Biotech firm Amyris to acquire sweet protein maker Oobli
US synthetic biology company Amyris is to acquire sweet protein maker Oobli for an undisclosed sum. The deal is expected to close within weeks.
Amyris, a US biomanufacturing and synthetic biology company, is to acquire sweet protein maker Oobli. The price has not been disclosed, and the deal is expected to close in the coming weeks. It combines Amyris' strain engineering and biomanufacturing capabilities with Oobli's protein production platform and product portfolio. Sweet proteins are food ingredients used to cut the sugar content of foods and drinks.
About the companies
Amyris emerged from bankruptcy in May 2024 with a revised business model. It now works mainly business-to-business, offering partners strain engineering, process development, manufacturing and technology licensing, while also developing its own ingredients. According to CEO Kathy Fortmann, the company has more than 20 years of experience in scaling ingredients from the lab to industrial volumes.
Oobli has built a portfolio of sweet proteins using precision fermentation, along with expertise in formulating them into food and beverage products. It was founded in 2014 as Miraculex, later renamed Joywell Foods, and became Oobli in December 2022. Its proteins are brazzein, monellin and thaumatin. All three are FEMA GRAS affirmed for use as natural flavors, and brazzein and monellin are also FDA GRAS as sweeteners. An FDA GRAS no-questions letter for thaumatin is expected soon.
Production and next steps
Fortmann said production will stay with Oobli's existing contract manufacturer for now, with no immediate plans to move it to Amyris' facility in Brazil. The Oobli team will visit Amyris' headquarters in Emeryville, after which it will be decided which employees want to join Amyris. Key target segments are beverages, sports nutrition, dairy, chocolate, bakery and confectionery.
