eXoZymes Inc., a Los Angeles-based developer of enzyme-based production processes, has selected contract research, development and manufacturing organization (CRDMO) Curia Global to transfer and scale its manufacturing process for N-trans-caffeoyltyramine (NCT).

The program is expected to begin in the fourth quarter of 2026 and will advance eXoZymes’ NCT process from pilot-scale validation toward larger scale manufacturing. The companies plan to establish a technical roadmap for subsequent production in 2027, according to the announcement.

Under the agreement, eXoZymes will transfer its NCT manufacturing process to Curia facilities in León, Spain, and Rozzano, Italy. The work includes cross-validation of the company’s enzyme fermentation, cell-free reaction, and purification processes at larger scale.

The program also includes process modeling and engineering analysis to determine a recommended approach for scaling the integrated manufacturing process. The process covers enzyme production through the cell-free NCT reaction and subsequent product purification.

The collaboration follows eXoZymes’ pilot-scale demonstration of the NCT process and reported improvements in process productivity and economics. The company said the Curia program is intended to further validate the process and establish the manufacturing pathway and supply chain needed for future commercial NCT production.

The collaboration adds to Curia’s recent manufacturing expansion. Earlier this month, the company opened an expanded Albuquerque, New Mexico sterile manufacturing campus following a $200 million investment. The project added 70,000 square feet to the existing facility and two isolated filling lines for syringes, cartridges and vials, along with lyophilization and packaging capabilities.