Bachem AG (Switzerland) and SpheriTech Ltd (UK) collaborate to develop water-based SPPS.

Peptides, crucial for modern medicine, are synthesized using organic solvents, which pose environmental challenges. Bachem is collaborating with UK based SpheriTech to develop water-based solid-phase peptide synthesis (SPPS) to reduce ecological impact.

The ecological challenge of scaling up peptide manufacturing

Peptides are essential for modern medicine as active ingredients for an increasing number of drugs. Today’s manufacturing of peptides currently relies on large quantities of organic solvents.
Organic solvents play a crucial role in peptide synthesis, facilitating chemical reactions and ensuring efficient coupling of amino acids. Unfortunately, their use comes at a cost. These solvents can be toxic, flammable, and contribute to greenhouse gas emissions. As the demand for peptide-based drugs grows, finding sustainable alternatives becomes imperative in an industry that must secure the long-term supply of medical ingredients for millions of patients worldwide.
A growing pipeline of clinical projects, including a new generation of medicines against diabetes and obesity, all based on peptides, and combined with tightening environmental regulatory trends, are expected to challenge the current large scale use of solvents approach in the decade to come.

Water-based SPPS – a space to watch for greener and more efficient peptide manufacturing

Bachem has a long track record as a trailblazing innovator, developing and applying new ways to improve peptide manufacturing technology.
That is why Bachem has joined forces with UK-based SpheriTech to investigate a new water-based approach to solid-phase peptide synthesis (SPPS).
Solid-phase peptide synthesis involves assembling amino acids step by step on a solid support. Traditionally, this process occurs in organic solvents. Water-based SPPS, however, replaces these solvents with water as the primary medium.

Working together to bring water-based SPPS out of the research phase

The collaboration aims to reduce the reliance on organic solvents while maintaining high-quality peptide production. By combining SpheriTech’s cutting-edge innovation with Bachem’s extensive large-scale peptide manufacturing experience, both companies are working together to bring water-based SPPS to a stage where it can be implemented in a commercially viable form. After the successful conclusion of a research phase, SpheriTech will apply the water-based technology to small-scale peptide synthesis, while Bachem will begin to develop the technology for larger scale synthesis.

For more information about SpheriTech visit: https://spheritech.com/