CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/815,969 which was a U.S. National Stage of PCT Application Number PCT/IN2006/000045 filed Feb. 10, 2006, which claimed priority to Indian Patent Application Number 302/DEL/2005 filed Feb. 11, 2005. The entire disclosures of these applications are expressly incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention, in general relates to the field of HMG-CoA Reductase inhibitors, in particular to the field of Fluvastatin sodium. More specifically the present invention provides novel crystalline polymorphic forms of Fluvastatin sodium, process for preparing the same. Also the present invention provides a process for preparation of amorphous Fluvastatin sodium.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Fluvastatin sodium is known by its chemical name (Â±)-7-(3-(4-fluorophenyl)-1-(1-methylethyl)-1H-indol-2-yl)-3,5-dihydroxy-6-heptenoic acid monosodium salt. Fluvastatin sodium is a racemic mixture of the 3R, 5S- and 3S, 5R-dihydroxy enantiomers represented by the Formula I.

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Fluvastatin sodium is a competitive inhibitor of HMG-CoA reductase, which is responsible for the conversion of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) to mevalonate, a precursor of sterols, including cholesterol. The inhibition of cholesterol biosynthesis reduces the cholesterol in hepatic cells, which stimulates the synthesis of LDL receptors and thereby increases the uptake of LDL particles. The end result of these biochemical processes is a reduction of the plasma cholesterol concentration.

Fluvastatin as well as its sodium salt are described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,739,073. In this patent Fluvastatin sodium is obtained by lyophilization and discloses the amorphous form, which is unsuitable for large-scale production as disclosed in the further literature.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,124,340, describes that lyophilization of Fluvastatin sodium as was performed in examples 6(b) and 8 of '073 patent yields a mixture of a crystalline form, designated as Form A and amorphous material. The estimated amount of Form A obtained by lyophilization as described by '340 patent is about 50% in the said mixture.

The '340 patent describes a new crystalline form designated as Form B. The crystalline Form B is obtained either by transformation of material containing Form A in a slurry of a mixture of an organic solvent and water, or by crystallization from an organic solvent and water mixture. This patent also describes that Form B is less hygroscopic than Form A or the amorphous form of the Fluvastatin sodium, which improves handling and storage of the compound.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,696,479 describes crystalline forms of Fluvastatin sodium hydrates designated as form C, D, E, and F. The water content of the forms ranges between 3 to 32%. The patent also describes a new process for the preparation of highly crystalline form of Fluvastatin sodium Form A. The new crystal forms of Fluvastatin sodium were obtained by storing the sample under atmosphere ranging between 20 and 90% relative humidity.

International Publication No. WO2004/096765A2 describes crystalline form of Fluvastatin sodium monohydrate depicted as BA. The water content ranges from 3 to 6%. Similarly International Publication No. WO2005/080332 discloses novel crystalline form of Fluvastatin sodium with characteristic PXRD peaks. The water content ranges from 1 to 8%.

U.S. Patent Application No. 2005032884, US Patent Application No. 20050038114 and US Patent Application No. US2005119342 disclose novel crystalline forms of Fluvastatin sodium, some of which are hydrates and solvates.

Objective of the present invention is to provide novel and stable polymorphic forms of Fluvastain sodium, which can effectively used for different pharmaceutical formulation. Further, the process for preparing said polymorphic forms is cost efficient and the produced polymorph is easy to handle and convenient to operate on commercial scale.

Further and other objects of the invention will be realized by those skilled in the art from the following summary of the invention and detailed description of examples thereof.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with principal embodiment of the present invention, there are provided novel crystalline polymorphic forms of Fluvastain sodium, wherein said polymorphic forms are designated as J_F, J_F1, J_F2, J_F3and are characterized by using analytical tools selected from infrared absorption spectrum, X-ray powder diffraction pattern, thermo gravimetric analysis (TGA), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Further the present invention also provides a process for the preparation of amorphous form of Fluvastatin sodium.

In accordance with another embodiment, the present invention provides a crystalline polymorphic form of Fluvastatin sodium, wherein said polymorphic form is designated as J_Fcharacterized by a PXRD pattern having peaks at 3.3, 3.9, 10.0, 10.9, 17.1, 19.3, 20.6Â±0.2Â° 2Î¸, essentially as represented in FIG. 1.

