Crystalline FXR Agonist Form A for NASH Treatment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current treatments for non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) lack effective pharmacological agents that can significantly reduce liver inflammation and improve hepatic steatosis and fibrosis.

Innovation Solution

A stable crystalline form (Form A) of a compound of formula (I), characterized by specific X-ray powder diffraction peaks, is developed. This compound acts as a FXR receptor agonist and is used in the manufacture of a medicament for treating NASH.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If current pharmacological agents are used for NASH treatment, then some liver protection effect may be achieved, but they cannot significantly reduce liver inflammation and improve hepatic steatosis and fibrosis

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveeffectiveness in reducing inflammation and improving hepatic functionVSAvoidliver inflammation, hepatic steatosis, and fibrosis
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent modifies the chemical structure parameters of FXR agonists by introducing specific substituents (R1-C1-3 alkyl group, R2-H or F) at positions 6 and 8 of the steroid nucleus, creating compound (I) with optimized pharmacological properties that significantly improve anti-inflammatory and anti-steatotic effects compared to existing agents

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces localized structural modifications at specific positions (6 and 8) of the FXR agonist molecule, where R1 represents C1-3 alkyl groups and R2 is H or F, creating localized structural features that enhance the compound's ability to reduce liver inflammation and improve hepatic function without affecting the entire molecular structure uniformly

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Stability of the object's composition

If amorphous or unstable solid forms of the compound are used, then formulation flexibility is maintained, but stability and hygroscopicity become problematic

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestability of the compoundVSAvoidhygroscopicity
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent utilizes crystallization phase transition to convert the compound from amorphous or unstable solid forms to a stable crystalline form (Form A), characterized by specific X-ray powder diffraction peaks at 2θ angles of 12.72±0.2° and 25.27±0.2°, which significantly reduces hygroscopicity and improves storage stability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #36Phase transitions

Solution Approach 2:

The patent selects common, easily removable solvents (alcohol, acetone, acetonitrile, ethyl acetate, tetrahydrofuran, water) for the crystallization process, which can be completely evaporated to leave the stable crystalline form, avoiding the need for expensive or difficult-to-remove solvents

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 crystal form A of the compound of formula (I) is stable, slightly hygroscopic, and effective in reducing NAS scores, improving inflammation, and enhancing hepatic function, with a certain dose-dependent effect on hepatic steatosis and fibrosis.

Implementation Method 1

FXR has a typical nuclear receptor structure, consisting of ligand-independent transcription activation domain, DNA binding domain, hinge region, and ligand binding region. FXR forms a heterodimer with retinoid X receptor (RXR), and binds with DNA to modulate gene transcription.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectNuclear receptor activation:

Implementation Method 2

the crystal form A of the compound of formula (I), which is characterized by X-ray powder diffraction pattern with characteristic diffraction peaks at the following 2θ angles of 3.54±0.2°, 12.72±0.2°, and 25.27±0.2°.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectX-ray diffraction: X-Ray

Implementation Method 3

The crystal form A of the compound of formula (I) is stable, slightly hygroscopic, and effective in reducing NAS scores, improving inflammation, and enhancing hepatic function, with a certain dose-dependent effect on hepatic steatosis and fibrosis.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAnti-inflammatory effect:

Data Source

PatentUS12215098B2Solid form, crystalline form, and crystal form a of FXR agonist, and preparation method and application thereof
Publication Date: 2025.02.04 CSPC ZHONGQI PHARMACEUTICAL TECHNOLOGY (SHIJIAZHUANG) CO LTD
  • US12215098B2 patent drawing
  • US12215098B2 patent drawing
  • US12215098B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Disclosed are a solid form, a crystalline form, and crystal form A of a compound of formula (I) used as an FXR agonist, and a preparation method therefor. Also comprised is an application of the compound of formula (I) in preparation of a medication for treating nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH).