The aim is to support the development of novel medicines
CDMO Hongene Biotech Corporation, specialising in nucleic acid therapeutics, has partnered with UMass Chan Medical School to produce and supply extended nucleic acid (exNA) monomers and exNA-modified oligonucleotides for research.
“By enabling access to exNA for research, we hope to accelerate the development of RNA-based medicines for extrahepatic indications,” said Hongene CTO Dr David Butler.
“This partnership reflects our strategy to bring next-generation RNA chemistries to market and support researchers working on the toughest delivery challenges in oligonucleotide therapeutics,” he added.
Developed by scientists at UMass Chan Medical School’s RNA Therapeutics Institute, exNA is a backbone modification that enhances the durability and pharmacokinetics of oligonucleotide therapeutics, while maintaining compatibility with established small interfering RNA (siRNA) designs.
Hongene will apply its expertise in phosphoramidite manufacturing and oligonucleotide synthesis to make exNA phosphoramidites and custom exNA oligonucleotides.
Expanded access to exNA technology could help to advance research into stable, tissue-specific RNA therapeutics and support the development of novel medicines.
