Kimeragen, Inc. and Hoechst Schering AgrEvo GmbH announced today that they have signed a non-exclusive license agreement covering the use of Chimeraplasty technology in induction of site-specific mutations using a chimeric oligonucleotide and is applicable in plant, bacterial or human DNA. The technology is designed to enable targeted gene repair, replacement and modification.

The licensed technology will be used both by AgrEvo and its plant biotech subsidiary, Plant Genetic Systems NV (PGS). According to Dr. Jan Leemans, General Manager of PGS and a member of the Board of AgrEvo, "We are very pleased to have gained access to this important new technology. Chimeraplasty will help us in identifying specific plant gene functions in those crops of interest to us, as well as in targeting specific gene modifications." PGS and AgrEvo are recognized pioneers in plant genetic engineering. Their first generation products include corn, canola and selected vegetables engineered for insect protection, herbicide tolerance and pollination control. Leemans added, "This technology strengthens our capability in plant genomics, from which we believe many second-generation biotech traits will emerge."

Gerald Messerschmidt, Kimeragen’s President and CEO, said, "PGS and AgrEvo have been amongst the most innovative and successful companies active in plant biotechnology. Our agreement today points to the importance of Chimeraplasty technology for selective modification of plant genes in vivo." Until now researchers were not able to target specific plant genes for repair, replacement or modification. Messerschmidt added that, "Chimeraplasty is a significant technological jump and considerably enhances the ability to modify plants for agronomic and industrial purposes."

Kimeragen, Inc. is a privately held company headquartered in Newtown, Pennsylvania, engaged in the discovery, development and marketing of unique products for human health, plant and mammalian applications.

AgrEvo is a joint venture of Hoechst AG and Schering AG and one of the world’s leading biotechnology, crop production and environmental health companies.

Company news release
N2001