PFAS enabling the synthesis of therapeutic peptides

Therapeutic peptides are a promising and novel approach to treat many diseases including cancer, cardiovascular and autoimmune diseases. Some of them, such as Oxytocin and Leuprolide and are also included in the World Health Organization’s (WHO) Essential Medicines List.

Trifluoroacetic Acid (TFA), a derivative of PFAS, is required as part of the production process. Peptides are built through a process called peptide synthesis, which involves the stepwise addition of amino acids to form a peptide chain. To make sure no unwanted chemical reactions occur, so called "chemical locks" are created, which need to be removed at the end of the process. In nearly all peptide synthesis the substance used for removing these “chemical locks” is TFA.

The use of TFA in peptide synthesis is a well-established and effective method, due to its strong acidity, volatility and compatibility with most organic solvents. Some efforts have been made in order to find viable alternatives, but up to date there are no other solutions offering the same set of properties required in the process.

Under the Pharmaceutical Strategy for Europe, strategic autonomy is described as essential to enhance security of supply and address shortages in the pharmaceuticals manufacturing value chain. It is thus vital to ensure that the production of these medicines can be continued within the European Union, in order to ensure both domestic needs and exports to other parts of the world.