Dow AgroSciences LLC and Proteome Systems Limited announced today an extension of their joint research agreement in proteomics. The agreement increases the commitment by Dow AgroSciences in state-of-the-art proteomic technology, and broadens the scope of alliance between the two companies.

Dow AgroSciences (DAS) and Proteome Systems have collaborated on several projects in the area of proteomics and Proteome Systems has achieved significant key milestones for Year 1. Milestones include the molecular characterization of an entirely new class of proteins being developed by Dow AgroSciences, the establishment of technologies to map diversity of protein families, and the development of tools to elucidate novel biosynthetic pathways in plants. Proteome Systems will apply its emerging bioinformatics expertise in the construction of several new proteomic databases for the research and discovery program.

Jim Petell, Director of DAS Input Agriculture Gene Discovery Research commented: "The combination of cutting edge Proteome Systems technology with the extensive library of technologies already in house has proven highly effective in advancing our discovery research. Proteome Systems is continuing to develop new tools for high-throughput protein analysis, which will further complement our biotechnology platform. Proteomic technologies propel DAS to a higher level in its ability to rapidly understand complex protein and gene functions and are already accelerating our discovery of novel genes for enhanced plant products.''

Keith Williams, founder of Proteome Systems, further commented on the alliance: "The expanded agreement with DAS shows their commitment to high-throughput proteomic technology, which is revolutionizing the field of functional genomics. Proteome Systems is pleased that DAS has chosen to increase the scope of the initial agreement. This will allow further demonstration of the power of proteomics to new product development, and create new market opportunities in both plant and plant-related areas.''

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 and Mycogen are wholly-owned subsidiaries of The Dow Chemical Company.

Proteome Systems Limited is a privately held Australian drug discovery and biotechnology company launched in January 1999 by scientists who have been working together for the past decade. Proteome Systems is headquartered in the Sydney high-tech biohub, and is recognized as a world innovator in the development of proteomic technologies. Proteome Systems four business groups comprise: Agricultural Biotechnology, Human Disease (Drug Discovery), Technology (scientific instruments and consumables), and Bioinformatics (Protein databases and tools). Proteome Systems is actively forming key alliances and partnerships with several international companies. 

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