The Chinese 3D printing specialist Triastek and the German biotech company BioNTech have agreed on a research collaboration to develop oral RNA therapeutics. The project aims to utilize the advantages of additive manufacturing for novel drugs.
Triastek is contributing its expertise in 3D printing technology for tablets. The company has developed processes to produce tablets with complex internal and external geometries. This technology enables multi-layered and multi-compartment designs that will be optimized for oral delivery of RNA therapeutics.
A key aim of the collaboration is to improve the stability of the RNA molecules in the gastrointestinal tract and increase their absorption in the gut. The 3D-printed tablets are designed to minimize the degradation of the sensitive RNA and enable targeted release at the sites with the highest absorption rate.
The financial agreement includes an upfront payment of 10 million dollars to Triastek. In addition, milestone payments of up to 1.2 billion dollars and tiered royalties on potential product sales are planned.
This collaboration could represent a significant advance in the delivery of RNA therapeutics. Until now, these drugs have usually had to be injected. An oral dosage form would significantly simplify the application for patients and could open up new therapeutic options.
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