Daiichi Sankyo and Nosis Biosciences Collaborate to Advance RNA Drug Delivery

Daiichi Sankyo has taken a step forward in expanding its interest in RNA-based therapies through a newly announced collaboration with Nosis Biosciences. This partnership is expected to strengthen Daiichi’s efforts in developing innovative drug candidates capable of targeting tissues beyond the liver, an area where current RNA-based therapies have faced substantial challenges. By working with Nosis, Daiichi aims to position itself at the forefront of RNA therapeutics.
Although Daiichi Sankyo is predominantly known for its work in antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs), which have led to successful collaborations with pharmaceutical giants such as AstraZeneca and Merck & Co., the company has also demonstrated a broader commitment to exploring diverse therapeutic modalities. One of the company’s notable achievements in ADCs includes the development of Enhertu, a blockbuster drug that has solidified Daiichi’s reputation in oncology. However, recognizing the need for continued innovation and pipeline expansion, Daiichi has actively sought to explore alternative therapeutic approaches.

In April 2022, the company outlined a multi-modality research and development strategy that explicitly included nucleic acids and messenger RNA (mRNA) delivered via lipid nanoparticles (LNPs). This plan was part of Daiichi’s long-term vision to diversify its scientific focus and harness new technologies that could offer novel treatment options for a wide range of diseases. The company previously ventured into RNA-based therapeutics by developing a LNP-mRNA COVID-19 vaccine and advancing an oligonucleotide drug candidate for Duchenne muscular dystrophy into phase 2 clinical trials.
However, despite reaching an advanced stage of development, the Duchenne muscular dystrophy candidate was ultimately discontinued in 2023. While ADCs have remained central to Daiichi’s commercial success, its ongoing investments in RNA-based strategies highlight a sustained interest in expanding its expertise into this field.
The collaboration with Nosis Biosciences is particularly notable because it grants Daiichi access to Connexa, an advanced platform designed to enable the precise delivery of RNA to various genes across different cell types. The ability to target RNA therapies beyond the liver has been a persistent challenge in the field, limiting the full potential of these treatments. While RNA-based drugs have shown efficacy in treating liver-related conditions, researchers have encountered difficulties in directing them to other vital organs such as the heart, brain, lungs, and kidneys. As a result, many genetic conditions remain difficult to treat using RNA therapies alone.

Nosis Biosciences is working to overcome these limitations by integrating artificial intelligence-powered drug design, single-cell receptor biology, and high-throughput chemistry. The combination of these advanced technologies is intended to refine RNA delivery mechanisms, potentially unlocking new therapeutic possibilities. While numerous biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies have made efforts to address similar challenges, no universally effective solution has been established to date. Nosis’s approach remains in the early stages of validation, with its leading drug programs focused on lung and central nervous system tissues expected to enter investigational new drug (IND)-enabling studies in 2025. Although the effectiveness of Nosis’s platform has yet to be fully demonstrated, Daiichi Sankyo’s interest in the technology signals optimism regarding its potential impact.
In addition to Daiichi Sankyo’s involvement, Johnson & Johnson has also announced a collaboration with Nosis.