Genetic genius is preparing to take a new step. Brink Therapeutics, a young biotechnology company founded in 2024, intends to revolutionize the edition of the genome by developing a technology of Programmable recombinase Capable of inserting long DNA sequences without resorting to double strand breaks. An innovation that could ultimately supplant CRISPR-CAS9 in certain use cases, in particular in cell therapy.
Unlike CRISPR, whose breaks are known today to induce the risk of chromosomal rearrangements and chromothripsisBrink is based on an approach without breaking of DNA. Its technology is based on two pillars: theEvolution directed by microgoutlettesto screen billions of enzymatic variants, and theGenerative artificial intelligencewhich anticipates beneficial mutations and significantly reduces experimental laboratory cycles.
The young shoot also takes advantage of recent advances in the sector. In 2024, theArc Institute has shown that recombinas could be guided programmable thanks to Bridge Rnasopening the way to high precision genetic manipulations without recourse to DNA repair mechanisms.
A paradigm change for cell therapy
Brink responds to several structural limits of CRISPR. First, by eliminating the cuts, it significantly reduces genomic risks. Then, it allows to insert DNA sequences of several kilobasses – where Crispr is often limited to less than a kilobase. Finally, recombinase operates independently, without depending on the endogenous cell repair routes.
The first target of the startup are the Car -TA therapies in hematological cancersa market estimated at $ 3 billion, where ex vivo processes are still complex, long and expensive. Brink aims to simplify these protocols, or even open the way for much more accessible in vivo “one-shot” treatments.
European positioning in a global race
If the ambitions are high, competition is just as much. In the United States, Tessera Therapeutics Imposed itself as one of the pioneers of “Gene Writing”, by combining recombinases and mobile genetic elements, with more than $ 300 million raised to date. In Germany, Seamless therapeutics Also explore the path of tailor -made recombinasses, with a Seed tour of $ 12.5 million lifted in 2023.
Faced with these well -funded giants, Brink plays the specialization and platform model card. Rather than positioning itself only on therapeutic development, the company aims to Provide recombinas under licenseto co-develop treatments with partners, and to rely on CDMOs to accelerate access to its technologies. A B2B strategy designed to capitalize on the power of its technology without engaging in too capital development cycles.
Short and medium term objectives
By 2026, Brink aims at the validation of five recombinasses capable of inserting sequences of more than a kilobase, with an efficiency rate greater than 50 % in an ex vivo context. A first pre -Indic file for car -T therapy is scheduled for 2027. At this deadline, the company anticipates a series A Grand of 20 million euros to support its passage in the preclinical phase.
Technological locks and competitive issues
Like any emerging technology, programmable recombinase still raises several challenges. Its Universal programmability Remains at the experimental stage and depends on a progressive refinement of predictive models. The question of Vivo vectorsin particular AAV or LNP, remains critical for direct administration in humans. Finally, the rise in the sector suggests a patent battle Like the one who marked the story of the CRISPR, making the intellectual property strategy as decisive as scientific choices.
A fundraising to scale
Brink Therapeutics recently raised 3.5 million euros as part of a Seed financing round on April 16, 2025. The operation was carried out by Kurma Partners And Breegatwo funds renowned for their support for European biotechs. They were joined by Kima Ventures And several business angels specializing in life sciences.
This funding comes at a strategic time for the company, hosted within the PC’UP incubator of ESPCI in Paris. Founded by Jonathan Naccache (CEO) and Harry Kemble (CSO). The envelope will allow the startup to strengthen its enzymatic screening capacities, to industrialize its first owner recombinasses and to structure its technological partnerships. In sight, a benchmark positioning in the European new generation genetic edition ecosystem.
