The Effect of Additives on the Crystallization of Cefazolin Sodium During Freeze-Drying

Purpose. To monitor the phase transitions during freeze-drying of cefazolin sodium (I) as a function of process and formulation variables. Methods. Aqueous solutions of I were frozen under controlled conditions in the sample chamber of a variable temperature X-ray powder diffractometer (XRD). The instrument was modified so that the chamber could be evacuated and the samples dried under reduced pressures. Thus, the entire freeze-drying process was carried out in the XRD holder with real time monitoring of the phase transitions during the different stages of freeze-drying. Results. When aqueous solutions of cefazolin sodium (10% w/w) were cooled to -40°C, the XRD pattern revealed only the crystallization of ice. Annealing the frozen sample led to the crystallization of I as the pentahydrate. Differential scanning calorimetry revealed that the presence of isopropyl alcohol (IPA) (5% w/w) led to a decrease in the Tg, the glass transition temperature of the system, and lowered the temperature of crystallization. The crystallization was studied at -8 and at -15°C in the XRD, and, as expected, more rapid crystallization was observed at the higher temperature. Primary drying at -8°C led to the dehydration of the pentahydrate, resulting in a poorly crystalline product. Again, XRD permitted real time monitoring of the decrease in intensities of some characteristic peaks of the pentahydrate. The in situ XRD technique also enabled us to study the effects of processing conditions (different primary and secondary drying temperatures) and crystalline bulking agents on the solid-state of I in the lyophile. When I was lyophilized using mannitol or glycine as an additive, without an annealing step, the drug was X-ray amorphous although the additive crystallized. When annealed and freeze-dried, I remained crystalline in the presence of glycine but not in the presence of mannitol. Conclusions. The in situ XRD technique has enabled us to characterize the phase transitions during freeze-drying of cefazolin sodium in multicomponent systems.     

Phase Transitions of Glycine in Frozen Aqueous Solutions and During Freeze-Drying

Purpose. To study the solid-state and phase transitions of glycine, (i) in frozen aqueous solutions, and (ii) during freeze-drying. Methods. X-ray powder diffractometry (XRD) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) were used to analyze the frozen systems. In situ freeze-drying in the sample chamber of the diffractometer enabled characterization of phase transitions during freeze-drying. Results. Transitions in frozen systems. Rapid (20°C/min) or slow (2°C/min) cooling of aqueous solutions of glycine (15% w/w) to –70°C resulted in crystallization of -glycine. Annealing at –10°C led to an increase in the amount of the crystalline phase. When quench-cooled by immersing in liquid nitrogen, glycine formed an amorphous freeze-concentrate. On heating, crystallization of an unidentified phase of glycine occurred at \-65°C which disappeared at –55°C, and the peaks of -glycine appeared. Annealing caused a transition of - to the - form. The extent of this conversion was a function of the annealing temperature. Slower cooling rates and annealing in frozen solutions increased the crystalline -glycine content in the lyophile. Freeze-drying of quench-cooled solutions led to the formation of -glycine during primary drying resulting in a lyophile consisting of a mixture of - and -glycine. The primary drying temperature as well as the initial solute concentration significantly influenced the solid-state of freeze-dried glycine only in quench-cooled systems. Conclusions. The cooling rate, annealing conditions and the primary drying temperature influenced the solid-state composition of freeze-dried glycine.     

Crystallization Behavior of Mannitol in Frozen Aqueous Solutions

Purpose. To study the effect of cooling rate, the influence of phosphate buffers and polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) on the crystallization behavior of mannitol in frozen aqueous solutions. Methods. Low-temperature differential scanning calorimetry and powder X-ray diffractometry were used to characterize the frozen solutions. Results. Rapid cooling (20°C/min) inhibited mannitol crystallization, whereas at slower cooling rates (10°C and 5°C/min) partial crystallization was observed. The amorphous freeze-concentrate was characterized by two glass transitions at -32°C and -25°C. When the frozen solutions were heated past the two glass transition temperatures, the solute crystallized as mannitol hydrate. An increase in the concentration of PVP increased the induction time for the crystallization of mannitol hydrate. At concentrations of 100 mM, the buffer salts significantly inhibited mannitol crystallization. Conclusions. The crystallization behavior of mannitol in frozen solutions was influenced by the cooling rate and the presence of phosphate buffers and PVP.     

