Nip Impressions logo
Thu, Mar 28, 2024 18:14
Visitor
Home
Click here for Pulp & Paper Radio International
Subscription Central
Must reads for pulp and paper industry professionals
Search
My Profile
Login
Logout
Management Side
FuturaGene's Exclusive License for RNAi Technology in Eucalyptus Enhanced by Grant of Patent in Brazil

Canberra, Australia and Sao Paulo, Brazil (News release) -- FuturaGene, a wholly owned subsidiary of Suzano Pulp and Paper, and Australia's Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), announces that a patent has been issued in Brazil to CSIRO, which covers the downregulation of the expression of plant target genes or other target genes, including genes of insect pests and disease agents. In 2014, FuturaGene entered into an exclusive license agreement with CSIRO for the use of RNAi technology in eucalyptus in Brazil. Under the license, FuturaGene has the right to sublicense the technology and has non-exclusive rights to the technology in eucalyptus outside of Brazil. FuturaGene has been utilizing the technology to develop varieties of eucalyptus, which are resistant to pests and diseases and for modifying wood properties.

"We are very pleased that this patent has issued", said Dr. Stanley Hirsch, CEO of FuturaGene. "RNAi can be a very valuable tool to protect and improve yield in a sustainable manner in the face of emerging pests and diseases which represent a significant threat to the productivity of planted forests. Whilst we are working to develop resistance traits that are important for Suzano, our parent company, we are open to sharing this technology with other companies, as loss of yield to pests and diseases must be combatted, so that we can meet the increasing demand for renewable wood fibre" he added.

The CSIRO-invented hairpin RNAi technology is a powerful tool for screening, identifying and modulating genes of interest for targeted therapeutics, gene-based interventions and selective breeding. CSIRO's primary use of hairpin RNAi technology is in plant and animal genetics where genes are selected to improve traits in crops and livestock such as disease resistance and nutritional content.

According to Dr John Manners, Director of CSIRO Agriculture and Food, the agreement with FuturaGene is another example of the application of the RNAi technology suite developed in the 1990s. "It is very satisfying to see this technology being utilized to develop new crop varieties that help address environmental and market needs in the face of resource constraints."

CSIRO makes its patented RNAi technologies available through commercial and research licenses in diverse fields of application. Holding an extensive portfolio of more than 60 granted patents, hairpin RNAi technology was the pioneering work of scientists at CSIRO's Plant Industry Division who first developed the technology in 1997.

FuturaGene, with facilities in Brazil, China and Israel, is a leader in plant genetic research and development for the the sustainable intensification of plantation forestry. FuturaGene develops ecologically sound technology to meet the ever-increasing demands for fibre, fuel and energy crops in the face of declining land and water resources and the effects of climate change, such as new pests and diseases. In April 2015, FuturaGene became the first company in the world to obtain regulatory approval to commercially deploy a yield enhanced genetically modified eucalyptus variety. Since July 2010, FuturaGene has been a wholly owned subsidiary of Suzano Pulp and Paper, a leading integrated forestry, pulp and paper company in Brazil.

The Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) is Australia's national science agency and one of the largest and most diverse research agencies in the world. CSIRO has been pushing the boundary of what's possible for more than 85 years. CSIRO works closely with industry and communities to tackle some of the world's toughest challenges and leave a lasting legacy across areas including: food; health; energy; environment; information and communications; materials and minerals.

****

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY: We are a large automation company that has a line of consistency transmitters, sample valves and sheet break detectors that are marketed through a rep. network. We are seeking someone with a strong background in consistency control to facilitate start-ups, provide troubleshooting and technical advice. The individual should have experience in all major types of consistency measurement technologies (blade, rotary, microwave and optical). Knowledge of sheet break detection technology is desirable as well. Willingness to travel to paper production facilities across the US is a must.

Travel & Living Expenses to be reimbursed along with an agreed upon daily per diem rate.

For more information, please contact Jim Thompson at: jthompson@taii.com Ph. 678-206-6010 Cell: 404-822-3412

****

Jim Thompson is back again...with a new book on a taboo subject: the personalities in the pulp & paper industry. Jim has written in the past on many subjects based on his four plus decades in the worldwide pulp and paper industry. This new book is packed full of information valuable to the senior member of the industry as well as the recent entrant. A must for every pulp and paper library.


Printer-friendly format

 





Powered by Bondware
News Publishing Software

The browser you are using is outdated!

You may not be getting all you can out of your browsing experience
and may be open to security risks!

Consider upgrading to the latest version of your browser or choose on below: