Going Global
Delivering molecules for COVID-19 research in New York Sygnature is supporting Professor Sachin Gupte, a pharmacologist at New York Medical College, in his endeavours to find a drug treatment for the lung damage that can result from COVID-19 infection. The company has synthesised two important compounds which Prof Gupte will test in a model of coronavirusinduced lung injury.
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ung damage is a common symptom for some of the most badly affected COVID-19 patients, and especially those who end up on ventilators. Prof Gupte has been working for some time on the drug discovery target G6PD, initially in pulmonary arterial hypertension. His thinking is that drugs acting at this target might also be beneficial for COVID-19 lung injury, resulting in a need for experiments to test his hypothesis. However, he had no remaining supplies of the lead molecules. So he contacted Dr Allan Jordan, Sygnature’s Director of Oncology Drug Discovery, with whom he had collaborated on an earlier research project, to determine if the Nottinghambased company could help him secure molecules to use in his screens. “We were delighted to be able to help out an old friend and collaborator,” Allan said. “In these unprecedented times, it is important to move fast, and our experienced medicinal chemists were well placed to assist.”
The Sygnature team was able to spring into action immediately, as their labs remained fully operational throughout the UK’s pandemic lockdown, with scientists working according to strict social distancing protocols. Dr Emma Blackham, Senior Scientist, set about synthesising the molecules which are derivatives of the steroid androsterone. “When the starting materials arrived, the synthesis was relatively straightforward and I was able to make the molecules rapidly,” she said. “I’m really proud that I was able to use my chemistry skills to help in this way.”
BresMed’s new global HQ at Steel City House in Sheffield is the heart of the company’s worldwide operation. Commenting on the move, CEO Nic Brereton said: “I am so proud to be expanding BresMed to these premium “Lung damage is a serious sidepremises in the city. The building very much effect of COVID-19. It’s early days, fits with our brand – it’s iconic with a quirky but I am hopeful that drugs acting feel and, like us, it dares to be different.” at G6PD might prove beneficial to patients. I am extremely grateful Thethese company has come a long way since Nic to Sygnature Discoveryoffice for their moved into a one-person in the city assistance in providing the molecules, many years ago, adding: “Actually, it was more without which we could notme have a cupboard! However, it helped launch the tested the idea in my lab.” business.” Professor Gupte New York Medical College
The molecules will enable Prof Gupte’s lab in New York to start the experiments, in order to assess their potential in treating COVID-19 lung problems.
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