HitGen and BASF Enter DNA-Encoded Library Based Research Collaboration

LUDWIGSHAFEN, Germany & CHENGDU, China–(BUSINESS WIRE)–BASFand HitGen Ltd. have entered into a research collaboration to
identify novel, small molecule leads for targets of agrochemical
interest to BASF.

In this collaboration, HitGen will apply its advanced technology
platform, based on DNA-encoded library design, synthesis and screening,
to discover novel leads for BASF. “We are delighted to enter this
collaboration with BASF, the world’s largest chemical company, and a
global leader in modern agrochemical research and development. This
collaboration further emphasizes the role of HitGen in the rapidly
developing field of DNA-encoded chemistry, and extends the application
of the technology into the science of crop protection. We will work
closely with BASF scientists to generate new lead compounds for their
research programs to develop new solutions to agricultural challenges,”
said Dr. Jin Li, Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of
HitGen.

“BASF is excited to be working together with HitGen to explore the use
of DNA-encoded library screening to identify novel chemical compounds
complementing our research pipeline. The chemical universe is vast and
finding truly novel chemotypes of promising initial in vitro and in vivo
activity is a formidable task. We are confident that HitGen’s expertise
as well as the screening platform will help BASF facilitate this
process,” said Harold Bastiaans, Vice President Global Research and
Development Insecticides, BASF Crop Protection.

Financial details of the collaboration were not disclosed.

About BASF’s Crop Protection division

With a rapidly growing population, the world is increasingly dependent
on our ability to develop and maintain sustainable agriculture and
healthy environments. BASF’s Crop Protection division works with
farmers, agricultural professionals, pest management experts and others
to help make this possible. With their cooperation, BASF is able to
sustain an active R&D pipeline, an innovative portfolio of products and
services, and teams of experts in the lab and in the field to support
customers in making their businesses succeed. In 2016, BASF’s Crop
Protection division generated sales of €5.6 billion. For more
information, please visit us at www.agriculture.basf.com
or on any of our social media channels.

About HitGen Ltd

HitGen is a technology-driven company with headquarters and main
research facilities based in Chengdu, China and with offices in the USA.
HitGen has established a platform for small molecular discovery centred
around DNA encoded chemical libraries (DELs) . HitGen’s DELs contain
more than 100 billion novel, diverse, drug-like small molecule and
macrocyclic compounds. These compounds are members of DELs synthesised
from many hundreds of distinct chemical scaffolds, designed with
tractable chemistry, and yielding proven results for the discovery of
small molecule leads against precedented and unprecedented classes of
biological targets. HitGen is collaborating with pharmaceutical,
biotech, and chemical companies and research institutes in Asia, North
America and Europe to discover and develop approaches for novel
medicines and agrochemical solutions.

Contacts

BASF Media:
Jasmin Tortop, + 49 621 60 28412
[email protected]
or
HitGen
Ltd.:
Dr. Jin Li, +86 28 85197385
Chairman and CEO
[email protected]
or
Dr.
Barry Morgan, +1 508 840 9646
Chief Scientific Officer
[email protected]