Experts from the Institute of Chemistry (Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology) have successfully synthesized the active ingredient oseltamivir from shikimic acid in the laboratory. This marks the second breakthrough after they extracted shikimic acid from star anise in Vietnam over two months ago.
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| Dr. Tran Thi Thu Thuy (left) and Dr. Doan Mai Huong, two researchers performing organic synthesis reactions |
The team has synthesized 2.5 grams of oseltamivir from shikimic acid. Although small in quantity, this amount demonstrates Vietnam’s capability to synthesize oseltamivir independently. The research team is currently working on synthesizing this compound in larger quantities.
Dr. Nguyen Quyet Chien, the team leader, stated that choosing a synthesis method suitable for Vietnam’s conditions was the most challenging task throughout the entire process.
This task was undertaken by him personally. Furthermore, to produce oseltamivir, the team had to conduct over 10 organic synthesis reactions, including esterification reactions and epoxide formation reactions.
The synthesis process requires the use of many hazardous chemicals and involves numerous quick and complex steps. Some chemicals hydrolyze immediately upon exposure to moisture. Therefore, certain reactions demand specific conditions, such as a dry environment or temperatures of -34 degrees Celsius.
Dr. Tran Thi Thu Thuy, one of the researchers involved in the synthesis reactions, expressed: ”I feel lucky and honored to have been entrusted with this task. This is an opportunity for me to learn and gain more experience, as these are new reactions that I have never performed before.”
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| A vial containing 2.5 grams of oseltamivir |
In the future, the experts will continue their research to establish a stable technology process at the laboratory scale.
This process will produce a quantity of oseltamivir active ingredient to be supplied to the Ministry of Health for further testing of its activity against the H5N1 virus. Ultimately, the team aims to develop a stable process at the industrial scale.
According to Associate Professor, Dr. Nguyen Van Hung, Deputy Director of the institute, the success of the research team marks a significant advancement in the field of organic drug synthesis in Vietnam.
This achievement confirms the government’s effective investment in training personnel over the years, as well as the recent enhancement of modern research equipment.
It is known that the research team, which includes Dr. Pham Van Cuong, has perfected the technology for extracting shikimic acid at the industrial scale. The Institute of Chemistry is currently awaiting guidance from the Ministry of Health and relevant authorities on how to utilize the extracted shikimic acid in the past period.
Minh Son
