Academic Partnership Opportunities in mRNA Innovation in North America & Europe
This article was powered by Cypris Q, an AI agent that helps R&D teams instantly synthesize insights from patents, scientific literature, and market intelligence from around the globe. Discover how leading R&D teams use CypriQ to monitor technology landscapes and identify opportunities faster - Book a demo
Executive Summary
The academic mRNA ecosystem in North America and Europe has matured into a platform-centric landscape where leading institutions differentiate through three primary vectors: delivery science encompassing LNP chemistry, targeting, and biodistribution; modality innovation including saRNA, repRNA, and circRNA; and productization enablers such as stability, lyophilization, scalable manufacturing analytics, and quality control [1, 2, 3].
Recent peer-reviewed work highlights active innovation in saRNA LNP optimization [1, 2, 3], freeze-drying and continuous lyophilization approaches to relax cold-chain constraints [4, 5], and next-generation RNA modalities including circRNA vaccines and immunotherapy that can extend expression and durability [6, 7, 8]. Parallel patent activity shows universities not only publishing but also protecting translational IP in saRNA constructs [9], barcoded LNP platform methods co-assigned across universities [10, 11], and application-specific LNP delivery such as bone and mineral binding formulations [12]. These patterns signal high partnership readiness across the academic landscape.
Fifteen high-priority academic partners are recommended, weighted toward institutions with demonstrated mRNA and LNP leadership in high-impact translational publications and universities with visible commercialization interfaces through tech transfer offices and partnership portals. Top-tier targets include University of British Columbia for its LNP leadership and active patenting footprint [13, 5], Ghent University for stability and lyophilization leadership [4, 5, 14], Imperial College London for saRNA platform depth [1, 2], University of Pennsylvania for delivery and immunology capabilities combined with an active innovation interface [6, 15, 16], and Cornell University for co-assigned delivery analytics patents indicating collaboration maturity [10, 11, 17].
A recommended outreach program prioritizes fast-start vehicles including sponsored research, tool and material evaluation agreements, and option-to-license structures to secure early technical de-risking while preserving downstream deal flexibility. A fit matrix is provided to guide sequencing and resourcing, followed by an engagement roadmap emphasizing executive sponsorship, PI-level technical workshops, and rapid scoping to funded workplans.
Methodology and Assumptions
Academic candidates were identified by triangulating three data sources: recent peer-reviewed papers on mRNA, saRNA, and circRNA delivery and stability [1, 2, 3, 5]; patents with university assignees and co-assignees indicating translational intent and collaboration readiness [9, 13, 10, 11]; and institutional partnership and tech transfer contact points to enable practical engagement [16, 17, 18].
Geographic scope emphasized North America and Europe. A small number of global items surfaced during discovery were not prioritized unless strongly connected to North American or European institutions via authorship or funding [6]. Contact information is provided as official commercialization and partnership channels through tech transfer or partnership offices where verified, to ensure institutional compliance and responsiveness [16, 17, 18].
Detailed Analysis
Partnership Landscape Overview
Academic mRNA partnership opportunities cluster into three strategic buckets that offer distinct value propositions for industry collaborators.
The first bucket encompasses delivery and targeting platforms, which carry the highest strategic leverage. These groups develop ionizable lipid chemistry, LNP structure-function rules, and organ and cell targeting capabilities that are reusable across vaccine and therapeutic pipelines. Publications and patents show continued innovation in delivery design, including platform optimization via design-of-experiments approaches [3], and emerging work on delivery for immune cells and tissue-targeting frameworks [6, 15]. Institutions in this bucket are ideal for proprietary formulation co-development, screening-enabled programs, and IP-driven licensing arrangements.
The second bucket focuses on stability, cold-chain relief, and manufacturing-adjacent science, offering high near-term ROI. Cold-chain requirements and shelf-life limitations remain key bottlenecks for global scale. Multiple academic groups are advancing lyophilization and continuous freeze-drying approaches to maintain function while improving storage and distribution profiles [4, 5]. These programs are well-suited to sponsored research with clear deliverables including process parameter spaces, excipient strategies, and critical quality attribute retention metrics.
The third bucket addresses next-generation modalities, providing option value and strategic differentiation. saRNA and circRNA are increasingly explored for potency and durability, with demonstrated optimization work around saRNA delivery and formulation variables [1, 2, 3]. circRNA delivery platforms and immune activation profiles show strong growth as a differentiated modality, including vaccine and immunotherapy directions [6, 7, 8]. These partnerships can provide pipeline differentiation and platform optionality, though they may require heavier scientific co-development investment.
The key implication is that the most resilient academic partnership portfolio combines one flagship delivery platform partner, one stability and manufacturing partner, and one modality-innovation partner to cover performance, scalability, and differentiation simultaneously [1, 4, 5].
Prioritized Partner Shortlist
Fifteen academic institutions have been identified as priority targets, categorized by collaboration type and strategic value. The primary focus institutions include University of British Columbia in Canada for R&D and licensing opportunities, Ghent University in Belgium for R&D and licensing, Imperial College London in the UK for R&D, University of Pennsylvania in the USA for R&D and licensing, Cornell University in the USA for R&D and licensing, Tufts University in the USA for R&D, Oregon Health & Science University in the USA for R&D, University of Rochester in the USA for R&D, University at Albany SUNY through The RNA Institute in the USA for R&D, University of Washington in the USA for R&D, The Ohio State University in the USA for R&D, Stanford University in the USA for R&D and licensing, University of Cambridge in the UK for R&D, and RWTH Aachen University in Germany for R&D. Several entries are strengthened by directly observed publications and patents in the research set as detailed in the individual profiles.
Partnership Fit Matrix
The following assessments score each partner on a scale of 1 (low) to 5 (high) across technical alignment, strategic alignment, and cultural and operational fit. Cultural fit reflects typical collaboration operability inferred from visible partnership interface maturity through tech transfer and partnership portals and translational patterns evident in patents and co-assignee relationships [16, 17, 18].
University of British Columbia scores 5 across all three dimensions, reflecting LNP leadership combined with translational patents and strong contactability [13, 5, 18]. Ghent University scores 5 for technical alignment, 5 for strategic alignment, and 4 for cultural fit based on its lyophilization and continuous freeze-drying leadership [4, 5, 14]. Imperial College London scores 5 for technical alignment, 4 for strategic alignment, and 4 for cultural fit given its saRNA platform depth in formulation and immunogenicity [1, 2]. University of Pennsylvania scores 5 across all dimensions due to delivery and immunology capabilities combined with a strong commercialization interface [6, 15, 16]. Cornell University scores 4 for technical alignment, 5 for strategic alignment, and 5 for cultural fit based on co-assigned LNP analytics patents indicating collaboration maturity [10, 11, 17].
University of Washington scores 4 across all dimensions reflecting strong repRNA delivery research and immune response studies [19, 20]. Ohio State University scores 4 for technical alignment, 4 for strategic alignment, and 3 for cultural fit based on influential LNP lipid chemistry scholarship [21]. Stanford University scores 4 for technical and strategic alignment with 3 for cultural fit given materials and polymer delivery patents that intersect RNA delivery [22]. Tufts University scores 3 for technical alignment, 4 for strategic alignment, and 4 for cultural fit reflecting a strong industry collaboration interface for translation [23]. Oregon Health & Science University scores 4 for technical alignment, 3 for strategic alignment, and 4 for cultural fit based on strong LNP chemistry and delivery scholarship combined with an active tech transfer team [24, 25].
University at Albany through The RNA Institute scores 3 for technical alignment, 4 for strategic alignment, and 4 for cultural fit given its RNA-focused partnership portal and translational orientation [26]. University of Rochester scores 3 across all dimensions reflecting RNA biology center capabilities and ties to the RNA Institute joint venture concept through CERRT [26]. University of Cambridge scores 3 for technical alignment, 4 for strategic alignment, and 3 for cultural fit based on deep RNA regulation and UTR structural science relevant to expression tuning [27]. RWTH Aachen University scores 4 for technical alignment, 3 for strategic alignment, and 3 for cultural fit given active involvement in saRNA modality comparison studies [28, 29].
Detailed Partner Profiles
(1) University of British Columbia (Canada)
Collaboration type tags: R&D, Licensing
UBC is a leading translational research university with a strong biomedical innovation ecosystem and a dedicated commercialization interface through Innovation UBC [18]. The university appears in high-impact work on mRNA and LNP processing and stability, including continuous freeze-drying approaches enabling improved temperature storage windows [5]. UBC is also an active university assignee in mRNA and LNP-related patents, including CNS-focused RNA delivery methods and LNP constructs for prolonged protein expression applications [13].
UBC offers a credible route to build a differentiated LNP delivery and formulation manufacturability package by combining formulation and stability science that reduces cold-chain burdens [5] with patent-backed delivery concepts that can be licensed or co-developed into product candidates [13]. This combination creates platform leverage across vaccines and therapeutic mRNA programs.
Collaboration model options include sponsored research to optimize LNP composition and excipients and establish CQA-linked stability metrics aligned to target product profiles [5], option-to-license arrangements on select UBC patent families relevant to delivery modality and target tissue such as CNS-focused delivery methods [13], and joint invention pathways for foreground IP covering novel formulations or delivery strategies validated in vivo [5].
The institutional contact channel is Innovation UBC at hello@innovation.ubc.ca and phone 604-822-8580 [18]. The recommended engagement approach is to start with a 6-8 week technical scoping sprint around cold-chain relaxation targets and delivery endpoints including expression, tolerability, and biodistribution, then convert into a 12-18 month sponsored program with defined milestones and an embedded licensing option [5, 18].
(2) Ghent University (Belgium)
Collaboration type tags: R&D, Licensing
Ghent is a major European research university with strong drug delivery, biomaterials, and pharmaceutical process engineering capabilities evidenced by repeated authorship in LNP stability and lyophilization research [4, 5, 14]. Ghent-affiliated teams have demonstrated that mRNA LNP formulations can be freeze-dried and lyophilized and that outcomes depend strongly on ionizable lipid identity and formulation parameters [4]. Work also addresses continuous freeze-drying approaches and stability at elevated temperatures over multi-week periods [5]. Ghent is also associated with foundational work showing that N1-methylpseudouridine-modified mRNA can increase expression and reduce immunogenicity in comparative studies [14].
Ghent is a top candidate for manufacturability and distribution advantage, specifically thermostability and process robustness as differentiators. This is valuable when competing products converge on similar LNP chemistries and stability and handling become strategic considerations.
Collaboration model options include sponsored research covering excipient, buffer, and process design space for freeze-drying and reconstitution with mechanistic understanding of failure modes such as leakage and aggregation tied to critical quality attributes [4, 5]. Licensing or co-development opportunities likely exist around stabilization and process innovations implied by research outputs, to be validated case-by-case through the technology transfer office [4, 5].
Initial engagement should route through Ghent's tech transfer and research valorisation function at the institution level, followed by PI-level alignment on stability program objectives [4, 5]. The recommended approach is to propose a Stability Acceleration Program with clear success criteria such as refrigerated stability windows and post-lyophilization in vivo translation retention using a standardized mRNA reporter system and internal analytical packages [4, 5].
(3) Imperial College London (United Kingdom)
Collaboration type tags: R&D
Imperial is a leading UK institution with recognized strength in vaccine platforms and biomaterials-enabled nucleic acid delivery, prominently represented in saRNA and LNP formulation literature [1, 2]. Imperial-led work reports optimization strategies for self-amplifying RNA delivery and explores alternative formulation paradigms such as exterior complexation with cationic lipids while maintaining in vivo delivery and immunogenicity outcomes [1]. Additional work evaluates the role of helper lipids and ionizable lipid combinations on stability and functional output, including human skin explant relevance [2].
Imperial is attractive for organizations seeking dose-sparing and potency advantages via saRNA, and for those wanting to expand beyond conventional mRNA into modalities that can improve expression duration and reduce dose requirements [1, 2]. This supports both pandemic-response vaccines and certain therapeutic categories where expression kinetics matter.
Collaboration model options include sponsored research for saRNA LNP composition optimization covering ionizable and helper lipid choices and stability versus potency tradeoffs with pre-agreed deliverables [2], as well as joint development for candidate selection aligned to antigen or therapeutic portfolios paired with delivery optimization [1, 2].
Engagement should proceed via Imperial's commercialization interface and the PI network tied to saRNA and LNP publications [1, 2]. The recommended approach is to begin with a PI-led technical workshop to define target product profiles including expression duration, reactogenicity bounds, and storage constraints, then contract a phased design-of-experiments program to converge on a candidate formulation shortlist [1, 2].
(4) University of Pennsylvania (USA)
Collaboration type tags: R&D, Licensing
Penn is a top US research institution with established capabilities in RNA therapeutics and immunology and a mature commercialization organization through the Penn Center for Innovation [16]. Penn appears in circRNA vaccine delivery work involving optimized LNP platforms for immune-cell delivery and lymph node accumulation, with comparative immune response outcomes reported in animal models [6]. Penn-affiliated work also addresses LNP-based immune cell modulation across multiple immune cell types, reflecting a broad immunoengineering posture aligned with therapeutic mRNA delivery needs [15].
Penn combines deep biology with delivery expertise and clinical translation culture, and PCI provides a structured interface for sponsored research, CDAs, and deal execution [16]. This makes Penn particularly suitable when rapid contracting and multi-lab coordination are required.
Collaboration model options include sponsored research with defined deliverables around immune-cell targeting, lymph node trafficking, and transgene durability across mRNA and circRNA modalities [6], licensing options routed via PCI for specific platform IP or inventions emerging from collaborations [16], and co-development of translational packages including animal model validation and immune profiling aligned to therapeutic areas [6, 15].
Key contacts include the PCI Help Desk at pciinfo@pci.upenn.edu and phone 215-7-INVENT, with corporate contracting available at CorpCont@pci.upenn.edu [16]. The recommended engagement approach is to use PCI's corporate contracting channel to establish a mutual CDA, a scoped sponsored research agreement, and a clear IP and publication framework to support rapid iteration and potential licensing conversion [16].
