<PAGE>

                                                                   EXHIBIT 10.41
                               EQUIPMENT SCHEDULE
                                       TO
                       MASTER LOAN AND SECURITY AGREEMENT
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

MASTER LOAN AND SECURITY AGREEMENT NO. 7237    DATED:  June 18, 1998 EQUIPMENT SCHEDULE NO. 07
EQUIPMENT SCHEDULE NO. 07
<S>                                            <C>

LENDER:                                        CUSTOMER:
   OXFORD VENTURE FINANCE, LLC                 PARADIGM GENETICS, INC.
   133 NORTH FAIRFAX STREET                    104 ALEXANDER DRIVE, BLG 2
   ALEXANDRIA, VIRGINIA 22314                  RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, NC 27709
</TABLE>

LENDER AND CUSTOMER HAVE ENTERED INTO MASTER LOAN AND SECURITY AGREEMENT NO.
7237 DATED JUNE 18, 1998 (THE "AGREEMENT") WHICH IS INCORPORATED HEREIN.  THIS
IS AN EQUIPMENT SCHEDULE TO THE AGREEMENT.  ALL WORDS AND TERMS USED HEREIN AND
NOT SPECIFICALLY DEFINED HEREIN SHALL HAVE THE SAME MEANINGS AS SET FORTH IN THE
AGREEMENT.

     1.  EQUIPMENT LOCATION (if other than above address of Customer): none

     2.  EQUIPMENT: (See attached Exhibit A)

     3.  ACQUISITION COST OF THE EQUIPMENT:  $400,342.76.
                                              ----------

     4.  SUPPLIER(S): (See attached Exhibit A)

     5.  THE LOAN AND LOAN AGREEMENT REPAYMENT.  As requested by Customer
pursuant to the Agreement, Lender agrees to lend to Customer the sum of Four
Hundred Thousand Three Hundred Forty-two and 76/100 dollars.  Customer agrees to
repay the Loan Agreement in successive installments (which installment payments
are inclusive of interest) as set forth in the following Schedule:

     SCHEDULE

     Advance Payment Amount: $ 4253.64
                               -------
     Number of Installments (Exclusive of Advance Payment): 48
                                                            --
     Payment Period:
         X   Monthly  _____ Quarterly
         -

     Periodic Installment Payment Amount Per Period: $4,253.64 for the next
     eleven (11) months, followed by $11,926.21 for thirty-six (36) months,
     followed by one payment of $40,034.28.

     Commencement Date: 12-30-99
     Special Provisions (if any): none
<PAGE>

6.  SECURITY DEPOSIT: None

7.   DISBURSEMENT OF PROCEEDS.  Customer hereby authorizes Lender to disburse
     the $400,342.76 proceeds as follows:
          ----------

       (a)  $400,342.76  to: Paradigm Genetics, Inc.
             ----------
            $400,342.76  TOTAL PROCEEDS
             ==========

Customer may direct the Lender in writing to withhold payments from Supplier(s),
either now or in the future.  Lender shall be entitled to rely on such written
direction of Customer as being conclusive as to the intent of the Customer with
regard to withheld payments.

Customer hereby acknowledges and agrees that it shall constitute an additional
Event of Default under the Loan Agreement if, for any reason, the Acquisition
Cost of the Equipment has not been fully paid to the appropriate Supplier(s)
thereof within ten (10) days after demand therefor by Lender.  Customer hereby
agrees to indemnify, and hold harmless Lender from and against any liability,
claim, loss or damage, including Attorneys' Fees and Expenses, that may be
incurred by Lender as a result of any amounts to be withheld hereunder,
including any claims of the Supplier(s) therefor.

     8.  ADJUSTMENTS:  Customer acknowledges that payments under the Loan
Agreement herein are based upon the Acquisition Cost of the Equipment set forth
above, and as a result of authorized changes to the Equipment, the final
Acquisition Cost of the Equipment may increase or decrease by up to 10%.  In
such event, the Loan Payments shall be adjusted accordingly, and Customer
authorizes Lender to correct the Loan Agreement (and all related documentation)
to reflect such changes and Customer, if requested by Lender, shall confirm such
changes to Lender in writing.

