FuturaGene licenses CRISPR-Cas9 technology to develop sustainable varieties of eucalyptus with improved productivity, stress resistance and fiber quality
Tim M. Gonzalez December 8, 2021
Agreement with Corteva Agriscience and Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard grants FuturaGene access to gene-editing technology to research and develop eucalyptus varieties adapted to climate change
SAO PAULO, Brazil, December 08, 2021– (BUSINESS WIRE) – FuturaGene, a wholly owned subsidiary of the world's leading eucalyptus pulp producer, Suzano, will use patented genome editing technology from global pure agriculture company Corteva Agriscience, and from the nonprofit research organization Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, to develop new and improved eucalyptus varieties.
FuturaGene intends to apply gene editing technology to the research and development of new varieties of eucalyptus that are more productive, resistant to diseases and pests, and possessing improved fiber properties. In addition, the company aims to make the new varieties more resistant to climate change and serve as an alternative to products derived from fossil fuels. FuturaGene has the option of converting the global research license to cover commercial applications.
Dr Stanley Hirsch, CEO of FuturaGene, said: "With our vast experience and growing pipeline, FuturaGene is well positioned to apply the gene editing technology of our licensors to develop eucalyptus varieties that can help the world meet the growing demand for products. made from renewable woods. This includes fiber and the potential to replace carbon-intensive fossil fuel-based materials, such as plastics, in a sustainable way.
"Our ability to share the benefits of this major enabling technology with smallholder farmers within our supply chain, royalty-free, has been an important part of our negotiations with licensors. This commitment is strongly aligned with the Suzano Sustainable Development Goal of reducing income inequalities and helping people out of poverty. FuturaGene has always viewed shared value as a vital part of our goal ".
The multi-institutional license covers CRISPR-Cas9 patent rights held by a set of leading universities and institutes.
Licensed genome editing technology gives scientists the ability to edit an organism's DNA by modifying and silencing genes or adding genetic material to specific locations in a highly targeted manner. This can potentially be used to alter the properties of wood, eliminate sensitivities to disease or chemical agents, or select and instill desirable traits. The technology therefore has enormous potential in forestry to help farmers optimize productivity.
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About FuturaGene
FuturaGene is a leader in research and development in plant genetics to increase productivity and resilience in the global renewable forestry sector. With facilities in Brazil and Israel, the company is developing sustainable, eco-friendly technology to meet ever-increasing demands for fiber, alternatives to fossil fuel-based products such as plastics and energy crops in the face of declining natural resources. land and water and climate change. . In April 2015, FuturaGene became the first company in the world to obtain regulatory approval to commercially deploy a yield-enhanced variety of genetically modified eucalyptus. Since July 2010, FuturaGene has been a 100% subsidiary of Suzano SA, the world's leading producer of eucalyptus pulp and one of the largest paper producers in Latin America.
For more information, visit www.futuragene.com.
View the source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211208005555/en/
FuturaGene
Sara El Kadri
Global Communication and Public Affairs Manager, FuturaGene
Agnes Stephens
Press relations, Instinctif Partners
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