Technical Field The benzlmideole derivatives are polymeric benzimidazoles of the formula I: Formula I wherein R, = H or CH3, X = -OCOCH2COO-, CONHCH2NHCO-, R7 = H, CH., C2H5 or CONH2, Y = OH or NH2, E =- COO-, B is benzmidazole moiety of the formula IIA : Formula IIA

wherein each of Ri, R2, R3, R4, R5 = R Cs alkyL C6. s2 (un) substituted aryl C1-8 alkoxy, C6-12 aryloxy, C1-5 alkoxy carbonyl, C6-12 aryloxy carbonyl, C1-5 alkoxy alkyl, C6-12 alkoxyaryl, C1-5 haloalkyl, C1-5 alkyl or C6-12aryl thioethers, (im) substituted amines or diamines, (un) substituted amides, halo, cyanc, nitro, carboxylic acid or carbocyclic or 0, N, S containing heterocyclic ru systems or enantiomers thereof.

This invention also relates to pharmaceutically acceptable acid addition salts of the acid stable antiulcer polymeric benzimidazoles, process for the preparation thereof, formulation comprising the same and process for the preparation of the formulation.

The compounds of the invention on oral administration inhibit exogenously or endogenously stimulated gastric acid secretion and thus may be used in the treatment/prevention of peptic ulcers, gastro intestinal inflammatory diseases like duodenal/gastric ulcer or gastritis or other gastro intestinal disorders.

Background Art Antiulcer benzimidazoles of the formula II:

Formula II wherein each of X,, Rz, R3, R¢, R5 is as defined above, are known to be unstable at neutral or acidic pH of the gastric fluid and undergo decomposition in gastriointestinal fluid on oral administration resulting un loss of activity. Therefore, these compounds are not directly orally ingested. Instead, they are formulated for use by enteric coating or by N- substitution with non-polymeric substituents followed by enteric coating [US Patents Nos 4045563, 5039806 and 5948773, PCT Publications Nos Wo 95/32957, WO 94I27988 and WO 91/19711, EP Patents Nos 176308 and 0045200 and J. Med. Chem., 34, 1049 (1991) John Sih et al].

Enteric coated formulations in the form of tablet comprise an initial barrier coating on the active with polymers such as hydroxy propyl. methyl cellulose, polyvinyl pyrrolidone or the like, followed by acid resistant coating with polymers such as cellulose acetate phthalate, hydroxy propyl methyl phthalate, polyvinyl acetate phthalate or copolymer of methacrylic acid

and ethyl acrylate. The method of preparing enteric coated tablet involves provision of multiple coatings and numerous unit operations such as communition, blending, pelletisation, pan coating, drying, spray coating and/or fluid bed coating/drying because of which it is cumbersome, time consuming and expensive. Benzlmidasole actives being sensitive to light, moisture and organic solvents such as dichloromethane, acetone or isopiopyi alcohol, there are chances of decomposition of the actives during pelletisation thereof. The biologically active compound from such enteric coated formulation is directly released in neutral pH in the intestinal fluid bypassing contact. with acidic gastric fluid, where a good percentage of the active is decomposed due to its instability in neutral pH Thus the bioavailabihty of benzunidazole actives from enteric coated formulations thereof is low. Anti- ulcer benzimidazoles are not known or reported to have been formulated into other oral dosage forms such as syrup or suspension.

Bioactives other than benzimidazoles covalently conjugated with synthetic polymers directly or through a reactive functional group are known and reported. For example, progesterone has been conjugated with aliphatic polyesters such as poly- #-Caprolactone), poly-[#-(+,-)-Calactone], polypivalolactone and poly- (+,-)-dilactide through an ester linkage [ Biomed. Mater. Res, Pitt et al, 1979, 13, 491) ; (Polymer conjugates with

Anticancer Activity, Advances in Polymer Science, D Putnam et al, 1995, Vol 122, page 55-123, Springer Verlag Berline)]. These polymer-conjugates are administered by subdermal route.

US Patent No 4587046 describes covalent conjugation of nat. urally occuring catecholamines and autocoid moieties with monodisperse amino acid polymers or peptides having an alkyl group through esterlamide linkages. These conjugates are administered parenterally.

