uBriGene and Circurna Join Forces to Advance circRNA Therapeutics

uBriGene Biosciences has entered a strategic partnership with Circurna to enhance the development and manufacturing of circular RNA (circRNA) therapeutics. This collaboration aims to leverage uBriGene’s expertise in contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO) services alongside Circurna’s innovative circRNA platform, ultimately expediting the journey towards clinical studies.

Under the terms of the agreement, uBriGene will provide comprehensive support across various stages, including process development, analytical services, scale-up, and Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) production for both drug substances and drug products. This partnership will benefit from uBriGene’s extensive global manufacturing infrastructure and regulatory expertise, ensuring high-quality outputs and readiness for submission across multiple regulatory jurisdictions.

Advancing RNA Therapeutics

According to Xiulian Sun, Chief Technology Officer of uBriGene, “Circular RNA offers advantages in stability and translational efficiency.” He highlighted that uBriGene’s capabilities in purifying circRNA to over 90% purity, along with their proficiency in RNA-lipid nanoparticle (LNP) formulation, will significantly accelerate the Chemistry, Manufacturing, and Controls (CMC) process for Circurna’s products.

Circurna’s platform is designed for programmable circularisation, RNA engineering, and targeted delivery, positioning it to address diseases that are not effectively treated by traditional RNA technologies. The partnership is expected to facilitate the advancement of Circurna’s pipeline toward first-in-human studies while establishing a scalable CMC framework essential for regulatory compliance.

Growing Interest in circRNA

The collaboration comes at a time when interest in circRNA is surging as it is recognized as a promising next-generation RNA modality. Peter Weinstein, Chief Executive Officer of Circurna, noted that uBriGene’s strengths in RNA process development, analytics, GMP production, and regulatory expertise make them a well-aligned partner for this venture.

Both companies emphasized that collaborating with a CDMO experienced in complex RNA technologies is crucial for transitioning early-stage programmes into clinical settings. The partnership marks a significant step forward in the pursuit of innovative therapeutic solutions through advanced RNA technology, reflecting the ongoing evolution in the biopharmaceutical landscape.

The agreement solidifies uBriGene and Circurna’s commitment to pioneering the future of RNA therapeutics, fostering a collaborative environment that could lead to significant breakthroughs in treatment for various diseases.