Enzymicals acquires PLE rights from Evonik

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The Enzymicals AG gained proprietary rights for the well-known recombinant pig liver esterases (PLE) from Evonik AG in Hanau. The intellectual property (IP) covers a range of PLE isoenzymes for hydrolysis of several compounds such as esters of secondary and tertiary alcohols, lactones and carboxylic acid esters. These isoenzymes show diverse properties, the most notable of which are significantly different enantioselectivities. By purchasing the IP, Enzymicals AG has now become the exclusive producer of these recombinant PLE isoenzymes, which will also be used in the synthesis of fine chemicals by Enzymicals. In addition, licenses for processes using PLE will be provided for collaborations with the chemical and pharmaceutical industries.

The company Enzymicals located in Greifswald (Germany) focuses on production and sales of fine chemicals, biocatalysts for the synthesis of fine chemicals, and process development. Techniques for the recombinant production of PLE isoenzymes were already developed during the long-term collaborations of Evonik AG and the team around Prof. Uwe Bornscheuer.

Applications of PLE include the synthesis of enantiopure chiral building blocks for highly specialized compounds such as active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs). Examples are calcium channel blockers used in the treatment of angina or hypertension with a market value >2 billion US$. The specific properties of PLE isoenzymes also improve the synthesis of compounds used in dietary supplements or cosmetics in an ecologically and economically friendly manner.

Ulf Menyes (CEO of Enzymicals AG) claims: “We are pleased to obtain the IP for our young company. The PLE isoenzymes are a useful complementation to our product portfolio, which includes already several other esterases and a platform of Baeyer-Villiger-monooxygenases. This successful acquisition enables us to develop environmentally-friendly biocatalytic processes with unique features. We are proud that we were able to achieve another major milestone in the development of our company shortly after the minority share of BRAIN AG.”

The PLE isoenzymes are now available in enzyme product catalogues from Enzymicals. Please inform you about www.enzymicals.com or don’t hesitate to contact Enzymicals directly.