Quantoom Biosciences and Univercells have signed an agreement with the Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz) to develop RNA-based vaccines and therapeutics.
The Oswaldo Cruz Foundation specialises in the production of biopharmaceuticals — particularly vaccines — and was responsible for producing the world's largest supply of yellow fever vaccinations.
Through this agreement, the organisations hope to enhance the accessibility of RNA-based therapeutics both regionally and globally.
President of Fiocruz, Mario Moreira, commented: “This partnership represents another strategic step in expanding access to healthcare and strengthening Brazil’s technological sovereignty, as it enables the production of important inputs for the Unified Health System (SUS), such as vaccines and RNA-based therapies."
"This integration of complementary scientific and technological capabilities is essential to drive innovations in disease treatment, expand the reach of public health and strengthen the resilience of SUS, benefitting millions of people.”
This agreement follows the implementation of Quantoom Biosciences' Ntensify mRNA production system at Fiocruz.
Developing RNA therapies for complex diseases
Through this novel agreement, Quantoom Biosciences, Univercells and Fiocruz will focus on developing a range of RNA medications, including second-gen self-amplifying RNAs (saRNA) and RNA-based therapies for various cancers.
The companies will also collaborate to build a new commercial manufacturing facility in Brazil, which will exclusively focus on mRNA production, while enhancing Brazil's biopharmaceutical manufacturing capabilities.
Together, they will also focus on the negotiation and formalisation of agreements that will improve the accessibility and affordability of RNA therapies worldwide.
CEO of Quantoom Biosciences, José Castillo, CEO of Quantoom Biosciences and CTO of Univercells, noted: “This partnership highlights the transformative power of cross-border collaboration in addressing some of the world’s most pressing health challenges. Together with Fiocruz and Bio-Manguinhos, we are advancing RNA-based technologies for infectious diseases and cancer therapies, contributing to global health equity and accessibility.”
Univercells' CEO, Hugues Bultot, added: “This MoU is a testament to our shared commitment to innovation and impact on health. By leveraging our combined expertise, we aim to create scalable and sustainable solutions that will redefine how vaccines and therapies are developed and delivered so everyone, everywhere, can get them.”