Enduro Genetics: Revolutionizing Biomanufacturing with Innovative Genetic Biosensors

Founded as a spinoff from the Technical University of Denmark, Enduro Genetics is tackling a critical challenge in the field of biomanufacturing—issues related to declining production efficiency and suboptimal yields, according to CEO Christian Munch.

A Breakthrough in Cell Production

Enduro Genetics has developed a novel approach that essentially tricks cells into believing that they must produce a target substance for survival. This is achieved by linking the expression of essential genes, which are vital for an organism’s survival, with heightened production of the desired target substance within the cells.

The Enduro Sense Solution

“Our solution, called ‘Enduro Sense,’ is a genetic biosensor that interacts with essential genes within the cell,” Munch explains. “This means only cells that produce high levels of the target substance can grow and proliferate. The essential genes are upregulated when the target substance is produced and downregulated when it is not.”

This innovative biosensor ultimately allows for a dominant presence of high-producing cells in the bioreactor, significantly enhancing firms’ capabilities to maintain bioproduction over extended periods.

Transforming Biomanufacturing Practices

“In a sense, we’re taking a bit of the ‘bio’ out of biomanufacturing,” says Munch. “Our technology can help transition the biomanufacturing industry from focusing merely on specialty niche products to everyday consumer goods.”

A Discussion at SynBioBeta Conference

Recently, Munch shared insights at the SynBioBeta conference held in San Jose.

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Enhancing Existing Facilities

By improving the productivity of current biomanufacturing capacities, clients can potentially defer capital expenditures on new or larger bioreactors, according to Munch. The incorporation of Enduro Sense into a production strain is done once at the master cell bank level and does not necessitate any modifications to the media—no antibiotics or additives—nor the production process.

Client Collaboration and Implementation

Munch assures that their approach doesn’t involve introducing any foreign DNA or altering the production pathway. Some clients choose to send their strains to Enduro for in-house processing. For others who are concerned about intellectual property, Enduro offers to send the necessary constructs as data files for clients to synthesize the DNA and carry out transformations independently. “We’ve conducted implementations where clients’ strains have never left their sites,” he emphasizes.

Recent Funding and Future Projects

Enduro Genetics recently secured a €12 million ($12.4 million) Series A funding round, bringing their total funding to €18 million ($18.7 million). With a growing roster of commercial clients, Munch reveals, “We expect to deliver our first two projects this year.”