Agilent and Singapore's NATi Partner to Advance Lipid-Conjugated Oligonucleotide Research

Collaboration expands research of new delivery platform beyond liver tissues supporting potential preclinical development and strengthens Singapore's position as a biomedical innovation hub

SINGAPORE, May 20, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Agilent Technologies Inc. (NYSE: A) today announced a two-year research collaboration agreement with Singapore's Nucleic Acid Therapeutics Initiative (NATi), hosted by Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), to accelerate research into complex oligonucleotide (oligo) candidates, a promising frontier in precision therapeutics with potential applications across cardiovascular-metabolic, rare and infectious diseases.

The global oligo therapeutics market exceeded $7 billion in 2025 and is projected to reach $18 billion by 2030¹, driven by clinically validated DNA- and RNA-based therapies that continue to face analytical challenges beyond liver-targeted delivery².

Under this agreement, the collaboration will focus on developing end-to-end analytical and preparative workflows to support ligand-conjugated strategies, a new platform designed to extend oligo delivery beyond the liver tissues, unlock access to extrahepatic tissues and expand the therapeutic addressable market.

By combining NATi's extensive expertise in nucleic acid and chemical modifications with Agilent's 1290 Infinity III Bio UHPLC system, InfinityLab Pro iQ Plus mass detector, Preparative HPLC system, 6545XT AdvanceBio Quadrupole Time of Flight LC/MS, and Seahorse XF technologies, the collaboration will enable precise characterization, purification and quality assessment of lipid-modified oligo, a key modality to accelerating more efficient preclinical development.  

"Lipid-conjugated oligonucleotides represent a promising next frontier in nucleic acid therapeutics, particularly in expanding beyond hepatic delivery. Working with strategic partners like Agilent allows us to tighten the value chain from research to clinic, accelerating the development of next-generation oligo therapeutics that address areas of significant unmet medical need," said Dr Mohamed ElSayed, Executive Director of Nucleic Acid Therapeutics Initiative (NATi).    

"As oligo-based therapies continue to transform precision medicine, the ability to reliably analyze and purify complex conjugates becomes increasingly critical. Our priority remains to help existing and new biopharma customers accelerate new discoveries through research advancement. This collaboration is yet another example of our commitment to investing in high-growth markets while delivering on Agilent's mission of improving the quality of life," said Bharat Bhardwaj, Vice President of APAC Sales at Agilent.

The agreement includes structured training and access to advanced analytical capabilities at Agilent's Global Solution Development Center (GSDC) in Singapore, along with a broader suite of Agilent analytical instruments.

With more than 25 years of investment in Singapore, Agilent has grown its local presence to about 600 scientists, engineers and skilled professionals and operates an 860,000-square-foot manufacturing facility recognized by the World Economic Forum. The expanding footprint underscores Agilent's long-term commitment to building local scientific capabilities, talent development and strengthening Singapore's position as a leading biomedical innovation hub for the region and beyond.

About Agilent Technologies

Agilent Technologies, Inc. (NYSE: A) is a global leader in analytical and clinical laboratory technologies, delivering insights and innovation that help our customers bring great science to life. Agilent's full range of solutions includes instruments, software, services, and expertise that provide trusted answers to our customers' most challenging questions. The company generated revenue of $6.95 billion in fiscal year 2025 and employs approximately 18,000 people worldwide. Information about Agilent is available at www.agilent.com. To receive the latest Agilent news, subscribe to the Agilent Newsroom. Follow Agilent on LinkedIn and Facebook.

About the Nucleic Acid Therapeutics Initiative (NATi)

The Nucleic Acid Therapeutics Initiative (NATi) is a national platform based in Singapore and hosted by Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), dedicated to advancing RNA medicines from discovery to early clinical development. NATi combines deep scientific expertise with scalable technology platforms to generate differentiated nucleic acid therapeutic assets. Through close collaboration with industry and public partners, NATi drives translation, enables commercialisation, and strengthens Singapore's capabilities in next-generation therapeutics. Learn more at www.nati.sg.

