Origin Agritech Strengthens Gene Editing Platform through Patent License Agreement with Shunfeng BioTech

Rhea-AI Summary

Origin Agritech (NASDAQ: SEED) entered a patent license agreement with Shandong Shunfeng Biotechnology to access the Cas-SF01 gene editing platform, securing long-term IP rights for trait gene editing.

Together with China Agricultural University, Origin developed edited corn induction lines ZmRAVL1-KO1 and ZmDWF4-KO1 that optimize leaf angle to create a "smart plant architecture" for higher planting density and improved light interception. The company has started biosafety assessments and says final biosafety certification may require 1-2 years. The license also aims to support biosafety approval for transformants using Origin's Hi-3 one-step editing method, advancing its commercial hybrid breeding roadmap.

Positive

• Long-term license to Cas-SF01 gene editing platform
• Edited induction lines ZmRAVL1-KO1 and ZmDWF4-KO1
• License may expedite biosafety approval for Hi-3 transformants

Negative

• Final biosafety certification estimated to take 1–2 years

Insights

Crop biotech IP strategist

Patent license gives Origin long‑term access to Cas‑SF01, enabling gene‑edited corn lines and a 1–2 year biosafety commercialization path.

Origin secured a long‑term patent license from Shunfeng BioTech for the Cas‑SF01 editing platform and obtained edited induction lines targeting ZmRAVL1 and ZmDWF4.

The deal provides clear IP freedom to operate for gene‑editing work and supplies immediate breeding resources. Achieving the company’s stated yield gains depends on regulatory approvals and on-field performance of the edited lines.

Key risks include biosafety clearance and demonstration of agronomic benefit in real farm conditions. Origin estimates final certification requires 1-2 years; that timeframe is material to near‑term commercialization and revenue timing.

Watch for milestone updates on biosafety approvals, published field trial results for the ZmRAVL1‑KO1 and ZmDWF4‑KO1 lines, and any expansion of licensed IP scope over the next 1-2 years.

BEIJING, Nov. 10, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Origin Agritech Ltd. (NASDAQ: SEED) (the "Company" or "Origin"), a leading Chinese agricultural technology company, today announced it has entered into a patent license agreement with Shandong Shunfeng Biotechnology Co., Ltd. ("Shunfeng BioTech") for the Cas-SF01 gene editing tool. This collaboration grants Origin long-term access to fully IP-protected gene editing technologies, providing a solid foundation for the Company's future research and development in trait gene editing. It also aims to accelerate the adoption of advanced gene editing technologies in corn breeding, marking a significant milestone in Origin's efforts to develop high-density, high-yield, and adaptable corn varieties.

Advancing Breeding with Gene Editing Technology

The partnership builds upon Origin Agritech's long-term collaboration with China Agricultural University. Together, they identified two key regulatory genes controlling corn leaf angle—ZmRAVL1 and ZmDWF4—whose functional studies have been published in Science and Nature, respectively.

Using Shunfeng BioTech's proprietary Cas-SF01 gene editing platform, researchers successfully developed a series of edited corn induction lines, including ZmRAVL1-KO1 and ZmDWF4-KO1.

Origin's acquisition of these edited corn induction lines addresses three strategic objectives:

• Biosafety Compliance: Essential for completing evaluations required for agricultural gene editing
• Direct Breeding Resources: Immediate application in future commercial hybrid development
• Core Technology Foundation: Central to Origin's "Smart Plant Architecture" corn breeding program

Technological Breakthrough: "Smart Plant Architecture" for Enhanced Yields

Functional validation demonstrates that ZmRAVL1-KO1 and ZmDWF4-KO1 effectively optimize corn leaf angle, creating a canopy structure characterized by compact upper leaves and open lower leaves. This "smart plant architecture" significantly improves field light interception and airflow, enabling higher planting density and greater yield potential.

"Enhancing corn yield through increased planting density has long been a global breeding goal, but traditional methods have limited progress," said Mr. Bill Deng, VP and Head of R&D at Origin Agritech. "These edited induction lines enable precise and efficient improvement of plant architecture in elite germplasm. Combined with our proprietary Hi-3 induction line gene editing technology, we can complete variety upgrades rapidly while avoiding the genetic drag associated with conventional backcrossing."

