Mercury Bio
Mercury Bio is a preclinical biotechnology company developing the proprietary yEV yeast-exosome delivery platform and MB-TIP framework to deliver proteins, nanobodies, RNA, and small molecules into neurons for neurodegenerative and other diseases, monetizing via licensing and partnerships with pharmaceutical and biotech buyers.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2022
- HeadquartersSanta Fe, United States
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingSoftware
What Mercury Bio does
Mercury Bio is a preclinical, private biotechnology company developing intracellular immunotherapeutics using a proprietary drug delivery platform called yEV (yeast extracellular vesicle). The platform is built on engineered yeast-derived exosomes that are designed to cross the blood-brain barrier, penetrate target cells, escape endosomal degradation, and deliver large therapeutic cargo — including proteins, nanobodies, RNA, and small-molecule drugs — directly into the neuronal cytoplasm. MB-TIP (Targeting Intracellular Pathologies) is the therapeutic framework formalized around the platform in January 2026, integrating engineered nanobodies, AI-informed ligand design (developed in collaboration with Los Alamos National Laboratory), and engineered immunotherapeutics.
The company's lead therapeutic programs target Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases, where disease-modifying therapies have historically been limited by the inability of biologics to reach intracellular disease drivers inside neurons. The platform is also positioned for use in oncology, regenerative medicine, metabolic disease, and viral applications, and the company has entered an exclusive license with Frame Bio to apply yEV to bone and collagen regenerative therapeutics.
Mercury Bio monetizes through B2B licensing deals, joint development agreements, and academic research collaborations. Revenue is presently limited to research collaboration funding, licensing development fees, and milestone payments (e.g., Frame Bio, Himed, LANL/NCGR/UNM/UTMB consortium), with a Series A financing launched in early 2026 to fund IND-enabling work. The company is headquartered in Santa Fe, New Mexico, employs 1-10 people, and was rebranded from Spartina Biotechnologies in 2022.
Mercury Bio firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Mercury Bio
- Legal name
- Mercury Bio
- Website
- https://mercurybio.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2022
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- Mercury Bio is a preclinical biotechnology company developing the proprietary yEV yeast-exosome delivery platform and MB-TIP framework to deliver proteins, nanobodies, RNA, and small molecules into neurons for neurodegenerative and other diseases, monetizing via licensing and partnerships with pharmaceutical and biotech buyers.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Mercury Bio industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Biotechnology Drug Delivery Platforms
- NAICS
- Biological Product (except Diagnostic) Manufacturing (325414), Research and Development in Biotechnology (except Nanobiotechnology) (541714)
- SIC
- Pharmaceutical Preparations (2834), Biological Products, (No Disgnostic Substances) (2836)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Neurology & CNS Specialty Pharmaceuticals (HLAIACAC)
- akta.pro secondary industry
- Neurology & Psychiatry (CNS) Pharmaceuticals (HLAIAAAF)
Keywords
Where Mercury Bio is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Santa Fe
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices1 record
Markets served
Mercury Bio business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Software
- Cost components
- Technology or R&D, Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- Licensing Revenue: Mercury Bio licenses its yEV platform technology to pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies for development of therapeutics. Under licensing agreements like the Frame Bio deal, Mercury Bio receives development fees against research milestones and licensing fee percentages for commercialized products.
- Joint Development Agreements: The company enters joint development agreements with biotech and pharma companies to evaluate and develop new drug candidates using the yEV delivery platform, generating research funding and milestone payments.
- Research Collaborations: Collaborative research projects with academic and institutional partners (LANL, NCGR, universities) provide technical assistance funding and support platform development while generating non-dilutive funding.
Go-to-market motion3 records
Distribution channels3 records
Marketing channels4 records
Mercury Bio product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Mercury Bio develops and licenses a proprietary yeast-derived extracellular vesicle (yEV) drug delivery platform that transports proteins, nanobodies, RNA, and small-molecule therapeutics across the blood-brain barrier into neuronal cytoplasm while avoiding endosomal degradation. The platform underpins MB-TIP, a therapeutic framework currently advancing preclinical candidates for Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease, with broader applications in oncology, regenerative, metabolic, and viral indications. Revenue is generated through licensing deals, joint development agreements, and research collaborations with pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and academic partners.
