Syngenta, a world leader in developing the next generation of biological products for agricultural use, is significantly expanding its biological research and development capabilities. Today, it announced that it has acquired the Novartis repository of natural compounds and genetic strains for agricultural use, while Novartis maintains exclusive rights to the repository for pharmaceutical use. The transaction also includes the transfer of the Novartis Natural Products and Biomolecular Chemistry team to Syngenta.

The move gives Syngenta access to an important source of novel leads for agricultural research and offers Syngenta integrated capabilities in bioengineering, data science, fermentation, downstream processing, as well as analytics. As part of the agreement, which is expected to close on June 1st, Syngenta will also lease the Novartis fermentation pilot plant and science laboratories located in Basel, Switzerland.

The acquisition builds upon a successful research collaboration between Syngenta and Novartis since 2019. This strategic move reinforces Syngenta’s commitment to innovation and sustainable solutions for the agricultural industry.

Source – Syngenta