Ecuador Approves Cibus Herbicide Tolerance Traits as Equivalent to Conventional Breeding
Ecuador's Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock has determined that Cibus' (CBUS) herbicide tolerance Rice traits (HT1 and HT3) are equivalent to conventional breeding methods. This regulatory approval means these traits will be subject to standard seed regulations rather than strict GMO restrictions in Ecuador.
The traits, developed using Cibus' Rapid Trait Development System™ (RTDS®) technology, create targeted genetic changes without introducing foreign genetic material. Cibus plans to commercialize these traits in Latin American markets through a partnership with Interoc, focusing on providing improved weed management solutions for rice growers.
Il Ministero dell'Agricoltura e dell'Allevamento dell'Ecuador ha stabilito che i tratti di tolleranza agli erbicidi del riso di Cibus (CBUS) (HT1 e HT3) sono equivalenti a quelli ottenuti con metodi di miglioramento convenzionale. Questa approvazione normativa implica che tali tratti saranno soggetti alle normative standard sui semi anziché alle rigorose restrizioni sugli OGM in Ecuador.
I tratti, sviluppati utilizzando la tecnologia Rapid Trait Development System™ (RTDS®) di Cibus, generano modifiche genetiche mirate senza introdurre materiale genetico estraneo. Cibus prevede di commercializzare questi tratti nei mercati dell'America Latina tramite una partnership con Interoc, concentrandosi sull'offerta di soluzioni migliorate per la gestione delle infestanti ai coltivatori di riso.
El Ministerio de Agricultura y Ganadería de Ecuador ha determinado que los rasgos de tolerancia a herbicidas en arroz de Cibus (CBUS) (HT1 y HT3) son equivalentes a los obtenidos mediante métodos de mejoramiento convencional. Esta aprobación regulatoria significa que estos rasgos estarán sujetos a las regulaciones estándar de semillas en lugar de las estrictas restricciones sobre OMG en Ecuador.
Los rasgos, desarrollados usando la tecnología Rapid Trait Development System™ (RTDS®) de Cibus, generan cambios genéticos específicos sin introducir material genético extranjero. Cibus planea comercializar estos rasgos en los mercados latinoamericanos a través de una asociación con Interoc, enfocándose en ofrecer mejores soluciones para el manejo de malezas a los cultivadores de arroz.
에콰도르 농축산부는 Cibus (CBUS)의 제초제 내성 쌀 품종(HT1 및 HT3)이 기존 육종 방법과 동등하다고 판단했습니다. 이 규제 승인으로 인해 해당 품종들은 에콰도르에서 엄격한 GMO 제한 대신 표준 종자 규정을 적용받게 됩니다.
이 품종들은 Cibus의 Rapid Trait Development System™ (RTDS®) 기술을 사용하여 외래 유전자를 도입하지 않고 표적 유전적 변화를 만들어냈습니다. Cibus는 Interoc과의 파트너십을 통해 라틴 아메리카 시장에서 이 품종들을 상업화할 계획이며, 쌀 재배자들에게 향상된 잡초 관리 솔루션을 제공하는 데 주력하고 있습니다.
Le ministère de l'Agriculture et de l'Élevage de l'Équateur a déterminé que les caractéristiques de tolérance aux herbicides du riz de Cibus (CBUS) (HT1 et HT3) sont équivalentes à celles obtenues par des méthodes de sélection conventionnelles. Cette approbation réglementaire signifie que ces caractéristiques seront soumises aux réglementations standard sur les semences plutôt qu'aux restrictions strictes sur les OGM en Équateur.
Ces caractéristiques, développées grâce à la technologie Rapid Trait Development System™ (RTDS®) de Cibus, induisent des modifications génétiques ciblées sans introduire de matériel génétique étranger. Cibus prévoit de commercialiser ces caractéristiques sur les marchés latino-américains via un partenariat avec Interoc, en se concentrant sur la fourniture de solutions améliorées de gestion des mauvaises herbes pour les producteurs de riz.
Das Landwirtschafts- und Viehzuchtministerium von Ecuador hat festgestellt, dass die herbizidtoleranten Reiseigenschaften (HT1 und HT3) von Cibus (CBUS) mit konventionellen Züchtungsmethoden gleichwertig sind. Diese behördliche Zulassung bedeutet, dass diese Eigenschaften in Ecuador den üblichen Saatgutvorschriften unterliegen und nicht den strengen GVO-Beschränkungen.
Die Eigenschaften wurden mit der Rapid Trait Development System™ (RTDS®)-Technologie von Cibus entwickelt, die gezielte genetische Veränderungen ohne Einführung fremder genetischer Materialien erzeugt. Cibus plant, diese Eigenschaften über eine Partnerschaft mit Interoc auf den lateinamerikanischen Märkten zu vermarkten und konzentriert sich darauf, Reisbauern verbesserte Unkrautmanagement-Lösungen anzubieten.
- Regulatory approval in Ecuador classifies Cibus' rice traits as conventional breeding, avoiding stricter GMO regulations
- Partnership with Interoc provides established distribution channel in Latin American markets
- Approval potentially paves way for similar regulatory clearance in other Latin American markets
- Technology enables faster and more precise crop improvements compared to traditional breeding
- None.
Insights
Ecuador's non-GMO classification of Cibus' rice traits unlocks commercialization pathway, validating their breeding technology and opening Latin American markets.
