Circa Group offers levoglucosenone production capability for coronavirus therapeutics

In the UK, biotechnology company Circa Group – who produces bio-based solvent Cyrene^TM in one step from levoglucosenone (LGO) – is offering its LGO manufacturing capability to experts looking for building blocks for coronavirus therapeutics, including ribonolactone.  

Circa’s continuous process for producing levoglucosenone from waste cellulose at its FC5 prototype plant in Tasmania, Australia, with partner Norske Skog, is currently producing LGO in metric ton quantities.

Established in 2006, Circa Group converts waste biomass into advanced bio-based chemicals with its proprietary Furacell^TM process at its prototype plant in Tasmania – a joint venture with Norske Skog. Its developing product portfolio includes, flavors, bio-polymers, and bio-solvents including Cyrene^TM, an alternative to traditional polar aprotic solvents, which is produced in one step from platform chemical levoglucosenone.