S- [2- [ (1-Iminoethyl) amino] ethyl]-2-methyl-L-cysteine maleate crystalline salt Field of the Invention [0001] The present invention comprises a novel compound useful in the treatment of disease, and more particularly a novel salt of S- [2- [ (1-Iminoethyl) amino] ethyl]-2-methyl-L-cysteine, and pharmaceutical compositions thereof, for the treatment of conditions involving an inappropriate expression of nitric oxide from the inducible isoform of nitric oxide synthase.

[0002] S- [2- [ (l-Iminoethyl) amino] ethyl] -2-methyl-L-cysteine is described and claimed in commonly assigned U. S. Patent number 6,403, 830, herein incorporated by reference.

Background of the Invention [0003] Nitric oxide (NO) is a bioactive free radical gas produced by any one of several isoforms of the enzyme nitric oxide synthase (NOS). The physiological activity of what was later identified as NO was initially discovered in the early 1980's when it was found that vascular relaxation caused by acetylcholine is dependent on the presence of the vascular endothelium. The factor derived from the endothelium, then called endothelium-derived relaxing factor (EDRF), that mediates such vascular relaxation is now known to be NO that is generated in the vascular endothelium by one isoform of NOS. The activity of NO as a vasodilator has been known for well over 100 years. In addition, NO is the active species derived from known nitrovasodilators including amylnitrite, and glyceryltrinitrate. Nitric oxide is also an endogenous stimulator of soluble guanylate cyclase (cGMP), and thus stimulates cGMP production. When NOS is inhibited by N-monomethylarginine (L- NMMA), cGMP formation is completely prevented. In addition to endothelium-dependent relaxation, NO is known to be involved in a number of biological actions ! including cytotoxicity of phagocytic cells and cell-to-cell communication in the central nervous system.

[0004] The identification of EDRF as NO coincided with the discovery of a biochemical pathway by which NO is synthesized from the amino acid L-arginine by the enzyme NO synthase. There are at least three types of NO synthase as follows: (i) a constitutive, Ca++/calmodulin dependent enzyme, located in the brain, that releases NO in response to receptor or physical stimulation; (ii) a Ca++ independent enzyme, a 130 kD protein, which is induced after activation of vascular smooth muscle, macrophages, endothelial cells, and a number of other cells by endotoxin and cytokines ; and (iii) a constitutive, Ca++/calmodulin dependent enzyme, located in the endothelium, that releases NO in response to receptor or physical stimulation.

[0005] Once expressed, inducible nitric oxide synthase (hereinafter"iNOS") generates NO continuously for long periods. Clinical studies have shown that NO production and iNOS expression are increased in a variety of chronic inflammatory diseases, such as rheumatoid and osteoarthritis (see, e. g, Mclnnes I. B. et al. , J. Exp. Med. 184: 1519 (1996) ), inflammatory bowel disease (see, e. g, Lundberg J. O. N. et al., Lancet 344: 1673, (1994) ), and asthma (see, e. g. , Hamid, Q. et al., Lancet 342: 1510 (1993) ), and iNOS is implicated as a major pathological factor in these chronic inflammatory diseases.

[0006] Thus, inhibition of excessive NO production by iNOS is likely to be anti- inflammatory. However, since the production of NO from eNOS and nNOS is involved in normal physiology, it would be desirable for any NOS inhibitor that is used for treating inflammation be selective for iNOS, so that normal physiological modulation of blood pressure by eNOS-generated NO, and non-adrenergic, non-cholinergic neuronal transmission by nNOS-generated NO would remain unaffected.

[0007] With all pharmaceutical compounds and compositions, the chemical and physical stability of a drug compound is important in the commercial development of that drug substance. Such stability includes the stability at ambient conditions, especially to moisture and under storage conditions. Elevated stability at different conditions of storage is needed to predict the different possible storage conditions during the lifetime of a commercial product.

A stable drug avoids the use of special storage conditions as well as frequent inventory replacement. A drug compound must also be stable during the manufacturing process which often requires milling of the drug to achieve drug material with uniform particle size and surface area. Unstable materials often undergo polymorphic changes. Therefore, any modification of a drug substance which enhances its stability profile provides a meaningful benefit over less stable substances.

[0008] Several inhibitors of iNOS have been described, such as, for example, S- [2- [ (1- iminoethyl) amino] ethyl] -2-methyl-L-cysteine, which is described and claimed in commonly assigned U. S. Patent 6,403, 830. That compound, however, is an amorphous solid. It would be desirable, therefore, to provide a crystalline solid form of an iNOS inhibitor such as S- [2- [ (l-Iminoethyl) amino] ethyl]-2-methyl-L-cysteine.

Brief Description of the Drawings [0009] Fig. 1 is a schematic of S- [2- [ (1-Iminoethyl) amino] ethyl]-2-methyl-L-cysteine titration curve, showing all ionization states; [0010] Fig. 2 is a graphical representation of titration curves of S- [2- [ (1- Iminoethyl) amino] ethyl] -2-methyl-L-cysteine in water with IRA-400 (OH) anion exchange resin. Diamond is pH and square (dashed line) is S- [2- [ (1-Iminoethyl) amino] ethyl]-2-methyl- L-cysteine (% initial, by ion chromatography) ; [0011] Fig. 3 is a graphical representation of titration curves of S- [2- [ (1- Iminoethyl) amino] ethyl] -2-methyl-L-cysteine in water with IRA-400 (OH) anion exchange resin. Diamond is pH and triangle (broken line) is chloride (by ion chromatography); [0012] Fig. 4 Shows titration curves of S- [2- [ (1-Iminoethyl) amino] ethyl]-2-methyl-L- cysteine in water with IRA-400 anion exchange resin ; [0013] Fig. 5 shows the relevant binding data associated with increasing pH of the zwitterion of S-[2- [ (1-Iminoethyl) amino] ethyl] -2-methyl-L-cysteine ; [0014] Fig. 6 is a powder x-ray pattern of a sample (Example 12) of S- [2- [ (l- Iminoethyl) amino] ethyl]-2-methyl-L-cysteine maleate ; [0015] Fig. 7 is a powder x-ray pattern of a sample (Example 11) of S- [2- [ (1- Iminoethyl) amino]ethyl]-2-methyl-L-cysteine maleate ; [0016] Fig. 8 is a graph of a differential scanning calorimetry study of a sample (10.046 mg.

Example 12) of S- [2- [ (1-Iminoethyl) amino] ethyl] -2-methyl-L-cysteine maleate; [0017] Fig. 9 is a graph of a differential scanning calorimetry study of a sample (6.2130 mg.

Example 11) of S- [2- [ (1-Iminoethyl) amino] ethyl] -2-methyl-L-cysteine maleate; [0018] Fig. 10 is a thermogravimetric plot of a sample (4.7680 mg. Example 12) of S-[2-[(1- Iminoethyl) amino] ethyl] -2-methyl-L-cysteine maleate; [0019] Fig. 11 is a thermogravimetric plot of a sample (Example 11) of S- [2- [ (1- Iminoethyl) amino] ethyl] -2-methyl-L-cysteine maleate; [0020] Fig. 12 is a plot of a moisture sorption study of S-[2-[(1-Ininoethyl) amino] ethyl]-2- methyl-L-cysteine maleate; and [0021] Fig. 13 is the Raman spectrum of a sample ofS- [2- [ (l-Iminoethyl) amino] ethyl]-2- methyl-L-cysteine maleate.

Summary of the Invention [0022] The present invention is directed to a novel crystalline salt of S- [2- [ (1- Iminoethyl) amino] ethyl] -2-methyl-L-cysteine, pharmaceutical compositions, a process for preparing the novel salt compounds, a process for preparing pharmaceutical compositions, and methods of using said novel salt compound and compositions for inhibiting or modulating nitric oxide synthesis in a subject in need of such inhibition or modulation by administering a salt of a compound which preferentially inhibits or modulates the inducible isoform of nitric oxide synthase over the constitutive isoforms of nitric oxide synthase. The present salt compound possesses useful nitric oxide synthase inhibiting activity, and is expected to be useful in the treatment or prophylaxis of a disease or condition in which the synthesis or oversynthesis of nitric oxide forms a contributory part.

L0 () 23] Stoichiometrically, a unit cell of the novel salt is one molecule of S- [2- [ (1- Iminoethyl) amino] ethyl] -2-methyl-L-cysteine and one molecule of maleic acid.

[0024] The novel salt is characterized by some or all of the following physical measurements: elemental analysis (such as by combustion analysis), melting point and heat of fusion (differential scanning calorimetry and thermogravimetric analysis), refractive indices (polarized light microscopy), x-ray powder diffraction pattern, moisture sorption (for example, DVS moisture balance) and vibrational signature (Raman spectrum).

[0025] The present novel salt can be used to treat diseases involving cartilage degeneration, which takes place in certain conditions such as arthritis. Accordingly, conditions in which there is an advantage in inhibiting NO production from L-arginin include arthritic conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, gouty arthritis, juvenile arthritis, septic arthritis, spondyloarthritis, acute rheumatic arthritis, enteropathic arthritis, neuropathic arthritis, and pyogenic arthritis. In addition, NO-induced depression of chondrocyte respiration could modulate matrix loss and secondary cartilage mineralization in arthritis, in particular osteoarthritis.

[0026] Other conditions for which the present salt may be useful include chronic or inflammatory bowel disease, cardiovascular ischemia, diabetes, congestive heart failure, myocarditis, atherosclerosis, migraine, glaucoma, aortic aneurysm, reflux esophagitis, diarrhea, irritable bowel syndrome, cystic fibrosis, emphysema, asthma, bronchiectasis, hyperalgesia, cerebral ischemia, thrombotic stroke, global ischemia (secondary to cardiac arrest), multiple sclerosis and other central nervous system disorders mediated by NO, for example Parkinson's disease and Alzheimer's disease. Further neurodegenerative disorders in which NO inhibition may be useful include nerve degeneration and/or nerve necrosis in disorders such as hypoxia, hypoglycemia, epilepsy, and in external wounds (such as spinal cord and head injury), hyperbaric oxygen convulsions and toxicity, dementia e. g. pre-senile dementia, and AIDS-related dementia, Sydenham's chorea, Huntington's disease, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, Korsakoffs disease, imbecility relating to a cerebral vessel disorder, sleeping disorders, schizophrenia, depression, depression or other symptoms associated with Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS), anxiety and septic shock.

[0027] The present salt may also be used where nitric oxide inhibition may also play a role in the treatment, such as pain including somatogenic (either nociceptive or neuropathic), both acute and chronic. The present compounds could be used in any situation that a common NSAID or opioid analgesic would traditionally be administered.

[0028] Still, other disorders that may be treated by inhibiting NO production with the present salt include opiate tolerance in patients needing protracted opiate analgesics, and benzodiazepine tolerance in patients taking benzodiazepines, and other addictive behavior, for example, nicotine and eating disorders. The present compounds may also be useful as antibacterial agents.

[0029] Further conditions in which the present salt may be used to inhibit NO production from L-arginin include systemic hypotension associated with septic and/or toxic shock induced by a wide variety of agents ; therapy with cytokines such as TNF, IL-1 and IL-2 ; and as an adjuvant to short term immunosuppression in transplant therapy.

