Taurus Energy has carried out highly successful development work in 2010. Not only has the company produced yeast on an industrial scale, it has also made substantial progress in the method of developing improved yeast strains. "The patent application complements our existing patent portfolio in its utilisation of pentoses (xylose and arabinose) in the production of ethanol, and it strengthens Taurus' position in this field", says Lars Welin, CEO of Taurus Energy AB. Taurus Energy's process is based on "directed evolution" technology, which utilises natural growth under specially-developed growth conditions. These conditions are designed to favour the desired properties. In Taurus Energy's case, this involves a more effective and more rapid use of the most important of the pentoses, xylose, as well as a higher tolerance to the growth inhibitors found in lignocellulose. The patent application also covers the most effective yeast strains which have been developed using the process. The new strains have demonstrated that they utilise xylose 3 times more effectively than Taurus Energy's original strain. "Using our process, it is possible to produce even more robust and effective strains for ethanol production. Our method is highly significant for the ongoing effort to commercialise the research and development of ethanol production," says Lars Welin. The patent application was submitted to the Swedish Patent and Registration Office (PRV) on 15 November 2010. It is expected that PRV will reach a decision on the application in 7-8 months. For further information, please contact: Lars Welin, CEO, Taurus Energy AB Telephone: +46 (0)46-286 86 10, +46 (0)706-25 22 02 E-mail: lars.welin@taurusenergy.eu About Taurus Energy AB Taurus Energy AB is a research and development company which aims to commercialise its extensive research and development programme in the field of ethanol production. Since 2006, the company's mission has been to license energy producers to use the methods developed by the company on a global market. Taurus holds over 10 world-leading patents which have been developed with the help of around 20 internationally-recognised scientists. The company is based in the Ideon Science Park in Lund, Sweden. Taurus is listed on the Aktietorget equities market. For more information, please visit www.taurusenergy.eu