Benzocaine Innovation Power

Status Quo

Benzocaine (Et-PABA) was first discovered in 1890 by the German chemist Eduard Ritsert. In 1902 it was marketed under the name "Anesthäsin". Benzocaine (Et-PABA) is mostly used in a wide range of medical procedures, for example, as a local anaesthetic, cough medicine, or analgesics.

For the synthesis of Benzocaine (Et-PABA), p-aminobenzoic acid "PABA" in 99% purity is usually used by applying the so-called Fischer esterification reaction. Non-pharmaceutical applications of Benzocaine (Et-PABA), however, do not always benefit from a high purity of the synthesis material, which is achieved with a corresponding financial outlay.

Challenge

The production of p-aminobenzoic acid, PABA, with a purity below 99% and above 95% with a corresponding lower cost has not been reported so far. At the same time, a broad selection of PABA substitutes is missing. Thus, the wider use of PABA and Benzocaine (Et-PABA) is prevented in non-pharmaceutical applications.

Together with our partner Evonik Industries AG (www.evonik.com), we are therefore looking for new ways to accelerate the potential of broader use of Benzocaine (Et-PABA) and its structural analogues. You have numerous opportunities to participate – From the identification of suitable suppliers by market exploration to the development of novel chemical processes for PABA or Benzocaine (Et-PABA), their substitutes or completely new substances.

Tracks

To participate in this challenge, you can use one of the following four tracks to help unfold the potential of Benzocaine (Et-PABA)/PABA.

IDENTIFY AN EFFICIENT MANUFACTURER/SUPPLIER

The first option to participate in the challenge is to find and communicate a cost-effective supplier or manufacturer for Benzocaine (Et-PABA) or PABA of 95% or more percent purity.

OFFER OR DEVELOP ALTERNATIVE MANUFACTURING METHODS

The second way of participating is to develop or (as a manufacturer) offer an alternative manufacturing method of PABA or Benzocaine (Et-PABA), which is more cost-effective to use than conventional methods or productions. If chosen, the produced PABA can have a purity of between 95-99%. A theoretical concept of an efficient/innovative production method is sufficient to participate.

DEVELOP A PABA SUBSTITUTE

The third option to participate is by developing a non-pharmaceutical grade substance that is similar to PABA in its chemical structure and can replace it as a synthetic material for the production of Benzocaine (Et-PABA). Ideally, the developed substance is also cost-effective to produce. A theoretical concept of a PABA substitute is sufficient to participate.

DEVELOP A BENZOCAINE (Et-PABA) SUBSTITUTE

The fourth option to participate is by developing a substance that equals Benzocaine (Et-PABA) in its chemical structure and has the same properties. Ideally, the developed substance is also cost-effective to produce. A theoretical concept of a new Benzocaine (Et-PABA) substitute is sufficient to participate.

Additional Information

A technically more detailed and specific description of the sought-after chemical composition of Benzocaine (Et-PABA) respectively PABA can be found in the Details Tab.

Legal

All information regarding the rights of use of the submitted winning proposals can be found in the terms and conditions of the challenge.

Terms and Conditions