Recently, Cyagen (Suzhou) Biosciences Co., Ltd. ("Cyagen") signed a strategic cooperation agreement with Lumiere Therapeutics (Suzhou) Co., Ltd. ("Lumiere") to jointly advance the commercialization of Lumiere’s enCas12Ultra. The two parties reached a licensing agreement on the patents and technology related to the high-efficiency, low off-target gene-editing tool, enCas12Ultra.
Developed by Lumiere, the enCas12Ultra protein is a cutting-edge single crRNA-mediated nuclease produced through Escherichia coli (E. coli) expression and purification. The enCas12Ultra protein specifically recognizes and cleaves DNA (dsDNA) targets with a protospacer adjacent motif (PAM) of 5'-TTN. This process creates double-strand breaks with sticky ends, facilitating knock-in and knockout gene editing in microbial, plant, and animal genomes. Compared to traditional Cas9 and Cas12 proteins, enCas12Ultra exhibits broader PAM recognition, demonstrates enhanced editing efficiency, and maintains equal or reduced off-target effects.
Figure 1: Gene targeting mechanism of the enCas12Ultra protein to perform DNA repair on a double-stranded DNA break (DSB). Donor DNA may be inserted during this process to achieve targeted gene editing.
Through this collaboration, Cyagen will leverage its extensive experience and resources across genetically modified animal models, gene-edited cell models, and cell and gene therapies to support Lumiere in expanding the commercial reach of enCas12Ultra. Together, Cyagen and Lumiere aim to integrate intellectual property, technology platforms, commercialization strategies, and international business operations to establish a new paradigm for gene-editing technology services. This strategic collaboration will help propel the development of innovative therapeutic solutions and drive long-term growth in the field.
Founded in 2006, Cyagen is recognized for its specialized gene edited models and CRO services supporting drug discovery and development. Utilizing advanced gene editing and disease model platforms, Cyagen provides end-to-end services from model construction to efficacy evaluation.
The company continually expands its product lines,leveraging its strengths in data and model development to offer specialized CRO service platforms for ophthalmology, neurology, and metabolic disease research. With over 900 employees and a total facility size exceeding 40,000 square meters, Cyagen is globally positioned to support drug development with excellence in research models and services.
Established in 2021, Lumiere Therapeutics is dedicated to the research and commercialization of advanced gene editing technologies, focusing on developing innovative gene editing tools and cell and gene therapy methods. Since its founding, the Lumiere Therapeutics team has filed over ten patents covering novel gene-editing tools and delivery systems. It is one of the few companies in China to hold foundational intellectual property rights for Cas proteins, base editors, epigenetic editors, and viral-like particle (VLP) delivery systems. On January 5, 2024, Lumiere’s scientific team received patent authorization from the China National Intellectual Property Administration (CNIPA) for their proprietary "engineered adenosine deaminase and base editor," making it one of the first companies in China to secure a patent for a base editing technology with proprietary intellectual property rights.
