eXoZymes achieves breakthrough in NCT biomanufacturing process

LOS ANGELES - eXoZymes Inc. (NASDAQ:EXOZ), a $79 million market cap biotechnology company whose shares have declined 43% year-to-date, and its spinout NCTx have achieved a technical milestone in the biomanufacturing of N-trans-caffeoyltyramine (NCT), according to a press release statement issued Tuesday.

The companies reported completing gram-scale production validation of NCT in five months using their cell-free exozyme platform. The process achieved a 96% reaction yield, addressing what the company describes as a longstanding bottleneck in sourcing the compound from nature, where it occurs in trace amounts (less than 0.014% per hemp seed).

NCT is a bioactive compound that has been studied for potential effects on liver fat metabolism, gut barrier function, and mitochondrial activity. The global market for bioactive ingredients in functional food is valued at $216 billion with 7.6% annual growth, according to the release. According to InvestingPro analysis, while eXoZymes maintains strong liquidity with a current ratio of 6.52, the company is currently not profitable, with negative EBITDA of $6.6 million in the last twelve months.

"Going from the original proof-of-concept to lab scale validation, our goal was to make a first version of a biosolution that can produce at least one gram of NCT per batch, which we now have delivered on," said Dr. Paul Opgenorth, co-founder and VP of Development at eXoZymes.

The company stated this development enables its team to begin assessing the purity profile and collect data on process-related parameters for biomanufacturing economic assumptions.

Founded in 2019, eXoZymes has developed a biomanufacturing platform using enzymes enhanced through AI and bioengineering to operate in bioreactors without living cells. The company is currently providing product samples to early access partners under material transfer agreements.

The company is now seeking additional partners to expand applications of its technology, which it claims can be used to develop biosolutions for hundreds of different chemicals. While eXoZymes holds more cash than debt on its balance sheet, InvestingPro analysis suggests the stock is currently overvalued. Investors can access the complete financial health analysis and 6 additional ProTips in the comprehensive Pro Research Report, available exclusively to InvestingPro subscribers.

In other recent news, eXoZymes Inc. reported its financial results for the first quarter of 2025. The company highlighted its significant investments in research and development, as well as strategic initiatives to enhance its market presence. Despite posting a net loss of $1.86 million, eXoZymes emphasized its strong liquidity position. The company also outlined forward-looking strategies, including the launch of a new subsidiary and the development of innovative products. These efforts are part of eXoZymes’ ongoing plans to bolster its competitive edge in the market. While the company’s stock experienced a decline in aftermarket trading, the focus remains on long-term growth initiatives. Analysts and investors will likely continue to monitor eXoZymes’ progress in executing its strategies.

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