Godavari Biorefineries secures Japan patent for host-targeting antiviral molecules

Godavari Biorefineries Ltd on Monday said it has received a patent from the Japan Patent Office for its invention titled “Use of Compounds for Treating Viral Infections”.

According to the official press release, the patent covers the second medical use of the company’s lead compound MSP22 and its derivatives for antiviral applications through inhibition of Vacuolar ATPase (V- ATPase).

The company said the compounds inhibit V-ATPase activity in cells, a mechanism involved in viral infection pathways. The patent names Maithili Athavale, Sandip Gavade, Prashant Kharkar and Sangeeta Srivastava as inventors

Focus on life sciences research

The development is part of the company’s life sciences programme led by Sathgen Therapeutics, its biotechnology arm focused on drug discovery.

Godavari Biorefineries said the compounds target host-cell pathways linked to viral infections and may affect viral entry and replication. The patent in Japan adds to its intellectual property portfolio for antiviral research.

Samir Somaiya, Chairman and Managing Director, Godavari Biorefineries Ltd, said, “Securing this patent in Japan reflects a natural extension of our ongoing work in drug discovery. As we progressed with our R&D efforts on lead molecules, we identified their potential to inhibit mechanisms such as V-ATPase, which are relevant in antiviral applications".

Sangeeta Srivastava, Executive Director, said, “Research that targets the V-ATPase, which is a cellular enzyme complex exploited by viruses, could open new directions in antiviral therapy"

The company said the research could support the development of therapies targeting multiple viral families by focusing on host-cell mechanisms rather than specific viruses.

Source: Economictimes.com

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India's Godavari Biorefineries to start grain-based distillery in June quarter

Mumbai: Indiaa's Godavari Biorefineries plans to commission a 200 kilolitres-perday (KLPD) grain-based distillery in the June quarter, a move aimed at diversifying its feedstock and enabling the use of both sugarcane and corn depending on market prices.

"The new distillery will be integrated with our existing distillery. It will be a fungible facility that can change feedstock," Samir Somaiya, managing director of the company told Reuters.

The company operates a sugar mill in northern Karnataka, a key corn-growing region, he said. Indian sugar mills, long reliant on sugarcane for ethanol, are shifting to grain-based distilleries to run year-round and reduce exposure to swings in cane output.

Mills must pay a state-advised price to cane growers, which squeezes margins in surplus years when abundant supply depresses sugar prices while fixed cane payments remain in place.

There is a need to raise the minimum selling price of sugar to reflect higher cane costs and ensure mills can pay farmers the promised rates for their produce, said Somaiya.

Grain-based distilleries accounted for 69% of ethanol blended with petrol in the last marketing year, with sugarcane feedstock making up the remaining 31%, according to the All India Distillers' Association.

Corn prices are trading nearly a third below the government-set floor price due to a production surplus, making corn-based ethanol more profitable than sugarcanebased output, industry officials said.

Source: Economictimes.com

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Oil to Soil Economy: Godavari Biorefineries’ vision takes centrestage at APAC Bio Summit

Godavari Biorefineries Ltd.(GBL), one of India’s leading integrated biorefineries, presented its ‘soil to bio-products’ innovation approach at Bio Innovations APAC 2026 in Singapore on March 4–5.

Representing GBL, Dr Sangeeta Srivastava, Executive Director, delivered a keynote address and took part in a fireside chat titled “From the Soil to Valuable Bio-Chemicals and Bio-Products”.

At the core of GBL is its integrated biorefinery model, which converts agricultural feedstocks into a wide range of bio-based products. These span food ingredients and biofuels through to specialty biochemicals used across industries, including skincare,  cosmetics, agrochemicals, adhesives, and coatings.

By connecting agriculture, industrial biotechnology and advanced processing, the company has built scalable pathways that offer real alternatives to fossil-based chemical systems. These threads ran through the keynote address delivered at the conference.

Speaking at the conference, Dr Srivastava said: “Innovation has to start from developing feedstocks to end products, better processes, more energy efficiency, policies, regulations and financing. Looking at the Carbon source from the field where it is generated is very important. We need to move from Oil to Soil economy. However, there is no single solution or technology for reducing emissions in the chemicals sector, and multiple initiatives will be required. So innovation is needed in each aspect of the value chain. Starting from the farm, soil, feedstock, to finished goods and beyond. The focus must remain at the intersection of ecology and economy. ESG is not a peripheral activity; it is integrated into our biomass-based growth model through co-creation with our stakeholders.”

The conference convened stakeholders from across the Asia-Pacific industrial biomanufacturing ecosystem and included targeted one-to-one meetings to facilitate collaborations and partnerships.