Freeze-Drying From Organic Co-Solvent Systems,Part 2: Process Modifications to Reduce Residual Solvent Levels and Improve Product Quality Attributes

The use of co-solvent systems can benefit the freeze-drying process and product performance. In this study, cycle designs were applied based on existing recommendations for water-based formulations. Modifications thereof and the influence on the process (e.g., drying times) and product quality attributes (e.g., product appearance, residual solvent) were tested for various cosolvent systems. It was found that fast freezing was associated with the formation of large crystals for 50 mg/g polyvinylpyrrolidone in 40% 1,4-dioxane (w/w), resulting in a 7% reduction of primary drying. The application of high shelf temperatures during primary drying for 50 mg/g polyvinylpyrrolidone in 70% tert-butanol was feasible, resulting in shorter primary drying times but high residual solvent levels (7.7%). Most notable was that the inclusion of an evaporation step after freezing improved the product appearance for low-melting co-solvents (10% ethanol and 10% acetone). No ice or solvent nucleation occurred in the case of 50 mg/g mannitol in 50% N,N-dimethylacetamide during the normal freezing stage. Instead, the solution viscosity significantly increased after cooling to low shelf temperatures, followed by product evaporation (rather than sublimation) during the drying phase and failure to form a product cake after drying. The application of annealing enabled nucleation and sublimation.     

Enhancing the Pharmaceutical Behavior of Nateglinide by Cocrystallization: Physicochemical Assessment of Cocrystal Formation and Informed Use of Differential Scanning Calorimetry for Its Quantitative Characterization

The aim of this study was to synthetize cocrystals of nateglinide, an antidiabetic agent of biopharmaceutics classification system Class IIa, as a strategy to improve both the solubility and the dissolution rate of the drug. Benzamide was selected by a screening procedure as a suitable coformer, and binary mixtures with different compositions were prepared and analyzed by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). An in-depth analysis of DSC data allowed obtaining both the eutectic mixture and cocrystal compositions. The rationale of such an analysis was highlighted and explained. Cocrystals were prepared by kneading and solvent evaporation. Their formation was proved by DSC and confirmed by X-ray powder diffraction, solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance, and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy. The functional groups involved in the interaction leading to cocrystals formation were investigated by spectroscopic techniques. The in vitro dissolution profiles show that cocrystals have definite better pharmaceutical performances than the pure drug.     

马蔺子素-羟丙基-β-环糊精包合物的制备、鉴定及包合作用

目的制备和鉴定马蔺子素-羟丙基-β-环糊精包合物，并考察马蔺子素与HP-β-CD之间的包合作用及构成摩尔质量比。方法通过冷冻干燥法制备马蔺子素-羟丙基-β-环糊精包合物，采用摩尔梯度法和连续递变法考察了包合物中主客分子之间的包合摩尔比；采用X射线衍射(XRD)和差示扫描量热法(DSC)对包合物进行了鉴定。结果主客分子摩尔梯度和反应热力学结果显示，25 ℃,35 ℃和45 ℃下HP-β-CD与马蔺子素包合摩尔质量比为2∶1，此时具有最大的增溶特性和较大的结合常数，其冻干粉经鉴别已形成包合物。结论马蔺子素包合物能显著增大药物的溶解度和稳定性。     

Solid and Solution State Thermodynamics of Polymorphs of Butamben (Butyl 4-Aminobenzoate) in Pure Organic Solvents

