- Email: [email protected]
Diversa reports financial results for 3Q and nine months of 2006
FOCUS ($120 M) is expected in relation to the Engelhard consolidation. Chemical Week, 8 Nov 2006, 168 (37), 13
BASF expands enzyme research BASF will work with the Center of Excellence in Biocatalysis, Biotransformation and Biomanufacturing, an affiliate of UK’s University of Manchester, to conduct research on enzymes under a €1 M ($1.3 M) deal. BASF aims to develop enzymes suitable for making novel polymers with applications in cosmetics and surface treatment of textiles. ICIS Chemical Business, 13 Nov 2006 (Website: http://icischemicalbusiness.com)
BASF collaborates with Tekion BASF and Tekion will establish an alliance to develop formic acid for use as fuel for the latter’s fuel cell technology. The alliance will set codes and standards, develop and test a custom-made formic acid formulation, and handle materials compatibility for fuel cells. BASF is a worldwide supplier of formic acid while Tekion is a manufacturer of micro-fuel cells for portable electronics. Chemical Week, 15 Nov 2006 (Website: http://www.chemweek.com)
BioCatalytics expands enzyme range BioCatalytics has entered into a technology agreement with Ciba Specialty Chemicals and a distribution and product development contract with Novozymes. The agreement with Ciba Specialty Chemicals aims to develop new and more stable enzymes for ketone reduction chemistry applications. The Novozymes deal will provide BioCatalytics with a wider range of enzymes for chiral synthesis. BioCatalytics will handle formulation and R&D while Novozymes is tasked to manufacture commercial quantities. BioCatalytics has already developed new biocatalysts and established patented processes for the manufacture of various pharma intermediates, including non-natural amino acids, carboxylic acids, esters and beta-amino acids. Manufacturing Chemist, Nov 2006, 77 (11), 20
JANUARY 2007
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Catalytica Energy Systems announces sale of diesel fuel processing technology Catalytica Energy Systems Inc announced today that it has completed the sale of its diesel fuel processing technology and associated business assets to Eaton Corporation. Catalytica Energy Systems received $2.4 M in gross cash proceeds from the sale in exchange for the assignment and license of intellectual property relating to its diesel fuel processing system and the transfer of certain assets. Eaton also paid an additional $700,000 in connection with the sale and related expenses. This sale marks Catalytica Energy Systems’ exit from the diesel emissions control business, and further advances the Company’s initiatives to divest certain businesses, assets, and technologies, and maintain financial viability by reducing costs. Press release from: Catalytica Energy Systems, Tempe, AZ, USA. Tel: +1 650 631 2847. Website: http://investor.catalyticaenergy.com (26 Oct 2006)
Diversa reports financial results for 3Q and nine months of 2006 Diversa Corp reported financial results for 3Q and nine months ended Sep 2006. Revenues were $14.3 M for 3Q 2006 and $34.4 M for nine months of 2006 ($12.8 M in 3Q 2005 and $39.8 M in nine months of 2005). The net loss for 3Q 2006 was $4 M including restructuring charges and $33.1 M for nine months of 2006 (net loss of $12.1 M in 3Q 2005 and $35 M in nine months of 2005). R&D expenses were $11.162 M for 3Q 2006 ($18.073 M in 3Q 2005) and $37.676 M for nine months of 2006 ($55.931 M in nine months of 2005). Since 1994, San Diego-based Diversa Corp has pioneered the development of high-performance specialty enzymes. Diversa customizes enzymes for manufacturers within the alternative fuel, industrial, and health and nutrition markets to enable higher throughput, lower costs, and improved environmental outcomes. Diversa 3Q and nine months of 2006 results, 30 Oct 2006 (Diversa Corp, 4955 Directors Place, San Diego, CA 92121-1609, USA. Tel: +1 858 526 5000. Fax: +1 858 526 5551. E-mail: [email protected]. Website: http://www.diversa.com)
Diversa announces EPA approval of its Purifine enzyme for biodiesel Diversa Corp announced that its Purifine enzyme has been approved by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for non-food applications, including the use in increasing the efficiency of oilseed processing for the production of biodiesel fuel. Traditionally, enzymes have not been used extensively in the vegetable oil refining process. Diversa’s innovative approach reduces the need for harsh chemicals and provides a novel method for removing oil phospholipids (degumming the oil) while improving the quality and yield without requiring major changes to conventional processing conditions. The pending FDA approval for edible oil applications of Purifine enzyme is required for a full commercial launch, as most vegetable oil processing plants producing biodiesel also produce edible oil. Purifine enzyme is used shortly after crushing the oil seeds, before the oil is split into the two different streams. Diversa will manufacture Purifine enzyme under its agreement with Fermic SA de CV. Press release from: Diversa Corp, 4955 Directors Place, San Diego, CA 92121-1609, USA. Tel: +1 858 526 5000. Fax: +1 858 526 5551. E-mail: [email protected]. Website: http://www.diversa.com (30 Oct 2006)
DONG, Novozymes, and Statoil invest in bioethanol production DONG Energy, Novozymes, and Statoil are investing heavily in developing the world’s most advanced second-generation bioethanol plant. DONG’s ambition is to create the basis for establishing a full-scale facility at one the major power plants in Denmark. One possible site is Kalundborg, where DONG has a power plant, Novozymes an enzymes facility, and Statoil a refinery. The production of biopetrol will be implemented by integrating the technologies for second generation bioethanol based on straw raw material with first generation bioethanol based on maize and cereal raw materials. The companies are competing with the US and China to be the first to develop the technology which the rest of the world will follow. It is expected to take another 2 years to complete
