Christchurch company launches tool for mRNA therapies

Christchurch nanotech firm launches mRNA analysis tool

A Christchurch nanotechnology company has unveiled a new instrument designed to help scientists study one of the smallest – and most important – building blocks of modern medicine.

The system, developed by Izon Science, measures nanoparticles – ultra-small particles used to deliver advanced therapeutics such as mRNA vaccines, gene therapies and emerging cancer treatments.

Understanding the size, quantity and electrical charge of these particles is essential to ensuring medicines are safe, stable and effective.

What is the new technology for measuring nanoparticles?

The new instrument, called the Pulsoid, measures nanoparticles one at a time using a silicon chip containing a tiny opening known as a nanopore.

As particles pass through the opening individually, the system records detailed measurements for each one. This allows scientists to analyse samples with far greater accuracy than traditional techniques that average measurements across thousands of particles at once.

In validation studies, the system demonstrated size measurement accuracy to better than one nanometre – a billionth of a metre.

The Pulsoid builds on more than two decades of research and development at Izon. The company’s earlier Tunable Resistive Pulse Sensing platform delivered highly detailed measurements but required specialist expertise to operate, limiting its use largely to advanced research laboratories.

Chief Operating Officer Jules van der Voorn said developing the new instrument required significant scientific and engineering effort.

How Christchurch innovation is reaching global biotech markets

Izon’s technology is already used by researchers and pharmaceutical companies around the world.

The company generates around 99 percent of its revenue offshore and has sold approximately 1,000 analytical instruments globally, generating more than $40 million in revenue.

The Pulsoid is expected to expand that international reach by making advanced nanoparticle analysis more accessible to biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies developing new therapies.

Chief executive and co-founder Hans van der Voorn said accurate measurement is fundamental to advancing nanomedicine.

“This is only the beginning of what we intend to achieve with this new silicon chip design. We have a clear development roadmap focused on extending the technology to measure progressively smaller structures. By advancing the underlying science and engineering, we plan to analyse single large molecules, including complex biologic drugs used in cancer treatment.”

The growth of mRNA vaccines and nanoparticle medicine

Investment in lipid nanoparticle technology has surged in recent years, driven by the success of mRNA vaccines and the rapid development of new gene and cancer therapies.

These nanoparticles act as microscopic delivery vehicles, carrying medicines into cells where they can do their work. Precisely analysing them is a crucial step in developing new treatments.

Although some specialist silicon components are manufactured overseas, the Pulsoid’s core design, engineering and intellectual property have been developed in Christchurch. Izon employs around 60 staff globally, with its headquarters and product development team based in New Zealand.

Christchurch’s growing health technology sector

Izon’s work reflects Christchurch’s growing reputation as a centre for healthtech innovation.

The sector has been identified as one of the city’s key growth sectors, supported by strong research institutions, specialist engineering expertise and collaboration between scientists, startups and global companies.

Key takeaways:

• Christchurch company Izon Science has developed an instrument called the Pulsoid that helps scientists study tiny particles used in modern treatments like mRNA vaccines, gene therapies, and cancer drugs.
• It delivers much more precise measurements than older methods, helping ensure medicines are safe and effective.
• By making advanced nanoparticle analysis easier and more accessible, the Pulsoid could help biotech and pharmaceutical companies develop better therapies faster.
• Izon exports most of its products globally, highlighting Christchurch’s growing reputation as a centre for cutting-edge healthtech innovation.