Squalene is commonly derived from shark liver, but Amyris’ sugarcane-derived, sustainable squalene is molecularly identical to the traditional shark source and offers a higher purity, more predictable cost profile compared to sourcing directly from sharks.
Under the terms of the agreement, Amyris will manufacture and supply squalene to Croda and Croda will license squalene technology from Amyris to market, distribute, and sell squalene as an excipient for use in human and veterinary vaccines, drug delivery systems, or nucleic acid delivery systems.
In addition to an upfront payment of $4 million and a future, performance-based, milestone payment of $4 million, Amyris will receive a share of profits generated from the sale of squalene excipients and formulated products incorporating Amyris’ squalene technology for use in the vaccine field.