N4 Pharma announced further details of its collaboration with SRI on the targeted delivery of RNA into cells using Nuvec. Following detailed additional analysis, the resulting data are now shaping a new scope of work focused on utilizing Nuvec for targeted treatments in oncology. In the near future, treatments for common cancers may be delivered as simple oral tablets with far fewer side effects than chemotherapy.
The Company's collaboration combined SRI's targeting molecules with Nuvec to successfully deliver therapeutic RNA ("siRNA") payloads to specific cell types, specifically non-small cell lung cancer cells. Key results include:
Precision targeting achieved: Nuvec particles were functionalized with a targeting molecule binding to a cell surface adhesion molecule (αvβ6) - a protein found at high levels in epithelial cancers such as lung, breast, prostate and pancreatic adenocarcinomas.
Selective uptake confirmed: siRNA payloads were successfully delivered and active only by the targeted Nuvec particles compared to untargeted Nuvec, demonstrating that Nuvec can be directed to specific cell types.
Broader validation of Nuvec: The findings strengthen the platform's potential as a differentiated delivery system for RNA therapeutics across multiple disease areas, including cancers of high unmet need such as lung and pancreatic cancers.
