SAFC Appointed by BTG Plc to Provide Chemical Development Services

SAFC, a member of the Sigma-Aldrich Group has announced that its SAFC Pharma business segment has been appointed by BTG Plc to provide chemical development services relating to BGC20-1259, a potential treatment for Alzheimer’s disease.

BGC20-1259, currently in Phase I clinical studies, is a multi-functional compound being developed to target the cognitive impairment and behavioral aspects of Alzheimer’s disease, as well as provide neuroprotection against the disease.

SAFC Pharma chemists at the Manchester UK facility will conduct process research and development studies on the synthesis of BGC20-1259 to determine a suitable process for the manufacture of sufficient quantities of material to be included in clinical trials.

Following process development, cGMP manufacturing of the compound is anticipated by SAFC.

"The SAFC Pharma team impressed us with their abilities and experience in small molecule chemical development and cGMP manufacturing," said Carol Routledge, Head of Clinical Development at BTG.

"We are very pleased that they will be assisting BTG with this section of the BGC20-1259 program."

"We are delighted that BTG has selected SAFC as its chemical development partner for BGC20-1259," said Frank Wicks, SAFC President.

"Our pre-clinical chemical support expertise and extensive knowledge in this area has resulted in a positive response from the pharmaceutical industry, demonstrated by our continued growth in the chemistry services and custom manufacturing business."

"BTG’s appointment underlines our proven ability to meet the chemistry support needs of emerging pharma companies."