At a Glance
- Companies: Moderna, Nanexa
- Location: Global
- Deal value: $3M upfront, up to $500M in milestones
- Focus area: Injectable therapy delivery
- Next steps: Preclinical evaluation, potential expansion to four more compounds
What happened?
Moderna has partnered with Swedish biotech Nanexa to improve the delivery of up to five injectable therapies using Nanexa’s PharmaShell platform. The deal is heavily back-loaded, with only $3 million paid upfront and up to $500 million in potential milestone payments and royalties if any drugs reach the market.
Why does it matter?
The PharmaShell technology enables high drug loads to be delivered in low injection volumes by coating microparticles with a slow-dissolving, nontoxic film. This could improve patient convenience and compliance, and may be especially valuable for Moderna’s mRNA-based therapies and oncology programs.
Who’s behind it?
Moderna, known for its mRNA vaccines and expanding oncology pipeline, is collaborating with Nanexa, a specialist in long-acting drug formulations. Nanexa has previously worked with companies like AstraZeneca and Novo Nordisk, and its PharmaShell platform has been applied to several high-value drugs.
How was it achieved?
Moderna will initially license PharmaShell for one undisclosed compound, with the option to expand to four more after preclinical evaluation. The technology uses atomic-level coatings to protect and control the release of drugs, potentially allowing for more effective and convenient injectable therapies.
What’s next?
Moderna will conduct preclinical studies to assess PharmaShell’s potential for its selected compounds. If successful, the partnership could expand to additional therapies, with further milestone payments and royalties tied to clinical and commercial progress.
What are people saying?
Nanexa’s CEO, David Westberg, highlighted the versatility of PharmaShell and its potential to address delivery challenges for advanced biologics. The agreement is seen as a validation of Nanexa’s technology in the field of injectable therapies.