Zwijnaarde, Belgium
March 7, 2007
Devgen announces positive results of its second year of
field trials in which the biological performance of its
nematicide compounds and formulations was tested in a variety of
crops.
Nematicides are chemical products that control nematodes
(roundworms that damage the roots of a large number of crops
worldwide, resulting in significant loss in yield and quality).
Through its proprietary technology and subsequent field trials
across Europe in 2005, Devgen has identified candidate
nematicides that demonstrate good efficacy in key crops and have
a superior environmental profile versus currently used products.
In order to complete a data package for submission to the
regulatory authorities for product approval, a 2 year program of
regulatory trials was initiated in March 2006. Devgen focused on
efficacy and residue measurement in key nematicide markets
(crops such as sugar beet, potato, carrot, tomato, cucumber,
melons and peppers) in Northern Europe and Mediterranean
countries.
Overall the results were promising and demonstrated:
- reduction of infestation
of the crops by nematodes;
- increased yield and/or
crop quality at par with the currently used nematicides,
which have a less favourable environmental profile;
- residue analysis in line
with expectations.
Devgen is thus on track to
complete, in a timely fashion, a regulatory data package for
submission to the regulatory authorities.
"The more than 120 field trials we conducted over two seasons,
have given us substantial experience with our formulations in
the field", says Thierry Bogaert, Devgen's CEO. "We remain
confident that our products have the favorable profile Devgen is
aiming at."
Devgen (Euronext Brussels: DEVG) is an innovator in
biotechnology focused on discovering, developing and
commercializing:
- a novel generation of biotech products to protect a wide
spectrum of crops from damage incurred from pests;
- innovative hybrid rice germplasm and traits focused in Indian
farmers needs
- safer and more environmentally friendly agro-chemical products
to protect crops from damage inflicted by plant parasitic
nematodes;
- novel therapeutic concepts and preclinical drug candidates for
treatment of metabolic disease (diabetes, obesity), inflammation
and arrhythmia.
Each of these solutions is developed on a platform of in-house
designed research, development programs and technologies. Devgen
has partnerships with industry leaders in biotechnology and agro
chemistry. Incorporated in 1997, Devgen has offices in Ghent
(Belgium) and Singapore, with a total work force of over 100
people. For more information on Devgen visit the company's web
site www.devgen.com. |
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