By Fineline Cube Shanghai Simnova Biotech Co., Ltd. (Simnova), an affiliate of Simcere Investment Group, has announced a partnership with Cambridge, Massachusetts-based Orna Therapeutics. The deal grants Simnova access to certain of Orna’s in situ chimeric antigen receptor (isCAR) therapies in the China market, including the CD19-targeted isCAR program ORN-101. This collaboration aims to accelerate the development and validation of these innovative therapies in the region.
Deal Terms and Financial Commitments
Under the terms of the agreement, Simnova will pay Orna undisclosed upfront and milestone payments, as well as royalties on future sales for any products that reach the market through the collaboration. In return, Orna will gain access to investigator-initiated clinical trials in China, facilitating the validation of select programs in patients.
Orna’s isCAR Technology
Orna’s isCAR technology consists of two key components: engineered circular RNAs (oRNAs) expressing chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) and custom-built lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) for delivery into immune system cells. The oRNA-LNP platform holds potential for a range of indications, including oncology, genetic diseases, and infectious diseases. ORN-101, Orna’s lead program, is a preclinical candidate that has demonstrated tumor suppression and eradication in animal models. According to Simnova’s press release, oRNA-LNP-based cancer therapies could potentially overtake traditional cell therapies.
Future Outlook
The partnership between Simnova and Orna Therapeutics highlights the growing interest in next-generation cancer treatments and the potential of isCAR therapies. By leveraging Orna’s innovative oRNA-LNP platform, Simnova aims to address significant unmet needs in oncology and other therapeutic areas. The collaboration underscores both companies’ commitment to advancing cutting-edge therapies and improving patient outcomes globally.-Fineline Info & Tech