Part 2/7:
The essence of ZFN technology lies in its precision to edit DNA, making it a promising tool in developing advanced therapies for cancers. Gilead appears to prefer this route over CRISPR technology, as ZFN has a more established safety profile based on two decades of research. Sangamo’s technology has been utilized in over 100 patients, while CRISPR is still in the early stages of clinical trials.
Gilead's move follows their acquisition of Kite Pharma, with which they acquired access to CAR-T therapy. With the new partnership with Sangamo, the potential exists to create off-the-shelf gene therapies that would eliminate the cumbersome process of reengineering patients' T-cells.