Investigation of the Storage and Stability as Well as the Dissolution Rate of Novel Ilaprazole/Xylitol Cocrystal

1. Introduction

Cocrystal refers to a form where two or more molecules form a specific stoichiometric ratio and crystal structure within a single lattice. In the context of pharmaceuticals, during the formation of cocrystals, the molecule responsible for the crystal structure, possessing activity, is referred to as the API (Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient), while the molecule without activity is termed the coformer. Cocrystals form nonionic or noncovalent bonds, such as van der Waals forces or hydrogen bonding, within or between molecules without the need to break or induce chemical covalent bonds. Depending on the cocrystal formation, the physicochemical properties of the substance, such as solubility, dissolution rate, bioavailability, physical and chemical stability, melting point, density, etc., can change. This alteration in physicochemical characteristics offers a crystal structure that can enhance the therapeutic efficacy of the API [1,2,3,4,5].

Some API face challenges such as low solubility, resulting in decreased bioavailability and stability issues. To overcome these difficulties, several studies are employing co-crystallization. In the case of felodipine and xylitol, for instance, when co-crystallized in a 1:2 stoichiometric ratio, the dissolution rate increased up to 79.8% compared to felodipine alone [6]. Moreover, carbamazepine demonstrated enhanced solubility and increased absorption in the body, improving the drug's effectiveness through co-crystallization with saccharin. Drugs belonging to the propene series also experienced improved dissolution rates through co-crystallization with nicotinamide. Additionally, a drug candidate from Boehringer Ingelheim showcased superior stability characteristics through co-crystallization. In this manner, cocrystal in pharmaceutical formulations is predicted to be an effective method for enhancing solubility, bioavailability, and stability of API [7,8,9].

There have been recent reports on cocrystal screening using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). This approach involves heating binary physical mixtures of the drug and coformer using a DSC device. Detailed interpretation of the obtained DSC scans can serve as a quick screening method for cocrystal detection. This is based on the assumption that the melting point of the cocrystal differs from that of the individual components. In over 50% of cases, cocrystals have demonstrated a melting point lower than both the drug and coformer [10].

Solid-state NMR (SSNMR) is an analytical technique employed to ascertain the crystal structure of materials. This method acts as a bridge between powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD) and single crystal X-ray diffraction (SXD) analytical approaches, offering insights into the conformation of the solid and the intermolecular interactions within the solid material through the chemical shifts observed in the NMR spectrum [11]. This analytical method is valuable for predicting the crystal structure of cocrystals in powder form, where obtaining a single crystal for SXD analysis is not possible. Therefore, recent research has been conducted on the interpretation of crystal structures based on intermolecular interactions in cocrystals using solid-state NMR [12,13].

Ilaprazole (Ila) (Figure 1a) is a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) used to treat gastroesophageal reflux disease and peptic ulcers, available in the market under the trade name Noltec with a 10mg dosage of Ila [14,15,16,17,18]. These PPI typically belong to BCS class II, presenting absorption challenges due to low aqueous solubility [19,20,21,22,23]. Additionally, concerns such as the emergence of specific impurities causing color changes during a 30day storage at room temperature or in solvents, resulting in a content decrease to as low as 84.2%, have been noted [17,19,24,25]. Despite attempts to address these stability issues through methods like salt forms [16], solvate [15], crystal form [14], and formulation change [18], satisfactory results have not been achieved.

Nevertheless, the authors of this paper, An et al., have endeavored to address this issue. They developed a 1:1 ratio Ila/Xylitol (Xyl) cocrystal with improved stability, obtaining a patent and a Chemical Abstract Service Register Number (CAS No. 2642382-31-6) [19] (Figure 1).

Therefore, this paper predicts the crystal structure of the Ila/Xyl cocrystal through solid-state CP/MAS ¹³C-NMR (SSCNMR) spectra and reports the improved stability and dissolution rate results of the Ila/Xyl cocrystal.

2. Materials and Methods

2.1. Materials

Ilaprazole (Ila) was supplied by GUJU Pharm Co. Ltd. (Korea), while Xylitol (Xyl), Meglumine (Meg), Nicotinic acid (Nic), L-Aspartic acid (Asp), and L-Glutamic acid (Glu), as well as Acetone (ACT), Methanol (MeOH), Ethanol (EtOH), and Ethyl acetate (EA), were purchased from DaeJung Chem. Co. Ltd. (Korea).

