Valent BioSciences Boosts Capabilities with New Biorational Research Unit at Sumitomo Chemical Health & Crop Sciences Research Laboratory

LIBERTYVILLE, Ill.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Valent BioSciences LLC, the worldwide leader in the development, manufacturing, and commercialization of biorational products, is expanding its research collaboration with parent company Sumitomo Chemical Co., Ltd. by establishing a dedicated Biorational Research Unit at Sumitomo Chemical�s Health & Crop Sciences Research Laboratory (HCRL) in Takarazuka, Hyogo, Japan. Both organizations have worked closely together on specific projects at the HCRL for several years in response to the growing importance of biorational and sustainable agricultural solutions. The enhanced partnership, which includes the addition of technical staff with expertise in a broad variety of areas, begins on December 1.

“This deeper collaboration is a natural evolution of our ongoing relationship with the HCRL, and will enable us to broaden our biorational research programs and activities in a dedicated and more structured manner,” said Ted Melnik, Valent BioSciences’ Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer. “It also kicks off some of the critical initiatives announced recently as part of our SynBio (synthetic biology) initiative at the Biorational Research Center in Libertyville that will help accelerate our work in creating next-generation businesses in this burgeoning field.”

One of the primary benefits to Valent BioSciences of closer collaboration with the HCRL includes greater access to its various research platforms and leading-edge technologies that can grow the biorational business significantly, both in Japan and globally.

Initially, the Biorational Research Unit at the HCRL will focus on biopesticide discovery, field application of plant growth regulators (PGRs) in Japan, and various projects related to arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF). As the group’s technical capabilities and expertise increase, Valent BioSciences will continue expanding its range of research activities.

“Because the HCRL is a centralized research facility, we will be able to leverage its in-house expertise and facilities on an ongoing basis and augment our research requirements as needed,” said Melnik. “We will also receive greater technical support for our business in Japan while benefiting from the broader scientific opportunities that can be achieved by networking with Japanese academia.”

The HCRL was established about 50 years ago to help create healthier and more hygienic lives, and contribute to improving the yield of food crops and agricultural productivity through its expertise in organic synthetic chemistry, biology, and formulation technologies. The laboratory is engaged in the development of new agricultural chemicals and functional fertilizers, more effective and safer household insecticides, and technologies for preventing infectious diseases, as well as efficient synthetic methods for pharmaceutical chemicals. It collaborates with Sumitomo Chemical’s overseas Group companies to incorporate the needs of global customers into its research and development activities, thereby contributing to the expansion and globalization of the company’s business.

About Valent BioSciences LLC

Headquartered in Libertyville, Illinois, Valent BioSciences is a subsidiary of Tokyo-based Sumitomo Chemical Co., Ltd., and is the worldwide leader in the development, manufacturing, and commercialization of biorational products with sales in 95 countries around the world. Valent BioSciences is an ISO 9001 Certified Company. For additional information, visit the company’s website at www.valentbiosciences.com.

Contacts

John Mandel

Valent BioSciences

847-968-4728

Email: john.mandel@valentbiosciences.com