily cream compositions comprising Buspirone for hot flashes treatment

%w/w

Buspirone HC1 1-15

Water 20

Absorption ointment base to 100

BH is dissolved in water and the solution is incorporated in the ointment base by admixing to the solution slowly, to form a bupirone oily cream.

An absorption ointment base is an ointment base that is able to absorb water and form an oily cream. One example is the pharmacopeal absorption cream. Other examples of absorption ointment bases are ointments obtained by addition of lipophilic surfactants (HLB-hydrophilic lipophilic balance of the surfactant- reference Remington's Pharmaceutical Sciences <10, e.g. spans, stearyl or cetostearyl alcohols, lanolin, and others) to hydrocarbon bases (e.g., vaseline, mixtures of petrolatum compounds).

EXAMPLE 24

Buspirone gel for hot flashes treatment

%w/w

Buspirone HC1 1-15

Propylene glycol 10

Ethanol 35

Klucel 7

Water to 100

BH is dissolved in a minimum required amount of water. Ethanol, propylene glycol and the remaining water are mixed in the main recipient, Klucel is added and dispersed by mixing. When a gel is obtained, the buspirone solution is slowly incorporated by admixing.

EXAMPLE 25

Buspirone transdermal patch for hot flashes treatment

A gel composed of 20%w/w buspirone in 3:1 polyethylene glycol 400: polyethylene glycol cetyl ether (Cetomacrogol 1000) is used.

The formulation is metered on a piece of a backing film (polyester film laminate, 3M) in the amount of 100 mg per square centimeter and covered with a tri-laminate consisting of three films (Adhesives Research), a porous membrane/acrylic adhesive/release liner with the porous membrane side facing the gel. The tri-laminate and the backing film are heat- sealed to form a reservoir. The size of the sealed area is around 2 cm square. A porous membrane like the Cotran film (3M), acrylic adhesive of Duro-Tak type and release liner 1022 Scotchpak (3M) are used. Following the heat-sealing step, a buspirone patch is fabricated.

The buspirone patch fabricated in this Example may effectively deliver the buspirone for an extended period.

EXAMPLE 26

Buspirone patch with adhesive matrix reservoir for hot flashes treatment

A buspirone formulation is prepared from Duro-Tak 87-2516 as an adhesive matrix material. Buspirone 10%, oleic acid 5% and propylene glycol 10% are added to the adhesive matrix material. The buspirone and permeation enhancers are thoroughly mixed in the Duro-Tak solution at room temperature. The adhesive drug composition is cast on an 1109 Scotchpak backing film (3M) and dried at 60°C for about 30-40 minutes. An adhesive matrix of around 2 mm is obtained on the backing film. A Scotchpak release liner (3M) is laminated on the adhesive matrix surface under pressure. The tri-laminate consisting of the backing, the adhesive matrix and the release liner are die-cut in patches of various areas. When constructed as above described, the patch will be effective for an extended delivery of the buspirone.

EXAMPLE 27

Buspirone patch with a foam perform as a reservoir for hot flashes treatment

The buspirone patch structure is similar to Example 26 except that the backing is aluminum foil and the drug formulation is contained in a pre-formed piece of low density polyethylene open pore foam. Also, the patch will not have an in-line adhesive layer, but an adhesive layer about the backing edges.

A small cavity is formed in a metal foil. A marginal adhesive layer, with its protective release liner still on, is larninated around the cavity. Low density polyethylene foam is placed into the cavity. The foam is secured with a cyanoacrylate glue. The drug formulation set forth in Example 25 is impregnated into the foam until the open pores of the foam are filled with the formulation. The release liner from the marginal adhesive is replaced with new liner covering now the adhesive and foam.

EXAMPLE 28

Determination of buspirone plasma concentration in rats

To assess the transdermal delivery system, a plasma concentration pharmacokinetic profiling was performed for transdermal versus oral acmiinistration routes.

Buspirone was applied on the skin of male Wistar rats at a total dose of 15 mg/kg as follows: the formulation containing 30mg/g buspirone was applied nonocclusively on 16 cm² of the dorsal skin of each of the five rats used in group 1. The other five rats (group 2) received an oral dose of 3 mg/kg buspirone aqueous solution by gavage needle. Plasma buspirone concentration was analyzed as described in the Experimental Procedures section.