2.2. Ila/Xyl Cocrystal Preparation Using the Slurry Technique

Among the co-crystallization techniques, the slurry method involves forming cocrystals through solvent-mediated phase transformation (SMPT) of a mixture of API and coformer [1,26]. Therefore, it is more convenient for cocrystal production compared to the grinding method and proves to be efficient for large-scale production. In this study, the researchers employed the slurry technique to enhance the ease of production and preparation of Ila/Xyl cocrystals. The experimental procedure involved adding 10g of Ila and 4.2g of Xyl (1 equivalent (1eq.)) to a 300mL reactor, followed by the addition of 100mL of EA. The mixture was stirred at 200rpm for 36 hours, resulting in the formation of a 1:1 ratio Ila/Xyl cocrystal.

2.3. Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC)

For cocrystal screening of Ila and characterization analysis of Ila/Xyl cocrystals using DSC, a TA Instruments DSC Q20 (TA Instruments, Philadelphia, PA, USA) with Tzero pan and Lid (TA Instruments, Philadelphia, PA, USA) was utilized. The thermal profile was analyzed in a nitrogen atmosphere from 30 ℃ to 350 ℃ at a scan rate of 10 ℃/min.

2.4. Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA)

To perform thermogravimetric analysis of Ila/Xyl cocrystals, a TGA Q50 (TA Instruments, Philadelphia, PA, USA) was used in a nitrogen atmosphere. The temperature range was set from 30 ℃ to 400 ℃, and the scan rate was 10 ℃/min.

2.5. Powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD)

Ila/Xyl cocrystal forms was analyzed with a Powder X-ray diffractometer (Bruker, D8 Advance, Billerica, Massachusetts, USA) equipped with Cu Ka radiation set at 45kV and 40mA. The divergence and scattering slits were set as 1˚, and the receiving slit was 0.2mm. The 2θ scanning range was from 5˚ to 35˚ with a scanning rate of 3˚/min (0.4 sec/0.02˚).

2.6. Solution-State Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy (Solution-State NMR)

For molecular structure determination, confirmation of the Ila and Xyl ratio, and atomic numbering of Ila, Xyl, and Ila/Xyl cocrystals, 1D (¹H, ¹³C) and 2D (COSY, HSQC, HMBC) solution-state NMR spectra were obtained using a BRUKER AVANCE-800 (Billerica, MA, USA). Ila, Xyl, and Ila/Xyl cocrystals were dissolved in DMSO-d⁶ for NMR analysis.

2.7. Solid-State Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy (Solid-State CP/MAS ¹³C-NMR(SSCNMR))

The solid-state CP/MAS ¹³C-NMR spectra of Ila, Xyl and Ila/Xyl cocrystal were recorded with a 500 MHz solid-state NMR (Avance II, Bruker, Billerica, MA, USA). The spectral acquisition was achieved using the cross polarization (CP)/magic angle spinning (MAS) pulse sequence. Experimental condition was as follows: spinning 5 KHz; pulse delay, 10 s; contact time, 2 min; analysis time, 24 h.

2.8. Stability Test at 25 ± 2 °C and Relative Humidity (RH) 60±5%

To assess the stability of Ila/Xyl cocrystal and Ila during storage and preservation, a stability chamber (T&H chamber, Jeio Tech, Daejeon, Korea) was utilized. The samples were stored under conditions of 25±2℃ and relative humidity (RH) of 60±5% for a duration of 3 months. The changes in purity were observed using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with a Waters 2487 instrument (Milford MA, USA). Additionally, the formation of a specific impurity, ilaprazole sulfur ether (impurity B) (Figure 2), was monitored [17]. The analysis was performed using a C18 column (4.6 × 150 mm, 5 µm, Kromasil®, Bohus, Sweden). Mobile phase A consisted of 0.01 mol/L ammonium hydrogen phosphate (pH 6.8)/acetonitrile/methanol 90:5:5 (v/v/v), while mobile phase B comprised 0.01 mol/L ammonium hydrogen phosphate (pH 6.8)/acetonitrile/methanol 40:30:30 (v/v/v). The flow rate was set at 1.5 mL/min, wavelength at 237 nm, and run time at 50 min. Ila and impurity standards were obtained from GUJU Pharm Co. Ltd. (Korea). A 10 mg standard solution was prepared by dissolving 1.32 g of ammonium hydrogen phosphate in 750 mL of purified water, adjusting the pH to 11.5 with a 1 mol sodium hydroxide solution. The samples were prepared by injecting 40 mL of the solution, and the retention times of Ila and impurity were confirmed. The results showed that Ila appeared at 15.7 min, and ilaprazole sulfur ether (impurity B) at 21.1 min (Figures S1 and S2). The stability chamber samples of Ila/Xyl cocrystal and Ila were prepared using the same method as the standard samples (stored at 5℃ during measurements, as Ila is unstable when dissolved in the solvent, and stability was confirmed for 24 hours under 5℃ storage conditions [17].)

