Genencor Launches Hazardous Chemical Decontamination Enzymes for First Responders
Thursday November 11, 7:30 am ET
DEFENZ(TM) line of products introduced this week at FireRescue Conference in Las Vegas
PALO ALTO, Calif., Nov. 11 /PRNewswire/ -- Genencor International, Inc. (Nasdaq: GCOR - News) announced today that its new line of decontamination enzymes to combat nerve gas agents and organophosphate-based pesticides is now available for sale. Genencor's DEFENZ(TM) line of enzymes is being introduced to first responders this week at the FireRescue Conference and Expo in Las Vegas, Nev.
Exclusively licensed from the U.S. Army Edgewood Chemical Biological Center (ECBC), DEFENZ enzymes are capable of breaking down certain organophosphate type materials including G-type nerve agents such as somain and sarin. Enzymes are proteins that help a chemical reaction take place specifically, quickly and efficiently. Enzymes offer a number of advantages over traditional harsh and caustic chemical decontaminants including being water soluble, environmentally benign, non-flammable and non-corrosive.
"With the continuing threat of biological and chemical attacks on the United States and in other parts of the world, DEFENZ enzymes are an important capability to have available to react to an incident quickly and effectively," said Thomas Pekich, group vice president, Bioproducts, for Genencor. "Biotechnology has a lot to offer in homeland security and defense and we are proud to be able to deliver new solutions to these threats."
In tests conducted by Genencor and ECBC, one gram of DEFENZ 120G enzyme decontaminated approximately two kilograms of G-type agents within 15 minutes of contact. Because enzyme decontaminants are much more potent than traditional chemicals, they greatly reduce logistical and storage issues when deployed for civilian and military readiness.
Available in granule form, DEFENZ enzymes can be added to the water supply on an emergency vehicle en-route to or on the site of a chemical emergency. The enzyme is then applied through a typical existing foam nozzle or foaming equipment. This formulation leads to easier handling for the user with no special storage or transportation requirements.
For more information about DEFENZ enzymes, contact Genencor at +1-800-847- 5311 (USA only) or +1-585-256-5200.
About Genencor
Genencor International is a diversified biotechnology company that develops and delivers innovative products and services into the health care, agri-processing, industrial and consumer markets. Using an integrated set of technology platforms, Genencor's products deliver innovative and sustainable solutions to improve the quality of life. Genencor traces its history to 1982 and has grown to become a leading biotechnology company, with over $380 million in year 2003 annual revenues. Genencor has principal offices in Palo Alto, California; Rochester, New York; and Leiden, the Netherlands. |
