Cibus' Agriculture Breeding Breakthroughs Create New Industry Paradigms for Development and Commercialization of Plant Traits

Core Insights - Cibus has established production standards for its proprietary RTDS gene editing process, enabling the delivery of traits in a customer's elite germplasm in less than 12 months [1][2][3] - The company aims to industrialize plant breeding through a standardized, time-bound, and predictable gene editing process [3][5] - Cibus has made significant advancements in gene editing technology, including the ability to make multiple DNA edits in a single pass, which reduces the time required for trait development and commercialization [5][6] Gene Editing Developments - Cibus has developed production standards for traits in Rice (herbicide tolerance HT1 and HT3) and Canola (pod shatter reduction and herbicide tolerance HT2), as well as advanced traits in Canola (Sclerotinia resistance) [2] - The company achieved high editing rates in Soybean cells related to its HT2 trait, although it did not meet its goal of a fully operational soybean platform by the end of 2024 [4][6] - Cibus' gene editing conversion rates range from 10% to 25% in Rice and can be as high as 50% in Canola [6] Technological Advancements - The company's patented oligonucleotide directed mutagenesis (ODM) technology allows for complex edits in a single process, contrasting with traditional methods that require sequential processes [5][6] - Cibus' semi-automated gene editing production system is designed to enhance efficiency and quality control, which are critical for managing process time and product quality [3][6] Market Position and Strategy - Cibus is positioned as a technology company that develops and licenses plant traits to seed companies, focusing on productivity traits for major global row crops such as canola, rice, and soybean [7] - The company addresses significant agricultural challenges, with the United Nations estimating that diseases and pests cost the global economy approximately $300 billion annually [7] - Cibus aims to create a new class of plant trait products that are regulated similarly to naturally occurring traits, differentiating its products from transgenic plants and other GMOs [7]