Astellas Pharma Evaluates Eyam Health's Gemini saRNA Platform for mRNA Therapeutics

Eyam Health said on November 2, 2026 that Astellas Pharma Inc. is evaluating its Gemini self-amplifying RNA platform for potential applications in messenger RNA therapeutics. The Vancouver-based biotech announced the research evaluation in a release carried by EIN Presswire.

How the Gemini Evaluation Works

Eyam Health said therapeutic proteins are generally supplied as manufactured recombinant protein or as conventional mRNA, which the cell translates into protein for a day or two before the message begins to degrade. By either route the effect fades and the dose must be repeated, often frequently and often for life. Gemini is designed to sustain expression of a therapeutic protein well beyond administration and, in principle, substantially reduce how often patients must be treated.

"Durable expression is one of the most valuable properties an RNA platform can have, and it is the property Gemini was built to address," said Ryan M. Thomas, CEO of Eyam Health. "This evaluation represents an opportunity to extend our position in mRNA therapeutics, where we intend to be the disruptive platform technology we can build on."

Wilf Jefferies, Eyam's chief scientific officer, said saRNA carries the machinery to copy itself inside the cell, so a single administration keeps protein production elevated rather than delivering one short burst of expression. Jefferies said saRNA is distinct from a viral delivery system in that it introduces no viral particle and does not integrate into the genome. Eyam said it builds its platforms to be applied alongside partners who bring therapeutic and development expertise.

Astellas is expected to announce earnings after market close on November 4, according to American Banking and Market News.

Eyam Health's Funding and Platform Record

According to akta.pro company records, Eyam Health was founded in 2020 and has three funding rounds on record, including a January 2026 grant of $327,379 led by the National Research Council of Canada Industrial Research Assistance Program. The same records list a £750,000 UK-Canada collaboration launched in January 2026 with iiDiagnostics and the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine to advance vaccine development using the Gemini and Jennerator platforms. In November 2025 Eyam closed its first commercial agreement for a Gemini-based biologic.

The records state that preclinical studies sustained therapeutic protein expression above a therapeutic threshold through Day 189 from a single dose, with peak antibody titer above 1,000 µg/mL. Eyam's platform has been validated across four species: mouse, canine, Yorkshire pig and non-human primates.

Astellas Earnings Date Set for November 4

Astellas Pharma is scheduled to report earnings after market close on November 4, 2026, according to American Banking and Market News. Eyam said its research evaluation with Astellas is subject to risks including the outcome of preclinical research, the availability of funding and partnerships, and regulatory requirements.