What is the difference between a cocrystal and a salt?

Cocrystals are multicomponent crystalline solids in which the API and coformer are held together by nonionic intermolecular interactions (primarily hydrogen bonding) without proton transfer. Salts, by contrast, involve ionic interactions formed after proton transfer between an acidic and basic molecule. Our screening and characterization (FTIR/Raman, ssNMR) confirm the classification of each hit.

How is the coformer library selected for a given API?

Coformers are selected based on hydrogen-bond complementarity with the API, functional-group compatibility, pharmaceutical acceptability (Generally Recognized as Safe), and precedent in marketed products. Solubility and pKa values are considered to avoid salt formation. The library size and composition are scoped per project to balance screen breadth with material requirements.

What characterization techniques are used to confirm cocrystal formation?

We use a panel of orthogonal techniques: powder X-ray diffraction (XRPD) to detect new crystalline phases, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) for melting point and stoichiometry, and FTIR/Raman/ssNMR spectroscopy to confirm nonionic hydrogen bonding between API and coformer.

Can cocrystal development be combined with other solid-form strategies?

Yes. We evaluate cocrystal development alongside salt, polymorph, and coamorphous options where appropriate. The goal is to select the most developable form that meets the target product profile. A comparative assessment of solubility, stability, and manufacturability is provided to support the decision.

What is the typical timeline for a cocrystal screening project?

The timeline depends on the API properties, screen breadth, and characterization depth required. We discuss project-specific timelines during the consultation and share a detailed schedule with milestones before work begins.

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Cocrystal and Coamorphous Development

Solid Form Design

Cocrystals are multicomponent crystalline solids composed of an API and a coformer in a defined stoichiometric ratio, stabilized primarily.

Systematic coformer library screening guided by hydrogen-bond complementarity
Orthogonal solid-state characterization (XRPD, DSC, FTIR, Raman, ssNMR)
Developability assessment including stability, hygroscopicity, and dissolution
Scale-up support with reproducible solution-based crystallization conditions
IP strategy support with detailed form identification data

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Why Choose Our Cocrystal Platform?

Our integrated approach combines solubility-guided coformer selection, high-throughput screening, and fit-for-purpose characterization to deliver actionable candidates.

Rational design based on API properties and target profile
Rigorous hit confirmation with multi-technique data
Candidates evaluated for reproducibility and property improvement
Transparent reporting for internal decision-making and regulatory submissions

Customized

Traceable

Scalable

Our Methodology

From Coformer Selection to Developable Candidates

We tailor each screen to the API's physicochemical profile and the project's specific formulation goal.

Systematic Cocrystal Screening

A solubility- and complementarity-driven workflow that efficiently explores coformer space to generate new crystalline phases.

Coformer library curated for pharmaceutical acceptability and functional-group diversity
Screening techniques include solvent-drop grinding, neat grinding, slurry conversion, and solvent evaporation to generate potential cocrystal phases.
Initial hits identified by XRPD and confirmed with thermal and spectroscopic analysis

Integrated Solid-Form Strategy

Cross-comparison with other solid forms (salts, polymorphs, coamorphous) when applicable
Stability studies under stress, humidity, and formulation-relevant conditions
Lead candidate selection supported by solubility, dissolution, and crystallization-inhibition experiments.

Quality by Characterization

Hits are fully characterized by orthogonal techniques (XRPD, DSC, TGA, FTIR, Raman, ssNMR) to confirm stoichiometry, solid-phase purity, and hydrogen-bonding interactions.

Developability Assessment

Leads are evaluated for preparation reproducibility, physical and chemical stability, hygroscopicity, and solubility in biorelevant media.

Intellectual Property Support

Detailed form identification data, including diffraction patterns, peak lists, and characterization summaries, are provided to support patent filings and lifecycle management.

What You Receive

Comprehensive Data to Drive Formulation Decisions

Our reports combine raw analytical data, interpretative summaries, and ranked candidate comparisons.

Data Packages

XRPD patterns with indexing and phase-purity assessment
DSC and TGA thermograms with melting point and stoichiometry data
FTIR/Raman spectra confirming nonionic hydrogen bonding
Dissolution and stability data comparing cocrystal to parent API

Reporting & Support

Ranked candidate list with justification for lead selection
Reproducibility assessment of scaled-up conditions
Structured report suitable for regulatory and IP filings
Consultation on next steps for formulation and scale-up

Project Parameters

Case-by-Case Service Scope

Every project begins with a consultation to define the API, target profile, and screen breadth. The table below illustrates typical parameters—final scope is scoped per project.

Parameter	Typical Project Scope
API quantity required	Scoped per project; typically 100–500 mg for initial screen
Coformer library size	Customized based on API functional groups and target properties; typically 20–50 coformers
Screening methods	Solvent-drop grinding, neat grinding, slurry conversion, solvent evaporation—methods selected per API stability
Characterization techniques	XRPD, DSC, TGA, FTIR, Raman, ssNMR (as needed) for hit confirmation and structural understanding
Stability studies	Accelerated stability, hygroscopicity (DVS), and polymorphic stability under relevant conditions
Scale-up support	Solution-based crystallization conditions developed for leading candidates; reproducibility confirmed at gram scale (scoped per project)
Intellectual property support	Peak lists, XRPD pattern overlays, and characterization data for patent filings

How It Works

Five-Step Cocrystal Development Workflow

From goal setting to lead recommendation, each phase is designed to deliver a decision-ready candidate.

