Nippon Shokubai and PURMX test Fol‑Dab8 DDS with naturally occurring microRNA
- Nippon Shokubai and PURMX launched a joint feasibility study to evaluate Fol‑Dab8 with PURMX’s naturally occurring microRNA platform.
- Nippon Shokubai made an undisclosed private‑placement equity investment in PURMX.
- Fol‑Dab8 is a folate‑conjugated cationic peptide designed to target folate‑receptor–high tissues and enhance intracellular delivery of oligonucleotides, including for hard‑to‑treat cancers such as pancreatic cancer.
- The collaboration will assess expanding Fol‑Dab8 use from conventional oligonucleotides like siRNA to naturally occurring microRNA and bolster Nippon Shokubai’s CDMO offering for oligonucleotide and peptide therapeutics.
Collaboration scope
Nippon Shokubai has initiated a joint feasibility study with PURMX to assess combining its DDS material Fol‑Dab8 with PURMX’s proprietary naturally occurring microRNA technology for novel oligonucleotide therapeutics. In conjunction with the study, Nippon Shokubai made an equity investment in PURMX via a private placement; the investment amount and ownership stake were not disclosed.
What Fol‑Dab8 is
Fol‑Dab8 is a folate‑conjugated cationic peptide developed to target tissues that highly express folate receptors and to enable efficient intracellular delivery of oligonucleotides. The technology was developed by academic researchers and Nippon Shokubai is advancing its application in oligonucleotide therapeutics; prior delivery studies included conventional oligonucleotides such as siRNA.
Strategic rationale
Oligonucleotides are susceptible to in vivo degradation and have limited cellular uptake, so effective DDS technologies are essential for clinical application. The study will evaluate whether Fol‑Dab8 can deliver naturally occurring microRNA, with the aim of creating new classes of oligonucleotide medicines and addressing difficult‑to‑treat cancers.
CDMO positioning and outlook
Within its Healthcare business, Nippon Shokubai operates a CDMO for oligonucleotide and peptide therapeutics and intends to combine its synthesis, manufacturing, and analytical capabilities with DDS platforms like Fol‑Dab8 to support pharmaceutical companies and biotech ventures and to strengthen its development support capabilities.
Source: Nippon Shokubai