In accordance with another embodiment, the present invention provides a crystalline polymorphic form of Fluvastatin sodium, wherein said polymorphic form is designated as J_F, characterized by having an infrared spectrum in KBr comprising one or more characteristic peaks selected from absorption bands (cm^âˆ’1) at 3399, 1577, 1500, 1217, 1154, 1106, 839, 741, 564 essentially as represented in FIG. 2.

Further embodiment of the present invention provides a process for preparing said polymorphic form J_F, wherein the process comprises of dissolving Fluvastatin lower alkyl ester in methanol, adding sodium hydroxide to the solution and then isolating Fluvastatin sodium Form J_Ffrom the solution by adding anti-solvent selected from lower alkyl alcohols.

In accordance with another embodiment, the polymorphic form J_Fis prepared by dissolving Fluvastatin sodium in methanol, followed by addition of anti-solvent selected from lower alkyl alcohols.

In accordance with yet another embodiment of present invention there is provided a novel crystalline polymorphic form of Fluvastatin sodium, wherein said polymorphic form is designated as J_F1, characterized by a PXRD pattern with peaks at 3.7, 4.9, 5.5, 9.8, 10.2, 11.2, 12.1Â±0.2Â° 2Î¸, essentially as represented in FIG. 5.

In accordance with yet another embodiment of present invention there is provided a novel crystalline polymorphic form of Fluvastatin sodium, wherein said polymorphic form is designated as J_F1, characterized by having an infrared spectrum in KBr comprising one or more characteristic peaks selected from absorption bands (cm^âˆ’1) at 3392, 1575, 1215, 1155, 839, 813, 740, 564, essentially as represented in FIG. 6.

Further embodiment of the present invention provides a process for preparing said polymorphic form J_F1, wherein the process comprises of dissolving Fluvastatin lower alkyl ester in methanol, adding sodium hydroxide to the solution and then isolating Fluvastatin sodium Form J_F1from the solution by adding anti-solvent selected from nitriles.

In accordance with another embodiment, the polymorphic form J_F1can be prepared by dissolving Fluvastatin sodium in methanol, followed by addition of anti-solvent selected from nitriles.

In accordance with yet another embodiment of present invention there is provided a novel crystalline polymorphic form of Fluvastatin sodium, wherein said polymorphic form is designated as J_F2, characterized by a PXRD pattern with peaks at 4.9, 5.2, 5.6, 17.6Â±0.2Â° 2Î¸, essentially as represented in FIG. 9.

In accordance with yet another embodiment of present invention there is provided a novel crystalline polymorphic form of Fluvastatin sodium, wherein said polymorphic form is designated as J_F2, characterized by having an infrared spectrum in KBr comprising one or more characteristic peaks selected from absorption bands (cm^âˆ’1) at 3403, 1722, 1572, 1500, 1457, 1402, 1219, 1104, 969 essentially as represented in FIG. 10.

Further embodiment of the present invention provides a process for preparing said polymorphic form J_F2, wherein the process comprises of dissolving Fluvastatin lower alkyl ester in methanol, adding sodium hydroxide to the solution and then isolating Fluvastatin sodium Form J_F2from the solution by adding anti-solvent selected from alkyl esters followed by air-drying.

In accordance with another embodiment, the polymorphic form J_F2is prepared by dissolving Fluvastatin sodium in methanol, followed by addition of anti-solvent selected from alkyl esters followed by air-drying.

In accordance with yet another embodiment of present invention there is provided a novel crystalline polymorphic form of Fluvastatin sodium, wherein said polymorphic form is designated as J_F3characterized by a PXRD pattern with peaks at 5.2, 5.5, 6.0Â±0.2Â° 2Î¸, essentially as represented in FIG. 13.

In accordance with yet another embodiment of present invention there is provided a novel crystalline polymorphic form of Fluvastatin sodium, wherein said polymorphic form is designated as J_F3characterized by having an infrared spectrum in KBr comprising one or more characteristic peaks selected from absorption bands (cm^âˆ’1) at 3411, 1561, 1500, 1457, 1403, 1220, 1104, 837, 742, 565 essentially as represented in FIG. 14.

