FMC signs new insecticide exclusive license agreement

Date:02-22-2012

FMC has entered into exclusive technology license and commercialization agreements with East China University of Science and Technology (ECUST) and Shanghai Shengnong Pesticide Co. Ltd. (SSPC). The three parties will develop and commercialize a new neonicotinoid insecticide active ingredient cycloxaprid. Cycloxaprid was invented at ECUST and licensed by manufacturer SSPC. FMC will have exclusive global development and commercialization rights outside of China. The agreement also provides for additional new pesticide research collaboration.

"We're excited to partner with the leaders at ECUST and SSPC to develop promising new solutions to farmers seeking alternatives to existing pest-resistant chemistries," said Milton Steele, president, FMC Agricultural Products Group. "Combining the research strength of ECUST, the China manufacturing leadership of SSPC, and FMC's deep product development and marketing expertise is an incredibly strong formula for success."

Dr. Xuhong Qian, president of ECUST, said: "The East China University of Science and Technology is pleased to enter into these agreements with FMC and SSPC. "We are proud of the innovative work by Dr. Zhong Li and his colleagues in our Institute of Pesticides and Pharmaceuticals. With the support of SSPC and FMC, we're eager to continue our development efforts. We also hope that this research collaboration will lead to even more crop technology solutions that benefit global agriculture."

Mr. Qiang Bi, president of SSPC, echoed Dr. Qian's and Mr. Steele's comments. "SSPC looks forward to partnering with ECUST and FMC in this new stage of developing an effective new active ingredient. This relationship strengthens SSPC and helps us to better serve our customers not only in China, but also more broadly in international markets."