Cellectis, AstraZeneca Hit with IP Suit Over Gene-Editing Technology
America ı By Rihem Akkouche
465 0 Comments
A Massachusetts-based biotech says two pharmaceutical giants are trampling its intellectual property. Factor Bioscience Inc. filed suit Friday in Delaware federal court accusing Cellectis Inc. and AstraZeneca Plc of unlawfully exploiting patented gene-editing technology that Factor claims is at the heart of next-generation cancer treatments.
The lawsuit alleges direct and indirect infringement of three U.S. patents covering messenger RNA-based TALENs — a protein engineering tool designed to rewrite human DNA with precision. Factor seeks damages and an injunction to stop further use.
“This is a David v. Goliath story,” Factor CEO Matt Angel said in a statement. “Our [mRNA] TALENs slingshot holds the key to tomorrow’s therapies. If global pharma players can poach the innovations of startups like ours, it threatens to derail life-saving research.”
MIT Roots and the Birth of a Breakthrough
Factor’s lawsuit traces its technology back to the doctoral days of co-founders Matt Angel and Christopher Rohde at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Together, they pioneered what the company calls “the first method for gene-editing human cells using mRNA.” According to the filing, the mRNA approach proved “exceptionally effective” in producing gene-edited cells encoding TALENs — shorthand for transcription activator-like effector nucleases.
By contrast, Cellectis’ 2011 licenses from the University of Minnesota and Iowa State University only covered older methods, such as DNA plasmids and viral vectors.
A Pivot After a Published Hint
Factor points to a 2013 article in Genetic Engineering & Biotechnology News. Angel was interviewed about the mRNA TALEN breakthrough, and Cellectis’ then-chief science officer Philippe Duchateau appeared in the same feature. Shortly after, the lawsuit claims, Cellectis pivoted sharply toward mRNA-based TALEN production.
Since then, Cellectis has touted mRNA TALENs in investor pitches, publications, and in its .HEAL gene therapy program, Factor says.
Deals Worth Billions
Factor alleges Cellectis has parlayed its technology into blockbuster deals. A 2014 research and licensing agreement with Pfizer carried $80 million upfront and up to $3.25 billion in milestone payments. Cellectis also secured a €20 million lump sum and $410 million in potential milestones in a deal with Les Laboratoires Servier.
The most recent tie-up came in 2023, when AstraZeneca signed a research and licensing pact worth $25 million upfront, plus as much as $2.2 billion in milestones and royalties. According to Factor, AstraZeneca has already launched “investigative activities” using the disputed mRNA TALEN platform.
FOLLOW US
Recent Posts
SpaceX, Led by Elon Musk, Prepares for $1 Trillion Public…
Decomposed Body Found in San Jose Vehicle Linked to Missing…
U.S. Unleashes Iranian-Inspired Drone in Strike Campaign
New York at Risk: 20% of the City Built on…
Is X down? Thousands of Users Report Access Problems
Judge Allows Tiger Woods to Travel Abroad for Medical Treatment
Artemis II Crew Begins 10-Day Journey Around Moon After Successful…
Don’t Miss It
Trump Threatens NATO Exit, Tells Europe to ‘Go Get Your Own Oil’
By – Tyler BrooksTrump Considers Replacing Pam Bondi with Lee Zeldin Amid Epstein Controversy Pressure
By – Tyler BrooksTrump Defends Iran War in Address but Leaves Key Questions Unanswered
By – Tyler Brooks“NEARING COMPLETION” — But The War Goes On
By – Samuel LopezHUMANITY RETURNS TO THE MOON: NASA’s Artemis II Lifts Off — First Crewed Lunar Mission In 53 Years
By – Samuel LopezWhen Allegations Become Weapons How Lawfare Is Being Used In Personal Conflicts
By – Samuel LopezAlien Intelligence vs. Artificial Intelligence Who Would Win The Ultimate Unknown Battle
By – Samuel LopezJD Vance’s Comments That UFOs Might Be Demons Ignites Debate Over Spiritual Threat vs. Extraterrestrial Theory
By – Samuel Lopez
Kelly Warner Law Firm Blames USA Herald for Arizona Bar Investigation
In what appears as a desperate attempt to defend multiple allegations of fraud on the courts, the Kelly Warner Law…
By – USA Herald
Aaron Kelly Law Firm Resorts To Attacking Former Client Again On KellyWarnerLaw.com – Pattern Recognized
Attorney Aaron Kelly and his law partner Daniel Warner are currently under investigation by the Arizona Bar for legal misconduct.…
By – Jeff Watterson
Arizona Bar Opens Investigation on Attorney Aaron Kelly
USA Herald recently reported on a developing story involving Attorneys Daniel Warner and Aaron Kelly. Both Warner and Kelly have…
