Agragene Inc
Biotechnology ResearchUnited States11-50 Employees
Agragene is focused on commercializing insect control solutions with its proprietary gene editing technology. The company has an exclusive global license for the precision guided Sterile Insect Technique (pgSIT) technology which enables sterilization and sex selection of any insect for any purpose. Agragene's pgSIT technology will introduce a new and improved way to control insect pests while keeping our environment clean and less dependent on pesticides - improving our food, our health, and our planet. Traditional SIT has been utilized by governments for over 70 years to successfully eradicate invasive species of pests. Unfortunately, it is expensive and labor intensive. Agragene’s pgSIT technology will introduce a more cost-efficient and highly scalable manufacturing process that yields only healthy sterile male insects. With the advent of precise gene targeting, Agragene scientists have been able to introduce an improved method that will be sold under the KNOCKOUT™ brand. KNOCKOUT™ delivers benefits such as: • Provides species specific insect control • Non-toxic and environmentally friendly • Protects pollinators and other beneficial insects • Does not persist in the environment • No pre-harvest or worker re-entry intervals • Reduces harvest waste • Maximizes crop value • Increases grower profitability Agragene plans to introduce its first product - KNOCKOUT™ SWD - initially in the U.S. once regulatory approvals have been granted and then expand to other key global geographies. KNOCKOUT™ SWD will target the invasive spotted wing drosophila (SWD) that is causing over $5B in annual global impact to fresh berry and cherry production. Agragene will use its pgSIT technology to bring additional insect target products to the market around the world.