Codexis Announces First Cellulase Enzyme Scale Up

REDWOOD CITY, Calif., July 12, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Codexis, Inc. (Nasdaq: CDXS) today announced the first scale up manufacturing of the company's proprietary cellulase enzymes at commercial scale.  These enzymes are used to convert non-food biomass to fermentable sugars, and ultimately to sustainable products including biofuels and bio-based performance ingredients in household goods such as laundry detergents and shampoos.  

Scale up manufacturing of a prototype cellulase enzyme product is underway at Fermic S.A. de C.V, a contract fermentation and synthesis company headquartered in Mexico City, Mexico.  Enzyme production has been successfully completed at 20,000 liter scale and represents the first manufacture of an enzyme product using the Codexis CodeXporter™ enzyme expression system.  The cellulase enzymes are based on the Codexis CodeEvolver™ directed evolution technology and will be used to support biofuels collaborations and the company's market expansion into sustainable bio-based chemicals.  

"High-performance cellulase enzymes will soon be in high demand for cost-effective production of renewable products from biomass," said Alan Shaw, Ph.D., President and Chief Executive Officer.  "This is both an important commercial milestone for Codexis and a significant development for customers, who are responding to market demand for sustainable products."  

About Codexis

Codexis is a clean technology company. Codexis develops optimized biocatalysts that make industrial processes faster, cleaner and more efficient. Codexis' technology is commercialized with leading global pharmaceutical companies and in development for advanced biofuels with Shell and in carbon capture. Other potential markets include chemicals and water treatment. For more information, see www.codexis.com.

Codexis Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements relating to the company's ability to develop, produce and commercialize cellulase enzymes at commercial scale.  You should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements because they involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that are, in some cases, beyond our control and that could materially affect actual results.  Factors that could materially affect actual results include the timing, cost and feasibility of the production and commercialization of biofuels derived from cellulose.  Other factors can be found in Codexis' Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 6, 2011, including under the caption "Risk Factors."  Codexis expressly disclaims any intent or obligation to update these forward-looking statements, except as required by law.

Contacts:  

Media:  Lyn Christenson, [email protected], 650.421.8144 or Saskia Sidenfaden, [email protected], 212.827.3771
Investors:  Henk Adriaenssens, [email protected], 650.421.8331

SOURCE Codexis, Inc.