Spanish biotech firm Integra Therapeutics has announced a strategic agreement to enhance its gene editing capabilities by licensing Cas12I nucleases from Lithuanian company Caszyme. The deal, announced on November 4, is valued at up to €40 million ($43.5 million USD) in milestone payments, alongside royalties on future sales.
Integra plans to incorporate these DNA-cutting enzymes into its proprietary gene editing platform, FiCAT 2.0, in a move aimed at broadening the platform’s therapeutic potential. The Cas12I enzyme, noted for its small size and adaptability, has demonstrated efficacy in human cells, positioning it as a promising addition to Integra’s toolset for precise DNA editing.
Marc Güell, Ph.D., Integra’s co-founder and Chief Scientific Officer, underscored the significance of this development, stating, “The integration of Caszyme nucleases into our FiCAT 2.0 platform strengthens Integra Therapeutics’ mission to develop the highest-quality gene and cell therapy products for treating a wide range of genetic and oncological diseases.”
The FiCAT platform, which stands for “find, cut, and transfer,” merges CRISPR technology with a unique enzyme that delivers therapeutic genes precisely within the genome. FiCAT’s initial iteration employed Cas9 nucleases, which differ from Cas12I, allowing the company to explore new applications and extend the reach of its gene-editing technology.
In addition to this recent licensing agreement, Integra has also received significant financial backing from the European Commission. A €10.5 million grant awarded in July is helping fund the development of therapies using FiCAT technology, including treatments for rare diseases, autoimmune disorders, and cancer.
This collaboration with Caszyme represents a key step forward for Integra, enhancing the FiCAT 2.0 platform and enabling the biotech to advance its mission of delivering innovative gene and cell therapy solutions.