By – Paul O'Neal
Psychological Warfare At Home – How Alien Narratives Could Be Used To Influence Civilian Populations
INSIDE THIS REPORT Something more sophisticated than rumor may be at play when highly provocative, unverified narratives begin surfacing from…
By – Samuel Lopez
When Speculation Turns Inward – How Alien Narratives Could Reshape Trust In Everyday Life
WHAT MATTERS NOW There is a line between curiosity and destabilization. Recent statements circulating in political and online spaces have…
By – Samuel Lopez
Lawmakers Fuel New Disclosure Speculation As Alien Claims Surface In Political Circles
WHAT MATTERS NOW A fresh wave of disclosure speculation is building after explosive remarks attributed to an Australian senator suggested…
By – Samuel Lopez
Italy Misses Third Consecutive World Cup After Shootout Loss to Bosnia-Herzegovina
Italy, four-time World Cup champions, will not feature at this year’s tournament after a heartbreaking penalty shootout defeat to Bosnia-Herzegovina,…
By – Tyler Brooks
China Steps Into Iran Conflict as Potential Peacemaker Amid Rising Oil Prices
As the conflict in the Middle East enters its second month, disrupting global energy markets and pushing oil prices higher,…
By – Tyler Brooks
Breaking News: Trump Says U.S. Will Exit Iran in Weeks, Tehran Vows to Continue Resistance
Former President Donald Trump has indicated that any U.S. military involvement in Iran could conclude within “two to three weeks.”…
By – Tyler Brooks
Breaking News: Trump Says U.S. Will Exit Iran in Weeks, Tehran Vows to Continue Resistance
Former President Donald Trump has indicated that any U.S. military involvement in Iran could conclude within “two to three weeks.”…
By – Tyler Brooks
Elephant Escape Delays Opening at New Mexico Zoo
A zoo in Albuquerque postponed its opening Sunday morning after an Asian elephant briefly left her enclosure and wandered onto…
By – Tyler BrooksINSIDE THIS REPORT A Los Angeles judge has rejected an attempt by Kim Kardashian and Kris Jenner to shield a…
By – Samuel Lopez
Crowds Gather on Florida’s Space Coast as Artemis II Launch Nears
“People going up to the Moon is kind of cool,” eight-year-old Isiah says. He is one of an estimated 400,000…
By – Tyler Brooks
Pennsylvania Traveler’s Maryland Stop Leads to $50,000 Lottery Win
EMMITSBURG, Md., March 31 — A routine stop during a family road trip turned into a $50,000 windfall for a…
By – Tyler Brooks
US Gas Prices Surpass $4 for First Time Since 2022 Amid Ongoing Iran Conflict
Gasoline prices across the United States have climbed above $4 per gallon for the first time in nearly four years,…
By – Tyler Brooks
Goliath Ventures Filed for Chapter 11 as Alleged $328M Crypto Scheme Unravels
A Florida crypto firm once promising sky-high returns has collapsed under the weight of federal scrutiny and investor outrage. Goliath…
By – Rihem Akkouche
Ohio State Suspends Fraternity After Student Hospitalization
The case now drawing attention under the headline Ohio State suspends Fraternity has cast a spotlight on campus safety, as…
By – Rachel Moore
Senate Vote on DHS Shutdown Ends Weeks-Long Standoff
The Senate vote on DHS shutdown unfolded in the early hours of Friday, bringing a dramatic pause to a 42-day…
By – Rihem Akkouche
7 Year-Old Girl Dies in Modesto Duplex Fire, Family Devastated
The 7 year-old girl dies in Modesto duplex fire tragedy has left a California community reeling after flames tore through…
By – Rachel Moore
Namibia Blocks Elon Musk’s Starlink in Licensing Setback
In a move that underscores the collision between global ambition and local policy, Namibia blocks Elon Musk’s Starlink, denying the…
By – Rachel Moore
NASA Plan for Moon Base Shifts Course in $20 Billion Lunar Pivot
In a dramatic strategic overhaul, the NASA plan for moon base is taking center stage as the agency abandons its…
By – Rachel Moore
Mike Fincke Space Medical Incident Stuns NASA as Mystery Illness Strikes in Orbit
A routine evening aboard the International Space Station turned into a moment of high-stakes uncertainty when the Mike Fincke space…
By – Rihem Akkouche
Arizona Man Accused of Crucifying Pastor Pushes Judge For A Quick Death Sentence
By Samuel A. Lopez | USA Herald – An Arizona courtroom is now the center of a deeply disturbing case…
By – Samuel Lopez
Trump’s Laser Talk Sparks New Questions About America’s Secret Arsenal
President Donald Trump has once again done what he often does best in moments of war and tension: he dropped…
By – Samuel Lopez
The Northern Lights Return
