Bachem and GlyTech develop chemical synthesis of Interferon β-1a
Now seek a future partnership with a Pharma or biotech company
Swiss biochemicals manufacturer Bachem and GlyTech, a Japanese manufacturer of human type glycans in kilogram scale, have successfully co-developed a chemical synthesis of Interferon β-1a for industrial scale.
Interferon β-1a is a 166 amino acid long glycosylated protein and an approved drug substance to treat multiple sclerosis with a world market of more than US$4bn.
There are currently three recombinant products on the market, which are a mixture of at least 10 glycoforms.
Bachem and GlyTech says they have achieved a pioneering breakthrough with the successful chemical synthesis of this protein featuring a specific, single glycosylation. First bioactivity studies demonstrated that the new product is as good as or better than the recombinant Interferon β-1a.
The firms are now looking forward to a future partnership with a pharma or biotech company interested in conducting all further development activities through to market approval.