Syngenta AG and Athenix Corporation in R&D Partnership for Advanced Biotechnology Corn Insect and Soybean Nematode Control Traits

WASHINGTON, Jan. 31 /PRNewswire/ -- Syngenta announced today that it has entered into an agreement with Athenix Corp. for the discovery of novel corn insect and soybean cyst nematode resistance genes. Athenix is a leading US biotechnology company that develops novel products and technologies for agricultural and sustainable industrial applications. The agreement will allow Syngenta access to novel gene leads from which to develop advanced generation corn and soybean products.

Under the agreement, Athenix will screen its extensive microbial strain collection for the identification and initial development of novel gene leads in the targeted areas of corn rootworm, European corn borer, broad lepidopteran, and soybean cyst nematode control. The resultant gene leads will be provided to Syngenta for further development.

Syngenta will have exclusive global ownership on any corn and soybean transformation events developed using Athenix lead genes, excluding Australia and New Zealand. Athenix may further license gene leads it generates in the discovery process.

"The agreement with Athenix will extend Syngenta's strategy of offering growers multiple modes of action against a range of key pests in corn and soybeans," said David Lawrence, Syngenta Head of Global Research and Development. "Athenix and Syngenta have proven track records in bringing traits to market, and this timely and important collaboration will help accelerate Syngenta's introduction of new technologies to unlock crop productivity."

"We are pleased to work with a global agribusiness leader such as Syngenta to help bring our technical capabilities to commercialization," said Mike Koziel, Chief Executive Officer for Athenix. "This research and subsequent product offerings are important steps to providing growers and companies with more pest management choices."

Financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed.

Syngenta is a world-leading agribusiness committed to sustainable agriculture through innovative research and technology. The company is a leader in crop protection, and ranks third in the high-value commercial seeds market. Sales in 2006 were approximately $8.1 billion. Syngenta employs around 21,000 people in over 90 countries. Syngenta is listed on the Swiss stock exchange (SYNN) and in New York . Further information is available at www.syngenta.com.

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements This document contains forward-looking statements, which can be identified by terminology such as 'expect', 'would', 'will', 'potential', 'plans', 'prospects', 'estimated', 'aiming', 'on track' and similar expressions. Such statements may be subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause the actual results to differ materially from these statements. We refer you to Syngenta's publicly available filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission for information about these and other risks and uncertainties. Syngenta assumes no obligation to update forward-looking statements to reflect actual results, changed assumptions or other factors. This document does not constitute, or form part of, any offer or invitation to sell or issue, or any solicitation of any offer, to purchase or subscribe for any ordinary shares in Syngenta AG, or Syngenta ADSs, nor shall it form the basis of, or be relied on in connection with, any contract therefore.

Media Enquiries: Anne Burt +1 202 628 2372

CONTACT: Anne Burt of Syngenta, +1-202-628-2372

Web site: http://www.syngenta.com/

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