Pairwise Licenses Fulcrum® CRISPR Platform to Mars for Cacao R&D

Mars, Incorporated has entered a licensing agreement with Pairwise to use its Fulcrum® CRISPR gene editing platform for cacao research. This technology, which includes the SHARC™ enzyme, allows for the precise editing of plant genes to accelerate the development of new traits.

Mars plans to use this advanced plant breeding technology to improve cacao production and effectively tackle agricultural challenges. The ultimate goal is to help cacao plants better withstand climate change, diseases, and environmental stresses, with the goal of strengthening the global cacao supply chain. According to Carl Jones, Plant Sciences Director at Mars, the company is committed to conducting this research transparently and responsibly.

The Pairwise Fulcrum® platform includes gene editing tools, enzymes, and trait libraries, enabling precise changes that unlock the plant's inherent potential to greatly accelerate the development of impactful crop traits compared to traditional breeding methods. ‍This collaboration highlights how innovative plant breeding can address major agricultural challenges and underscores the potential for gene editing technology to create more resilient crops.

For more details, read the article in Pairwise News.