Large Scale Biology Corporation (Nasdaq: LSBC) and Bayer CropScience announced today that they have entered into a collaborative research and development agreement to investigate the plant-based expression of lysosomal acid lipase (LAL), an LSBC-proprietary pharmaceutical product for important Orphan and possibly other diseases. The parties agreed to keep the terms of the agreement confidential.

The research and development project centers on the utilization of LSBC's patented gene expression and biomanufacturing resources and promising preclinical results with LAL and Bayer's plant science and product development experience, with the ultimate goal of developing and eventually commercializing a new therapeutic product. LSBC currently biomanufactures its own and client-specified therapeutic proteins and vaccines, and has a pipeline of products in development aimed at various markets, including cardiovascular, oncology and Orphan diseases.

"This collaboration brings together the significant expertise of LSBC in the field of plant-based therapeutics and Bayer's extensive plant research and process science capabilities. Together, we can further accelerate our efforts to bring therapeutic proteins to market and address important patient needs," said Ken Davenport, General Manager New Business Ventures Health for the BioScience business group of Bayer CropScience.

"We welcome this new relationship with Bayer CropScience, a global industry leader with a vision to succeed in the field of plant-made pharmaceuticals," said Kevin J. Ryan, President and CEO of LSBC. "This collaboration is expected to help accelerate the development of one of our lead products with significant potential to satisfy unmet medical and market needs."

Large Scale Biology Corporation is a biotechnology company developing and biomanufacturing biotherapeutics, vaccines and industrial proteins for important life science industry markets. Corporate headquarters, molecular biology and product design laboratories are located in Vacaville, California, and the Company's bioprocess development and commercial-scale biomanufacturing facilities are located in Owensboro, Kentucky. In addition to its class- leading internal capabilities, LSBC relies on a network of industry, government and academic collaborators throughout the US and Europe to achieve rapid, commercially relevant product discovery, optimization and manufacturing.

Bayer CropScience, a subsidiary of Bayer AG with annual sales of about EUR6.0 billion, is one of the world's leading innovative crop science companies in the areas of crop protection, non-agricultural pest control, seeds and plant biotechnology. The company offers an outstanding range of products and extensive service backup for modern, sustainable agriculture and for non-agricultural applications. Bayer CropScience has a global workforce of about 19,000 and is represented in more than 120 countries, ensuring proximity to dealers and consumers.