Codexis, Roche in licensing deal for newly engineered double-sranded DNA Ligase

Codexis (CDXS) announced it has entered into an agreement with Roche for an exclusive, global license for the Company’s newly engineered double-stranded DNA or dsDNA, ligase for next-generation sequencing (NGS) library preparation and the Company’s EvoT4 DNA ligase. Under the terms of the deal, Codexis will receive upfront and technical milestone payments. This deal supersedes the prior exclusive license on the EvoT4(TM) DNA ligase. “This transaction is the latest example of our ongoing commitment to focusing on the core areas of our business where we have the biggest opportunity to create impact in the market,” said Kevin Norrett, MBA, Chief Operating Officer of Codexis. “Since announcing our prioritized strategy last July, we’ve executed multiple deals to monetize our non-core assets with market-leading companies. We are excited to collaborate again with Roche on this novel, dsDNA ligase. As a leader in NGS technologies, Roche (RHHBY) continues to bring important kits to market that provide the sensitivity and specificity required for the next wave of innovative NGS applications. With Roche’s technical ability and commercial reach, we now have the ability to maximize the potential of our dsDNA ligase.”