DuPont Taps Research Triangle Biotech Company to Assist in the Development of Its Next Line of Bio-Based Products

WILMINGTON, Del., August 3, 2006 - DuPont today announced it has entered a research agreement with Affinergy, Inc., a Duke University spinout, to assist in the company’s research and development of a new line of bio-based products for its BioSurfaces business. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.

DuPont selected Affinergy because of its expertise in site-specific biological delivery technology, called “Interfacial Biomaterials” (“IFBM”). This technology is complementary to the peptide technology being developed by DuPont scientists for its BioSurfaces business, which seeks to combine DuPont’s biotechnology and coatings know-how to create new products.


“Affinergy’s technology is a novel way to find coatings and materials that have the potential to be compatible and complementary to DuPont’s cutting-edge bio-based technologies research,” said Michael Saltzberg, global business director of the DuPont Bio-Based Materials BioSurfaces business. “We look forward to starting this research and development program. This approach is consistent with our strategy to partner with expert companies to accelerate the development and commercialization of our bio-based materials portfolio.”


“Affinergy is excited to work with a respected market leader like DuPont in applying our peptide linkers in markets outside of medical devices,” said Peyton Anderson, Affinergy’s CEO. “DuPont’s compelling vision for commercializing biotechnology-based products in their markets is backed by a serious commitment. Affinergy’s goal is to collaborate with market leaders and DuPont is unquestionably the market leader in their chosen markets.”


Affinergy, located in the Research Triangle Park in North Carolina, develops site-specific biological systems using biofriendly linkers that selectively adhere to proteins, drugs, cells, and biomaterial surfaces in order to kickstart biology toward an intended outcome. Affinergy is focused on developing coatings and medical devices for the orthopedic and cardiovascular markets.


DuPont is a world leader in the development and manufacturing of high-performance materials that provide environmentally sustainable solutions that utilize renewable, farm-grown feedstocks rather than petroleum. The power of DuPont’s scientific capabilities, including state-of-the-art biotechnology and bio-based manufacturing processes, are being harnessed to meet the needs of both customers and society.


DuPont is a science company. Founded in 1802, DuPont puts science to work by creating sustainable solutions essential to a better, safer, healthier life for people everywhere. Operating in more than 70 countries, DuPont offers a wide range of innovative products and services for markets including agriculture, nutrition, electronics, communications, safety and protection, home and construction, transportation and apparel.

8/3/06

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