NEW YORK (GenomeWeb) – Monsanto and Second Genome have signed a research agreement to develop microbiome-based solutions that will help farmers better manage environmental challenges on their farms.
Under the terms of the collaboration, the partners will combine Monsanto's genomic databases with Second Genome's expertise in microbiome science and its bioinformatics solutions to predict and analyze the efficacy of beneficial microbiome proteins for agricultural use. They hope to discover new proteins that can be used to develop improved insect-control solutions, they said.
The collaboration "allows us to apply our broad microbiome technology platform with Monsanto's vast microbial function data to develop new solutions that will contribute to the prosperity of growers in the future," Glenn Nedwin, Second Genome's CEO and president, said in a statement. "Microbial function has a significant influence in agricultural applications and new research in microbiome science is likely to unlock new solutions for the agriculture industry."
The multi-year agreement between the two companies includes an option for Monsanto to pursue commercial opportunities resulting from insect-control research in agriculture. Second Genome retains the right to apply discoveries in healthcare and other industries.
Financial and other terms of the agreement were not disclosed.
Other recent Monsanto deals in the omics space include licensing agreements for genome editing technologies with Israel's TargetGene Biotechnologies and Germany's Nomad Bioscience.