NewLeaf Symbiotics Recruits Leading Biologics Expert
AgraQuest Founding Scientist to Lead Product Development of Rapidly Growing Company
ST. LOUIS, MO, April 24, 2014–NewLeaf Symbiotics announced today the appointment of Desmond Jimenez, Ph.D. as its Vice President of Product Development and Manufacturing. Dr. Jimenez was most recently Technical Director and Principal Scientist at Bayer Biologics in Davis, California. Before joining Bayer, he was Principal Scientist at AgraQuest, where he began in 1995 as one of the founding scientists. Dr. Jimenez was instrumental in the development of AgraQuest’s biologics technologies and products prior to its acquisition by Bayer in 2012 for close to $500 million.
At NewLeaf, Dr. Jimenez will lead the development and manufacturing scale-up of a new class of biological seed and foliar products based on the company’s Prescriptive Biologics™ technology platform. He will join NewLeaf’s R&D team located at BRDG Park in St. Louis, where the company is tripling its research facility.
“Bringing Dr. Jimenez into the company now is a key step and a huge validator for us,” said NewLeaf CEO Tom Laurita. “We conducted a comprehensive national search for a candidate with deep experience transforming biologics R&D into formulated products that can meet regulatory and market requirements. Desmond was by far our first choice and we believe his 20 years in this space uniquely qualifies him for his role at NewLeaf.”
Dr. Jimenez commented, “I am excited to join New Leaf Symbiotics. I was initially fascinated by their technology and then enticed by their commitment to aggressive, innovative product development. It is abundantly clear that biologics are critical constituents in the future of modern agricultural ecosystems. I see NewLeaf at the leading edge with very powerful technology, and I am thankful to be part of a team intent on deploying novel goods in support of the food markets where I am passionately committed.”
Karla Roeber, (314) 587-1231
Kroeber@danforthcenter.org
Melanie Bernds, (314) 587-1647
mbernds@danforthcenter.org
About NewLeaf Symbiotics
NewLeaf is a venture-backed agricultural biotech company that is researching and commercializing beneficial plant bacteria for crop growth, health, and protection. NewLeaf is based in St. Louis and was founded by a group of entrepreneurs and former Monsanto scientists and executives. In December 2013 NewLeaf announced the acquisition of Intuitive Genomics, a leading genomics and bioinformatics company. Investors in NewLeaf include Rockport Capital, Open Prairie Ventures, and Pangaea Ventures. More information is available at www.newleafsym.com
About BRDG Park at the Danforth Center
Bio-Research & Development Growth (BRDG) Park at the Danforth Plant Science Center helps life science companies bridge research, resources and relationships to achieve commercial success. In addition to providing world-class wet laboratories, office space and a prominent incubator, BRDG Park’s location on the Danforth Center’s campus facilitates access to the intellectual capital of top scientists, as well as to greenhouses, growth chambers, microscopy and proteomics facilities and other vital resources. Located in suburban St. Louis County, Missouri, BRDG Park is being developed by Wexford Science +Technology LLC, a BioMed Realty Company, a development company led by a seasoned team of real estate, finance and engineering experts specializing in major university facilities and science research parks nationwide. More information is available at www.BRDG-Park.com.
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