Further embodiment of the present invention provides a process for preparing said polymorphic form J_F3wherein the process comprises of dissolving Fluvastatin lower alkyl ester in methanol, adding sodium hydroxide to the solution and then isolating Fluvastatin sodium Form J_F3from the solution by adding anti-solvent selected from alkyl esters.

In accordance with another embodiment, the polymorphic form J_F3is prepared by dissolving Fluvastatin sodium in methanol, followed by addition of anti-solvent selected from alkyl esters.

In accordance with another embodiment, there is provided a process for preparing Fluvastatin sodium in amorphous form, wherein the process comprising dissolving Fluvastatin lower alkyl ester in methanol, adding sodium hydroxide to the solution and isolating Fluvastatin sodium in amorphous form from the solution by optionally adding anti-solvent selected from hydrocarbon.

Further embodiment of the present invention provides a process for preparing amorphous form of Fluvastatin, wherein said process comprising dissolving Fluvastatin sodium in methanol, and then isolating Fluvastatin sodium in amorphous form from the solution by optionally adding anti-solvent selected from hydrocarbon.

The novel polymorphic forms of Fluvastatin sodium described herein-in the present invention can be effectively used as pharmaceutical agents.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURES

Further objects of the present invention together with additional features contributing thereto and advantages accruing there from will be apparent from the description of preferred embodiments of the present invention which are shown in the accompanying drawing figures.

FIG. 1 depicts a powder X-ray diffractogram of crystalline Fluvastatin sodium, Form J_F

FIG. 2 depicts infrared absorption spectrum of crystalline Fluvastatin sodium Form J_F

FIG. 3 depicts Thermo gravimetric analysis of crystalline Fluvastatin sodium Form J_F

FIG. 4 depicts Differential scanning calorimetry of Fluvastatin sodium Form J_F

FIG. 5 depicts a powder X-ray diffractogram of crystalline Fluvastatin sodium, Form J_F1

FIG. 6 depicts infrared absorption spectrum of crystalline Fluvastatin sodium Form J_F1

FIG. 7 depicts Thermo gravimetric analysis of crystalline Fluvastatin sodium Form J_F1

FIG. 8 depicts Differential scanning calorimetry of Fluvastatin sodium Form J_F1

FIG. 9 depicts a powder X-ray diffractogram of crystalline Fluvastatin sodium, Form J_F2

FIG. 10 depicts infrared absorption spectrum of crystalline Fluvastatin sodium Form J_F2

FIG. 11 depicts Thermo gravimetric analysis of crystalline Fluvastatin sodium Form J_F2

FIG. 12 depicts Differential scanning calorimetry of Fluvastatin sodium Form J_F2

FIG. 13 depicts a powder X-ray diffractogram of crystalline Fluvastatin sodium, Form J_F3

FIG. 14 depicts infrared absorption spectrum of crystalline Fluvastatin sodium Form J_F3

FIG. 15 depicts Thermo gravimetric analysis of crystalline Fluvastatin sodium Form J_F3

FIG. 16 depicts Differential scanning calorimetry of Fluvastatin sodium Form J_F3

FIG. 17 depicts a powder X-ray diffractogram of amorphous Fluvastatin sodium

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

While this specification concludes with claims particularly pointing out and distinctly claiming that, which is regarded as the invention, it is anticipated that the invention can be more readily understood through reading the following detailed description of the invention and study of the included drawings.

The present invention discloses in its aspect novel crystalline polymorphic forms of Fluvastatin sodium designated as Form J_F, J_F1, J_F2and J_F3that may also exist in solvate forms and are intended to be encompassed within the scope of the present invention. The present invention also provides process for the preparation of Fluvastatin sodium in amorphous form.

Fluvastatin sodium Forms J_F, J_F1, J_F2, J_F3and amorphous forms differ from each other in their physical properties, spectral data and process of preparation and are characterized by their X-ray powder diffraction patterns, infra red absorption spectra, differential scanning calorimetry and/or by their thermo gravimetric analysis (TGA).

