Benserazide Hydrochloride Crystallization Process

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for preparing benserazide hydrochloride in crystalline form I are inefficient and include the use of toxic solvents like DMF, which are not suitable for industrial-scale production and do not meet regulatory requirements for residual solvents.

Innovation Solution

A new process for preparing benserazide hydrochloride in crystalline form I that does not use methanol and/or DMF as crystallization solvents, allowing for the elimination of methanol from the final product and resulting in high yields with lower impurity levels, particularly non-toxic solvents.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If DMF is used as crystallization solvent, then crystalline form I can be obtained, but toxic residual solvent remains in the product

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecrystalline form purityVSAvoidtoxic solvent residue
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and removes the harmful DMF solvent from the crystallization process by replacing it with alternative solvents (water, ethanol, isopropanol, acetone, or their mixtures), thereby eliminating toxic residual solvent from the final product while maintaining the ability to produce crystalline form I

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces intermediary solvents (water, ethanol, isopropanol, acetone) that serve as safe alternatives to DMF for crystallization, allowing the formation of crystalline form I without the use of toxic solvents. These intermediary substances enable the same crystallization outcome without the harmful effects

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Manufacturing precision

If traditional preparation methods are used, then crystalline form I can be obtained, but the process is inefficient and produces high impurity levels

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveproduct purityVSAvoidpreparation efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the crystallization parameters by using alternative solvents and optimized conditions (temperature, time, solvent ratios) to achieve both high purity and high efficiency in producing crystalline form I, eliminating the need for time-consuming washing steps and reducing impurity levels

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Manufacturing precision

If DMF is used in the process, then crystalline form I can be prepared, but regulatory requirements for residual solvents are not met

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecrystalline form qualityVSAvoidregulatory compliance
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts DMF from the process entirely and replaces it with regulatory-compliant solvents (water, ethanol, isopropanol, acetone), ensuring that the final product meets ICH guidelines for residual solvents while maintaining crystalline form I quality

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses safe, easily removable solvents (water, ethanol, isopropanol, acetone) that can be completely eliminated from the final product, unlike DMF which leaves persistent toxic residues. These disposable solvents leave no harmful trace in the final pharmaceutical product

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

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 new process achieves high purity and low residual solvent levels, making it suitable for industrial production and compliant with regulatory standards, while avoiding the use of toxic solvents like DMF.

Implementation Method 1

WO 2015/197909 describes additional crystalline forms of benserazide hydrochloride of formula (I), e.g. crystalline form VI, obtained by recrystallization from an aqueous solution of ethanol (90%) and 1-propanol

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCrystallization: Crystallisation

Data Source

PatentEP4545513A1Preparation of a crystalline form of an Anti-parkinson drug
Publication Date: 2025.04.30 DIPHARMA FRANCIS
  • EP4545513A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4545513A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4545513A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention relates to the preparation of a crystalline form of a DOPA decarboxylase inhibitor.