University of Hawaii researchers publish non-nuclease next-generation precision genome engineering technology demonstrating 80% integration efficiency of large genes
CAMBRIDGE, Mass., HONOLULU, Hawaii, July 9, 2024 – KOMO BIOSCIENCES, a next-generation precision genome engineering technology company, has announced today that it has emerged from stealth mode upon securing an exclusive commercial license from the University of Hawaii.
Researchers at the University of Hawaii have announced a significant breakthrough in next-generation precision genome engineering, which can potentially transform therapeutic process development and manufacturing.
Assistant Professor Jesse B. Owens, Ph.D., has developed a new directed evolution approach to generating hyperactive integrases. This non-viral, non-nuclease genome engineering approach has been demonstrated to insert large genes (7-15 kb) in a specific site in the human genome at up to 80% integration efficiency per chromosome in an estimated 96% of cells without inducing double-strand DNA breaks. Dr. Owens’s findings are published in Nucleic Acids Research.
“I believe this breakthrough in precision genome engineering has the potential for broad applications, including cell line development, biologics manufacturing, and rapid response to new pathogens as part of pandemic preparedness,” said Dr. Owens. “Additionally, I envisage application of the technology in the advancement of gene therapies, synthetic biology, and agricultural biology.”
Current genome engineering methods (CRISPR and its derivatives) have limitations regarding off-target editing, low efficiency, and the inability to insert large fragments of DNA. Dr. Owens and his team have demonstrated that evolved integrases can insert large therapeutic genes into the genome at ultra-high efficiencies.
“I am delighted to announce that KOMO BIOSCIENCES is commercializing a significant advancement in next-generation precision genome engineering. Our mission is to enable accelerated development and manufacturing of life-saving therapeutics by translating the utility of high-efficiency integrases to high-efficiency therapeutic development and manufacturing processes. I am incredibly hopeful about the future and the impact of this discovery on the industry and patients,” said Jennifer Manning, Founding CEO, KOMO BIOSCIENCES.
KOMO BIOSCIENCES aims to provide therapeutic developers, contract research and development manufacturing organizations, and government agencies access to proprietary cell lines driven by the power of highly-evolved and highly-efficient hyperactive integrases, via licensing agreements and strategic partnerships.
About KOMO BIOSCIENCESKOMO BIOSCIENCES is a next-generation precision genome engineering technology company dedicated to accelerating therapeutic development by improving manufacturing efficiencies. KOMO BIOSCIENCES was created by Genesis BioCapital, a venture capital firm on a mission to accelerate breakthroughs in biotechnology. Other investors include LDV Partners, General Inception, Modi Ventures, and other unnamed investors. The company will have a dual presence in Cambridge, MA, and Honolulu, HI. www.komobiosciences.com
About Genesis BioCapitalGenesis BioCapital is a venture capital firm dedicated to innovation in biotechnology. The Genesis team identifies promising scientific discoveries, then creates and builds innovative companies, and supports their development and growth by offering access to scientific, operational, and clinical expertise. The fund’s approach fosters partnership from ideation through creation to expansion and scaling with the goal of delivering life-changing therapeutics that enhance human health. Genesis BioCapital is not just a team of investors; they are experienced venture builders who create a supportive ecosystem to help their portfolio companies thrive. www.genesisbiocapital.com
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