Novel hydrate forms of alendronate sodium, processes for manufacture thereof, and pharmaceutical compositions thereof

[0001] This invention relates to new hydrate and crystalline forms of alendronate sodium, processes for the manufacture thereof, and pharmaceutical compositions thereof.

[0002] Alendronate sodium, the sodium salt of alendronic acid, also known as 4-amino-1-hydroxybutylidene-1,1-bisphosphonic acid monosodium, has the formula I:

[0003] It is an agent for combating bone resorption in bone diseases including osteoporosis and Paget's disease.

[0004] Various methods for preparing alendronic acid are known in the art and have been disclosed in M. I. Kabachnik et al., Synthesis and Acid-Base and Complexing Properties of Amino-Substituted -Hydroxyalkylidene-diphosphonic Acids, Izv. Akad. Nauk USSR, Ser. Khim, 2,433 (1978) and in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,407,761, 4,621,077, 4,705,651, 5,039,819 and 5,159,108.

[0005] U.S. Pat. No. 4,922,007 describes the preparation of a trihydrate of alendronate sodium by reaction of 4-aminobutyric acid with phosphorous acid and phosphorous trichloride in the presence of methanesulfonic acid followed by the addition of sodium hydroxide.

[0006] The present invention prov:des new hydrate forms of alendronate sodium, having water content of 1.3 to 11.7 percent, and processes for their manufacture. Moreover, the present invention provides new crystalline forms of alendronate sodium, designated forms B, D, E, F, G and H, and processes for the manufacture thereof.

[0007] The present invention provides novel hydrate forms of alendronate sodium having water content of between 1.3 and 11.7 percent water. Typically, but without limitation, the present invention relates to the following novel hydrate forms forms of alendronate monosodium: 1/4 hydrate, 1/3 hydrate, hemihydrate, 2/3 hydrate, 3/4 hydrate, monohydrate, 5/4 hydrate. 4/3 hydrate, 3/2 hydrate, 5/3 hydrate, 7/4 hydrate and dehydrate.

[0008] The present invention provides a new crystalline Form B of alendronate sodium, having a powder x-ray diffractogram substantially as depicted in FIG. 1a, with characteristic peaks at 12.20.2, 13.30.2, 14.80.2, 15.80.2, 16.30.2, 16.60.2, 17.20.2, 19.40.2, 21.30.2, 22.60.2, 23.20.2, 24.00.2, 25.20.2, 25.80.2, 27.40.2, 29.40.2, and 36.00.2 degrees 2 theta. Alendronate sodium Form B has significant IR bands as depicted in FIG. 1b at 654 cm¹, 955 cm¹, 1074 cm¹, 1261 cm¹, 1309 cm¹, and 1614 cm¹. The TGA curve, FIG. 1c, shows a clear two-step loss on drying of 7.2%, which implies that the crystal form B contains a stoichiometric quantity of water close to that of the monohydrate (expected loss on drying value: 6.2%).

[0009] Another embodiment of the invention is a new crystalline Form D of alendronate sodium, having a powder X-ray diffractogram substantially as depicted in FIG. 4a, with characteristic peaks at 13.10.2, 15.20.2, 16.30.2, 18.40.2, 20.80.2, 22.30.2, 22.50.2, 23.40.2, 23.70.2, 31.40.2, and 35.70.2 degrees 2 theta. Form D as depicted in FIG. 4b has significant IR bands at 662 cm¹, 919 cm¹, 934 cm¹, 954 cm¹, 1054 cm¹, 1072 cm¹ 1297 cm¹ and 1318 cm¹. The TGA curve, as depicted in FIG. 4c, shows a gradual loss on drying of 4.1% up to 180 C.

[0010] An additional embodiment is a new crystalline Form E of alendronate sodium, having a powder X-ray diffractogram substantially as depicted in FIG. 5a, with characteristic peaks at 7.00.2, 9.30.2, 11.80.2, 13.30.2, 14.00.2, 15.30.2, 16.20.2, 17.40.2, and 19.40.2 degrees 2 theta. Form E has significant IR bands as depicted in FIG. 5b at 660 cm¹, 897 cm¹, 924 cm¹, 953 cm¹, 970 cm¹, 1017 cm¹, 1040 cm¹, 1093 cm¹ 149 cm¹, 1177 cm¹, 1252 cm¹ 1293 cm¹ 1337 cm¹, 1535 cm¹, 1606 cm¹, and 1639 cm¹. The TGA curve, as depicted in FIG. 5c, shows a gradual loss on drying of 4.1% up to 150 C.

