HuidaGene and Synthego Announce Licensing Agreement for Next-Generation Gene Editing Enzyme hfCas12Max, Business News

SAN FRANCISCO, Nov. 2, 2017 /PRNewswire/ — HuidaGene Therapeutics (“HuidaGene”), a global clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on the development of CRISPR-based genomic medicines, and Synthego Corporation (“Synthego”), a leading provider of innovative CRISPR solutions for cell and gene therapy development, are proud to announce a collaborative license agreement for the high-fidelity Cas12 CRISPR nuclease (hfCas12Max). The collaboration highlights the significant clinical utility of hfCas12Max and naturally complements Synthego’s focus on advanced GMP manufacturing capabilities. Under the license agreement and undisclosed financial terms between HuidaGene and Synthego, HuidaGene will grant Synthego the rights to manufacture and commercialize hfCas12Max nuclease and research-optimized gRNAs. HuidaGene will also grant Synthego the right to sublicense the nuclease for therapeutic uses.

The collaboration will streamline the development of CRISPR-based therapeutic applications, providing developers access to highly precise and efficient next-generation genome editing tools. Xuan YaoHuidaGene Co-Founder and President, Ph.D., highlighted the importance of the agreement, saying, “HuidaGene’s extensive CRISPR intellectual property portfolio sets us apart as a pioneer in genomic medicine with a versatile pipeline targeting significant neurological and ophthalmic diseases. By working with Synthego, we are poised to significantly accelerate the advancement of CRISPR-based therapeutics and deliver life-changing genomic medicines to patients around the world.”

Craig ChristiansonThe CEO of Synthego expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration with HuidaGene on hfCas12Max, stating: “Combining our advanced CRISPR GMP production capabilities and regulatory expertise with HuidaGene’s next-generation nuclease technology is a critical step in advancing innovative cell and gene therapies. This collaboration highlights Synthego’s commitment to CRISPR-based therapeutics, strengthened by focused investments in GMP manufacturing and comprehensive CRISPR solutions supporting therapeutic development. The integration of hfCas12Max is a natural fit with our efforts to increase the accessibility and efficiency of CRISPR tools.”

hfCas12Max is a product of HuidaGene. HG-Precision This platform stands out for its excellent on-target editing efficiency and reduced off-target editing activity in mammalian cells. This novel CRISPR gene editing system also offers the advantage of packaging into a single viral vector, a key requirement for many cell and gene therapies. The commercialization of hfCas12Max will greatly increase the accessibility of this CRISPR gene editing system, providing greater operational freedom and facilitating the development of CRISPR-based cell and gene therapies.

The collaboration strengthens both companies’ positions as catalysts for innovation and advances their shared mission to transform genome-based cell and gene therapy to deliver unprecedented therapeutic outcomes.

For partnership inquiries, please contact inquiry and inquiry.

hfCas12Max is a registered trademark. China.

About HuidaGene

HuidaGene Therapeutics is a proprietary CRISPR-based HG-Precision^®A platform for discovering, designing and developing potentially curative genomic medicines. The company is advancing its HG004 clinical program. RPE65CRISPR RNA editing in inherited retinal diseases (conferring both ODD and RPDD), HG202 neovascular age-related macular degeneration, and preclinical pipeline (including CRISPR RNA editing in HG204 neurodevelopmental disease) Mekup 2 overlap syndrome (received both ODD and RPDD from US FDA and both ODD from EMA), HG302 CRISPR DNA editing for Duchenne muscular dystrophy (received both ODD and RPDD), and HG303 CRISPR DNA editing for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Our extensive intellectual property portfolio positions us as a leader in realizing the full potential of genomic medicine. For more information, huidagene.com or LinkedIn.

About Synthego

Synthego is a pioneering provider of genome engineering solutions, offering comprehensive products and services to accelerate the development of CRISPR-based cell and gene therapies. With a commitment to empowering researchers and innovators, Synthego’s cutting-edge CRISPR technology and expertise drive advancements from preclinical to clinical applications. For more information, please visit Shinsegoor LinkedIn.