US Patent No 5783178 describes conjugation of actives like inca alkaloids, mitomycins, bleomycins, fluconazole, amphotericin B, paclitaxel derivatives, cytokines, erythroprotein or polynucleotides with block copolymer of ethyleneoxy monomer or a mixture of ethyleneoxy and the- OCH (CH3) CH2-monomers through bifunctional linking group. This system is mainly used as targeted drug delivery system.

US Patent No 5510418 describes covalent conjugation of glycosaminoglycan with polyethylene glycol through an ether linkage and is useful for hard/soft tissue augmentation. These polymer-conjugates are to be administered by parenteral route.

Biphenylamine derivatives have been conjugated with polymethacrylic acid. Release of the biphenyl amine derivative from the conjugate was reported only after intraperitoneal injection.

US Patent No 5889078 describes conjugates of biologically active compounds such as cytostatic fluoro uracil with homopolymer of acrylic acids through ester or amide linkages. These polymer conjugates are mainly used as drug delivery system by parenteral route wherein the polymeric backbone er release of the bioactives is difficult to be excreted from the biological system.

US Patent. No 5037883 describes conjugate of active such as anticancer daunomycin with copolymer of N- (2-hydroxypropyl) acrylanude, N-methacrylamide, N-methacrylic acid and/or N-methacryloylated amino acid through peptide group These polymer-conjugates are administered by parenteral route.

US Patent No 5976527 describes conjugates of proteins such as albumin, immunoglobulins, blood clotting factors and peptide hormones with h polymethylmethacrylate or polymethacrylamide comprising reactive oxunuc groups, which after immobilisation are used for interaction with biological systems. These conjugate systems are mainly used for diagnostic purposes and as sorbents for pollutants.

Benzimidazole compounds substituted with polymer at the nitrogen thereof are not known or reported.

An object of the invention is to provide orally administrable acid stable anti-ulcer benzmudazole derivatives and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, having increased bioavailability.

Another object of the invention is to provide orally administrable acid stable anti-ulcer benzimidazole derivatives and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof which are not enteric coated.

Another object of the invention is to provide orally administrable acid stable anti-ulcer benzimidazole derivatives and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof which have activity comparable to unsubstituted benzumidazoles.

Another object of the invention is to provide orally administrable acid stable anti-ulcer benzimidazole derivatives and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof which are capable of being clinic used.

Another object of the invention is to provide a process for the preparation of orally administrable acid stable anti-ulcer benzmudazole derivatives and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof which results in products having increased bioavailability.

Another object of the invention is to provide a process for the preparation of orally administrable acid stable anti-ulcer benzimidazole

derivatives and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, which results ion products that are not enteric coated and is therefore simple, less time consuming, less expensive, easy and convenient to carry out.

Another object of the invention is to provide a process for the preparation of orally adnumstrable acid stable anti-ulcer benzimidazcle derivatives and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, which results m products having activity comparable to the imsubstituted ben2 midazoles.

Another object of the invention is to provide a process for the preparation of orally administrable acid stable anti-ulcer benzimidszcic derivatives and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, which results in products capable of being used clinically.

Another object of the invention is to provide a formulation of orally administrable acid stable anti-ulcer benzimidazole derivatives and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, having increased bioavaiiability.

Another object of the invention is to provide a formulation of orally administrable acid stable anti-ulcer polymeric benzimidazoles and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof which are not enteric coated.

Another object of the invention is to provide a formulation of orally administrable acid stable anti-ulcer benzunidazole derivatives and

pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, which have activity comparable to the unsubstituted benztmidazoles.

Another object of the invention is to provide a formulation of orally administrable acid stable anti-ulcer benzumidazole derivatives and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, which are capable of being used clinically.

Another object of the invention is to provide a process for the preparation of a formulation of orally administrable acid stable anti-ulcer benz midazole derivatives and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, which results in products having increased bioavailability.

Another object of the invention is to provide a process for the preparation of a formulation of orally administrable acid stable anti-ulcer benzimidazole derivatives and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, which results in products that are not. enteric coated and is thri~rlelc simple, less time consuming, less expensive, easy and convenient to carry Out.

Another object of the invention is to provide a process for the preparation of a. formulation of orally administrable acid stable nanti-ulcer benzmiidazole derivatives and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof,

which results in products having activity comparable to the unsubstituted benzimidazoles.

Another object of the invention is to provide a process for the preparation of a formulation of orally admimstrable acid stable anti-ulcer benzmudazole derivatives and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, which results in products capable of being used clinically.

