Synthesis of sitagliptin for drug, Januvia, developed through a collaboration between Merck & Co., Inc. and Codexis, Inc. Januvia is used to treat type II diabetes. The active ingredient, sitagliptin, conventionally requires an expensive and energy-intensive crystallization and high-pressure step. These companies use transaminase enzymes to increase selectivity and efficiency and reduce overall waste.
Four-step synthetic route for ibuprofen production. This company's four-step synthetic route is an alternative to the traditional six-step synthetic route. This new process has 90% atom efficiency compared to the original process with less than 40% atom efficiency. Using anhydrous hydrogen fluoride as a solvent and catalyst reduces the volume of generated waste and increases the reaction's selectivity. Anhydrous hydrogen can also be recovered and reused with 99.9% efficiency.
Improved synthesis of aprepitant, the active ingredient in Emend® — a drug that combats chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting. This new process assembles aprepitant in 3 highly atom-economical steps (compared to the traditional 6 steps) and nearly doubles the yield. Compared with the first-generation synthesis, this new route eliminates sodium cyanide, dimethyl titanocene, and gaseous ammonia. This new process also requires only 20% of the raw materials and water used in the original process, eliminating approximately 41,000 gallons of waste per 1,000 pounds of aprepitant.
Improved peptide manufacturing process of etelcalcetide, the active ingredient in, Parsabiv™— a drug for the treatment of secondary hyperparathyroidism in adult patients with chronic kidney disease. This novel process reduces chemical solvent use by 71%, manufacturing operating time by 56%, and manufacturing costs by 76%. This could eliminate over 14,400 cubic meters of waste, including 750 cubic meters of aqueous waste, while increasing profits.
Improved synthesis of Prevymis™, a prescription medicine that helps prevent cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection and disease in adults who have received bone marrow transplants. This antiviral drug uses an improved chemical catalyst, increases the overall yield by 60%, reduces the PMI by 73%, reduces raw material costs by 93%, and reduces water usage by 90%. Merk claims this synthesis will result in the elimination of over 15,000 MT of waste over its lifetime. It should also decrease the product's carbon footprint and water usage by 89% and 90%, respectively.
Biodegradable and compostable bioplastics. MATER-BI is quickly biodegradable in natural conditions, such as the marine environment. Its production consists of non-genetically modified corn starch and vegetable oil from conventional agricultural practices. In the EU, only 1% of the total production of corn starch is used in bioplastics. The process has minimal impact on water consumption as only 25 to 30 liters of irrigation water is required to produce 1 kg of MATER-BI materials.
Plant-based hydrocarbons. Hydrocarbon-based chemicals and fuels are traditionally petroleum-based. This company produces hydrocarbon-based chemical commodities from plant biomass. This process is renewable and works with most carbohydrate feedstock. More specifically, the company uses sustainably raised corn. Corn is used because it draws a lot of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. The carbohydrate content and protein content in plant biomass are separated. The protein can be used in other industries.
Low-carbon and formaldehyde-free adhesives. Traditional adhesives are phenol-formaldehyde and urea-formladehyde-based, which are derived from petroleum oil. Formaldehyde is a known cause of cancer and is difficult to recycle. Cambond produces carbon-neutral and sustainable adhesives from biomass feedstocks. It is made by bonding waste from the brewing industry and algae with a special linking agent. The process reduces carbon dioxide emissions by 80%. Cambond® Resin can be used for packaging as an alternative to conventional plastics.
Renewable and recyclable thermoset polymers from non-edible biomass. Conventional thermoset polymers are based on petroleum feedstocks and are non-recyclable. SperoSet produces fully recyclable thermoset polymers that are based on non-edible biomass. Because of SperoSet's chemically reversible bonds, it is degradable in organic or aqueous solutions under mild conditions, recyclable with original thermal and mechanical properties, and repairable and weldable through chemical bond exchange reactions. Reversible bonds eliminate the need for metal catalysts or extra monomers in recycling.
Bio-based solvents. These bio-based solvents serve as alternatives to petrochemical-based solvents. They are derived from agricultural crops that are rich in carbohydrates, such as corn, wheat, and beets. These carbohydrates are then purifed and fermented to make bioethanol and others alcohols and combined with esters of lactic acids and other natural acids. They also include fully biodegradable organic co-solvents. These solvets are less toxic, less flammable, and biodegradable. They also contribute less carbon emissions.