Since 2020, Syngenta has put a focus on expanding and improving biologicals. Building on the recent launch of its new biologicals production facility in South Carolina, the company is continuing to grow its biologicals division with the recent acquisition of certain Novartis technologies.
Among the materials acquired are:
- Novartis’ repository of natural compounds and genetic strains for agricultural use (Novartis will retail for rights of the pharmaceutical use)
- The Novartis natural products and biomolecular chemistry team
- A lease on the Novartis fermentation pilot plant and science laboratories in Basel, Switzerland
“With the broadest and most comprehensive portfolio across all segments of biological products, we have established ourselves as a leader in the industry. In a constantly growing market, it is important to ensure a pipeline capable of supporting continuous evolutions. I am convinced that this acquisition will allow us to maintain our capacity to innovate,” says Jonathan Brown, global head of Syngenta’s seedcare and biologicals business.
This move comes after a research collaboration Syngenta and Novartis had in 2019. The acquisition is expected to close June 1.
Other companies Syngenta is currently collaborating on biologicals with include:
- Provivi for new pheromone solutions, targeting devastating pests in key crops across Asia
- Ginkgo Bioworks to accelerate the launch of innovative biologicals
- Intrinsyx Bio in the fast growth area of nutrient use efficiency
- Lavie Bio to discover and develop novel bio-insecticide
- Lithos Crop Protect for sprayable pheromone targeting the Western Corn Rootworm pest
- TraitSeq to leverage AI to accelerate the development of innovative biologicals.
“We invest significantly to offer the industry’s most advanced pipeline of innovative agricultural solutions. The integration of these world-class assets opens a new chapter on our ability to develop cutting-edge biological solutions for farmers and reflects our commitment to drive solutions that continue to elevate the sustainability of agriculture,” says Camilla Corsi, Syngenta’s global head of crop protection research and development.
