Merck Buys Into Orna's Circular RNA Platform With Emphasis On Vaccines

Orna is retaining full ownership of its "crown jewel," in situ CAR programs for cancer. CEO Tom Barnes talked to Scrip about the deal and Orna's business strategy.

circles — Orna thinks circular RNA will present new drug therapeutics and vaccines • Source: Shutterstock

Orna Therapeutics, Inc. has clinched its first big pharma partner for its novel circular RNA (oRNA) technology platform in a deal with Merck & Co., Inc., but the start-up is retaining its lead programs, in situ chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) therapies (isCARs).

In an early-stage deal announced on 16 August, Merck agreed to pay Orna $150m up front and invest an additional...