Key Highlights
• AI-driven protein production from Axio BioPharma integrates with Likarda’s Core-Shell Spherification® (CSS®) delivery platform to streamline drug development
• Joint offering targets monoclonal antibodies, bispecifics, and Fc-fusions with end-to-end support from discovery to GMP manufacturing
• Partnership aims to reduce timelines, enhance formulation precision, and enable scalable, patient-centric biologics
Strategic Alliance Unites AI Manufacturing with Advanced Drug Delivery
The newly announced collaboration brings together Axio BioPharma’s machine learning-powered biomanufacturing systems and Likarda’s Core-Shell Spherification® (CSS®) platform to solve longstanding challenges in biologic development—namely stability, scalability, and speed. With Likarda’s delivery technologies now embedded within Axio’s discovery-to-GMP pipeline, the integrated workflow aims to shorten preclinical timelines and increase delivery precision across a growing portfolio of biologics.
AI-Enhanced Protein Production Meets Controlled Release Innovation
Axio’s proprietary AI engine enables predictive process optimization for protein production, allowing manufacturing conditions to be simulated and selected in hours rather than months. When combined with Likarda’s encapsulation technology, developers can now align therapeutic formulation and delivery design with scalable, GMP-ready protein production earlier in development. This alignment reduces redundancy and enhances data continuity, unlocking smarter development paths.
Dual-Access for Clients: Integrated Services Across Discovery, Formulation, and Scale-Up
Clients of either company will now benefit from expanded cross-platform access: Axio clients can leverage Likarda’s customizable hydrogel platforms for targeted delivery and extended-release applications; Likarda clients can access Axio’s AI-based biologics manufacturing services for rapid process design and U.S.-based GMP supply. This integrated value chain offers one of the industry’s few AI-enabled, formulation-to-manufacture solutions purpose-built for complex therapeutic modalities.
Paving the Way for AI-Centric, Patient-Focused Biologic Therapies
With rising complexity in biologics and increased demand for customized delivery, this partnership represents a timely response to market needs. Axio and Likarda are creating a cohesive ecosystem where delivery science is embedded early, manufacturing is digitally optimized, and the entire lifecycle—from R&D to clinic—is supported by intelligent, interoperable platforms. Together, they are reshaping the biologic development landscape to be faster, more efficient, and ultimately more human-centered.
About Axio BioPharma
Axio BioPharma is a Madison, WI–based AI biomanufacturing company focused on accelerating and optimizing the development of monoclonal antibodies and other biologics. By combining high-throughput experimentation with predictive algorithms, Axio enables partners to scale faster, cut costs, and deliver more effective protein therapeutics.
About Likarda
Likarda is a Kansas City–based leader in advanced drug delivery technologies. Its patented Core-Shell Spherification® (CSS®) platform delivers high precision, tunable-release biologics and cell therapies for applications across oncology, regenerative medicine, and chronic disease. Likarda’s customizable delivery systems offer unmatched protection, targeting, and retention of therapeutics at the site of action.
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