25 March 2004
Biocatalysis Research Collaboration
Amaethon Limited, the York located technology commercialisation business, has secured a research based collaboration with Oxford Chemicals Ltd, the Teeside based manufacturer of flavour and fragrance chemicals,
Under the terms of the agreement, Oxford Chemicals will co-fund a proof of principle research project, to be conducted in the world-class gene discovery research centre CNAP, directed at creating new enzyme based routes to aroma chemicals. The collaboration will focus upon the application of biocatalysts derived from proprietary CNAP genes to the synthesis of new and existing aroma chemicals identified by Oxford Chemicals.
In exchange for co-funding the research, Oxford Chemicals will receive an exclusive, royalty bearing, right to exploit the research results for the manufacture and supply of flavour and fragrance chemicals. Amaethon will retain the right to exploit the results of the research in all other applications.
Dr Graham P. Howe, CEO of Amaethon commented, “This is an excellent collaboration for our business to have secured. The combination of the world leading research capability in CNAP with the extensive market and manufacturing knowledge of Oxford Chemicals, will provide an ideal environment to create new commercial opportunities.”
Professor Ian Graham, Chair of Biochemical Genetics in CNAP commented: “I am very pleased that Amaethon has secured this collaboration with Oxford Chemicals, as it will allow us to explore new applications for enzymes discovered in our laboratory.”
Dr Richard Smith, Managing Director of Oxford Chemicals stated ”This collaboration is one of a number that we will be announcing over the next few months targeted at the development of aroma chemicals by new technologies. It further demonstrates our commitment to maintaining leadership in the manufacture of high impact aroma chemicals for application within the F&F industry”
About Amaethon Limited
Amaethon is an innovative partnership established in 2003 between the University of York and IP2IPO Group plc, created to commercialise the research of CNAP, the flagship plant and microbial gene discovery research centre based in the University of York.
IP2IPO, the AIM listed intellectual property business, invested £1.15m receiving a one third equity stake. The University of York granted Amaethon exclusive rights over CNAP’s research for 25 years in exchange for a two-thirds equity position. In addition, IP2IPO has also committed to make seed capital investments in spin-out companies created by Amaethon based upon CNAP research.
Amaethon operates as an entirely stand-alone business, securing licenses, identifying and creating new companies, and capturing and managing industry sponsored research contracts and collaborations, from offices based in the Biosciences Building on the York Science Park, England.
Amaethon’s objective is to become a world leading technology commercialisation company in the field of gene discovery research targeted and the utilisation of plants and microbes as cell factories.
Oxford Chemicals Limited is one of the world’s leading producers of high impact aroma chemicals for use within the flavour and fragrance industry. Oxford has a leadership position in Sulphur chemistry and also specialises in heterocyclic, aldehyde and ester chemistries.
For further information contact
Amaethon Limited
Dr Graham P. Howe, CEO + 44 (0) 1904 567612
Oxford Chemicals Limited + 44 (0) 1429 863555
Dr Richard Smith |