Bayer CropScience Signs Agreement with GVK Biosciences on Early-Stage Research Projects.

MONHEIM, Germany & HYDERABAD, India -- Bayer CropScience and GVK Biosciences Private Limited (GVK BIO), Hyderabad, India, have entered into a research cooperation in the area of early discovery chemistry. The objective is to speed up the search for promising active ingredients for innovative crop protection products. Under the agreement, Bayer CropScience will integrate GVK BIO capacities in the early part of its Discovery chemistry process.

"We want to further speed up the development of our successful crop protection R&D pipeline and we look forward to working with GVK BIO, Asia's leading contract research organization," said Dr. Alexander Klausener, Head of Research at Bayer CropScience AG, at the signing ceremony in Hyderabad. "This cooperation in the area of early discovery chemistry will help Bayer CropScience to further increase efficiency in its Research. It will also help our company to participate in the quickly developing scientific environment in India."

"GVK Biosciences has built world-class capabilities in early Discovery Chemistry. We are excited to partner with Bayer CropScience to strengthen and accelerate their hits," said Manni Kantipudi, President, GVK Biosciences. "Agri & Crop Sciences Research is a key focus area for GVK BIO. We are happy with the trust imposed by Bayer and look forward to working with one of the most innovative agri companies."

With expenditures of EUR 649 million in research and development in 2008, Bayer CropScience is one of the leading innovative companies in the agricultural industry. In 2008, the insecticides spirotetramat and the herbicide pyrasulfotole have been launched successfully. Three fungicides - fluopyram, bixafen and isotianil - are scheduled for launch in 2010 and 2011. Three further candidates are at an advanced stage of development.

About Bayer CropScience

Bayer is a global enterprise with core competencies in the fields of health care, nutrition and high-tech materials. Bayer CropScience AG, a subsidiary of Bayer AG with annual sales of about EUR 6.4 billion (2008), is one of the world's leading innovative crop science companies in the areas of crop protection, non-agricultural pest control, seeds and plant biotechnology. The company offers an outstanding range of products and extensive service backup for modern, sustainable agriculture and for non-agricultural applications. Bayer CropScience has a global workforce of more than 18,000 and is represented in more than 120 countries. This and further news is available at: www.press.bayercropscience.com.

About GVK BIO

GVK Biosciences (GVK BIO) is Asia's leading research services organization. GVK BIO provides a broad spectrum of services, stand-alone and integrated, across the R&D value chain. GVK BIO's diverse portfolio of more than 100 customers includes Big Pharma companies, Agri & Life-sciences companies, leading biotechs and academic institutions. Spread across five locations in India, GVK BIO is headquartered at Hyderabad, India and employs 1500+ people to assist clients accelerate their research and success.