Verdezyne will use its suite of metabolic engineering tools to rapidly introduce a proprietary pathway into an industrial yeast strain provided by Lallemand. The enhanced yeast will produce more ethanol per unit of glucose compared with currently available strains. Lallemand will be responsible for process development, manufacturing and worldwide commercialization of the novel yeast. Under the terms of the agreement, Verdezyne will receive patent license fees and royalty payments.

Verdezyne, Inc. is a privately-held company that uses its suite of proprietary metabolic engineering technologies to create novel microorganisms for cost effective commercial production of biofuels and chemicals. Investors in Verdezyne include OVP Venture Partners, Monitor Ventures, Tech Coast Angels and Life Science Angels.

Lallemand Inc. is a privately held Canadian company specializing in the research, development, production, marketing and distribution of yeast and bacteria. Lallemand has approximately 2,200 employees located in more than 30 countries on all continents.