Esco Aster Partners with Shine-On Biomedical for Innovative Exosome Delivery Platform

Esco Aster Partners with Shine-On Biomedical for Innovative Exosome Platform

Esco Aster, a vertically integrated Contract Research, Development, and Manufacturing Organization (CRDMO) based in Singapore, has signed a clinical cGMP manufacturing agreement with Shine-On Biomedical. This partnership is significant as it introduces a pioneering HLA-G-targeted exosome delivery platform, marking a first in its class and aimed at enhancing drug delivery systems.

The collaboration stemmed from Shine-On Biomedical's financial backing of Esco Aster in 2023, which initiated the development of highly productive exosomes utilizing Esco Aster's extensive cell line platform. Key technical reports covering process analytics, formulation development, and the encapsulation of therapeutic agents into exosomes assisted Shine-On Biomedical in filing their Investigational New Drug (IND) application. The IND was approved by the US FDA in the first quarter of 2025, propelling the project into the next phase of drug development.

In addition to manufacturing support, Esco Aster is providing technical feasibility studies aimed at optimizing the loading of active ingredients into exosomes. Shine-On Biomedical is recognized as a rising innovator in the field of exosome-based therapies, with its flagship product, SOB100, currently undergoing a Phase I clinical study. This delivery system has garnered attention for its HLA-G-targeted approach, giving it the potential to introduce a groundbreaking therapy for various medical conditions.

According to Hung-Che Chiang, the Managing Director at Shine-On Biomedical, “Preclinical studies have shown promising biodistribution properties, supporting further investigations with drug payloads based on small molecules, nucleic acids, and proteins.” This underlines the potential impact of their innovative exosome technology on future treatment paradigms.

Furthermore, Esco Aster is set to provide Mitosis™ solutions to support future evaluations of single-use cGMP workflows at the China Medical University Hospital. This strategic alliance not only signifies a technological leap but also underlines Esco Aster's commitment to enhancing its infrastructure as Singapore’s leading fully integrated CRDMO.

Esco Aster distinguishes itself by offering complete development solutions for advanced cancer exosomes, from cell line development through to cGMP manufacturing, leveraging its patented 3D Tide Motion™ bioreactor technology. This proprietary innovation facilitates reduced manufacturing costs by allowing multiple conditioned media harvests per run, critical in biopharmaceutical production.

As Esco Aster continues to expand its capabilities, it is also developing autologous cell therapy programs within the ASEAN region. This includes a platform targeting T-cell reactivation in patients with non-G12C KRAS-mutated non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

By facilitating bioproduction scaling, market access, and commercialization in South Asia, the ASEAN region, and Oceania—where the combined GDP is approximately $10.5 trillion and the population around 2.6 billion—Esco Aster is enabling innovators to navigate the complexities of drug development.

With a robust network of medical centers and clinically active scientists, Esco Aster facilitates early-phase clinical trials, particularly in Australia, where research and development incentives help to curb costs. The vision driving Esco Aster, encapsulated in their motto “One World BioSolutions for One Health,” aims to ensure high yields at low GMP costs, thereby bolstering the bioeconomy in Singapore and across Asia.

As this partnership develops, the anticipated outcomes underline the potential of leveraging advanced biotechnologies in addressing critical healthcare needs and fostering innovation in biopharmaceutical manufacturing.