Cambrex Enhances Peptide Production Capabilities in Massachusetts with New Facility
Cambrex, a top-tier global contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO), has unveiled exciting news with the expansion of its active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) facility in Waltham, Massachusetts. This initiative, developed under the Snapdragon Chemistry division, aims to significantly bolster the production and development of peptide therapies, a field that is witnessing rapid growth and demand.
The new addition to the Waltham facility includes a state-of-the-art GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) manufacturing suite that expands the workplace by 20%. It boasts an ISO-7 cleanroom designed specifically for preparative HPLC chromatography and lyophilization processes. This setup also includes cold storage options for raw materials as well as a dedicated area for product storage, streamlining the manufacturing process.
Dr. Eric Fang, the General Manager at Snapdragon Chemistry, shared insights regarding the strategic design behind this new facility. He explained that the team followed a three-step approach tailored for the development of peptide drug candidates. The journey starts with automated solid-phase peptide synthesis (SPPS) technology, used to establish proof-of-concept for new therapies. In parallel, the development team optimizes the process employing liquid-phase peptide synthesis (LPPS) technology, thereby speeding up the development while simultaneously reducing manufacturing costs. Once the initial phases are completed, the process is transferred to larger production units, such as the one in Charles City, Iowa, where the material can be produced in traditional large batch reactors, significantly minimizing drug costs for broader patient access.
One of the standout features of Snapdragon's LPPS technology is its ability to use conventional API batch reactors and continuous flow systems, eliminating the reliance on specialized solid-phase reactors. This innovative approach remarkably decreases solvent usage and lessens the need for excess reagents compared to traditional solid-state peptide synthesis methods. Dr. Matt Bio, Chief Scientific Officer at Cambrex, pointed out that although SPPS is effective for early development phases intended to achieve quick clinic readiness, it's not a scalable option for supplying larger patient populations. The newly designed LPPS process can leverage Cambrex's extensive capacity, which measures up to 1.4 million liters, to effectively deliver peptide therapies to those in need.
Beyond peptide manufacturing, Cambrex continues to channel investments into research and development across complex synthetic processes, focusing on enhancements in peptide production. There are also ongoing explorations into the application of artificial intelligence aimed at refining oligonucleotide processes, showcasing Cambrex’s commitment to integrating advanced technology in pharmaceutical production.
Snapdragon Chemistry, a proud part of Cambrex's operations, specializes in API batch and continuous flow process development, relying on cutting-edge automation technology and proprietary equipment to address intricate process and analytical hurdles. Headquartered in Waltham, Massachusetts, the company employs over 70 staff members, prominently comprising 31 PhD scientists. This team stands strong within the local scientific community, emphasizing Snapdragon's dedication to innovation and excellence in pharmaceutical manufacturing.
As Cambrex continues to strengthen its capabilities through strategic expansions like that in Waltham, the pharmaceutical landscape can expect more efficient, scalable solutions to meet the increasing demands for peptide-based therapies. This development is a vital step in providing effective treatments to larger populations, driving forward the mission of improving patient health outcomes globally.