Identifying Polymorphism with in-situ Raman Spectroscopy at Screening Scale

Polymorphism in pharmaceutical active compounds (API) play a crucial role in final particle properties such as bioavailability, morphology, and dissolution rate with direct effect on important downstream decisions. Therefore detecting, identifying, and controlling polymorphism is an area of great interest. Several methods can be used to detect and differentiate different polymorphs such as FTIR, XRPD and single crystal; however, Raman spectroscopy can be used in situ to monitor real time polymorphic transformations. Through measurement of the Raman spectra of solids in suspension during a crystallization process, it is possible to track the formation and conversion of polymorphs in real time giving important information in crystallization development. Additionally, in-situ measurements such as microscopy can be used to observe problems such as oiling out and agglomeration. By identifying conditions that cause unwanted changes, steps can be taken to designing, prevent or reverse these changes by improving the reliability and stability of a crystallization process. By undertaking these steps at an earlier stage of API development, when material may be limited, crystallization development can be done sooner and, in this way, bringing API’s faster to market.

This webinar was presented by Dr Thomas Kendall, Technobis Crystallization Systems and Mark Kemper, Tornado Spectral Systems who kindly sponsored the content.