Media Contacts

Grace Thong
Agilent Technologies
+65 9688 2152
grace.thong@agilent.com

Grace Thong

Agilent Technologies                                                                          

+65 9688 2152

grace.thong@agilent.com

Owen Sia
Agency for Science, Technology and Research
+65 6517 7866
owen_sia@a-star.edu.sg

Owen Sia

Agency for Science, Technology and Research               

+65 6517 7866

owen_sia@a-star.edu.sg

1. MarketsandMarkets. Oligonucleotide Therapeutics Market Size, Growth, Share & Trends Analysis
   https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Market-Reports/oligonucleotide-therapeutics-market-41710113.html 
2. AlShaer D, Al Musaimi, O, Albericio F,  de la Torre BG. 2025 FDA TIDES (Peptides and Oligonucleotides) Harvest. Pharmaceuticals (Basel). 2026 Jan 30;19(2):244. doi: 10.3390/ph19020244. PMID: 41754785; PMCID: PMC12943124.

 

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Agilent and Singapore's NATi Partner to Advance Lipid-Conjugated Oligonucleotide Research

LIUZHOU, China, June 7, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- On June 7, Dongfeng Liuzhou Motor (DFLZM) hosted its 10th "67 Brand Customer Day" in Liuzhou. More than 700 participants, including government and corporate leaders, global partners, customer representatives, and media guests, attended the event. The event was livestreamed by over 100 media platforms, including CCTV Finance, and jointly covered by 870 domestic and international media outlets.

Entering the new development cycle of China's 15th Five-Year Plan, DFLZM will continue to implement its "Dual Engine Plan", targeting overseas sales of 155,000 vehicles by 2030 and accelerating its goal of "building another DFLZM overseas." To strengthen its global footprint, Dongfeng Forthing plans to add nine overseas smart manufacturing bases, 300 sales outlets, and 300 service outlets by 2030. This will shorten service coverage distances, enhance localized production and services, and drive the brand's transformation from "going global" to "deeply rooted and sustainably growing overseas."

At the event, Dongfeng Motor Group unveiled its next-generation T1 New Energy Commercial Vehicle Platform. As the industry's first fourth-generation 1,000V integrated hydrogen-electric platform developed through a scenario-driven approach, it supports multiple technology routes, including hydrogen fuel, hybrid hydrogen-electric, and battery-electric solutions. The platform is regarded as a "Chinese solution" for commercial vehicle electrification. Based on the T1 platform, DFLZM launched two new models: the Chenglong Yiwei 5 Super Edition and the Chenglong H7 PRO Hydrogen Edition, further expanding the Chenglong new-energy product portfolio.

The 2027 Forthing V9 also made its debut. Focusing on four key areas—comfort, intelligence, spaciousness, and safety—the vehicle features more than 20 upgrades, delivering a premium new-energy MPV experience. The Forthing V9 Camping Edition was showcased alongside it, creating a new market segment with its differentiated positioning. Designed for urban commuting, long-distance travel, and outdoor camping, it offers true multi-scenario versatility. Several popular overseas Forthing models were also displayed, attracting strong interest and recognition from customers.

DFLZM officially launched the "Her Haven" Women Truck Driver Care Program, establishing a four-dimensional support system to empower female truck drivers in the freight transport industry. Meanwhile, the company continues to support overseas vocational education and public welfare initiatives by operating the Luban Workshop project in Laos, providing employment opportunities for many outstanding students.

A Global Customer Recognition Ceremony was also held during the event, where three major awards were presented. Through user co-creation and deeper collaboration between government and enterprise partners, the ceremony highlighted the spirit of mutual success and partnership.

Driven by forward-looking technological innovation, market-oriented implementation, industrial upgrading, and social responsibility, the 10th "67 Brand Customer Day" showcased DFLZM's transformation achievements. Rooted in Liuzhou and looking to the world, the company will continue to work closely with customers and partners worldwide to advance collaborative growth and embark on a new chapter of globalization.

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Dongfeng Liuzhou Motor's 10th "67 Brand Customer Day" Advancing New Pathways for Global Growth

Dongfeng Liuzhou Motor's 10th "67 Brand Customer Day" Advancing New Pathways for Global Growth

Dongfeng Liuzhou Motor's 10th "67 Brand Customer Day" Advancing New Pathways for Global Growth