Sigma-Aldrich Co LLC (a subsidiary of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany) and genOway the leading company in the preclinical research model space announced a new structure to their 2018 strategic alliance in the CRISPR/Cas9 field. genOway will continue leading the commercialization of the Sigma-Aldrich CRISPR patent portfolio in the field of rodent animals, which includes the creation of genetically modified rodent animals and all rodent cells derived from these genetically modified rodent animals, and the genetic manipulation of rodent embryonic stem cells and rodent embryos to create genetically modified rodent animals. genOway has worldwide exclusivity in that area, which covers all commercial applications and includes the rights to sublicense to third parties for all business areas.

Sigma-Aldrich will lead the commercialization of the Sigma-Aldrich CRISPR patent portfolio, including products and services, outside the field of rodent animals and in particular in the field of mammalian cells, including the sublicensing of rights to third parties for all business areas. genOway has however also been granted extended non-exclusive rights complementary to those in the field of rodent animals so that genOway can offer products and services for research applications on all mammalian cells, including rodent cells. For example, genOway clients can perform research studies, sell preclinical services or distribute products using the products or services purchased from genOway.

Both companies will collaborate to offer "one-stop shop" CRISPR sublicensing solutions, providing Sigma-Aldrich CRISPR IP rights for both mammalian cells and the rodent animal field.