#Singapore #Exosomes #Shine-On Biomedical #Esco Aster

Esco Aster's Groundbreaking Partnership with Shine-On Biomedical

In a significant step for drug delivery technology, Esco Aster, a leading cell and cell-derived products development company located at JTC LaunchPad, Singapore, has signed a clinical manufacturing contract with Shine-On Biomedical. This collaboration aims to advance a pioneering exosome-based drug delivery platform targeting HLA-G, positioning itself as a first-in-class solution in the biotechnology sphere.

A Unique Collaboration

Esco Aster's involvement provides comprehensive support in clinical manufacturing and Chemistry, Manufacturing, and Controls (CMC) for Shine-On’s innovative initiative. This program began in 2023 when Shine-On recognized Esco Aster's potential in high-performance exosome development utilizing its proprietary cell line platform.

Esco Aster’s technical expertise has proven invaluable, leading to essential developments in process analytics, formulation strategies, and drug loading within exosomes. These advancements supported Shine-On’s application for an Investigational New Drug (IND) with the FDA, which was successfully approved in the first quarter of 2025, marking a critical milestone for all stakeholders involved.

The Exosome-Based Technology

The product in focus is SOB100, a drug delivery vehicle leveraging exosomes specifically targeting HLA-G. This pioneering technology has passed FDA IND review and is currently undergoing Phase I trials, affirming its potential as a game-changer in the pharmaceutical field.

Hung-Che Chiang, CEO of Shine-On Biomedical, expressed optimism regarding the preclinical studies that have showcased promising biodistribution characteristics, paving the way for further evaluation of diverse molecular payloads, including small molecules, nucleic acids, and proteins.

Expanding Technological Capabilities

In addition to exosome manufacturing, Esco Aster is set to provide Mitosis™ Enterprise Solutions aimed at evaluating GMP workflows at China’s University Medical Hospital. This collaborative effort reinforces Esco Aster's commitment to advancing clinical research and development within the region, establishing a robust infrastructure for future innovations.

As Singapore's first fully integrated Contract Research and Development Manufacturing Organization (CRDMO), Esco Aster is uniquely positioned to offer a thorough range of capabilities from cell line creation to GMP-certified manufacturing. Their proprietary 3D Tide Motion™ bioreactor technology significantly decreases the cost of goods sold (COGS) by allowing multiple harvests per cycle, thus ensuring efficient production.

Moreover, Esco Aster is also co-developing autologous cell therapy programs across Southeast Asia, including a T cells reactivation platform targeting non G12C KRAS mutations, further diversifying its product offerings.

Supporting Regional Innovation

Esco Aster plays a crucial role in supporting biofabrication innovations across the Asia-Pacific region. The company facilitates market access and commercialization strategies in Southern Asia, ASEAN, and Oceania, catering to a vast market that accounts for approximately $10.5 trillion in GDP and a population nearing 2.6 billion.

Supported by a network of clinical and medical research centers, Esco Aster enables exploratory clinical trials (IIT) and First-in-Man (FIM) studies, particularly thriving in Australia thanks to advantageous R&D incentives that minimize costs. The company’s vision, `One World BioSolutions for One Health`, aims to deliver high-performance bio-manufacturing solutions at reduced costs, thereby empowering the bio-economy in Singapore and the broader Asian landscape.

Conclusion

Esco Aster's collaboration with Shine-On Biomedical exemplifies the innovation and strategic partnerships driving the biotechnology sector forward. With its commitment to enhancing drug delivery mechanisms through cutting-edge exosome technology, Esco Aster is poised to redefine the landscape of therapeutics in the near future, supporting a healthier and more effective approach to healthcare solutions regionally and beyond.