Biocytogen and Merck KGaA Partner on Targeted Nucleic Acid Delivery via Antibody-Conjugated LNPs

Biocytogen and Merck KGaA have entered into an agreement to develop targeted nucleic acid delivery via antibody-conjugated lipid nanoparticles. Biocytogen will provide proprietary antibodies from its RenMice platform for evaluation, and Merck KGaA has an exclusive option to acquire rights to selected antibody assets for fees and royalties on sales and sublicenses. The collaboration aims to advance the development of antibody-conjugated LNPs for nucleic acid payloads.

Biocytogen Pharmaceuticals (Beijing) Co., Ltd. and Merck KGaA have entered into an evaluation and option agreement to advance the development of antibody-conjugated lipid-based delivery solutions for nucleic acid payloads, such as antibody-conjugated lipid nanoparticles (LNPs). Under the terms of the agreement, Biocytogen will provide proprietary, fully human antibodies derived from its RenMice platform for evaluation in Merck KGaA's antibody-conjugated LNP services. Merck KGaA has been granted an exclusive option to acquire rights to selected antibody assets in return for fees and royalties on sales and sublicenses [1].

The collaboration aims to leverage Biocytogen's expertise in antibody discovery and Merck KGaA's established capabilities in LNPs to develop next-generation nucleic acid delivery solutions. Biocytogen's RenMice platform is a significant asset, enabling the discovery of fully human monoclonal, bispecific, and multispecific antibodies. The platform has been used to generate over 50 target-nominated RenMice® licensing projects and has established multiple clinical asset co-development/out-licensing/transfer agreements with multinational pharmaceutical companies [2].

Merck KGaA, known for its innovation in drug delivery, will benefit from this collaboration by enhancing its LNP-based drug delivery solutions. The company expects to improve the targeting specificity of its LNPs, making them more effective for various therapeutic applications. This partnership will strengthen Merck KGaA's position in the competitive pharmaceutical market, providing access to a more comprehensive portfolio of delivery service offerings.

The agreement underscores the growing trend of strategic collaborations in the biotechnology sector, where companies combine their strengths to accelerate the development of innovative therapies. As the demand for targeted nucleic acid delivery solutions increases, this collaboration is poised to contribute significantly to the advancement of next-generation drug delivery technologies.

References:
[1] https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/biocytogen-merck-kgaa-develop-targeted-nucleic-acid-delivery-antibody-conjugated-lnps
[2] https://sg.finance.yahoo.com/news/biocytogen-enters-agreement-merck-kgaa-000000769.html