Altamira Therapeutics (“Altamira” or the “Company”) (Nasdaq:CYTO) is revolutionizing the field of mRNA (messenger ribonucleic acid) applications with its innovative SemaPhore™ peptide-based nanoparticle technology. This groundbreaking technology provides a powerful and efficient alternative to the traditional lipid nanoparticle (LNP) delivery technology, offering the potential to address unmet medical needs and dramatically improve patient care.
Recent data from the Beacon RNA database by Hanson Wade shows that the number of mRNA vaccines and therapeutics in development has skyrocketed to over 840, of which 356 are using a type of LNP (Lipid Nanoparticle) for delivery.
While these LNPs have been highly utilized for mRNA vaccines, their use in other therapeutic applications is somewhat restricted due to a range of issues. These include predominant liver uptake, limited stability, potential toxicity and immunogenicity, and poor endosomal release within cells with only 1-2% of the payload being released.
Altamira is excited by the potential of SemaPhore nanoparticles in the field of mRNA delivery. These particles are not only tolerated well by the body, but they are also able to address certain issues associated with the use of LNPs, such as efficient cellular uptake and extra-hepatic delivery of their cargo. Moreover, SemaPhore is able to protect its RNA cargo from degradation without eliciting an immune response, making it an ideal choice for therapies that require multiple administrations.
Altamira is thrilled to see the increasing recognition of SemaPhore’s differentiating features as biotech and pharma companies are expressing growing interest in their technology. Recently, an independent comparison of several mRNA delivery technologies in cancer cells revealed SemaPhore’s effective cellular uptake and transfection capacity.
Additionally, SemaPhore has the ability to reach extrahepatic targets and achieve high release rates for the RNA payload, granting it an edge over other lipid nanoparticle (LNP) delivery methods. Altamira is eager to see SemaPhore adopted for the development of promising novel mRNA therapeutics and is fully committed to collaborating with biotech and pharma partners.
About SemaPhore
SemaPhore is a revolutionary platform for the safe and efficient delivery of mRNA into target cells. Its patented 21-amino acid peptide forms a polyplex with the RNA, shielding it from degradation and enabling efficient cellular uptake. This polyplex is small and charged, allowing it to bypass hepatic clearance and deliver the mRNA payload to a range of tissues.
Successful delivery of mRNA and positive treatment outcomes have been reported in a variety of murine models of diseases, including osteoarthritis, atherosclerosis, aortic aneurysm, and cancer. SemaPhore is truly revolutionary in its potential to revolutionize the way we treat disease.
About Altamira Therapeutics
Altamira Therapeutics (Nasdaq:CYTO) is at the forefront of developing cutting-edge RNA-based therapies to treat a range of serious diseases. Their flagship siRNA programs AM-401 and AM-411 are currently being developed for KRAS driven cancer and rheumatoid arthritis, respectively.
In addition, the Company’s versatile delivery platform is being leveraged for mRNA and other types of RNA therapeutics through out-licensing agreements with pharma and biotech companies. Altamira is also divesting and/or licensing-out its legacy assets in allergology, viral infections, inner ear therapeutics, and more. Founded in 2003 and headquartered in Hamilton, Bermuda, the Company’s main operations are based in Basel, Switzerland.