1. In Vivo
  2. >>Market Intelligence

Circio’s Vision For Long-Lasting Nucleic Acid Therapeutics

 
• By David Wild

Circular RNA has several advantages, but the field is young. Scandinavian startup Circio Holdings believes its version of the technology will prove the most robust.

Key Takeaways

Durability and Efficiency Advantages: Circular RNA (circRNA) has a significantly longer half-life and higher protein output compared to linear RNA. Technologies like Circio's circVec platform extend protein expression duration to "months or years," offering transformative potential for durable gene therapies and vaccines.

Competitive and Collaborative Landscape: Investment in circRNA therapeutics has surged, with notable deals like Orna Therapeutics' $3.5bn agreement with Merck & Co. Companies like Circio are differentiating themselves through strategic partnerships for optimized delivery systems, aiming to enhance efficacy and reduce dosing-related toxicity.

Future Potential and Market Readiness: CircRNA could replace linear RNA as the industry gold standard due to its stability, cost-effectiveness, and enhanced immune response. However, funding and clinical validation remain key challenges, with Circio aiming for lead candidate selection in the next 18 months while actively seeking partnerships to accelerate growth.

The reason Erik Wiklund can so clearly recall the evolution of the science of circular RNA is that he was there from the outset.

“In the late 2000s, during my PhD work in molecular biology, Thomas Hansen and I stumbled upon an unusual microRNA, and through a series of surprising experiments and controls that...

Read the full article – start your free trial today!

Join thousands of industry professionals who rely on In Vivo for daily insights

  • Start your 7-day free trial
  • Explore trusted news, analysis, and insights
  • Access comprehensive global coverage
  • Enjoy instant access – no credit card required
Start Free Trial

Already a subscriber?

More from Market Intelligence

ML-Assisted Genetic Risk Score Predicts GLP-1 Adverse Events

 
• By David Wild

Phenomix Science presented new data at Digestive Disease Week 2025 showing its machine learning-assisted genetic risk score can predict nausea and side effects from GLP-1 receptor agonists, aiding personalized obesity treatment.

Future Of 340B Rebate Models Hinges On Regulatory Decision Point

 
• By Ed Silverman

As pharmaceutical companies seek to transform how drug discounts are delivered under the 340B program, a federal ruling reinforces HRSA's authority. The industry must now wait for critical guidance from the Trump administration that could reshape compliance strategies and financial outcomes.

How Vir Bio CEO Marianne De Backer Is Rebuilding Commercial Momentum

 
• By David Wild

From billion-dollar COVID antibody to a strategic reset, Marianne De Backer is navigating Vir's comeback through pipeline focus and disciplined leadership.

Execs On The Move: April 2025

 
• By In Vivo Team

An interactive look at recent executive-level company changes and promotions in the biopharma, medical device and diagnostics industries.

More from Growth

Protagonist’s Patel: Building A Differentiated Peptide Platform With Strategic Patience

 
• By David Wild

After revolutionizing the peptide therapeutic landscape, CEO Dinesh Patel reflects on the journey from surviving the 2008 financial crisis to developing a platform now poised to deliver back-to-back blockbuster approvals.

Dealmaking Quarterly Statistics, Q1 2025

 
• By Deanna Kamienski and Maureen Riordan

During Q1, biopharma M&A deal value reached $38.4bn and drew in $60.8bn in potential deal value from alliances. Device company M&A values reached $8.7bn.

Top-Selling Drugs 2024: Keytruda, Ozempic And Dupixent Dominate

 
• By Eleanor Malone

Merck’s immuno-oncology blockbuster was the world’s best-selling drugs by revenues for the second year in a row, with an almost $12bn lead over its closest rival, Novo Nordisk’s GLP-1 drug Ozempic.