Research Triangle Park, North Carolina and
Leverkusen, Germany
October 26, 1998
Bayer AG and Paradigm
Genetics, Inc. of the United States have signed a contract under which they will
collaborate in the search for novel screening targets which will lead to the development
of
new herbicides. Under the terms of the contract, Paradigm will receive up to $40 million,
including milestone payments. Paradigm will also receive success fees for all products
that reach the market.
Paradigm brings to the collaboration its expertise in identifying gene function,
bioinformatics and assay development. Genes identified as being responsible for new
targets will be subjected to high-throughput screening.
Bayer is providing its experience in the development of crop protection products for the
agricultural market. Its researchers will use the assays developed by Paradigm to screen
against its extensive library of chemical compounds, followed by evaluation of leads in
vivo and then the development and commercialization of those compounds that prove to be
innovative and highly effective herbicides.
"Our objective is to identify previously unknown targets for herbicides so this
knowledge can be
utilized to develop new products," said Dr. John Ryals, President and Chief Executive
Officer of
Paradigm Genetics. His company is working with genetic engineering to improve seeds and
weed
control, thereby contributing towards enhancing worldwide food production.
According to Dr. Jochen Wulff, General Manager of Bayer´s Crop Protection Business Group,
"the contract marks a continuation of Bayer´s strategy of collaborating with outside
organizations and will enable us to use available gene technology know-how to develop new
crop protection products. Paradigm is a particularly suitable partner in research into
identifying gene function," he said, "because of its track record in discovering
biochemical characteristics in plants. This collaboration underscores our intent to use
innovative technology to develop highly effective, safe and targeted crop protection
products for the agricultural industry, that are commercially attractive and
environmentally more beneficial."
Paradigm Genetics, Inc., Raleigh (North Carolina/USA) specializes in the identification of
genes for development of new herbicides, fungicides and pesticides and for improving the
quality of seeds. Bayer´s Crop Protection
Business Group is one of the world´s leading suppliers of crop protection products, with
1997 sales of DM 3.9 billion.
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