ExSeed Genetics L.L.C., in conjunction with Zeneca Inc., has been granted three patents that the companies believe hold the keys to identifying the "operating system" for starch deposition in cereal plants. The three patents cover important genes essential for biosynthesis and the coding for enzymes that are the chemical precursors of starch.

'These patents can change the functionality of starch to add end-use value for grain processing and/or animal feed," says Dr. Peter Keeling, director of research at ExSeed Genetics. "But more importantly, we believe these patents offer us the capability to increase yields.'

ExSeed Genetics owns the exclusive licensing rights to these patents from Zeneca as part of an agreement that covers the formation of starch in plants. In addition to its collaborative research agreement with ExSeed Genetics, Zeneca holds an equity stake in the company.

"This agreement is at the center of ExSeed's proprietary starch synthesis gene technology, and the patents further strengthen our position in seed and starch biotechnology," Keeling says.

ExSeed Genetics and Zeneca are leaders in the field of agricultural biotechnology, and both hold numerous patents that have been identified to improve the form and function of agricultural grain crops. The three patent numbers granted to ExSeed and Zeneca are: #5,792,920, #5,859,333, and #5,824,790.

ExSeed provides value-enhanced grains to feed, food and industrial markets under the brand name ExSeed Enhanced(TM) . ExSeed Genetics works with a variety of seed and production partners within the ExSeed Contracting Network to provide animal feeders, millers and food processors ExSeed Enhanced traits in grains that add value and improve the end-use product.

ExSeed Genetics has released the first low-phytate corn varieties, NutriDense LpTm and Yellow Dent LP(TM), which are available to swine and poultry producers throughout the United States for this growing season.

ExSeed Genetics L.L.C., headquartered in Owensboro, Ky., was formed in 1994, and has research operations in Owensboro; Ames, Iowa; and Olivia, Minnesota.

N1753