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BASF expands enzyme research BASF will work with the Center of Excellence in Biocatalysis, Biotransformation and Biomanufacturing, an affiliate of UK’s University of Manchester, to conduct research on enzymes under a €1 M ($1.3 M) deal. BASF aims to develop enzymes suitable for making novel polymers with applications in cosmetics and surface treatment of textiles. ICIS Chemical Business, 13 Nov 2006 (Website: http://icischemicalbusiness.com)
BASF collaborates with Tekion BASF and Tekion will establish an alliance to develop formic acid for use as fuel for the latter’s fuel cell technology. The alliance will set codes and standards, develop and test a custom-made formic acid formulation, and handle materials compatibility for fuel cells. BASF is a worldwide supplier of formic acid while Tekion is a manufacturer of micro-fuel cells for portable electronics. Chemical Week, 15 Nov 2006 (Website: http://www.chemweek.com)
BioCatalytics expands enzyme range BioCatalytics has entered into a technology agreement with Ciba Specialty Chemicals and a distribution and product development contract with Novozymes. The agreement with Ciba Specialty Chemicals aims to develop new and more stable enzymes for ketone reduction chemistry applications. The Novozymes deal will provide BioCatalytics with a wider range of enzymes for chiral synthesis. BioCatalytics will handle formulation and R&D while Novozymes is tasked to manufacture commercial quantities. BioCatalytics has already developed new biocatalysts and established patented processes for the manufacture of various pharma intermediates, including non-natural amino acids, carboxylic acids, esters and beta-amino acids. Manufacturing Chemist, Nov 2006, 77 (11), 20
JANUARY 2007
ON
C ATA LY S T S
Catalytica Energy Systems announces sale of diesel fuel processing technology Catalytica Energy Systems Inc announced today that it has completed the sale of its diesel fuel processing technology and associated business assets to Eaton Corporation. Catalytica Energy Systems received $2.4 M in gross cash proceeds from the sale in exchange for the assignment and license of intellectual property relating to its diesel fuel processing system and the transfer of certain assets. Eaton also paid an additional $700,000 in connection with the sale and related expenses. This sale marks Catalytica Energy Systems’ exit from the diesel emissions control business, and further advances the Company’s initiatives to divest certain businesses, assets, and technologies, and maintain financial viability by reducing costs. Press release from: Catalytica Energy Systems, Tempe, AZ, USA. Tel: +1 650 631 2847. Website: http://investor.catalyticaenergy.com (26 Oct 2006)
Diversa reports financial results for 3Q and nine months of 2006 Diversa Corp reported financial results for 3Q and nine months ended Sep 2006. Revenues were $14.3 M for 3Q 2006 and $34.4 M for nine months of 2006 ($12.8 M in 3Q 2005 and $39.8 M in nine months of 2005). The net loss for 3Q 2006 was $4 M including restructuring charges and $33.1 M for nine months of 2006 (net loss of $12.1 M in 3Q 2005 and $35 M in nine months of 2005). R&D expenses were $11.162 M for 3Q 2006 ($18.073 M in 3Q 2005) and $37.676 M for nine months of 2006 ($55.931 M in nine months of 2005). Since 1994, San Diego-based Diversa Corp has pioneered the development of high-performance specialty enzymes. Diversa customizes enzymes for manufacturers within the alternative fuel, industrial, and health and nutrition markets to enable higher throughput, lower costs, and improved environmental outcomes. Diversa 3Q and nine months of 2006 results, 30 Oct 2006 (Diversa Corp, 4955 Directors Place, San Diego, CA 92121-1609, USA. Tel: +1 858 526 5000. Fax: +1 858 526 5551. E-mail: [email protected]. Website: http://www.diversa.com)
Diversa announces EPA approval of its Purifine enzyme for biodiesel Diversa Corp announced that its Purifine enzyme has been approved by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for non-food applications, including the use in increasing the efficiency of oilseed processing for the production of biodiesel fuel. Traditionally, enzymes have not been used extensively in the vegetable oil refining process. Diversa’s innovative approach reduces the need for harsh chemicals and provides a novel method for removing oil phospholipids (degumming the oil) while improving the quality and yield without requiring major changes to conventional processing conditions. The pending FDA approval for edible oil applications of Purifine enzyme is required for a full commercial launch, as most vegetable oil processing plants producing biodiesel also produce edible oil. Purifine enzyme is used shortly after crushing the oil seeds, before the oil is split into the two different streams. Diversa will manufacture Purifine enzyme under its agreement with Fermic SA de CV. Press release from: Diversa Corp, 4955 Directors Place, San Diego, CA 92121-1609, USA. Tel: +1 858 526 5000. Fax: +1 858 526 5551. E-mail: [email protected]. Website: http://www.diversa.com (30 Oct 2006)
DONG, Novozymes, and Statoil invest in bioethanol production DONG Energy, Novozymes, and Statoil are investing heavily in developing the world’s most advanced second-generation bioethanol plant. DONG’s ambition is to create the basis for establishing a full-scale facility at one the major power plants in Denmark. One possible site is Kalundborg, where DONG has a power plant, Novozymes an enzymes facility, and Statoil a refinery. The production of biopetrol will be implemented by integrating the technologies for second generation bioethanol based on straw raw material with first generation bioethanol based on maize and cereal raw materials. The companies are competing with the US and China to be the first to develop the technology which the rest of the world will follow. It is expected to take another 2 years to complete
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