Methylthioninium Chloride Polymorphic Stability via Direct Compression

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Solution Overview

Problem

Methylthioninium chloride (MTC) exhibits polymorphism, leading to stability issues during heating and storage, making it challenging to maintain a consistent dosage form, as it can convert between polymorphic forms, affecting the product's performance and regulatory compliance.

Innovation Solution

Formulating MTC into solid dosage forms using direct compression or dry granulation methods with diluents like microcrystalline cellulose and lubricants, which maintains the stability of polymorphic Form A and prevents conversion to other forms, ensuring chemical and crystallographic stability and fast dissolution.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If MTC is formulated using conventional methods, then the dosage form can be produced, but the polymorphic form converts during heating and storage, leading to instability

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepolymorphic stabilityVSAvoidstorage duration
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the physical state and composition parameters of the formulation. Specifically, it uses direct compression or dry granulation methods that avoid high moisture and heat exposure, maintaining the polymorphic form A stability. The formulation includes specific excipients like microcrystalline cellulose and silicon dioxide in controlled amounts to prevent polymorphic conversion during storage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If direct compression method is used, then polymorphic stability is maintained, but the formulation requires specific excipients and process control

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepolymorphic stabilityVSAvoidformulation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses intermediary substances (excipients) such as microcrystalline cellulose, silicon dioxide, and magnesium stearate that mediate between the active ingredient MTC and the compression process. These intermediaries protect the polymorphic form during handling and compression, enabling direct compression without causing polymorphic conversion while maintaining formulation simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of manufacture

If MTC is exposed to heat during processing, then the dosage form can be manufactured, but polymorphic conversion occurs affecting product performance

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing easeVSAvoidpolymorphic form consistency
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces thermal processing methods with mechanical methods. Instead of using heat and moisture (thermal systems) for granulation and tablet formation, it employs direct compression or dry granulation (mechanical systems) that operate at ambient temperature and low humidity, thereby preventing polymorphic conversion while maintaining ease of manufacture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentEP2645994B1Formulations comprising methylthioninium chloride
Publication Date: 2017.11.01 WISTA LAB LTD
  • EP2645994B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1B
  • EP2645994B1 patent drawingFigure 1C~1D
  • EP2645994B1 patent drawingFigure 1E~2

AI summary

Solid dosage forms of methylthioninium chloride (MTC) further comprise at least one diluent suitable for direct compression. The MTC exists in a substantially pure and stable polymorphic form. The solid dosage forms may preferably be prepared by direct compression methods.