Grant: Applied Research and Development Grants - Level 1

Wellesley Therapeutics Inc., is a Toronto-based pharmaceutical company, currently marketing two GlcNAc (GlcNAc) containing products under the trade name Ultimate Glucosamine® and Villicote®. Wellesley's current purification process for GlcNAc requires the use of a multistep, organic solvent based, extraction and precipitation methodology. This method is costly, has negative effects on the environment and has safety concerns - expensive explosion proof processing is required. Wellesley is looking to collaborate with Seneca's School of Biological Sciences and Applied Chemistry (BSAC) to adopt a green chemistry approach to product recovery and purification. This approach will incorporate the physical solubility properties of GlcNAc to eliminate the need for organic solvent associated precipitation. Wellesley is engaged in the clinical development of GlcNAc for multiple sclerosis, muscular dystrophy and Parkinson's disease. Claims for the treatment of these indications will require Wellesley to file a new drug application. This application requires a detailed description of physical and chemical manufacturing processes and controls for production. The experimental work carried out at Seneca will translate to a detailed description and rationale for the intended commercial production methods