Elevated temperature mediated OLigo synthesis using LIgase and resin tEchnology - OLLIE

The manufacture of medicines was brought to the fore during the recent pandemic. The urgency of being able to produce the quantities and quality of medicine in a short period of time focussed minds across academia and industry. A further focus for the public in recent years has been the protection of our environment and introduction of practises reducing harmful emissions as well as reducing waste in processes. This project will address both the novel medicines manufacturing capabilities of the UK as well as seeking to reduce the environmental impact of such manufacturing.

Oligonucleotides are short sequences of DNA or RNA that can be used as a therapeutic, for a wide range of clinical applications, by binding to complementary sequences in target cells found in the body. They will either target the protein or the mRNA that produces the protein and prevent gene or protein expression. A significant factor in using oligonucleotides in medicines manufacturing is the purification process(es), which can be both costly and wasteful of resources. The focus of the project partners is to see the introduction of enhanced purification processes, benefiting patients, as well as to reduce the quantities of material required, thereby reducing cost for already pressurised health budgets globally, and also bringing significant environmental advantages.

The project will see BioToolomics (SME) bring their expertise in purification technologies, combined with CPI's experience and facilities in oligonucleotide process development, working with Almac Sciences' blockmer assembly approach to deliver on this challenging and innovative project.