Indianapolis and Hyderabad, India - May 05, 2008

Dow AgroSciences LLC and GVK Biosciences Private Limited of Hyderabad, India, announced today that they have entered into a discovery research agreement to combine both companies’ expertise to generate novel molecules for synthesis and testing as fungicides and insecticides.

The two companies will use the depth of expertise in medicinal chemistry and cheminformatics at GVK in combination with Dow AgroSciences agrochemical capabilities in this new collaboration. This is the first example of such an extensive partnership in agrochemicals for GVK Biosciences.

“We are very pleased to announce this novel collaboration between Dow AgroSciences and GVK Biosciences, a leader in the application of cheminformatics and biologically based synthetic organic chemistry. This is another clear example of our commitment to work with the world’s best research teams to transform science into solutions that address the needs of the world’s growing population,” said Daniel R. Kittle, Ph.D., vice president R&D, Dow AgroSciences.

“We are pleased to partner with Dow AgroSciences, a global leader in crop protection and biotechnology. Our collaboration with Dow AgroSciences gives us the opportunity to work in areas thus far not pursued by GVK BIO," said G V Sanjay Reddy, Managing Director, GVK Biosciences.

About GVK Biosciences

GVK Biosciences India’s premier Contract Research Organization, delivers integrated research services to global pharmaceutical and biotech companies. The company accelerates the Drug Discovery and Development process of its customers through science and innovation. Currently the company has more than 1,300 employees spread across facilities in Hyderabad, Chennai and Gurgaon.

About Dow AgroSciences

Dow AgroSciences LLC, based in Indianapolis, Indiana, USA, is a top-tier agricultural company that combines the power of science and technology with the "Human Element" to constantly improve what is essential to human progress. Dow AgroSciences provides innovative technologies for crop protection, pest and vegetation management, seeds, traits, and agricultural biotechnology to serve the world's growing population.  Global sales for Dow AgroSciences, a wholly owned subsidiary of The Dow Chemical Company, are $3.8 billion. Learn more at www.dowagro.com

For Editorial Information:

Robyn Heine
Dow AgroSciences LLC
1-317-337-4807