Press Releases

Chicago, IL (June 29, 2011) – zuChem Inc., an innovative supplier of specialized sugars for the food ingredients and fine chemicals industries, today announced that the United States Patent and Trademark office has issued patent #7,960,152 B2 entitled “Methods for Production of Xylitol in Microorganisms”.   The technology was developed by zuChem in collaboration with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service’s National Center for Agricultural Utilization Research and the Biotechnology Research and Development Corporation (BRDC) under a Cooperative Research and Development Agreement. zuChem is the exclusive licensee of this patent under its relationship with the BRDC, to whom this patent is assigned.  This patent expands zuChem’s extensive portfolio of technology in the area of xylitol production.

Xylitol is a sugar polyol that is in high demand by the food ingredient and confectionary industry.  The patent describes novel fermentation systems able to produce xylitol from inexpensive hemicellulose feedstocks – by-products of bioethanol and corn milling operations.  Traditionally xylitol is produced from purified D-xylose, which is expensive and in limited supply.  By converting waste hemicellulose streams produced by the biofuels industry into more valuable products for the food ingredients industry the economics of manufacturing ethanol and other products can be significantly enhanced.

“We are very pleased by this addition to our intellectual property portfolio on novel biosynthetic production processes of xylitol,” David Demirjian, Ph.D., President and CEO, zuChem. “Currently the production of xylitol is constrained by the limited supply of raw materials. We believe that zuChem’s novel bioprocess for the commercial production of xylitol from agricultural biomass removes this constraint and significantly reduces the cost of xylitol production overall in addition to improving biofuel production economics.”

Xylitol is a five-carbon polyol that has gained wide acceptance as a natural food sweeter due to its many health benefits. Xylitol is anti-cariogenic, does not cause a significant insulin response, and there is growing evidence that it prevents ear infections in children. Demand, both in the US and worldwide, is rapidly growing for reduced caloric sweeteners such as xylitol, driven by increasingly health and weight conscious consumers.

About zuChem, Inc.
zuChem focuses on commercializing innovative manufacturing processes for unique glycochemicals (varieties of specialized sugars) for the food, fine chemicals and pharmaceutical intermediates industries. Glycochemicals are key components of many drugs and drug candidates as well as many specialty food ingredients.   The company is headquartered in Chicago, IL, with research operations in Peoria, IL.  For more information on zuChem’s xylitol manufacturing process and the availability of other specialty chemicals, please email info@zuChem.com or call (312) 997-2150.

Chicago, Illinois. December 9, 2008. zuChem Inc. and Austin Chemical Company, Inc. announced today that they have formed an alliance for Austin Chemical to market and sell zuChem-produced rare sugars produced under its zuCarb™ product line worldwide. Under the terms of the alliance, Austin will represent both zuChem’s product and custom synthesis service offerings to the fine chemicals and pharmaceuticals industry.

“We are very excited to have Austin as our sales and marketing partner,” commented David Demirjian, Ph.D. zuChem’s CEO.  “Austin’s reputation and its long history of success in the fine chemicals and pharmaceutical market will have a significant impact in expanding the customer base for our rare sugar products .”

“zuChem’s rare sugar products such as L-ribose and others are a great fit for our portfolio and are in growing demand by pharmaceutical companies.  zuChem has developed breakthrough cost effective processes that give these products a significant competitive price advantage and we look forward to working with zuChem to make these products more widely available,” said Samuel M. Ponticelli, Chairman & CEO of Austin Chemical.

Austin will be exhibiting at INFORMEX in San Francisco January 27th – 30th, 2009 where it will be introducing new additions to zuChem’s 2009 zuCarb™ product line.

About Austin Chemical Company Inc.
Austin Chemical is a leading information, services, and products provider to the health sciences and specialty fine chemicals industries.   Austin Chemical’s service products such as sales and marketing, sourcing and procurement, logistics support, distribution, and market investigation have been created to support its suppliers’ and customers’ needs as an asset extension. The company is based in Buffalo Grove, Illinois. For more information on products and services offered by Austin, including the zuCarb™ product line, please email info@austinchemical.com or call (847) 520-9600.

About zuChem Inc.
zuChem focuses on commercializing innovative manufacturing processes for unique glycochemicals (varieties of specialized sugars) for the food, fine chemicals and pharmaceutical intermediates industries. Glycochemicals are key components of many drugs and drug candidates as well as many specialty food ingredients.   The company is based in Chicago, Illinois and has research operations in Peoria, Illinois.  For more information on zuChem’s rare sugar manufacturing processes and the availability of other specialty chemicals, please email info@zuchem.com or call (312) 997-2150.

Chicago, IL (October 14, 2008) – zuChem Inc., an innovative supplier of glycochemicals and specialized sugars for the food ingredients, fine chemicals and related industries, today announced that it has been awarded a Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II grant by the Department of Energy. The award (of approximately $750,000) will be used to support zuChem’s continued development of a novel, proprietary bioprocess for the production of xylitol from agricultural biomass.

During biofuel ethanol production, waste by-products rich in sugars are produced. By converting these waste byproducts into more valuable products for the food ingredients industry the cost-effectiveness of ethanol production can be enhanced. This zuChem project is focused on developing a bioprocess to transform these waste sugars into xylitol, a sugar polyol that is in high demand by the food ingredient and confectionary industry, thereby improving the economics of ethanol production. zuChem’s proprietary process can also be used to make xylitol from waste byproducts of the corn wet-milling and dry-milling industries.

“We are very pleased that The Department of Energy has recognized the innovative nature of our technology and the significant market need for a novel biosynthetic production process of xylitol,” David Demirjian, Ph.D., President and CEO, zuChem. “Currently the production of xylitol is constrained by the limited supply of raw materials. We believe that zuChem’s novel bioprocess for the commercial production of xylitol from agricultural biomass removes this constraint and significantly reduces the cost of xylitol production overall in addition to enhancing biofuel production economics.”

Xylitol is a five-carbon polyol that has gained wide acceptance as a natural food sweeter due to its many health benefits. Xylitol is anti-cariogenic, does not cause a significant insulin response, and there is growing evidence that it prevents ear infections in children. Demand, both in the US and worldwide, is rapidly growing for reduced caloric sweeteners such as xylitol, driven by increasingly health and weight conscious consumers.

zuChem Inc., headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, focuses on commercializing innovative manufacturing processes for unique glycochemicals (varieties of specialized sugars) for the pharmaceutical and specialty chemicals industries. Glycochemicals are key components of many antibiotics, anticancer and antiviral drugs as well as many specialty food ingredients. Please visit www.zuChem.com for more information.

Peoria, Ill (May 5, 2008) – zuChem Inc, a privately held biotechnology company, announced today that it has become a tenant in the PeoriaNEXT Innovation Center.

The Peoria Next Innovation Center is a new technology incubator owned by the Heartland Foundation and managed by Bradley University. zuChem joins fellow tenants, including Caterpillar Inc. and Bradley University’s Heartland Illinois Technology Enterprise Center in the facility that was opened in September 2007. zuChem previously maintained its research operations at the USDA National Center for Agriculture Utilization Research (NCAUR), also located in Peoria, Ill.

“This move marks an important step in our Company’s growth”, commented zuChem’s CEO, David Demirjian, Ph. D. “The PeoriaNEXT facility in addition to excellent resources also provides us with a key location to maintain our ties with NCAUR and other local academic groups.”

Peoria, Ill. is recognized by Forbes as one of the nation’s top metro areas for its low cost of doing business, and is a growing hub of entrepreneurial opportunity ready with key resources to assist economically viable businesses.

zuChem Inc., headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, focuses on commercializing innovative manufacturing processes for unique glycochemicals (varieties of specialized sugars) for the pharmaceutical and specialty chemicals industries. Glycochemicals are key components of many antibiotics, anticancer and antiviral drugs as well as many specialty food ingredients. Please visit www.zuChem.com for more information.

Chicago, IL (July 31, 2007). zuChem Inc., an innovative supplier of glycochemicals and specialized sugars for the food ingredients, fine chemicals and related industries, today announced that it has been awarded a Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I grant by the Department of Energy. The award (of approximately $100,000) will be used to support zuChem’s development of a novel, proprietary bioprocess for the production of xylitol from agricultural biomass.

The Company received one of only six SBIR and STTR grants awarded under the DOE’s “Use of Cellulosic Biomass to Produce Biofuels” initiative. Xylitol is an important value-added co-product which could be produced by biorefineries to improve economics of running such facilities. zuChem’s proprietary process can also be used to make xylitol from waste byproducts of corn wet-milling and dry-milling industries.

“This a significant step forward in the commercial development of our lead production process,” said David Demirjian, Ph.D., President and CEO, zuChem. “We are very pleased that The Department of Energy has recognized the innovative nature of our technology and the significant market need for a novel biosynthetic production process of this kind for xylitol. Currently, the production of xylitol is constrained by the limited supply of raw materials. We believe that zuChem’s novel bioprocess for the commercial production of xylitol from agricultural biomass removes this constraint and significantly reduces the cost of xylitol production overall.”

Xylitol is a five-carbon polyol that has gained wide acceptance as a natural food sweeter due to its many health benefits. Xylitol is anti-cariogenic, does not cause a significant insulin response, and there is growing evidence that it prevents ear infections in children. Demand, both in the US and worldwide, is rapidly growing for reduced caloric sweeteners such as xylitol, driven by increasingly health, and weight conscious consumers.

zuChem Inc., headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, focuses on commercializing innovative manufacturing processes for unique glycochemicals (varieties of specialized sugars) for the pharmaceutical and specialty chemicals industries. Glycochemicals are key components of many antibiotics, anticancer and antiviral drugs as well as many specialty food ingredients. Please visit www.zuChem.com for more information.

Chicago, IL (March 26, 2007). zuChem Inc., an innovative supplier of glycochemicals and specialized sugars for the pharmaceutical, food and related industries, today announced the launch of its new zuCarb™ product line of rare and modified glycochemicals produced using its proprietary bioprocess technology. This new product offering is aimed at providing a large and motivated research market with a cost-effective source of glycochemical building blocks for drug discovery and development.

“Pharmaceutical products that incorporate glycochemicals have tremendous therapeutic potential; however, only a small number of natural glycochemicals are available as starting research materials and synthetic glycochemicals are expensive and rarely available,” said David Demirjian, president of zuChem. “Our new zuCarb™ product line makes these novel pharmaceutical building blocks readily available, at economically viable prices.”

The first products offered in the zuCarb™ line include research reagent quantities of L-ribose, L-ribulose, L-xylulose and D-xylulose with additional reagents becoming available throughout 2007. In addition, L-ribose is available in kilo or larger scale on a custom order basis.

zuChem also provides custom synthesis of a wide variety of molecules, including rare L-sugars and other unusual glycochemicals. The company’s fully staffed research facilities, located in Peoria, Illinois, are equipped for: small molecule glycosylation, microbial fermentation, biotransformation, and standard synthetic chemistry as well as other focused services.

For more information on zuChem’s zuCarb products and its custom synthesis services, please email zucarb@zuChem.com or call (312) 997-2150.

zuChem Inc., headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, focuses on commercializing innovative manufacturing processes for unique glycochemicals (varieties of specialized sugars) for the pharmaceutical and specialty chemicals industries. Glycochemicals are key components of many antibiotics, anticancer and antiviral drugs as well as many specialty food ingredients. Please visit www.zuChem.com for more information.

Chicago, Ill (November, 2004) - zuChem, Inc., an innovative supplier of glycochemicals and other specialized sugars for the pharmaceutical, food, nutraceutical, and related industries, today announced that it has received Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval for its fermentation-based manufacturing process for mannitol. zuChem’s proprietary process is only the third recognized process by the FDA for the development of mannitol.

Mannitol is a polyol (sugar alcohol) widely used in the food and pharmaceutical industries because of its unique functional properties. It is beneficial for people with diabetes and helps to prevent tooth decay. It is estimated that the worldwide sales for mannitol are $125 million a year.

“The demand for mannitol is increasing, however, because of shortages in the raw materials, prices remain high,” said David Demirjian, CEO of zuChem. Our approach utilizes alternative raw materials and fermentation to manufacture mannitol cost-effectively and efficiently. We are pleased that the FDA recognized our process as a safe and effective and we look forward to commercialization.”

Traditional methods for manufacturing mannitol require a chemical hydrogenation process, which can be complex and cost-prohibitive. zuChem uses bioprocess technology as an entirely new method to produce mannitol which simplifies the manufacturing process and reduces the cost.

zuChem is currently evaluating business partners for both manufacturing and sales. The company hopes to announce a strategic partnership early next year.

zuChem Inc., headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, focuses on commercializing innovative manufacturing processes for unique glycochemicals (varieties of specialized sugars) for the pharmaceutical and specialty chemicals industries. Glycochemicals are key components of many antibiotics, anticancer and antiviral drugs as well as many specialty food ingredients. Please visit www.zuChem.com for more information.

Chicago, IL (August 16, 2004) – zuChem, Inc., an innovative supplier of glycochemicals and other specialized sugars for the pharmaceutical, food and related industries, today announced that it will offer custom synthesis of rare and modified glycochemicals using its proprietary bioprocess technology. This new service is aimed at providing a large and motivated research market with a cost-effective source of glycochemical building blocks for drug discovery and development.

“Pharmaceutical products that incorporate glycochemicals have tremendous therapeutic potential, however, only a small number of natural glycochemicals are available as starting research materials and synthetic glycochemicals are expensive and rarely available,” said David Demirjian, president of zuChem. “Our custom synthesis services will make these novel pharmaceutical building blocks readily available, at economically viable prices.”

Glycochemicals have a variety of current and future applications including drugs for the treatment of type II diabetes, viral-infections, and cancer metastases. Glycochemicals also play an important role in many antibiotics.

zuChem will provide custom synthesis of a wide variety of molecules, including rare L-sugars derivatives and other unusual glycochemicals. The company’s fully staffed research facilities, located in Peoria Illinois, are equipped for: small molecule glycosylation, microbial fermentation, biotransformation, as well as other focused services.

For information on zuChem’s custom synthesis services, please email synthesis@zuChem.com or visit www.zuChem.com.

Peoria, IL (July 20, 2004) – The newly established “Tri-County Venture Capital Fund” announced today the fund’s investment of $200,000 in local technology commercialization venture, zuChem, Inc. zuChem is an innovative supplier of glycochemicals and other specialized sugars for the pharmaceutical, food, nutraceutical, and related industries.

The $2 million Tri-County Venture Capital Fund is designed to bridge the gap between entrepreneurs and equity in the Central Illinois region. The Fund is a subsidiary of the Heartland Capital Network, a consortium of financing programs designed to meet the capital needs of business ventures in the Greater Peoria Region.

“This investment represents our confidence in zuChem and the technologies the company is developing,” says Doug Stewart, Spokesperson, Tri-County Venture Capital Fund. “zuChem is exactly the type of venture that the Fund has been designed to invest in, and the company’s growth in the Central Illinois region is just the type of growth we are working to promote here.”

“Since our inception in 2001, the Peoria community has been a strong component to our growth and development,” said David Demirjian, president of zuChem. “We are very appreciative of all the support we have received and look forward to creating additional employment and economic opportunities here in Peoria.”

This investment follows zuChem’s recent announcement of having raised over $500,000 in a second close of its Series A financing including participants such as ARCH Development Partners, the Biotechnology Research and Development Corporation (BRDC), and other private investors including angel investors from Peoria, Illinois.

zuChem’s initial products, being developed in its Peoria research facilities, are reduced-caloric sweeteners for the food industry. Headquartered in Chicago, zuChem uses proprietary biotechnology manufacturing technologies to create fine sugar-like chemicals (glycochemicals) more efficiently and economically. The company is also developing novel pharmaceutical building blocks and expects to begin initial product sales in the fourth quarter of 2004.

The Heartland Capital Network is a collection of programs geared to meet the financing needs of business ventures in the Illinois Heartland. The Tri-County Venture Capital Fund is a subsidiary of the Heartland Capital Network designed to meet the venture capital needs of the Illinois Heartland.

For more information please go to www.zuChem.com.

Chicago, IL (June 7, 2004) – zuChem, Inc., an innovative supplier of glycochemicals and other specialized sugars for the pharmaceutical, food, nutraceutical, and related industries, today announced the expansion of its scientific expertise with the appointments of Robin Cooper, Ph.D., and William Dowd, Ph.D. to its Scientific Advisory Board. The company recruited these senior advisors to help guide the company’s pharmaceutical strategy and research programs.

“As our first pharmaceutical and food products move closer toward commercialization, we felt it was important to add complimentary skills to our already strong Scientific Advisory Board,” said David Demirjian, Ph.D, CEO of zuChem. “Dr. Cooper and Dr. Dowd bring valuable experience to our board, having developed significant products while with two of the most successful companies in the life sciences industry. Their experience and insight will provide additional direction for our pharmaceutical product development strategy and research programs.”

“zuChem’s technology has the potential to create significant value for pharmaceutical companies in new drug candidate identification, and also process development,” said Dr. Cooper. “The use of scalable glycochemical-type pharmaceutical intermediates will create new opportunities for developing and producing new anti-cancer, anti-viral, anti-microbial and other drugs. I’m pleased to have the opportunity to contribute to their programs.”

Robin Cooper, Ph.D., D.Sc.
Dr. Cooper brings more than 30 years of pharmaceutical development experience to zuChem. He recently joined Rigel Pharmaceuticals as senior vice president of Pharmaceutical Sciences. Previously, throughout a more than 30-year career at Eli Lilly and Company, Dr. Cooper held a number of senior chemistry development research positions, in which he made significant contributions to developing Lilly’s preeminent position in anti-infectives. He also discovered oritavancin, an anti-infective that was licensed to InterMune, Inc. and is presently in phase III clinical trials.

Dr. Cooper received his Ph.D. in 1962 from Queen Mary College/Imperial College, followed by a year with Nobel Laureate Sir Derek Barton in London. He was awarded a D.Sc. by the University of London in 1985.

William Dowd, Ph.D.
Dr. Dowd retired in 2000 as the global R&D director for Industrial Biotechnology for Dow Chemical where he had responsibility for the technology focus of DowÕs biotechnology commercial activities. During a more than 30-year tenure at Dow, he held a wide range of process research and corporate R&D positions including director of the Materials R&D laboratory, and platform leader, BioMaterials. He is currently also a member of the Board of Directors of Neoprobe Corporation and the Biotechnology Research and Development Corporation.

Dr. Dowd received his Ph.D. in 1970 in Physical-Organic Chemistry from Indiana University.

For more information please go to www.zuChem.com.