Wedoany.com Report-Dec.12, Moderna, the U.S.-based mRNA technology company, has signed a licensing agreement with Swedish biotechnology firm Nanexa to incorporate controlled-release capabilities into selected injectable therapeutics. Under the terms announced recently, Moderna will pay Nanexa an initial $3 million to apply the proprietary PharmaShell® drug delivery system to five development compounds.

The specific compounds have not been disclosed by either party. Moderna also holds options to extend the platform to four additional programs. In total, Nanexa could receive up to $500 million in future development, regulatory, and commercial milestone payments, plus tiered royalties on net sales of any resulting products that reach the market.

PharmaShell technology encases drug microparticles in a thin, biocompatible coating—currently aluminium oxide or zinc oxide—that dissolves gradually, enabling precise, pre-programmed release profiles. This approach supports high drug loading while maintaining low injection volumes and the use of fine-gauge needles, improving patient comfort and compliance.

Nanexa CEO David Westberg commented: "We are excited to partner with Moderna, a pioneer and leader in the field of mRNA medicines, to explore the potential of our PharmaShell platform and to support the development of improved products for Moderna. This agreement underscores the versatility of PharmaShell and its potential to address key challenges in the delivery of advanced biologics."

The collaboration reflects growing industry interest in extended-duration formulations. Nanexa's own NEX-22 program, currently in Phase I, is developing a once-monthly depot version of the type 2 diabetes treatment liraglutide. In an October interview with Pharmaceutical Technology, Westberg noted: "As a trend, the market is going towards less frequent dosing and that has become more evident over the years."

PharmaShell has previously attracted partnerships with major pharmaceutical companies. In December 2022, Novo Nordisk entered a licensing agreement valued at up to Skr63.3 million ($6.6 million). In August 2025, another undisclosed global pharmaceutical company licensed the platform to reformulate an existing chronic disease therapy with annual sales exceeding $1 billion, aiming for significantly reduced dosing frequency.

The focus on longer-acting injectables aligns with broader market demand, particularly in metabolic and weight-management therapies. Recent industry activity includes Pfizer's acquisition of Metsera last month, securing access to monthly injectable and oral peptide candidates for obesity.

For Moderna, the Nanexa partnership complements its strategic shift toward building a robust portfolio of respiratory vaccines while advancing selected oncology and rare disease programs. By integrating controlled-release technology, the company aims to enhance convenience and therapeutic outcomes across multiple modalities.

The agreement highlights PharmaShell's growing recognition as a versatile solution for modern biologics and complex molecules where patient-friendly administration is a critical success factor.