Touchlight Introduces mbDNA™: A “Best-In-Class" Circular Single Stranded DNA (ssDNA) Platform Enabling Superior Gene Editing

Touchlight, a pioneer in cell-free DNA innovation, is proud to announce the commercial launch of their new technology for non-viral gene editing, mbDNA™ (megabulb DNA). Its novel circular single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) structure features a customisable stem region and a fully user-defined sequence free of phage or bacterial elements.

mbDNA’s design supports 1-20kb gene insertions and offers more robust knock-in efficiency across diverse cell types, in comparison to double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) and competitor ssDNA formats, whilst maintaining high cell viability.

"Following extensive beta testing with key opinion leaders, CDMOs and pharmaceutical partners, we are proud to officially launch mbDNA to the market" said Jill Makin, CSO at Touchlight.

The market has embraced mbDNA as a game-changing innovation, praising its consistently high editing rates, and superior functionality with one Key Opinion Leader (KOL) in the field describing it as “the best-in-class HDR template that exists today!” 

Why Non-Viral ssDNA Matters

CRISPR-nuclease technologies have transformed gene editing by enabling highly precise genetic corrections, unlocking unprecedented therapeutic possibilities and redefining how we approach disease targeting and treatment. Nonetheless, there are still challenges to be addressed in translating this technology into viable new products.

Historically, AAV (Adeno Associated Virus), has been the vector of choice for HDR gene-editing applications. However, several AAV limitations are becoming increasingly evident, including restricted payload capacity, high manufacturing costs and lengthy timelines. Non-viral DNA platforms offer greater design flexibility and with manufacturing processes that can scale without excessive complexity.

Touchlight’s novel mbDNA platform has the additional benefit of being single stranded and circular; offering reduced cytotoxicity and highly improved editing efficiencies. Indeed, mbDNA can consistently achieve knock-in (KI) rates of 75% in primary human T cells with GMP coming soon.

How mbDNA Works

Designed as a high-efficiency template for HDR, mbDNA is compatible with multiple delivery methods including electroporation, nucleofection, and lipid nanoparticle formulations, underscoring its versatility and making it an ideal choice for a wide range of gene-editing workflows. This new DNA architecture can also be used as an episomal expression vector in transient non-viral gene therapy (NVGT) settings with the promise of improved tolerability due to its single stranded nature.

About Touchlight

Touchlight is an innovation-driven leading CDMO pioneering enzymatic GMP DNA production to enable the genetic medicine revolution. As pioneers, with an FDA Drug Master File accepted in 2022 followed in 2025 with the world’s first cell-free DNA GMP license, Touchlight’s enzymatic DNA technology is on the cutting edge of AAV, mRNA, DNA vaccine, and gene editing innovation. With multiple client products already in the clinic, Touchlight’s evidence-based, synthetic DNA manufacturing solutions offer a scalable, sustainable alternative to plasmid DNA (pDNA) for all stages of pre-clinical, clinical and commercial development. The company and technology are built on the conviction that DNA is fundamental to the future of medicine. Traditional methods, based on bacterial fermentation, are slow, costly, and unable to meet the growing demands of genetic medicine due to limited scalability and speed. Founded in 2007, Touchlight’s team is inspired by breakthroughs in genetic medicine, recognising the urgent need for innovative DNA production techniques to support the future of genetic therapies.