Cibus: RTDS speed up the revolution

Cibus is the leading precision gene editing company with a unique, patented RTDS™ (Rapid Trait Development System) technology for naturally modifying cell functions, which enables the company access to global multibillion-dollar markets in agriculture, specialty chemicals, and human health. Cibus’ core purpose is to lead the transition to sustainable non-transgenic agricultural and industrial products and improved human health by harvesting nature’s natural diversity.

As a company with 16-year-old history, what makes Cibus stand out from the crowd? What's the next steps for Cibus after commercializing the first non-transgenic gene-edited crop, SU Canola. James Radtke, Senior Vice President of Product Development at Cibus recently shared his viewpoints in the interview with AgroPages.

1. Cibus developed SU Canola™, the first approved and commercialized gene-edited product in the world. What makes Cibus stand out among a lot of companies and be the first one in the industry?

Cibus is the first company to commercialize a non-transgenic precision gene editing product and the first to plant it in the ground. Cibus’ first offering, SU Canola, launched in 2015 and is available for purchase in the United States. This product is expected to be available for sale in Canada in 2017 and is expected to be launched in other major global markets after 2018.

Cibus’ proprietary technology, Rapid Trait Development System (RTDS™), makes us stand out from the crowd. SU Canola was developed by RTDS™, the next generation precision gene editing technology that is being used to develop new and beneficial characteristics by modifying just the gene of interest. While transgenics incorporate foreign DNA from other species into the target gene, RTDS™ does not incorporate foreign DNA and is not transgenic. RTDS™ is based on altering targeted genes by utilizing the cell's own gene repair system to specifically modify the gene sequence in their native location.

2. As gene-editing technology speeds up the breeding process and lowers production costs, developing generic seeds is getting much easier. For the companies, how will you protect the products developed with gene-editing technology?

Of course, intellectual property protection is very important since companies invest significant resources in developing new traits that will address some of the most pressing global food security issues. With over 300 patents and patent applications, Cibus is a technology leader in the development of non-transgenic traits and has ensured that its technology is protected. Cibus is confident that the technology and products produced will be protected appropriately to allow for continued development and investment in the technology and new traits for the future.

3. Researchers say there is still the chance of creating so-called off-target effects during the slicing and splicing. With that in mind, GMO critics argue that there is no reason to view gene-edited crops any differently than transgenic crops. What do you think of this?

RTDS™ is an elegant and proprietary process that can precisely target specific genes in plants and is different from other gene editing tools that can leave off-target changes. Plant breeders have developed or discovered mutations for many years and along with the desired mutations, they would typically see additional mutations, aka off-target effects. Any mutations that are developed using Cibus’ RTDS™ technology will not leave off-target effects as this technology is able to precisely target only the critical part of the gene of interest and nothing else. Additionally, Cibus cannot develop any trait that would not be developed by nature given enough time. RTDS is a more precise tool to be used in plant breeding today to enhance genetic diversity for global food security, with no unintended consequences. Cibus’ RTDS™ is essentially speeding up evolution.

4. It was reported that Cibus planned to commercialize multiple traits in several crops in the next decade, why not just focus on one crop and develop a lot of new traits? Any other plans for Cibus in the next 5 or 10 years?

By 2020, Cibus expects to be on the market and actively working in canola, flax, rice and potato, as well as several other crops. Cibus occupies a stimulating commercial niche, and we are excited about a range of products in our pipeline focusing on disease resistance, methods of combating stress, healthier oils, and other strategies of improving productivity in every major crop. Cibus anticipates working on more traits in its’ core crops along with developing other crops as the opportunity arises. Cibus is committed to provide solutions for as many farmers as possible, which is why we chose to focus on developing traits in multiple crops.