Key Takeaways:
- Innovative Patent Awarded: NAPIGEN, Inc. secures a U.S. patent for CRISPR technologies targeting organellar genomes, a pioneering advancement in genetic engineering.
- Agricultural and Healthcare Impact: The technology promises greener agriculture with higher yields and offers potential cures for mitochondrial diseases.
- Support from USDA: A new USDA SBIR Phase I grant will help develop herbicide-resistant crops, enhancing U.S. agriculture competitiveness and food security.
- Future Plans: Following a successful Seed funding round, NAPIGEN anticipates Series A financing to further its collaborations and product market introductions.
Breaking New Ground in Genetic Engineering
The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office has recently issued a patent, US11920140, to NAPIGEN, Inc., a biotechnology firm leading the way in mitochondrial and chloroplast genome engineering. This patent marks a significant leap forward, showcasing methods to edit the genomes of mitochondria and plastids—organelles essential for cell energy production but traditionally seen as inaccessible for CRISPR genome editing techniques due to delivery challenges.
Dr. Emil Orozco, Jr., Vice President of Intellectual Property at NAPIGEN, Inc., expressed the company’s ambition: “The issued patent demonstrates our commitment to obtaining broad patent protection over our unparalleled technologies in mitochondrial and chloroplast genome engineering.” He further emphasized the technology’s potential to facilitate greener agricultural practices, mitigate climate impact, and explore cures for heritable mitochondrial diseases.
Aiding Agriculture and Beyond
NAPIGEN, Inc.’s cutting-edge technology is set to transform agriculture by directly introducing traits such as herbicide resistance into crop organelles, preventing unwanted spread to weedy relatives. This approach not only aims to improve crop yields but also to reduce environmental impact. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has recognized the potential of NAPIGEN’s innovations by awarding the company a Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I grant, the third since its inception in 2016. The grant supports the development of herbicide-resistant traits in crops, focusing on aiding American rice farmers in managing weedy rice challenges.
Dr. Byung-Chun Yoo, Director of Business Development, highlighted the project’s significance: “The project’s success will especially help American rice farmers establish longer-lasting and healthier management of detrimental weedy rice and contribute to improved yields.” He also noted the role of this technology in bolstering U.S. agriculture’s competitiveness and ensuring food security.
