Considering the aftershock of the COVID-19 pandemic, self-reliance of the manufacturing sector is the prime need of the hour. Green chemistry is a one-stop solution, bringing in the competitive advantages of cost efficiency and waste reduction. One such company possessing integrated biotechnology capabilities is Fermenta Biotech Limited (FBL), a pioneer in immobilised enzyme technology with the mission to contribute to the emerging transformation of biocatalysis.
Prashant Nagre, Managing Director, FBL states, “With nearly 40 years of experience in the integrated biotechnology segment, the company’s enzyme technologies enable new and eco-friendly manufacturing practices, addressing the demand of various industries. FBL follows an IPR-based approach, with our team of experts providing end to end technical support for enzyme usage so as to optimize the biocatalytic process. FBL has introduced processes that have resulted in replacement of hazardous chemical reactions with enzymatic routes”.
Apart from its biotechnology division, FBL is also one of the leading players in Vitamin D globally, with applications across human and animal nutrition.
The Growth Story
The company was established as International Franchises Pvt. Ltd. in 1951. In 1963, Philips N.V. Duphar-Interfran Ltd (DIL) was established as a result of a joint venture with Philips Duphar. Subsequently, Philips Duphar was taken overby Solvay in 1980, and enzymes portfolio was
introduced. The company’s enzyme manufacturing plant was set up in 1986 in Kullu, Himachal Pradesh. In 2002, there was a de-merger of the pharmaceutical business to Solvay.
FBL introduced DIL beads for enzyme immobilisation and launched Penicillin G acylase catalyst blend for cephalosporin synthesis in the year 2006. In 2009, it launched Novel Penicillin G Acylase (NPGA) for antibiotic synthesis and subsequently commercialised NPGA for global customers and launched Candida Antarctica B Lipase in 2012.
The enzyme manufacturing unit in Kullu and the Department of Biotechnology approved R&D facility in Thane have consistently developed and sustained FBL’s leadership in providing advanced enzyme technologies. The R&D centre possesses infrastructure and capabilities that include genetic engineering, microbiological skills, immobilization platforms, biotransformation and fermentation technology.
The company offers variants of Penicillin G acylase and Candida Antarctica B Lipase, for a wide range of industries such as pharmaceutical, chemicals, bio-plastics and cosmetics, food and fragrances, and biodiesel, among others. FBL’s enzymatic synthesis routes possess the technological advantage of being efficient and environment-friendly, as the company endeavours towards higher yields and lower solvent use as compared to chemical manufacturing processes.
With nearly 40 years of experience in the integrated biotechnology segment, the company’s enzyme technologies enable new and eco-friendly manufacturing practices, addressing the demand of various industries
To highlight some recent achievements of FBL, this year, the company developed enzymatic synthesis route of orally-active COVID-19 drug, Molnupiravir, and has filed patents for the same. FBL has been recognized as one of India’s Best Workplaces in Biotechnology and Pharmaceuticals 2021, being among just eight companies to do so.
Looking Ahead
FBL is shifting gears from being a supplier of enzymes to being a strategic partner who provides green chemistry technology across diverse applications. Prashant concludes, “With increased government focus on self-reliance, the company is optimistic about its integrated biotechnology solutions. FBL intends to become a reliable source of enzymes as well as biocatalytic technology for its customers spanning various sectors. Our team is also actively working towards promoting our enzymes in niche applications which can revolutionize many critical manufacturing processes. We believe our technologies will translate into improving sustainability and scalability for industries in India and worldwide”.
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