Immorna Biotherapeutics

Founded in 2019, Immorna Biotherapeutics is a clinical-stage biotechnology firm specializing in RNA-based therapeutics and vaccines. The company was co-founded by CEO Dr. Zihao Wang, a biopharmaceutical veteran with a Ph.D. in Biological Chemistry from The Johns Hopkins University, and CTO Zhijun Guo, who has over 30 years of experience in the infectious disease vaccine industry. Dr. Wang is recognized as a pioneer in self-replicating mRNA (srRNA) CMC development and has guided the creation of Immorna's core technology platforms. Mr. Guo brings extensive expertise in CMC development, tech transfer, and GMP manufacturing from his previous leadership roles at companies including GSK Vaccines.

Immorna operates on a business model that combines in-house drug development with Contract Development and Manufacturing Organization (CDMO) services. This dual approach allows the company to both advance its proprietary pipeline and offer its integrated RNA development and GMP manufacturing platform to other biotech organizations, research institutes, and CROs. The company has secured significant funding, raising a total of $115 million over three rounds, including a nearly $100 million Series A+ and A++ financing in 2023. Notable investors include Hillhouse, China Growth Capital, and the Gates Foundation, which provided a $3.8 million grant in August 2024 to support the clinical development of an RSV vaccine.

The company's technological foundation rests on multiple RNA platforms, including conventional mRNA, self-replicating RNA (srRNA), and circular RNA. A key asset is its proprietary delivery systems, which encompass various lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) and polymer-based vehicles designed for intramuscular, intravenous, and tissue-targeting applications. A notable feature is the 'Ready-to-Use' LNP technology, which offers enhanced thermal stability and a long shelf-life at refrigerated temperatures (2-8 °C). This addresses a critical logistical challenge in the distribution of RNA vaccines. Immorna's diverse development pipeline targets major unmet medical needs across cancer immunotherapy, infectious diseases, rare genetic diseases, and medical cosmetology. Key clinical-stage assets include JCXH-211, an srRNA encoding IL-12 for solid tumors, and JCXH-108, an RSV vaccine. The company has received multiple IND clearances from both the FDA in the U.S. and the NMPA in China, transitioning several programs into clinical trials.

Keywords: mRNA therapeutics, RNA vaccines, self-replicating RNA, lipid nanoparticles, cancer immunotherapy, infectious diseases, CDMO services, clinical-stage biotech, drug delivery, gene therapy