CRISPR Therapeutics Partners with Sirius for siRNA Therapies, Expanding Beyond Gene Editing

CRISPR Therapeutics has entered a strategic partnership with China-based Sirius Therapeutics, involving a $95 million upfront deal (including $25 million in cash and $70 million in equity) to develop small interfering RNA (siRNA) therapies125.

This marks a significant expansion of CRISPR's focus beyond gene editing by incorporating siRNA technology, diversifying its therapeutic portfolio12.

The lead program, SRSD107, targets Factor XI to address thrombotic (blood clotting) diseases and has shown over 93% reduction in Factor XI activity with lasting effects up to six months after a single dose in Phase 1 trials5.

CRISPR and Sirius will share costs and profits 50-50 for SRSD107, and CRISPR has the option to nominate two additional siRNA targets for future development5.

This collaboration builds on CRISPR’s recent advances in cardiovascular medicines and strengthens its presence in areas where current therapies are limited by bleeding risk and patient compliance issues24.

The deal demonstrates that CRISPR Therapeutics is actively pursuing gene-based medicines beyond gene editing, showing that siRNA is a complementary approach within its therapeutic strategy124.

Sources:

1. https://endpts.com/crispr-therapeutics-partners-with-sirna-company-showing-that-gene-editing-isnt-the-only-answer/

2. https://www.biospace.com/business/crispr-expands-focus-pays-up-to-95m-in-sirius-sirna-pact

4. https://www.fiercebiotech.com/biotech/stars-align-crispr-tx-sirius-pair-pen-sirna-collab-focus-thrombotic-disease

5. https://www.stocktitan.net/news/CRSP/crispr-therapeutics-and-sirius-therapeutics-announce-multi-target-bf07e9dhduut.html