Aug 16 2007
Munich-based NascaCell Technologies AG and Capsulution Nanoscience AG, Berlin, signed a joint development and license option agreement. As part of this joint development program, NascaCell as leading provider of customized aptamers and Microbodies™ and Capsulution, an internationally renowned developer of nano-complexes and –capsules, will develop innovative solutions for improved delivery of aptamers and other nucleic acids into cells. The joint development will benefit from the combination of advanced nano-technologies and efficient transport peptides and will generate innovative, target-specific delivery systems for biomolecules into cells and experimental animals.
Specifically, the partners will couple aptamers to functional peptide nanoparticles with subsequent analyses in cellular assays as well as animal studies. The nano-particles and -capsules are also suitable to deliver drug development candidates and will be optimized in this direction.
„We expect additional growth of our aptamer service business, in particular for intracellular applications, from this combination of our gene transfer know how and Capsulution`s established formulation expertise. Furthermore, these new methods will also be applicable for other applications such as therapeutic RNAi. Capsulution with an established track record of its innovative technology is an ideal partner in this endeavour, “ says Dr. Ernst Boehnlein, CEO of NascaCell.
In addition to the application of its technologies by its partner, Capsulution expects gain of additional know how. ”NascaCell has a unique experience in the areas of target validation and drug discovery from which we can benefit in the development of custom-tailored solutions,” says Alexander Herrmann, CFO of Capsulution.