YProtech, a contract research organization (CRO) focused on niche chemistry-based services, has installed a high potency facility for the synthesis and manufacture of highly potent cytotoxins for applications in cancer treatment.

The CRO relocated to Alderley Park, Cheshire in May 2015 and the installation of a high potency facility marks the second phase of their expansion strategy. The expansion enables YProtech to offer dedicated chemistry services for the non-GMP synthesis and manufacture of cytotoxic compounds on multigram scale to support pre-clinical development in the pharma and biotech sectors. The facility includes a clean room with isolator for the handling and isolation of cytotoxins, dedicated high containment chemistry laboratory with multiple fume cupboards for the synthesis of cytotoxins, automated purification capability and access to LCMS and NMR for compound analysis.

“The new facility is now open and we look forward to serving our existing clients and new companies,” said Tom Screen, chief technology officer, YProtech. “As the high potency business growth is established we also look to the next expansion and offering GMP toxin services.”

In addition, a catalogue of cytotoxins and linkers are available to buy directly from YProtech. These cytotoxins can be tailored to individual customer’s needs, i.e. functionalized with linkers of choice and ready for subsequent bioconjugation with antibodies, proteins etc. The addition of a dedicated cGMP high containment facility for manufacture and supply of up to 100gs of cytotoxins to support clinical trials will follow in twelve to eighteen months, according to the company.

The new capabilities add to YProtech’s current chemistry services portfolio which include contract research, custom synthesis, targeted library preparation, intellectual property development, chemical process optimization and scale-up and project/supply chain management to support pre-clinical drug discovery from milligrams to kilo scale.

“This expansion demonstrates YProtech’s commitment to building a specialized chemistry service business responsive to the needs of our customers, backed by our very supportive investors and in a world class location al Alderley Park,” said Pete Jackson, chairman, YProtech.