The startup has developed a drug delivery platform that utilizes human cell lipids with self-identifying motifs to shield cancer-targeting viruses from neutralization by antibodies and immune cells. This technology enables precise delivery of the therapeutic virus to tumor sites, enhancing the efficacy of cancer treatment and immunotherapy.
Funding
Funding not disclosed
PVFounders
Product
Problem
Current gene and cell therapies face significant challenges with immune clearance and off-target delivery, limiting their efficacy in treating cancers and genetic diseases. The immune system often identifies and neutralizes genetic payloads like DNA and mRNA before they reach the intended cells. Lack of precise targeting further reduces therapeutic impact and can lead to systemic toxicities.
Solution
Coastar Therapeutics has developed a novel drug delivery platform based on Erythrocyte Derived Membranes (EDM) to protect genetic medicines from immune clearance and enable targeted delivery. The technology involves coating genetic payloads with a layer of cell membrane derived from erythrocytes, shielding them from immune system detection and clearance. This approach enhances the delivery of the therapeutic payload to the target site, improving efficacy and reducing off-target effects. The EDM platform can be optimized for various drug modalities, including mRNA, DNA, AAV, and RNA, to address a wide range of therapeutic applications.
Target Audience
Coastar's primary customers are pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies developing gene and cell therapies for cancer and genetic diseases, as well as research institutions focused on advancing drug delivery technologies.
Features
- Erythrocyte Derived Membrane (EDM) coating technology to shield genetic drugs from immune detection and clearance.
- Precision targeting capabilities for systemic delivery to previously difficult-to-reach or metastatic tumor sites.
- Compatibility with various genetic payloads, including mRNA, DNA, AAV, and RNA.
- Tunable platform that can be optimized for specific drug and disease targets.
- Potential for reduced toxicity compared to traditional delivery methods.
- Scalable manufacturing process for clinical and commercial production.