MilliporeSigma Licenses CRISPR Gene-Editing Technology to Evotec

MilliporeSigma announced on Nov. 12, 2019 that it has signed a license agreement with Evotec, a Hamburg, Germany-based biotechnology company, giving Evotec access to MilliporeSigma’s CRISPR intellectual property. Evotec will use MilliporeSigma’s CRISPR genome-editing technology to create edited cell lines for its commercial and internal research purposes.

Evotec also plans to use the CRISPR intellectual property portfolio to develop precisely engineered assays to determine the biology and toxicity for potential drug candidates during the drug development cycle.

“This CRISPR license is the impetus for important drug testing and discovery that promises to accelerate research and lead to the development of new therapies,” said Udit Batra, CEO, MilliporeSigma, in a company press release. “MilliporeSigma has been at the forefront of innovation in gene editing for 15 years and continues to work with industry and academia to solve complex problems using our patented CRISPR technology, both ethically and responsibly.”

“Evotec is excited to continue its strong partnership with MilliporeSigma through licensing their groundbreaking CRISPR technology,” added Craig Johnstone, chief operating officer of Evotec, in the press release. “Our vision and passion for innovation includes using CRISPR technology to test and improve the translation of efficacy of the new drugs we develop to bring relief to patients suffering from underserved conditions worldwide.”

This new license reinforces past collaborations between the two companies. In November 2016, they entered into a set of agreements under which Evotec would provide screening services using MilliporeSigma’s collection of genetic reagents, including CRISPR and shRNA libraries. Combined access to MilliporeSigma’s genome editing libraries and Evotec’s screening expertise offers a faster path to new drug targets, according to the companies.

Source: MilliporeSigma