Horizon Discovery and Desktop Genetics collaborate on CRISPR design platform

The platform will be used by Horizon to quickly identify the best guide-RNAs in the human genome for each gene editing task, as part of its GENESIS™ suite of gene editing technologies.

Desktop Genetics will design and implement algorithms for the new platform based on Horizon's input and CRISPR knowledge. Horizon licensed the CRISPR gene editing technology from Harvard University in September 2013, adding to its existing rAAV and ZFN gene editing capabilities. Through its GENESIS™ precision gene-editing platform, Horizon offers researchers an unrivalled toolbox capable of performing rapid functional genomics experiments, as well as creation of high-precision human disease models for deployment at all stages of drug discovery and diagnostic development.

“Horizon is placing significant  investment in ensuring our scientists and customers have access to the best gene editing technology, or combination of technologies, to most effectively achieve their goals,” commented Eric Rhodes, CTO, Horizon Discovery. “We are committed to ensuring that we continue to be able to offer our customers a best-in-class solution for their research needs.”

Riley Doyle, CEO of Desktop Genetics, said: “Desktop Genetics develops novel software tools that are optimized for applications in gene expression, antibody engineering, cell line development, functional genomics, gene-editing and protein production. We are excited to be working with Horizon, a leader in its field, on its application of the cutting-edge CRISPR technology, and on expanding our offerings in the growing fields of genome and cell line engineering.”




About Horizon Discovery www.horizondiscovery.com/

Horizon Discovery Limited (Horizon) is a leading provider of research tools to support translational genomics research and the development of personalized medicines. Using GENESISTM, Horizon is able to alter any endogenous gene sequence of a human or mammalian cell-line quickly, reliably and without introducing unwanted and confounding genotypes and/or phenotypes.

Horizon has applied GENESIS to create over 500 X-MAN™ cell lines, the world’s first source of genetically-defined and patient-relevant human cell lines, accurately modeling the disease-causing mutations found in cancer patients. These ‘patients-in-a-test-tube’ are being used by academic and industry leaders to identify the effect of individual or compound genetic mutations on drug activity, patient responsiveness, and resistance, leading to the successful prediction of which patient sub-groups will respond to currently-available and future drug treatments. This enables the design of shorter, more focused, and less expensive clinical trials, ultimately providing the tools to identify the ‘right drugs’ for the ‘right patients’ based upon the unique genetic mutations that define their disease.

In addition to the X-MAN cell lines, Horizon provides GENESIS and X-MAN™ derived products and services, with industrial application in: bio-pharmaceutical process optimization; clinical diagnostic development; drug discovery & development; and the provision of reference standards for genomic-based clinical research platforms.

 

About Desktop Genetics www.deskgen.com

Desktop Genetics is a UK-based biotechnology company dedicated to making your research and development more productive and cost efficient, so that you can get the most out of limited resources.

Our core platform, AutoClone™, is a DNA Search Engine that enables the optimal design, synthesis, management and sharing of DNA constructs. AutoClone™ is ideal for companies working in gene expression, antibody engineering, cell line development, functional genomics, gene-editing and protein production.

Founded by a scientists and researchers fluent in the languages of biology, programming, and R&D operations, Desktop Genetics has first-hand experience with the technical, operational and financial challenges facing molecular biology laboratories today.

We develop novel software tools that are optimised to deliver impact on the individual needs of your organisation. Get in touch with us today to discuss how we can help make DNA work for you.

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Contacts:
At Horizon:
Eric Rhodes, CTO
Email: e.rhodes@horizondiscovery.com

Media enquiries for Horizon:
Katie Odgaard
Zyme Communications
Tel: +44 (0)7787 502 948
Email: katie.odgaard@zymecommunications.com
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