(5) Cornell University (USA)
Collaboration type tags: R&D, Licensing
Cornell is a major US research university with a centralized technology transfer function through the Center for Technology Licensing and demonstrated participation in delivery analytics IP co-assigned with other top institutions [10, 11]. Cornell is a co-assignee with the Trustees of the University of Pennsylvania on patents describing ionizable lipid nanoparticles encapsulating barcoded mRNA for analyzing in vivo delivery [10, 11]. This points to a sophisticated approach to delivery screening and quantitation and indicates prior successful multi-institution collaboration, which serves as a key readiness signal.
Cornell is well-suited for partners who need delivery screening infrastructure and methodology as a core capability for iterating LNP libraries and rapidly learning biodistribution and expression drivers. The co-assignment history suggests Cornell can operate effectively in joint IP settings [10, 11].
Collaboration model options include sponsored research to apply barcoded mRNA and LNP approaches to internal LNP libraries enabling faster down-selection and mechanism learning [10, 11], as well as licensing through option arrangements for relevant patent families for internal platform use or co-development coordinated through CTL [17].
Cornell CTL can be reached at ctl-connect@cornell.edu and phone 607-254-4698 with the Ithaca address listed for formal engagement [17]. The recommended engagement approach is to initiate with CTL and propose a three-part package covering data-generation study design, analytical pipeline integration with internal assays, and licensing option contingent on performance milestones [10, 17].
(6) Oregon Health & Science University (USA)
Collaboration type tags: R&D
OHSU is a leading academic medical and research center with published leadership in LNP chemistry and a visible technology transfer organization through OHSU Innovates [24, 25]. OHSU-affiliated work covers the chemistry of lipid nanoparticles for RNA delivery including formulation fundamentals, component roles, and structure-property considerations useful for partners needing strong mechanistic underpinnings for delivery optimization [24].
OHSU is attractive when a partner requires deep formulation science and a practical interface to licensing and collaboration through a dedicated tech transfer team listing leadership and licensing roles [25].
Collaboration model options include sponsored research covering mechanistic formulation studies on lipid structure, buffer impact, and stability-efficacy relationships coupled with experimental design to accelerate learning curves [24], as well as platform collaboration to develop formulation playbooks tied to specific therapeutic targets such as immune cells versus systemic delivery consistent with LNP chemistry frameworks [24].
The OHSU Technology Transfer Team page lists leadership and managers as institutional entry points including Senior Director of Technology Transfer and licensing leadership roles [25]. The recommended engagement approach is to start with a formulation problem statement covering immune targeting, reactogenicity constraints, and stability targets and jointly define a set of testable hypotheses and an assay cascade, using the OHSU Innovates team structure for rapid assignment to the correct licensing and business development counterpart [24, 25].
(7) University of Washington (USA)
Collaboration type tags: R&D
University of Washington is a leading US research institution with demonstrable activity in replicon RNA vaccine delivery and immunogenicity profiling [19, 20]. Work from UW-affiliated teams explores repRNA delivery with alternative nanocarriers and compares systemic innate responses and antibody outcomes depending on formulation, highlighting safety-efficacy tradeoffs in multivalent repRNA vaccination [19]. Follow-on studies evaluate interplay among formulation, systemic innate responses, and antibody responses in higher models, including correlations between early interferon levels and antibody titers [20].
UW provides high value for partners pursuing repRNA and saRNA strategies who must manage innate sensing and systemic reactogenicity while maintaining immunogenicity, an area where academic mechanistic work can materially reduce program risk [19, 20].
Collaboration model options include sponsored research focused on formulation-driven reactogenicity mitigation and immune outcome optimization in relevant models [19, 20], as well as joint translational studies to define biomarkers and early predictors such as innate signatures that can be used in development programs [20].
Engagement should proceed via institutional sponsored research and tech transfer channels at UW at the institution level, then align with PIs contributing to repRNA delivery papers [19, 20]. The recommended approach is to structure a joint program with a clear immune profiling plan, pre-defined endpoints, and an agreed decision framework for formulation iterations emphasizing predictor-to-outcome learning loops [20].
(8) The Ohio State University (USA)
Collaboration type tags: R&D
OSU is a major US research university with visible scholarship leadership in lipid and lipid-derivative systems for RNA delivery [21]. OSU-affiliated authorship includes high-citation review-level synthesis of lipid and lipid derivatives for RNA delivery, emphasizing structure-activity relationships and formulation methods relevant to LNP advancement [21].
OSU is a fit for partners seeking a chemistry-led delivery innovation pipeline and a strong knowledge base for ionizable lipid design and selection criteria. This can support new lipid synthesis programs or screening strategy rationales.