Source: chinimandi.com

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Godavari Biorefineries Reports Strong Q3 FY26 Performance with Improved Profitability and Margin Expansion

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Sathgen Therapeutics Division of Godavari Biorefineries Ltd, India, Expands to the U.S. with Launch of Princeton Based Subsidiary

Dr. Padmaja Ganpathy to take over as the CEO and Dr. Sendurai Mani as the Chief Scientific Officer

Mumbai, 17 December 2025: Godavari Biorefineries Limited (GBL) (BSE: Script Code 544279 | NSE: GODAVARIB), a leading renewable chemicals and bio‑based manufacturing conglomerate, has announced the incorporation of Sathgen Therapeutics LLC, a wholly owned step‑down subsidiary based in Princeton, New Jersey, USA. This strategic expansion strengthens GBL’s clinical‑stage biotechnology presence in the United States, with a primary focus on global out-licensing of intellectual property and to build the network to accelerate the drug-development programme.

Sathgen Therapeutics originated from an idea proposed by Dr. Sendurai Mani, an initiative supported by Mr. Samir Somaiya, Chairman and Managing Director of GBL. Together, they laid the foundation for a long‑term research effort that has since evolved into an active program focused on discovering and developing multiple novel molecules. Several candidates have shown promising preclinical efficacy, particularly in triple‑negative breast cancer (TNBC) and novel class of compounds that inhibit cancer and cancer stem cells in vitro, with strong activity observed in breast and prostate cancer models. Building on this progress, Sathgen has secured patents in US, Europe, China, and other key markets.

“The establishment of Sathgen Therapeutics LLC represents an exciting new chapter in our journey of translating science into meaningful solutions,” said Samir Somaiya, Chairman and Managing Director of Godavari Biorefineries Limited. “Fifteen years ago, we asked ourselves a simple but bold question: Why shouldn’t India, long known as the pharmacy of the world for its generics, also contribute to original drug discovery? This ‘moonshot’ approach has guided our efforts across both biorefining and specialty chemicals, and now in breakthrough therapeutics. In this program, we chose to address one of the toughest challenges—triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), a condition with limited treatment options and difficult prognosis. With contributions from Dr. Mani, particularly in the innovative targeting of cancer stem cells, our aim has been not only to advance scientific understanding but also to meaningfully improve patient outcomes. The opening of our U.S. subsidiary strengthens our ability to bring this vision closer to reality.”

“Establishing our U.S. presence gives us a strong platform to engage more closely with partners who can carry our technologies into the next stages of development.,” said Dr. Padmaja Ganapathy, CEO, Sathgen Therapeutics USA. “My focus is on building meaningful collaborations that enable the efficient out‑licensing and advancement of our discoveries, ensuring they reach the patients who need them most.”

“Our scientific approach has always centered on uncovering the biological drivers behind the most aggressive cancers,” said Dr. Sendurai Mani, Chief Scientific Officer, Sathgen Therapeutics USA. “By targeting cancer stem cells, we see a strong opportunity to impact conditions like TNBC, where treatment options are limited. With the launch of our U.S. subsidiary, we are excited to deepen our collaborations with global scientific and clinical partners and advance discoveries that have the potential to transform patient outcomes.”

Sathgen Therapeutics has also formed a Scientific Advisory Board (SAB) to guide its clinical-development and translational-research strategy. The SAB includes Dr. Razelle Kurzrock, an internationally known authority in precision oncology, immunotherapy, and early-phase clinical trials, and Dr. Massimo Cristofanilli, a leading global expert in metastatic breast cancer and cancer biology. Their combined experience in oncology, patient stratification, and clinical-trial design will play a pivotal role as Sathgen advances its portfolio toward U.S. partnerships and next-phase development.

“At Sathgen, our mission is to translate science into impactful therapies,” said Dr. Sangeeta Srivastava, Executive Director of GBL and Head of the Drug Discovery Division. “The formation of our U.S. subsidiary will help accelerate our clinical programs, enable stronger research collaborations, and bring us closer to delivering innovative therapies for patients globally.”

GBL’s work is guided by a strong commitment to community and responsible development. From education and rural upliftment to environmental stewardship, this values‑driven approach remains central as the company expands into advanced biotechnology. With the launch of its U.S. subsidiary, GBL continues to pair scientific progress with a broader purpose—creating meaningful impact for both patients and communities.

