DuPont Pioneer, Broad Institute maximize access to CRISPR-Cas9

WASHINGTON, Oct. 25, 2017 - Two entities that control the licensing of much of the foundational CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing intellectual property for use in agriculture decided to work together to make these tools available non-exclusively, removing roadblocks to expanded use of this technology. DuPont Pioneer and the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard came together with the shared goal of giving all entities that want to apply the technology for agricultural applications a full range of CRISPR-Cas9 tools. Such foundational intellectual property (IP) for CRISPR-Cas9 technology will be freely available to universities and nonprofit organizations for academic research. Pioneer is a business unit of the Agriculture Division of DowDuPont. "The promise of CRISPR-Cas9 technology in the hands of many will result in a wide array of benefits for the global food supply ranging from higher and more stable yields of grains, fruits and vegetables for farmers; more nutritious, healthier and affordable foods for consumers; and, improved sustainability of agricultural systems for society," said Neal Gutterson, vice president of Research & Development at DuPont Pioneer. "It is profoundly important to ensure that this technology is made widely available for agriculture. By partnering with the Broad Institute, together we can maximize access to CRISPR-Cas9 around the world for the greater good." To learn more about CRISPR-Cas applications in agriculture go to http://crisprcas.pioneer.com