2.9. Variable-Temperature Powder X-ray Diffraction (VT-PXRD)

To confirm the melting temperature (Tm) of the Ila/Xyl cocrystal in the DSC thermal profile, a Powder X-ray diffractometer (Bruker, D8 Advance, Billerica, Massachusetts, USA) with an added hot stage accessory was employed. VT-PXRD analysis was conducted at temperatures of 25℃, 55℃, 95℃, and 105℃, using the same conditions as in the PXRD analysis outlined in section 2.5. This allowed for the verification of the Tm of the Ila/Xyl cocrystal.

2.10. Comparison of Dissolution Rates between Formulated Ila/Xyl Cocrystal and Ila

To compare the dissolution rates of Ila/Xyl cocrystal and Ila, formulations were obtained from GUJU Pharm Co. Ltd. (Korea), including the formulated product Noltec for Ila (Ila dosage: 10mg) and the Ila/Xyl cocrystal formulation (Ila dosage: 10mg) (Figure 3). Subsequently, dissolution testing was conducted using the Dissolution Apparatus (Agilent 708-DS, Santa Clara, CA, USA) with the USP dissolution testing apparatus II Paddle (37 °C ± 0.5 °C). Dissolution tests were performed using a dissolution test solution consisting of a pH 10 buffer solution (4L) mixed with 0.5% Polysorbate 80. Samples were collected at 0, 5, 10, 15, 30, 45, and 60-minute intervals, and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) (Waters 2487, Milford MA, USA) was employed for analysis. The dissolution analysis conditions included the use of a C18 column (4.5 × 75 mm, 5 µm, Kromasil®, Bohus, Sweden), with the mobile phase prepared by mixing dissolution test buffer solution (3.4g potassium dihydrogen phosphate and 0.9g sodium hydroxide dissolved in 600mL purified water) and acetonitrile in a 65:35 (v/v) ratio. The pH was adjusted to 8.3 using a 1 mol sodium hydroxide solution. The flow rate was set at 1.5 mL/min, wavelength at 237nm, and run time at 50 min. To determine the peak area of Ila, a 10mg Ila standard was dissolved in 100mL of dissolution test buffer. This standard solution was then diluted 100 times with the dissolution test buffer, and the peak area of Ila was confirmed using this diluted standard solution. The dissolution rate was calculated using the formula: (Peak area of Ila from the sample / Peak area of Ila from the diluted standard solution) × (Amount of Ila standard collected (10mg) / 10) × (900/1000) × purity of the standard (%) (The dissolution analysis method and calculation followed the standards and testing methods of the Ila formulation product name Noltec (Ila dose: 10mg) as specified by the Korean Food and Drug Administration (KFDA)).

3. Result and Discussion

3.1. Cocrystal Screening of Ila Using DSC

The possibility of screening the formation of cocrystals through the heating of API (Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient) and coformer physical mixtures using DSC (Differential Scanning Calorimetry) has been reported. This is attributed to the different melting points of the API, coformer, and cocrystal [10]. Therefore, in this study, to address issues related to the poor stability and release rate during the storage and handling processes of Ila, we aimed to develop cocrystals of Ila with enhanced stability. For this purpose, five potential coformers rich in functional groups such as OH and O, capable of forming hydrogen bonds with Ila (pKa 10.10 [27]), were selected, as presented in Table 1 and Figure S3 [13].

