Latest news with #KJ
The Star
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Star
Singapore's Chiral Comics partners Archie Comics for exclusive SG60 book cover
The SG60 exclusive variant cover will be limited to 300 copies worldwide. - Chiralcomics/Instagram via ST/ANN SINGAPORE: Home-grown outfit Chiral Comics has teamed up with American comic book publisher Archie Comics to launch a Singapore-themed variant cover for the first issue of Betty & Veronica: Summer Fun In The Sun. The exclusive book cover – where main character Archie dons an 'I Love SG' shirt while his best friend Jughead munches on durian – features the characters from the popular franchise (1942 to present) exploring the country's iconic Gardens by the Bay. It is limited to 300 copies worldwide. Priced at $25.55 each, pre-orders started on July 19 at Select Singapore comics retailers like Kalibak Komiks and 1to3 Comics will also carry it. This SG60 book cover collaboration involves local comic artist Kang Jing (also known as KJ), who was the penciler and inker, and Italy-based freelance comic colourist Daniele Caramanico, who did the colouring. KJ established Chiral Comics, a Singapore-based art studio which specialises in comic book publishing and visual storytelling, in 2021, and reportedly started working on the Archie project in April 2025. The 31-year-old, who has been sketching anime characters since he was six, began his comics career in 2019. His debut series The World My Arena (2021 to 2022) has since been adapted into an animated video, and other notable works include bilingual webcomic series Save Me From Chloe (2021) and Zhao (2023), an original wuxia comic series. KJ has also worked on seven Star Wars-themed projects with Topps, an American trading card manufacturer. And in 2024, he illustrated a Singapore-themed variant cover featuring the Singapore skyline for the Mighty Morphin Power Rangers #122 comic. All 525 copies released at comic convention Singapore Comic Con 2024 were sold out. - The Straits Times/ANN
AsiaOne
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- AsiaOne
Singapore's Chiral Comics partners Archie Comics for exclusive SG60 book cover, Singapore News
SINGAPORE - Home-grown outfit Chiral Comics has teamed up with American comic book publisher Archie Comics to launch a Singapore-themed variant cover for the first issue of Betty & Veronica: Summer Fun In The Sun. The exclusive book cover - where main character Archie dons an "I Love SG" shirt while his best friend Jughead munches on durian - features the characters from the popular franchise (1942 to present) exploring the country's iconic Gardens by the Bay. It is limited to 300 copies worldwide. Priced at $25.55 each, pre-orders started on July 19 at Select Singapore comics retailers like Kalibak Komiks and 1to3 Comics will also carry it. This SG60 book cover collaboration involves local comic artist Kang Jing (also known as KJ), who was the penciler and inker, and Italy-based freelance comic colourist Daniele Caramanico, who did the colouring. KJ established Chiral Comics, a Singapore-based art studio which specialises in comic book publishing and visual storytelling, in 2021, and reportedly started working on the Archie project in April 2025. The 31-year-old, who has been sketching anime characters since he was six, began his comics career in 2019. His debut series The World My Arena (2021 to 2022) has since been adapted into an animated video, and other notable works include bilingual webcomic series Save Me From Chloe (2021) and Zhao (2023), an original wuxia comic series. KJ has also worked on seven Star Wars-themed projects with Topps, an American trading card manufacturer. And in 2024, he illustrated a Singapore-themed variant cover featuring the Singapore skyline for the Mighty Morphin Power Rangers #122 comic. All 525 copies released at comic convention Singapore Comic Con 2024 were sold out. [embed] [embed] [[nid:697039]] This article was first published in The Straits Times . Permission required for reproduction.
Business Wire
16-07-2025
- Health
- Business Wire
Integrated DNA Technologies Announces Translational CRISPR Portfolio Expansion with Product Innovation Updates
CORALVILLE, Iowa--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Global genomics leader Integrated DNA Technologies (IDT) is revolutionizing the field of translational gene editing with new additions to its end-to-end CRISPR portfolio. These expanded CRISPR translational research solutions are designed to help researchers accelerate more CRISPR-based therapies for patients like KJ Muldoon, an infant who suffered CPS1 deficiency and made history when he received the world's first personalized CRISPR therapy manufactured jointly by IDT and Aldevron. IDT provided the guide RNA (gRNA), off-target analysis services and regulatory support for baby KJ's treatment, which was delivered in a significantly compressed timeline. 'IDT's rich history, deep expertise, and ability to manufacture bespoke products at the highest quality uniquely positions us to consistently innovate on our CRISPR portfolio and support customers at every stage of their gene editing journey' Share Tailored gRNAs to Accelerate CRISPR Discoveries As researchers advance from discovery to clinical applications, the demand for higher purity in CRISPR reagents increases. To meet this need, IDT's chemically synthesized gRNAs are now available for online ordering in a range of modification and purity options. With high purity ideal for translational applications such as gene editing in primary cells and in vivo models, IDT's high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC)-purified gRNAs are orderable in 2 nmol and 10 nmol yields with larger quantities available by request and ship in as little as 12 business days. Formats include CRISPR-Cas9 gRNA and Custom Alt-R™ CRISPR gRNA. 2' Fluoro, 2' O-Methyl, and other modifications can be added to increase stability and specificity with IDT's custom gRNA tool. Supporting Scientists with Regulatory Filings and Ensuring Safety of Therapeutic Candidates CRISPR-based genome editing allows for targeted editing at specific sites in the genome, but there is