Under the collaboration agreement, NEUWAY Pharma and WACKER intend to jointly research active substances based on ribonucleic acid (RNA) for the treatment of CNS-related diseases; the companies will also study related manufacturing processes. They will make use of NEUWAY Pharma’s protein-based drug delivery technology EnPC® (Engineered Protein Capsules), where active ingredient molecules are encapsulated by protein capsules and thereby transported across the blood-brain barrier – which is difficult to pass – into the CNS.

The blood-brain barrier serves as natural protection against harmful substances. Crossing it has so far posed a major challenge for the treatment of CNS diseases. EnPC® now makes effective transport of drugs into the CNS possible. This technology also offers a range of advantages for RNA-related therapies. Alongside lower costs in manufacturing, dosing of drugs based on EnPC® can be handled flexibly, for instance. Intravenous administration is furthermore possible, which eases the burden on clinicians, healthcare providers, payors and patients.

Within the research project, WACKER will take on the production and analysis of various mRNA grades, in particular mRNA – mRNA (messenger RNA) is a special type of RNA made from DNA. NEUWAY is responsible for manufacturing the EnPCs, the encapsulation and the design of selected RNA compounds, as well as associated (bio-)analysis and investigation of therapeutic relevance, both in vitro and in vivo.

“We see great opportunities in the joint research project with WACKER. WACKER’s expertise in the production of mRNA supports our strategy of advancing transformative neuropharmaceuticals for the treatment of diseases of the central nervous system,” says Oliver Ernst, CEO and managing director of NEUWAY Pharma. “We are pleased that, with our expertise, we can contribute to research into new treatment methods for diseases of the central nervous system. The combination of mRNA-based drugs with NEUWAY’s delivery system has great therapeutic potential,” says Hagen Richter, who is responsible for research in the area of nucleic acids at WACKER. The molecular biologist is in charge of the project on WACKER’s side.

About NEUWAY Pharma

NEUWAY Pharma is a German biotech company based in Bonn. It is developing an entirely novel class of biotherapeutics, based on its patent-protected Engineered Protein Capsules (EnPC®). These can cross the blood-brain barrier and deliver innovative neuropharmaceuticals for the treatment of diseases of the central nervous system (CNS). Find out more at www.neuway-pharma.com.

About WACKER

Wacker Chemie AG is a global company with state-of-the-art specialty chemical products found in countless everyday items, ranging from cosmetic powders to solar cells. WACKER’s portfolio comprises more than 3,200 products supplied in over 100 countries. WACKER has a global network of 27 production sites, 23 technical competence centers and 52 sales offices. In 2021, the Group’s 14,400 employees generated global sales of €6.21 billion. Wacker Chemie AG is listed on the Deutsche Boerse Prime Standard and on the MDAX (ISIN: DE000WCH8881). Find out more at www.wacker.com.