All partnering requests
Biodegradable nanoparticles for targeted gene delivery
  • Background
  • What we're looking for
  • What we can offer you
  • Who we are
  • Q&A
Have questions about this request?
Get them answered by the team at Daiichi Sankyo.
Background

Recent advances in gene therapy have enabled treatments for previously untreatable diseases. Two of the most promising platforms in this area are Adeno-Associated Virus (AAV) and Lipid Nanoparticle-messenger RNA (LNP-mRNA). AAVs are small, non-pathogenic viruses that can be engineered to deliver therapeutic genetic material into specific cells. Their ability to precisely target and insert functional genes into a patient's DNA has made them an invaluable tool for treating genetic disorders. LNP-mRNA technology, on the other hand, works by encapsulating messenger RNA (mRNA) inside lipid nanoparticles, which then deliver the mRNA into cells, prompting the production of therapeutic proteins. This approach bypasses the need for altering the patient's genetic material and can rapidly respond to various disease types. 

 

Despite these breakthroughs, both AAV and LNP-mRNA platforms face significant challenges. Immunogenicity remains a major obstacle, as the body’s immune system often recognizes and attacks these delivery vehicles, reducing the efficacy of the therapy. Inflammatory toxicity is another concern, and manufacturability presents a critical bottleneck. 

 

We are seeking research on novel nanoparticle technologies to overcome these limitations. Developing delivery systems that are safer and less immunogenic would bring us closer to realizing the full potential of gene therapy, potentially unlocking solutions for diseases currently beyond our reach.

What we're looking for

We are looking for research on a high-capacity biodegradable nanoparticle technology, excluding lipid nanoparticles, capable of supporting long-term, multiple administrations of therapeutic agents. The solution should enable targeted organ delivery following IV administration and carry long nucleic acids.

Solutions of interest include:
  • Biodegradable nanoparticles
  • Polymer-based nanoparticles
  • Dendrimer nanoparticles
  • Peptide-based carriers
Our must-have requirements are:
  • Preliminary data demonstrating a high capacity for mRNA/DNA (~15 kb) and/or proteins
  • Initial findings suggesting effective gene delivery
  • Reasonable expectation of low toxicity and immunogenicity, for frequent administrations
  • Potential for patentability
Our nice-to-have's are:
  • Approaches for efficient gene delivery in vivo

  • Unique targeting mechanisms

  • Targeted delivery to specific organs (e.g., muscle, kidney, brain, and lung)

  • Scalable manufacturing potential

What's out of scope:
  • Lipid nanoparticles
  • Silica-based nanoparticles
  • Research focused solely on developing ligands for targeted organ delivery
  • Nanoparticles with complex manufacturing processes that cannot be scaled up for production
Acceptable technology readiness levels (TRL):
Levels 3-5
What we can offer you
Eligible partnership models:
Sponsored research
Benefits:
Sponsored Research
Up to €0.3 million per year for 2 years with potential follow-on funding for 1 year, including indirect costs.
Expertise
Regular meetings will be conducted to review progress and explore research directions, with the participation of industrial mentors.
Who we are

At Daiichi Sankyo, we attach significant importance to working with academic institutions, startups and bioventure companies to discover new therapeutics in the place where hypotheses are brought and tested in order to expand possibilities for scientific innovation breakthrough. We build sustainable relationships with partner institutions and companies through open and fair alliance management and trust based on mutual respect as the foundation for effective collaborations. Our goal is to jointly create new value for patients by maximizing each other’s expertise and strengths.

https://www.daiichisankyo.com/rd/strategy_operations/open_innovation/

 Learn more
Reviewers
Q&A with Daiichi Sankyo

The Q&A is now closed.

