- Abolis Biotechnologies has partnered with EUROAPI to develop microbial strains for 20 active ingredients, focusing on corticosteroids.
- The partnership is part of the EU-backed Med4Cure program under the IPCEI initiative, with public funding support of up to €140 million.
Abolis Biotechnologies, a specialist in industrial solutions using microorganisms, has announced a strategic collaboration with EUROAPI, a leading producer of active pharmaceutical ingredients, to develop microbial strains for synthesising key intermediates and 20 active ingredients, particularly corticosteroids.
The agreement forms part of the Important Project of Common European Interest (IPCEI) and the Med4Cure program, a European initiative validated by the European Commission to strengthen pharmaceutical sovereignty. Abolis Biotechnologies will develop microbial strains and bioprocesses for corticosteroid production, with manufacturing distributed between EUROAPI’s St Aubin-lès-Elbeuf (Normandy) and Vertolaye (Auvergne) sites. The company will receive funding from Bpifrance and EUROAPI over a four-year period.
Corticosteroids are critical treatments for allergic and immune disorders, yet nearly 80% of global supply is produced in Asia, exposing Europe to potential supply chain disruptions. This partnership aims to secure domestic production while combining biotechnology and corticosteroid chemistry in innovative processes.
“We are delighted to announce this partnership with EUROAPI, which aims to regain European pharmaceutical sovereignty in a sustainable and cost-competitive manner. Through the Med4Cure program, Abolis Biotechnologies will actively contribute to securing supply chains, enabling us to accelerate our growth strategy and consolidate our position as a European leader in the fields of industrial biotechnology and the microbiome.”
Cyrille Pauthenier, co-founder and President of Abolis Biotechnologies
David Seignolle, CEO of EUROAPI, added, “EUROAPI is delighted to bring together a collaborative ecosystem comprising innovative companies such as Abolis Biotechnologies and leading academic teams. With the support of the IPCEI framework, we have joined forces to work together on regaining pharmaceutical sovereignty, particularly in the key area of corticosteroids.”
