Nobel prize winning CRISPR technology to be applied in development of genetically engineered cell and animal models

DUBLIN, Ireland & Tokushima, Japan: ERS Genomics Limited, which was formed to provide broad access to the foundational CRISPR/Cas9 intellectual property co-owned by Dr. Emmanuelle Charpentier, and Setsuro Tech, a biotechnology start-up using genome-editing techniques to develop and supply cell and animal models, today announced a non-exclusive license agreement granting Setsuro Tech access to ERS Genomics’ CRISPR/Cas9 patent portfolio for Japan.

Setsuro Tech has developed a high-throughput genome editing method for mammalian embryos, termed genome editing by electroporation of Cas9 protein (GEEP). Using this method, the company is able to generate genetically engineered mice at low cost and in a short timeframe. Setsuro Tech is applying CRISPR/Cas9 technology to create genome-edited cell and animal models, based on end user requirements.

ERS Genomics holds an exclusive worldwide license from co-founder and recent Nobel prize winner Dr. Emmanuelle Charpentier to the foundational intellectual property covering CRISPR/Cas9 for use as a research platform.

“The versatility and programmability of Cas9 has enabled the CRISPR/Cas9 technology to become a revolutionary approach in biological research,” said Eric Rhodes, CEO of ERS Genomics. “We are pleased to support Setsuro Tech with this license agreement so that they are able to continue providing supportive tools and services for research activities.”

“Our technology enables us to provide researchers with genome-edited models quickly and at relatively low cost,” commented Shinichiro Takezawa, CEO, Setsuro Tech. “The license from ERS expands our portfolio and having access to advanced technologies such as CRISPR/Cas9 will allow us to continue our high-quality offerings that combine CRISPR/Cas9 with our patent-pending technologies.”

Financial details of the agreement are not disclosed.

Summit Pharmaceuticals International Corporation, a subsidiary of Sumitomo Corporation, is the exclusive agent for ERS Genomics in Japan.

About ERS Genomics www.ersgenomics.com

ERS Genomics is a biotechnology company based in Dublin, Ireland. The company was formed to provide broad access to the foundational CRISPR/Cas9 intellectual property held by Dr. Emmanuelle Charpentier. Non-exclusive licenses are available for research and sale of products and services across multiple fields including: research tools, kits, reagents; discovery of novel targets for therapeutic intervention; cell lines for discovery and screening of novel drug candidates; GMP production of healthcare products; companion animal and livestock health; production of industrial materials such as enzymes, biofuels and chemicals; and synthetic biology. For additional information please visit www.ersgenomics.com.

About Setsuro Tech www.setsurotech.com/eng/

Setsuro Tech Inc. is a biotechnology startup, established by Professor Tatsuya Takemoto (CTO) and his team at the Institute of Advanced Medical Sciences, Tokushima University. Professor Takemoto and Dr. Masakazu Hashimoto of Osaka University developed a method to easily and efficiently generate genetically engineered (genome-edited) mice using CRISPR/Cas9 in 2015 and filed a patent application for the technology. The technology, called “genome editing by electroporation of Cas9 protein” (GEEP method), introduces factors necessary for genome editing by CRISPR/Cas9 into fertilized eggs in a high-throughput manner using electric power (electroporation). With this technology, Setsuro Tech aims to become a fundamental company providing a wide range of genetically engineered animals, starting with the generation and sale of genetically engineered mice, foreseeing the application of genetically engineered animals in industry. For more information, please visit www.setsurotech.com/eng/