Icon Genetics AG, Munich, and Novoplant GmbH, Gatersleben, have announced today that the two companies entered into a broad licensing agreement that gives Novoplant an access to Icon’s proprietary technology platforms, Transgene Operating Systems®, for manufacturing immune response proteins in green plants. The agreement provides Novoplant with a strategically needed freedom to operate in its core business area, animal health. The financial terms of the agreement are not disclosed.

“Icon has developed new generation production platforms that are by far more effective and safe than those commercialized today, and they are more appropriate for the kind of products that Novoplant is developing. We believe that this agreement is an important step in mutually beneficial relationship with Novoplant, and I look forward to broadening our collaboration”, said Dr. Yuri Gleba, CEO of Icon Genetics.

"We believe Icon Genetics' proprietary gene transfer systems provide freedom to operate in otherwise restricted areas. Icon’s Transgene Operating System® technology, combined with Novoplant technologies, is expected to provide a superior approach to rapid progress in our animal health research, product development and manufacturing," said Dr. Theodor Fahrendorf, CEO of Novoplant.

Novoplant is a developer and producer of new antibody products for the veterinary and feed additives market. Oral applications of recombinant antibodies via the feed protect livestock and poultry from pathogens of the gastro-intestinal system, thus enhancing feed conversion and productivity without side effects. Novoplant introduces a new class of hyper-immune products into the market. The powerful plant based production system is essential to make the benefits of recombinant antibodies available at a competitive price. Novoplant is located in Gatersleben, Germany.