[0030] The present salt may also be useful in the treatment of ocular conditions (such as ocular hypertension retinitis uveitis), systemic lupus erythematosis (SLE), glomerulonephritis, restenosis, inflammatory sequelae of viral infections, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), oxidant-induced lung injury, IL2 therapy such as in a cancer patient, cachexia, immunosuppression such as in transplant therapy, disorders of gastrointestinal motility, sunburn, eczema, psoriasis, gingivitis, pancreatitis, damage to the gastrointestinal tract resulting from infections, cystic fibrosis, treatment to a dysfunctional immune system such as an adjuvant to short term immunosuppression in organ transplant therapy, induction of labor, adenomatous polyposis, controlling tumor growth, chemotherapy, chemoprevention and bronchitis.

[0031] The present invention is also directed to pharmaceutical compositions for the treatment of pain, asthma and other airway disorders, cancer, arthritis, ocular disorders including retinopathies and glaucoma, inflammation related disorders including irritable bowel syndrome, and other disorders in which an excessive production of nitric oxide plays a role, which comprises a therapeutically effective amount of crystalline of S- [2- [ (1- Iminoethyl) amino] ethyl] -2-methyl-L-cysteine maleate together with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, diluent or vehicle.

[0032] Besides being useful for human treatment, this form is also useful for veterinary treatment of companion animals, exotic animals and farm animals, including mammals, rodents, and the like. More preferred animals include horses, dogs, and cats.

Detailed Description of the Invention Definitions [0033] The terms"treat, ""treating"and"treatment, "as used herein includes prophylactic, palliative treatment, or restorative treatment.

[0034] The term"effective amount"means a dose conducive to treatment. An effective amount may be administered in a single dose, or in divided doses over a period of time.

[0035] The term"ACE"means acetone.

[0036] The term"ACN"means acetonitrile.

[0037] The term"amorphous"as applied to 5-[2-[(1-Iminoethyl) amino] ethyl]-2-methyl-L- cysteine herein refers to a solid state wherein the 5-[2-[(1-Iminoethyl) aminoJethyl]-2-methyl- L-cysteine molecules are present in a disordered arrangement and do not form a distinguishable crystal lattice or unit cell. When subjected to X-ray powder diffraction, amorphous S-[2-[(1-Iminoethyl) amino] ethyl] -2-methyl-L-cysteine does not produce any characteristic crystalline peaks.

[0038] The term"crystalline form"as applied to 5-[2-[(1-Iminoetllyl) aminoJetllyl]-2-methyl- L-cysteine herein refers to a solid state form wherein the 5-[2-[(1-Iminoethyl) aminoJethyl]-2- methyl-L-cysteine molecules are arranged to form a distinguishable crystal lattice (i) comprising distinguishable unit cells, and (ii) yielding diffraction peaks when subjected to X- ray radiation.

[0039] The term"crystallization"as used herein can refer to crystallization and/or recrystallization depending upon the applicable circumstances relating to preparation of S- [2- [(l-Iminoethyl) amino] ethyl] -2-methyl-L-cysteine starting material.

[0040] The term"DMF"means N,N-dimethylformamide.

[0041] The term"D/W/A"refers to a ternary solvent system of N, N dimethylformamide (DMF), water and acetonitrile.

[0042] The term"S- [2- [ (1-Iminoethyl) amino] ethyl] -2-methyl-L-cysteine drug substance"as used herein means S- [2- [ (1-Iminoethyl) amino] ethyl] -2-methyl-L-cysteine per se as qualified by the context in which the term is used, and can refer to unformulated S- [2- [ (1- Iminoethyl) amino] ethyl]-2-methyl-L-cysteine or to S- [2- [ (l-Iminoethyl) amino] ethyl]-2- methyl-L-cysteine present as an ingredient of a pharmaceutical composition.

[0043] The term"DSC"means differential scanning calorimetry.

[0044] The term"HPLC"means high pressure liquid chromatography.

[0045] The term"IR"means infrared.

[0046] The term"NMR"means nuclear magnetic resonance, and may apply to nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy.

[0047] The term"ml"means milliliters.

[0048] The term"mg"means milligrams.

[0049] The term"gg"means micrograms [0050] The term"ul"means microliters.

[0051] The term"nucleation, "as used herein, means the formation of crystals in a solution.

[0052] The term"Purity"herein, unless otherwise qualified, means the chemical purity of S- [2- [ (1-Iminoethyl) amino] ethyl]-2-methyl-L-cysteine according to conventional HPLC assay.

[0053] The term"PXRD"means powder X-ray diffraction.

[0054] The term"rpm"means revolutions per minute.

[0055] The term"seeding,"as used herein, means the addition of crystals to a solution for the purpose of initiating or enhancing nucleation.

[0056] The term"TGA"means thermogravimetric analysis.

[0057] The term"Tm"means melting temperature.

[0058] The terrn"zwitterion"means a molecule that carries both a positive and negative charge such that the net charge is zero.

Utility [0059] S- [2- [ (1-Iminoethyl) amino] ethyl] -2-methyl-L-cysteine maleate crystalline salt will be useful for treating, among other things, inflammation in a subject, or for treating other nitric oxide synthase-mediated disorders, such as, as an analgesic in the treatment of pain and headaches, or as an antipyretic for the treatment of fever. For example, S- [2- [ (1- Iminoethyl) amino] ethyl] -2-methyl-L-cysteine maleate crystalline salt will be useful to treat arthritis, including but not limited to rheumatoid arthritis, spondyloarthropathies, gouty arthritis, osteoarthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, juvenile arthritis, acute rheumatic arthritis, enteropathic arthritis, neuropathic arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and pyogenic arthritis.

Conditions in which the S- [2- [ (1-Iminoethyl) amino] ethyl] -2-methyl-L-cysteine maleate crystalline salt will provide an advantage in inhibiting NO production from L-arginine include arthritic conditions.

[0060] S- [2- [ (l-Iminoethyl) amino] ethyl]-2-methyl-L-cysteine maleate crystalline salt will be further useful in the treatment of asthma, bronchitis, menstrual cramps (e. g., dysmenonhea), premature labor, tendinitis, bursitis, skin-related conditions such as psoriasis, eczema, burns, sunburn, dermatitis, pancreatitis, hepatitis, and from post- operative inflammation including from ophthalmic surgery such as cataract surgery and refractive surgery. S- [2- [ (l-Iminoethyl) amino] ethyl] -2-methyl-L-cysteine maleate crystalline salt also would be useful to treat gastrointestinal conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease, Crohn's disease, gastritis, irritable bowel syndrome and ulcerative colitis.

[0061] S- [2- [ (l-Iminoethyl) amino] ethyl] -2-methyl-L-cysteine maleate crystalline salt would be useful for the prevention or treatment of cancer, such as colorectal cancer, and cancer of the breast, lung, prostate, bladder, cervix and skin. S- [2- [ (l- Iminoethyl) amino] ethyl]-2-methyl-L-cysteine maleate crystalline salt of the invention would be useful in treating inflammation and tissue damage in such diseases as vascular diseases, migraine headaches, periarteritis nodosa, thyroiditis, aplastic anemia, Hodgkin's disease, sclerodoma, rheumatic fever, type I diabetes, neuromuscular junction disease including myasthenia gravis, white matter disease including multiple sclerosis, sarcoidosis, nephrotic syndrome9 Behcets syndrome, polymyositis9 gingivitis, nephritis, hypersensitivity, swelling occurring after injury, myocardial ischemia, and the like. The S- [2- [ (l-Iminoethyl) amino] ethyl] -2-methyl-L-cysteine maleate crystalline salt would also be useful in the treatment of ophthalmic diseases, such as glaucoma, retinitis, retinopathies, uveitis, ocular photophobia, and of inflammation and pain associated with acute injury to the eye tissue. Of particular interest among the uses of the present inventive S- [2- [ (1-Iminoethyl) amino] ethyl]-2-methyl-L-cysteine maleate crystalline salt is the treatment of glaucoma, especially where symptoms of glaucoma are caused by the production of nitric oxide, such as in nitric oxide-mediated nerve damage. The S- [2- [ (l-Iminoethyl) amino] ethyl] -2-methyl-L-cysteine maleate crystalline salt would also be useful in the treatment of pulmonary inflammation, such as that associated with viral infections and cystic fibrosis. The S- [2- [ (l- Iminoethyl) amino] ethyl] -2-methyl-L-cysteine maleate crystalline salt would also be useful for the treatment of certain central nervous system disorders, such as cortical dementias including Alzheimer's disease, and central nervous system damage resulting from stroke, ischemia and trauma. The S- [2- [ (l-Iminoethyl) amino] ethyl]-2-methyl-L- cysteine maleate crystalline salt is useful as an anti-inflammatory agent, such as for the treatment of arthritis, with the additional benefit of having significantly less harmful side effects.

[0062] S- [2- [ (l-Iminoethyl) amino] ethyl]-2-methyl-L-cysteine maleate crystalline salt would also be useful in the treatment of allergic rhinitis, respiratory distress syndrome, endotoxin shock syndrome, and atherosclerosis.

[0063] S- [2- [ (l-Iminoethyl) amino] ethyl]-2-methyl-L-cysteine maleate crystalline salt would also be useful in the treatment of pain, including but not limited to postoperative pain, dental pain, muscular pain, and pain resulting from cancer. S- [2- [ (1- Iminoethyl) amino] ethyl] -2-methyl-L-cysteine maleate crystalline salt would be useful for the prevention of dementia, such as Alzheimer's disease.

[0064] Besides being useful for human treatment, S- [2- [ (l-Iminoethyl) amino] ethyl]-2- methyl-L-cysteine maleate crystalline salt is also useful for veterinary treatment of companion animals, exotic animals and farm animals, including mammals, rodents, and the like. More preferred animals include horses, dogs, and cats.

[0065] The present 5-[2-[(l-Iminoethyl) amino] ethyl]-2-methyl-L-cysteine maleate crystalline salt may also be used in co-therapies, partially or completely, in place of other conventional antiinflammatory therapies, such as together with steroids, NSAIDs, COX-2 selective inhibitors, 5-lipoxygenase inhibitors, LTB4 antagonists and LTA4 hydrolase inhibitors.

[0066] Other conditions in which the 5-[2-[(1-Iminoethyl) amino] ethyl]-2-methyl-L- cysteine maleate crystalline salt of the present invention will provide an advantage in inhibiting NO inhibition include cardiovascular ischemia, diabetes (type I or type II), congestive heart failure, myocarditis, atherosclerosis, migraine, glaucoma, aortic aneurysm, reflux esophagitis, diarrhea, irritable bowel syndrome, cystic fibrosis, emphysema, asthma, bronchiectasis, hyperalgesia (allodynia), cerebral ischemia (both focal ischemia, thrombotic stroke and global ischemia (for example, secondary to cardiac arrest), multiple sclerosis and other central nervous system disorders mediated by NO, for example Parkinson's disease. Further neurodegenerative disorders in which NO inhibition may be useful include nerve degeneration or nerve necrosis in disorders such as hypoxia, hypoglycemia, epilepsy, and in cases of central nervous system (CNS) trauma (such as spinal cord and head injury), hyperbaric oxygen convulsions and toxicity, dementia e. g. pre-senile dementia, and AIDS-related dementia, cachexia, Sydenham's chorea, Huntington's disease, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, Korsakoff's disease, imbecility relating to a cerebral vessel disorder, sleeping disorders, schizophrenia, depression, depression or other symptoms associated with Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS), anxiety and septic shock.

