DSM Takes Full Control of Midori
DSM has paid $63 million to take full control of Midori USA, a biotech start-up based in Boston, Massachusetts. The Dutch group already owned 38.5% of Midori and has now acquired the remaining 61.5%.
Midori has created a novel precision technology platform that develops breakthrough targeted eubiotics that improve the health and environmental impact of animals. Its technology identifies glycans derived from natural food sugars that can precisely modulate how the gut microbiome functions in animals.
Glycans, explained DSM, provide an effective and consistent impact on animal gut health, leading to improved nutrient utilization from feed and improved animal health. Such eubiotics can reduce the environmental footprint of animal farming and support the accelerated replacement of antibiotics in animal feed.
Midori’s platform is said to be “highly synergistic” with DSM’s bioscience capability and eubiotics portfolio, which was strengthened last year through the €980 million acquisition of Biomin (as part of the Erber Group) in October.
Biomin specializes primarily in the risk management of mycotoxins, which are toxic compounds naturally produced by certain types of molds that can grow on animal feed, as well as the management of gut health performance. It is also a major producer of phytogenic and probiotic feed alternatives to antibiotics.
The first product from DSM’s collaboration with Midori will be Symphiome, which will launch later this year to improve the gut health, feed efficiency and welfare of broilers, while also reducing the use of antibiotics and lowering the environmental emissions of poultry farming.
Symphiome will be the second eubiotic using a novel mode of action that DSM brings to the market after the 2018 launch of Balancius, a novel microbial muramidase developed with Novozymes that supports digestion and gastrointestinal functionality in poultry.
New headquarters in Maastricht
In separate news, DSM has announced that it will build a new head office in Maastricht, leaving its existing head office location in Heerlen. The building is planned to be ready by the end of 2023. DSM is working with the local authority to find a new owner for the Heerlen premises.
Author: Elaine Burridge, Freelance Journalist
