4chiral workshop in Bitterfeld
The first "4chiral workshop" on new aspects of the synthesis and manufacturing of chiral molecules was held in Bitterfeld on November 24th. About thirty specialists from industry and from leading academic research groups presented their insights into both enzymatic and small molecule catalytic approaches to valuable chiral compounds. The topics ranged from "enantioselective hydrogenations" (Prof. Boerner, LIKAT Rostock), "chiral pool syntheses of drugs" (Prof. Csuk, University of Halle), "custom tailored enzymes" (EVOCATAL, Duesseldorf) to "chiral phosphine oxide ligands" (SOLVIAS, Basel) and technological aspects of the development of chiral batch processes (SALTIGO, Langenfeld). ChiroBlock - as one of the "4chiral" founding members presented the latest results of the beta-amino acid research. All participants appreciated the open and effective atmosphere of this comparatively intimate event. It was agreed to repeat this fruitful workshop annually.
<11-2009>
Representation in Japan Consolidated
ChiroBlock has been working together with the reputed Japanese trading company "Funakoshi" for many years. Funakoshi is specialized in marketing and distributing high-quality products and services for the life science industries in Japan (www.funakoshi.co.jp). With the inclusion of our services into the actual Funakoshi catalogue and the nomination of Funakoshi as being the exclusive agent for ChiroBlock's R&D services in Japan, our collaboration has reached a new quality. Exclusive contract R&D and syntheses are very complex and IP-sensitive services which require mutual trust, a proven track record and direct contacts to the customers. With Funakoshi as partner we are confident to serve this very important market region even better in future.
<07-2009>
Chirally modified nanoporous glass
ChiroBlock collaborates with the Chemiepark-Institute Bitterfeld (CPI) in the field of chirally modified
nanoporous glass. Both companies contribute their special expertise to a co-operative research project within the next two years. ChiroBlock, the specialist for enantioselective catalysis, provides chiral molecules modifying the surface of CPI's proprietary nanoporous glass material. Both partners are confident to develop a versatile new material for various applications in the course of this project.

<02-2009>
New Patent Granted
Another ChiroBlock patent was granted this month (102004062640). Covering a new approach to the synthesis of 2-aryl substituted beta amino acids, it is one further result of our in-house research on stereo chemically pure non-natural derivatives of living matter building blocks. Based on our ten years experiences in asymmetric Michael reactions and tapping the synthetic know-how of our highly qualified scientists, this patent opens another door to this compound class of increasing importance.
<10-2008>
Science meets Companies
ChiroBlock will be presenting itself at the job fair "science meets companies" at the Halle University on November 12th. This event, organized by an enthusiastic group of students and professors, is not only a chance to look for jobs but it is also an excellent opportunity for strengthening the relations between this University and industry. This show perfectly fits into ChiroBlock's long term PR and HR policy to attract also local talents in the field of chemistry.
<07-2008>
Career Opportunity
As a result of ChiroBlock's successful development and following the aims of our staff policy, we offer another position for a dedicated synthetic chemist.
If you are interested in contributing to our demanding research & synthesis projects, please, have a look at our description of the vacant position. We are looking forward to receiving your application.
This vacant position was already filled in July 2008 and is not available any more.
However, as we are permanently looking for good chemists, feel free to apply if interested in a comparable position with those outlined above.
<04-2008>
Extension of beta-Amino Acid Research Project
Right fromits foundation in 1999, ChiroBlock has permanently been exploring new synthesis routes towards 2-substituted beta amino acids in their enantiomerically pure form. In the light of our excellent results in this research field, the public Bank of Saxony-Anhalt has just awarded a grant to ChiroBlock. This support enables us to intensify our R&D on this promising molecule class by launching a new 24-month research program. We are confident that the results both will result in new synthetic approaches to these compounds and will strengthen our proprietary know-how in enantioselective catalysis in general.
<02-2008>
Support for Public Chemistry Lab

ChiroBlock donated 1,000 EUR to the Public Chemistry Laboratory in Wolfen which gives pupils the chance to get in touch with experimental chemistry early in their life.
This lab has been attracting hundreds of young people during the last three years. ChiroBlock's ongoing support for this lab is part of our policy to strengthen the chemical education of the local youth. This is seen as a prerequisite for the availability of qualified staff with chemistry related professions and, hence, as an investment in the future of the local chemical industry.
<01-2008>
Apprentice Awarded

ChiroBlock's success very much depends on the education and skills of its staff. While highly qualified PhD chemists are the prerequisite for the straightforward solution to scientific problems of our demanding projects, first class technicians and lab-workers guarantee the success of the more practical side of the task. Mrs. Sandra Reissauer, our youngest team member and apprentice for synthetic chemistry stands out of their team-mates and showed an excellent performance during their first educational year. As one of the very best apprentices she was officially commended by the training school Bitterfeld. Our team is proud of Sandra and congratulates her on this occasion.
<11-2007
Lipid Synthesis Program
Chiroblock GmbH, Wolfen has completed a comprehensive lipid synthesis program for novosom AG. For details, please, refer to the press release.
<07-2007
Green Energy
In the course of ChiroBlock's continuous efforts to improve its overall impact on the environment, a new supplier of electrical energy has been chosen. The closed contract guarantees the delivery of 'green' electricity, exclusively generated from renewable sources, namely wind, water, bio mass and solar power.
Electrical power from coal, oil or nuclear energy will not be used at ChiroBlock any more. The price for the ecologically benign energy is only slightly higher than that of the conventionally produced. These (small) extra costs could be compensated by internal improvements of our energy efficiency. So, the good news is: Both the environment and our customers benefit from our 'green policy' without any negative impact on our prices.
<05-2007
Chemistry Cluster "4chiral"

