BRAIN Biotech AG´s Akribion Genomics team wins first prize at the “BioRiver Boost!” startup competition

Zwingenberg (Germany), 28 September 2023 – BRAIN Biotech AG is pleased to announce that its Akribion Genomics team has won the first prize in the “BioRiver Boost! 2023” startup competition for life science founders. The jury awarded the prize for the team’s pitch presentation and overall concept to turn CRISPR-based cell killing tools into a new therapeutics approach for oncology. This year’s “BioRiver Boost!” was the 10^th instalment of the annual startup competition for European startups across all life science fields.

The Akribion Genomics team is developing cytotoxic nucleases into a new class of guided cancer therapies and advanced genome editing tools, today powered by the BRAIN Biotech AG BioIncubator. Due to the novel mode of action of its proprietary nuclease G-dase E® (previously termed “BEC”), the Akribion Genomics team is capable of developing visionary options for novel therapeutic applications. This potential was recognized during the “BioRiver Boost!” competition, in which Akribion Genomics was selected to be among the 8 finalists to present their pitch in person. The final pitches round took place on September 22^nd, 2023. It was hosted by Bayer Crop Science in their LifeHub in Monheim am Rhein.

Adriaan Moelker, CEO of BRAIN Biotech AG, comments: "Congratulations to our colleagues in the Akribion Genomics team, who have developed the concept over the last years and are currently working hard to bring it to life. This award further underscores the commercial relevance of our proprietary G-dase® technology, in therapeutics and beyond. We remain in active discussions with potential financial and strategic partners to accelerate therapeutic applications within Akribion Genomics, with the intention to found a separate legal entity. BRAIN Biotech will also continue to use the technology for the benefit of its customers from industry.”

Michael Krohn, one of the two designated CEOs of Akribion Genomics, says: “Winning the first prize in this competition has been a great success for all of us. The confirmation from the experienced jury that our project has a high probability of success and great potential for development into a marketable technology was a major factor in this. A big thank you goes to the jury and to the organizers at BioRiver – this was a great event!”

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Photo for the press: (download: )

Capture: From left to right: Dr. Frauke Hangen (BioRiver), Andreas Reichert (Lumatix), Dr Oliver Grünvogel (Akribion Genomics), Dr. Bettina Möckel (Qiagen) and Dr Michael Krohn (Akribion Genomics) at the BioRiver Boost! 2023 award ceremony in Monheim. © BioRiver – Life Science im Rheinland e.V.
 

About Akribion Genomics
As a brand name of BRAIN Biotech AG, Akribion Genomics focuses on developing groundbreaking CRISPR nucleases into a new class of genetics-based cancer therapies and advanced genome editing tools, powered by the BRAIN Biotech Group BioIncubator. Akribion Genomics’ flexible CRISPR-based gene editing technology platform features distinct technology families (G-dases®) with broad application in Industrial Biotechnology and Agriculture, and offers a groundbreaking technological advantage for therapeutic and diagnostic solutions.

Akribion Genomics is committed to using its technology with high ethical standards to improve products, processes and medical treatments. Its goal is to develop new treatment approaches in oncology by employing novel CRISPR technology that allows targeted cell depletion using RNA biomarkers. In addition, access to advanced CRISPR genome editing technology with freedom-to-operate will be made more feasible.

Akribion Genomics is a spin-off in founding of BRAIN Biotech AG, a renowned international group of companies providing innovative biobased products and solutions to industry.

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About BRAIN Biotech
BRAIN Biotech AG is a leading European supplier of biobased products and solutions such as enzymes and proteins, microbial production strains, natural compounds and biotechnological solutions for more sustainable industrial processes. The company focuses on the fields of nutrition, health and environment.

BRAIN Biotech AG is the parent company of the international BRAIN Biotech Group. The Group's business activities are divided into three segments: The BioProducts segment comprises the product business with specialty enzymes and other proteins, for which the Group operates fermentation facilities in the United Kingdom and production facilities in continental Europe and the United States. The BioScience segment offers research-intensive custom solutions based on enzyme technology, strain development, bioprocess development and natural product screening. The BioIncubator segment conducts its own R&D projects or those initiated with partners with high value-added potential. A particularly promising incubator project is the development of the Company's own CRISPR-based gene editing technology platform, which is currently being established and expanded by Akribion Genomics (in foundation planning).

Through its own R&D activities, BRAIN Biotech Group is continuously expanding its product portfolio in the field of specialty enzymes and small molecules. The latter are the starting point for screenings, e.g. for novel drug candidates for pharmaceutical applications.

BRAIN Biotech AG has been listed on the Prime Standard of the Frankfurt Stock Exchange since February 9, 2016 (ticker symbol: BNN; securities identification number: ISIN DE0005203947 / WKN 520394). The company employs approximately 330 people and generated revenues of EUR 49.5 million in the fiscal year 2021/22.

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