The need for green, economic, robust, scaleable and reliable processes for the synthesis of chiral APIs and intermediates prompted Almac to build and fully integrate a biocatalysis group into its service portfolio. The dedicated group based at the Belfast site has expertise in gene identification, expression, fermentation and biocatalyst production. This is followed by the efficient use of biocatalysts to produce clean and sustainable routes to complex chiral APIs and intermediates.

The biocatalysis group is closely linked to process and GMP pilot plant chemistry groups where biocatalyst discovery and development is integrated with screening, route definition and subsequent scale-up.

The group applies expertise to complex chemical processes, rapidly implementing biocatalytic steps to significantly improve the yield and reduce waste for multi-stage syntheses.