Synthesis, characterization and determination of some physicochemical properties of Mefenamic Acid cocrystals

• Grant number: 25/01945-6
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: April 01, 2025
• End date: March 31, 2026
• Field of knowledge: Physical Sciences and Mathematics - Chemistry - Analytical Chemistry
• Principal Investigator: Flávio Junior Caires
• Grantee: Juliana Guedes dos Santos
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Ciências (FC). Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP). Campus de Bauru. Bauru , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 23/06756-1 - Development and exploration of the potential of pharmaceutical nano-cocrystals - synergism between co-crystallization and nanotechnology, AP.R

Abstract

Active pharmaceutical ingredients have a therapeutic activity whose efficacy depends on their physicochemical properties. Mefenamic acid (MFA) is a drug used to treat muscle pain, arthritis and dysmenorrhea. Although it is widely used, it has low aqueous solubility. This condition is seen as unfavorable since higher dosages of the drug may be required to achieve the desired therapeutic effect. In search of alternatives, the synthesis of new multicomponent solid forms is an efficient option that brings desired improvements without interfering with the pharmacological properties. Multicomponent solid forms are generally composed of a drug and a molecule that is safe for consumption. In this context, this project proposes the synthesis of pharmaceutical MFA cocrystals through mechano-chemical synthesis, slurry and crystallization from slow solvent evaporation. The systems obtained will be characterized using thermoanalytical techniques: Thermogravimetry and Simultaneous Differential Thermal Analysis (TG-DTA) and Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), spectroscopic: Vibrational Absorption Spectroscopy in the Infrared Region (FTIR) and diffractometry: Powder X-ray Diffractometry (PXRD), and Single Crystal X-ray Diffraction (SCRXD), to determine the crystal structure and solid state properties of the new cocrystals. Finally, solubility studies will be carried out on the MFA and cocrystals formed to assess the improvement in solubility and efficiency of the technology.