X-Ray Powder Diffraction

Crystalline Fluvastatin sodium Forms J_F, J_F1, J_F2, J_F3and amorphous forms are characterized by their X-ray powder diffraction pattern. Thus the X-ray diffraction patterns of crystalline Fluvastatin sodium Forms are measured on a PANalytical X' Pert Pro diffractometer with Cu radiation and expressed in terms of 20, d-spacing and relative intensities.

Methodology

Continuous Î¸/2Î¸ coupled scan 2.0Â° to 50Â° in 2Î¸, scan speed of 0.05Â°/sec.

Infrared Absorption Spectrometer (IR)Methodology

All infrared measurement were made on Thermo Nicolet FT IR spectrometer using KBr pellets having the characteristic absorption bands expressed in reciprocal centimeter.

Thermo Gravimetric Analysis (TGA)Methodology

TGA thermogram is recorded on TGA Q 50 with a ramp of 10Â° C./min to 350Â° C. with nitrogen flow rate 60 ml/minute.

Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC)Methodology

DSC thermogram is recorded on DSCQ100 equilibrated at 25Â° C. to 350Â° C. at 10Â° C./minute with nitrogen flow rate 60 ml/minute.

Crystalline Fluvastatin sodium Form J_Fis characterized by powder X-ray diffraction pattern having peaks at 3.3, 3.9, 10.0, 10.9, 17.1, 19.3, 20.6Â±0.2Â° 2Î¸ as depicted in FIG. 1.

Crystalline Fluvastatin sodium Form J_Fis further characterized by having an infrared spectrum in KBr comprising one or more characteristic peaks selected from absorption bands (cm^âˆ’1) 3399(s), 2973(m), 2934(m), 1577(s), 1536(w), 1500(s), 1455(w), 1418(w), 1370(w), 1342(m), 1217(s), 1154(s), 1106(m), 1068(w), 1019(w), 974(m), 941(w), 839(s), 813(m), 741(s), 717(w), 688(w), 654(m), 564(s), 522(m); wherein (w)=weak intensity; (m)=medium intensity; (s)=strong intensity as depicted in FIG. 2.

Crystalline Fluvastatin sodium Form J_Fis prepared by hydrolyzing Fluvastatin lower alkyl ester selected from C_1-4alkyl ester in methanol, adding sodium hydroxide solution taken in water and cooled to 0-10Â° C., preferably 0-5Â° C. The resulting reaction mixture is stirred at room temperature for 1-3 hours. Solvent is distilled off. The resulting mass is dissolved in an organic solvent such as methanol, heated to about 30-60Â° C., preferably 40-50Â° C. to obtain clear solution. Water can be added optionally. The moisture content of the resulting solution is maintained between 3-8% by volume preferably between 4-6% by volume. Anti-solvent, selected from lower alkyl alcohol such as ethanol, propanol or mixture thereof, is added. The resulting solution is seeded with Fluvastatin sodium Form J_Fand stirred at room temperature for 15-20 hours, preferably 16-18 hours. The solid is then separated out from the solvent by, for example, filtering or decanting under an inert atmosphere and dried under vacuum at 50-60Â° C. for 30-60 hours preferably 35-45 hours.

Crystalline Fluvastatin sodium Form J_Fcan also be prepared by dissolving Fluvastatin sodium in methanol and heating to about 30-60Â° C., more preferably 40-50Â° C. to obtain clear solution. Water can be added optionally. The moisture content of the resulting solution is maintained between 3-8% by volume preferably between 4-6% by volume. Anti-solvent, selected from lower alkyl alcohol such as ethanol, propanol or mixture thereof, is added. The resulting solution is seeded with Fluvastatin sodium Form J_Fand stirred at room temperature for 15-20 hours, preferably 16-18 hours. The solid is then separated out from the solvent by, for example, filtering or decanting under an inert atmosphere and drying under vacuum at 50-60Â° C. for 30-60 hours, preferably 35-45 hours.

Crystalline Fluvastatin sodium Form J_F1is characterized by powder X-ray diffraction pattern with peaks at 3.7, 4.9, 5.5, 9.8, 10.2, 11.2, 12.1Â±0.2Â° 2Î¸ as shown in FIG. 5.