Product overview
Mercury Bio is an intracellular immunotherapeutic biotechnology company developing precision medicines designed to treat disease at its origin—inside the cell. The company's core technology is the yEV™ (yeast Extracellular Vesicle) platform, a proprietary drug delivery system based on bioengineered yeast-derived exosomes. This platform is the foundation for MB-TIP™ (Mercury Bio - Targeting Intracellular Pathologies), which integrates three core capabilities: targeted intracellular access via engineered nanobodies, AI modeling-informed precision targeting for ligand design, and engineered immunotherapeutics for candidate optimization. The company is initially focused on neurodegenerative diseases—Alzheimer's and Parkinson's—where intracellular dysfunction drives disease progression. The platform also supports therapeutic programs in oncology, regenerative medicine, metabolic diseases, and viral applications.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- yEV™ (Yeast Extracellular Vesicle) Platform A proprietary drug delivery platform based on bioengineered yeast-derived extracellular vesicles (exosomes) that enables targeted intracellular delivery of proteins, nanobodies, RNA, and small-molecule drugs across the blood-brain barrier into neurons, avoiding endosomal degradation. Licensed to pharmaceutical and biotechnology partners.
- MB-TIP™ (Mercury Bio – Targeting Intracellular Pathologies) A therapeutic framework founded on the yEV platform that integrates three core capabilities: targeted intracellular access via engineered nanobodies, precision targeting through AI modeling-informed ligand design, and engineered immunotherapeutics for candidate identification and optimization. Designed to treat neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.
- Alzheimer's Disease Program Preclinical-stage development of intracellular immunotherapeutics for Alzheimer's disease, targeting intracellular neuronal pathology including toxic protein aggregation and mitochondrial dysfunction using the yEV/MB-TIP platform.
- Parkinson's Disease Program Preclinical-stage development of intracellular immunotherapeutics for Parkinson's disease, targeting intracellular pathology in neurons that drives progressive loss of function using the yEV/MB-TIP platform.
Quantifiable outcome
- Successfully delivered FLAG-peptide nanobodies to neurons across blood-brain barrier via IV administration in murine models
- +2 more outcomes
Companies that use Mercury Bio
Customer profileSegments3 records
Ideal customer profiles2 records
Mercury Bio technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
AI capability4 records
Feature6 records
Mercury Bio partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Ten partnerships are on record, tiered significant and core.
- American Biotech Innovation Alliance (ABIA)significantFounding member of coalition of 21 biotechnology companies developing national innovation roadmap for sustaining U.S. biotech leadership. Alliance addresses declining public investment, capital market volatility, regulatory complexity, and global competition. Mercury Bio CEO serves on alliance board.
- Meta-FluxcoreStrategic collaboration to accelerate development of CNS therapeutics for Parkinson's and Alzheimer's diseases. Combines Mercury Bio's yEV technology with Meta-Flux's AI-powered disease simulation platform for improved target selection, pathway prioritization, and development decision-making. The partnership addresses fundamental challenges in neurodegenerative disease drug development including blood-brain barrier crossing and intracellular pathway targeting.
- Vanderbilt University School of Medicine (Simerly Lab)corePreclinical research collaboration conducting studies on yEV-mediated delivery of proteins to neurons across the blood-brain barrier. Simerly Lab used confocal microscopy to demonstrate abundant intracellular delivery of nanobodies to neurons in murine models, validating platform capabilities.
- Frame BiocoreExclusive licensing agreement allowing Frame Bio to utilize the yEV platform for developing regenerative therapeutics for bone and collagen diseases and disorders. Frame Bio will develop bone regeneration therapies incorporating yEV technology with hydroxyapatite and collagen regeneration therapies. Mercury Bio receives development fees against research milestones and licensing fee percentages for commercialized products.
