Bachem AG and SpheriTech Ltd Collaborate on Sustainable Peptide Synthesis Using Water-Based SPPS
Bachem AG (Switzerland) has partnered with SpheriTech Ltd (UK) to advance the development of water-based solid-phase peptide synthesis (SPPS), a method poised to significantly reduce the environmental impact of peptide manufacturing.
Addressing the Environmental Impact of Peptide Manufacturing Peptides play a critical role in modern medicine, serving as active ingredients in a growing number of therapeutic drugs. However, the current manufacturing processes for peptides heavily rely on organic solvents, which are both hazardous and environmentally damaging. These solvents, essential for facilitating chemical reactions and efficient amino acid coupling, are toxic, flammable, and contribute to greenhouse gas emissions. As the global demand for peptide-based drugs continues to rise, the need for sustainable alternatives becomes increasingly urgent, especially in light of tightening environmental regulations and the expanding pipeline of peptide-based clinical projects, including treatments for diabetes and obesity.
Water-Based SPPS: A Promising Innovation for Greener Manufacturing Bachem, renowned for its pioneering innovations in peptide manufacturing, has joined forces with SpheriTech to explore water-based SPPS as a sustainable alternative to traditional methods. Solid-phase peptide synthesis traditionally involves the step-by-step assembly of amino acids on a solid support using organic solvents. In contrast, water-based SPPS replaces these solvents with water, offering a greener and potentially more efficient approach to peptide production.
From Research to Commercial Viability The collaboration between Bachem and SpheriTech aims to reduce the dependency on organic solvents while maintaining the high-quality standards required for peptide synthesis. SpheriTech brings cutting-edge innovation, while Bachem contributes extensive experience in large-scale peptide manufacturing. Together, they are working to transition water-based SPPS from research to a commercially viable technology. Once the research phase is successfully completed, SpheriTech will apply the water-based technology to small-scale peptide synthesis, while Bachem will focus on scaling it up for larger-scale production.
