Unexpected Single Crystal Growth Induced by a Wire and New Crystalline Structures of Lapatinib

Single crystal growth of lapatinib free base was induced by immersion of a copper wire into a supersaturated methanolic aqueous solution yielding monoclinic anhydrous plates (space group <i>P</i>2₁/<i>c</i>, Form 1) and needles of a previously unknown channel hydrate (in <i>P</i>4₂2₁2). Also, a new method has been developed herein to obtain anhydrous Form 1 via acid–base reaction of lapatinib ditosylate and sodium methoxide, avoiding the usage of an aqueous solution and hydrate formation. Anhydrous Form 2 as well as new solvates were produced via solution mediated transformation experiments, including a dichloromethane solvate with a powder X-ray diffraction pattern similar to that of anhydrous Form 2. Differential scanning calorimetry and solution equilibrium experiments helped to elucidate the interconversion pathways between Form 1, Form 2, and the solvates

Investigating the Interaction Pattern and Structural Elements of a Drug–Polymer Complex at the Molecular Level

Strong associations between drug and polymeric carriers are expected to contribute to higher drug loading capacities and better physical stability of amorphous solid dispersions. However, molecular details of the interaction patterns and underlying mechanisms are still unclear. In the present study, a series of amorphous solid dispersions of clofazimine (CLF), an antileprosy drug, were prepared with different polymers by applying the solvent evaporation method. When using hypromellose phthalate (HPMCP) as the carrier, the amorphous solid dispersion system exhibits not only superior drug loading capacity (63% w/w) but also color change due to strong drug–polymer association. In order to further explain these experimental observations, the interaction between CLF and HPMCP was investigated in a nonpolar volatile solvent system (chloroform) prior to forming the solid dispersion. We observed significant UV/vis and ¹H NMR spectral changes suggesting the protonation of CLF and formation of ion pairs between CLF and HPMCP in chloroform. Furthermore, nuclear Overhauser effect spectroscopy (NOESY) and diffusion order spectroscopy (DOSY) were employed to evaluate the strength of associations between drug and polymers, as well as the molecular mobility of CLF. Finally, by correlating the experimental values with quantum chemistry calculations, we demonstrate that the protonated CLF is binding to the carboxylate group of HPMCP as an ion pair and propose a possible structural model of the drug–polymer complex. Understanding the drug and carrier interaction patterns from a molecular perspective is critical for the rational design of new amorphous solid dispersions

Impact of Metallic Stearates on Disproportionation of Hydrochloride Salts of Weak Bases in Solid-State Formulations

Excipient-induced salt disproportionation (conversion from salt form to free form) in the solid state during storage or manufacturing is a severe formulation issue that can negatively influence product performance. However, the role of excipient properties on salt disproportionation and mechanisms of proton transfer between salt and excipients are still unclear. Moreover, knowledge about the formation of disproportionation products and the consequent impact of these reactions products on the disproportionation process is still inadequate. In the present study, three commonly used lubricants (sodium stearate, calcium stearate, and magnesium stearate) were mixed with a hydrochloride salt as binary mixtures to examine their different capabilities for inducing salt disproportionation at a stressed storage condition (40 °C/65% RH). The overall objective of this research is to explore factors influencing the kinetics and extent of disproportionation including surface area, alkalinity, hygroscopicity, formation of new species, etc. In addition, we also aim to clarify the reaction mechanism and proton transfer between the model salt and stearates to provide insight into the in situ formed reaction products. We found that the properties of stearates significantly affect the disproportionation process in the initial stage of storage, while properties of the reaction products negatively affect the hygroscopicity of the powder mixture promoting disproportionation during longer-term storage. In addition, lubrication difference among three stearates was evaluated by performing compaction studies. The findings of this study provide an improved understanding of the proton transfer mechanism between the ionized form of an active pharmaceutical ingredient and excipients in solid dosage forms. It also provides pragmatic information for formulation scientists to select appropriate lubricants and other excipients, and to design robust formulations

Solid-State Spectroscopic Investigation of Molecular Interactions between Clofazimine and Hypromellose Phthalate in Amorphous Solid Dispersions

It has been technically challenging to specify the detailed molecular interactions and binding motif between drugs and polymeric inhibitors in the solid state. To further investigate drug–polymer interactions from a molecular perspective, a solid dispersion of clofazimine (CLF) and hypromellose phthalate (HPMCP), with reported superior amorphous drug loading capacity and physical stability, was selected as a model system. The CLF–HPMCP interactions in solid dispersions were investigated by various solid state spectroscopic methods including ultraviolet–visible (UV–vis), infrared (IR), and solid-state NMR (ssNMR) spectroscopy. Significant spectral changes suggest that protonated CLF is ionically bonded to the carboxylate from the phthalyl substituents of HPMCP. In addition, multivariate analysis of spectra was applied to optimize the concentration of polymeric inhibitor used to formulate the amorphous solid dispersions. Most interestingly, proton transfer between CLF and carboxylic acid was experimentally investigated from 2D ¹H–¹H homonuclear double quantum NMR spectra by utilizing the ultrafast magic-angle spinning (MAS) technique. The molecular interaction pattern and the critical bonding structure in CLF–HPMCP dispersions were further delineated by successfully correlating ssNMR findings with quantum chemistry calculations. These high-resolution investigations provide critical structural information on active pharmaceutical ingredient–polymer interaction, which can be useful for rational selection of appropriate polymeric carriers, which are effective crystallization inhibitors for amorphous drugs

A New Thermodynamically Favored Flubendazole/Maleic Acid Binary Crystal Form: Structure, Energetics, and <i>in Silico</i> PBPK Model-Based Investigation

The use of flubendazole (FBZ) in the treatment of lymphatic filariasis and onchocerciasis (two high incidence neglected tropical diseases) has been hampered by its poor aqueous solubility. A material consisting of binary flubendazole/maleic acid crystals (FBZ/MA), showing considerably improved solubility and dissolution rate relative to flubendazole alone, has been prepared in this work through solvent assisted mechanical grinding. The identification of FBZ/MA as a binary crystalline compound with salt character (proton transfer from MA to FBZ) relied on the combined results of powder X-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), thermogravimetry (TG), and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Isothermal solution microcalorimetry studies further suggested that the direct formation of FBZ/MA from its precursors in the solid state is thermodynamically favored. A comparison of the <i>in silico</i> pharmacokinetic performance of the FBZ/MA with that of pure FBZ based on a rat fasted physiology model indicated that the absorption rate, mean plasma peak concentration, and absorption extension of FBZ/MA were ∼2.6 times, ∼1.4 times, and 60% larger, respectively, than those of FBZ. The results here obtained therefore suggest that the new FBZ/MA salt has a considerable potential for the development of stable and affordable pharmaceutical formulations with improved dissolution and pharmacokinetic properties. Finally, powder X-ray diffraction studies also led to the first determination of the crystal structure of FBZ