Biotech Values

[DewDiligence]

(CLLS/DD)—MON’s new CRISPR license has notable exclusions:

https://www.statnews.com/2016/09/22/monsanto-licenses-crispr/

Monsanto has licensed CRISPR-Cas9 genome-editing technology from the Broad Institute for use in seed development, the company announced on Thursday…

But the deal comes with restrictions that speak to the startling power of CRISPR, as well as widespread public anxiety about genetically modified crops: Monsanto cannot use it for gene drive, the controversial technique that can spread a trait through an entire population, with unknown consequences.

…The Broad also stipulated that Monsanto not use CRISPR-Cas9 to create sterile (“terminator”) seeds. In this approach, genetically altered crops do not produce fertile seeds, so farmers must buy them every year…

…The non-exclusive license also cannot be used for any R&D on tobacco that’s related to smoking.

Several other companies are hot in pursuit of genome-edited crops. The Calyxt subsidiary of Cellectis…is using a genome-editing technology that preceded CRISPR-Cas9, called TALEN… Calyxt has not yet partnered with any seed companies.

DuPont is collaborating with Caribou Biosciences to CRISPR corn and wheat for drought tolerance and other traits.

MON never commercialized terminator genes, although anti-GMO protesters alleged that they did.

Note that MON’s new license from Broad is for CRISPR-Cas9, while the license announced in January is for CRISPR-Cpf1 (#msg-127621988).