[0067] The S- [2- [ (1-Iminoethyl) amino] ethyl]-2-methyl-L-cysteine maleate crystalline salt of the present invention will also be useful in the treatment of pain including somatogenic (either nociceptive or neuropathic), both acute and chronic. S- [2- [ (1- Iminoethyl) amino] ethyl] -2-methyl-L-cysteine maleate crystalline salt could be used in any situation including neuropathic pain that a common NSAID or opioid analgesic would traditionally be administered.

[0068] Still other disorders or conditions which will be advantageously treated by the S- [2- [ (1-Iminoethyl) amino] ethyl]-2-methyl-L-cysteine maleate crystalline salt of the present invention include treatment or prevention of opiate tolerance in patients needing protracted opiate analgesics, and benzodiazepine tolerance in patients taking benzodiazepines, and other addictive behavior, for example, nicotine addiction, alcoholism, and eating disorders.

[0069] The S- [2- [ (1-Iminoethyl) amino] ethyl] -2-methyl-L-cysteine maleate crystalline salt of the present invention will also be useful in the treatment or prevention of drug withdrawal symptoms, for example treatment or prevention of symptoms of withdrawal from opiate, alcohol, or tobacco addiction.

[0070] The S- [2- [ (l-Iminoethyl) amino] ethyl] -2-methyl-L-cysteine maleate crystalline salt may also be useful to prevent tissue damage when therapeutically combined with antibacterial or antiviral agents.

[0071] The S- [2- [ (l-Iminoethyl) amino] ethyl]-2-methyl-L-cysteine maleate crystalline salt of the present invention will also be useful in inhibiting NO production from L-arginine including systemic hypotension associated with septic and/or toxic hemorrhagic shock induced by a wide variety of agents; therapy with cytokines such as TNF, IL-1 and IL-2; and as an adjuvant to short term immunosuppression in transplant therapy.

[0072] The present invention is further directed to the use of the S- [2- [ (l- Iminoethyl) amino] ethyl] -2-methyl-L-cysteine maleate crystalline salt of the present invention for the treatment and prevention of neoplasias. The neoplasias that will be treatable or preventable by the S- [2- [ (1-Iminoethyl) amino] ethyl] -2-methyl-L-cysteine maleate crystalline salt and methods of the present invention include brain cancer, bone cancer, a leukemia, a lymphoma, epithelial cell-derived neoplasia (epithelial carcinoma) such as basal cell carcinoma, adenocarcinoma, gastrointestinal cancer such as lip cancer, mouth cancer, esophogeal cancer, small bowel cancer and stomach cancer, colon cancer, liver cancer, bladder cancer, pancreas cancer, ovary cancer, cervical cancer, lung cancer, breast cancer and skin cancer, such as squamous cell and basal cell cancers, prostate cancer, renal cell carcinoma, and other known cancers that effect epithelial cells throughout the body.

Preferably, the neoplasia to be treated is selected from gastrointestinal cancer, liver cancer, bladder cancer, pancreas cancer, ovary cancer, prostate cancer, cervical cancer, lung cancer, breast cancer and skin cancer, such as squamous cell and basal cell cancers. The present S- [2- [ (l-Iminoethyl) amino] ethyl]-2-methyl-L-cysteine maleate crystalline salt and methods can also be used to treat the fibrosis which occurs with radiation therapy. The present S- [2- [ (1- Iminoethyl) amino] ethyl] -2-methyl-L-cysteine maleate crystalline salt and methods can be used to treat subjects having adenomatous polyps, including those with familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP). Additionally, the present S- [2- [ (l-Iminoethyl) amino] ethyl]-2-methyl-L- cysteine maleate crystalline salt and methods can be used to prevent polyps from forming in patients at risk of FAP.

[0073] Conjunctive treatment of a S- [2- [ (l-Iminoethyl) amino] ethyl]-2-methyl-L-cysteine maleate crystalline salt of the present invention with another antineoplastic agent will produce a synergistic effect or alternatively reduce the toxic side effects associated with chemotherapy by reducing the therapeutic dose of the side effect-causing agent needed for therapeutic efficacy or by directly reducing symptoms of toxic side effects caused by the side effect-causing agent. S- [2- [ (1-Iminoethyl) amino] ethyl] -2-methyl-L-cysteine maleate crystalline salt of the present invention will further be useful as an adjunct to radiation therapy to reduce side effects or enhance efficacy.

[0074] In the present invention, another agent which can be combined therapeutically with the S- [2- [ (1-Iminoethyl) amino] ethyl]-2-methyl-L-cysteine maleate crystalline salt of the present invention includes any therapeutic agent which is capable of inhibiting the enzyme cyclooxygenase-2 ("COX-2"). Preferably such COX-2 inhibiting agents inhibit COX-2 selectively relative to the enzyme cyclooxygenase-1 ("COX-1"). Such a COX-2 inhibitor is known as a"COX-2 selective inhibitor". COX-2 selective inhibitors useful in therapeutic combination with the S- [2- [ (1-Iminoethyl) amino] ethyl] -2-methyl-L-cysteine maleate crystalline salt of the present invention include celecoxib, valdecoxib, deracoxib, etoricoxib, rofecoxib, ABT-963 (2- (3, 4-difluorophenyl)-4- (3-hydroxy-3-methyl-l-butoxy)-5- [4- (methylsulfonyl) phenyl-3 (2H) -pyridazinone ; described in PCT Patent Application No. WO 00/24719), or meloxicam. S- [2- [ (1-Iminoethyl) amino] ethyl]-2-methyl-L-cysteine maleate crystalline salt of the present invention can also be advantageously used in therapeutic combination with a prodrug of a COX-2 selective inhibitor, for example parecoxib.

[0075] Another chemotherapeutic agent which will be useful in combination with the S- [2- [(l-Iminoethyl) amino] ethyl]-2-methyl-L-cysteine maleate crystalline salt of the present invention can be selected, for example, from the following non-comprehensive and non- limiting list: [0076] Alpha-difluoromethylornithine (DFMO), 5-FU-fibrinogen, acanthifolic acid, aminothiadiazole, brequinar sodium, carmofur, Ciba-Geigy CGP-30694, cyclopentyl cytosine, cytarabine phosphate stearate, cytarabine conjugates, Lilly DATHF, Merrel Dow DDFC, dezaguanine, dideoxycytidine, dideoxyguanosine, didox, Yoshitomi DMDC, doxifluridine, Wellcome EHNA, Merck & Co. EX-015, fazarabine, floxuridine, fludarabine phosphate, 5-fluorouracil, N- (2'-furanidyl)-5-fluorouracil, Daiichi Seiyaku FO-152, isopropyl pyrrolizine, Lilly LY-188011, Lilly LY-264618, methobenzaprim, methotrexate, Wellcome MZPES, norspermidine, NCI NSC-127716, NCI NSC-264880, NCI NSC-39661, NCI NSC- 612567, Warner-Lambert PALA, pentostatin, piritrexim, plicamycin, Asahi Chemical PL- AC, Takeda TAC-788, thioguanine, tiazofurin, Erbamont TIF, trimetrexate, tyrosine kinase inhibitors, tyrosine protein kinase inhibitors, Taiho UFT, uricytin, Shionogi 254-S, aldo- phosphamide analogues, altretamine, anaxirone, Boehringer Mannheim BBR-2207, bestrabucil, budotitane, Wakunaga CA-1029 carboplatin, carmustine, Chinoin-139, Chinoin- 153, chlorambucil, cisplatin, cyclophosphamide, American Cyanamid CL-286558, Sanofi CY-233, cyplatate, Degussa D-19-384, Sumimoto DACHP (Myr) 2, diphenylspiromustine, diplatinum cytostatic, Erba distamycin derivatives, Chugai DWA-2114R, ITI E09, elmustine, Erbamont FCE-24517, estramustine phosphate sodium, fotemustine, Unimed G-6-M, Chinoin GYKI-17230, hepsul-fam, ifosfamide, iproplatin, lomustine, mafosfamide, mitolactol, Nippon Kayaku NK-121, NCI NSC-264395, NCI NSC-342215, oxaliplatin, Upjohn PCNU, prednimustine, Proter PTT-119, ranimustine, semustine, SmithKline SK&F- 101772, Yakult Honsha SN-22, spiromus-tine, Tanabe Seiyaku TA-077, tauromustine, temozolomide, teroxirone, tetraplatin, trimelamol, Taiho 4181-A, aclarubicin, actinomycin D, actinoplanone, Erbamont ADR-456, aeroplysinin derivative, Ajinomoto AN-201-II, Ajinomoto AN-3, Nippon Soda anisomycins, anthracycline, azino-mycin-A, bisucaberin, Bristol-Myers BL-6859, Bristol-Myers BMY-25067, Bristol-Myers BMY-25551, Bristol- Myers BMY-26605, Bristol-Myers BMY-27557, Bristol-Myers BMY-28438, bleomycin sulfate, bryostatin-1, Taiho C-1027, calichemycin, chromoximycin, dactinomycin, daunorubicin, Kyowa Hakko DC-102, Kyowa Hakko DC-79, Kyowa Hakko DC-88A, Kyowa Hakko DC89-A1, Kyowa Hakko DC92-B, ditrisarubicin B, Shionogi DOB-41, doxorubicin, doxorubicin-fibrinogen, elsamicin-A, epirubicin, erbstatin, esorubicin, esperamicin-Al, esperamicin-Alb, Erbamont FCE-21954, Fujisawa FK-973, fostriecin, Fujisawa FR-900482, glidobactin, gregatin-A, grincamycin, herbimycin, idarubicin, illudins, kazusamycin, kesarirhodins, Kyowa Hakko KM-5539, Kirin Brewery KRN-8602, Kyowa Hakko KT-5432, Kyowa Hakko KT-5594, Kyowa Hakko KT-6149, American Cyanamid LL-D49194, Meiji Seika ME 2303, menogaril, mitomycin, mitoxantrone, SmithKline M- TAG, neoenactin, Nippon Kayaku NK-313, Nippon Kayaku NKT-01, SRI International NSC-357704, oxalysine, oxaunomycin, peplomycin, pilatin, pirarubicin, porothramycin, pyrindamycin A, Tobishi RA-I, rapamycin, rhizoxin, rodorubicin, sibanomicin, siwenmycin, Sumitomo SM-5887, Snow Brand SN-706, Snow Brand SN-07, sorangicin-A, sparsomycin, SS Pharmaceutical SS-21020, SS Pharmaceutical SS-7313B, SS Pharmaceutical SS-9816B, steffimycin B, Taiho 4181-2, talisomycin, Takeda TAN-868A, terpentecin, thrazine, tricrozarin A, Upjohn U-73975, Kyowa Hakko UCN-10028A, Fujisawa WF-3405, Yoshitomi Y-25024 zorubicin, alpha-carotene, alpha-difluoromethyl-arginine, acitretin, Biotec AD-5, Kyorin AHC-52, alstonine, amonafide, amphethinile, amsacrine, Angiostat, ankinomycin, anti-neoplaston A10, antineoplaston A2, antineoplaston A3, antineoplaston A5, antineoplaston AS2-1, Henkel APD, aphidicolin glycinate, asparaginase, Avarol, baccharin, batracylin9 benfluron, benzotript9 Ipsen-Beaufour BIM-230159 bisantrene9 Bristo-Myers BMY-40481, Vestar boron-10, bromofosfamide, Wellcome BW-5029 Wellcome BW-773, caracemide, carmethizole hydrochloride, Ajinomoto CDAF, chlorsulfaquinoxalone, Chemex CHX-2053, Chemex CHX-100, Warner-Lambert CI-921, Warner-Lambert CI-937, Warner- Lambert CI-941, Warner-Lambert CI-958, clanfenur, claviridenone, ICN compound 1259, ICN compound 4711, Contracan, Yakult Honsha CPT-11, crisnatol, curaderm, cytochalasin B, cytarabine, cytocytin, Merz D-609, DABIS maleate, dacarbazine, datelliptinium, didemnin-B, dihaematoporphyrin ether, dihydrolenperone, dinaline, distamycin, Toyo Pharmar DM-341, Toyo Pharmar DM-75, Daiichi Seiyaku DN-9693, elliprabin, elliptinium acetate, Tsumura EPMTC, ergotamine, etoposide, etretinate, fenretinide, Fujisawa FR- 57704, gallium nitrate, genkwadaphnin, Chugai GLA-43, Glaxo GR-63178, grifolan NMF- 5N, hexadecylphosphocholine, Green Cross HO-221, homoharringtonine, hydroxyurea, BTG ICRF-187, ilmofosine, isoglutamine, isotretinoin, Otsuka JI-36, Ramot K-477, Otsuak K-76COONa, Kureha Chemical K-AM, MECT Corp KI-8110, American Cyanamid L-623, leukoregulin, lonidamine, Lundbeck LU-23-112, Lilly LY-186641, NCI (US) MAP, marycin, Merrel Dow MDL-27048, Medco MEDR-340, merbarone, merocyanine derivatives, methylanilinoacridine, Molecular Genetics MGI-136, minactivin, mitonafide, mitoquidone, mopidamol, motretinide, Zenyaku Kogyo MST-16, N- (retinoyl) amino acids, Nisshin Flour Milling N-021, N-acylated-dehydroalanines, nafazatrom, Taisho NCU-190, nocodazole derivative, Normosang, NCI NSC-145813, NCI NSC-361456, NCI NSC-604782, NCI NSC-95580, octreotide, Ono ONO-112, oquizanocine, Akzo Org-10172, pancratistatin, pazelliptine, Warner-Lambert PD-111707, Warner-Lambert PD-115934, Warner-Lambert PD-131141, Pierre Fabre PE-1001, ICRT peptide D, piroxantrone, polyhaematoporphyrin, polypreic acid, Efamol porphyrin, probimane, procarbazine, proglumide, Invitron protease nexin I, Tobishi RA-700, razoxane, Sapporo Breweries RBS, restrictin-P, retelliptine, retinoic acid, Rhone-Poulenc RP-49532, Rhone-Poulenc RP-56976, SmithKline SK&F-104864, Sumitomo SM-108, Kuraray SMANCS, SeaPharm SP-10094, spatol, spirocyclopropane derivatives, spirogennanium, Unimed, SS Pharmaceutical SS-554, strypoldinone, Stypoldione, Suntory SUN 0237, Suntory SUN 2071, superoxide dismutase, Toyama T-506, Toyama T-680, taxol, Teijin TEI-0303, teniposide, thaliblastine, Eastman Kodak TJB-29, tocotrienol, Topostin, Teijin TT-82, Kyowa Hakko UCN-01, Kyowa Hakko UCN-1028, ukrain, Eastman Kodak USB-006, vinblastine sulfate, vincristine, vindesine, vinestramide, vinorelbine, vintriptol, vinzolidine, withanolides, Yamanouchi YM-534, uroguanylin, combretastatin, dolastatin, idarubicin, epirubicin, estramustine9 cyclophosphamide, 9-amino- <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> 2- (S)-camptotliecin9 topotecan9 irinotecan (Camptosar), exemestane, decapeptyl (tryptorelin), or an omega-3 fatty acid.