The solubility of butamben has been measured gravimetrically in pure methanol, 1-propanol, 2-propanol, 1-butanol, and toluene over the temperature range 268-298 K. Polymorph transition and melting temperatures, associated enthalpy changes, and the heat capacity of the solid forms and the supercooled melt have been measured by differential scanning calorimetry. Based on extrapolated calorimetric data, the Gibbs energy, enthalpy and entropy of fusion, and the activity of solid butamben (the ideal solubility) have been calculated from below ambient temperature up to the melting point. Activity coefficients of butamben at equilibrium in the different solvents have been estimated from solubility data and the activity of the solid, revealing that all investigated systems exhibit positive deviation from Raoult's law. Solubility data are well correlated by a semiempirical regression model. On a mass basis, the solubility is clearly higher in methanol than in the other solvents, but mole fraction solubilities are very similar across all 5 solvents. The 2 known polymorphs are enantiotropically related, and the transition point is located at 283 K. Polymorph interconversions occur within 0.3 K of the transition point even in the solid state, and the 2 forms exhibit strong similarities in investigated properties.     

磷霉素钙的晶型稳定性研究

目的 对磷霉素钙晶型稳定性进行研究。方法 将磷霉素钙分别置于对应环境中,制备样品后进行粉末X射线衍射（powder X-ray diffraction,PXRD）、差示扫描量热法分析（differential scanning calorimetry,DSC）、电镜扫描（scanning electron microscopy,SEM）以及热解重量分析（thermogravimetric analysis,TGA）,对磷霉素钙晶型进行表征。结果 磷霉素钙存在结晶型和无定型2种晶型,结晶型磷霉素钙在相对湿度（relative humidity,RH）92.5%放置30 d、150℃以下加热2 h,晶型稳定。结论 结晶型磷霉素钙原料晶型稳定,与参比制剂一致,可以满足湿法制粒、流化床制粒对湿度和温度的要求,在一致性评价中,应当选择结晶型磷霉素钙作为制剂原料。     

酒石酸唑吡坦原料药的多晶型问题研究

采用红外光谱、差示扫描量热法和粉末X射线衍射技术等研究酒石酸唑吡坦原料药的多晶型问题。采用三种方法得到的图谱均显示酒石酸唑吡坦原料药存在多晶型问题,且不同企业生产的样品混晶比例存在一定差异。     

Solid-State Characterization of Spironolactone 1/3 Hydrate

Spironolactone (SPR) is a poorly water-soluble drug widely used for the treatment of various diseases. The objective of this study was to carry out the preparation and solid-state characterization of SPR 1/3 hydrate. The solid form was generated by an unreported recrystallization process in acetone and characterized for the first time by a combination of X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), equilibrium solubility, and an accelerated stability study. XRD, DSC, and TGA studies revealed that SPR 1/3 hydrated converts completely to form II after heating to 180°C. Solubility studies at 37°C showed that SPR 1/3 hydrate was statistically less soluble than SPR form II in all tested media and that SPR form II partially converts to SPR 1/3 hydrate in aqueous media. Accelerated stability studies demonstrated that both forms were physically and chemically stable up to 6 months (40°C/75% RH). We concluded that contamination of SPR 1/3 hydrate in SPR raw materials is undesirable. Taking this into account we recommend its polymorphic monitoring either in active pharmaceutical ingredients or commercial tablets by solid-state identification/quantification methods (XRD, DSC, TGA, and FTIR). Of these, XRD proved to be the most conclusive and accurate.     

长春瑞滨磷脂复合物的制备及其性质研究

目的制备长春瑞滨磷脂复合物,提高药物的脂溶性,以期进一步制备长春瑞滨微粒载药系统。方法采用溶剂挥发法制备长春瑞滨磷脂复合物,以复合率为评价指标进行单因素优化试验。采用差示扫描量热法、X射线衍射法、紫外分光光度法对复合物进行鉴别,并考察复合物的体外溶解性质变化。结果优化条件下制备的磷脂复合物复合率为89.3%～93.7%;差示扫描量热法、X射线衍射法、紫外分光光度法验证了复合物的形成;形成磷脂复合物后,长春瑞滨的脂溶性显著提高。结论制备的长春瑞滨磷脂复合物能显著增加药物的脂溶性,为进一步制备长春瑞滨微粒载药系统奠定基础。     

