Nona Biosciences ("Nona"), a biotechnology company focused on advancing biologics discovery and development through proprietary technology platforms, has announced a strategic partnership with Lonza to create advanced single-domain antibody-based blood-brain barrier (BBB) delivery technologies for the treatment of central nervous system (CNS) disorders.
The collaboration will utilize Nona's proprietary Harbour Mice® fully human HCAb platform to identify and develop next-generation BBB-penetrating technologies based on single-domain antibodies. Recognized for its ability to generate fully human HCAbs and VHH binders with high affinity and favorable developability characteristics, the platform is expected to support the creation of a leading BBB delivery solution. This technology aims to facilitate the transport of a wide range of therapeutic agents into the CNS, opening new possibilities for CNS therapeutics and future licensing opportunities. Lonza will contribute its expertise in protein engineering, along with its GS Gene Expression System® and GlycoConnect® bioconjugation technologies, to optimize selected BBB-crossing candidates and expand their potential applications.
According to the agreement, Nona will receive upfront and option-related payments from Lonza. In addition, both companies will share revenue generated from future licensing arrangements arising from the partnership.
Dr. Jingsong Wang, Chairman of Nona Biosciences, stated that the collaboration reinforces the strength of Nona's technology platform and its strategic commitment to next-generation drug delivery solutions. He noted that Lonza's global presence, regulatory knowledge, and commercial manufacturing capabilities are expected to accelerate the advancement of Nona's BBB-crossing technology. He added that the partnership creates opportunities for licensing, commercialization, and long-term value generation while further strengthening Nona's position in CNS drug delivery and supporting improved patient outcomes.
Dr. Di Hong, Chief Executive Officer of Nona Biosciences, said that the company is pleased to work with Lonza on the development and commercialization of innovative BBB-crossing technologies for CNS diseases. He emphasized that the collaboration highlights the versatility and capabilities of the HCAb Harbour Mice® platform in generating differentiated, fully human single-domain binders capable of overcoming some of the most complex challenges in drug delivery. By combining Nona's platform technologies with Lonza's development and manufacturing expertise, he expressed confidence that the partnership can deliver next-generation BBB solutions and create new therapeutic opportunities for patients affected by severe CNS disorders.
Peter Droc, Head of Licensing at Lonza, stated that acquiring intellectual property rights related to Nona's BBB-crossing technology, together with the ongoing collaboration, will enable customers to more effectively advance promising CNS therapies into clinical and commercial applications. He added that combining the technology with Lonza's flexible CDMO services allows partners to engage at any stage of development—from technology licensing to integrated development and commercial-scale manufacturing—helping to simplify the process and accelerate the delivery of new treatments to patients.
The collaboration will utilize Nona's proprietary Harbour Mice® fully human HCAb platform to identify and develop next-generation BBB-penetrating technologies based on single-domain antibodies. Recognized for its ability to generate fully human HCAbs and VHH binders with high affinity and favorable developability characteristics, the platform is expected to support the creation of a leading BBB delivery solution. This technology aims to facilitate the transport of a wide range of therapeutic agents into the CNS, opening new possibilities for CNS therapeutics and future licensing opportunities. Lonza will contribute its expertise in protein engineering, along with its GS Gene Expression System® and GlycoConnect® bioconjugation technologies, to optimize selected BBB-crossing candidates and expand their potential applications.
According to the agreement, Nona will receive upfront and option-related payments from Lonza. In addition, both companies will share revenue generated from future licensing arrangements arising from the partnership.
Dr. Jingsong Wang, Chairman of Nona Biosciences, stated that the collaboration reinforces the strength of Nona's technology platform and its strategic commitment to next-generation drug delivery solutions. He noted that Lonza's global presence, regulatory knowledge, and commercial manufacturing capabilities are expected to accelerate the advancement of Nona's BBB-crossing technology. He added that the partnership creates opportunities for licensing, commercialization, and long-term value generation while further strengthening Nona's position in CNS drug delivery and supporting improved patient outcomes.
Dr. Di Hong, Chief Executive Officer of Nona Biosciences, said that the company is pleased to work with Lonza on the development and commercialization of innovative BBB-crossing technologies for CNS diseases. He emphasized that the collaboration highlights the versatility and capabilities of the HCAb Harbour Mice® platform in generating differentiated, fully human single-domain binders capable of overcoming some of the most complex challenges in drug delivery. By combining Nona's platform technologies with Lonza's development and manufacturing expertise, he expressed confidence that the partnership can deliver next-generation BBB solutions and create new therapeutic opportunities for patients affected by severe CNS disorders.
Peter Droc, Head of Licensing at Lonza, stated that acquiring intellectual property rights related to Nona's BBB-crossing technology, together with the ongoing collaboration, will enable customers to more effectively advance promising CNS therapies into clinical and commercial applications. He added that combining the technology with Lonza's flexible CDMO services allows partners to engage at any stage of development—from technology licensing to integrated development and commercial-scale manufacturing—helping to simplify the process and accelerate the delivery of new treatments to patients.