Plasma drug concentration profiles following transdermal administration of 15mg/kg buspirone from a formulation containing 30mg/g drug and a single dose of 3mg/kg oral administration of aqueous drug solution are presented in Figure 1 and a summarized analysis is shown in Table 1 below.

TABLE 1: Pharmacokinetic parameters after buspirone transdermal administration and oral single- dose administration to rats

Results are provided as Mean ± SD. n = 5; *P<0.05 significant difference from oral buspirone according to unpaired t test. t_max (time to reach the maximum drug plasma concentration); C_max (peak plasma concentration); AUC_0-24 (area under curve at 0-24 hours); FR_ei (relative bioavailability).

Buspirone was detected in rat plasma 60 min post- transdermal or oral administration. Transdermal buspirone did not achieve a statistically significant different C_max value from the oral adrmnistration, 120.07 ± 86.97 and 93.44 ± 76.46 ng/ml, respectively. The t_max values were two hours for transdermal administration and one hour for the oral aqueous solution as shown in Table 1. Noteworthy, significantly higher plasma concentrations (p < 0.05) were measured at t = 4, 6, 8, and 12 h, for the transdermal buspirone. A relative bioavailability (F_rei) value of 0.89 was estimated for transdermal vs. oral buspirone. EXAMPLE 29

Establishment of an ovariectomized (OVX) rat model for estrogen deficiency-associated thermoregulatory dysfunction

The inventors used a rat model based on the estrogen deficiency-associated thermoregulatory dysfunction of ovariectomized (OVX) animals to test BH as a therapeutic for hot flushes (hot flashes). OVX rats exhibit elevated tail skin temperature (TST) during the active (dark) phase of the day. Bilateral ovariectomy or sham-surgery (which left their ovaries intact) were performed to female Sprague-Dawley rats followed by two weeks of recovery period. Thermal measurements were conducted on the base of the tail during 4 min on animals kept in a flat bottom restrain, using a temperature probe.

In order to validate the hot flushes rat model the inventors carried out two experiments measuring TST baseline in OVX and sham rats. Tables 2 and 3 show the results of the two experimental repeats illustrated by Figures 2A and 2B, respectively.

Table 2: Baseline tail skin temperature of rats (first experimental repeat)

Results are provided as mean ± SD. n (OVX) =6; n (sham) =3.

Table 3: Baseline tail skin temperature of rats (second experimental repeat)

Results are provided as mean ± SD. n (OVX) =5; n (sham) =4.

The results obtained in both experiments presented in Figures 2A and 2B and Tables 2 and 3, respectively, show that OVX rats have significantly elevated TST values as compared to normal sham rats, and are thus appropriate models for estrogen deficiency- associated thermoregulatory dysfunction.

EXAMPLE 30

Effect of buspirone subcutaneous administration on elevated TST in OVX rats

With the OVX temperature-dysregulation model established, the inventors next tested the effects of buspirone on the rat tail skin temperature. Two animal groups were used in this experiment, OVX rats (n=3) and sham operated rats (n=3). One day before treatment, baseline TST measurements were performed to OVX and sham rats. Each rat was injected subcutaneously (SC) with 5mg/kg buspirone HCL 5mg/ml aqueous solution. Thermal measurements were conducted during 4 min on animal kept in a flat bottom restrain. Measurement of tail skin temperature was carried out a probe attached to the skin approximately 1 cm from the base of the tail. TST measurements were carried out 1, 2 and 3 hours after treatment.

The results obtained in this experiment and presented in Figures 3 A and 3B, and Table 4 below show that the subcutaneous buspirone injection reduced the elevated TST values in OVX rats by - 2.8 ± 1.3 ° C from 29.5 ° C to the normal values. It is noteworthy that the same dose of buspirone injected to sham operated (normal) rats did not affect the TST of these animals.

Table 4: Effect of buspirone SC injection on TST in OVX and sham rats (first experimental repeat)

Dose Onset Duration Mean ATST Max ATST mg/kg h h °C °C

Buspirone administrated SC

5 1 3 - 2.8± 1.3 -4.1

to OVX rats

Buspirone administrated SC

5 ^' 0 0 - 0.4± 1.0 -1.4

to sham rats TST- tail skin temperature; OVX- ovariectomized.

