IGENE Biotechnology

IGENE Biotechnology was a Maryland-based biotechnology firm focused on the commercialization of specialty chemicals produced via fermentation. The company's flagship product, AstaX, is a natural source of astaxanthin derived from the yeast Phaffia rhodozyma, used extensively in the aquaculture industry to pigment salmonids. Beyond aquaculture, IGENE developed fermentation-based solutions for the food, feed, and agricultural sectors. The company operated as a pioneer in the production of high-value carotenoids through microbial processes rather than synthetic chemistry. In 2011, IGENE was fully acquired by Archer Daniels Midland (ADM), which integrated the technology into its specialty feed ingredients business.