Co-amorphous Formation Induced by Combination of Tranilast and Diphenhydramine Hydrochloride

In this study, we investigated the formation of a co-amorphous system of tranilast (TRL) and diphenhydramine hydrochloride (DPH), which are drugs used for treating allergies and inflammation. The crystallization from undercooled melts of the drugs and drug mixtures was evaluated by thermal analysis. Both drugs in the amorphous state underwent crystallization on heating, although the mixture remained in the amorphous state, indicating the formation of a co-amorphous system. The physicochemical properties of co-amorphous TRL-DPH prepared by the melting-cooling process were studied. The glass transition temperature of co-amorphous TRL-DPH deviated from the theoretical value. The enthalpy relaxation rate of the amorphous drugs, which reflected the molecular mobility, was reduced by the formation of a co-amorphous system. The intermolecular interactions between TRL and DPH in the co-amorphous system were measured by the change in the IR spectra. These results were consistent with the high physical stability. The co-amorphous sample remained in the amorphous state for over 30 days at 40°C, whereas the amorphous drugs showed rapid crystallization. Our findings demonstrate that TRL and DPH form a co-amorphous system, which dramatically decreases their crystallization without an excipient.     

Solid state compatibility studies with tablet excipients using non thermal methods

Compatibility between two new active pharmaceutical ingredients (API) and several pharmaceutical excipients used in solid formulations has been investigated by FT-IR and HPLC following storage under two different conditions. Compatibility was investigated by storage at isothermal stress conditions for (i) 3days and subsequently analysed by FT-IR and (ii) 12weeks of storage and analysis by HPLC. For the majority of the examined excipients a large degradation measured by HPLC after 12weeks storage was also detected by FT-IR following storage at isothermal stress conditions for 3days, i.e. there was a general agreement between the results obtained by the two protocols. Further, the FT-IR method showed clear incompatibility with three excipients where no degradation products were detected by HPLC, but where a significant decrease in the API quantified by the HPLC assay, was observed. The accelerated method thus showed a clear advantage: incompatibility found after 12weeks using HPLC was seen after 3days with FT-IR. Furthermore, FT-IR provides an insight into structural changes not seen with HPLC. This is exemplified by the desalting of a hydrogen bromide salt of one of the two compounds, which might lead to changes of the intrinsic dissolution rate and potentially affect the bioavailability of the API.     

Effect of Preparation Method on Physical Properties of Amorphous Trehalose

PURPOSE: To determine the effect of preparation method on the physical properties of amorphous trehalose. METHODS: Amorphous anhydrous trehalose was prepared by four different methods. viz., freeze-drying, spray-drying, dehydration, and melt quenching. The glass transition temperature (Tg), enthalpic relaxation behavior, and crystallization were studied by differential scanning calorimetry, whereas X-ray diffractometry was used for phase identification. The rate and extent of water uptake at different relative humidity values were also obtained. RESULTS: Though the enthalpic relaxation and crystallization behaviors were influenced by the method of preparation of amorphous trehalose, the Tg and fragility were not. The phase prepared by dehydration showed the highest enthalpic recovery at Tg, indicating that aging may have occurred during preparation. Among the four methods used, trehalose prepared by dehydration had the highest tendency to crystallize, whereas there was no crystallization in melt-quenched amorphous trehalose. The method of preparation influenced not only the rate and extent of water sorption but also the phase crystallized. Water vapor sorption removed the effects of structural history in the amorphous phase formed by dehydration. CONCLUSIONS: The method of preparation strongly influenced the pharmaceutically relevant properties of amorphous trehalose. The resistance to crystallization can be rank ordered as trehalose prepared by dehydration < freeze-dried approximately spray-dried < melt-quenched. The rate of water sorption can be rank ordered as trehalose prepared by dehydration < freeze-dried < spray-dried.     