Collaboration model options include sponsored research with OSU chemistry and materials teams on ionizable lipid libraries, formulation rules, and characterization protocols aligned to in vivo needs [21]. Engagement should proceed via OSU commercialization and sponsored research offices and PI networks linked to lipid design research [21]. The recommended approach is to define a next-gen lipid design brief covering target pKa, biodegradability, and tissue tropism and co-fund a synthesis and screening plan leveraging OSU's delivery chemistry expertise [21].
(9) Stanford University (USA)
Collaboration type tags: R&D, Licensing
Stanford has deep strengths in chemical biology and polymer and drug delivery innovation, with patenting activity relevant to nucleic acid transporters [22]. Stanford is the assignee on patents describing guanidinylated serinol polymeric nucleic acid transporters and related compositions for nucleic acid delivery, which may serve as complementary or alternative delivery strategies to classic LNP systems depending on application requirements [22].
Stanford is valuable when exploring non-LNP or hybrid delivery modalities to expand tissue reach or manage tolerability, while also providing a licensing pathway for patented delivery constructs [22].
Collaboration model options include sponsored research to evaluate Stanford-derived transporters versus benchmark LNPs in internal assay cascades covering expression, toxicity, and biodistribution [22], as well as licensing or option agreements around specific polymeric transporter IP where differentiation is demonstrated [22].
Engagement should proceed through Stanford's OTL at the institutional level and inventor groups, using tech transfer as the entry point for IP discussions [22]. The recommended approach is to position the collaboration as a comparative delivery evaluation with predefined go or no-go criteria to quickly identify whether polymeric systems add differentiated value versus LNP baselines [22].
(10) Tufts University (USA)
Collaboration type tags: R&D
Tufts provides a strong interface for corporate collaboration and technology commercialization through its research and industry collaboration pathways [23]. Tufts' industry-facing pages emphasize structured pathways for identifying collaborators, accessing technologies, and executing commercialization-related agreements, indicating operational readiness for sponsored research and licensing workflows [23].
Tufts is best positioned as an operationally efficient partner when the collaboration requires multi-party coordination, access to facilities, or rapid onboarding. While specific mRNA platform publications were not the primary signal here, Tufts' collaboration infrastructure can be a strong enabler for targeted mRNA projects [23].
Collaboration model options include sponsored research with defined deliverables and access to relevant core facilities and research resources [23], as well as evaluation agreements and MTAs to test candidate formulations or RNA constructs via Tufts-supported capabilities [23].
Tufts industry collaboration and technology commercialization entry points are accessible via the OVPR pathways and Technology Commercialization section referenced on the industry page [23]. The recommended engagement approach is to use Tufts' collaborator-finding process to identify a PI team aligned to the relevant modality such as mRNA, saRNA, or circRNA and delivery goals, then structure a milestone-based sponsored program with optional expansion to licensing if foreground IP emerges [23].
(11) University at Albany, SUNY — The RNA Institute (USA)
Collaboration type tags: R&D
The RNA Institute is a dedicated RNA-focused center with an explicit partnership program welcoming collaborative and contractual engagements [26]. The RNA Institute publicly positions itself around tools, analytics, and early-stage discoveries for RNA therapeutics and diagnostics, and provides an interest form and partnership contact mechanism for new collaborations [26]. It also references a joint venture with University of Rochester's Center for RNA Biology through CERRT, signaling multi-institution coordination experience [26].
This center is attractive for partners wanting RNA-specialized translational infrastructure and a visible mechanism for initiating collaborations. It is particularly relevant for partnerships that benefit from cross-institution training and pipeline-building in addition to core R&D [26].
Collaboration model options include sponsored research and collaborative projects with an RNA-tooling emphasis covering analytics and early-stage assay development aligned to platform needs [26], as well as consortium-style engagement via existing partner networks and joint initiatives where strategically useful [26].
The partnership inquiry route includes an email address provided on the partnerships page and an interest form [26]. The recommended engagement approach is to position a project around RNA analytics and translational tooling such as stability analytics, dsRNA impurity management, or modality comparisons and leverage the institute's partnership intake to triage to the best-fit faculty group [26].
(12) University of Rochester (USA)
Collaboration type tags: R&D
University of Rochester supports RNA biology research and is connected to translational RNA workforce and collaboration initiatives through the CERRT relationship referenced by The RNA Institute [26]. While the strongest direct signals for Rochester are ecosystem and consortium connections rather than specific LNP publications in the retrieved set, the existence of a joint venture focusing on RNA research and training indicates institutional intent to support applied RNA programs [26].
Rochester is positioned for collaborations that require RNA biology depth and integration with broader RNA ecosystem initiatives, particularly when recruiting interdisciplinary RNA biology expertise to complement delivery teams [26].
