Revolutionary Gene Editing Startup Komo Biosciences Emerges with Breakthrough Integrase Technology from University of Hawaii
Researchers at the University of Hawaii have developed advanced tools for significant genome modifications, which have now been licensed to a burgeoning startup, Komo Biosciences.
July 10, 2024
| BioBuzz has been connecting the life science workforce since 2009. We’ve built an expansive community in the Mid-Atlantic with a national readership that spans from Massachusettes to Florida, and New York to California. For our next chapter, we’re building a proprietary talent logistics model to help employers source and hire life science talent. Learn more. |
Researchers at the University of Hawaii have developed advanced tools for significant genome modifications, which have now been licensed to a burgeoning startup, Komo Biosciences. This exciting news was shared exclusively with Endpoint News.
Komo Biosciences, in its early stages, has secured seed funding from notable investors including Genesis BioCapital, LDV Partners, General Inception, and Modi Ventures, with additional backing from undisclosed biotech investors. The company will establish operations in both Honolulu and Cambridge, MA.
Jennifer Manning Leads the Charge
Under the leadership of CEO Jennifer Manning, Komo Biosciences aims to revolutionize gene editing with its cutting-edge integrase technology. Manning anticipates the startup’s initial revenue will stem from licensing its integrases to other gene therapy developers, as well as engineering cell lines for biologics production.
Integrases, enzymes utilized by viruses to insert large DNA segments into host genomes, have traditionally been limited by their fixed insertion sites. Prime editing methods, which create these genetic landing pads, have struggled with efficiency, often achieving gene insertion in only a small percentage of cells.
Breakthrough Research
Jesse Owens, an assistant professor at the University of Hawaii, has made significant strides in improving integrase efficiency with the aid of phages, viruses that infect bacteria. By breaking a critical phage gene and forcing the use of integrases to repair it, Owens and his team evolved integrases capable of inserting genes into 80% of pre-installed landing pads and an estimated 96% of cells. These findings were published in the journal Nucleic Acids Research.
“It’s a huge improvement. We didn’t think we’d see something that drastic,” Owens commented. “We’ve finally reached this efficiency where integrase technology will be the choice method for inserting DNA.”
Implications for Medicine Manufacturing
Owens’ lab successfully used the evolved integrase to insert the Von Willebrand factor gene, which is relevant to a common blood-clotting disorder, into cells. This gene, notably large at 15,700 base pairs, exceeds the carrying capacity of traditional viral vectors used in gene therapies.
While integrases show promise for large gene insertion, new delivery technologies will be necessary to achieve therapeutic applications. Recent advances by Tome Biosciences and David Liu’s team demonstrate progress in this area, editing significant percentages of cells in both lab and animal models.
Future Directions
Komo Biosciences plans to license its integrase technology to other companies facing challenges with current gene insertion methods. However, the company’s primary focus will be on accelerating biologics manufacturing, aiming to reduce the development time for cell lines from several months to just one month. This rapid turnaround could be crucial for producing antibodies and vaccines swiftly in response to emerging health threats.
“We are going to be focusing first on making the biologics manufacturing process faster. That’s the most urgent need,” Manning said. “And that’s the main bottleneck for antibodies and advanced therapies.”
About Komo Biosciences
Komo Biosciences is at the forefront of gene editing technology, leveraging advanced integrases to streamline and enhance the manufacturing of biologics and vaccines. With a strong foundation in innovative research and a commitment to improving therapeutic development processes, Komo Biosciences is poised to make significant contributions to the biotech industry.
- About the Author
- Latest Posts
BioBuzz is a community led, experience focused, biotech and life sciences media and events company. BioBuzz highlights regional breaking news, industry professionals, jobs, events, and resources for business and career growth. Their weekly newsletter is subscribed to by thousands in the BioHealth Capital Region and Greater Philadelphia as the go-to for industry updates.
