BiRDS Pharma AG defines itself as the forerunner and specialist in Atomic Substitution Technology (AST), which is based on the selective introduction of the heavy hydrogen isotope Deuterium (2D) instead of hydrogen (1H) at defined positions of a known active compound. Thereby receptor binding properties, membrane permeability, and metabolism of a compound can be altered, resulting in patentable improved therapeutic compounds. In particular, metabolic stability can be enhanced through deceleration of oxidative metabolic steps. Such modification of known and approved compounds can be used to improve therapeutic properties and/or reduce negative side effects. New compounds obtained through application of Atomic Substitution („AS compounds“) can be distinguished from the non-deuterated compounds (“prototypes”) and patented. An important advantage of AS compounds is that deuteration modulates but not fundamentally changes the mechanism of action. Another advantage is that AS compounds can specifically be developed for defined indications, for which the prototypes are approved for some time and, in addition, are established in the market place. Furthermore, available medical and scientific information on the prototype drugs can and help to considerably reduce the development program. In most cases a reduction of toxicological and clinical programs is possible. Finally, the development risk with AS compounds is considerably reduced as compared to the classical development of new chemical entities, as the development plans for the AS compounds are closely aligned to those of the approved prototypes and, furthermore, there is a high probability of an at least comparable efficacy. AST forms the basis for several promising drug development projects pursued at BiRDS Pharma AG.
