Biotech company Noxopharm Limited (ASX:NOX) has renewed a strategic partnership with Melbourne’s Hudson Institute of Medical Research for a further 12 months.
The partnership and in-licensed technology are key components of the company’s Sofra platform, via which Noxopharm is building a promising portfolio of assets including the SOF- ACTM mRNA vaccine enhancer and SOF-SKN topical skin medication for lupus and psoriasis.
Hudson Institute is a leading Australian medical research organisation recognised internationally for discovery science and translational research and home to Australia’s largest group of inflammation and immunity scientists and clinicians.
Among them is Associate Professor Michael Gantier, an expert in nucleic acids biology whose research is opening novel therapeutic avenues to dampen the inflammation that leads to autoimmune diseases.
The updated contract will see Noxopharm, Associate/Professor Gantier and the Hudson Institute team continue to develop the Sofra platform while increasing the company’s asset library. This will involve focusing not only on important inflammatory receptors like TL7 and TLR8, but also broadening the range of proprietary oligonucleotides that can be used to turn various other inflammatory receptors on or off as required.
Hudson Institute Director and CEO, Professor Elizabeth Hartland, said the organisation is broadening and deepening its relationship with Noxopharm at a time when interest in RNA-related technologies is higher than it has ever been.
“We strongly believe in long-term partnerships with trusted commercial partners like Noxopharm and are looking forward to seeing our work together develop as the year progresses.”
Noxopharm CEO Dr Gisela Mautner said that in conjunction with the Hudson Institute team, it is making significant progress with its Sofra platform and advancing towards a goal of establishing Noxopharm as a leader in Australia in the RNA space.
“The commercial opportunities for us are considerable because the RNA market is expanding rapidly and will be sizeable in the future, and our ongoing strategic partnership is therefore a critical aspect of building shareholder value.”
