Altamira Therapeutics Expands xPhore Platform with Successful DNA Delivery Technology
Key Insights
Altamira Therapeutics successfully demonstrated DNA delivery capabilities using its xPhore (search) nanoparticle platform, showing efficient cellular transfection and protein expression in vitro experiments.
The company will commercialize this DNA delivery technology as GenePhore (search), complementing its existing RNA delivery platforms for siRNA, mRNA, and circular RNA applications.
GenePhore (search) targets the rapidly expanding gene delivery market, valued at $5.35 billion in 2024 and projected to exceed $22.8 billion by 2034.
Altamira Therapeutics Ltd. announced successful validation of its xPhore (search) nanoparticle platform for DNA delivery, expanding the versatility of its nucleic acid delivery technology beyond RNA applications. The company demonstrated effective DNA molecule delivery through in vitro experiments that showed efficient cellular transfection and reliable expression of encoded proteins.
The biotechnology company will commercialize this DNA delivery capability under the GenePhore (search) label, adding to its existing portfolio of nucleic acid delivery platforms including OligoPhore (search) for short RNA, SemaPhore (search) for linear mRNA, and CycloPhore (search) for circular RNA.
Platform Technology and Applications
"GenePhore (search) is yet another impressive example for the strong capabilities and versatility of Altamira's peptide-based nanoparticle delivery platform," commented Covadonga Pañeda, Ph.D., Altamira Therapeutics' Chief Operating Officer. "Delivery of DNA molecules such as plasmids has remained a major challenge for drug and vaccine developers. Our xPhore (search) technology provides for effective cellular uptake and strong endosomal release into the cell even for such large payloads."
The xPhore (search) platform utilizes peptide-based nanoparticles designed for efficient nucleic acid delivery to extrahepatic tissues, addressing delivery challenges beyond the liver. The technology's ability to handle large DNA payloads while maintaining effective cellular uptake and endosomal release positions it for applications across DNA vaccines, gene editing, and protein replacement therapies.
Market Opportunity and Commercial Strategy
GenePhore (search) enters a substantial and rapidly growing market opportunity. Independent research estimates the global gene delivery technologies market at $5.35 billion in 2024, with projections to exceed $22.8 billion by 2034. Altamira plans to make the DNA delivery technology available to pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies through out-licensing arrangements.
The company's broader xPhore (search) platform supports multiple nucleic acid modalities, including siRNA, mRNA, circRNA, and now DNA, providing partners with a versatile delivery solution for various therapeutic applications.
Company Pipeline and Development Programs
Altamira maintains two proprietary flagship programs utilizing the xPhore (search) platform with siRNA payloads: AM-401 for KRAS (search)-driven cancer (search) and AM-411 for rheumatoid arthritis (search), both currently in preclinical development beyond in vivo proof of concept stages.
Founded in 2003 and headquartered in Hamilton, Bermuda, with main operations in Basel, Switzerland, Altamira Therapeutics focuses on developing and commercializing nucleic acid delivery technology for targets beyond the liver. The company also holds a 49% stake in Altamira Medica AG (search), which owns the commercial-stage asset Bentrio (search), an over-the-counter nasal spray for allergic rhinitis (search).