Evaluation of integrated Raman-DSC technology in early pharmaceutical development: characterization of polymorphic...

Differential Scanning Calorimetry and Raman spectroscopy are both powerful tools used heavily in pharmaceutical development. For many studies such as polymorph characterization these two techniques are complimentary and provide data on different yet important aspects of material properties when combined together. In this work we describe an integrated Raman-DSC technology that simultaneously generates both DSC thermogram and Raman spectra of the pharmaceutical material being studied. The integrated system consists of a DSC with a Raman fiber optic probe inserted right on top of the sample furnace. The technology integrates synchronized Raman acquisition into DSC scan, enabling collection of molecular and structural information coupled with observation of thermal events. We first establish the technology by optimizing the instrumental set-up that offers relatively high-quality results for simultaneous DSC and Raman data collection. We then demonstrate the application of the technology by studying the polymorphs of d-mannitol, a common pharmaceutical excipient and BMS-A, an investigational drug candidate that exhibits multiple coexisting polymorphs. In both cases, the Raman-DSC technology was able to provide valuable information on the process of phase change and polymorph identification. Although similar information may be obtained by using various characterization techniques together, the integrated Raman-DSC indicated special advantages for industrial development such as high efficiency, material sparing and comprehensive data analysis. Moreover the technology provides an alternative to better correlate real-time phase behavior to molecular understanding. The technology thus has the potential to be used for Process Analytical Technology (PAT) purpose.