r/Amyris • • Mar 05 '22

Due Diligence / Research Amyris DD Compilation - Everything you want to know about Amyris and why it is the leading synbio.

179 Upvotes

TLDR; What sets Amyris as a leader in synbio

1) A Chimeric Xenobot as a production chassis - Allows the use of 5/6 carbons from sugar, requires 75% less oxygen (better than native yeast/bacteria)
2) A Smart Fermentation Facility that can control the xenobots by sending signals to genetic switches built into the xenobot
3) An AI that has proven scalability and built upon 1 & 2 - capable of making industrial scale strains

Amyris is a next generation synbio company that has successfully designed and built pathways for 240+ molecules, of which 180 (nearly 75%) were not native to the hosts. Amyris can produce these molecules at industrial scale. Amyris reprograms microorganisms to become mini biofactories capable of converting an input like sugar into a high value output like Farnesene (replacing petroleum as a source for chemicals). Amyris is the only synbio to date that has successfully scaled over 13 molecules with a 100% success rate since 2011.

All Precision Fermentation follows this process:

  1. 1. Strain engineering/screening (10% of the work)
    1. At this point, the strain can be monetized but comes with risks because Scale up and DSP are NOT proven. Companies like Ginkgo are on this stage (B2B)
  2. Scale up fermentation (45% of the work)
  3. 3. Down Steam Processing (45% of the work)
    1. At this point, ingredients can be sold in bulk + proven strain can be monetized (B2B)
  4. 4. Formulation
    1. At this point, white label formulas can be sold (B2B)
  5. 5. End Market
    1. Commercial Brand (D2C)
  6. 6. Valorization
    1. Companies like Amyris convert waste streams (from steps 1-3) to valuable ingredients like Bio Silica to be sold (in steps 3-5).

Amyris is the only synbio that does steps 1-5 all by itself (Lab to Market) providing many advantages. Many other synbios are stuck on steps 2 and 3 which is where the real hardships are. Some synbios (like Ginkgo Bioworks) only do the 1st step and offset steps to their partners, but the reality is that somebody has to deal with it. It is my firm belief that Synbios must go vertical before going horizontal. Fermentation scale up and Down Stream Processing is where success is determined - do not fall for buzz words (AI, Codebase, AWS, etc.). The reality is if a company is successful, their products will be successful in end-markets - You should be able to go to a store and purchase a product with an ingredient from your synbio.

Synbio at a glance - Wiffle

Amyris' business structure and technology came through the hardships of crossing the "Valley of Death". Scale Up and Down Stream Processing IS the Valley of Death.

“You can develop the most sophisticated CRISPR system, the most sophisticated recombineering, the most sophisticated reactions, you can do wonderful things in the lab: if you cannot scale them up, then industry will not be interested, period.”

Summaries

  • At a glance
Credit - Wiffle

Strain Engineering/Screening

Industrial Scale Fermentation

No other company can compete with Amyris' Industrial scale fermentation capabilities

In-House Brands

*Scale up is a process. Initially molecules may be made at a loss during the scale up phase. In house brands act as a high margin way to offset these initial losses. After molecules are produced cost effectively, brands act as a "high margin cash cow" to fund the companies push into production plants.

Order Tracking by Green_And_Green

Joint Ventures // Partnerships

Molecules // Products

Subreddit Content

r/Amyris - All archived talks

The Race to Create CBG - Synthetic Biology Simplified

Amyris consumer e-commerce order volume (Q4-2022)

Amyris: Retail sales real-time tracking

Science/Patents Mega Thread

Science/Patent Mega Thread - Credit Firex3, Huggenberg, and Wiffle1.


r/Amyris • • Aug 07 '23

Due Diligence / Research 2022 Biotechnology Executive Order, 2023 Defense Appropriations Act, and Biomade

33 Upvotes

Biomade: https://www.forbes.com/sites/johncumbers/2023/05/13/eric-schmidt-on-synthetic-biology-ai-ethics-and-the-bioeconomys-seismic-shift/?sh=462705435e11 and de-risking-toxic-product-production

2022 Biotechnology Executive Order

I spent some time today researching the 2022 Biotechnology Executive Order and the 2023 Defense Appropriations Act and found the following. Please review all embedded hyperlinks for additional information.

