NEW YORK (GenomeWeb) – Editas Medicine announced it has signed a three-year collaboration agreement with Cystic Fibrosis Foundation Therapeutics.
Under the terms of the agreement, CFFT will pay Editas up to $5 million to support discovery and development of CRISPR/Cas9-based therapies for cystic fibrosis. CFFT will also provide its network of experts to Editas. On its end, Editas has agreed to explore common mutations driving the disease as well as those not currently addressed.
"We believe that the CRISPR approach to gene editing holds significant promise for repairing the underlying cause of cystic fibrosis," CF Foundation President and CEO Preston Campbell III said in a statement. "We're pleased to work with Editas Medicine and are excited by the possibilities of what can be accomplished on behalf of people with CF."
Cystic fibrosis is caused by a mutation to a gene encoding a transmembrane protein that regulates water balance within the lungs and other tissues. There are more than 1,800 known mutations to the gene, which can lead to a buildup of mucus and inflammation, among other symptoms.
CFFT is a non-profit organization focused on drug discovery and development, affiliated with the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.