Applied Biosystems Inc. and Ribozyme Pharmaceuticals Inc willcollaborate on the large-scale synthesis of ribonucleic acids forRibozyme's commercial development of ribozyme technology.

Applied Biosystems spokeswoman Jackie Cossman said thecompany would not disclose the financial nature of thecommitment. She described the agreement as an "importantstrategic move" for the company.

Applied Biosystems of Foster City, Calif., will provide Ribozymeof Boulder, Colo., with synthesizers, high performance liquidchromatography and other equipment and RPI will supplychemicals and reagents.

RPI is developing commercial applications for ribozymes inhuman therapeutics, agriculture and diagnostics.

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