PRRS Resistant Pig – FDA Approval

Genus (LSE: GNS), a leading global animal genetics company, announces the following update in relation to its innovative PRRS1 Resistant Pig ("PRP") programme.

Genus is pleased to announce that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration ("FDA") has approved the PRP gene edit for use in the U.S. food supply chain, in line with expectations. This landmark approval follows years of close collaboration with the FDA and is a significant step on the pathway to PRP commercialisation in the U.S.. Genus believes successful U.S. commercialisation also requires approvals in key U.S. export markets, being Mexico, Canada and Japan. The Group continues to make progress with regulators in these jurisdictions as well as with other international regulators, including China.

Brazil, Colombia and, more recently, the Dominican Republic have already issued positive determinations for PRP, meaning those countries will regulate the PRP the same as any other pigs.

PRRS is one of the most devastating global pig diseases and causes suffering and premature death for pigs. Recent research indicates that PRRS also increases the need for antibiotics by more than 200%2.

"We have spent years conducting extensive research, validating our findings and working with the FDA to gain approval" said Matt Culbertson, Genus PIC's Chief Operating Officer. "Today marks a major milestone for the pork industry."

"FDA approval is a fantastic achievement for Genus PIC and represents a major step towards U.S. commercialisation. We will now continue to pursue regulatory approvals in other international jurisdictions with a focus on key U.S. export markets" said Jorgen Kokke, Genus's Chief Executive Officer.

1 Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome

2 Assessment of changes in antibiotic use in grow-finish pigs after the introduction of PRRSV in a naïve farrow-to-finish system (Machado et al, Iowa State University, 2023)