[0011] A still further embodiment of the invention is a new crystalline Form F of alendronate sodium, having a powder X-ray diffractograrn substantially as depicted in FIG. 6a, with characteristic peaks at 9.30.2, 11.70.2, 13.00.2,13.40.2, 14.20.2, 15.30.2, 16.20.2, 17.40.2, 19.10.2, 19.40.2 and 25.50.2 degrees 2 theta. Form F has significant IR bands as depicted in FIG. 6b at 660 cm¹, 893 cm¹, 930 cm¹, 9953 cm¹, 970 cm¹, 982 cm¹, 1010 cm¹, 1033 cm¹ 1052 cm¹, 1060 cm¹, 1069 cm¹, 1109 cm¹ and 1169 cm¹, 1251 cm¹, 1338cm¹, 1498cm¹, 1544cm¹, 1603 cm¹, 1637cm¹, 1664 cm¹. The TGA FIG. 5c curve shows a gradual loss on drying of 4.1% up to 150 C.

[0012] A further embodiment is a new crystalline Form G of alendronate sodium, having a powder X-ray diffractogram substantially as depicted in FIG. 7a, with characteristic peaks at 9.50.2, 10.10.2, 12.70.2, 16.20.2, 17.30.2, 17.60.2, 19.10.2, 20.40.2, 20.90.2, 22.10.2, 24.80.2, 25.50.2, 28.00.2, 29.00.2, 29.60.2, 30.40.2, 32.40.2, and 32.80.2 degrees 2 theta. Form G has significant IR bands as depicted in FIG. 7b at 665 ^cm1, 751 cm¹, 856 cm¹, 895 cm¹, 913 cm¹, 939 cm¹, 1011 cm¹, 1021 cm¹, 1050 cm¹, 1091 cm¹, 1155 cm¹, 1273 cm¹, 1305 cm¹, 1337 cm¹, 1510 cm¹, and 1639 cm¹. The TGA curve, FIG. 7c, shows a loss on drying of 6.5% which indicates that the crystal form G contains a stoichiometric quantity of water corresponding to that of the monohydrate (expected loss on drying value: 6.2%). This TGA step is sharp and occurs at 195 C. The relatively high temperature of dehydration implies that the water is bound tightly to the alendronate molecule. The dehydration step is immediately followed by another step due to decomposition. Due to the decomposition process that occurs adjacent to the dehydration, the conventional loss of drying method is not feasible, and for loss on drying determination the TGA is used.

[0013] Yet another embodiment is a new crystalline Form H of alendronate sodium, having a powder X-ray diffractogram substantially as depicted in FIG. 8a, with characteristic peaks at 9.20.2, 13.00.2, 14.20.2, 15.00.2, 17.10.2, 20.70.2, 22.00.2, 22.40.2, degrees two theta. Form H has significant IR bands, as depicted in FIG. 8b, of 664 cm¹, 688 cm¹, 722 cm¹, 751 cm¹, 863 cm¹, 893 cm¹, 918 cm¹, 936 cm¹, 984 cm¹, 1010 cm¹, 1036 cm¹, 1052 cm¹, 1092 cm¹, 1157 cm¹, 1273 cm¹, 1303 cm¹, and 1338 cm¹, 1499 cm¹, 1598 cm¹, 1636 cm¹, and 1664 cm¹. The TGA curve FIG. 8c shows a sharp loss on drying of 3.7% at 170 C.

[0014] All of sodium alendronate crystalline forms B, D, E, F, G and H contain water in the amount of 2.2 to 9.0% by weight.

[0015] The invention further provides a new hydrate form of alendronate sodium having a water content of 1.3% to 3.1%.

[0016] A further embodiment is a new hydrate form of alendronate sodium having a water content of 2.5% to 3.5%.

[0017] A further embodiment is a new hydrate form of alendronate sodium having a water content of 2.8% to 3.9%.

[0018] An additional embodiment is a new hydrate form of alendronate sodium having a water content of 3.2% to 5.8%.

[0019] Another embodiment is a new hydrate form of alendronate sodium having a water content of 5.1% to 7. 0%.

[0020] A still further embodiment is a new hydrate form of alendronate sodium having a water content of 6.4% to 9.0%.

[0021] The invention also provides a new crystalline Form B of alendronate sodium, having a water content of 6.4% to 9.0%.

[0022] The invention further provides a new crystalline Form D of alendronate sodium, having a water content of 3.2% to 5.8%.

[0023] The invention further provides a new crystalline Form F of alendronate sodium, having a water content of 1.3% to 3.1%.

[0024] The invention further provides a new crystalline Form G of alendronate sodium, having a water content of 5.1% to 7.0%.

[0025] The invention further provides a new crystalline Form E of alendronate sodium, having a water content of 2.8% to 3.90%.

[0026] The invention further provides a new crystalline Form H of alendronate sodium, having a water content of 2.5% to 3.5%.

