Disclosed is a process for the preparation of (-)-3-(4-(2,4-difluorobenzyloxy)-3-bromo-6-methyl-2-oxopyridin-1 (2H)-yl)-N,4-dimethylbenzamide, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof comprising a) Contacting an oxopyridin-benzoate of general formula (V) with a brominating agent to produce a compound of general formula (IV). b) Contacting the bromo-oxopyridin-benzoate compound of formula (IV) with a hydrolase in the presence of a buffer solution to produce a compound of formula (X). c) Contacting the compound of formula (X) with an activating reagent in the presence of at least one solvent and then contacting the resulting mixture with methylamine to produce a compound of formula (IX). d) Contacting a compound of formula IX with a 2,4-difiuorobenzylhalide in the presence of a base and at least one solvent.