Collaboration model options include sponsored research focused on RNA biology mechanisms that affect expression, innate sensing, and durability paired with delivery and formulation platforms [26]. Engagement should proceed via University of Rochester research administration and technology transfer channels and the RNA biology center interfaces referenced through the CERRT pathway [26]. The recommended approach is to use a joint Rochester-Albany framing where useful to create a multi-institution program that spans RNA biology and translational tooling, then connect outputs to internal formulation and development workflows [26].
(13) University of Cambridge (United Kingdom)
Collaboration type tags: R&D
Cambridge is a leading global research university with extensive depth in RNA structure and translation regulation mechanisms [27]. Work associated with Cambridge highlights the role of RNA structures such as 5' UTR G-quadruplexes in regulating translation and providing potential intervention and engineering targets to tune expression [27].
Cambridge is an excellent partner when pursuing sequence-engineering and translation control as a lever to improve mRNA performance covering expression, controllability, and potentially innate sensing interactions independent of but complementary to LNP formulation advances [27].
Collaboration model options include sponsored research to create optimized UTR and structural motifs for specific expression kinetics and translation efficiency targets validated in in vitro and in vivo systems [27]. Engagement should proceed through Cambridge research services and technology transfer channels and PI groups working on RNA structural regulation [27]. The recommended approach is to frame the work as mRNA architecture optimization with deliverables including motif libraries, in vitro translation performance maps, and integration guidelines for existing mRNA construct design workflows [27].
(14) RWTH Aachen University (Germany)
Collaboration type tags: R&D
RWTH Aachen is a major German technical university with active research in delivery and modality-dependent expression kinetics across mRNA types [28, 29]. RWTH Aachen-associated work systematically compares delivery and expression kinetics across mRNA modalities including linRNA, circRNA, and saRNA and delivery systems including LNP versus polymer, generating actionable insights on how modality and delivery platform interact to determine protein output [28]. Additional studies investigate delivery vehicle and route effects on biodistribution and reactogenicity for saRNA [29].
RWTH is a strong partner for cross-modality decision-making, helping determine which RNA modality best matches therapeutic requirements and how delivery choices impact kinetics and tolerability [28, 29].
Collaboration model options include sponsored research to replicate and extend modality comparisons using internal constructs and target tissues, producing a modality-selection framework [28, 29]. Engagement should proceed through RWTH research partnership channels and PIs contributing to modality comparison literature [28, 29]. The recommended approach is to start with a modality-selection study using reporter and representative payload, then expand into a targeted optimization stream covering best-performing modality and delivery pairing based on data-driven down-selection [28, 29].
(15) University of Texas at Austin (USA)
Collaboration type tags: R&D
UT Austin is a major US research university with long-standing expertise related to translational efficiency and UTR-driven control relevant to mRNA engineering [30]. UT Austin-authored work demonstrates that 5' and 3' untranslated regions can strongly affect translational efficiency and cap dependence, highlighting the leverage of UTR design for expression control [30].
UT Austin can support construct engineering to complement delivery optimization, enabling improved expression at lower doses and better performance under constrained formulation options [30].
Collaboration model options include sponsored research focused on UTR design rules and experimental validation integrated into mRNA design pipelines [30]. Engagement should proceed via UT Austin research partnerships and relevant PI labs working on translation control mechanisms [30]. The recommended approach is to run a UTR optimization library project with defined throughput and performance endpoints covering translation efficiency and stress response markers, then operationalize best motifs into standard construct templates [30].
Engagement Roadmap
Phase 0 (Weeks 0-2): Internal Deal Architecture and Target Definition
Three internal north stars should be established to align all outreach. The first is a Target Product Profile for the first partnership program covering whether the focus is vaccine versus therapeutic, desired expression kinetics, and acceptable reactogenicity bounds [1, 29]. The second is a platform leverage objective prioritizing partners whose outputs generalize across multiple programs including delivery, stability, and screening methodology [3, 5, 10]. The third is IP posture, defining whether the organization prefers sponsored research with foreground IP, option-to-license on existing patents, or hybrid structures [13, 10, 11].
Phase 1 (Weeks 2-6): Fast-Start Outreach to Tier-1 Partners
The initial outreach should focus on UBC, Penn, Ghent, Imperial, and Cornell. The sequencing rationale is to start with partners that combine strong technical leadership with high operational readiness. Penn through PCI and Cornell through CTL have clear institutional contact channels enabling rapid CDAs and contracting [16, 17]. UBC offers an accessible commercialization contact channel to initiate discussions [18].
Actions should include executing CDAs first via institutional channels including PCI, CTL, and Innovation UBC to enable sharing of assay cascades and formulation constraints [16, 17, 18]. This should be followed by 60-90 minute PI workshops to define 2-3 work packages each. These work packages should cover stability and lyophilization with Ghent and UBC [5, 4], saRNA potency optimization with Imperial [1, 2], delivery screening and barcoded LNP analytics with Cornell and Penn [10, 11], and immune targeting and modality innovation with Penn [6, 15].