Seven companies and two universities, all located in the center of Germany, agreed to bundle their competencies in the field of chiral molecules and formed the cluster „4chiral“. All participants complement each other by contributing either special technologies for the synthesis of chiral compounds or special facilities allowingthe synthesis on different scales and/or under different QM guidelines. There are two general aims of this cluster: First,research on and synthesis of new chiral compounds to be offered on the market for fine and specialty chemicals and second, the (exclusive) problem solving for customers with the need for special chiral compounds. The ‚4chiral’ partners are able to design both chemical and enzymatic approaches to desired molecules and they cover all stages from pure research, development, up-scaling to GMP production.
ChiroBlock as one founding member contributes its experiences in enantioselective catalysis and in applied research on chemical syntheses as well as its proven capabilities in custom synthesis of sophisticated molecules on lab scale. The other partners are: Organica GmbH, Wolfen; CPI GmbH, Bitterfeld; Chiracon GmbH, Luckenwalde; cLEcta GmbH, Leipzig; Orgentis GmbH, Gatersleben; Chemische Fabrik Berg, Bitterfeld and the universities of Halle and Leipzig.
<12-2006
New Homepage Design
Four years after the launch of our second homepage, it seemed to be high time to completely redesign our web presence.
Our old online presentation did not only look somewhat old-fashioned, but it also did not meet all the requirements of modern communication on the one hand and of our marketing strategy on the other hand.
The experienced web design partner KREADO (www.kreado.com) creatively managed to combine a modern design - aligned with our corporate identity - with the latest web technology. Our new website comprises background information on our company as well as effective and secure communication tools for our (prospective) customers.
In addition to the well-tried structure input facility, now a ssl-encoded login area enables our customers to access specific information provided by us on demand.
We hope you like our new homepage and we would welcome any comment on its design and / or usefulness.
<10-2006
New continuing education scheme implemented

Up-to-date qualification of the staff is one essential prerequisite for success of a knowledge based service provider like ChiroBlock. This does not only apply to the chemists but also to lab assistants. As a consequence, a new continuing education scheme for both groups of chemistry related groups of employees was established at ChiroBlock. Weekly in-house lectures and selected external events of educational partners form the basis of this system which comprises several areas of relevant knowledge - such as new synthesis strategies, analytics, purification methods, new reagents, problem solving, quality management and economic issues. A special knowledge test scheme and a knowledge based salary component guarantee the efficacy of this system.
<12-2005
ChemSpec 2004, Manchester

According to the positive feedback of the numerous stand visitors, ChiroBlocks’ presence at the ChemSpec 2004 was agreat success. Especially, our clear focus on new, sophisticated molecules, our restriction to lab-scale synthesis, and our commitment to flexible solutions to customer problems were highly appreciated by prospective and existing customers. After presentations at the „BIOTECHNICA“, the „CPhI“ and the „DrugDiscoveryTechnology Europe“, the exhibition at the „ChemSpec“ was the latest – and by now the most successful – event to increase our international awareness level. Several contracts, CDAs and letters of intent could be signed and should result in respective business activities in near future.
<05-2004
5 years ChiroBlock
This month, ChiroBlock proudly celebrates its fifth birthday. As every anniversary, this is an occasion for the management to look back at the company history and to scrutinize the past. Comparing the really modest start with only three employees and no turnover in the first year with today’s situation, the development of our company in a competitive market can only be referred to as being very successful. Thanks to our motivated staff, our growing number of satisfied customers and our proved business model we are optimistically looking forward to the next five years of business success in and with chemistry.
<05-2004
Management System Revised

In response to the requirements of our contract research customers in the life science industries, our management approaches have been thoroughly restructured and optimized. Now, there are four general areas of internal, project focused management structures ensuring efficient processes of rendering services. The new system comprises project management, quality management, risk management and knowledge management as well as clearly defined intersections and areas of responsibilities.
<07-2003
New in-house research project started

Customers of ChiroBlock appreciate its focus on chemical research and small scale syntheses. So they only pay for what they need. Hidden cross - subsidies, as common in highly diversified 'one-stop-shops', are avoided. But customers also retain esteem for ChiroBlock's staff as our experienced chemists are permanently tackling synthesis problems - both, while doing contract research and in the course of in-house research projects. In February, a new project on beta amino acids was launched which will result in new derivatives of this versatile compound class and hence broaden the diversity of our non-exclusive chiral research reagents.
<01-2002
Start-up of the year 2001

ChiroBlock was awarded the title "Start-up of the year 2001 in Saxony - Anhalt" by a jury of senior managers, journalists and politicians. The positive development during the first two years, the clear business strategy and the focus on innovative solutions in chemistry were named as main criteria for this choice. After the "Innovation Prize" of the region 'Merseburg-Querfurt', it was the second public award for ChiroBlock this year.
<10-2001
New location

Two years after its foundation, ChiroBlock has moved from Merseburg to Wolfen. Our new location, the 'Chemistry Innovation Center Bitterfeld-Wolfen', offers much better conditions for our further development. New, modern laboratories, an excellent infrastructure, skilled chemical manpower and close collaborations between the numerous local chemical companies not only attract young start-ups but also mid-sized and larger chemical companies. We are confident: this is the right place to be.
<04-2001
New patent pending

A new patent covering the enantioselective chemo catalytic Michael addition of organo zinc reagents to 3-nitro acrylic acid esters has been filed by ChiroBlock (No. 10107528). It is the result of our extensive in-house research on this reaction type and should path the way for further success in this field and its commercial applications.
<02-2001