#Belgium #RNA Therapeutics #etherna #Dropshot #Niel

etherna and Dropshot Therapeutics Collaborate to Advance RNA-Based Treatments

NIEL, Belgium and BOSTON – On January 9, 2025, etherna immunotherapies NV announced a strategic collaboration with Dropshot Therapeutics, a step that signals an exciting leap forward in RNA-based therapeutics. This strategic partnership aims to harness the cutting-edge mRNA and lipid-based nanoparticle (LNP) technologies from etherna and the innovative approaches of Dropshot to create multiple new drug candidates designed to address pressing medical needs across various indications.

The collaboration is a notable milestone for both companies, as etherna will receive an upfront payment, research funding, and potential milestone payments totaling up to USD 950 million as the partnership moves forward. This collaboration aims to surge the development of RNA-based medicines from pre-clinical stages straight into clinical trials, a leap that could significantly reduce the time it takes to bring innovative treatments to market.

“By partnering with Dropshot, we are solidifying our commitment to being at the forefront of innovation in the realm of nucleic acid-based therapies,” said Bernard Sagaert, CEO of etherna. The agreement is poised to leverage etherna's recognized expertise in mRNA and LNP technology with Dropshot's focus on cardiac and renal diseases, aligning their expertises to create groundbreaking therapeutic solutions.

Etherna boasts a comprehensive range of proprietary lipid nanoparticle formulations, allowing for targeted delivery of RNA therapeutics. These formulations provide precise and efficient means of administering treatments, forming a critical foundation for developing new health interventions. Their technology empowers collaborations, facilitating the transition of discoveries into actionable therapies that can better patients' lives.

On the other side, Dropshot Therapeutics has distinguished itself by concentrating on unmet medical needs in heart and kidney ailments, utilizing LNPs effectively to deliver RNA payloads. This collaboration builds on previous evaluations conducted by Dropshot, demonstrating a shared commitment to bridging innovative technologies with patient-centered therapeutic solutions.

“We have been eagerly working with etherna to assess their technology for our needs, and now, this collaboration represents a significant stride towards developing new potential RNA therapeutics,” commented Marijn Dekkers, CEO of Dropshot. This sentiment resonates with the transformative potential that the partnership aims to unlock in the medical field. With their combined forces, etherna and Dropshot are on a trajectory that promises to advance health outcomes for patients suffering from complex, chronic conditions.

Both companies recognize that this strategic partnership will not only enhance their capabilities but also foster the introduction of multiple new drug candidates into clinical development. By uniting their expertise, etherna and Dropshot hope to instigate a wave of innovation that can reshape therapeutic possibilities within cardiology and nephrology.

Ultimately, this relationship marks a decisive moment in the treatment landscape. With etherna’s pioneering work in the RNA space and Dropshot’s commitment to heart and kidney health, this partnership offers a synergistic approach that could redefine patient care while advancing biopharmaceutical technologies to address urgent therapeutic needs. This collaboration paves the way for breakthroughs that may lead to improved health outcomes for those afflicted with severe health challenges, setting a benchmark for future endeavors in RNA-based therapeutics.