We are advising Gearbox Biosciences, a deep-tech startup, on negotiating cross-border strategic cooperation agreements with various partners in the industrial biotechnology sector.
The aim of the cooperation agreements is to further develop various innovative biotechnology technologies and methods and to commercialise the results of such development work. The agreements focus on the licensing of Gearbox’s technology to cooperation partners for the production of proteins and plasmids.
Innovative production of antibiotic-free proteins
Gearbox Biosciences is an industrial biotechnology company founded by researchers from the University of Tartu. The company works to develop developing advanced technologies and methods to produce various proteins using living cells without the use of antibiotics. At the core of this approach is Gearbox’s Pop-Out-Plasmid™ technology, positioning the company among the pioneers in antibiotic-free recombinant protein production.
The end products of such development processes are used across a wide range of industries, including the medical, food and chemical sectors, among others. By eliminating the need for antibiotics and antibiotic resistance genes, the technology used significantly reduces the risk of spreading antibiotic-resistant pathogens, while also improving production efficiency and scalability.
An example of how this is being put into practice is the use by Swedish startup Cassius of Gearbox’s technology to develop vegan-compatible casein production. Casein is a key milk protein responsible for the characteristic texture and taste of cheese, and Cassius aims to use it in the production of vegan cheese alternatives. Traditionally, this process would require the use of antibiotics and resistance genes. However, Gearbox’s solution enables antibiotic-free production, making the process more efficient and sustainable, as well as aligned with modern regulatory and environmental expectations. More detailed information about Gearbox Biosciences’ technology and activities can be found on the Gearbox website.
Our services and team
Our advice covers both general contract law matters and specialised legal expertise in biotechnology and intellectual property law. For example, in October 2023, we also assisted Gearbox in raising EUR 380,000 in funding.
Sorainen is advising Gearbox on the drafting and negotiation of various cooperation agreements, under the leadership of partner Lise-Lotte Lääne, the head of the Life Sciences & Healthcare sector group in Estonia. The team advising Gearbox also includes partner Mirell Prosa, senior associate Oliver Kuusk, and associate Jürgen Adamson.
