Algenomics Secures Core Delivery Technology for "In Vivo CAR-T"

Combination of Circular RNA and Polymeric Carrier

Direct Reprogramming of Immune Cells via Intravenous Injection

Targeted Delivery to T Cells in the Spleen Confirmed

Potential for Next-Generation, Cost-Effective CAR-T Therapy

Algenomics announced on March 30 that it has developed an "in vivo CAR-T" therapeutic platform, which directly engineers immune cells inside the body, through joint research with a team from Inha University. The research findings were published in the international journal 'ACS Biomaterials Science & Engineering' on March 27.

Schematic overview of circular RNA delivery to T cells using spleen-specific polymeric carriers. Algenomics

This study implemented a technology that delivers genes to immune cells via intravenous injection by combining circular RNA with a polyamino acid-based polymeric carrier. The research team confirmed that the intravenously administered RNA was mainly delivered to the spleen, which is rich in immune cells, and, in particular, was effectively delivered to T cells.

Conventional CAR-T therapy requires a complex process where a patient's cells are manipulated outside the body. In contrast, this technology delivers the CAR gene directly in vivo, suggesting the possibility of simplifying the process and reducing costs.

The research team explained that circular RNA demonstrated superior structural stability and sustained expression compared to conventional linear RNA. The polymeric carrier was also found to enhance intracellular delivery efficiency.

Hyunjin Kim, professor at Inha University who participated in the study, said, "Based on this technology, we will continue our research to develop polyamino acid polymer-based gene therapeutics."

Seonguk Lee, CEO of Algenomics, stated, "We have confirmed that circular RNA technology can be applied to immune cell-targeted gene therapy," adding, "We will expand the development of immune cell-based therapeutics, including in vivo CAR-T."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.