The Northern Lights have a chance to be visible from several northern U.S. states on Tuesday night, forecasters at the…
By – Jackie Allen
February Unemployment Up as Job Losses Surprise Economists
February Unemployment Up as the latest labor market data revealed weaker-than-expected job growth and a slight increase in the national…
By – Jackie Allen
Late-Night Attack by Venezuelan National at Florida Beach
A Late-night attack by a Venezuelan National has left a Florida community shaken after authorities say a 26-year-old man ambushed…
By – Jackie Allen
Oracle Announces Major Layoffs Amid Expanding AI Investments
Oracle carried out what employees described as “significant” job cuts on Tuesday, as the technology company continues to ramp up…
By – Tyler Brooks
US Gas Prices Surpass $4 for First Time Since 2022 Amid Ongoing Iran Conflict
Gasoline prices across the United States have climbed above $4 per gallon for the first time in nearly four years,…
By – Tyler Brooks
Oil Drops Below $100 as Asian Markets Rally on Hopes of Imminent End to Iran Conflict
Oil prices slipped below $100 per barrel on Wednesday, while Asian stock markets surged after President Donald Trump indicated the…
By – Tyler Brooks
China Rations Gold Access As Global Tensions Rise And Supply Questions Intensify
INSIDE THIS REPORT Something unusual is happening inside China’s financial system—and it’s not subtle. When one of the world’s largest…
By – Samuel Lopez
Immersive Domes Aim to Redefine Live Entertainment Experience
LAS VEGAS — Beneath a ceiling filled with digital stars, Danielle Renee stood transfixed inside the Las Vegas Sphere as…
By – Tyler Brooks
Asian Airlines Scramble as Fuel Surge Triggers Emergency Measures
Korean Air has activated emergency management protocols as soaring jet fuel costs, driven by the ongoing US-Israel war with Iran,…
By – Tyler Brooks
Health Insurers 19% Claims Refusal Raises Alarm Across ACA Marketplace
A new analysis reveals a striking reality: health insurers 19% claims refusal has become a defining feature of coverage on…
By – Rachel Moore
Hospitals Threatened by Medicaid Cuts Face Growing Crisis Nationwide
A sweeping new analysis warns that hospitals threatened by Medicaid cuts are edging toward a breaking point, with hundreds of…
By – Rachel Moore
Isometric Workouts Gain Attention as Time-Efficient Path to Better Health
For many people, fitness conjures images of long hours spent running on treadmills, powering through burpees or lifting heavy weights.…
By – Tyler Brooks
How Much Screen Time Is Safe for Kids Under Five?
New government guidance recommends that children under five should spend no more than one hour a day on screens, while…
By – Tyler Brooks
New Therapies Offer Hope for Lasting Relief From Hay Fever
A new generation of treatments is renewing hopes that seasonal allergies could one day be controlled at their source, rather…
By – Tyler Brooks
Five Practical Ways Parents Can Curb Kids’ Endless Scrolling
A recent U.S. court decision finding that Meta and Google deliberately engineered addictive social media platforms has resonated with many…
By – Tyler Brooks
Men’s March Madness Elite 8 Delivers High-Stakes Drama as Title Race Tightens
The madness is reaching its boiling point. The Men’s March Madness Elite 8 has arrived, trimming the 2026 NCAA Tournament…
By – Rihem Akkouche
The World Cup Security Reckoning: Trump Warns Iran Soccer Team About Safety As War Tensions Spill Into Global Sports
By Samuel A. Lopez | USA Herald – A short Truth-Social post from President Donald Trump on Thursday morning is now…
By – Samuel Lopez
Late-Night Attack by Venezuelan National at Florida Beach
A Late-night attack by a Venezuelan National has left a Florida community shaken after authorities say a 26-year-old man ambushed…
By – Jackie Allen
Trump’s War in Iran: Congress Confronts Escalation After U.S. Strikes
Trump’s War in Iran was triggered open conflict, casualties, and renewed constitutional debate in Washington. The crisis intensified following reports…
By – Jackie Allen
Cadillac Names Inaugural Formula 1 Car MAC-26 in Tribute to Mario Andretti Ahead of 2026 Australian Grand Prix Debut
Cadillac has officially revealed the name of its first Formula 1 challenger, confirming that its 2026 car will be called…
By – Ahmed Boughalleb
Norway Tops Medal Table After Day 13 at 2026 Winter Olympics as Team USA Surges Into Second Place
With 13 days complete at the 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Olympics, Norway sits atop the overall medal standings, collecting 34…
By – Ahmed BoughallebNo posts found.
No posts found.
No comments yet. Be the first to comment!
