Aprepitant Amorphous Forms via Spray Drying

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

The existing forms of aprepitant have varying solid state physical properties that affect its solubility, handling, and therapeutic efficacy, necessitating the development of amorphous and crystalline forms with predictable solubility profiles for pharmaceutical applications.

Innovation Solution

The development of an amorphous form of aprepitant and polymorphic mixtures comprising specific ratios of polymorph Forms I and II, achieved through solvent dissolution and solvent removal processes, such as spray-drying, to produce a therapeutically effective pharmaceutical composition.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If crystalline forms of aprepitant are used, then stability is improved, but solubility deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovestabilityVSAvoidsolubility
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by transforming aprepitant from crystalline to amorphous state, fundamentally altering its physical parameters. The amorphous form eliminates long-range molecular order while maintaining short-range order, resulting in increased solubility and bioavailability while preserving chemical stability through controlled preparation methods

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates composite material systems by combining amorphous aprepitant with specific excipients and carriers that maintain its amorphous state during formulation and storage. This composite approach allows the material to achieve both high solubility and long-term stability through synergistic interactions between the amorphous active ingredient and stabilizing excipients

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Quantity of substance

If amorphous form of aprepitant is used, then solubility is improved, but manufacturing precision deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovesolubilityVSAvoidmanufacturing precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent utilizes phase transitions by employing spray drying technology that rapidly transitions aprepitant from dissolved liquid phase to amorphous solid phase. This controlled phase transition occurs through rapid solvent evaporation, locking the molecules in an amorphous configuration and achieving consistent solubility enhancement with reproducible manufacturing outcomes

Inventive Principle:
Principle #36Phase transitions

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-dissolving aprepitant in appropriate solvents before the drying step, ensuring complete dissolution and homogeneous distribution. This preliminary dissolution step is critical for achieving consistent amorphous form formation during subsequent rapid drying, thereby improving manufacturing precision

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Ease of manufacture

If polymorphic mixtures are used, then ease of manufacture is improved, but solubility deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of manufactureVSAvoidsolubility
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by shifting from crystalline polymorphic forms to amorphous form, fundamentally changing the physical state parameter. This transformation increases solubility by eliminating crystal lattice energy requirements, while the spray drying process provides a straightforward manufacturing approach that balances ease of manufacture with enhanced solubility

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The amorphous and polymorphic forms of aprepitant exhibit enhanced solubility and stability, ensuring predictable therapeutic outcomes and improved handling characteristics, making them suitable for pharmaceutical formulations.

Implementation Method 1

providing a solution comprising aprepitant in one or more solvents capable of dissolving the aprepitant

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDissolution: Solvation

Implementation Method 2

substantially removing the solvent from the solution to provide amorphous aprepitant

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectEvaporation: Evaporation

Implementation Method 3

solvent removal processes, such as spray-drying

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpray-drying: Spray

Data Source

PatentUS9227958B2Amorphous and crystalline forms of aprepitant and processes for the preparation thereof
Publication Date: 2016.01.05 ALIVUS LIFE SCIENCES LTD
  • US9227958B2 patent drawing
  • US9227958B2 patent drawing
  • US9227958B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An amorphous form of aprepitant and a process for its preparation is provided. Also provided are mixtures of polymorph Forms I and II of aprepitant and a process for the preparation thereof.