[0077] Examples of radioprotective agents which may be used in a combination therapy with the S- [2- [ (1-Iminoethyl) amino] ethyl] -2-methyl-L-cysteine maleate crystalline salt of this invention include AD-5, adchnon, amifostine analogues, detox, dimesna, 1-102, MM-159, N- acylated-dehydroalanines, TGF-Genentech, tiprotimod, amifostine, WR-151327, FUT-187, ketoprofen transdermal, nabumetone, superoxide dismutase (Chiron) and superoxide dismutase Enzon.

[0078] The S- [2- [ (l-Iminoethyl) amino] ethyl] -2-methyl-L-cysteine maleate crystalline salt of the present invention will also be useful in treatment or prevention of angiogenesis-related disorders or conditions, for example, tumor growth, metastasis, macular degeneration, and atherosclerosis.

[0079] In a further embodiment, the present invention also provides therapeutic combinations for the treatment or prevention of ophthalmic disorders or conditions such as glaucoma. For example the present inventive S- [2- [ (1-Iminoethyl) amino] ethyl] -2-methyl-L-cysteine maleate crystalline salt advantageously will be used in therapeutic combination with a drug which reduces the intraocular pressure of patients afflicted with glaucoma. Such intraocular pressure-reducing drugs include without limitation latanoprost, travoprost, bimatoprost, or unoprostol. The therapeutic combination of the S- [2- [ (l-Iminoethyl) amino] ethyl]-2-methyl- L-cysteine maleate crystalline salt of the present invention plus an intraocular pressure- reducing drug will be useful because each is believed to achieve its effects by affecting a different mechanism.

[0080] In another combination of the present invention, the present inventive S- [2- [ (1- Iminoethyl) amino] ethyl]-2-methyl-L-cysteine maleate crystalline salt can be used in therapeutic combination with an antihyperlipidemic or cholesterol-lowering drug such as a benzothiepine or a benzothiazepine antihyperlipidemic drug. Examples of benzothiepine antihyperlipidemic drugs useful in the present inventive therapeutic combination can be found in U. S. Patent No. 5,994, 391, herein incorporated by reference. Some benzothiazepine antihyperlipidemic drugs are described in WO 93/16055. Alternatively, the antihyperlipidemic or cholesterol-lowering drug useful in combination with a compound of the present invention can be an HMG Co-A reductase inhibitor. Examples of HMG Co-A reductase inhibitors useful in the present therapeutic combination include, individually, benfluorex, fluvastatin, lovastatin, provastatin, simvastatin, atorvastatin, cerivastatin, bervastatin, ZD-9720 (described in PCT Patent Application No. WO 97/06802), ZD-4522 (CAS No. 147098-20-2 for the calcium salt ; CAS No. 147098-18-8 for the sodium salt ; described in European Patent No. EP 521471) BMS 180431 (CAS No. 129829-03-4), or NK-104 (CAS No. 141750-63-2). The therapeutic combination of the S- [2- [ (I- Iminoethyl) amino] ethyl] -2-methyl-L-cysteine maleate crystalline salt of the present invention plus an antihyperlipidemic or cholesterol-lowering drug will be useful, for example, in reducing the risk of formation of atherosclerotic lesions in blood vessels. For example, atherosclerotic lesions often initiate at inflamed sites in blood vessels. It is established that antihyperlipidemic or cholesterol-lowering drug reduce risk of formation of atherosclerotic lesions by lowering lipid levels in blood. Without limiting the invention to a single mechanism of action, it is believed that one way the S- [2- [ (1-Iminoethyl) amino] ethyl]-2- methyl-L-cysteine maleate crystalline salt of the present combination will work in concert to provide improved control of atherosclerotic lesions by, for example, reducing inflammation of the blood vessels in concert with lowering blood lipid levels.

[0081] In another embodiment of the invention, the present S- [2- [ (1- Iminoethyl) amino] ethyl] -2-methyl-L-cysteine maleate crystalline salt can be used in combination with other compounds or therapies for the treatment of central nervous conditions or disorders such as migraine. For example, the present S- [2- [ (1- Iminoethyl) amino] ethyl] -2-methyl-L-cysteine maleate crystalline salt can be used in therapeutic combination with caffeine, a 5-HT-1B/1D agonist (for example, a triptan such as sumatriptan, naratriptan, zolmitriptan, rizatriptan, almotriptan, or frovatriptan), a dopamine D4 antagonist (e. g. , sonepiprazole), aspirin, acetaminophen, ibuprofen, indomethacin, naproxen sodium, isometheptene, dichloralphenazone, butalbital, an ergot alkaloid (e. g., ergotamine, dihydroergotamine, bromocriptine, ergonovine, or methyl ergonovine), a tricyclic antidepressant (e. g. , amitriptyline or nortriptyline), a serotonergic antagonist (e. g., methysergide or cyproheptadine), a beta-andrenergic antagonist (e. g. , propranolol, timolol, atenolol, nadolol, or metprolol), or a monoamine oxidase inhbitor (e. g. , phenelzine or isocarboxazid).

[0082] A further embodiment provides a therapeutic combination of the S- [2- [ (1- Iminoethyl) amino] ethyl]-2-methyl-L-cysteine maleate crystalline salt of the present invention with an opioid compound. Opioid compounds useful in this combination include without limitation morphine, methadone, hydromorphone, oxymorphone, levorphanol, levallorphan, codeine, dihydrocodeine, dihydrohydroxycodeinone, pentazocine, hydrocodone, oxycodone, nalmefene, etorphine, levorphanol, fentanyl, sufentanil, DAMGO, butorphanol, buprenorphine, naloxone, naltrexone, CTOP, diprenorphine, beta-funaltrexamine, naloxonazine, nalorphine, pentazocine, nalbuphine9 naloxone benzoylhydrazone, bremazocine, ethylketocyclazocine, U50, 488, U69,593, spiradoline, nor-binaltorphimine, naltrindole, DPDPE, [D-la2, glu4] deltorphin, DSLET, met-enkephalin, leu-enkaphalin, beta- endorphin, dynorphin A, dynorphin B, and alpha-neoendorphin. An advantage to the combination of the S- [2- [ (l-Iminoethyl) amino] ethyl]-2-methyl-L-cysteine maleate crystalline salt of the present invention with an opioid compound is that the present inventive S- [2- [ (l- Iminoethyl) amino] ethyl] -2-methyl-L-cysteine maleate crystalline salt will allow a reduction in the dose of the opioid compound, thereby reducing the risk or severity of opioid side effects, such as opioid addiction.

Illustrative Examples [0083] A method to make S- [2- [ (l-iminoethyl) amino] ethyl] -2-methyl-L-cysteine dihydrochloride is described in commonly assigned U. S. patent number 6,403, 830, incorporated herein by reference.

