Bayer AG and G+FLAS to develop vitamin D3-enhanced tomatoes

Added on 14 December 2023

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Bayer AG and G+FLAS to develop vitamin D3-enhanced tomatoes

On the left Dr. Choe from G + FLAS and sitting on the right Laura Grapes, Head of EMEA Vegetables Breeding & Testing at Bayer

Amsterdam, Netherlands – Companies underline possibilities of Korean-Dutch cooperation. CRISPR gene-editing application enhances vitamin D3 in tomatoes. G+FLAS Life Sciences and Bayer AG have signed a letter of intent (LOI) confirming their desire to collaborate on the development of novel CRISPR genome-edited tomato varieties that are nutritionally enhanced with vitamin D3. The LOI was signed during a business forum organized as part of the state-visit of president Yoon Suk Yeol of the Republic of Korea to The Netherlands.

Bayer AG has a leading global vegetable seeds business, selling tomato varieties under the De Ruiter and Seminis brands. G+FLAS Life Sciences is a South-Korean biotech company developing CRISPR genome editing technology and applications.

“This Letter of Intent underscores the shared interest of G+FLAS and Bayer AG in developing tomato seeds that not only meet high commercial standards and also incorporate cutting-edge genetic traits through G+FLAS's CRISPR genome editing technology”, explains Anne Williams, Head of Protected Culture of Bayer’s vegetable seeds business. “Using the precision of gene editing to unlock enhanced nutrition supports healthy eating for families around the world, and continues the rich legacy of innovation in plant breeding so firmly rooted here”.

Dr. Sunghwa Choe, CEO at G+FLAS: “Seeds that are developed through this prospective collaboration are envisaged to address global challenges, offering health benefits and resilience to changing climates. Vitamin D deficiency is a widespread issue globally.”

The prospective collaboration would extend to future research and development of commercial varieties of the enhanced tomato seeds for broad distribution.

About Bayer

Bayer is a global enterprise with core competencies in the life science fields of health care and nutrition. Its products and services are designed to help people and planet thrive by supporting efforts to master the major challenges presented by a growing and aging global population. Bayer is committed to drive sustainable development and generate a positive impact with its businesses. At the same time, the Group aims to increase its earning power and create value through innovation and growth. The Bayer brand stands for trust, reliability and quality throughout the world. In fiscal 2021, the Group employed around 101,000 people and had sales of 50.7 billion euros. R&D expenses before special items amounted to 6.2 billion euros. For more information, go to www.bayer.com.

About G+FLAS

G+FLAS Life Sciences is a leading genome editing company from South Korea that offers ‘one-stop-shop’ CRISPR Systems, Services and Solutions comprising of Cas9, gfCas12® and CRISPR PLUS®.

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