CATUG and IRFMN Announce Partnership to Advance Nucleic Acid Research in Nanomedicine

Basel, Switzerland, January 22, 2025 — The Mario Negri Institute for Pharmacological Research (IRFMN), a leading research center with over 60 years of activity in the field of pharmacology and public health, announces the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with CATUG, a world leader in RNA therapeutics, cell and gene therapy, and lipid-based formulations. This strategic agreement will foster collaboration and partnership in research and development focused on nucleic acids in nanomedicine.

IRFMN, a leader in pharmacological research in oncology, neurodegenerative, cardiovascular, renal, and rare diseases, has extended its interest for over a decade towards the application of nanomedical strategies to improve the pharmacokinetics and therapeutic index of many drugs and allow more selective targeting of nucleic acids. In this context, the partnership with CATUG could represent an important advance for developing preclinical studies aimed at releasing nucleic acids in many clinical areas of interest. "We are honored that CATUG has engaged IRFMN as a key partner for future collaborations and development," said Paolo Bigini, Head of the Nanobiology Laboratory at the Department of Molecular Biochemistry and Pharmacology of IRFMN. “The evolution of nanomedicine and nucleic acid delivery will provide many opportunities for therapeutic advancement, but it also brings challenges. To reach the final stage of clinical translation, it is essential to work with reliable and safe materials. For this reason, we are delighted to start this cooperation and look forward to exploring new ideas and solutions together,” commented Dr. Luisa Diomede, Head of the Laboratory of Human Pathology in Model Organisms. 

The MoU establishes a framework for joint research projects, contract research, and technical knowledge exchange between CATUG and IRFMN. Both organizations are committed to promoting scientific discovery in nanomedicine, focusing on using reliable, reproducible, and safe reagents. 

CATUG, a contract service provider headquartered in Basel, Switzerland, and operates globally, specializes in RNA therapeutics, offering a range of services from research and development to GMP manufacturing of various nucleic-acid-based drug substances and nano delivery technologies. “We are excited to partner with an institute of excellence like Mario Negri, whose renowned expertise in in vivo models and biodistribution studies aligns perfectly with our complimentary skillsets,” said Lin Jin, Co-founder and President of CATUG. “Their commitment to translational science is truly remarkable, and together we look forward to advancing cutting-edge solutions in nanomedicine that will have a real impact on patient care.”

This collaboration will enable both organizations to explore new possibilities in the use of nucleic acid in nanomedicine, creating opportunities to develop novel therapies with global health implications.

Contact Information:

For Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri:
Paolo Bigini, Ph.D.
Head of the Nanobiology Laboratory 
Department of Molecular Biochemistry and Pharmacology
Email: paolo.bigini@marionegri.it

For CATUG:
Cesare Di Nitto, Ph.D.
Senior BD Specialist
Phone: +41 78 944 00 73
Email: cesare.dinitto@catug.bio