[Progress in the research of amorphous pharmaceuticals]

Yao Xue Xue Bao. 2009 May; 44(5): 443-8Ying J, Lü Y, Du GHAmorphous is a special physical state of solid compounds that the positions of the molecules or atoms have no long-range order. Sometimes amorphous compounds have better bioavailability, or achieve ultra-fast absorption in situation of acute and intermittent symptoms than that of morphous compounds, thus change drug efficacy. Besides, different pharmaceutical preparing methods can lead to different characters. Research of amorphous compounds has been a hotspot, both in research field and industry world. However, there are challenges as amorphous compounds could be unstable; unexpected adverse drug reactions may also exist. In this review, recent progress in the research of amorphous pharmaceutical compounds both in the research field and the pharmaceutical industry is reviewed. Factors which can influence the efficacy of amorphous pharmaceuticals are summarized. The prospect of amorphous techniques is also discussed.