New Distribution Agreement Between Brenntag and ArcticZymes Strengthens European Access to Advanced Enzymes for Biopharma Production

New Distribution Agreement Between Brenntag and ArcticZymes Strengthens European Access to Advanced Enzymes for Biopharma Production

(IN BRIEF) Brenntag has signed an exclusive European distribution agreement with ArcticZymes AS for its line of salt-active nucleases—SAN HQ, SAN-HQ GMP, M-SAN HQ, and M-SAN HQ GMP—used in gene therapy, vaccine manufacturing, and bioprocessing. Signed during the CPHI fair in Frankfurt, the collaboration combines Brenntag’s extensive distribution network with ArcticZymes’ enzyme expertise, enabling broader access to innovative endonucleases that remain active under high-salt conditions. With both GMP and research-grade options available, the products simplify manufacturing transitions from development to production. Executives Joakim Rehné and Paul Blackburn highlighted the agreement as a key step in expanding access to next-generation bioprocessing technologies across Europe.

(PRESS RELEASE) ESSEN, 30-Oct-2025 — /EuropaWire/ — Brenntag SE (ETR: BNR; ISIN DE000A1DAHH0), the global leader in chemicals and ingredients distribution, has announced a new exclusive distribution partnership with ArcticZymes AS for its portfolio of salt-active nucleases designed for bioprocessing applications. The agreement, signed during the CPHI trade fair in Frankfurt on October 28, will see Brenntag distribute SAN HQ, SAN-HQ GMP, M-SAN HQ, and M-SAN HQ GMP enzymes—key components in the efficient removal of nucleic acids during gene therapy, vaccine production, and other advanced bioprocessing operations.

As the global biopharmaceutical market experiences unprecedented expansion, particularly in areas such as gene and cell therapy as well as biopharmaceutical vaccine development, demand for efficient and scalable processing solutions has surged. The collaboration between Brenntag Pharma and ArcticZymes aims to meet this growing demand by combining Brenntag’s extensive distribution network with ArcticZymes’ pioneering enzyme technologies. This partnership is expected to improve access to high-performance endonucleases, helping manufacturers streamline workflows and increase product yields.

Through this agreement, Brenntag gains entry to ArcticZymes’ advanced nuclease products, which play a vital role in downstream bioprocessing, alongside ArcticZymes’ scientific expertise and experienced technical team. Customers will now benefit from greater availability of salt-active nucleases, which not only reduce processing costs but also enhance purity and consistency in production.

The two enzyme families at the center of the partnership—SAN HQ and M-SAN HQ—are specifically engineered to maintain enzymatic activity even under challenging salt conditions, a key advantage for biopharmaceutical manufacturing. M-SAN HQ performs optimally in environments containing 125–200 mM NaCl, making it suitable for direct use in cell media and as a drop-in substitute for conventional nucleases. Meanwhile, SAN HQ remains active at salt concentrations exceeding 300 mM NaCl, ideal for high-yield purification and chromatin digestion applications. Both products are also available in GMP-grade, ensuring a seamless transition from pilot-scale research to large-scale production.

Joakim Rehné, Regional President of Brenntag Pharma EMEA, emphasized the strategic significance of the collaboration:
“Our partnership with ArcticZymes for SAN HQ and M-SAN HQ marks a milestone in Brenntag’s commitment to supporting the biopharmaceutical industry. By broadening our portfolio with advanced enzymatic solutions, we can assist customers through every stage of development—from research to commercial manufacturing.”

Paul Blackburn, Chief Commercial Officer at ArcticZymes, echoed this enthusiasm:
“We are delighted to appoint Brenntag as our new European distributor. This collaboration strengthens our market reach and ensures broader access to ArcticZymes’ innovative salt-active nucleases. With Brenntag’s strong customer network and shared focus on quality and scientific rigor, we are better positioned to support the fast-growing gene and vaccine therapy sectors.”

Together, Brenntag and ArcticZymes are setting a new standard for accessibility, efficiency, and performance in bioprocessing, empowering manufacturers to meet the demands of an evolving global health and life sciences landscape.

About ArcticZymes:
With over 30 years of experience in manufacturing enzymes, ArcticZymes is a Norway-based company certified to ISO 13485 and manufacturing salt active nucleases under relevant ICH Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) . In 2015, the company launched the first commercially available salt-active nuclease and remains the only company to have a range of nucleases that function optimally an under both physiological and high salt conditions ArcticZymes’ enzyme innovations are based on scientific knowledge and inspired by the Arctic. For more information, visit www.arcticzymes.com

About Brenntag:
Brenntag is the global market leader in chemicals and ingredients distribution. The company holds a central role in connecting customers and suppliers of the chemical industry. Headquartered in Essen, Germany, Brenntag has more than 18,100 employees worldwide and operates a network of around 600 sites in more than 70 countries. In 2024, Brenntag generated sales of 16.2 billion EUR. The two global divisions, Brenntag Essentials and Brenntag Specialties, provide a diversified and broad portfolio of industrial and specialty chemicals and ingredients as well as tailor-made application, marketing and supply chain solutions, technical and formulation support, comprehensive regulatory know-how, and digital solutions for a wide range of industries. Brenntag pursues an ambitious sustainability agenda and is committed to sustainable solutions in its own sector and the industries served. Brenntag shares have been listed at the Frankfurt Stock Exchange since 2010, in the DAX since September 2021. In addition, the Brenntag SE shares are listed in the DAX 30 ESG and DAX ESG Target. For more information, visit www.brenntag.com.

Media contact:

Helmut Weintögl
Director Communications EMEA
Brenntag SE
Telephone: +49 (201) 6496-1339
E-Mail: communications.emea@brenntag.com

SOURCE: Brenntag SE