Key Takeaways:
- Origin Agritech and China Golden Marker Biotechnology Co., Ltd. establish the “Origin Marker Biological Breeding Service Consortium” to accelerate the commercialization of GMO traits and gene editing technologies.
- The consortium will focus on licensing Origin’s GMO insect-resistant and herbicide-tolerant traits to seed companies and research institutes.
- Origin’s breakthrough gene editing system for maize shortens breeding timelines from 3-4 years to just one, significantly speeding up the development of resilient maize varieties.
- China Golden Marker’s state-of-the-art molecular marker laboratory will process over 1 million samples annually to support innovative breeding projects.
- The consortium aims to improve over 100 corn varieties across key agricultural regions in China.
Origin Agritech and China Golden Marker Launch New Consortium to Revolutionize Agricultural Biotechnology
Origin Agritech Ltd. (NASDAQ: SEED), a leader in China’s agricultural technology sector, has announced the formation of the “Origin Marker Biological Breeding Service Consortium” in partnership with China Golden Marker Biotechnology Co., Ltd. The consortium, officially launched at the 31st China Seed Industry Conference in Beijing, aims to accelerate the commercialization of Origin’s genetically modified organism (GMO) traits and gene editing technology in China’s agriculture industry.
The consortium marks a major step forward for Origin Agritech, particularly following the company’s receipt of a GMO safety certificate for its transgenic maize, BBL2-2, in May 2024. This certificate positions the company to advance its insect-resistant and herbicide-tolerant (IR/HT) maize traits. The consortium will focus on licensing these GMO traits to seed companies and research institutes, ensuring broader adoption across China’s agricultural regions.
Advancing Gene Editing and Commercialization
At the core of the consortium’s mission is Origin Agritech’s groundbreaking gene editing system, including the world’s first maize-induced genetic transformation system. This technology allows for the rapid improvement of critical maize traits, such as drought resistance, disease resilience, and plant architecture. Through this system, the breeding timeline for maize has been significantly reduced from 3-4 years to just one, enabling faster development of resilient maize varieties.
Bill Deng, Head of Research at Origin Agritech, emphasized the importance of this breakthrough: “Origin Marker adheres to the concept of ‘making breeding easier.’ By leveraging modern biotechnology, we are committed to assisting the industry in breeding higher quality, high-yield, and resilient corn varieties with greater accuracy and efficiency.”
China Golden Marker’s Role in the Consortium
China Golden Marker Biotechnology, a leading player in next-generation sequencing (NGS), gene chip detection, and molecular marker technology, is a key partner in the consortium. The company has invested 67 million yuan to establish a state-of-the-art molecular marker laboratory, which processes over 1 million samples and generates more than 1 billion SNP data points annually. This advanced laboratory capability will play a crucial role in supporting the consortium’s projects, including the advancement of gene editing for maize and the commercialization of GMO traits.
Weibin Yan, Chief Executive Officer of Origin Agritech, highlighted the importance of the partnership: “What matters most about this consortium is how it will significantly accelerate the commercialization of our GMO and gene editing technologies by a bigger team and accessibility to more research institutes and seed companies. By combining our groundbreaking innovations with the advanced laboratory capabilities of China Golden Marker, we are streamlining the path from lab to market.”
Key Projects and Regional Impact
The consortium is currently spearheading three key projects:
- Commercialization of the BBL2-2 GMO Maize Event: Promoting the insect-resistant and herbicide-tolerant genetically modified BBL2-2 maize for wider adoption by seed companies and research institutes.
- Advancement of Gene Editing for Maize: Utilizing the world’s first maize-induced gene editing system to improve traits like drought resistance and leaf angle within a year.
- Innovation in Maize Germplasm Resources: Driving maize germplasm innovation through the consortium’s mutant library and molecular marker-assisted breeding techniques.
The consortium has already established cooperative relationships with dozens of breeding companies across China and is improving over 100 corn varieties planted in key corn-producing regions, including Donghua North, Huang Huai Hai, Northwest, and Southwest China.
Origin Agritech Latest News
Origin Agritech Ltd. Provides Business Update (2024/07/12)
Origin Agritech Ltd., a Chinese agricultural technology company, has received China’s GMO safety certificate for its transgenic maize, BBL2-2. The maize contains insect-resistant genes and herbicide-tolerance genes, providing protection against pests like corn borer and cotton bollworm. The company plans to accelerate seed production and sales over the next 6-12 months. Commercial hybrids have performed well in field trials, showing advantages over traditional varieties. Origin Agritech’s gene editing business has made notable advances, with a high-yield corn inbred line resulting in a yield increase of over 50%. The company plans to commercialize its BBL2-2 GMO corn by 2026 and submit a safety certificate application for drought-resistant GMO seed in November 2024.