Commercialization Roadmap: Advancing Biosafety Evaluation

Origin Agritech has initiated the biosafety assessment process for the edited lines. Additionally, this license agreement provides a substantial advantage by facilitating biosafety approval for Origin's current and future gene editing transformants utilizing Hi-3 one-step gene-editing method, for some of which the Company has already applied. The Company estimates obtaining final biosafety certification will require 1-2 years due to regulatory procedures and experimental timelines. Origin is committed to advancing this process and accelerating the commercialization of its gene editing innovations.

Mr. Deng continued, "The signing of this patent license agreement marks a significant step forward in Origin Agritech's gene editing breeding strategy. By integrating world-class research resources with innovative biotechnological tools, we are building a modern breeding innovation system with proprietary intellectual property, contributing to China's agricultural technology advancement and national food security."

About Origin Agritech Limited

Origin Agritech Limited, founded in 1997 and headquartered at the Origin R&D Center in Songzhuang, Tongzhou, Beijing, is a leading agricultural technology company in China. In crop seed biotechnologies, Origin Agritech's phytase corn was the first transgenic corn to receive the Bio-Safety Certificate from China's Ministry of Agriculture. Over the years, Origin has established a robust biotechnology seed pipeline, including products with glyphosate tolerance and Bt (pest resistance) traits. For further information, please visit the Company's website at www.originagritech.com. The Company also maintains an X account to update investors on company and industry developments, which can be found at https://x.com/origin_agritech.

Forward-Looking Statements

This communication contains "forward-looking statements" as defined in the federal securities laws, including Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and as defined in the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements address expected future business and financial performance and financial condition and contain words like "expect," "anticipate," "intend," "plan," "believe," "seek," "will," "would," "target," and similar expressions and variations. Forward-looking statements address matters that are uncertain. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and are based on assumptions and expectations that may not be realized. They are based on management's current expectations, assumptions, estimates, and projections regarding the Company and the industry in which it operates, but involve a number of risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond the Company's control. Some of the important factors that could cause the Company's actual results to differ materially from those discussed in forward-looking statements are: failure to develop and market new products and optimally manage product life cycles; ability to respond to market acceptance, rules, regulations and policies affecting our products; failure to appropriately manage process safety and product stewardship issues; changes in laws and regulations or political conditions; global economic and capital markets conditions, such as inflation, interest and currency exchange rates; business or supply disruptions; natural disasters and weather events and patterns; ability to protect and enforce the Company's intellectual property rights; and separation of underperforming or non-strategic assets or businesses. The Company undertakes no duty or obligation to publicly revise or update any forward-looking statements as a result of future developments, new information, or otherwise, should circumstances change, except as otherwise required by securities and other applicable laws. Although the Company believes that the expectations expressed in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, it cannot assure that such expectations will be correct. Actual results may differ materially from the anticipated results. You are urged to consider these factors carefully in evaluating the forward-looking statements contained herein. You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements, which are qualified in their entirety by these cautionary statements.

For more information, please contact:

Origin Agritech Limited Contact:
Kate Lang (Mandarin/English)
Director of Investor Relations
Phone: +86 186-1839-3368
Email: bing.lang@originseed.com.cn

Investor Relations Contact:
Matthew Abenante, IRC
President
Strategic Investor Relations, LLC
Tel: 347-947-2093
Email: matthew@strategic-ir.com 

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SOURCE Origin Agritech Limited

FAQ

What did Origin Agritech announce on November 10, 2025 regarding gene editing (SEED)?

Origin announced a patent license with Shunfeng BioTech for the Cas-SF01 gene editing tool to support corn trait editing.

Which edited corn lines did Origin report using Cas-SF01 for SEED?

Origin reported edited induction lines ZmRAVL1-KO1 and ZmDWF4-KO1 that optimize corn leaf angle.

How long did Origin estimate biosafety certification will take for SEED gene-edited lines?

The company estimated 1–2 years to obtain final biosafety certification due to regulatory and experimental timelines.

How does the Cas-SF01 license affect Origin's commercial breeding for SEED?

The license provides long-term IP access and is intended to facilitate biosafety approvals and accelerate commercial hybrid development.

What is Origin's 'Smart Plant Architecture' claim for SEED corn?

Edited lines create compact upper leaves and open lower leaves to improve light interception, enabling higher planting density.