Novel crystalline forms of an antiviral benzimidazole compound

Abstract

The invention relates to crystalline forms of 5,6-dichloro-2-(isopropylamino)-1-β-L-ribofuranosyl-1Hbenzimidazole, pharmaceutical compositions comprising the same, processes for preparing the same, and their use in medical therapy.

1 - 15 . (canceled) 
     
     
         16 . A pharmaceutical composition comprising a crystalline form of Form VI 5,6-dichloro-2-(isopropylamino)-1-β-L-ribofuranosyl-1Hbenzimidazole having substantially the same X-ray powder diffraction pattern as  FIG. 6 , wherein said X-ray diffraction pattern is obtained with a diffractometer equipped with a diffracted beam curved graphite monochromator using copper Ka X-radiation, and at least one pharmaceutically acceptable carrier therefor. 
     
     
         17 . The pharmaceutical composition according to  claim 16 , wherein the pharmaceutical composition is in the form of a capsule, cachet, sachet of granules or tablets. 
     
     
         18 . A method for the treatment of a herpes viral infection in a human which comprises administering to the human host, and effective antiviral amount of a crystalline form of Form VI 5,6-dichloro-2-(isopropylamino)-1-β-L-ribofuranosyl-1H-benzimidazole having substantially the same X-ray powder diffraction pattern as  FIG. 6 , wherein said X-ray diffraction pattern is obtained with a diffractometer equipped with a diffracted beam curved graphite monochromator using copper Ka X-radiation. 
     
     
         19 . The method according to  claim 18 , wherein the crystalline form of Form VI is administered orally, topically or parenterally. 
     
     
         20 . The method according to  claim 18 , wherein the herpes viral infection is cytomegalovirus (CMV). 
     
     
         21 . The method according to  claim 18 , wherein the effective antiviral amount of a crystalline form of Form VI 5,6-dichloro-2-(isopropylamino)-1-β-L-ribofuranosyl-1H-benzimidazole ranges from about 0.01 to about 250 mg per kilogram of body weight of recipient per day. 
     
     
         22 . A crystalline form of Form VI 5,6-dichloro-2-(isopropylamino)-1-β-L-ribofuranosyl-1Hbenzimidazole having substantially the same X-ray powder diffraction pattern as  FIG. 6 , wherein said X-ray diffraction pattern is obtained with a diffractometer equipped with a diffracted beam curved graphite monochromator using copper Ka X-radiation, and at least one pharmaceutically acceptable carrier therefor.