A biotechnology company harnessing the natural biology of exosomes to develop next-generation drug delivery systems has announced a strategic collaboration with Swansea University for a sponsored research project focused on the development of CustomEX™ as a next-generation drug delivery system.
As part of the collaboration, ReNeuron Group Limited will establish a new operational premises at the Institute of Life Science located at Swansea University.
The re-establishment of operations in South Wales supports ReNeuron’s long-term growth strategy and ongoing commitment to R&D activity and biotech growth in the region, as well as increased commercial activity. This collaboration will also support ongoing relationships to leverage CustomEX™ as a new therapeutic pipeline.
The collaboration with Swansea University combines ReNeuron’s expertise in exosome biology and manufacturing and access to Swansea University’s infrastructure, such as specialist labs, instrumentation, and academic expertise, to carry out this work.
Funding for the study includes one full-time research associate at Swansea University, alongside the support of Professors Steve Conlan and Deya Gonzalez, Reproductive Biology and Gynaecological oncology research group, who will act as lead academics from Swansea University.
The aim of the study is to generate crucial insights into how exosome origin influences tropism and functionality, ultimately demonstrating the platform’s ability to deliver functional therapeutic cargo to specific target cells.
The project will build on prior proof-of-concept data and ongoing translational research centred around the ability of CustomEX™ to traverse complex biological barriers and deliver therapeutic modalities to hard-to-reach organs and cell types. Key areas of investigation will include the characterisation of Critical Quality Attributes (CQAs), cargo loading methods, and the exploration of cellular tropism.
ReNeuron’s CustomEX™ platform comprises a portfolio of proprietary, stem cell-derived exosome producer cell lines that enable the consistent and scalable manufacture of exosomes with unique biological properties, including preferential miRNA loading and highly specific tissue and cellular targeting.
Randolph Corteling, Managing Director and Chief Scientific Officer of ReNeuron, said:
“We are delighted to be back working in South Wales with Swansea University as we look to increase commercial activity and progress our commitments to R&D. Collaboration with Swansea University provides us with the infrastructure and support to leverage our CustomEX™ platform as a new therapeutic pipeline as well as enabling us to grow and progress the business in line with our strategic goals.”
