Glycos Biotechnologies (GlycosBio), of Houston (USA), has signed definitive agreements with Malaysian company Bio-XCell for the construction of a biochemical plant and technology research and development facility at Bio-XCell’s industrial park in Nusajaya, Johor, Malaysia.

The partners plan to focus much of their research and developments efforts on creating isoprene to support Malaysia’s rubber industry. Construction has begun on the project and completion is expected in early 2012.

“For Malaysia, isoprene is a strategic  product because of the large domestic latex industry, and where we plan to focus much of our R&D efforts,” explained Richard Cilento, chief executive of GlycosBio.

He added that GlycosBio’ “long-term strategy includes further expansion in Malaysia and across Southeast Asia, forming… partnerships with existing petrochemical, oleo-chemical, and biofuel producers, and to partner with end market players in the development of advanced biochemicals.”

The project will utilize GlycosBio’s microbial platform and sustainable chemicals processes.

(Syed Rashid Ali, Karachi, Pakistan)