Catalyst Technology Wins Again for Avecia Partnership

20-10-2004: Avecia's EnCat(TM) catalyst technology for pharmaceutical and fine chemical production has won its second major industry award of 2004. A collaboration between Cambridge University, Syngenta, AstraZeneca and Avecia, EnCat(TM) has received the Institute of Applied Catalysis (iAc) innovation award from the Institute of Chemical Engineers (IChemE).

The iAc Award recognises improved environmental impact and / or sustainability in an interdisciplinary and collaborative project between industry and academe.

In its latest form - Pd EnCat(TM) palladium catalyst - the technology is a key to faster and cleaner chemistry in supported reagents and catalysts. It gives higher throughput from process automation, with additional benefits from reduced metal contamination, solvent reduction, catalyst recovery and re-cycling at scale.

This year's IChemE Awards were hosted in London on 28 September, at Christ Church in Spitalfields, by Mr Michael Portillo. On behalf of the EnCat(TM) development partners, the Award was accepted from iAc CEO Keith Guy by Syngenta's Chemical Technology Group leader Dr Steve Smith.

"This is not only a pleasing recognition of a key new technology, but is equally a tribute to an excellent collaboration between industrial and academic partners and the integration of complementary skills", said Dr Smith.

Avecia research associate Dr David Pears added: "More complex drugs and treatments, often needed in lower volumes, are now placing an increasing premium on cleaner and faster chemistry - EnCat(TM) and derivatives are key enabling technologies to deliver these benefits".

Earlier this year, Avecia received the Chemical Industries Association (CIA) 2004 'Innovation of the Year' award for Pd EnCat(TM). The citation for the award, which was sponsored by INSIGHT Faraday, described Pd EnCat(TM) as: "A superb example of creativity and innovative enterprise in action".

Pd EnCat(TM) has attracted strong market interest and sales since formal launch at CPhI 2003. In July, Avecia announced a world-wide distribution agreement for Pd EnCat(TM) with Sigma-Aldrich. The companies are also working to develop and commercialise additional Pd EnCat(TM) products.