Pharmaceuticals

Pharmaceuticals

Boosting return on investment for a new class of drug

Context

The human body contains more than a trillion microbes. Some produce biomolecules implicated in chronic diseases. Our client owned a new class of drugs that targeted one such biomolecule. It asked Innovia to explore applications beyond human health to help create multiple revenue streams for this new class of drug.

Approach

We looked at the synthesis routes and locations of the target biomolecule to map the possible application areas. We assessed the application potential by examining the sources of precursors, the synthesis conditions required, and the metabolic and degradation pathways. Using both a first-principles analysis and a detailed literature review, we examined the reasons why production of the biomolecule could have negative consequences in each application area.

Impact

Three of the applications identified were commercially significant: in industrial biotechnology, human cosmetics, and animal health. For each, we identified the best routes to commercialisation, and potential industrial partners for development and regulatory approval. Ultimately, we highlighted several new avenues for commercial development and recommended a clear strategy to achieve a strong return on R&D investment.

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