Eddingpharm's self - developed AI + mRNA technology platform, with core products entering the clinical stage | The Frontline
Since 2025, there have been signs of a "recovery" in the mRNA field. At the end of June, AbbVie announced a $2.1 billion acquisition of Capstan Therapeutics, a company focusing on in - vivo CAR - T therapy. Meanwhile, earlier entrants such as BioNTech and Moderna have also established mature R & D platforms for mRNA vaccine drug design and delivery technologies, exploring the development of products like tumor vaccines. Some of them have even entered the second - phase clinical trials.
In contrast, although the overall layout of domestic enterprises in this field is still in the early stage, some "players" are gradually emerging. Recently, Everest Medicines systematically presented three products developed based on its self - developed mRNA innovation technology platform: the universal off - the - shelf tumor therapeutic vaccine (TAA) EVM14, the personalized tumor therapeutic vaccine (PCV) EVM16, and an autologous CAR - T project.
Technologically, Everest Medicines' mRNA platform integrates two core capabilities: self - developed AI algorithms and an LNP (lipid nanoparticle) delivery system. In antigen sequence design, the company has completed three generations of AI algorithm upgrades. The first generation focused on codon optimization and production risk control. The second generation achieved coordinated optimization of codons and RNA secondary structures. The third generation integrated the joint optimization of UTR (untranslated region) and CDS (coding sequence), significantly enhancing the expression level of target proteins.
In terms of the delivery system, Everest Medicines' LNP platform has patented technologies in both ionizable lipids and stealth lipids. Its proprietary lipid library with over 500 types of lipids can meet the needs of various projects such as vaccines and autologous CAR - T, covering multiple fields including oncology, autoimmune diseases, and metabolic disorders.
In terms of pipeline progress, EVM14 has recently completed the "dual filings in China and the US". Its global multi - center phase I clinical trial (EVM14 C101) is expected to enroll the first patient in the third quarter of this year, targeting three major tumor types: squamous non - small cell lung cancer, head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, and esophageal squamous cell carcinoma.
Another personalized tumor therapeutic vaccine, EVM16, administered the first patient in March this year. Preliminary data from the clinical trial show that even at a low starting dose, it can stimulate specific T - cell responses in advanced cancer patients, indicating good immunogenicity.
According to CEO Yongqing Luo, as the R & D of related products progresses, Everest Medicines has established contacts with several of the world's top 20 pharmaceutical companies and signed multiple confidentiality agreements.
In the past two years, BD (business development) has almost become an important "KPI" for domestic innovative pharmaceutical companies. Relevant data shows that since the beginning of this year, Chinese assets have contributed nearly 50% of the upfront payments in global oncology licensing transactions. "This indicates that, different from the past, multinational pharmaceutical companies now highly recognize the value of Chinese innovation. Secondly, it also proves that China's independent innovation, cost - effectiveness, and efficiency have reached a certain level."
Specifically in the mRNA technology field, this technology combines the advantages of software - style platforms and universal production platforms, with the ability to develop drugs for various refractory diseases ranging from oncology to autoimmune diseases, metabolic disorders, and infectious diseases. As a genetic technology, mRNA technology can transform drug development from "molecular screening" to "information design", realizing the concept of "information as medicine". It enables the human body to produce drugs on its own, turning the human body into an "intelligent factory" for self - drug production.
Looking at past cases, there have been many transactions among international pharmaceutical giants in the field of personalized tumor vaccine products. Notable examples include the external collaborations of Moderna and BioNTech. For instance, Moderna partnered with Merck ($200 million upfront payment + $250 million in options), and BioNTech collaborated with Genentech ($310 million upfront payment). In the autologous CAR - T field, collaborations have mainly occurred after 2024. For example, this year, AstraZeneca acquired the autologous CAR - T company EsoBiotech for $1 billion, and AbbVie acquired Capstan for $2.1 billion.
In terms of execution, Everest Medicines said that it is not in a hurry to complete a BD deal immediately but aims to do the "right BD". Firstly, as of the end of 2024, Everest Medicines had a cash reserve of 1.6 billion yuan, and it does not need external capital for the development of mRNA - based products in the next 1 - 2 years.
Moreover, the timing and structure of BD deals need to be carefully considered. For example, licensing after obtaining clinical data may be much more valuable than licensing in the pre - clinical stage. Take AstraZeneca's acquisition of EsoBiotech as an example. EsoBiotech uses a lentiviral platform. So far, it only has data from one patient, and the rest is pre - clinical, yet its valuation is $1 billion.
In contrast, Yongqing Luo believes that "Everest Medicines is now working on an mRNA platform, with animal data and better safety". "We have many options. Many of the world's top 20 companies have had in - depth discussions with us, so having options is crucial."