Groundbreaking Application of Gene Editing Tool on Plants Provides New Tool for Opioid Management

Dublin, California, October 5, 2022 – Emerzene Inc (www.emerzenetx.com), an Agri biotech start-up based in Dublin, California, USA, today announced it has licensed a non-exclusive research use patented CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing technology through an agreement with Sigma Aldrich Co. LLC, the U.S. and Canadian Life Science business of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany. This research licensing agreement paves the way for Emerzene researchers and scientists to enhance plant genome editing techniques and research further into non-addictive pain medication and accelerate the development of the next generation of plant-based drug treatments.

A vertically integrated biotechnology company, Emerzene’s research has made it possible to identify advanced plant genetic markers and solve one of the major challenges of pain relief. The integration of Emerzene’s advanced genetics, CRISPR techniques, enzymatic modifications, and modern agronomy practices, has enabled the most significant breakthrough in poppy cultivation and extraction to date. Emerzene is on the path to produce the world’s-first, completely plant-based, non-addictive, pain relief medication.

Emerzene's research on Plant Genetics started out of the patented Ph.D. work 12 years ago by our founder Dr. Raj Madam in Australia. Emerzene Inc holds the coveted R&D license in Australia which it has used to cultivate alkaloid poppies for the past 9 years.

“As we revolutionize gene editing technologies to propel advancements for the betterment of lives, this research license from Sigma Aldrich enables us to precisely mark those useful genes in plants and produce non-addictive opiates,” said Dr Raj Madam, Founder of Emerzene Inc. “Additionally, we are thrilled to be a member of NIST Gene editing consortium and send best wishes and thanks to our global partners across Australia, Europe, and North America. Special mention to Mr. Raj Sharma who has been a pillar of strength since our company’s inception, the Ivaldi family, Chamberlin Agriculture, and the Vanderhoff family.

Emerzene Inc will update the wider community as progress is made with ongoing clinical trial results and small molecule research.