Biotech Updates

Canadian biopharmaceutical company Medicago announced that it has successfully produced a Virus-Like Particle (VLP) of the coronavirus 20 days after obtaining the SARS-CoV-2 (the virus causing the COVID-19 disease) genetic sequence. Medicago produced the VLP using proprietary plant-based technology. The production of the VLP is the first step in developing a vaccine for COVID-19 which will now undergo preclinical testing for safety and efficacy.

Ugandan President Ready to Sign GMO Bill into Law

Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni has given the clearest indication yet that he is ready to sign the National Biotechnology and Biosafety Bill into law. The President has directed the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) caucus to convene a meeting and resolve the impasse that has stalled the passing of the bill into law.

Study Documents Ghana's Public Perception Towards GM Food, Labeling

A survey study was conducted in Ghana to understand the public's attitude towards genetically modified (GM) food and labeling among its citizens. Interestingly, results showed a lack of knowledge on GM technology, yet a high demand for food product labeling.

CRISPR-Cas9 Used to Develop Marker-free Carotenoid-enriched Rice

University of California researchers reported the use of CRISPR-Cas9 for marker-free targeted insertion of a carotenoid biosynthesis cassette in two sites in the rice genome. Their findings are available in Nature Communications.