Disclosure of the Invention According to the invention there is provided orally administrable acid stable anti-ulcer benzmudazole derivatives of the formula I: wherein R6 = H or CH3, X = -OCOCH2COO-, CONHCH2NHCO-, R7 = H, CH3, C2H5 or CONH2, Y = OH or NH2, E COO-, B is benzunidazole moiety of the formula IIA :

Formula IIA wherein each of R R2, R3, R4, R5 = H, C1-12 alkyl, C6-12 (un)substituted aryl, Cl. 8 alkoxy, C6-12 aryloxy, C1-5 alkoxy carbonyl, C6-12 aryloxy carbonyl, C1-5 alko. alkyl, C6-12 alkoxyaryl, C1-5 haloalkyl, C1-5 alkyl or C6-12aryl thioethers, (un) substituted amines or diamnines, (un) substituted amides, halo, cyan, nitro, carboxylic acid or carbocyclic or 0, N, S containing heterocyclic ïills systems or enantiomers thereof and pharmaceutically acceptable acid addition salts thereof.

According to the invention there is also provided a process for the preparation of orally administrable acid stable anti-ulcer benztmidazolc derivatives of the formula 1 :

wherein R6 = H or CH3, X = -OCOCH2COO-, CONHCH2NHCO-. R7 = H, CHR, C2H5 or CONH2, Y = OH or NHz, E = COO-, B is benzumdazole moiety of the formula IIA : Formula IIA wherein each of R1, R2, R3, R4, R5 = H Cl. 12 alkyl, C6-12 (un)substituted aryl, C1-8 alkoxy, C6-12 aryloxy, C1-5 alkoxy carbonyl, C6-12 aryloxy carbonyl, C1-5 alkoxy alkyl, C6-12 alkoxyaryl, C1-5 haloalkyl, C1-5 alkyl or C6-12aryl thioethers, (un) substituted amines or diammes, (un) substituted amides, halo, cyano,

nitro, carboxylic acid or carbocyclic or O, N, S containing heterocyclic ring systems or enantiomers thereof and pharmaceutically acceptable acid addition salts thereof the process comprising : a) condensing a benzimidazole of the formula @@ : Formula II wherein each of R1, R2, R3, R4, R5 is as defined above, with a biocompatible partially orally biodegradable synthetic cross linked polymer of the formula wherein R6, R7 and E each is as defined above and Yt = O or N, in aqueous medium at 5-80°C and pH 4-11 under inert atmosphere and string ; the

weight percentage of the benzimidazole with respect to the conjugate being 1- 50 ; b) cooling, isolating and drying the resulting polymeric benzimidazole at 25-45°C ; and c) if desired, converting the polymeric benzimidazole into pharmaceutically acceptable acid addition salts.

According to the invention, there is also provided a formulation of orally administrable acid stable anti-ulcer benzmidasole derivatives of the wherein Re = H or CH3, X = -OCOCH2COO-, CONHCH2NHCO-. R = H, CH3, C2Ho or CONH2, Y = OH or NH2, E- COO-, B is benzmidazole moiety of the formula IIA

Formula IIA wherein each of R,, Rz, Rq, R4, R5 = H, C1-12 alkyl, C6-12 (un)substituted aryl, C1-8 alkoxy, C6-12 aryloxy, C1-5 alkoxy carbonyl, C6-12 aryloxy carbonyl, C1-5 alkoxy alkyl, C6-12 alkoxyaryl, C1-5 haloalkyl, C1-5 alkyl or C6-12aryl thioethers, (un) substituted amines or diamines, (un) substituted amides, halo, cyano, nitro. carboxylic acid or carbocyclic or 0. N, S containing heterocyclic iiu svstems or enanuomers thereof and pharmaceutically acceptable acid addition salts thereof, m combination with pharmaceutically acceptable excipients.

