Thermo Fisher Scientific has entered into a strategic collaboration agreement with Arcturus Therapeutics for the Phase III development of ARCT-032 to treat cystic fibrosis.
The collaboration will also focus on the potential commercialisation of ARCT-032, Arcturus’ investigational messenger RNA (mRNA) therapy.
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It will utilise Thermo Fisher’s Accelerator Drug Development solutions to support the trial activities and, possibly, commercial launch.
Thermo Fisher will provide integrated manufacturing, clinical research and commercial readiness services to help expedite ARCT-032 development.
If ARCT-032 demonstrates positive results in the Phase II trial, Arcturus plans to conduct the Phase III clinical programme through Thermo Fisher’s PPD clinical research business.
Subject to regulatory authorisation, Thermo Fisher will also obtain exclusive commercial manufacturing rights under a future commercial deal.
Arcturus Therapeutics president and CEO Joseph Payne said: “We are pleased to collaborate with Thermo Fisher to utilise its impressive CDMO [contract development and manufacturing organisation] capabilities, global infrastructure and proven ability to support complex mRNA programmes from Phase III through potential commercialisation.
“Their capabilities are aligned with Arcturus’ goal of efficiently advancing our cystic fibrosis programme into Phase III and preparing for potential commercial supply.”
Thermo Fisher Biopharma Services executive vice-president and president Mike Shafer said: “Biotechnology innovators increasingly seek strategic collaborators that can support complex development programmes across clinical and commercial stages.
“Through Accelerator Drug Development, Thermo Fisher brings together manufacturing, clinical research and commercialisation expertise to help customers simplify development, reduce operational complexity and accelerate the delivery of innovative therapies to patients. Our collaboration with Arcturus demonstrates the value of this integrated model.”
In October 2025, Thermo Fisher’s PPD business introduced the Clinical Trial Carbon Calculator to assist research sponsors and biopharmaceutical companies in minimising, estimating and understanding the environmental impact of trials.
