Kindeva Drug Delivery, a global CDMO, and Emervax, developer of a circular RNA-based vaccine platform (emxRNA), entered an exclusive partnership to co-develop an innovative solution for the administration of vaccines targeting a variety of emerging viruses.

Kindeva has granted Emervax an exclusive license to use its solid-coated microneedle array patch for their next-gen emxRNA platform for RNA vaccines. Kindeva’s technology combined with Emervax’s emxRNA platform aims to set a new standard for vaccine tolerability and efficacy against infectious diseases, including, Yellow Fever, Ebola, Monkeypox, Tuberculosis, along with selected cancers and autoimmune diseases.

Kindeva’s microneedle array patch provides accurate and reliable intradermal delivery of Emervax’s emxRNA vaccines. A typical emxRNA dose range aligns with the payload capacity of microneedle technology and improves the stability profile of emxRNA vaccines, potentially reducing the need for cold chain storage. It is also minimally invasive way of administering vaccines and offers potential for at-home dosing.

Combining Emervax’s emxRNA with Kindeva’s microneedle patch technology aims to allow for ease of transport and administration of vaccines.

Milton Boyer, CEO of Kindeva Drug Delivery, said, “This partnership reflects a common pursuit of a step change improvement in the delivery of advanced vaccines. In harnessing the combination of Kindeva’s microneedle array patch technology with Emervax’s circular RNA platform, we are excited to work together to unlock breakthrough benefits for patients. In addition to vaccines, our platform has shown tremendous promise across small molecules and biologics targeting a wide range of indications demonstrating the potential for safer, less painful and more convenient intradermal delivery of vaccines and therapies, which conventionally would be administered via an injection.”

Peter Weinstein, Co-Founder and CEO of Emervax, said, “Alongside the obvious advantages for patients, the new solution also offers compelling benefits for pharmaceutical manufacturers. By combining Kindeva’s microneedle patches with Emervax’s emxRNA thermostable platform, this solution minimizes the need for cold chain storage and simplifies vaccine administration compared to current standards of care. It also addresses critical challenges in transporting and delivering vaccines, ensuring faster and more efficient distribution.”

The new joint offering is anticipated to move into clinical trials in 2026. 

The microneedle array patch enables the intradermal delivery of small and large molecules, peptides, proteins, nucleic acids and biologics.