The innovation could significantly improve how the drug is absorbed by the body, while also offering a simple and environmentally friendly method of production.
The invention comes amid a global rise in mental health disorders, highlighting the ongoing need for effective and accessible psychiatric medications.
The breakthrough is the result of collaboration between the Medical University of Gdańsk (GUMed), the University of Gdańsk (UG), and Gdańsk University of Technology (PG).
According to project leader Professor Marek Wesołowski of GUMed, the new form of the drug combines chlordiazepoxide with saccharin to create a salt that dissolves much more easily in water.
Chlordiazepoxide, a member of the benzodiazepine class, was first developed in the 1950s by Polish-American chemist and pharmacist Leo Sternbach.
Although it is widely used to treat conditions such as anxiety, depression, sleep disorders, and symptoms related to substance withdrawal, its poor water solubility has historically limited its effectiveness.
“Roughly 40% of active pharmaceutical ingredients are practically insoluble in water,” said Prof. Wesołowski, “and this figure rises to as much as 70% for compounds still in development. Low solubility means low bioavailability—less of the drug enters the bloodstream, so higher doses are needed, which increases the risk of side effects and drives up production costs.”
He added that most medications are taken orally in tablet form, and their effectiveness depends on the drug dissolving properly in the digestive system.
The newly developed salt form of chlordiazepoxide could allow for lower dosages, reduced toxicity, and more cost-effective production.
Importantly, the manufacturing process for the new salt form does not require expensive or toxic chemicals, and can be carried out using simple equipment—an advantage for drug makers.
The innovation could also pave the way for controlled-release tablets, enhancing the therapeutic benefits of the drug.
The invention's market availability is some years away, however. Wesołowski noted that bringing any new pharmaceutical product to market involves a lengthy and costly approval process, including multiple phases of clinical trials.
(rt/gs)
Source: naukawpolsce.pl