Triastek Inc., a global leader in 3D printing pharmaceuticals, has entered into a research collaboration and platform technology license agreement with German biotech firm BioNTech SE.

Under the agreement, the companies will develop RNA therapeutics for oral delivery based on 3D printing technology. The collaboration aims to provide groundbreaking therapies to address unmet medical needs in an easy to administer oral formulation.

Triastek will contribute to the collaboration its expertise in innovative oral tablet designs made possible by 3D printing aimed at optimising delivery of RNA therapeutics across the gastrointestinal mucosa, minimizing degradation in the gastrointestinal tract, and delivering RNA therapeutics to the portion of the gastrointestinal tract where absorption will potentially be the greatest. Triastek's ability to create tablet structures with unique external and internal tablet geometries, including multiple-layer and multi-compartment designs, will be leveraged, aiming to optimise delivery of novel RNA therapeutics.

Under the terms of the agreement, Triastek will receive an upfront payment of $10 million, and will be eligible to receive development, regulatory and commercial milestone payments potentially totaling over $1.2 billion as well as tiered royalties on potential future product sales.