New Technology to monitor crystal formation
A team of researchers at the University of Leeds has developed a groundbreaking technology with the potential to revolutionize crystal formation control in the pharmaceutical industry during drug development.
Pharmaceutical products often exist in crystalline forms, and even slight variations in the manufacturing process can lead to undesirable changes in the crystal structure. These structural changes pose risks to both the safety and effectiveness of the drugs. Additionally, such alterations can cause significant delays in bringing the drug to market, resulting in substantial costs for pharmaceutical manufacturers. The complexity of modern drug molecules further exacerbates the challenges associated with achieving the desired outcomes consistently.
Dr. Robert Hammond, the lead researcher, highlights the tremendous potential of their technology in addressing these issues. Their innovation enables real-time monitoring of crystal formation within a reactor—a concept previously unexplored. The technology employs powder X-ray diffraction to track the crystal structure while the crystalline form passes through a temperature-controlled flow cell.
It is important to note that further development and rigorous testing are necessary before the technique can be commercialized.
Dr. Hammond is optimistic about the commercial viability of this technology. It can be scaled up for implementation in manufacturing plants and also holds promise for utilization in speciality chemical industries.
