Genus plc has marked a historic milestone in agricultural biotechnology with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) approval of its gene-edited pigs for human consumption. This is the first instance of a gene-edited animal being authorized for the U.S. food supply, setting a new precedent in the agricultural industry.

These genetically modified pigs are designed to resist Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome (PRRS), a virus that poses a significant challenge to the global pork industry, costing around $2.7 billion annually, according to Science.org. The FDA's approval has positively impacted Genus's market performance, as reflected in a surge in the company's shares, indicating a strong vote of confidence from investors in Genus's pioneering efforts in livestock breeding.

Beyond the U.S., Genus is actively pursuing regulatory approvals for its gene-edited pigs in several countries, including Canada, China, Japan, Mexico, and Brazil, according to Agriculture.com. This strategic move aims to extend the benefits of gene-editing technology to international markets, contributing to enhanced global food security and paving the way for more sustainable livestock production.