Genomatica: Exclusive worldwide rights to Proesa process for making BDO  

Genomatica (San Diego, Calif.; www.genomatica.com) has obtained the exclusive worldwide rights to Beta Renewables S.p.A.’s (Rivalta Scrivia, Italy; www.betarenewables.com) Proesa process for the production of 1,4-butanediol (BDO) from biomass, through any fermentation-based process, pursuant to a definitive agreement signed with Beta Renewables. Integrating Proesa with Genomatica’s direct biological process will result in a complete, proprietary process for the second-generation manufacturing of BDO using non-food, cellulosic biomass as feedstock. Genomatica’s process is intended to deliver better economics and a smaller environmental footprint than the production of petroleum-based BDO. BDO is an intermediate chemical used in products that include athletic apparel, running shoes, electronics and automobiles. The companies plan to produce BDO from biomass at demonstration-scale in 2012, at Beta Renewable’s facility in Rivalta Scrivia, Italy. This agreement builds on a previously announced strategic partnership between Genomatica and Gruppo M&G (the majority owner of Beta Renewables) and strengthens the partnership between the two organizations. Genomatica’s process for direct biological production…