CRISPR patent deal for Bayer

Less than a year ago, Bayer jumped on the genome editing bandwagon with a joint venture with Swiss CRISPR Therapeutics. Now, the German pharma giant has secured the patents for CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing technology which it plans to use in cross-divisional applications in core areas. The licensing agreement is an investment by the Bayer Lifescience Center, a new R&D unit of Bayer that focuses entirely on the development of possible breakthrough technologies.  

ERS Genomics holds rights to the CRISPR-Cas9 patent portfolio from Emmanuelle Charpentier, one of the inventors of the breakthrough gene-editing technology. This is perfectly suited to fully leverage the tremendous potential of CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing within Bayer and serves as an ideal addition to our partnership with CRISPR Therapeutics, commented Axel Bouchon, Head of the Bayer Lifescience Center.

"We are pleased to include Bayer into our portfolio of licensees, said Shaun Foy, CEO and Founder of ERS Genomics. Genome editing has broad applications in drug discovery and development and making the CRISPR/Cas9 patents available to biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies is an important part of our strategy." 

The companies did not disclose any financial details.