Altamira Therapeutics Ltd. (OTCQB:CYTOF) announced on May 27, 2025, that it has entered into a collaboration agreement with an undisclosed company to evaluate the potential use of its proprietary CycloPhore platform for delivering circular RNA payloads. The partnership represents the first collaboration for Altamira's recently launched circular RNA delivery technology.
Collaboration Structure and Objectives
Under the terms of the agreement, Altamira and its collaboration partner will conduct both in vitro and in vivo testing of CycloPhore nanoparticles. The undisclosed partner will have the option, under certain conditions, to negotiate with Altamira for a license agreement to develop and commercialize circRNA nanoparticles incorporating their proprietary RNA payload.
"We are very excited to enter in this first collaboration to explore the utility of our CycloPhore platform," commented Covadonga Pañeda, PhD, Altamira's Chief Operating Officer. "CycloPhore was launched only recently specifically for delivery of circular RNA, which has been emerging as a highly promising approach for RNA drug development."
Advantages of Circular RNA Technology
According to Altamira, circular mRNA could offer significant therapeutic advantages over traditional linear mRNA approaches. Pañeda noted that circular mRNA could allow for lower dosing and less frequent administrations than linear mRNA, potentially improving patient compliance and reducing treatment burden.
CycloPhore Platform Technology
CycloPhore is designed as a versatile platform for safe and effective delivery of circRNA (circular messenger ribonucleic acid) into target cells. The technology is built upon Altamira's xPhore platform, which comprises a patented 21-amino acid peptide that can engage any type of RNA in rapid self-assembly into a nanoparticle.
The resulting nanoparticles possess specific physical characteristics including size, charge, and other features that enable them to escape hepatic clearance, allowing the technology to reach target tissues beyond the liver. The xPhore technology protects RNA payloads from degradation during circulation and facilitates rapid cellular uptake while enabling pH-dependent endosomal escape and cytoplasmic delivery.
Company Portfolio and Development Programs
Altamira Therapeutics is focused on developing and supplying peptide-based nanoparticle technologies for efficient RNA delivery to extrahepatic tissues through its xPhore platform. The versatile delivery system accommodates different RNA modalities, including siRNA, mRNA, and circRNA, and is made available to pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies through out-licensing arrangements.
The company maintains two proprietary flagship programs based on xPhore technology and siRNA payloads: AM-401 for KRAS-driven cancer and AM-411 for rheumatoid arthritis, both currently in preclinical development beyond in vivo proof of concept stages.
Additionally, Altamira holds a 49% stake with additional economic rights in Altamira Medica AG, which owns the commercial-stage legacy asset Bentrio, an over-the-counter nasal spray for allergic rhinitis. The company is also in the process of partnering or divesting its inner ear legacy assets.
Founded in 2003, Altamira is headquartered in Hamilton, Bermuda, with its main operations located in Basel, Switzerland.
