Moderna Signs Licensing Deal with Nanexa to Explore Long-Acting Injectable Formulations
Sweden’s Nanexa has entered a licensing and option deal with Moderna, granting access to its PharmaShell drug delivery platform to develop long-acting versions of Moderna’s mRNA-based therapies.
Swedish drug delivery company Nanexa AB has signed a license and option agreement with Moderna for the use of its proprietary PharmaShell platform to develop long-acting injectable formulations. The deal gives Moderna access to the technology for one initial compound, with options to apply it to up to four additional drug candidates. Under the terms, Nanexa will receive an upfront payment of USD 3 million, with the potential to earn up to USD 500 million in milestone payments through pre-negotiated license agreements and tiered royalty payments on future sales (1).
The deal marks a significant step for Moderna as it continues exploring ways to improve the durability and convenience of its messenger RNA (mRNA)-based treatments. Although details of the specific compounds remain undisclosed, the collaboration will assess how Nanexa’s PharmaShell coating technology can enhance the release profile and stability of Moderna’s molecules as the company targets better formulation control to expand its platform beyond vaccines into long-acting therapeutics.
Nanexa’s technology utilizes atomic layer deposition (ALD) — a nanotechnology-based process that allows for precise coating of drug particles with ultra-thin, uniform layers of material. The method enables the customization of drug release profiles, allowing for 1–3 month-controlled delivery, terminal sterilization, and enhanced stability at room temperature. These advantages make the platform particularly attractive for biologics and mRNA-based formulations, where maintaining molecular integrity and consistent dosing remains a technical challenge. The ALD approach also offers flexibility in designing depot injectables that release active pharmaceutical ingredients over specific timeframes, a growing demand area in chronic disease treatment and next-generation biologics.
Nanexa CEO David Westberg said the partnership underlines the company’s growing relevance in the field of advanced delivery systems: “We are excited to partner with Moderna, a pioneer and leader in the field of mRNA medicines, to explore the potential of our PharmaShell platform and to support the development of improved products for Moderna. This agreement underscores the versatility of PharmaShell and its potential to address key challenges in the delivery of advanced biologics,” he said in a company press release (1).
Based in Uppsala, Sweden, Nanexa continues to build traction in the competitive long-acting injectable space, an area increasingly targeted by pharmaceutical companies looking to improve dosing compliance and extend therapeutic value. Nanexa has pursued a hybrid business model, combining its own proprietary long-acting injectable programs with technology licensing deals to major pharmaceutical players, including both Novo Nordisk and AstraZeneca.
Reference
Nanexa. Nanexa and Moderna Enter into License and Option Agreement for the Development of PharmaShell®-based Products. Press Release, Dec. 10, 2025.