Crystalline Fluvastatin sodium Form J_F1is further characterized by having an infrared spectrum in KBr comprising one or more characteristic peaks selected from absorption bands (cm^âˆ’1) 3392(s), 2975(m), 2935(m), 2867(w), 1575(s), 1533(w), 1499(s), 1455(w), 1412(w), 1401(w), 1371(w), 1344(m), 1215(s), 1155(s), 1106(m), 1068(w), 1020(w), 972(m), 941(w), 887(w), 839(s), 813(s), 740(s), 718(w), 690(w), 653(m), 564(s), 522(m); wherein (w)=weak intensity; (m)=medium intensity; (s)=strong intensity as depicted in FIG. 6.

Crystalline Fluvastatin sodium Form J_F1is prepared by hydrolyzing Fluvastatin lower alkyl ester selected from C_1-4alkyl ester in methanol, adding sodium hydroxide solution taken in water and cooled to 0-10Â° C., preferably 0-5Â° C. The resulting reaction mixture is stirred at room temperature for 1-3 hours. Solvent is distilled off. The resulting mass is dissolved in an organic solvent such as methanol, heated to about 30-60Â° C., preferably about 40-50Â° C. to obtain clear solution. Water can be added optionally. The moisture content of the resulting solution is maintained between 3-8% by volume preferably between 4-6% by volume. Anti-solvent, selected from nitriles, preferably acetonitrile, propionitrile or mixture thereof, is added. The resulting solution is seeded with Fluvastatin sodium Form J_F1and stirred at room temperature for 15-20 hours, preferably 16-18 hours. The solid is then separated out from the solvent by, for example, filtering or decanting under an inert atmosphere and dried under vacuum at 50-60Â° C. for 30-60 hours preferably 35-40 hours.

Crystalline Fluvastatin sodium Form J_F1can also be prepared by dissolving Fluvastatin sodium in methanol, heating to about 30-60Â° C., preferably about 40-50Â° C. to obtain clear solution. Water can be added optionally. The moisture content of the resulting solution is maintained between 3-8% by volume preferably between 4-6% by volume. Anti-solvent, selected from nitriles, preferably acetonitrile, propionitrile or mixture thereof, is added. The resulting solution is seeded with Fluvastatin sodium Form J_F1and stirred at room temperature for 15-20 hours, preferably 16-18 hours. The solid is then separated out from the solvent by, for example, filtering or decanting under an inert atmosphere and drying under vacuum at 50-60Â° C. for 30-60 hours, preferably 35-40 hours.

Crystalline Fluvastatin sodium Form J_F2is characterized by powder X-ray diffraction pattern characterized by a PXRD pattern with peaks at 4.9, 5.2, 5.6, 10.2, 10.8, 11.6, 17.6, 20.9Â±0.2Â° 2Î¸ as shown in FIG. 9.

Crystalline Fluvastatin sodium Form J_F2is further characterized by having an infrared spectrum in KBr comprising one or more characteristic peaks selected from absorption bands (cm^âˆ’1) 3403(s), 2976(m), 2935(m), 2902(w), 1722(m), 1618(w), 1572(s), 1500(s), 1457(s), 1402(s), 1370(w), 1344(m), 1219(s), 1155(s), 1104(s), 969(s), 928(w), 837(s), 814(m), 741(s), 718(w), 695(w), 653(w), 565(s), 522(m); wherein (w)=weak intensity; (m)=medium intensity; (s)=strong intensity as depicted in FIG. 10.

Crystalline Fluvastatin sodium Form J_F2, is prepared by hydrolyzing Fluvastatin lower alkyl ester selected from C_1-4alkyl ester in methanol, adding sodium hydroxide solution taken in water and cooled to 0-10Â° C. preferably 0-5Â° C. The resulting reaction mixture is stirred at room temperature for 1-3 hours. Solvent is distilled off. The resulting mass is dissolved in an organic solvent such as methanol, heated to about, heated to about 30-60Â° C., preferably 40-50Â° C. to obtain clear solution. Water can be added optionally. The moisture content of the resulting solution is maintained between 0.5-4% preferably between 1-2%. Anti-solvent selected from alkyl esters preferably ethyl acetate, butyl acetate or mixture thereof, is added. The resulting solution is seeded with Fluvastatin sodium Form J_F2and stirred at room temperature for 15-20 hours, preferably 16-18 hours. The solid is then separated out from the solvent by, for example, filtering or decanting under an inert atmosphere and air-dried for 30-60 minutes.

