Kyowa Hakko Kogyo Co., Ltd. (Kyowa Hakko) (TOKYO:4151) (Dr. Yuzuru
Matsuda, President and CEO) announced that it has developed the
world's first fermentation-based method for the commercial production
of L-Tyrosine. The company plans to start full-scale production in
2007.
L-Tyrosine is an amino acid, which are the building blocks of
proteins. L-Tyrosine is used as a nutritional ingredient, such as in
amino acid infusions and enteral nutritional products (medical foods).
Due to reports that it alleviates the symptoms of stress, it is also
used as an ingredient of dietary supplements and health foods. The use
of L-Tyrosine is expected to increase for pharmaceutical intermediates
and other health related products.
Previously, the main production methods for L-Tyrosine used animal
protein, such as hair or feathers. Recently, however, to avoid the
risks of bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) and viruses from
animal sources, such as avian influenza, a growing number of customers
prefer products made from non-animal sources.
Although there are existing production methods that use plant
sources, such as soybeans, it is difficult to produce large amounts
for economical price.
To resolve that issue, Kyowa Hakko developed a production method
based on fermentation that is suitable for mass production of
L-Tyrosine. The company discovered microorganisms with superior
characteristics for the production of L-Tyrosine and drew on its
advanced fermentation and purification technologies. With the new
method, Kyowa Hakko's fermentation technologies will ensure security
and safety, and the company will be able to provide a high quality and
stable supply of L-Tyrosine to customers worldwide.
Yukinobu Kotani, President of Kyowa Hakko's Bio-Chemicals Business
Unit, pointed out that, "Now L-Tyrosine joins many other Kyowa Hakko's
products that are non-animal sourced, for example L-Hydroxyproline.
This lineup is a clear indication of our competitive edge in
fermentation technologies. We will continue working to supply
fermented materials from non-animal sources to markets around the
world, including materials that are now in test production."
Kyowa Hakko was the first company in the world to succeed in
commercial production of amino acids through fermentation. By using
fermentation technology in the advancement of the life sciences, the
company will continue striving to produce and supply useful
fermentation-based compounds to contribute to the health and
well-being of people around the world.
About Kyowa Hakko
Kyowa Hakko, a Tokyo based company with special strengths in
biotechnology, is dedicated to the creation of new value in the life
science, especially pharmaceuticals and bio-products as it strives to
contribute to the health and well-being of people around the world.
Kyowa Hakko has achieved worldwide success with amino acids and the
innovative therapeutic agents -- Mitomycin for cancer, Benidipine for
hypertension, and Olopatadine for allergies. Today's company strengths
are in its state-of-the-art biotechnology to be utilized in drug
discovery, including the field of antibody technology
(http://www.potelligent.com), and creating high value added
bio-products.
For further information, please visit Kyowa Hakko Europe GmbH's
website at http://www.kyowa.de/
