Press releases
21 July 2021, Zwingenberg

Novel Genome Editing Tool: Filing of International Patent Application

  • Positive data evaluation
  • Management sees strong IP position
  • Seeking international patent protection (PCT)

Positive data evaluation from recently conducted experiments has increased confidence of BRAIN Biotech AG’s management in the valuable IP position of its Non-Cas9 genome editing nuclease, the BRAIN Engineered CAS (BEC). In order to secure a broad intellectual property position on a global scale BRAIN has now advanced in the international patent filing process under the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) formalities. BRAIN is striving for an extended patent family around its BEC genome editing tool to further progress on the IP position already within the course of this year.

BRAIN’s novel CRISPR associated first choice nuclease, BEC, has been validated internally as well as with partners and has already been applied in selected bacteria, fungi and yeast. Auspicious genome editing in plant cells has been achieved and is in the process to be validated. Optimization and further development for additional application fields such as mammalian cell lines have been initiated with high priority and a first IP application to protect BRAIN´s nuclease sequences has been submitted to the European Patent Office. Additionally IP on several additional sequences has been filed and the nucleases are available for further exploration also with partners.

Dr. Michael Krohn, Head R&D at BRAIN Biotech AG states: “The data evaluation from our recent experiments has been very encouraging. BRAIN’s genome editing nuclease is working already well within selected microorganisms and is significantly differentiated from already known Cas nucleases. Above all, experiments in plants and mammalian cell lines are ongoing.”

Lukas Linnig, CFO of BRAIN Biotech AG emphasizes: “We are very pleased with the results from our R&D team and have now an even increased confidence in our intellectual property situation. This has been an important milestone to us and has triggered us to accelerate the patent internationalization strategy in major markets. Our Cas nuclease discovery program holds significant economic potential for BRAIN, hence it is important to secure a broad and international IP protection as early as possible.”

On May 6th, 2021, BRAIN had announced the development of a novel CRISPR Cas tool using metagenomics sequencing and protein engineering to isolate a Non-Cas9 genome editing nuclease, the BRAIN Engineered Cas (BEC).



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.

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