Sartorius Stedim Biotech and c-LEcta, a German biotechnology company, have signed a worldwide sales and distribution agreement for c-LEcta’s Serratia marcescens nuclease for biopharmaceutical applications. C-LEcta specializes in the development of customized enzymes and production strains for industrial applications. Under the agreement, customized endonuclease will now be available under the product name Denarase through all regular Sartorius Stedim Biotech sales channels.

Endonucleases are used in various biopharmaceutical production processes, such as in recombinant protein production, to remove nucleic acids, reduce viscosity levels and thus optimize process efficiencies. C-LEcta has optimized the production process for Serratia marcescens nuclease using a genetically engineered bacillus strain to increase enzyme activity yields and remove endotoxins. The new technology allows for the production of high purity and quality nuclease.

"This endonuclease provides outstanding advantages from which our customers will benefit directly, such as cost efficiency and high performance,” said Dr. Uwe Gottschalk, vice president of Purification Technologies at Sartorius Stedim Biotech. “The nuclease is a perfect addition to our current purification product portfolio and supports our strategy as a total solution provider for the biopharmaceutical industry.”

Dr. Marc Struhalla, managing director of c-LEcta, said, "The technology developed by c-LEcta allows us to provide nuclease to our customers in the highest quality. We are convinced that with Sartorius Stedim Biotech, we have found the right sales and distribution partner for the successful worldwide commercialization of our product.”