Codexis and Kalsec expand collaboration agreement for supply of a novel enzyme

Codexis, Inc., an enzyme engineering company, and Kalsec, Inc., a global producer of natural spice and herb extracts, colours, food protection and hop extracts for the food and beverage industry, expand their research collaboration. They have entered into an exclusive supply agreement for a novel enzyme to produce Kalsec’s newest natural hop acid.

Codexis’ latest novel performance enzyme product, developed in close collaboration with Kalsec’s innovation team, will enable natural, biocatalytic production of new, advanced hop products. Using Codexis’ CodeEvolver technology platform, the new enzyme was engineered for improved functionality, stability and efficiency, delivering consistent hop characteristics and taste. The enzyme is expected to enable commercial-scale production of Kalsec’s newest natural hop acid by early 2022.

“Kalsec is a pioneer in the development of advanced hop products, and we continually seek innovative solutions to deliver value to our customers and the end consumer,” said Scott Nykaza, CEO of Kalsec. “This unique enzyme will enable the product differentiation and benefits our customers need to meet the market demand for high performing hop products. We are very excited to expand our partnership with Codexis to drive innovation through new, sustainable bioprocesses that capture the best nature has to offer.”

“We are delighted to grow our collaboration with Kalsec to include the commercialization of this novel enzyme for their hop extracts business, as well as the development of additional new enzyme products,” said John Nicols, CEO of Codexis.