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    Using Raman to Track API and Solid Dosage Forms During Drug Development

    Oct. 4, 2005
    Raman spectroscopy offers benefits for processes as diverse as crystallization and tableting.
    1660255611245 Pati0510 Raman Figure2
    Many pharmaceutical quality programs fail to account for the fact that API forms can change during drug development. They may be the same compound, chemically, but have different particle sizes or morphologies. In tableting or encapsulation, this fact can lead to processing problems — for example, when an API particle that was spherical early on in the development process becomes rod-shaped later on, then causes agglomeration problems during blending.Worse yet, differences in form can also result in quality problems or adverse reactions in patients. This is especially important in crystallization, since different forms or polymorphs of the same compound may have vastly different properties — different solubilities, dissolution rates, stabilities or bioavailabilities. As G. McGeorge has written, “FDA expects that [any] crystallization process is in control and that the polymorph generated will provide predictable properties in-vivo.” [1].Both NIR and Raman spectroscopy are being used to study and monitor API forms during development to understand, correct and improve processes, facilitate continuous processing and improve quality. This brief article will focus on Raman and its use in detecting crystal polymorphs during API development, as well as its use in tableting. It will summarize how the technology is being used, describe the benefits it offers and briefly compare its performance with NIR.Raman Now User-Friendly
    Stimulating more interest in Raman spectroscopy is the fact that the systems have become much easier to operate over the years, and the technique offers such benefits as flexible sampling, including the possibility of remote sampling, and confocal optics. It also allows product to be sampled through containers, and can be used with various types of samples including liquids, slurries, pastes, solids and powders.The technique also allows users to better understand the chemistry of the process being studied, including not only crystallinity, but particle characteristics, reaction intermediates, reaction equilibria and timing optimization.It can be used to detect end points for a process that will result in optimal product quality, and is already being used for:
    • Structure elucidation
    • Crystallization
    • Polymorphism
    • Solvate and hydrate forms
    • Radiochemistry
    • Reaction monitoring
    • Grignard reactions
    • Hydrogenations
    • Nitrations
    • Slurry monitoring
    • Polymerization reactions
    • Fermentations.
    Consider Raman’s use in detecting crystalline forms or polymorphs. Because different crystal forms will show intensity and frequency changes in the Raman spectrum, Raman spectroscopy can discriminate between polymorphs. In addition, it can be applied without sample preparation and used in situ to monitor processes in real time. It also eliminates the need for grab samples and can be located remotely, outside classified areas.In one case involving progesterone, Raman spectra were able to distinguish, clearly, between two polymorphs and to pinpoint the exact point where transformation from one form to the other occurred (Figure 1, below).
    pati0510_raman_figure1
    From these measurements (Figure 2, below), the thermodynamics of transformation could be summarized in a simple graph, and used to optimize process conditions.
    pati0510_raman_figure2

    In another case involving the in-situ hydration of theophylline, Raman was able to determine the exact amount of active form left in the solution as precipitate formed (Figure 3, below).

    pati0510_raman_figure3
    The phase transition was studied at a constant temperature and a calibration curve was developed, ultimately leading to a simple graph of the overall reaction trend, pinpointing the exact point at which precipitate was formed. (Figure 4, below).
    pati0510_raman_figure4
    Raman for Solid Dosage FormsCurrently, most tablet analyses are done with HPLC, a specific and reproducible technique that nonetheless can be tedious to use, difficult to verify, and costly. Furthermore, using HPLC provides an incomplete picture. Applying Raman to tablet analysis offers significant benefits, as the resolved spectral density of he technique is generally very good. On the negative side, signal-to-noise can sometimes be an issue.Kaiser has now developed a PhAT system to address traditional Raman’s limitations for solid state chemistry analyses. In the future, spectroscopic analysis of final solid dosage forms using techniques including Raman will offer the fastest and most complete way to assess product quality. However, users will need to increase their comfort level with applying chemometric techniques including MVA.Raman vs. NIR
    The following chart compares both techniques:Dispersive RamanNIREmission Absorption Fundamental information Overtones No sample preparation needed No sample preparation needed Process capable measurements Process capable measurements High spectral density Unresolved information Limited sensitivity to physical status Sensitivity to particle size and compaction Representative sampling Representative sampling Potentially very good LOQ Good LOQ Smaller number of calibration samples Large number of calibration samples Models potentially more robust and easier to develop Models potentially less robust and complex The following graphic compares both techniques when used to study chemical specificity in a formulation involving acetaminophen and Avicel powder excipient. In the NIR, most of the signal comes from the excipient, where with Raman, it comes from the API (Figure 5, below).
    Figure%205
    ReferenceMcGeorge, G., Combining Raman Spectroscopy and Microscopy to Support Pharmaceutical Development, American Pharmaceutical Review, 1-4, 2003.

    About the Author

    David Strachan | Mark Kemper