**********

About Godavari Biorefineries Limited (GBL)

Godavari Biorefineries Limited (BSE: Script Code 544279 | NSE: GODAVARIB), flagship company of Somaiya Group, is a leading integrated biorefinery specializing in bio-based chemicals, ethanol, and sugar & power production. Godavari Biorefineries Ltd is one of the larger producers of ethanol and a pioneer in manufacturing ethanol-based chemicals in India. The company operates cutting-edge facilities in Sakarwadi, Maharashtra, and Sameerwadi, Karnataka, and three advanced R&D facilities in Mumbai and plant locations. GBL has a legacy of innovation and a commitment to sustainability, driving progress in renewable energy and green chemistry.

For more information about Godavari Biorefineries, please visit www.godavaribiorefineries.com.

About Sathgen Therapeutics

Sathgen Therapeutics is a clinical-stage biotechnology division of Godavari Biorefineries Limited, focused on discovering and developing novel small molecules targeting cancer and infectious diseases. Founded on the vision of combining scientific innovation with translational research, Sathgen’s programs leverage advanced molecular biology and medicinal chemistry to address high-unmet medical needs such as triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) and other aggressive cancers.

For more information about Sathgen Therapeutics, please visit: https://www.sathgentherapeutics.com/

Link:- Press Release-Sathgen Therapeutics

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Godavari Biorefineries Limited partners with Synthomer to develop bio-based alternatives to fossil-based monomers

National, 6th February: Godavari Biorefineries Limited (GBL) (BSE: Script Code 544279 |
NSE: GODAVARIB) today announces a new partnership with Synthomer to develop bio‑based
alternatives to existing fossil‑based monomers. With growing customer demand for more
sustainable alternatives, this partnership strengthens GBL’s commitment to innovation and
reinforces our focus on delivering customer‑centric, lower‑carbon solutions.
Through this partnership, Synthomer is commercialising bio-based butyl acrylate using biobased
butanol produced by GBL, helping to accelerate the industry’s transition to more
sustainable raw materials.

Samir Somaiya, Chairman and Managing Director of Godavari Biorefineries Limited,
comments, “At Godavari Biorefineries, sustainability is integral to our business strategy and
innovation agenda. This collaboration with Synthomer reflects our commitment to advancing
bio-based alternatives that enable meaningful reductions in carbon footprint across the value
chain.
“By leveraging renewable feedstocks and our integrated biorefinery capabilities, we aim to
work with and support our partners and customers in transitioning away from fossil-based
materials toward more sustainable solutions. Partnerships such as this are critical to
accelerating the adoption of green chemistry and contributing to a more circular and resilient
chemical industry and to our vision of creating a beautiful world.”

Chris Brown, Vice President of ESG, Synthomer, comments, “Partnering with GBL enables
us to offer customers a lower-carbon alternative to fossil-based monomers, helping them to
meet their emissions targets while supporting the growing demand for more sustainable
solutions.
“It also reflects our commitment to customer-centricity. By expanding access to bio-based
solutions, we’re strengthening the resilience of our monomers portfolio and ensuring we can
continue meeting our customers’ evolving needs.”

About Godavari Biorefineries Limited

Godavari Biorefineries Limited (GBL) is a leading integrated bio-refinery and a pioneer in biobased
chemicals and biofuels in India, committed to advancing sustainable solutions that
support a circular economy. GBL has a diversified portfolio of specialty bio-based chemicals
catering to multiple industries, enabled by its integrated biorefinery operations.
Sustainability is central to GBL’s business strategy. The Company focuses on reducing carbon
intensity through the use of bio-based feedstocks, improving energy efficiency, promoting
circular resource use, and minimising waste across operations. GBL’s integrated model
supports the production of bio-based chemicals, ethanol, and green energy with a lower
environmental footprint, while strengthening responsible sourcing and farmer engagement.
Listed on the BSE Limited (BSE) and the National Stock Exchange of India Limited (NSE),
GBL has a strong legacy of innovation, robust governance practices, and a long-term
commitment to environmental stewardship, social responsibility, and ethical business conduct.
For more information about Godavari Biorefineries Limited, please visit 

www.godavaribiorefineries.com

About Synthomer plc

Synthomer plc is a leading supplier of high-performance, highly specialised polymers and
ingredients that play vital roles in key sectors such as coatings, construction, adhesives, and
health and protection – growing markets that serve billions of end users worldwide.
Headquartered in London, UK and listed there since 1971, we employ c.3,900 employees
across our five innovation centres of excellence and more than 29 manufacturing sites across
Europe, North America and Asia.
Our purpose is creating innovative and sustainable solutions for the benefit of customers and
society. Around 20% of our sales volumes are from new and patent protected products. At our
innovation centres of excellence in the UK, China, Germany, Malaysia and USA we
collaborate closely with our customers to develop new products and enhance existing ones
tailored to their needs, with an increasing range of sustainability benefits.

