Managing emerging mutagenicity risks: Late stage mutagenic impurity control within the atovaquone second generation synthesis.

The mutagenic-impurity control strategy for a second generation manufacturing route to the non-mutagenic antipneumocystic agent atovaquone (2-((1R,4R)-4-(4-chlorophenyl)cyclohexyl)-3-hydroxynaphthalene-1,4-dione) 1 is described. Preliminary assessment highlighted multiple materials of concern which were largely discharged either through returning a negative bacterial mutagenicity assay or through confidence that the impurity would be purged during the downstream processing from when it was first introduced. Additional genotoxicity testing highlighted two materials of concern where initial assessment suggested that testing for these impurities at trace levels within the drug substance would be required. Following a thorough review of process purging detail, spiking and purging experimentation, and an understanding of the process parameters to which they were exposed an ICH M7 Option 4 approach could be justified for their control. The development of two 1H NMR spectroscopy methods for measurement of these impurities is also described as well as a proposed summary table for describing the underlying rationale for ICH M7 control rationales to regulators. This manuscript demonstrates that process purging of potential mutagenic impurities can be realised even when they are introduced in the later stages of a process and highlights the importance of scientific understanding rather than relying on a stage-counting approach.

Co-Processed Excipients for Dispersible Tablets-Part 1: Manufacturability.

Co-processed excipients may enhance functionality and reduce drawbacks of traditional excipients for the manufacture of tablets on a commercial scale. The following study aimed to characterise a range of co-processed excipients that may prove suitable for dispersible tablet formulations prepared by direct compression. Co-processed excipients were lubricated and compressed into 10.5-mm convex tablets using a Phoenix compaction simulator. Compression profiles were generated by varying the compression force applied to the formulation and the prepared tablets were characterised for hardness, friability, disintegration and fineness of dispersion. Our data indicates that CombiLac, F-Melt type C and SmartEx QD100 were the top 3 most suitable out of 16 co-processed excipients under the conditions evaluated. They exhibited good flow properties (Carr's index ˂ 20), excellent tabletability (tensile strength > 3.0 MPa at 0.85 solid fraction), very low friability (< 1% after 15 min), rapid disintegration times (27-49 s) and produced dispersions of ideal fineness (< 250 µm). Other co-processed excipients (including F-Melt type M, Ludiflash, MicroceLac, Pharmaburst 500 and Avicel HFE-102) may be appropriate for dispersible tablets produced by direct compression providing the identified disintegration and dispersion risks were mitigated prior to commercialisation. This indicates that robust dispersible tablets which disintegrate rapidly could be manufactured from a range of co-processed excipients.

Co-Processed Excipients for Dispersible Tablets-Part 2: Patient Acceptability.

Palatability and patient acceptability are critical attributes of dispersible tablet formulation. Co-processed excipients could provide improved organoleptic profile due to rational choice of excipients and manufacturing techniques. The aim of this study was to identify the most suitable co-processed excipient to use within directly compressible dispersible tablet formulations. Nine excipients, selected based on successful manufacturability, were investigated in a randomised, preference and acceptability testing in 24 healthy adult volunteers. Excipients were classified in order of preference as follows (from most preferred): SmartEx QD100 > F-Melt Type C > F-Melt Type M > MicroceLac > Ludiflash > CombiLac > Pharmaburst 500 > Avicel HFE-102 > Avicel PH-102. Broad differences were identified in terms of acceptability, with SmartEx QD100 being 'very acceptable', F-Melt Type C, F-Melt Type M and MicroceLac being 'acceptable', Ludiflash, CombiLac and Pharmaburst 500 being 'neutral' and Avicel products being 'very unacceptable' based on ratings using five-point hedonic scales. Organoleptic differences were ascribed to different composition and physical properties of excipients, resulting in dissimilar taste and mouth-feel. Excipients with particle size in water larger than 200-250 µm were considered poorly acceptable, which supports the use of this value as a threshold for maximum particle size of dispersible formulation. The most promising co-processed excipients for directly compressible dispersible tablets were successfully identified.

