What is the main reason for the prevalence of amorphous solids in the market today?

The prevalence of amorphous solids in the market today is largely attributed to their significant role in improving the solubility and bioavailability of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), particularly those classified as BCS class 2 or 4. These classes of compounds are characterized by their poor solubility and high permeability (class 2) or poor solubility and low permeability (class 4). Amorphous solids, which lack a defined crystalline structure, have higher energy states compared to their crystalline counterparts, resulting in enhanced solubility.

This increased solubility allows for more effective absorption in the gastrointestinal tract, making amorphous forms an attractive option for drug formulation. As the pharmaceutical industry continues to focus on developing new drugs, many of which fall into these poorly soluble categories, the use of amorphous solids has risen to meet the therapeutic needs of these new modalities.

While factors like cost, stability, and simplicity in formulation are important considerations in drug development, they do not directly explain the growing prevalence of amorphous solids in relation to contemporary challenges with drug solubility and bioavailability. The unique properties of amorphous solids provide a distinct advantage that aligns with current trends in pharmaceutical research and development.