Collaboration Brings "Drug Discovery" Technologies to Crop Protection and Veterinary Applications

Tripos, Inc. (Nasdaq: TRPS), a leading provider of drug discovery chemistry and informatics products, will assist in the rapid optimisation of molecular leads discovered by Divergence, Inc., a leader in genomics-based discovery of solutions for the prevention and treatment of parasitic infections in plants, animals, and people.

The two St. Louis-based companies will collaborate in small-molecule research to enhance genomic targets and leads discovered by Divergence. Under the agreement, Tripos will employ its chemistry knowledge base and knowledge-driven chemistry process to expand structure-activity-relationship (SAR) models and optimize appropriate candidates for parasite control.

"Tripos' experience and capabilities will assist Divergence in identifying safe and effective products operating through novel modes of action to address plant protection, and animal and human infectious diseases." explains Derek Rapp, Chief Executive Officer of Divergence.

"Crop protection and veterinary medicine compliment Tripos' life science focus, and our work with Divergence showcases how our knowledge-driven approach can be vital to any molecular-based research-from drug discovery to agriculture," said Dr. John P. McAlister, President and CEO of Tripos, Inc.

Tripos (Nasdaq: TRPS) combines cutting-edge technology and innovative science to deliver leading chemistry-research products and services for the biotechnology, pharmaceutical and other life science industries. Headquartered in St. Louis, Mo., Tripos spans the world with global research operations and an international client base.

Divergence is a research and development company dedicated to the discovery of effective and ecologically sound strategies for the control of parasites and other pests. The company's initial focus is on parasitic nematodes, one of the world's major pest groups. Nematodes are roundworms that cause billions of dollars in damage annually to numerous crops, including soybeans, cotton, strawberries, and bananas. Nematodes also cause widespread disease in animals, including infections such as heartworm in dogs and cats and intestinal worms in livestock. Nematode-induced human diseases include elephantiasis and African river blindness.