NEW YORK (GenomeWeb) — 22nd Century Group said today that it has partnered with Dutch ag-bio firm KeyGene to develop cannabis plants with enhanced properties for medical applications.
Under the terms of the deal, the companies will use their respective genomic, molecular genetic, trait discovery, and breeding technologies to optimize the cannabinoid profiles and other traits of different cannabis varieties. Specific aims of the alliance include the development of a genetic database of hundreds of different cannabis lines; the creation of a high-resolution map of the cannabis genome; and the identification of markers shared by various cannabis species.
Williamsville, New York-based 22nd Century said it will retain the exclusive, worldwide rights to all plant lines, intellectual property on metabolic traits, and research results from the collaboration.
Additional terms were not disclosed.
"22nd Century's work with KeyGene will greatly enhance our company's ability to utilize the cannabis genome and will enable us to accelerate molecular breeding of new hemp/cannabis plant varieties," Juan Tamburrino, vice president of R&D at 22nd Century, said in a statement.