Bonn-based biotech company Neuway Pharma and Munich-based chemical company Wacker have launched a research project to identify and manufacture RNA-based actives for the treatment of diseases of the central nervous system (CNS).
 
They will make use of Neuway’s protein-based drug delivery technology EnPC, which allows for targeted drug delivery via the blood-brain barrier into the CNS.
 
Under the collaboration agreement, Neuway Pharma and Wacker will jointly research active substances based on ribonucleic acid (RNA) for the treatment of CNS-related diseases; the companies will also study related manufacturing processes. They will make use of Neuway Pharma’s protein-based drug delivery technology EnPC (Engineered Protein Capsules), where active ingredient molecules are encapsulated by protein capsules and thereby transported across the blood-brain barrier – which is difficult to pass – into the CNS.
 
The blood-brain barrier serves as natural protection against harmful substances. Crossing it has so far posed a major challenge for the treatment of CNS diseases. EnPC now makes effective transport of drugs into the CNS possible. This technology also offers a range of advantages for RNA-related therapies. Alongside lower costs in manufacturing, dosing of drugs based on EnPC can be handled flexibly, for instance. Intravenous administration is furthermore possible, which eases the burden on clinicians, healthcare providers, payors and patients.
 
Within the research project, Wacker will take on the production and analysis of various mRNA grades, in particular mRNA – mRNA (messenger RNA) is a special type of RNA made from DNA. Neuway is responsible for manufacturing the EnPCs, the encapsulation and the design of selected RNA compounds, as well as associated (bio-)analysis and investigation of therapeutic relevance, both in vitro and in vivo.
 
“We see great opportunities in the joint research project with Wacker. Wacker’s expertise in the production of mRNA supports our strategy of advancing transformative neuropharmaceuticals for the treatment of diseases of the central nervous system,” says Oliver Ernst, CEO and managing director of Neuway Pharma.
 
“We are pleased that, with our expertise, we can contribute to research into new treatment methods for diseases of the central nervous system. The combination of mRNA-based drugs with Neuway’s delivery system has great therapeutic potential,” says Hagen Richter, who is responsible for research in the area of nucleic acids at Wacker.