In March 2024 Altamira Therapeutics announced that it has entered a collaboration with Univercells to evaluate the use of its SemaPhore platform to deliver mRNA vaccines. The agreement ensures that Univercells will test a proprietary mRNA vaccine delivered with SemaPhore nanoparticle platform in vitro and in vivo. If these prove successful, the companies will discuss and negotiate a commercial agreement for the development and manufacturing of nanoparticle-based mRNA vaccines through Univercells’ production platform.
SemaPhore
Altamira’s SemaPhore platform is “versatile” and designed to “enable safe and effective delivery of mRNA into target cells” through systemic or local administration. It is based on a proprietary 21 amino acid peptide that can engage “any type” of RNA in rapid self-assembly into a polyplex, which has a size, charge, and other physical features. These allow it to escape hepatic clearance to reach target tissues other than the liver.
“SemaPhore protects the RNA payload from degradation in the circulation and allows for rapid and effective cell entrance. Efficient delivery and positive treatment outcomes have been demonstrated in multiple murine models of disease so far.”
Dr Covadonga Pañeda, Altamira’s Chief Operating Officer, is “thrilled to initiate this collaboration”.
“SemaPhore has shown to be an efficient delivery vehicle for therapeutic RNA in many different disease models. With this collaboration we will explore for the first time its potential utility in delivery mRNA vaccines.”
Dr Pañeda highlights that current delivery vehicles that are used in the field “suffer from significant rates of mRNA loss during cell entrance”. Furthermore, they can cause “local or systemic side effects”.
“SemaPhore reduces mRNA loss during cell entrance, which may allow for using lower doses. This feature, together with its favourable tolerability profile could make SemaPhore a compelling alternative to conventional delivery vehicles.”
Chief Technology Officer of Univercells is Dr José Castillo who is “delighted to be partnering with Altamira to explore better ways to deliver mRNA to patients”.
“mRNA vaccines, and mRNA in general, have proven to be a game-changer in how we prevent, treat, and cure diseases in a range of fields from oncology to infectious diseases. To unlock its full potential, however, we need constant innovation to make mRNA products more effective, efficient, and affordable. One key step is to develop platforms that use lower doses.”
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