Codexis, GSK enter into technology collaboration, license agreement

As part of the deal, GSK secured a license to use Codexis’ proprietary CodeEvolver protein engineering platform technology in the field of human healthcare.

The license enables the British drug-maker to use Codexis’ platform technology for the development of new enzymes for use in the manufacture of GSK’s pharmaceutical and health care products.

GSK may also use the technology to develop new therapeutic, diagnostic and prophylactic products in the human health field.

Following completion of technology transfer, the British drug-maker will have Codexis’ CodeEvolver protein engineering platform installed at its Upper Merion, Pennsylvania research and development site.

In return, Codexis is eligible to receive about $25m over the next two years, $6m of which will be paid upfront shortly after signing and an additional $19m subject to satisfactory completion of technology transfer milestones.

Codexis also has the potential to get several additional milestone payments that range from $5.75m to $38.5m per project based on GSK’s successful application of the licensed technology.

Additionally, Codexis will be eligible to secure royalties based on net sales, if any, of a limited set of products developed by GSK using CodeEvolver protein engineering platform technology.

Codexis president and CEO John Nicols said the company is happy that GSK has selected its CodeEvolver platform technology to support innovation and reduce costs in its manufacturing and product development organizations.

"We look forward to replicating this new technology licensing model with other potential partners and expanding the network of innovative companies that may select our CodeEvolver technology to accelerate their in-house protein engineering capabilities," Nicols said.