PHILADELPHIA, PA & BOSTON, MA — Tolerance Bio and ZipCode Bio have entered a strategic research and development collaboration to create novel delivery methods for thymus-targeted therapeutics, aiming to address immune-mediated diseases and the effects of immune aging.
The alliance combines Tolerance Bio’s expertise in thymus biology and immune tolerance with ZipCode Bio’s SHARP (Single-component Homogeneous Amphiphilic Routed Particles) RNA delivery platform. Together, the companies plan to design precision medicines that preserve, restore, and manipulate thymic function, opening new avenues for treating autoimmunity and age-related immune decline.
“This collaboration represents a convergence of two complementary scientific visions,” said Francisco Leon, M.D., Ph.D., co-founder and CEO of Tolerance Bio. “By combining our approach to control thymic function with ZipCode Bio’s targeted delivery technologies, we aim to unlock new therapeutic possibilities for patients impacted by immune aging and dysregulation. It is a true honor to work with Dr. Drew Weissman and his team to pursue our shared goal of translating foundational science into meaningful clinical impact.”
ZipCode Bio was co-founded by Weissman, Nobel Prize laureate and pioneer of mRNA technology. “Precision delivery is the next frontier in RNA therapeutics,” Weissman said. “By partnering with Tolerance Bio, we have the opportunity to extend this work into thymus biology, an area with profound implications for immune health.”
The collaboration will begin with preclinical development of thymus-directed RNA medicines. ZipCode Bio will focus on engineering thymus-targeting SHARPs, while Tolerance Bio will advance translation into disease models.
“At ZipCode Bio, we’re focused on making RNA medicines smarter, safer, and more targeted,” said Jason Zhang, co-founder of ZipCode Bio. “Tolerance Bio brings exceptional expertise in thymus biology and a proven leadership team with a strong track record in drug development. Together, we’re combining world-class RNA and delivery technology with deep biological insight to develop transformative therapies for immune health and aging.”
The partnership underscores the growing interest in thymus biology as a frontier for next-generation immunotherapies, with potential implications for autoimmunity, oncology, and longevity science.
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