An Expert System for Drug Preformulation in a Pharmaceutical Company

We designed, developed, and implemented a computer-based expert system for Cadila Laboratories to aid pharmaceutical experts in drug preformulations. Drugs, such as tablets, contain many chemicals (called excipients) in addition to the main active drug. A preformulation study identifies compatible excipients and their relative proportions in the final formulation. Our expert system has saved about 35 percent of the total R and D time needed for preformulations. Its success is due to the interest of top management and the excellent support of the R and D staff. It has provided a competitive advantage to Cadila Laboratories over other firms in India.