ERS Genomics Limited (ERS), the CRISPR licensing Company, and Medicines Discovery Catapult (MDC) have signed a commercial-use CRISPR license agreement. The partnership combines ERS’s CRISPR/Cas9 patent portfolio with MDC’s world-class expertise and technology.
This is significant news for those involved in preclinical research, as it extends MDC’s ability to help create breakthrough products and services that will help de-risk them, drive sector productivity, and attract investment.
Gene editing allows scientists to increase their understanding of a gene’s function or modify parts of a cell’s genetic information by removing, adding, or changing sections of its DNA. Reducing a cell’s ability to express a specific gene associated with a disease can help validate a drug target or confirm drug-target engagement. It can also provide insights into the way a medicine might work or help characterise specific responses to a disease.
CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing technology is revolutionary in genetics, drug discovery and even as an emerging class of medicines. The collaboration means MDC’s scientists and partners will be able to access ERS’s entire CRISPR/Cas9 portfolio of 100+ global patents: the foundational CRISPR/Cas9 intellectual property held by Dr Emmanuelle Charpentier.
The agreement adds gene editing to MDC’s already strong research and commercial capabilities in cellular sciences and biomarkers. MDC and ERS believe the partnership will lead to the development of unique drug discovery tools and unlock insights that will drive faster, more effective drug discovery in the UK and beyond.
Professor Chris Molloy, CEO of Medicines Discovery Catapult, commented:
“At MDC, we are always looking for the right partnerships to drive innovation across our community, helping them bring medicines to market faster for patient benefit. This agreement with ERS Genomics offers huge potential for entrepreneurial scientists. By using the CRISPR/Cas9 portfolio with our world-class expertise and technologies, we can deliver more breakthroughs together.”
John E Milad, CEO, ERS Genomics, said:
“We welcome MDC to our family of licensees. Their extensive network of partners and collaborators across the private and public sectors, including CROs, universities, research institutes, and the NHS, will continue to widen access to CRISPR/Cas9 in drug discovery.”