After preparing physical mixtures of the coformers and Ila in a 1:1 ratio, as indicated in Table 1 and Figure S3, DSC screening was conducted, and the results are presented in Figure 4. In Figure 4 (a) and (b), the DSC thermal profiles of the Ila/Asp and Ila/Glu physical mixtures did not show any new exothermic or endothermic peaks; instead, the profiles exhibited a mixed form. Therefore, Asp and Glu were predicted to have no potential for cocrystal formation with Ila and were excluded.

In Figure 4 (c), the DSC thermal profile of the Ila/Meg physical mixture showed an endothermic peak around 128°C and a new exothermic peak around 150°C. The endothermic peak at 130°C appeared slightly ahead of the endothermic peak of Meg at 130°C, and the endothermic peak corresponding to Ila at 162°C was absent. In Figure 4 (d), the DSC thermal profile of the Ila/Nic physical mixture did not exhibit predicted endothermic and exothermic peaks associated with Ila and Nic. Instead, a new endothermic peak appeared at approximately 138°C, and a new exothermic peak emerged at around 147°C. The presence of new endothermic and exothermic peaks in the DSC thermal profiles of physical mixtures indicates the potential for cocrystal formation. This is because the formation of exothermic peaks in the DSC thermal profiles can predict phase transformation into a cocrystal, and changes in endothermic peaks can be indicative of variations in the melting point [10].

Lastly, in Figure 4 (e), the DSC thermal profile of the Ila/Xyl physical mixture exhibited a matched endothermic peak of Xyl at 98°C. However, new small endothermic and exothermic peaks appeared at 147°C and 153°C, respectively. Furthermore, the endothermic peak corresponding to Ila at 162°C was not observed. These results suggest the potential for new interactions or changes in the melting point, providing insight into the possibility of cocrystal formation [10].

Thus, with the predicted potential for cocrystal formation through DSC screening, co-crystallization attempts were made using Meg, Nic, and Xyl via the co-crystallization technique known as slurry.

3.2. Co-Crystallization of Ila Using the Slurry Technique

Based on the DSC thermal profile results in Figure 4, coformers Meg, Nic, and Xyl, which showed potential for cocrystal formation with Ila, were selected. Ila (1g) and the chosen coformer (1eq.) were individually added to MeOH, ACT, EtOH, and EA solvents (10mL each) and stirred at room temperature for 24 hours to assess the potential for co-crystallization. In MeOH, ACT, and EtOH solvents, either Ila or the coformer dissolved, making it impossible to obtain a solid or obtaining only a small amount. Therefore, these solvents were excluded. However, in EA, a significant amount of solid was obtained. EA was chosen as the solvent, and Ila (10g) was used, stirring at room temperature for 36 hours, followed by PXRD analysis.

The results indicated that both Ila/Meg and Ila/Nic exhibited PXRD patterns similar to the physical mixture, suggesting no potential for co-crystal formation (Figures S4 and S5). However, for Ila/Xyl, the PXRD pattern differed significantly from the PXRD patterns of Ila, Xyl, and the physical mixture.

Figure 5 shows the PXRD patterns of Ila, Xyl, Ila/Xyl physical mixture, and the Ila/Xyl obtained through co-crystallization. In the PXRD pattern of the co-crystallized Ila/Xyl, peaks at 2θ were observed at 6.83°, 12.57°, 15.78°, 18.06°, 19.42°, 19.74°, and 22.46°. In contrast, the 2θ values for the Ila/Xyl physical mixture were 7.34°, 13.02°, 16.15°, 18.55°, 22.84°, 25.82°, and 31.81°. Additionally, Xyl exhibited peaks at 2θ values of 14.85°, 17.91°, 22.84°, and 24.96°, while Ila showed peaks at 2θ values of 7.29°, 13.02°, 16.20°, 18.50°, 21.50°, and 25.84°. Therefore, it is predicted that the Ila/Xyl crystal obtained through co-crystallization has a new crystal structure, indicating the potential for cocrystal formation. However, further analysis is needed for a conclusive result.

3.3. Prediction of Intermolecular Interaction in Ila/Xyl Cocrystal Using Solid-state CP/MAS 13C-NMR (SSCNMR)

To predict that the Ila/Xyl crystal obtained through co-crystallization is indeed a cocrystal, attempts were made to analyze it using SSCNMR. To interpret the analyzed SSCNMR spectra, solution-state NMR 1D (1H, 13C) and 2D (1H-1H COSY, 1H-13C HSQC, 1H-13C HMBC) were analyzed. The molecular structures of Ila, Xyl, and Ila/Xyl were interpreted, and the positions of carbon (C) and hydrogen (H) were confirmed by numbering them according to the molecular structures of Ila and Xyl, as seen in Figure 1. This information served as the basis for interpreting the SSCNMR spectrum analysis (Figures S6–S20).

