Biologically Inspired Engineering, synbio, synthetic biology, crispr
Simons Chase 
The field of gene editing has taken a leap forward with the recent approvals of two CRISPR-based drugs, Casgevy and Lyfgenia, for the treatment of sickle cell disease (SCD). These groundbreaking therapies offer potential for treating this previously incurable disease, generating excitement and hope for patients and the science around gene editing. The Money Pricing: … Read more
There are 37 trillion or so cells in our bodies that work together to give us life. But it may surprise you that we still haven’t put a good number on how many distinct cell types there are within those trillions of cells. That’s why in 2016 a team of researchers from around the globe … Read more
Synthetic.com’s publisher and editor, Simons Chase, interviews Matthew McKnight. Matt is the Chief Commercial Officer of Ginkgo Bioworks where he also leads the company’s biosecurity platform, Concentric by Ginkgo. Prior to Ginkgo, Matt spent 7 years as an investor at IndUS Growth Partners and was the President and COO of Decision Resources Group. He has … Read more
BGI Group, a Chinese gene company, is collecting genetic data through prenatal tests from women in more than 50 countries for research on the traits of populations, raising concern that such a large DNA database could give China a technological advantage and the strategic edge to dominate global pharmaceuticals, according to a recent news report. … Read more
Genome Medical, a genomic care delivery company, today announced that it will acquire GeneMatters, a telehealth genetic counseling and software solutions company. The company also announced the closing of a $60 million Series C financing to accelerate commercial traction and advance its mission to advance genomic medicine. “The addition of GeneMatters, along with our … Read more
Verve Therapeutics, a biotech company innovating new approaches to the care of cardiovascular disease with single-course gene editing medicines, announced terms for its $201 million IPO on today. Insiders Wellington Management and Casdin Capital and new investor Fidelity have indicated an interest in purchasing up to an aggregate $75 million worth of shares in the … Read more
Scientists have identified more than 1,000 potential new biomarkers for cancer that they hope will aid in the early detection of many of these complex diseases, including one of the most challenging, pancreatic cancer. In the alternate universe of reward-sensitive entrepreneurs, Jo Bhakdi has rolled out a new liquid biopsy product that detects potentially cancerous … Read more
Cancer’s craftiness is perhaps on its greatest display in the cases when genetic lesions in cancer stop a person’s genes from working. Losing certain genes (tumor suppressors) that are designed to prevent uncontrolled cell growth suggests cancer has more up its sleeve than random linear growth. Some scientists believe cancers act more like parasites that … Read more
Ginkgo Bioworks, Inc.’s (“Ginkgo”) founders have been working together for nearly twenty years since they first met at MIT. They launched Ginkgo in 2008 with the consistent goal of developing a platform that makes cell programming easier for their customers and partners. Ginkgo’s platform leverages advanced robotic automation, proprietary software, and data analytics to continuously … Read more
Shape Therapeutics (ShapeTX) is developing a new generation of gene therapies for some of the most daunting genetic. Its RNA technologies leverage machinery already present in human cells to correct genetic mutations, while avoiding immunogenicity and DNA damage. This process aims provide safer treatments that work with the body, not against it. Here is how … Read more