Initial Consultation & Goal Definition

We discuss the API's physicochemical challenges, the target product profile, and the specific property improvements desired (solubility, stability, hygroscopicity, or IP expansion).

Coformer Selection & Solubility-Guided Design

Using hydrogen-bond complementarity, functional-group compatibility, and pharmaceutical acceptability, we prioritize coformers from an extensive library to maximize screening efficiency.

Cocrystal Screening Execution

Multiple techniques (solvent-drop grinding, neat grinding, slurry conversion, and solvent evaporation) are applied in parallel to generate potential cocrystal phases.

Hit Confirmation & Characterization

Initial hits identified by XRPD are confirmed through thermal analysis (DSC, TGA) and spectroscopy (FTIR, Raman, ssNMR) to establish composition, stoichiometry, and hydrogen-bonding interactions.

Lead Optimization & Developability Evaluation

Leading candidates are assessed for preparation reproducibility, stability, hygroscopicity, and dissolution performance. Solution-based crystallization conditions are developed to support downstream scale-up.

Applications

When Cocrystal Development Adds Value

Cocrystal development is strategically employed when traditional solid forms fail to deliver the required performance.

Improve Dissolution of Poorly Soluble APIs

For BCS Class II and IV compounds, cocrystals can generate high supersaturation (spring effect) that, when combined with crystallization inhibitors, maintains enhanced exposure.

Suitable for non-ionizable or weakly ionizable APIs
Dissolution testing in biorelevant media to quantify improvement
Crystallization-inhibition strategy evaluated during lead selection

Enhance Physical and Chemical Stability

Cocrystallization can reduce hygroscopicity, improve chemical stability against degradation, and provide a more robust solid form under manufacturing and storage conditions.

Stability studies under ICH conditions (40°C/ performance scoped per project RH, etc.)
Dynamic vapor sorption (DVS) to assess moisture sensitivity
Polymorphic stability assessment to prevent phase transitions

Expand Solid-Form IP Position

Novel cocrystals can provide composition-of-matter patent protection or extend the lifecycle of an existing API through new crystalline forms.

XRPD peak lists and indexing data for patent filings
Characterization data differentiating cocrystal from known forms
Support for regulatory filings (NDA, sNDA, 505(b)(2))

Reformulate Off-Patent or Older APIs

Cocrystal development can improve the therapeutic profile of generics or reformulate existing products with better bioavailability, enabling new indications or formulations.

Opportunity for fixed-dose combinations via drug-drug cocrystals
Improved patient compliance through reduced dosing frequency
New formulations for pediatric or geriatric populations

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Clarifying how our cocrystal development service addresses common technical and strategic concerns.

Cocrystals are multicomponent crystalline solids in which the API and coformer are held together by nonionic intermolecular interactions (primarily hydrogen bonding) without proton transfer. Salts, by contrast, involve ionic interactions formed after proton transfer between an acidic and basic molecule. Our screening and characterization (FTIR/Raman, ssNMR) confirm the classification of each hit.
Coformers are selected based on hydrogen-bond complementarity with the API, functional-group compatibility, pharmaceutical acceptability (Generally Recognized as Safe), and precedent in marketed products. Solubility and pKa values are considered to avoid salt formation. The library size and composition are scoped per project to balance screen breadth with material requirements.
We use a panel of orthogonal techniques: powder X-ray diffraction (XRPD) to detect new crystalline phases, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) for melting point and stoichiometry, and FTIR/Raman/ssNMR spectroscopy to confirm nonionic hydrogen bonding between API and coformer.
Yes. We evaluate cocrystal development alongside salt, polymorph, and coamorphous options where appropriate. The goal is to select the most developable form that meets the target product profile. A comparative assessment of solubility, stability, and manufacturability is provided to support the decision.
The timeline depends on the API properties, screen breadth, and characterization depth required. We discuss project-specific timelines during the consultation and share a detailed schedule with milestones before work begins.

Scientific Literature

References

Li J, Wang X, Yu D, et al. Molecular complexes of drug combinations: A review of cocrystals, salts, coamorphous systems and amorphous solid dispersions. International journal of pharmaceutics. 2023;648:123555. View on PubMed
Luo M, Chen A, Huang C, et al. Effects of Polymers on Cocrystal Growth in a Drug-Drug Coamorphous System: Relations between Glass-to-Crystal Growth and Surface-Enhanced Crystal Growth. Molecular pharmaceutics. 2024;21(7):3591-3602. View on PubMed
Budiman A, Wardhana YW, Ainurofiq A, et al. Drug-Coformer Loaded-Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles: A Review of the Preparation, Characterization, and Mechanism of Drug Release. International journal of nanomedicine. 2024;19:281-305. View on PubMed
Sutar Y, Yadavalli T, Paul SK, et al. BX795-Organic Acid Coevaporates: Evaluation of Solid-State Characteristics, In Vitro Cytocompatibility and In Vitro Activity against HSV-1 and HSV-2. Pharmaceutics. 2021;13(11). View on PubMed

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