Amyris Inc. announced that it is entering into a collaborative research and development agreement with BASF SE. Under the agreement, Amyris will use its strain engineering technology to develop a microorganism capable of producing a target molecule identified by BASF.
"Through this new collaboration, Amyris will seek to develop strains capable of producing a relevant target molecule for BASF, which could help performance and competitiveness with the traditional sources for that molecule, said John Melo, president and CEO of Amyris. “Amyris's synthetic biology and strain engineering technology platform and BASF's capabilities and superior market leadership in the chemicals industry are complementary, and I believe our two companies can build on this initial effort to lead the way to innovative renewable chemicals produced through industrial biotechnology.”
Based on success of the initial development program, the companies expect to collaborate further on a strain development program and consider other joint research and development opportunities. The companies have agreed not to disclose any details of the agreement.
For more information, visit www.basf.com.