Crystalline Forms of Belzutifan Intermediates for Stability

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Solution Overview

Problem

The development of crystalline forms of synthetic intermediates for belzutifan, a HIF-2α inhibitor, is needed to address the challenges of thermodynamic and chemical stability, as well as ease of processing and handling, particularly in the context of oncology treatments for cancers like clear cell renal cell carcinoma.

Innovation Solution

The disclosure provides specific crystalline forms of synthetic intermediates of belzutifan, including processes for their isolation and conversion to the drug substance, characterized by improved thermodynamic stability and ease of handling, with detailed X-ray powder diffraction and Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) data for various polymorphic forms.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If amorphous or unstable crystalline forms of synthetic intermediates are used, then the synthesis process can be simpler, but the thermodynamic stability and chemical stability are poor

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvethermodynamic stabilityVSAvoidease of processing
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by identifying and characterizing specific polymorphic forms (Form I, Form II, Form III) with distinct crystal structures and stability profiles. Each form has unique X-ray powder diffraction patterns, melting points, and thermodynamic properties. By changing the physical state and crystal structure parameters of the intermediates, the patent achieves improved thermodynamic stability while maintaining processability through controlled crystallization conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs composite material principles by creating defined crystalline structures with specific molecular arrangements. The polymorphic forms represent different composite configurations of the same chemical compound, where the spatial arrangement and intermolecular interactions are optimized for stability. This allows the material to exhibit enhanced thermodynamic stability while retaining the necessary chemical reactivity for subsequent synthesis steps.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Reliability

If stable crystalline forms are developed, then thermodynamic stability improves, but the complexity of characterization and process development increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvechemical stabilityVSAvoidprocess complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-characterizing the polymorphic forms and establishing their stability relationships before full-scale production. The patent provides detailed X-ray powder diffraction patterns, melting points, and thermodynamic data for each form, allowing manufacturers to select the appropriate stable form for their specific application. This preliminary characterization work eliminates the need for complex real-time stability monitoring during production.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses thermal energy as an intermediary to differentiate and characterize the polymorphic forms. By measuring melting points and thermal transitions, the patent provides a simple, reliable method to identify and control the crystalline form without requiring complex analytical equipment. This intermediary approach simplifies quality control while ensuring chemical stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Manufacturing precision

If polymorphic forms with different stability characteristics are identified, then selectivity in production improves, but the difficulty of detecting and measuring the correct form increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveselectivityVSAvoiddetection difficulty
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the principle of physical property changes by utilizing distinct X-ray powder diffraction patterns as fingerprints for each polymorphic form. Each form (Form I, Form II, Form III) has a unique diffraction pattern that serves as a reliable identifier. This allows for easy detection and verification of the correct crystalline form using standard X-ray diffraction equipment, eliminating the need for complex analytical methods.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #32Color 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 crystalline forms exhibit enhanced stability and processing ease, facilitating the production and handling of belzutifan, a key inhibitor for HIF-2α, thereby improving the efficacy of treatments for cancers such as clear cell renal cell carcinoma.

Implementation Method 1

which has d-spacings determined by x-ray powder diffraction, Cu Kα, of about 11.0, 6.5 and 5.6 angstroms

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectX-ray powder diffraction: X-Ray

Implementation Method 2

x-ray powder diffraction, Cu Kα, of about 11.0, 6.5 and 5.6 angstroms

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDiffraction: Diffraction

Implementation Method 3

Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) data for various polymorphic forms

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDifferential Scanning Calorimetry: Calorimetry

Data Source

PatentUS11827614B2Synthetic pathway to belzutifan and crystalline phases of synthetic intermediates
Publication Date: 2023.11.28 MERCK SHARP & DOHME LLC
  • US11827614B2 patent drawing
  • US11827614B2 patent drawing
  • US11827614B2 patent drawing

AI summary

The disclosure provides crystalline forms for certain synthetic intermediates for making belzutifan, a HIF-2α inhibitor, useful for the treatment of cancer. The disclosure also provides processes for isolating the crystalline forms.