Horizon, Desktop Genetics In CRISPR Platform Pact

Horizon Discovery has entered into a collaboration agreement with Desktop Genetics for the development of a CRISPR design platform. Horizon will use the platform to identify the best guide-RNAs in the human genome for gene-editing tasks as part of its GENESIS suite of gene technologies.
 
Desktop Genetics will design and implement algorithms for the new platform based on Horizon’s CRISPR knowledge. Horizon licensed the CRISPR gene editing technology from Harvard University in September 2013.
 
“Horizon is placing significant investment in ensuring our scientists and customers have access to the best gene editing technology, or combination of technologies, to most effectively achieve their goals,” said Eric Rhodes, chief technology officer, Horizon Discovery. “We are committed to ensuring that we continue to be able to offer our customers a best-in-class solution for their research needs.”
 
Riley Doyle, chief executive officer of Desktop Genetics, said, “Desktop Genetics develops novel software tools that are optimized for applications in gene expression, antibody engineering, cell line development, functional genomics, gene-editing and protein production. We are excited to be working with Horizon, a leader in its field, on its application of the cutting-edge CRISPR technology, and on expanding our offerings in the growing fields of genome and cell line engineering.”