Aptahem Initiates Strategic Collaboration with Hongene Biotech to further reduce Manufacturing Costs and Enhance Sustainability for Lead Drug Candidate Apta-1

Aptahem AB (publ), a biotech company developing RNA-based treatments for severe inflammatory conditions, announces a strategic collaboration with Hongene Biotech, a global leader in RNA and Oligo manufacturing with production facilities in both China and Hungary (from 2027). The partnership aims to explore and implement new, cutting-edge production methods that significantly reduce manufacturing costs and enhance sustainability for Aptahem’s lead candidate, Apta-1.

Through the adoption of innovative process systems, Aptahem and Hongene expect to initially considerable cut the cost of goods (CoGs) for Apta-1, while also achieving improved product purity. These next-generation manufacturing technologies not only reduce costs but also support environmental goals by recycling solvents, reducing processing time, and minimizing the number of steps required for final product formulation.

Cost-efficiency is a critical factor in the evaluation of drug candidates by potential partners, making this initiative a significant step forward in Aptahem’s business development strategy. In the current global climate, where geopolitical uncertainties can impact supply chains, working with an internationally active company like Hongene—headquartered in Singapore—adds further resilience to Aptahem’s manufacturing network.

This collaboration complements Aptahem’s existing manufacturing partnerships with LGC in the United States and Ajinomoto in Japan, forming a diversified and robust production strategy aimed at reducing risks and ensuring supply security.

Hongene Biotech is currently at the forefront of novel manufacturing methods for nucleic acid-based products, and their expertise positions them as an ideal partner for Aptahem. The collaboration is viewed as a strategically vital step to ensure optimal product pricing and reliable delivery capacity—two key components for a strong market entry.

Aptahem’s CMC (Chemistry, Manufacturing, and Controls) expert, Thomas Rupp, has been instrumental in advising and leading the discussions with Hongene to date.

CEO Mikael Lindstam comments

“This collaboration is an exciting development for Aptahem and a clear demonstration of our commitment to innovation, cost-efficiency, and sustainability. With Hongene’s advanced capabilities and global reach, we are taking an important step towards de-risking our manufacturing strategy and reinforcing our position in the global biotech landscape.”

For further information:

Aptahem AB
Mikael Lindstam, CEO
Tel: +46 (0)766-33 36 99
E-mail: ml@aptahem.com

About Aptahem

Aptahem AB (APTA) is a clinical stage biotechnology company that develops RNA-based pharmaceuticals for the treatment of acute, life-threatening conditions in which a combination of coagulation, inflammation and tissue damage are involved. The company’s lead candidate, Apta-1, is currently in early clinical phase. Apta-1 has in preclinical studies, by its anti-thrombotic, immunomodulating and tissue repairing characteristics, shown very positive and promising results as treatment for sepsis and critical conditions associated with sepsis. For more information, please visit www.aptahem.com.

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