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Schenck L, Risteen B, Johnson LM, Koynov A, Bonaga L, Orr R, Hancock B. A Commentary on Co-Processed API as a Promising Approach to Improve Sustainability for the Pharmaceutical Industry. J Pharm Sci 2024; 113:306-313. [PMID: 38065243 DOI: 10.1016/j.xphs.2023.11.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2023] [Revised: 11/28/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 01/22/2024]
Abstract
Pharmaceutical products represent a meaningful target for sustainability improvement and emissions reduction. It is proposed here that rethinking the standard, and often linear, approach to the synthesis of Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (API) and subsequent formulation and drug product processing will deliver transformational sustainability opportunities. The greatest potential arguably involves API that have challenging physico-chemical properties. These can require the addition of excipients that can significantly exceed the weight of the API in the final dosage unit, require multiple manufacturing steps to achieve materials amenable to delivering final dosage units, and need highly protective packaging for final product stability. Co-processed API are defined as materials generated via addition of non-covalently bonded, non-active components during drug substance manufacturing steps, differing from salts, solvates and co-crystals. They are an impactful example of provocative re-thinking of historical regulatory and quality precedents, blurring drug substance and drug product operations, with sustainability opportunities. Successful examples utilizing co-processed API can modify properties with use of less excipient, while simultaneously reducing processing requirements by delivering material amenable to continuous manufacturing. There are also opportunities for co-processed API to reduce the need for highly protective packaging. This commentary will detail the array of sustainability impacts that can be delivered, inclusive of business, regulatory, and quality considerations, with discussion on potential routes to more comprehensively commercialize co-processed API technologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luke Schenck
- Oral Formulation Sciences, Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, New Jersey 07065, United States.
| | - Bailey Risteen
- Pharma Solutions, BASF Corporation, Florham Park, New Jersey 07932, United States
| | | | - Athanas Koynov
- Process Research & Development, Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, New Jersey 07065, United States
| | - Llorente Bonaga
- CMC Pharmaceutical Development and New Products, Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, New Jersey 07065, United States
| | - Robert Orr
- CMC Pharmaceutical Development and New Products, Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, New Jersey 07065, United States
| | - Bruno Hancock
- Drug Product Development, Pfizer Inc., Groton CT 06340, United States
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Myślińska M, Stocker MW, Ferguson S, Healy AM. A Comparison of Spray-Drying and Co-Precipitation for the Generation of Amorphous Solid Dispersions (ASDs) of Hydrochlorothiazide and Simvastatin. J Pharm Sci 2023:S0022-3549(23)00064-3. [PMID: 36805392 DOI: 10.1016/j.xphs.2023.02.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2022] [Revised: 02/13/2023] [Accepted: 02/13/2023] [Indexed: 02/19/2023]
Abstract
Co-processing of APIs, the practice of creating multi-component APIs directly in chemical processing facilities used to make drug substance, is gaining increased attention with a view to streamlining manufacturing, improving supply chain robustness and accessing enhanced product attributes in terms of stability and bioavailability. Direct co-precipitation of amorphous solid dispersions (ASDs) at the final step of chemical processing is one such example of co-processing. The purpose of this work was to investigate the application of different advanced solvent-based processing techniques - direct co-precipitation (CP) and the benchmark well-established spray-drying (SD) process - to the production of ASDs comprised of a drug with a high Tg (hydrochlorothiazide, HCTZ) or a low Tg (simvastatin, SIM) molecularly dispersed in a PVP/VA 64 or Soluplus® matrix. ASDs of the same composition were manufactured by the two different methods and were characterised using powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), modulated differential scanning calorimetry (mDSC), attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Both methods produced ASDs that were PXRD amorphous, with some differences, depending on the process used, in glass transition temperature and particle size distribution. Irrespective of manufacturing method used, all ASDs remained PXRD amorphous when subjected to high relative humidity conditions (75% RH, 25°C) for four weeks, although changes in the colour and physical characteristics were observed on storage for spray-dried systems with SIM and PVP/VA 64 copolymer. The particle morphology differed for co-precipitated compared to spray dried systems, with powder generated by the former process being comprised of more irregularly shaped particles of larger particle size when compared to the equivalent spray-dried systems which may enable more streamlined drug product processes to be used for CP materials. These differences may have implications in downstream drug product processing. A limitation identified when applying the solvent/anti-solvent co-precipitation method to SIM was the high antisolvent to solvent ratios required to effect the precipitation process. Thus, while similar outcomes may arise for both co-precipitation and spray drying processes in terms of ASD critical quality attributes, practical implications of applying the co-precipitation method and downstream processability of the resulting ASDs should be considered when choosing one solvent-based ASD production process over another.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monika Myślińska
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Panoz Institute, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland; SSPC, The Science Foundation Ireland Research Centre for Pharmaceuticals, Ireland; EPSRC-SFI Centre for Doctoral Training in Transformative Pharmaceutical Technologies, Ireland
| | - Michael W Stocker
- School of Chemical and Bioprocess Engineering, University College Dublin, Dublin 4, Ireland; SSPC, The Science Foundation Ireland Research Centre for Pharmaceuticals, Ireland
| | - Steven Ferguson
- School of Chemical and Bioprocess Engineering, University College Dublin, Dublin 4, Ireland; SSPC, The Science Foundation Ireland Research Centre for Pharmaceuticals, Ireland; EPSRC-SFI Centre for Doctoral Training in Transformative Pharmaceutical Technologies, Ireland; I-Form, The SFI Research Centre for Advanced Manufacturing, School of Chemical and Bioprocess Engineering, University College Dublin, Dublin 4, Ireland; National Institute for Bioprocess Research and Training, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Anne Marie Healy
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Panoz Institute, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland; SSPC, The Science Foundation Ireland Research Centre for Pharmaceuticals, Ireland; EPSRC-SFI Centre for Doctoral Training in Transformative Pharmaceutical Technologies, Ireland.
