Galilaeus - microbial synthesis of chemicals

Founded in 1994, Galilaeus is developing microbial production methods for microbial-derived APIs. Furthest up its product pipeline are anthracyclines, particularly the daunomycin group of antibiotics that are potent anticancer drugs. They are produced by actenomycetes, mainly Streptomyces bacteria. Since its inception, Galilaeus has been working on strains that can make antibiotics like daunomycin and doxorubicin. First, the existing strain was chemically mutated to alter its production profile. High producing mutants were found, and also used to make new compounds that could have cytotoxic potential.

Galilaeus has now developed a process for pilot and industrial scale production, and a cGMP pilot plant was set up last year. Processes for making other daunomycins, notably epirubicin and idarubicin, are being developed, with the ultimate aim of offering the ingredients as generic drug substances to the pharmaceutical industry.

'We have a full range of established, reliable producer strains, and a proven record of the development of strains,' said ceo Dr Kristiina Ylihonko. 'We can develop processes for both pharma companies and fine chemicals companies, making both APIs and intermediates.' Doxorubicin and daunomycin are already available, and many other products are in development.