Figure 6 presents the SSCNMR spectra of Ila, Xyl, Ila/Xyl physical mixture, and the Ila/Xyl crystal obtained through co-crystallization. As observed in the SSCNMR spectra of Figure 6, it can be predicted that the spectrum of the Ila/Xyl crystal obtained through co-crystallization shows differences in chemical shift and split of peaks compared to the spectra of Ila, Xyl, and the Ila/Xyl physical mixture.

In Figure 6 (a), when comparing the spectrum of the Ila/Xyl crystal obtained through co-crystallization (shown in blue) with the spectra of Ila, Xyl, and the Ila/Xyl (1:1) physical mixture, a noticeable shift in C15 to a more upfield position at 134.83 ppm can be observed from the Ila molecular structure in Figure 1 (a). This shift is predicted to result from the benzimidazole N-H(18) in the Ila structure acting as a hydrogen bond donor. The enhanced electron density due to acting as a hydrogen bond donor would affect the resonance of C15 at the para position, causing it to shift upfield.

Furthermore, in Figure 6 (a) of the Ila/Xyl crystal obtained through co-crystallization, changes in the split of C14 are observed at 154.13 ppm and 151.2 ppm. This change is anticipated to be influenced by the benzimidazole N-H(18) in the Ila structure acting as a hydrogen bond donor and the sulfoxide S=O acting as a hydrogen bond acceptor, as indicated in Figure 1 (a). Evidence supporting the sulfoxide S=O as a hydrogen bond acceptor can be inferred from the changes in the chemical shift of C3 in Figure 6 (b).

Additionally, significant changes in the chemical shifts of C2 and C12 in Figure 6 (a) are predicted to be due to the nitrogen (N) of the pyridine in the Ila structure acting as a hydrogen bond acceptor, leading to changes in the chemical shift of C2 and C12 through resonance effects.

In Figure 6 (b), the SSCNMR spectrum shows Xyl C1, C2, and C3 appearing in the range of 60 ppm to 75 ppm, as indicated in Figure 1 (b). However, it is observed in this spectrum that there is no significant difference in chemical shift and split. This lack of difference is attributed to molecular structures with hydroxy groups (OH), such as Xyl, being capable of acting as both hydrogen bond acceptors and donors simultaneously. Therefore, such molecular structures can exhibit both intramolecular and intermolecular interactions, resulting in a consistent electron distribution. As a consequence, the SSCNMR spectrum in Figure 6 (b) is predicted to show no significant differences in chemical shift and split due to these interactions [29].

The results of the SSCNMR spectrum in Figure 6 predict the presence of hydrogen bonds, specifically between the N-H (donor) of Ila and the O (acceptor) of Xyl, the S=O (acceptor) of Ila and the O-H (donor) of Xyl, as well as the N (acceptor) of Ila and the O-H (donor) of Xyl..

SSCNMR is an effective tool for predicting intermolecular interactions and conformational changes through changes in chemical shift and splitting. It becomes particularly valuable when single crystals cannot be precipitated, and SXD analysis is not feasible for predicting crystal structures [11,12,13]. Therefore, based on the SSCNMR results in Figure 6, it is predicted that the Ila/Xyl crystal obtained through co-crystallization can be identified as a cocrystal. The reason Ila and Xyl could form a cocrystal in a slurry, i.e., a solvent, is attributed to the small acidity difference between Ila and Xyl as indicated in Table 1. The low acidity prevents ionization between the two molecules in the solvent environment, and the abundance of functional groups capable of forming intermolecular interactions further supports this prediction

Furthermore, the formation of Ila/Xyl cocrystal in a 1:1 ratio was predicted through solution-state ¹H-NMR spectra (Figure 7). This result was further refined and confirmed through ¹H-NMR analysis (Figure S16) and 2D ¹H-¹H COSY analysis (Figure S18).

