Recent advances in dual-drug co-amorphous systems

Drug Discov Today. 2024 Feb;29(2):103863. doi: 10.1016/j.drudis.2023.103863. Epub 2023 Dec 21.

Abstract

Poor solubility of drugs and therapeutic candidates poses a significant challenge in drug research and development. Biopharmaceutical class II drugs exhibit limited absorption because of their weak solubility and high permeability. Co-amorphous systems (CAMs) have been studied widely as a way to improve the solubility of drugs. This review summarizes recent advancements in dual-drug CAMs, including improvements in formulation, manufacturing, and solid-state characterization, and highlights the importance of enhancing solubility and stability. It emphasizes the potential synergistic effects of two drugs in CAMs and explores formulation strategies and challenges related to maintaining the amorphous state. Case studies demonstrate the successful application of CAMs in combination therapies that offer improved therapeutic efficacy.

Keywords: amorphous drugs; co-amorphous systems; crystalline drugs; crystalline inhibitors; docking models; dual-drug co-amorphous systems; molecular modelling; solubility; stability.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Drug Stability
  • Polymers*
  • Solubility

Substances

  • Polymers