Acceligen

Acceligen, a part of Recombinetics, is a precision breeding company that uses gene-editing technology to develop livestock with enhanced traits for improved animal health, well-being, and sustainable production. It employs CRISPR and TALEN technologies to integrate beneficial traits into livestock, resulting in disease-resistant, climate-adapted, and more efficient animals. 

Acceligen’s offerings include gene-edited cattle, swine, and fish, including pigs resistant to Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome Virus (PRRSV) and cattle with a "slick coat" trait that enhances their tolerance to higher temperatures caused by climate change. The “slick coat” breakthrough marked the first gene-edited food animals to receive a "low-risk" determination from the FDA, allowing them to be marketed without prior approval.

Key customers and partnerships

Acceligen has joined the Global Roundtable for Sustainable Beef (GRSB), an international network focused on improving the sustainability of the global beef supply chain. Alongside organizations like WWF, Zoetis, Cargill, and Rabobank, Acceligen contributes its expertise in precision breeding to address animal health and welfare challenges within the beef industry.

Funding and financials

In September 2020, Acceligen received a USD 3.68 million grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to support its program for precision crossbreeding of African dairy production systems.