The Power Couple: CRISPR And Oligonucleotides

By Gregory Farlow, Product Specialist, DNA/RNA Synthesis, Cytiva

Oligonucleotides are driving a new wave of innovation in genetic medicine, from targeted therapies for rare diseases to precision gene editing. Short oligos like ASOs and siRNAs already anchor the clinical landscape, shaping treatments that modulate protein expression with high specificity. Meanwhile, long oligos are rapidly gaining momentum as CRISPR‑based approaches move from concept to clinic. These longer guide RNA sequences are essential to the accuracy of CRISPR systems, but their growing importance brings equally significant manufacturing challenges—from low coupling efficiencies to specialized chemical handling and purification hurdles. As gene-editing applications expand and more complex gRNA designs emerge, producers must navigate new pressures on yield, quality, and scalability.

Explore how shifts in therapeutic pipelines, evolving CRISPR technologies, and manufacturing constraints are shaping the future of the oligo market and what it will take to keep pace with demand.