Novartis Crop Protection, Inc. and Novartis Seeds, Inc. announced today that they have discovered a novel gene technology that is being developed under the trademark of Acuron(TM). The Acuron gene provides tolerance to a class of broad spectrum herbicides.

The Acuron gene, when inserted into crops, will provide tolerance to a class of herbicides known as protoporphyrinogen oxidase inhibitors or PPOs. The gene was discovered by scientists at Novartis Agribusiness Biotechnology Research, Inc. in Research Triangle Park, NC. Since the discovery, Novartis has determined that the technology will work on a broad range of crops, including corn, wheat, soybeans, rice, canola, cotton, sorghum and sugar beets. Currently, Novartis is targeting corn for its first market entry in 2003.

"PPO herbicides kill plants, either crops or weeds, by blocking a key metabolic process. When the Acuron gene is inserted into a crop, the metabolic process is no longer blocked by the PPO herbicide, and the plant remains unaffected," said Dr. Marc Law, who heads up the Acuron research project.

Associated with the discovery of the Acuron gene, Novartis has broadly filed patents to support and protect this new technology.

As a class, PPO herbicides can be both foliar and root absorbed. This means they have both PRE and POST activity, and therefore can be applied within a broad range of application timings. Following a foliar application, treated weeds begin to show the herbicide's effects within 24 hours, with death of treated weeds in 2 to 5 days depending on weed species and environmental conditions. PPO herbicides can remain effective in the soil for 30-60 days.

While Novartis intends to launch herbicides within this class over the next decade, its first PPO herbicide will be used both alone and in combination with other Novartis herbicide chemistry. Registration for the lead herbicide is in progress, with EPA approval anticipated in 2003.

"The Acuron gene represents another result of years of R&D investment," said Ed Shonsey, President of Novartis Seeds, Inc. "Years ago, Novartis developed a broad research strategy investing in both biotechnology and conventional chemistries. Over the years, this extensive research strategy has yielded a series of innovative technologies ranging from conventional chemical products, the first Bt corn on the market in 1995 and now the Acuron gene."

"Novartis will use the Acuron gene and PPO herbicides to further expand its already broad corn herbicide portfolio," said Heinrich Gugger, President of Novartis Crop Protection, Inc. "Our goal in developing new technologies is to be able to go to growers in the US and present to them an array of customized crop solutions that will specifically meet their production needs. The Acuron technology will better help Novartis achieve this goal."

Novartis is a world leader in life sciences with core businesses in healthcare, agribusiness and consumer health (self-medication and nutrition). In 1998, Novartis group sales were $21.8 billion, of which $12 billion were in healthcare, $5.8 billion in agribusiness, and $4 billion in consumer health. The group annually invests more than $2.5 billion in research and development. Headquartered in Basel, Switzerland, Novartis employs about 85,000 people and operates in more than 100 countries around the world.

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