Febuxostat Form-K Crystallization Process

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for preparing Febuxostat crystalline Form-K lack efficiency and scalability, resulting in instability and variability in production processes.

Innovation Solution

A process involving dissolving Febuxostat in an ester solvent at 50-80°C, filtering, maintaining the filtrate for 30-120 minutes, removing the solvent, and adding a hydrocarbon solvent to isolate crystalline Form-K, with preferred solvents like ethyl acetate and cyclohexane, ensures a stable and scalable production method.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If current methods for preparing Febuxostat crystalline Form-K are used, then production can be carried out, but the process lacks efficiency and scalability resulting in instability and variability

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveproduction efficiencyVSAvoidprocess stability
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by optimizing specific process conditions including maintaining dissolution temperature at 50-80°C, holding time at 30-120 minutes, and solvent removal temperature at 60-70°C. These controlled parameter changes transform an unstable, variable process into a reliable and scalable manufacturing method while improving production efficiency

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements preliminary action through the dissolution step where Febuxostat is pre-dissolved in ester solvent at controlled temperature before filtration and solvent removal. This preliminary dissolution action ensures uniform distribution and proper crystal nucleation conditions, leading to stable Form-K crystallization with improved reproducibility and scalability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Productivity

If current preparation methods are used, then Febuxostat can be produced, but the process lacks industrial scalability

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovescalabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent optimizes manufacturing parameters for industrial scalability by specifying temperature ranges (50-80°C for dissolution, 60-70°C for solvent removal) and time parameters (30-120 minutes holding time). These standardized parameter changes enable consistent scaling from laboratory to industrial production while maintaining ease of manufacture through well-defined process conditions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the manufacturing process into distinct, manageable steps: dissolution in ester solvent, filtration, holding period, solvent removal, and crystallization. This segmentation makes the process easier to manufacture at scale by allowing each step to be independently optimized and controlled, improving both scalability and manufacturing simplicity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 process yields a stable and industrially scalable crystalline Form-K of Febuxostat, characterized by specific X-ray diffraction patterns and thermal stability, enhancing the product's shelf life and manufacturing efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

dissolving Febuxostat in an ester solvent at 50 - 80 °C

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDissolution: Solvation

Implementation Method 2

maintaining the filtrate for 30-120 minutes at same temperature

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal maintenance:

Implementation Method 3

removing the solvent

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectEvaporation: Evaporation

Implementation Method 4

removing the solvent by distillation at 60-70°C

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDistillation: Distillation

Implementation Method 5

adding hydrocarbon solvent, and isolating Febuxostat crystalline Form-K

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCrystallization: Crystallisation

Data Source

PatentEP2780335B1Process for the preparation of febuxostat polymorphs
Publication Date: 2019.04.10 MYLAN LABORATORIES LTD
  • EP2780335B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2780335B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2780335B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention relates to an improved process for the preparation of Febuxostat Form-K. The present invention also relates to a novel crystalline form M1 of Febuxostat. [Formula I]