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Entrevista con Llorenç Rafecas, Director Técnico de Enantia"The Spanish research in chemistry lies above the world average"
Interview with Llorenç Rafecas, Technical Director of Enantia
What objectives for the future is marked Enantia, short and medium term?
Consolidate our portfolio of clients of "research contract", in particular the clients of our geographic area, and increasing the relationship with international customers (European and American) that began in the last CPhI held in Frankfurt.
In addition, Enantia will tend to give special importance to the contracts giving rise to a "partnership" relationship, sharing risks at the stage of development and to participate in the benefits when you reach the stage of marketing.
On the other hand, increase everything related to the research itself, both what relates to original synthetic processes for the transfer of technology, as the preparation of complex products in the form (to be, patentable) enantiomerically pure intended for the preparation of new drugs or for sale.
What makes them different to you from other similar companies in the sector?
Basically two aspects. On the one hand our "expertise" in the synthesis of enantiomerically pure products, both based on asymmetric synthesis as in other more traditional methodologies (separation processes or enzymatic processes), fundamental aspect in the field of the current and future drugs, many of which are products Chiral which are marketed as a single enantiomer (currently 35 per cent and with a percentage growth steadily increasing).
On the other hand, we differ in that we are a unique type of company to combine scientific research groups knowledge University leaders in their field with the experience of professionals who have worked in r & d and productionin the field of fine chemicals and the preparation of active pharmaceutical ingredients industry-wide.
Is it true, as they say some, that the Spanish research in this area leaves much to be desired?
I think that research Spanish in this field at the University level or institutions as the CSIC does not leave at all to be desired. In particular, of the prestigious Bibliometric studies "Institute for Science Information" show that the Spanish chemistry lies above the world average, and its progress continues.
Where there is a slight malfunction, and in this Spanish case is not unlike that of many European countries, is in the proportion of knowledge generated just protected by patent. Quite possibly, the creation of companies of spin-offs in University environments or other agents of the system science/technology (CSIC, scientific parks, institutes of investigación…) to help bridge this gap. Enantia, whose model of company conforms completely to this typology, makes a solid bet for born in University environments research and the protection of the industrial property rights arising from this investigation.
Do some project - that are working or doing - you could detail us to highlight for this year 2004?
It is worth mentioning a project of development of a family of new compounds, prepared from a few molecules original and patented by Enantia, for his essay of activity against various diseases, particularly malaria. At the moment, being the last steps of negotiation with various European "partners" in the face to submit a request for help type STREP integrated into 6th EU framework programme for the development of the first test "in vivo" and "in vitro" activity of these products.
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Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas
