2025 AIChE Annual Meeting

(622g) Biocatalytic Synthesis of Non-Natural Peptides

Author

Jacob Forstater - Presenter, Merck & Co. Inc.
The emergence of new therapeutic modalities requires the development of complementary tools for their efficient syntheses. Non-natural peptides have gained attention in the pharmaceutical industry due to their high selectivity, efficacy, and safety profiles. However, their widespread application has been hindered by the high costs of synthesis and the unique chemistries involved. Enzymes present a promising solution to supplement existing chemical approaches, as they offer high specificity and operate under mild and environmentally safer reaction conditions. Herein, we describe novel enzymatic strategies for the synthesis of non-natural peptides without the need for protecting group manipulations. Through the use of engineered enzymes and process development, we successfully synthesized a tricyclic peptide, opening up new possibilities for the development of novel peptide-based drugs.