On November 12, 2019 Merck , a leading company in the scientific and technological sector, reported that it has signed a license agreement that provides Evotec SE with access to Merck’s base CRISPR intellectual property (Press release, Merck & Co, NOV 12, 2019, View Source [SID1234551027]). Evotec, an international biotech company based in Hamburg (Germany), will use Merck’s genome CRISPR technology to create modified cell lines for Evotec’s commercial and internal research purposes.
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Merck’s CRISPR license to Evotec is the impetus for important drug testing and discovery, which will accelerate research and lead to new therapy development
Merck’s CRISPR license to Evotec is the impetus for important drug testing and discovery, which will accelerate research and lead to new therapy development
"This CRISPR license will be an engine for important drug tests and discoveries that promise to accelerate research and generate the development of new treatments," said Udit Batra , a member of the Merck Board of Directors and CEO of Life Science. "Merck has been at the forefront of innovation in genome modification for 15 years and continues to work with the sector and the academic environment to solve complex problems through our patented CRISPR technology, in an ethical and responsible manner."
Evotec plans to use Merck’s CRISPR intellectual property portfolio to develop very precise tests to determine the biology and toxicity of possible drugs during the drug development cycle.
"Evotec is proud to be able to continue its solid collaboration with Merck by licensing its revolutionary CRISPR technology," said Craig Johnstone , director of Operations for Evotec. "Our vision and passion for innovation includes the use of CRISPR technology to test and improve the effectiveness of the new drugs we develop, in order to alleviate the suffering of patients with diseases with insufficient attention from around the world."
This new license reinforces previous collaborations between Merck and Evotec. In November 2016, the companies signed a series of agreements through which Evotec would provide selection services thanks to Merck’s set of genetic reagents, including CRISPR and ARNhc banks. The combination of access to Merck genome modification banks with Evotec’s selection knowledge offers a faster way to explore and identify new pharmacological targets.
Merck has 20 CRISPR patents worldwide in terms of methods and composition, including the fundamental technology of CRISPR Cas9 for genetic integration into mammalian cells.
Merck supports genome editing research paying close attention to ethical and legal norms. The company has created an external and independent Bioethics Advisory Body in order to offer research orientations in which the company participates, such as the work in which genome editing is studied or used. Merck has also defined a clear operational position that takes into account scientific and social problems to inform promising therapeutic approaches for use in research and applications.
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