Pharmaceuticals
Current technology
The pharmaceutical industry primarily utilises various catalysts and precursors for the synthesis of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs). Traditional catalysts include platinum group metals (PGMs) such as platinum, palladium and rhodium. These metals are favoured due to their exceptional catalytic activity and selectivity, which are crucial for complex organic synthesis, including cross-coupling reactions like the Suzuki and Heck reactions.
For instance, the Suzuki cross-coupling reaction using palladium is essential for the synthesis of Imatinib, an anticancer drug used in the treatment of chronic myelogenous leukaemia. Another reaction, the Heck reaction, is used to synthesise tamoxifen, a drug for the treatment of breast cancer.
Market
The pharmaceutical market has seen significant advances in recent years, particularly in the area of catalysis. The increasing complexity of drug molecules necessitates innovative synthetic strategies that leverage advanced catalytic processes. The demand for environmentally friendly manufacturing methods has also driven the adoption of catalysis, aligning with the principles of green chemistry which emphasise waste reduction and energy efficiency.
Challenges of current technology
While PGMs like platinum are widely used, they come with challenges including high costs and limited availability. The reliance on these metals can lead to supply chain vulnerabilities, especially given the geopolitical factors affecting their extraction and distribution.
Positive impact of palladium
Palladium stands out as a promising alternative in the pharmaceutical industry due to its lower toxicity profile and ability to form stable complexes that selectively target diseased cells. Its unique catalytic properties make it an essential tool for synthesising complex molecules, enabling the development of innovative drugs with enhanced efficacy and reduced side effects.
Palladium metal complexes and nanoparticles serve as highly effective catalysts in Suzuki and Heck reactions, facilitating the synthesis or activation of pharmaceutical drugs within the body. For instance, palladium-based catalysts are integral to the production of anticancer drugs like Imatinib and tamoxifen.
In addition to its role in synthesis, palladium nanoparticles offer significant potential for targeted drug delivery. These nanoparticles can be delivered to cancer cells using carriers such as silica dioxide and subsequently functionalised on the surface of cancer cells. This enables precise drug delivery directly to tumours, minimising damage to healthy tissues and reducing adverse side effects.
The pharmaceutical industry is also exploring palladium-based drugs that utilise chloride compounds such as palladium chloride, cis-bis(pyridine) dichloropalladium(II), and trans-tetrachlorodipalladic acid. These compounds have demonstrated strong antibacterial properties, effectively inhibiting enzymes critical for bacterial metabolism while also damaging bacterial DNA and membranes.
To find out more about advanced chemical qualities of palladium, see – Chemistry.
To find out more about palladium in the pharmaceutical industry, see the following scientific publications:
- D’Alterio, M. C., Casals‐Cruañas, È., Tzouras, N. V., Talarico, G., Nolan, S. P., & Poater, A. (2021). Mechanistic aspects of the palladium‐catalyzed Suzuki‐Miyaura cross‐coupling reaction. Chemistry–A European Journal, 27(54), 13481-13493. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/chem.202101880
- Jagtap, S. (2017). Heck reaction—state of the art. Catalysts, 7(9), 267. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/catal7090267
- Hossain, M. S., Zakaria, C. M., & Kudrat-E-Zahan, M. (2018). Metal complexes as potential antimicrobial agent: a review. American Journal of Heterocyclic Chemistry, 4(1), 1. DOI: https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ajhc.20180401.11