Enzymes

Enzymes are natural protein molecules that act as catalysts in biochemical reactions - that is, they mediate a reaction so it proceeds quickly and efficiently. Without enzymes biochemical reactions can take place, but the reaction rate would be extremely slow. In nature, enzymes are an essential component of nearly every cellular process, without which life could not be sustained.

Nearly every manufacturing process in every industry depends on one or more chemical reactions. Traditionally, these reactions have been catalyzed using unnatural chemical-based catalysts that are toxic, energy intensive and expensive to maintain and dispose. It is well documented that enzymes (bio-catalysts) are the most viable alternative to chemical-based catalysis to reduce costs and environmental impact, and to significantly improve product purity and quality.

The use of enzymes for industrial applications almost always requires modifications to the wild type enzyme to render it stable and functional in harsh unnatural conditions. Modifying and re-designing enzymes is an extremely challenging task. At Zymeworks, this is achieved by employing the rational design approach to quantitatively manipulate the physical and chemical properties of enzymes using structure-based information and molecular simulations.