UK-based biotechnology company Nuntius Therapeutics has announced a strategic collaboration agreement with Japan’s Taiho Pharmaceutical to develop next-generation messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) cancer immunotherapies.

The partnership will leverage Nuntius’ nanocarrier technologies, which have shown potential in targeting cell types beyond the liver, a significant advancement in mRNA delivery.

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This collaboration follows a successful feasibility study that demonstrated the capabilities of Nuntius’ cell-specific peptide dendrimer- and lipid-based nanocarriers.

Nuntius Therapeutics CEO and co-founder Benita Nagel said: “We are thrilled to embark on this collaboration with Taiho to improve treatments for cancer patients. Taiho is an excellent partner for us given their strong oncology-focused research and commercial capabilities.”

The company’s programmable and scalable nanocarriers may work on cell types other than the liver and surpass current delivery technologies.

Its high-throughput, in silico screening of delivery vehicle options greatly shortens the duration and expense of bringing mRNA medicines to the clinic.

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Nuntius focuses on creating new mRNA therapeutics by combining patented delivery technology, machine learning, and advanced nucleic acid engineering.

The business is developing a pipeline of mRNA therapeutics to treat cancer, lung ailments, and neurological illnesses.

Nuntius Therapeutics CSO and co-founder Albert Kwok said: “Delivery remains a major challenge for mRNA therapies. This agreement validates our nanocarriers as an exceptionally effective cell-specific delivery technology for genetic medicines.”

Last month, Taiho Pharmaceutical and Arcus Biosciences exercised their option for quemliclustat, an experimental small molecule CD73 inhibitor, in Japan and certain other Asian countries excluding mainland China.

This option exercise is based on an option and licence agreement signed by Taiho and Arcus in September 2017.

mRNA vaccine coverage on Pharmaceutical Technology (or Clinical Trials Arena) is supported by Trilink. Editorial content is independently produced and follows the highest standards of journalistic integrity. Topic sponsors are not involved in the creation of editorial content.

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