Thermo and Oxford Genetics expand CRISPR toolkits with ERS deals

25-Sep-2018 - Last updated on 25-Sep-2018 at 13:00 GMT

(Image: Getty/MeletiosVerras)

Thermo Fisher and Oxford Genetics have announced separate plans to partner with ERS Genomics, gaining access to CRISPR gene editing technology.

Thermo Fisher’s non-exclusive licensing deal with ERS Genomics and the Broad Institute sees it add to its existing CRISPR tools, such as its licensing agreement with ToolGen.

A spokesperson for Thermo confirmed the tools that the company now as in its portfolio, which includes Invitrogen TrueCut Cas9 Protein v2.0, Invitrogen TrueGuide Synthetic gRNAs and Invitrogen LentiArray CRISPR Libraries.

In addition, Thermo has exclusive rights to the intellectual property of Tal Effector Nuclease (TALEN) technology, which is used in conjunction with CRISPR.

The spokesperson told us that the combination of both technologies “provides a complete genome editing toolbox that – in combination with our expertise in gene synthesis – will enable researchers to design, write and edit DNA, biology’s digital code.”

Thermo will also look to further add to its portfolio of genome editing technology, in order to support researchers “develop new drugs and enhance biomanufacturing solutions”, the spokesperson confirmed.

This nascent area of technology is not the only fast-developing area in which Thermo is consolidating its position, with it also signing a seven-year chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T deal to supply Juno Therapeutics technology to develop future therapies.

Oxford Genetics aims to meet demand in APAC

Just two days after Thermo completed its deal with ERS Genomics, Oxford Genetics announced that it would also extend its existing non-exclusive license agreement with the patent holder.

The deal sees Oxford Genetics able to supply CRISPR modified cell lines to the Asia Pacific (APAC) region, building upon capabilities within the US and Europe. The agreement means that it will be able to sell its CRISPR tools, reagents and services in the APAC market.

Paul Brooks, chief commercial officer at Oxford Genetics, explained that increased demand is behind the extension of the agreement: “The market for CRISPR tools, reagents and services in the APAC region is forecast to grow in double digits for the next several years as product adoption accelerates while companies explore the full potential of the technology.”