On November 10 2025, Origin Agritech announced a patent license agreement with Shunfeng BioTech that grants the company long‑term access to the Cas‑SF01 gene‑editing platform. The platform is fully IP‑protected and has already been used by Origin in collaboration with China Agricultural University to identify key regulatory genes ZmRAVL1 and ZmDWF4 and to produce edited induction lines ZmRAVL1‑KO1 and ZmDWF4‑KO1 that improve leaf angle for higher planting density and yield.
The license is a strategic milestone because it enables Origin to accelerate its corn breeding cycle from the typical multi‑year timeline to about one year. By integrating Cas‑SF01 with its proprietary Hi‑3 induction line technology, Origin can rapidly introduce new traits while avoiding the genetic drag associated with conventional backcrossing. The company has already begun biosafety assessment of the edited lines, with final certification expected within 1–2 years, positioning Origin to commercialize high‑density, high‑yield varieties sooner than competitors.
Financially, Origin reported $12.9 million in revenue for the last twelve months, a decline of 21.44% year‑over‑year. The micro‑cap company has a market capitalization of roughly $11.4 million, a current ratio of 0.43, a quick ratio of 0.36, and a high debt‑to‑equity ratio, indicating liquidity constraints and a weak overall health score. These metrics underscore the financial challenges that accompany the company’s aggressive R&D push.
Bill Deng, Vice President and Head of R&D, said, “These edited induction lines enable precise and efficient improvement of plant architecture in elite germplasm.” CEO Weibin Yan added, “The signing of this patent license agreement marks a significant step forward in our gene‑editing breeding strategy. By integrating world‑class research resources with innovative biotechnological tools, we are building a modern breeding innovation system with proprietary intellectual property, contributing to China’s agricultural technology advancement and national food security.”
Shunfeng BioTech, the licensor, also secured a global licensing agreement with KWS in September 2025, illustrating the growing commercial interest in its Cas‑SF01 and Cas‑SF02 enzymes. China’s agricultural policy has been increasingly supportive of gene‑editing technologies, simplifying approval processes for genetically modified and gene‑edited crops. Origin operates in a competitive landscape of biotech seed firms, and this license strengthens its position against rivals by providing exclusive access to a cutting‑edge platform.
In summary, the Cas‑SF01 license positions Origin to deliver next‑generation corn varieties faster and more efficiently, aligning with its broader goal of becoming a leading global biotech seed company. While the company faces liquidity and profitability headwinds, the strategic partnership with Shunfeng BioTech provides a critical technological advantage that could drive future growth and market share in China’s rapidly evolving seed sector.
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