United Kingdom
January 5, 2010

FuturaGene PLC ("FuturaGene" or "the Group", AIM: FGN), a leader in plant genetic research and development for global forestry, biofuel and agricultural markets, has been granted a second cell wall modification patent in Japan.

The new patent augments the Japanese patent issued in April 2009 and covers additional proteins. Both patents cover transgenic plants expressing cell wall modifying proteins that result in higher biomass, faster growth rate, higher cellulose content, higher amenability for digestion by ruminants, or increased resistance to heat, biodegradation or pests.

Dr Stanley Hirsch, FuturaGene CEO said, "This patent consolidates FuturaGene's global intellectual property position in the critical area of cell wall modification, which is a fundamental technology for yield enhancement in plants. We believe this is very significant for the sustainable industrial forestry, biofuel and biopower sectors. The fact that Japan is home to some of the world's largest pulp and paper producers further underlines the importance of FuturaGene's patents."

FuturaGene is a leader in plant genetic research and development for the global forestry, biofuel, and agricultural markets. The Group develops sustainable, ecologically sound technology to meet the ever increasing demands for fiber, fuel and food crops in the face of declining and deteriorating land and water resources.
FuturaGene aims to be the leading crop technology company for biomass, second generation biofuel and biopower, through two main technology platforms: Cell Wall Modification, which helps crops grow faster, enhancing yield and processability; and Abiotic Stress Tolerance which enables plants to grow in harsh, dry, salty environments or protects yield when plants are stressed by these factors.
The Group's most advanced technologies are for yield improvement in sustainable industrial forestry and it has strong partnerships with leading international forestry and agriculture companies, such as Suzano, Bayer CropScience, Forage Genetics (Land 'O Lakes), China Academy of Forestry (CAF), AA Alliance and Targeted Growth. The Group has established broad applications of its technology in key crops including eucalyptus, poplar, alfalfa, cotton and corn.

Website: http://www.futuragene.com

Published: January 5, 2010