[0027] The invention provides a new monohydrate and a new dehydrate of alendronate sodium, having an X-ray diffractogram substantially as depicted in FIG. 2a and 3a, accordingly, with characteristic peaks at 9.30.2, 12.40.2, 13.50.2,17.10.2, 18.50.2, 19.70.2, 20.30.2, 21.00.2, 21.80.2, 23.40.2, 24.30.2, 24.90.2, 26.30.2, 30.00.2, and 34.40.2 degrees 2 theta. Form C as depicted in FIGS. 2b and 3b has significant IR bands at 660 cm¹, 745 cm¹, 865 cm¹, 913 cm¹, 952 cm¹, 966 cm¹, 1017 cm¹, 1046 cm¹, 1128 cm¹, 1174 cm¹, 1235 cm¹, 1340 cm¹, 1402 cm¹, 1544 cm¹, 1606 cm¹, and 1644 cm¹. The TGA curve of the monohydrate Form C (FIG.2c) shows a loss on drying of 5.6% which implies that the crystal Form C contains a stoichiometric quantity of water close to that of the monohydrate (expected loss on drying value: 6.2%). The TGA curve of the dehydrate Form C (FIG. 3c shows a sharp loss on drying of 12.0% which implies that the crystal Form C contains a stoichiometric quantity of water corresponding to dehydrate (expected loss on drying value: 11.7%).

[0028] The present invention also relates to the method of preparing the compound 4-amino-1-hydroxybutylidene-1, 1-bisphosphonic acid monosodium salt having water content of 1.3% to 11.7% by reacting alendronic acid with one equivalent of sodium base in an aqueous organic solvent selected from the group consisting of acetone, DMSO, DMF, acetonitrile, alcohols, polyalcohols and/or their ethers, pyridine, sulfolane, N-methyl pyrrolidinone and dioxane.

[0029] The invention further provides a method for making Form D of alendronate sodium, comprising treating alendronic acid anhydrous in a lower alkanol with 1 equivalent of sodium base and 0 to 4 equivalents of water, followed by isolating the crystalline alendronate sodium Form D.

[0030] The invention further provides a method for making Form E of alendronate sodium, comprising treating alendronic acid, which is in anhydrous or monohydrate form, in a lower alkanol with I equivalent of sodium base and 9 to 15 equivalents of water, followed by isolating the crystalline alendronate sodium Form E.

[0031] The invention further provides a method for making Form F of alendronate sodium, comprising treating alendronic acid, in a lower alkanol with 1 equivalent of sodium base and 5 to 8 equivalents of water for anhydrous form and 3 to 20 equivalents of water for monohydrate form, followed by isolating the crystalline alendronate sodium Form F.

[0032] The invention further provides a method for making alendronate sodium monohydrate, comprising treating alendronic acid, in a lower alkanol with 1 equivalent of sodium base and water under the conditions described hereinafter, followed by isolating the alendronate sodium monohydrate

[0033] The invention further provides a method for making Form G of alendronate sodium, comprising treating alendronic acid, in a lower alkanol with 1 equivalent of sodium base and water under the conditions described hereinafter, followed by isolating the crystalline alendronate sodium Form G.

[0034] Typical but not limiting conditions for preparing alendronate sodium Form G are as described in the following table:

			Range of
Starting Alendronic		Preferred Range of	Water
Acid Hydrate Form	Solvent	Water Equivalent	Equivalent
Monohydrate	Methanol	20-200	40-175
Monohydrate	Ethanol	15-100	20-80
Monohydrate	Isopropanol	5-40	10-20
Anhydrous	Methanol	50-125	80-100
Anhydrous	Ethanol	15-40	25-35

[0035] The invention further provides a method for making Form G of alendronate sodium comprising treating any one or more of the crystal forms of alendronate sodium selected from the group which consists of Form B, Form C, Form D, Form E, Form F and Form H, in a lower alkanol, preferably ethanol, with 20-40 equivalents of water under the conditions described hereinafter followed by isolating the crystalline alendronate sodium Form G.

[0036] The invention further provides a method for making Form G of alendronate sodium comprising treating alendronate monosodium trihydrate in a lower alkanol, preferably ethanol, with 25-35 equivalents of water under the condition described hereinafter, followed by isolating the crystalline alendronate sodium Form G.

[0037] The invention further provides a method for making Form G of alendronate sodium comprising treating any one or more forms of alendronate sodium salts preferably selected from the group consisting of monosodium, disodium, trisodium and tetrasodium salts, in a lower alkanol preferably ethanol with 20-40 equivalents of water under the conditions described hereinafter, followed by isolating the crystalline alendronate sodium Form G. In the event that the starting sodium salt is higher than monosodium (e.g. disodium, trisodium or tetrasodium) it is necessary to add an acid, preferably alendronic acid, in order to maintain the pH at about 4.4.

