Oxford, UK, and Des Moines, Iowa, USA
22 September 1998Oxford GlycoSciences plc (LSE: OGS) and Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc., (NYSE: PHB) today
announced they have entered into a major five year research collaboration in proteomics.
Pioneer will apply OGS proprietary proteomics technology to its proprietary plant
gene database to discover genes important for improving agricultural seed products. OGS
will construct comprehensive databases of protein expression.
Proteomics leverages gene sequence data by providing information on which genes are
expressed or which proteins are being made, in what amounts and when. Pioneer was the
first agricultural seed genetics company to enter into the field of genomics for product
improvement. It is estimated they have gene sequence information for about 80 percent of
the genes in corn.
"OGS will add an important new dimension to our established genomics programs,"
said Tony Cavalieri, Pioneer vice president of Research, Trait and Technology Development.
"Its high-throughput, high sensitivity proteomics platform and advanced informatics
systems will give our scientists a more precise tool for understanding gene expression and
therefore for continuing
to improve our products performance."
"This convergence of genomics and proteomics, which is already being successfully
applied in the pharmaceutical industry, will provide Pioneer with a unique advantage in
the race to match gene and protein expression profiles with important traits," said
Michael Kranda, Chief Executive Officer of OGS.
This is expected to create a new generation of seed products, and novel protein targets
for crop protection, productivity improvements, and products that could benefit the
environment.
Under the terms of the agreement, Pioneer will make up-front payments to OGS of $12.5m,
followed by research and development funding over the five years of the collaboration, and
additional payments upon the achievement of certain milestones.
"We have successfully developed superior products for 70 years by developing,
integrating and applying new technology in areas that benefit customers," said Rick
McConnell, senior vice president of Research at Pioneer. "This agreement helps
Pioneer to bring value enhanced products to our customers faster. Its applications also
extend to products for Optimum Quality Grains, our joint venture with DuPont."
Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc., (NYSE: PHB) is the world's leading supplier of
agricultural genetics and is a leading integrator of technology. Headquartered in Des
Moines, Iowa, Pioneer develops, produces, and markets a full line of seeds, microbial
products, and services to farmers, grain processors, and other customers worldwide.
Oxford GlycoSciences, ( LSE:OGS) is the worlds leading proteomics company. OGS is
developing gene-protein linked database products in human, plant, microbial and animal
systems for application across the pharma and biotech industry. Certain non-exclusive
database products are being commercialized on a subscription basis with Incyte
Pharmaceuticals or through exclusive research collaborations with third parties. The
Company also constructs exclusive databases of protein expression for select clients. In
addition to the exclusive deal announced today with Pioneer, OGS is also constructing
databases for Pfizer and diaDexus.
For further information, please contact:
Oxford GlycoSciences +44 (0)1235 543 200
Michael Kranda, Chief Executive Officer
Paul Triniman, Chief Financial Officer
Noonan/Russo +44 (0)171 726 4452
Julia Phillips (investor)
Fiona Beckman (media)
Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc.
Donna Ramaeker Zahn, Research Communications Manager
+ 1 (515) 270-4194
World Wide Web:
Oxford GlycoSciences: http://www.ogs.com
Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc.: http://www.pioneer.com
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