Probing hydrogen bonding in cocrystals and amorphous dispersions using (14)N-(1)H HMQC solid-state NMR.

Cocrystals and amorphous solid dispersions have generated interest in the pharmaceutical industry as an alternative to more established solid delivery forms. The identification of intermolecular hydrogen bonding interactions in a nicotinamide palmitic acid cocrystal and a 50% w/w acetaminophen-polyvinylpyrrolidone solid dispersion are reported using advanced solid-state magic-angle spinning (MAS) NMR methods. The application of a novel (14)N-(1)H HMQC experiment, where coherence transfer is achieved via through-space couplings, is shown to identify specific hydrogen bonding motifs. Additionally, (1)H isotropic chemical shifts and (14)N electric field gradient (EFG) parameters, both accessible from (14)N-(1)H HMQC experiments, are shown to be sensitive to changes in hydrogen bonding geometry. Numerous indicators of molecular association are accessible from this experiment, including NH cross-peaks occurring from intermolecular hydrogen bonds and changes in proton chemical shifts or electric field gradient parameters. First-principles calculations using the GIPAW approach that yield accurate estimates of isotropic chemical shifts, and EFG parameters were used to assist in assignment. It is envisaged that (14)N-(1)H HMQC solid state NMR experiments could become a valuable screening technique of solid delivery forms in the pharmaceutical industry.

Analysis of amorphous solid dispersions using 2D solid-state NMR and (1)H T(1) relaxation measurements.

Solid-state NMR (SSNMR) can provide detailed structural information about amorphous solid dispersions of pharmaceutical small molecules. In this study, the ability of SSNMR experiments based on dipolar correlation, spin diffusion, and relaxation measurements to characterize the structure of solid dispersions is explored. Observation of spin diffusion effects using the 2D (1)H-(13)C cross-polarization heteronuclear correlation (CP-HETCOR) experiment is shown to be a useful probe of association between the amorphous drug and polymer that is capable of directly proving glass solution formation. Dispersions of acetaminophen and indomethacin in different polymers are examined using this approach, as well as (1)H double-quantum correlation experiments to probe additional structural features. (1)H-(19)F CP-HETCOR serves a similar role for fluorinated drug molecules such as diflunisal in dispersions, providing a rapid means to prove the formation of a glass solution. Phase separation is detected using (13)C, (19)F, and (23)Na-detected (1)H T(1) experiments in crystalline and amorphous solid dispersions that contain small domains. (1)H T(1) measurements of amorphous nanosuspensions of trehalose and dextran illustrate the ability of SSNMR to detect domain size effects in dispersions that are not glass solutions via spin diffusion effects. Two previously unreported amorphous solid dispersions involving up to three components and containing voriconazole and telithromycin are analyzed using these experiments to demonstrate the general applicability of the approach.

A SEROSURVEY OF DISEASES OF FREE-RANGING GRAY WOLVES (CANIS LUPUS) IN MINNESOTA, USA.

We tested serum samples from 387 free-ranging wolves ( Canis lupus ) from 2007 to 2013 for exposure to eight canid pathogens to establish baseline data on disease prevalence and spatial distribution in Minnesota's wolf population. We found high exposure to canine adenoviruses 1 and 2 (88% adults, 45% pups), canine parvovirus (82% adults, 24% pups), and Lyme disease (76% adults, 39% pups). Sixty-six percent of adults and 36% of pups exhibited exposure to the protozoan parasite Neospora caninum . Exposure to arboviruses was confirmed, including West Nile virus (37% adults, 18% pups) and eastern equine encephalitis (3% adults). Exposure rates were lower for canine distemper (19% adults, 5% pups) and heartworm (7% adults, 3% pups). Significant spatial trends were observed in wolves exposed to canine parvovirus and Lyme disease. Serologic data do not confirm clinical disease, but better understanding of disease ecology of wolves can provide valuable insight into wildlife population dynamics and improve management of these species.

