Syngenta partners with Biotalys

Basel-headquartered Syngenta Crop Protection and Biotalys NV (Ghent) will collaborate to research, develop and commercialise protein-based biocontrol solutions to manage key pests (funghi, bacteria, insects) in a broad variety of crops. Under the agreement, the Swiss agribiotech giant gains access to Biotalys’ AGROBODY™ technology, which offers access to a library of more than 10 million camelidae single-chain antibodies to offer farmers a sustainable solution to manage pest resistance.

Under the terms of the agreement, Syngenta will collaborate on a research program with Biotalys aimed to develop AGROBODY-based Agrobody candidates for Syngenta’s specific insect targets. The companies pipeline includes a marketed product targeted against Botrytis cineria, a fungal pathogen, and single-chain antibody fragments against bacteria, cercospora, lepidoptera, leaf spots, oomycetes and rice blast, banana sigatoka, as well various insects.

“By combining our proven research and development capabilities with the breakthrough protein-based innovations of the Biotalys AGROBODY™ platform, we are determined to play a pivotal role in addressing critical farmer needs around the globe,” said Camilla Corsi, Head of Crop Protection Research at Syngenta Crop Protection.

The partnership is driven by increasing resistance against converntional insecticides as well as by regulatory and environmental pressures to limit the impact on the environment and biodiversity. Biotalys has demonstrated the potential of its protein-based biocontrols to deliver novel modes of actions for effective and safe application in food and agriculture. This new partnership allows Biotalys to accelerate the development and global commercialization of its crop protection solutions.

Financial details of the deal were not disclosed.