The BBSRC (Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council) programme with UCL (University College London) will focus on metagenomics and novel enzyme discovery, with the University and Almac jointly carrying out R&D work.
“This clearly adds further depth to our expertise and complements our recent collaboration with DSM in accessing diverse enzyme collections,” said Almac’s Head of Biocatalysis & Isotope Chemistry, Dr. Tom Moody.
That partnership was penned due to demand for larger-scale, sustainable API manufacturing capacity and this programme by focusing on metagenomics will counter the limitations of biocatalysis by working towards accessing up to 99% of enzyme genes present in environmental samples, without being dependent on culture.
Moody added “the need for more diverse enzymes has never been greater and this research programme further emphasises Almac’s commitment to UK research and to biocatalysis development.”