Diversa Corporation today announced an expanded collaboration agreement with Novartis Agribusiness Biotechnology Research, Inc. Novartis will use Diversa's proprietary evolution technologies to further develop and optimize novel synthesis routes to crop protection chemicals. Under the terms of the agreement, Diversa will receive research payments, milestones and product royalties.

Diversa's proprietary evolution technologies are used to modify DNA sequences to create
improved products. Two of Diversa's complementary methodologies, Gene Site Saturation
Mutagenesis(TM) (GSSM(TM)) and GeneReassembly(TM), can overcome many of the
limitations of traditional laboratory evolution methods by increasing the number and types of
sequence variations. The variations can then be screened, using Diversa's ultra-high throughput
screening systems, to identify proteins with improved qualities, such as increased ability to work at high temperature, increased reaction rate, resistance to deactivating chemicals, or other properties important in a specific application.

Diversa Corporation is a global leader in developing and applying proprietary technologies to
discover and evolve novel genes and gene pathways from diverse environmental sources. Diversa
is utilizing its fully integrated approach to develop novel enzymes and other biologically active
compounds, such as small molecule drugs. Diversa's proprietary evolution technologies facilitate
the optimization of genes found in nature to enable product solutions for the pharmaceutical,
agricultural, chemical processing, and industrial markets. Within these broad markets, Diversa is
targeting key multi-billion dollar market segments where the company believes its technologies and products will create high value and competitive advantages for strategic partners and customers. Diversa's strategic partners are market leaders and include The Dow Chemical Company, Novartis Seeds AG, Novartis Agribusiness Biotechnology Research, Inc., Aventis Animal Nutrition S.A., Celanese Ltd., Invitrogen Corporation and Danisco Cultor.

Gene Site Saturation Mutagenesis(TM), GSSM(TM), and GeneReassembly(TM) are trademarks of Diversa Corporation. 

Company news release
N3042