USPTO issues patent to Precision BioSciences' engineered meganucleases

Precision BioSciences, Inc., today announced that the United States Patent and Trademark Office (PTO) has issued U.S. Pat. No. 8,021,867 ("the '867 patent"). The '867 patent is owned by Duke University and exclusively licensed to Precision BioSciences. The '867 patent claims engineered meganucleases with altered DNA-cleavage specificity as well as modified DNA-binding affinity and/or modified dimerization properties.

"We are thrilled by the PTO's decision to issue these foundational claims directed towards our engineered meganucleases," said Jeff Smith, CSO of Precision BioSciences. "It is extremely gratifying to have the core of our DNE meganuclease technology protected by a U.S. patent."

"We believe that this patent grant strengthens Precision's leadership position in the field of engineered meganucleases," stated Derek Jantz, VP of Scientific Development at Precision. "We look forward to the continued development and commercialization of greatly needed new technologies and products stemming from our proprietary DNE technology."