Yield10 Bioscience, Inc. (Nasdaq:YTEN) recently announced their request for a Regulatory Status Review (RSR) with USDA-APHIS Biotechnology Regulatory Services (BRS). This request is for the SECURE Rule for Yield10’s proprietary elite Camelina varieties, which are genetically engineered to produce eicosapentaenoic acid (“EPA”) — a component of omega-3 oil.
In the spring of 2023, Yield10 will begin the ramp up of seed inventory and production of the oil for business development activities with acre-scale planted omega-3 (EPA) Camelina in the United States.
Yield10 Bioscience is thrilled to announce reaching a key milestone in their quest to develop Camelina, an ideal platform for sustainable production of high-value omega-3 oils, for the animal feed and human nutrition markets.
The filing of a Regulatory Seed Registration is a major step in the process of growing the seed inventory necessary to support regulatory activities, and eventually grower contracts. As the team moves forward to bring this innovative vision to life, they remain driven to create a sustainable, land-based source of omega-3 oils that can meet the needs of a variety of markets.
In an effort to revolutionize the production of omega-3 oils, Yield10 recently entered into a collaborative effort with Rothamsted Research. The agreement marks a major step towards producing EPA omega-3 oils in Camelina through the utilization of Yield10’s advanced trait package, which includes herbicide tolerance.
To add to the endeavor, Yield10 was offered the option of an exclusive or non-exclusive license that enables the company to pursue the development of varieties with higher concentrations of EPA and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). All in all, Yield10 is taking resounding strides towards revolutionizing the production of healthy, plant-based omega-3 oils.
About the EPA component of Omega-3 oil
Healthy fatty acids like polyunsaturated fat (PUFA) can be found in large quantities within fatty fish like salmon, mackerel, and anchovies. Research has proved that PUFAs, especially EPA, have impressive cardiovascular benefits that include reducing triglycerides and LDL cholesterol.
Now, some innovative solutions are being explored, such as the use of camelina, a flowering plant, as an eco-friendly source of EPA. This opens up a wide range of products with EPA, from pharmaceuticals to animal feed, that can be enjoyed by all.
About the SECURE Rule
On May 18, 2020, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) issued the SECURE Rule, marking the first major revision of its biotech regulations since 1987. This forward-thinking measure enables the agency to precisely regulate organisms that are caused by gene-editing to pose plant pest risks.
Simultaneously, it introduces a more streamlined regulatory process for those organisms which are not found to be risky. With this updated legislation, the USDA has cleared the way for camelina plants with omega-3 properties to be regulated under the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s umbrella.
Yield10 Bioscience, Inc. is revolutionizing the agriculture and food industries with its exclusive trait gene discovery platform, the “Trait Factory”. Using its cutting edge technology, the company is scientifically developing improved varieties of Camelina for the production of proprietary seed products such as feedstock oils, PHA bioplastics and omega-3 (EPA, DHA) oils.
Furthermore, Yield10 is seeking to license its yield traits to major seed companies to promote commercialization in corn, soybean, and canola. With headquarters in Woburn, Massachusetts and a subsidiary in Saskatoon, Canada, Yield10 is pioneering the way for sustainable agricultural production.