We are taking a break from our Twelve Commandments of Green Chemistry to bring you a current publication from a recognized team of authors at AmbioPharm. Dr. Michael Pennington and his group have shown interest in green chemistry alternatives for a while, and this paper is the latest in their series. For reference, Pennington, an author or co-author of scores of articles, is an acknowledged expert in the field of therapeutic peptides, specifically channel blockers for autoimmune diseases and pain management. When authoritative voices (along with F.  Albericio, et al.) endorse green peptide chemistry in multiple publications, it may herald positive changes within the industry.

The recent paper briefly surveys the history of synthetic peptide drugs and their impact, along with solid-phase peptide synthesis (SPPS), before delving into a range of options to achieve a greener lab. As further validation of the changes made throughout the industry, the article touches upon strategies “…recently employed at AmbioPharm to address the sustainability of our operation which are likely being adopted at other CDMOs and pharmaceutical manufacturers around the world.”

The first topic they address is solvent initiatives, which will also be the theme of our next blog entry, “The Fifth Commandment of Green Chemistry.”

They reference “greener alternative solvents such as N-butyl pyrrolidinone (NBP), 2-methyltetrahydrofuran (2-Me-THF) and γ-valerolactone have been recently studied for applications in SPPS (Solid-Phase Peptide Synthesis) and LPPS (Liquid-Phase Peptide Synthesis). In fact, 2-Me-THF has found even greater utility with the LPPS technologies being developed at companies such as Jitsobu and GAP Peptides.”1

Reference

Alternative Strategies Which Help Improve Sustainability And “Green” Peptide Manufacturing, M.W. Pennington, D. Karonous, C. Bai, Oligonucleotides & Peptides, Chimica Oggi – Chemistry Today, 39(2), 36 (2021).