UMass Signed a Non-Exclusive License Agreement with Hongene 

Announcement

UMass Chan Medical School partnered with Hongene Biotech Corporation to produce extensive exNA-modified oligonucleotides and nucleic acid (exNA) monomers for research purposes. The production reached the peak with the developmental progress by Anastasia Khvorova, phd, the Remondi Family chair in biomedical research and professor of RNA therapeutics, and PhD assistant professor of RNA therapeutics Ken Yamada. The exNA is an exclusive support to the modification that has prominently improved the pharmacokinetics and durability of oligonucleotide therapeutics while balancing compatibility with developed small interfering RNA (siRNA) designs.

The exNA chemical scaffold stabilizers expand and sustain the longevity of oligonucleotide drugs. The enhancement to the performance of the exNA oligonucleotides has the ability to advance RNJA-related translational research and successfully achieve therapeutic effects in living tissue, mainly cells apart from liver cells. The oligonucleotide drugs involving siRNAs, a new class of medicines that provide modulation of disease-generating genes for therapeutic effect. Seven siRNAs are approved for clinical use by the FDA, focusing on the concerned area of the liver, enabling more in late-stage clinical trials.

Agreement

In this agreement, the Hongene will execute its expertise in oligonucleotide synthesis and phosphoramidite manufacturing to provide exNA phosphoramidites and custom exNA oligonucleotides via its services and catalogue. The extensive reach of exNA technology is predicted to support advanced research into stabilizing tissue-based RNA therapeutics and help the development of novel medicines fulfilling unmet clinical needs.

With this partnership deal, Hongene will be able to implement its expertise in the brilliant future of the healthcare sector. The catalogue and services will assist UMass medical students in enhancing their technological skills in the healthcare sector, preparing them for future challenges and other changes.

Views and Statements from the Company Leaders

Dr. Yamada said, “We’re thrilled to partner with Hongene Biotech to extend the reach and access of exNA oligonucleotide technology to investigators and scientists. The Hongene’s expertise in oligonucleotide synthesis and phosphoramidite manufacturing will help us to extend access to exNA oligonucleotide technology for the translational investigators."

Phd, chief technology officer at Hongene, David Butler said, “This partnership shows are similarity in building strategy for next generation RNA chemistries to market and help researchers working on the hardest delivery challenges in the oligonucleotide therapeutics.” Further, he added, “By providing required access to exNA research, we look forward to leveraging the development of RNA-related medicines for extrahepatic indications.”