Bachem AG

Bachem is an innovation-driven global leader in the development and manufacture of peptides and oligonucleotides.

Bachem leverages its more than 50 years of experience and advanced facilities to provide pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies worldwide with very high quality  products for research, clinical development and commercial application, alongside a comprehensive range of specialist services.

Headquartered in Switzerland with subsidiaries in the UK, the USA and Asia, the group has a global reach with unrivalled peptides expertise and capabilities.

Bachem specializes in process development and the manufacture of peptides and complex organic molecules as APIs as well as innovative biochemicals for research. Experience in the development of optimal manufacturing processes and expanding knowledge of chemistries and technologies through internal research projects and research collaborations enable outstanding product quality and high yields.

Bachem prioritizes continuous investment in R&D on chemistries and technologies, focusing on more complex peptides up to synthetic proteins as presenting particular opportunities. Synthetic access to these macromolecules allows for substantial fine-tuning of these structures, allowing development of patented products with tailored properties and optimized structures.

Bachem has five production sites in the U.S. and in Europe along with research level production and full cGMP manufacturing facilities on both continents. These provide capacity to produce APIs, key intermediates, small molecule generics and new chemical entities (NCEs) at preclinical, clinical and production scales.

Bachem’s manufacturing capabilities employ advanced solid phase peptide synthesis, solution phase peptide synthesis, hybrid strategies and other leading-edge methods, with multi-purpose equipment that can accommodate a wide range of chemical reactions.

Bachem has extensive expertise in the analysis of APIs, peptides and small molecules, along with stability studies and tests for interactions with packaging and other relevant materials. Testing and analysis are based on the full range of current technologies, including chromatographic techniques, spectroscopic methods, Amino Acid Analysis (AAA), Elemental Analysis (CHN), Enantiomer Content, polarimetry, refractometry, titration, turbidimetry and osmolality.

Bachem’s cGMP production capabilities include the key processes of superior yield process development, solution and solid phase peptide synthesis, cleavage from resin, large-scale purification, preparative HPLC, and counter current distribution for purification in SPPS and freeze drying.

Bachem traces its history back to 1971, when founder Dr. Peter Grogg established Bachem Feinchemikalien AG in Liestal near Basel to focus on peptide synthesis. In 1978, his nine-strong company moved to nearby Bubendorf, ready to manufacture its first medicinal peptides. By the time it celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2021, Bachem Group had grown into a global company employing more than 1,500 people at six locations worldwide. During 2020, revenues topped CHF 400 million (365m Euros).

In 2015, Bachem acquired American Peptide Company, a US-based specialized manufacturer of peptides. APC provides a wide range of services from small-scale catalog business and custom synthesis to large-scale manufacturing under cGMP. The acquisition of APC strengthens Bachem’s expertise and once again expands its manufacturing capabilities.

In 2018, Bachem founded its latest subsidiary, Bachem K.K., in Japan to further strengthen project and customer support and drive further business growth in the APAC region. Bachem plans to continue its sustainable growth through continual progress and development.

The year 2018 also marked the beginning of a new chapter, as Bachem expanded its strategy to position as a provider for the development and the production of active agents in the field of oligonucleotides, which now account for a significant proportion of its products.