Continuous Flow Chemistry (Processing) For Intermediates And APIs

By Sripathy Venkatraman, VP, Head of Global R&D Operations, Curia

Many contract manufacturing organizations (CMOs) offer continuous flow chemistry, but few have the technical capabilities to help customers take full advantage. The potential benefits for active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) development and manufacturing include higher selectivity, the ability to use novel chemistries, improved scalability and enhanced safety. However, developing flow-based manufacturing processes requires expertise in several disciplines, the ability to design and build custom reactors, and the scientific infrastructure to support production. It also takes expertise to ensure continuous processes meet with regulatory requirements. Knowing how to define a “batch” of API calls for deep knowledge of the rules that govern drug manufacturing and development.