CRISPR, Casebia get rights to CureVac editing constructs

CureVac AG (Tuebingen, Germany) exclusively licensed Cas9 (CRISPR-associated protein 9) mRNA constructs to CRISPR Therapeutics AG (NASDAQ:CRSP) and its JV Casebia Therapeutics (Cambridge, Mass.) for use in three of their in vivo gene editing programs in liver disease. In exchange, CureVac will receive an upfront payment and research funding, and will also be eligible for milestones and royalties.

The companies said the constructs will have improved properties for gene editing applications, such as increased potency, decreased duration of expression and reduced potential for immunogenicity. CureVac declined to disclose details...