Turn Biotechnologies Acquires ARMMs Technology to Enhance Tissue Targeting for Epigenetic Therapies

Turn Biotechnologies, a leader in the field of epigenetic reprogramming, has announced its acquisition of the innovative ARMMs technology (ARRDC1-mediated microvesicles). This acquisition significantly broadens the scope of organs, tissues, and cells that can be treated with the company's advanced epigenetic therapies.

The ARMMs platform enables precision medicine through targeted, non-viral vesicular delivery. The combination of ARMMs with Turn's eTurna(TM) LNP platforms allows the company to deliver a diverse array of larger payloads, including gene editors, proteins, and RNA-based therapies.

With two distinct delivery technologies, Turn Biotechnologies aims to facilitate safe, scalable, and precise epigenetic reprogramming for candidates in ophthalmology, dermatology, and immunotherapy. Preclinical data for the ARMM technology demonstrates effective delivery across various tissues, including the retina, lungs, nervous system, liver, and spleen.

Turn Bio has secured licensing for the ARMMs delivery technology from Harvard University, along with all associated assets from Vesigen Therapeutics, based in Cambridge, Massachusetts. The integration of ARMMs into Turn Bio's eTurna® LNP delivery platform enhances the capabilities of the company's ERA® technology, which utilizes mRNA to produce proteins that translate the cellular epigenome, thereby restoring functions and combating age-related diseases.

This licensing agreement and the corresponding intellectual property will empower Turn Bio to expedite the development of its drug candidates targeting ophthalmology and rejuvenating specific immune cells. The ARMMs platform will facilitate the progression of these candidates alongside TRN-001, a skin rejuvenation therapy leveraging the company's eTurna platform.

According to the company's CEO, the ARMMs technology is essential to their mission of harnessing the power of epigenetics and shaping its future role in healthcare for aging populations. The technology allows for the precise delivery of therapies as needed, showcasing an exciting potential for the transport of larger and more diverse payloads, including proteins and gene and epigenetic editors. This unprecedented delivery capability positions Turn Bio to play a defining role in the future of regenerative medicine.

The ARMMs technology has garnered interest from prominent investors, including Bayer Healthcare LLC, Morningside Group Ltd., and Alexandria Ventures.

Turn Bio's epigenetic reprogramming technology focuses on restoring the epigenome to a more youthful and functional state, facilitating the treatment of diseases and conditions where epigenetics play a critical role. This approach enables the modulation of gene expression to correct or restore normal cellular function in ailments such as skin aging, vision loss, muscle wasting, joint degeneration, and other age-related disorders.

The ARMMs delivery platform is based on human extracellular vesicles that transport signaling molecules between cells. This technology, developed by Vesigen Therapeutics under a license from Harvard University, is designed to transport therapeutic agents into cells, creating an efficient delivery system for epigenetic treatments. The platform is characterized by its ability to encapsulate various epigenetic modulators with high efficiency, ensuring targeted delivery to specific cell types while minimizing off-target effects.

ARMMs technology overcomes many limitations of existing delivery systems and complements Turn Bio's eTurna(TM) delivery platform, which utilizes a library of lipid nanoparticles for drug delivery. The ARMMs platform is biocompatible, reusable, easy to manufacture, can be directed to specific tissues, and is capable of transporting various large payloads.

Turn Biotechnologies is a preclinical-stage company focused on repairing tissue at the cellular level and developing novel drug delivery systems. The company is conducting preclinical research on tailored therapies for indications in dermatology, ophthalmology, and immunology, while also developing treatments for osteoarthritis and muscle health.