BioNTech and Matinas BioPharma forge mRNA-based research alliance

By Brian Buntz | April 11, 2022

BioNTech-Matinas BioNTech SE (Nasdaq:BNTX) will partner with Matinas BioPharma (NYSE AMER:MTNB) to develop mRNA formats that use Matinas’ proprietary lipid nanocrystal (LNC) platform technology that could enable oral delivery.

The two companies will partner on formulation, optimization and in vitro testing.

BioNTech CEO Dr. Ugur Sahin said that the partnership could lead to the development of mRNA-based vaccines that facilitate intracellular delivery and the potential for oral delivery.

“This collaboration with BioNTech is an important validation from a leading global biotech company with demonstrated expertise in the design, formulation and delivery of mRNA,” said Matinas CEO Jerome D. Jabbour.

BioNTech will pay Matinas an upfront exclusive access fee and provide additional research funding.

About The Author

Brian Buntz

As the pharma and biotech editor at WTWH Media, Brian has almost two decades of experience in B2B media, with a focus on healthcare and technology. While he has long maintained a keen interest in AI, more recently Brian has made making data analysis a central focus, and is exploring tools ranging from NLP and clustering to predictive analytics.

Throughout his 18-year tenure, Brian has covered an array of life science topics, including clinical trials, medical devices, and drug discovery and development. Prior to WTWH, he held the title of content director at Informa, where he focused on topics such as connected devices, cybersecurity, AI and Industry 4.0. A dedicated decade at UBM saw Brian providing in-depth coverage of the medical device sector. Engage with Brian on LinkedIn or drop him an email at bbuntz@wtwhmedia.com.