On October 10, 2023 Circio and Neoregen Biotech reported the start of a research collaboration on novel circular RNA (circRNA) therapeutics based on Circio´s proprietary circVec technology (Press release, Circio, OCT 10, 2023, View Source [SID1234635802]). The parties will test the ability of Neoregen´s NICT (Neoregen Intra-Cellular delivery Technology) delivery system to enhance cellular uptake and nuclear transfer of circVec vectors compared to commercially available delivery technologies.
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circRNA is an emerging class of novel RNA-therapeutics that offers improved durability and enhanced protein expression compared to mRNA. Due to these potentially significant advantages, circRNA has attracted significant funding and partnering transactions in the last two years. Circio is the leader in vector-delivery of circRNA based on its proprietary circVec technology, a DNA-based vector platform that enables high-yield intra-cellular expression of circRNAs for therapeutic applications. Intra-cellular expression of circRNA increases durability and protein expression compared to both synthetic LNP-delivered circRNA or mRNA, thereby offering potentially significant advantages in gene therapy, vaccines and cancer. The circVec technology is based on over ten years of research and is composed of a modular genetic cassette design for efficient biogenesis of multifunctional circRNAs that can be adapted and applied to multiple purposes.
Neoregen’s NICT platform technology is a novel peptide-based chemistry suitable for delivery of nucleic acid therapeutics. This technology enables the development of drugs for targets that were previously inaccessible using conventional methods and can also significantly improve the efficacy and safety of existing treatments. While many previously developed cell-penetrating peptides failed to achieve Endosome Escape, a crucial step for drug delivery, Neoregen’s technology has demonstrated superior results in animal experiments compared to competitors. Currently, discussions are underway for various forms of collaboration in this regard.
Dr. Jeong-Min, Seo CEO of Neoregen Biotech, stated, "Through this collaboration, we believe our peptide-based next-generation drug delivery system can overcome the limitations of existing mRNA-based therapeutic technologies and provide better delivery of innovative novel RNA therapeutics, bringing innovation to the biopharma industry."
Dr. Erik Digman Wiklund, CEO of Circio Holding ASA, added: "Synthetic DNA vectors hold major promise as durable protein replacement therapies for genetic diseases. However, efficient delivery to target tissues, and uptake into the cell nucleus, remain a technical challenge. Neoregen offers a unique solution to tackle this problem, and we are very excited to collaborate and develop novel NICT-delivered circVec therapeutic candidates."