Stability and stabilization studies of TAK-599 (Ceftaroline Fosamil), a novel N-phosphono type prodrug of anti-methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus cephalosporin T-91825.

TAK-599 (known as ceftaroline fosamil) is a novel N-phosphono type prodrug of a cephalosporin compound, T-91825, that exhibits strong activity against methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). The stability and stabilization of TAK-599 were investigated by kinetic analysis focused on crystallinity and moisture content. Initially it was planned to develop TAK-599 as an injectable formulation using the amorphous solid powder prepared by lyophilization. However, amorphous of TAK-599 free form was found to be chemically unstable even when stored at 8 degrees C, and thus development was focused on the crystalline material. After exhaustive screening of crystallization condition, the monoacetic acid solvate was found to yield TAK-599 in a crystalline form. Physicochemical properties were studied to identify the key factors affecting the stabilization of TAK-599 in order to improve long-term stability, and the results indicated that the crystallinity of TAK-599 correlated with stability. Furthermore, moisture content was also identified in our studies as an important factor in stabilizing TAK-599. TAK-599 containing about 3% moisture was found to be the most stable form. It was concluded that both sufficient crystallinity and strict moisture control of TAK-599 were essential to maintain long-term stability at 25 degrees C.