Crystalline Fluvastatin sodium Form J_F2can also be prepared by dissolving Fluvastatin sodium in methanol, heating to about heated to about 30-60Â° C., preferably 40-50Â° C. to obtain clear solution. Water can be added optionally. The moisture content of the resulting solution is maintained between 0.5-4% preferably between 1-2%. Anti-solvent selected from alkyl esters preferably ethyl acetate, butyl acetate or mixture thereof, is added. The resulting solution is seeded with Fluvastatin sodium Form J_F2and stirred at room temperature for 15-20 hours, preferably 16-18 hours. The solid is then separated out from the solvent by, for example, filtering or decanting under an inert atmosphere and then air-dried for 30-60 minutes.

Crystalline Fluvastatin sodium Form J_F3is characterized by powder X-ray diffraction pattern characterized by a PXRD pattern with peaks at 5.2, 5.5, 6.0, 10.2Â±0.2Â° 2Î¸ as shown in FIG. 13.

Crystalline Fluvastatin sodium Form J_F3is further characterized by having an infrared spectrum in KBr comprising one or more characteristic peaks selected from absorption bands (cm^âˆ’1) 3411(s), 2974(m), 2935(w), 1673(w), 1617(w), 1561(s), 1500(s), 1457(s), 1403(s), 1369(w), 1343(m), 1220(s), 1155(m), 1104(s), 1063(w), 1014(w), 974(m), 837(s), 815(m), 742(s), 715(w), 696(w), 654(w), 565(s), 519(m); wherein (w)=weak intensity; (m)=medium intensity; (s)=strong intensity as depicted in FIG. 14.

Crystalline Fluvastatin sodium Form J_F3, is prepared by hydrolyzing Fluvastatin lower alkyl ester selected from C_1-4alkyl ester in methanol, adding sodium hydroxide solution taken in water and cooled to 0-10Â° C. preferably 0-5Â° C. The resulting reaction mixture is stirred at room temperature for 1-3 hours. Solvent is distilled off. The resulting mass is dissolved in methanol, heated to about heated to about 30-60Â° C., preferably 40-50Â° C. to obtain clear solution. Water can be added optionally. The moisture content of the resulting solution is maintained between 0.5-4% preferably between 1-2%. Anti-solvent, selected from alkyl esters preferably ethyl acetate, butyl acetate or mixture thereof, is added. The resulting solution is seeded with Fluvastatin sodium Form J_F3and stirred at room temperature for 15-20 hours, preferably 16-18 hours. The solid is then separated out from the solvent by, for example, filtering or decanting under an inert atmosphere and dried under vacuum at 50-60Â° C. for 30-60 hours, preferably 35-40 hours.

Crystalline Fluvastatin sodium Form J_F3can also be prepared by dissolving Fluvastatin sodium in methanol, heated to about heated to about 30-60Â° C., preferably 40-50Â° C. to obtain clear solution. Water can be added optionally. The moisture content of the resulting solution is maintained between 0.5-4% preferably between 1-2%. Anti-solvent, selected from alkyl esters preferably ethyl acetate, butyl acetate or mixture thereof, is added. The resulting solution is seeded with Fluvastatin sodium Form J_F3and stirred at room temperature for 15-20 hours, preferably 16-18 hours. The solid is then separated out from the solvent by, for example, filtering or decanting under an inert atmosphere and dried under vacuum at 50-60Â° C. for 30-60 hours preferably 35-40 hours.

