In December 2024, Ono Pharmaceutical Co., headquartered in Osaka, Japan, and Jorna Therapeutics, based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA, announced a research collaboration to develop novel RNA editing therapies. The partnership leverages Jorna's proprietary RNA editing platform, which utilizes a quantum mechanics AI model called SkyEngine to design RNA editing drug sequences. Ono will have the exclusive option to discover, develop, and commercialize these drug candidates worldwide. This collaboration follows Ono's successful validation of Jorna's platform, emphasizing the potential of RNA editing technology in addressing unmet medical needs. Jorna's SkyEngine technology is centered on its ability to analyze and design interactions between proteins and small molecules at the atomic level. This unique approach enables the creation of efficient and safe RNA editing proteins, capable of targeting difficult-to-reach RNA sequences. The significance of this technology lies in its potential to accelerate the discovery of new therapeutic options for diseases that have been traditionally hard to treat. Under the agreement, Jorna will receive an upfront payment, ongoing research funds, and milestone payments from Ono as the project progresses. For Ono, this collaboration aligns with its long-standing mission to combat diseases and alleviate suffering. The company has a strong focus on unmet medical needs in fields such as oncology, immunology, and neurology. By partnering with biotech firms like Jorna and academic institutions, Ono aims to expedite the drug discovery process. Ono's global presence, enhanced by its subsidiary Deciphera Pharmaceuticals, is crucial in driving clinical development and commercial operations in the US and Europe, facilitating international expansion and improved patient care. Chengwei Luo, CEO of Jorna Therapeutics, expressed enthusiasm for the partnership: "We are thrilled to collaborate with Ono, sharing a common vision of providing breakthrough therapies to patients. Ono's extensive global resources and expertise will facilitate the commercialization of RNA editing therapies, benefiting a broader patient population." Similarly, Seishi Katsumata, Ono's Senior Executive Officer and Head of Discovery and Research, highlighted Jorna's innovative approach: "Jorna's unique generative AI technology combines large-scale amino acid sequence data and language models to design proteins, which is pivotal for advancing RNA editing-based drug development." The scientific community and industry insiders have also greeted the collaboration with optimism. RNA editing represents a promising field in therapeutic development, especially for diseases that lack effective treatments. Jorna's SkyEngine technology, which integrates advanced AI and quantum mechanics, is poised to significantly enhance the efficiency and precision of RNA editing. This breakthrough could lead to rapid advancements in drug discovery and development, not only for Ono but for the entire biotechnology sector. Seishi Katsumata's endorsement underscores the potential impact: "Jorna's technology could revolutionize the way we develop drugs for complex diseases. The combination of AI and quantum mechanics offers a powerful tool for designing effective RNA editing proteins, significantly accelerating the drug discovery process." Chengwei Luo added that the partnership will capitalize on Ono's global network and resources, "ensuring that our innovative RNA editing therapies reach patients as quickly as possible." Company profiles offer additional context. Jorna Therapeutics is a biotech firm specializing in methods to introduce mutations into target RNA. It employs proprietary AI and high-throughput systems to design proteins that can edit RNA sequences efficiently and safely. This approach has the potential to transform the treatment landscape for previously untreatable conditions. More information is available at www.jornatx.com. Ono Pharmaceutical Co. is a global leader in innovative drug development, driven by its commitment to address unmet medical needs. The company conducts research in oncology, immunology, and neurology and collaborates with various academic and biotech partners to enhance its capabilities. Deciphera Pharmaceuticals, an Ono subsidiary, plays a vital role in clinical development and commercial operations in the US and Europe, supporting Ono's mission to expand its global business and improve patient care. For more details, visit https://www.ono-pharma.com/en. The collaboration between Ono and Jorna marks a significant step in the practical application of RNA editing technology in drug development. It reflects a growing trend in the biotech industry toward AI-driven innovations and international partnerships. Experts predict that this alliance could set a precedent for future collaborations and drive further advancements in RNA-based therapies. The combination of Jorna's cutting-edge AI platform and Ono's extensive global resources positions both companies at the forefront of a rapidly evolving field, promising to bring new and transformative treatments to patients worldwide.