Monsanto and TargetGene to Develop Genome Editing Engine Platform

Monsanto has been granted an exclusive license to TargetGene Biotechnologies’ novel and proprietary “T∙GEE” (Genome Editing Engine) platform to deliver continuous improvements in agriculture.

The two companies have announced a license agreement to advance the application of the company’s proprietary techniques in global agriculture.

TargetGene is an innovative genome editing company using RNA-guided gene editing techniques.

Monsanto has also established an equity position in the private Israel-based company. Additional terms of the agreement were not disclosed.

“TargetGene is pleased to be working with Monsanto to enable the next generation of agricultural innovation through the application of our genome editing technology”, said Dr. Yoel Shiboleth, chief executive officer of TargetGene. “In a time of increasing environmental challenges and a growing global population to feed, this science has never been more important.”

“TargetGene has uniquely positioned itself to develop precision editing techniques, which can improve a broad range of solutions that help growers around the world deliver better harvests”, said Tom Adams, biotechnology lead for Monsanto. Monsanto has conducted extensive research with various gene editing approaches for years, added Adams. He also said that he believes access to TargetGene’s technology will help drive further precision and efficiency within the company’s robust plant breeding and biotechnology pipelines.

The companies noted that gene editing technology and the broad array of emerging gene editing techniques both represent a key scientific tool, which can deliver breakthroughs in agriculture. The science is the biological equivalent to the “search and replace” function in computer word processing software. Monsanto believes that genome editing technologies will enable plant breeders to deliver better hybrids and varieties more efficiently, as well as offer plant scientists additional resources to provide new improvements in plant biotechnology.

Disappointed by Temporary Extension of Glyphosate Authorization

On the other hand, Monsanto has declared itself disappointed by the European Commission’s action to extend the authorization of glyphosate on a temporary basis for 18 months. Dr. Philip W. Miller, Monsanto’s vice president of global regulatory and governmental affairs, released the following statement:

“Today’s decision by the European Commission to temporarily extend glyphosate’s authorization by 18 months ensures that European farmers, municipalities, gardeners and other users will continue to have access to the herbicide glyphosate while a longer-term solution to the product’s reauthorization is found.

“European farmers, municipalities, gardeners and other users have depended on glyphosate for 40 years as a safe, efficient and cost-effective tool for weed control. Glyphosate meets or exceeds all requirements for renewal under European law and regulation. The overwhelming majority of scientific evidence and the EU’s own regulatory agencies have declared glyphosate safe for use.

“We join European farmers and other users in expressing concern over the recent rise of narrowly focused politics of self-interest, where national or partisan political imperatives take precedence over facts, scientific understanding and the interests of its citizens. Monsanto urges the European Commission to present, without further undue delays, a proposal for a full renewal under the regulatory framework.

“Over the coming months, we will be engaging with member states and other stakeholders involved in this process to understand their concerns, answer their questions and share more information about glyphosate’s long history of safe use. We look forward to productive conversations about glyphosate and the vital role it will play in sustainable agriculture for many years to come.”