Seeking Excellence with CRISPR (BIO 2024)

Clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) is a novel gene-editing approach that has seen rapid commercial success with the approval of exagamglogene autotemcel (Casgevy) occurring within a span of only 11 years after its invention (1). For Dr. Monika Paulė, the advent of CRISPR came at a time when the industry and academia were “ready for something new and groundbreaking.”

Paulė is the CEO and co-founder of Caszyme—a CRISPR gene-editing platform company based in Lithuania. “We develop novel CRISPR tools, and work with other companies in their gene editing, portfolio development from discovery, research, development, and everything that's related to proteins engineering and making the CRISPR-Cas9 proteins, the best tools for the applications the companies are looking for,” she says.

However, CRISPR is not without its challenges, Paulė remarks. More tools are required to allow the technique to be more widely applicable, she explains. “We really need to find the right tool, the right technique for the right application [which] is still a little bit challenging,” Paulė adds.

“To improve the safety and efficacy of CRISPR, first of all, we have to seek excellence in CRISPR field at each and every step of CRISPR technology development and application,” summarizes Paulė. “So, we have to start from the very beginning, from very early research, and really find and develop the best tools, which are safe, which are specific enough, and which are effective enough.”

Watch the video for the full interview. Caszyme will be attending the 2024 BIO International Convention in San Diego, Calif., from June 3–6.

Reference

1. Sheridan, C. The World’s First CRISPR Therapy is Approved: Who Will Receive It? Nat. Biotech. News Article, Nov. 21, 2023.

Dr. Monika Paulė is an accomplished leader with over 20 years of experience in high-tech business and has a PhD in Business Management. In 2017, Monika co-founded Caszyme, a biotechnology company that leverages CRISPR technology to empower a world that’s healthier, equitable, and more sustainable, where she acts as chief executive officer and board member.

With Monika's leadership, Caszyme has gained recognition as a renowned expert in CRISPR gene editing field among partners worldwide. By leveraging deep expertise in discovery and development of CRISPR solutions, alongside the company’s dynamic platform and strategic adaptation of complementary technologies, Caszyme is unlocking new possibilities for companies across multiple industries, from healthcare to agriculture.

Additionally, Monika serves as a vice president and board member at the life sciences association “LithuaniaBIO” and is a founder of many social initiatives such as “Women in Biotech” and “Gene Editing Summit”. Monika is an engaging speaker and moderator with experience at multiple international live events, broadcasts, and podcasts.