Phase 2 (Weeks 6-12): Contracting and Pilot Projects
The top 3 institutions should be converted into pilot projects with minimal bureaucracy and clear technical gates. Sponsored research agreements should include milestone-based funding and an option-to-license clause tied to deliverables such as achieving predefined CQA retention after lyophilization or achieving expression thresholds at target dose [4, 5]. Where existing patent families are central such as Cornell and UPenn barcoded LNP and Boston University saRNA patents, evaluation rights and option terms should be negotiated early to avoid downstream delays [10, 9, 11].
Phase 3 (Months 3-9): Portfolio Buildout
Expansion should proceed selectively based on gaps identified during Phase 2. If construct engineering and translation control are limiting, Cambridge or UT Austin should be added as sequence and UTR optimization partners to drive expression efficiency gains that reduce dose and improve tolerability [27, 30]. If modality tradeoffs remain unclear, RWTH Aachen should be added for systematic modality-by-delivery selection studies [28, 29]. If operational scale-up or multi-party coordination is needed, Tufts and the UAlbany RNA Institute should be added to support collaborator-finding and RNA-focused tooling programs [23, 26].
Phase 4 (Months 9-18): Convergence into Differentiated Platform Assets
Focus should shift to converting outputs into durable assets. These should include a stability-enabled formulation spec covering buffer, excipient, and process window for reduced cold-chain dependence [5, 4], a delivery screening engine capable of faster in vivo learning cycles through barcoded LNP methods [10, 11], and a modality strategy with validated selection criteria and immune profiling signatures for saRNA, repRNA, or circRNA as appropriate [1, 6, 20].
Conclusion and Strategic Recommendations
The first recommendation is to prioritize UBC, Penn, Ghent, Imperial, and Cornell as the initial partnership core based on combined technical leadership, translational maturity evident in patents, and operational contactability [13, 5, 16, 17].
The second recommendation is to build a balanced portfolio spanning delivery, stability, and modality innovation to avoid single-point dependency and to maximize platform reuse across programs [1, 4, 3, 6].
The third recommendation is to use milestone-driven sponsored research with embedded licensing options to accelerate technical validation while preserving commercial flexibility, especially for patent-anchored screening and delivery platform methods [10, 11].
This article was powered by Cypris Q, an AI agent that helps R&D teams instantly synthesize insights from patents, scientific literature, and market intelligence from around the globe. Discover how leading R&D teams use CypriQ to monitor technology landscapes and identify opportunities faster - Book a demo
References
[1] Aldon Y, McKay PF, Ibarzo Yus B, Blakney AK, Shattock RJ. "Inside out: optimization of lipid nanoparticle formulations for exterior complexation and in vivo delivery of saRNA." Gene Therapy. doi:10.1038/s41434-019-0095-2.
[2] Peeler DJ, Tregoning JS, Day S, McKay PF, Hu K. "The role of helper lipids in optimising nanoparticle formulations of self-amplifying RNA." Journal of Controlled Release. doi:10.1016/j.jconrel.2024.08.016.
[3] Soriano SKV, Ly BH, Kis Z, Daniel S, Blakney AK. "Optimization of Lipid Nanoparticles for saRNA Expression and Cellular Activation Using a Design-of-Experiment Approach." Molecular Pharmaceutics. doi:10.1021/acs.molpharmaceut.2c00032.
[4] Lamoot A, Lammens J, Gontsarik M, Zhong Z, De Geest BG. "Successful batch and continuous lyophilization of mRNA LNP formulations depend on cryoprotectants and ionizable lipids." Biomaterials Science. doi:10.1039/d2bm02031a.
[5] Lentacker I, Verbeke R, Nuytten G, Meulewaeter S, De Beer T. "Continuous freeze-drying of messenger RNA lipid nanoparticles enables storage at higher temperatures." Journal of Controlled Release. doi:10.1016/j.jconrel.2023.03.039.
[6] Saw TY, Liao KC, Han X, Geisler HC, Wan Y. "Circular RNA lipid nanoparticle vaccine against SARS-CoV-2." Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. doi:10.1073/pnas.2505718122.
[7] Dong S, Gong F, Zheng G, Golubovic A, Pan A. "Tumor-Tailored Ionizable Lipid Nanoparticles Facilitate IL-12 Circular RNA Delivery for Enhanced Lung Cancer Immunotherapy." Advanced Materials. doi:10.1002/adma.202400307.
[8] He J, Qi S, Lin X, Yu G, Peng K. "Circular RNA cancer vaccines drive immunity in hard-to-treat malignancies." Theranostics. doi:10.7150/thno.77350.
