MEDTECH, INDUSTRIAL IMPACT
Twist Bioscience Corporation | February 13, 2023
Twist Bioscience Corporation, a company that helps customers succeed by providing high-quality synthetic DNA on its silicon platform, recently announced technology early access to the Twist enhanced Whole Genome Sequencing (eWGS) solution for applications related to non-human gnomics at the Advances in Genome Biology and Technology 2023 General Meeting conducted in Hollywood, Florida. eWGS is a unique solution that allows researchers to collect simultaneous low-pass whole genome data as well as in-depth coverage of specific areas in a high-throughput and cost-effective workflow.
The eWGS workflow begins with a modified Twist 96-plex library preparation kit, which prepares 96 samples in a single tube for sequencing. Following that, a single-tube 96-plex enrichment on an aliquot of the library is performed using a customized panel to enrich further targets that require additional coverage. The original and enhanced libraries are then merged into a single sequencer-ready pool with low whole genome coverage (0.5x to 4x) and high target-specific coverage. Researchers can tailor the coverage differential between low-pass and high-pass sites to their own needs. Preparing and enriching 96 samples for sequencing at once in a single pool enables a high-throughput workflow and may save costs by utilizing fewer materials and resources.
Twist Bioscience’s co-founder and CEO Emily M. Leproust commented, “In agricultural genomics, researchers constantly have to make a tradeoff between cost and insight. Deep sequencing across entire genomes is cost prohibitive, forcing researchers to turn to less costly approaches like genotyping by sequencing, microarrays, or low-pass WGS. These methods impose limits on the resolution, accuracy, or flexibility of experiments.” She added, “With our eWGS solution, researchers can now get all the information they need without compromising on cost or data, enabling our customers to push new boundaries in trait selection, breeding and other applications.”
(Source – Business Wire)
About Twist Bioscience Corporation
Founded in 2013, Twist Bioscience is a leading synthetic biology and genomics firm that has created a proprietary DNA synthesis platform to industrialize biological engineering. It assists researchers in the Life Sciences who are transforming the world for the better. Scientists from several sectors, including health, agriculture, data storage and industrial chemicals, employ its oligo pools, synthetic genes, and NGS target enrichment to improve human lives and the planet's sustainability. Its technology eliminates inefficiencies and enables cost-effective, high-throughput, quick, accurate DNA synthesis and sequencing. The company provides both the quantity and quality that researchers need to quickly capitalize on future prospects.
Read More
CELL AND GENE THERAPY, INDUSTRIAL IMPACT
Aldevron | January 20, 2023
Aldevron®, a worldwide leader in the custom development and production of plasmid DNA, RNA, and proteins for the biotech sector, recently announced the launch of Eureca-V™ nuclease.
Eureca-V™, licensed from Inscripta®, is the wild-type MAD7® CRISPR Type-V nuclease at research grade, with GMP to follow.
The launch of Aldevron's Eureca-V nuclease at advanced therapies week expands the toolkit of accessible CRISPR nucleases for therapeutic, diagnostic, and agricultural workflows. In addition, a pass-through license for research use is conveyed with the purchase of Eureca-V nuclease, allowing customers to thoroughly examine the product without committing to a long-term licensing agreement.
Vice President and General Manager of Aldevron's Protein Business Unit, Tom Foti, said, "The availability of Eureca-V drives forward the entire genomics medicine industry and enhances Aldevron's position as a supplier of choice for CRISPR drug substances and drug products." He added, "We are proud to work alongside our partners at Inscripta to bring the innovative, off-the-shelf catalog product to market now as well as provide a clear path to GMP in 2023."
(Source – Cision PR Newswire)
Eureca-V at the research grade level ensures the acceleration of CRISPR translational research. In addition, the product will assist academic and commercial scientists seeking a wild-type Type-V CRISPR nuclease that targets T-rich regions of the genome.
Venkata Indurthi, Chief Scientific Officer at Aldevron, expressed, "We are thrilled to offer Eureca-V product at research grade starting today, and later this year, our clients can expect a smooth transition to our GMP product." He further added, "Aldevron's extensive history in CRISPR nucleases allows researchers to develop therapies that will eventually address global health issues."
(Source – Cision PR Newswire)
It will be the third GMP CRISPR nuclease by Aldevron and the first Type-V nuclease available as a GMP catalog product. It is a leader in supplying vital raw materials and reagents used for cell and gene therapy manufacturing. The company's portfolio of CRISPR nucleases is applied globally in preclinical and clinical research applications.
About Aldevron
Aldevron is a pioneer in advancing biological science. Its custom development and manufacturing services have provided scientists all across the world with the components they need to accelerate research and create labs for revolutionary science and breakthrough discoveries. The company aims to deliver products and services that contribute significantly to global biological research. It seeks to be the partner of choice forproducing high-quality plasmid DNA, proteins, enzymes, and other biologicals to support its clients' goals.
Read More
MEDTECH, INDUSTRIAL IMPACT
Atreca, Inc. | February 07, 2023
On February 6, 2023, Atreca, Inc. (Atreca), a biotechnology company that develops novel therapeutics through a deep understanding of the human immune response, with a focus on innovative novel cancer immunotherapeutics, and Xencor, Inc., a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company that develops cytokines and engineered antibodies for the treatment of autoimmune diseases and cancer, announced, as part of their existing strategic collaboration, that they have mutually selected the first program combining an Atreca-discovered antibody with Xencor's XmAb® bispecific Fc domain and a cytotoxic T-cell binding domain (CD3).
The initiative announced is the first of up to two collaborative programs that can be selected by mutual agreement for future development and commercialization, with each partner sharing 50% of expenses and earnings. This program's clinical development, regulatory, and commercialization operations will be led by Atreca, while Xencor will lead the second prospective joint program. Furthermore, the agreement permits each partner to pursue up to two collaborative programs separately.
The unveiled joint program is based on APN-346958, an antibody discovered by Atreca. APN-346958 targets a new RNA-binding protein and is tumor-reactive in at least 50% of samples for six tumor types tested: thyroid, colorectal, head and neck, melanoma, urothelial, and brain cancer. In preclinical tests, the XmAb bispecific antibodies engineered against the target of APN-346958 displayed substantial anti-tumor activity. Atreca and Xencor hope to name a candidate from the program later this year, with Atreca aiming for an investigational new drug (IND) application in early 2025.
About Atreca
Founded in 2011, Atreca is a biopharmaceutical firm that employs its distinct discovery platform to create innovative antibody-based immunotherapeutics. Its Immune Repertoire CaptureTM (IRCTM) technology provides unmatched insight into how cancer patients' immune responses can lead to improved clinical outcomes offering access to an undiscovered terrain in oncology. Atreca was created by industry leaders, scientists, and investors who believe that unlocking today's patients' immune responses is the key to developing a new generation of therapies.
Read More