By Diplomacy Journal Lee Kap-soo

SML Biopharm, a South Korea-based biotech company specializing in mRNA-based therapeutics, announced on May 8 that it has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with French biotechnology firm Affilogic to collaborate on the development of next-generation targeted drugs using mRNA-LNP (lipid nanoparticle) technology.

The agreement aims to integrate Affilogic’s proprietary Nanofitin targeting technology with SML Biopharm’s mRNA-LNP platform.

Under the MOU, the two companies will explore opportunities to combine their respective core technologies to develop innovative therapeutics and identify synergies that can drive joint R&D initiatives.

SML Biopharm is currently advancing a range of therapeutic and vaccine candidates targeting infectious diseases, rare disorders, and cancer by leveraging its proprietary mRNA expression platform and LNP delivery technology. The company continues to refine its mRNA design and formulation capabilities in pursuit of improved therapeutic efficacy and safety.

Affilogic, headquartered in Nantes, France, is known for its Nanofitin platform—a next-generation alternative to antibodies. Nanofitins are small and extremely robust affinity proteins with high specificity toward diverse biological targets.. Nanofitins are easily combined with other therapeutic compounds (LNP, ASO, siRNA…) by simple, rapid and proven methods to deliver such compounds to specific cell/organs. Affilogic has established collaborations with several global pharmaceutical companies across these areas.

This MOU signifies a mutual intent to explore the complementary potential of each company’s technologies. Depending on the outcomes of their joint research, the collaboration may lead to co-patenting, licensing on technology, or co-commercialization opportunities in the future.

“We believe this collaboration with Affilogic will significantly broaden the potential applications of our mRNA-LNP platform,” said a representative from SML Biopharm. “Beyond strengthening our technological capabilities, we see this MOU as a strategic step toward expanding our global business opportunities.”

The partnership forms part of SML Biopharm’s broader global open innovation strategy. By pursuing strategic alliances with innovative international biotech firms, the company aims to enhance the sophistication of its core platform technologies and expand their applicability in the global market.