[0038] The invention further provides a method for making Form H of alendronate sodium, comprising treating alendronic acid, which is the anhydrous or monohydrate form, in a lower alkanol with one equivalent of sodium base and 25 to 35 equivalents of water, under the conditions described hereinafter, followed by isolating the crystalline alendronate sodium Form H.

[0039] The invention further provides a method for making Form B of alendronate sodium, comprising treating alendronic acid monohydrate in a lower alkanol with one equivalent of sodium base and 0 to 4 equivalents of water, followed by obtaining the crystalline alendronate sodium Form B.

[0040] The invention further provides a method for making alendronate sodium dehydrate comprising treating crystalline alendronate sodium trihydrate with an effective amount of drying agent followed by isolating the crystalline alendronate sodium dehydrate.

[0041] The invention further provides a method for making alendronate sodium monohydrate comprising treating crystalline alendronate sodium trihydrate with a sufficient amount of drying agent followed by isolating the crystalline alendronate sodium monohydrate.

[0042] The invention further provides a method for making alendronate sodium monohydrate comprising treating crystalline alendronate sodium dehydrate with a sufficient amount of drying agent followed by isolating the crystalline alendronate sodium monohydrate.

[0043] The invention further relates to a pharmaceutical composition which comprises alendronate sodium, having water content of 1.3 to 11.7 percent in a therapeutically effective amount, and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.

[0044] The invention further relates to a pharmaceutical composition which comprises alendronate sodium in Form B, D, E, F, G and/or H in a therapeutically effective amount. and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.

[0045] FIGS. 1a, 1b, and 1c show, respectively, the powder X-ray diffraction spectrum, the thermograviometric (TGA) curve and the infrared spectrum of alendronate sodium Form B.

[0046] FIGS. 2a, 2b, and 2c show, respectively, the powder X-ray diffraction spectrum, the thermograviometric (TGA) curve and the infrared spectrum of alendronate sodium monobydrate Form C.

[0047] FIGS. 3a, 3b, and 3c show, respectively, the powder X-ray diffraction spectrum, the thermograviometric (TGA) curve and the infrared spectrum of alendronate sodium dehydrate Form C.

[0048] FIGS. 4a, 4b, and 4c show, respectively, the powder X-ray diffraction spectrum, the thermograviometric (TGA) curve and the infrared spectrum of alendronate sodium Form D.

[0049] FIGS. 5a, 5b, and 5c show, respectively, the powder X-ray diffraction spectrum, the (thermograviometric (TGA) curve) and the infrared spectrum of alendronate sodium Form E.

[0050] FIGS. 6a, 6b, and 6c show, respectively, the powder X-ray diffraction spectrum, the thermograviometric (TGA) curve and the infrared spectrum of alendronate sodium Form F.

[0051] FIGS. 7a, 7b, and 7c show, respectively, the powder X-ray diffraction spectrum, the then-nograviometric (TGA) curve and the infrared spectrum of alendronate sodium Form G.

[0052] FIGS. 8a, 8b and 8c show respectively the powder X-ray diffraction spectrum, the thermograviometric (TGA) curve and the infrared spectrum of alendronate sodium of Form H.

[0053] The invention discloses new hydrate forms of alendronate sodium having water contents of 1.3 percent to 11.7 percent.

[0054] The present invention also discloses new crystalline forms of alendronate sodium which have been designated Forms B, D, E, F, G and H.

[0055] The term water content refers to the content of water based upon the Loss on Drying method as described in Pharmacopeial Forum, Vol. 24, No. 1, page 5438 (January-February 1998). The calculation of water content is based upon the percent of weight that is lost by drying. For Forms G and H the term water content refers to the content of water based upon a TGA measurement and a step analysis in the temperature range of about 25 C.-215 C. for Form G, and 25 C.-200 C. for Form H.

[0056] The term lower alkanol refers to alkanols having 1 to 4 carbon atoms. Preferred lower alkanols include ethanol, methanol and isopropanol.

[0057] The term equivalents of water means molar equivalents of water.

[0058] The term equivalents of sodium base means molar equivalents of sodium base.

[0059] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the term monohydrate when used in reference to alendronic acid describes a crystalline material having a water content of 6.7%. Those skilled in the art will also understand that the term anhydrous when used in reference to alendronic acid describes alendronic acid that is substantially free of water.

[0060] One of skill in the art will appreciate that the term monohydrate when used in reference to the monosodium salt of alendronic acid describes a crystalline material having a water content of approximately 6.2%.

[0061] One skilled in the art will also appreciate that the term dehydrate when used in reference to the monosodium salt of alendronic acid describes a crystalline material having a water content of approximately 11.7%.

