BioCentury
ARTICLE | Product Development

July 12 Quick Takes: WHO gene editing recommendations go beyond germline to more immediate therapeutic applications; plus ProfoundBio, Incisive, EryDel, Inotrem and ReiThera

July 13, 2021 12:57 AM UTC

A pair of reports from the WHO Expert Advisory Committee on Developing Global Standards for Governance and Oversight of Human Genome Editing covers not only the hot-button issue of human germline editing, but also somatic editing technologies advancing in biopharma pipelines. One report on a framework for governance identified special considerations for different forms of human genome editing; outlined tools, institutions and processes to be used by different types of governance bodies; and presented scenarios in which the tools could be applied, including somatic human genome editing clinical trials for sickle cell disease. A second report made nine categories of recommendations for the WHO itself, including how it should guide international collaboration and IP discussions, and respond to unregistered, unethical or unsafe research.

ProfoundBio Co. Ltd. raised over $55 million in series A financing to advance its antibody-drug conjugate and immuno-oncology technology platforms. Lilly Asia Ventures and Lyfe Capital co-led the round, with participation from new investors Sequoia Capital China and Oriza Holdings and existing investors K2VC, Gaorong Capital and Chang'an Capital...