Lonza, Pasteuria Bioscience enter novel bio-nematicide manufacturing agreement

Lonza announced a new manufacturing agreement with Pasteuria Bioscience. This agreement secures a process transfer and manufacturing plan to produce Pasteuria spores in Lonza’s biochemical plant in Kouřim, Czech Republic.

Lonza will initiate manufacture of Pasteuria spores, a biological nematicide, in its Kouřim facility beginning late 2011. The biological nematicide developed by Pasteuria Bioscience is based on the natural microbe, Pasteuria spp., found in soil and known to infect and kill harmful nematodes.

"Lonza is excited to use their fermentation expertise in biochemical production to provide innovative, environmentally safe, and cost-effective alternatives to the agri-business and regulated specialty ingredients markets,” said John McGrath, Head of Lonza Biological Manufacturing. “The collaboration fits well with Lonza’s existing technology and manufacturing expertise and is fully aligned with its biochemical's strategy.”

"Pasteuria Bioscience is pleased to partner with Lonza as a manufacturer of Pasteuria products. Lonza offers significant fermentation expertise as well as the ability to scale-up manufacturing in order to meet the global need for Pasteuria spp. bio-nematicies,” said Kelly Smith, Ph.D., Chief Technical Officer for Pasteuria Bioscience.