FLIX is a radically new concept for the late-stage isotopic labelling of high added-value molecules (drugs, biologics, smart materials) with stable isotopes in an easier, faster, and more effective way, using new generations of catalysts along with flow chemistry for the selective exchange of predetermined atoms and chemical motifs of end-use organic compounds.
The ultimate outcome of the project is to devise and build a modular and adaptable flow chemistry system for the straightforward and combinable isotopic labelling of complex chemicals. This ‘FLIX machinery’ will use a combination of specialized reactor modules operating under continuous flow conditions for the on-line 1H/2H, C-12/C-13, N-14/N-15 and methoxy group direct isotope exchanges with an unprecedented efficacy and without any chemical alteration of the molecules.
The project’s objectives are to:
1) develop new generations of organometallic catalysts for isotopic exchange (IE) reactions;
2) screen catalysts for the IE on a relevant portfolio of organic molecules in batch and flow chemistries and assess catalyst robustness;
3) devise and validate the ‘combinable isotope labeling’ concept;
4) design and build an adaptable multi-module machinery for combinable IE.
The project is expected to have a multi-billion euro impact on all sectors using stable isotopes in particular:
1) drug innovation, by accelerating preclinical studies, de-risking clinical trials and fostering the development of novel deuterated ‘heavy drugs’;
2) design of new tracers for diagnostic imaging;
3) streamlining the production of multi-labeled molecules;
4) the development of novel isotopically-enriched materials.
The project synergistically associates the expertise and innovation potential of a mixed academic/industrial multidisciplinary consortium including CEA, INSAT, LIKAT, TU/e then UvA, AU, Cominnex then X-Chem and Absiskey (now called ABGI).
