Partnership to revolutionise RNA production

eTheRNA immunotherapies NV and Quantoom Biosciences SA have agreed to collaborate on the development of a revolutionary RNA production system (RPS) for both research and good manufacturing practice (GMP)-grade material.

The companies will co-operate in the building of an advanced, small footprint technology platform for the production of affordable RNA-based therapies. According to the enterprises, unlike existing large RNA production plants, the RPS will manufacture RNA small modular units, which can be shipped easily across multiple geographic regions. The companies intend for the RPS to be scaled seamlessly from small scale pre-clinical batches to mass production of GMP-grade RNA, with the only requirements being that the RPS is located in a suitable cleanroom with an uninterrupted utility supply.

Under the terms of the agreement, eTheRNA will transfer manufacturing technology to Quantoom with all materials and data necessary for the development of the novel RPS. Following completion of the RPS, Quantoom will be responsible for commercialisation of the system worldwide, with sales-related royalties payable to eTheRNA. International sales and distribution are expected to commence in 2023 following RPS production in Belgium.

Bernard Sagaert, Senior Vice President of Manufacturing and Chief Operating Officer of eTheRNA, commented: “This co-operation aligns with our goals for RNA production; namely cost reduction, process scalability from small to large scale, portability and process automation. Currently, the global supply of RNA is hampered by the lack of dedicated production facilities and by the cost of constructing new plants. The RPS will revolutionise the way RNA is produced and distributed globally and we are excited to be able to work with a leading developer and manufacturer like Quantoom to bring this vision to the market.”

José Castillo, Chief Executive Officer of Quantoom Biosciences, commented: “We are delighted to enter into this collaboration agreement with eTheRNA… Through our combined knowhow, I am confident that Quantoom will be able to develop an open, integrated RNA platform that will enable manufacture of RNA-based vaccines and therapeutics at scale, resulting in affordable development and production of RNA-based drugs. “

About the collaborators

eTheRNA is a clinical-stage company developing messenger RNA (mRNA)-based immunotherapies and vaccines. It is headquartered in Belgium and has in-house GMP certified production and process development capabilities.

Quantoom Biosciences is a biotech company aiming to improve access to essential medicines through innovative bioproduction methods.