iNtRON Bio Files Two Patent Applications for IMPA™ Platform-Based Gene Editing Technology
Boston and Seoul, South Korea – August 26, 2025
iNtRON Bio has announced the filing of two new patent applications centered on its IMPA™ gene editing platform. Building on a recent U.S. patent application related to colorectal cancer diagnostics and therapeutics using the IMPA™ phage engineering technology, the company has developed and sought protection for advanced gene-editing technologies targeting Pasteurella bacteriophages.
Breakthrough in Gene-Editing for Pasteurella Bacteriophages
The new patents focus on leveraging CRISPR-Cas9 and recombination-based methods to edit the capsid proteins of bacteriophages that infect Pasteurella strains. These gene edits enable the creation of modular phages capable of incorporating multiple payloads such as foreign proteins or novel capsid components. This foundational technology facilitates an array of genetic engineering applications, including precise gene manipulation and protein labeling within bacteriophages.
Innovative Use of AI and Omics Data
iNtRON Bio has utilized its proprietary integrated database (IDB) which houses over 11,000 bacteriophage records and more than 600 whole genome sequences. By applying AI-driven analyses and multi-omics data interpretation, the company identified new genetic resources compatible with CRISPR-Cas9 and recombination systems. These resources have been implemented into the IMPA™ platform, enhancing bacteriophage editing capabilities.
This approach is anticipated to serve as a core technology platform for developing advanced anti-cancer drugs and vaccines in the future.
Novel Plasmid Systems Enhance Editing Efficiency
The patents detail the creation of specialized plasmids that allow targeted gene manipulation of bacteriophages without compromising their infectivity. One plasmid system delivers specific genetic edits at predetermined sites, maximizing editing precision. Another plasmid system supports a recombination mechanism enabling faster genetic modifications.
Notably, this represents the first reported successful gene editing of Pasteurella bacteriophages using CRISPR-Cas9 and recombination techniques globally, marking a significant milestone in bacteriophage biotechnology.
Industry Implications and Future Prospects
Jisu Son, Head of the Business Development Division at iNtRON Bio, emphasized the technology’s potential to extend beyond bacteriophage use as mere antibiotic alternatives. He stated, "With this patented IMPA™ gene editing technology, we can evolve bacteriophages into versatile platforms for targeted therapeutics and vaccines that selectively label peptides or proteins for specific diseases. This technology holds vast application potential across the pharmaceutical industry."
Son also noted plans to expand these editing techniques to bacteriophages infecting bacteria other than Pasteurella, aiming to discover novel drug candidates with improved efficacy.
Strengthening IMPA™ Platform and Vision Ahead
CEO Kyung Won Yoon highlighted that the dual patent filings not only fortify the IMPA™ platform’s existing technology but also broaden its technical applications and differentiation. "By prioritizing rapid patent registration in Korea and preparing for PCT filings, we are reinforcing the robustness of our IMPA™ phage engineering technology. This foundation will accelerate the development of future therapeutics including antibody-drug conjugates (ADC), cancer treatments, and vaccines," Yoon explained.
Contact Information
For further details:
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Kyung Won Yoon (Kevin), CEO, Vice President
Email: kwyoon@intron.co.kr -
Tae Kyu Shin (TK), Business Development Team Leader
Email: tkshin@intron.co.kr
Website: www.intodeworld.com
Source: PR Newswire via Tirto.id
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