According to the invention there is also provided a process for the preparation of a formulation of orally aclmmiskable acid stable anti- ulcer benztmidazole derivatives of the formula I :

Formula I wherein R6 = H or CH3, X = -OCOCH2COO-, CONHCH2NHCO-, R7 = H, CH3, C2H5 or CONH2, Y = OH or NHç, E = COO-, B is benzmidazole moiety of the formula IIA : Formula IIA wherein each of Rt, R2, R3, R4, R5 = H, C1-12 alkyl, C6-12 (un)substituted aryl, C. 8 alkoxy, C6-12 aryloxy, C1-5 alkoxy carbonyl, C6-12 aryloxy carbonyl, C1-5 alkoxy alkyi, Cf 12 alkoxyaryl, C1-5 haloalkyl, C1-5 alkyl or C6. laryl thioeiners, (un) substituted ammes or diamines, (uni) substituted amides, halo, cyano,

nitro, carboxylic acid or carbocyclic or 0, N, S containing heterocyclic ring systems or enantiomers thereof ; and pharmaceutically acceptable acid addition salts thereof, the process comprising mixing the polymeric benzmiidazole or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof with pharmaceutically acceptable excipients.

The compounds of the formula II may be racemic or enantiomeric.

Preferably the compound of the formula II may be 5- methoxy-2 [(4-methoxy-3,5-dimethyl-2-pyridinyl)sulfinyl]-1H-benzimidaz ole i. e. omeprazole, wherein R, = CH, R2 = OCH3, R3 = CH3 R4 = OCH3, R5 = H ; or 5-(difluoro methoxy)-2-[[(3,4-dimethoxy-2-pyridinyl)methyl]sulfinyl]- lH-benzmidasole ie pantoprazole, wherein R1 = H, R2 = OCH3, R3 = O CH3, 1 = OCHF2, R5 = H ; or 2 [[[3-methyl-4-(2,2,2-trifluoroethoxy)-2- pyridinyljmethyl] sulfinyl]-lH-benzimidazole ie lansoprazole, wherein R, H R2 = OCH2CF3, R3 = CH3, R4 = H, R = H.

The polymers may be formed in known manner by polymeisation of monomers such as acrylic acid, substituted acrylic acids, acrylamide, substituted acrylamides, acrylonitrile, substituted acrylonitriles, esters of acrylic or substituted acrylic acids, styrene, vinyl styrene, vinyl anhydride or derivatives thereof, preferably acrylic acid, methacryhc acid,

acrylamide, methacrylamide, acrylonitrile, ethyl acrylate, methyl acrylate, butyl acrylate, hydroxyethylmethyl acrylate or 2-hexylethylmethacrylate.

Preferably Y'in the polvmer of the formula III is oxygen atom and Y in the polymeric benzimidazole of the formula 1 is hydroxyl group.

Pharmaceutically acceptable acid addition salts of the conjugate may be hydrochloride, hydrobromide, hydroiodide, sulfate, phosphate, nitrate, perchlorate, formate, acetate, propionate, succinate, glycolate, lactate, tartarate, citrate, ascorbate, piruvate or alginate prepared in a known manner by treating the polymeric benzmidazole with acid such as hydrochloric acid, hydrobromic acid, hydroiodic, sulphuric acid, phosphoric acid, nitric acid, perchloric acid, formic acid, acetic acid, propionic acid, succinic acid, glycolic acid, lactic acid, tartaric acid, citric acid, ascorbic acid, pyruvic acid, or alginic acid respectively.

The weight percentage of the benzlmidazole of the formula II may be preferably 20% with respect to the conjugate.

The condensation pH may be preferably 6-11.

The temperature for condensation may be preferably l0-40°C.

Isolation of the polymeric benzunidazole may be by filtration, decantation or centrifugation, preferably filtration.

The polymeric benzmidazole may be dried in a tray dryer or vacuum tray dryer, preferably tray dryer, preferably at 30-50°C.

The excipients may be lactose, magnesium stearate, methyl cellulose, distilled water. microcrystalline cellulose, maltodextnn, glycerin, n, flavouring agents or other excipients known in the art.

The polymeric benzmudazoles of the invention are novel and are found to be acid stable due to the polymeric N-substitution. T'herefore. they do not disintegrate in the gastrointestinal fluid and are suitable for oral administration without enteric coating. Since they do not disintegrate in the gastrointestinal fluid, their bioavailabilitv is increased as compared to enteric coated benzmndazoles and their activities are comparable to those of msubstituted benzumidazoles. Because the process for the preparation of the compounds of the invention eliminates enteric coating, it is simple, less time consuming, less expensive. easy and convenient to carry out Upon oral administration, under the influence of elvymeslchemicals in the gastrointest. inal fluid, the polymeric benzmidazole cleaves at the hydrolysable group (E) to release a N-substituted benzunidazole derivative (ie the benzimidazole along with a part of the polymer) having anti-ulcer activity.

