AGC Biologics has announced a collaboration with Repair Biotechnologies to develop and manufacture a novel mRNA therapeutic designed to stabilise and shrink atherosclerotic plaques in major blood vessels. The initiative addresses atherosclerosis—whose plaque rupture leading to heart attack or stroke is cited as the cause of 27% of global mortality.
Under the partnership, AGC will leverage its end‑to‑end manufacturing capabilities, including plasmid DNA synthesis, mRNA production, and lipid nanoparticle (LNP) encapsulation. Repair Biotechnologies said it selected AGC for its proven ability to manage the full GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) production chain, which it believes de‑risks the path to clinical trials.
This mRNA therapy is part of Repair Biotechnologies’ broader strategy to degrade excess free cholesterol inside cells, a process with potential to reverse disease drivers of atherosclerosis, familial hypercholesterolemia, liver fibrosis and other age‑associated conditions. AGC Biologics highlighted that its Heidelberg facility uses single‑use equipment to enable flexible production and faster technology transfer, all under regulatory standards aligned with both the EMA and FDA.
Taken together, the partnership marks a significant step in applying mRNA technology beyond infectious disease—using it instead to target chronic cardiovascular disease with the goal of improving long-term health outcomes.
