CorriXR Therapeutics, InhaTarget Therapeutics and Merxin Ltd have announced a strategic collaboration to develop an inhaled gene-editing therapy for lung cancer that combines targeted CRISPR modulation with advanced pulmonary drug delivery technology. The partnership aims to create a non-invasive treatment designed to deliver gene-editing payloads directly to lung tumours while limiting systemic exposure.
This partnership represents a significant step forward in our mission to harness the power of CRISPR-based gene editing for the benefit of patients with cancer by slowing the growth of solid tumors and improving effectiveness of existing treatments. We are excited by the potential of this collaboration to target lung cancer using a non-invasive inhaled delivery approach, which would greatly improve the quality of life for patients.
Dr. Eric B. Kmiec, founder and CEO of CorriXR Therapeutics
The programme integrates three complementary platforms. CorriXR is contributing its proprietary non-viral CRISPR-based approach targeting NRF2, a transcription factor that regulates cellular stress responses and is implicated in treatment resistance across multiple tumour types. Preclinical data published recently in Molecular Therapy Oncology demonstrated that inactivation of NRF2 in lung cancer models can resensitise tumours to chemotherapy with minimal off-target effects. InhaTarget will apply its lipid nanoparticle formulation platform engineered for inhaled delivery to enable encapsulation and pulmonary distribution of the gene-editing construct. Merxin will supply customised inhaler devices designed to deliver controlled doses of advanced therapeutics directly to the lungs.
Combining our pulmonary drug delivery LNP platform with CorriXR’s groundbreaking science and Merxin’s device technology has the potential to reshape the landscape of lung cancer treatment. We are eager to advance work on this novel combination.
Dr. Frédéric De Coninck, co-founder and CEO of InhaTarget Therapeutics
Initial studies will focus on validating delivery efficiency and therapeutic activity in cell culture systems and a lung carcinoma mouse model, with results anticipated in mid-2026. If successful, the approach could enable a novel route of administration for gene therapy in oncology, avoiding the invasive delivery methods that currently dominate the field.
Our advanced inhaler technology is designed to ensure non-invasive, precise, consistent delivery of novel therapeutics. We are excited to contribute to this vital effort and help bring innovative solutions to patients with lung cancer.
Dr. Philippe Rogueda, CBO and founder of Merxin Ltd.
The collaboration targets squamous cell lung carcinoma (LUSC), an aggressive subtype of non-small cell lung cancer accounting for approximately one quarter of global NSCLC cases. Standard first-line therapy, typically chemotherapy with or without immunotherapy, often leads to disease progression within months, and resistance frequently limits long-term benefit. By disabling NRF2, the developers aim to restore tumour sensitivity to existing treatments while reducing the need for dose escalation and associated toxicity.