AgroSciences LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of The Dow Chemical Company , announced today that the company has identified a new lead molecule for advancement in its alliance with GVK Biosciences (GVK BIO), Asia’s leading Contract Research Organization. This newly identified lead compound has been selected for its ability to address a key product goal in support of Dow AgroSciences’ growing agricultural chemicals business.

The discovery research agreement with GVK BIO began in May 2008 with the goal of generating novel molecules for synthesis and testing as fungicides and insecticides. The two companies have benefited from the depth of expertise in medicinal chemistry and chemoinformatics at GVK BIO in combination with Dow AgroSciences’ agricultural chemical capabilities.

“We are very pleased to reach this important milestone with GVK BIO under this collaborative discovery alliance,” said Daniel R. Kittle, Ph.D., vice president of Research and Development at Dow AgroSciences. “As we continue to invest in our strong agricultural chemicals business, we’re building partnerships with some of the world’s best research teams to discover creative new solutions in crop protection.”

“The collaboration validates GVK BIO’s ability and leadership in discovery programs and specifically our expertise in agro-chemical research. We are delighted with the outcome of the lead molecule and attribute it to the significant collaborative efforts of the GVK BIO and Dow teams,” said Manni Kantipudi, Chief Executive Officer, GVK Biosciences.