GeneOne Life Sciences' Subsidiary Expands Operations In Woodlands, Texas

A South Korea-based international DNA vaccine product developer and leading contract manufacturer of DNA plasmid-based agents, GeneOne Life Science, through its subsidiary VGXI, entered into an exclusive license with the Houston Methodist Research Institute to produce clinical grade RNA at VGXI in The Woodlands, Texas.

VGXI, Inc. has over 15 years of experience and is a leading provider of manufacturing and development services for DNA vaccines and gene therapies.

Anticipating the agreement, VGXI is already nearing completion of a facility expansion that includes purpose-built GMP production areas for RNA synthesis. Technology transfer in support of these new services is expected to commence immediately.

According to officials, the agreement will enable GeneOne Life Science to leverage the design capabilities provided by the Research Institute and Cooke’s research team for development of new RNA vaccines and therapies. Notably, the pairing of HMRI’s technological advancements with VGXI’s GMP manufacturing excellence will allow for general adoption of this rapidly growing field.

“RNA vaccines and therapeutics are the future of nucleic acid based technologies,” stated Young K. Park, President & CEO of GeneOne. “This license agreement between VGXI and HMRI allows GeneOne’s expansion into RNA technology. Expansion into RNA technology will allow GeneOne maximal breadth to leverage the rapid expansion of nucleic acid therapeutics.”

The Research Institute RNAcore, directed by professor and chair, John Cooke, MD, PhD, is a leader in RNA synthesis, generating RNA constructs including mRNA, modified mRNA (mmRNA), microRNA cassettes, and noncoding RNA for scientific and medical collaborators. In addition to manufacturing methods, the RNAcore has also developed exceptional technologies for improved stability of RNA products and enhanced delivery of nucleic acid based therapies.