Caribou Biosciences (NSDQ:CRBU) has announced the publication of data showing that its CRISPR hybrid RNA-DNA (chRDNA) guide technology supports better CRISPR associated protein 9 (Cas9) specificity compared with all-RNA guides. The Berkeley, California–based company’s technology thus enabled accuracy in intended genomic edits in cells while minimizing off-target events. 

High Cas9 specificity is useful in the development of therapeutics. 

In an article in Molecular Cell, report authors concluded that the findings “pave the way for utilizing customized chRDNAs in clinical applications.”

Steve Kanner

Caribou is developing allogeneic CAR-T cell therapies with multiple genome edits as potential therapies for hematologic malignancies. “By altering the position and number of DNA residues in our chRDNA guides, we readily achieve optimal on-target editing and minimize unintended off-target edits that may be problematic in therapeutic applications,” said Steve Kanner, Caribou’s chief scientific officer, in a statement.

In separate news, the company announced that it had dosed the first patient in the ANTLER Phase 1 clinical study focused on CB-010 in relapsed or refractory B cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma. The company expects data from that trial in 2022. 

The company is also partnering with AbbVie (NYSE:ABBV) on two allogeneic CAR-T programs and has three proprietary allogeneic cell therapy candidates in development. 

CRBU shares ticked up 2.19% apiece to $29.12 in Friday afternoon trading. 

Earlier this year, Caribou raised $304 million earlier this year via an initial public offering.

More recently, it added a new member to its board of directors.