Replicate Bioscience, a clinical-stage company developing self-replicating RNA (srRNA) technology, has entered into a multi-year research collaboration with Novo Nordisk focused on obesity, type 2 diabetes and other cardiometabolic diseases.
The agreement will provide Novo Nordisk with an exclusive, worldwide license to leverage Replicate’s srRNA platform to develop and commercialise lead programs in cardiometabolic targets.
“Replicate works with industry leaders to create fit-for-purpose srRNA that enables patients’ cells to naturally generate their own therapeutic proteins,” said Rachael Lester, Chief Business Officer, Replicate Bioscience. “This partnership combines the strength of Replicate’s proprietary srRNA vector library with Novo Nordisk’s therapeutic and clinical insights to create powerful new opportunities. We are very excited to collaborate with the team at Novo Nordisk.”
Replicate’s srRNA technology enables the customisation of protein expression profiles, with preclinical data indicating greater durability, tunability and expression levels compared to conventional RNA modalities. The company has additionally developed a proprietary vector library to optimise fit-for-purpose srRNA designs.
“We seek to combine our core capabilities with selected modality platforms to raise the innovation bar to the benefit of people living with serious chronic diseases,” said Karina Thorn, Corporate Vice President of Nucleic Acid Research, Novo Nordisk. “We are excited about this partnership with Replicate, as it allows us to create a new avenue for development of novel, impactful therapies.”
Replicate’s pipeline includes therapeutic proteins and prophylactic vaccines. Its most advanced program is a dual inhibitor of IL-1 receptor agonist and IL-18 binding protein, to target cytokines involved in inflammatory conditions such as chronic inflammatory bowel disease, gout and recurrent pericarditis.
