Tiotropium Bromide Crystalline Form Consistency

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for crystallizing Tiotropium bromide fail to consistently produce the same crystalline form, limiting the availability of pharmaceutical formulations with targeted release profiles and desired characteristics.

Innovation Solution

The development of new crystalline forms, including Form 11, characterized by specific XRD patterns and micronized forms, along with methods for their preparation, such as crystallization from mixtures of solvents like methanol and acetone, and the use of solvates like methanolate and acetic acid, to produce pure and stable forms of Tiotropium bromide.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional crystallization methods are used, then the process is simple, but the crystalline form is inconsistent and unreliable

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconsistency of crystalline formVSAvoidcrystallization process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by systematically varying crystallization conditions including temperature profiles, solvent ratios, pH levels, and addition rates to achieve consistent formation of specific crystalline forms (monohydrate, anhydrate, dichloromethane solvate). This resolves the contradiction by establishing controlled parameter ranges that guarantee reliable crystalline form while maintaining practical process simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements feedback mechanisms through in-process monitoring of crystallization progress, using techniques such as HPLC analysis and visual inspection to track crystal formation. This allows real-time adjustment of crystallization parameters to ensure consistent crystalline form, resolving the reliability-consistency issue without excessive process complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple crystalline forms are pursued, then the repertoire of formulations is expanded, but the manufacturing process becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveformulation optionsVSAvoidmanufacturing process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the crystallization process into distinct pathways for different crystalline forms (monohydrate, anhydrate, solvate), each with specific controlled conditions. This segmentation allows selective production of desired forms without requiring complete process redesign, thus expanding formulation options while managing manufacturing complexity through modular process design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent develops a universal crystallization platform that can produce multiple crystalline forms by adjusting a set of key parameters (temperature, solvent composition, pH, addition rate). This multi-functional approach allows a single base process to generate different crystalline forms for various formulation needs, expanding versatility without proportionally increasing manufacturing complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Stability of the object's composition

If new crystalline forms are developed, then solubility and stability are improved, but the development time and resources increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestability of Tiotropium bromideVSAvoiddevelopment time
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by conducting extensive pre-characterization studies and preliminary crystallization trials before final process development. This includes pre-determination of optimal temperature ranges, solvent systems, and addition rates through systematic screening. This preliminary work establishes a solid foundation that accelerates subsequent process development and reduces overall development time while ensuring improved stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements continuous monitoring and adjustment during crystallization to ensure optimal conditions are maintained throughout the process. This continuous action prevents formation of unwanted polymorphs and ensures consistent production of stable crystalline forms, reducing the need for iterative re-development and thereby reducing overall development time while maintaining improved stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

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

These new forms provide enhanced solubility and stability, enabling the creation of pharmaceutical formulations with improved release profiles and characteristics, expanding the repertoire of Tiotropium bromide formulations for therapeutic applications.

Implementation Method 1

The preparation and crystallization of Tiotropium bromide from acetone and methanol is disclosed in United States Patent No. 5,610,163

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCrystallization: Crystallisation

Implementation Method 2

crystalline dichloromethane solvate of Tiotropium bromide

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSolvation: Solvation

Implementation Method 3

characterized by a powder XRD pattern with peaks at 20.2, 26.5, 28.0, and 31.2 ±0.2 degrees 2-theta

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectX-ray diffraction: X-Ray

Data Source

PatentEP1869035B2Novel crystalline form of tiotropium bromide and process for preparation thereof
Publication Date: 2015.08.12 SICOR INC
  • EP1869035B2 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP1869035B2 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP1869035B2 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

This invention relates to novel crystalline forms of tiotropium bromide, processes for preparing them, and their use in pharmaceutical formulations.