Accelerating Drug Development: Solid State Chemistry And Strategic Outsourcing

By René Steendam, Ph.D., Business Unit Director Solid State Research

Solid state chemistry plays a decisive role in the success of small‑molecule drug development, influencing stability, bioavailability, manufacturability, and intellectual property protection. Subtle changes in polymorphic form, salt, or crystallization behavior can derail programs if they are identified too late. A phase‑appropriate approach to solid form screening helps mitigate these risks by aligning experimental depth with development stage, material availability, and regulatory expectations. As pipelines grow more complex and timelines tighten, capacity‑intensive activities such as polymorph screening increasingly strain internal resources. Strategic outsourcing offers a practical way to maintain momentum without compromising scientific rigor. Effective collaboration relies on rapid access to specialized analytical tools, flexible workflows, and deep expertise in solid state characterization and regulatory requirements. When executed thoughtfully, outsourced solid state chemistry supports faster decision‑making, protects earlier development investments, and strengthens long‑term product robustness. Together, these principles show how targeted external collaboration can enhance agility while keeping critical solid‑form decisions firmly under control.