The remaining part of the polymer is inert, non-toxic and non-absorbahte in the gastro intestinal fluid and is excreted from the body as such or as

nonabsorbable metabolites thereof. Therefore the polymeric benzimidazole conjugates of the invention are safe for clinical use. The polymeric benzimidazoles of the invention may be formulated into tablets or capsules besides other oral dosage forms such as syrup or suspension.

The following experimental examples are illustrative of the invention but. not. limitative of the scope thereof.

EXAMPLE 1 The copolymer (5. 0 g) prepared using acrylonitrile, glycidyl acrylat. and glycol dimethacrylate was mixed with omeprazole [1, 25 gi dissolved in aqueous medium at pH 9. 5. The reaction mixture was stirred at 30°C for 18 hours. The product was filtered washed with water (100 ml x 5) and dried under vacuum ai 45°C for 12 hours to obtain 6. 1 g of the polymer- substituted omeprazole.

Example 2 The copolymer (5. 0 g) prepared using glycidyl methacrylate and acrylamide was mixed with omeprazole (1. 25 g) dissolved in aqueous medium at pH 9. 8. The reaction mixture was stirred at 30°C for 18 hours. The product was filtered washed with water (100 ml x 5) and dried under vacuum at 45°C for 12 hours to obtain 5. 92 g of the polymer-substituted omeprazole.

Example 3 The copolymer (5. 0 g) prepared using glycidyl methacrylate and glycol dimethacrylate was mixed with omeprazole (1. 25 g) dissolved in aqueous madium at pH 1 (). 4. The reaction mixture was stirred at 30°C for is hours. The product was filtered washed with water (100 ml x 5) and dried

under vacuum at 45°C for 12 hours to obtain 6. 05 g of the polymer- substituted omeprazole.

Example 4 The procedure of Example 2 was followed using omeprazole (2. 5 g) and pH 10. 2 instead of omeprazole (1. 25 g) and pH 9. 8 to obtain 6. 45 g of the polymer-substituted omeprazole.

Example 5 The procedure of Example 3 was followed using omeprazole (2. 5 g) instead of omeprazole (1. 25 g) to obtain 6. 32 g of the polymer- substituted omeprazole.

Example 6 The procedure of Example 2 was followed using lansoprazole (3. 0 g) instead of omeprazole (1. 25 g) to obtain 5. 8 g of the polymer- substituted lansoprazole.

Example 7 The procedure of Example 2 was followed using pantoprazole (3. 0 g) instead of omeprazole (1. 25 g) to obtain 5. 9 g of the polymer- substituted pantoprazole.

Example 8 Tablets containing the following ingredients Polyneric benzimidazole of Example 2 100. 0 g Lactose 70. 0 g Magnesium stearate 1. 5 g Methyl cellulose 0. 6 g Crosspovidone 5. 5 g Distilled water q. s were prepared by mixing to form a wet mass and forcing the wet mass through a sieve, granulating and drying on an oven. After drying, the <BR> <BR> granulate was mixed with crosspovidone and magnesium stearate. The dry mixture was pressed into tablet (1000 tablets) Each tablet containing 100 mg of active substance using 5 mm diameter punches.

Example 9 Suspension containing the following ingredients were prepared : Polymeric benzimidazole of Example 2 2. 0 g Glycerin 55. 0 g Pharma grade sugar 320. 0 g Maltodextrin 0. 5 g

Flavouring agent 0. 5 g Ethanol 5. 0 ml Distilled water 100. 0 ml Example 10 Capsules containing Polymeric benzimidazole of Example 2 100. 0 g Anhydrous lactose 300. 0 g Microcrystalline cellulose 20. 0 g Magnesium sterate 0. 5 g were mixed in geometrical order using planatorv mixer. The blend was sieved and filled into capsules.

Biological activity Wistar albino rats of either sex, fed on standard rat chow diet were divided into the groups of 10 animals each. The distribution of animals in groups, the sequence of trials and the treatment allotted to each group were randomized. Gastric ulceration was produced by pylorus ligation and absolute ethanol administration. In these methods, animals were fasted for 36 hrs before the experiment Coprohagy was prevented by fasting the animals in cages with grating as the floor. Duodenal ulceration was produced

by cysteamin and in this model fasting is not. required and hence food and water were made available as libidum till the start of the experiment. The animals were sacrifice using anaesthetic ether after the completion of experiments ; the stomachs were removed, opened along the greater curvature, washed with saline and examined with 6. 4* (cm diameter) binocular magnifier. Lesions were assessed by two observers unaware of the experimental protocol.

