N4 Pharma has reported new data from its collaboration with nonprofit R&D institute SRI, showing that Nuvec, its gene delivery system, can successfully target therapeutic RNA to non-small cell lung cancer cells. The results support the potential of Nuvec as a differentiated platform for RNA therapeutics across multiple cancer types.

Targeted delivery of RNA remains a major challenge in the development of nucleic acid therapies. Effective targeting can increase therapeutic efficacy while limiting systemic toxicity, a key consideration in RNA drug development. Nuvec was functionalised with a targeting molecule that binds the αvβ6 cell surface adhesion protein, found at high levels in epithelial cancers including lung, breast, prostate, and pancreatic adenocarcinomas.

The study demonstrated that siRNA payloads delivered via targeted Nuvec particles were selectively taken up by lung cancer cells, whereas untargeted particles did not produce the same effect. This finding confirms that Nuvec can be directed to specific cell types, strengthening its potential as a delivery system for RNA therapeutics in oncology and other disease areas with high unmet need.

“Targeting RNA therapies to particular cell types is highly sought after by companies developing RNA therapeutics. We have now demonstrated Nuvec’s ability to do this in multiple systems, which we believe sets it apart from other RNA delivery methods,” Nigel Theobold, chief executive officer of N4 Pharma, said.

The collaboration with SRI highlights Nuvec’s versatility and its potential for broader applications beyond lung cancer. The platform supports simultaneous delivery of multiple RNAs, oral administration, low immunogenicity, stability, and simple manufacturing, all of which are key considerations for developers of advanced RNA therapies.

N4 Pharma previously raised capital to expand these data and support its RNA therapeutics pipeline, aiming to advance targeted therapies in oncology and other disease areas.