At ABLC Next in San Francisco, Primordial Genetics and Bayer CropScience LP announced the establishment of a research collaboration to evaluate Primordial Genetics’ proprietary Function Generator technology. Bayer will provide multi-year funding for this project and will receive access to Primordial Genetics’ technology platform and expertise. Results of the collaboration have the potential to accelerate the development and enhance the biological performance of future Bayer crop protection solutions.
The Function Generator platform genetic technology is broadly capable of developing novel and advanced traits in microbes used for the production of useful compounds ranging from fuels and chemicals to pharmaceuticals, therapeutic proteins and enzymes. The technology also represents a novel way for optimizing enzymes with higher catalytic efficiency, improved temperature tolerance, altered substrate specificity, and resistance to inhibitors.
Proteins are the fundamental building blocks of all living organisms. The Primordial Genetics Function Generator system provides a rapid way to create and discover new genetic traits from the protein diversity already present in an organism. These protein variants can then be tested for new functions and incorporated into biological crop protection products to combat pests and diseases and increase yield.
“This partnership with Bayer is an important validation of the commercial importance of our technology platform and its relevance to industrial partners. The interest and support from a major innovative company like Bayer is a measure of how far we have come in advancing our genetic platform over the past three years,” stated Helge Zieler, Ph.D., CEO of Primordial Genetics.
Dr. Adrian Percy, Head of Research and Development at Crop Science, a Division of Bayer, commented: “This partnership is an example of Bayer’s ongoing commitment to Science For A Better Life. By partnering with Primordial Genetics, one of the world’s most innovative companies we will continue to deliver new products to help our customers produce high-quality food in a sustainable manner and help feed the growing world population.”
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