Elastin Specialties holds patents around the production and use of proteins based on human elastin sequences and proteins of similar type. Key attributes of these proteins is that they self-assemble and can be used to make a variety of biomaterials, useful as coatings or as composite materials. Novozymes possesses considerable expertise in the production of proteins and is recognized as a major player at the multi-national level.
Novozymes role in the venture will be to scale and eventually manufacture finished protein for sale to third-party entities while Elastin Specialties will continue to pursue and expand uses at the R&D stages.
Steven Rothstein, president of Elastin Specialties, said: “These products will satisfy largely un-met needs and will certainly offer significant competitive advantages. The size, resources and capability of a partner such as Novozymes will allow us to move such products from early development to market with the assurance of an experienced manufacturing partner.”