Sumitomo Chemical has commenced operations at its newly constructed manufacturing plant located in Oita, Japan.

This plant is dedicated to manufacturing synthetic long RNAs such as guide RNAs (gRNAs), which are essential for genome-editing therapy. The plant is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, uses WFI-grade water, and features a Grade A cleanroom in accordance with GMP standards.

Manufacturing gRNA of high purity through chemical synthesis is technically challenging. Sumitomo’s unique manufacturing technologies, however, enable it to supply gRNA of the highest purity in the world. Sumitomo offers 90% purity for 100 mer gRNAs and 85% for 130 mer gRNAs. Sumitomo’s high-purity gRNAs help mitigate customer concerns regarding the safety and efficiency of genome editing.

Sumitomo is determined to further establish a firm position as a frontrunner in the manufacturing of gRNA for genome editing, an area where the market is expected to grow going forward, while also endeavoring to contribute towards promoting genome-editing therapy.