Preparation and Characterization of Novel Anti-cancer drug (s) loaded Co-crystals

Background: Taxanes constitute an important class of anti-cancer agents, which are widely prescribed for the management of cancers like breast, lung and ovaries. These agents belong to Biopharmaceutical Classification System (BCS) class IV, which are neither soluble in the aqueous systems nor permeable across the biological membranes. Objectve: Due to these concerns only, the oral bioavailabilities of these drugs are too low. Looking into these concerns, it was envisaged to develop co-crystals of docetaxel with syringic acid. Methods: For the preparation of co-crystals no single method is used. The methods range from spray drying, crystallization, ultrasonication and freeze drying to supercritical fluid methodologies. Results: The novel co-crystal not only improved the solubility and dissolution rates of the drug, but also resulted in improved pharmacokinetic profile. Conclusion: The present findings provide an economic and viable approach to improve the solubility and absorption profile of a drug, which is a vital component of the anticancer chemotherapy. Such studies provide a hope for the development of approaches to improve the solubility and permeability of drugs with challenges.