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Neusaenger AL, Yao X, Yu J, Kim S, Hui HW, Huang L, Que C, Yu L. Amorphous Drug-Polymer Salts: Maximizing Proton Transfer to Enhance Stability and Release. Mol Pharm 2023; 20:1347-1356. [PMID: 36668815 PMCID: PMC9906740 DOI: 10.1021/acs.molpharmaceut.2c00942] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
An amorphous drug-polymer salt (ADPS) can be remarkably stable against crystallization at high temperature and humidity (e.g., 40°C/75% RH) and provide fast release. Here, we report that process conditions strongly influence the degree of proton transfer (salt formation) between a drug and a polymer and in turn the product's stability and release. For lumefantrine (LMF) formulated with poly(acrylic acid) (PAA), we first show that the amorphous materials prepared by slurry conversion and antisolvent precipitation produce a single trend in which the degree of drug protonation increases with PAA concentration from 0% for pure LMF to ∼100% above 70 wt % PAA, independent of PAA's molecular weight (1.8, 450, and 4000 kg/mol). This profile describes the equilibrium for salt formation and can be modeled as a chemical equilibrium in which the basic molecules compete for the acidic groups on the polymer chain. Relative to this equilibrium, the literature methods of hot-melt extrusion (HME) and rotary evaporation (RE) reached much lower degrees of salt formation. For example, at 40 wt % drug loading, HME reached 5% salt formation and RE 15%, both well below the equilibrium value of 85%. This is noteworthy given the common use of HME and RE in manufacturing amorphous formulations, indicating a need for careful control of process conditions to ensure the full interaction between the drug and the polymer. This need arises due to the low mobility of macromolecules and the mutual hindrance of adjacent reaction sites. We find that a high degree of salt formation enhances drug stability and release. For example, at 50% drug loading, an HME-like formulation with 19% salt formation crystallized faster and released only 20% of the drug relative to a slurry-prepared formulation with 70% salt formation. Based on this work, we recommend slurry conversion as the method for preparing ADPS for its ability to enhance salt formation and continuously adjust drug loading. While this work focused on salt formation, the impact of process conditions on the molecular-level interactions between a drug and a polymer is likely a general issue for amorphous solid dispersions, with consequences on product stability and drug release.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy Lan Neusaenger
- School
of Pharmacy, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin 53705, United States
| | - Xin Yao
- School
of Pharmacy, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin 53705, United States
| | - Junguang Yu
- School
of Pharmacy, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin 53705, United States
| | - Soojin Kim
- School
of Pharmacy, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin 53705, United States
| | - Ho-Wah Hui
- Drug
Product Development, Bristol Myers Squibb, Summit, New Jersey 07901, United States
| | - Lian Huang
- Drug
Product Development, Bristol Myers Squibb, Summit, New Jersey 07901, United States
| | - Chailu Que
- Drug
Product Development, Bristol Myers Squibb, Summit, New Jersey 07901, United States
| | - Lian Yu
- School
of Pharmacy, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin 53705, United States,Department
of Chemistry, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin 53706, United States,
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Schenck L, Patel P, Sood R, Bonaga L, Capella P, Dirat O, Erdemir D, Ferguson S, Gazziola C, Gorka LS, Graham L, Ho R, Hoag S, Hunde E, Kline B, Lee SL, Madurawe R, Marziano I, Merritt JM, Page S, Polli J, Ramanadham M, Sapru M, Stevens B, Watson T, Zhang H. FDA/M-CERSI Co-Processed API Workshop Proceedings. J Pharm Sci 2023:S0022-3549(23)00007-2. [PMID: 36638959 DOI: 10.1016/j.xphs.2023.01.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2022] [Revised: 01/05/2023] [Accepted: 01/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
These proceedings contain presentation summaries and discussion highlights from the University of Maryland Center of Excellence in Regulatory Science and Innovation (M-CERSI) Workshop on Co-processed API, held on July 13 and 14, 2022. This workshop examined recent advances in the use of co-processed active pharmaceutical ingredients as a technology to improve drug substance physicochemical properties and drug product manufacturing process robustness, and explored proposals for enabling commercialization of these transformative technologies. Regulatory considerations were discussed with a focus on the classification, CMC strategies, and CMC documentation supporting the use of this class of materials from clinical studies through commercialization. The workshop format was split between presentations from industry, academia and the FDA, followed by breakout sessions structured to facilitate discussion. Given co-processed API is a relatively new concept, the authors felt it prudent to compile these proceedings to gain further visibility to topics discussed and perspectives raised during the workshop, particularly during breakout discussions. Disclaimer: This paper reflects discussions that occurred among stakeholder groups, including FDA, on various topics. The topics covered in the paper, including recommendations, therefore, are intended to capture key discussion points. The paper should not be interpreted to reflect alignment on the different topics by the participants, and the recommendations provided should not be used in lieu of FDA published guidance or direct conversations with the Agency about a specific development program. This paper should not be construed to represent FDA's views or policies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luke Schenck
- Process Research & Development, Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, New Jersey 07065, United States.
