MilliporeSigma, the US and Canadian life science business of Merck, known as MSD outside of the United States and Canada, announced that they signed an agreement to license their patented clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)-associated protein-9 (CRISPR-Cas9) technology to Cellecta, a functional genomics products and services provider. Cellecta provides RNA interference (RNAi) and CRISPR technologies for the discovery and characterization of novel therapeutic targets and genetic profiling for drug and biomarker discovery and validation.

According to a Merck press release, Cellecta plans to use the CRISPR patent estate to offer CRISPR-mediated targeted “knock-in.” This method gives scientists more efficient options for complex therapeutic and disease research projects.

“The technology enables us to provide a more comprehensive range of options for cell modification to our customers,” said Paul Diehl, COO of Cellecta, in a MilliporeSigma press release. “More specifically, access to this technology allows us to conduct integrated knock-in which is a key component of our customer’s drug testing.”

“We are committed to advancing research and drug discovery through the development of powerful, unique technologies,” said Angela Myers, head of gene editing and novel modalities, life science, at Merck, in the Merck press release. “This licensing agreement is of paramount importance for researchers and scientists. Our CRISPR-based foundational integration technology is essential for many genome-editing applications and is used to identify future treatments in myriads of cellular and genetic diseases.”

Merck democratized its patented CRISPR technology. Globally, Merck’s life science business holds 40 CRISPR-related patents in methods and composition, including the CRISPR-Cas9 foundational technology for genetic integration in mammalian cells. The company’s experience in genome editing has led to a comprehensive portfolio of CRISPR and other genomics technologies that impact drug development, from basic research to therapeutic delivery.

The life science business of Merck is actively licensing its CRISPR technology for therapeutic and other uses. They are seeking collaboration partners for research and product development.

Source: Merck, MilliporeSigma