UK biotechnology company N4 Pharma plc (AIM: N4P) on Monday reported proof-of-concept data showing its Nuvec gene delivery system can successfully deliver RNA payloads to non-small cell lung cancer cells through a collaboration with US-based research institute SRI.

Nuvec particles functionalised with SRI's targeting molecules achieved precision binding to αvβ6, a protein highly expressed in epithelial cancers such as lung, breast, prostate and pancreatic adenocarcinomas. The data confirmed selective uptake of therapeutic RNA (siRNA), demonstrating targeted delivery compared with untargeted Nuvec.

The results validate Nuvec as a differentiated RNA delivery platform with potential applications across oncology and other disease areas. The global RNA therapeutics market, valued at USD13.7bn in 2023, is projected to reach USD18.0bn by 2028, but growth is constrained by manufacturing and delivery challenges.

In parallel, N4 Pharma is advancing Nuvec targeting to immune cells through mannose modification in its lead programme N4 101, an oral therapy for inflammatory bowel disease. The company aims to progress preclinical data towards first-in-human studies to support potential licensing agreements with gene therapy partners.