Bio-Gene signed a binding term sheet with STK on a global collaboration to develop, register and commercialise Qcide for crop protection applications. Key terms of the agreement include: Bio-Gene grants STK a world-wide non-exclusive licence to develop Qcide technology for crop proection applications, as well as aquaculture, and professional turf and ornamnetals markets. STK funds all costs associated with securing the active ingredient registration for Qcide.

Bio-Gene has full access to active ingredient registration to support other commercial opportunities (crop and non-crop). Under the agreement, STK commits to the major financial investment to fund the full registration costs relating to the Qcide active ingredient. This will include the required toxicology and ecotoxicity studies, generation of manufacturing data and preparation of the regulatory submission.

Both companies are evaluating the opportunity for Bio-Gene to act as sales agent for STK products in Australia and New Zealand. To date, the STK partnership for Bio-Gene is the largest commercial arrangement entered to date and sets a precedent for further Qcide commercial agreements in the future. Collaborative discussions between STK and Bio-Gene have been on-going, working towards the completion of the STK long form agreement.