Altamira Therapeutics Enhances RNA Delivery Stability: Key Developments and Future Plans
Key Takeaways
- Altamira enhances RNA nanoparticle stability, reducing the need for frozen storage.
- The company seeks partners for its AM-125 program targeting CNS disorders.
- Altamira transitions financial reporting to US Dollars to align with its US-based shareholders.
Did You Know?
Introduction to Altamira Therapeutics
Altamira Therapeutics is making waves in the field of RNA delivery technology. Based in Hamilton, Bermuda, the company is dedicated to advancing RNA delivery methods to targets beyond the liver, addressing some critical challenges faced by the industry.
Stability Improvements in RNA Nanoparticles
One of the significant advancements Altamira has achieved is enhancing the stability of RNA nanoparticles. Traditionally, RNA formulations have required freezing for stable storage and transportation. Altamira’s new flow process production method has formulated OligoPhore nanoparticles that maintain stability in liquid form at 4°C for at least three weeks.
Moreover, these formulations withstand shaking stress, ensuring that their size, encapsulation, and activity remain unchanged. This development is crucial for RNA delivery, as it mitigates some logistical hurdles encountered during transportation.
Addressing Transportation Challenges
The ability of these nanoformulations to endure transportation stress without degradation marks a significant breakthrough. Dr. Covadonga Pañeda, Chief Development Officer at Altamira, highlighted that current lipid nanoparticles, the most common type of RNA delivery vehicles, often faced issues during the COVID-19 pandemic due to the need for frozen storage.
Altamira's new formulations, stable at higher temperatures, promise to simplify the logistics, making RNA-based treatments more accessible and cost-effective.
AM-125 Program and CNS Indications
Altamira is actively seeking partners for its AM-125 program, which involves a patented nasal spray formulation of betahistine. Originally developed for acute vestibular syndrome (AVS), this program has shown promise in improving vestibular compensation, helping patients regain balance more swiftly.
Beyond AVS, the potential applications of AM-125 extend to other central nervous system (CNS) disorders. Research indicates betahistine’s benefits in treating conditions like ADHD, dementia, memory loss, and weight gain. This broad therapeutic potential is garnering attention from potential partners, especially in the US market where oral betahistine is not available.
Corporate Restructuring Efforts
In 2024, Altamira has made significant strides in simplifying its corporate structure. The company has partially sold its Bentrio activities and merged several subsidiaries. This restructuring aligns with Altamira’s focus on its RNA delivery platform and aims to streamline operations for better efficiency.
Financial Reporting in US Dollars
Aligned with its strategic goals, Altamira has also transitioned its financial reporting from Swiss Francs to US Dollars. This shift, approved in a Special General Meeting, aligns with the predominance of US-based shareholders and aims to enhance communication with investors.
The company plans to unveil its half-year financial results by the end of August 2024, marking the first report issued in US Dollars.
Future Prospects and Partnerships
With its proprietary OligoPhore and SemaPhore platforms, Altamira is well-positioned to offer effective solutions for delivering RNA to extrahepatic targets. These platforms facilitate endosomal release within target cells, enhancing the therapeutic potential of RNA-based treatments.
As highlighted by the recent merger of major RNA companies, the significance of RNA delivery technologies cannot be overstated. Altamira’s advancements in stability and logistics can reduce barriers, making these technologies more viable for pharmaceutical and biotech partners.
Conclusion
Altamira Therapeutics continues to spearhead developments in RNA delivery, providing innovative solutions to long-standing challenges in the field. With its robust pipeline and strategic restructuring, the company is on a promising trajectory, ready to collaborate with partners for broader applications of its technologies.
References
- Mechanical stress testing of mRNA-lipid nanoparticleshttps://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38492867
- Altamira Therapeutics Official Websitehttps://altamiratherapeutics.com/