Dispensing Small Scale Solids Using Chemical-Coated Beads for Solid Form Screening

Accurate dispensing of small-molecule counterions and coformers is a persistent challenge in solid form screening, particularly for beyond-the-Rule-of-5 (bRo5) drug candidates. In this study, we present the broad applicability of ChemBeads, a coated-bead approach, for a diverse range of molecules. By systematically evaluating multiple model systems, we establish that ChemBeads enable precise and automated small-scale solid addition while maintaining flowability, stability, and uniform surface coatings. Importantly, our results confirm that the introduction of glass beads does not alter the solid form outcome, ensuring reliability in crystallization experiments. The impact of ChemBeads on crystallization kinetics is also studied. This work provides a comprehensive demonstration that coated beads can be applied generally to solid form screening, offering a scalable and automation-compatible solution for high-throughput pharmaceutical development.