Liquid-Phase Degarelix Synthesis Scalability

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for large-scale industrial synthesis of the decapeptide Degarelix face challenges such as limited capacity, excessive reagents, and difficulties in removing impurities like racemization and side-chain protection, making them unsuitable for high-volume production.

Innovation Solution

A liquid-phase synthesis process involving specific peptide coupling reagents, organic solvents, and cleaving agents is developed to efficiently couple and deprotect Degarelix intermediates, reducing racemization and impurity issues, and allowing for scalable production.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If Boc-solid phase peptide synthesis (SPPS) methodology is used, then Degarelix can be synthesized with sufficient quantities, but the method requires HF cleavage and is not suited to large scale industrial synthesis

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvequantity of DegarelixVSAvoidsuitability for large scale industrial synthesis
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the synthesis parameters from solid-phase to liquid-phase methodology, replacing HF cleavage with milder cleavage agents like TFA, and enabling scalable industrial production while maintaining sufficient quantity output

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent substitutes the mechanical solid-phase synthesis system with a liquid-phase system, replacing the resin-based solid support mechanism with solution-phase chemistry that allows for easier scaling and different cleavage mechanisms

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Quantity of substance

If classical peptide solution synthesis (liquid phase peptide synthesis) is used, then larger quantities of product can be produced, but expense attributable to the large excess of coupling reagents, additives, and amino acids is increased

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvequantity of DegarelixVSAvoidexcess coupling reagents, additives, and amino acids
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent optimizes the liquid-phase synthesis parameters by using optimized coupling reagents (HATU, HBTU, TBTU) and conditions that reduce the excess reagent requirements while maintaining high yields, thereby reducing material loss and expense

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Quantity of substance

If liquid phase peptide synthesis is used, then larger quantities of product can be produced, but difficulties in removing impurities like racemization and side-chain protection arise

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvequantity of DegarelixVSAvoidpurity of Degarelix
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary protective group strategies and optimized coupling sequences that prevent racemization and side-chain protection issues before they occur, rather than attempting to remove impurities after synthesis

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses optimized coupling reagents and conditions (HATU, HBTU, TBTU with specific bases and solvents) that minimize racemization and improve purity, along with optimized purification protocols

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The process achieves high yields and purity of Degarelix with minimal racemization and impurities, enabling larger-scale production while maintaining the quality of the peptide.

Implementation Method 1

coupling (P4)Ac-AA1-AA4 with (Pε)AA5-AA10NH2 in an organic solvent comprising the two peptides, a peptide coupling reagent and an organic amine base dissolved therein

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPeptide coupling reaction: Chemical Bonding

Implementation Method 2

cleaving the protecting group Pε from a Degarelix precursor according to formula (P4)(Pε)Ac-AA1-AA10NH2 in an organic solvent comprising the precursor and a cleaving agent dissolved therein

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectChemical cleavage: Hydrolysis

Data Source

PatentEP2632934B1Process for the manufacture of degarelix and its intermediates
Publication Date: 2016.11.30 FERRING BV
  • EP2632934B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2632934B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2632934B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

The present invention relates to a liquid (or solution)-phase manufacturing process for preparing the decapeptide Degareiix, its amino-protected precursor, and other useful intermediates. The invention further relates to polypeptides useful in the solution-phase manufacturing process and to the purification of Degareiix itself. The manufacturing process comprises the step of cleaving the e-amino protecting group ?e from a Degareiix precursor according to formula {P4)(Pe)Ac-AA1-AA10-NH2 in an organic solvent comprising the precursor and a cleaving agent dissolved therein: wherein P4 is a hydroxyl-protecting group or hydrogen, preferably hydrogen.