Physicochemical Characterization of Drug Candidates

Michael Campbell, Susan Charman and the Centre for Drug Candidate Optimisation

A range of light sources are used in the characterisation of the physicochemical properties of drug molecules, with the ultraviolet and infrared regions of the spectrum providing the most useful information. Traditional light sources in pharmaceutical applications are limited by intensity and resolution considerations. The introduction of high intensity, high resolution synchrotron light overcomes many of the limitations of traditional spectroscopy and expands a range of previously limited techniques.

UV Beamline for Circular Dichroism

Protein folding and stability are among the most fundamental, but least understood, aspects of protein chemistry. The synchrotron CD beamline will provide the opportunity to investigate the effects of pharmaceutical excipients and formulation components on protein structure and stability, structural characterisation of protein folding intermediates, and factors influencing protein-protein interactions. This is anticipated to assist in accelerating the development of protein-based therapeutic products.

IR Beamline

A traditional IR light source allows the investigation of solid material surfaces and tissue samples, albeit with limited resolution. An increase in light intensity and resolution through the use of a synchrotron source allows a range of sample types to be probed at much higher resolution. Depth profiling and physicochemical characterisation of drug molecules is possible in a variety of media, providing a better understanding of drug characteristics under physiological conditions.