Bayer to license genome-editing patents from ERS Genomics

Bayer has signed a new patent license agreement with ERS Genomics that will provide it with access to a series of promising genome-editing patents.

The deal will see Bayer gain access to ERS' CRISPR-Cas9 genome-editing patents for certain cross-divisional applications in Bayer's core strategic areas. This will aid the work of the Bayer Lifescience Center.

ERS Genomics holds rights to the foundational CRISPR-Cas9 patent portfolio from Dr Emmanuelle Charpentier, one of the key inventors of the breakthrough gene-editing technology.

The Bayer Lifescience Center recently created a joint venture with CRISPR Therapeutics to discover new breakthrough therapeutics to cure blood disorders, blindness and congenital heart disease.

Dr Axel Bouchon, head of the Bayer Lifescience Center, said: "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."

This also aligns with the Bayer Lifescience Center's broader goal of establishing a network of external collaborative partnerships in order to further its scientific research aims.