Reliable drug discovery and development is essential in the quickly changing biotech and pharmaceutical industries. Small-scale chemistry plays a crucial role in this process, especially in the first stages of drug development. Leading provider of small-scale chemical synthesis, Olon USA provides extensive contract services for discovery chemistry tailored to each client’s specific requirements.

What is Small-Scale Chemistry?

The synthesis of novel chemical substances, usually carried out in milligram to gram levels, is known as small-scale chemistry. At Olon USA, we define small-scale as working within the gram to 100-gram range and often refer to it as targeted custom synthesis. This type of work is essential during the early stages of drug development when new compounds are being synthesized for the first time as scientists design and optimize active ingredients to assess their therapeutic potential. Furthermore, small-scale chemistry plays a key role in the development phase by preparing impurities and standards.

The Role of Small-Scale Chemistry in the Drug Development Pipeline

Small-scale chemistry is key to both the discovery and development phases of the drug development pipeline:

Small-Scale Chemistry in the Discovery Phase: The discovery phase of drug development is one of innovation and complexity. Almost all compounds designed during this stage are novel, meaning there is no prior knowledge of their synthesis. This requires not only exceptional chemistry expertise but also advanced equipment and resources. At Olon USA, we specialize in designing synthetic routes for new and complex molecules. The right synthetic route is crucial—it can save valuable time and reduce costs during the discovery phase, where labor is often 90% of the expense.

Small-Scale Chemistry in the Development Phase:  Once promising compounds are identified, the development phase begins. During this phase, targeted custom synthesis becomes essential for:

• Route Scouting: The discovery phase routes are typically optimized for speed rather than scalability. During development, new routes are often needed to produce kilogram quantities of compounds. Olon USA excels in designing scalable, efficient synthetic routes.
• Impurity Synthesis: In later stages of development, impurities must be prepared for use as reference markers or standards for quantification. Our team is experienced in producing these impurities in gram-scale quantities, which also helps confirm the chemical structure of the impurities.
• Bioanalytical Standards: In phases 2 and 3 of clinical trials, stable labeled bioanalytical standards are required. These standards, often synthesized on a gram-scale, may require entirely new synthetic routes due to the limited availability of labeled starting materials. Olon USA has the expertise to meet these challenges effectively.

The Benefits of Choosing Olon USA for Small-Scale Chemistry

Historically, small-scale drug discovery work was often outsourced overseas to minimize costs. However, in recent years, the gap in cost has narrowed, prompting a “reverse migration” of this work back to the United States. Choosing Olon USA for targeted custom synthesis brings several distinct advantages:

• Expertise in Synthetic Route Design:  At Olon USA, we pride ourselves on our expertise in our ability to create synthetic routes for novel and complex compounds. Our track record boasts a 95% success rate in producing the desired compounds that our clients want.
• Custom Chemical Synthesis:  Our small-scale chemistry services are tailored to meet the specific needs of each client and their respective drug discovery or development programs. This level of customization ensures efficiency and accuracy in every project.
• State-of-the-Art Analytical Capabilities:  Our facility is equipped with the latest in analytical instrumentation, including LC-MS, NMR, and HPLC, allowing us to perform precise quality control and chemical analysis. This ensures that every compound we produce meets the highest standards of purity and consistency.
• Timeliness and Cost-Effectiveness:  Our high success rate allows us to finish projects quickly, saving our clients money. We are aware of the importance of being on time, particularly in the drug development industry, where each day counts toward moving your project closer to the finish line.
• Rapid Scale-Up:  In addition to impurity preparation, we offer rapid scale-up capabilities. If a compound initially synthesized on a small scale is needed in larger quantities, we can quickly scale up production to kilogram amounts with minimal optimization, streamlining the development process.
• Project Management Integration:  Our team operates as an extension of your organization. Olon USA chemists collaborate closely with client teams to achieve project objectives effectively and efficiently.

The Competitive Advantage of Small-Scale Chemical Services in the USA

Olon USA’s chemistry services provide a competitive edge over many offshore providers by offering:

• Confidentiality: Keeping your project within the United States gives you more control over sensitive data and reduces the chance that intellectual property may leak out.
• Rapid Turnaround: With no need for overseas shipping or time zone differences, our US-based services offer faster response times and better communication.
• Client Collaboration: We work closely with your team to make sure that your project moves forward efficiently and in line with your particular objectives.

Ready to Optimize Your Drug Discovery Project with Expert Small-Scale Chemistry?

If you’re looking for a trusted partner in small-scale chemical services, look no further than Olon USA. Our team of 30 highly skilled chemists are ready to help accelerate your drug discovery and development efforts. Whether you need novel compound synthesis, route scouting, impurity preparation, or scale-up services, we are equipped to meet your needs with precision, efficiency, and confidentiality.

Contact us today to learn how Olon USA’s targeted custom synthesis contract services can enhance your drug discovery process and provide a competitive advantage in the pharmaceutical industry.