Overview
Leading Public Companies
Codexis
Codexis reported $69.056 million in revenue for 2020 and $18.032 million for Q1 2021. Recently, Codexis boosted its revenue guidance for 2021 between $89 million and $93 million from an earlier estimate of $82 million to $85 million. This company is known for its high-performance enzyme used in pharmaceuticals. Codexis’s SynBio Innovation Accelerator, which partners with Casdin Capital, supports early-stage companies in synthetic and industrial biotechnology. Notable investment includes Arzeda, a computational protein design company.
Ginkgo Bioworks
Ginkgo Bioworks reported $77 million in revenue for 2020. The company agreed to merge with Soaring Eagle Acquisition Corp., a special purpose acquisition company (SPAC), in a deal valued at $17.5 billion. This merger is expected to generate up to $2.5 billion in cash. Ginkgo specializes in programming cells for diverse applications, including food, agriculture, and pharmaceuticals. They are also partnering with Sumitomo Chemical to explore bio-based manufacturing processes.
Twist Bioscience
Twist Bioscience’s revenue for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2020, was $90.1 million, with $59.364 million earned between October 2020 and March 2021. Twist is renowned for its synthetic DNA production using silicon chips. The company is a co-leader of the DNA Data Storage Alliance and has recently acquired iGenomX, enhancing their NGS workflows. Additionally, they partnered with Regeneron Genetics Center to advance genetic understanding for drug discovery.
Precigen
Precigen earned $103.178 million in 2020 and $24.511 million in Q1 2021. A standout achievement is their microbe-based therapeutic, AG019, showing positive results in type 1 diabetes trials. Precigen is also pioneering various immunotherapies and cancer treatments through their AdenoVerse™ and UltraCAR-T® platforms. Trials include PRGN-2009 for HPV-associated cancers and PRGN-3006 for acute myeloid leukemia.
Amyris
Amyris achieved $173.137 million in 2020 and an impressive $176.859 million in Q1 2021, exceeding total revenue from the previous year. Amyris focuses on sustainable ingredients for beauty and fragrance markets. Their partnership with DSM Nutritional Products, a $500 million deal, significantly contributed to their quarterly revenue. Additionally, Amyris is involved in developing COVID-19 vaccines.
Prominent Private Companies
Apeel Sciences
Apeel Sciences, with $390.1 million in total funding, is known for its plant-derived coatings that extend produce shelf life, reducing food waste. High-profile investors include Oprah Winfrey and Katy Perry. Recognized as a World Economic Forum Technology Pioneer, Apeel has received accolades from TIME magazine and Fast Company.
Rising Stars
These companies have raised substantial funding, demonstrated innovative technology, or formed significant partnerships recently.
- Bolt Threads: Specializes in sustainable materials, including biodegradable textiles.
- Synlogic: Focuses on synthetic biology for treating metabolic and cancerous diseases.
- Synthego: Creates CRISPR gene editing tools and technologies.
- Pivot Bio: Develops microbial solutions for agriculture, enhancing crop growth without chemical fertilizers.
- Viridos: Works on bioengineering algae for renewable energy applications.
These companies exemplify how synthetic biology impacts various sectors, from pharmaceuticals to agriculture. Their innovative approaches and significant funding highlight the rapid growth and potential of the industry.
