Integrated DNA Technologies (IDT), a leader in CRISPR genome editing solutions, has inked a licensing agreement with SeQure Dx, a company focused on off-target analysis for preclinical and clinical gene modification customers, bolstering IDT’s complete CRISPR portfolio.

The licensing agreement enables IDT to support cell and gene therapy developers through all phases of their CRISPR-based therapeutic programs by providing comprehensive off-target analysis services, powered by SeQure Dx’s GUIDE-seq technology, alongside IDT’s award-winning rhAmpSeq CRISPR Analysis System.

“Off-target effects continue to be a primary concern in genome editing and are still not fully understood,” said Sandy Ottensmann, VP/General Manager, Gene Writing & Editing Business Unit at IDT. “With an increasing pipeline of CRISPR-based therapeutics that are entering and progressing in trials, the delivery of safer and more efficient genome editing platforms to the clinic becomes paramount. IDT’s expanded off-target analysis capabilities demonstrate a transformational shift we are making to support cell and gene therapy developers in their transition to the clinic, in a drive to make life-changing therapies as safe as possible.”

Dr. Keith Joung, Scientific Founder of SeQure Dx, added, “SeQure’s best-in-class off-target nomination and confirmation platforms will seamlessly complement IDT’s CRISPR-based portfolio of products and services. By combining SeQure’s & IDT’s innovative technologies, this will enhance precision and safety in gene editing, bringing transformative solutions to researchers and patients worldwide.”

The licensing agreement with SeQure Dx expands IDT’s off-target analysis capabilities by providing the company access to SeQure Dx’s next generation sequencing-based gene editing off-target analysis technology, GUIDE-seq, a widely used off-target nomination assay. Broadly used by academic researchers, biotechs, large pharma and biopharma companies to help characterize potential off-target events in their genome editing results, GUIDE-seq provides genome-wide, unbiased identification of double-stranded breaks by sequencing. It has contributed in part to the successful development and release of multiple therapeutics.