Complex Synthetic Medicines

Developing the Next Generation of Complex Synthetic Medicines

We empower organisations to tackle the most demanding chemical architectures, from highly functionalised scaffolds and conjugates to novel small molecule frameworks.

We deliver the chemistry innovation, analytical control, and scalability required to transform complexity into robust process understanding.

Complex Synthetic Medicines
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Today’s synthetic challenges demand precision, creativity, and control. Multi-domain molecules, dense functionality, and sensitive chemistries can stretch traditional process design and analytical tools to their limits. 

At CatSci, our teams specialise in developing chemistry for complex synthetic assets – integrating discovery insight with process, analytical, and purification expertise. We build convergent, sustainable, and scalable routes that work not only on paper, but in the plant. 

Complex Synthetic Medicines Capabilities
Route Design & Discovery
We apply advanced retrosynthetic analysis to design multi-step and convergent routes that balance innovation with manufacturability. Each pathway undergoes rigorous feasibility assessment to address challenging or unstable intermediates, factoring cost and chance of technical success.
Process & Optimisation
Our process chemists use statistical-led optimisation (including DoE, Bayesian, and traditional) to optimise yield, selectivity, and impurity control. Every process is stress-tested under manufacturing conditions with an established robust impurity control strategy before scale-up for development and tox studies.
Analytical & Purification Integration
Analytical and purification science sit at the heart of our complex synthetics offering. LC-MS, HRMS, and orthogonal LC techniques ensure purity and identity, while SFC and preparative HPLC deliver precise chiral and achiral separations. We also perform impurity isolation, degradation profiling, and lifecycle mapping to safeguard quality throughout development.
CMC & Regulatory Enablement
We prepare regulatory-aligned validation and documentation packages that simplify regulatory review and technology transfer. By aligning analytical, process, and purification data within one integrated framework, we ensure seamless communication between CatSci, CDMOs, and regulatory partners.
Complex Modalities
Our expertise spans the full spectrum of complex synthetic medicines, from oligonucleotides and peptides to TACs, glues, and hybrid constructs. This cross-modality insight allows us to bridge chemistry and biology, creating scalable, compliant solutions for next-generation therapeutics.
Our connected facilities ensure seamless handoffs between chemistry, purification, and analysis, shortening development timelines for even the most complex molecules.

Dedicated Laboratories for Complex Synthetics

Process Chemistry Labs
Flexible synthesis platforms with 250 mL–35 L vessels for complex reaction matrices
Analytical Facilities
High-resolution LC-MS, UPLC, GC, and orthogonal techniques for deep characterisation
Dedicated Oligo & Peptide Labs
Specialised facilities supporting integrated synthesis, purification, and analytical workflows across modalities.
Purification Suites
Preparative HPLC and SFC for impurity isolation and chiral resolution
High Potency Containment
SafeBridge®-audited OEB-5 suite for potent complex molecules
Digital & Design Tools
Bayesian optimisation and DoE-driven route design for smarter development

Why Choose Us

  • Proven success developing and scaling complex small molecules and conjugated scaffolds 
  • Integrated chemistry, analytical, and purification workflows for total control 
  • Deep process understanding for manufacturability and regulatory readiness 
  • Cross-functional collaboration across 14 state-of-the-art laboratories 
  • Transparent, UK-based partnership built on trust, agility, and scientific rigour 
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"Complex synthetic medicines represent the future of therapeutic innovation, where chemistry, biology, and engineering converge. At CatSci, we thrive in that complexity. Our mission is to turn multi-dimensional science into scalable, manufacturable solutions that bring the next generation of medicines to patients faster."
Rob Crook
Technical Director, Chemical Science

Frequently Asked Questions

What Are Complex Synthetic Medicines?

Complex synthetic medicines are advanced therapeutic compounds built through multi-step chemical synthesis. They often feature highly functionalised scaffolds, multiple chiral centres, conjugated domains, or hybrid architectures that combine different modalities such as small molecules, peptides, or oligonucleotides.
Developing these molecules requires deep chemical insight, precision analytics, and scalable process design to ensure purity, stability, and manufacturability. CatSci specialises in creating efficient, sustainable routes that translate these intricate chemistries into development-ready drug substances.

What Complex Synthetic Chemistry Services Does CatSci Provide?

CatSci offers end-to-end services for complex synthetic medicines — from retrosynthetic route design and process optimisation to analytical integration and regulatory support. Our scientists create scalable, convergent, and sustainable pathways for complex scaffolds, conjugates, and high-potency molecules.

What Types of Complex Molecules Does CatSci Specialise In?

CatSci supports a wide range of complex molecules, including multi-domain scaffolds, conjugates, hybrid constructs, and high-potency compounds. Our expertise spans catalytic chemistry, chiral resolution, purification, and analytical control — enabling confident progression from discovery to GMP readiness.

Book a Consultation

Speak directly with our scientists about your development challenges and explore how we can support your programme.