Synthetic
Biology

mRNA
Therapeutics

Strand’s mRNA constructs combine genes for self-replication derived from RNA viruses with genetically programmed logic circuits that control the location, timing, and intensity of expression of therapeutic proteins within the patient’s body, enabling the precise and controlled delivery of multiple disease treatments in a single drug. Such genetic programming, for instance, enables Strand’s mRNAs to sense and implement cell-type specific expression by sensing and classifying the unique micro RNA expression signatures of cells.

The company is seeking to improve the efficacy, safety, ease of delivery and cost-effectiveness of treatments for deadly and chronic illnesses, through the use of long-acting programmable mRNA-based therapeutics capable of delivering multi-functional treatments. Strand will initially focus on its solid tumor treatment program, based on self-replicating programmable mRNAs that are engineered to treat cancer through a cascade of immune system responses. The company plans to initiate human clinical trials of its first candidate in 2022.

The technology allows for the expansion into increasingly complex and capable programmed mRNA therapeutics, adding new capabilities to each subsequent generation of product. Strand is also developing programmable mRNA for the generation of cell therapies capable of greatly expanding patient access to the technology in a cost-effective, re-doseable, off-the-shelf form.

In January, Strand and BeiGene, Ltd. announced an agreement for developing and commercializing Strand’s innovative, multi-functional immuno-oncology mRNA treatments for solid tumors. To learn more about the collaboration, click here.