Name of Scheme

Codon Deoptimization Method

External Deadline

Internal Deadline


[Licensing negotiation in progress]

[Invitation for Expression of Interest- Deadline: 8 July 2023]

Invitation for Expression of Interest for “Codon Deoptimization Method” Technology

We are inviting expressions of interest (EoI) for commercializing “Codon Deoptimization Method” technology.  The innovation is developed by Professor Maggie Haitian WANG, Professor of The Jockey Club School of Public Health and Primary Care of The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK Reference: 21/MED/1052).


The Technology

In genome, a given amino acid may be encoded by multiple codons, and the usage of these codons influences replicative fitness of the pathogen in organisms. This invention describes a novel codon deoptimization and optimization strategy to generate modulated sequences for more effective vaccine manufacturing. The framework includes four parts that can be used separately or jointly, including: (1) position-based codon deoptimization; (2) position-based codon optimization; (3) k-mer segment-based codon replacement (kSCR); and (4) Interaction-based codon deoptimization. The framework solves the codon replacement problem from a new perspective by dissecting the genetic architecture of the target genome, therefore, it provides a more efficiently deoptimized or optimized sequence. The framework can be flexibly applied to meet different genetic engineering objectives, particularly, designing de-optimized pathogen sequences as antigens with improved safety and stability for live-attenuated vaccines, and designing optimized sequences for different virus expression vectors to improve production yields. 

Commercialization

The technology is now available for licensing on an exclusive basis.  In order to fully realize the benefit of the technology, we expect substantial investment is necessary to enable further research and development.  In addition to the financial commitment, the licensee is expected to have the appropriate expertise as well as plans in marketing and strategizing the end product to ensure successful transfer of the technology to the society.  Previous or existing business involvement and experience in this area is a plus.

This invitation of expression of interest is without prejudice.  We also stress that this invitation is not a tender, and the University is not bound to accept any offer, or to accept the highest monetary offer, as there are additional considerations (such as the widest possible benefit to the community) that we, as a public institution, will need to take into consideration.

Name of Scheme

Codon Deoptimization Method

Description

[Licensing negotiation in progress]

[Invitation for Expression of Interest- Deadline: 8 July 2023]

Invitation for Expression of Interest for “Codon Deoptimization Method” Technology

We are inviting expressions of interest (EoI) for commercializing “Codon Deoptimization Method” technology.  The innovation is developed by Professor Maggie Haitian WANG, Professor of The Jockey Club School of Public Health and Primary Care of The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK Reference: 21/MED/1052).


The Technology

In genome, a given amino acid may be encoded by multiple codons, and the usage of these codons influences replicative fitness of the pathogen in organisms. This invention describes a novel codon deoptimization and optimization strategy to generate modulated sequences for more effective vaccine manufacturing. The framework includes four parts that can be used separately or jointly, including: (1) position-based codon deoptimization; (2) position-based codon optimization; (3) k-mer segment-based codon replacement (kSCR); and (4) Interaction-based codon deoptimization. The framework solves the codon replacement problem from a new perspective by dissecting the genetic architecture of the target genome, therefore, it provides a more efficiently deoptimized or optimized sequence. The framework can be flexibly applied to meet different genetic engineering objectives, particularly, designing de-optimized pathogen sequences as antigens with improved safety and stability for live-attenuated vaccines, and designing optimized sequences for different virus expression vectors to improve production yields. 

Commercialization

The technology is now available for licensing on an exclusive basis.  In order to fully realize the benefit of the technology, we expect substantial investment is necessary to enable further research and development.  In addition to the financial commitment, the licensee is expected to have the appropriate expertise as well as plans in marketing and strategizing the end product to ensure successful transfer of the technology to the society.  Previous or existing business involvement and experience in this area is a plus.

This invitation of expression of interest is without prejudice.  We also stress that this invitation is not a tender, and the University is not bound to accept any offer, or to accept the highest monetary offer, as there are additional considerations (such as the widest possible benefit to the community) that we, as a public institution, will need to take into consideration.

Category

N/A

For inquiries about licensing opportunity, contact

Paul Cheung

Office of Research and Knowledge Transfer Services

Paulcheung@cuhk.edu.hk

Inventors

WANG Maggie Haitian

ZHENG Hong

ZEE Benny Chung-Ying

Keywords

N/A