News & Events

Chromatin Receives Three New Patents For Plant Mini-Chromosome Technology

CHICAGO, IL. (June 12, 2007) - Chromatin, Inc., a company that has developed technology for adding multiple genes simultaneously to crops, announced today that three patents have been issued by the United States Patent and Trademark Office for Chromatin's gene stacking technology.  This mini-chromosome technology can be used to introduce several agricultural trait genes or produce biochemicals, pharmaceuticals, or biofuels in crop plants. 

U.S. Patent Nos. 7,227,057 and 7,226,782 entitled Plant Centromere Compositions were issued on June 5, 2007, and U.S. Patent No. 7,193,128 entitled Methods For Generating Or Increasing Revenues From Crops was issued on March 20, 2007. These patents further solidify Chromatin's dominant position in plant mini-chromosomes, plants containing mini-chromosomes, and to business practices using mini-chromosomes.  They cover high value crops, including soybean and corn.  Additional patents are pending in the US and several other jurisdictions. 

Chromatin's technology uses a single heritable piece of the plant's own DNA to produce a mini-chromosome.  The issued patents describe mini-chromosome DNA sequences and the use of those sequences to add genes to plants.  Dr. Gregory P. Copenhaver, an inventor on these patents and a member of Chromatin's Board of Directors, said, "Mini-chromosomes offer an important opportunity to improve crop development.  Unlike traditional technology, mini-chromosomes make it easier to add sets of genes simultaneously to a crop.  Because mini-chromosomes are independent from other host chromosomes, they provide a platform for more reliable gene expression and more rapid plant breeding."

Chromatin recently announced a non-exclusive license of its mini-chromosome technology to Monsanto Company.  "Chromatin's current and future licensees will benefit from the rights to practice these patents in crops," said Dr. Daphne Preuss, Chromatin's President and Chief Scientific Officer. "The demand for gene stacks is rapidly increasing, and Chromatin's technology is ideal for meeting that demand."

About Chromatin:

Chromatin, Inc. develops and markets novel proprietary technology that enables entire chromosomes to be designed and incorporated into plant cells. These mini-chromosomes can be used in any plant to simultaneously introduce multiple genes while maintaining precise control of gene expression. Chromatin's mini-chromosome technology can be used to deliver genes that benefit the agricultural, nutritional, energy, pharmaceutical, and chemical sectors.

For additional information, visit www.chromatininc.com or contact Daphne Preuss, 312-455-1935 ext. 24