Intellia Therapeutics Demonstrates Pioneering CRISPR/Cas9 Genome Editing Efficiency Data Using Lipid Nanoparticle Delivery Technology

Intellia Therapeutics, Inc., a leading genome editing company focused on the development of potentially curative therapies, recently reported updated data showing increased levels of genome editing efficiency in vivo and durability results with its CRISPR/Cas9 technology, following a single administration. Using its lipid nanoparticle (LNP) technology, Intellia achieved approximately a 97% reduction in serum transthyretin (TTR) protein driven by 70% gene editing efficiency in the mouse liver.

“These results are extremely promising, as they demonstrate compelling activity with lipid nanoparticles observed in the liver following a single dose,” said Executive Vice President, R&D John Leonard, MD. “We are excited by the extent of the effect, which confirms the power of CRISPR/Cas9 for potential therapeutic uses. These high levels of gene editing are the result of Intellia’s effort to identify highly efficient delivery of CRISPR/Cas9 using lipid nanoparticles. The data advance our efforts as we look to transform the way we treat disease.”

The data were presented for the first time at the Cowen and Company 37th Annual Health Care Conference in Boston on Wednesday, March 8, 2017. Complete data are being presented on March 22, 2017, at the Le Stadium Conference on Messenger RNA Therapeutics in Orleans, France. Data showed robust editing and sustained results including:

-Progress in achieving in vivo gene editing in the TTR locus, with an efficiency of approximately 70% in the total mouse liver at the target DNA site, after a single intravenous administration (versus previously reported 60%)

-An associated decrease in serum TTR protein levels of up to approximately 97% (versus previously reported 80%)

-Undetectable Cas9 mRNA and guide RNA (gRNA) in the liver for 72 hours post administration

-Durable and stable liver editing for at least four months following a single administration

The ongoing, preclinical editing studies were designed to explore the use of lipid nanoparticles for delivery of CRISPR/Cas9 components to the liver in mice and to mediate editing of target DNA within hepatocytes. For the LNPs in the studies, Cas9 mRNA was co-formulated with chemically synthesized gRNAs targeting the mouse TTR gene, and administered via one intravenous tail vein injection. Additional studies were performed to evaluate the impact of editing of variables in guide format, degree of guide chemical modification, and dose response on editing efficiency. The durability of the liver editing was evaluated through a 4-month time period, and pharmacokinetic (PK) parameters for Cas9 mRNA and sgRNA were measured.

Intellia Therapeutics is a leading genome editing company, focused on the development of proprietary, potentially curative therapeutics using the CRISPR/Cas9 system. Intellia believes the CRISPR/Cas9 technology has the potential to transform medicine by permanently editing disease-associated genes in the human body with a single treatment course. Our combination of deep scientific, technical, and clinical development experience, along with our leading intellectual property portfolio, puts us in a unique position to unlock broad therapeutic applications of the CRISPR/Cas9 technology and create a new class of therapeutic products. For more information, visit www.intelliatx.com. Follow us on Twitter @intelliatweets.