Quotient Sciences and CPI Target Faster RNA-Based Drug Development

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Quotient Sciences, a global drug development and manufacturing accelerator, and CPI, the UK-based technology innovation center, have completed a memorandum of understanding to establish a joint venture that seeks to accelerate the development of RNA-based therapies. In a Sept. 2, 2025 press release, the partners explained that the initiative aims to streamline the pathway from early drug discovery to clinical testing in response to the increasing demand for efficient solutions in RNA therapeutics (1).

Under the collaboration, Quotient Sciences will combine its Translational Pharmaceutics platform with CPI’s expertise in small-scale RNA manufacturing and lipid nanoparticle (LNP) encapsulation. The organizations intend to jointly provide an integrated framework that encompasses messenger RNA (mRNA) synthesis, LNP formulation development, clinical manufacturing, and early-phase clinical testing.

“This is a pivotal moment for RNA drug development,” said Thierry Van Nieuwenhove, CEO, Quotient Sciences, in the press release (1). “The combined innovation and deep technical expertise of Quotient and CPI will enable developers to benefit from a vastly accelerated supply chain, with clinical batches going from plasmid to clinical dose in as little as two months. This offers a highly streamlined pathway to early-phase clinical trials for mRNA drug candidates.”

How will the joint venture streamline the RNA drug development process?

By unifying the two organizations’ capabilities, the joint venture is expected to allow drug developers to move from DNA constructs to RNA therapeutics and into clinical evaluation with unprecedented speed. Such integration provides the ability to adapt dose and formulation based on real-time clinical data from human volunteers, an approach that could enhance both efficiency and the likelihood of clinical success. For therapeutic modalities in which drug delivery plays a decisive role, this model is particularly valuable.

The new venture also expands the scope of Translational Pharmaceutics, which has been employed in more than 500 programs worldwide involving small molecules and peptide candidates, according to Quotient Sciences. Extending this platform into RNA-based drug development marks a significant progression in its application.

CPI’s CEO, Frank Millar, emphasized the broader implications for global health challenges, stating in the press release, “We’re proud to be partnering with Quotient Sciences on this initiative which represents a bold step forward for the RNA ecosystem. Our shared vision is to enable scalable and sustainable development pathways for mRNA therapies that meet global health challenges head-on.”

How does this collaboration benefit biopharma?

This joint venture underscores a growing trend toward integrated solutions that minimize transition gaps between development stages. Traditional approaches often face delays when moving from synthesis to formulation and from manufacturing to clinical supply (2,3). The integration of processes proposed by Quotient Sciences and CPI addresses these inefficiencies directly.

Such a model not only reduces timelines but also has implications for resource allocation, cost efficiency, and patient access to emerging therapies. With mRNA technology continuing to expand beyond vaccines into broader therapeutic areas, platforms that can accelerate development while maintaining adaptability are likely to gain traction across the sector.

Further details of the joint venture, including its name, branding, and operational roadmap, are expected to be shared as the collaboration advances (1).

References

1. Quotient Sciences. Quotient Sciences and CPI to Accelerate RNA Drug Development with Joint Venture. Press Release. Sept. 2, 2025.
2. Whitley, J.; Zwolinski, C.; Denis, C.; et al. Development of mRNA Manufacturing for Vaccines and Therapeutics: mRNA Platform Requirements and Development of a Scalable Production Process to Support Early Phase Clinical Trials. Transl. Res. 2022, 242, 38–55. DOI: 10.1016/j.trsl.2021.11.009
3. Youssef, M.; Hitti, C.; Puppin Chaves Fulber, J.; Kamen, A. A. Enabling mRNA Therapeutics: Current Landscape and Challenges in Manufacturing. Biomolecules 2023, 13 (10), 1497. DOI: 10.3390/biom13101497