ERS Genomics Limited, which was formed to provide broad access to the foundational CRISPR/Cas9 intellectual property, and Cellular Engineering Technologies (CET), a biotechnology company specializing in cell manufacturing and contract research services announced a non-exclusive license agreement granting CET access to ERS Genomics’ CRISPR Cas9 patent portfolio.

This essential license agreement with ERS Genomics will allow CET to integrate stem cell technology with CRISPR Cas9 to create next-generation stem cells that better serve the life science market. This will offer greatly improved cells to produce therapeutic biologics, viral vectors for cell and gene therapy, and vaccines for both the human and animal health sectors.

Dublin-based ERS was founded to provide access to CRISPR-Cas9 intellectual property held by Emmanuelle Charpentier. The IP is shared among her, Jennifer Doudna and the University of California, and the University of Vienna. The IP is separate from genome editing patents held by the Broad Institute.

ERS has entered into similar agreements over the past few months with Japan SLC, Nippon Gene, GenOway, and others.

“CRISPR/Cas9 is a powerful genome engineering tool that has revolutionized many research areas,” said Eric Rhodes, CEO of ERS Genomics. “At ERS Genomics, we are committed to making this technology broadly available, and we are very pleased to support CET, a dynamic and innovative company at the forefront of cell engineering.”

License allows Cellular Engineering Technologies to develop, manufacture and commercialize next generation stem cell lines using CRISPR/Cas9 technology.

With its expertise in cell and tissue engineering, CET supports research organizations at the interface of stem cell research and preclinical drug discovery. CET’s portfolio includes its proprietary induced pluripotent stem cell technology, which is both virus- and oncogene-free to improve cell line genetic stability, safety, and reproducibility in drug discovery workflows for cell and gene therapies. The license from ERS Genomics will allow CET to develop, manufacture and commercialize next generation stem cell lines using CRISPR/Cas9 technology.

ERS Genomics holds an exclusive worldwide license from co-founder and recent Nobel prize winner Dr. Emmanuelle Charpentier to the foundational intellectual property covering CRISPR/Cas9 for use as a research platform.

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