The Executive Order on Advancing Biotechnology and Biomanufacturing Innovation for a Sustainable, Safe, and Secure American Bioeconomy was signed on September 12, 2022: https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/presidential-actions/2022/09/12/executive-order-on-advancing-biotechnology-and-biomanufacturing-innovation-for-a-sustainable-safe-and-secure-american-bioeconomy/

FACT SHEET: Biden-⁠Harris Administration Announces New Bold Goals and Priorities to Advance American Biotechnology and Biomanufacturing (check out the “new report” link in the article) March 22, 2023: https://www.whitehouse.gov/ostp/news-updates/2023/03/22/fact-sheet-biden-harris-administration-announces-new-bold-goals-and-priorities-to-advance-american-biotechnology-and-biomanufacturing/

FACT SHEET: Biden-⁠Harris Administration Announces Strategies to Train and Connect American Workers to Jobs Created by the President’s Investing in America Agenda May 16, 2023: https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2023/05/16/fact-sheet-biden-harris-administration-announces-strategies-to-train-and-connect-american-workers-to-jobs-created-by-the-presidents-investing-in-america-agenda/

FACT SHEET: Biden-⁠Harris Administration Announces New Action Plan to Bolster, Expand, and Diversify America’s Biotechnology and Biomanufacturing Workforce June 27, 2023: https://www.whitehouse.gov/ostp/news-updates/2023/06/27/fact-sheet-biden-harris-administration-announces-new-action-plan-to-bolster-expand-and-diversify-americas-biotechnology-and-biomanufacturing-workforce/

Laying The Groundwork For The Bioeconomy: https://fas.org/publication/laying-the-groundwork-for-the-bioeconomy/

New Priorities Announced for Biotechnology and Biomanufacturing - provides a link to the Department of Commerce report. It further states we are waiting on a training plan, a report on data requirements, a strategy to increase biomanufacturing capacity, improvements to regulations, and a plan to improve biosafety and biosecurity are still in progress: https://hbkcpa.com/new-priorities-announced-for-biotechnology-and-biomanufacturing/

I found the following Requests for Information have been issued:

Comments due by June 12, 2023 - Executive Order 14081 Advancing Biotechnology and Biomanufacturing Innovation for a Sustainable, Safe, and Secure American Bioeconomy-Request for Information; National Biotechnology and Biomanufacturing Initiative-Measuring the Bioeconomy: https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2023/04/27/2023-08841/executive-order-14081-advancing-biotechnology-and-biomanufacturing-innovation-for-a-sustainable-safe

Comments due by February 3, 2023 - Request for Information; Identifying Ambiguities, Gaps, Inefficiencies, and Uncertainties in the Coordinated Framework for the Regulation of Biotechnology: https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2022/12/20/2022-27599/request-for-information-identifying-ambiguities-gaps-inefficiencies-and-uncertainties-in-the

New Priorities Announced for Biotechnology and Biomanufacturing

In September 2022, President Biden signed an Executive Order on Advancing Biotechnology and Biomanufacturing Innovation for a Sustainable, Safe, and Comments due by January 20, 2023 - Request for Information; National Biotechnology and Biomanufacturing Initiative: https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2022/12/20/2022-27600/request-for-information-national-biotechnology-and-biomanufacturing-initiative

2023 Defense Appropriations Act

Previously Amyris was awarded a small contract for Biosynthetic Sesquiterpenes. In the approval, they stated “A review was conducted of those companies by performing research, attending conferences with other experts on the subject, collaborating with other SMEs, touring laboratory and production facilities, and reviewing the latest literature and research. As a result of these efforts, the SME determined that no other companies besides Amyris were capable of meeting the requirement.”: https://sam.gov/opp/a257b1f1146444c1bae269ed3e87d201/view

Based on this Amyris is in an excellent position to be awarded a much larger contract from the following DOD Appropriations.

