Visible-Light Photocatalysis Academic–Industrial Collaboration Retrospective: Shared Learning and Impact Analysis

Abstract

The 4.5 year academic–industrial collaboration between the process chemistry group at Lilly and the Stephenson group (Boston University and University of Michigan) is summarized. From the industrial perspective, the relationship benefitted Lilly by enabling the development of visible-light photoredox catalysis processes with an expert partner as well as the establishment of internal technology platforms to support such processes. In addition to the funding element, the academic side benefited from the ability to access pharmaceutically relevant problems and tap into continuous processing capabilities at Lilly. Another positive outcome of the collaboration was the inspiration of spinoff projects, which themselves generated substantial value in the academic setting. The postdoctoral researchers involved benefitted from the unique mentorship opportunity provided by the collaboration and access to resources from both academia and industry. We will analyze the impact of the collaboration in terms of personal development, publications, and new technologies that resulted, which we feel were highly beneficial for both sides of the collaboration.

Multigram-Scale Synthesis of a gem-Difluoro-Substituted 4,5,6,7-Tetrahydrobenzo[c]thiophen-4-one Heterocycle via Oxidative Chlorination and Radical Smiles Rearrangement

“…This is consistent with Stephenson’s observations, in that the photocatalyst serves to consume molecular oxygen which allows the radical chain reaction to proceed. 21 Increasing the loading of the photocatalyst to 1 mol% and 10 mol% had little effect upon the yield of 7 with 61% and 66% NMR conversion, respectively (entries 3 and 4). Using DIPEA as the base resulted in 16% yield of 7 while the use of triethylamine was equally inefficient with a yield of 10% (entries 5 and 6).…”

Shining a Light on the Advances, Challenges and Realisation of Utilising Photoredox Catalysis in Pharmaceutical Development

“…As more data is collected in this sector regarding process monitoring (photon flux, quantum yields, productivity), energy saving, and maintenance issues, certainty in capital and operating expenses should increase [61] . Collaboration between the pharmaceutical industry and academia is also of vital importance for effective transfer of knowledge and understanding of the key challenges [62] . As this field continues to develop the pharmaceutical community will be able to make strategic decisions around use of photoredox catalysis on scale, and the true potential of this technology for API development and manufacture should come to light.…”

“…[61] Collaboration between the pharmaceutical industry and academia is also of vital importance for effective transfer of knowledge and understanding of the key challenges. [62] As this field continues to develop the pharmaceutical community will be able to make strategic decisions around use of photoredox catalysis on scale, and the true potential of this technology for API development and manufacture should come to light.…”

Academic-Industrial Collaborations: Merging Paths to Thrive

“…Cole, Douglas, Hammerstad, and Stephenson, in a 2022 Perspective in Organic Process Research & Development, highlight a 4.5 year academic-industrial collaboration between pharmaceutical company Eli Lilly and Stephenson's academic lab focused on advancing visible-light photocatalysis. 3 The collaboration enabled Lilly to build internal expertise in and infrastructure for photocatalysis, guided by knowledge from Stephenson and his group. Lilly also gained valuable experience on scaling up photochemical reactions and processes.…”