Journal of Pharmaceutical Investigation

The Korean Society of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technology (한국약제학회)
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Drug Polymorphism and its Importance on Drug Development Process

  • Received : 2010.09.07
  • Accepted : 2010.10.07
  • Published : 2010.12.20
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Abstract

Polymorphism has been recognized to be a critical issue throughout the drug product development process. Most of solid phase drugs have polymorphism, which has generated a great deal of interest and the field has been evolving rapidly. Preferably, thermodynamically most stable form of a drug substance is selected to obtain consistent bioavailability over its shelf life and various storage conditions. Moreover, it has the lowest potential for conversion from one polymorphic form to another. However, metastable or amorphous forms may be used intentionally to induce faster dissolution rate for rapid drug absorption and higher efficacy. For pharmaceutical industry, polymorphism is one of the key activities in form selection process together with salt selection. This article introduces the main features in the investigation of solid form selection especially polymorphic behavior with thermodynamic backgrounds, physicochemical properties with solubility, dissolution, and mechanical properties, and characterization techniques for proper analysis. The final form can be recommended based on the physicochemical and biopharmaceutical properties and by the processability, scalability and safety considerations. Pharmaceutical scientists especially in charge of formulation need to be well aware of the above issues to assure product quality.

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References

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