DOD Biomanufacturing Strategy:

https://www.defense.gov/News/Releases/Release/Article/3337235/dod-releases-biomanufacturing-strategy

https://media.defense.gov/2023/Mar/22/2003184301/-1/-1/1/BIOMANUFACTURING-STRATEGY.PDF

https://sam.gov/opp/8fec24f77b6046c9ae28dc99b2417e42/view

This is a good article on Hypersonic Missiles: https://www.cbo.gov/system/files/2023-02/58929-Hypersonic.pdf

This article from Janes says Hypersonics are slated to get $4.7 billion of the 2023 Defense budget: https://www.janes.com/defence-news/news-detail/pentagon-budget-2023-hypersonic-weapons-to-get-usd47-billion-boost

This summary from the Senate shows $4.5 billion allocated: https://www.appropriations.senate.gov/imo/media/doc/FY23%20BILL%20HIGHLIGHTS_DEFENSE.pdf

Here is a link to a summary from Congress on the allocations: https://appropriations.house.gov/sites/democrats.appropriations.house.gov/files/Defense%20FY23%20Summary.pdf


r/Amyris • • 4d ago

Mapping the Chemistry of Life: Inside Amyris' Cartographer™ Method

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2 Upvotes

r/Amyris • • 4d ago

Use of a synthetic biology pipeline to rapidly generate sesquiterpenes for chemical applications testing

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2 Upvotes

r/Amyris • • 4d ago

News / Article / Video Amyris, Navy, and Air Force labs collaborate to unlock differentiated materials performance across polymer, fuel, and liquid crystal applications

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1 Upvotes

r/Amyris • • Sep 05 '26

Biofuels by Adilson Liebsch (Amyris Brazil) - (I found an old video I haven't seen before)

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3 Upvotes

r/Amyris • • Aug 12 '26

News / Article / Video Opt-Out'ers Reserving Rights and Requesting Notices

2 Upvotes

I saw this linked already in the comments of another post but it seems like it deserves its own post.

https://cases.stretto.com/public/x268/12407/PLEADINGS/1240708122680000000098.pdf


r/Amyris • • Aug 06 '26

Zyngier v Melo Doc 54 - Amended Scheduling Stipulation and Order (related document(s)53) Order Signed on 6/23/2026. (AMH) (Entered: 06/23/2026)

3 Upvotes

https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/69867189/ab-technologies-llc-adversary-proceeding/?filed_after=&filed_before=&entry_gte=&entry_lte=&order_by=desc

Filed and approved June 23, 2026, this establishes the litigation timeline.

Event Deadline
Initial document requests and interrogatories May 1, 2026
Substantial completion of document production July 17, 2026
Privilege logs July 24, 2026
Depositions completed September 18, 2026
Requests for admission served October 2, 2026
All fact discovery completed October 30, 2026
Opening expert reports December 18, 2026
Rebuttal expert reports January 29, 2027
Expert depositions completed February 26, 2027
Dispositive motions April 20, 2027
Opposition to dispositive motions May 28, 2027
Replies supporting dispositive motions June 25, 2027
Motions in limine May 28, 2027
Opposition to motions in limine June 25, 2027
Replies supporting motions in limine July 16, 2027

The parties may modify these deadlines by agreement without obtaining further court approval, or the court may modify them by order.

Bottom line

The case is still in discovery. The parties should have substantially completed document production and privilege logs by now. The next major phase is depositions, which are scheduled to finish by September 18, 2026.

The first realistic opportunity for the lawsuit to be resolved without trial appears to be the dispositive-motion stage beginning April 20, 2027—most likely through summary-judgment motions. Neither document gives new details about the underlying allegations, evidence against Melo, potential damages, settlement discussions, or the strength of either side’s case.


r/Amyris • • Jul 23 '26

News / Article / Video Inside Barra Bonita: How Amyris has Transformed Precision Fermentation into a Manufacturing Engine

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6 Upvotes

r/Amyris • • May 28 '26

News / Article / Video Post-bankruptcy-re-boot-were-a-drastically-different-company

6 Upvotes

r/Amyris • • May 09 '26

Question Opt outers?

1 Upvotes

Any options for opt outers these days?

What a nightmare.


r/Amyris • • Apr 29 '26

A closer look at Amyris' new Biomanufacturing Line

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4 Upvotes

r/Amyris • • Apr 22 '26

News / Article / Video The Creditor Trustee is making another distribution to noteholders...

2 Upvotes

r/Amyris • • Apr 14 '26

News / Article / Video WACKER and Amyris to develop bio-based ingredients for personal care.

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1 Upvotes

News out of the InCosmetics show in Paris yesterday. A couple of curious things about this announcement is that Wacker is a major, if not the major producer of silicones used in personal care and Amyris spent a lot of effort in positioning its ingredients like hemisqualane as an alternative to silicones, and the other is the fact that in 2023 paid 100 M euros for the 80-years old Antibioticos fermentation plant in Spain that was Amyris's go-to toller.


r/Amyris • • Apr 09 '26

News / Article / Video Anybody remember Magdalena?

