Thursday, July 30, 2009 - 10:30 AM
S131

Using evolved enzymes in the synthesis of pharmaceutical API

Nathan Wymer, Maria Brown, Jeremy Steflik, Shanghui Hu, Dawn Pothier, Susan Truesdell, and Van Martin. Biocatalysis CoE, Pfizer, Inc, Eastern Point Rd, MS 4099, Groton, CT 06340

This presentation will cover some of the latest efforts at Pfizer Inc to incorporate engineered recombinant enzymes into the commercial manufacture of active pharmaceutical ingredients (API). The project required the identification and then engineering of an enzyme to be significantly more active to meet process specifications. To successfully develop this enzyme and incorporate it into the process, this project required the cooperation of many different groups and disciplines, including molecular biology, microbiology, organic chemistry, analytical chemistry, and chemical engineering. This presentation provides an overview of this research as well as lessons learned for future enzyme engineering projects.