Speaker: Rolf Turk, senior director of Innovation Programs at Integrated DNA Technologies

Title: Establishing sustainable solutions for CRISPR-based genome editing therapies

Abstract: Academic laboratories have long been the source of major scientific breakthroughs, including the CRISPR/Cas gene‑editing system that revolutionized the field. Despite such advances, clinical translation into patient‑impacting therapies remains challenging. Even though coordinated efforts across academia and industry enabled regulatory approval of initial CRISPR‑based treatments, broad patient access requires organizations capable of scaling discovery into manufacturable clinical solutions. Here, I present how we address this need through establishing industry-academic partnerships, which support academic researchers and advances gene‑editing technologies through converting promising concepts into usable tools for therapy developers and healthcare providers. For instance, we aim to enable faster, more cost‑effective development of cell and gene therapies via our Beacon Initiative with the Innovative Genomics Institute. I will also discuss the recent rapid creation of a personalized CRISPR therapy—completed in six months through collaboration between industry, academic clinicians, and regulatory bodies—illustrating how coordinated networks accelerate innovation and expand the future potential of genomic medicine.

Host: Josh Strable, GDCB assistant professor