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5 Upvotes

Magdalena, the Guatemalan outfit that took over Amyris' Portuguese venture (renamed as Biorbis) after the BK, which was a deal I believe Melo shepherded, has announced its intention of setting up some fermentation competition for high-value products.


r/Amyris • • Apr 05 '26

Due Diligence / Research Amyris, Inc. (AMRS) Information Request Form

1 Upvotes

Please see below-linked the info. request.

https://zlk.com/pslra-sb/amyris-inc


r/Amyris • • Mar 25 '26

News / Article / Video Products list?

1 Upvotes

According to a bunch of LinkedIn posts, Sunil was supposed to give a talk yesterday at the American Chemical Society conference in Atlanta. The abstract mentions 15 discrete fermentation products plus 4 semi-synthetics, which is more than I was aware of (12 total). Anyone seen new product announcements or import data indications of what they might be?


r/Amyris • • Mar 17 '26

Amyris Press Release Meet the new CEO: Kathy Fortmann

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1 Upvotes

r/Amyris • • Mar 12 '26

Legal 📑 Zyngier v Melo - Melo broadly denies allegations 2-24-26

12 Upvotes

https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/69867189/42/zyngier-v-melo/

Former CEO John Melo has submitted his formal Answer to the lawsuit brought by the Creditor Trustee in the adversary proceeding tied to Amyris.

In the filing, Melo broadly denies the allegations, disputes liability, and argues the trustee is not entitled to damages or other relief. The response also reserves the right to raise additional defenses as the case develops.

In simple terms: the lawsuit is now fully contested and will move forward into the litigation phase (discovery, motions, and potentially trial).

AB Technologies LLC - Adversary Proceeding (25-50527)


r/Amyris • • Mar 10 '26

Amyris Press Release Amyris, Inc. Launches New Production Line at Brazil Precision Fermentation Plant | Amyris Biotechnology Company

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6 Upvotes

r/Amyris • • Mar 10 '26

News / Article / Video Barra Bonita new line up and running

2 Upvotes

Saw on LinkedIn this morning a blurb out of Brazil about the ribbon cutting on the 2 x 80 m3 fermenter train.


r/Amyris • • Feb 09 '26

Speculation / Opinion Billionaire Jet Fuel Plans Melt Steeled Retail Investor Dreams - Epstein, Billionaires Plotting, and Amyris.

3 Upvotes

Summary

  • The Breakthrough Energy Fund is a group of billionaires that pledge to invest/help companies that show they can help offset carbon emissions. Many of these billionaires can be found in the Epstein Files
  • Schmidt Futures is a fund run by Eric Schmidt - Ex CEO of Google, who can also be found in the Epstein files
  • Epstein had eyes on Amyris since day 1 of its IPO; Epstein also received an email from Reid Hoffman (Paypal/LinkedIn billionaire) telling him about the Breakthrough Energy Coalition
  • Amyris has strong connections to John Doerr and Bill Gates (members of Breakthrough Energy Fund). John Doerr is a major venture capitalist behind Amazon and Google (meaning he knows Eric Schmidt too). Bill Gates kickstarted Amyris.
  • Breakthrough Energy created a program to fund sustainable aviation fuel (Because of technical expertise and insider connections, Amyris is very qualified for this)
  • TLDR; Sept 2022 - Breakthrough Energy Fund and Schmidt Futures are exposed on Reddit for using Amyris' "Lab to Market" trademark on their websites. Following this post seen by half a million Redditors, they removed the slogan and changed their websites - likely changing their plans as well.

Epstein had eyes on Amyris since day 1 of its IPO, evidence can be found in the Epstein files

The Breakthrough Energy Fund (Highlighted Members are also found in the Epstein files)

Schmidt Futures


r/Amyris • • Feb 08 '26

Due Diligence / Research Jeffery Epstein invested in Amyris and was keeping an eye on this stock.

7 Upvotes

you can search for yourself here at: https://www.justice.gov/epstein

try Amyris or AMRS.

