Canada Added to a Growing List of Countries Regulating Cibus’ Gene Editing Technologies Similar to Conventional Breeding

Cibus Applauds the Canadian Food Inspection Agency’s (CFIA) New Guidelines for Plants Developed Using Gene Editing

SAN DIEGO, May 15, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Cibus, Inc. (Nasdaq: CBUS) (the "Company"), a leading agricultural biotechnology company that uses proprietary gene editing technologies to develop plant traits (or specific genetic characteristics) in seeds, applauds the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA), Animal Feed Division’s publication of its updated feed guidelines clarifying requirements for new plant varieties developed using applications of gene editing. The guidelines confirm that CFIA intends to follow a product, rather than process-based, approach to regulation and adds Canada to a growing list of countries that have endorsed policies that will regulate Cibus' Rapid Trait Development System (RTDS) gene editing technologies similar to conventional breeding.

“Canada is an important and respected voice in the global landscape of plant biotechnology regulation. This development continues the positive global momentum with more and more governments regulating products from gene editing like those developed through conventional breeding techniques. We are encouraged to see jurisdictions like Canada, the United Kingdom, European Union and others put forward guidelines and legislation that recognize technological advancements like RTDS as equivalent to conventional breeding in terms of safety. Innovations like Cibus’ RTDS platform provide an incredible opportunity to enhance the productivity and sustainability of the global food system,” said Norm Sissons, Cibus Senior Vice President, Seeds & Traits.

With the latest guidelines from CFIA, Canada continues to demonstrate its global leadership in the implementation of pragmatic, science-based policy for the regulation of plants developed using gene editing. Along with previously published guidelines from Health Canada and the CFIA Plant Biosafety Office (PBO), the regulatory approach outlined by the CFIA Animal Feed Division provides much-needed clarity to the agri-food industry and will enable continued innovation and investment in the Canadian market and beyond.

For instance, canola is one of the crop platforms enabled by RTDS making Canada a key cultivation region for Cibus Powered traits. Along with its commercial partners, Cibus is moving towards the commercialization of its Pod Shatter Reduction trait in canola which is poised to provide durable yield protection for Canadian growers.