In 2005, one members of the joint venture, Amyris started developing microbial strains to produce a precursor to Artemisinin, the key ingredient in an effective anti-malarial drug. Funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, the project provided technology responsible for production of Artemisinin for more than 120 million malaria treatments to date and growing.

Building on this success, Amyris has been applying its innovative platform to the production of a portfolio of commercial products based on Biofene®, the company’s brand of farnesene. To further its global mission, Amyris initially focused on developing renewable fuels, with goals of helping to reduce the world’s dependence on petroleum and contributing to reductions in greenhouse gas emissions. Amyris also developed and introduced sustainably produced flavors and fragrances, as well as renewable solvents, lubricants and polymers. Now Amyris is revolutionizing the cosmetic industry by providing high performance, cost competitive, sustainable alternatives to ingredients in consumer care products.