Gene Weaver awarded Gates Foundation grant for programmable gene insertion platform
Ella Day | May 30, 2025 | News story | Medical Communications, Research and Development |Â Â Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Gene Weaver, Oncology, Pharmacy, Rare Diseases, funding, gene editingÂ
UK-based biotech Gene Weaver has received $515,000 from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation to advance its programmable gene insertion technology for use in mammalian cells. The platform aims to support the development of affordable protein therapeutics for low-and middle-income countries (LMICs).
The funding will support further development of the company’s gene editing platform, which is designed to enable targeted and permanent edits, including large sequence insertions. The system allows for precise cutting and controlled integration of genetic material, with potential applications in therapeutic protein production.
According to Gene Weaver, the technology addresses several current limitations in gene editing including variability in site integration, limited payload capacity and challenges in scalable manufacture. By improving efficiency and versatility, the platform could broaden access to advanced genetic therapies, especially in LMICs.
Gene Weaver was founded in 2023 by Niall Armes, inventor of recombinase polymerase amplification (RPA). The company is focused on developing novel gene editing tools to support more accessible applications of genetic medicine.
The Gates Foundation has previously funded technologies that aim to improve global health equity by supporting innovation in therapeutics, diagnostics and vaccine development.
Ella Day
30/5/25
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