Synthesis and structural characterization of cocrystals of isoniazid and cinnamic acid derivatives

The Benefits and Challenges of Antibiotics-Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs Non-Covalent Reaction

Recently, non-covalent reactions have emerged as approaches to improve the physicochemical properties of active pharmaceutical ingredients (API), including antibiotics and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). This review aimed to present and discuss the non-covalent reaction products of antibiotics, including salt and neutral multi-component solid forms, by framing their substituents and molar ratios, manufacturing techniques, characterization methods, benefits, potency changes, and toxicity, and is completed with an analysis of the development of computational models used in this field. Based on the data, NSAIDs are the most-developed drugs in multi-component system preparations, followed by antibiotics, i.e., antituberculosis and fluoroquinolones. They have reacted with inorganic elements, excipients, nutraceuticals, natural products, and other drugs. However, in terms of treatments for common infections, fluoroquinolones are more frequently used. Generally, NSAIDs are acquired on an over-the-counter basis, causing inappropriate medication. In addition, the pKa differences between the two groups of medicine offer the potential for them to react non-covalently. Hence, this review highlights fluoroquinolone-NSAID multi-component solid systems, which offer some benefits. These systems can increase patient compliance and promote the appropriate monitoring of drug usage; the dual drug multi-component solids have been proven to improve the physicochemical properties of one or both components, especially in terms of solubility and stability. In addition, some reports show an enhancement of the antibiotic activity of the products. However, it is important to consider the possibility of activity changes, interaction, and toxicity when using drug combinations. Hence, these aspects also are discussed in this review. Finally, we present computational modeling, which has been utilized broadly to support multi-component system designs, including coformer screening, preparation methods, and structural modeling, as well as to predict physicochemical properties, potency, and toxicity. This integrated review is expected to be useful for further antibiotic-NSAID multi-component system development.

Polymorphs with Remarkably Distinct Physical and/or Chemical Properties

Polymorphism in crystals is known since 1822 and the credit goes to Mitscherlich who realized the existence of different crystal structures of the same compound while working with some arsenate and phosphate salts. Later on, this phenomenon was observed also in organic crystals. With the advent of different technologies, especially the easy availability of single crystal XRD instruments, polymorphism in crystals has become a common phenomenon. Almost 37 % of compounds (single component) are polymorphic to date. As the energies of the different polymorphic forms are very close to each other, small changes in crystallization conditions might lead to different polymorphic structures. As a result, sometimes it is difficult to control polymorphism. For this reason, it is considered to be a nuisance to crystal engineering. It has been realized that the property of a material depends not only on the molecular structure but also on its crystal structure. Therefore, it is not only of interest to academia but also has widespread applications in the materials science as well as pharmaceutical industries. In this review, we have discussed polymorphism which causes significant changes in materials properties in different fields of solid-state science, such as electrical, magnetic, SHG, thermal expansion, mechanical, luminescence, color, and pharmaceutical. Therefore, this review will interest researchers from supramolecular chemistry, materials science as well as medicinal chemistry.

Cocrystals of tuberculosis antibiotics: Challenges and missed opportunities

Cocrystals have been extensively used to improve the physicochemical properties and bioavailability of active pharmaceutical ingredients. Cocrystals of anti-tuberculosis medications are among those commonly reported. This review provides a summary of the tuberculosis antibiotic cocrystals reported in the literature, providing the main results on current tuberculosis medications utilized in cocrystals. Moreover, anti-tuberculosis cocrystals limitations and advantages are described, including evidence for enhanced solubility, stability and effect. Opportunities to enhance anti-tuberculosis medications and fixed dose combinations using cocrystals are given. Several cocrystal pairs are suggested to enhance the effectiveness of anti-tuberculosis drugs.

Preformulation Studies to Guide the Production of Medicines by Fused Deposition Modeling 3D Printing

Fused deposition modeling (FDM) 3D printing has demonstrated high potential for the production of personalized medicines. However, the heating at high temperatures inherent to this process causes unknown risks to the drug product's stability. The present study aimed to assess the use of a tailored preformulation protocol involving physicochemical assessments, including the rheological profiles of the samples, to guide the development of medicines by FDM 3D printing. For this, polymers commonly used in FDM printing, i.e., high impact polystyrene (HIPS), polylactic acid (PLA), and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), and their common plasticizers (mineral oil, triethyl citrate, and glycerol, respectively) were evaluated using the thermolabile model drug isoniazid (INH). Samples were analyzed by chemical and physical assays. The results showed that although the drug could produce polymorphs under thermal processing, the polymeric matrix can be a protective element, and no polymorphic transformation was observed. However, incompatibilities between materials might impact their chemical, thermal, and rheological performances. In fact, ternary mixtures of INH, PLA, and TEC showed a major alteration in their viscoelastic behavior besides the chemical changes. On the other hand, the use of plasticizers for HIPS and PVA exhibited positive consequences in drug solubility and rheologic behavior, probably improving sample printability. Thus, the optimization of the FDM 3D printing based on preformulation studies can assist the choice of compatible components and seek suitable processing conditions to obtain pharmaceutical products.

Pharmaceutical cocrystal: a game changing approach for the administration of old drugs in new crystalline form

Pharmaceutical cocrystals are still gaining the interest of the researchers due to their potential to alter physicochemical, mechanical, and pharmacokinetic properties of active pharmaceutical ingredients without negotiating therapeutic action. The diverse new applications of cocrystals, like taste masking, reduced toxicity, patenting opportunities, commercial potential, etc. act as driving force to the rising interest of the pharmaceutical industries. Initially, cocrystals from the view of regulatory authorities, design strategies, cocrystal preparation in brief with special emphasis on scalable and solvent-free hot melt extrusion method, and practical guide to characterization have been provided. The special focus has been given to the biopharmaceutical attributes of the cocrystal. Finally, challenges before and after cocrystal preparation are presented in this review along with some commercial examples of the cocrystals.