DGAP-News: BRAIN Biotech AG: Sartorius and BRAIN jointly researching and adapting novel CRISPR Cas-nucleases

Goettingen / Zwingenberg (Germany), July 28, 2021

Sartorius and BRAIN jointly researching and adapting novel CRISPR Cas-nucleases

The life science group Sartorius and BRAIN Biotech AG are jointly researching and adapting novel CRISPR-Cas genome editing nucleases for specific applications in the field of life sciences. Genome editing enables the targeted and precise insertion, deletion, or modification in the genome of a living organism. Within the research project Sartorius is testing the novel CRISPR-Cas genome editing nucleases on a range of cell lines. "In this way, we target to increase the performance of our cell lines in various directions to accelerate the entire development and manufacturing process of future biopharmaceuticals and make it more cost-effective," Dr. Oscar-Werner Reif, Head of Corporate Research and Chief Technology Officer at Sartorius comments.

To this end, Sartorius and BRAIN are collaborating on a promising early-stage genome editing technology portfolio. Reif states: "Sartorius and BRAIN share the vision that the future genome editing market will strongly benefit from a further diversification and differentiation of Cas-nucleases. Our joined intention is to advance the technology in our dedicated application field from research level to a successful commercialization."

Dr. Michael Krohn, Head R&D at BRAIN Biotech AG says: "We are very pleased to cooperate from a very early stage on with Sartorius AG for an application of our novel BRAIN Engineered CAS (BEC) genome editing nucleases in the field of life sciences. Sartorius has very valuable application know-how to utilize our BEC tool in this specific area. With our cooperation, we can speed up the development and create a valuable joint IP portfolio".

Novel CRISPR-Cas genome editing nucleases can be used to modify the genetic material of cells by specifically altering genes, inserting them into the genome or removing them from it. Scientists can use this biotechnological gene editing process, for example, to make plants more resistant to pests and drought or to produce biological fuels. In biopharmaceuticals, the gene scissors could lead to new therapies and thus improve the chances of curing a wide range of diseases such as cancer, neurodegenerative diseases or hereditary diseases.

A profile of Sartorius

The Sartorius Group is a leading international partner of life science research and the biopharmaceutical industry. With innovative laboratory instruments and consumables, the Group's Lab Products & Services Division concentrates on serving the needs of laboratories performing research and quality control at pharma and biopharma companies and those of academic research institutes. The Bioprocess SolutionsDivision with its broad product portfolio focusing on single-use solutions helps customers to manufacture biotech medications and vaccines safely and efficiently. The Group has been annually growing by double digits on average and has been regularly expanding its portfolio by acquisitions of complementary technologies. In fiscal 2020, the company earned sales revenue of some 2.34 billion euros. At the end of 2020, nearly 11,000 people were employed at the Group's approximately 60 manufacturing and sales sites, serving customers around the globe.

About BRAIN

BRAIN Biotech AG ("BRAIN") is a leading European specialist in industrial biotechnology. As a technology provider and developer of bio-based products and solutions for nutrition, health and the environment, the company supports the biologization of industry and contributes to a more sustainable economy. BRAIN is the parent company of the BRAIN Group. Two pillars form BRAIN Group's business: The BioScience segment includes contract research for renowned industrial partners as well as an incubator for the development of the company's own highly innovative products. In the BioIndustrial segment, the company focuses on specialty business in the production and refinement of enzymes, microorganisms and bioactive natural products and the respective distribution.


The BRAIN Group maintains its own diverse collection of natural resources: the BRAIN Bioarchive comprises microorganisms, genetic material and natural substances. Based on this collection and with a comprehensive technology portfolio, BRAIN addresses technological challenges and develops bio-based products and solutions that are already successfully employed in the industry. The BRAIN Group has its own production facilities in Germany, UK and the US, which together with the associated biotechnological production expertise, complete the value chain within the Group.


As a Participant of the United Nations Global Compact, BRAIN Biotech AG is committed to aligning strategies and operations with universal principles on human rights, labour, environment and anti-corruption, and take actions that advance societal goals.


Since its IPO in 2016, BRAIN Biotech AG has been listed in the Prime Standard of the Frankfurt Stock Exchange (ISIN DE0005203947 / WKN 520394).

Disclaimer

This press release contains forward-looking statements. These statements reflect the current views, expectations, and assumptions of the management of BRAIN Biotech AG, and are based on information currently available to the management.


Forward-looking statements are no guarantees of future performance, and entail both known and unknown risks as well as uncertainties that could cause actual results, performance or events to differ materially from those expressed or implied in such statements. Numerous factors exist that could influence the future performance by, and future developments at, BRAIN Biotech AG and the BRAIN Group. Such factors include, but are not limited to, changes in the general economic and competitive environment, risks associated with capital markets, currency exchange rate fluctuations, changes in international and national laws and regulations, in particular with respect to tax laws and regulations, as well as other factors.


BRAIN Biotech AG does not undertake any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements.

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Phone: +49 6251 9331-86

Email: [email protected]

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PR & Corporate Communications

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