     9.  SUPPLY CONTRACT:  Customer acknowledges either that (a) Customer has
reviewed and approved any written purchase agreement or purchase order covering
the Equipment ("Supply Contract") purchased from Supplier, or (b) Lender has
informed or advised Customer, in writing, either previously or by the Loan
Agreement, of the following: (i) the identity of the Supplier, (ii) that
Customer may have rights under the Supply Contract and (iii) that Customer may
contact the Supplier for a description of any such rights Customer may have
under the Supply Contract.  If Customer has entered into a written Supply
Contract, then Customer hereby assigns to Lender all of Customer's rights and
interests in and to the Equipment and the Supply Contract.  If requested by
Lender, Customer shall obtain any consent required for such assignment. If
Customer has not entered into any such Supply Contract, Customer authorizes
Lender to (and Lender may at its option) act on behalf of Customer to obtain a
Supply Contract from Supplier. Except for the obligation to pay Supplier for the
Equipment, if (and only if) the Equipment is accepted by Customer under the Loan
Agreement, such assignment shall not include any of Customer's obligations under
such Supply Contract and Customer shall at all times remain liable to perform
all of its duties and obligations under the Supply Contract to the same extent
as if an assignment has not occurred. Customer hereby represents and warrants
that: (i) Customer has delivered herewith a true and correct copy of the Supply
Contract, neither Supplier nor Customer is in default under the Supply Contract
and it shall not be amended

                                       2
<PAGE>

without Lender's prior written consent and (ii) the Supply Contract is free from
all claims, security interests, liens and encumbrances, except for the interest
being conveyed by the Loan Agreement. Customer indemnifies and holds Lender
harmless with respect to any and all claims relating to the performance of
Customer's obligations under the Supply Contract.

     10.  SEE RATE ADJUSTMENT RIDER ATTACHED AND INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE.

By execution hereof, the signer certifies that he/she is a duly authorized
officer, partner or proprietor of Customer and that he/she has read, accepted
and duly executed this Equipment Schedule to the Master Loan and Security
Agreement on behalf of Customer.

ACCEPTED AT LESSOR'S OFFICE AT ALEXANDRIA, VIRGINIA.

OXFORD VENTURE FINANCE, LLC      PARADIGM GENETICS. INC.
---------------------------      -----------------------
(LENDER)                         (CUSTOMER)


By:                               By:
   -------------------------         -------------------------

Name: J ALDEN PHILBRICK, IV       Name: IAN HOWES
     -----------------------           -----------------------

Title: PRESIDENT                  Title: CFO
      ----------------------            ----------------------

Date:                             Date: 12-08-99
     ----------------------            ----------------------

                                       3
<PAGE>

                                   EXHIBIT A

                               LIST OF EQUIPMENT

The following list and description of Equipment supplements and forms a part of
Equipment Schedule No. 07 to Master Loan and Security Agreement No. 7237 dated
June 18, 1998 between Lender and Customer and may be attached to said Equipment
Schedule and any related UCC Financing Statements, or other document relating to
the Master Loan and Security Agreement, the Equipment Schedule or any other
document describing the Equipment.

               SEE ATTACHED EQUIPMENT SCHEDULE EXHIBIT A ATTACHED

All property listed above, together with any and all attachments, accessions,
additions, replacements, improvements, modifications and substitutions thereto
and therefor and a right to use license for any software related to any of the
foregoing now or hereafter acquired and all proceeds, in the form of goods,
accounts, chattel paper, documents, instruments and insurance proceeds.


OXFORD VENTURE FINANCE, LLC    PARADIGM GENETICS. INC.
                               -----------------------
(LENDER)                       (CUSTOMER)


By:                               By:
   -------------------------         -------------------------

Name: J ALDEN PHILBRICK, IV       Name: IAN HOWES
     -----------------------           -----------------------

Title: PRESIDENT                  Title: CFO
      ----------------------            ----------------------

                                       4
<PAGE>

PROMISSORY NOTE TO:  MASTER LOAN AND SECURITY AGREEMENT NO. 7237
                     Dated June 18, 1998

                     EQUIPMENT SCHEDULE NO.07

U.S. $400,342.76                                    Alexandria, Virginia
      ----------