Disclosed herein according to the present invention, Fluvastatin sodium in amorphous form, is prepared by dissolving Fluvastatin lower alkyl ester selected from C_1-4alkyl ester in methanol, adding sodium hydroxide solution taken in water and cooled to 0-10Â° C. preferably 0-5Â° C. The resulting reaction mixture is stirred at room temperature for 1-3 hours. Solvent was distilled off. The resulting mass is dissolved in methanol, heated to about 45-60Â° C. to obtain clear solution. Methanol was distilled off. Anti-solvent, selected from hydrocarbon preferably n-hexane, n-heptane, n-octane or mixture thereof, is added and was stirred for 1-2 hours preferably 30-50 minutes. The solid is then separated out from the solvent by, for example, filtering or decanting under an inert atmosphere and dried under vacuum at 65-75Â° C. for 30-60 hours preferably 35-40 hours.

Fluvastatin sodium in amorphous form can also be prepared by dissolving Fluvastatin sodium in methanol, heated to about 45-60Â° C. to obtain clear solution. Solvent was distilled off. Anti-solvent, selected from hydrocarbon preferably n-hexane, n-heptane, n-octane or mixture thereof, is added and was stirred for 1-2 hours preferably 30-50 minutes. The solid is then separated out from the solvent by, for example, filtering or decanting under an inert atmosphere and dried under vacuum at 65-75Â° C. for 30-60 hours preferably 35-40 hours.

The following non-limiting examples illustrate specific embodiments of the present invention. They are, however, not intended to be limiting the scope of present invention in any way.

Example 1Preparation of Crystalline Fluvastatin sodium Form J_F

Fluvastatin ethyl ester (30 gm) was taken in methanol (180 ml) and cooled to 2-5Â° C. Sodium hydroxide taken in water was added at above temperature. The reaction mixture was stirred at 25-30Â° C. for 90-120 minutes. The resulting mixture was treated with activated carbon and filtered. Solvent was distilled off. To the resulting residue, methanol (60 ml) was added and stirred at 45-50Â° C. to obtain clear solution. Water was added optionally. Absolute alcohol (180 ml) was added. The resulting solution was seeded with Fluvastatin sodium Form J_Fand stirred at 25-30Â° C. for 15-20 hours. The resulting solid was filtered off under inert atmosphere, washed with chilled absolute alcohol and dried under vacuum at 50-60Â° C. for 30-50 hours.

Example 2Preparation of Crystalline Fluvastatin sodium Form J_F

Fluvastatin sodium (30 gm) was taken in methanol (60 ml) and stirred at 45-50Â° C. to obtain clear solution. Water was added optionally. Absolute alcohol (180 ml) was added. The resulting solution was seeded with Fluvastatin sodium Form J_Fand stirred at 25-30Â° C. for 15-20 hours. The resulting solid was filtered off under inert atmosphere, washed with chilled absolute alcohol and dried under vacuum at 50-60Â° C. for 30-45 hours.

Example 3Preparation of Crystalline Fluvastatin sodium Form J_F1

Fluvastatin ethyl ester (30 gm) was taken in methanol (180 ml) and cooled to 2-5Â° C. Sodium hydroxide solution was added at above temperature. The reaction mixture was stirred at 25-30Â° C. for 90-120 minutes. The resulting mixture was treated with activated carbon and filtered. Solvent was distilled off. To the resulting residue, methanol (60 ml) was added and stirred at 45-50Â° C. to obtain clear solution. Water was added optionally. Acetonitrile (180 ml) was added and the resulting solution was seeded with Fluvastatin sodium Form J_F1and stirred at 25-30Â° C. for 15-18 hours. The resulting solid was filtered off under inert atmosphere, washed with chilled acetonitrile and dried under vacuum at 50-60Â° C. for 30-40 hours.

Example 4Preparation of Crystalline Fluvastatin sodium Form J_F1

Fluvastatin sodium (30 gm) was taken in methanol (60 ml) and stirred at 45-50Â° C. to obtain clear solution. Water was added optionally. Acetonitrile (180 ml) was added and the resulting solution was seeded with Fluvastatin sodium Form J_F1and stirred at 25-30Â° C. for 15-18 hours. The resulting solid was filtered off under inert atmosphere, washed with chilled acetonitrile and dried under vacuum at 50-60Â° C. for 30-45 hours.

