Can the pharmaceutical substance Tirzepatide be efficiently manufactured using green solvents?

Important results from the project

PolyPeptide and RG Discovery exceeded the project goal of developing a more sustainable synthesis of peptides and excluding the solvent DMF. In addition to the project showing that GLP-1 peptide drugs can be manufactured with green solvents, several other aspects were addressed which had not been planned for. There is now a green synthesis method for GLP-1 peptide drugs that can be further optimized for manufacturing of complex peptides, which benefits the working and global environment.

Expected long term effects

This project has presented a greener way to synthesize peptides, contributing to the transition towards sustainable manufacturing processes for peptide pharmaceuticals. Furthermore, the solvents used in peptide synthesis today, e.g. DMF, are to be banned by the European Chemical Agency (ECHA). Now there is a way forward when that happens, so that production of important peptides can continue. It also opens the possibility of transforming the entire peptide synthesis field to become sustainable.

Approach and implementation

The project was carried out through step-by-step experimental work in close collaboration between PolyPeptide and RG Discovery. The work went from initial investigations on a laboratory scale, via synthesis optimization, to synthesis on larger scale. The work was carried out according to plan, with continuous meetings to manage the results generated. This resulted in a well-organized process that led to good collaboration and good results.