MONHEIM, GERMANY - Industry advancement is in the works as Bayer has revealed its acquisition of German biotech start-up Targenomix. By further integrating the industry up-and-comer’s systems biology approach into its R&D pipeline, Bayer is looking to advance the development of innovative technologies and safe and effective products for farmers.

“Targenomix’s approach has proven to be very successful,” said Dr. Robert Reiter, Head of Research and Development at Bayer’s Crop Science Division. “By using a unique and holistic systems biology approach and leveraging leading expertise building on a strong scientific foundation stemming from the Max Planck Institute for Molecular Plant Physiology (MPI MPP), Targenomix has delivered numerous novel targets and modes of action for small molecules in weed control.”

Reiter continued, “Their innovative tools to identify and select safe and sustainable compounds complement our design-based strategy in crop protection discovery and will accelerate the development of new products that farmers need to meet future challenges of agriculture.”

Targenomix’s expertise, personnel, and platforms will play a vital role in accelerating the development of molecules that could make production more sustainable despite challenges like climate change and weed, disease, and insect resistance.

“Combining Bayer’s leading capabilities and proven crop protection pipeline with Targenomix’s flexible start-up mindset, deep multi-omics technology, and systems biology expertise will allow us jointly to continue to deliver novel modes of action,” said Dr. Sebastian Klie, Chief Executive Officer of Targenomix. “This new phase of our complementary relationship will accelerate the discovery of the next generation of sustainable and safe molecules.”

According to a press release, Targenomix’s spin-off of the MPI MPP uses novel systems biology and computational life science tools to identify new modes of action for crop protection compounds.

“I am very happy about the integration of Targenomix into the Bayer family which secures a long-term future for Targenomix and its employees,” said Professor Dr. Lothar Willmitzer, Director Emeritus of the MPI MPP and Founder of Targenomix. “Targenomix’s unique expertise in systems and computational biology will significantly strengthen and broaden the capabilities of Bayer in the area of crop protection and beyond, and keeping Targenomix at arm’s length ensures that the spirit of Targenomix is maintained, a key requisite for its further success. Bayer’s decision to acquire Targenomix is another example of the high international recognition Max-Planck-Institutes enjoy for their science.”

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