Biotalys partners with 21st.BIO to scale biocontrol

Biotalys has entered a strategic partnership with 21st.BIO to accelerate production of its protein-based agricultural biocontrol products, the companies announced Jan. 23.

The collaboration will use 21st.BIO’s precision fermentation platform to support commercial-scale manufacturing of Biotalys’ AGROBODY biocontrols at competitive costs. For greenhouse and field growers, the partnership is aimed at improving access to biological crop protection tools designed to reduce reliance on conventional chemistry while maintaining performance and consistency.

The agreement builds on earlier work Biotalys conducted with Novonesis, which had licensed part of the fermentation technology used by 21st.BIO. As part of the transition, Biotalys and Novonesis will conclude their collaboration.

Biotalys said the new partnership will expand process development options and support efficient, large-scale production. The company is in discussions with manufacturing and distribution partners worldwide as it prepares for commercialization.

“Our collaboration with Novonesis and its relationship to 21st.BIO were critical in unlocking this next step toward advancing our first commercial product, EVOCA NG, and other products in our pipeline toward commercialisation,” said Kevin Helash, ceo of Biotalys.

EVOCA NG is expected to launch pending regulatory approval, which is currently projected for 2028-29 in the U.S. and 2029-30 in the E.U.

Biotalys also confirmed its cash runway into May 2026 and said it is considering additional equity financing to fund commercialization and continued product development.