Inscripta® Adds World-Renowned Protein-Engineering AI Expert to Executive Team
Gene-editing technology company accelerates machine learning approaches to forward engineer living systems
In a significant move forward in developing gene-editing tools, Inscripta – a gene-editing technology company – today announced leading protein-engineering expert Richard Fox, Ph.D., has joined as executive director of data science. Previously, Fox invented the protein sequence activity relationship (ProSAR) algorithm, which allows for forward engineering of enzymes and other proteins with enhanced activities.
“Inscripta is doing what I’ve tried for decades to do in large labs: delivering groundbreaking forward engineering tools that put gene-editing researchers in control,” said Fox. “For years, I have imagined extending this type of technology beyond proteins to microbial and higher order biological systems. In my role here, I’m excited to translate machine learning approaches to genome engineering by building on Inscripta’s powerful foundation.”
In his new role, Fox will lead Inscripta’s application development in data sciences and advance its forward engineering methodology to allow scientists to create customized cells with specific, desired properties. Fox has decades of experience applying machine learning algorithms to solve complex biological problems at leading protein engineering companies. Prior to Inscripta, he was the executive director of data science and computational biology at Intrexon Corporation, where he oversaw their protein engineering efforts. He also previously led data sciences and computational biology efforts at both Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc., and at Codexis. Fox holds multiple patents related to synthesizing polynucleotide variants. He earned an M.S. and Ph.D. in nuclear engineering from the University of California, Berkeley and a B.S. in nuclear engineering from the University of California, Santa Barbara.
“Richard is utilizing his expertise in protein engineering to accelerate Inscripta’s genome engineering applications,” said Kevin Ness, CEO of Inscripta. “Today, most synthetic biology researchers feel their imagination is greater than the tools available will allow them to realize. But with Richard’s deep experience, Inscripta will deliver the high-value gene-editing tools researchers have dreamed of using to discover tomorrow’s breakthroughs.”
Inscripta is led by genomic technology veterans including Kevin Ness, who co-founded QuantaLife and 10x Genomics, and John Stuelpnagel, co-founder and first CEO of Illumina (NYSE: ILMN), who is chair of Inscripta’s board. To learn more, visit www.inscripta.com.
About Inscripta
Inscripta is a gene-editing technology company dedicated to creating the tools needed to revolutionize how we feed, fuel, and heal humanity. This includes developing a family of CRISPR enzymes (called MADzymes), bespoke nucleases for researchers and commercial partners, and a full suite of gene-editing tools (software, instruments, and reagents) that will significantly increase the speed and efficiency of precision gene-editing. Formerly known as Muse Biotechnology, Inscripta is led by several genomic technology veterans including CEO Kevin Ness, who co-founded QuantaLife and 10x Genomics, and John Stuelpnagel, the chair of the company’s board, who was co-founder and first CEO of Illumina (NYSE: ILMN). Inscripta is headquartered in Boulder, Colo.; has offices in Pleasanton, Calif.; and is backed by Venrock, MLS Capital, NanoDimension, Foresite Capital, and Paladin Capital.