Synthesis and Characterization of Heterodinuclear IrCo, RuCo, IrNi, and RuNi Complexes Containing Pyrazolate and Pyrazolylborate Ligands.

Treatment of the metallo ligands [ML(pz)(2)(Hpz)] (pz = pyrazolate; L = C(5)Me(5), M = Ir (1); L = mesitylene, M = Ru (3)) with [M'Cl{HB(3-i-Pr-4-Br-pz)(3)}] (M' = Co (4), Ni (5)) yields heterodinuclear complexes of formula [LM(&mgr;-pz)(2)(&mgr;-Cl)M'{HB(3-i-Pr-4-Br-pz)(3)}] (L = C(5)Me(5); M = Ir; M' = Co (6), Ni (7). L = mesitylene; M = Ru; M' = Co (8)). The related complex [Ru(eta(6)-p-cymene)(pz)(2)(Hpz)] (2) reacts with equimolar amounts of 4 or 5 to give mixtures of the corresponding bis(&mgr;-pyrazolato) &mgr;-chloro complexes [(eta(6)-p-cymene)Ru(&mgr;-pz)(2)(&mgr;-Cl)M'{HB(3-i-Pr-4-Br-pz)(3)}] (M' = Co (9), Ni (10)) and the triply pyrazolato-bridged complexes [(eta(6)-p-cymene)Ru(&mgr;-pz)(3)M'{HB(3-i-Pr-4-Br-pz)(3)}] (M' = Co (11), Ni (12)). Complex 1 reacts with 5 in the presence of KOH to give the IrNi complex [(eta(5)-C(5)Me(5))Ir(&mgr;-pz)(3)Ni{HB(3-i-Pr-4-Br-pz)(3)}] (13) whereas its reaction with 4 and KOH rendered the bis(&mgr;-pyrazolato) &mgr;-hydroxo complex [(eta(5)-C(5)Me(5))Ir(&mgr;-pz)(2)(&mgr;-OH)Co{HB(3-i-Pr-4-Br-pz)(3)}] (14). The molecular structure of the heterobridged IrCo complex (6) and those of the homobridged RuNi (12) and IrNi (13) complexes have been determined by X-ray analyses. Compound 6 crystallizes in the monoclinic space group P2(1)/n, with a = 10.146(5) Å, b = 18.435(4) Å, c = 22.187(13) Å, beta = 97.28(4) degrees, and Z = 4. Complex 12 is monoclinic, space group P2(1), with a = 10.1169(7) Å, b = 21.692(2) Å, c = 11.419(1) Å, beta = 112.179(7) degrees, and Z = 2. Compound 13 crystallizes in the monoclinic space group Cc, with a = 13.695(2) Å, b = 27.929(6) Å, c = 13.329(2) Å, beta = 94.11(4) degrees, and Z = 4. All the neutral complexes 6, 12, and 13 consist of linear M.M'.B backbones with two (6) or three (12, 13) pyrazolate ligands bridging the dimetallic M.M' units and three substituted 3-i-Pr-4-Br-pz groups joining M' to the boron atoms. The presence in the proximity of the first-row metal M' of the three space-demanding isopropyl substituents of the pyrazolate groups induces a significant trigonal distortion of the octahedral symmetry, yielding clearly different M'-N bond distances on both sides of the ideal octahedral coordination sphere of these metals.

Hydrogen Bonding and Isomerism Arising from the Coordination Modes of Bridging Benzimidazole-2-thiolate Ligands in Tetranuclear Rhodium Complexes.

