Cologne, Germany
September 14, 2000

MPB Cologne GmbH, the Molecular Farming company based in Cologne, Germany, has entered into a cooperation for field production of transgenic potatoes with the SPUD Unit of the University of Guelph (Ontario, Canada). First field trials with transgenic potatoes developed at MPB Cologne will be carried out in 2001.

The SPUD (Seed Potato Upgrade and Distribution) Unit will produce seed tubers and perform field growth of transgenic antibody expressing potato plants. The field trials have development purposes with the objective to implement the Molecular Farming logistics for large scale production. Further partners in this collaboration for the development of MPB´s production infrastructure in Ontario are the Ontario Seed Potato Growers Association and the Ontario Potato Board.

Dr. Klaus Düring, President & CEO of MPB Cologne, said: "Canada offers excellent perspectives to establish the Molecular Farming business for production of proteins in transgenic plants. Especially Ontario provides a well established network for commercial development of this novel technology. With SPUD Unit we found a perfect partner for the implementation of our industrial tuber production business."

Becky Hughes, Head of SPUD Unit, commented: "We look forward to this productive cooperation, as our sophisticated conventional potato production technologies will be combined with the new technologies in potato biotechnology of MPB Cologne. Thereby a completely novel business area will be developed. We are convinced this will be of great benefit for agriculture in Ontario."

MPB Cologne develops and produces novel proteins as (bio-) materials and active agents in transgenic plants for industry partners and clients. MPB uses potato tubers and rape (canola) seeds as plant bioreactors for commercial production. Another focus is on Resistance Engineering against bacterial and fungal pathogens in transgenic plants. SPUD Unit produces seed potatoes for the Ontario industry in collaboration with contracted greenhouse and field growers. The unit also has a successful track record in research and development projects in potato technology.

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