Biomimetic Oxidation

By adding oxygen donors (like hydrogen peroxide) to metallorganic complexes (synthetic metalloporphyrins), we can mimic the action of CYP450 and generate milligram quantities of metabolites identical to those detected in biological samples. We can then test these metabolites for safety and drug-drug interaction potential to enable comprehensive safety evaluation or send them back to the client for in-house evaluation of pharmacological activity.

We employ biomimetic oxidations to generate Phase I metabolites via non-enzymatic catalysis. Basically, it’s a protein-free, heme-like catalyst. In the presence of an oxygen donor such as H₂O₂, a reactive species is generated that can insert oxygen into a parent compound.

“Absorption Systems helped us solve a difficult problem with an innovative, quick, and cost-effective solution. Through the use of biomimetic oxidation, they were able to quickly produce enough of a target drug metabolite to help us figure out which of two isomers to synthesize “the old-fashioned way.”

– Bradley Wolfe, Ph.D., CMC Development Scientist II, SuperGen, Inc.

In another case, one of our lead scientists was named as co-inventor of international patent by our client in acknowledgment of our crucial contribution into synthesis and characterization of the pharmacologically active metabolite.

• Preparative quantities of metabolites
  • No solubility limitations in most cases
  • Non-enzymatic catalysts are more rugged than enzymes
  • Can use higher concentrations of non-enzymatic catalysts
• More versatile since it is not dependent on the activity of a particular CYP
• More flexible in terms of reaction conditions, which enables a good correlation between metabolites generated biomimetically and enzymatically
• Easier downstream purification of metabolites
• Scale-up is simple and feasible