Main image: Lanterns on Stemholder.

Imagine them as the LEGO blocks building the structures of proteins, guiding the actions within living beings and assembling the functionality of cells. Their structural and functional significance extends to cellular communication, enzymatic reactions, and pharmaceutical applications. Peptides have gained significant attention in the pharmaceutical industry due to their potential therapeutic applications in treating a wide range of diseases, including metabolic disorders, oncological disorders, and inflammatory diseases. 

They have shown strong potential in targeted drug delivery, owing to their high specificity, small sizes, ease of modification, and high biocompatibility. The increasing prevalence of diseases such as cancer and metabolic disorders, along with rising investments in research and development of novel drugs, are driving the growth of the peptide market. 

If peptides are the building blocks, Mimotopes are a team of world class architects and engineers, designing and constructing biochemical structures since their inception in 1988. Over the years, Mimotopes has emerged as a leading figure in peptide and discovery chemistry, offering a wide array of biochemical products and services for the life-science sector.

Mimotopes specialize in custom peptides. Each custom-synthesized peptide from Mimotopes is like a tailored instrument in a researcher's toolkit. Scientists modify these molecular tools with specific traits, helping them conduct experiments and unlock scientific mysteries, much like having the right keys to open the doors of discovery. Custom peptides are synthesized using solid-phase peptide synthesis (SPPS) techniques, which allow for the precise control of peptide sequence and modifications. 

Mimotopes' track record in the field is marked by several pioneering achievements. Their work in combinatorial chemistry, notably inspired by Professor Mario Geysen, has propelled advancements in drug-like molecule synthesis. The SynPhase™TM Lanterns, a testament to Mimotopes' mastery in polymer chemistry, have redefined solid-phase synthesis platforms. 

Their expertise in epitope mapping, covering a spectrum from diagnostics for diseases like HCV to contributing vital insights for potential vaccine candidates against complex viruses such as HIV and influenza, has solidified their reputation as industry leaders.

In addition to made-to-order peptides, Mimotopes' existing PepSets™ peptide libraries serve as invaluable resources for Proteomics, Immunology, and Drug Discovery endeavors. A unique library is the FRET library which identifies cleavage sites. These libraries encompass a diverse range of custom-synthesized peptides, offering researchers an immense array of options for bioactivity screening and experimentation. The accessibility and breadth of these libraries expedite the discovery process, enabling scientists to explore various avenues in their research with efficiency and efficacy.

In addition to peptides, Mimotopes provides high-quality amino acids, peptide synthesis reagents, and the SynPhase™ Lanterns. These components serve as essential tools in organic synthesis, combinatorial chemistry, and molecule scavenging. With their reliability and superior reaction kinetics, these products enhance accuracy and speed in research outcomes, providing scientists with indispensable resources for their experimental needs. 

The demand for personalized medicine and the increasing incidence of chronic diseases are likely to contribute to the growth of the peptide market in the future - with a compound annual growth rate of 7% over five years, reaching approximately USD 44 billion by 2025. 

The rise of peptides is more than a modern pharmaceutical phenomenon; it's part of an enduring narrative of exploration and innovation in a quest to better understand our biological world. It is here that Mimotopes will continue to provide the blueprints for effective bioarchitecture for the betterment of health and medicine.