NascaCell Technologies AG and the University of Massachusetts develop Aptamers and Microbodies™ against Botulinum toxin (Botox)

NascaCell Technologies AG and the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth (UMass Dartmouth) signed a cooperation agreement to develop specific inhibitors of the bacterial Botulinum toxin (Botox). The group of Dr. Shuowei Cai and Prof. Dr. Bal Ram Singh contributes with their excellent expertise in the area of Botulinum toxin research and NascaCell applies its Microbody™ and Aptamer technologies.

As part of the collaboration, NascaCell will select specific aptamers against a sub-unit of the target protein as a service project for the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth to study the molecular mode of action of this toxin. In addition, UMass Dartmouth will provide their expertise and know-how to support NascaCell in the development of proprietary Microbodies™ as inhibitors and pharmaceutical development candidates for this toxin. Botulinum toxin is possibly the most acutely toxic substance known and a few molecules of this substance are sufficient to inhibit signal transfer between nerve and muscle cells leading to paralysis. Botulinum toxin plays a role in food poisoning and is probably best known for its use in cosmetic applications. More importantly, its potential as bio-weapon makes it the focus of intensive biomedical research world wide.

“The collaboration with the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth provides for NascaCell an exiting opportunity to exploit the potential of its key technologies, Microbodies™ and Aptamers, to not only support the research of our customer but to also use their outstanding expertise to develop Microbody™-based development candidates“, stated Dr. Michael Blind, NascaCell`s Chief Scientific Officer.