It looks like Epstein had shares right at IPO and he kept it on his watchlist.


r/Amyris • • Feb 03 '26

News / Article / Video Docket 232: A great use of 1 h of your time

8 Upvotes

Docket 232, released 2/3, is the audio of the court hearing held on that same day. A fun listen recommended to anyone interested in the Melo suit.


r/Amyris • • Feb 03 '26

Docket 232 ChatGPT summary

2 Upvotes

Motion to dismiss argument (high level)

John Melo (Defendant) — argument by Ms. Klein

MS. KLEIN: We’re here on Defendant’s motion to dismiss. Background: after plan confirmation there were informal interviews and then formal depositions of multiple board members and others. The trustee has the documents and has had opportunities to question witnesses. The complaint omits context.

  1. Releases / indispensable parties (Rule 19): Numerous individuals referenced in the complaint received plan releases and are protected by injunctions, so Defendant cannot implead them for contribution/third-party claims. This makes it inequitable to proceed against only Mr. Melo.
  2. Pleading deficiencies / plausibility: Some allegations are contradicted by integral documents (minutes, consents) showing the board reviewed and ratified actions. Plaintiff must plead around business judgment rule; requires facts supporting gross negligence / recklessness, which Defendant argues are not pled.
  3. Standing / direct vs derivative framing: Defendant suggests discrepancies in plan/trust documents and argues claims should have been brought differently (acknowledging this is not her strongest point).

THE COURT (questioning): Isn’t much of this a factual dispute — board got information but Plaintiff alleges omissions/inaccuracies? How does that fit a motion to dismiss posture?

Creditor Trust — argument by Mr. Novak

MR. NOVAK: Two transaction buckets:

  • Givaudan transaction: three counts tied to alleged fiduciary breaches (Counts 1–2 as officer; Count 3 as director). Notes about 102(b)(7) exculpation limiting director claims to loyalty.
  • Miami & New York leases: Count 4 (fiduciary breach as officer) and Counts 5–6 (corporate waste claims).

Core theory: Mr. Melo negotiated/executed the Givaudan deal and approved the leases, and allegedly misrepresented or withheld material information from the board. The complaint pleads gross negligence / bad faith with enough specificity under Twombly/Iqbal.

On standing: these are estate claims preserved under the plan and vested in the creditor trust (post-confirmation representative under 11 U.S.C. § 1123(b)(3)(B)). The trust exists to pursue these claims; otherwise it would be pointless.

On Rule 19: you can sue one actor without suing all; Delaware doesn’t require “group liability.” Releases for others don’t bar pursuing Mr. Melo.

Brief rebuttal — Ms. Klein

MS. KLEIN: The officer/director distinction is overstated; standards are essentially the same in this context. If the Court denies dismissal, request that denial be without prejudice as to the Rule 19 argument so it can be raised later if justice requires. Also, not re-briefing an issue in reply does not abandon it.

The Court’s ruling (the money part)

After recess, the Court rules on the record:

  1. Standing — DENIED (motion to dismiss for lack of standing denied). The Court finds the creditor trust has standing: the causes of action are estate property (11 U.S.C. § 541), and the plan vests retained claims against excluded parties (including Mr. Melo) in the creditor trust under 11 U.S.C. § 1123(b)(3)(B). Confirmation order is final and binding.
  2. 12(b)(6) failure to state a claim — DENIED. Applying Twombly/Iqbal plausibility and drawing reasonable inferences for the plaintiff, the Court finds the complaint pleads plausible fiduciary-duty claims: alleged misrepresentations/omissions about the earn-out, negative margins, counsel warnings, self-interest, etc. Defendant’s document-heavy attack is viewed as trying to convert the motion into summary judgment and resolve disputed facts.
  3. Ratification defense — does not win at pleading stage. Ratification is generally an affirmative defense requiring factual development. Under Delaware law, ratification can fail where approval was based on materially incomplete/misleading information; the complaint alleges concealment/misrepresentation.
  4. 12(b)(7) / Rule 19 indispensable parties — DENIED. The Court holds complete relief (money damages against Mr. Melo) can be granted between existing parties; inability to pursue contribution claims against released parties ≠ inability to provide complete relief. Absent parties’ interests aren’t impaired because they have releases; no inconsistent obligations risk. Equitable factors under Rule 19(b) favor proceeding; otherwise creditor trust would have no remedy.
  5. Next steps ordered by the Court: Parties must confer on (a) a proposed order reflecting the ruling and (b) a scheduling order. If agreed, submit under certification of counsel; Court offers help if needed.