SYNCOM CHOOSES CHEMELOT
[BIZ: Geleen, September 17] “We can provide a huge range of options to find the most economical approach to all sorts of chiral intermediates required in an early stage of pharmaceutical research,” says Vincent Slagt, Manager Chirality First Time Right. During the laboratory production of these intermediates, usually a second molecule is produced with virtually the same characteristics and form as the compound itself, except it is the mirror image of the desired molecule. Such molecules are chiral (asymmetric). “The problem is that the mirror image molecules are often not active or produce undesired effects. Therefore, the challenge is to separate the chiral compounds, the active ingredient and the mirror molecule, during the production process,” explains Ton Vries. To meet this challenge Syncom has introduced a new service, “Chirality First Time Right”, which is offered from the new facility at Chemelot. Vincent Slagt: “Through this initiative we can offer a wide variety of chiral technologies, including biocatalysis and chemocatalysis. And for that we can call on DSM Pharmaceutical Products for expertise.” Collaboration with DSM Chemocatalysis does not involve the use of a biological intermediate, but rather of a soluble metal complex for synthesizing chiral molecules. Also an organic intermediate can be used for separation of chiral molecules. For this too, Syncom can call on the knowledge, know-how and products of DSM Pharmaceutical Products; and on knowledge the company has developed together with the University of Groningen (NL). Syncom is a high-technology company that is moving specialized activities to Chemelot, and joins the companies that are already present. Ger Wagemans, general director Chemelot: “Syncom is another new company in our portfolio of life sciences and that’s why we’re proud to have them on our site. Syncom uses the knowledge and know-how at Chemelot as well as the production capacity. This is of benefit to both Syncom and the other companies at Chemelot. Thus, Syncom presents a nice example of the synergy we strive for on our location.” Syncom B.V. is specialized in contract research in organic synthesis, mainly for the pharmaceutical industry. Clients include major pharmaceutical companies and biotechnology companies. Syncom is located Groningen (NL), and currently employs 120 chemists. The directors are Dr. Ton Vries and Prof. Dr. Richard M. Kellogg.
Syncom, specialized in contract research in organic synthesis, has opened a new facility on the Chemelot Campus in Geleen (NL). “We help pharmaceutical companies to find the best route to drug compounds. In this specialist area we collaborate with DSM and from our facility at Chemelot this is easier to manage than from our Groningen site,” says Syncom general director Ton Vries.
Biocatalysis involves the use of an organic intermediate, in this case an enzyme for separating chiral molecules or for a 100% conversion into the right molecule. Syncom has access to one of the broadest collections of enzymes, consisting of more than 1000. This collection is maintained by DSM and is under continuous development. Specially trained Syncom chemists can develop and optimize products to a quantity of up to one kilogram. For production on a larger scale Syncom can enter into a license agreement with DSM Pharmaceutical Products.
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