Locus Biosciences

Overview

Locus Biosciences is a biotechnology company that designs precision bacteriophage therapies using CRISPR technology, specifically targeting resistant bacterial pathogens. Founded in 2015 by Paul Garofolo, Rodolphe Barrangou, and Andrew Conrad, the company is headquartered in Research Triangle Park, North Carolina. Its innovative platform is centered around the CRISPR-Cas3 enzyme, which allows for precise targeting of bacterial DNA. As of 2024, Locus Biosciences has successfully raised over $136 million through various funding rounds to support its development programs.

Recent Developments

January 2024: Locus Biosciences announced the receipt of $23.9 million from the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA) to advance their CRISPR-Cas3 enhanced bacteriophage therapy, LBP-EC01, into the second part of the Phase 2 ELIMINATE trial for treating urinary tract infections caused by E. coli.
May 2022: The company raised $35 million in funding to support the advancement of their therapeutic pipeline, particularly focusing on their lead candidate LBP-EC01 for E. coli-induced UTIs, and expanding its discovery and production capabilities.
2020-2021: Locus entered into significant partnerships, including a collaboration with CARB-X to develop CRISPR-enhanced therapies targeting antibiotic-resistant bacteria such as Klebsiella pneumoniae.

Attribute	Information
Founding Date	2015
Headquarters	Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
Founders	Paul Garofolo, Rodolphe Barrangou, Andrew Conrad
Revenue	Not publicly disclosed
Profits	Not publicly disclosed
Key Investors	BARDA, CARB-X, Johnson & Johnson's Janssen Pharmaceuticals
Industry	Biotechnology
Number of Employees	Approximately 80 by end of 2021

Early History

Locus Biosciences was born out of research conducted at North Carolina State University, building on early advancements in CRISPR technologies. The founders, driven by a mission to tackle the growing problem of antibiotic-resistant infections, aimed to develop next-generation precision antibacterials. Early on, the company secured important partnerships and capital, positioning itself at the forefront of CRISPR therapeutic development with its CRISPR-Cas3 system, distinct from the more commonly known Cas9 technique. This foundational work facilitated the rapid progression to clinical-stage development.

Company Profile and Achievements

Locus Biosciences has carved its niche in the biotechnology landscape by focusing on CRISPR-based antibacterial therapies. The CRISPR-Cas3 technology forms the backbone of its therapeutic offerings, enabling precise and effective targeting of pathogenic bacteria without disrupting the normal microbiome.

2019: The company struck a significant deal with Janssen Pharmaceuticals potentially worth $818 million, enhancing its development capacity.
2020: Partnered with BARDA, obtaining funding for the development of LBP-EC01.
2022: Successfully completed initial clinical trials, showing positive outcomes for the safety and efficacy of its CRISPR-enhanced bacteriophage therapies.

Current Operations and Market Position

Currently, Locus Biosciences is recognized for its innovative approach within the CRISPR therapeutic sector, particularly amongst firms addressing bacterial infections and antimicrobial resistance. Its strategic partnerships and funding from agencies like BARDA allow it to maintain a competitive edge, especially in the microbiome and infectious disease markets. The company continues to focus on expanding its product pipeline and is anticipated to launch its flagship products within the coming years.

Conclusion

Locus Biosciences exemplifies the potential impact of CRISPR-based technologies in combating bacterial diseases. As the demand for novel antimicrobial therapies grows amid global health challenges, the company is well-positioned to contribute significantly to this field. Moving forward, its continued partnerships and successful trials will likely cement its status as a leader in CRISPR-enhanced bacteriophage therapies, promising substantial advancements in addressing antibiotic resistance globally.