Cologne, Germany
September 15, 2000

With the launch of its new research greenhouse on the premises of the Pharmazentrum Köln, MPB Cologne GmbH, the Molecular Farming company located in Cologne, has clearly expanded its capacities in research and development. At the event on 14 September, Dr. Klaus Düring, President & CEO, stressed to the numerous guests from Germany and Canada the positive value of Cologne as location, but also emphasised the importance of the cooperation with Ontario (Canada).

"The greenhouse, equipped with the most modern technique, has expanded our capacity at location Cologne", said Dr. Düring. Referring to the recently concluded cooperation agreement with the SPUD department of the University of Guelph (Ontario, Canada), Düring said: "Cologne is an excellent location for our research activities. But as an international biotechnology company, the collaboration with our partners in Ontario is also groundbreaking for future development."

Martin Bohl, Investment Development Officer of the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs in Ontario, Canada, was the guest of honour. "We are delighted about the cooperation between the University of Guelph and MPB Cologne and wish MPB every success", said Bohl, not forgetting to mention the potential of Ontario: "The government of Ontario supports dynamic management. Over 240 German companies use and profit from our good economic climate."

Dr. Boris Stoffel, spokesman for the Biotechnology cooperation network BioCologne, pointed out the importance of biotechnology for location Cologne: "The successful growth of MPB Cologne stands exemplary for the entire biotechnology industry in Cologne. Since 1997, more than ten company formations underline the development opportunities provided by this sector for the region."

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.

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