Origin Agritech Publishes Groundbreaking Research on Maize Gene Editing in Nature (2024/06/13)
Origin Agritech Ltd. (NASDAQ: SEED) announced the publication of a research article in the scientific journal Nature. The study, titled “Maize Smart Canopy Architecture Enhances Yield at High Densities,” highlights the pioneering use of gene editing technology to enhance maize crop yields. Through collaboration with China Agricultural University, Origin Agritech has developed an efficient genetic transformation system for maize that accelerates the improvement of major maize inbred lines. This innovation has the potential to revolutionize maize cultivation and contribute to global food security.
Origin Agritech’s Financial Results Overview (2024/05/16)
Origin Agritech Ltd. (NASDAQ: SEED) announced its unaudited financial results for the six months ended March 31, 2024. The company reported net revenues of RMB 92 million (US$13 million), a 39.1% increase compared to the same period last year. Total operating expenses decreased by 10% to RMB 13.4 million (US$1.9 million), and the company achieved a net profit of RMB 1.4 million (US$0.2 million), compared to a net loss of RMB 1.1 million during the same period last year. As of March 31, 2024, cash and cash equivalents totaled RMB 10.4 million (US$1.5 million). Origin Agritech also highlighted its GMO and new hybrid developments, innovation milestones, and strategic focus for the remainder of the fiscal year.
Announces Landmark GMO Certification for Transgenic Maize (2024/05/10)
Origin Agritech Ltd. (NASDAQ: SEED) has received a GMO safety certificate for its transgenic maize, BBL2-2, containing insect-resistant and herbicide-tolerance genes. This milestone underscores the company’s pioneering role in the agricultural sector, enhancing productivity and sustainability. The introduction of BBL2-2 is expected to significantly enhance agricultural productivity and reduce the environmental footprint of farming practices. Origin Agritech continues to expand its technological portfolio, achieving significant progress in gene editing for high-yield corn.
Origin Agritech’s Financial and Operational Milestones Signal Agricultural Innovation Leadership (2024/04/03)
Origin Agritech Ltd. has reported a 30-40% increase in half-year revenue, reflecting the success of its innovative agricultural solutions. The company is making strides in hybrid and GMO crops and is dedicated to leading the charge in GMO advancements. Origin Agritech is committed to leveraging gene editing and hybrid development expertise to tackle the challenges of food security and agricultural sustainability.
Breakthrough in Corn Hybrid Development (2024/03/21)
Origin Agritech Ltd. has developed a high-yield corn inbred line that outperforms traditional corn yields by over 50% through gene editing techniques. The company plans to integrate this trait into commercial corn lines by 2024, reducing the cost of seed production and enhancing food security.
Breakthrough in Corn Hybrid Development (2024/02/28)
Origin Agritech has integrated a gene from wild corn into one of its elite commercial corn hybrids, enhancing crop performance and yield. This breakthrough sets a new standard for efficiency and yield in the industry, positioning the new hybrid to replace the existing version within two years, aiming to bolster Origin Agritech’s market share and leadership. This innovation underlines the company’s leadership role in the global agritech industry, promising a more food-secure future for all.
Origin Agritech Receives Grant from Xinjiang Government to Advance Agriculture Modernization (2023/07/20)
Origin Agritech Ltd. has received a grant of RMB 2 million from the Xinjiang government to establish a Germplasm Bank and advance contract growing of Nutritionally Enhanced Corn in the area. The grant is a significant endorsement of the company’s efforts to modernize agriculture in China and contribute to regional food security. The collaboration between Origin and the Xinjiang government highlights the importance of innovation and technology in meeting food security challenges.
Signs Deal for Growing NEC Corn in Xinjiang (2023/04/18)
Origin Agritech Limited, a Chinese agricultural technology company, has announced a deal with Shihezi City in Xinjiang to cultivate 200,000 mu of farmland for growing NEC corn. The deal will be financed by the JV’s minority partner, a regional farming and feedstock company, which will also construct a grain processing facility. The JV has already planted 30,000 mu for this season and plans to expand planting to the whole 200,000 mu for the 2024 season. The deal is expected to add $8 million to Origin Agritech’s revenue in 2023, increasing to $55 million in 2024. Origin Agritech’s NEC corn has a superior nutritional yield and has received positive feedback from feedstock companies.
GMO Corn Hybrid Selected For National Demo (2023/04/12)
Origin Agritech’s triple-stacked trait BFL4-2 is a crown jewel of seed traits in China. The hybrid, which contains two insect resistance genes and an herbicide resistance gene, has been filed for variety approval and could hit the market by 2023. The company believes that its drought resistance gene and the triple-stacked trait put them in a position to capitalize on the multi-billion-dollar market opportunity. The commercialization of GMO corn in China will increase crop yields and provide food security for the country’s growing population. GMO crops have been shown to increase crop yields, reduce pesticide use, and improve food security in many countries around the world.
Appoints New VP of Business Development (2023/03/10)
Origin Agritech Ltd. has recently announced the appointment of Joe Ramelli as Vice President of Business Development. Ramelli has a strong background in the biotech industry, having served as Interim CFO, one of the original team members for ValenzaBio, and CEO of Marina Biotech. He has been the Director of Investor Relations for Origin since July 2020 and will now lead the Company’s business development initiatives.
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