Key Takeaways:
- Biotalys appoints Kamal El Mernissi as Chief Business Development Officer (CBDO), effective October 17, 2024.
- El Mernissi brings over 15 years of experience in agriculture, with leadership roles in marketing, sales, and business development.
- He previously served as Vice President of Sales and Marketing North America at Marrone Bio Innovations.
- El Mernissi will focus on securing partnerships to leverage Biotalys’ AGROBODY Foundry™ technology for developing biocontrol solutions.
Leadership Expansion at Biotalys
Biotalys, an Agricultural Technology (AgTech) company specializing in protein-based biocontrol solutions for sustainable crop protection, has appointed Kamal El Mernissi as Chief Business Development Officer (CBDO). El Mernissi joins the company’s executive leadership team and will report directly to CEO Kevin Helash. His primary focus will be on building partnerships to expand Biotalys’ innovative biocontrol offerings in the agricultural industry.
Simon Moroney, Chairman of Biotalys, welcomed El Mernissi’s appointment, noting his extensive experience in agriculture and leadership across marketing and sales. “Kamal is an excellent addition to our leadership team, and we look forward to his contributions in maximizing long-term value for Biotalys and its stakeholders,” Moroney said.
Industry Expertise and Leadership Background
Before joining Biotalys, Kamal El Mernissi held the position of Vice President of Sales and Marketing North America at Marrone Bio Innovations, where he played a significant role in advancing biocontrol solutions and collaborating with key agricultural players. His experience in the latest industry trends positions him well to lead Biotalys’ efforts in fostering partnerships that benefit from the company’s AGROBODY Foundry™ technology, which focuses on developing biofungicides and bio-insecticides.
Kevin Helash, CEO of Biotalys, expressed enthusiasm for reuniting with El Mernissi, having previously worked together at Marrone Bio Innovations. “Kamal’s expertise in fostering strong business relationships will be invaluable as Biotalys moves into its next phase of growth,” Helash commented.
El Mernissi’s Vision for Biotalys
Kamal El Mernissi emphasized his excitement about joining Biotalys and the potential for its innovative biocontrol solutions to make a meaningful impact. “Biotalys is uniquely positioned to bring impactful innovation to farmers seeking performance and sustainability. I’m thrilled to start this new journey with such a talented and mission-driven team,” El Mernissi stated.
El Mernissi’s career includes leadership roles at Syngenta, where he managed commercial units in North America, LATAM, and EMEA, and was responsible for launching key active ingredients. His diverse background, including roles at DELL and SIKA, complements his extensive agricultural expertise.
Biotalys Latest News
Expands R&D Pipeline with New Biofungicide Program (2024/10/01)
Biotalys, a leading AgTech company, has added BioFun-8 to its research and development pipeline. The program aims to develop a sustainable crop protection solution for Alternaria, a significant fungal disease that affects fruits, vegetables, and specialty crops. Alternaria is a major issue for growers, reducing crop yields and causing plant stress. Biotalys will use its proprietary AGROBODY 2.0 technology platform to accelerate the development of BioFun-8, which enables the creation of protein-based biocontrols designed to provide effective, safe alternatives to chemical fungicides. The global market for a novel Alternaria treatment is estimated to be USD 1.1 billion. Biotalys’ expanding pipeline of protein-based biocontrols includes BioFun-6, BioFun-7, BioFun-4, and BioIns-2. Despite the widespread use of chemical antifungals, growers lose between 10-23% of crops annually to fungal diseases, which are expected to worsen due to climate change.
Secures Patents for Biofungicide EVOCA™ in Europe & the US (2024/09/17)
Biotalys, an AgTech company, has secured patents for its protein-based biofungicide EVOCA™ by the European Patent Office (EPO) and the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), securing intellectual property rights for its active ingredient. The patents validate EVOCA’s innovation and strengthen Biotalys’ ability to support commercial partners in Europe and the U.S. The biofungicide is currently under regulatory review by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Dutch College voor Toelating van Gewasbeschermingsmiddelen en Biociden (CTGB) in the European Union. EVOCA NG, the first commercial fungicide developed using Biotalys’ AGROBODY™ technology platform, will be launched in 2021.
Biotalys Approved for Large-Scale Greenhouse Trials in the Netherlands (2024/09/02)
Biotalys has received approval from the Dutch regulatory body CTGB to conduct large-scale demonstration trials of its biofungicide candidate, EVOCA™, against powdery mildew in tomatoes, cucumbers, and strawberries. The trials will take place in greenhouses across the Netherlands, with the harvested produce being sold for human consumption. This exemption from the usual practice of destroying crops treated with unapproved protection products may provide practical insights into the product’s performance under real-world conditions. The Netherlands’ role as the rapporteur Member State in the European regulatory process underscores the significance of this approval.
