The European Patent Office has granted BRAIN Biotech a patent for its CRISPR-BMC nuclease technology, designated as EP4301852 B1. This patent covers a novel family of CRISPR nucleases known as BMC® (BRAIN Metagenome Cas), which demonstrate high activity in both prokaryotic and eukaryotic organisms. The technology facilitates efficient double-strand breaks at specific genomic locations, enabling targeted modifications to organism properties.
CRISPR-BMC technology allows for precise genome editing across a broad spectrum of organisms, including bacteria, yeasts, fungi, plants, and mammalian cells. This system complements BRAIN Biotech's proprietary BEC® nucleases, forming part of the company's portfolio of genome-editing tools developed through its BRAINBioIncubator. The company applies this technology to optimize microbial production strains such as E. coli, Bacillus, Pichia, and Aspergillus for manufacturing biomolecules like enzymes, proteins, and small molecules.
The patent grant represents a significant milestone for BRAIN Biotech, securing freedom to utilize the technology in both internal research and customer projects. It unlocks substantial commercial potential through expanded licensing activities. The company has already licensed the technology to various firms and plans to extend these efforts. Adriaan Moelker, CEO of BRAIN Biotech, emphasized that the patented technology helps make microorganism-based manufacturing processes more cost-effective and supports a versatile business model applicable across multiple sectors.
Alexander Pelzer, Head of R&D at BRAIN Biotech Zwingenberg, noted that CRISPR-BMC accelerates the development of production organisms and customer strain development due to its speed and precision. The company leverages decades of molecular biology and microbiology expertise to ensure reliable technology implementation in diverse organisms. The patent is effective as of March 18, 2026, in European Unitary Patent countries, Great Britain, and Switzerland, with pending applications in key regions like the USA and Japan. Additional patents are being pursued for other nucleases within the BMC® family.
For business and technology leaders, this development highlights advancements in biotechnological tools that can streamline industrial bioprocesses, reduce production costs, and foster innovation in sustainable manufacturing. The expansion of CRISPR-BMC licensing may influence sectors reliant on microbial production, such as pharmaceuticals, agriculture, and biofuels, by providing more efficient strain optimization solutions. This patent strengthens BRAIN Biotech's position in the competitive enzyme and biological solutions market, potentially driving further research and commercial partnerships. The company's focus on scalable bioprocesses and specialty enzymes aligns with growing industry demands for sustainable and efficient production methods. More information about BRAIN Biotech is available at https://www.brain-biotech-group.com.
