Efficient and environmentally sound food production,
renewable fuels, biologically-produced medicines
and other plant science innovations are areas in which
Syngenta is focusing its research.
Europes first project to transform oilseed rape from
Syngenta into energy for power stations as an alternative
to fossil fuel was launched in the UK last year. This is just
one example of opportunities in new market areas such
as biofuels.
Syngenta is directing its expertise to harness the
potential of plants and develop products to drive growth
for the company and contribute to a sustainable future
for subsequent generations.
Through its unrivalled technical breadth in research and development, combined
with its clear business focus, Syngenta is creating new opportunities in agriculture
and beyond.
The result is a pipeline of new products for each of the established businesses
of Crop Protection, Professional Products and Seeds, as well as for potential
opportunities in markets such as animal
feed, bioprocessing and biopharmaceuticals.
In 2004, a major investment program was announced to streamline and focus
chemical and biotechnology trait research. This will create powerful performance
cells, where intense scientific interaction across disciplines will further
accelerate the rate of innovation.
The research center at Stein in Switzerland will drive innovation in new insecticides,
fungicides and Professional Products, benefiting from investment in new chemistry
and seed treatment facilities. Jealotts Hill International Research Centre
in the UK will spearhead innovation in new herbicides. It will also be the
center of excellence for environmental science and core technologies that include
new formulation, biochemistry, physiology and analytical chemistry. In addition,
a new facility is planned in Goa, India, to provide cost-efficient chemical
synthesis for glasshouse
and field-scale use.
The progression of three new active ingredients to early development, a strong
early research pipeline, and significant new product developments testify to
the success of Syngentas chemical research and
development strategy.
Biotechnology trait research and development is now concentrated in Research
Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA, in the largest market for biotechnology
crops.
2004 saw progress with the novel VIPCOT insecticide through a partnership with
the premier cotton seed company in the USA, and corn traits were strengthened
by market and germplasm acquisition.
Whilst genomics now underpins all areas of science, the most visible benefits
are the increasing precision and speed that genomics brings to plant breeding
through the use of genetic markers. This capability is accelerating the flow
of new plant varieties and hybrids, which has been further enhanced by the
addition of substantial germplasm resources.
In new market areas, the strengthening of Syngentas collaboration with Diversa
will place a primary focus on the discovery of novel enzymes for use in animal
feed and biofuels. Capabilities in health assessment, regulatory science and
plant biotechnology have been combined to drive the research program on biopharmaceuticals.
Protein therapeutics are assuming an ever greater importance, and plant systems
for the production and purification of complex proteins offer significantly
reduced capital investment, as well as flexible and safe production. A carefully
selected portfolio of projects in focused therapeutic areas is being progressed
towards first clinical trials.
