-- Proxy-CRISPR technology provides solution to improve genome editing and
   advance new possibilities for research

-- Helps modify difficult-to-access regions of the genome, increasing genome 
   coverage

Merck ( 
https://c212.net/c/link/?t=0&l=en&o=2377318-1&h=43383947&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.merckgroup.com%2F&a=Merck 
), a leading science and technology company and leader in genome editing, today 
announced that the United States Patent and Trademark Office has issued a 
formal notice allowing Merck's patent application directed to its proxy-CRISPR 
technology.

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/822751/Merck_CRISPR_Patent_Graphic.jpg 

"This our first U.S. patent for CRISPR, and as a leading innovator of CRISPR 
technology, we will continue to collaborate with scientists around the world to 
ensure that the full potential of this powerful tool is realized, responsibly 
and ethically," said Udit Batra, member of the Merck Executive Board and CEO, 
Life Science. "This is great news for researchers in the U.S., as they now have 
more gene-editing options that accelerate drug development."

Merck's proxy-CRISPR is a new genome-editing technique that makes CRISPR more 
efficient, flexible and specific by opening the genome for modification of DNA.

The technology can help scientists modify regions of the genome which are 
difficult to access. 

This U.S. patent allowance marks Merck's 13th CRISPR patent worldwide. The 
company's CRISPR patent portfolio includes granted patents in Australia, 
Canada, Europe, Singapore, China, Israel and South Korea. Those patents are for 
CRISPR-related technologies covering foundational and alternative 
genome-editing methods.

To deploy the proxy-CRISPR method, two CRISPR systems are designed to target 
the genome in proximity to each other and work together. One CRISPR system 
opens a regional "door," pushing away blocking chromatin proteins, while the 
other walks through it to find the exact location for modification. Since the 
resulting modification requires two CRISPR binding events, the proxy-CRISPR 
method can enable twice the specificity of individual CRISPR systems.

Merck has received patents for its CRISPR paired nickase technology (cleaving 
opposite strands of a chromosomal sequence to create a double-stranded break) 
in Australia, Canada and Europe. Patents for Merck's CRISPR integration 
technology (chromosomal cutting of the sequence of eukaryotic cells and 
insertion of a DNA sequence) have been granted in Australia, Canada, Europe, 
Singapore, China, Israel and South Korea. Merck is licensing its entire patent 
portfolio for all fields of use.

CRISPR technology is a core competency for Merck, which has 15 years' 
experience with genome editing, spanning from discovery to manufacturing. Merck 
recognizes that genome editing has resulted in major advancements in biological 
research and medicine. At the same time, the growing potential of 
genome-editing technologies has opened scientific, legal and societal concerns. 
The company supports research with genome editing under careful consideration 
of ethical and legal standards. Merck has established an independent, external 
Bioethics Advisory Panel ( 
https://c212.net/c/link/?t=0&l=en&o=2377318-1&h=1156595249&u=http%3A%2F%2Freports.merckgroup.com%2F2017%2Fcr-report%2Fproducts%2Fbioethics.html&a=Bioethics+Advisory+Panel 
) to provide guidance for research in which its businesses are involved, 
including research on or using genome editing, and has developed, defined and 
transparently published a clear operational position ( 
https://c212.net/c/link/?t=0&l=en&o=2377318-1&h=1774753686&u=https%3A%2F%2Fprnnj3-irisxe10.prnewswire.local%2Fewebeditor%2Fwww.merckgroup.com%2Fcontent%2Fdam%2Fweb%2Fcorporate%2Fnon-images%2Fcompany%2Fresponsibility%2Fus%2Fregulations-and-guidelines%2Fgenome-editing-principle-US.pdf&a=position 
) taking into account scientific and societal issues to inform promising 
therapeutic approaches for use in research and applications.

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About Merck
Merck, a leading science and technology company, operates across healthcare, 
life science and performance materials. Around 51,000 employees work to make a 
positive difference to millions of people's lives every day by creating more 
joyful and sustainable ways to live. From advancing gene- editing technologies 
and discovering unique ways to treat the most challenging diseases to enabling 
the intelligence of devices – Merck is everywhere. In 2017, Merck generated 
sales of €15.3 billion in 66 countries.

Scientific exploration and responsible entrepreneurship have been key to 
Merck's technological and scientific advances. This is how Merck has thrived 
since its founding in 1668. The founding family remains the majority owner of 
the publicly listed company. Merck holds the global rights to the "Merck" name 
and brand. The only exceptions are the United States and Canada, where the 
business sectors operate as EMD Serono in healthcare, MilliporeSigma in life 
science, and EMD Performance Materials.

SOURCE:  Merck

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