Three launch SynBio coalition

Three major US synthetic biology companies - Antheia, Genomatica and Ginkgo Bioworks – have launched the Synthetic Biology (SynBio) Coalition. Its stated aim is to promote investment in and support for the industry in the US, in partnership with the federal government.

“The coalition believes that continued investment in synthetic biology, research infrastructure and manufacturing capacity is critical to realising the full potential of this industry and maintaining American global leadership,” the firms stated.

Creating well-paid STEM and manufacturing jobs, building a greener economy and greater supply chain security were also cited. Greater investment in the domestic manufacturing base “will increase US resilience and national security by decreasing our reliance on overseas products, including APIs, key starting materials (KSMs), and widely used chemicals and materials,” they added.

Antheia uses its synthetic biology platform in drug discovery and manufacturing, reconstructing complex molecules in yeast. Genomatica uses renewable raw materials to make ingredients, initially in plastics and cosmetics, while Gingko uses its cell-programming platform for food, fragrance and pharmaceutical applications.