BASF, the Austrian Research Centre of Industrial Biotechnology (ACIB) and the University of Graz in Austria have co-developed a computer-assisted regression model to improve enzyme performance and enable biocatalytic processes to be scaled up faster. With this model, they said, “it becomes easier to determine the optimal combination as only a few preliminary lab tests, such as determining the unfolding curve of the enzyme, are necessary”.

Danish enzymes and ingredients firms Novozymes and Chr. Hansen have announced that their post-merger name will be Novonesis. This is derived from the Latin word for ‘new’ that is already in Novozymes’ name and the Green for ‘origin’ or ‘beginning’, to acknowledge the role Ancient Greek thinkers played in the development of science.

Novozymes and Chr. Hansen have agreed to merge in what will be the largest ever such move between two Danish firms. The combined entity would have sales of €3.5 billion/year. Revenue synergies upwards of over €200 million and 6-8%/year growth to 2025 are expected.

CDMO Sterling Pharma Solutions has announced what it called the next phase of a multi-year investment strategy at its site in Dudley, UK. It will spend £10 million by mid-2022 on new process development laboratories and commercial-scale manufacturing equipment to meet growth in demand for small molecule API manufacturing.

Enzymatic biocatalyst specialist Enzymaster is to create a formal presence in the US, aided by business management consultancy Haig Barrett, which specialises in the life sciences and speciality chemicals. This will soon include facilities in the US, the company said.

Enzymaster is now launching business relationship models to address the specific needs of the North American market. These include fee-for-service models with client-centric IP constructs, development programmes including commercial manufacturing of engineered enzymes and collaborative engineering partnerships.

Enzymes giant Novozymes has revealed that it is diversifying into biocontrol in agriculture. The company said that it sees this emerging sector as having huge growth potential, as pests continue to cause billions of dollars in damage to crops every year while pressure is continuing to restrict the use of chemical pesticides.