[0062] One skilled in the art will also appreciate that the term 1/4 hydrate when used in reference to the monosodium salt of alendronic acid describes a crystalline material having a water content of approximately 1.6%.

[0063] One skilled in the art will also appreciate that the term 1/3 hydrate when used in reference to the monosodium salt of alendronic acid describes a crystalline material having a water content of approximately 2.1%.

[0064] One skilled in the art will also appreciate that the term hemihydrate when used in reference to the monosodium salt of alendronic acid describes a crystalline material having a water content of approximately 3.2%.

[0065] One skilled in the art will also appreciate that the term 2/3 hydrate when used in reference to the monosodium salt of alendronic acid describes a crystalline material having a water content of approximately 4.2%.

[0066] One skilled in the art will also appreciate that the term 3/4 hydrate when used in reference to the monosodium salt of alendronic acid describes a crystalline material having a water content of approximately 4.7%.

[0067] One skilled in the art will also appreciate that the term 5/4 hydrate when used in reference to the monosodium salt of alendronic acid describes a crystalline material having a water content of approximately 7.6%.

[0068] One skilled in the art will also appreciate that the term 4/3 hydrate when used in reference to the monosodium salt of alendronic acid describes a crystalline material having a water content of approximately 8.1%.

[0069] One skilled in the art will also appreciate that the term 3/2 hydrate when used in reference to the monosodium salt of alendronic acid describes a crystalline material having a water content of approximately 9.1%.

[0070] Finally, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the term trihydrate when used in reference to the monosodium salt of alendronic acid refers to a crystalline material having a water content of approximately 16.6%.

[0071] The term sodium base refers to sodium hydroxide and the sodium alkoxide of a lower alkanol.

[0072] Alendronic acid can be prepared by methods that are well known in the art. M I Kabachnik et al., Izv. Akad. Nauk USSR, Ser. Khim, 2, 433 (1978) discloses a reaction for making alendronic acid;

[0073] Alendronic acid can also be prepared by the process disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,621,077. It will be appreciated that when alendronic acid is recrystallized from water, as in the above process, the monohydrate is formed.

[0074] Alendronate sodium trihydrate can be prepared by the process disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,922,007.

[0075] The contents of all references cited are incorporated by reference.

[0076] Alendronic acid monohydrate can be converted to alendronic acid anhydrous by heating in a vacuum oven at 110-220 C. at a vacuum of less than 5 mm Hg for 24 hours.

[0077] In accordance with the process aspect of the present invention, alendronic acid anhydrous as prepared by any of the known methods is added to a lower alkanol, preferably ethanol, together with a sodium base, preferably sodium hydroxide, and an amount of water that depends upon the desired crystal form of alendronate sodium. The molar ratio of sodium base to alendronic acid is 1:1. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that a higher ratio of NaOH would yield the undesirable disodium and trisodium salts. The reaction mixture is boiled under reflux while being stirred vigorously for approximately 15 hours, until the pH of the liquid phase remains constant (approx. pH 7). Crystalline alendronate sodium is then isolated, preferably by filtration after cooling to ambient temperature, washing with absolute ethanol, optionally washing with absolute ethyl ether and drying overnight in a vacuum oven at ambient temperature and at a pressure of 10 mm to 15 mm of mercury. For the purposes of this specification, ambient temperature is from about 20 C. to about 25 C.

[0078] In accordance with the aspects of this invention wherein alendronic acid monohydrate is converted to alendronate sodium, alendronic acid monohydrate as prepared by any of the known methods is added to an alkanol, preferably ethanol, together with a sodium base, preferably sodium hydroxide, and a desired amount of water. The amount of water depends upon the crystal form that is desired. The molar ratio of sodium base to alendronic acid is 1:1. The reaction mixture is boiled under reflux while stirring vigorously for approximately 15 hours, until the pH of the liquid phase remains constant (approx. pH 7). Crystalline alendronate sodium is then isolated, preferably by filtration after cooling to ambient temperature followed by washing with absolute ethanol, washing with absolute ether and drying overnight in a vacuum oven at ambient temperature and at a pressure of 10 mm to 15 mm of mercury.

[0079] In accordance with the aspects of this invention wherein alendronate sodium trihydrate (Form C) is converted to alendronate sodium dehydrate (Form C), alendronate sodium trihydrate as prepared by methods known in the art is added to an alkanol which is substantially free of water, preferably absolute ethanol. This mixture is treated with a drying agent, preferably by refluxing the mixture in a reflux condenser wherein the condensate formed passes through 3 molecular sieves. The weight:weight ratio of molecular sieves to alendronate sodium trihydrate is preferably about 2:1 and most preferably 12:5. Refluxing of the mixture is preferably done for 24 hours with stirring. Alendronate sodium dehydrate is then isolated, preferably by filtration after cooling to ambient temperature, washing with absolute ether and drying overnight in a vacuum oven at ambient temperature and at a pressure of 10 mm to 15 mm of mercury.

