Genus’s Gene-Edited Pigs Could Revolutionize Farming in 2025
Genus’s gene-edited pigs with resistance to the virus that causes PRRS
Genus PIC
Thirty years after the first genetically modified tomato went on sale, the promise to revolutionize farming with genetic technologies remains largely unfulfilled. But 2025 could be a turning point, with new products demonstrating the untapped potential to reduce the losses of animals and crops to diseases.
In the coming year, regulatory authorities in the US are expected to approve a pig gene-edited to make it resistant to a common and devastating disease. That approval could open the door to a much wider use of the technology in agriculture, bringing hope for increased productivity and sustainability.
Genus, a leading biotech company, has developed pigs that are genetically modified to resist the virus that causes PRRS, a disease that has plagued pig farms for decades. By editing the pig’s genes, scientists have created animals that are naturally immune to this deadly virus, potentially saving millions of dollars in losses for farmers.
This breakthrough in genetic engineering could pave the way for similar advancements in other livestock and crops, providing farmers with tools to combat diseases and improve yields. With the looming threats of climate change and food insecurity, innovative technologies like gene editing offer a ray of hope for a more sustainable and resilient agricultural future.