Reaction of the dinuclear complex [Rh(2)(&mgr;-HBzimt)(2)(cod)(2)] with [Rh(2)(&mgr;-Cl)(2)(cod)(2)] (cod = 1,5-cyclooctadiene) gives the neutral tetranuclear complex [Rh(4)(&mgr;-HBzimt)(2)Cl(2)(cod)(4)] (2) in dichloromethane and the trinuclear cationic complex [Rh(3)(&mgr;-HBzimt)(2)(cod)(3)]Cl (3) in methanol, respectively. The ionization ability of the solvent seems to be the driving force to give 3, while the ability to coordinate a further RhCl(cod) fragment leads to 2 in poorer ionizing media. The complexes [M(4)(&mgr;-HBzimt)(2)Cl(2)(diolefin)(4)] (M = Rh, diolefin = tetrafluorobenzobarrelene (tfbb) (5); M = Ir, diolefin = cod (6)), formally analogous to 2, were isolated from the reactions of the appropriate complexes [MCl(H(2)Bzimt)(diolefin)] and [M(acac)(diolefin)] in acetone. A X-ray diffraction study on 2 shows the HBzimt(-) ligands to bridge two rhodium atoms through the sulfurs, forming a basic four-membered Rh(2)(&mgr;-(1:2kappaS)-HBzimt)(2) ring along with two RhCl(cod) moieties bonded to the nitrogen atoms. Two intramolecular hydrogen bonds between the chloro ligands and the acidic NH protons should stabilize the syn-endo disposition of the thiolate type bridging ligands. Replacement of the olefin in 2 by carbon monoxide gives [Rh(4)(&mgr;-HBzimt)(2)Cl(2)(cod)(CO)(6)] and [Rh(4)(&mgr;-HBzimt)(2)Cl(2)(CO)(8)] (7) depending on the reaction conditions. The X-ray structure of 7 shows the HBzimt(-) ligands in a HT-Rh(2)(&mgr;-(1kappaN,2kappaS)-HBzimt)(2) disposition with two RhCl(CO)(2) fragments coordinated to the sulfur atoms. In addition, two tetranuclear units 7 are associated in a dimer through four intermolecular hydrogen bonds. This association occurs even in solution, where the two species are observed. The equilibrium constant for the dissociation fits a linear plot of ln K(eq) versus 1/T, which gives DeltaH = 43.3 kJ mol(-)(1) and DeltaS = 114.7 J K(-)(1) mol(-)(1). Deprotonation of 7 with [Rh(2)(&mgr;-OMe)(2)(cod)(2)] gives the hexanuclear complex [Rh(6)(&mgr;-Bzimt)(2)(&mgr;-Cl)(2)(cod)(2)(CO)(8)] (10). Complexes 7 and 10 show identical conformations of the eight-membered HT-Rh(2)(&mgr;-(1kappaN,2kappaS)-Bzimt)(2) metallacycle and identical configurations of the sulfur atoms.

Oxidative-Addition Reactions of Diiodine to Dinuclear Rhodium Pyrazolate Complexes.

