Factor Bioscience Inc. (Factor), a Cambridge, Massachusetts-based biotechnology company focused on using its pioneering gene-editing platform to develop life-saving cell and gene therapies,  announced a complaint filed against Cellectis Inc., Cellectis SA, AstraZeneca PLC, AstraZeneca Ireland Limited, and AstraZeneca Holdings B.V.

In the complaint, Factor alleges that Cellectis transformed its research program after learning about Factor's patented mRNA TALENs technology in 2013 and proceeded to illegally exploit that technology, including in its partnership with AstraZeneca, by infringing Factor's patents.

"We are taking this action to protect our ability to innovate in this incredibly important area of drug development," said Dr. Matt Angel, Co-Founder, Chairman and CEO of Factor. "This is a David v. Goliath story, with our mRNA TALENs slingshot holding the key to the next generation of revolutionary cancer treatments. If large multinational pharmaceutical companies are allowed to illegally exploit the research and innovation of companies like Factor, it will have a chilling effect on future innovations and ultimately delay the development of new therapies."

The lawsuit focuses on the infringement of Factor's U.S. Patent Nos. 10,662,410, 10,829,738, and 10,982,229 – infringement that Cellectis has conducted itself and through a series of partnerships, including with AstraZeneca.

For the past 14 years, Factor and its licensees have made tremendous strides towards making available breakthrough allogeneic cell therapies, including groundbreaking products for the treatment of cancer. Factor remains committed to increasing the accessibility of innovative therapeutic products through its internal development programs and in collaboration with its licensees and strategic partners.