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Freshfields advises Quantoom Biosciences on strategic collaboration with eTheRNA to develop new RNA production system
The international law firm Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer ('Freshfields') has advised Quantoom Biosciences S.A. ('Quantoom'), a biotech company aiming to improve access to essential medicines through innovative bioproduction methods and part of the Belgian Univercells group, on its announced collaboration with eTheRNA immunotherapies NV (‘eTheRNA’), a clinical-stage company developing mRNA-based immunotherapies, for the development of a revolutionary RNA production system for both research and GMP-grade material to respond to the growing demand for RNA production facilities.
Quantoom and eTheRNA will work together to build an advanced, small footprint technology platform for the production of affordable RNA-based therapies that can be used either within existing facilities or rapidly deployed to areas of urgent need. The RNA production system will manufacture transportable RNA small modular units which can be shipped easily across multiple geographic regions. The RNA production system is intended to be scaled seamlessly from small scale preclinical batches to mass production of GMP-grade RNA. The only requirement will be for the RNA production system to be located inside a suitable clean room with an uninterrupted utility supply.
Under the terms of the agreement, eTheRNA will transfer manufacturing technology to Quantoom with all materials and data necessary for the development of the novel RNA production system. Following completion of the development of the RNA production system, Quantoom will be responsible for commercialization of the system on a worldwide basis, with sales-related royalties payable to eTheRNA. International sales and distribution are expected to commence in 2023 following RNA production system production in Belgium.
Freshfields advised on all legal aspects of this collaboration including contract, IP and technology transfer issues. The Freshfields team comprised partner Jochen Dieselhorst and principal associate Aljosha Barath.
Media inquiries: Heiner Seidel, Senior Communications Lead Germany & Austria, E heiner.seidel@freshfields.com T +49 69 27 30 84 25.
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