DSM BioSolutions today announced that it has entered into an agreement with Novacta Biosystems, Welwyn Garden City, UK, for the process development and cGMP production of its C. difficile molecule, a new class of lantibiotic compounds.

DSM has successfully completed the process development and commenced cGMP-manufacturing of the Novacta compound at its microbial fermentation biotech facility located in Capua, Italy. The product will initially be used for pre-clinical and phase I clinical trials. DSM's Capua facility is uniquely equipped for the production of biologically active compounds produced via microbial fermentation and has extensive experience in both bacterial and fungal fermentation.

Villaume Kal, Vice-President of DSM BioSolutions stated, "We are excited to work with Novacta Biosystems, an innovative and progressive biopharmaceutical company developing treatments for infectious diseases.
Our technology, operational excellence and outstanding cGMP and compliance record with the FDA allows us to serve this important customer and to produce their clinical trial material".

Mike Dawson, CSO of Novacta stated, "We have chosen to work with DSM as it has an impressive track record for scaling up fermentation processes for antibacterial agents from actinomycetes".