Pioneer Hi-Bred International Inc. and Kimeragen, Inc. today announced the signing of a research collaboration through which Pioneer will utilize Kimeragen’s novel "gene enhancement" technology in their crop genetic improvement efforts.

The agreement includes a non-exclusive license under which Kimeragen grants Pioneer the right to use "chimeraplasty" – a process which allows targeted genetic enhancement – in any plant species. Pioneer will focus initial development efforts on the improvement of corn genetics. Financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed.

The chimeraplasty process uses Kimeragen’s patented chimeric oligonucleotide molecules – or "chimera" – to produce single or multiple DNA base pair changes in targeted genes to enhance gene expression. The application of this technology in plants can lead to crops with increased pest and disease resistance, as well as improved yield and product quality characteristics.

Chimeraplasty will be used by Pioneer in developing new seed corn products with enhanced
characteristics. This technology complements an on-going effort by Pioneer to invest in and develop technologies that will enable Pioneer researchers to mine the corn genome, thus leading to improved products that benefit customers.

"Our chimeraplasty technology is uniquely suited to achieve highly selective and desirable changes in genes to yield improved genetic characteristics," said Bo Allen, SVP, Market & Business Development of Kimeragen, Inc. "We are excited to begin our first commercial collaboration with a partner of the caliber of Pioneer Hi-Bred. We believe the agricultural applications of chimeraplasty have commercial value that is equally as great as that of our molecular pharmaceutical business."

"The chimeraplasty technology fits well with our research and product development effort," said Tony Cavalieri, Vice President of Trait and Technology Development at Pioneer. "In particular, this technology will help us make targeted changes in genes discovered through our Genome Project. We will continue to fulfill our commitment to our customers to develop innovative and superior performing plant products."

Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc. is the world’s leading supplier of agricultural genetics and is a leading integrator of agricultural technology. Headquartered in Des Moines, Iowa, Pioneer develops, products, and markets a full line of seeds, microbial products, and services to farmers, grain processors and other customers worldwide.

Kimeragen, Inc. is a privately-held company headquartered in Newtown, Pennsylvania, engaged in the discover, development and marketing of unique products for human health, plant and animal/veterinary applications. The company plans to commercialize many of these applications through partnerships with global leaders in these fields.

Company news release
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