eXoZymes Launches Subsidiary, NCTx, to Unlock a Promising Compound for Gut and Liver Health
eXoZymes (NASDAQ:EXOZ) has launched a new subsidiary, NCTx, focused on developing N-trans-caffeoyltyramine (NCT), a rare plant compound with potential applications in liver and gut health. Using eXoZymes' AI-driven platform, NCTx has developed a proprietary approach to biomanufacture NCT, overcoming previous sourcing limitations where it was only found in trace amounts (less than 0.014%) in hemp seeds.
The company completed proof of concept in just 6 weeks and established the subsidiary in 12 weeks, demonstrating unprecedented speed in bio-manufacturing innovation. Pre-clinical studies show NCT's potential in treating Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD), which affects over 30% of the global population. The target market for bioactive ingredients in functional food is valued at $216 billion with a 7.6% CAGR globally.
eXoZymes (NASDAQ:EXOZ) ha lanciato una nuova filiale, NCTx, dedicata allo sviluppo della N-trans-caffeoiltiamina (NCT), un raro composto vegetale con potenziali applicazioni per la salute del fegato e dell'intestino. Utilizzando la piattaforma guidata dall'IA di eXoZymes, NCTx ha messo a punto un metodo proprietario per la bioproduzione di NCT, superando le limitazioni precedenti legate alla sua presenza solo in tracce (meno dello 0,014%) nei semi di canapa.
L'azienda ha completato la prova di concetto in appena 6 settimane e ha costituito la filiale in 12 settimane, dimostrando una velocità senza precedenti nell'innovazione della bio-manifattura. Studi preclinici evidenziano il potenziale della NCT nel trattamento della steatosi epatica non alcolica (NAFLD), che colpisce oltre il 30% della popolazione mondiale. Il mercato di riferimento per gli ingredienti bioattivi negli alimenti funzionali è valutato a 216 miliardi di dollari con un CAGR globale del 7,6%.
eXoZymes (NASDAQ:EXOZ) ha lanzado una nueva subsidiaria, NCTx, enfocada en desarrollar N-trans-cafeoiltiamina (NCT), un compuesto vegetal raro con posibles aplicaciones en la salud del hígado y el intestino. Utilizando la plataforma impulsada por IA de eXoZymes, NCTx ha desarrollado un método propio para la bioproducción de NCT, superando las limitaciones previas en las que solo se encontraba en cantidades traza (menos del 0,014%) en semillas de cáñamo.
La compañía completó la prueba de concepto en solo 6 semanas y estableció la subsidiaria en 12 semanas, demostrando una velocidad sin precedentes en la innovación de la biomanufactura. Estudios preclínicos muestran el potencial de NCT para tratar la enfermedad del hígado graso no alcohólico (NAFLD), que afecta a más del 30% de la población mundial. El mercado objetivo para ingredientes bioactivos en alimentos funcionales está valorado en 216 mil millones de dólares con un CAGR global del 7,6%.
eXoZymes (NASDAQ:EXOZ)는 간과 장 건강에 잠재적 응용이 있는 희귀 식물 화합물인 N-트랜스-카페오일티라민(NCT) 개발에 집중하는 새로운 자회사 NCTx를 출범했습니다. eXoZymes의 AI 기반 플랫폼을 활용하여 NCTx는 기존에 대마씨앗에서 극미량(0.014% 미만)만 존재하던 NCT를 생물학적 제조 방식으로 생산하는 독자적인 방법을 개발했습니다.
회사는 단 6주 만에 개념 증명을 완료하고 12주 만에 자회사를 설립하여 생물학적 제조 혁신에서 전례 없는 속도를 보여주었습니다. 전임상 연구는 전 세계 인구의 30% 이상에 영향을 미치는 비알코올성 지방간 질환(NAFLD) 치료에 있어 NCT의 가능성을 나타냅니다. 기능성 식품 내 생리활성 성분 시장은 전 세계적으로 2160억 달러 규모이며 연평균 성장률(CAGR)은 7.6%입니다.
eXoZymes (NASDAQ:EXOZ) a lancé une nouvelle filiale, NCTx, dédiée au développement de la N-trans-caféoyltyramine (NCT), un composé végétal rare aux applications potentielles pour la santé du foie et de l'intestin. En utilisant la plateforme pilotée par IA d'eXoZymes, NCTx a mis au point une méthode exclusive de bioproduction de la NCT, contournant les limitations précédentes liées à sa présence uniquement en traces (moins de 0,014 %) dans les graines de chanvre.
