ARMMs technology expands scope of potential epigenetic reprogramming targets as startup targets skin rejuvenation clinical trial in 2026.
Cell rejuvenation company Turn Biotechnologies has bolstered its capabilities in epigenetic reprogramming with the acquisition of the ARRDC1 Mediated Microvesicles (ARMMs) technology platform from Harvard University, along with associated assets from Vesigen Therapeutics. The company claims the technology will enhance its ability to target a diverse range of tissues and organs, improving the precision and effectiveness of its therapies.
With a focus on cellular-level tissue repair Turn Bio’s core technology is designed to restore the epigenome to a more youthful state, offering potential treatments for age-related conditions such as skin aging, vision deterioration, muscle loss and joint degeneration.
Researchers at Harvard originally discovered the ARMMs technology, which leverages human extracellular vesicles to transport therapeutic agents, such as Turn Bio’s epigenetic modulators, efficiently between cells, ensuring high-target specificity and minimizing unintended effects.
Delivery is a challenge for epigenetic reprogramming and all gene therapies. One key hurdle facing the industry is making sure therapies are clinically safe and well tolerated by patients while still maintaining full efficacy and stability of the cargo.
“Turn Bio has solved delivery with its proprietary eTurna lipid nanoparticle system that can deliver a therapeutic cocktail into several tissues/targets in the body,” CEO Anja Krammer told us. “A key example is our use of eTurna to deliver for our lead candidate TRN-001 for skin tissue rejuvenation. However, in other targets we believe that the vesicular technology of ARMMs will be more effective in delivering the therapeutic cargo.”
By integrating ARMMs with eTurna, Turn Bio believes it can now deliver a broader range of cargoes, including gene editors, proteins and RNA-based therapies. This combination overcomes traditional delivery system limitations, offering biocompatibility, scalability and redosability while maintaining precise targeting of specific tissues.
“ARMMs will allow target cells’ natural process to communicate with other cells,” said Krammer. “Plus it does not rely on viral components that trigger immune responses that compromise therapeutic treatments. ARMMs complement eTurna and bridge the final chasm that stands between current medicine and the promise of regenerative medicine.”
Preclinical data indicate that ARMMs technology is effective in delivering therapies to multiple tissues, including the retina, lungs, nervous system, liver and spleen. Turn Bio indicates it expects the technology will accelerate the development of its drug candidates, particularly in ophthalmology and immune cell rejuvenation.
“The company has data showing proof of concept in primates and other animal models and is ready for IND which will immediately offer additional assets to Turn’s strategic partners,” Krammer told us.
Last year, Turn Bio inked a global licensing agreement worth a potential $300 million with Korean pharma giant HanAll Biopharma to develop multiple epigenetic reprogramming treatments for age-related eye and ear conditions.
With Life Biosciences expected bring the first epigenetic reprogramming therapy to the clinic this year, it appears that Turn Bio won’t be far behind with its skin rejuvenation program.
“Turn has shown full ERA gene expression in aged human ex vivo tissue, as well as reversal of 10+ years of age in fibroblast and keratinocyte,” said Krammer. “The company has started IND-enabling studies and is in the process of raising a Series B for entry to clinic by 2026.”
Photograph of Anja Krammer courtesy of Turn Biotechnologies