The latest Business updates from the science industry
by Gwyneth Astles
Merck Awarded its First CRISPR Patent by Australian Patent Offi ce
Merck has announced that the Australian Patent Offi ce has granted the company patent rights over the use of CRISPR in a genomic integration method for eukaryotic cells.
The patent is the fi rst that Merck has received for CRISPR technology. The patent covers chromosomal integration, or cutting of the chromosomal sequence of eukaryotic cells (such as mammalian and plant cells) and insertion of an external or donor DNA sequence into those cells using CRISPR.
“Merck has developed an incredible tool to give scientists the ability to fi nd new treatments and cures for conditions for which there are limited options, including cancer, rare diseases and chronic conditions, such as diabetes,” said Udit Batra, Member of the Merck Executive Board and CEO, Life Science. “This patent decision recognises our expertise in CRISPR technology - a body of knowledge that we are committed to grow.”
Merck has patent fi lings for its insertion CRISPR method in Brazil, Canada, China, Europe, India, Israel, Japan, Singapore, South Korea and the US.
Merck has a 14-year history in the genome-editing fi eld. It was the fi rst company to offer custom biomolecules for genome editing globally (TargeTron™ RNA-guided group II introns and CompoZr™ zinc fi nger nucleases), driving
adoption of these techniques by researchers all over the world. Merck was also the fi rst company to manufacture arrayed CRISPR libraries covering the entire human genome, accelerating cures for diseases by allowing scientists to explore more questions about root causes.
With Merck’s CRISPR genomic integration technology, scientists can replace a disease-associated mutation with a benefi cial or functional sequence, a method important for creation of disease models and gene therapy. Additionally, scientists can use the method to insert transgenes that label endogenous proteins for visual tracking within cells.
In May 2017, Merck announced that it had developed an alternative CRISPR genome-editing method called proxy-CRISPR. Unlike other systems, Merck’s proxy-CRISPR technique can cut previously unreachable cell locations, making CRISPR more effi cient, fl exible and specifi c, and giving researchers more experimental options. Merck has fi led several patent applications on its proxy-CRISPR technology, and those applications are just the latest of multiple CRISPR patent fi lings made by the company since 2012.
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AkzoNobel Planning Major Expansion of Organic Peroxide Capacity in China
AkzoNobel’s Specialty Chemicals business is working on plans to double production capacity at its organic peroxides facility in Ningbo, China, during the next two years.
A project to boost the capacity by 40% is already underway, which is expected to be completed by mid-August. The company is now considering a larger scale expansion which would increase current capacity by 100%. The site produces dicumyl peroxide (DCP), an organic peroxide used as a crosslinking agent in the manufacture of polymers.
“Demand for our products is growing rapidly and expanding our existing facilities provides a great opportunity to meet the needs of our global customers,” said Johan Landfors, Managing Director for AkzoNobel’s Polymer Chemistry business.“ This expansion will allow us to further grow in our market and solidify our position as the world’s number one producer of organic peroxides.”
DCP is a crosslinking agent used to produce a variety of polymers with exceptional durability. These polymers can be found in many different products, such as shoe soles, a market which has been growing in
developing countries in particular. DCP is also used in polymers for insulating high-voltage cables, which are in growing demand to upgrade electricity networks and connect offshore wind parks and other sources of renewable energy.
“We are committed to our customers and to retaining our leadership position in the industries we serve, including organic peroxides,” added Thierry Vanlancker, AkzoNobel’s Executive Committee member responsible for Specialty Chemicals. “By continuing to invest in our existing operations and focusing on operational excellence, we will be able to provide reliable supplies to accommodate the growth of our customers.”
Opened in October 2016, the Ningbo DCP plant is the largest of its kind in the world. The multi-site employs approximately 500 people and houses operations for several of AkzoNobel’s Specialty Chemicals business units. AkzoNobel is also building a new organic peroxides plant in Tianjin, ensuring the company’s long-term commitment to the industry in China.
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