Touchlight’s dbDNA technology can produce high-purity GMP DNA using an enzymatic process, offering a faster, more scalable alternative to traditional plasmid DNA production. According to the Hampton-headquartered CDMO, dbDNA is particularly well suited for mRNA vaccine development, as it enables rapid and efficient production of the DNA templates required for mRNA synthesis.

The technology has the potential to accelerate substantially the production of multivalent mRNA vaccines, including for use against seasonal epidemics and pandemic threats. While financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed, Touchlight said that the deal includes an upfront payment, ongoing technology access fees, clinical and regulatory milestone payments and royalties on GSK’s mRNA products manufactured with Touchlight’s enzymatic dbDNA.

In 2023, Touchlight started up its multi-kg production facility, and now has numerous client products that have implemented dbDNA for clinical development, including three with accepted IND/CTAs. In addition to being deployed as both a critical starting material for mRNA production and within AAV products, dbDNA will enter clinical development later in 2024 as an active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) for a therapeutic cancer vaccine, alongside multiple other anticipated INDs across various modalities, Touchlight said.

Jonny Ohlson, executive chair and founder of Touchlight, commented: “GSK is a global leader in vaccination, and we are delighted they have licensed our proprietary enzymatic dbDNA technology for the development and production of their mRNA-based products. The adoption of Touchlight’s enzymatic DNA is gathering pace and becoming an important part of the advanced therapy supply chain.”