CrystalZip – Development of a Continuous Co-crystallisation Process

The rate of discovery of newer Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs) continues to decline. However, novel physiological effects and intellectual property are being generated by the use of co-crystallisation of different solid materials. Co-crystals are two or more crystalline components that are held together by comparatively weak bonding, but which provide differentiated pharmacological actions. However, co-crystals are currently difficult to manufacture for large scale production, with many unreliable batch processing techniques utilised. CPI has, however, developed a novel method for producing co-crystals of APIs using a stable and continuous process, and intend to develop the process further to production scale. Co-crystallisation of APIs will extend the life of patented drugs and will bring opportunities for new effects and value to the large UK pharmaceutical industry, and through licencing, to the global API markets.