Latest news with #NGTs
Euronews
03-05-2025
- Science
- Euronews
Should the EU ease regulation on new generation GMOs?
ADVERTISEMENT Few topics are as divisive and controversial as genetically modified organisms (GMOs). The same level of contention also characterises new genomic techniques (NGTS), often referred to as the new generation of GMOs. As explored in the last episode of Euronews Tech Talks, NGTs are cutting-edge technologies used to alter the genetic material of plants by editing their DNA. Currently, in the European Union, crops developed using NGTs are regulated under the same framework as GMOs. However, this situation might soon change. Related What are GMOs and why do they remain so controversial? | Euronews Tech Talks In 2023, the European Commission adopted a proposal to ease restrictions over gene editing techniques, making producing and commercialising NGT-derived crops simpler. This proposal is still under discussion and has the support of several scientists. However, the deregulation of NGTs also raised concerns among other experts and non-governmental organisations like Friends of the Earth Europe. To better understand the reasons for and against the deregulation of NGTs, Euronews Tech Talks spoke with two experts from different sides of the debate: Michael Antoniou, Professor of molecular genetics and toxicology at King's College London; and Nathalie Verbruggen, Professor of plant physiology and molecular genetics at the Université Libre de Bruxelles. Is the proposed distinction between two types of new genomic techniques scientifically justified? Under the new EU proposal, NGTS would be split into two categories: NGT 1 and NGT 2. Crops classified as NGT 2 would remain subject to the GMO regulation, while those labelled as NGT 1 would be exempt from strict risk assessment and labelling requirements. This distinction would depend on the number of genetic modifications introduced into an organism, a criterion that, according to both professors, is inconsistent. "This distinction is considered completely artificial, which is true because nature does not draw neat lines," Verbruggen explained. "NGT 1 makes no sense to me at all because when you look at the criteria, it's a free-for-all," Antoniou said. Although the two experts agree that the division between NGT 1 and NGT 2 lacks scientific grounding, their reactions diverge. Related NGTs: Inside the first European gene-edited wheat field trial | Euronews Tech Talks Verbruggen would like to have more plants under the category NGT 1, to have greater deregulation. "We (scientists) don't see it as a risk, but as a missed opportunity," she said. Conversely, Antoniou is concerned about the high number of NGT crops that would already be in the category NGT 1. ADVERTISEMENT "There is no way you can bring about 20 large-scale changes in the DNA of the organism and that this could occur naturally," he explained. Could the deregulation of NGTS solve climate change and make our food system more secure? Antoniou and Verbruggen also have different perspectives on the impact of the EU proposal on climate change and the entire food system. Verbruggen embraces a balanced but optimistic position. "Like most technologies, the impact is not inherently good or bad; it will depend on the use [of the NGTs]," she said. ADVERTISEMENT Like most technologies, the impact is not inherently good or bad, it will depend on the use [of the NGTs]. Nathalie Verbruggen Professor However, the Brussels-based expert sees a strong potential in this tool. "If the uses are guided by sustainability goals, NGTs can become powerful tools to support agriculture and biodiversity," she told Euronews. According to Verbruggen, the strength of these new techniques lies in their ability to make precise genetic modifications, accelerating processes similar to natural breeding. "We talk about reducing fertilisers by making crops less dependent on nitrogen or phosphorus and making them more resilient to diseases and pests," she stated. ADVERTISEMENT Conversely, Antoniou is sceptical about the promises of NGTs. Related What are NGTs and why are they sparking so much controversy in the EU? "The types of characteristics that we would like our plants or animals to have in the face of climate change... are what are known as genetically complex traits," the professor explained. "It's not like one gene or two genes give you robust drought tolerance or saline tolerance or heat stress tolerance," he said. According to Antoniou, the problem does not lie within the crops, but with the agricultural system itself. ADVERTISEMENT "What we need are climate-ready systems of agriculture, not climate-ready crops or animals,' he told Euronews. Antoniou stressed that gene-editing tools can be less precise than believed, potentially leading to unpredictable effects on the environment. Related Governments agree to ease regulation of new-generation GMOs Why could patenting be a problem? One problem that Antoniou and Verbruggen are on the same page about is patenting. Under the new regulation, NGT-made crops would be subject to patenting, something both experts believe could have a detrimental effect on the balance of power in the EU economic system. ADVERTISEMENT "Farmers are going to suffer more because they will pay more for their seeds, they will be restricted on how they use and how they grow them," Antoniou explained. "This [the patenting of NGTs] can favour large biotech companies. And I think one of the spirits of this new regulation is to enlarge the access to new partners, smaller industries, public industries, and universities, so this could jeopardise this opening," Verbruggen said.
