Metal organic frameworks identified as delivery mechanisms for insoluble drugs

New chemical entities are largely insoluble, which creates a significant challenge when formulating new drugs; but scientists have recognised the potential of metal organic frameworks (MOFs) as alternative delivery mechanisms for such drugs. Stable metal organic frameworks are prized for their ability to capture carbon dioxide or harvest atmospheric water, but researchers from the University of Michigan have developed a use for unstable metal organic frameworks: as a system for drug delivery. Ninety percent of drugs in development have dissolving issues – ie, they do not dissolve well or at all in the body, according to a 2012 study. Metal organic frameworks (MOFs) are rigid, porous structures composed of metal linked by organic ligands. While investigating unstable MOFs, U-M chemist Adam Matzger discovered their capability to work as a potential delivery system for insoluble drugs.