3.4. Thermal Analysis of Ila/Xyl Cocrystal

Figure 8 shows the DSC (Differential Scanning Calorimetry) heat curves and TGA (Thermogravimetric Analysis) results for Ila/Xyl cocrystal, Ila, and Xyl. In the results, the Ila/Xyl cocrystal exhibits an endothermic peak at 93.62°C, while Ila shows an endothermic peak at 162.48°C, and Xyl at 98.17°C. Additionally, in TGA, the Ila/Xyl cocrystal starts to experience mass loss due to thermal decomposition around 140°C, Ila at 155°C, and Xyl at approximately 220°C.

Despite the fact that there isn't a significant difference in the endothermic temperatures between Ila/Xyl cocrystal and Xyl, to precisely determine the melting temperature, VT-PXRD analysis was conducted to predict its accuracy.

Figure 9 shows the VT-PXRD (Variable Temperature Powder X-ray Diffraction) patterns of Ila/Xyl cocrystal analyzed in the temperature range from 25°C to 105°C. This analysis was conducted to predict that the DSC endothermic peak observed at 93.62°C in Figure 8 corresponds to the melting temperature.

In the results, at 25°C and 55°C, the PXRD patterns maintain the same 2θ values, indicating the stability of the cocrystal. However, at 95°C, which corresponds to the endothermic temperature observed in Figure 8, the PXRD pattern is nearly disappearing. Furthermore, at 105°C, no distinct peaks related to 2θ are observed, indicating the complete absence of the characteristic PXRD pattern. This suggests that from 95°C onward, the Ila/Xyl cocrystal melts, and the PXRD pattern is not evident. Therefore, the temperature of the DSC endothermic peak in Figure 8, representing the Ila/Xyl cocrystal, can be predicted as the melting temperature by observing the VT-PXRD pattern changes.

The analysis results from Table 1 and Table 2 and Figure 5, Figure 6, Figure 7, Figure 8 and Figure 9 predict the formation of a 1:1 ratio cocrystal between Ila and Xyl, and the characterization of this cocrystal has been confirmed.

3.5. Stability Evaluation for Room Temperature Storage at 25±2°C and RH 65±5% of Ila/Xyl Cocrystal

Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) such as Ila often face challenges in stability, with issues like discoloration and the generation of specific impurities, such as ilaprazole sulfur ether (impurity B in Figure 2), during storage at room temperature for 30 days. This results in a decrease in purity to below 95%, posing problems for its use as an active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) and formulation development. Consequently, storing Ila at 5°C has been reported to the Korea Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (KMFDS) [17,19,24,25].

APIs with low stability present difficulties in formulation development, product handling, dosage form issues, and analytical method challenges. Cocrystals, as crystalline solids formed by the intermolecular interaction between an API and a coformer, can share the advantages of the coformer with the API. Consequently, they offer a promising solution to overcome the current issues with Ila, providing an optimal crystal structure that enhances stability, solubility, and dissolution rates [1,2,3,4,5].

Figure 10 depicts the results of stability testing conducted by the researchers to predict whether the newly developed Ila/Xyl cocrystal improves the low stability associated with Ila during room temperature storage. Ila and Ila/Xyl cocrystal were subjected to stability chambers under conditions of 25±2°C and RH 65±5% for three months, and their purity was assessed. As observed in Figure 10, the Ila/Xyl cocrystal maintains its high purity, with minimal changes, from an initial purity of 99.8% to 99.8% after one month and 99.75% after three months. In contrast, Ila shows a decline in purity from an initial 99.8% to 94% after one month and further to 90% after three months, highlighting the improved stability of the cocrystal compared to Ila alone.

Table 2 presents the results of HPLC analysis to determine whether a specific impurity, ilaprazole sulfur ether (impurity B, Figure 2 [17]), was generated in the samples over the 3-month period. The analysis was conducted by confirming the retention time of ilaprazole sulfur ether using HPLC (Figure S1).

As shown in Table 2, the Ila/Xyl cocrystal exhibited minimal generation of the impurity ilaprazole sulfur ether (Figure 2) over the storage period. The initial content was 0.004%, increasing to 0.023% after 1 month and 0.030% after 3 months, remaining well below 0.1%. In contrast, Ila showed a significant increase in a specific impurity, ilaprazole sulfur ether, starting from an initial content of 0.032% to 0.82% after 1 month and further to 2.28% after 3 months.

