Bayer, Mammoth Biosciences ink novel gene editing technology deal

Big pharma’s Bayer AG and Mammoth Biosciences, Inc., a biotech firm that develops and discovers novel CRISPR systems, are partnering up with the goal of using Mammoth’s technology to develop in vivo gene-editing treatments.

More specifically, Mammoth Biosciences’ gene-editing technology is expected to enhance Bayer’s efforts to develop transformative therapies for patients faster and strengthen the company’s recently established new cell and gene therapy platform, Bayer executives note.

Per the terms of the agreement, the two companies will start their collaboration focusing on liver-targeted diseases. Mammoth Biosciences will receive an upfront payment of $40 million, along with potential future payments totaling $1 billion, if specific research, development and commercial milestones across five preselected in vivo indications are met.

“Bringing together Mammoth’s novel CRISPR systems with our existing gene augmentation and our induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) platforms will allow us to unleash the full potential of our cell and gene therapy strategy,” says Stefan Oelrich, member of the board of management, Bayer AG and president of Bayer’s pharma division. “Partnering with Mammoth’s cutting edge scientific team is a fundamental pillar for our company to improve the lives of patients suffering from conditions that are currently still difficult to treat.”