Editas Medicine Inc. is a biotechnology company focused on developing and commercializing genome editing technology to treat diseases caused by genetic mutations. The company was founded in 2013 by a group of scientists including Feng Zhang, a pioneer in the field of CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing. Editas is headquartered in Cambridge, Massachusetts, and has additional operations in Durham, North Carolina.
Editas is focused on developing gene editing therapies for a wide range of diseases, including cancer, genetic eye disorders, blood disorders, and neurological disorders. The company's lead program is a CRISPR-based gene editing therapy for a rare genetic eye disorder called Leber congenital amaurosis 10 (LCA10), which causes severe vision loss and blindness in children. The therapy is currently in clinical trials.
Editas has established partnerships with several pharmaceutical companies to advance its gene editing platform and develop therapies for a range of diseases. In 2019, Editas signed a collaboration agreement with Allergan to develop gene therapies for inherited retinal diseases. Editas also has collaborations with Juno Therapeutics and Sanofi.
The company's technology platform includes proprietary CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing systems and other technologies for genome engineering. Editas is focused on developing precise and efficient gene editing technologies that can be used to treat a wide range of diseases. The company's technology platform is based on a deep understanding of the molecular mechanisms of gene editing, and the company has a strong team of scientists and researchers with expertise in the field.
In addition to its gene editing programs, Editas is also focused on developing innovative technologies for gene regulation and gene therapy delivery. The company is developing new approaches for controlling gene expression and targeting specific cells and tissues for therapeutic interventions. Editas has a strong intellectual property portfolio that includes a number of patents covering its gene editing and gene regulation technologies.