Codexis, Inc. and Lonza Group Announce Commercialization of Novel Manufacturing Process for Major Pharmaceutical Product
Improved manufacturing of key chiral componentRedwood City, CA and Basel, Switzerland - July 27, 2004
Codexis, Inc. and Lonza Group Ltd announced today the commercialization of a novel process for the synthesis of a key chiral pharmaceutical compound used in one of the world’s major human therapeutics products. Codexis has developed a proprietary biocatalytic process using its MolecularBreeding™ directed molecular evolution platform. Lonza will use the Codexis process for the commercial manufacture and supply of the undisclosed compound. The process is entirely biocatalytic, employing three enzyme catalysts, and utilizes raw materials that are produced locally in bulk by Lonza. Each of the three enzymes has been evolved by Codexis to function optimally in the process. The process is highly efficient and an example of environmentally friendly, “green” chemistry, requiring relatively low energy inputs, mild solvents and generating minimal byproducts.
Codexis will receive license fees and royalties from Lonza. In addition, Codexis will sell commercial quantities of the novel biocatalysts to Lonza for use in the production process. The partnership draws upon Codexis’ expertise and track record in applying its leading directed evolution technology to high-value pharmaceutical products and Lonza’s world class manufacturing capabilities to deliver what the companies believe is presently an efficient, cost effective, and environmentally friendly production process for the compound.
“We are delighted to be working with Lonza, one of the world’s leading suppliers to the pharmaceutical industry, on this significant market opportunity,” commented Alan Shaw, Ph.D., President and Chief Executive Officer of Codexis. “Lonza’s proficiency in the scale up and implementation of commercial manufacturing processes makes them an ideal partner for us on this project. Codexis’ directed evolution technology continues to expand the frontiers of bio-based chemistry, enabling our partners to achieve what was previously thought unattainable.”
“Our partnership with Codexis, the leader in field of directed evolution, is yet another example of the successful application of this leading technology in the marketplace”, added Lukas Utiger, Lonza’s Head of Business Sector, Exclusive Synthesis. “Lonza is one of the world’s foremost manufacturers of intermediates and small molecule drugs as well as biopharmaceuticals for the pharmaceutical industry. A collaboration involving our manufacturing capabilities and Codexis’ broad technology platform has the potential of creating substantial value for our companies and customers.”
About Lonza Group, Ltd.
Lonza is a life sciences driven company, headquartered in Switzerland, which generated sales of CHF 2,24 billion in 2003. It operates 18 production and R&D facilities in eight countries and employs 5660 people worldwide. Lonza is one of the leading custom manufacturers of chemical intermediates and active ingredients as well as biopharmaceuticals for the pharmaceutical and agrochemical industries. In addition, Lonza also offers organic intermediates for a wide range of applications and provides antimicrobial and associated products as well as polymer intermediates and compounds. For more information please visit the company’s website at www.lonza.com.
About Codexis, Inc.
Codexis, Inc., a majority owned subsidiary of Maxygen, Inc., is a provider of biocatalysis and fermentation processes and products to the life science and fine chemical industries. Codexis’ proprietary MolecularBreeding™ directed evolution platform allows for the rapid discovery and development of improved or novel processes for the efficient and cost-effective synthesis of valuable chemicals utilizing breakthrough biocatalysts and production strains. Codexis has entered into ten strategic alliances in the chemicals field, and has over 15 potential products and processes in its R&D pipeline with two product candidates in development. In addition, Codexis has five processes now operating at commercial scale, each generating royalty payments. Codexis commenced operations as an independent company in October 2002. MolecularBreeding and Maxygen are trademarks of Maxygen, Inc. Codexis is a trademark of Codexis, Inc.
Contact:
Codexis, Inc.
Tassos Gianakakos
Sr. Vice President, Business Development
T. +1-650-298-5423
F. +1-650-298-5449
tassos.gianakakos@codexis.com