Merck KGaA (MKGAY) of Germany announced that the Chinese Patent Office has issued a notice granting a patent application for the company’s CRISPR technology used in a genomic-integration method for eukaryotic cells. This forthcoming patent in China covers chromosomal integration, or cutting of the chromosomal sequence of eukaryotic cells, such as mammalian and plant cells, and insertion of an external or donor DNA sequence into those cells using CRISPR. CRISPR genome-editing technology, which allows the precise modification of chromosomes in living cells, is advancing treatment options for a variety of medical conditions. “Including China, we have received seven crucial patents for our foundational CRISPR technology, which defines an exciting new path for medical research and treatments for some of the toughest medical conditions, including cancer, hereditary and rare diseases,” said Udit Batra, Member of the Executive Board and CEO, Life Science business of Merck KGaA. Shares of other companies developing CRISPR-based therapies are weak in early trading after the announcement, with shares of Editas Medicine (EDIT) down 5% to $32.60, Intellia Therapeutics (NTLA) down 4.5% to $20.68 and Crispr Therapeutics (CRSP) down 9% to $49.18.
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