AstraZeneca announces plans to use CRISPR technology

AstraZeneca has announced it will be taking part in four different pieces of research aimed at understanding the potential benefits of using a technology known as CRISPR as part of its future operations.

CRISPR is a genome-editing technique that the pharmaceutical firm believes will allow it to identify and test new targets for drugs in preclinical models that are acting as a substitute for various human diseases.

By spearheading four research collaborations, AstraZeneca will be able to publish its findings in respected industry journals, therefore allowing other scientists in the field to make progress in their work by using the technology.

Faculty member at the Sanger Institute Dr Kosuke Yusa commented: "CRISPR has transformed the way we study the behaviour of cells and now the application of this powerful technology to the search for effective drugs has the potential to benefit patients."

Executive vice-president of innovative medicines and early development at AstraZeneca Dr Mene Pangalos added that CRISPR is a "simple yet powerful tool", indicating that it will be interesting to see how the company harnesses it over the coming months.