Tomče Runčevski

CD4 project:

Crystal Engineering of Drugs and Physiologically Active Molecules

The vast majority of pharmaceutical drugs are administered as capsules and tablets optimized for adults. There is a need to develop appropriate pediatric formulations and drug delivery systems, optimized for children and infants. In this regard, recommended alternatives to solid tablets and capsules are liquid formulations, oro-dispersible formulations, and nano-sized formulations. The development of these alternatives demands good aqueous solubility and dissolution rates of the active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs). Unfortunately, many APIs exhibit rather poor solubility and dissolutions rates. Our research deals with developing strategies to control these properties via modification of the crystal structure and/or particle size reduction. The proposed research is focused on performing detailed studies of the crystal and local structure of the APIs, and leveraging that knowledge in the design of methodologies for altering the physicochemical properties.

Recent related publications:

Pekar, K. B., Lefton, J. B., McConville, C. A., Burleson, J., Sethio, D., Kraka, E., Runčevski, T.,* Mechanosynthesis of a Coamorphous Formulation of Creatine with Citric Acid and Humidity–Mediated Transformation into a Cocrystal. Crystal Growth and Design, 2021, 21, 1297-1306.

Lefton, J., Pekar, K., Runčevski, T.,* The Crystal Structure of Zineb, 75 years later. Crystal Growth and Design, 2020, 20, 851-857.

Runčevski, T., Lefton, J. B., Pekar, K. B. MECHANOSYNTHESIS OF A CO-AMORPHOUS FORMULATION OF CREATINE WITH CITRIC ACID AND HUMIDITY–MEDIATED TRANSFORMATION INTO A CO-CRYSTAL. Provisional Patent 2020

Expertise:

Crystal Engineering
Solubility Determination and Improvement
Palatability of Drugs
Solid State Formulations
Physical Pharmacy
Polymorphs, Hydrates, Salts, Cocrystals
Sport Supplements and Nutrients
Polycrystalline Materials and Powders

Facilities:

Stoe Stadi-P powder diffractometer
Thermogravimetry Netzsch TG 209 F3 Tarsus
Differential Scanning Calorimetry Netzsch DSC 214 Polyma