CPhI recognises special innovations

BioCatalytics, Codexis and PhosphonicS all walked away with special innovation awards presented at the CphI show in Paris, on October 3-5.

BioCatalytics was awarded the Gold Innovation Award for its human cytochrome biocatalyst products that enable more rapid and efficient production of drug metabolites. Drugs most often fail in the clinic due to problems caused by their metabolites. This has driven a need for pharmaceutical companies to prepare and characterise drug metabolites prior to the initiation of human testing.

The human cytochrome biocatalyst products enable a wide range of drug metabolites to be prepared in less time, in higher yields and at lower cost than ever before, explained Dr David Rozzell, president and ceo of BioCatalytics.

Biotech company Codexis, meanwhile, won the Silver Innovation Award for its submission on the evolution of three biocatalysts that enable a commercial and green biocatalytic process for manufacture of the atorvastatin chiral building block.

PhosphonicS' took the bronze with its technology based on novel, functionalised, solid inorganic materials with the potential to enhance purification and manufacturing processes. Based in Oxford, UK, the company has developed a range of materials that can make pharmaceuticals manufacture more efficient and environmentally acceptable.