SOHM, Inc. has secured a significant patent approval from the South Korea Patent Office for its innovative gene-editing technology, marking another milestone in the company's expansion of global intellectual property protection for its ABBIE platform. The biotechnology company received a Notice of Allowance for Patent Application No. 10-2024-7041475, covering "CAS9 Retroviral Integrase and CAS9 Recombinase Systems for Targeted Incorporation of a DNA Sequence into a Genome of a Cell or Organism."
ABBIE Platform Technology Advances
The approved patent strengthens SOHM's intellectual property portfolio around its ABBIE gene-editing platform, which represents a novel approach to genome modification by fusing dCas9 with retroviral integrases. According to Dr. David Aguilar, COO of SOHM, this technology builds on the company's growing global IP portfolio and reinforces ABBIE's potential as a first-in-class solution for site-specific integration.
The ABBIE platform addresses a critical challenge in gene editing by enabling precise, targeted incorporation of DNA sequences into specific genomic locations. This capability represents a significant advancement over traditional gene-editing approaches that often result in random integration events.
Strategic Implications for CAR-T Therapy Development
The patent approval positions SOHM to advance development of next-generation allogeneic CAR-T therapies, which require precise genetic modifications to create universal donor cells. The site-specific integration capability of the ABBIE platform could address key manufacturing and safety challenges in current CAR-T cell production processes.
Beyond CAR-T applications, the technology holds promise for regenerative medicine applications where controlled genetic modifications are essential for therapeutic efficacy and safety. The platform's precision could enable more predictable outcomes in cell engineering applications.
Global IP Strategy Expansion
This Korean patent approval follows earlier successes in Europe, demonstrating SOHM's systematic approach to building international intellectual property protection. The company emphasizes its commitment to establishing a comprehensive global intellectual property estate to secure innovations and facilitate worldwide partnerships.
SOHM operates as a biopharmaceutical company focused on developing and commercializing gene editing technologies for research, synthetic biology, and therapeutic applications. The company's strategic focus on precision medicine aims to revolutionize treatment of genetic diseases through safe, efficient, and targeted gene editing solutions.
The patent approval represents a key milestone in SOHM's efforts to advance the field of gene therapy through strategic collaborations and groundbreaking research in genome editing technologies.
