Simnova and Orna Therapeutics Expand Strategic Collaboration to Advance Next-Generation In Vivo CAR-T Therapies Leveraging Circular RNA Technology
Simnova
Innovative Cell Therapy Product Developer
Orna
Novel Full-Process Circular RNA (Orna) Therapy Developer
October 13, 2023, Simnova Biotechnology Co., Ltd.(hereinafter referred to as "Simnova")Simnova is a clinical-stage cell therapy biotechnology company with self-developed off-the-shelf CAR-NK and BiTE CAR-T cell therapy products. Orna Therapeutics(hereinafter referred to as "Orna")It is a biotechnology drug research and development company with independently innovative circular RNA technology.Recently, the two companies announced a broader strategic cooperation.
Both parties will integrate their respective advantageous resources in the R&D field. Simnova will leverage its technical advantages in antibody discovery and its accumulation in cell therapy, combined with Orna's expertise in circular RNA and customized lipid nanoparticles.（LNPs）Rich experience in the field,Jointly research and develop innovative forms ofNext-Generation In Vivo CAR-T ProductBased on the terms of the collaboration, Orna Therapeutics will obtain the usage rights to a series of CAR construct sequences from Simnova to advance itsisCAR Platform PipelineDevelopment work. In addition,Some projects may accelerate the clinical validation of innovative technologies and benefit patients earlier through clinical IITs in China.
Simnova CEO Dr. Cao ZhuoxiaoExpressed as,"Orna Therapeutics has exceptional scientific research and innovation capabilities. We are honored to deepen and broaden our strategic cooperation. This extensive collaboration will fully leverage our respective unique research strengths."
Dr. Tom Barnes, CEO of OrnaIndicates,"We highly recognize Simnova's innovative R&D capabilities. We look forward to engaging in comprehensive and active collaboration with Simnova. This strategic partnership will further enrich Orna's innovative product pipeline, offering more high-quality treatment options for patients worldwide."
On January 5, 2023, Simnova and Orna Therapeutics announced that they had reached a cooperation agreement:Simnova is responsible for Orna's utilization of breakthrough circular mRNA technology（oRNA）The development of in vivo cell therapy products for the treatment and commercialization in the Greater China region's oncology field, including the most advanced therapies from Orna's pipeline.CD19 In Situ Chimeric Antigen Receptor T-Cell Technology(isCAR)Project, named "ORN-101"Orna will receive an upfront payment for the collaboration, milestone payments for key phases such as clinical development, market approval, and commercialization, as well as a share of sales revenue after the product is approved and launched.
About Orna
About Orna Therapeutics
Orna Therapeutics is a biotechnology company incubated by MPM Capital and BioImpact Capital, founded in 2019 by Dr. Alex Wesselhoeft and Dr. Daniel G. Anderson from MIT. Orna's proprietary circular RNA is formed through the one-step self-circularization of engineered linear RNA. Compared to traditional linear RNA therapies, oRNA offers many technical advantages, such as simplified production processes, enhanced protein expression, streamlined LNP encapsulation, and superior immunogenicity performance. Its unique LNPs platform can deliver circular RNA to specific tissue cells, such as immune cells, expanding the therapeutic scope of RNA therapies.
About Simnova
About Simnova
Simnova (Shanghai Simnova Biotechnology Co., Ltd.) is dedicated to bringing innovative cell therapy products to cancer patients. Simnova has a robust pipeline of R&D projects, including both clinical and preclinical programs, with technological strengths in its self-developed off-the-shelf CAR-NK and BiTE CAR-T technology platforms. Simnova has research teams in both Shanghai and Boston and is a sister company of the publicly listed Simcere Pharmaceutical Group (2096.HK).
