CO-CRYSTALLIZATION: TECHNIQUE FOR IMPROVEMENT OF PHARMACEUTICAL PROPERTIES

Physicochemical characteristics of active pharmaceutical compounds, including solubility and flow properties, are crucial in the development of drug formulation. The physical form of compound and formulation has potential effect on biopharmaceutical parameters of the drug. The crystal engineering approach can be employed for modification of physicochemical properties of the active pharmaceutical ingredients whilst maintaining the intrinsic activity of the drug molecule. This article covers the advantages of co-crystals over salts, solvates (hydrates), solid dispersions and polymorphs, mechanism of formation of co-crystals, methods of preparation of co-crystals and application of co-crystals to modify physicochemical characteristics of active pharmaceutical ingredients along with case studies.