Producing lipid nanoparticle technology for vaccine delivery (Acuitas Therapeutics)

- Vancouver, British Columbia

Vancouver-based Acuitas Therapeutics is a private biotechnology company that works with partners to develop therapeutics to address unmet clinical needs.  The company specializes in the development of lipid nanoparticle (LNP) technology—a key component of vaccine delivery that protects messenger RNA (mRNA) and ensures it is delivered inside human cells to help fight viruses.

With over 5 years of advisory and R&D funding support from the National Research Council of Canada Industrial Research Assistance Program (NRC IRAP), Acuitas was able to establish their internal chemistry program, hire new PhD expertise to their team, and develop its LNP delivery system for mRNA.

Today, the company is a key player in the global fight against SARS-CoV-2, the virus causing COVID-19. The Acuitas LNP delivery system is being used in several COVID-19 vaccines currently being developed, including the BioNTech/Pfizer vaccine, playing a key role in the global effort to eradicate COVID-19.

"We are honoured to play such an important role in helping the world respond to COVID-19. The NRC IRAP supported us as we further developed our unique expertise, allowing us to contribute to the development of vaccines to protect against this devastating virus."

Dr. Thomas Madden, President and CEO, Acuitas Therapeutics