Dow AgroSciences LLC and Integrated Genomics Inc. today announced a multi-year research and licensing agreement that should lead to improved yields for spinosad, an innovative Dow AgroSciences product.

Spinosad is derived through the fermentation of a naturally occurring organism. It controls a variety of insect pests, including caterpillars, thrips, flies, drywood termites, and some beetles. Trademarks in the United States containing the active ingredient spinosad include Tracer* Naturalyte* insect control and Success* Naturalyte insect control, SpinTor* insect control and Conserve* insect control.

Under the terms of the agreement, Integrated Genomics will determine the complete DNA sequence of the bacterium that produces spinosad, and predict the capabilities of that bacterium. This information will supplement Dow AgroSciences' on-going efforts to improve the spinosad production process. Dow AgroSciences will also license Integrated Genomics' bioinformatic computer tools, including the WIT Pro genome analysis system, and biochemical and genomic databases.

"The application of this leading edge technology will allow us to dramatically accelerate our efforts to improve spinosad manufacturing,'' said Dave Morris, Dow AgroSciences' Global Business Leader for spinosad. "This in turn will help us meet the enormous customer demand for this natural product.''

"We are pleased to have this opportunity to apply our genomics experience to assist Dow AgroSciences in its efforts to improve spinosad production,'' said Robert Haselkorn, President and Chairman of Integrated Genomics. "Our technology allows us to blend genome sequencing information with biochemistry, genetics and physiology into a model of an organism's metabolism. While not a simple process, we believe this approach will soon become mainstream in microbial life science. We consider this agreement with Dow AgroSciences, a leading agricultural products company, as an encouraging step in the overall acceptance of this technology.''

Dow AgroSciences LLC, based in Indianapolis, Indiana, is a global leader in providing pest management and biotechnology products that improve the quality and quantity of the earth's food supply and contribute to the safety, health and quality of life of the world's growing population. The company employs more than 3,000 people in over 50 countries and has worldwide sales of more than $2 billion. Dow AgroSciences is a wholly-owned subsidiary of The Dow Chemical Company.

Integrated Genomics Inc., based in Chicago, Illinois, offers a systematic approach to solving industrial problems by using pioneering methods of genomic analysis and metabolic modeling. The company specializes in bacterial and fungal genomics, aiming to address issues such as strain and fermentation improvement. Integrated Genomics finds solutions for customers by building models to improve industrial processes.

*Trademark of Dow AgroSciences LLC

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