Crystalline Quinazolinone Ophthalmic Formulations Against Drug Agglomeration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Hydrophobic ophthalmic drugs are prone to agglomeration in aqueous topical compositions, leading to stability and quality issues, and existing treatments for chronic ocular surface pain are inadequate.

Innovation Solution

Development of crystalline forms of 4-(7-Hydroxy-2-isopropyl-4-oxo-4H-quinazolin-3-yl)-benzonitrile with specific X-ray diffraction patterns and methods for their preparation, including cooling, heating, and equilibration in solvents, to create stable formulations for ocular use.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If hydrophobic drugs are formulated in aqueous topical ophthalmic compositions, then the drugs can be administered topically to the ocular surface, but the drugs are prone to agglomeration causing stability and quality issues

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetopical administration capabilityVSAvoidformulation stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by identifying and characterizing different polymorphic crystal forms of the hydrophobic TRPV1 antagonist with distinct physical properties. Each crystal form has specific X-ray diffraction patterns, melting points, and solubility characteristics that affect its behavior in aqueous formulations. By selecting appropriate crystal forms and controlling crystallization parameters (temperature, solvent, cooling rate), the formulation stability is improved while maintaining topical administrability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes phase transitions by describing methods to convert between different crystal forms through controlled heating and cooling cycles. For example, crystal form A can be converted to crystal form B by heating to specific temperatures and then cooling. These phase transition controls prevent unwanted agglomeration and maintain formulation stability during storage and administration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #36Phase transitions

2Reliability

If multiple crystal forms are identified and characterized, then stable formulations can be developed, but the complexity of manufacturing and quality control increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveformulation stabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-characterizing multiple crystal forms and establishing their conversion conditions before actual formulation manufacturing. The detailed X-ray diffraction patterns, melting points, and solubility data for each crystal form are determined in advance, allowing manufacturers to select the most suitable crystal form for their specific formulation needs without encountering unexpected issues during production.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses solvent molecules as intermediaries in the crystallization process. Specific solvents (water, ethanol, isopropanol, acetonitrile, DMSO) facilitate the formation of particular crystal forms through solvation and desolvation mechanisms. These intermediary solvent molecules help control the crystallization pathway and can be easily removed or replaced during the formulation process, simplifying manufacturing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 crystalline forms provide stable ophthalmic formulations that maintain drug efficacy and reduce agglomeration, effectively alleviating chronic ocular surface pain when applied topically.

Implementation Method 1

cooling a hot solution of the free base of compound I in methanol and cooling to about 0° C., to crystallize compound I as crystal form A

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCrystallisation: Crystallisation

Implementation Method 2

heating compound I in crystal form A to a temperature of at least about 250° C., or at least about 270° C., or about 280° C.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhase transition: Phase Change

Implementation Method 3

heating a hydrate form of compound I to temperatures greater than about 250° C. or about 260° C. to provide compound I as crystal form E

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDehydration: Desorption

Implementation Method 4

characterized by an X ray diffraction pattern having three or more peaks at 2θ values selected from 7.2, 12.7, and 21.4±0.2 °2θ

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectX-ray diffraction: X-Ray

Data Source

PatentUS12600702B2Crystalline forms of 4-(7-hydroxy-2-isopropyl-4-oxo-4H-quinazolin-3-yl)-benzonitrile and formulations thereof
Publication Date: 2026.04.14 BAUSCH & LOMB IRELAND LIMITED
  • US12600702B2 patent drawing
  • US12600702B2 patent drawing
  • US12600702B2 patent drawing

AI summary

The present disclosure provides polymorphs and formulations of 4-(7-hydroxy-2-isopropyl-4-oxo-4H-quinazolin-3-yl)-benzonitrile (compound I). The present disclosure further provides methods for treating ocular surface pain by administering 4-(7-hydroxy-2-isopropyl-4-oxo-4H-quinazolin-3-yl)-benzonitrile (compound I). The present invention also provides methods for treating dry eye disease and ocular hyperemia by administering 4-(7-hydroxy-2-isopropyl-4-oxo-4H-quinazolin-3-yl)-benzonitrile.