Turn Biotechnologies, a startup focused on mRNA therapies for cellular rejuvenation, has acquired an experimental drug delivery technology from Harvard University and Vesigen Therapeutics, according to an exclusive report by Endpoints News.
The acquired technology, developed by Harvard professor Quan Lu and the foundation of Vesigen, utilizes microvesicles – tiny spheres composed of fats and proteins – to effectively deliver various therapeutic molecules, including mRNA and proteins, into cells.
Turn Bio, a Mountain View, CA-based company with approximately 20 employees, has already invested in its own lipid nanoparticle platform for delivering epigenetic reprogramming therapies aimed at rejuvenating skin, hair, cartilage, and other tissues. These therapies, based on Stanford University research, employ a cocktail of up to six proteins encoded in mRNA to potentially reverse cellular aging without altering cell identity.
The acquisition of the microvesicle technology and all associated assets from Vesigen will significantly expand Turn Bio’s delivery capabilities, enabling the company to target a wider range of therapies to more areas of the body, Turn Bio CEO Anja Krammer told Endpoints.
Krammer emphasized that this acquisition will allow Turn Bio to safely and repeatedly deliver its epigenetic reprogramming therapies to virtually any area of interest within the body.
Vesigen’s technology, known as ARRDC1-mediated microvesicles (ARMMs), reportedly has the potential to target various tissues, including the eye, immune cells, liver, lung, nervous system, and spleen, by attaching cell-targeting molecules to ARRDC1 proteins on the vesicle membrane.
While the financial details of the acquisition were not disclosed, Krammer suggested it was likely a more favorable deal for Turn Bio, which has raised around $40 million to date, compared to Vesigen’s investors, who had supported the startup with a $28.5 million Series A round in 2020 and an additional $32 million in debt financing in early 2023. Vesigen had reportedly been seeking a Series B funding round last summer but had undergone workforce reductions and was exploring strategic options in September.
Krammer confirmed that three Vesigen investors will remain involved with Turn Bio, though she did not specify which ones. Vesigen’s investors included Leaps by Bayer, Morningside Ventures, Linden Lake Ventures, and Alexandria Venture Investments.
Turn Bio has not hired any former Vesigen employees, but Krammer indicated she is in contact with some as potential consultants.
Looking ahead, Krammer anticipates that Turn Bio’s leading skin rejuvenation program will enter clinical trials in early 2026. The company is now planning to raise a Series B funding round, likely under $30 million, to finance this study and achieve clinical proof of concept for its rejuvenation technology. Krammer stated the company is not seeking a large $100 million raise.
https://endpts.com/exclusive-anti-aging-mrna-therapy-biotech-acquires-harvard-startups-microvesicle-delivery-tech/?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=linkedin
About PackGene
PackGene Biotech is a world-leading CRO and CDMO, excelling in AAV vectors, mRNA, plasmid DNA, and lentiviral vector solutions. Our comprehensive offerings span from vector design and construction to AAV, lentivirus, and mRNA services. With a sharp focus on early-stage drug discovery, preclinical development, and cell and gene therapy trials, we deliver cost-effective, dependable, and scalable production solutions. Leveraging our groundbreaking π-alpha 293 AAV high-yield platform, we amplify AAV production by up to 10-fold, yielding up to 1e+17vg per batch to meet diverse commercial and clinical project needs. Moreover, our tailored mRNA and LNP products and services cater to every stage of drug and vaccine development, from research to GMP production, providing a seamless, end-to-end solution.
