MBI secures license agreement from Kao Corporation for plant health active ingredient

The US biopesticide company Marrone Bio Innovations (MBI)recently announced it has secured a license of certain intellectual property rights from Kao Corporation for a plant health active ingredient. MBI expects to use the active in the development of products involving plant and naturally-based compounds in the United States. The agreement grants MBI exclusive commercial development and marketing rights to all conventional and organic agricultural uses, in addition to all turf and ornamental, home and garden, and forestry uses.

The licensed patents are directed to methods of promoting plant growth, as well as increasing biomass and crop yield. MBI has been actively developing new formulations and conducting field trials with product candidates that promote plant growth by reducing water loss, allowing crops to thrive better in sun-stressed environments. The products based on this technology will utilize a unique mode of action and are expected to be the first of their kind to reach the market.

Dr. Pam Marrone, CEO of MBI, commented, “We are excited about obtaining the agreement from Kao to develop commercial applications for the licensed patents. This is a very good fit with our proven abilities to take an in-licensed plant health technology from early development to full commercialization.”

Marrone Bio Innovations sees great market potential in these plant-based compounds. Dr. Alison Stewart, Sr. Vice President R&D and Chief Technology Officer explains, “Water management and conservation is a huge problem for many agricultural regions throughout the U.S. and it is getting worse. A product that helps reduce plants’ need for water, while maintaining or even increasing quality and yield, will be a significant contribution to overcoming future water management challenges. Looking beyond agriculture, we see the same water management challenges on golf courses and even in residential lawns under local watering restrictions. We are excited about the opportunity to develop commercial products to address these needs.”