The inventors repeated the experiment using four rats, two OVX and two sham-operated. As before, each rat was injected subcutaneously with 5mg/kg (of animal body) buspirone HCL 5mg/ml aqueous solution, and thermal measurements were conducted 1, 2 and 3 hours after treatment.

The results obtained in this experiment and presented in Figure 4A and 4B which show that buspirone subcutaneous injection reduced the elevated TST values in OVX rats by - 2.7± 0.19 ⁰ C from 28.8 ° C to the normal values. As in the first experimental repeat, the same dose of buspirone injected to sham operated (normal) rats did not affect the TST of these animals.

EXAMPLE 31

Effect of transdermal and subcutaneous buspirone administration on elevated TST values in OVX rats

Having established that SC buspirone reduces TST in OVX rats, the inventors next compared the efficacy of transdermal versus subcutaneous buspirone administration. On the day of experiment, nine OVX rats were divided into two groups of four and five animals. The first group received 5mg/kg buspirone injected SC as an aqueous solution. Animals on the second group of OVX animals received the buspirone transdermal system described in Example 1. The buspirone transdermal system was applied on 16 cm² of the back skin at a dose of 15 mg kg buspirone. The animals were restricted by hand for 5 minutes after application and then placed in individual cages. Thermal measurements were conducted during 5 minutes with the animals kept in a flat bottom restrain. Thermocouple skin sensor probe SST-1 (Physitemp mstruments Inc, USA) was affixed to the dorsal surface of their tails approximately 1 cm from the base of the tail. TST measurements were performed through the use of Thermalert TH-5 (Physitemp Instruments Inc, USA). Table 5: Effect of SC versus transdermal buspirone administration on TST in OVXrats

Mean ± SD is shown. SC (subcutaneous).

Subcutaneous injection of buspirone to OVX rats caused a relative rapid reduction of TST, achieving normal values two hours after injection. This effect was maintained for about three hours followed by a second wave of TST raised values, as illustrated by Figure 5A. A significant TST decrease was observed three hours post transdermal buspirone administration. The tail temperature remained low for at least three hours up to the end of the experiment, as shown in Figure 5B.

EXAMPLE 32

Transdermal BH treatment does not damage the skin

Histological examination of the skin sections at the site of transdermal treatments did not reveal any change in the state of the skin (Figure 6A) vs. normal untreated rat skin (Figure 6B). The transdermal ethosomal system containing buspirone, applied for 24 h, did not cause either infiltration of inflammatory cells or cyst and bubble formation in the skin. No histological evidence of inflammation was found. Thickness and appearance of the horny layer were found to be not changed in comparison to the normal untreated rat skin.

Claims

Claims:

1. Use of a therapeutically effective amount of at least one azaspirodecanedione (azapirone) or any salt, base, ester or amide thereof or any combination or mixture thereof, in the preparation of a composition for treating, inhibiting, preventing or ameliorating hot flashes in a subject in need thereof.

2. The use according to claim 1, wherein the hot flashes are associated with at least one of menopause, perimenopause, post menopause and andropause.

3. The use according to claim 1, wherein said at least one azaspirodecanedione is buspirone or any salt, base, ester or amide thereof or any combination or mixture thereof.

4. The use according to claim 1, wherein said at least one azapirone in said composition further comprises at least one pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.

5. The use according to claim 4, wherein said at least one pharmaceutically acceptable carrier is adapted for at least one of nasal, transdermal, topical, rectal, oral, pulmonary, buccal and sublingual administration or any combination thereof.

6. The use according to claim 1, wherein said at least one azapirone in said composition is administered as a single daily dose or multiple daily dose.

7. The use according to claim 1, wherein said at least one azapirone in said composition is administered every 1 to 7 days.

8. The use according to claim 1, wherein said at least one azapirone in said composition is in the form of a salt selected from the group consisting of: hydrochloride, salicylate, hydrobromide, sulfate, citrate, acetate, glycolate, salts with amino acids and salts with organic or inorganic acid.

