Key Takeaways
- Axitan Limited has appointed Sam Romes as Senior Bioprocessing Engineer.
- Romes will oversee fermentation processes and manage technology transfers to Contract Manufacturing Organizations (CMOs).
- The appointment supports Axitan’s expansion as commercial-scale volumes of its endolysin-based product, FORC3®, continue to grow.
- FORC3® is designed to target Clostridium perfringens, a pathogen linked to necrotic enteritis in poultry.
- Romes brings experience from EVERY and Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, specializing in large-scale fermentation and bioprocessing engineering.
Axitan Limited Strengthens Bioprocessing Team with Key Appointment
Axitan Limited, a biotech company specializing in endolysin enzyme products, has announced the appointment of Sam Romes as Senior Bioprocessing Engineer. In this role, Romes will lead Axitan’s fermentation processes and oversee technology transfers to Contract Manufacturing Organizations (CMOs) as the company expands its global manufacturing network.
“Sam brings a wealth of leading-edge, large-scale, precision fermentation experience to Axitan, making him an ideal fit to the team as commercial sale volumes of our first endolysin-based product, FORC3®, continue to build,” said Al Zimmerman, CEO of Axitan.
Expanding Endolysin-Based Feed Additives
Targeting Antibiotic Reduction in Animal Feed
Axitan develops endolysin enzyme products as alternatives to antibiotics in animal feed. Endolysins are antimicrobial enzymes that specifically target pathogens, reducing the reliance on traditional antibiotics in livestock production.
The company’s first feed additive, FORC3®, is designed to combat Clostridium perfringens, a bacterial pathogen responsible for necrotic enteritis in poultry. By utilizing precision fermentation, Axitan aims to provide performance-enhancing feed additives that improve animal health and productivity.
“It is a great honor to have joined this fast-growing business focused on the reduction and removal of antibiotics in animal feed through endolysin-based solutions,” said Sam Romes.
Axitan’s Expertise in Large-Scale Fermentation and Manufacturing
Industry Background and Experience
Before joining Axitan, Sam Romes held roles in bioprocess engineering and fermentation scale-up, including:
- Senior Bioprocess Engineer at EVERY, where he worked on alternative food protein production.
- Bioprocess Engineer at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, contributing to biotechnology innovation.
Romes holds a Master’s Degree in Chemical Engineering from the University of Louisville and has expertise in precision fermentation, large-scale bioprocessing, and technology transfer to CMOs. His appointment is expected to support Axitan’s global production strategy as demand for FORC3® increases.
Looking Ahead For Axitan
With the appointment of Sam Romes, Axitan aims to strengthen its fermentation capabilities, scale up manufacturing operations, and expand its global CMO partnerships. As demand grows for non-antibiotic alternatives in animal feed, the company continues to advance endolysin-based solutions for the livestock industry.
