Additional Genome Editing Nuclease: BRAIN-Metagenome-Cas 01 (BMC01)
- Successful extension of proprietary genome editing toolbox
- BMC01 IP protection already filed
- Differentiated mode of action to BEC
BRAIN Biotech AG has successfully extended its proprietary genome editing toolbox with the addition of BRAIN-Metagenome-Cas 01 (BMC01) nuclease. The company aims to develop a genome editing platform with significant economic and scientific potential. The BMC01 nuclease complements the BRAIN-Engineered Cas (BEC) which has been announced to the public in May, 2021.
BMC01 and BEC are different types of class 2 nucleases which differ in their general protein structure and their mode of action to target DNA. Hence, they can address different markets and applications more effectively.
BRAIN had announced in July 2021 the identification of around 2,000 so far untapped additional Class 2 CRISPR nucleases which have been identified in-silico and have the potential to be deployed for genome editing. With a focused investment approach the company had analyzed a limited number in detail and already filed a first IP protection for 15 nucleases. BMC01 is the first of these nucleases with proven functionality and demonstrated genome editing activities in microorganisms. Optimization and further development for additional application fields for BRAIN’s BEC/BMC nucleases such as mammalian cell lines are ongoing or have been initiated with high priority.
Dr. Paul Scholz, heading the Cas nuclease discovery program at BRAIN Biotech AG states: “We have always said that genome editing will benefit from a choice of adequate tools for different applications. BEC and BMC01 are two new genome editing nucleases with significantly different properties giving us the opportunity to choose between these nucleases based on their performance in different application areas. In addition, our scientific efforts to activate further nucleases from our library for genome editing are running.“
Lukas Linnig, CFO at BRAIN Biotech AG says: “We are quickly expanding our proprietary toolset and scientific footprint in genome editing. With the addition of the BMC nuclease we are now securing a broader IP position and an extended service offering for our clients. Already today we see strong customer interest for our “We CRISPR for you” services which extends beyond our original business plan. BRAIN is on its way to build a successful platform business in genome editing with significant economic potential.”
About BRAIN
BRAIN Biotech AG is a leading European supplier of bio-based products and solutions such as enzymes and proteins, microbial production strains, natural compounds and biotechnological solutions for more sustainable industrial processes. The company focuses on the fields of nutrition, health and environment.
BRAIN Biotech AG is the parent company of the international BRAIN Biotech Group. The Group's business activities are divided into three segments: The BioProducts segment comprises the product business with specialty enzymes and other proteins, for which the Group operates fermentation facilities in the United Kingdom and production facilities in continental Europe and the United States. The BioScience segment offers research-intensive custom solutions based on enzyme technology, strain development, bioprocess development and natural product screening. The BioIncubator segment conducts its own R&D projects or those initiated with partners with high value-added potential. A particularly promising incubator project is the development of the Company's own CRISPR-based gene editing technology platform, which is currently being established and expanded by Akribion Genomics (in foundation planning).
Through its own R&D activities, BRAIN Biotech Group is continuously expanding its product portfolio in the field of specialty enzymes and small molecules. The latter are the starting point for screenings, e.g. for novel drug candidates for pharmaceutical applications.
BRAIN Biotech AG has been listed on the Prime Standard of the Frankfurt Stock Exchange since February 9, 2016 (ticker symbol: BNN; securities identification number: ISIN DE0005203947 / WKN 520394). The company employs approximately 330 people and generated revenues of EUR 55,3 million in the fiscal year 2022/23.
For more information, please visit: https://www.brain-biotech.com, LinkedIn, Threads and YouTube.
Disclaimer
This press release contains forward-looking statements. These statements reflect the current views, expectations, and assumptions of the management of BRAIN Biotech AG, and are based on information currently available to the management. Forward-looking statements are no guarantees of future performance, and entail both known and unknown risks as well as uncertainties that could cause actual results, performance or events to differ materially from those expressed or implied in such statements. Numerous factors exist that could influence the future performance of and future developments at BRAIN Biotech AG and the BRAIN Biotech Group. Such factors include, but are not limited to, changes in the general economic and competitive environment, risks associated with capital markets, currency exchange rate fluctuations, changes in international and national laws and regulations, in particular with respect to tax laws and regulations, as well as other factors. BRAIN Biotech AG does not undertake any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements.