Transcode Therapeutics, Akribion report progress on CRISPR-derived tech

TransCode Therapeutics reported positive proof-of-concept laboratory studies in human cells, advancing its strategic partnership with Akribion Genomics. Akribion Genomics, a German-based biotechnology start-up, is focused on a CRISPR-derived molecular complex for cancer treatment. TransCode and Akribion are collaborating to develop a technology that combines Akribion’s cell-killing G-dase E, a Class 2 CRISPR nuclease, with TransCode’s TTX nucleic acid delivery platform. G-dase E has shown encouraging in vitro results in cells but requires an effective delivery vehicle, such as TTX, to reach intended targets in the body. Proof-of-concept studies to date suggest that Akribion’s G-dase E ribonucleoprotein complexes could be conjugated to TransCode’s TTX delivery platform, suggesting that the drug candidate could be formulated as intended. These studies also indicate that TTX-G-dase E ribonucleoprotein complexes could be taken up by cancer cells, inducing cancer cell death.