CAMBRIDGE, Massachusetts, July 1, 2026
Nona Biosciences has entered into a strategic collaboration with Lonza to develop a next-generation single-domain antibody-based blood-brain barrier (BBB)-crossing technology designed to accelerate the delivery of innovative therapeutics for central nervous system (CNS) diseases. The partnership combines Nona Biosciences’ proprietary Harbour Mice® fully human heavy-chain antibody (HCAb) platform with Lonza’s globally recognized protein development, bioconjugation, and manufacturing expertise to create a best-in-class technology capable of overcoming one of the most significant challenges in neurological drug development—the efficient transport of therapeutic molecules across the blood-brain barrier. The collaboration is expected to expand opportunities for technology licensing, biologics innovation, and CNS therapeutic development, while supporting the advancement of novel treatments for complex neurological disorders. Under the agreement, Nona Biosciences will receive upfront and option payments, with both companies sharing future licensing revenues generated through the collaboration, reinforcing the long-term commercial potential of this strategic alliance.
Harbour Mice® Platform Powers Next-Generation BBB Innovation
At the center of the collaboration is Nona Biosciences’ Harbour Mice® platform, the world’s first clinically validated fully human heavy-chain-only antibody (HCAb) transgenic mouse technology. The platform is engineered to generate fully human single-domain antibodies (VHH binders) with exceptional affinity, specificity, and developability, making them highly suitable for creating advanced BBB-crossing technologies.
The partnership aims to identify and optimize antibody candidates capable of transporting a wide variety of therapeutic modalities—including monoclonal antibodies, antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs), multispecific antibodies, CAR-T therapies, and mRNA-based therapeutics—directly into the central nervous system. By overcoming the restrictive nature of the blood-brain barrier, the technology has the potential to unlock new treatment possibilities for neurological disorders that have historically been difficult to address due to limited drug penetration into brain tissue. The collaboration reflects growing industry interest in innovative delivery platforms that expand the therapeutic reach of biologics for CNS diseases.
Lonza Adds Manufacturing and Commercial Development Expertise
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The collaboration also leverages Lonza’s industry-leading protein engineering capabilities, including its GS Gene Expression System® and GlycoConnect® bioconjugation technology, to support the optimization, development, and broader application of selected BBB-crossing candidates. Beyond technology development, Lonza will provide integrated expertise in process development, regulatory support, commercial manufacturing, and technology licensing, enabling a streamlined pathway from discovery through commercialization.
This comprehensive approach allows future partners to access flexible development services at every stage, from early licensing to full-scale commercial manufacturing, reducing complexity and accelerating the translation of promising CNS therapies into clinical practice. The partnership also creates significant opportunities for expanding the commercial value of the BBB-crossing platform through future licensing agreements and collaborative development programs.
Strategic Alliance Advances CNS Drug Discovery
The collaboration represents an important advancement in the rapidly evolving field of biotherapeutic innovation by combining cutting-edge antibody discovery technologies with global biologics manufacturing expertise. Nona Biosciences continues to strengthen its position as a leader in next-generation biologics through its integrated I to I® framework, which supports therapeutic development from early target validation through preclinical research and early clinical advancement. Together with Lonza, the company aims to establish a robust BBB-crossing platform capable of enabling breakthrough treatments for devastating neurological disorders while expanding opportunities for global technology licensing and commercial partnerships.
As demand continues to grow for innovative solutions capable of overcoming biological delivery barriers, this collaboration highlights the increasing importance of single-domain antibody technologies, precision biologics, and advanced drug delivery platforms in shaping the future of central nervous system therapeutics. The strategic partnership reinforces both companies’ commitment to accelerating scientific innovation while creating new possibilities for patients living with serious neurological diseases.
Source: Nona Biosciences, Lonza press release
