Designing a novel methodology for the development of a macrocyclic peptide molecule for both formulation development and pre-clinical studies

Major challenge associated with the process is identifying an effective coupling reagent for head-to-tail cyclization (macrocyclization-because of ring contraction, this leads to low yields). Arresting the triggering of competitive reactions which leads to the formation of dimer and trimer impurities in more amounts. Loading of the crude column posed back pressure and which resulted in less loading eventually more runs. Traditional lyophilization which takes more time and requires usage of lyophilizer equipment (not cost effective process). Aurigene solution: By adopting a fit-for-purpose process development strategy and supplied quickly to formulation to suffice the quick non-GMP supply and then fine-tuned process which suits in large scales in GMP manufacturing. Linear solid-phase peptide synthesis was established and optimized to attain constant quality.All in process controls were well defined to monitor the reactions in chain elongation. Developed suitable crystallization procedure for linear peptide in reverse addition manner with high dilution which addressed issues of clogging of solid during the manufacturing with reproducible quality and yield. Head to tail cyclization was addressed by finding suitable and cost effective coupling regents such as DIC & hydrated HOBt after screening various cyclization protocols. Addition mode methodology via active ester enables the reduction of dimer and trimeric impurities significantly. By applying linear vacuum method and partly distillation approach significantly decreased the thermal exposure to the compound. By taking all above measures resulted significant enhancement in the conversion during the Head to tail cyclization (10-15% to 60-65%). Identified suitable solvent while loading the crude compound into column which reduced back pressure and eventually enables more loading and less runs. Post column chromatography traditional lyophilization was avoided and cost effective, time saving, appropriate crystallization technique was developed which gave reproducible targeted quality and yield. Outcome: Strategic development of process sufficed the quick non-GMP supplies and GMP delivery with robust process and cost effective process. Developed the suitable macro cyclization protocols which enabled product conversions. Suitable protocols developed in the process for plant suitability enabled the smooth execution at plant without any deviation. Novel methodologies in the crystallization of targeted molecule yielded cost effective process and avoided the laborious and time-consuming lyophilization withoutcompromising on quality and yield. Finally, timely delivery both non-GMP and GMP supplies with superior quality. Development continuum: