Overview

Maxygen focuses on the evolution and optimization of genes and proteins to speed the process of creating commercial product leads. The company's recombination-based directed molecular evolution allows the rapid generation of product leads by integrating technologies, including proprietary directed molecular evolution technologies, to optimize genes and proteins, directed protein modification chemistries, computer modeling, high-throughput screening technologies and preclinical development capabilities.

Maxygen's MolecularBreeding directed molecular evolution is a two-step technology. First, the company's proprietary DNAShuffling recombination process generates a diverse library of new gene variants. Second, the individual gene variants are selected using MaxyScan screening systems to become initial leads. These leads can then be further refined to develop lead candidates.

Maxygen is working on more than 40 different potential products. It has in its pipeline protein pharmaceuticals to treat neurological diseases, cancer, inflammation and cardiovascular disease; vaccines to treat or prevent HIV, cancer, malaria, dengue fever and other diseases; smallmolecule entities such as antibiotic intermediates; and agricultural products.

Partners

Maxygen has alliances in protein pharmaceuticals with InterMune Inc., Shearwater Corp., H. Lundbeck A/S and the National Cancer Institute; in vaccines with ALK-Abell , the Karolinska Institute, The Scripps Research Institute, DARPA, The National Institute of Standards and Technology-Advanced Technology Program and the International AIDS Vaccine Initiative; in chemicals with Novozymes A/S, Pfizer Inc., Technological Resources Pty Ltd., Chevron, DSM NV, Hercules Inc. and the California Institute of Technology; and in agriculture with Pioneer Hi-Bred International Inc. and Syngenta AG.