Title:Multicomponent Pharmaceutical Cocrystals: A Novel Approach for Combination Therapy
Volume: 18
Issue: 14
Author(s): Dipti Srivastava, Zeeshan Fatima*Chanchal Deep Kaur
Affiliation:
- Amity Institute of Pharmacy, Zeeshan Fatima, Amity University Uttar Pradesh, Lucknow,India
Keywords:
Cocrystal, supramolecular, synthon, noncovalent, multi-API, combination therapy.
Abstract: Cocrystallization is a technique for modifying the physicochemical and pharmacokinetic
properties of an active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) embodying the concept of supramolecular synthon.
Most of the examples cited in the literature are of cocrystals formed between an API and a
coformer chosen from the generally recognized as safe (GRAS) substance list; however few examples
exist where a cocrystal consists of two or more APIs. These cocrystals are commonly known as multi
API, multi-drug or drug- drug cocrystals. The formation of such cocrystals is feasible by virtue of non
covalent interactions between the APIs, which help them in retaining their activity. In addition, drugdrug
cocrystals also offer potential solution to the limitations such as solubility, stability differences
and chemical interaction between the APIs which is often faced during the traditional combination
therapy. Cocrystallization of two or more APIs can be employed for delivery of combination drugs for
the better and efficacious management of many complex disorders where existing monotherapies do
not furnish the desired therapeutic effect. This review on the existing drug-drug cocrystals is to gain an
insight for better designing of multi API cocrystals with improved physicochemical and pharmacokinetic
profile and its application in multiple target therapy.