Loading organizations...
Loading organizations...
Precision BioSciences is a biotechnology company that develops a novel class of medicines utilizing its proprietary ARCUS genome editing technology. The company focuses on differentiated in vivo gene editing programs, leveraging ARCUS for therapeutic gene insertion or the precise excision of large defective gene sequences. This platform aims to address various diseases through advanced genetic modifications.
The company was founded in 2006 by Jeff Smith, Ph.D., and Derek Jantz, Ph.D. Their collaboration began in 2004 as postdoctoral fellows at Duke University, where their foundational discovery related to the ARCUS genome editing platform provided the initial insight for establishing Precision BioSciences. This groundbreaking work laid the groundwork for their efforts in therapeutic gene editing.
Precision BioSciences directs its efforts toward patients afflicted with diseases that stand to benefit from therapeutic gene insertion or excision. The company's overarching mission is "Dedicated to Improving Life," aspiring to make a profound impact on such conditions by employing its ARCUS technology to develop potentially curative genetic therapies.
Precision BioSciences has raised $176.0M across 3 funding rounds.
Precision BioSciences has raised $176.0M in total across 3 funding rounds.
Precision BioSciences has raised $176.0M in total across 3 funding rounds.
Precision BioSciences's investors include venBio, Amgen Ventures, Baxter Ventures, Ben Auspitz, Longevity Fund, Osage University Partners.
Precision BioSciences (NASDAQ: DTIL) is a clinical-stage biotechnology company developing advanced gene-editing therapies for genetic diseases, oncology, and chronic infections like hepatitis B using its proprietary ARCUS genome editing platform.[1][2][3] The platform enables precise DNA modifications—insertions, deletions, or repairs—for both ex vivo applications like allogeneic CAR-T immunotherapies and in vivo treatments targeting complex genetic conditions, serving patients with hard-to-treat diseases through potentially curative, one-time therapies.[2][3][4] With a diversified pipeline, scalable in-house manufacturing, and a strong IP portfolio of over 100 patents, the company reported a balance sheet providing over two years of runway as of late 2022, while advancing clinical programs and securing collaborations like the 2023 licensing of its lead CAR-T to Imugene.[2][4]
Precision BioSciences was founded in 2006 by Jeff Smith, Ph.D., and Derek Jantz, Ph.D., postdoctoral fellows at Duke University who discovered the foundational technology for the ARCUS genome editing platform before Thanksgiving 2004.[4] Early successes applied ARCUS to editing crop plants like corn, soybeans, and cotton, leading to the 2021 spin-out of Elo Life Systems for food and agriculture applications.[4] The company pivoted to human therapeutics as gene editing advanced from concept to clinical reality, building a platform unencumbered by third-party IP and focusing on safety-enhanced nucleases for diseases once considered untreatable.[2][4]
Precision BioSciences rides the gene editing wave, pioneering next-generation therapeutics amid surging demand for curative in vivo treatments for rare genetic diseases and chronic infections like HBV, where traditional drugs fall short.[3][4] Timing aligns with rapid clinical progress—moving ARCUS from plant editing to human trials—fueled by market forces like FDA approvals for gene therapies and investor interest in platforms with superior safety profiles over CRISPR competitors.[2][4] By focusing post-2023 on in vivo programs after CAR-T licensing, it influences the ecosystem through IP leadership, spin-outs like Elo, and collaborations that expand ARCUS applications, accelerating adoption in a market projected to transform medicine.[1][2][4]
Precision is poised to advance its first in vivo gene editing programs to the clinic in 2023 priorities, targeting serious genetic diseases and HBV with ARCUS's differentiated safety and precision, while pursuing premium collaborations to fund wholly owned assets.[2][4] Trends like AI-optimized nucleases and one-time curative therapies will shape its path, potentially amplifying influence as in vivo editing matures beyond early hype. This positions Precision to evolve from platform pioneer to therapy leader, building on its Duke origins to redefine treatments for untreatable conditions.[3][4]
Precision BioSciences has raised $176.0M across 3 funding rounds. Most recently, it raised $40.0M Other Equity in March 2019.
| Date | Round | Lead Investors | Other Investors |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mar 11, 2019 | $40.0M Other Equity | ||
| Jun 1, 2018 | $110.0M Series B | venBio | |
| May 1, 2015 | $26.0M Series A | venBio, Amgen Ventures, Baxter Ventures, Ben Auspitz, Longevity Fund, Osage University Partners |