Technological watch

The prize was awarded for the team’s concept and business plan for their CRISPR-based cell killing tools for therapeutic applications, operating under the Akribion Genomics brand. Science4Life is the largest German business plan competition for ventures in the fields of Life Sciences, Chemistry and Energy.

The Akribion Genomics team develops groundbreaking CRISPR nucleases into a new class of genetics-based cancer therapies and advanced genome editing tools, today powered by the BRAIN Biotech AG BioIncubator. Due to the novel mode of action of its proprietary nuclease G-dase E® (previously termed “BEC”), the Akribion Genomics team is capable of developing visionary options for novel therapeutic applications. This potential was recognized during the Science4Life competition, which culminated in the final pitch presentations to the Science4Life jury on June 26, 2023.

The Akribion Genomics team (Michael Krohn, second from left, Lukas Linnig, third from left) at the Science4Life final award with Hessian Minister of State of Hesse Tarek Al-Wazir (right) and one of the judges and General Manager R&D Sanofi Germany Prof. Dr. Jochen Maas (left). © Science4LifeMichael Krohn, Co-CEO of Akribion Genomics (in founding), states: “We are honored to receive the silver medal in this very strong competition. The focus of our G-dase® technology platform on its applications in therapeutics, especially oncology, was well received. We thank the coaches and judges for their valuable feedback and the organizers of this very special event.”

Lukas Linnig, Co-CEO of Akribion Genomics (in founding), who participated in the final pitch presentation together with Michael Krohn, says: “We were very excited to participate in this business plan competition. We met inspiring teams of entrepreneurs, further refined our business plan jointly with our coaches as well as judges and were able to generate new business leads.” He adds: “A big thank you goes out to our entire Akribion Genomics team who have worked hard and continue to work tirelessly to advance our technology.”

The Science4Life Venture Cup award is a further confirmation of BRAIN Biotech AG’s plans to spin out the G-dase® technology platform into a separate legal entity. Michael Schneiders, CFO of BRAIN Biotech AG, adds: “BRAIN Biotech will continue to use the G-dase® technology in its BioScience segment and in industrial applications for the benefit of all our customers. However, the opportunities of G-dase E® in particular go far beyond the core of our current business model. We are therefore in active discussions with potential financial and strategic partners to accelerate therapeutic applications with a focus on oncology.”

About BRAINBRAIN Biotech AG is a leading European supplier of bio-based products and solutions such as enzymes and proteins, microbial production strains, natural compounds and biotechnological solutions for more sustainable industrial processes. The company focuses on the fields of nutrition, health and environment. 

BRAIN Biotech AG is the parent company of the international BRAIN Biotech Group. The Group’s business activities are divided into three segments: The BioProducts segment comprises the product business with specialty enzymes and other proteins, for which the Group operates fermentation facilities in the United Kingdom and production facilities in continental Europe and the United States. The BioScience segment offers research-intensive custom solutions based on enzyme technology, strain development, bioprocess development and natural product screening. The BioIncubator segment conducts its own R&D projects or those initiated with partners with high value-added potential. A particularly promising incubator project is the development of the Company’s own CRISPR-based gene editing technology platform, which is currently being established and expanded by Akribion Genomics (in foundation planning).

Through its own R&D activities, BRAIN Biotech Group is continuously expanding its product portfolio in the field of specialty enzymes and small molecules. The latter are the starting point for screenings, e.g. for novel drug candidates for pharmaceutical applications. 

BRAIN Biotech AG has been listed on the Prime Standard of the Frankfurt Stock Exchange since February 9, 2016 (ticker symbol: BNN; securities identification number: ISIN DE0005203947 / WKN 520394). The company employs approximately 330 people and generated revenues of EUR 49.5 million in the fiscal year 2021/22.

For more information, please visit: https://www.brain-biotech.com, LinkedIn, Twitter and YouTube.

About Akribion GenomicsAs a brand name of BRAIN Biotech AG, Akribion Genomics focuses on developing groundbreaking CRISPR nucleases into a new class of genetics-based cancer therapies and advanced genome editing tools, powered by the BRAIN Biotech AG BioIncubator. Akribion Genomics’ flexible CRISPR-based gene editing technology platform features distinct technology families (G-dases®) with broad application in Industrial Biotechnology and Agriculture, and offers a groundbreaking technological advantage for therapeutic and diagnostic solutions.

Akribion Genomics is committed to using its technology with high ethical standards to improve products, processes and medical treatments. Its goal is to develop new treatment approaches in oncology by employing novel CRISPR technology that allows targeted cell depletion using RNA biomarkers. In addition, access to advanced CRISPR genome editing technology with freedom-to-operate will be made more feasible.

Akribion Genomics is a spin-off in founding of BRAIN Biotech AG, a renowned international group of companies providing innovative biobased products and solutions to industry.