Example 5Preparation of Crystalline Fluvastatin sodium Form J_F2

Fluvastatin ethyl ester (30 gm) was taken in methanol (180 ml) and cooled to 2-5Â° C. Sodium hydroxide solution was added at 2-5Â° C. The reaction mixture was stirred at 25-30Â° C. for 90-120 minutes. The resulting mixture was treated with activated carbon and filtered. Solvent was distilled off. To the resulting residue, methanol (60 ml) was added and stirred at 45-50Â° C. to obtain clear solution. Water was added optionally. Ethyl acetate (160 ml) was added and the resulting solution was seeded with Fluvastatin sodium Form J_F2and stirred at 25-30Â° C. for 15-18 hours. The resulting solid was filtered off under inert atmosphere, washed with chilled ethyl acetate and air-dried for 30-60 minutes.

Example 6Preparation of Crystalline Fluvastatin sodium Form J_F2

Fluvastatin sodium (30 gm) was taken in methanol (60 ml) and stirred at 45-50Â° C. to obtain clear solution. Water was added optionally. Ethyl acetate (160 ml) was added and the resulting solution was seeded with Fluvastatin sodium Form J_F2and stirred at 25-30Â° C. for 15-18 hours. The resulting solid was filtered off under inert atmosphere, washed with chilled ethyl acetate and air-dried for 30-60 minutes.

Example 7Preparation of Crystalline Fluvastatin sodium Form J_F3

Fluvastatin ethyl ester (30 gm) was taken in methanol (180 ml) and cooled to 5Â° C. Sodium hydroxide solution was added at 2-5Â° C. The reaction mixture was stirred at 25-30Â° C. for 90-120 minutes. The resulting mixture was treated with activated carbon and filtered. Solvent was distilled off. To the resulting residue, methanol (60 ml) was added and stirred at 45-50Â° C. to obtain clear solution. Water was added optionally. Ethyl acetate (160 ml) was added and the resulting solution was seeded with Fluvastatin sodium Form J_F3and stirred at 25-30Â° C. for 15-18 hours. The resulting solid was filtered off under inert atmosphere, washed with chilled ethyl acetate and dried under vacuum at 50-60Â° C. for 30-40 hours.

Example 8Preparation of Crystalline Fluvastatin sodium Form J_F3

Fluvastatin sodium (30 gm) was taken in methanol (60 ml) and stirred at 45-50Â° C. to obtain clear solution. Water was added optionally. Ethyl acetate (160 ml) was added and the resulting solution was seeded with Fluvastatin sodium Form J_F3and stirred at 25-30Â° C. for 15-18 hours. The resulting solid was filtered off under inert atmosphere, washed with chilled ethyl acetate and dried under vacuum at 50-60Â° C. for 30-40 hours.

Example 9Preparation of Amorphous Fluvastatin Sodium

Fluvastatin ethyl ester (30 gm) was taken in methanol (180 ml) and cooled to 5Â° C. Sodium hydroxide solution was added at 5-10Â° C. The reaction mixture was stirred at 25-30Â° C. for 90-120 minutes. The resulting mixture was treated with activated carbon and filtered. Solvent was distilled off. To the resulting residue, methanol (150 ml) was added and stirs at 45-50Â° C. to obtain clear solution. Methanol was distilled off completely and n-heptane (150 ml) was added, stir for 30-40 minutes. The resulting solid was filtered off under inert atmosphere, washed with n-heptane and dried under vacuum at 65-75Â° C. for 30-40 hours.

Example 10Preparation of Amorphous Fluvastatin Sodium

Fluvastatin sodium (30 gm) was taken in methanol (150 ml) and stir at 45-50Â° C. to obtain clear solution. Methanol was distilled off completely, n-heptane (150 ml) was added and stir for 30-40 minutes. The resulting solid was filtered off under inert atmosphere, washed with n-heptane and dried under vacuum at 65-75Â° C. for 30-40 hours.

While this invention has been described in detail with reference to certain preferred embodiments, it should be appreciated that the present invention is not limited to those precise embodiments. Rather, in view of the present disclosure, which describes the current best mode for practicing the invention, many modifications and variations would present themselves to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of this invention.