Ecuador's regulatory decision marks a critical milestone for Cibus by classifying their herbicide tolerance traits (HT1 and HT3) as equivalent to conventional breeding rather than GMOs. This distinction is profoundly important in Ecuador, where transgenic crops face strict prohibitions.
The regulatory breakthrough stems from Cibus' Rapid Trait Development System (RTDS) technology, which creates precise genetic changes without introducing foreign DNA at any stage of development. This technical distinction allows Cibus to navigate around GMO restrictions while delivering improved crop varieties.
For rice cultivation specifically, this enables development of new weed management solutions in a key Latin American growing region. The technology addresses escalating challenges in agriculture, including climate change impacts and evolving weed control needs.
The commercialization strategy leverages partnerships with established seed companies, particularly Interoc, which brings regional expertise in rice genetics and breeding. Rather than selling products directly, Cibus' business model involves licensing their traits to seed companies who incorporate them into elite germplasm.
Looking beyond Ecuador, this regulatory precedent potentially creates a pathway into additional Latin American markets. The company explicitly mentions pursuing similar clearances in other countries, suggesting a regional expansion strategy for their rice traits.
This development represents regulatory validation rather than immediate revenue, as additional steps including registration and variety development with partners must occur before commercial availability. However, it removes a fundamental barrier to market entry in a region where regulatory hurdles for crop biotechnology have historically been significant.
Designation confirms conventional regulation of Cibus herbicide tolerance traits in Rice in Ecuador paving the way for further product development and eventual commercialization in a key Rice growing region
SAN DIEGO, May 07, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Cibus, Inc. (Nasdaq: CBUS) (the “Company”), a leading agricultural technology company that develops and licenses plant traits to seed companies, announced today that the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock in Ecuador has determined that Rice cultivars containing Cibus’ herbicide tolerance Rice traits (HT1 and HT3) are equivalent to those developed through conventional breeding and subject to the same regulations as conventional seed in accordance with the provisions of the Organic Law of Agrobiodiversity, Seeds and Promotion of Sustainable Agriculture and its Regulations.
The Rice trait products reviewed were developed utilizing Cibus’ Rapid Trait Development System™ (RTDS®) technologies that enable targeted genetic changes without integrating recombinant DNA – foreign genetic material – at any stage in a crop’s development. The Ecuadorian Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock determined that Rice plants containing Cibus’ HT1 and HT3 traits may proceed with registration and commercialization in Ecuador in accordance with existing laws regulating the development and introduction of new plant varieties and will not be subject to laws that strictly prohibit the commercial planting of transgenic (GMO) plants.
“We applaud the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock for implementing regulations that will enable Ecuadorian growers to benefit from the best available tools and technologies to help increase productivity while addressing ever increasing challenges associated with a changing climate. New and more effective weed management solutions are necessary to meet these pressing challenges,” noted Cibus’ Co-Founder and Interim Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Peter Beetham. “We are pleased that the Ministry recognized that Cibus’ RTDS precision breeding technologies result in genetic improvements that could have been achieved through conventional breeding albeit much faster and much more precise than traditional approaches.”
Cibus plans to introduce its herbicide tolerance traits in Rice to Latin American markets through its partnership with Interoc and other major seed companies. Interoc, a company with a deep history in Latin America and substantial expertise in Rice seed genetics and Rice breeding, plans to add Cibus’ HT1 and HT3 Rice traits to their elite lines to offer innovative weed management solutions to growers in Latin America.
Fernando de la Puente, Corporate Vice President of Interoc, noted, “As part of our goal to deliver innovative agricultural solutions to growers, we are pleased with the determination from regulatory authorities on Cibus’ herbicide tolerance traits that will help expedite our ability to bring beneficial technology to the Rice community.”
Martin Poveda, Senior Director, Rice and Business Affairs at Cibus added, “With this development in Ecuador, we are excited to continue development of HT1 and HT3 Rice varieties alongside Interoc and bring the benefits of Cibus RTDS breeding platform to important food and feed crops in the Latin America region and beyond.”
In addition to Ecuador, Cibus believes this paves the path to pursue regulatory clearance for its HT1 and HT3 Rice traits in other key Latin American markets.
About Cibus
Cibus is a leader in gene edited productivity traits that address critical productivity and sustainability challenges for farmers such as diseases and pests which the United Nations estimates cost the global economy approximately
Forward-Looking Statements
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In addition, the forward-looking statements included in this press release represent Cibus' views as of the date hereof. Cibus specifically disclaims any obligation to update such forward-looking statements in the future, except as required under applicable law. These forward-looking statements should not be relied upon as representing Cibus' views as of any date subsequent to the date hereof.
CIBUS CONTACTS:
INVESTOR RELATIONS
Karen Troeber
ktroeber@cibus.com
858-450-2636
Jeff Sonnek – ICR
jeff.sonnek@icrinc.com
MEDIA RELATIONS
media@cibus.com
Colin Sanford
colin@bioscribe.com
203-918-4347
FAQ
What regulatory approval did Cibus (CBUS) receive in Ecuador for its rice traits?
How does Cibus' RTDS technology work in developing rice traits?
Who is Cibus' partnership with for Latin American rice trait distribution?
What is the significance of Ecuador's approval for Cibus' (CBUS) future expansion?
