Origin Agritech Secures Patent for Gene Editing to Advance Corn Breeding Techniques

Origin Agritech Secures Key Gene Editing Patent License to Enhance Corn Breeding

Origin Agritech Ltd., a leading Chinese agricultural technology firm, embarks on a significant advancement in its genetic research capabilities through a newly announced patent license agreement with Shandong Shunfeng Biotechnology Co., Ltd. This partnership, which was disclosed on November 10, 2025, grants Origin access to the proprietary Cas-SF01 gene editing tool, an essential asset that supports the company’s ongoing research and development in trait gene editing. This collaboration positions Origin to leverage fully IP-protected gene editing technologies, a crucial factor in enhancing corn breeding practices that are vital for meeting the agricultural demands in China and beyond.

The new gene editing capabilities will build upon Origin's established relationship with China Agricultural University. Together, they have previously identified and studied critical regulatory genes, specifically ZmRAVL1 and ZmDWF4, with their findings published in renowned scientific journals such as Science and Nature. By utilizing Shunfeng BioTech's Cas-SF01 platform, Origin has successfully developed edited corn induction lines, ZmRAVL1-KO1 and ZmDWF4-KO1. These advancements align with Origin's strategic objectives of ensuring compliance with biosafety standards, providing immediate breeding resources for commercial hybrids, and establishing a robust technology base for its innovative "Smart Plant Architecture" corn breeding initiative.

The functional validation of these edited corn lines demonstrates promising outcomes, particularly in optimizing corn leaf angles. This optimization enhances canopy structures, which in turn improves light interception and airflow—key factors that can significantly increase both planting density and yield potential. Bill Deng, Vice President and Head of R&D at Origin, underscores the importance of these advancements in enabling precise improvements in plant architecture, facilitating rapid variety upgrades without the genetic limitations typically associated with traditional breeding methods. Furthermore, Origin has initiated the biosafety evaluation process for these edited lines, a critical step in securing necessary approvals for its current and future gene editing projects using the Hi-3 one-step gene editing technology.

In addition to the key partnership with Shandong Shunfeng Biotechnology, Origin Agritech’s ongoing collaboration with academic institutions and its commitment to adhering to biosafety protocols reinforce its position as a leader in agricultural innovation. The successful development of high-density, high-yield corn varieties aligns with the global agricultural trend towards sustainable and efficient farming practices, emphasizing the importance of technological advancements in meeting the world’s food production challenges. Origin's strategic initiatives not only aim to improve agricultural output but also contribute to the broader objective of fostering sustainable agricultural practices in China’s rapidly evolving agricultural landscape.