About Opportunity:

Chiral drugs currently constitute one third of the world market of all pharmaceuticals. Chiral molecules are those that exist in pairs of enantiomers, also referred to as stereoisomers (which can broadly be viewed as a left hand and right hand pair).

Since pharmaceutical action is dependent on the “fit” of molecules with the body’s receptors, drugs for which both enantiomers have an action are generally less active than those for which a single enantiomer is active. Although in some drugs (e.g., Ibuprofen) both enantiomers have the same effect, it is more common for only one of the enantiomers (i.e., a single isomer) to have a specific action. Sometimes the other isomer is inert, but in a number of cases it has serious side effects (e.g., L-dopa for Parkinson’s, and some anti-arthritic drugs).

Consequently, both chiral forms of a drug must be tested for potential side effects, and there are legislative requirements for single enantiomer new drugs, with corresponding reduction in dosages, less wastage and a reduced risk of potential side effects. Production process developments for pharmaceuticals (and the intermediate compounds within the process) are being driven by these factors.

The University of Glasgow has developed Soluble Polymer Catalysts, using organocatalysts