[9] Trustees of Boston University. "Self-Amplifying RNA and Methods." Patent No. WO-2025230868-A1. Issued Nov 5, 2025.
[10] Cornell University and The Trustees of The University of Pennsylvania. "Compositions and Methods Comprising Ionizable Lipid Nanoparticles Encapsulating Barcoded mRNA." Patent No. EP-4031556-A1. Issued Jul 26, 2022.
[11] Cornell University and The Trustees of The University of Pennsylvania. "Compositions and Methods Comprising Ionizable Lipid Nanoparticles Encapsulating Barcoded mRNA." Patent No. CA-3151622-A1. Issued Mar 24, 2021.
[12] Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation. "Mineral Binding mRNA Lipid Nanoparticles." Patent No. WO-2025166259-A1. Issued Aug 6, 2025.
[13] The University of British Columbia. "Methods and Compositions for RNA Delivery to the Central Nervous System for Prolonged Protein Expression." Patent No. WO-2025251157-A1. Issued Dec 10, 2025.
[14] Mc Cafferty S, Kitada T, Andries O, De Smedt SC, Sanders NN. "N1-methylpseudouridine-incorporated mRNA outperforms pseudouridine-incorporated mRNA by providing enhanced protein expression and reduced immunogenicity in mammalian cell lines and mice." Journal of Controlled Release. doi:10.1016/j.jconrel.2015.08.051.
[15] Kim EH, Haley RM, Padilla MS, Li JJ, Teerdhala SV. "Lipid nanoparticle-mediated RNA delivery for immune cell modulation." European Journal of Immunology. doi:10.1002/eji.202451008.
[16] Penn Center for Innovation. "Contact PCI." https://pci.upenn.edu/about/contact-pci-help-desk/.
[17] Cornell University. "Center for Technology Licensing (CTL)." https://researchservices.cornell.edu/offices/ctl.
[18] Innovation UBC. "Contact Us." https://innovation.ubc.ca/home/about-us/contact-us.
[19] Warner NL, Berglund P, Hinkley T, Erasmus JH, Simpson A. "A localizing nanocarrier formulation enables multi-target immune responses to multivalent replicating RNA with limited systemic inflammation." Molecular Therapy. doi:10.1016/j.ymthe.2023.06.017.
[20] Warner NL, Hodge EA, Hinkley T, Erasmus JH, Simpson A. "Antigen-dependent interplay of formulation, systemic innate responses, and antibody responses to multi-component replicon RNA vaccination." Molecular Therapy — Nucleic Acids. doi:10.1016/j.omtn.2025.102595.
[21] Sun C, Dong Y, Zhang Y, Jankovic KE, Wang C. "Lipids and Lipid Derivatives for RNA Delivery." Chemical Reviews. doi:10.1021/acs.chemrev.1c00244.
[22] The Board of Trustees of the Leland Stanford Junior University. "Guanidinylated Serinol Polymeric Nucleic Acid Transporters." Patent No. WO-2025072271-A1. Issued Apr 2, 2025.
[23] Tufts University. "Office for Technology and Industry Collaboration records." https://researchworks.oclc.org/archivegrid/archiveComponent/840656430.
[24] Eygeris Y, Gupta M, Sahay G, Kim J. "Chemistry of Lipid Nanoparticles for RNA Delivery." Accounts of Chemical Research. doi:10.1021/acs.accounts.1c00544.
[25] Oregon Health & Science University. "Technology Transfer Team." https://www.ohsu.edu/innovates/technology-transfer-team.
[26] University at Albany. "Partnerships." https://www.albany.edu/rna/partnerships.
[27] Balasubramanian S, Bugaut A. "5'-UTR RNA G-quadruplexes: translation regulation and targeting." Nucleic Acids Research. doi:10.1093/nar/gks068.
[28] Wang N, Aliahmad P, Kong KYS, Miyake-Stoner SJ, Bathula NV. "Divergent Delivery and Expression Kinetics of Lipid and Polymeric Nanoparticles across mRNA Modalities." Advanced Science. doi:10.1002/advs.202508907.
[29] Soriano SKV, Wayne CJ, Bathula NV, Blakney AK, Casmil IC. "Delivery vehicle and route of administration influences self-amplifying RNA biodistribution, expression kinetics, and reactogenicity." Journal of Controlled Release. doi:10.1016/j.jconrel.2024.07.078.
[30] Metz AM, Lax SR, Schodin DJ, Benkowski LA, Timmer RT. "The 5' and 3' untranslated regions of satellite tobacco necrosis virus RNA affect translational efficiency and dependence on a 5' cap structure." Journal of Biological Chemistry. doi:10.1016/s0021-9258(18)98379-1.
(3)
