Market Update,global leader in providing a range of expert services and support

The Almac Group stands as a global leader in providing a comprehensive range of expert services and support across the drug development lifecycle, with a particular specialization in peptides. For over two decades, Almac has been a trusted partner, supplying peptides to the research community and for clinical trials. This extensive experience has allowed them to develop a high level of expertise in peptide and protein technology, making them a go-to resource for researchers and pharmaceutical companies alike.

Almac's peptide offerings are a cornerstone of their service portfolio. They provide integrated services from development to commercial scale of advanced intermediates and Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (API). This end-to-end capability ensures a seamless transition from early-stage research to large-scale production. Their commitment to quality is underscored by their robust GMP peptide manufacture capabilities, essential for supporting clinical programs throughout the drug development pipeline.

A significant area of focus for Almac is peptides for cancer research. The company is recognized as a renowned quality provider of peptides as research tools and in clinical applications. Efforts in cancer research have grown enormously, and Almac has honed its peptide manufacturing methodology to build a suite of specialist peptide-based reagents specifically for this critical field. Furthermore, they manufactures neoantigen derived peptides, branded by Almac as NeoPeptides, for compassionate use and clinical trials. These neoantigen derived peptides are manufactured within Almac's High Throughput GMP manufacturing facility, allowing for the creation of patient-specific cancer therapies.

Beyond cancer research, Almac Sciences provides integrated services from development to commercial scale, encompassing advanced intermediates and Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (API). This includes services for all stages of drug development for small molecules and peptides, including highly potent compounds. Their expertise extends to peptide synthesis, with a proven track record of developing synthesis protocols for various types of peptides, including chemokines and longer peptides around 70 amino acids in length. The company has manufactured over 12,000 peptides for its customers and has earned a reputation for its proficiency with very long peptides, folded proteins, and peptide conjugates. They also offer custom synthesis for research use, ensuring researchers have access to the specific peptide materials they need.

The Almac Group has significantly invested in expanding its manufacturing capacity. In March 2024, Almac has completed new facilities at its HQ in Northern Ireland, which have increased its capacity to produce peptides and package them. This expansion, along with the launch of a second line for high throughput manufacturing, demonstrates their dedication to meeting the growing demand for peptides. Almac also offers specialized services like the synthesis of ¹⁴C-labelled peptide for drug development programs, showcasing their advanced radiolabelling capabilities.

Almac Sciences also provides a full suite of analytical testing for a range of product types, including peptides. With experience in the development and validation of complex analytical methods for a wide range of peptides over the last 10 years, they ensure the quality and integrity of the peptide products. Their commitment to innovation is further evident in their work on improved peptide analytical technologies, which are crucial as peptides move through clinical development.

The Almac Group's VP of Peptides, Alastair Hay, has discussed how the company capitalized on early entry into the peptide market, highlighting their strategic foresight and dedication to this field. Almac has over 20 years of experience supplying peptides to both the research community and for clinical trials, a testament to their reliability and deep understanding of the peptide landscape. This extensive experience allows them to offer a broad spectrum of peptide materials and services, ensuring that researchers and developers have access to the highest quality peptides and manufacturing solutions.

In summary, the Almac Group is a pivotal player in the peptide industry, offering a comprehensive suite of services from custom synthesis and GMP manufacturing to advanced analytical support. Their dedication to quality, innovation, and customer service makes them an invaluable partner for anyone involved in peptide research, development, and commercialization.