Interna, Daiichi Sankyo Partner to Advance Drug Delivery Innovation
Interna Therapeutics has entered into a new research collaboration with Daiichi Sankyo to explore next-generation approaches to intracellular drug delivery, marking another step forward in efforts to improve the effectiveness of targeted therapies.
The agreement, announced by the clinical-stage biotechnology firm, will focus on evaluating Interna’s proprietary Molecular Nano Motor (MNM) platform as a delivery enhancer for a range of therapeutic modalities. The collaboration will be conducted through Daiichi Sankyo’s Boston-based research arm and will initially center on preclinical studies.
Under the terms of the partnership, both companies will work to integrate MNM molecules with advanced targeting strategies. The goal is to improve intracellular delivery, boost functional activity, and enhance the overall performance of selected therapeutic programs. While the current scope is limited to early-stage research, the agreement includes provisions for expansion into additional programs if initial results prove successful.
Interna’s MNM platform is designed to address one of the most persistent challenges in drug development: efficiently delivering therapeutic agents into cells. Unlike traditional delivery systems, the MNM technology aims to transport a wide range of cargos—including nucleic acids and other large biomolecules—directly into cells without relying on conventional carriers. This approach could significantly improve tissue penetration and therapeutic precision across multiple disease areas.
The collaboration underscores growing industry interest in novel delivery technologies, particularly as pharmaceutical companies continue to invest heavily in targeted therapies such as gene-based treatments and RNA medicines. By improving intracellular access, platforms like MNM could help unlock the full potential of these emerging modalities.
Yuval Gottenstein, Chief Executive Officer of Interna Therapeutics, highlighted the strategic importance of the partnership. He noted that working with Daiichi Sankyo, a global leader in innovative drug development, reflects increasing recognition of the MNM platform’s capabilities. According to Gottenstein, combining MNM technology with cutting-edge targeting approaches could pave the way for more precise and effective treatments across a broad spectrum of diseases.
Financial details of the collaboration were not disclosed. However, the agreement adds to Interna’s expanding network of partnerships with major pharmaceutical companies, positioning the company as a rising player in the field of advanced drug delivery technologies.
As the collaboration progresses, both companies are expected to assess the platform’s potential to move beyond preclinical validation and into more advanced stages of drug development, potentially reshaping how complex therapies are delivered in the future.