ERS Genomics, Aelian Biotechnology in CRISPR/Cas9 License Agreement

Irish biotechnology company ERS Genomics and Austrian biotechnology company Aelian Biotechnology have signed a license agreement granting Aelian access to ERS Genomics' CRISPR/Cas9 patent portfolio, which will support Aelian's commercial functional genomic screening platform. Under the license, Aelian is now able to offer its technology globally to pharmaceutical and biotech companies seeking more effective therapies, the companies announced in a Feb. 11, 2020 press release. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed

Aelian Biotechnology combines CRISPR/Cas9 screening techniques with single-cell sequencing to identify and investigate disease targets and drug mechanisms of action. Its technology platform is applicable across a wide range of cell types, including primary cells, and broadens access to a wider range of complex phenotypes.
“Aelian is a very exciting group focused on an interesting and unique application of CRISPR/Cas9 technology,“ stated Eric Rhodes, CEO of ERS Genomics, in the press release. “The [c]ompany’s screening platform has the ability to precisely identify the role of key genes in a wide variety of cell types, which is a transformative approach in this field. We look forward to watching Aelian's progress as they continue to push the boundaries of the technology."
“As a group that understands the power of CRISPR/Cas9 technology to enable cutting-edge research and discovery we are pleased to be able to secure this important license," added Thomas Moser, CEO of Aelian Biotechnology, in the press release. "We recognize the fundamental nature of the Charpentier patents and appreciate having the ability to gain access to them through ERS Genomics."