Biotech Firm Cibus Global Acquires Nucelis
6 January 2014 Cibus Global, which develops non-transgenic crop traits, said it has acquired Nucelis, which is working in fermentation and bio-based chemicals, including alternative squalane and D2 products.
Established in 2010, Nucelis will now become an independent operating unit of Cibus, which employs about 100 people worldwide, and also includes Cibus US LLC and Cibus Europe B.V. Nucelis will continue to be the exclusive licensee to Cibus’ Rapid Trait Development System (RTDS) technology in its key product areas of fermentation and bio-based chemicals.
“The RTDS technology has achieved significant advancements, and the company is now poised to make meaningful progress with agricultural, biomedical and industrial traits,” said Cibus CEO Keith Walker.
“Nucelis is looking forward to enhanced access to Cibus’ significant technical capabilities and resources from this partnership. The merger will allow us to accelerate commercialization from our product platforms,” Nucelis CEO Sean O’Connor said.
Privately held Cibus, based in San Diego, said its U.S. unit will launch its first product, sulphonylurea tolerant canola, in 2014.
Nucelis’ first product under development is squalane, a high-value, clear oil compound used in cosmetics, pharmaceuticals and for specialty lubricants, now mainly harvested from shark livers or as a by-product of olive oil processing. Nucelis said it has patented a process to develop reliable quantities of squalane using a novel, sustainable, non-GM yeast fermentation process. Nucelis is also developing a non-animal source of Vitamin D2 for persons who prefer a non-animal derived source of Vitamin D supplements.
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