Precision gene editing in tobacco is being applied to
harm-reduced nicotine product manufacturing
LEXINGTON, Ky., June 16, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Amid the FDA's
confirmation it is considering a global reduction on nicotine
in cigarettes to non- addictive levels, Demeetra AgBio, Inc., a
pre-clinical therapeutics development, agbio, and genetic
engineering company, announced today that its proprietary gene
editing platform, Cas-CLOVERâ„¢ can be used to produce harm-reduced
tobacco products and therapeutic cannabinoids in a
feature with CRISPR Medicine News.
The policy the FDA is considering would likely involve a
stepwise reduction in nicotine levels in cigarettes until they
reach non-addictive levels. Notably, Nobel Prize-winning gene
editing platform CRISPR/Cas9 cannot be licensed to create tobacco
products for human consumption. In contrast, Demeetra offers
commercial freedom to use its proprietary Cas-CLOVER platform in
agriculture and bioprocessing where it can be deployed in the
tobacco and cannabis industries.
"We are just scratching the surface on what our gene editing
platforms can unlock," said Jack
Crawford, Chief Executive Officer.
Article Highlights:
What is Cas-CLOVER? Cas-CLOVER, "the clean alternative to
CRISPR/Cas9" is the cornerstone of Demeetra's gene editing
technology platforms. Using Cas-CLOVER enhances target specificity
and results in far fewer unwanted off-target mutations.
"Demeetra has exclusive rights to Cas-CLOVER in the fields of
bioprocessing and agriculture, with internationally issued IP,"
said Mr. Crawford. "It is very simple for us and our partners - one
license provides commercial FTO. We can also provide exclusivity on
a crop or target basis," he added.
The FDA and public health stakeholders have recently signaled
their willingness to take drastic measures to counter the health
effects of tobacco combustibles, announcing an outright ban on
menthol-flavored cigarettes (which make up 30% of the
market). Demeetra's gene editing technology can resolve
several key problems, including reducing carcinogens and offering a
biological process for the stepwise reduction of nicotine in
cigarettes.
Demeetra AgBio is open for licensing and services to modify any
tobacco strain, variety, or other crop with its precise gene
editing technology. Please contact Demeetra's business development
group for more information, The Workdom Team
publicrelations@workdom.io.
Photo -
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