First in Class Isoniazid Cocrystal Integrated into Dissolving Microneedles for Sustained Tuberculosis Therapy

Ryan Donnelly – Professor, School of Pharmacy, Queen’s University Belfast, UK; Huanhuan Li – Postdoctoral Research Fellow, School of Pharmacy, Queen’s University Belfast, UK; Yaocun Li – Postdoctoral Research Fellow, School of Pharmacy, Queen’s University Belfast, UK; Lucia McPeake – Student, School of Pharmacy, Queen’s University Belfast, UK

Introduction: Tuberculosis (TB) treatment is limited by prolonged regimens, daily dosing, and poor adherence[1]. Isoniazid (ISZ), in combination with other agents, is a first-line antitubercular drug and is central to both the prophylaxis and treatment of TB [2]. However, ISZ exhibits high aqueous solubility and rapid systemic clearance, leading to fluctuations in plasma concentrations [2]. Pharmaceutical cocrystals (CC) are defined as multicomponent crystalline structures composed of a drug and one or more coformers, typically held together via noncovalent interactions. Cocrystal engineering offers a rational approach to modulate solubility and enable sustained delivery of highly soluble drugs[3].