Horizon Discovery and ERS Genomics expand CRISPR licence rights

Horizon Discovery Group has extended its pre-existing non-exclusive, worldwide licence agreement with ERS Genomics to expand its coverage for the use of CRISPR gene editing technology.

The agreement expansion of licence rights will include:

• The grant of research rights for the identification of novel genetic traits in species relevant to disease model generation and the industrial production of certain animals, including, mouse, rat, chicken, fish, pig and rabbit, enabling Horizon to generate new streams of revenue through the provision of high-value products and services to this market.
• The grant of new rights to have Horizon products made and sold by partners. These rights support Horizon’s original equipment manufacturer (OEM) strategy, and will enable new relationships to be developed across Horizon’s products business.
• The inclusion of one joint venture or spin-out in which Horizon has a significant minority interest, allowing that entity to use CRISPR for its own internal research without an additional licence being required.

“Horizon was the first company to take a licence for CRISPR from ERS Genomics, and currently holds what we believe to be the broadest access to this technology,” commented Dr Darrin Disley, chief executive officer, Horizon Discovery. “CRISPR is a key component of our gene editing strategy, and has enabled us to become the ‘Cell Builders’ of choice for partners and customers whose aim is to design, engineer and apply gene-edited cells. Now, through this expanded license, we are able to provide unencumbered access to the benefits of this cutting-edge technology for an increased range of high value products and services.”

“Our strong commercial relationship with Horizon has proven to be highly beneficial for both parties,” added Eric Rhodes, chief executive officer, ERS Genomics. “By enabling Horizon’s continued expansion into novel markets through this expanded licence, both organisations are able to gain access to additional revenue streams.”

This licence extension builds upon the original agreement formed by the companies back in 2014 for the use of CRISPR technology for research purposes, including for the development and sale of tools, kits and reagents for use in research and diagnostics, and the performance of research services on behalf of clients and to support internal programmes. In January 2017, the license was amended to include the full commercial rights for the use of CRISPR gene edited cell lines for the Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) manufacturing of biotherapeutics.