Chiracon - Valuable starting materials and resources for the technical and pharmaceutical chemistry 

Luckenwalde (November 5, 2002) - Specialist and fine chemicals as starting materials for the manufacture of valuable pharmaceuticals enjoy an ever-increasing demand. Chiracon GmbH headquartered south of Berlin holds a rich portfolio of novel methods and techniques for the production of these starting materials. Very often the new development of techniques for the large-scale production of such substances to high grades of purity is not economical for the chemical and pharmaceutical industry. Based on the successful research and development efforts of its 10-strong scientific team Chiracon is in the position to offer the industry a broad range of pure substances in large quantities (kilograms to tons). In the ensuing industrial chemical and pharmaceutical processes these substances could be refined and further developed into very effective medicines that display only minimal side effects.

The substances produced by Chiracon belong to the class of chiral enantiomeric molecules. These are chemical compounds that have identical elemental compositions but differ in their three-dimensional structure, i.e. they act like original and its mirror image*. Chiral molecules are integral parts of modern medicines. They are produced in laborious multi-step processes from special precursors or intermediates. The pharmaceutical industry is constantly seeking those chiral intermediates that constitute only one of the two possible enantiomers to apply them as starting materials for the synthesis of novel medicines. The effects of chiral molecules on biological systems vary to a great extend - only the so-called active form displays the desired effect of a medicament. Normally, medicines contain a mixture of the substance in its active and inactive form i.e. so-called racemates that are 1:1 mixtures of two enantiomers. For a long time it was widely held belief that the inactive form of an active compound does not display any negative effects for the organisms. This serious misconception was highlighted during the 60s in the case of Contergan (Thaliodomid) when its inactive form in a medicament against insomnia turned out to be highly teratogenic and resulted in the well-documented catastrophic deformities of affected new-born babies. Consequently, the current legislation increasingly demands Single Isomer Drugs, i.e. medicaments that contain only the active enantiomer. This accounts for about 70% of all medicaments currently under development. It is estimated that by the end of 2003 the market for enantiomers will have a volume in the range of $140 billion.

Chiracon aims to provide pharmaceutical companies that focus on this profitable area of drug development with high-value starting materials. All of Chiracon's main products e.g. chiral alcohols, amines and bromides are produced according to GMP standards. The GMP - Good Manufacturing Practice - certification of the company is a guarantee to the industry that all products fulfil international requirements for drug development. GMP compliance has been a prerequisite for a long time for entry into the US market and it is also the recognised standard in the UK, Germany and Australia. Alongside the finished products, Chiracon will also market the methods and techniques to produce them. 

Another very promising market for chiral compounds is the manufacture of liquid crystals for TFTs as in LCD displays. These displays are produced in extremely high numbers for application in mobile computers and telephones, flat-panel displays, and similar products. This market offers exceptional growth rates. In 1999 alone LCD flat-panel totalling $20.2 billion have been sold worldwide - tendency: steadily rising.

The chemicals for the production of the displays have to show certain properties and high grades of purity. A typical mixture consists of between 10 and 20 different compounds. Around 10% of a typical LC mixture account for so-called chiral dotting compounds (chiral alcohols) that improve the technical and optical properties of the displays. Hence, the novel methods and technologies for the manufacture of chiral starting compounds enable Chiracon not only to serve the expanding pharmaceutical market but also the very promising LCD display sector.

Chiracon was established in 1999 and is currently based in Luckenwalde, Brandenburg, just to the south of Berlin. The company has recently received venture capital from the Berlin Capital Fund. Dr. Ralf Zuhse, Managing Director of Chiracon GmbH laureate of the "Gründerchampion des Landes Brandenburg"-price (Start-up Champion Brandenburg) will use the newly raised VC funds for the expansion of the production, the establishment of effective marketing and sales structures and intensified research and development activities.

* Chirality, the property of two molecules to act like the original and its mirror images was derived from the Greek word for hand (cheir) - i.e. only by means of a mirror can the left hand be superimposed onto the right hand.

Contact:
Chiracon GmbH
Dr. Ralf Zuhse
Managing Director
Biotechnology Park
D- 14943 Luckenwalde, Germany
Tel.: +49-(0)3371-681299
Fax.: +49-(0)3371-681295
Web: www.chiracon.de 

BIOCOMMUNICATIONS.net GmbH
Dr. Pablo Serrano
Brunnenstr. 128
D- 13355 Berlin
Tel: +49-30-264921-30
Fax: +49-30-264921-11
Web: www.biocommunications.net 
eMail: service@biocommunications.net 


© BIOCOMMUNICATIONS.net GmbH, Brunnenstr. 128, D- 13355 Berlin, Germany - Reprint free of charge, please supply copy