ExpressCells Announces First Patent for Core FAST-HDR Technology

PHILADELPHIA - Jan. 19, 2021 - PRLog -- ExpressCells, Inc. ("ExpressCells"), a genetic engineering company that creates knock-in cell lines for biological research, announces the granting of the first patent for its core FAST-HDR gene editing technology. The United States Patent & Trademark Office (USPTO) issued the patent on January 5, 2021.

US Patent Number 10,883,120 covers the FAST-HDR empty vector that it is used to rapidly create donor templates for inserting DNA into the genome of mammalian cells. The donor templates are used in combination with CRISPR endonucleases to insert new genetic information into living cells by promoting a natural process called homology donor repair (HDR). This is the process that allows for faster, precise insertion of genes that tailor cells to the scientist's experiment. The inventor on the patent is ExpressCells' co-founder, Oscar Perez Leal, MD, a Scientific Advisor to ExpressCells and an Assistant Professor at Temple University School of Pharmacy. The patent is assigned to Temple University, which has granted a global, exclusive license to ExpressCells.

"The issuance of this patent strengthens ExpressCells' IP protection and confirms ExpressCells' commitment to creating cell lines " said Matt Handel, CEO of ExpressCells. "The greatest beneficiaries are the scientists who will be able to conduct faster, better research, and the patients who will one day benefit from their discoveries."

Dr. Perez added "I am gratified the USPTO has issued this patent and recognizes the unique benefits of FAST-HDR. I thank Temple University and the National Institutes of Health for supporting the research that went into this invention."

This US patent is complementary to the patents which have been filed in multiple jurisdictions globally. ExpressCells continues to support these filings.

About ExpressCells

ExpressCells uses its proprietary genome editing technology, in combination with CRISPR/Cas9, to create advanced, knock-in cell lines to enhance drug discovery and other types of biological research. The speed of the process allows ExpressCells to insert one to three genes into the same cell line up to 75% faster than other technologies.

ExpressCells sells both custom and catalog cell lines. For more information, visit https://xpresscells.com.