9. The use according to claim 1, wherein said at least one azapirone in said composition is a mixture of at least one azapirone on its salt and base forms.

10. The use according to claim 9, wherein said at least one azapirone in said composition is buspirone, and wherein said buspirone is administered intranasally, each intranasal application comprising buspirone or its salts incorporated in pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.

11. The use according to claim 10, wherein said at least one azapirone in said composition is buspirone, and wherein said buspirone is administered intranasally at a dose of between about O.lmg to 30mg incorporated in pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.

12. The use according to claim 11, wherein said at least one azapirone or any salts or base thereof or any mixture thereof, is buspirone, and wherein said buspirone is administered nasally in doses of between about 0.1 mg to about 5mg each administration once to six times daily, or as a single daily dose of about 0.6 to about 30mg.

13. The use according to claim 11, wherein said buspirone is administered using a device selected from the group consisting of: a pump, sprayer, metered device, olphactory delivery device, atomizer or any device adequate for nasal or nose-to-brain delivery.

14. The use according to claim 11, wherein said at least one azapirone is buspirone or any salts or base thereof or any mixture thereof as an aqueous solution, and wherein said buspirone is administered nasally in doses of between about 0.1 mg to about 5mg each administration once to six times daily, or as a single daily dose of about 0.6 to about 30mg.

15. The use according to claim 4, wherein said at least one pharmaceutically acceptable carrier is adapted for transdermal administration, said carrier further comprises at least one agent for enhancing penetration through the skin.

16. The use according to claim 15, wherein said at least one azapirone in said composition is buspirone, and wherein said buspirone is administered transdermally in a delivery system, each transdermal application comprising buspirone or its salts at a dose of between about 5mg to lOOOmg incorporated in pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.

17. The use according to claim 15, wherein said transdermal adhesive system comprises any one of patch, gel, cream, spray, mist, foam, film or matrix and any combinations thereof.

18. A method of treating, inhibiting, preventing or ameliorating hot flashes in a subject in need thereof, said method comprises the step of administering to said subject a therapeutically effective amount of at least one azaspirodecanedione (azapirone) or any salt, base, ester or amide thereof or any combination or mixture thereof, or any composition comprising the same.

19. The method according to claim 18, wherein the hot flashes are associated with at least one of menopause, perimenopause, post menopause and andropause.

20. The method according to claim 18, wherein said at least one azaspirodecanedione is buspirone or any salt, base, ester or amide thereof or any combination or mixture thereof.

21. The method according to claim 18, wherein said at least one azapirone is administered with at least one pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.

22. The method according to claim 21, wherein said at least one pharmaceutically acceptable carrier is adapted for at least one of nasal, transdermal, oral, topical, rectal, pulmonary, buccal and sublingual administration or any combination thereof.

23. The method according to claim 18, wherein said at least one azapirone is administered as a single daily dose or multiple daily dose.

24. The method according to claim 18, wherein said at least one azapirone is administered every 1 to 7 days.

25. The method according to claim 18, wherein said at least one azapirone is in the form of a salt selected from the group consisting of: hydrochloride, salicylate, hydrobromide, sulfate, citrate, acetate, glycolate, salts with amino acids and salts with organic or inorganic acid.

26. The method according to claim 18, wherein said at least one azapirone is a mixture of at least one azapirone on its salt and base forms.

27. The method according to claim 26, wherein said at least one azapirone is buspirone, and wherein said buspirone is administered intranasally, each intranasal application comprising buspirone or its salts incorporated in pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.

28. The method according to claim 27, wherein said at least one azapirone is buspirone, and wherein said buspirone is administered intranasally at a dose of between about O.lmg to 30mg incorporated in pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.

29. The method according to claim 28, wherein said at least one azapirone or any salts or base thereof or any mixture thereof, is buspirone, and wherein said buspirone is administered nasally in doses of between about 0.1 mg to about 5mg each administration once to six times daily, or as a single daily dose of about 0.6 to about 30mg.

30. The method according to claim 28, wherein said buspirone is administered using a device selected from the group consisting of: a pump, sprayer, metered device, olphactory delivery device, atomizer or any device adequate for nasal or nose-to-brain delivery.