potential risk that off-target edits at other locations can occur. To enable scientists to understand where these off-target edits might happen and assess how they might impact safety early in the therapeutic development process, IDT launched UNCOVERseq, off-target nomination services which uses an enhanced GUIDE-seq™ methodology to identify off-target sites for its customers. When paired with IDT's award-winning off-target confirmation services, rhAmpSeq™ CRISPR Analysis System, CRISPR pioneers can confidently accelerate their path to the clinic by obtaining a deeper understanding of editing risks. The custom safety services provided in baby KJ's treatment helped launch UNCOVERseq and represent a major step forward in ensuring the safety of CRISPR-based therapies. Enhancing Safety, Quality and Efficiency: IDT's Growing Pipeline and Future Collaborations Future IDT launches, planned for late 2025, include complementary offerings such as the Alt-R HDR Enhancer Protein, which is designed specifically for therapeutic applications, and manufactured by Aldevron, to meet rigorous quality standards. The HDR Enhancer Protein improves HDR efficiency in difficult-to-edit cells, and maintains safety and cell health. IDT, in collaboration with Aldevron, will also be launching a novel Cas9 mRNA to support early discovery to clinical stage customers. IDT has been a long-time provider of CRISPR gRNA libraries for screening applications and will unveil a new design tool later this year for efficient ordering of custom, configured libraries. 'IDT's rich history, deep expertise, and ability to manufacture bespoke products at the highest quality uniquely positions us to consistently innovate on our CRISPR portfolio and support customers at every stage of their gene editing journey,' said Sandy Ottensmann, VP/GM, Gene Writing & Editing at IDT. 'On the heels of the world's first personalized CRISPR-based therapy, we're honored to bring more CRISPR tools that will enable researchers to make important discoveries, like the one designed for baby KJ, and progress science forward.' Learn more about IDT's CRISPR portfolio here. About IDT Building from a strong foundation of innovation, expertise, and reliability, Integrated DNA Technologies (IDT) has evolved from an oligo manufacturer to a leading genomics provider. We work shoulder-to-shoulder with scientific and global health partners to enable genomics breakthroughs at scale. Our vision of enabling researchers to rapidly move from the lab to life-changing advances reflects our ongoing commitment to a healthier, brighter future for all. IDT is proud to be part of Danaher, a global science and technology leader. Together we combine our capabilities to accelerate the real-life impact of tomorrow's science and technology to improve human health. For more information about IDT, visit and follow the company on LinkedIn, X, Facebook, YouTube, and Instagram. Disclaimer: RUO — For research use only. Not for use in diagnostic procedures. Unless otherwise agreed to in writing, IDT does not intend these products to be used in clinical applications and does not warrant their fitness or suitability for any clinical diagnostic use. Purchaser is solely responsible for all decisions regarding the use of these products and any associated regulatory or legal obligations. Disclaimer: CGMP refers to products manufactured under ICHQ7; IDT engineering runs and CGMP gRNA are for development and investigational use only. The performance characteristics of this product have not been established. This product is not intended to be used as final drug product. The purchaser is solely responsible for all decisions regarding the intended use of the product and any associated legal or regulatory obligations. GUIDE-seq™ is owned by Maxcyte®, Inc.
Nylon
14-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Nylon
Singapore-based art studio Chiral Comics collabs with Archie Comics Publications for exclusive SG60 cover
To celebrate Singapore's 60th birthday in a unique way, Singapore-based Chiral Comics has collaborated with Archie Comics publication to launch an exclusive SG60 variant comic cover for the first issue of Betty & Veronica: Summer Fun in the Sun. Image courtesy of Chiral Comics. This special cover, illustrated by local comic artist Kang Jing (KJ), reimagines Archie and fan-favourite characters Betty, Veronica, Jughead and Reggie, taking a selfie while exploring the iconic Gardens by the Bay. The SG60 cover marks his debut collaboration with Archie comics, following months of development since April 2025. KJ had previously worked with the Power Rangers cast on exclusive comic covers for BOOM! Studios. Officially licensed by Archie Comics Publications, this variant is strictly limited to only 300 copies worldwide, and is a rare collectible for both long-time fans and new collectors. The SG60 Exclusive Cover will be available for pre-order from 19 July, 12pm online at
Yahoo
08-07-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
The $20 Million Bet on CRISPR to Cure Rare Childhood Diseases
Jennifer Doudna, Priscilla Chan Zuckerberg Credit - David Paul Morris—Bloomberg/Getty Images; Suzanne Cordeiro—AFP/Getty Images Rare genetic diseases are challenging for patients and their families—made all the more overwhelming because symptoms tend to appear soon after birth. To date, there haven't been many reliable treatment options for these babies. The few that do exist involve invasive and risky procedures that don't often have a high rate of success. But there is a new source of hope for many of these families: the Center for Pediatric CRISPR Cures at the University of California San Francisco. The center—plans for which were announced July 8—is a collaboration between Jennifer Doudna, director of the Innovative Genomics Institute at the University of California, Berkeley who also earned the Nobel Prize for her work in co-discovering the gene-editing technique CRISPR, and Dr. Priscilla Chan, co-CEO and co-founder of the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative. Supported by $20 million from the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative, the center focuses on treating rare genetic