The startup has developed a proprietary mRNA platform that integrates nanomedicine and biotechnology to enhance tumor cells and their microenvironment, enabling the creation of targeted mRNA vaccines. This technology aims to provide effective immunotherapy solutions for global infectious diseases and cancer treatment, particularly for vulnerable populations.
Funding
$16.1M raised to dateRaised to date based on public sources. This may differ from the amount the company actually raised and is based only on what is publicly available on the internet.
Founders
Product
Problem
Current mRNA vaccine and therapeutic approaches often lack precise targeting, leading to off-target effects and potential toxicity in vital organs. This can limit their efficacy, especially in vulnerable populations, and necessitate higher doses to achieve the desired immune response or therapeutic effect. Furthermore, generating robust immune responses against solid tumors remains a significant challenge due to immune evasion mechanisms within the tumor microenvironment.
Solution
Combined Therapeutics (CTx) is developing a next-generation mRNA platform, MOP CTx, designed for targeted and safer mRNA therapeutics and vaccines. The platform utilizes modified mRNA encapsulated in lipid nanoparticles, with miRNA binding sequences in the untranslated region (UTR). This enables preferential expression of the therapeutic protein or antigen in specific tissues while minimizing off-target effects in critical organs like the heart, liver, and kidneys. For vaccine applications, MOP CTx can be combined with IL-12 mRNA for molecular adjuvantation, enhancing immune responses, particularly in vulnerable populations, and improving vaccine durability. In oncology, MOP CTx delivers adjuvants directly to tumor cells, converting the tumor microenvironment into an immunocompetent one and improving the effectiveness of immunotherapies.
Target Audience
The primary target audience includes pharmaceutical companies and research institutions focused on developing mRNA-based vaccines and immunotherapies for infectious diseases and cancer, particularly those seeking to improve safety and efficacy in vulnerable populations.
Features
- Modified mRNA platform (MOP CTx) with miRNA binding sequences for targeted protein expression
- Lipid nanoparticle encapsulation for efficient mRNA delivery
- Controlled biodistribution to minimize off-target effects and protect vital organs
- Molecular adjuvantation approach using IL-12 mRNA to enhance vaccine responses
- Targeted delivery of adjuvants to tumor cells to improve immunotherapy efficacy
- Potential to lower vaccine doses and improve efficacy in vulnerable populations
- Ability to strengthen and lengthen vaccine durability
- Enhanced cell-mediated immunity