Genus PLC Exclusive Licence for Leading Gene Editing Tech (5258Y)
May 18 2016 - 2:00AM
UK Regulatory
TIDMGNS
RNS Number : 5258Y
Genus PLC
18 May 2016
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 18 May 2016
Genus and Caribou Biosciences Announce Exclusive
Collaboration
for Leading CRISPR-Cas9 Gene Editing Technology in Livestock
Species
Genus plc (LSE: GNS) ("Genus"), a global pioneer in animal
genetics, and Caribou Biosciences, Inc. ("Caribou"), a leader in
the revolutionary field of CRISPR-Cas gene editing, are pleased to
announce a multi-year strategic collaboration where Genus receives
a worldwide, exclusive license to Caribou's leading CRISPR-Cas9
gene editing technology platform in certain livestock species. This
is a significant move for Genus and marks the largest
technology-driven alliance that Genus has made to date. The
partnership positions Caribou at the forefront of an emerging
market for which CRISPR-Cas9 could have profound benefits to animal
welfare and society.
Caribou's market-leading CRISPR-Cas9 technology accurately
targets and cuts DNA to produce precise and controllable changes to
the genome. This partnership further strengthens Genus' leadership
in applying gene editing technology to improve animal health and
well-being. It will provide Caribou with opportunities within the
animal genetics space and offers a novel gateway to apply its
technology to help improve the welfare of food-producing
animals.
The agreement gives Genus exclusive access to Caribou's
CRISPR-Cas9 technology for the development of new traits in pigs,
cattle and potentially other livestock species. In addition to an
upfront payment, Caribou is eligible to receive regulatory and
commercial milestone payments as well as royalties on licensed
product sales from Genus. Additional terms of the agreement were
not disclosed.
Caribou and Genus will collaborate during a four-year research
program, funded by Genus, which may be extended for an additional
three years. Among the first targets of the program will be the
further development and optimization of Genus' Porcine Reproductive
and Respiratory Syndrome Virus ("PRRSv") resistant pigs, the
discovery of which was announced by Genus in December 2015.
PRRSv is a devastating disease that can cause persistent
infection in pigs and lead to reproductive failure, reduced growth,
and premature death. There is currently no cure for the disease,
which causes the suffering or death of millions of pigs and piglets
each year.
Gene editing with CRISPR-Cas9 technology allows precise changes
to be made in the genome of an animal without introducing genetic
material from another organism. In the case of the PRRSv resistant
pigs, a small change can be made to inactivate a single pig gene
that produces a protein, known as CD163, which the PRRS virus
requires for infection to occur. The gene editing technology used
to create protection from PRRSv does not involve transplanting
genes from one species to another.
The strategic collaboration and license agreement will enable
the acceleration of multiple research and development projects
across Genus' bovine and porcine businesses. Additionally, Genus
has invested $5 million in Caribou's recently completed Series B
equity funding round. The decision to partner with, and invest in,
Caribou reflects Genus' continued aim to be a global pioneer in
animal genetic improvement to help nourish the world.
Speaking about the collaboration with Caribou, Dr. Jonathan
Lightner, Chief Scientific Officer and Head of R&D of Genus,
said:
"This latest investment into genome editing ensures Genus will
remain at the forefront of the development and application of
technology to support the well-being of livestock. Caribou's
CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing platform and its unique skills are
significant to Genus as they provide the capabilities necessary to
achieve the next stage of our PRRSv and other gene editing pipeline
programs. This relationship will enable new and exciting research
opportunities that will strengthen and accelerate Genus' gene
editing capabilities. We look forward to working closely with the
Caribou team."
Dr. Rachel Haurwitz, President and Chief Executive Officer of
Caribou said:
"We are delighted to have entered into this collaboration with
Genus, a leader in the animal genetics industry. We look forward to
working collaboratively with Genus to apply our CRISPR-Cas9
technology platform to help improve animal health. We believe this
partnership validates our leadership in the CRISPR-Cas technology
field and exemplifies a key component of our strategy to work with
world-class partners who are aligned with our vision to deploy the
technology in responsible and ethical ways to solve important
problems in healthcare, agriculture, and industrial biotechnology.
Genus is clearly such a partner."
This announcement and more information about Genus and Caribou
are available on the Genus website (www.genusplc.com) and the
Caribou website (www.cariboubio.com), respectively.
About Genus plc:
Genus is headquartered in Basingstoke, United Kingdom and is a
world-leading pioneer in animal genetics. The company helps nourish
the world through the responsible exploration of new technologies
that benefit its customers, the well-being of livestock, and
ultimately consumers. Genus' subsidiary PIC is the global leader in
providing genetically superior pig breeding stock and technical
support for maximising genetic potential to commercial pork
producers. Genus' customers' animals produce offspring with greater
production efficiency, and quality, and use these to supply the
animal protein supply chain. Genus companies operate in over 25
countries on six continents, with research laboratories located in
Madison, Wisconsin.
About Caribou Biosciences, Inc.:
Caribou is a developer of cellular engineering and analysis
solutions based on CRISPR technologies located in Berkeley,
California. The company was founded by pioneers of CRISPR-Cas
biology based on research carried out in the Doudna Laboratory at
the University of California, Berkeley. Caribou has generated
substantial intellectual property around CRISPR systems and its
applications. In addition, Caribou has in-licensed intellectual
property from multiple entities including the University of
California, the University of Vienna, and E.I. du Pont de Nemours
and Company. "Caribou Biosciences" and Caribou's logo are
trademarks of Caribou Biosciences, Inc.
Media Contacts:
For Genus plc: Tel: +44 1256 345970
Karim Bitar, Chief Executive Officer
Stephen Wilson, Group Finance Director
Buchanan Tel: +44 207 466 5000
Charles Ryland /Victoria Watkins
For Caribou Biosciences, Inc.: Tel: +01 952 649 8600
Feinstein Kean Healthcare
Jessi Colund
This information is provided by RNS
The company news service from the London Stock Exchange
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