Dated:  12-30-99
        --------

     FOR VALUE RECEIVED, Paradigm Genetics, Inc., a North Carolina corporation
                         -----------------------    --------------
(the "Borrower"), hereby promises to pay to the order of OXFORD VENTURE FINANCE,
LLC. or its successors or assigns (the "Payee") at its offices located at 133
North Fairfax Street, Alexandria, Virginia, 22314, or at such other place as the
Payee or any holder hereof may from time to time designate, the principal amount
of U.S. Four Thousand Three Hundred Forty-two and 76/100 dollars ($400,342.76),
with interest (based on a year of 360 days and 30 day months) on the principal
amount hereof remaining from time to time unpaid, such principal and interest to
be paid in consecutive monthly installments until fully paid, in the manner and
at a rate of interest per annum as determined and provided in the Loan
Agreement. Anything in this Note to the contrary notwithstanding, in the event
that any payment of interest hereunder shall exceed the legal limit, such amount
in excess of such limit shall be deemed a payment of principal hereunder.

This Note evidences a loan by the Payee to the undersigned pursuant to the Loan
Agreement indicated above between the undersigned and the Payee as from time to
time may be amended, restated, replaced, supplemented, substituted for or
renewed, and the holder of this Note is entitled to the benefits thereof,
including without limitation, the security interest in the Equipment granted
therein.  Each term defined in the Loan Agreement and not otherwise defined
herein shall have the same definition when used herein.

The principal hereof and accrued interest hereon shall become forthwith due and
payable as provided in the Loan Agreement.  Payments hereunder not made when due
shall accrue late charges as provided in the Loan Agreement.  This Note may not
be prepaid in whole or in part except as otherwise specifically provided in the
Loan Agreement.

The Borrower hereby waives diligence, demand, presentment, protest and notice of
any kind, and assents to extensions of the time of payment, release, surrender
or substitution of security, or forbearance or other indulgence, without notice.
No act or omission of the Payee, including without limitation any failure to
exercise any right, remedy or recourse, shall be deemed to be a waiver or
release of such right, remedy or recourse.  Any waiver or release may be
effected only by a written document executed by Payee and then only to the
extent specified therein.  The undersigned hereby promises to pay all Attorneys
Fees and Expenses that may be incurred in connection with the enforcement and/or
collection of this Note.

The undersigned authorizes the Payee to insert above as the date of the Note,
the date on which Payee disburses finds pursuant to the Loan Agreement.

                                       5
<PAGE>

This Note is freely assignable by the Payee, in whole or in part, and from time
to time.  All of the terms and provisions of this Note inure to and are binding
upon the heirs, executors, administrators, successors, representatives,
receivers, trustees and assigns of the parties.  None of the rights or
obligations of the Borrower hereunder may be assigned or otherwise transferred
without the prior written consent of the Payee.

THIS NOTE AND THE LEGAL RELATIONS OF THE PARTIES HERETO SHALL IN ALL RESPECTS BE
GOVERNED BY AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF
CONNECTICUT, WITHOUT REGARD TO PRINCIPLES REGARDING THE CHOICE OF LAW.  BORROWER
HEREBY CONSENTS AND SUBMITS TO THE NON-EXCLUSIVE JURISDICTION OF THE COURTS OF
THE STATE OF CONNECTICUT AND THE FEDERAL DISTRICT COURT FOR THE DISTRICT OF
CONNECTICUT FOR THE PURPOSES OF ANY SUIT, ACTION OR OTHER PROCEEDING ARISING OUT
OF ITS OBLIGATIONS HEREUNDER, AND EXPRESSLY WAIVES ANY OBJECTIONS THAT IT MAY
HAVE TO THE VENUE OF SUCH COURTS. BORROWER HEREBY EXPRESSLY WAIVES ANY RIGHT TO
TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY ACTION BROUGHT ON OR WITH RESPECT TO THIS NOTE.  Any action
by Borrower against Payee for any cause of action under this Note shall be
brought within one year after any such cause of action first arises.  If
requested by Payee, Borrower agrees that prior to the commencement of any
litigation regarding the terms and conditions of this Note, the parties hereto
shall subject themselves to non-binding mediation with a qualified mediator
mutually satisfactory to both parties.

