BRAIN Biotech AG’s Akribion Genomics technology receives patent approval for its groundbreaking nuclease G-dase E®

14 September 2023, Zwingenberg (Germany) - BRAIN Biotech AG today announced that the European Patent Office has issued a new patent covering BRAIN Biotech’s G-dase E® nucleases as a composition of matter patent.

BRAIN Biotech's Akribion Genomics team has developed a novel family of CRISPR nucleases “G-dases” with strong activity in various organisms, including bacteria and mammalian cells. The enzymatic mechanism of G-dase E® (previously termed “BEC”) differs significantly from that of previously known CRISPR systems. Due to its targeted and programmable mode of action, G-dase E® has strong potential for several fields of application including therapeutic applications, through selective depletion of cells. This mode of action will allow the team to develop options for novel therapeutic applications. The newly granted patent is another cornerstone for BRAIN Biotech’s freedom to operate and creates a strong value proposition for the commercial development of the patented nucleases.

Adriaan Moelker, CEO of BRAIN Biotech, comments: "We are very pleased with this granted patent, which will provide robust protection of our novel nuclease enzyme space, which we will continue to strengthen and expand. It confirms the success of our research work, our experience with enzymes and nucleases in particular including the patentability of our 
G-dase-E® enzymes. Our ambition is to commercialise this technology in therapeutics and beyond.” 

Lukas Linnig and Dr. Michael Krohn, Co-CEO’s of Akribion Genomics, added that this intellectual property contributes significant value to the Akribion Genomics activities based on the G-dase-E® platform. Thanks to its highly specific and programmable guided toxicity, G-dase E® offers a new approach to solving a wide range of medical problems. Their team has early on identified more than 20 suitable targets across various cancer indications alone, underpinning the large platform potential of G-dase E® in precision oncology.

The Akribion Genomics team develops groundbreaking CRISPR nucleases into a new class of genetics-based cancer therapies and advanced genome editing tools, today powered by the BRAIN Biotech AG BioIncubator. The spin-off and further financing of Akribion Genomics is currently in preparation, as the opportunities go beyond the core of the current BRAIN Biotech business model which remains focused on applications of CRISPR-Technologies in industrial biotech. The Akribion Genomics team and BRAIN Biotech management remain in active discussions with potential financial and strategic partners to accelerate therapeutic applications with a focus on oncology.
 

About Akribion Genomics

Akribion Genomics is a trademark of BRAIN Biotech AG and a spin-off in founding. The brand encompasses the activities to develop breakthrough CRISPR nucleases for a new class of genetics-based cancer therapies and advanced genome editing tools, supported by the BioIncubator of BRAIN Biotech AG. Akribion Genomics’ flexible CRISPR-based gene editing technology platform features distinct technology families (G-dases®) with broad application in Industrial Biotechnology and Agriculture, and offers a groundbreaking technological advantage for therapeutic and diagnostic solutions. - Akribion Genomics is committed to using its technology with high ethical standards to improve products, processes and medical treatments. Its goal is to develop new treatment approaches in oncology by employing novel CRISPR technology that allows targeted cell depletion using RNA biomarkers. In addition, access to advanced CRISPR genome editing technology with freedom-to-operate will be made more feasible. - Akribion Genomics is a spin-off in founding of BRAIN Biotech AG, a renowned international group of companies providing innovative biobased products and solutions to industry. - For additional information, please visit www.akribion-genomics.com and LinkedIn

About BRAIN Biotech

BRAIN Biotech AG is a leading European supplier of biobased 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 49.5 million in the fiscal year 2021/22.

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.