BioNTech and Triastek have entered into a research collaboration and platform technology license agreement to develop RNA therapeutics for oral delivery based on 3D printing technology.

The collaboration aims to provide groundbreaking therapies to address unmet medical needs in an easy to administer oral formulation.

The partners plan to use Triastek’s knowledge in oral tablet design using 3D printing to optimise delivery of RNA therapeutics across the gastrointestinal mucosa. It is hoped that this will minimise degradation in the gastrointestinal tract and deliver RNA therapeutics to the portion of the gastrointestinal tract where absorption will potentially be the greatest.

Dr Senping Cheng, Founder and CEO of Triastek, said: “We believe this collaboration stands as a promising milestone in advancing oral RNA therapeutics using 3D printing technology and aims to set new benchmarks in the development of large molecule oral drugs. We are committed to working diligently together to make breakthroughs in oral delivery of RNA therapeutics.”

Under the terms of the agreement, Triastek will receive an upfront payment of $10 million, and will be eligible to receive development, regulatory and commercial milestone payments potentially totalling over $1.2 billion, as well as tiered royalties on potential future product sales.

Diana Spencer, Senior Digital Content Editor, DDW