Avidity Biosciences Joins STORM and AlidaBio in METTL3 Inhibition RNA Therapeutics Collaboration

A New Era in RNA Therapeutics: STORM and AlidaBio Collaborate on METTL3 Inhibition

In a significant advancement for RNA-based therapeutics, STORM Therapeutics Ltd. announces a strategic collaboration with Alida Biosciences Inc. on January 8, 2026. This partnership focuses on the analysis of N6-methyladenosine (m6A) RNA modifications resulting from the inhibition of METTL3, utilizing AlidaBio's cutting-edge EpiPlex® and EpiScout® next-generation sequencing platforms. STORM's first-in-class METTL3 inhibitor, STC-15, currently in Phase 1/2 clinical trials, is set to play a crucial role in this research initiative, aiming to deepen the understanding of RNA regulation in cancer treatment.

The collaboration highlights the importance of m6A dynamics in clinical samples from cancer patients treated with STC-15. By investigating how METTL3 inhibition alters RNA regulation, the teams aim to correlate m6A modification changes with clinical treatment responses. This research not only seeks to identify baseline m6A characteristics that could predict sensitivity to METTL3 inhibition but also endeavors to validate the genes and cell types impacted by this process. Dr. Eric Martin, Chief Development Officer at STORM, emphasizes that AlidaBio's expertise in RNA modification analysis is essential for elucidating the transcript-specific changes related to clinical outcomes.

Moreover, the partnership reflects a growing trend in drug development, where the exploration of epitranscriptomics becomes vital for enhancing patient outcomes. Dr. Gudrun Stengel, CEO of AlidaBio, points out that their advanced platforms will contribute to a comprehensive analysis of m6A biology in patient samples, ultimately aiding in the clinical development and efficacy evaluation of STC-15. As researchers continue to uncover the complexities of RNA modifications, this collaboration positions both companies at the forefront of innovative cancer therapies, aiming to refine patient selection and enrichment strategies for future clinical trials.

In a related development, a free webinar hosted by Rockland Immunochemicals on the same day will delve into universal detection strategies for chemical modifications in oligonucleotide therapeutics. This event targets critical questions surrounding drug localization and action, offering insights into mapping small RNA-target interactions and employing sensitive antibody detection panels for various oligonucleotide modalities.

The webinar aims to enhance understanding of oligonucleotide development intricacies, showcasing advanced technologies that optimize therapeutic outcomes. As the RNA therapeutic field continues to evolve, combining these methodologies could significantly refine candidate selection and expedite the transition from discovery to clinical application, paralleling the innovative efforts of STORM and AlidaBio in their groundbreaking partnership.