Deal between biotech companies will strengthen capabilities in biopharmaceuticals

Syngenta and SemBioSys Genetics, Inc. have entered into an agreement giving Syngenta access to SemBioSys' proprietary oilbody based Stratosome(TM) Biologics and StratoCapture(TM) Purification Systems for the development of Syngenta's biologic products. These two technologies hold the promise to significantly reduce the downstream purification costs of therapeutic proteins and monoclonal antibodies. Syngenta expects to use the oilbody technology across a number of existing and future products in its biopharmaceuticals pipeline. Financial details of the agreement, which includes an upfront payment, option exercise fees, milestones and royalties were not disclosed.

Syngenta biopharma is a dedicated team of experts in biotechnology and medicine responsible for building on the company's exceptional in-house technical expertise, leadership in plant science and proven history of successful collaborations to build a broad pipeline of novel drugs with a focus on antibodies and therapeutic proteins.

"SemBioSys and Syngenta have collaborated in the area of biologics in the past and based upon that positive experience we were able to take the partnership to a new level," commented Andrew Baum, President and CEO of SemBioSys. "The alliance with Syngenta further validates SemBioSys' leadership position in the development of plant made pharmaceuticals and will make us even more compelling as a strategic partner for developers of biologics needing to address manufacturing cost, capacity and some formulation challenges."

"Our goal in biopharma is to apply the Syngenta traditions of scientific excellence and responsible use of technology to help make next-generation biopharmaceuticals more available to the patients who need them," explained Antony Blanc, Ph.D., Head of Biopharma at Syngenta. "With that in mind we will integrate SemBioSys' unique expertise and skills into the broad range of technologies and capabilities already at our disposal."

SemBioSys' oilbody/oleosin-based Stratosome Biologics System is an enabling transgenic platform that allows for the attachment of proteins to oilbodies - natural oil storage organelles found in oilseeds - through either direct targeting or affinity capture. Taking advantage of the simple physical principle that oil does not mix with water, oilbodies can be easily and inexpensively separated from the majority of other seed components. The Stratosome Biologics System provides a cost-effective solution for bulk protein production, purification and, in some cases, formulation (for topical or oral delivery). SemBioSys operates a pilot manufacturing facility that produces oilbody-based products and purified protein at scale.

Syngenta is a world-leading agribusiness committed to sustainable agriculture through innovative research and technology. The company is a leader in crop protection and ranks third in the high-value commercial seeds market. Sales in 2002 were approximately US$6.2 billion. Syngenta employs some 20,000 people in over 90 countries. Syngenta is listed on the Swiss stock exchange (SYNN) and in New York (SYT).

Calgary, Alberta based SemBioSys Genetics Inc. is a privately held biotechnology company focused on the development of high-value protein and oilbody-based products using its proprietary oilbody-based technology - the Stratosome(TM) Biologics System. Spun out of the University of Calgary in 1996, the company's investors include Bay City Capital, Dow AgroSciences Canada, Inc., Ventures West Management Inc., BDC Capital Venture, University Technologies International Inc., RBC Capital Partners and Maurice Moloney Ph.D. scientific founder and Chief Scientific Officer. In addition to these investors, SemBioSys has received repayable contributions of $5.5 million from Technology Partnerships Canada, an agency of Industry Canada, and $4.9 million from AVAC Ltd.

Stratosome and StratoCapture are trademarks of SemBioSys Genetics Inc.