Pelican Expression Technology

Pelican Expression Technology is a specialized biotechnology platform company that provides a proprietary protein production system based on the bacterium Pseudomonas fluorescens. Originally established as Pfenex Inc. before its acquisition by Ligand Pharmaceuticals in 2020, the company focuses on solving complex protein expression challenges that traditional systems like E. coli or CHO cells cannot address. The platform is utilized by a broad range of pharmaceutical partners to develop and manufacture recombinant proteins, vaccines, and biosimilars. Notable commercial successes include Merck’s Vaxneuvance and Jazz Pharmaceuticals’ Rylaze, both of which leverage Pelican’s technology for efficient, high-quality production. The company’s business model centers on licensing its technology and providing strain engineering services to global biopharmaceutical leaders. By offering rapid development timelines and high success rates, Pelican remains a critical infrastructure provider in the biologics industry.