The pyrazolato (Pz) rhodium(I) complexes [{Rh(&mgr;-Pz)(CO)(L)}(2)] (L = CNBu(t), P(OMe)(3), PMe(2)Ph, P(OPh)(3), P(p-tolyl)(3)) result from the reaction of [{Rh(&mgr;-Pz)(CO)(2)}(2)] with the appropriate L ligand in a trans:cis ratio ranging from 60:40 (L = CNBu(t)) to 95:5 (L = P(p-tolyl)(3)). The pure trans isomers add 1 molar equiv of diiodine to give the dirhodium(II) complexes [{Rh(&mgr;-Pz)(I)(CO)(L)}(2)] (L = CNBu(t) (6), P(OMe)(3) (7), PMe(2)Ph (8), P(OPh)(3) (9)). These complexes incorporate two iodide ligands trans to the rhodium-rhodium bond, as substantiated by the X-ray structure for 7, while the complex [(P{p-tolyl}(3))(CO)(I)Rh(&mgr;-Pz)(2)(&mgr;-CO)Rh(I)(P{p-tolyl}(3))] (10) contains a bridging ketonic CO ligand, due to the insertion of a terminal CO into the metal-metal bond. The metal-metal bond formation involves a 2e oxidation, since identical compounds (6-9) are obtained by oxidation with [Fe(Cp)(2)](PF(6)) followed by addition of potassium iodide. Further reactions of the dirhodium(II) complexes 6-9 with diiodine leading to the metal-metal rupture are electrophilic additions, as exemplified by the reactions with the positive iodine complex [I(Py)(2)](+). They start at the "endo site" (the metal-metal bond) if it is sterically accessible to the electrophile, to give directly the dirhodium(III) complexes [{Rh(&mgr;-Pz)(I)(CO)(L)}(2)(&mgr;-I)](+) (L = CNBu(t), CO). Otherwise, as for the complexes with P-donor ligands, abstraction of a iodide ligand trans to the metal-metal bond (the "exo site") occurs first, to give the dirhodium(II) cationic complexes [(PR(3))(CO)(I)Rh(&mgr;-Pz)(2)Rh(CO)(PR(3))](+) and triiodide. These react again with diiodine to give dirhodium(III) complexes [{Rh(&mgr;-Pz)(I)(CO)(PR(3))}(2)(&mgr;-I)](+) similar to those described above, but with triiodide or pentaiodide as counterion, as substantiated by the X-ray structure of [{Rh(&mgr;-Pz)(I)(CO)(PMe(2)Ph)}(2)(&mgr;-I)]I(5) (18). The diiridium(II) complexes [{Ir(&mgr;-Pz)(I)(CO)(PR(3))}(2)] (PR(3) = P(OPh)(3), PMe(2)Ph) also react with diiodine to give the cationic diiridium(III) complexes [{Ir(&mgr;-Pz)(I)(CO)(PR(3))}(2)(&mgr;-I)]I(3) through a reaction pathway involving the "exo site", while no reaction is observed for [{Ir(&mgr;-Pz)(I)(CO)(2)}(2)]. Finally, replacement of a carbonyl ligand in [{Rh(&mgr;-Pz)(I)(CO)(L)}(2)(&mgr;-I)](+) (L = CNBu(t), CO) by iodide gives the compounds [(CO)(L)(I)Rh(&mgr;-Pz)(2)(&mgr;-I)Rh(I)(2)(L)].

A risk-based statistical investigation of the quantification of polymorphic purity of a pharmaceutical candidate by solid-state 19F NMR.

The DMAIC (Define, Measure, Analyse, Improve and Control) framework and associated statistical tools have been applied to both identify and reduce variability observed in a quantitative (19)F solid-state NMR (SSNMR) analytical method. The method had been developed to quantify levels of an additional polymorph (Form 3) in batches of an active pharmaceutical ingredient (API), where Form 1 is the predominant polymorph. In order to validate analyses of the polymorphic form, a single batch of API was used as a standard each time the method was used. The level of Form 3 in this standard was observed to gradually increase over time, the effect not being immediately apparent due to method variability. In order to determine the cause of this unexpected increase and to reduce method variability, a risk-based statistical investigation was performed to identify potential factors which could be responsible for these effects. Factors identified by the risk assessment were investigated using a series of designed experiments to gain a greater understanding of the method. The increase of the level of Form 3 in the standard was primarily found to correlate with the number of repeat analyses, an effect not previously reported in SSNMR literature. Differences in data processing (phasing and linewidth) were found to be responsible for the variability in the method. After implementing corrective actions the variability was reduced such that the level of Form 3 was within an acceptable range of ±1% ww(-1) in fresh samples of API.

Winter body condition of moose (Alces alces) in a declining population in northeastern Minnesota.

