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ARTICLE | Company News

Codexis licenses protein engineering platform to GSK

July 14, 2014 11:28 PM UTC

Codexis Inc. (NASDAQ:CDXS) granted GlaxoSmithKline plc (LSE:GSK; NYSE:GSK) a worldwide, non-exclusive license to use Codexis' CodeEvolver technology to develop custom-designed enzymes for use in manufacturing existing GSK drugs. Under the license, GSK can also use the technology to develop new drugs and diagnostics. Codexis will receive $6 million up front and an additional $19 million in technology transfer milestones expected to occur in the next two years. Codexis is also eligible for milestone payments ranging from $5.8-$38.5 million per project, plus low single-digit royalties. CodeEvolver uses directed evolution technology to determine which gene and enzyme mutations are beneficial or detrimental to manufacturing processes.

The deal is the first time Codexis has licensed CodeEvolver to a pharma company for in-house use. Codexis has supply/service agreements with other pharmas, including Merck & Co. Inc. (NYSE:MRK), for the technology. ...