NRGene partners with Pure Cannabis Research AG to develop novel cannabis varieties

Aug 22 2018

Complete genomes and pangenomes of multiple varieties to enhance R&D for new and improved cannabis varieties for superior cultivation that are rich in beneficial compounds

NRGene, the leading provider of genome-wide sequencing and analysis, has partnered with Pure Cannabis Research AG, a Swiss breeding company that focuses on developing novel cannabis varieties. Pure Cannabis Research AG is a subsidiary of the Pure Holding AG.

The non-exclusive partnership between NRGene and Pure Cannabis Research will facilitate more rapid development of cannabis varieties than the current industry standard.

The varieties of Pure Cannabis Research will be tailored to its customers’ needs, including healthier, hardier plants that are optimal for production, as well as custom cannabinoid, terpenoid, and flavonoid profiles. These metabolite profiles are key for targeting specific therapeutic uses, such as pain relief and sleep support, as well as providing unique flavor profiles for energy drinks and tobacco-alternative products.

“We’re at the forefront of providing safe, non-addictive, CBD-based products for tobacco alternatives, beverages, cosmetics, and other uses for the Swiss and European markets,” said Stevens Senn, CEO of Pure Holding Group. “NRGene has refined the process for identifying key genetic traits across virtually any species of plants, so we are partnering with them in order to support our breeding program and develop plants with any trait that is biologically possible to best serve the international and national markets with new varieties.”

Pure Cannabis Research is leveraging NRGene’s DeNovoMAGIC™ technology for the assembly of multiple cannabis genomes. NRGene's DeNovoMAGIC™ is a powerful platform that was used successfully to assemble the first-ever complete wheat genome. Their success has continued to potato, strawberry, barley, rye, and oat, which all have larger and/or more complex genomes than that of humans.
On behalf of Pure Cannabis Research, NRGene will use its PanMAGIC™ technology to create the world’s first cannabis pangenome. This pangenome project will create a collection of sequences that will provide unique and essential insights into the natural genetic diversity of cannabis.

PanMAGIC™ will compare all cultivars to each other to create the highest resolution of local genomic differences of each cultivar and genomic regions that define traits that give the cultivar its prized characteristics.

Then, NRGene’s GenoMAGIC™ will be used to identify markers for key traits.

GenoMAGIC™, NRGene’s cloud-based multi-purpose platform, will couple the genetic diversity of cannabis with Pure Cannabis Research breeding program.

GenoMAGIC has already been adopted by some of the world’s leading seed companies, including Monsanto and Syngenta.

“The recognition of the importance of cannabis in specific and hemp in general is growing globally, whether for a plethora of medical problem or as a valuable, renewable resource with many eco-friendly uses,” Dr. Gil Ronen, CEO of NRGene. “Cannabis is being increasingly recognized as the most viable solution for many health problems, and we’re gratified that we can contribute to people’s well-being.”