ReNeuron Group PLC (LON:RENE) has signed a research evaluation agreement with an unnamed “major biotechnology company” with the pair set to collaborate on a technology that can deliver gene-silencing therapeutics.
The focus will be on the UK group’s exosomes, which are vesicles, or small bubbles released from stem cells capable of carrying a genetic payload.
Specifically, the two will focus on the use of ReNeuron's human neural stem cell-derived exosomes for the delivery of what are described as “neuroscience therapeutic candidates”.
ReNeuron will manufacture exosomes and load them with the gene silencing sequences after which its US partner will evaluate the loaded exosomes.
If the combination is successful, the two will jointly develop the new treatment.
“This latest exosome collaboration follows our strategy of collaborating and out-licensing our proprietary exosome technology as a novel delivery vector and underlines the potential commercial value of these proprietary nanoparticles," said chief executive Olav Hellebø.