Steroid Crystal Forms for Stable GABAA Drug Development

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current drug formulations for neuropsychiatric disorders, such as anxiety, depression, and schizophrenia, do not fully leverage the potential of GABA(A) receptor modulation, and there is a need for crystal forms of steroid compounds that exhibit improved physical and chemical properties for better pharmaceutical use.

Innovation Solution

Development of distinct crystal forms (A, B, C, D, E, F, and G) of a steroid compound, characterized by specific X-ray powder diffraction patterns, prepared through various methods including solvent-based and temperature-controlled processes, ensuring solvate-free and thermally stable forms suitable for pharmaceutical applications.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a steroid compound is used for neuropsychiatric disorder treatment, then GABA(A) receptor modulation efficacy is achieved, but the physical and chemical properties need improvement for better pharmaceutical use

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepharmaceutical suitabilityVSAvoidphysical and chemical properties
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by developing multiple crystal forms (polymorphs) of the steroid compound, each with distinct X-ray powder diffraction patterns and physical properties. By changing the crystalline structure parameters while maintaining the chemical composition, the invention achieves improved pharmaceutical properties such as stability, solubility, and manufacturability without altering the core medicinal activity at the GABA(A) receptor

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The invention utilizes phase transitions by creating different solid-state crystal forms of the same steroid compound. Each crystal form represents a different phase arrangement of molecules in the solid state, characterized by unique diffraction patterns. These phase transitions enable optimization of pharmaceutical properties while preserving the therapeutic efficacy for neuropsychiatric disorders

Inventive Principle:
Principle #36Phase transitions

2Reliability

If multiple crystal forms are developed, then pharmaceutical suitability is improved, but the complexity of characterization and selection increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepharmaceutical suitabilityVSAvoidcrystal form characterization
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs characteristic X-ray powder diffraction patterns as unique identifiers for each crystal form, analogous to color changes as fingerprints. Each polymorph exhibits a distinct diffraction pattern with specific peak positions and intensities, enabling straightforward characterization and identification of the desired crystal form without complex analytical procedures

Inventive Principle:
Principle #32Color 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

The new crystal forms provide improved stability and suitability for industrial production, addressing the need for effective neuropsychiatric disorder treatments with enhanced properties.

Implementation Method 1

adding the compound of Formula I into an organic solvent to achieve complete dissolution

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSolvation: Solvation

Implementation Method 2

lowering the temperature to induce precipitation

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTemperature-controlled precipitation: Phase Change

Implementation Method 3

obtaining a solid after centrifugation

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCentrifugal separation: Centrifugal Separation

Implementation Method 4

the X-ray powder diffraction pattern thereof has characteristic peaks at 2θ values of 8.1°±0.2°, 11.7°±0.2°, 13.5°±0.2°, 16.2°±0.2°, and 17.6°±0.2°

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectX-ray powder diffraction: X-Ray

Data Source

PatentEP4725951A1Crystal form of steroid compound and use thereof
Publication Date: 2026.04.15 CHENGDU KANGHONG PHARMACEUTICAL GROUP CO LTD
  • EP4725951A1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1B
  • EP4725951A1 patent drawingFigure 1C
  • EP4725951A1 patent drawingFigure 1D

AI summary

The purpose of the present invention is to provide a crystal form of a steroid compound, a pharmaceutical composition and the use thereof in the preparation of a drug for diseases related to a GABAA receptor. Compared with the prior art, the crystal form provided in the present invention has one or more improved properties, and has great significance in further development of the drug.