Eli Lilly bets on Canadian biotech QurCan in genetic medicine delivery deal
QurCan will focus on developing and optimising genetic therapeutics using its delivery technology, while Lilly will take responsibility for advancing selected candidates through subsequent development stages.
USA—Eli Lilly and Company has signed an exclusive research and collaboration agreement with QurCan Therapeutics to develop genetic medicines for diseases affecting the central and peripheral nervous systems.
The partnership will focus on several research programmes using QurCan’s Target-Engineered Responsive Polymer (TERP) polymer-lipid nanoparticle (PLNP) delivery platform, which is designed to transport genetic medicines into targeted cells without using viral vectors.
Under the agreement, QurCan, a Canadian biotechnology company, will optimize genetic medicine candidates using its technology, while Lilly will oversee further research, clinical development, and commercialization of selected programmes.
Developing targeted genetic medicine delivery
QurCan’s TERP platform is designed to address challenges in delivering genetic medicines to specific cells and tissues.
It enables systemic administration and repeat dosing of therapeutic payloads, including messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA), deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) and oligonucleotides.
The technology uses engineered polymers and lipids to deliver these genetic materials into relevant cells, offering a non-viral approach to treatment delivery.
The collaboration will initially support multiple research programmes targeting diseases of the central nervous system (CNS) and peripheral nervous system (PNS).
These systems control essential functions, including movement, sensation and communication between the brain, spinal cord, and the rest of the body.
QurCan will focus on developing and optimizing genetic therapeutics using its delivery technology, while Lilly will take responsibility for advancing selected candidates through subsequent development stages.
Financial terms of the agreement
Under the agreement, QurCan will receive an upfront payment and a strategic investment from Lilly.
The Canadian company is also eligible for research support payments to help fund its work under the collaboration.
Additionally, QurCan could receive research, development, and commercial milestone payments of up to US$237 million per programme, depending on the achievement of specified milestones.
The agreement also provides for tiered royalties on global net sales of any products that reach the market through the partnership.
These financial arrangements will support QurCan’s research activities while giving Lilly the opportunity to advance selected genetic medicine candidates towards clinical development and potential commercialisation.
Addressing challenges in neurological disease treatment
Mohammad Ali Amini, chief executive officer of QurCan Therapeutics, said the agreement validates the company’s PLNP technology and its potential to address difficult delivery challenges in genetic medicine.
He noted that the CNS and PNS remain underserved areas for genetic medicine delivery, adding that QurCan believes its non-viral technology offers a flexible approach for transporting different types of genetic material.
Amini also highlighted Lilly’s experience in neuroscience drug development and commercialisation as an important part of the collaboration.
He said the company was pleased to work with Lilly to develop therapies for patients with significant unmet medical needs.
Separately, last month, the US Food and Drug Administration granted breakthrough therapy designation to Lilly’s olomorasib, an investigational treatment for adults with advanced pancreatic cancer who have received at least one previous systemic therapy.
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