     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Borrower by its duly authorized officer has
executed and delivered this Note as of the date first above written.

                                    PARADIGM GENETICS, INC.
                                    -----------------------
                                    Borrower

                                    By:
                                       ---------------------

                                    Name:  Ian Howes
                                           -----------------

                                    Title:  CFO
                                            ----------------

                                       6
<PAGE>

                    RATE ADJUSTMENT RIDER AND ACKNOWLEDGMENT

RATE ADJUSTMENT RIDER AND ACKNOWLEDGMENT (this "Rider") to the Promissory Note
dated 12-30-99, 1998 (the "Note") issued in connection with the Master Loan and
Security Agreement No. 7237 dated June 18, 1998 and the Equipment Schedule No.
07 (collectively, the "Loan Agreement"), between Paradigm Genetics. Inc.. as
borrower (the "Customer") and OXFORD VENTURE FINANCE, LLC, as Lender ("Oxford").
This Rider is entered into pursuant to and incorporates by this reference all of
the terms and provisions of the Loan Agreement and the Note.  By its execution
and delivery of this Rider, Customer hereby reaffirms all of the
representations, warranties and covenants contained in the Loan Agreement and
the Note as of the date hereof, and further represents and warrants to Lender
that no Default has occurred and is continuing as of the date hereof.

1.  Purpose.  This Rider amends and restates the terms of the payments set forth
in the Note.

2.  Definitions.  The following terms shall have the following meanings herein:

(a)  "Adjustment Date" shall mean the date Oxford disburses any portion of the
     proceeds of the Loan Agreement.

(b)  "Final T-Note Average" shall mean the average of the yields on U.S.
     Treasury Notes maturing in four years, as published by the Dow Jones
     Telerate Access Service, Page 19901, for the close of business on each
     business day of the two fill calendar weeks immediately preceding the week
     containing the Adjustment Date.

(c)  "Preliminary Payments" shall mean the payments set forth in the Equipment
     Schedule and the Note, consisting of $4,253.64 due upon execution (the
     "Advance Payment") followed by eleven (11) consecutive monthly payments of
     $4,253.64, followed by thirty-six (36) consecutive monthly payments of
     $11,926.21 and one (1) final payment of $40,034.28.

(d)  "Preliminary T-Note Average" shall mean 4.25%.

3.  Adjustment of Payments.  The Preliminary Payments were calculated based on a
spread over the Preliminary T-Note Average.  Should the Final T-Note Average
differ from the Preliminary T-Note Average, then the Preliminary Payments shall
be revised.  For each increase or decrease of one (1) basis point (i.e., 1/100
of 1%) in the Final T-Note Average above or below the Preliminary T-Note
Average, the Preliminary Payments shall be revised as follows (complete below as
applicable):

The Advance Payment, due upon execution of the Equipment Schedule, shall remain
unchanged.

Each of the payments for the months number 12-48 initially scheduled for thirty-
six (36) consecutive monthly payments of $11,926.21 shall increase or decrease
by $3.25.

THE CALCULATION OF THE CONTRACT PAYMENTS UNDER THIS RIDER WILL SUPERSEDE ANY
PRIOR PROPOSAL OR QUOTATION. CUSTOMER HEREBY

                                       7
<PAGE>

ACKNOWLEDGES AND AGREES TO THE CALCULATION OF THE PAYMENT SCHEDULE SET FORTH
HEREIN.

4.  Oxford's Requirements.  The commencement of the Loan Agreement is subject to
satisfaction of all documentation and credit requirements of Oxford.  If such
requirements are not satisfied by the Adjustment Date, then Oxford may, at its
sole option, declare that the Adjustment Date shall be the date when such
requirements are satisfied.

Dated as of   December 7, 1999 .
              -----------------


OXFORD VENTURE FINANCE, LLC       PARADIGM GENETICS. INC.
                                  -----------------------
(LENDER)                          (CUSTOMER)





By:                               By:
   -------------------------         -------------------------

Name: J ALDEN PHILBRICK, IV       Name: IAN HOWES
     -----------------------           -----------------------

Title: PRESIDENT                  Title: CFO
      ----------------------            ----------------------

                                       8