Ultragenyx Partners With Arcturus to Develop mRNA Therapeutics

Ultragenyx Pharmaceutical is partnering with RNA medicines company Arcturus Therapeutics to develop messenger RNA therapeutics for certain rare disease targets using Arcturus’ UNA Oligomer chemistry and LUNAR nanoparticle delivery platform.

San Diego, Calif.-based Arcturus will design mRNA therapeutics for two selected rare disease targets during the initial phase of collaboration, and Ultragenyx has the option to add up to eight additional targets during the collaborative research period.

Under the terms of the agreement, Arcturus will receive an initial payment of $10 million from Ultragenyx, along with preclinical, clinical, regulatory and sales milestone payments of up to $156 million for each target. Arcturus will also be reimbursed by Ultragenyx for all research expenses. Ultragenyx will oversee the development and commercialization of the products.