Repair Biotechnologies and Genevant Sciences to Develop First-in-Class mRNA-LNP Therapy for Atherosclerosis

SYRACUSE, New York, VANCOUVER, British Columbia, and BASEL, Switzerland, Sept. 26, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Repair Biotechnologies, a pioneering biotechnology firm, and Genevant Sciences, a leader in nucleic acid delivery, have announced their collaboration to develop a novel treatment for atherosclerosis. This partnership will combine Repair’s Cholesterol Degrading Platform (CDP) mRNA technology with Genevant’s proprietary lipid nanoparticle (LNP) technology.

Repair Biotechnologies' CDP mRNA therapy aims to target and reverse atherosclerosis, a condition caused by the buildup of excess cholesterol in the body. According to Reason, Chief Executive Officer and co-founder of Repair, effective delivery of the mRNA therapy is crucial for its success. This collaboration with Genevant is anticipated to leverage Genevant’s expertise in LNP technology, thus enhancing the delivery mechanism of the therapy.

Genevant Sciences has a longstanding reputation in the field of LNP technology, which is critical for the successful development of mRNA and other nucleic acid-based therapies. James Heyes, Chief Scientific Officer of Genevant Sciences, expressed excitement over the collaboration, emphasizing the potential to create a new therapeutic option for atherosclerosis.

According to the terms of the agreement, Repair will receive a nonexclusive worldwide license to use Genevant’s LNP technology for CDP mRNA-LNP products aimed at treating atherosclerosis. In return, Genevant will be eligible for up to $107 million in upfront and contingent milestone payments per product, along with tiered royalties ranging from the mid to high single digits on future sales.

Repair Biotechnologies focuses on preclinical development of drugs targeted at cholesterol and aging-related diseases. Their Cholesterol Degrading Platform is designed to produce therapies that can reverse atherosclerosis and other conditions caused by excess or modified cholesterol. Current treatments like statins and PCSK9 inhibitors can lower LDL-cholesterol levels but are not effective in reducing established atherosclerotic plaque.

Genevant Sciences specializes in nucleic acid delivery and boasts a comprehensive LNP patent portfolio. With over two decades of experience, Genevant’s LNP platform supports a variety of RNA-based applications including vaccines, therapeutic protein production, and gene editing. The company's technology has been utilized in more than a dozen product candidates, including the first approved systemic RNA-LNP product, patisiran.

This strategic alliance between Repair Biotechnologies and Genevant Sciences holds promise for advancing therapeutic options for patients suffering from atherosclerosis, potentially improving their quality of life by addressing the underlying cause of the disease through innovative mRNA and LNP technologies.