DRUG TREATMENT SCHDULE Drugs used were polymeric benzimidazoles of Examples 1 to 7 (1. 5 mg to 10 mg} peroral ie p. o) and unsubstituted and unenteric coated omeprazole (manufactured by us, 0. 40 mg/kg p. o) They were administered per orally, 30 minutes after the drug treatment the animals were subjected to o any ulcerogenic procedure.

PYLORUS LIGATED RATS Rats were anaesthetized with anaesthetic ether and the portion of abdomen was opened by a small midline incision below the, nphoid process.

Pylorus portion of the stomach was lifted and ligated. During the process care was taken to avoid the traction of the pylorus or damage to its blood

supply. The stomach was isolated from the body and its contents were collected, measured and centrifuged. The supernatant was used immediately for biochemical analysis for total acidity. Immediately after the removal of the contents from the stomach, they were examined for lesions in the stomach portion which was measured and expressed in terms of ulcer index calculated as the total ulcerated area divided by the total mucosal area.

ETHANOL INDUCED GASTRIC MUCOSAL DAMAGE Rats were given 1. 0 mi of 10MIo ethyl alcohol (p. o) by gavage needle, 30 minutes after the administration of test compound. Two hours after ethanol administration all rats were sacrificed. The area of the glandular portion of the stomach was measured in millimeters Then the area of ; the gastric mucosal damage was calculated in square millimeters and the severity of the gastric mucosal injury was expressed as percentage of the surface area of the glandular stomach.

CYSTEAMINE-HCI INDUCED DUODENAL ULCERS IN RATS Wistar albino rats of either sex were used. Food and water were available and libidum ; throughout. the study. Duodenal ulcers were induced by two administrations of cysteamine hydrochloride 400 mg/kg p. o,

in 10% aqueous solution at an interval of 4 hour. The drugs under study were administered 30 minutes before each dose of cysteamin hydrochloride. All the animals were sacrifice 24 hours after the first dose of cysteamine and duodenum were excised carefully and opened along the antimesenteric side. The mean ulcer area was obtained by measuring the dimensions of the duodenal ulcer (s) in square millimeters.

RESULTS EFFECT ON ULCER INDEX AND TOTAL ACID OUTPUT IN PYLORUS LIGATED RATS Pylorus ligation for 19 hours produced accumulation of gastric secretory volume and increase m the total acid output of the gastric juice as shom in Table I.

TABLE-1

Effect of polymeric benzimidazoles of Examples 1 to 7 and omeprazole on total acid output and intensity of gastric lesions in pylorus ligated rats as calculated by [mean + Standard Error Mean ie SEM] PoRymenc mgfkg x days Total acid output Ulcer index benzimidazole of (p. o) meq/L/100 g Control 0 x 0 186.41~19.05 2.88~0.18 Example 1 2 x 1 60. 5~4. 1 1. 09~0 51 lU x I 71. 324. 5 1. 150. 34 Example 2 2 x 1 65. 8~6. 3 1. 28~0. 32 10 x 1 61.15~6.9 1.17~0. 42 Example 3 2 71. 152. 5 1. 35~0. 37 lu 69. 812. 4 1. 33 (). 39 Example 4 72. 366. 81 1. 18~0. 23 10 x 1 68.11~6. 53 1. 24~0. 39 Example 5 1. 5 x 1 55. 145. 81 1. 21~0. 51 10 x 1 54.06~6.52 1.15~0. 67 Example 6 1.5 x 1 77.15~6. 3 1. 250. 45 10 x 1 68.53~6. 9 1.15~0. 32 Example 7 1.5 x 1 59.58~7.19 1. 41~0. 32 10 x 1 52.65~5. 5 1. 37~0. 51 Omeprazele 0. 4 x 1 72.93~7. 17 0. 880. 1O The benzimidazole active content in the compounds of Examples 1 to 7 was 20-30 °, ó.

Conclusion :-The results of Table 1 showed that polymeric benzumdazoles of Examples 1 to 7 (both the doses) produced decrease in

ulcer index and total acid output. The activities of the polymeric benzimidazoles of Examples 1 to 7 were comparable to those of omeprazole.

