Saltigo GmbH, the globally operating specialist in custom synthesis based in Langenfeld, Germany, and Reuter Chemische Apparatebau KG (RCA) of Freiburg, Germany, concluded a cooperation agreement on October 1. The companies will jointly develop processes for the synthesis of active pharmaceutical ingredients and intermediates. "In the last few years, we have successfully cooperated on a large number of projects in the field of separation technology for the production of chiral, enantiomerically pure substances. We have now raised our long-time business relationship to a new level," says Dr. Andreas Stolle, head of the Pharma business line at Saltigo. 

RCA produces high-grade chiral substances, and also has innovative, patented technologies for racemate separation. With Saltigo's experience in working with complex molecules and Challenging Chemistry and RCA's know-how in the field of chiral separation, economical separation processes can be identified for a given racemate. The cooperation will support Saltigo's focus on innovative cost optimization programs as part of the Contract Manufacturing business model. "Sustainable process improvements leading to reduced costs will generate added value for our customers," says Stolle. By selecting suitable separation technology and additionally optimizing the subsequent synthesis chain, it was possible, for example, to significantly lower the production costs for commercial quantities of an active pharmaceutical ingredient compared to the original forecast. 

Saltigo GmbH is a leading supplier in the field of custom synthesis. The company of specialty chemicals group LANXESS belongs to the Advanced Intermediates segment, which achieved total sales in 2009 of EUR 1,104 million. Saltigo, headquartered in Langenfeld and with production facilities in Leverkusen and Dormagen, employs around 1,400 staff worldwide. LANXESS Corporation operates a site for Saltigo in Redmond (Washington, United States).