News

Announced the identification of the first Fructose Enhancers that demonstrate a statistically significant amplification of the sweet taste of fructose. This “taste proof-of-concept” is a key achievement for Senomyx because fructose is a major component of HFCS (high fructose corn syrup). HFCS is used widely in beverages and other large product categories. In addition, the Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) status for Senomyx’s S6973 Sucrose Enhancer was extended to instant coffee and tea, as well as imitation dairy products. Also, the Company has made considerable progress in the Bitter Blocker program since the beginning of the year, and development activities are underway for the S6821 and S0812 Bitter Blockers in preparation for future regulatory filings.  

Announced that Firmenich SA has made a decision to proceed with commercial development of S6973, Senomyx’s sucrose (table sugar) enhancer that has demonstrated the ability to reduce up to 50% of the sugar in a variety of products while maintaining the taste of natural sugar. In conjunction with the decision, Senomyx will receive an additional $8 million license fee payment from Firmenich, bringing the total to $20 million in license fee payments associated with the Firmenich Sweet Enhancer collaboration. Senomyx will also receive additional payments from Firmenich for the achievement of milestones, as well as specified expense reimbursements.  

Announced that that Ajinomoto Co., Inc. has begun the initial commercial introduction of products that contain a Senomyx flavor ingredient. The first product marketed is an ingredient mix being introduced in China. Also, Firmenich SA is evaluating Senomyx’s S6973 sucrose enhancer for potential commercial development and will pay to Senomyx in November 2009 a non-refundable $2 million payment based on its encouraging evaluation thus far.  

Announced that Senomyx was notified by the Flavor and Extract Manufacturers Association (FEMA) that its sucrose enhancer, S6973, was determined to be Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) under the provisions of the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act, administered by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Taste tests have demonstrated that S6973, which was discovered and developed by Senomyx, enables the reduction of up to 50% of the sucrose (table sugar) present in product prototypes while maintaining the sweet taste of natural sugar. The GRAS determination allows S6973 to be incorporated into specified products in the U.S. and in numerous other countries. These products include baked goods, cereals, gum, condiments and relishes, confectioneries and frostings, frozen dairy offerings, fruit ices, gelatins and puddings, hard and soft candy, jams and jellies, milk products, and sauces.  

Announced that Senomyx and Firmenich have entered into a collaborative research, development, commercialization and license agreement for novel flavor ingredients intended to enhance the taste of sucrose (table sugar), fructose, and Rebaudioside (stevia). Firmenich will have exclusive rights to commercialize selected Senomyx Sweet Enhancers worldwide in virtually all food product categories not currently licensed to other companies. This agreement does not impact Senomyx’s existing collaborations with other companies for the Sweet Enhancer program or our other collaborations with Firmenich.  

Announced that Nestlé SA selected a new Senomyx flavor ingredient for development activities and evaluation of commercial potential in the coffee and coffee whitener fields. In addition, Nestlé is continuing to assess another ingredient for potential future selection in the same field. Both ingredients are undergoing development activities that include scale-up production and safety studies to support regulatory filings in the U.S. and elsewhere.  

Announced the extension of the collaborative research phase under Senomyx’s initial collaborative research and license agreement with Campbell Soup Company. Campbell will provide research funding for one year with three annual options of one year each that could further extend the collaboration. During the collaborative research period, Senomyx will continue to work with Campbell on the discovery and commercialization of new ingredients that improve the taste of wet soups and savory beverages.

Announced that Senomyx’s exclusive collaborative research, development, commercialization and license agreement with Ajinomoto Co., Inc. has been extended for one year with three consecutive options of one year each that could further extend the collaboration. The companies will continue to work together on new flavor ingredients for use in the soup, sauce and culinary aids, noodles, and bouillon product categories in Asia.

Announced initiation of development activities for S0812 and additional new bitter blockers. The development phase includes scale-up production activities and safety studies to support regulatory filings in the U.S. and elsewhere. Senomyx is creating a novel ‘toolbox’ of bitter blockers that have the potential to be licensed to new partners to reduce the bitterness of a variety of food, beverage, OTC healthcare and pharmaceutical products.