Broken String Biosciences has launched BaseMap ABE, a platform designed to characterise genome-wide off-target editing in adenine base editing programmes.

Platform expands into adenine base editing

The Cambridge-based biotechnology company said BaseMap ABE extends its INDUCE-seq technology to support adenine base editing (ABE) workflows, giving researchers a way to identify unintended editing events across the genome.

Base editing enables single-base changes to DNA without making the double-stranded breaks associated with some other gene editing approaches. As ABE programmes progress towards therapeutic development, understanding unintended edits is an important part of assessing editor specificity and selecting appropriate guide sequences.

Broken String said BaseMap ABE generates genome-wide data directly from biologically relevant cells rather than relying solely on prediction-based methods.

The platform is intended to support the identification of off-target editing events and generate data that can be used for guide optimisation, editor selection and preclinical decision-making.

Terry Pizzie, CEO of Broken String Biosciences, said: “As gene editing technologies evolve, researchers need to wholly understand where and how frequently off-target editing occurs.”

Pizzie added that extending the company’s portfolio to support ABE would enable researchers to characterise editing outcomes for the base editing modality.

Early access programme will support development

BaseMap ABE represents the first stage of Broken String Biosciences’ expansion into base editing applications.

The company is inviting researchers developing genome editing therapies to participate in an Early Access Programme. Through the programme, Broken String said it will work with early adopters to gather feedback and inform future product development.

The launch comes as base editing continues to develop as an approach for making targeted changes to the genome. ABE uses engineered enzymes to convert adenine to a base that is subsequently resolved as guanine, enabling specific A-to-G changes without creating a conventional double-stranded DNA break.

For therapeutic developers, characterising unintended editing remains an important consideration as programmes move through preclinical development and towards clinical testing.

BaseMap ABE is therefore positioned by Broken String as a tool for evaluating the specificity of ABE editors in cellular systems, with the company aiming to support development decisions before potential therapeutic candidates progress further.

The company has not disclosed data from the new BaseMap ABE platform in the announcement, with the Early Access Programme expected to provide further experience and feedback from researchers using the technology.