Abstract

A REVIEW ON ROLE OF COCRYSTALS IN FORMULATION DEVELOPMENT OF INSOLUBLE DRUGS

Dr. T. Mahesh Kumar* and M. Deepa Shree

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Abstract

Combining the active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) and pharmaceutically acceptable cocrystal former in a stoichiometric quantity leads to formation of cocrystals. The physicochemical qualities of the drugs are improved by using cocrystals. Pharmaceutical cocrystals are nonionic supramolecular complexes and can be used to improve the solubility (BCS class II category drugs), stability and bioavailability in pharmaceutical development without changing the chemical composition of the API. This review article explores details on cocrystallization of pharmaceuticals with its future perspectives and highlights various aspects on cocrystallization research work for enhancing various physical, chemical, and pharmacological properties of drugs. It is necessary to understand the components of cocrystals, its screening, preparation methods, evaluation techniques and its market potential for successful development of formulations using cocrystals. Cocrystallization alters the molecular interactions and composition of pharmaceutical materials, and is considered to be a better alternative to optimize or modify the drug properties.

Keywords: API, coformer, crystalline, dissolution, solubility.