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Lipid Nano-Crystal (LNC)

A disruptive platform for the safe and targeted delivery of therapeutics.

Our proprietary intracellular LNC platform is designed to safely deliver small molecules and small oligonucleotides including siRNA and ASOs. LNCs are formulated as a natural, non-toxic and highly efficient layered spiral crystal, or “cochleate,” consisting of primarily phosphatidylserine with the unique ability to be administered orally.

The therapeutics are encapsulated in our layered design, which protects them from harsh environmental conditions or enzymes until the moment they enter a target cell. The phosphatidylserine in the LNCs allows for the selective targeting of LNCs to target cells. LNCs enter cells through one of two separate mechanisms depending upon the cell type.

The first, which allows delivery of therapeutics targeting inflammation, is through phagocytosis by cells of the innate immune system such as macrophages or dendritic cells. The second is via cellular fusion with cells that have high levels of externalized phosphatidylserine. This mechanism of cellular entry is useful for targeting infections and tumors.

Following non-destructive fusion with the cell membrane, the molecules are naturally released to the interior of the cell, avoiding the systemic toxicity of other drug platforms.

To date, our platform has been validated in multiple preclinical studies and is protected by a robust IP portfolio. To support all phases of further development, we have begun operating a scalable GMP manufacturing facility.

How it works.

Watch our MOA video to learn how our LNC technology captures and protects the active drug ingredient until it reaches the activated cell.


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Drug Encapsulation

Drug Encapsulation

  1. The cochleate is prepared using naturally occurring phospholipids and calcium.
  2. When calcium interacts with the negatively charged phospholipids, they spiral into non-toxic, highly stable crystalline units with multiple layers and little to no internal aqueous space.
  3. The active drug molecules become trapped within the layers, where they are protected from water and harmful external elements.
Intracellular Release

Intracellular Release

  1. The cochleate is delivered into the body and directly targets the clinically relevant cells.
  2. It then fuses with the cell membrane in a non-destructive manner.
  3. The low calcium environment of the cell’s interior causes the cochleate to unlock and unwind, releasing the drug into the target cell.

Key Features

Our LNC technology was engineered with core characteristics that transform the delivery of certain therapeutics.


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SAFE

Delivers molecules in a natural, non-toxic and non-destructive manner without provoking an immune response.

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TARGETED

Physiologically targets “stressed” cells with high levels of externalized phosphatidylserine and enters them directly, helping to maximize efficacy.

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ORALLY BIOAVAILABLE

Enables oral administration and easy absorption into the circulatory system through the lymphatics.

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STABLE

Resists water penetration, environmental attacks and degradation in the GI tract; increases the stability of therapeutics including small oligonucleotides.

Traditional vs. LNC Vehicles

We are addressing the delivery challenges of current therapies.

We intend to accomplish three primary goals through our LNC technology – the first being the improvement of the safety profile of drugs that cause excessive off-target organ toxicity. Second, we are facilitating targeted intracellular delivery – an essential method for small oligonucleotide therapies. Finally, we are delivering small oligonucleotides and insoluble small molecules via oral delivery.

Traditional Model

Traditional Model

  • Requires high plasma levels
  • Low amounts of the drug molecules can penetrate the protective cell layers, while the rest are left circulating in the system
  • Potentially results in off-target organ toxicity


TLNC Model

LNC Model

  • Lower plasma levels of active drug
  • Enters cells directly, releasing the drug content into the infected cell membrane
  • Likely to result in less systemic toxicity