Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Cash and cash equivalents as of March 31, 2025, were $23.6 million, with net proceeds of $21.4 million from a registered direct offering in January 2025 [22] - Revenue for Q1 2025 was $1 million, an increase of $489,000 compared to $545,000 in the same period last year, attributed to increased activity in partner-funded projects [22] - R&D expenses were $11.8 million for Q1 2025, down from $12 million in the previous year due to cost reduction initiatives [23] - SG&A expenses rose to $9.9 million in Q1 2025 from $7 million in the prior year, primarily due to a $3 million litigation accrual [23] - Net loss for Q1 2025 was $49.4 million, compared to a net loss of $27 million in the same period last year, largely due to a $21 million non-cash goodwill impairment [23][24] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The rice platform secured agreements with four major rice seed companies, representing approximately 40% of estimated accessible rice acres across North and Latin America [7] - Progress in disease resistance traits for canola included successful edits for four different modes of action, with positive field trial results for the second mode of action [11] - The soybean platform achieved a significant milestone with successful editing of a soybean cell for the HT2 trait, enabling expanded platform development [12] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The regulatory environment has improved, with the California Rights Commission approving field research proposals for gene-edited rice, and Ecuador recognizing certain traits as equivalent to conventional breeding [16][17] - The USDA APHIS designated two disease resistance trait products for canola as not regulated, allowing for unrestricted product development in the U.S. [18] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on optimizing operations and reducing cash burn in 2025 while pursuing strategic priorities in rice, canola, and soybean platforms [20][25] - The commercialization strategy is progressing, with anticipated trait validation trials in Latin America and continued development of bio-based fermentation products [19][15] - The company aims to maximize shareholder value by prioritizing investments in near-term commercial opportunities with developed traits [20] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the transformative potential of the RTDS technology platform and its ability to attract significant commercial interest [5][25] - The company is positioned at an important inflection point in the agricultural industry, with a focus on gene editing technologies that enhance crop adaptability and productivity [20][25] - Management highlighted the importance of regulatory advancements in supporting the commercialization of gene-edited traits [25] Other Important Information - The company anticipates nominal revenues from its sustainable ingredients program later in 2025, with ongoing partnerships with consumer packaged goods companies [15] - The company is taking a disciplined approach to resource allocation, ensuring financial flexibility to execute strategic priorities [20] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you walk through the cash burn and the step up in SG&A in Q1? - Management indicated a cash burn of approximately $4.4 million gross in Q1, with the increase in SG&A primarily due to a litigation accrual [30][31] Question: What is the expected timeframe for EU regulatory discussions? - Management believes the trilogue discussions could conclude within six months, with secondary legislation expected within twelve months [33][34] Question: What are the working capital impacts when trait products hit commercial launch? - Management stated that there would not be a significant cash hit as they support customers from a stewardship standpoint [38][42] Question: What is the potential scale and ramp-up speed for biofragrance products? - Management noted strong demand for bio-based products, with a quick ramp-up expected from 2026 to 2028 [40] Question: Are there other Latin American countries with similar regulatory frameworks to Ecuador? - Management confirmed that several Latin American countries view gene-edited products as conventional breeding, following Ecuador's lead [66][68] Question: Is there existing usage data for clethodim by rice farmers in Latin America? - Management clarified that clethodim is an approved herbicide in South America, and the new trait will provide an additional tool for rice farmers [69][71]