Verenium and BP are continuing to work on a month to month basis toward the development and commercialization of cellulosic ethanol.

The two companies today announced another month long extension to the initial 18-month joint development program established in August 2008. The previous extension to the agreement ended today, now it will continue until April 1, 2010 as the parties continue negotiations for a longer-term collaboration. In the meantime, Verenium gets another $2.5 million from BP to co-fund the cellulosic ethanol program for the month of March.