A Look at Which Nanoparticle Formulation Companies are Supporting Novel Drug Development

Published: September 2023


The approval of mRNA-LNP vaccines for COVID 19 has kindled the interest of pharmaceutical companies to evaluate several novel nanoparticles as drug delivery systems; there has been an associated rise in nanoparticle formulation technologies and services


Lipid Nanoparticle Formulation is Allowing the Development of Promising Treatment Alternative to Conventional Medicines

The  pharmaceutical industry has witnessed a steady rise in the number of approved drugs based on nanoparticle formulations. This can be attributed to the role of these nanoparticles as both delivery vehicle and therapeutic agent to aid in the treatment of a variety of disease conditions, including cancer, cardiovascular disorders, neurological disorders and infectious diseases. mRNA-LNP vaccines have demonstrated their potential as prophylactic COVID vaccines. The Pfizer-BioNTech COVID vaccine Comirnaty uses the lipid nanoparticle technology from Acuitas Therapeutics1, whereas Moderna’s Spikevax uses the company’s proprietary nanoparticle technology2. Owing to several advantages of lipid nanoparticles in therapeutics, the stakeholders are also acquiring other industry players specializing in various aspects of lipid nanoparticle formulation in order to expand their capabilities and build a comprehensive product / service portfolio. The most recent acquisition in lipid nanoparticle formulation market was done by Merck in February 2022, when it acquired US based biopharmaceutical CMO, Exelead gaining access to its LNP based drug delivery technology.3 

The Development of Novel RNA Therapeutics is Driving the Demand for Nanoparticle Formulation Technology and Services 

Our analysts have done an exhaustive search for all the companies offering nanoparticle formulation technology or service. We identified 95+ companies offering nanoparticle formulation technologies  and 80+ organizations (CROs, CDOs and CDMOs) claiming to offer contract services for the development and formulation of organic, inorganic and carbon-based nanoparticles. The business revenues for these companies is driven by the increase in demand for their technologies and services by companies developing mRNA therapeutics and mRNA vaccines, and other nucleic acid drugs. Lipid nanoparticles have particularly provided success stories for RNA therapeutics delivery, with the first approval for a siRNA-LNP drug received in 2018 for Onpattro. The industry has developed several RNA delivery systems including lipid nanoparticles and polymeric nanoparticles. 

In order to mitigate the technical and operations challenges, pharmaceutical / biotechnology companies are actively seeking technological and methodological advancements, along with assistance from stakeholders engaged in this industry. In order to know more about the current market landscape, market size and future opportunities associated with the nanoparticle formulation market, get your copy of free insights below.

Roots Analysis has conducted an exhaustive study on Nanoparticle Formulation Market featuring the current market landscape and future opportunity for the technology and service providers, over a span of 12 years.

Key Companies Engaged in Offering Nanoparticle Formulation Technologies and Services 

This article highlights some of the leading nanoparticle formulation companies to watch out for in the pharmaceutical industry. These companies (that have been established post-2014) offer nanoparticle formulation technology and have extensive service portfolio / capabilities pertaining to nanoparticle formulation and development.   It is essential to note that the selection of top players can differ substantially according to the defined criteria(s).

Ascension Sciences, Serving the Nanoparticle Formulation Demands of its Pharmaceutical and Nutraceutical Clients  

Ascension Sciences is a technology-driven contract research and development organization based in Canada that offers nanoparticles to cater to the needs of pharmaceutical and nutraceutical industries. In addition, the company claims to specialize in the development of nano-delivery platforms, which are employed for the delivery of cannabinoid products and therapeutics. Further, the firm offers consultation services related to development and formulation of nanoparticles, and mitigation of drug delivery challenges. The company has been participating in conferences and related events, such as Canna Pharma, 4th Cannabinoid Derived Pharmaceuticals summit, ExciPerience conference in order gain more visibility in the pharmaceutical domain. In July 2021, the company has been awarded CanExport Innovation grant by the Government of Canada, in order to carry out research and development for cannabinoid therapeutics using its technological platform.

Headquarters: Vancouver, Canada
Established: 2019
Recent Developments: In order to accommodate growing demand for nanoparticle formulation-based development and research services, Ascension expanded its capacity through the addition of a licensed research and development laboratory in its Canada-based facility in the year 2020. Increase in the demand for nanoparticle formulation is one of the reasons for the facility / capability expansion by the contract organizations.

DIANT Pharma, Revolutionizing Nanoparticle Manufacturing With its GMP Capable Continuous Manufacturing LiFT System 

DIANT Pharma is a US-based pharmaceutical company, primarily engaged in the development of nanoparticle drug formulations, including lipid nanoparticles, micelles, liposomes and emulsions. Further, the company claims to be an integrated service provider offering development and manufacturing services for nanoparticle-based therapeutics and vaccines. It is worth mentioning that the company’s nanoparticle technology has been licensed from the University of Connecticut.

Diant Pharma has developed a continuous manufacturing system, named LiFT that allows continuous manufacturing of lipid nanoparticles and polymeric nanoparticles at GMP scale.