[0084] Briefly, synthesis of S- [2- [ (l-iminoethyl) amino] ethyl]-2-methyl-L-cysteine dihydrochloride may be performed as in the following Example 1: Example 1 S- [2- [ (1-Iminoethyl) amino] ethyl]-2-methyl-L-cysteine, dihydrochloride Example-lA) N-Boc-cysteamine [0085] A 3L 4-neck RB flask was purged with nitrogen for 20 min and then charged sequentially with 2-aminoethanethiol hydrochloride (113.6 g, 1 mol), di-tert-butyl- dicarbonate (218.3 g9 1 mol) and 500 mL of toluene. The mixture was cooled with an ice- water bath and purged with nitrogen for 10 min. Sodium hydroxide (2. 5N, 880 mL, 2.2 mol) was added to the stirring mixture in about 1.5 h at between 0 and 11 °C. After the addition of sodium hydroxide was complete, the cooling bath was removed and the resulting reaction mixture was allowed to warm up to room temperature and stirred at ambient temperature overnight. This provided a solution of the title product.

Example-lB) [0086] The product solution of Example-lA was cooled with an ice-water bath. A sample of chloroacetone (101. 8 g, 1. 1 mol) was added to the vigorously stirred reaction mixture over about 50 min at between 8 and 11 °C. After the addition of chloroacetone was completed, the cooling bath was removed and the resulting reaction mixture was allowed to stir at room temperature overnight. The toluene layer was separated, washed with water (250 mL) and concentrated on a rotary evaporator at 85 °C under house vacuum followed by high vacuum to give the crude titled compound (225.7 g, 96. 7%). 1H NMR (CDCl3, 400 MHz) 8 4.95 (bs, 1H), 3.20 (m, 4H), 2.54 (t, 2H), 2.20 (s, 3H), 1.35 (s, 9H).

Example-1C) [2- [ [ (4-Metliyl-2, 5-dioxo-4-imidazolidinyl) methyl] thio] ethyl] carbamic acid, 1, 1-dimethylethyl ester.

[0087] To a 3L 4-neck RB flask equipped with an overhead stirrer, a thermocouple and a condenser connected to an empty flask and a caustic trap, was added the product of Example-lB (70 g, 0.3 mol), absolute ethanol (80 mL), sodium cyanide (19.1 g, 0.39 mol), ammonium carbonate (43. 3 g, 0. 45 mol) and water (720 mL) in this order. The 4th neck was closed with a stopper. The resulting reaction mixture was heated at between 67 and 68 °C for 6 h. Subsequently, the almost clear brown solution was cooled to room temperature. Upon cooling, solid began to form and the heterogeneous mixture was stirred at room temperature overnight. The reaction mixture was then acidified with 12% hydrochloric acid to pH 2 in about 1 h at between-2 and 2 °C. The cold reaction mixture was stirred at pH2 for additional 30 min and then filtered. The flask was rinsed with distilled water (2 x 250 mL) and each rinse was used to wash the solid cake. The solid was again washed with distilled water (2 x 250 mL) and then air-dried for 4 days. The dry solid was triturated with 200 mL of toluene for 0.5 h. The slurry was filtered. The solid was rinsed sequentially with toluene (50 mL) and 1: 4 ratio of toluene/hexane (100 mL) and then air-dried at room temperature overnight to give 83. 1% yield of the titled compound, m. p. 134-136 °C. IH NMR (DMSOd6,400 MHz) 8 10.62 (s, 1H), 7.85 (s, 1H), 6.83 (m, 0.9H), 6.48 (bs, 0. 1H), 3.29 (s, 2H), 2.99 (m, 2H), 2.71 (s, 2H), 2.95 (m, 2H), 1.32 (s, 9H), 1.24 (s, 3H) ; 13C NMR (DMSOd6,400 MHz), # 178.1, 157.1, 156.1, 78. 4,63. 7,40. 7,39. 4,33. 2,28. 9,23. 8.

[0088] Analysis Calcd for C12H2lN304S : C, 47.51 ; H, 6.98 ; N, 13. 85 ; S, 10.57. Found: C, 47.76 ; H, 6.88 ; N, 13.77 ; S, 10.75.

Example-lD) R and S- [2- [ [ (4-Methyl-2, 5-dioxo-4- imidazolidinyl) methyl] thio] ethyl] carbamic acid, 1, 1-dimethylethyl ester S enantiomer R enantiomer [0089] The reaction product of Example-1C was separated into its R and S enantiomers on a ChiralpakO AD column eluting with methanol. The S isomer was the first eluting isomer followed by its R enantiomer. Both isomers were used in subsequent transformations.

S enantiomer : [0090] [a] in MeOH at 25 °C = +43.0 (365 nm). lHNMR : (400mHz, CD30D) # 1.49 (s, 9H), 2.05 (s, 3H), 2.65 (t, 2H), 2.9 (q, 2H, d), 3.20 (m, 2H). IR: acm-1 = 1772,1709.

[0091] Analysis calculated for C12H21N3O4S (formula weight = 303. 38) : C 47. 51, H 6.98, N 13.85. Found: C 47.39, H 6.62, N 13.83. M+H = 304.

[0092] R enantiomer: [oc] in MeOH at 25 °C =-46.3 (365 nm). 1HNMR : (400mHz, CD3OD) 8 1.48 (s, 9H), 2.05 (s, 3H), 2. 65 (t, 2H), 2.85 (q, 2H, d), 3.18 (m, 2H). IR: #cm-1 = 1770,1711.

Analysis calculated for C12H2lN304S (formula weight = 303.38) : C 47.51, H 6. 98, N 13.85.

Found: C 48.15, H 7.04, N 14.37. M+H = 304.

Example-lE) S-(2-aminoethyl)-2-methyl-L-cysteine Acid hydrolysis method: [0093] A 500 mL three-necked round bottom flask equipped with a distillation condenser was charged with the R-isomer product of Example-lD (45.8 g, 150.9 mmol) and treated portion wise with 48% aq. HBr (160 mL) at room temperature with stirring. After the gas evolution ceased, the mixture was heated with a heating mantle until the pot temperature reached to 126 °C while the volatile t-butyl bromide (bp 72-74 °C) followed by a small amount of aq. HBr (approx. 15 mL) were distilled off. The distillation condenser was replaced with a reflux condenser and the mixture was heated at reflux for 30 hours. The solution was concentrated and the residue was dissolved in water (250 mL) and loaded on to a Dowex@ 50WX4-200 ion-exchange resin (8. 5 x 11 cm) and eluted with water (2L) followed by dilute aqueous ammonium hydroxide (30 mL of 28-30% ammonium hydroxide diluted to 1000 mL with water, 3L). Fractions containing the desired product were combined, concentrated, and dried under vacuum at 75-80 °C for two hours to give 22.1 g (82%) of the title product, S- (2-aminoethyl)-2-methyl-L-cysteine, as a white solid. Proton and C-13 NMR spectra are consistent with the title product. Mp 157 °C. IH NMR (400 MHz, D20) 8 1. 19 (3H, s), 2053 (1H9 d,. I= 13.6 Hz), 2.57-2. 72 (2H, m), 2.92 (1H, d, J= 13.6 Hz), 2.92 (2H, t, J= 6.8 Hz) ; 13C NMR (100 MHz, D20) 8 24. 7, 31.3, 38. 9,40. 9, 59.6, 180. 7.

[0094] Analysis Cald for C6Hl4N202S + 0.1 H20 : C, 40.02 ; H, 7.95 ; N, 15.56 ; S, 17.81.

Found: C, 39¢939 EI, 7. 98 ; N, 15. 38 ; S9 17. 70.

Base hydrolysis method: [0095] To a stainless steel autoclave equipped with agitation was added 24.2 g (0.08 moles) of the R-isomer product of Example-l D. After purging the apparatus with nitrogen, 128 g (0. 32 moles) of 10% caustic was added generating a solution. The autoclave was sealed and heated to 120 °C for 30 hours. After cooling to room temperature, the autoclave was vented to give 142 ml (151 g) of an aqueous solution of the sodium salt of the title product. HINMR (sample acidified with HCl and diluted with D20, 400 MHz): # 1.47 (s, 3H), 2.75 (m, 2 H), 2.90 (d, 1H, J = 14. 8 Hz), 3.06 (t, 2H, J = 6.4 Hz), 3.14 (d, 1H, J = 14.8 Hz). C13NMR (sample acidified with HCl and diluted with D2O, 100 MHz): 8 172.9, 60.8, 39.1, 39.0, 30.4, 22.2. MS (MS/CI-LC) M+1 179.

[0096] DBU (218 iL ; 1.46 mmol) and ethyl acetimidate hydrochloride (171 mg ; 1.34 mmol) were dissolved in ethanol (6 mL) in a 25 mL, one-necked, round-bottomed flask at room temperature (-20°C). The title product of Example-lE (200 mg; 1.12 mmol) was added in one portion to this solution. The mixture was stirred until the title product of Example-lE was consumed (1-2 hours). The mixture was chilled with an ice-bath and then treated with 6 M HCl (830jL).'HNMR analysis indicated a chemical yield of 95 mole% or better. The solvent was evaporated and the title product of Example-1 was purified by reverse-phase or ion-exchange chromatography.

[0097] A 210gm solution (containing-20 g of the title product of Example-lE of the base hydrolysis reaction product was put into a 500 mL, three-necked, round-bottomed flask. The apparatus was equipped with a mechanical stirrer, a Dean-Stark apparatus (20 mL with a stopcock), a condenser, and a temperature controller. Water (140 mL) was distilled off from the mixture. 1-butanol (150 mL) was added to the pot and the remaining water (37 mL) was distilled azeotropically. Additional 1-butanol (13 mL) was removed by distillation until the pot temperature reached 117 The butanol slurry was cooled to room temperature and filtered through a pad of celite. The salts were washed with 1-butanol (2x20 mL). DBU (21. 8 u. L ; 146 mmol) and ethyl acetimidate hydrochloride (17.1 mg ; 134 mmol) were dissolved in 1-butanol (40 mL) in a 500 mL, three-necked, round-bottomed flask at room temperature. The apparatus was equipped with a mechanical stirrer, an addition funnel, and a temperature probe. The title product of Example-lE/1-butanol solution was put into the addition funnel and added to the ethyl acetimidate/DBU solution while maintaining the pot temperature below 25 °C. The mixture was stirred until the starting material was consumed (2-3 hours). A solution of conc. HC1 (94 mL) and water (100 mL) was put into a 1 L, three- necked, round-bottomed flask and chilled to 0 °C. The apparatus was equipped with a mechanical stirrer, an addition funnel, and a temperature probe. The reaction mixture was put into the addition funnel. The reaction mixture was added to the aqueous HC1 solution while maintaining the temperature below 25 °C. Ethyl acetate (100 mL) was added to the solution and the layers were separated. The aqueous layer was washed once more with ethyl acetate (lOOmL). IHNMR analysis indicated a chemical yield of 95 mole% or better. This title product of Example-1 was purified by reverse-phase or ion-exchange chromatography.

1HNMR (400MHz, D20) 8 1.49 (3H, s), 2.08 (3H, s), 2.74 (2H, m), 2.91 (1H, d), 3.17 (1H, d), 3.35 (2H, t).

[0098] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a zwitterion of S- [2- [ (1- Iminoethyl) amino] ethyl]-2-methyl-L-cysteine is obtained prior to preparation of the S- [2- [ (1- Iminoethyl) amino] ethyl] -2-methyl-L-cysteine maleate salt. The following description describes preferred methods of obtaining the zwitterion of S- [2- [ (1-Iminoethyl) amino] ethyl]- 2-methyl-L-cysteine.

