Synthego, AstraZeneca Ink Agreement for CRISPR Gene Editing Enzyme

Synthego, a supplier of CRISPR services, has entered a strategic licensing agreement with AstraZeneca granting Synthego a global license to manufacture and distribute AstraZeneca’s CRISPR gene editing enzyme, eSpOT-ON. This state-of-the-art nuclease, developed by AstraZeneca, will be paired with Synthego’s gRNA to help enable improved health outcomes.

Under the agreement, Synthego also receives exclusive commercialization rights including the right to sublicense this nuclease for therapeutic and commercial use.

“Our agreement with AstraZeneca is a testament to our commitment to guiding researchers with customized CRISPR solutions that empower their therapeutic pursuits,” said Craig Christianson, CEO of Synthego. “By enhancing our CRISPR expertise with AstraZeneca’s novel nuclease, we are poised to expedite the development of transformative therapies, paving a streamlined and accelerated path to clinical advancement.”

Synthego’s approach aims to simplify the licensing process for CRISPR cell and gene therapies to ensure that novel and groundbreaking nucleases and gRNAs are within reach for researchers. The company’s regulatory and technical expertise further bolsters the therapeutic development pipeline, providing integration from concept to clinic.

“We are excited to offer significantly lower upfront fees for rights to a leading CRISPR enzyme enabling therapeutic developers to de-risk their fundraising process, and making overall development costs significantly less than with traditional nucleases,” continued Christianson.