Political agreement on New Genomic Techniques (NGTs), including gene editing, advances a science-based path for plant breeding innovation and supports Cibus’ plans to bring improved traits to European growers

The agreed legislative text outlining a framework for NGTs in the EU will now move to formal endorsement by the European Parliament and Council

SAN DIEGO, Dec. 11, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Cibus, Inc. (Nasdaq: CBUS) (the “Company”), a leading agricultural technology company that develops and licenses plant traits to seed companies, welcomes the positive conclusion of trilogue negotiations on New Genomic Techniques (NGTs) in the European Union (EU). Following an urgent call for action from 26 European agri-food organizations, EU officials have reached agreement on a new regulatory framework for gene-edited plants (referred to in the EU as NGTs).

As noted in a press release from the European Council, the agreement reflects the original intent of the European Commission’s proposal to provide a framework for the development and growing of gene edited plants and addresses key aspects regarding intellectual property and access to seed. This marks a crucial moment for Cibus and the wider agriculture community as it is the final step in advancing the EU’s NGT legislation for endorsement by the European Parliament and Council.

“This agreement solidifies the European Union’s commitment to embracing gene editing technology and opens the door for the development of improved plant varieties for the European market. The positive momentum only further validates our commitment to developing high-value traits for European growers and producers,” said Peter Beetham, PhD, Co-Founder and Interim Chief Executive Officer at Cibus.

The successful conclusion of the trilogue negotiations reflects the significant efforts of the Danish Council Presidency and European Parliament lead rapporteur, Jessica Polfjärd. Throughout the negotiations they provided strong leadership, sustained commitment and consistent focus on the file, which proved instrumental in securing the agreement. The agreed legislative text outlining a framework for NGTs in the EU will now be advanced for endorsement by the Council and the Parliament before it can be formally adopted and the administrative process of implementing regulations initiated.

The positive developments in the EU come on the heels of the United Kingdom’s new regulatory framework for gene edited plants (referred to as Precision Bred Organisms (PBOs) in the UK) which went into effect on November 13, 2025. In anticipation of the EU implementing this NGT regulatory framework, Cibus has completed successful field trials in the UK for its advanced trait pod shatter reduction in winter oilseed rape.

“This is a pivotal moment for Cibus and our partners who have been working to develop improved plant varieties in anticipation of regulatory clarity in the EU. The positive outcome of these negotiations justifies our focus on the UK as a springboard for developing traits for the European market. This milestone gives Cibus and our partners additional tailwinds as we look ahead to future opportunities in this important market,” said Tony Moran, Senior Vice President of International Development and Government Affairs at Cibus.

With this recent development, opportunity programs within Cibus’ product pipeline aimed at addressing pressing agricultural challenges such as disease resistance and nitrogen use efficiency, among others remain well positioned with the potential to provide European growers with new tools to increase on-farm productivity.

About Cibus
Cibus is a leader in gene edited productivity traits that address critical productivity and sustainability challenges for farmers such as diseases and pests which the United Nations estimates cost the global economy approximately $300 billion annually. Cibus’ long-term focus is productivity traits for farmers for the major global row crops. Cibus is not a seed company. It is a technology company that uses proprietary high-throughput gene editing technology to develop at a fraction of the time and cost of conventional breeding and to license them to seed companies in exchange for royalties on seed sales

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of applicable securities laws, including The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements, other than statements of present or historical fact included herein, including statements regarding Cibus' operational and financial performance, strategy, future operations, prospects, and plans, the advancement and approval of the EU’s NGT legislation, and the opportunities and impacts anticipated as a result of the EU’s NGT legislation are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements may be identified by words such as "anticipate," "believe," "intend," "expect," "plan," "scheduled," "could," "would" and "will," or the negative of these and similar expressions.

These forward-looking statements are based on the current expectations and assumptions of Cibus' management about future events, which are based on currently available information. These forward-looking statements are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, many of which are difficult to predict and beyond the control of Cibus. Cibus' actual results, level of activity, performance, or achievements could be materially different than those expressed, implied, or anticipated by forward-looking statements due to a variety of factors, including, but not limited to: Cibus' need for additional near-term funding to finance its activities and challenges in obtaining additional capital on acceptable terms, or at all; changes in expected or existing competition; challenges to Cibus' intellectual property protection and unexpected costs associated with defending intellectual property rights; increased or unanticipated time and resources required for Cibus' platform or trait product development efforts; Cibus' reliance on third parties in connection with its development activities; challenges associated with Cibus' ability to effectively license its productivity traits and sustainable ingredient products; the risk that farmers do not recognize the value in germplasm containing Cibus' traits or that farmers and processors fail to work effectively with crops containing Cibus' traits; delays or disruptions in the Company's platform or trait product development efforts, particularly with respect to its non-Rice and non-disease projects in light of the Company's realigned strategic priorities; challenges that arise in respect of Cibus' production of high-quality plants and seeds cost effectively on a large scale; Cibus' dependence on distributions from Cibus Global, LLC to pay taxes and cover its corporate and overhead expenses; regulatory developments that disfavor or impose significant burdens on gene-editing processes or products; delays and uncertainties regarding the approval and implementation of the EU’s NGT legislation; Cibus' ability to achieve commercial success; commodity prices and other market risks facing the agricultural sector; technological developments that could render Cibus' technologies obsolete; changes in macroeconomic and market conditions, including inflation, supply chain constraints, and rising interest rates; dislocations in the capital markets and challenges in accessing liquidity and the impact of such liquidity challenges on Cibus' ability to execute on its business plan; the Company's assessment of the period of time through which its financial resources will be adequate to support operations; and other important factors discussed in the "Risk Factors" section of Cibus' Annual Report on Form 10-K, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") on March 20, 2025. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties occur, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results and plans could differ materially from those expressed in any forward-looking statements.

In addition, the forward-looking statements included in this press release represent Cibus' views as of the date hereof. Cibus specifically disclaims any obligation to update such forward-looking statements in the future, except as required under applicable law. These forward-looking statements should not be relied upon as representing Cibus' views as of any date subsequent to the date hereof.

CIBUS CONTACTS:

INVESTOR RELATIONS
Jeff Sonnek – ICR
[email protected]

MEDIA RELATIONS
Colin Sanford
[email protected]
203-918-4347