Co-Crystals: An Emerging Trend in Pharmaceutical Industry

Pharmaceutical co-crystals are long known but little studied class of compounds. It is the effective remedy for compounds that have intrinsic barriers to drug delivery, such as low aqueous solubility, slow dissolution in gastrointestinal media, and low permeability. Co-crystals are thought to have more potential and are much more advantageous than salts, solvates and hydrates because the physicochemical properties of the active pharmaceutical ingredients and the bulk material properties can be modified, whilst maintaining the activity of the drug molecule. Cocrystal presents an interesting option in regulatory point of view. As they are new compounds they offer the chances of patentability with minimal toxicity and bioavailability studies. This review discusses about the methods of preparation, characterization and design of co-crystals. Application of co-crystals to modify physicochemical characteristics of active pharmaceutical ingredients is also discussed with suitable case studies. Co-crystals also present an interesting option with regard to intellectual property rights.