The positive results of zootechnical tests initiated on poultry and piglets pave the way to the industrialisation phase of the L-Methionine project developed under an exclusive license

Clermont-Ferrand and Lestrem, 12 January 2012. – ROQUETTE, one of the world leaders in renewable raw materials processing, and METabolic EXplorer, a biological chemistry company that specializes in developing manufacturing bioprocesses for the bio-based compounds used in a wide range of everyday products, are jointly announcing a major step forward in their exclusive partnership for the biological production of first 100% bio-based L-Methionine.

Methionine is an essential amino acid in poultry and piglet diets. This amino acid is currently made from propylene, a crude oil derivative, via a synthetic chemical process. The global Methionine market for animal feed amounts to approximately 2.85 billion dollars for 850,000 tonnes in 2011.*

*Source: Feed Info, methonine average price 2007-2011.

Results of zootechnical tests on poultry and piglets carried out in 2011

The zootechnical tests initiated on poultry have shown very good results in terms of nutritional efficiency, results that are comparable to those achieved with petrochemical Methionine.

The nutritional tests carried out on piglets in 2011 also demonstrated excellent results.

Initiation of the regulatory approvals process

Following up on these zootechnical tests, ROQUETTE is preparing an analytical and toxicological file in order to obtain European approval. This file will be finalized in mid-2012.

Industrialization phase under study

Having achieved high performance with poultry and piglets, ROQUETTE is now initiating an industrial engineering study on the basis of a significant production capacity.

Jean-Bernard LELEU, ROQUETTE Deputy Managing Director, states: "L-Methionine production from renewable resources is one of the flagship innovation projects in plant-based chemistry and nutrition for the Roquette Group. This project is an illustration of the Group's desire to secure a strong position among global industrial players in these two areas"

Benjamin GONZALEZ, METabolic EXplorer CEO, adds: "These new milestones achieved and the desire of our partner, ROQUETTE, to now move to the industrial phase are evidence of the innovation and performance characteristic of METabolic EXplorer processes".

-END-

About ROQUETTE - www.roquette.com

The business of Roquette, a French family group with an international dimension, is the processing of renewable raw materials: maize, wheat, potatoes, peas and micro-algae.

Among the 5 global leaders in the starch manufacturing industry, it offers its customers a wide range of products and solutions in the fields of human nutrition, pharmacy-cosmetology, paper-board, chemistry-bioindustry and animal nutrition.

Present in over 100 countries, Roquette has a turnover of 3 billion euros. The group employs around 6.800 employees.

Its development, focused on health nutrition and plant-based chemistry, is based on a strategy giving preference to the long-term, innovation and the commitment to achieve.

Its mission: "Serve men and women by offering the best of nature".

The corporate headquarters are located in Lestrem (France). Further information can be found at www.roquette.com

About METabolic EXplorer - www.metabolic-explorer.com

METabolic EXplorer is a biological chemistry company which was incorporated in 1999. Its goal is to help industrial businesses deal with the heralded "end of oil", so that they can continue to manufacture but in a sustainable way.

Based on the tried and tested principle of industrial fermentation, METabolic Explorer's solutions circumvent the problems posed by today’s burdensome and expensive petrochemical processes via the use of a wide range of renewable, sustainable raw materials. By optimizing the metabolic yield of non-pathogenic bacteria in a contained, controlled environment, the company facilitates the production of chemical compounds used in a wide range of everyday goods (textile fibres, paints, solvents, plastics and animal feed).

METabolic EXplorer is currently focusing its alternative biological solutions on the production of five compounds that together have an estimated, annual, end-market value of €11 billion. The company's strategy will be implemented in two forms – either via own-account developments (i.e., manufacturing plants) in geographically strategic regions, or via limited exclusivity industrial partnerships in the shape of joint ventures.

METabolic Explorer, based in Clermont-Ferrand, France, is listed on EURONEXT PARIS (EURONEXT C, METEX) and features in CAC Small.

Get free financial information on METabolic EXplorer by registering with www.metabolic-explorer.com or www.actus-finance.com .

Media and shareholder contacts

ATTITUDE Corporate

Eric de Lambert

E-mail: [email protected]

Tel.: +33 (0)1 4970 4341 / +33 (0)6 2529 0658

Investor and analyst contacts

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Jérôme Fabreguettes-Leib

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Tel.: +33 (0)1 7735 0436

This communication includes forward-looking information which is subject to risks and uncertainties. The potential development of the company could be substantially different from that anticipated in this press release because of the various risk factors which are described in the company’s Listing Prospectus.

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