Our 2030 decarbonisation targets have been approved by the Science Based Targets initiative
as being in line with what the latest climate science says is necessary to meet the goals of the
Paris Agreement, and since 2021 we have held the London Stock Exchange Green Economy
Mark, which recognises green technology businesses making a significant contribution to a
more sustainable, low-carbon economy. Find us at www.synthomer.com or search for
Synthomer on LinkedIn.

Link:- Press release

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Budget 2026 should focus on incentivizing E100-ready infrastructure: GBL Executive Director Dr. Sangeeta Srivastava

The country is awaiting the upcoming Budget, which Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is scheduled to present on February 1, 2026. Various sectors and industries are outlining their expectations ahead of the announcement.

The ethanol industry has sought greater focus on incentivizing E100-ready infrastructure and accelerating the mandate for Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) to absorb the additional ethanol capacity in Budget 2026–27.

Dr. Sangeeta Srivastava, Executive Director, Godavari Biorefineries Ltd. (GBL), applauded the achievement of E20 blending ahead of schedule and said, “Having successfully achieved E20 blending ahead of schedule, India now faces a productive surplus that requires urgent demand-side policy innovation. Budget 2026 should focus on incentivizing E100-ready infrastructure and accelerating the mandate for Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) to absorb this additional ethanol capacity. It will lead to a strategic shift toward ethanol-to-chemicals and high-value bio-based derivatives is essential.”

“This budget must provide the fiscal framework to transition from fuel blending to a global leadership role in the Sustainable Chemical economy,” she further added.

The Indian Sugar & Bio-Energy Manufacturers Association (ISMA) has also sought a budgetary outlay of ₹15,000–20,000 crore to support advanced biofuel projects, including second-generation ethanol and Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), as the sugar industry grapples with surplus production, weak prices, and constraints on ethanol diversion.

The OMCs have allocated around 1,048 crore litres of ethanol against 1,776 crore litres of offers submitted by manufacturers across the country for ESY 2025–26 (Cycle 1). OMCs had invited tenders for the supply of 1,050 crore litres of ethanol for ESY 2025–26.

In the allocation, maize holds the largest share at 45.68 per cent (around 478.9 crore litres), followed by FCI rice at 22.25 per cent (around 233.3 crore litres), sugarcane juice at 15.82 per cent (around 165.9 crore litres), B-heavy molasses at 10.54 per cent (around 110.5 crore litres), damaged food grains at 4.54 per cent (around 47.6 crore litres), and C-heavy molasses at 1.16 per cent (around 12.2 crore litres).

Currently, India’s total ethanol production capacity as of November 2025 is about 1,990 crore litres, and the industry is calling for an increase in ethanol blending beyond 20 per cent, stating that capacities are underutilised.

The budget push comes at a time when the sugar industry is navigating what the industry has described as a challenging phase, despite strong production.

Source:ChiniMandi.com

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GBL Executive Director Dr Sangeeta Srivastava awarded prestigious ‘Honorary Fellow Title 2025’ by Biotech Research Society of India

GBL Executive Director Dr Sangeeta Srivastava awarded prestigious ‘Honorary Fellow Title 2025’ by Biotech Research Society of India

Dr Sangeeta Srivastava, Executive Director at Godavari Biorefineries Ltd. (GBL), has been awarded the prestigious Honorary Fellow Title 2025 by the Biotech Research Society of India (BRSI). The honour was presented during the opening session of the XXII BRSI Convention, hosted alongside the International Conference on Advances in Biotechnology, Bioprocessing and Structural Biology (ICABSB-2025) at IIT Roorkee. BRSI is a non-profit, scientific, professional society dedicated to promote excellence and competence in the field of biotechnology for the benefit of mankind, according to the press release.

The Honorary Fellow recognition is among the highest distinctions awarded by BRSI, reserved for eminent individuals whose contributions have advanced national capabilities in biotechnology, research translation, and bioeconomy development. Dr Srivastava was selected by an expert jury for her extensive work in renewable chemicals, industrial biotechnology, bioprocess innovation, and for strengthening industry–academia collaboration in India.

Speaking about the recognition, Dr Sangeeta Srivastava, Executive Director, Godavari Biorefineries Limited, said, “This honour recognises the sustained scientific and industrial work carried out to advance India’s bioeconomy. Our focus has remained on technologies that can scale, remain cost-efficient and deliver clear environmental value. The portfolio now spans renewable chemicals, fermentation platforms and bio-derived molecules with strong future potential. Circular-economy principles and research partnerships continue to guide how we develop and deploy solutions. The BRSI Honorary Fellow title reinforces the responsibility to keep translating biotechnology into practical industrial applications, contribute to the country’s energy transition and create outcomes that benefit both industry and society.”

