HuidaGene Therapeutics, a China-based biotechnology company, has announced the receipt of patent protection from the US Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) for its cutting-edge DNA editing system, Cas12Max (CRISPR-Cas12i). This system is recognized for its superior DNA editing efficiency in mammalian cells compared to other competing systems, such as Streptococcus pyogenes Cas9 (SpCas9) and Lachnospiraceae bacterium Cas12a (LbCas12a).
Patent Coverage and HuidaGene’s Exclusive Rights
The granted patent (US patent no. US11,649,444B1) encompasses several novel Cas12i proteins, their variants, and their application as DNA editing tools. HuidaGene now exclusively owns all global rights associated with the product, marking its second product to gain patent protection following the CRISPR-Cas12X/Y (13e/f) product.
Advantages of Cas12Max Over Existing CRISPR Systems
Cas12Max is smaller than the CRISPR/Cas9 protein, which enables it to be packaged and delivered in vivo through a single AAV vector. This feature, coupled with its improved editing efficiency in mammalian cells and strong fluorescence intensity compared to SpCas9 and LbCas12a, positions Cas12Max as a significant advancement in the field of gene editing, as stated in the company’s press release.
HGPRECISE Platform and Applications in Gene Therapy
HuidaGene utilizes its HGPRECISE platform, which integrates artificial intelligence and deep machine learning of DNA sequencing and assembly prediction, to discover Cas proteins. The company has been applying Cas12Max to develop in vivo gene therapies for a variety of indications in neurology, neuromyology, and hepatology, showcasing the potential of this technology to transform treatment options for patients.-Fineline Info & Tech
