Washington, D.C.
January 31, 2008
Syngenta announced today that it has entered into an
agreement with Athenix
Corp. for the discovery of novel corn insect and soybean
cyst nematode resistance genes. Athenix is a leading US
biotechnology company that develops novel products and
technologies for agricultural and sustainable industrial
applications. The agreement will allow Syngenta access to novel
gene leads from which to develop advanced generation corn and
soybean products.
Under the agreement, Athenix will screen its extensive microbial
strain collection for the identification and initial development
of novel gene leads in the targeted areas of corn rootworm,
European corn borer, broad lepidopteran, and soybean cyst
nematode control. The resultant gene leads will be provided to
Syngenta for further development.
Syngenta will have exclusive global ownership on any corn and
soybean transformation events developed using Athenix lead
genes, excluding Australia and New Zealand. Athenix may further
license gene leads it generates in the discovery process.
“The agreement with Athenix will extend Syngenta’s strategy of
offering growers multiple modes of action against a range of key
pests in corn and soybeans,” said David Lawrence, Syngenta Head
of Global Research and Development. “Athenix and Syngenta have
proven track records in bringing traits to market, and this
timely and important collaboration will help accelerate
Syngenta’s introduction of new technologies to unlock crop
productivity.”
“We are pleased to work with a global agribusiness leader such
as Syngenta to help bring our technical capabilities to
commercialization,” said Mike Koziel, Chief Executive Officer
for Athenix. “This research and subsequent product offerings are
important steps to providing growers and companies with more
pest management choices.”
Financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed.
Syngenta is a world-leading agribusiness committed to
sustainable agriculture through innovative research and
technology. The company is a leader in crop protection, and
ranks third in the high-value commercial seeds market. Sales in
2006 were approximately $8.1 billion. Syngenta employs around
21,000 people in over 90 countries. Syngenta is listed on the
Swiss stock exchange (SYNN) and in New York (SYT). Further
information is available at
www.syngenta.com.
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