Preparation and characterization of axitinib nanocrystals

• Grant number: 24/14949-7
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: November 01, 2024
• End date: November 04, 2025
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Pharmacy - Pharmaceutical Technology
• Principal Investigator: Gabriel Lima Barros de Araujo
• Grantee: Taís Mendonça dos Santos
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas (FCF). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil
• Associated scholarship(s): 25/03625-9 - PREPARATION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF PHYTOCHEMICAL-LOADED NANOPARTICLES FOR GLIOBLASTOMA THERAPY, BE.EP.IC

Abstract

Pharmaceutical nanocrystals are crystalline drug particles at the nanometer scale that hold great potential in the pharmaceutical industry due to their ability to enhance the solubility and bioavailability of poorly soluble medications. This research project focuses on the production and characterization of axitinib nanocrystals, an antineoplastic drug used in the treatment of advanced renal cell carcinoma. Despite its efficacy, axitinib has low water solubility, which limits its absorption and bioavailability, compromising its clinical effectiveness. To address this challenge, the project proposes using nanocrystal technology, which increases the drug's surface area, resulting in improved dissolution, solubility, and bioavailability.Initially, axitinib will be characterized in its solid state, focusing on properties such as polymorphism, particle size, and thermal behavior. Subsequently, axitinib will be converted into nanosuspensions through high-energy wet milling, using zirconia beads. After production, the nanocrystals will undergo detailed analyses of particle size, zeta potential, thermal behavior, and hygroscopicity, as well as potential polymorphic changes, to ensure the stability of the nanosuspensions. The solubility of the nanocrystals will then be compared to that of the original drug using approaches such as the Crystal16® parallel crystallizer and equilibrium method. The project is expected to provide a robust foundation for developing future formulations that offer more effective antineoplastic treatments with axitinib.