PoLoPo, a leading molecular farming innovator, has officially submitted its application for Regulatory Status Review to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service. This marks the initial step towards obtaining regulatory approval for its SuperAA platform, which transforms the potato plant into a micro-biofactory using exclusive metabolic engineering techniques. PoLoPo becomes the first Israeli molecular farming company to pursue U.S. regulatory approval with this groundbreaking development.
Upon receiving USDA approval, PoLoPo’s platform will be deemed safe from agricultural and pest risks in comparison to conventional potato cultivation methods. The anticipated approval, expected within six months, will open the doors for PoLoPo to implement its commercial strategies for cultivating transgenic potato plants in the U.S. by collaborating with partners and local growers.
“This is an important milestone for molecular farming as well as for PoLoPo to establish safety and clearance to begin growing GMO plants,” said PoLoPo CEO, Maya Sapir-Mir, PhD. “The production of ovalbumin in plants, not animals, will transform food processing with a price- and supply chain-stable option and set off a domino effect on sustainability, a big first step toward changing our food industry.”
Despite being derived from genetically modified plants, the protein powder produced by PoLoPo contains no genetic material and is classified as non-GMO. The company’s protein products are set to enter the food industry for testing in the near future.
Established in 2022, PoLoPo is a pioneer in molecular farming, specializing in producing proteins directly within common crops. The company’s initial focus involves growing egg protein (ovalbumin) within potatoes, showcasing its innovative approach to biotechnology.