[0080] In accordance with the aspects of this invention wherein alendronate sodium trihydrate (Form C) is converted to alendronate sodium monohydrate (Form C), alendronate sodium trihydrate as prepared by any of the methods known in the art is added to an alkanol which is substantially free of water, preferably absolute ethanol. This mixture is treated with a drying agent, preferably by refluxing the mixture in a reflux condenser wherein the condensate formed passed through 3 molecular sieves. If and when a first portion of molecular sieves is exhausted, a second portion of fresh molecular sieves is used. The weight:weight ratio of molecular sieves to alendronate sodium trihydrate is preferably about 2:1 and most preferably 12:5. Refluxing of the mixture is preferably done for 24 hours with stirring. The mixture is allowed to cool to ambient temperature before recharging with an equivalent amount of molecular sieves. Alendronate sodium monohydrate is then isolated, preferably by cooling to ambient temperature, filtration, washing with absolute ether and drying overnight in a vacuum oven at ambient temperature and a pressure of 10 mm and 15 mm of mercury.

[0081] In accordance with the present invention, the new crystalline forms of alendronate sodium and the new hydrate forms of alendronate sodium may be prepared as pharmaceutical compositions which are particularly useful for the treatment of bone resorption in bone diseases including osteoporosis and Paget's disease. Such compositions may comprise one of the new crystalline and hydrate forms of alendronate sodium with pharmaceutically acceptable carriers and/or excipients.

[0082] For example, these compositions may be prepared as medicaments to be administered orally, parenterally, rectally, transdermally, bucally, or nasally. Suitable forms for oral administration include tablets, compressed or coated pills, dragees, sachets, hard or gelatin capsules, sub-lingual tablets, syrups and suspensions; for parenteral administration the invention provides ampoules or vials that include an aqueous or nonaqueous solution or emulsion; for rectal administration there are provided suppositories with hydrophilic or hydrophobic vehicles; and for topical application as ointments or aerosol formulations known in the art; transdermal delivery there are provided suitable delivery systems as known in the art; and for nasal delivery there are provided suitable aerosol delivery systems known in the art.

[0083] The powder X-ray diffraction patterns were obtained by methods known in the art using a Philips X-Ray powder diffractometer, Goniometer model 1050/70 at a scanning speed of 2 per minute.

[0084] The thermogravimetric curves were obtained by methods known in the art using a Mettler TGA TG50. The weight of the samples was about 10 mg. The temperature range was from 25 C. to at least 200 C., at the rate of 10 C./min. Samples were purged with mitrogen gas at a flow rate of 40 ml/min. Standard 150 ml aluminum crucibles were used.

[0085] The infrared spectra were obtained by methods known in the art using a Perkin Elmer FT-IR Paragon 1000 spectrometer. Samples were analyzed in Nujol mulls. Spectra were obtained at 4 cm¹ resolution and 16 scans each.

[0086] The atomic absorption analysis was obtained by methods known in the art using a Perkin Elmer 5000 Flame Atomic Absorption instrument. Sodium content was determined against standard solutions obtained from Merck and Aldrich.

[0087] This invention will be better understood from the experimental details which follow. However, one skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the specific methods and results discussed are merely illustrative of the invention as described more fully in the claims that follow thereafter.

[0088] Alendronic acid was crystallized from water to make alendronic acid monohydrate. The resulting alendronic acid monohydrate was dried at 50 C. at 10 mm Hg pressure for 15 hours to give dry alendronic acid monohydrate containing 6.9% water.

[0089] The alendronic acid monohydrate from Example 1 was further dried at 110-120 C. in 1 mm Hg for 4 hours to give anhydrous alendronic acid. The water content was 0.3% by weight.

[0090] A 250 ml flask was fitted with a mechanical stirrer, a thermometer, and a reflux condenser. The flask was charged with 41.1 ml of a solution of sodium hydroxide in ethanol (0.49N, 20.1 mmol), 8.9 ml of ethanol, water (0 to 40 mol. eq., according to the crystal form desired), and 5 g (20.1 mmol) of anhydrous alendronic acid. The reaction mixture was boiled with vigorous stirring for about 15 hours until the of pH of the liquid phase remained constant (approx. pH 7). After cooling of the reaction mixture to ambient temperature, the solid material was filtered, washed with absolute ethanol, and dried overnight in a vacuum oven (10-15 mmHg, ambient temperature) to give 96-99% sodium alendronate having the following crystal forms: crystal Form D, when 0-4 (preferably 0-2) mol. eq. water were used; crystal Form F, when 5-8 (preferably 6-7) mol. eq. water were used; crystal Form E, when 9-15 (preferably 12) mol. eq. water were used; and crystal Form G, when 15-40 (preferably 25-35) mol. eq. water were used. The monosodium salt was confirmed by atomic absorption and by measuring the pH of a 0.5% aqueous solution of the salt (approx. pH 4.4).

