Evonik collaborating with Stanford University on ‘next generation’ of mRNA-based medicine
The entities are looking to expand the potential applications of mRNA therapeutics to tackle a range of diseases.
The delivery of mRNA effectively and safely into the cell is one of the biggest challenges for expanding the use of mRNA therapeutics to promising fields such as cancer immunotherapy, protein replacement and gene editing.
The German company said a polymer-based delivery system was developed at the US university and complements its own technology platform for mRNA delivery.
Known as Charge Altering Releasable Transporters (CART), the system was developed by Professor Robert Waymouth, Professor Paul Wender and Professor Ronald Levy.
Starting this month, Evonik and Stanford scientists will begin a three-year sponsored research collaboration to develop CART, which Evonik will license and commercialize.
“Through this project we look forward to enabling the next generation of mRNA-based medicine,” said Dr Thomas Riermeier, head of Evonik’s Healthcare business line.
Evonik said it recognized the potential of gene-based therapeutic approaches early on, with the company making a targeted investment in the space in 2016. It acquired Transferra Nanosciences, a Vancouver-based lab with a strong focus on parenteral drug formulation development using lipid nanoparticles and liposomes.
