Nanoform’s New Partnerships Advance Localized Therapy and High-Concentration Biologics Delivery

Under three announced developments, Nanoform has demonstrated the application of its nanoformulation platform across oncology and biologics, including novel delivery approaches, proof-of-concept studies, and strategic licensing of reformulated cancer therapies (1,2,3).

The latest of these announcements is a collaboration with Revio Therapeutics (Revio) to co-develop and commercialize GLIORA, a long-acting, locally delivered thermo-responsive hydrogel combining olaparib and temozolomide for high-grade glioma, an aggressive brain tumor (1,4). The hydrogel is designed for direct application to the tumor resection cavity during surgery, potentially increasing localized drug exposure while reducing systemic toxicity, according to an Oct. 27, 2025 company press release (1).

How does this hydrogel technology enable controlled release in glioma therapy?

The inclusion of olaparib, a poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase inhibitor, aims to exacerbate DNA damage in tumor cells and inhibit repair mechanisms, while Nanoform’s controlled expansion of supercritical solutions technology will be used to nanoformulate the API under good manufacturing conditions. Under the agreement, Revio is responsible for preclinical and clinical development, as well as manufacturing of the sterile finished product. First-in-human trials are anticipated in the second half of 2026, and potential commercial availability is projected for 2029–2030 (1).

“Developing a product like GLIORA for local, long-acting and safe delivery into a small dosing volume to fit into the tumor void space requires exquisite control over several parameters such as particle size, morphology, drug loading, release characteristics, and dose-ratio control,” said Prof. Edward Hæggström, CEO, Nanoform, in the October 27 press release (1).

This partnership highlights the potential of nanoformulation to support localized, combination therapies, addressing technical challenges in neuro-oncology delivery (5).

How do high-concentration biologics studies advance drug delivery technologies?

Earlier in October, Nanoform announced results from two collaborative proof-of-concept studies, which were revealed at the 2025 Partnership Opportunities in Drug Delivery Summit in Boston, held Oct. 27–28. The studies explored the nanoformulation of a highly concentrated protein suspension—one for subcutaneous injection and one for a dry-powder inhaled alpha-1 antitrypsin (A1AT) formulation— using a novel solidification method (2).

High-concentration subcutaneous data from the one study demonstrated the ability to achieve target protein doses while maintaining acceptable syringeability, which addresses viscosity and stability challenges common in dense biologic formulations (6). The inhalation study suggested the potential for alternative administration routes for A1AT deficiency, which would reduce reliance on weekly intravenous infusions (6). These findings illustrate the utility of nanoformulation in enabling higher-concentration biologics and nontraditional administration routes, which are key technical considerations in drug delivery optimization (6,7).

What industry trends are reflected in Nanoform’s out-licensing deal?

In mid-October, Nanoform announced the formation of BRAFMed Ltd, in partnership with A.forall and IMGA, to develop and commercialize nanoencorafenib, a nanoengineered version of encorafenib, B-Raf proto-oncogene, serine/threonine kinase inhibitor (3). The nanoformulation increases drug load per dosage unit, potentially allowing fewer capsules and improved patient adherence compared to the marketed formulation, according to Nanoform in an Oct. 14, 2025 press release (3).

Nanoform granted BRAFMed an exclusive license to its intellectual property, and in return receives service fees, development milestones, and tiered royalties. “This announcement underscores investors’ and industry players’ confidence in our technologies, and we are pleased to welcome these highly experienced partners to drive this improved product forward,” Hæggström said in the October 14 press release (3).

This deal illustrates the broader industry trend of reformulating existing drugs to optimize dosing, improve patient adherence, and enable lifecycle management while sharing development risk with specialized partners (7).

Collectively, these developments indicate that nanoformulation technologies are increasingly applied to address clinical and biopharmaceutical challenges, from localized oncology delivery to biologics administration and reformulation of existing therapeutics (1,5,6). For industry stakeholders, such advancements suggest potential efficiency gains, new delivery modalities, and expanded treatment options that could influence pipeline strategies and formulation approaches (8).

References

1. Nanoform Finland. Nanoform Partners With Revio Therapeutics To Develop Long-Acting Locally-Delivered Hydrogel Nanoformulation To Treat Glioma. Press Release. Oct. 27, 2025.
2. Nanoform Finland. Results of Nanoform Collaborative Study to be Presented at the 2025 Partnership Opportunities in Drug Delivery (PODD) Summit. Press Release. Oct. 21, 2025.
3. Nanoform Finland. Nanoform Outlicenses Nanoencorafenib and Signs Development and Commercialisation Agreement with A.forall and IMGA.Press Release. Oct. 14, 2025.
4. Collection of authors. High Grade Gliomas. Neuro Oncol. 2012, 14 (Suppl 1), i56–i68. DOI: 10.1093/neuonc/nos102
5. Ahmad, F.; Varghese, R.; Panda, S.; et al. Smart Nanoformulations for Brain Cancer Theranostics: Challenges and Promises. Cancers (Basel). 2022, 14 (21), 5389. DOI: 10.3390/cancers14215389
6. Nanoform Finland. Results of Nanoform Collaborative Study to be Presented at US Drug Delivery & Formulation (DDF) Summit. Press Release. Sept. 11, 2025.
7. Research and Markets. Formulation Development Outsourcing Market Size and Growth Trends and Companies 2025-2033. Market Research Report. May 2025.
8. Research and Markets. Nanoparticle Formulation Market Industry Trends and Global Forecasts to 2035, by Type of Nanoparticle, Scale of Operation and Key Geographical Regions. Market Research Report. May 2025