Example 2: Preparation of the Zwitterion [0099] In one method of obtaining a zwitterion, a water strip is used to remove excess HC1 after cation exchange column. Alternatively, excess acid may be removed from the S- [2- [ (1- Iminoethyl) amino] ethyl] -2-methyl-L-cysteine concentrate using anion exchange resin. It was additionally discovered that the monohydrochloro or free zwitterion of S- [2- [ (1- Iminoethyl) amino] ethyl] -2-methyl-L-cysteine could be prepared using the anion exchange resin. The anion exchange method is preferred for preparing the monohydrochloride and the free zwitterion due to its simplicity. The free zwitterion is especially useful for pharmaceutical preparation of alternative salt forms.

[0100] Fig. 1 shows a schematic representation of the compound titration curve. The parent S- [2- [ (1-Iminoethyl) amino] ethyl]-2-methyl-L-cysteine molecule has 3 ionizable groups and can exist in 4 ionization states.

[0101] At low pH, the molecule exists as a +2 charged free acid, with the carboxylic acid, amine and amidine moieties protonated. This is the ionization state for the dihydrochloride salt. The initial lots of S-[2-[(1-Iminoethyl) aminoJethyl]-2-metl1yl-L-cysteine (dihydrochloride) contained around 0.3 eq of excess HC1.

[0102] As the pH is increased, the carboxylic acid group is the first group to deprotonate, and this produces a net charge on the molecule of +1. If the pH increase is generated by addition of sodium hydroxide to S- [2- [ (1-Iminoethyl) amino] ethyl] -2-methyl-L-cysteine, the sodium dihydrochloride salt is formed. If the increase in pH is due to removal of chloride ions by anion exchange processing, the product is the monohydrochloride salt with no sodium.

[0103] As the pH is further increased, the amine group deprotonates (pKa=8. 4) producing the neutral zwitterionic form of the molecule. A positive charge still resides on the amidine, and a negative charge still resides on the carboxyl group. If such material is made by the addition of sodium hydroxide to the dihydrochloride, the resulting product is the monohydrochloro sodium salt, mixed with one equivalent of sodium chloride. The material prepared by the anion exchange resin approach is the free zwitterion.

[0104] Further increases in pH lead to deprotonation of the amidine ion (pKa-12. 5). The molecule in this pH range is both the free base and an acid salt. Note that the free base is preferably not prepared by the anion exchange method, since the negatively charged molecule binds with the anion exchange resin.

Example 3: Preparation of free zwitterion [0105] Cation exchange column cuts containing approximately 0.8g S- [2- [ (1- Iminoethyl) amino] ethyl] -2-methyl-L-cysteine di-hydrochloride in 239 ml of about 15 percent (by volume) concentrated HC1, were combined and concentrated on a rotary evaporator at 60° C to an oil. The oil was diluted to 30 ml with deionized water. 5 g of unwashed Amberlite IRA 400 (OH) were added to the solution in a batch wise fashion. The pH rose from the initial pH of 1.34 to around 2.1. Upon addition of another 5 g of resin, the pH quickly rose to over 9.0. The resin was removed by filtration, and the final pH of the filtrate was 9. 81. The resin was washed with deionized water, and the wash collected separately.

[0106] The filtrate was concentrated to an oil by rotary evaporation at 60° C to an oil. The oil did not solidify. About 20 ml of n-propanol was added to the oil and the rotary evaporation concentration continued. Some sticky, foamy white solids were transiently formed, but these returned to an oil. The starting material, final oil, column wash and filtrate were analyzed by HPLC.

Titration curve [0107] 60 g of Amberlite IRA400 (OH) resin was prewashed with 4.7 percent (by weight) ammonium hydroxide (50 ml of 28 percent ammonium hydroxide, 250 ml deionized water), followed by extensive washing with deionized water. The final conductivity was 6.1 u. S.

[0108] Cation exchange column cuts containing approximately 0.9 g of S'- [2- [ (1- Iminoethyl) amino] ethyl]-2-methyl-L-cysteine di-hydrochloride in 142 ml HCl/water solution, were concentrated on a rotary evaporator at 60°C to an oil. To the oil, diluted to 60 ml with deionized water, was added aliquots of 0.5 g of washed anion exchange resin while stirring. At five minutes after each aliquot of resin was added, the solution pH was measured and a sample removed through a syringe filter. A total of 9 g of anion exchange resin was added. The final pH was 10.8. The resin was removed by filtration and the filtrate was concentrated to an oil by rotary evaporation at 60 ° C ; no solids formed. The starting material, final filtrate and all intermediate samples were assayed by HPLC and ion chromatography for chloride.

Example 4: Removal of excess HCI [0109] To 3.3 g of sample containing around 305 mg/ml S- [2- [ (1-Iminoethyl) amino] ethyl]-2- methyl-L-cysteine dihydrochloride and 0.23 eq excess HCI, was added 16.7 g of deioinized water. The pH was 1.04. To 14 ml of this solution, prewashed Amberlite 400 (OH) resin was added to obtain a pH of 2.5. The anion exchange treatment lightened the color of the solution from light yellow to water white. The resin was removed by filtration and the starting material and filtrate product were analyzed by chloride titration and by a more rigorous HPLC method.

Example 5: Preparation of free zwitterion [0110] 3.3 g a sample containing about 1 g of S- [2- [ (1-Iminoethyl) amino] ethyl]-2-methyl-L- cysteine di-hydrochloride was diluted to 20 g. Aliquots of prewashed Amberlite IRA400 (OH) resin was added to the solution and samples were periodically withdrawn through a syringe filter. Intermediate resin filtrations were performed at pH of 7.1 and 8. 8 by filtering off the resin in solution and then continuing to add fresh resin to the filtrate. This was done to drive the chloride removal equilibrium and minimize product adsorption. After the final pH of 11.2 was attained, the resin was filtered off. The starting materials, intermediate samples and final filtrate were analyzed. The filtered resin was resuspended in 20 ml of deionized water and the pH was lowered by addition of concentrated HCI. Samples were drawn at pH of 8.13 and 1.63 and analyzed by HPLC.

Example 6: Preparation of free switterion [0111] Amberlite IRA400 (Cl) resin was rinsed with 3M HCI, water, and then 3M NaOH.

Aliquots were 100ml per 10 g of resin. This procedure was repeated 3 times in order to clean the resin and in order to generate the OH form. A final rinse with water was carried out until the conductivity of the eluting water was 2 S. The resin was then used to titrate 40 ml of a 50mg/ml solution of S- [2- [ (1-Iminoethyl) amino] ethyl]-2-methyl-L-cysteine di-hydrochloride.

The concentration is expressed in terms of zwitterion equivalents. Aliquots were taken throughout the titration, filtered and analyzed by HPLC. Subsamples of the aliquots were saved for a second HPLC analysis 1 week after the titration was performed in order to asses the stability of the samples. Additional aliquots were taken for Cl analysis using an ion selective electrode. The pH was also monitored throughout the titration.

Example 7 : Preparation of zwitterion [0112] 7 g of a sample containing around 2 g of S- [2- [ (1-Iminoethyl) amino] ethyl]-2-methyl- L-cysteine di-hydrochloride was diluted to 40 g with deionized water. Approximately 7.5 g of prewashed Amberlite IRA400 (OH) resin were added to bring the pH to 6.5. The resin was removed by filtration. Upon sitting over the weekend, the filtrate showed signs of a fine precipitate. The solution was viewed under the microscope, but no particles could be found.

The filtrate sample was then dried under nitrogen, resulting in a viscous oil (2.13 g).

HPLC Method [0113] Pump A: 20 mM KH2PO4, 10 mM Pentane sulfonic acid, adjusted to pH=3 with phosphoric acid Pump B: Acetonitrile Gradient: 0% B at 0 min, 26% B at 15 min, 0% B at 15.1 min Column: YMC ODS-AQ 120 A, 5 jjm, 2. 6x150 mm Wavelength = 205 nm Example S : Preparation of free zwitterion [0114] The first experiment demonstrated that the pH of an aqueous S'- [2- [ (1- Iminoethyl) amino] ethyl]-2-methyl-L-cysteine di-hydrochloride solution could be adjusted with anion exchange resin, presumably by removal of chloride ions. Two new impurities were generated with relative retention times (RRTs) of 1.37 and 1. 84 at around 1-2%. It was speculated that the new impurities may have come from the unwashed resin. The HPLC results are summarized below in Table 1.

Table 1-HPLC results. Sample Description Impurity Ratio Impurity Ratio Number 1. 37 RRT 1. 84 RRT 1 initial 0. 0% 0. 0% 2 after distillation 0.0% 0. 0% 3 IEX filtrate 1.0% 0.0% 4 IEX wash 2.3% 0.0% 5 concentrate 0. 9% 2.2% [0115] Fig. 2 shows the pseudo-titration curve for S- [2- [ (1-Iminoethyl) amino] ethyl]-2- methyl-L-cysteine in water using the anion exchange resin to adjust pH. The diamond (solid line) is pH and square (dashed line) is S- [2- [ (l-Iminoethyl) amino] ethyl]-2-methyl-L-cysteine (percent initial, by ion chromatography). Figure 3 shows the pseudo-titration curve for S- [2- [ (l-Iminoethyl) amino] ethyl]-2-methyl-L-cysteine in water using the anion exchange resin to adjust pH. The diamond (solid line) is pH and triangle (broken line) is chloride (by ion chromatography).

[0116] These curves are not true titration curves since samples were withdrawn during the progress of the reaction, and since true equilibrium was not attained before the increments of resin were added. Nevertheless, the graphs of Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 illustrate the expected trends.

As resin is added to the S- [2- [ (1-Iminoethyl) amino] ethyl]-2-methyl-L-cysteine solution the pH rises with change in slope around pH's of 2,9 and 11. The pH's of slower rise are representative of the pK's of the carboxylic acid, amine and amidine functional groups, respectively. Above a pH of 10, the S- [2- [ (l-Iminoethyl) amino] ethyl]-2-methyl-L-cysteine concentration in solution decreases. At this point, the S- [2- [ (I-Iminoethyl) amino] ethyl]-2- methyl-L-cysteine is gaining a net negative charge and is binding to the resin. The chloride results show some variation between samples but in general show the trend of decreasing chloride content with increasing pH. The final chloride content is approximately 0. 04 mol eq.

[0117] HPLC results of the fractions showed no degradation of the samples.

In the repeat of the above experiment, the resulting samples were analyzed by HPLC. No difference was seen between the HPLC traces of the starting material and product at pH of 11 within a few hours. However, some degradation peaks at around 2-3 peak area % were seen in the high pH samples after storage at room temperature for around 10 days.

Example 9: Preparation of free zwitterion [0118] The results found in this example mirrored the results found in the previous example.

The chloride specific electrode used here to measure the Cl content produced data that were much less noisy (see Fig. 4). Note that the data indicate that in removing 98% of the Cl a pH of-10. 85 is reached. More Cl can be removed but this produced significant binding of compound to the resin (see Fig. 5). This loss of compound due to resin binding can be minimized by filtering off the resin toward the end of titration and replacing a small amount of fresh resin. This practice will help drive the equilibrium of chloride removal and minimize the sites available for compound loss by binding.

