ST8 Paves the Way for Industrial Applications of Genome Editing Technology! Patent for ST8, a Novel Genome Editing Factor, Granted in Japan

Setsuro Tech Inc., a provider of contract genome editing services, has obtained a patent registration in Japan (Japanese patent No. 7113415) for “ST8,” a novel genome editing factor originally developed and improved in Japan. ST8 is a novel genome-editing factor that solves the problems (patent disputes, patent costs, and off-target mutations) of the CRISPR/Cas9 system. As a result, Setsuro Tech will begin offering the following two services using ST8, enabling industrial applications of genome-editing technology in a variety of fields.

1.  Contract research and development services using ST8

Setsuro Tech provides contract research and development services using genome editing technology by “PAGEs.” Even if the user does not have knowledge about or expertise in genome editing technology, Setsuro Tech provides a support system for research and development using genome editing and assists in a smooth transition to commercialization using ST8.

2. Industrial available licensing

If ST8 is used for your own research and development, it can be used for new business development by licensing ST8. With only a contract with Setsuro Tech, the developer of ST8, we will realize an R&D implementation system under a simple and clear licensing situation.

 

[Background of ST8 development]

Genome-editing breeding,” which aims to develop new varieties of organisms by applying genome-editing technology to a variety of species, is one of the world’s hot topics, and various developments are being made every day.

However, the CRISPR/Cas9 system, a genome editing technology commonly used in basic research, is still subject to patent disputes among overseas developers, and the complexity and high licensing costs required for commercialization are bottlenecks for industrial use.

Setsuro Tech views genome editing as a technology that ” harnesses the power of diversity from living organisms” and aims to grow into a fundamental company that provides genome-edited organisms to a wide range of industries.

Setsuro Tech has been working to develop a new genome-editing system to replace the CRISPR/Cas9 system, with the hope that as many users as possible will take advantage of genome editing technology by providing tools that enable anyone to perform genome editing.

[Patent information]

・Patent number: Japanese patent no. 7113415
・Registration date: July 28, 2022

ST8 is a novel genome editing factor that solves the problems of the CRISPR/Cas9 system (patent disputes, patent costs, and off-target mutations*). ST8 is a nuclease that functions in the CRISPR/Cas system and can be used as a genome-editing factor to replace Cas9. At Setsuro Tech, it is also possible to start licensing ST8 and evaluation tests on target organisms.

 

 

*Off-target mutation is a phenomenon that causes mutations due to unintended cleavage at a site other than the target sequence and is considered a concern in the safety of genome editing technology.

 

About Setsuro Tech Inc.

Setsuro Tech Inc. is a startup from Tokushima University, which was founded in 2017 based on the technology and know-how cultivated at the Tokushima University. In 2015, Tatsuya Takemoto (Representative Director, Chairman, and CTO) of the Tokushima University and others developed “a method that can easily and efficiently produce genome-edited mice” (Japanese Patent No. 6980218).

Shun Sawatsuhashi (Executive CSO) of the Tokushima University developed the VIKING method, which realizes highly-efficient genome editing in cultured cells (Japanese patent No. 6956995). Furthermore, we have developed our own novel genome editing factor ST8 (Japanese patent No. 7113415) and are proceeding with research and development to speed up breeding in the fields of medicine, agriculture, and livestock.

Setsuro Tech develops genome editing contract services for researchers in academia and companies using these proprietary technologies as well as providing genome-edited organisms to a wide range of industries. “PAGEs” aims to develop the genome editing industry and contribute to the well-being and sustainable societies.