NEW YORK – Boehringer Ingelheim has entered into a collaboration and license agreement with ExpressionEdits, under which the pharmaceutical company will be able to use the biotech's Genetic Syntax Engine tool to further develop two undisclosed gene therapy targets.
ExpressionEdits on Wednesday said that its Genetic Syntax Engine platform is designed to enhance gene expression within gene therapies by restoring introns in an approach it calls "intronization," but which doesn't modify the underlying genetic sequence. The technology creates complementary DNAs that include intronic sequences (in-cDNAs) to increase protein production, boosting potency of the gene therapy.
The Cambridge, England-based biotech said that its technology enables higher protein expression at lower doses, reducing the need for high viral loads or repeated dosing. "ExpressionEdits is essentially reintroducing punctuation into the genome's language, creating clearer and more accurate instructions for protein production," Paul Bolno, chair of the board at ExpressionEdits, said in a statement.
ExpressionEdits did not disclose financial details of its deal with Boehringer Ingelheim but said it will receive undisclosed payments during the collaboration and be eligible for additional payments tied to preclinical, clinical, and commercial milestones.