#United States #Cambridge #gene therapy #ARPA-H #STRM.BIO

STRM.BIO Secures Major Funding for Innovative Gene Therapy Program

In a significant step towards revolutionizing gene therapy, STRM.BIO, a pioneering biotechnology start-up, has been awarded a contract by the Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health (ARPA-H) under its EMBODY program. This collaborative initiative, guided by Program Manager Daria Fedyukina, Ph.D., aims to focus on the engineering of immune cells within the body and carries a potential funding of up to $8.4 million for the first phase of its project. The funding will support the advancement of STRM.BIO's innovative megakaryocyte-derived extracellular vesicle (MV) delivery platform for in vivo immune cell engineering.

The MV platform represents a breakthrough technology that aims to overcome the limitations experienced by conventional viral and synthetic delivery methods. STRM.BIO is committed to unlocking new therapeutic potentials in gene therapy using a non-viral and cell-derived approach that could greatly enhance the precision and efficacy of drug delivery systems.

Michael Luther, Ph.D., CEO of STRM.BIO, expressed enthusiasm regarding the award, stating, "This milestone is crucial for STRM.BIO as we strive to harness the full potential of extracellular vesicles in the realms of cell and gene therapy. The support from ARPA-H allows us to expedite the development of our MV platform, securing safer and more efficient means of delivering complex genetic materials directly to the bone marrow."

As the prime awardee for this project, STRM.BIO will lead a consortium that includes notable partners such as Ginkgo Bioworks (NYSE: DNA), the University of British Columbia (UBC), and Advanced Bioprocess Services (ABS). Each partner brings a unique competency to the table: Ginkgo Bioworks will provide expertise in RNA construct design and immune cell engineering, UBC will focus on self-amplifying RNA (saRNA), while ABS will specialize in vesicular production and bioprocessing.

David Raiser, Ph.D., COO of STRM.BIO, highlighted the transformative nature of this funding, stating, "This support from ARPA-H is a game changer for high-impact projects like ours. Collaborating with visionary partners emphasizes our goal to realize a new era in in vivo cell and gene therapies through innovative, non-viral delivery technologies."

The contract from ARPA-H is not just a grant; it is a commitment to advancing the frontiers of biomedicine by optimizing the capabilities of the MV platform, which aims to facilitate in vivo engineering of immune and hematopoietic cells. STRM.BIO envisions a future where such engineered cells can address pressing medical needs in a precise and efficient manner.

Founded in Cambridge, Massachusetts, STRM.BIO is dedicated to overcoming the challenges posed by existing viral and synthetic delivery systems. The company’s innovative approach using MV technology is designed to enhance therapeutic possibilities and transform the landscape of gene editing, RNA therapeutics, and immune cell engineering.

As the field of biotechnology evolves, the insights generated from this project will potentially unlock new opportunities for gene therapies, enabling targeted solutions that could significantly impact treatment outcomes for many individuals facing serious health conditions. The collaboration between academia and industry exemplifies the potential of shared expertise to drive innovation and make significant strides in cell and gene therapy fields.

For additional information about STRM.BIO and their groundbreaking research initiatives, visit www.strm.bio. This research is partially funded by the Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health (ARPA-H), and the views expressed are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official policies of the U.S. Government.