As quoted by CBInsights: Genetic engineering, once confined to the laboratory, is now a much more advanced and scalable technology that is on the verge of affecting everything from health care to crop production. Initial applications were limited to adding or deleting single genes, such as those for herbicide resistance. But now scientists are able to manufacture entire DNA sequences, capable of instructing a microbe to produce biofuels, fragrances, and even medicines at scale.

Here are just a few notable therapeutic startups that are using synthetic biology techniques to invent new drugs, devices, and methods of drugs delivery.

Synlogic's synthetic biotics are engineered probiotic bacteria that perform specific metabolic functions from the gut microbiome to correct missing or dysfunctional metabolic activities throughout the body

Cell Design Labs develops immune cells with engineered ON-OFF switches and synthetic receptors to provide them with a greater ability to recognize cancer.

Editas Medicine, while still in the discovery phase, aims to use CRISPR gene editing techniques to treat a variety of genetically linked diseases such as Usher Syndrome or Cystic Fibrosis.

Teewinot Life Sciences introduces new genes into a microorganism which are then converted into enzymes and used to produce cannabinoids.

Eligo Bioscience uses the CRISPR/Cas gene editing system to engineer more targeted therapeutics intended to replace broad spectrum antibiotics.

Novome Biotechnologies is currently engineering the bacteria Lactococcus Lactis, commonly found in food. The bacteria is reprogrammed to become a manufacturer of anti-inflammatory agents to help control diseases such as Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis.

Tepha is a developer of a polymer called TephaFLEX that is produced through a synthetic fermentation process in microorganisms. The polymer can then be converted into a range of medical devices including sutures, films, and textile products.

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