Biotalys (Ghent, Belgium; www.biotalys.com) and 21st.BIO (Søborg, Denmark; 21st.bio), a leading Danish precision fermentation technology company, have entered into a strategic partnership to accelerate the production of Biotalys’ protein-based biocontrol solutions. This collaboration will leverage 21st.BIO’s proprietary fermentation platform to support the production of Biotalys’ AGROBODY agricultural biocontrol products at commercially competitive costs.
21st.BIO offers an industry-leading precision fermentation platform, powered by production strains refined over more than four decades and proven in broad commercial use. Part of 21st.BIO’s advanced precision fermentation technology is licensed from Novonesis, and the new collaboration will integrate 21st.BIO’s capabilities with prior work conducted by Biotalys and Novonesis. This collaboration is expected to expand process development options and support efficient, large-scale manufacturing of Biotalys’ precision biocontrol products.
“This partnership marks an important strategic step in strengthening the technical backbone of our AGROBODY platform,” said Kevin Helash, CEO of Biotalys. “By combining 21st.BIO’s proven fermentation expertise with our own innovation in protein-based biocontrols, we are reinforcing the foundation needed to support a growing and differentiated product portfolio.”
“Our collaboration with Novonesis and its relationship to 21st.BIO were critical in unlocking this next step toward advancing our first commercial product, EVOCA™ NG, and other products in our pipeline toward commercialization,” he added.
Thomas Schmidt, co-founder and CEO of 21st.BIO, added: “21st.BIO was founded on the ambition to bring promising lab-scale innovation to reliable, cost-effective, industrial-scale biotech production – as fast as possible, and with reduced risk. We are proud to help Biotalys reduce production costs and increase speed to market with our leading precision fermentation technology. Our collaboration will ensure that powerful protein-based biocontrols like EVOCA NG become a sustainable, and cost-effective option for growers around the globe, so we can support a safer, more secure food chain for all.”
In line with the transition to this new agreement, Biotalys and Novonesis will conclude their collaboration. Biotalys is in discussions with manufacturing and distribution partners globally to secure its commercialisation strategy. The company expects to have all key arrangements in place well ahead of the launch of EVOCA NG, subject to registration which is currently foreseen for 2028-29 in the U.S. and 2029-30 in the E.U.
EVOCA NG helps safely control the fungal diseases Botrytis (grey mold) and powdery mildew for fruit and vegetable growers. EVOCA NG is expected to be Biotalys’ first commercial biofungicide, with a planned launch in the U.S., Europe and Brazil, targeting a combined market of around USD 1.2 billion[1].
Biotalys is an Agricultural Technology (AgTech) company developing precision biocontrol solutions based on proteins for the protection of crops in both the pre- and post-harvest markets.