Headquarters: Manchester, US
Established: 2019
Recent Developments: In February 2022, the company was awarded a Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I grant worth USD 256,000 by the National Science Foundation, in order to develop an end-to-end continuous manufacturing system for lipid nanoparticles. 

More recently, in July 2023, US FDA purchased the DIANT® LiFT system for installation at Beltsville, MD facility.

ExonanoRNA, Operating in the Emerging Field of Nucleic Acid Nanoparticles, Promising Drug Delivery Systems 

Established in 2017, ExonanoRNA is a US-based start-up which offers a wide range of products, including RNA nanoparticles, exosomes, RNA transcription kits, RNA and DNA oligonucleotides. Additionally, the company uses its proprietary RNA nanotechnology to develop therapeutics for the treatment of cancer (lung, liver and prostate cancer). RNA nanoparticles can be designed for targeted delivery of drugs / payloads and is being evaluated in clinical trials.

The company has the required capabilities for custom synthesis of RNA nanoparticles and oligonucleotides.

Headquarters: Ohio, US
Established: 2017
Recent Developments: In March 2021, the company entered into a collaboration with MDimune to integrate its ExRNP platform with MDimune’s BioDrone technology in order to develop targeted siRNA therapy for oncological disorders.

Nanoform, Partnering to Enhance the Sustained Release Properties of Drugs and Implants 

Based in Finland, Nanoform is a privately-held pharmaceutical company that offers custom services for nanoparticle-based drugs and its technology platforms for the treatment of various diseases. Leveraging its elaborate portfolio of cutting-edge nano-based technologies (CESS technologies), the company claims to provide developmental and formulation solutions for a wide range of molecules, including small molecules and large biologics. The company has been actively collaborating with other players in order to further augment its capabilities to support the development and formulation of nanoparticle-based products. Nanoform has collaborated with Celanese Corporation to evaluate the potential of combining the company’s CESS technology with Celanese Corporation’s VitalDose EVA copolymer delivery technology for use in high drug load implants.

Headquarters: Helsinki, Finland
Established: 2015 
Recent Developments: In July 2022, Nanoform entered into a collaboration with Pharmanovia, in order to enhance the bioavailability of Pharmanovia’s prescription medicines through the adoption of former’s nanoparticle technologies and formulation services. Earlier, in February 2022, the company signed an agreement with TargTex, in order to manufacture CESS technology-based drug for the treatment of Glioblastoma Multiforme.

NTT Biopharma Has Developed Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles as Drug Delivery Systems 

NTT Biopharma is a contract research and development organization based in Taiwan that offers drug development services and innovative delivery solutions to pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies. The company provides a wide range of services including formulation development, efficacy evaluation studies, optimization of manufacturing process and supply at preclinical scale. Additionally, the company’s drug development pipeline features several promising candidates against different diseases, such as brain cancer, coronavirus infection and ocular diseases. 

The company has developed mesoporous silica nanoparticles as drug delivery systems. Using its proprietary technology, the company aims to develop drugs with better efficacy and improved solubility, bioavailability and safety. With a strong focus on research and development, along with a robust drug pipeline, the company strives to offer safe, effective and convenient nanoparticle-based drugs for various disease indications.

Headquarters: Taipei City, Taiwan
Established: 2016
Recent Developments: In December 2022, the company entered into a collaboration with Siron, in order to integrate its silica-based nanoparticle platform with Siron’s technology to deliver docetaxel for the treatment of brain cancer.

Are you curious to gain more insights on the in-depth analysis of the various firms / organizations that are engaged in nanoparticle formulation market?

The above presentation features five nanoparticle formulation technology / service providers selected from a pool of over 150 players that we have compiled. If you're interested, you can download the Sample Report on this topic by Roots Analysis. For personalized assistance in identifying the most relevant solutions based on your specific criteria, please don't hesitate to reach out to us at sales@rootsanalysis.com

About Author

Prachi_Bhalla  

Prachi holds an M.Tech, degree in Biotechnology from Indian Institute of Technology, Guwahati and B.E. degree in Biotechnology from Panjab University. Upon completing her postgraduate studies, she embarked on her research career by securing the position of Senior Research Fellow at PGIMER, Chandigarh. In her more than two years of scientific career, she honed her skills in the field of cell and molecular biology, pathology and organic chemistry. Prachi has over two years of remarkable experience in the business research and consulting domain. She is equipped with the distinctive skill set to thrive and contribute immensely to the development of syndicate reports and assignments pertaining to the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industry. She has persistently sought to present impactful, critical insights to the clients through several drug-based, product-based, technology-based and service-based research reports.

Sources

  1. “Pfizer Enters into Agreement with Acuitas Therapeutics for Lipid Nanoparticle Delivery System for Use in mRNA Vaccines and Therapeutics” https://www.pfizer.com/news/press-release/press-release-detail/pfizer-enters-agreement-acuitas-therapeutics-lipid
  2. “Moderna's Spikevax Faces Another Patent Challenge” https://www.biospace.com/article/moderna-faces-more-patent-challenges-for-covid-19-vaccine-/
  3. “Merck Completes Acquisition of Exelead and Plans to Invest More Than €500 Million in Technology Scale-Up” https://www.merckgroup.com/en/news/exelead-closing-23-03-2022.html
     

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