-Biocytogen Pharmaceuticals , a global biotechnology company that drives the research and development of novel antibody-based drugs with innovative technologies and Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, a leading science and technology company, have entered into an evaluation and option agreement to advance the development of antibody-conjugated lipid-based delivery solutions for nucleic acid payloads, such as antibody-conjugated lipid nanoparticle (LNP).

Under the terms of the agreement, Biocytogen will provide proprietary, fully human antibodies derived from its RenMice^® platform for evaluation in Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany’s antibody-conjugated LNP services. Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany has been granted an exclusive option to acquire rights to selected antibody assets in return for fees and royalties on sales and sublicenses.

“We are excited to collaborate again with Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany to explore the potential of antibody-conjugated lipid-based delivery systems,” said Dr. Yuelei Shen, President and CEO of Biocytogen. “This collaboration highlights the versatility of our fully human antibody platforms and the broad applications of antibodies beyond traditional therapeutics. By combining our antibody discovery expertise with Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany’s established capabilities in LNPs, we look forward to accelerating the development of next-generation nucleic acid delivery solutions.”

“This collaboration will strengthen Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany's position in providing LNP-based drug delivery solutions,” said Dr. Kahina Lang, Executive Director, Head of Next Gen Drug Delivery at Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany. “We will be able to further improve the targeting specificity with our innovative design of antibody-conjugated LNPs. Our customers will gain access to a more comprehensive portfolio of delivery service offerings."