[0091] A 250 ml flask was fitted with a mechanical stirrer, a thermometer, and a reflux condenser. The flask was charged with 38.2 ml of a solution of sodium hydroxide in ethanol (0.49 N, 18.7 mmol), 4.8 ml of ethanol, water (0 to 100 mol. eq., according to the crystal form desired), and 5 g (18.7 mmol) of alendronic acid monohydrate. The reaction mixture was boiled with vigorous stirring for about 15 hours until stability of pH of the liquid phase was reached (approx. pH 7). After cooling of the reaction mixture to ambient temperature the precipitate was filtered, washed with absolute ethanol, and dried overnight in a vacuum oven (10-15mm Hg, ambient temperature) to give 96-99% sodium alendronate having the following crystalline forms: crystalline Form B, when 0-4 (preferably 0-2) mol. eq. water were used; crystalline Form F, when 3-5 mol. eq. water were used; crystalline Form E, when 11-13 (preferably 12) mol. eq. water were used; and crystalline Form G, when 15-100 (preferably 20-80) mol. eq. water were used.

[0092] The monosodium salt was confirmed by atomic absorption and by measuring the pH of a 0.5% aqueous solution of the salt (approx. pH 4.4).

[0093] The water content is determined using the TGA technique, heating the sample to 230 C. and calculating the sharp LOD (loss on drying) step, which occurs above 150 C.

[0094] A one liter flask was fitted with a magnetic bar stirrer, Soxhlet extraction funnel (operating volume 150 ml) charged with 3 molecular sieves (60 g), and reflux condenser connected to a drying tube with 3 molecular sieves. The flask was charged with sodium alendronate trihydrate (25 g) and absolute ethanol (450 ml, vol. % of water<0.1%). The mixture was boiled with stirring for 24 hours. After cooling to ambient temperature the solid material was filtered, washed with absolute ethyl ether, and dried overnight in a vacuum oven (10-15 mm Hg, ambient temperature) to give sodium alendronate dehydrate.

[0095] A one liter flask was fitted with a magnetic bar stirrer, Soxhlet extraction funnel (operating volume 150 ml) charged with 3 molecular sieves (60 g), and reflux condenser connected to a drying tube with 3 molecular sieves. The flask was charged with sodium alendronate trihydrate (25 g) and absolute ethanol (450 ml, vol. % of water<0.1%). The mixture was boiled with stirring for 24 hours. After cooling to ambient temperature, the used molecular sieves were replaced by a new portion of 3 molecular sieves (60 g) and the reflux was continued for additional 24 hours. After cooling to ambient temperature the solid material was filtered, washed with absolute ethyl ether, and dried overnight in a vacuum oven (10-15 mm Hg, ambient temperature) to give sodium alendronate monohydrate.

[0096] Preparation of Aqueous Ethanolic Sodium Hydroxide:

[0097] Absolute ethanol (250 ml) and water (59 ml, 350.094 mol) were mixed. Sodium hydroxide (3.8 g, assay 99%, 0.094 mol) was dissolved in 45 ml of this aqueous ethanol. The remaining aqueous ethanol was used to prepare a suspension of alendronic acid monohydrate.

[0098] A one liter flask was fitted with a mechanical stirrer, a thermometer, and a reflux condenser. The flask was charged with alendronic acid monohydrate (25 g, 0.094 mol) and aqueous ethanol. The mixture was heated to boiling with stirring. The aqueous ethanolic sodium hydroxide was added dropwise to the suspension of alendronic acid monohydrate in aqueous ethanol for 3 hours at reflux with vigorously stirring. Then the mixture was stirred at reflux for additional 15 hours. The mixture was cooled to room temperature with stirring. The solid was filtered, washed with absolute ethanol, then with absolute ethyl, and dried overnight in a vacuum oven (10-15 mm Hg, ambient temperature) to give 26.2 g of alendronate sodium, having crystalline Form G.

[0099] Preparation of Aqueous Ethanolic Sodium Hydroxide:

[0100] Absolute ethanol (250 ml) and water (59 ml, 350.094 mol) were mixed. Sodium hydroxide (3.8 g, assay 99%, 0.094 mol) was dissolved in 45 ml of this aqueous ethanol. The remaining aqueous ethanol was used to prepare a suspension of alendronic acid monohydrate.

