The companies will collaborate in a first-of-its-kind joint study, combining PlantArcBio’s RNAi technology with the unique lipid-based RNA delivery technology developed by Prof. Dan Peer.
PlantArcBio Ltd., an ag-biotech company engaged in research and development in the field of gene discovery and biological components for improving plant traits, intended primarily for use in the global agricultural industry, and Ramot, the Technology Transfer Company of Tel Aviv University, signed a collaboration agreement. The companies will collaborate in a first-of-its-kind joint study, combining PlantArcBio’s RNAi technology with the unique lipid-based RNA delivery technology developed by Prof. Dan Peer. Prof Peer is TAU’s Vice President for R&D , and a pioneer using RNA to manipulate cells in cancer and other immune related diseases. The ultimate goal of the collaboration is to develop a range of RNAi-based products for agricultural uses.
RNAi technology enables a temporary external disruption of RNA molecules, diminishing the amount of mRNA, and thus temporarily reducing the expression of specific genes, without modifying or genetically engineering the organism’s DNA. PlantArcBio signed four agreements for development and commercialization in this field, including insect and pest control and crop improvement products. The company’s strategic partners include ICL, Gadot-Agro, TMG and Seach Medical. To the best of its knowledge, PlantArcBio is one of the world’s leaders and pioneers in developing RNAi-based products for agriculture.
The joint study will examine the efficacy of PlantArcBio’s RNAi technology for agriculture, combined with Prof. Peer’s RNA delivery based on unique lipid molecules. Specifically, the research will focus on testing the joint technology’s contribution to the stability of RNAi-based products and their ability to penetrate plants and insects. Research will be carried out both at PlantArcBio’s Laboratories and at Prof. Dan Peer’s Laboratory of Precision Nano Medicine at Tel Aviv University.
