Investigation of the polymorphism of the angiotensin II antagonist agent MK-996

The polymorphism of the angiotensin II antagonist agent MK-996 was studied, with particular emphasis on crystal form stability, solubility, and reproducible crystallization of the drug. X-ray powder diffraction patterns indicated differences in the crystal forms of early research and development lots. Solubility data for the different crystal forms in water at 25 degrees C are in agreement with the solution calorimetry data and indicated that crystalline form I is the thermodynamically stable polymorph of MK-996 under ambient conditions. In contrast to the other polymorphs, form I is reproducibly prepared on both the laboratory and production scale. This study examines methodology to determine the most suitable polymorph for development.