Merck develops new approach to CRISPR genome editing

Merck has developed a new technology to improve CRISPR genome editing that could potentially open up new possibilities for researchers.

The new technique is called proxy-CRISPR and gives researchers more experimental options and faster results by offering access to previously unreachable areas of the genome.

Whereas most natural CRISPR systems found in bacteria cannot function in human cells without significant re-engineering, proxy-CRISPR foregoes this need with relative simplicity, meaning it could help to accelerate drug development and access to new therapies.

The company has filed several patent applications for the proxy-CRISPR technology, which builds on the company's existing legacy in this emerging scientific field.

Udit Batra, a member of Merck's executive board and chief executive officer for life sciences, said: "As a leader in genome editing, Merck's new technology is just one example of our commitment to solving challenges in the genome editing field, and we will continue to make CRISPR research a priority."

The company's next suite of genome editing research tools will be launched later in 2017 and will include novel and modified versions of Cas and Cas-like proteins.

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