Cyclic Peptide Cocrystallization Without Column Chromatography

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Solution Overview

Problem

There is a lack of methods for producing cocrystals of cyclic peptides, particularly those containing N-substituted amino acids, and existing methods for screening and isolating such crystals are inefficient, particularly in obtaining specific compounds and specific solvent systems.

Innovation Solution

A method involving bringing a cyclic peptide into contact with a specific compound and a solvent to efficiently produce a cocrystal, utilizing compounds with a molecular weight of 500 g/mol or less, preferably 400 or less, and specific solvents such as amides, alcohols, and ketones, without the need for column chromatography.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If cyclic peptides are crystallized using conventional methods, then crystal forms can be obtained, but the process is complex and requires column chromatography which reduces productivity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecrystallization process simplicityVSAvoidcrystal production efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces cocrystal formation as an intermediary approach that simplifies the crystallization process. By forming cocrystals with suitable coformers, the method avoids complex column chromatography while efficiently obtaining pure cyclic peptide crystals, thus resolving the contradiction between process simplicity and productivity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the crystallization parameters by using cocrystal formation conditions (specific solvents, temperatures, and coformers) instead of conventional purification methods. This parameter change enables direct crystal obtention without column chromatography, improving both ease of manufacture and productivity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If cyclic peptides containing N-substituted amino acids are used to improve metabolic stability and membrane permeability, then drug-likeness is enhanced, but crystallization becomes more difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemetabolic stabilityVSAvoidcrystallization ease
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates composite crystal structures (cocrystals) combining cyclic peptides with suitable coformers. This composite approach maintains the metabolic stability benefits of N-substituted amino acids while the cocrystal lattice facilitates easier crystallization and purification

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

Coformers act as intermediaries that mediate the crystallization process of difficult-to-crystallize cyclic peptides containing N-substituted amino acids. The coformers facilitate crystal lattice formation without interfering with the metabolic stability properties of the peptide

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of operation

If conventional small molecule compounds are used, then oral drug development is feasible, but they cannot effectively inhibit protein-protein interactions at target surfaces

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoral drug feasibilityVSAvoidprotein-protein interaction inhibition
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality modification by introducing N-substituted amino acids at specific positions within the cyclic peptide structure. This localized modification enhances the peptide's ability to inhibit protein-protein interactions while maintaining overall drug-like properties suitable for oral administration

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes molecular parameters by transitioning from conventional small molecules to middle molecule cyclic peptides with molecular weights above 500 g/mol. This parameter change enables effective protein-protein interaction inhibition while maintaining oral drug feasibility through optimized cyclic peptide design

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

This method allows for the production of cocrystals of cyclic peptides, enhancing metabolic stability and membrane permeability, and providing a simple and efficient way to screen and isolate these compounds.

Implementation Method 1

A method for producing a cocrystal of a cyclic peptide

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCocrystallization: Crystallisation

Data Source

PatentEP4663653A1Method for producing eutectic of cyclic peptide
Publication Date: 2025.12.17 CHUGAI PHARMA CO LTD
  • EP4663653A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4663653A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4663653A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A method for producing a cocrystal containing a cyclic peptide and a compound with a melting point of 20°C or higher, the method comprising a step of bringing the cyclic peptide into contact with the compound and a solvent.