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Metagenomi
Metagenomi uses metagenomics to discover novel CRISPR gene-editing tools for therapeutics, backed by $175M Series B.
Metagenomi
Metagenomi was founded by Brian Thomas and is headquartered in the San Francisco Bay Area. The company emerged from the labs of founders who pioneered metagenomic discovery of CRISPR enzymes. Its mission is to build a toolkit of next-generation gene editors for treating genetic diseases. The company's strategy combines computational metagenomics with high-throughput screening to identify natural gene-editing systems. Metagenomi targets both in vivo and ex vivo therapeutic applications. Its pipeline includes programs in rare genetic diseases and oncology. The company engages in partnerships, including a collaboration with Ionis Pharmaceuticals to develop gene-editing therapies (per Ionis, 2021). Asset classes include early-stage therapeutic development, with a focus on CRISPR, base editing, and RNA editing technologies. As of 2022, the company reported having over 60 employees. Its headquarters are in Emeryville, California. Metagenomi has not disclosed a total deployment figure. The company has no publicly listed additional offices or adjacent investment vehicles. No recent operational events from the last 24 months are verifiable in public record. Metagenomi's structural differentiator is its proprietary metagenomics discovery engine. The company does not license existing CRISPR systems but discovers them directly from environmental samples. This gives it a library of nucleases with potentially unique properties, including smaller size and better targeting, which could address limitations of CRISPR-Cas9.
General information
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other
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Undisclosed
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Frequently asked questions
Who founded Metagenomi?
Metagenomi was founded by Brian Thomas, with roots in metagenomic research. The company's scientific founders include researchers who developed methods for discovering CRISPR systems from environmental DNA.
How is Metagenomi's gene-editing technology different from CRISPR-Cas9?
Metagenomi's platform discovers novel nucleases from microbial communities in nature, rather than licensing existing CRISPR systems. This yields proprietary enzymes with potentially improved delivery and targeting properties compared to Cas9.
What is Metagenomi's primary business strategy?
The company develops in vivo and ex vivo gene-editing therapies for genetic diseases and oncology. It partners with pharmaceutical companies for development, such as its collaboration with Ionis Pharmaceuticals to develop therapies for undisclosed targets (per Ionis, 2021).
Is Metagenomi publicly traded?
No. Metagenomi remains a privately held company. It raised a Series B round in 2021, with participation from Temasek, Wellington Management, and other investors. The company has not announced any IPO plans.
Which investors have backed Metagenomi?
Notable investors include Temasek and Wellington Management, who co-led the Series B round. Other participants in the company's financing rounds have included various life sciences venture capital firms, though specific names are not fully disclosed.
What therapeutic areas does Metagenomi focus on?
Metagenomi's pipeline targets rare genetic diseases, with potential applications in hematology, central nervous system disorders, and oncology. It focuses on conditions where gene editing could provide a durable cure.
How does Metagenomi's metagenomics approach reduce risk?
By discovering hundreds of unique gene-editing systems from diverse environments, Metagenomi can select pre-formed, naturally evolved tools rather than engineering them. This may reduce the time required for optimization and improve therapeutic outcomes.
Profile maintained by Altss using OSINT (open-source intelligence), regulatory filings, licensed data partners, and verified direct submissions. Read the methodology. Last updated: . Continuous refresh with full update cycles at least every 30 days.
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