4basebio (AIM:4BB) said it will supply clinical-grade opDNA starting material for a Phase I cell therapy trial run by an unnamed multinational pharmaceutical client.
The Cambridge-based biotech makes synthetic DNA using a proprietary enzymatic platform, positioned as a safer, cheaper alternative to plasmid DNA in genetic medicine manufacturing.
TriLink BioTechnologies, part of Maravai LifeSciences, has been chosen as the contract development and manufacturing organisation to produce the mRNA drug substance, applying its CleanCap co-transcriptional capping technology alongside 4basebio's DNA.
The deal extends an existing relationship with the client into cell therapy, rather than opening a new customer account.
"Working alongside TriLink, a world-class mRNA manufacturer, allows us to plug our starting material seamlessly into established manufacturing workflows, giving customers a faster, lower-risk path to the clinic," said Christine Wolosin, 4basebio's chief commercial officer.
The agreement follows a similar clinical supply deal 4basebio signed in May with a cancer immunotherapy developer for a Phase II trial, expected to generate approximate seven-figure revenue over 12 months, and a non-exclusive collaboration with CDMO Genezen signed in August giving that partner access to its hpDNA technology.