31. The method according to claim 28, wherein said at least one azapirone is buspirone or any salts or base thereof or any mixture thereof as an aqueous solution, and wherein said buspirone is administered nasally in doses of between about 0.1 mg to about 5mg each administration once to six times daily, or as a single daily dose of about 0.6 to about 30mg.

32. The method according to claim 27, wherein said method further comprises an oral administration of buspirone before, simultaneously with, after or any combination thereof, the intranasal administration of said buspirone.

33. The method according to claim 21, wherein said at least one pharmaceutically acceptable carrier is adapted for transdermal administration, said carrier further comprises at least one agent for enhancing penetration through the skin.

34. The method according to claim 33, wherein said at least one azapirone in said composition is buspirone, and wherein said buspirone is administered transdermally in a delivery system, each transdermal application comprising buspirone or its salts at a dose of between about 5mg to lOOOmg incorporated in pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.

35. The method according to claim 32, wherein said transdermal adhesive system comprises any one of patch, gel, cream, spray, mist, foam, film or matrix and any combinations thereof.

36. A pharmaceutical composition for intranasal administration comprising buspirone hydrochloride in the range of 0.1-5 w/w%, 0-18 w/w% short chain alcohol, 0-10 w/w% phospholipid, 0-30 w/w% propylene glycol, 0-20 w/w% hydrophilic surfactants, 0-15 w/w% chemical enhancer and water.

37. The composition according to claim 36 comprising buspirone hydrochloride in the range of 0.1-0.9 w/w%, 12-18 w/w% short chain alcohol, 5-10 w/w% phospholipid, 0-30 w/w% propylene glycol, 0-20 w/w% hydrophilic surfactants 0-15 w/w% chemical enhancer and water.

38. The composition according to claim 36 comprising buspirone hydrochloride in the range of 0.1-5 w/w%, 5-10 w/w% phospholipid, 0-30 w/w% propylene glycol, 0-20 w/w% hydrophilic surfactants, 0-15 w/w% chemical enhancer and water.

39. The composition according to claim 36 comprising buspirone hydrochloride in the range of 0.1-5 w/w%, 12-18 w/w% short chain alcohol, 0-30 w/w% propylene glycol, 0- 20 w/w% hydrophilic surfactants, 0-15 w/w% chemical enhancer and water.

40. The composition according to any one of claims 36-39, for treating, inhibiting, preventing or ameliorating hot flashes in a subject in need thereof.

41. A method of treating, inhibiting, preventing or ameliorating hot flashes in a subject in need thereof, said method comprises the step of administering to said subject a therapeutically effective amount of a pharmaceutical composition according to any one of claims 36-39.

42. A pharmaceutical composition comprising buspirone, phospholipon 90g, ethanol, propylene glycol, carbopol 980, vitamin E acetate and water, said composition further comprises a base for neutralization of Carbopol 980, wherein said composition comprising: buspirone 3 w/w%, phospholipon 90G 2.5 w/w%, ethanol 38 w/w%, propylene glycol 10 w/w%, carbopol 980 0.7 w/w%, vitamin E acetate 0.2 w/w% and Water.

43. A pharmaceutical composition comprising buspirone, phospholipid, ethanol, propylene glycol, carbomer, vitamin E acetate and at least one agent selected from: sodium hydroxide aqueous solution, ammonium hydroxide and triethanolamine, wherein said composition comprising: buspirone 1-30 w/w%, Phospholipid 0.2-10 w/w%, Ethanol 10-65 w/w%, propylene glycol 0-30 w/w%, carbomer 0-3 w/w%, vitamin E acetate 0.1-2 w/w%, and an agent selected from one of: sodium hydroxide aqueous solution, ammonium hydroxide and triethanolamine.

44. The compositions according to any one of claims 42 to 43 adapted for transdermal administration.

45. The composition according to any one of claims 42 to 43, for treating, inhibiting, preventing or ameliorating hot flashes in a subject in need thereof.

46. A method of treating, inhibiting, preventing or ameliorating hot flashes in a subject in need thereof, said method comprises the step of administering to said subject a therapeutically effective amount of a pharmaceutical composition according to any one of claims 42-43.