| | - Paresma Patel
- Food and Drug Administration, Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, Office of Pharmaceutical Quality, 10903 New Hampshire Ave, Silver Spring, MD 20993, United States
| | - Ramesh Sood
- Food and Drug Administration, Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, Office of Pharmaceutical Quality, 10903 New Hampshire Ave, Silver Spring, MD 20993, United States
| | - Llorente Bonaga
- CMC Pharmaceutical Development and New Products, Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, New Jersey 07065, United States
| | - Peter Capella
- Food and Drug Administration, Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, Office of Pharmaceutical Quality, 10903 New Hampshire Ave, Silver Spring, MD 20993, United States
| | - Olivier Dirat
- Global Regulatory CMC, Global Product Development, Pfizer R&D UK Ltd, Sandwich, CT13 9NJ, United Kingdom
| | - Deniz Erdemir
- Drug Product Development, Bristol-Myers Squibb, 1 Squibb Drive, New Brunswick New Jersey 08903, United States
| | - Steven Ferguson
- SSPC, the SFI Research Centre for Pharmaceuticals, School of Chemical and Bioprocess Engineering, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4. & National Institute for Bioprocess Research and Training, 24 Foster's Ave, Belfield, Blackrock, Co. Dublin, A94 × 099, Ireland
| | - Cinzia Gazziola
- Technical Regulatory Affairs, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd, Roche Basel, CH-4051, Basel, Switzerland
| | | | - Laurie Graham
- Food and Drug Administration, Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, Office of Pharmaceutical Quality, 10903 New Hampshire Ave, Silver Spring, MD 20993, United States
| | - Raimundo Ho
- Small Molecule CMC Development, AbbVie Inc., 1 N Waukegan Road, North Chicago, IL 60064, United States
| | - Stephen Hoag
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Maryland, Baltimore, Maryland 21201, United States
| | - Ephrem Hunde
- Food and Drug Administration, Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, Office of Pharmaceutical Quality, 10903 New Hampshire Ave, Silver Spring, MD 20993, United States
| | - Billie Kline
- Engineering and Materials Sciences, Vertex Pharmaceuticals, 50 Northern Avenue, Boston, MA 02210, United States
| | - Sau Larry Lee
- Food and Drug Administration, Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, Office of Pharmaceutical Quality, 10903 New Hampshire Ave, Silver Spring, MD 20993, United States
| | - Rapti Madurawe
- Food and Drug Administration, Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, Office of Pharmaceutical Quality, 10903 New Hampshire Ave, Silver Spring, MD 20993, United States
| | - Ivan Marziano
- Chemical Research and Development, Pfizer R&D UK Ltd, Sandwich, CT13 9NJ, United Kingdom
| | - Jeremy Miles Merritt
- Synthetic Molecule Design and Development, Lilly Research Laboratories, Eli Lilly and Company, Indianapolis, Indiana 46221, United States
| | - Sharon Page
- Global Regulatory CMC, Global Product Development, Pfizer R&D UK Ltd, Sandwich, CT13 9NJ, United Kingdom
| | - James Polli
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Maryland, Baltimore, Maryland 21201, United States
| | - Mahesh Ramanadham
- Food and Drug Administration, Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, Office of Pharmaceutical Quality, 10903 New Hampshire Ave, Silver Spring, MD 20993, United States
| | - Mohan Sapru
- Food and Drug Administration, Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, Office of Pharmaceutical Quality, 10903 New Hampshire Ave, Silver Spring, MD 20993, United States
| | - Ben Stevens
- CMC Policy and Advocacy, Global CMC Regulatory Affairs, GSK, 1250 S. Collegeville Rd, Collegeville, PA 19426, United States
| | - Tim Watson
- Global Regulatory CMC, Global Product Development, Pfizer Inc., Groton, CT 06340
| | - Haitao Zhang
- Chemical Process R&D, Sunovion Pharmaceuticals Inc., 84 Waterford Drive, Marlborough MA, 01752 USA
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