US-based start-up CorriXR Therapeutics has announced a partnership with inhaled drug developer InhaTarget Therapeutics and device developer Merxin Ltd for development of an inhaled gene therapy for the treatment of lung cancer. InhaTarget will use its lipid nanoparticle technology to formulate the CorriXR candidate for delivery by a Merxin device, with a goal of completing initial pre-clinical studies by mid-2026, the companies said.
Merxin’s devices include the MRX003 capsule-based DPI, the MRX006 multi-dose DPI, and the MRX004 soft mist inhaler. InhaTarget’s own pipeline includes CIS-DPI, a cisplatin-based dry powder for the treatment of lung cancer.
CorriXR CEO Eric B. Kmiec commented, “This partnership represents a significant step forward in our mission to harness the power of CRISPR-based gene editing for the benefit of patients with cancer by slowing the growth of solid tumors and improving effectiveness of existing treatments. We are excited by the potential of this collaboration to target lung cancer using a non-invasive inhaled delivery approach, which would greatly improve the quality of life for patients.”
Merxin Chief Business Officer Philippe Rogueda said, “Our advanced inhaler technology is designed to ensure non-invasive, precise, consistent delivery of novel therapeutics. We are excited to contribute to this vital effort and help bring innovative solutions to patients with lung cancer.”
InhaTarget CEO Frédéric De Coninck added, “Combining our pulmonary drug delivery LNP platform with CorriXR’s groundbreaking science and Merxin’s device technology has the potential to reshape the landscape of lung cancer treatment. We are eager to advance work on this novel combination.”
Read the CorriXR Therapeutics, InhaTarget Therapeutics, and Merxin Ltd press release
