Monsanto entered into a licensing agreement with Israeli company TargetGene Biotechnologies LTD at the end of June to advance application of TargetGene’s proprietary techniques on agriculture around the world.
TargetGene is known for its extensive research and pioneering of genome-editing technologies. Genome-editing involves the manipulation of plant genes to produce the best possible product. Monsanto now has an exclusive license to TargetGene’s Genome Editing Engine referred to as T-GEE in order to continue Monsanto’s string of continued agricultural improvements.
“TargetGene is pleased to be working with Monsanto to enable the next generation of agricultural innovation through the application of our genome-editing technology,” TargetGene CEO Yoel Shiboleth said. “In a time of increasing environmental challenges and a growing global population to feed, this science has never been more important.”
Under the terms of the agreement, Monsanto has established an equity position in TargetGene, however, additional details of the agreement were not disclosed.
“TargetGene has uniquely positioned itself to develop precision-editing techniques that can improve a broad range of solutions that help growers around the world deliver better harvests,” Monsanto biotechnology lead Tom Adams said. “Monsanto has conducted extensive research with various gene-editing approaches for years, and we believe access to TargetGene’s technology will help drive further precision and efficiency within the company’s robust plant breeding and biotechnology pipelines.”
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