ScionxBio and Sanofi Partner to Develop Longer-Lasting RNA Medicines

ScionxBio has entered into a worldwide research collaboration and licensing agreement with Sanofi to develop longer-lasting RNA-based medicines. The partnership will use ScionxBio’s proprietary TERA platform to improve the stability and duration of action of selected messenger RNA (mRNA) drug candidates developed by Sanofi.

Announced on October 20, 2026, the collaboration aims to develop treatments for diseases where the body needs a sustained supply of therapeutic proteins. The companies have not disclosed the specific drug candidates or disease areas covered by the agreement.

ScionxBio is a biotechnology company focused on developing next-generation RNA medicines. Its TERA platform combines artificial intelligence (AI), deep learning and synthetic chemistry to design RNA molecules that may remain stable for longer and produce therapeutic proteins over an extended period.

Traditional mRNA medicines deliver genetic instructions that tell cells to produce a particular protein. However, these instructions can break down over time, limiting how long the protein is produced. ScionxBio aims to address this challenge by designing RNA molecules with specially developed chemical and regulatory elements that improve stability and reduce breakdown.

The goal is to maintain protein production for longer than conventional mRNA approaches, potentially reducing the need for frequent treatment. The technology could be useful for inherited and acquired protein deficiencies, as well as certain chronic conditions that require sustained biological activity. These potential benefits will need to be confirmed through further research and clinical studies.

Under the agreement, ScionxBio will lead the early-stage work, including optimisation of the RNA candidates and testing in living systems to assess their performance. Once this stage is completed, Sanofi will take responsibility for the remaining preclinical development, studies required before human testing, clinical trials, manufacturing and worldwide commercialisation.

The financial terms of the agreement have not been disclosed.

Dr. Adi Gilboa-Geffen, chief executive officer of ScionxBio, said the partnership represents an important milestone for the company and supports the potential of its AI-driven TERA platform to address the limitations of conventional mRNA medicines. The collaboration with Sanofi is expected to help advance the technology towards potential treatments for patients with serious and chronic conditions.

Dr. Yaniv Erlich, chairman of the board and co-founder of ScionxBio, said the agreement reflects confidence in the platform’s scientific approach and its potential applications. He added that the partnership could help move the technology from laboratory research towards future clinical use.

For Sanofi, the agreement expands its access to technologies designed to improve the performance of RNA-based medicines. The company has an established mRNA research programme and will contribute its drug development expertise to advance selected candidates through later stages of development.

The collaboration also reflects growing interest across the pharmaceutical industry in combining AI and biotechnology to improve drug discovery. Researchers are increasingly exploring ways to make RNA medicines more stable and durable, particularly for conditions that may require long-term treatment.

Although the partnership offers a new approach to developing longer-lasting RNA therapeutics, the programmes remain at an early stage. Further laboratory studies, preclinical testing and clinical trials will be needed to determine whether the technology can deliver safe and effective treatments.