Local structure analysis of amorphous solid dispersions of drugs through pair distribution function (PDF) method

• Grant number: 21/01334-6
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: May 01, 2021
• End date: April 30, 2022
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Pharmacy - Pharmaceutical Technology
• Principal Investigator: Gabriel Lima Barros de Araujo
• Grantee: Rodrigo Nori Zuntini
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas (FCF). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil

Abstract

The pharmaceutical industry widely uses amorphous formulations to improve the low oral bioavailability of many BCS (biopharmaceutical classification system) class II drugs. This project aims to study the local structure of amorphous solid dispersions of poorly soluble drugs, focusing specifically on the structural aspects that may help select polymers that ensure efficient amorphization and allow the development of stable drug formulations. For this purpose, the Pair Distribution Function (PDF) method will be combined with high energy X-ray diffraction analysis obtained via synchrotron light sources to explore the local structure of polymeric ASDs of low solubility drugs. This approach aims to accelerate the development of new, more stable, and soluble drug formulations. (AU)