Best practice in search and analysis of chemical formulations: From chemical recipes to complex formulation types and dosage forms

Chemical formulations are compositions of active ingredients and inert formulation components (adjuvants), which are more effective in combination than the active ingredients alone. Thus, formulation technology synergistically can improve the properties of active ingredients with regards to various aspects like application, uptake, safety or storage. Chemical formulations have a broad scope of uses ranging from pharmaceuticals and agrochemicals to cosmetics and materials protection. Since they represent the product as it is finally brought to market they have a high commercial and patent value.Comprehensive search and retrieval of chemical formulations both in patent and non-patent literature builds the basis of a successful reinforcement of patent protection, avoidance of infringement of third party patent rights and competitive analysis. The paper discusses the various aspects of chemical formulations to be considered in chemical formulation searching, and presents best practice strategies for search, retrieval, and analysis of both patent and non-patent literature as well as internet content preferably related to agrochemical and pharmaceutical formulations.

► Search strategy considerations differ for recipe components and physical form.
► Use of a wide range of codes and classifications is needed to optimize retrieval.
► Non-patent literature databases lack advanced coding and indexing.
► InChI codes need to link chemical structure to non-structural properties.
► Effective evaluation methods are highly important.