The chloroplast technology was developed by scientists at Auburn University, Rutgers University and the University of Central Florida.

Press Release

INDIANAPOLIS - September 10, 2007 - As part of the company’s ongoing efforts to advance agricultural biotechnology, Dow AgroSciences LLC announced it has secured exclusive rights to Chloroplast Transformation Technology (CTT™) from Chlorogen, Inc. The companies have collaborated on research agreements since 2005 and this license will allow further work to be done which will enhance Dow AgroSciences’ animal health and agricultural biotechnology businesses. Financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed.

CTT™ is a unique method for expressing foreign genes in plant cells. While current methods involve placing a foreign gene in the cell nucleus, CTT transforms the genome of the approximately 100 chloroplasts within the cell. Each chloroplast contains about 100 copies of the chloroplast’s genetic material, so the amount of protein produced in a single cell is increased exponentially. In addition, because chloroplasts are inherited maternally, they are not found in pollen. This greatly diminishes concerns about spreading recombinant genes through pollen.

“This agreement is another illustration of Dow AgroSciences’ commitment to provide differentiated solutions to customers globally through unique technology and capabilities,” said Daniel R. Kittle, Ph.D., vice president of Research and Development at Dow AgroSciences. “The potential of chloroplast transformation is exciting and offers new solution space that can address a number of our business interests. We are turning science into solutions for our customers.”

"We are extremely pleased to be able to provide Dow AgroSciences the rights to our proprietary licensed technology," said Dave Duncan, Ph.D., chief executive officer, Chlorogen, Inc. “Dow AgroSciences has demonstrated an enduring commitment to developing plant-based technologies for greater productivity. With access to our chloroplast technology, technology developed by scientists at Auburn University, Rutgers University and the University of Central Florida, this leading company now has another new and more robust tool to help bring products to market that are grower, customer and environment-friendly,” said Duncan.

About Dow AgroSciences

Dow AgroSciences LLC, based in Indianapolis, Indiana, USA, is a top-tier agricultural company providing innovative crop protection, pest and vegetation management, seed, and agricultural biotechnology solutions to serve the world's growing population. Global sales for Dow AgroSciences, a wholly owned subsidiary of The Dow Chemical Company, are $3.4 billion. Learn more at www.dowagro.com.

About Chlorogen Inc.

Chlorogen, with headquarters in St. Louis, MO, is a biopharmaceutical company committed to using its patented chloroplast transformation technology to become a world-class provider of beneficial proteins for human therapy. In addition to developing its own pharmaceutical pipeline, the company, founded in 2001, is pursuing collaborative arrangements for other applications of the technology, which was developed and patented by the company’s technical founder, Dr. Henry Daniell at the University of Central Florida.

Source: Dow AgroSciences