Scientists Make Breakthrough In Cure For Sickle Cell Disease
The researchers have used gene-editing technology to correct the mutation that causes the disease.
The Mercury News:
Bay Area Scientists Use CRISPR-Cas9 To Aid Sickle Cell Disease
A team of Bay Area scientists has used a powerful new gene-editing technique to fix the mutation that causes sickle cell disease, a key step towards a cure for the deadly immune system disease. While more work is required before it is offered to patients, the researchers — from UC Berkeley, UCSF’s Benioff Children’s Hospital in Oakland and the University of Utah — have corrected the gene in enough cells to improve health. (Krieger, 11/7)
In other news on CRISPR —
Stat:
CRISPR Patent Case Headed For Oral Arguments Soon
It may not be Game 7 of the World Series, but biotech and patent law wonks, mark your calendars: Oral arguments in the fight over who deserves the key patent on the CRISPR-Cas9 genome-editing technology are set for next month. Come 10 a.m. on Dec. 6, the parties in the case will be able to present 20-minute arguments — as well as rebut the other side for five minutes — before three US Patent and Trademark Office judges in Alexandria, Va. The judges will also be able to grill the parties on what they have filed in their voluminous motions. (Joseph, 11/7)