Sort by:
Q.
Hello, I am developing next-gen uncharged lipids, which when combined with biodegradable polymers encapsulate mRNA for targeted delivery. The delivery system has an excellent safety profile. Can I apply for this program?
2
A.
Dear Prof. Alishetty. Thank you very much for expressing your interest in our Sponsored Research Program and for your inquiry. Since we have an internal program utilizing lipid-type nanoparticles inhouse, the priority of research involving lipids whose composition overlaps with lipid-type nanoparticles becomes very low due to potential conflicts with our internal research. However, as your research focuses on uncharged lipids, I guess the composition of lipids does not overlap with lipid-type nanoparticles. Best regards,
TA
Takahide Aburatani, Senior Director, Daiichi Sankyo
December 13, 2024
Is this response helpful?
0
0
Q.
We are developing uncharged-lipoplexes with low toxicity and immunogenicity, ideal for redosing. We've shown release with FLuc mRNA and the nanoparticles are suited for longer nucleic acids. Can we apply? Thank you!
1
A.
Dear Prashanthi Krishna Kumar, Thank you very much for your question and for expressing interests in our theme. Since we have an internal program utilizing lipid-type nanoparticles inhouse, the priority of applications using lipoplexes becomes very low, considering the conflict with our internal research. Best regards,
TA
Takahide Aburatani, Senior Director, Daiichi Sankyo
December 10, 2024
Is this response helpful?
0
0
A.
Dear Takahide Abutarani, Thank you for the response. This helps clarify the expectations very clearly. Regards, Prashanthi
1
Q.
I am interested in applying to the "Sponsored Research Project". I am working with biodegradable polymers for transfering IVT mRNA into the lung by nebulisation or intratracheal application. We do have good preclinical data in mouse models. Our Polymers can not be used for intravenous application. Can I apply or are you only intersted in intravenous applications? Thank you very much for answering my questions.
1
A.
Dear Dr. Rosenecker, Thank you very much for expressing your interest in the Sponsored Research Program and for your inquiry. While it is acceptable for the method of administration to be nebulisation or intratracheal application when applied to the lungs, we hope that the nanoparticle itself could be administered intravenously, considering potential applications to other organs. If your nanoparticle is applicable for IV administration, we would be delighted to receive your application. Thank you very much for your question. Best regards,
TA
Takahide Aburatani, Senior Director, Daiichi Sankyo
November 7, 2024
Is this response helpful?
0
0
Q.
I developed a new class of ionizable lipids for mRNA delivery using lipids nanoparticles (LNPs) outperforming the two LNP formulations developed by Pfizer and Moderna for Covid vaccines. Is this approach out of scope?
1
A.
Dear Prof. Lee. Thank you very much for expressing your interest in our Sponsored Research Program and for your inquiry. Since we have an internal program utilizing lipid-type nanoparticles inhouse, collaborations focusing on LNP are unfortunately out of scope due to potential conflict with our internal research. Thank you again for your inquiry. Best regards,
TA
Takahide Aburatani, Senior Director, Daiichi Sankyo
December 13, 2024
Is this response helpful?
0
0
Q.
Can we submit some data figures as supplementary information? Many results were not published while they are critical to support our technology to address Daiichi Sankyo's questions.
1
A.
Dear Dr. Yupeng Chen, Thank you for your question and for expressing your interest in our topic. Please submit your application first, and I believe we can communicate through the system after the application, which allows for the attachment of documents if necessary. Please note that we can exchange non-confidential information at this stage. Thank you again for your question. Best regards,
TA
Takahide Aburatani, Senior Director, Daiichi Sankyo
December 30, 2024
Is this response helpful?
0
0
Q.
Is there any possibility that the deadline for this RFP will be extended?
1
A.
Dear Dr. Erin Gilchrist, Thank you very much for your question. I don't think there is an extension on the system. Even if it is incomplete, could you please submit it within the deadline? If there are any unclear points regarding the proposal, we will contact you. Thank you. Best regards,
TA
Takahide Aburatani, Senior Director, Daiichi Sankyo
January 6, 2025
Is this response helpful?
0
0
Sign up to access the full partnering request.
View the details of this request and connect directly with corporate R&D teams at Fortune 500 companies.
Share partnering request
 1 
finalist selected
Refine recommendations
Is this request relevant to you?
Eligible partners
Academic researchersStartups
Seeking partners focused on
BiopharmaceuticsBiophysicsImmunologyMolecular MedicineNanoengineeringNanomaterialsNanotechnologyPolymer BehaviorGene TherapyDrug Delivery
1 more

Halo home
Partner smarter. Move faster.
Get new partnering requests
delivered to your inbox.