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Advancements In Peptide Synthesis Technologies

November 14, 2023 | MKPEP

Over the years, there have been significant advancements in peptide synthesis technologies, which have led to the development of more complex and diverse peptide drugs. For instance, solid-phase peptide synthesis (SPPS) is a widely used method for synthesizing peptides. It involves the use of a solid support (usually resin) to which the first amino acid is attached. Subsequent amino acids are then added one at a time, building up the peptide chain. SPPS has become the gold standard for peptide synthesis due to its speed, efficiency, and scalability.

Increasing Research And Development Activities
The pharmaceutical industry is investing heavily in research and development of peptide drugs, which is leading to the development of new and innovative drugs. For example, in 2020, the FDA approved 12 peptide drugs for clinical use. Major pharmaceutical companies are investing significant amounts of money into research and development of peptide drug conjugates. For instance, in 2020, AstraZeneca announced that it would invest $125 million in the development of peptide-based drugs. Similarly, in 2019, Novo Nordisk announced that it would invest $500 million in the development of peptide-based drugs for diabetes and obesity.

Key Trends
Rising Demand For Targeted Therapies
The rising demand for targeted therapies is one of the major trends in the global peptide drug conjugates market. The targeted approach has led to the development of more effective and safer treatments for a range of diseases, including breast cancer.

Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers among women worldwide. Traditional chemotherapy for breast cancer often causes adverse side effects due to its non-selective nature. However, peptide drug conjugates have shown promise in providing targeted therapy for breast cancer. One example is the peptide drug conjugate T-DM1. This conjugate combines the anti-cancer drug emtansine with the HER2-targeting antibody trastuzumab. HER2 is a protein found on the surface of breast cancer cells, and T-DM1 selectively binds to HER2-positive cells, delivering the drug directly to the cancer cells while minimizing the risk of adverse side effects.

Clinical trials have shown that T-DM1 is effective in treating HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer, with fewer side effects compared to traditional chemotherapy. In a Phase 3 clinical trial, patients treated with T-DM1 had a longer progression-free survival and a lower incidence of adverse events compared to those treated with traditional chemotherapy.