The synthesis of cocrystals stands as a promising and compelling strategy within pharmaceutical research and development since cocrystals present an avenue for altering multiple properties of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) without necessitating chemical structural modifications. Given the significance of this topic, this study aimed to review recent pharmaceutical applications of cocrystals by systematically searching and selecting relevant articles from major databases, including Scopus, Web of Science, and SciFinder. We divided the manuscript into distinct subsections, initially addressing the APIs and coformers used, followed by an exploration of the techniques for obtaining cocrystals, and ultimately focusing on the main effects demonstrated by these cocrystals. The research covered ninety‐five different cocrystals obtained from forty‐six APIs and forty‐eight coformers. We observed an increase in publications concerning cocrystals in recent years compared to other solid‐state forms, underscoring the relevance of this topic. Our findings suggest that cocrystallization consistently produces promising outcomes, owing to its potential to resulting in advantageous biopharmaceutical and/or processing properties. Additionally, the methods for obtaining cocrystals are simple, eco‐friendly and applicable to a wide range of compounds, further enhancing their attractiveness for pharmaceutical applications.

This study offers a novel oral pregabalin (PG)-loaded drug delivery system based on chitosan and hypromellose phthalate-based polymeric nanocomposite in order to treat neuropathic pain (PG-PN). PG-PN has a particle size of 432 ± 20 nm, a polydispersity index of 0.238 ± 0.001, a zeta potential of +19.0 ± 0.9 mV, a pH of 5.7 ± 0.06, and a spherical shape. Thermal and infrared spectroscopy confirmed nanocomposite generation. PG-PN pharmacokinetics was studied after a single oral dose in male Wistar rats. PG-PN showed greater distribution and clearance than free PG. The antinociceptive effect of PG-PN in neuropathic pain rats was tested by using the chronic constriction injury model. The parameter investigated was the mechanical nociceptive threshold measured by the von Frey filaments test; PG-PN showed a longer antinociceptive effect than free PG. The rota-rod and barbiturate sleep induction procedures were used to determine adverse effects; the criteria included motor deficit and sedative effects. PG-PN and free PG had plenty of motors. PG-PN exhibited a less sedative effect than free PG. By prolonging the antinociceptive effect and decreasing the unfavorable effects, polymeric nanocomposites with pregabalin have shown promise in treating neuropathic pain.

Objective: Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin disorder. Oral or subcutaneous methotrexate (MTX) is a first-line antipsoriatic treatment, whose adverse effects can be observed even at low doses. To minimize systemic side effects, antipsoriatic drugs should be administered topically, since they could permeate the stratum corneum. As liquid crystals with lamellar phase (LP) can be helpful in promoting skin permeation, this work evaluated two MTX-loaded LPs (C1CH and C1CHCE), based on stearic acid, cholesterol and ceramides, like topical treatments for mice with imiquimod-induced psoriasis. Methods: C1CH and C1CHCE were topically administered to mice with imiquimod-induced psoriasis. Dexamethasone cream was used as positive treatment control. Skin histology and inflammation biomarkers were assessed. Key findings: C1CH and C1CHCE exhibited marked immunomodulatory effects and induced extensive microstructural skin remodelling on the epidermis and dermis. These formulations increased keratinization score, epidermis thickness, inflammatory infiltrate, hair follicle hypertrophy and vascular congestion in the dermis. C1CH and C1CHCE also attenuated IL-10 upregulation and upregulated IL-1, IFN-γ, TNF-α and prostaglandin E2 levels, as well as myeloperoxidase, N-acetyl-β-d-glucosaminidase and cyclooxygenase 2 activity compared with untreated psoriatic animals. Conclusion: Although liquid crystals have been reported as good options for carrying topical drugs, they need to be carefully assessed on a case-by-case basis.

Introduction: Methotrexate (MTX) is a widely used drug for autoimmune diseases and cancers, but suffers from low oral bioavailability due to its poor solubility and permeability. Objective: This study aimed to enhance MTX solubility by developing amorphous solid dispersions using Poloxamer 407, PVP K-30, and PEG 6000 through solvent evaporation. Methods: The dispersions were characterized using DSC, PXRD, and FTIR to confirm amorphization, and their solubility was tested in a pH 6.8 phosphate buffer compared to free MTX. Results: The results showed that amorphization was successfully achieved, as confirmed by PXRD analyses and supported by DSC and FTIR findings. However, the amorphous solid dispersions did not improve MTX solubility over the free drug, consistent with previous studies indicating minimal solubility gains for MTX in both amorphous and crystalline forms. These findings suggest that amorphization alone may be insufficient to enhance MTX solubility. Conclusions: The study concludes that MTX amorphous solid dispersions are technically feasible but do not offer significant solubility benefits. Alternative strategies, such as nanoencapsulation, may be more promising for improving MTX bioavailability. These results underscore the need for innovative approaches in MTX delivery systems to overcome its inherent limitations.