Using Milling to Explore Physical States: The Amorphous and Polymorphic Forms of Sulindac

This article shows how milling can be used to explore the phase diagram of pharmaceuticals. This process has been applied to sulindac. A short milling has been found to trigger a polymorphic transformation between form II and form I upon heating which is not seen in the nonmilled material. This possibility was clearly demonstrated to result from crystalline microstrains induced by the mechanical shocks. A long milling has been found to induce a total amorphization of the material. Moreover, the amorphous fraction produced during milling appears to have a complex recrystallization upon heating which depends on the milling time. The investigations have been mainly performed by differential scanning calorimetry and powder X-ray diffraction.     

Development of Solid Dispersion by Hot Melt Extrusion Using Mixtures of Polyoxylglycerides With Polymers as Carriers for Increasing Dissolution Rate of a Poorly Soluble Drug Model

Various polyoxylglycerides have been researched extensively in the development of solid dispersions (SDs) for bioavailability enhancement of poorly water-soluble drugs. However, because of their low melting points (40°C-60°C), SDs produced are usually soft and semisolid. The objective of present study was to prepare SDs of a Biopharmaceutical Classification System class II drug, carvedilol, in mixtures of stearoyl polyoxylglycerides (Acconon^® C-50; m.p. ～50°C) with polymers by hot melt extrusion to obtain free-flowing powder upon grinding. Miscibility of carvedilol with Kollidon^® VA64, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose acetate succinate, and Klucel^? EXF was first evaluated by film casting, and Kollidon^® VA64 was selected for further study. SDs containing 5%-20% carvedilol, 0%-20% Acconon^® C-50, and the remaining Kollidon^® VA64 were prepared for hot melt extrusion. SDs were characterized by differential scanning calorimetry and powder X-ray diffraction analysis, and dissolution tests were conducted in 250 mL of pH 6.8 phosphate buffer by filling powders in capsules. Carvedilol was miscible with all polymers tested up to 50% and remained amorphous in SDs. The drug release from formulations containing 20% carvedilol and 0, 5%, 10%, and 20% Acconon^® C-50 were 30%, 30%, 70%, and 90%, respectively, in 60 min. SDs containing carvedilol and Acconon^® C-50, up to 20% each, as well as Kollidon^® VA64, were physically stable after 3 months of storage at 25°C/60% relative humidity.     

The Degradation Chemistry of GSK2879552: Salt Selection and Microenvironmental pH Modulation to Stabilize a Cyclopropyl Amine

The cyclopropyl amine moiety in GSK2879552 (1) degrades hydrolytically in high pH conditions. This degradation pathway was observed during long-term stability studies and impacted the shelf life of the drug product. This article describes the work to identify the degradation impurities, elucidate the degradation mechanism, and design a stable drug product. It was found that salt selection and control of the microenvironmental pH of the drug product formulation blend significantly improved the chemical stability of the molecule in the solid state.     

A dabigatran etexilate phospholipid complex nanoemulsion system for further oral bioavailability by reducing drug-leakage in the gastrointestinal tract

Dabigatran etexilate (DE) is insoluble at neutral pH values but soluble at low pH values due to protonation, which is the major cause for the poor bioavailability of commercial DE products. Here, we first developed a DE nanoemulsion system and improved dissolution in simulated intestinal fluids by encapsulating DE into an oil phase, but 35.8% of the drug still leaked out. Further, we prepared a DE-phospholipid complex (DE-PC) to enhance lipophilicity and solubility of DE. The resulting DE-PC nanoemulsions significantly (P < 0.05) reduced drug leakage and subsequent precipitation. As a result, the relative bioavailability of DE-PC nanoemulsions increased to 147.3% and 606.6% compared to DE nanoemulsions and commercial DE products, respectively. Thus, the presently developed drug-phospholipid complex nanoemulsion system is a promising drug delivery system for improving the oral bioavailability of pH-dependent soluble drugs.