Codexis Signs First Japanese Biocatalysis Collaboration With Dainippon Sumitomo Pharma

REDWOOD CITY, Calif., Jan. 25, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Codexis, Inc. (Nasdaq: CDXS) today announced the company's first biocatalysis collaboration in Japan, with Dainippon Sumitomo Pharma Co., Ltd. (DSP), one of the ten largest Japanese pharmaceutical manufacturers.

Under the agreement, Codexis will supply biocatalysis screening products and services to DSP for use in selected undisclosed therapeutic products in its development pipeline.  Codexis technology is used by innovator pharmaceutical companies worldwide to reduce cost, increase manufacturing efficiency and reduce environmental impact.  

"We are very pleased to be entering the Japanese market through this important collaboration with DSP," said Joseph Sarret, M.D., President, Codexis Pharmaceutical Services and Enzyme Products.  "DSP has identified Codexis technology as a key component in its drive to develop green, sustainable manufacturing processes to serve their key markets, and we look forward to a productive partnership."

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. Other potential markets include carbon capture, water treatment and chemicals. For more information, see www.codexis.com.  

Dainippon Sumitomo Pharma Co., Ltd. is a multibillion dollar, top ten listed pharmaceutical company in Japan with a diverse portfolio of pharmaceutical, animal health and food and specialty products. DSP aims to produce innovative pharmaceutical products in the CNS field, which has been designated as the key therapeutic area, and the specialty area, designated as a frontier therapeutic area. DSP has more than 7,000 employees worldwide. Additional information about DSP is available through its corporate website at www.ds-pharma.com.

Codexis Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements relating to Codexis' collaboration with Dainippon Sumitomo Pharma. 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 can be found in Codexis Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q dated November 4, 2010 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:  Robert Lawson, [email protected], 650-421-8137.

SOURCE Codexis, Inc.