[0119] Fig. 4 Shows titration curves of S- [2- [ (1-Iminoethyl) amino] ethyl]-2-methyl-L- cysteine in water with IRA-400 anion exchange resin (Rohm & Haas Amberlite, available from Rohm & Haas, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania). Fig. 5 shows the relevant binding data associated with increasing pH.

[0120] HPLC analyses were performed using an ion pairing gradient method. The method has been shown to detect the presence of the degradation products that are expected when S- [2- [ (1-Iminoethyl) amino] ethyl]-2-methyl-L-cysteine is made basic. As can be seen in the following table, the data indicate that degradation is not immediate but instead occurs over a period of days.

Table 2 Stability of- [2- [ (1-Iminoethyl) amino] ethyl] -2-methyl-L-cysteine free zwitterion. Sample pH Purity At The Time Of Titration Purity One Week After Titration (Peak Area %) (Peak Area %) . 94 98. 0 98. 3 2. 13 98. 6 98. 4 3. 83 98. 7 98. 1 8. 4. 8 98. 5 97. 4 9. 37 98. 5 97. 2 9. 78 98. 3 97. 2 10. 27 98. 3 96. 4 10. 83 96. 6 94. 7 11. 6 98. 3 92. 4 11.75 97.9 89. 2 Samples were analyzed a few hours after preparation of the free zwitterion and again after 1 week.

Example 10: Removal of excess HCl/Preparation of Monohydrochloro 2-[(1- Iminoethylamino] etllyl]-2-methyl-L-cysteine.

[0121] Excess HC1 was removed by addition of anion exchange resin to bring the pH to 2.5.

During the processing the solution color changed from light yellow to water white.

Qualitative analysis of the starting material and product found no new peaks and no increase in impurities. The results from chloride analysis by titration show that the chloride was reduced from 2. 18 equivalents to around 1.14 equivalents. Although not demonstrated here, the chloride could be adjusted to the desired target of 2.0 by addition of HC1.

[0122] In these examples, the chloride removal process was run in batch by stirring the resin, but it could easily be run in a plant setting by recirculating the S- [2- [ (l- Iminoethyl) amino] ethyl] -2-methyl-L-cysteine dihydrochloride solution over an anion exchange resin column. If the pH is inadvertently raised beyond the desired range, it may easily be adjusted back by adding an appropriate amount of HC1. It would be well within the ordinary skill in the art to design a large scale anion exchange resin for this purpose.

Example 11: Crystallization of S- [2- [ (1-Iminoethyl) amino] ethyl]-2-methyl-L-cysteine maleate [0123] Zwitterion was obtained from aqueous solutions by titration with Amberlite IRA-400 resin in"OH"form. The anion exchange resin removed hydrochloride as the pH of the solution was raised to about pH 11. Filtration through a sintered glass funnel removed the resin from the solution of zwitterion. This solution was frozen with liquid nitrogen and freeze dried to obtain a glassy amorphous product. Elemental analysis of the dry glass typically indicated less than 0.3% chloride.

[0124] The initial crystallization of maleate salt was carried out with 30 mg of dry zwitterion dissolved with HPLC grade water to a final volume of 90 microliters (ul). A solution of maleic acid was made with 1. 055 grams maleic acid in a 10 ml volumetric flask diluted to volume with N, N-dimethylformamide (DMF). 300 gel of maleic acid in DMF was added with stirring to the aqueous solution of zwitterion. This was two equivalent amounts of maleic acid to each equivalent of zwitterion. Acetonitlile, dried over molecular sieves, was added dropwise with stirring until the solution became turbid, then 2 to 3 drops additonal acetonitrile was added. The solution was stirred over a weekend. The resulting slurry was inspected by polarized light microscopy. Birefringent acicular crystals with positive elongation were noted. Solids were collected on a 50 llm Millipore LS filter and dried in vacuum at 40 °C, yielding 28 mg of crystalline product. The corresponding solution with only one equivalent amount of maleic acid had gelled.

Example 12: Additional Crystallization of S- [2- [ (l-Iminoethyl) amino] ethyl]-2-methyl- L-cysteine maleate [0125] Subsequent small scale experiments indicated conditions for an acceptable scaleup.

1.215 grams ofS- [2- [ (l-lminoethyl) amino] ethyl]-2-methyl-L-cysteine zwitterion were dissolved in about 3 ml of water. 1.283 grams of maleic acid and 12 ml of DMF were added with stirring. A clear solution was quickly obtained. 100 MI of acetonitrile was added and the now turbid solution was seeded with crystalline S- [2- [ (l-Iminoethyl) amino] ethyl]-2- methyl-L-cysteine maleate. After an hour, 13 ml additional acetonitrile was added. The slurry was stirred for another 2 hours and then the crystals were collected on several Millipore 5, um LS filters. Because of the extremely fine particle size filtration was relatively slow. The solids were washed with a small amount of acetonitrile on the Millipore filters.

These solids were transferred to a beaker and vacuum dried overnight at 40 °C.

[0126] A total of five additional examples are provided to crystallize S- [2- [ (1- Iminoethyl) amino] ethyl] -2-methyl-L-cysteine maleate. All the examples were conducted in the ternary solvent system (DMF/water/acetonitrile). One molar excess maleic acid was used and the ratio of DMF to water was held constant at approximately 3 to 1.

Effectiveness of seeding was also evaluated in some examples. Amorphous solids were found to some degree in all examples.

Example 13.

[0127] 1.0 gram of freeze dried S- [2- [ (1-Iminoethyl) amino] ethyl] -2-methyl-L-cysteine, 10 ml of DMF with 1. 05 gram of dissolved maleic acid and 3.0 ml of water was added into a 125 ml jacketed reactor and stirred at 125 rpm to produce a clear solution. 100 ml of acetonitrile was intermittently added to the clear solution such that much of the turbidity created by the addition of an aliquot would subside before the addition of the next aliquot. Photo microscopy on the turbid solution suggested that the turbidity was due to liquid phase separation (emulsification) and not nucleation of crystals. The solution remained turbid upon the completion of the charge. The solution was stirred overnight. The solution had precipitated during the overnight hold, however, photo microscopy on the slurry indicated that the solids could be amorphous. S- [2- [ (l-iminoethyl) amino] ethyl] -2-methyl-L-cysteine maleate seed crystals (30 mg) were added to the slurry to promote phase conversion of the solids to crystalline S-[2-[(1-Iminoethyl) aminoJethyl]-2-nzethyl-L-cysteine maleate, and the system was stirred for another 24 hours. The slurry was then cooled to about-10 °C and stirred for another 24 hours to reduce product loss in the filtrate. After a total of 72 hours the slurry was filtered on a fine frit sintered glass funnel and the cake was washed with 4 ml of acetonitrile. The filtrate had a S-[2-[(1-Iminoethyl) amino] ethyl]-2-methyl-L-cysteine concentration of approximately 0.5 wt%. The solids were air dried for 1 hour and then in a vacuum oven at 50 °C for 24 hours. The solids were crystalline S- [2- [ (1- Iminoethyl) amino] ethyl] -2-methyl-L-cysteine maleate by both powder x-ray defraction and DSC, however the former indicated appreciable amounts of amorphous content in the final solids.

Example 14 [0128] Example 14 was performed at similar solvent composition and zwitterion loading, however, acetonitrile and seed addition regimes along with the hold times were rationalized to reduce amorphous content and processing time. 500 mg of S- [2- [ (1- Iminoethyl) amino] ethyl] -2-methyl-L-cysteine, 502 mg of maleic acid, 5 ml of DMF and 1.5 ml of water were added to a 125 ml jacketed reactor and stirred to produce a clear solution.

31 ml of acetonitrile (63% of the total charge) was intermittently added to the solution in a manner similar to that used in Example 13. Almost all the turbidity had subsided within 1 hour of stirring after the completion of the first acetonitrile charge. The solution was then seeded with 15 mg of crystalline S- [2- [ (l-Iminoethyl) amino] ethyl]-2-methyl-L-cysteine maleate crystals and stirred for 2 hours before adding the remaining 18 ml (37%) of acetonitrile. The slurry was stirred for 24 hours and then cooled to about-10 °C and stirred for another 24 hours, before being discharged onto a 150 ml fine frit sintered glass funnel. The cake was washed with 4 ml of acetonitrile, air dried for thirty minutes and then placed in a vacuum oven for 24 hours at 50 °C. S- [2- [ (1- Iminoethyl) amino] ethyl]-2-methyl-L-cysteine concentration in the filtrate was 0.55 wt% and the solids were crystalline 5-[2-[(1-Iminoethyl) amino] ethyl]-2-methyl-L-cysteine maleate by PXRD with a halo in the baseline indicating presence of some amorphous S- [2- [ (I- Iminoethyl) amino] ethyl] -2-methyl-L-cysteine maleate. The halo was however, not as pronounced as for the product from Example 13.

Example 15 [0129] The objective of Example 15 was to explore the possibility of improving throughput of the process by decreasing the amount of acetonitrile. 0.9 grams of S- [2- [ (l- Iminoethyl) amino] ethyl] -2-methyl-L-cysteine, 0.93 grams of maleic acid, 9 ml of DMF and 2.7 ml of water were added to a 125 ml jacketed reactor and stirred to affect a clear a solution. 56 ml of acetonitrile were intermittently added to the solution in a manner similar to that used in the other examples. 23 mg of S- [2- [ (1-Iminoethyl) amino] ethyl]-2-methyl-L- cysteine maleate seed crystals were added once all the turbidity had subsided after the completion of acetonitrile charge. The system was stirred for 24 hours at 175 rpm and then the slurry was discharged on a 150 ml fine frit sintered glass funnel. The cake was washed with 5 ml of acetonitrile; air dried for forty minutes and then placed in a vacuum oven at 50 °C for 24 hours. Approximately 600 mg of product was recovered after drying. Concentration of S- [2- [ (1-Iminoethyl) amino] ethyl] -2-methyl-L-cysteine in the filtrate was approximately 1.0 wt%. PXRD analysis on the product indicated that it had very little amorphous content.

Solution NMR showed that the product could have as much as 0.1 molar equivalent of trapped DMF. Comparison of solids in the slurry prior to filtration and after oven drying through photomicroscopy show significant morphological differences. Some amorphous solids were present.

Example 16 [0130] Example 16 was performed to explore if seeding could be eliminated as an aide to induce nucleation. The remainder of the procedure for this experiment was identical to that for Example 15. Filtrate concentration and solid-state attributes on the product indicated that comparable performance could be obtained without seeding.

Example 17 [0131] Example 17 was conducted to explore the possibility of improving yield of the procedure used in Examples 15 and 16 by cooling and adding more acetonitrile once a significant fraction of solids had already precipitated. The procedure involved adding 1.0 grams of S-[2-[(1-Iminoethyl) aminoJethyl]-2-methyl-L-cysteine, 1.03 grams of maleic acid, 10 ml DMF and 3.0 ml of water to a 125 ml jacketed reactor and stirring to produce a clear solution. 56 ml of acetonitrile were intermittently added to the solution in a manner similar to that used in the above examples. 28 mg of S- [2- [ (l-Iminoethyl) amino] ethyl]-2-methyl-L- cysteine maleate seed crystals were added after substantially all the turbidity had subsided subsequent to the completion of acetonitrile charge. Significant precipitation had occurred within the first 2 hours after seeding and the slurry was cooled to about-10 °C on the jacket.

