MATTHEW M. BIO Ph.D.
CSO, Cambrex & President, Snapdragon Chemistry

Abstract

Peptides, known for their specificity and therapeutic potential, have gained considerable interest in treating a variety of conditions, including cancer, metabolic diseases, and infections. Solid phase peptide synthesis has dominated peptide production due to its ease of use and automation. However, SPPS is inefficient, requiring excess reagents and huge volumes of solvent. Faced with the challenge of producing large volumes of peptide therapeutics, LPPS has emerged as an alternative manufacturing technology able to dramatically improve scalability and environmental sustainability while also reducing costs.

Introduction
Peptide synthesis has undergone remarkable transformations over the decades. From the early days of classical solution-phase peptide synthesis (CSPS) to the advent of solid-phase peptide synthesis (SPPS), researchers have sought more efficient and environmentally friendly ways to produce these vital therapeutic molecules. Peptides, known for their specificity and therapeutic potential, have gained considerable interest in treating a variety of conditions, including cancer, metabolic diseases, and infections.

Solid phase peptide synthesis has dominated peptide production due to its ease of use and automation. However, SPPS is inefficient, requiring excess reagents and huge volumes of solvent. Solid phase technology is also incompatible with traditional batch reactors, instead requiring the use of specialized reactors with limited availability, presenting significant supply-chain challenges for large volume peptides like the current GLP-1 agonists.

Faced with the challenge of producing large volumes of peptide therapeutics, LPPS has emerged as an alternative manufacturing technology able to dramatic ...