L'entreprise a réalisé la preuve de concept en seulement 6 semaines et établi la filiale en 12 semaines, démontrant une rapidité sans précédent dans l'innovation en bioproduction. Des études précliniques montrent le potentiel de la NCT dans le traitement de la stéatose hépatique non alcoolique (NAFLD), qui touche plus de 30 % de la population mondiale. Le marché cible des ingrédients bioactifs dans les aliments fonctionnels est évalué à 216 milliards de dollars avec un taux de croissance annuel moyen (CAGR) de 7,6 % à l'échelle mondiale.
eXoZymes (NASDAQ:EXOZ) hat eine neue Tochtergesellschaft, NCTx, gegründet, die sich auf die Entwicklung von N-trans-Caffeoyltyramin (NCT) konzentriert, einer seltenen Pflanzenverbindung mit potenziellen Anwendungen für Leber- und Darmgesundheit. Mithilfe der KI-gesteuerten Plattform von eXoZymes hat NCTx einen proprietären Ansatz zur Bioproduktion von NCT entwickelt und damit frühere Beschaffungsbeschränkungen überwunden, da NCT zuvor nur in Spuren (weniger als 0,014 %) in Hanfsamen vorkam.
Das Unternehmen schloss den Proof of Concept in nur 6 Wochen ab und gründete die Tochtergesellschaft innerhalb von 12 Wochen, was eine beispiellose Geschwindigkeit in der Bioherstellungsinnovation zeigt. Präklinische Studien zeigen das Potenzial von NCT bei der Behandlung der nichtalkoholischen Fettlebererkrankung (NAFLD), die über 30 % der Weltbevölkerung betrifft. Der Zielmarkt für bioaktive Inhaltsstoffe in funktionellen Lebensmitteln wird weltweit auf 216 Milliarden US-Dollar mit einer jährlichen Wachstumsrate (CAGR) von 7,6 % geschätzt.
- Rapid development from idea to subsidiary in less than 3 months, demonstrating efficient R&D process
- Proprietary technology to produce NCT at commercially viable scale, protected by patent application
- Targeting large market opportunity with $216B functional food ingredients market growing at 7.6% CAGR
- Potential to develop new-to-nature analogs expanding pharmaceutical applications
- Successful proof of concept validated through 25 study repetitions
- Product still in early stages with only pre-clinical data available
- Commercialization timeline and costs not disclosed
- No proven revenue stream yet from the new subsidiary
Insights
eXoZymes unlocks valuable but previously inaccessible compound with applications in gut and liver health markets.
eXoZymes has cleverly solved a classic bioproduction bottleneck with their NCTx subsidiary. The target compound, N-trans-caffeoyltyramine (NCT), occurs naturally at extremely low concentrations (
The development timeline is particularly impressive—moving from concept to validated production in just 6 weeks and establishing a subsidiary within 3 months. For context, synthetic biology R&D typically requires 1-2 years for similar milestones. The company's claim of 25 successful validation studies suggests robust reproducibility, addressing a common challenge in biomanufacturing scale-up.
Most intriguing is their capability to engineer "new-to-nature analogs" of NCT, potentially creating improved versions with enhanced therapeutic properties. This represents a significant advance in applying computational design to expand beyond what's available in nature, positioning eXoZymes at the intersection of AI-driven molecular engineering and industrial biotechnology.
While still preclinical, the synthesis breakthrough could transform how we access rare bioactive natural products, potentially opening an entirely new approach to nutraceutical and pharmaceutical discovery.
eXoZymes targets multi-billion dollar liver health market with novel compound that addresses widespread metabolic condition.
The formation of NCTx represents a strategic commercialization pathway into both the
The market opportunity is substantial—NCT is being positioned as a treatment candidate for Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD/MASLD), which affects more than
eXoZymes appears to be pursuing a dual-track strategy: near-term revenue through nutraceutical applications while developing longer-term pharmaceutical potential. This approach balances immediate commercialization opportunities with higher-value drug development prospects.
The creation of a dedicated subsidiary structure suggests strategic optionality—NCTx could pursue independent financing, partnerships, or eventual spinoff. The "x" in NCTx explicitly represents their ability to create novel analogs of the natural compound, potentially yielding multiple commercial products from this technological platform.
While promising, investors should note the early stage of development. The path from preclinical results to commercial pharmaceutical products is lengthy and high-risk, though the nutraceutical pathway offers a more immediate route to market validation.
N-trans-caffeoyltyramine (NCT) is a natural product compound attracting considerable interest from researchers and drug developers for its potential role in healthy liver fat metabolism, gut barrier function, and mitochondrial activity.
eXoZymes used its AI-driven development platform to progress from idea to purpose-built subsidiary in less than 3 months and at a fraction of normal SynBio R&D cost.
NCTx is scaling up an exozyme biosolution to overcome a longstanding bottleneck in sourcing the NCT compound from nature, where it occurs only in trace amounts.
Interesting pre-clinical data point towards Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) that affects more than
30% of the global population.Only NCTx can make both the natural product NCT, and a range of very interesting new-to-nature analog versions, expanding the pharma potential.