The slurry was stirred at this temperature for 24 hours.

[0132] Supernatant analysis over the cool down and hold period indicated only marginal reduction in concentration and therefore 25 ml of acetonitrile was added to determine if anti- solvent addition would improve yield. After the addition of more acetonitrile the slurry was brought back to 25 °C and stirred for another 24 hours before being discharged on a 150 ml fine frit sintered glass funnel. The cake was washed with 5 ml of acetonitrile. The cake from this example was sticky and very wet even after 2 hours of air-drying on the filter.

These solids were placed in a vacuum oven without heat for 4 hours to remove loose solvent.

Drying at 50 °C in the vacuum oven for 24 hours followed. Concentration of the filtrate did not identify any significant advantage of adding more anti-solvent. PXRD analysis on the solids from this example immediately after drying did show some amorphous solids mixed in with S-[2-[(1-Iminoethyl) amino] ethyl]-2-methyl-L-cysteine maleate crystals.

Characterization of S- [2- [ (1-Iminoethyl) amino] ethyl]-2-methyl-L-cysteine maleate [0133] Birefringent, acicular crystals with positive elongation by polarized light microscopy were observed in the slurry before collection by filtration and in the isolated product after vacuum drying at 40 °C.

[0134] S- [2- [ (1-Iminoethyl) amino] ethyl] -2-methyl-L-cysteine maleate crystalline salt absorbs less than one percent water by weight at 90% R. H. and 25 °C, and melts at 123 °C.

S- [2- [ (1-Iminoethyl) amino] ethyl] -2-methyl-L-cysteine maleate crystalline salt has an aqueous solubility in excess of 230 mg ml-1.

[0135] Table 3 shows the elemental analysis of S-[-2-[(1-Iminoethyl)amino] ethyl] -2-methyl- L-cysteine maleate crystalline salt, as well as theoretical composition at 1.5% water content.

Table 3 : Elemental Analysis of S- [2- [ (l-Iminoethyl) amino] ethyl]-2-methyl-L-cysteine maleate crystalline salt Example 12 Example 11 Theory 1: 1 at 1. 5% H20 Carbon 42.30 42.37/42. 37 42.3 Hydrogen 6. 50 6. 52/6.56 6.4 Nitrogen12. 3712. 36/12. 31 12. 3 Sulfur 649. 21/9. 16 9. 4 Water* 1. 5% 1. 5% Melting point 123 °C dsc 123 ° C dsc, hostage H-NMR 1 : 1 consistent 1: 1 consistent DMF (NMR) 0.16 equivalent 0.2 equivalent *Karl Fischer coulometric water analysis.

[0136] Proton NMR was consistent with the structure and stoichiometry of a 1: 1 combination of S- [2- [ (1-Iminoethyl) amino] ethyl]-2-methyl-L-cysteine zwitterion and maleic acid. Proton NMR also showed 0.2 equivalents (3 to 3.5 percent) DMF in Example 11, which does not significantly alter the expected elemental analysis, within 0.4.

[0137] Fig. 6 is a powder x-ray pattern of a sample (Example 12) of S- [2- [ (1- Iminoethyl) amino] ethyl] -2-methyl-L-cysteine maleate. Fig. 7 is a powder x-ray pattern of a sample (Example 11) of S- [2- [ (1-Iminoethyl) amino] ethyl]-2-methyl-L-cysteine maleate.

Both Example 11 and Example 12 show characteristic peaks useful in characterizing crystalline S- [2- [ (1-Iminoethyl) amino] ethyl] -2-methyl-L-cysteine maleate.

[0138] Fig. 8 is a graph of a differential scanning calorimetry study of a sample (10.046 mg.

Example 12) of S- [2- [ (1-Iminoethyl) amino] ethyl]-2-methyl-L-cysteine maleate. Fig. 9 is a graph of a differential scanning calorimetry study of a sample (6.2130 mg. Example 11) of S- [2- [ (1-Iminoethyl) amino] ethyl] -2-methyl-L-cysteine maleate; [0139] Fig. 10 is a thermogravimetric plot of a sample (4.7680 mg. Example 12) of S- [2- [ (1- Iminoethyl) amino] ethyl] -2-methyl-L-cysteine maleate. Fig. 11 is a thermogravimetric plot of a sample (Example 11) of S- [2- [ (1-Iminoethyl) amino] ethyl] -2-methyl-L-cysteine maleate.

[0140] Fig. 12 is a plot of a moisture sorption study of S- [2- [ (1-Iminoethyl) amino] ethyl]-2- methyl-L-cysteine maleate.

[0141] Fig. 13 shows the Raman spectrum of the crystalline S- [2- [ (l- Iminoethyl) amino] ethyl]-2-methyl-L-cysteine maleate. Briefly, the Raman spectrum is a vibrational signature of a molecule or complex system. Its origin lies in the inelastic collisions between the molecules and photons, which are the particles of light composing a light beam. The collision between the molecules and the photons leads to an exchange of energy with consequent change in energy and hence wavelength of the photon. Thus, a Raman spectrum is a set of very narrow spectral lines emitted from object molecules when illuminated by an incident light. The width of each spectral line is strongly affected by the spectral width of the incident light and hence tightly monochromatic light sources, such as lasers, are used. The wavelength of each Raman line is expressed as a wave number-shift from the incident light, which is the difference between the inverse wavelength of the Raman line and the incident light. The wave number-shift, not the absolute wavelength, of the Raman lines is specific to particular atomic groups in molecules. Raman spectra measure the vibration states of molecules, which are determined by their molecular structure.

[0142] Also embraced within this invention is a class of pharmaceutical compositions comprising crystalline S- [2- [ (l-Iminoethyl) amino] ethyl] -2-methyl-L-cysteine maleate in association with one or more non-toxic, pharmaceutically-acceptable carriers and/or diluents and/or adjuvants (collectively referred to herein as"carrier"materials) and, if desired, other active ingredients. The crystalline form of S- [2- [ (1-Iminoethyl) amino] ethyl]-2-methyl-L- cysteine maleate of the present invention may be administered by any suitable route, preferably in the form of a pharmaceutical composition adapted to such a route, and in a dose effective for the treatment intended. The active S- [2- [ (1-Iminoethyl) amino] ethyl]-2-methyl- L-cysteine maleate and compositions may, for example, be administered orally, intravascularly, intraperitoneally, subcutaneously, intramuscularly or topically.

[0143] For oral administration, the pharmaceutical composition may be in the form of, for example, a tablet, capsule, suspension or liquid. The pharmaceutical composition is preferably made in the form of a dosage unit containing a particular amount of the active ingredient. Examples of such dosage units are tablets or capsules. The active ingredient may also be administered by injection as a composition wherein, for example, saline, dextrose or water may be used as a suitable carrier.

[0144] The amount of therapeutically active compound that is administered and the dosage regimen for treating a disease condition with the compound and/or compositions of this invention depends on a variety of factors, including the age, weight, sex and medical condition of the subject, the severity of the disease, the route and frequency of administration, and the particular compound employed, and thus may vary widely. The pharmaceutical compositions may contain active ingredients in the range of about 0.1 to 2000 mg, preferably in the range of about 0.5 to 500 mg and most preferably between about 1 and 100 mg. A daily dose of about 0. 01 to 100 mg/kg body weight, preferably between about 0.5 and about 20 mg/kg body weight and most preferably between about 0.1 to 10 mg/kg body weight, may be appropriate. The daily dose can be administered in one to four doses per day.

[0145] Crystalline S- [2- [ (l-Iminoethyl) amino] ethyl]-2-methyl-L-cysteine maleate can also be administered by a transdermal device. Preferably topical administration will be accomplished using a patch either of the reservoir and porous membrane type or of a solid matrix variety. In either case, the active agent is delivered continuously from the reservoir or microcapsules through a membrane into the active agent permeable adhesive, which is in contact with the skin or mucosa of the recipient. If the active agent is absorbed through the skin, a controlled and predetermined flow of the active agent is administered to the recipient.

In the case of microcapsules, the encapsulating agent may also function as the membrane.

[0146] The oily phase of the emulsions of this invention may be constituted from known ingredients in a known manner. While the phase may comprise merely an emulsifier, it may comprise a mixture of at least one emulsifier with a fat or an oil or with both a fat and an oil.

Preferably, a hydrophilic emulsifier is included together with a lipophilic emulsifier which acts as a stabilizer. It is also preferred to include both an oil and a fat. Together, the emulsifier (s) with or without stabilizer (s) make-up the so-called emulsifying wax, and the wax together with the oil and fat make up the so-called emulsifying ointment base which forms the oily dispersed phase of the cream formulations. Emulsifiers and emulsion stabilizers suitable for use in the formulation of the present invention include Tween 60, Span 80, cetostearyl alcohol, myristyl alcohol, glyceryl monostearate, and sodium lauryl sulfate, among others.

[0147] The choice of suitable oils or fats for the formulation is based on achieving the desired cosmetic properties, since the solubility of the active compound in most oils likely to be used in pharmaceutical emulsion formulations is very low. Thus, the cream should preferably be a non-greasy, non-staining and washable product with suitable consistency to avoid leakage from tubes or other containers. Straight or branched chain, mono-or dibasic alkyl esters such as di-isoadipate, isocetyl stearate, propylene glycol diester of coconut fatty acids, isopropyl myristate, decyl oleate, isopropyl palmitate, butyl stearate, 2-ethylhexyl palmitate or a blend of branched chain esters may be used. These may be used alone or in combination depending on the properties required. Alternatively, high melting point lipids such as white soft paraffin and/or liquid paraffin or other mineral oils can be used.

[0148] Formulations suitable for topical administration to the eye also include eye drops wherein the active ingredients are dissolved or suspended in suitable carrier, especially an aqueous solvent for the active ingredients. The active ingredients are preferably present in such formulations in a concentration of 0-5 to 20%, advantageously 0. 5 to 10% and particularly about 1. 5% w/w.

[0149] For therapeutic purposes, S-[2-[(l-Iminoethyl) amino] ethyl]-9-methyl-L-cysteine maleate is ordinarily combined with one or more adjuvants appropriate to the indicated route of administration. If administered per os, the compound may be admixed with lactose, sucrose, starch powder, cellulose esters of alkanoic acids, cellulose alkyl esters, talc, stearic acid, magnesium stearate, magnesium oxide, sodium and calcium salts of phosphoric and sulfuric acids, gelatin, acacia gum, sodium alginate, polyvinylpyrrolidone, and/or polyvinyl alcohol, and then tableted or encapsulated for convenient administration. Such capsules or tablets may contain a controlled-release formulation as may be provided in a dispersion of active compound in hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose. Formulations for parenteral administration may be in the form of aqueous or non-aqueous isotonic sterile injection solutions or suspensions. These solutions and suspensions may be prepared from sterile powders or granules having one or more of the carriers or diluents mentioned for use in the formulations for oral administration. The crystalline S- [2- [ (l-Iminoethyl) amino] ethyl]-2- methyl-L-cysteine maleate may be dissolved in water, polyethylene glycol, propylene glycol, ethanol, corn oil, cottonseed oil, peanut oil, sesame oil, benzyl alcohol, sodium chloride, and/or various buffers. Other adjuvants and modes of administration are well and widely known in the pharmaceutical art.