Dr Sangeeta Srivastava’s contributions at GBL have advanced circular-economy practices and driven innovations in renewable chemicals, bio-based fuels, and sustainable bioprocesses that support India’s green energy and energy security goals. With over three decades of experience in research and development, she holds more than 20 patents and has authored several publications. Her expertise spans ethanol, chemicals, sugar, power, and integrated biorefining. Beyond GBL, she serves on multiple national and international committees, including CHEMEXCIL; the Sectoral Expert Committee on Specialty Chemicals & Biopolymers under the Department of Biotechnology; the Energy & Climate Change Leadership Group of ICCA; the Technology and Expert Committee of the Indian Chemical Council; and the National Chemical Committee of FICCI. She also contributes to the editorial advisory boards of Bharat Bio-Energy Horizon and the Industrial Biotechnology Journal.

Dr Srivastava has also spearheaded breakthrough initiatives at GBL, including:

Validated patents in the EU, UK, and Spain for novel bio-derived molecules, including an anticancer compound

Advocacy and scientific leadership in the transition to ethanol and bio-based fuels to advance India’s energy security

Public thought leadership on the role of bio-based chemicals in reducing fossil dependence and powering a low-carbon economy

Advancing circular-economy practices across bioprocesses and operations

Driving innovations in renewable chemicals, fermentation platforms, and sustainable materials

The Honorary Fellow title marks a significant addition to Dr Sangeeta Srivastava’s professional achievements and reflects the depth of scientific and industrial work shaping GBL’s biotechnology programmes. The recognition also highlights the organisation’s growing role in advancing research-led innovation and strengthening India’s bio-based manufacturing landscape.

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Samir Somaiya becomes first Indian to receive Plinio Nastari Sugar Excellence Award

Samir Shantilal Somaiya, Chairman and Managing Director of Godavari Biorefineries Ltd. (GBL), has received the Plinio Nastari Sugar Excellence Award from the International Sugar Organisation (ISO) at the 34th ISO International Seminar in Westminster, London. The award was instituted by ISO, under the theme “Sustainable Solutions for Sugar & Energy”, to recognise outstanding achievement in the world of sugar & bioenergy. He is the first Indian to receive this recognition, marking a key moment for India’s sugar, ethanol and bioenergy sectors on the global stage.

At the ceremony, Mr Somaiya reflected on the link between economic progress and social development, referencing the legacy of his grandfather, who established the Somaiya family’s first school in 1942 to ensure education advanced alongside industry. He highlighted the importance of soil health, agricultural ecosystems and farmer livelihoods in shaping a sustainable future, underscoring that the green transition is essential both for climate goals and for securing incomes for small farmers.

He added, “Today, the green transition is essential to mitigate climate change, and in countries like ours with so many small farmers, it directly strengthens their income security and long-term resilience. I am humbled to receive this award on behalf of my company, my organisation and my country. My grandfather and father taught me that business is an agent of social change — that financial growth must move together with social and environmental progress. I love the world we are in: the smell of the earth in the morning, the sweetness and smiles that sugar brings to our lives. It is our duty to ensure the world we pass on remains sustainable, inclusive and as (if not more) beautiful as we found it.”

Under his leadership, GBL has developed one of India’s most integrated biorefining ecosystems, combining agriculture, green chemistry, renewable energy and rural development. The company works with more than 20,000 farmers across 200+ villages to improve yields, strengthen climate resilience and support regenerative cultivation.

Key recent initiatives and recognitions under his leadership include:

Commissioning a multi-purpose speciality bio-chemical plant in Maharashtra to produce renewable, bio-based ingredients used across coatings, resins, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals and fragrances.

Strengthening biotechnology through Sathgen Therapeutics, including advanced research on therapies for difficult-to-treat cancers and the establishment of Sathgen Therapeutics LLC in Princeton, USA, for global collaboration.

Launching the CO₂-to-DME pilot plant with ICT Mumbai, a scalable pathway to converting industrial emissions into clean fuel and chemical feedstock.

Mr Somaiya was also awarded the Rasayan Udyog Ratna Award by the Indian Chemical Society for his contributions to sustainable chemistry.

These initiatives reflect a leadership approach rooted in scientific depth, farmer-focused development and alignment with India’s renewable-energy and bioeconomy priorities.

Source:ChiniMandi.com

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GBL's breakthrough in climate action-Two months after Business India’s report on GBL-the company launches a pilot DME plant

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