mRNA-LNPs expressing EGF and HGF (Boston University School of Medicine/Acuitas Therapeutics)

Bayer, looking to enhance its gene editing program, will with Acuitas Therapeutics on the development of lipid-nanoparticle systems for molecular therapeutics. Canada-based Acuitas' clinically validated LNP delivery technology enables the targeted delivery of ribonucleic acids (RNA) to the liver. The proprietary technology was also used to develop the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine. In addition to mRNA, Acuitas' LNP can be used to deliver a range of different nucleic acid therapeutics including small interfering RNA (siRNA), antisense oligonucleotides and DNA. Bayer, through its gene therapy unit, AskBio, hopes that the partnership will help accelerate itsfirst in vivo gene editing programs to the clinic. Bayer paid $2 billion upfront back in in a deal that focused onAskBio’s industry-leading AAV-based gene therapy platform. Financial details of theAcuitas dealwere not disclosed.