Nanexa has entered into a licence and option agreement with Moderna for the development of long-acting injectable products using Nanexa’s Pharmashell drug delivery platform. The agreement covers up to five compounds and gives Moderna access to the technology for one initial programme, with options to expand the collaboration following preclinical evaluation.

Nanexa, based in Uppsala, has developed the Pharmashell platform using atomic layer deposition, a method designed to encapsulate active pharmaceutical ingredients with a thin, uniform coating. The technology aims to tailor drug release profiles and improve stability, supporting long-acting formulations across multiple therapeutic areas. The company said the agreement aligns with its strategy to pair internal development with partnerships in advanced drug delivery.

Under the terms, Nanexa will receive an upfront payment of USD 3 million. The structure also includes potential development and commercial milestone payments totalling up to USD 500 million if Moderna advances all programmes. Nanexa is additionally eligible for a tiered single-digit royalty on sales of any commercial products developed under the partnership.

David Westberg, chief executive of Nanexa, said: “We are excited to partner with Moderna, a pioneer and leader in the field of mRNA medicines, to explore the potential of our Pharmashell platform and to support the development of improved products for Moderna.” He added that the agreement “underscores the versatility of Pharmashell and its potential to address key challenges in the delivery of advanced biologics”.

Moderna will use the technology with its first selected compound and can secure licences for up to four additional assets if it chooses to progress each one. Nanexa said the option-based structure gives both organisations a clear framework for expanding the programme while generating data on how Pharmashell performs with Moderna’s molecules.

The deal reflects growing interest in long-acting injectable platforms that can extend dosing intervals, reduce administration burden and improve adherence. Several large pharmaceutical companies have pursued collaborations in this area to access specialised formulation technologies. By partnering with Moderna, Nanexa positions Pharmashell for additional validation within a major global drug developer.

Nanexa said it expects the collaboration to generate insights on release kinetics, material compatibility and formulation performance, and that further work will focus on scaling the technology for later-stage development if programmes progress. The company noted that Pharmashell’s flexibility makes it suitable for varied drug classes, including small molecules and biologics.