ARCUTIS BIOTHERAPEUTICS, INC.

A method for altering the PK profile of a pharmaceutical formulation containing a PDE-4 inhibitor, such as roflumilast, to reduce the spike in Cmax. The spike in Cmax is reduced by topically administering the PDE-4 inhibitor in combination with one or more phosphate ester surfactants. Reducing the spike in Cmax will reduce gastrointestinal side effects and result in better patient compliance.

Pharmaceutical compositions for the topical administration of spironolactone to the pilosebaceous unit and methods for administering the same. The pharmaceutical compositions comprise aqueous suspensions of submicron particles of spironolactone in water.

The present invention is directed to an aerosol foam composition comprising roflumilast, an emulsifier blend containing cetearyl alcohol, dicetyl phosphate, and ceteareth-10 phosphate and a hydrocarbon propellant. The aerosol foam composition is preferably an oil in water emulsion. The propellant is a mixture of liquefied hydrocarbon gases preferably a propane/isobutane/butane blend. The hydrocarbon propellant results in an aerosol foam which is stable, has consistent physical properties, excellent aesthetics, and no discernable degradation after long term or accelerated storage conditions.

Topical pharmaceutical compositions comprising diethylene glycol monoethyl ether (DEGEE) maintained at an acidic pH. The pH of the formulation can be maintained at a pH of less than 6.3, or alternatively less than 6.0. Certain pharmaceutical composition further comprise an emulsifier blend of cetearyl alcohol, dicetyl phosphate, and ceteth-10 phosphate, which is manufactured by Croda under the tradename Crodafos™ CES.

The present invention is directed to a method of treating a fungal infection comprising administering topically, to a subject in need thereof, an anti-fungal effective amount of roflumilast. Preferably, topically administered roflumilast is used to treat fungal infections, fungal growth of and/or hypersensitivity to the fungi Malassezia spp. Patients may also be suffering from seborrheic dermatitis, dandruff, dupilumab facial redness, tinea versicolor, pityriasis versicolor, tinea circinata, tinea pedis, tinea unguium, tinea manus, tinea cruris, tinea corporis, tinea faciei, tinea capitis, and/or tinea incognito. Topically administered roflumilast is a quick and effective antifungal agent and presents a viable alternative to current antifungal treatments.

Pharmaceutical compositions for the topical administration of spironolactone to the pilosebaceous unit and methods for administering the same. The pharmaceutical compositions comprise aqueous suspensions of submicron particles of spironolactone in water.

The present invention is directed to an aerosol foam composition comprising roflumilast, an emulsifier blend containing cetearyl alcohol, dicetyl phosphate, and ceteareth-10 phosphate and a hydrocarbon propellant. The aerosol foam composition is preferably an oil in water emulsion. The propellant is a mixture of liquefied hydrocarbon gases preferably a propane/isobutane/butane blend. The hydrocarbon propellant results in an aerosol foam which is stable, has consistent physical properties, excellent aesthetics, and no discernable degradation after long term or accelerated storage conditions.

The low aqueous solubility of roflumilast in parenteral preparations and topical emulsions, suspensions, gels or solutions can be improved by including a blend of water-miscible solvents in the pharmaceutical composition. The blend of water-miscible solvents can include diethylene glycol monoethyl ether (Tradename Transcutol®); abbreviated DEGEE) and water. The ratio of diethylene glycol monoethyl ether to water is from 1:10 to 20:1. The resulting composition has improved bioavailability and efficacy and can be used to inhibit phosphodiesterase 4 in a patient in need of such treatment.

A method for altering the PK profile of a pharmaceutical formulation containing a PDE-4 inhibitor, such as roflumilast, to reduce the spike in Cmax. The spike in Cmax is reduced by topically administering the PDE-4 inhibitor in combination with one or more phosphate ester surfactants. Reducing the spike in Cmax will reduce gastrointestinal side effects and result in better patient compliance.

The present invention is directed to methods for improving the therapeutic outcome of treatment with roflumilast. The therapeutic outcome is improved by consistent delivery and/or a longer plasma half-life of a topically administered roflumilast composition. The roflumilast composition preferably includes dicetyl phosphate, ceteth-10 phosphate, diethylene glycol I monoethyl ether, and/or hexylene glycol.