Aspects of greening peptide chemistry within the pharmaceutical manufacturing industry
JON H. RASMUSSEN*1, JAN PAWLAS1, OLIVIER LUDEMANN-HOMBOURGER2, EL DJOUHAR REKAI3
*Corresponding author
1. PolyPeptide Group, PolyPeptide Laboratories (Sweden) AB, Limhamn, Sweden
2. PolyPeptide Group, PolyPeptide Laboratories France SAS, Strasbourg, France
3. Polypeptide Group, PolyPeptide Belgium, Braine-l’Alleud, Belgium
Abstract
In 2016 a critical need for development of greener alternatives within the peptide manufacturing processes was identified. The move towards achieving this has started on several levels within the industry. The awareness of the need and requests for greener alternatives have reached the peptide manufacturers, who, in response, are working on expansion of the greener processing options. Exchange of harmful solvents to greener alternatives, reduction of overall need for solvent, elimination of processing steps for smarter processing and recycling are all achievable and encompassed by the 12 principles of green chemistry. However, a single effort is not enough, many contributions are necessary to achieve the goal of overall greener manufacturing processes without compromising the product quality and still being conscious of the manufacturing costs.
INTRODUCTION
In a recent review (1), P. T. Anastas et al. highlight the significant change that has happened over the past 20 years since the 12 Principles of Green Chemistry came out (2).
Scientists now, they remark, have access to conferences and courses, softwares and databases etc., and the green chemistry agenda has moved away from being niche to having concrete impact. It is safe to say that the scientific field has been tremendously prolific.
On the other hand, when it comes to industry and the adaptation of the green chemistry, the picture may look a little different. In the pharmaceutical manufacturing industry, which is notoriously conservative, the advances are perhaps less pronounced for the broader applications and are typically driven by pressure from environmental authorities or by a desire to lower the cost of manufacturing (3).
In particular, within the synthetic peptide manufacturing industry a very high consumption of solvents and materials is the norm rather than the exception. This is exemplified by Kopach noting that 3000-1 ...
