Turn Biotechnologies Acquires ARMMs Technology to Enhance Epigenetic Therapy Access

Turn Biotechnologies, based in Mountain View, California, has taken a significant step towards advancing precision medicine by acquiring the ARMMs (ARRDC1 Mediated Microvesicles) technology. This acquisition broadens the potential for targeting a wide range of organs, tissues, and cells with their epigenetic therapies. The ARMMs technology, initially developed by Vesigen Therapeutics under a Harvard University license, utilizes human extracellular vesicles to transport therapeutic agents directly to cells. This innovative delivery system is designed to improve the precision and efficiency of transferring therapeutic molecules, addressing limitations found in other delivery methods.

The integration of ARMMs with Turn Bio's existing eTurna™ LNP delivery platform is set to greatly extend the capabilities of the company’s ERA® technology. This technology employs mRNA to generate proteins that can modify the cellular epigenome, aiming to restore cellular function and counteract age-related conditions. By combining these delivery platforms, Turn Biotechnologies plans to handle larger and more diverse biological cargoes, including proteins, gene editors, and RNA-based therapies. This integration not only enhances the spectrum of therapeutic options but also increases the safety and scalability of treatments across various medical fields, such as ophthalmology, dermatology, and immune system therapies.

Preclinical studies have demonstrated the ARMMs technology's effectiveness in delivering therapeutic agents to numerous tissues, such as the retina, lungs, nervous system, liver, and spleen. The ability to target these areas precisely makes it an invaluable tool for developing treatments for age-related conditions, where precise modulation of gene expression is crucial. The ARMMs technology is poised to play a critical role in the development of Turn Bio's drug candidates aimed at ophthalmology and rejuvenation of immune cells, as well as in the advancement of TRN-001, a skin rejuvenation therapy using the eTurna platform.

Anja Krammer, CEO of Turn Biotechnologies, emphasized that the ARMMs technology is pivotal in their mission to leverage the power of epigenetics to redefine healthcare for the aging population. She highlighted the technology’s ability to deliver therapies with precision and its capacity to handle a broader range of therapeutic molecules. This capability positions Turn Bio at the forefront of regenerative medicine, potentially setting new standards for the field.

The acquisition has garnered interest from leading investors, including Bayer Healthcare LLC, Morningside Group Ltd., and Alexandria Ventures, underscoring the market's confidence in ARMMs technology and Turn Biotechnologies' potential.

Fundamentally, Turn Biotechnologies focuses on restoring the epigenome to its youthful state, aiming to treat various diseases and conditions where epigenetic factors are significant. The company's approach is centered on modulating gene expression to restore normal cellular function in conditions like skin aging, vision loss, muscle deterioration, joint degeneration, and other age-related disorders.

Turn Biotechnologies, still in its pre-clinical stage, is diligently working on therapies targeting dermatology, ophthalmology, and immunology, with additional projects underway for osteoarthritis and muscular system treatments. The company's efforts in developing transformative drug delivery systems are critical to their strategy to repair tissues at the cellular level and redefine therapeutic possibilities in age-related medicine.