Arizona State University scientists have discovered an unprecedented pathway in a fungus to produce telomerase RNA (TER) from a protein-encoding messenger RNA (mRNA). Unlike in animals and other fungi, this fungal TER is transcribed by RNA polymerase III, lacks a protective 5′ cap and it is processed from the 3′-untranslated region of an mRNA transcript. This telomerase has two essential structural domains that keep it active. For now, scientists have only observed this process in the fungus Ustilago maydis, or Mexican truffle. “In animals, and even in Ascomycota, which is another fungal phylum, the telomerase RNA is transcribed by RNA polymerase II as an independent gene. This is the only case among all different kingdoms in eukaryotes that the telomerase RNA is processed from the mRNA molecule. It is a very unusual biogenesis pathway.” Julian Chen told BioWorld.
Chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapies and mRNA-based vaccines represent two of the most significant new modalities to gain regulatory approval in the past decade. Capstan Therapeutics Inc. has emerged from stealth with bold ambitions to combine these two approaches in mRNA-programmed cell therapies that will be generated in vivo from patients’ endogenous cells. It has so far secured $165 million in equity funding to pursue that vision.
Researchers from the University of Pittsburgh presented preclinical data for novel messenger RNA (mRNA) therapy consisting of human very long chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase (hVLCAD) mRNA; the product is being developed as a potential treatment of VLCAD deficiency.
Three of the biggest COVID-19 vaccine developers are heading into a legal battle. Moderna Inc. said it has filed lawsuits alleging the Pfizer Inc.-Biontech SE Comirnaty vaccine infringes patents Moderna filed between 2010 and 2016 that cover its mRNA technology. Pfizer and Biontech “unlawfully” copied the technology without permission, according to Moderna.
Etherna Immunotherapies NV has raised €39 million (US$39 million) in new financing as it pivots to an mRNA-platform strategy. It has added a couple of heavy hitters to its board and its roster of investors, indicating that the move has already gained traction in the marketplace.
Orna Therapeutics Inc., which is pioneering a novel circular RNA protein expression technology in several therapeutic areas, has achieved lift-off. The Cambridge, Mass.-based company has closed a broadly based alliance in infectious disease and oncology with Merck & Co. Inc., under which it is getting $150 million up front and up to $3.5 billion in development, regulatory and sales-based milestones. In addition, Merck, of Rahway, N.J., is investing another $100 million in Orna’s equity, as part of its $221 million series B round, which the company also disclosed on Aug. 16.
Viome Life Sciences Inc. launched its Cancerdetect test for oral and throat cancer, the first in a developing portfolio of tests that use mRNA technology and an artificial intelligence (AI)-driven platform. The saliva-based oral and throat cancer test demonstrated 95% specificity and 90% sensitivity in identifying these notoriously difficult to diagnose malignancies in a recent study.
Beigene Ltd. has formed a partnership with Innorna Co. Ltd. to jointly develop messenger RNA (mRNA)-based therapeutics. Shenzhen, China-based Innorna will get an undisclosed up-front payment and is also eligible to receive additional payments based on development, regulatory and commercial milestones, as well as tiered royalties. Beigene will maintain exclusive global rights to the mRNA candidates co-developed in the deal.
Beigene Ltd. has formed a partnership with Innorna Co. Ltd. to jointly develop messenger RNA (mRNA)-based therapeutics. Shenzhen, China-based Innorna will get an undisclosed up-front payment and is also eligible to receive additional payments based on development, regulatory and commercial milestones, as well as tiered royalties. Beigene will maintain exclusive global rights to the mRNA candidates co-developed in the deal.
Curevac NV has filed a patent lawsuit against fellow German mRNA pioneer Biontech SE claiming that the latter firm’s COVID-19 vaccine, Comirnaty, infringes its intellectual property.