EFFECT ON ABSOLUTE ETHANOL INDUCED GASTRIC MUCOSAL DAMAGE Oral administration of absolute ethanol produced blackish elongated bands ofhaemorrhagic lesions in the corpus mucosa along the long axis of the stomach within 2 hours. Polymeric benzmidazoles of Examples to 7 when administered in the doses 1. 5 mg to 2mg J kg p. o decreased the area of gastric mucosal lesions when compared to ethanol treated rats in control, as shown in Table 2.

TABLE-2 Effect of polymeric benzmidazoles of Examples 1-7 on gastric mucosal injury induced by absolute ethanol in 7 rats polymeric (mg/kg x days) Area of gastric lesions (mm2) % of control benzimizole of (p. o) (% of the glandular stomach) of untreated rats Control 0 x 0 34. 62~1. 44 100 Example 1 (2 x 1) 3. 850. 19 11. 12 Example 2 (2 x 1) 4.51 ~0. 22 12. 99 Example 3 (2 x 1) 3. 51 ~ 0. 81 10. 14 Example 4 (1. 5 x 1) 1. 55 0. 6 448 Example 5 {1. 5 x 1) 1.73 ~ 0. 32 4. 99 Example 6 (1. 5 x 1) 1. 95 ~ 0.48 5. 63 Example 7 (1. 5 x 1) 1. 79 ~ 0. 32 5. 17 The benzunidazole active content in the compounds of Examples 1 to 7 was 20-30 %.

The results of Table 2 were significantly different from those of control conditions as indicated by P<0.05.

EFFECT ON CYSTEAMIN INDUCED DUODENAL ULCER MODEL Administration of cysteamin caused some mortality in rats within 24 hour. The rats when died had perforated ulcers. Polymeric benzmidazoles of Examples 1-7 (1. 5 mg and 2 mg/kg) decreased significantly the mean ulcer area when compared to those in rats in control. However mortality was reduced in the animals treated with polymeric benzimidazole of Examples 1 to 7 as shown m Table 3.

TABLE-3 Effect of polymeric benzimidazoles of Examples 1-7 on cysteamine induced duodenal ulcer 7 rats models : (mean + SEM) Polymeric benzimidazole of (mg/kg x days) Mean Ulcer Area (p.o) (mm2) Control (0 x 0) 13. 94 1. 27 (2 x 1) 6.55 ~ 0. 3 Example 2 (2 x 1) 7. 13 0. 43 Example 3 (2 x 1) 6.85 ~ 0. 51 Example 11. 5 x 1) b. 34 0. 62 5 (1.5 x 1) 6.13 ~0.35 Example 6 (1. 5 x 1) 6. 83 0. 33 Example 7 (1.5 x 1) 6.53 ~0. 47 The benzmudazole active content in the compounds of Examples 1 to o 7 was 20-30 %.

The results of Table 3 were significantly different from those of control conditions as indicated by P<0. 05.

EXPRESSIONS OF RESULTS AND STATISTICS The results were analyzed statistically using the unaired students T test. The value of P less then 5% (Pc0 05) was considered to be statistically significant.

IN-VITRO STUDIES In-vitro digestionof polymeric benzimidazole of Examples 1- 5 using simulated gastric and intestinal fluids for 2 and 7 hrs respectively at 37°C, did not show the release of Omeprazole (tested by HPLC procedure given for omeprazole in USP-23). Similarly, polymeric beidazole of Examples 6 and 7 after digestion, did not show release of lansoprazole and pantoprazole (USP-23) respectively. Therefore it should be assumed that the drugs released were derivatives (modified forms) of omepraole, lansoprazole and pantoprazole respectively.

In-vivo screening of the polymeric benzimidazole of Example 1-7 in rats by pylorus hgation, ethanol induced cytoprotective property and antiduodenal ulcer property reveals significant proton pump inhibiting property at 1. 5-2 mg/kg body weight dose.

CONCLUSIONS Polymeric benzimidazoles of Examples 1-7 show significant antiulcer activity in rats in all the three experimental models, viz. pylorus ligated rats, ethanol induced gastric mucosal injury and cysteamine induced duodenal ulcer. Activities were comparable with that of omeprazole in pylorus ligated rats model