Molecules with structures like Xyl can engage in both intramolecular and intermolecular interactions, acting as both hydrogen bond acceptors and donors. This property contributes to the overall stability of the molecule [29,30]. The improved stability of Ila through cocrystallization with Xyl, as observed in Figure 10 and Table 2, is attributed to the intermolecular interaction with Xyl as a coformer, leading to the formation of the cocrystal.

Therefore, it is predicted that the Ila/Xyl cocrystal, with its enhanced stability, can be stored and maintained at room temperature. The cocrystal demonstrates the potential for Ila to serve as an improved solid-state form with enhanced stability as an active pharmaceutical ingredient (API).

3.6. Comparison of Dissolution Rates between Ila/Xyl Cocrystal Formulation and Ila Noltec Formulation

Ila is commercially available under the product name Noltec at a dosage of 10mg. However, due to the expiration of the patent, efforts have been made to launch Ila as a generic drug by developing salt forms [16], solvates [15], crystal forms [14], and formulation changes [18] to achieve an equivalent or higher dissolution rate. Despite these efforts, generic market entry has proven challenging.

Figure 11 illustrates the dissolution rate results for the Ila/Xyl cocrystal formulated at a dosage of 10mg (as shown in Figure 3) and the Ila Noltec formulation (dosage: 10mg). In this graph, the Ila/Xyl cocrystal reaches 54.33% at 15 minutes, 96.49% at 30 minutes, and 100% at 45 minutes. In comparison, Ila achieves 33.67% at 15 minutes, 94.45% at 30 minutes, 98.15% at 45 minutes, and 100% at 60 minutes. Although the dissolution rate of the Ila/Xyl cocrystal may be slightly faster than that of Ila, considering the margin of error, it is predicted to be roughly equivalent. Despite not achieving an equivalent or higher dissolution rate, the Ila Noltec formulation has faced challenges in the generic drug market. However, the Ila/Xyl cocrystal, with the advantage of stable storage at room temperature, is expected to expedite the generic drug launch process.

4. Conclusions

In this study, we aimed to address the stability issues of Ila, a medication used for the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and peptic ulcers, marketed under the brand name Noltec (10 mg). The challenge was to improve its stability at room temperature and during storage. As a result, we successfully formed a cocrystal of Ila and Xyl in a 1:1 ratio, which can be stored at room temperature without the need for refrigeration. The predicted crystal structure of the Ila/Xyl cocrystal was confirmed through the analysis of solid-state cross-polarization/magic angle spinning carbon-13 nuclear magnetic resonance (SSCNMR) spectra, providing insights into the intermolecular interactions between Ila and Xyl.

The enhanced stability of the Ila/Xyl cocrystal was demonstrated through a three-month stability evaluation under conditions of 25±2°C and relative humidity (RH) 65±5%. The cocrystal maintained a purity of 99.8% throughout the storage period, whereas the purity of Ila decreased to 90% after three months, accompanied by the significant generation of a specific impurity, ilaprazole sulfur ether. The improved stability of the Ila/Xyl cocrystal was attributed to the inherent stability of the coformer Xyl, suggesting that the intermolecular interactions between Ila and Xyl played a crucial role.

Furthermore, dissolution rate tests comparing the Ila/Xyl cocrystal formulation (10 mg) and the commercial Ila formulation Noltec (10 mg) were conducted at pH 10. The results indicated that the Ila/Xyl cocrystal exhibited a dissolution rate comparable to or slightly faster than that of Ila Noltec. This suggests that the cocrystal formulation, with its enhanced stability and potential for room temperature storage, could expedite the generic drug release process for Ila, addressing the challenges faced by the generic pharmaceutical industry in developing equivalent dissolution rates.

In conclusion, the development of the Ila/Xyl cocrystal not only overcomes the stability issues associated with Ila, allowing for room temperature storage, but also offers advantages in formulation development, product handling, dosing, and analytical testing. The cocrystal, with its improved stability and dissolution characteristics, represents an optimal crystalline structure, providing a promising solution for the challenges associated with Ila as an active pharmaceutical ingredient (API). Therefore, the development of cocrystals is anticipated to play a crucial role in future pharmaceutical development, not only for enhancing absorption rates in drugs with solubility issues but also for improving the physicochemical properties of APIs through the unique characteristics of crystal structures.