In co-operation with the Latvian Institute of Organic Synthesis (LIOS), JSC Olainfarm has developed a technology for the synthesis of three new active pharmaceutical substances for cost-efficient production in industrial quantities. Studies have been performed at the project pharmacology unit, which will allow JSC Olainfarm to develop new medicines for the treatment of neurodegenerative illnesses. Several inventions achieved during the project are patented. The total project costs amount to 0.57 million EUR, and it is implemented with the support of the European Regional Development Fund.

„Knowledge and intellectual property rights gained during the project will allow JSC Olainfarm to develop new drugs to expand the company’s product portfolio, to increase competitiveness and exportability. In the future, it will give a positive contribution to Latvian and European Union economies alike,” adds Vilnis Liepiņš, Head of R&D of APIs and Intermediates at JSC Olainfarm.

The project consists of a technology development and a pharmacology section. Thus, in the technological section, most cost-efficient and best ways of synthesis are found and technological parameters are optimised to allow obtaining the necessary active pharmaceutical substances according to the high quality requirements of our time. In co-operation with LIOS scientists, unique ways of synthesis have been discovered, which are now protected in capacity of industrial intellectual property after applying for a Latvian or international patent.

In the pharmacology section of the project, several active pharmaceutical substances have been studied in vivo, and their potential use for new therapeutic indications has been discovered. One of the products is showing very good prospects for neuropathic pain treatment properties. This discovery is very important and it has patentability, which means that JSC Olainfarm will be able to protect it as intellectual property and will be able to develop a new product on its basis for treating neurodegenerative illnesses. Another product demonstrated potential anti-inflammatory effect, related to reducing the inflammation factor secretion. The rights to the intellectual property generated as a result of this study are corroborated with an international patent application No. PCT/IB2015/053554. Post-stroke neuro-regenerative properties, analgesic properties and mechanisms of functioning of one active pharmaceutical substance were also studied within the project. The results of these studies have been presented in two scientific articles in international peer-reviewed pharmacology journals.

Studies have been performed within the project „Development of methods of synthesis of active pharmaceutical substances and study of pharmacological profile”, on which JSC Olainfarm concluded an Agreement No. 2013/0030/2DP/2.1.1.1.0/13/APIA/VIAA/001 on 2 December 2013 with the State Education Development Agency. Of the total project costs of 0.57 million EUR, 0.29 million EUR is co-financed by the European Regional Development Fund.

JSC Olainfarm is one of the biggest pharmaceutical companies in Latvia with more than 40 years of experience in production of medication and chemical and pharmaceutical products. A basic principle of company’s operations is to produce reliable and effective top quality products for Latvia and the rest of the world. Products made by the Group are being exported to more than 35 countries of the world, including the Baltics, Russia, other CIS, Europe, Asia, North America and Australia.

Further information:

Sigita Lapsiņa
Head of PR
Cell: +371 2 6377286
E-mail: slapsina@olainfarm.lv