Dow AgroSciences, Chromatic announce research, license agreements

Dow AgroSciences LLC and Chromatin Inc. have entered into two agreements: the first provides Dow with rights to Chromatins Mini-Chromosome technology and the second establishes an exclusive research and license agreement to combine EXZACT(TM) Precision Technology with Mini-Chromosomes, creating a novel technology platform for the development of next generation traits in corn, soybeans and canola.

"One of the most critical challenges facing the plant biotechnology industry is the production of cost-competitive multi-gene and stacked trait products," said Dan Kittle, Ph.D., vice president R&D for Dow AgroSciences. "Today, there are two technical solutions to multi-gene stacking, pathway engineering and simplified plant breeding in plants. Those technical solutions are site-specific genome modification and building of customized chromosomes."

Dow AgroSciences EXZACT(TM) Precision Technology provides a versatile and comprehensive toolkit for targeted genome modification on plants. Its demonstrated ability to specifically and efficiently target plant genome sequences delivers a means for engineering multi-gene stacks, editing native genes and deleting undesirable traits.

Chromatins Mini-Chromosomes are autonomous genetic elements built to deliver multiple traits of importance to growers, processors, and consumers and to accelerate the development and launch of new products.

Combining Mini-Chromosomes and EXZACT(TM) Precision Technology will create a technology synergy that delivers flexibility and efficiencies for modifying trait combinations on the mini-chromosome, inside the plant, in real time.

"Chromatins Mini-Chromosome platform is the leading technology for delivering customized, autonomous plant chromosomes that carry complex multi-gene traits without impacting the native genome," added Kittle. "EXZACT Precision Technology is the most advanced, flexible and efficient toolkit for genome modification in plants. When we combine these two powerful and well-established technologies, we will provide product developers with added flexibility. This new platform will allow for the modification or updating of existing trait stacks on the mini-chromosome without needing to engineer from the ground up."

"Both technologies -- EXZACT Precision Technology and Mini-Chromosomes -- can solve complex challenges as stand alone technologies today," said Daphne Preuss, CEO for Chromatin. "The collaboration between Chromatin and Dow AgroSciences is good news for the industry; by combining these leading gene stacking technologies, we can provide product developers with the ability to get products to the market faster and at a lower cost."

Further details of the agreement were not disclosed.

Chromatin Inc. develops and markets novel proprietary technology that enables entire chromosomes to be designed and incorporated into plant cells. These mini-chromosomes can be used in any plant to simultaneously introduce multiple genes while maintaining precise control of gene expression. Chromatins Mini-Chromosome technology can be used to deliver genes that benefit the agricultural, nutritional, energy, pharmaceutical, and chemical sectors.

Dow AgroSciences LLC, based in Indianapolis, is a top-tier agricultural company that combines the power of science and technology with the "Human Element" to constantly improve what is essential to human progress. Dow AgroSciences provides innovative technologies for crop protection, pest and vegetation management, seeds, traits, and agricultural biotechnology to serve the worlds growing population. Global sales for Dow AgroSciences, a wholly owned subsidiary of The Dow Chemical Company, are $4.5 billion.