Yahoo
21-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Cibus Inc (CBUS) Q4 2024 Earnings Call Highlights: Strategic Advances and Financial Insights
Cash and Cash Equivalents: $14.4 million as of December 31, 2024. R&D Expense: $12.4 million for Q4 2024, down from $14.2 million in the prior year. SG&A Expenses: $6.8 million for Q4 2024, unchanged from the prior year. Net Loss: $25.8 million for Q4 2024, compared to $277.2 million in the prior year, which included a $249 million non-cash goodwill impairment charge. Net Proceeds from Offering: $21.6 million received in 2025. Warning! GuruFocus has detected 7 Warning Signs with CBUS. Release Date: March 20, 2025 For the complete transcript of the earnings call, please refer to the full earnings call transcript. Cibus Inc (NASDAQ:CBUS) is making significant progress in its transformation from an agricultural trait development company to a commercial trait company, with a focus on gene-edited productivity traits. The company's proprietary Rapid Trait Development System (RTDS) allows for precise gene editing, making traits indistinguishable from those developed via conventional breeding, which is advantageous from a regulatory perspective. Cibus Inc (NASDAQ:CBUS) has established collaborations with major rice seed companies in North and Latin America, representing approximately 40% of accessible rice acres in these regions. The company is seeing promising results from field trials, particularly in rice and canola, which are moving towards commercialization. Cibus Inc (NASDAQ:CBUS) is well-positioned to benefit from favorable regulatory changes in the EU, which could expand the market for gene-edited products. Cibus Inc (NASDAQ:CBUS) reported a net loss of $25.8 million for the fourth quarter of 2024, although this is an improvement from the previous year's loss. The company is reliant on existing cash and cash equivalents to fund operations into the late third quarter of 2025, highlighting potential financial constraints. There is uncertainty regarding the timing of commercialization for some of Cibus Inc (NASDAQ:CBUS)'s products, particularly in the EU market. The company is still in the process of developing its Soybean platform, which is crucial for accessing a substantial market. Cibus Inc (NASDAQ:CBUS) is facing challenges in achieving cost reductions, although some progress has been made in streamlining operations. Q: Could you explain what the recent EU decision means for Cibus in terms of milestones or timelines for commercial products in Europe? Also, how have changes in the regulatory landscape affected customer interest and potential revenue structures? A: The EU's progress on New Genomic Techniques (NGTs) is crucial for Cibus. The EU Council's recent actions allow for the final adoption of the text approved by the parliament, which impacts trade and cultivation globally. This regulatory clarity accelerates customer programs and enhances the path to market for gene-edited products. Cibus' non-GMO, conventional-like approach aligns well with these regulatory changes, facilitating clearer paths through grain trade and customer engagement. Q: How does the current draft of the EU law affect the patentability of genetic modifications, and what impact does this have on customer demand? A: The EU Council's stance on patenting emphasizes transparency, requiring seed companies to disclose patents behind their products. This strengthens intellectual property coverage, providing a robust framework for seed companies and enhancing customer confidence in adopting gene-edited traits. Q: Given the progress on various traits and products, has the timing for commercialization changed from last quarter? A: The commercialization timelines remain on track. Field trials for the HT2 trait and advancements in Sclerotinia resistance are progressing well. The favorable European regulatory environment is encouraging customers to expedite market entry, particularly for Canola and Winter Oilseed Rape programs. Q: Regarding the Sustainable Ingredients business, should we expect meaningful revenues in 2026 from bio-fragrance or partner-based projects? A: Cibus anticipates revenues from the bio-fragrance segment in 2026. Significant progress has been made in fermentation-based products, aligning with the demand from multinational CPG companies for sustainable ingredients. This development leverages Cibus' expertise in yeast genetics and fermentation. Q: Are there any priority traits and crops that Cibus intends to focus on for commercialization? A: Cibus is prioritizing its 3-crop Biotrait platform, focusing on Rice, Canola, and Winter Oilseed Rape. The company is also advancing its Soybean platform, particularly targeting Sclerotinia tolerance and disease resistance, which traditional breeding and GMO methods have not effectively addressed. For the complete transcript of the earnings call, please refer to the full earnings call transcript. This article first appeared on GuruFocus. Sign in to access your portfolio
