Codexis Inc., a developer of cost-advantaged processes for the production of biofuels, bio-based chemicals and pharmaceuticals, has signed a three-year extension of its catalyst and process development collaboration with Merck to develop enzymes for use in pharmaceutical manufacturing.

As the collaboration enters its sixth year, Merck will continue to use Codexis’ proprietary enzyme products to develop more cost- and resource-efficient manufacturing processes for its pipeline of therapeutic candidates. The initial agreement was announced in April 2007 and today’s agreement provides an extension to 2015.

Merck has evaluated the use of Codexis enzymes extensively across programs in various stages of development. In addition, the companies have collaborated to develop enzymes for custom reactions, most notably for sitagliptin, the active pharmaceutical ingredient in Merck’s Januvia.

“We are very pleased to continue this important relationship,” said Peter Strumph, Interim chief executive officer. “Our collaboration with Merck has led to a number of breakthroughs in pharmaceutical manufacturing that have been adopted by Merck in some of their leading pharmaceutical products. We look forward to continuing to develop additional cost-advantaged manufacturing processes with Merck.”

“Through this agreement we are very pleased to be extending our ongoing productive research collaboration with Codexis,” said Christopher Hill, PhD, global head of chemistry research at Merck.

Codexis Inc. is a developer of cost-advantaged processes for the production of biofuels, bio-based chemicals, and pharmaceutical intermediates.