diseases in children, starting with a group of eight kids who will enroll in a clinical trial to access a CRISPR therapy designed specifically for them. Doctors and researchers, including Chan and Doudna, believe that CRISPR can be used to change and correct a range of genetic mutations and scaled up to help more patients. And the medical teams plan to start enrolling patients immediately. "We want to ensure that CRISPR-based therapies become widely available, especially for rare diseases that likely won't be the target for pharmaceutical companies," Doudna tells TIME. Read More: The 4 Words That Drive Your Doctor Up the Wall The partnership was inspired by the recent success in treating KJ Muldoon, the first baby to receive a customized CRISPR treatment. KJ was born at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia with a rare genetic disease that prevents him from breaking down proteins properly. The therapy, called base-editing, replaced a faulty letter in KJ's DNA with the correct one that now lets him eat some protein. KJ's treatment represents the next phase of CRISPR-based therapies. While CRISPR treatments have been approved by the FDA to treat sickle cell disease and certain types of beta thalassemia, those therapies involve removing cells from patients, editing them with CRISPR to correct the genetic defect, and then infusing those cells back to the patients. In KJ's case, the CRISPR editing occurred in his own body, via three injections of a therapy developed just for him. That's the same model that the new center will use. 'With that story, there was a lot of momentum within our teams about whether we could do that again, and how we could learn from this to create a pipeline to reduce cost and make this therapy much more widely available,' Doudna says. Doudna thought of Chan, whose initiative has the mission of curing, preventing, or treating all diseases by the end of the century. It was an ideal match, since Chan had trained as a pediatrician at the University of California San Francisco and spent eight years treating children with rare genetic diseases after finishing medical school. 'When Jennifer called me, I thought, 'This is perfect,'' Chan tells TIME. She recalls encountering families whose babies were affected by diseases so rare that there was often little, if any, information about them. 'I have seared in my mind the image of a parent handing me a PDF that they carried around to explain to each resident that this is what we have, and this is all that we know about it. I carry that around daily.' The experience inspired her to create the Rare As One program at the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative, a network of patients, researchers, and scientists from different disciplines that highlights the need for basic research needed to better understand these conditions in order to develop more effective treatments for them. Read More: The Surprising Reason Rural Hospitals Are Closing CRISPR, with its ability to target specific genetic mutations, holds the most promise for changing the course of such diseases. But time is of the essence. In KJ's case, the entire process of identifying his mutation, developing the treatment, testing it, and receiving FDA clearance took nine months. KJ was just six months old when he received his first CRISPR treatment. Acting that quickly is critical for conditions like these, since once cells or organs are damaged by disease-causing mutations, they can't always be rescued. The idea is to intervene with a CRISPR therapy to minimize the effects that the mutations could have. Currently, about 6,000 rare diseases affect 300 million people worldwide, and 72% of them are linked to genetic aberrations. A similar proportion primarily affect children. The new center will focus on identifying disease-causing mutations that can easily be targeted—such as in the liver, as in KJ's case. 'Jennifer and her team, and the team at UCSF, will be very careful in choosing mutations that are amenable to this treatment,' says Chan. 'Not all mutations will work well with this version of there will be a delicate balance in choosing patients who stand to benefit the most in this situation.' Patients will join a clinical trial to receive the treatment, and the research team will study them to learn from their experiences and continue to improve the treatment and the process. Read More: Why It's So Hard to Have Your Fertility Tested In the first cases that the center will try to treat, the FDA will consider each treatment on its own and decide whether to approve the customized therapy for that particular patient. But, says Doudna, 'as we continue to get more information on the safety and potential risks of CRISPR for different indications, what is emerging is the potential to designate CRISPR as a platform technology.' That means that if regulators approve the framework of the CRISPR gene-editing process, doctors would not need to conduct animal tests for each new CRISPR therapy designed for a patient. The only thing that would change would be the guide RNA, Doudna says, which carries the genetic instructions for finding the specific mutation that needs to be addressed. 'Even there, most of the guide RNA stays the same, and it's just the piece at the end providing the molecular zip code that changes.' Key to making that happen will be advances in other scientific areas, including using AI to predict how changing specific genes will affect a cell's function and what potential health outcomes a CRISPR-based treatment might have. That work is ongoing separately at places like Chan Zuckerberg Initiative and elsewhere, says Chan. Eventually, says Doudna, 'we hope as the process moves forward, it will be possible to both predict clinical outcomes of CRISPR therapies accurately and ensure that by changing just a little part of the guide RNA, everything else will remain the same, so you don't have to do full-blown animal testing for every single iteration of CRISPR. If that becomes possible, then it will make CRISPR a lot cheaper and a lot faster to test these kinds of therapies.' That would make it available for many more patients as well. Contact us at letters@
