Next generation CRISPR technology for programmed cell death. Focused on developing therapies for infectious disease and the microbiome.

Locus Biosciences’ novel approach to precision antimicrobials works by taking advantage of a part of an immune system present in many bacteria called the CRISPR-Cas system. The CRISPR-Cas system protects bacteria from invaders such as viruses by creating small strands of RNA called CRISPR RNAs, which match DNA sequences specific to a given invader. When the CRISPR RNAs find a match, they activate Cas proteins that cut the DNA.

Locus Biosciences has developed a platform to design and deliver custom CRISPR-Cas systems directly to specific bacteria. Guided by the custom Locus Bio CRISPRs, the Type-I Cas proteins work to destroy bacterial DNA and cause the bacterial targets to “self-destruct”. Locus’ platform enables the development of antimicrobials which avoid currently known resistance mechanisms while leaving non-target bacteria unharmed.