Asymchem Expands Oligonucleotides Mfg. Capacity

Asymchem is expanding its API manufacturing facilities to provide clients with peptide and oligonucleotide products for R&D needs in this expanding therapeutic area.

The initial oligonucleotide commercial-scale production site will be 62,160 sq.-ft. as an expansion of Asymchem's existing small molecule API facility in Tianjin, China. The GMP facility will accommodate gram to ton production scales. Phase 1 of the facility is scheduled to be fully operational in 3Q22 and will include an oligo process production line with an annual capacity of 50-100 kg. The Tianjin site has the capacity to accommodate 12 or more oligo process production lines.

"Oligonucleotide-based therapies hold great promise to treat a broad spectrum of diseases and genetic conditions, and Asymchem is committed to investing in the infrastructure and expertise to help our customers bring these therapies to market with rapid, cost-effective production," said Rui Yang, Chief Operating Officer of Asymchem.

"Oligos," as they are called, are particularly effective because they inhibit the production of unique proteins that are essential for the survival of pathogenic viruses and bacteria. Because the human genome doesn't contain the mRNA molecules which code for the production of these proteins, these mRNA sequences can be specifically targeted in the pathogen without interfering with the host cells. 

This gives oligonucleotides extraordinary therapeutic potential against a wide range of diseases including COVID, cancers, cardiovascular, neurodegenerative, neuromuscular, and respiratory diseases, as well as other severe and rare diseases that cannot be effectively treated by small-molecule or protein therapeutics. Oligonucleotides often present minimal and controllable side effects compared to other drugs, and offer new hope for the treatment of autoimmune diseases as well.”