Biotalys Announces Key Achievements & Results for H1 2024 (2024/08/22)
Biotalys, an AgTech company, achieved significant milestones in the first half of 2024, including a partnership for developing a new biofungicide and initiating field trials for another biofungicide. They made progress on the regulatory front, with ongoing reviews in the US and Europe. Financially, they reduced operating loss and have enough funding to continue operations until Q2 2025. Moving forward, Biotalys aims to secure regulatory approval for their products, advance the development of a new biofungicide, and expand scientific collaborations.
Read the complete results here.
Initiates Field Trials for New Biofungicide, BioFun-6 (2024/05/02)
Biotalys, a listed AgTech company, announced the start of field trials for BioFun-6, its biofungicide program. This marks a significant step in using its AGROBODY technology platform to develop protein-based biocontrols for sustainable crop protection. Kevin Helash, Biotalys’ CEO, highlighted the milestone and emphasized the company’s commitment to building a strong pipeline of biofungicides and bioinsecticides. BioFun-6 targets fungal diseases in high-value crops, with field trials set to begin in May 2024. The trials will focus on grape and tomato crops in Europe, with initial results expected by the end of the year to support further development and potential commercialization.
Announces Laura J. Meyer In Board (2024/04/30)
Biotalys has announced that Laura J. Meyer will be joining its Board of Directors and will head the Audit Committee starting September 25, 2024. Meyer is currently the Vice President of Investor Relations at Bayer and previously held the same position at Monsanto. With her financial and commercial background, Meyer is expected to bring valuable insights and strategic direction to Biotalys. Her appointment will be confirmed at the next shareholders meeting in accordance with the Belgian Code of Companies and Associations.
Forge Alliance With Novonesis for Sustainable Crop Protection (2024/03/19)
Biotalys has partnered with Novonesis to bring to market EVOCA NG, their first biofungicide. The collaboration includes the production, global supply, and certain rights to commercialize EVOCA NG, marking a milestone in sustainable crop protection. Novonesis’ investment aims to expand production capacity significantly and ensure the global commercialization of EVOCA NG. The partnership extends to the distribution and sale of EVOCA NG for select crops outside the United States. EVOCA NG is designed to combat fungal diseases like Botrytis and powdery mildew.
Strategic Advancements in Sustainable Crop Protection (2024/02/22)
Biotalys, an AgTech company, has disclosed its financial results for 2023 and shared plans for 2024. The company shifted to the AGROBODY 2.0 platform to enhance its bioactive agents. Biotalys also formed a partnership with Syngenta and has made progress in pipeline programs like BioFun-4, BioFun-6, BioFun-7, and BioIns-2. The company has a cash balance of €21.6 million and has extended its financial runway until the end of April 2025.
New Academic Collaboration In The US & Europe (2024/02/08)
Biotalys has academic collaborations with leading researchers in plant pathology in Europe and the U.S. They are developing biocontrols to protect crops from pests and diseases and have initiated the BioFun-4 R&D program to develop a biofungicide against Phytophthora infestans. Biotalys has entered into a research collaboration agreement with the University of Aberdeen and has also announced two new academic collaborations related to BioFun-7, its ongoing R&D program in partnership with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. Dr. Carlo Boutton is excited about these collaborations and believes that they will help build on the strong scientific foundation of the company’s programs and technology.
EVOCA™’s Promising Results In U.S. Field Trials (2023/12/19)
Biotalys has announced the success of its biofungicide candidate, EVOCA, in independent efficacy field trials for grapevines and strawberries. EVOCA, developed on Biotalys’ AGROBODY platform, offers an environmentally friendly alternative to chemical pesticides. Trials conducted by the University of California Davis and the University of Florida provided detailed insights into EVOCA’s performance. The Californian Department of Pesticide Regulation is reviewing EVOCA’s regulatory dossier, and swift approval at the state level is contingent on the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s federal approval.
Strategic Shift to Biotalys’s AGROBODY™ 2.0 Technology (2023/11/29)
Biotalys is shifting its focus to second-generation AGROBODY™ technology under the leadership of new CEO Kevin Helash. The company has updated its product pipeline and undergone significant organizational changes. Regulatory review of EVOCA™ is underway in the U.S. and E.U. Biotalys is now advancing its AGROBODY™ platform evolution, emphasizing the need for enhanced potency and efficacy of bioactive agents. The company has revised its pipeline to focus on biofungicides and bioinsecticides and has implemented cost management strategies, including a reduction in headcount.
