Bachem Sales Head highlights potential of Molecular Hiving™ Technology

Bubendorf, Switzerland: – The latest subject of the ‘Meet Bachem’ series of profiles is Gilles Parmentier, who manages the company’s Research Chemicals and Specialties sales teams in Europe and the USA.

Parmentier’s almost 20 years of working with Bachem includes being part of the team that developed and commercialized the cosmetic peptide ingredient XEP-018, which he cites as his ‘favorite peptide’.

“I followed the development of this peptide from the very early R&D phase until its commercialization. I was proud to be part of this success story,” Gilles Parmentier declares.

The importance of Molecular Hiving™?

He says the main reason he decided to join Bachem in 2004 was because he saw it as a highly innovative company and it remains so.

“An innovative company never lives on its achievements and regularly launches itself into new technological challenges. This is what we are doing now with oligonucleotide chemistry, green chemistry projects such as Molecular Hiving™ for the cosmetics and pharmaceutical industries,”  Parmentier reflects.

“The Molecular Hiving technology is an innovation we use to produce shorter peptides without hazardous solvents and higher process controls. We need less washing and filtration steps compared to classic peptide synthesis. Using this technology the need of organic solvents can be reduced by up to 60%,” he notes.

Returning to Bachem

A chemist by education with a PhD from University of Strasbourg, Gilles Parmentier has extensive experience in the field of peptides, taking in cosmetic, diagnostic peptides, and research applications.

Following a three year break as Business Development Manager for a French-based CDMO, Parmentier rejoined Bachem in June 2022 ‘to find my old team, consolidate it and to do a good job’, with all three aspirations on track.

Partnering opportunities

“I manage our sales teams in Europe and the USA for our Research Chemicals and Specialties business. The markets we are responsible for are very diverse, ranging from all the players in peptide synthesis who are looking for quality raw materials, to researchers in research institutes, to diagnostic companies, to cosmetic companies, to biotechnology companies, etc.,” Parmentier explained.

“There are many opportunities to partner with our customers. My favorite one is during some trade shows and scientific symposiums. We also have the chance to organize some visits on site and to discuss our customer’s concrete projects. I really like that we are the partner of our customer, not simply a supplier.”

Parmentier says his guiding principle is “Work seriously but never take yourself too seriously.” His leisure interests include gardening, horse riding and playing the guitar. In winter, he is a keen  cross-country skater.

About Bachem

Bachem is a leading, innovation-driven company specializing in the development and manufacture of peptides and oligonucleotides. The company, which has over 50 years of experience and expertise, provides products for research, clinical development, and commercial application to pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies worldwide and offers a comprehensive range of services.

Bachem operates internationally with headquarters in Switzerland and locations in Europe, the US and Asia. The company is listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange.

For further information, see www.bachem.com.

Resources

Click on Meet Bachem – interview with Gilles Parmentier to watch the full interview on video.
Click on Bachem Cosmetic Peptides to find out more about XEP-018.
Click on Bachems News to see latest News & Events.