CropTech

CropTech was a pioneer in the field of molecular farming, focused on the production of human therapeutic proteins using transgenic tobacco plants. Based in Blacksburg, Virginia, the company developed the proprietary MeX (Metabolic Engineering for eXpression) platform to enable the synthesis of complex, glycosylated enzymes. CropTech's primary research was directed toward treating lysosomal storage disorders, with focus on plant-derived versions of glucocerebrosidase for Gaucher disease and alpha-galactosidase A for Fabry disease. Despite demonstrating the feasibility of its plant-based expression system, the company faced significant financial headwinds and filed for bankruptcy in 2002. The company's work laid early groundwork for the eventual regulatory approval of other plant-made pharmaceuticals.