Hyasynth: Biotech Startup First To To Bring Fermented CBD To Market


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Montreal-based biotechnology company Hyasynth has won the race to become the first to commercialise cannabidiol (CBD) produced and extracted through a yeast fermentation process, without the need for traditional cultivation or extraction from plants. The first-ever sale of CBD developed using microbial biosynthesis marks a key step forward towards large-scale commercialisation of this solution, which provides sustainability and cost benefits. 

Hyasynth, among the first companies to specialise in cannabinoid production by fermentation, has made the first-ever sale of its CBD made through microbial biosynthesis using a proprietary yeast under contract with a fermentation partner. The fermentation process takes less than one week to complete, making it 12-times faster than traditional production using cannabis or hemp plants, and the end result is a CBD that is safe, sustainable, pesticide-free, GMO-free and cost-efficient. 

“Our head start in this area was a key factor in us being the first to reach commercial sale of CBD and CBDa produced from a reliable and sustainable source.” said Kevin Chen, CEO of Hyasynth. “We’ve assembled an excellent team of researchers, built an IP portfolio across many cannabinoids, and our production and sale achievement is one of the last checkpoints before we make our solution available worldwide.” 

While it remained little known before becoming a major trend, CBD is associated with a range of beneficial qualities, including anti-inflammation, neuroprotection, pain management, insomnia, anxiety and depression. Scientific research has also found a link between CBD use and helping patients suffering from chronic diseases, such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, epilepsy and an adjunct therapy alongside cancer treatments. 

Our head start in this area was a key factor in us being the first to reach commercial sale of CBD and CBDa produced from a reliable and sustainable source. We’ve assembled an excellent team of researchers, built an IP portfolio across many cannabinoids, and our production and sale achievement is one of the last checkpoints before we make our solution available worldwide.

Kevin Chen, CEO of Hyasynth

Read: The ultimate Hong Kong CBD guide, from lattes to dog treats

In terms of reliability, Hyasynth’s technology means more accurate information on the quantity of CBD and transparency in the type of ingredients in CBD products – a growing concern for regulatory agencies as consumer interest in CBD products continues to rise exponentially all over the world. 

“With these product features, Hyasynth is set to reshape the industry for major cannabinoids, like THC and CBD, and rare cannabinoids that are found in very low levels in cannabis and hemp plants,” the company said in a statement. 

Looking ahead, Hyasynth is now setting its sights on scaling up its fermentation technology to produce its CBDs using this method to industrial volumes. It plans to deliver scaled production as soon as next year, and is currently in the process of looking for partners to commercialise its bio-based products.


Lead image courtesy of Hyasynth.

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  • Sally Ho

    Sally Ho is Green Queen's former resident writer and lead reporter. Passionate about the environment, social issues and health, she is always looking into the latest climate stories in Hong Kong and beyond. A long-time vegan, she also hopes to promote healthy and plant-based lifestyle choices in Asia. Sally has a background in Politics and International Relations from her studies at the London School of Economics and Political Science.

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