Cibus and Interoc Sign LOI to Advance Herbicide-Tolerant Rice Commercialization
Cibus and Interoc announced the execution of a non-binding Letter of Intent. The non-binding LOI establishes a potential framework for the commercialization of co-developed herbicide-tolerant rice traits in key rice-producing markets across Latin America. The non-exclusive agreement contemplated by the LOI would mark a significant progression toward full commercialization from the companies' research and development collaboration announced in January 2024. Under the terms of the existing material transfer agreement, Cibus successfully integrated HT traits into Interocs' elite rice germplasm which is advancing to real-world field evaluations.The LOI anticipates that Interoc will market high-performing rice hybrids and varieties for the Latin American market developed using Cibus' Rapid Trait Development System. The planned program will leverage herbicide tolerance traits to address critical weed and resistance management needs, aiming to improve yields in a region where productivity is increasingly challenged by resistant weeds, including weedy rice. Under the terms of the LOI, Cibus and Interoc intend to negotiate in good faith toward a definitive licensing and marketing agreement pursuant to which commercial sales would be initiated in Ecuador and Colombia in 2027. Following this anticipated initial launch, the companies are planning a phased expansion into Peru, Central America and the Caribbean, including Panama, Bolivia, Nicaragua, the Dominican Republic, Belize, and Costa Rica. The companies share a strategic objective of achieving robust market share in the regions where the HT trait is commercialized targeting trait adoption on an accelerated basis.
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Cibus and Interoc Sign LOI for 2027 Market Entry in Latin America
- Market Entry Plan: Cibus and Interoc have signed a non-binding Letter of Intent (LOI) to initiate commercialization in Ecuador and Colombia by 2027, followed by expansion into Peru, Central America, and the Caribbean, marking a significant shift from R&D to market execution in their collaboration.
- Technology Integration: Cibus has successfully integrated herbicide-tolerant traits into Interoc's elite rice germplasm, which is expected to enhance productivity in Latin America by addressing urgent farmer needs against resistant weeds, thereby improving yields.
- Collaboration Potential: The signing of the LOI establishes a framework for commercial sales, with Cibus and Interoc aiming to jointly promote high-performing rice hybrids in key markets, targeting rapid market share growth in rice production areas.
- Sustainable Development Goals: By combining Cibus' gene-editing technologies with Interoc's elite genetics, both companies are committed to enhancing agricultural productivity and advancing sustainable farming practices in Latin America to meet the increasing food demand.

Cibus Advances Gene Editing Legislation in EU for Enhanced Plant Breeding
- Legislative Progress: Cibus welcomes the agreement on the EU's New Genomic Techniques (NGTs) regulatory framework, marking a significant advancement in the company's efforts to innovate gene-edited plants, which is expected to provide European farmers with improved crop varieties.
- Market Opportunities: This agreement offers Cibus legal assurance to develop new plant varieties in the European market, likely driving growth in the company's market share within the agricultural technology sector to meet increasing agricultural demands.
- International Collaboration: Cibus has successfully completed field trials in the UK for its advanced trait in winter oilseed rape, demonstrating the company's leadership in gene editing technology and further enhancing its competitive edge in the European market.
- Strategic Investment: Cibus's technology development aligns with the EU's legislative process, which is expected to create new growth opportunities for the company's product pipeline, particularly in addressing pressing agricultural challenges.









