The study details how Seek Labs’ SL_1.52 therapeutic, built on the company’s Programmable Target Ablation Platform (PTAP™), uses CRISPR/Cas9 with two guide RNAs to precisely target and disrupt a highly conserved ASFV gene essential for viral replication, which was delivered to infected pigs via lipid nanoparticles. SL_1.52 achieved 57% survival and viral clearance in blood within 35 days and lasting protective immunity after re-challenge. These findings represent the first demonstration of Seek Labs’ programmable CRISPR therapeutic treating a viral infection in a natural host. Together, these outcomes validate the company’s PTAP platform as a foundation for a rapid, adaptable antiviral modality across animal and human health.

“Our study provides in vivo evidence that CRISPR can function as a direct antiviral against African Swine Fever Virus,” said Dr. Douglas Gladue, Vice President of Veterinary Therapeutics at Seek Labs. “By targeting a highly conserved viral polymerase essential for replication, we achieved significant viral reduction and survival in infected swine, which establishes a foundation for developing programmable CRISPR therapeutics as a practical intervention for ASF and other high-consequence viral diseases.”

African Swine Fever (ASF) is one of the most devastating diseases affecting global pork production, with mortality rates reaching up to 100% in infected herds. ASFV continues to cause outbreaks across Europe, Asia, and the Caribbean. Just recently, Taiwan reported its first outbreak, demonstrating ASFV is actively spreading into new countries. Continued outbreaks in new and endemic countries threaten food security and agricultural economies. The peer-reviewed results from Seek Labs provide compelling evidence that programmable CRISPR-based therapeutics could become a new line of defense against viral outbreaks like ASF, helping safeguard and bolster global food systems.