Fermenta Biotech Limited signs Definitive Agreement

New Delhi India January 21, ANI PNN Fermenta Biotech Limited FBL has signed a Definitive Agreement with Aurigene Pharmaceutical Services Limited APSL, a stepdown subsidiary of Dr Reddy's Laboratories Limited DRL. FBL will only license its proprietary biocatalytic technology for the synthesis of Molnupiravir and supply its enzyme Candida Antarctica B Lipase CAL B to APSL, and APSL will exclusively procure the enzyme from FBL

Molnupiravir API manufactured by APSL will be used by DRL for its formulation. APSL can also supply the API manufactured through this technology to other formulators of Molnupiravir, a COVID 19 drug that has received emergency approval from the Food and Drugs Authority and the Drugs Controller General of India.

This development follows FBL's announcement of patents for its novel technology for synthesizing Molnupiravir in April 2021. The process has been further optimized at the laboratory scale with demonstrations successfully conducted at APSL's R&D center in Hyderabad. FBL's biocatalytic technology has unique advantages such as enzyme recyclability, optimum solvent recovery and improved process efficiency.

Prashant Nagre, Managing Director, FBL, said that our technology is one of the first of its kind in the world, enabling sustainable and scalable manufacture of Molnupiravir. Using our in-house enzyme, we bring in cost efficiency through our expertise in enzymatic solutions. We are proud to play a role in our collective fight against COVID 19 by making this drug more affordable. Fermenta Biotech Limited FBL is a pioneer in immobilized enzyme technology with the mission to contribute to the emerging transformation of biocatalysis, founded in 1951 and headquartered in Thane, Maharashtra.

The Department of Biotechnology DBT approved R&D facility in Kullu, Himachal Pradesh, and the Department of Biotechnology DBT approved facility in Thane have consistently developed and sustained FBL's leadership in providing advanced enzyme technologies. FBL is a pioneer in the development and production of the fermentation-based Penicillin G Amidase enzyme PGA and commercialized immobilized enzymes in India.

FBL also produces CAL B Lipase for a variety of applications from pharmaceuticals, fine chemicals, food and fragrance, leather and biodiesel industry. FBL is one of the leading manufacturers of Vitamin D 3 in the world. com.