Pharmaceutical R&D

The Materials Science group at the Merck Frosst Centre for Therapeutic Research is responsible for characterizing all potential drug candidates obtained from Medicinal Chemistry, at the outset of the drug discovery process. Materials Science's early involvement allows the group to avert potential issues that might occur during development.

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Working primarily but not exclusively in the solid state, the material scientists begin with basic material characterization of the new chemical entity. This helps elucidate critical information such as the material's crystallinity, melting point, degradation temperature, glass transition, solubility and hygroscopicity. They are assisted by the most high-end equipment in the business, including a state-of-the-art X-ray powder diffractometer, differential scanning calorimeter, Raman spectrometer and scanning electron microscope.

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The team routinely carries out polymorphic screening on new compounds. If a polymorph is discovered, the team characterizes its physical properties, including determination of the relative thermodynamic stability of the forms. In collaboration with Medicinal Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Analysis and Formulation Development, the researchers select the best physical form, based on the compound's bioavailability, physical and chemical stability, as well as how well it will process when the dosage forms are made.

The materials scientists also carry out drug/excipient compatibility experiments in partnership with Formulation Development and Pharmaceutical Analysis to find viable and inert excipients for the final formulation.