A major US research centre has taken Cambridge UK technology to boost complex exploration of mutations in cancers.

The deal gives ATCC access to a select set of panels of Horizon’s X-MAN™ isogenic cell lines. ATCC will provide Horizon’s products to its academic and not-for-profit customers as a part of or in conjunction with ATCC Tumor Cell Panels, for non-commercial research only.

The agreement excludes distribution in Japan or distribution of X-MAN™ isogenic cell lines in isolation.

Horizon’s range of over 450 X-MAN cell lines is the world’s first source of genetically-defined and patient-relevant human cell lines, accurately modelling the disease-causing mutations found in cancer patients.

The cell lines were created using the company’s proprietary and highly precise rAAV gene-editing technology, GENESIS™, with which scientists are able to alter any endogenous gene sequence of a human or mammalian cell line quickly, reliably and without introducing unwanted and confounding genotypes and/or phenotypes.

Dr Raymond Cypess, CEO at ATCC, said: “Horizon’s X-MAN cell line panels are a great complement for ATCC tumour cell panels and will be a valuable resource for our customers. The ability to work with accurate disease model cell lines is of great benefit, particularly in oncology research where many mutations studied are rare, and reliable sources of patient-derived cell lines are scarce.”

Horizon CEO Dr Darrin Disley added: “X-MAN cells are already being widely used by academia and industry to identify the effect of individual or compound genetic mutations on drug activity, patient responsiveness, and resistance. We look forward to seeing the progress in oncology research that increased adoption will bring about.”