Novel Biocatalysts for Improved Routes to an Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient
Lead Research Organisation:
University of Manchester
Department Name: Chemistry
Abstract
The use of enzymes to catalyse reactions is a well established technique used in modern organic chemistry as the use of biological catalysts can install unique and exquisite stereochemistry and regiochemistry into a synthetic route. This project will explore the development of two enzymes that catalyse important bond forming reactions in the synthesis of an Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient and their suitability for use as industrial biocatalysts.
Technical Summary
This project will evaluate the feasibility of replacing the current complex chemical syntheses of key intermediates towards Sofosbuvir (Sovaldi), an important drug used in the treatment of Hepatitis C, with biocatalytic steps, offering a shorter route to the product, with enhanced efficiency, economy, and environmental performance. The project will utilise the expertise of the University of Manchester in enzyme discovery and engineering to provide the new catalysts, and the manufacturing expertise of Dr. Reddy's to assess the feasibility of using these catalysts on an industrial scale.
Planned Impact
As described in the proposal submitted to IUK
People |
ORCID iD |
| Nicholas Turner (Principal Investigator) |
| Description | We explored the use of an aldolase enzyme for the synthesis of sugar structures that are incorporated into drug molecules use to treat Hepatitis C. The new methodology would significantly reduce the number of steps required for the synthesis and lead to potential production cost savings that could be passed on to the consumer. |
| Exploitation Route | Future enzyme development based upon or feasibility study should facilitate the necessary technology development to fully realise the original objectives. |
| Sectors | Manufacturing, including Industrial Biotechology |
| Description | IB Catalyst Feasibility Project |
| Organisation | Chirotech Technology |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Private |
| PI Contribution | Collaborative research project funded through the IB Catalyst scheme. We have contributed intellectual input to the project by proposing a novel route to an advanced pharmaceutical intermediate. Access to this API is a cost effective way will allow Chirotech to compete with the established production processes. |
| Collaborator Contribution | Chirotech will help to provide training in specialised chemical synthetic methods via a series of technology transfer events. |
| Impact | The project commenced on the 1st of February 2016 so there are no outputs yet. |
| Start Year | 2016 |
| Description | Manchester Institute of Biotechnology open day |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an open day or visit at my research institution |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Regional |
| Primary Audience | Schools |
| Results and Impact | The annual A-Level Open Day was run for the 5th time with the overall aim of raising the profile of biotechnology and its feeder subjects among those considering university and changing the perception of scientists among teenagers and young adults. The day was filled with lab tours, informative talks and interactive demonstrations of various aspects of the research in the institute. We have received requests for Nuffield Summer Placements of students. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2013,2014,2015,2016 |
| URL | http://www.mib.ac.uk/newsandevents/publicengagement/ |