Assessments of the condition of moose (Alces alces) may be particularly informative to understanding the dynamics of populations and other influential factors. During February-March 2003 to 2005, we assessed the nutritional condition of 79 moose (39 females, 40 males) in northeastern Minnesota by body condition scoring (BCS(F), scale of 0-10); 67 of these by were assessed by ultrasonographic measurements of rump fat (Maxfat), which was used to estimate ingesta-free body fat (IFBF) in all but two of the females. Scores of the BCS(F) were related (r(2)=0.34, P<0.0001) to Maxfat. Body condition scores were not affected by sex × capture-year, capture-year, or age-at-capture, but the mean body condition score of males (6.5 ± 0.2 [SE], n=40) was less (P ≤ 0.009) than that of females (7.4 ± 0.2, n=39). Overall, Maxfat ranged from 0.0 to 4.6 and 0.3 to 2.8 cm in females and males, respectively, and was unaffected by age-at-capture. There was a sex×capture-year effect (P=0.021) on Maxfat; mean values were stable for males during the winters of 2003 to 2005 but in females were lowest during 2003, consistent with the lowest pregnancy rates and lowest winter and spring survival compared to 2004 and 2005. Based on estimates of percent IFBF, late winter-early spring survival in 2003 of at least 11% of the collared animals assessed by Maxfat, 21% of the adult females, specifically, may have been seriously challenged directly by poor condition. Data from this study provide reference values and assessments of body condition of moose that will be an essential component of the additional, comprehensive research needed to better understand the influence of extrinsic and intrinsic factors on the performance of this viable, but declining, population. For future research, we will concentrate on developing a more-reliable BCS which would allow IFBF estimation once rump fat is depleted.

Detection of low-level PTFE contamination: An application of solid-state NMR to structure elucidation in the pharmaceutical industry.

We report a novel use of solid-state ¹9F nuclear magnetic resonance to detect and quantify polytetrafluoroethylene contamination from laboratory equipment, which due to low quantity (up to 1% w/w) and insolubility remained undetected by standard analytical techniques. Solid-state ¹9F NMR is shown to be highly sensitive to such fluoropolymers (detection limit 0.02% w/w), and is demonstrated as a useful analytical tool for structure elucidation of unknown solid materials.

Popliteal pseudoaneurysm secondary to a tibial osteochondroma: diagnosis with multi-detector row computed tomographic angiography.

A 17-year-old male presented with right knee pain following mild trauma whilst playing badminton. He subsequently developed a popliteal pseudoaneurysm secondary to trauma from a tibial osteochondroma. This is a recognised though very rare occurrence. Its appearance is reported for the first time using multidetector row computed tomographic angiography (MDCTA). The clinical presentation and management of the popliteal pseudoaneurysm are outlined and the imaging findings are illustrated. There is increasing usefulness of MDCTA as an accessible, accurate, noninvasive clinical tool in the emergency diagnostic setting. Its use in the management of this unusual condition is demonstrated with emphasis on 3D, multi-planar reconstruction post-processing techniques.

HPLC-SPE-NMR in pharmaceutical development: capabilities and applications.

High-performance liquid chromatography-solid phase extraction-NMR spectroscopy (HPLC-SPE-NMR) has recently become commercially available and has been evaluated with regard to its applicability in a pharmaceutical environment. The addition of an automated SPE unit to an HPLC-NMR system for peak trapping results in an improved NMR signal-to-noise ratio (S/N) and also has other practical advantages. The trapping efficiency is shown to depend on compound polarity and is highest for compounds eluting late on reversed-phase HPLC systems. Multiple peak trapping further increases the S/N, again with the best results for less polar compounds. For polar compounds, multiple peak trapping resulted in no S/N gain as the amount of material retained on the SPE cartridge was equivalent to that from a single injection. When compared with conventional HPLC-NMR, a S/N gain of up to five-fold could be achieved for some compounds in a single trapping step. A major advantage of the technique is the independence of the chromatographic step from the NMR step, resulting in greater versatility than conventional HPLC-NMR in the HPLC solvents and NMR solvents that can be used. Practical applications from both drug metabolite and drug impurity identification are presented.