Biotalys Appoints New CEO to Spearhead Next Growth Phase (2023/10/02)
Belgium-based AgTech firm Biotalys has appointed Kevin Helash as its new CEO and Director. Helash will succeed Patrice Sellès by December 2023. Sellès will remain in an advisory role for 30 days. Helash brings over 30 years of experience in the agricultural industry, having previously served as CEO at Marrone Bio Innovations and Agrinos, as well as a VP at Nutrien. The company is preparing to launch its first biocontrol product, Evoca, in the US market.
Biotalys H1 2023 Report: Innovations, Partnerships, and Progress in AgTech Biocontrol Solutions (2023/08/23)
Biotalys, an AgTech company specializing in protein-based biocontrol solutions, has reported its H1 2023 financial results and business achievements. The company highlights advancements in product development, technology, and strategic collaborations. Biotalys partnered with Syngenta to develop a new bio-insecticide and succeeded with its first protein-based biocontrol solution, Evoca. The company has also strengthened its intellectual property rights and secured two additional patents. Biotalys is preparing for the commercial launch of Evoca in 2026, and its emphasis on creating safer tools for sustainable crop protection strategies underlines its mission to address the pressing needs of the agricultural sector.
Biotalys Raises €7 Million Through Private Investment (2023/06/07)
Biotalys NV has secured €7 million through a private investment in a public equity (PIPE) transaction. The transaction involves issuing 1,135,257 new shares, representing approximately 3.67% of the company’s shares outstanding before the transaction. The new shares will be paid for and delivered on Monday, 12th June 2023, after which they will be listed on Euronext Brussels. The funds will be allocated to expanding and advancing the company’s pipeline, platform development, market calibration, and acquiring key talent.
Biotalys’ Evoca Shows Promising Results in Field Trials for Crop Protection (2023/05/31)
AgTech firm Biotalys has revealed positive feedback from its field trials of the biocontrol product Evoca. Over 160 trials were conducted in collaboration with industry players throughout 2022, with the majority focused on using Evoca against Botrytis in grapes. The trials showed that Evoca delivered remarkable results and could serve as a sustainable alternative to chemical applications in IPM programs. The product was also tested on other high-value fruits and vegetables and demonstrated promising results. According to Biotalys, Evoca’s performance and reliability have laid the foundation for an upcoming line of next-generation biocontrols.
Biotalys Announces Douglas Minder to Become CFO (2023/04/15)
Biotalys (Euronext:BTLS) is an Agricultural Technology (AgTech) company that focuses on developing protein-based biocontrol solutions for crop and food protection. The company has announced that its Board of Directors has approved a succession plan under which Douglas Minder will be promoted to Chief Financial Officer (CFO), effective July 1, 2023. Minder will take over responsibility from Wim Ottevaere, who will continue to serve Biotalys in an advisory capacity after concluding his operational role. This move is part of the company’s growth ambitions, and the management team believes that Minder is an excellent choice for the role.
Biotalys Reports Its FY 2022 Results & Achievements (2023/02/28)
Biotalys, an agtech company specializing in biocontrols, reported its financial results for 2022. The company achieved significant progress in key areas, including establishing partnerships, breakthroughs in production, and obtaining regulatory approvals for its first bio-fungicide product, Evoca. Biotalys plans to launch the commercial version of Evoca in Europe in 2026 and expects its next generation to enter the market by 2026. The company’s pipeline of product candidates also progressed as planned, and new appointments were made to support its growth. The complete financial report will be published on Biotalys’ website on March 24, 2023.
Read their financial results here.
Biotalys Advances Manufacturing of Biocontrol Product Evoca (2023/01/26)
Biotalys has improved the production efficiency of Evoca’s bioactive ingredient by 50 to 70% in a year, by developing multiple proprietary yeast strains. Evoca is a bio fungicide that controls fungal diseases in various crops and has shown strong performance over 600 independent and company-driven field & greenhouse trials. Protein-based biocontrols like Evoca can increase production efficiency by 50 to 70% in only one year, reducing production costs and clearing the path to a market entry that is economically viable. Subject to regulatory clearance by the U.S. EPA, Evoca will initially be distributed in a handful of states in the U.S. while a commercial version is expected for 2026. Biotalys plans to further expand its I.P. portfolio and develop Evoca and its pipeline of biocontrols to substitute chemical pesticides.
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