Moderna Partners with Nanexa to Extend Injectable Drug Efficacy
Deal Worth Up To $503 Million Aims to Incorporate Controlled-Release Technology
Moderna, the mRNA specialist, has entered a licensing agreement with Nanexa, a Swedish biotech company, to incorporate tailored release profiles into its injectable drugs. This move aligns with a broader trend in the biologics sector toward less frequent patient dosing.
Under the contract, Moderna will pay Nanexa $3 million upfront to utilize the Swedish biotech’s PharmaShell drug delivery platform for the development of five compounds. Neither company disclosed the identity of these five potential compounds.
Moderna retains the option to utilize the technology for an additional four compounds. The total value of the deal could reach $500 million for Nanexa in development and commercial milestone payments, along with royalties on any successful products resulting from the partnership that reach the market.
How the PharmaShell Mechanism Works
The PharmaShell platform functions by coating drug microparticles with a protective film made of slow-dissolving material. Currently, Nanexa uses non-toxic aluminum oxide and zinc oxide coatings. As the coating dissolves over time, the drug is released in a pre-defined manner, allowing for tailored therapeutic delivery.
Nanexa’s CEO noted that the agreement highlights the versatility of PharmaShell and its potential to address key challenges in the delivery of advanced biologics. A key advantage of the formulation is that it facilitates small injection volumes using very thin needles, especially beneficial for peptides.
The market is exhibiting a clear trend toward less frequent dosing. PharmaShell’s ability to enhance drug delivery with a high drug load and low injection volume has already attracted interest from other major pharmaceutical companies. In December 2022, Novo Nordisk signed a licensing deal with Nanexa potentially worth up to 63.3 million Swedish Krona (approximately $6.6 million).
Moderna’s Strategic Pivot
This collaboration comes as Moderna undergoes a strategic realignment. Following its significant success during the Covid-19 pandemic, the company’s revenues have declined, necessitating a shift in focus. Moderna is scaling back some of its mRNA programs to concentrate on building a large portfolio of seasonal vaccines, while also directing resources toward experimental therapeutics for cancer and rare diseases.