[0101] A one liter flask was fitted with a mechanical stirrer, a thermometer, and a reflux condenser. The flask was charged with alendronic acid monohydrate (25 g, 0.094 mol) and aqueous ethanol. The mixture was heated to boiling with stirring. The aqueous ethanolic sodium hydroxide was added dropwise to the suspension of alendronic acid monohydrate in aqueous ethanol for 3 hours at reflux with vigorously stirring. Then the mixture was stirred at reflux for additional 15 hours. The mixture was cooled to room temperature with stirring. The solid was filtered, washed with absolute ethanol, and dried overnight in a vacuum oven (10-15 mm Hg, ambient temperature) to give 26.2 g of alendronate sodium, having crystalline Form G.

[0102] Preparation of Aqueous Ethanolic Sodium Hydroxide:

[0103] Absolute ethanol (250 ml) and water (59 ml, 350.094 mol) were mixed. Sodium hydroxide (3.8 g, assay 99%, 0.094 mol) was dissolved in 45 ml of this aqueous ethanol. The remaining aqueous ethanol was used to prepare a suspension of alendronic acid monohydrate.

[0104] A one liter flask was fitted with a mechanical stirrer, a thermometer, and a reflux. condenser. The flask was charged with alendronic acid monohydrate (25 g, 0.094 mol) and aqueous ethanol. The mixture was heated to boiling with stirring. The aqueous ethanolic sodium hydroxide was added dropwise to the suspension of alendronic acid monohydrate in aqueous ethanol for 3 hours at reflux with vigorously stirring. Then the mixture was stirred at reflux for additional 15 hours. The mixture was cooled to room temperature with stirring. The solid was filtered, washed with absolute ethanol, and dried overnight in a vacuum oven (10-15 mm Hg, 40-50 C.) to give 26.2 g of alendronate sodium, having crystalline Form G.

[0105] Preparation of Aqueous Ethanolic Sodium Hydroxide:

[0106] Absolute ethanol (250 ml) and water (59 ml, 350.094 mol) were mixed. Sodium hydroxide (3.8 g, assay 99%, 0.094 mol) was dissolved in 45 ml of this aqueous ethanol. The remaining aqueous ethanol was used to prepare a suspension of alendronic acid monohydrate.

[0107] A one liter flask was fitted with a mechanical stirrer, a thermometer, and a reflux condenser. The flask was charged with alendronic acid monohydrate (25 g, 0.094 mol) and aqueous ethanol. The mixture was heated to boiling with stirring. The aqueous ethanolic sodium hydroxide was added dropwise to the suspension of alendronic acid monohydrate in aqueous ethanol for 3 hours at reflux with vigorously stirring. Then the mixture was stirred at reflux for additional 15 hours. The mixture was cooled to room temperature with stirring. The solid was filtered, washed with absolute ethanol, then with absolute ethyl ether, and dried overnight in a vacuum oven (10-15 mm Hg, 40-50 C.) to give 26.2 g of alendronate sodium, having crystalline Form G.

[0108] A suspension of alendronate sodium trihydrate 1.0 g(3.08 mmol) in aqueous ethanol (10 ml of ethanol1.9 ml of water) was boiled at reflux with stirring for 15 hrs. After cooling to ambient temperature the solid was filtered, washed with absolute ethanol and ether, and dried overnight in a vacuum oven (10-15 mm Hg, ambient temperature) to give 0.9 g of alendronate sodium, containing crystal form G.

[0109] Preparation of Aqueous Ethanolic Sodium Hydroxide:

[0110] Absolute ethanol (50 ml) and water (6.7 ml, 200.019 mol) were mixed. Sodium hydroxide (0.76 g, assay 99%, 0.019 mol) was dissolved in 8.5 ml of this aqueous ethanol. The remaining aqueous ethanol was used to prepare a suspension of alendronic acid monohydrate.

[0111] A 250 ml flask was fitted with a mechanical stirrer, a thermometer, a dropping funnel, and a reflux condenser. The flask was charged with alendronic acid monohydrate (5 g, 0.019 mol) and aqueous ethanol. The aqueous ethanolic sodium hydroxide was added dropwise to the suspension of alendronic acid monohydrate in aqueous ethanol for 15 minutes at reflux with vigorously stirring. The mixture was then refluxed for additional 15 hours. The mixture was then cooled to room temperature with stirring. The solid was filtered, washed with absolute ethanol, then with absolute ethyl ether, and dried overnight in a vacuum oven (10-15 mm Hg, ambient temperature) to give 5.2 g of alendronate sodium, having crystalline Form H.

[0112] Although certain presently preferred embodiments of the invention have been described herein, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art to which the invention pertains that variations and modifications of the described embodiments may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, it is intended that the invention be limited only to the extent required by the appended claims and the applicable rules of law.