NCT is the first of more "powered by eXoZymes" natural product nutraceuticals, that also have the potential to become pharmaceuticals.
SAN JOSE, CALIFORNIA / ACCESS Newswire / May 6, 2025 / Today at the yearly SynBioBeta conference, eXoZymes Inc. (NASDAQ:EXOZ) ("eXoZymes") - a pioneer of AI-engineered enzymes that can transform sustainable feedstock into nutraceuticals, medicines, and other essential chemicals - announced the formation of 'NCTx, LLC' (NCTx), a purpose-built subsidiary company focused on the development and production of N-trans-caffeoyltyramine - a very rare, plant-derived compound with emerging relevance in the areas of metabolic health, gut integrity, and liver function.
To date, NCT has not been available at commercially viable qualities and quantities. Naturally found in quantities less than
CEO of eXoZymes and interim CEO of NCTx, Michael Heltzen, states, "To me, the 'x' in NCTx represents all the new-to-nature analogs of NCT that only exozymes can unlock via BioClick and other proprietary tools in our 'enzymes x AI' tech stack. With time, this could start a new gold rush era for AI designed and engineered small molecules in pharma, as our platform has the potential to revisit most existing natural product compounds and drug targets with the promise of producing new as well as better analogs and derivatives, with new therapeutic potential and features. The potential upside here is multiple billion dollar markets, so needless to say we're very enthusiastic about the prospects of this next generation of small molecule engineering and biomanufacturing."
Chief Commercial Officer at eXoZymes, Damien Perriman, adds, "Launching NCTx, is a milestone in going from idea to demonstrated target - a breakthrough in speed for bio-manufacturing innovation. Proof of concept was completed in 6 weeks and the subsidiary assembled in 12 weeks - a speed of development I have not seen before in synthetic biology. And it's not just a lucky one-off instance, as we have repeated the study 25 times to validate our proprietary exozyme biosolution to produce NCT. With this proof of concept in hand, we are well positioned to advance through scale-up and start providing samples for our future nutraceutical and pharmaceutical partners.
Demand for bioactive ingredients in functional food is a
NCT has attracted growing interest from researchers for its potential role in supporting healthy liver fat metabolism, gut barrier function, and mitochondrial activity-all of which are associated with broader metabolic and inflammatory processes. Preclinical studies have shown:
Enhanced fat breakdown and mitochondrial output in liver cells
Modulation of gut-related gene expression linked to intestinal balance
For more information, please go to nctx.one or see video interviews here.
About eXoZymes
Founded in 2019, the company has developed a biomanufacturing platform that - as a historic first - offers the tools and insights to design, engineer, control and optimize nature's own natural processes to produce chemical compounds, enabling the company's partners to replace traditional petro-chemical production methods with a new commercially scalable, sustainable, and eco-friendly alternative: exozymes.
Exozymes are advanced enzymes enhanced through AI and bioengineering to thrive in a bioreactor outside of living cells. Exozymes can replace toxic petrochemical processes and inefficient biochemical extraction with sustainable and scalable biosolutions that transform biomass into essential chemicals, medicines, and biofuels.
By freeing enzyme-driven chemical reactions from the limitations imposed by cells, exozyme biosolutions eliminate the scaling bottleneck that has hampered commercial success in the synthetic biology (SynBio) space, making exozymes the next generation of biomanufacturing.
While the company, eXoZymes Inc., has introduced "exozymes" as a scientific concept, they are not trademarking the concept, as they view it as a new nomenclature for wide adoption for this next generation of biomanufacturing that eXoZymes aims to pioneer and be the market leader of.
Learn more on exozymes.com
eXoZymes Safe Harbor
This press release includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements, which are based on certain assumptions and describe the company's future plans, strategies and expectations, can generally be identified by the use of forward-looking terms such as "believe," "expect," "may," "will," "should," "would," "could," "seek," "intend," "plan," "goal," "project," "estimate," "anticipate," "strategy," "future," "likely," "potential," or other comparable terms, although not all forward-looking statements contain these identifying words. All statements other than statements of historical facts included in this press release regarding the company's strategies, prospects, financial condition, operations, costs, plans and objectives are forward-looking statements. Actual results could differ materially for a variety of reasons. You should carefully consider the risks and uncertainties described in the "Risk Factors" section of eXoZymes' quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, annual reports on Form 10-K, and other documents filed by eXoZymes from time to time by the company with the Securities and Exchange Commission. These filings identify and address important risks and uncertainties that could cause actual events and results to differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made. Readers are cautioned not to put undue reliance on forward-looking statements, and eXoZymes assumes no obligation and does not intend to update or revise these forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise. eXoZymes does not give any assurance that it will achieve its expectations.
eXoZymes contact
Lasse Görlitz, VP of Communications
(858) 319-7135
press@exozymes.com
SOURCE: eXoZymes
View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire
FAQ
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