Customized enzymes for medicines and food

Enzymes are important tools in biotechnology. These complex protein molecules have extraordinary capabilities that are used in many bio-based production processes, including the manufacture of food, medicines, biofuels, and the degradation of plastics. The Leipzig-based company c-LEcta develops customized enzymes for medicines and food, enabling it to make the leap from start-up to global biotech company.

In fall 2025, c-LEcta GmbH, which has been part of the Irish Kerry Group since 2022, celebrated another milestone in its corporate development: the opening of its new headquarters on the grounds of the Alte Messe in Leipzig. More than 130 employees work on the discovery, optimization, and production of enzyme products at the newly built Kerry Biotechnology Center on the BioCity Campus. The biotechnology center is headed by Dr. Marc Struhalla, the founder of c-LEcta. 

• From university to his own company

It all began in 2004, when Marc Struhalla, after completing his doctorate in Hamburg, founded c-LEcta with four colleagues and moved his start-up to BioCity Leipzig, which was just being established at the time. He had come to Leipzig ten years earlier to study biochemistry. At the university, he and his fellow students had invented a screening method for enzymes and patented it. "The technology makes it possible to analyze the properties of enzymes from a large number of genetically different variants at very high speed," explains Marc Struhalla. "This allows enzyme libraries to be searched to identify suitable variants for specific industrial, biotechnological, or medical applications." 

The idea of founding a company arose in order to put the invention to practical use. Initially, the focus was on developing customized enzymes and production strains for industrial biotechnology applications. The requirements for enzymes to be used in industry usually differ greatly from what nature created them for. Even back then, c-LEcta had the expertise to adapt them to these requirements through enzyme engineering. 

With corresponding research contracts, the start-up soon achieved its first successes. It also succeeded in raising the necessary capital to expand further and not only develop enzymes, but also manufacture its own enzyme products. The company grew and moved into the newly opened BioCube in 2013, where modern laboratories and offices were available. Shortly thereafter, annual sales of products exceeded one million euros for the first time. 

• Unique technology platform 

Today, c-LEcta is a highly successful product company that supplies its enzymes to more than 400 customers in over 50 countries worldwide. According to Marc Struhalla, the path from start-up to successful company is not an easy one. It can only succeed if investors can be found who believe in an idea and provide sufficient venture capital for research and development.

The basis for c-LEcta's success and innovative strength is its ENESYZ technology platform, which was developed from the patented screening process and has been continuously improved since 2004. It enables the efficient development of new enzymes with high accuracy that meet the requirements of a wide variety of manufacturing processes in industry. It is primarily with the help of this innovation that c-LEcta has been able to develop from a service provider into a global enzyme supplier. The biotechnological products are developed in-house and in close cooperation with industry. They are used in the pharmaceutical industry, in particular in cell and gene therapy. In the food sector, c-LEcta's enzymes can contribute to the sustainable production of healthier foods. 

• Key technology for further growth 

There was no question that c-LEcta would remain loyal to its Leipzig location even as part of the Kerry Group, a leading international company for food, flavor, and nutrition solutions. This was not only due to the excellent network infrastructure in Saxony's life sciences hub, but also because Leipzig is an interesting city that attracts international professionals. "Our employees, who currently come from 19 different countries, find the best conditions for their professional lives and an attractive living environment here," says Marc Struhalla. "We offer new arrivals in Germany active support in settling in and getting started here in Leipzig. Fortunately, the international nature of our corporate environment appeals to many." With its significant investment in the new headquarters, the Kerry Group has committed to further expanding its business from Leipzig. According to c-LEcta, the stable local partnerships, including with the Saxony Trade & Invest Corp., Saxony's universities, and the city of Leipzig, provide a positive environment and a great deal of support.

The company founder is optimistic about the future. "We are currently able to make the most of the very good prospects for biotechnology and have strong tailwinds from our parent company," says Marc Struhalla, who is not only the head of c-LEcta, but also leads enzyme research for the entire Kerry Group. "For Kerry, biotechnology is one of the key technologies for further global growth. It enables our customers in the food industry to respond to consumer trends toward naturalness and sustainability and also to make their food production more efficient."