- Los Alamos National LaboratorycoreMulti-partner research collaboration building on established CRADA agreement. LANL scientists collaborate with Mercury Bio on controlled studies of yEV technology for delivering large molecule drugs to diverse cell types. Project includes development of computational modeling system for AI-enabled membrane-attached targeting ligand design.
- National Center for Genome Resources (NCGR)coreResearch partnership for testing and advancing yEV technology in delivering therapeutic cargo to various cell and tissue types. NCGR contributes technical expertise and analytical capabilities to the multi-faceted biomolecular research project.
- University of New Mexico Health Sciences CentersignificantResearch collaboration with UNM HSC as part of multi-partner Southwest consortium advancing yEV technology for delivery of therapeutic molecules to targeted cells.
- University of Texas Medical BranchsignificantResearch partnership with UTMB contributing analytical capabilities and technical expertise to the multi-partner biomolecular research project testing yEV platform for diverse therapeutic cargo delivery.
- Alliance for mRNA MedicinessignificantCharter membership in leading global organization dedicated to advancing mRNA and next-generation encoding RNA therapeutics. CSO Richard Sayre serves on AMM board. Provides scientific contributions, networking, and shared vision with other leading biotechs, pharma companies, and academic institutions.
- HimedsignificantJoint R&D and licensing agreement to develop osteogenic materials for orthopedic applications including bone cements and implantable device coatings. Mercury Bio's yEV technology delivers BMP-9 and other osteogenic proteins into Himed's calcium phosphate scaffolds for controlled release to promote bone healing and growth.
Scale indicators6 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights6 records
Mercury Bio competitors and assessment
Company assessmentBroad incumbents
- Denali Therapeutics: Clinical-stage biotech with a broad neurodegeneration pipeline built around proprietary BBB-crossing delivery technologies (e.g., ATV platform) and enzyme replacement strategies. A broader, better-capitalized incumbent in the same CNS delivery space.
- Alnylam Pharmaceuticals: Commercial-stage leader in RNAi therapeutics with proprietary GalNAc and LNP delivery platforms for intracellular delivery of nucleic acids. A benchmark for what successful intracellular delivery franchises look like at scale.
- Moderna: Large commercial-stage mRNA therapeutics company whose LNP-based delivery technology is the dominant benchmark for nucleic-acid intracellular delivery. While not vesicle-based, it defines partner expectations and competitive pressure on any novel delivery platform.
Emerging players
- Verve Therapeutics: Clinical-stage in vivo gene editing company developing LNP-based delivery of base and prime editors to the liver and other tissues. Comparable as an emerging player pushing novel delivery modalities into the clinic, with similar scientific and capital challenges.
Direct peers
- Evox Therapeutics: UK-based biotech developing engineered extracellular vesicles (exosomes) for intracellular delivery of RNA, protein, and gene therapies across biological barriers including the BBB. The closest direct competitor to Mercury Bio's yEV platform in target product profile and therapeutic focus.
- Codiak BioSciences: Pioneer of engineered exosome therapeutics (engEx platform) for oncology and other indications. Highly comparable to Mercury Bio's yEV platform in terms of engineered extracellular vesicle approach, even though the company has substantially wound down its pipeline.
- Aruna Bio: Developer of exosome-based therapeutics focused on CNS indications, including crossing the BBB to deliver nucleic acids and proteins into neurons. Closely comparable to Mercury Bio in both modality (exosomes) and therapeutic area (neurodegeneration).
- Capricor Therapeutics: Clinical-stage biotech developing extracellular vesicle-based therapeutics (including exosome platforms such as Capricor's StealthX) for neurological and inflammatory indications. Directly comparable as a vesicle-based delivery company advancing toward the clinic.
Others
- BioLife Solutions: Public biopreservation tools and services provider (NASDAQ: BLFS) connected to Mercury Bio via its Chairman Dana Barnard's prior exit and board member Mike Rice. Indirectly comparable as an enabling ecosystem participant for cell and gene therapy developers.
Regional players
- Sage Therapeutics: CNS-focused biopharma developing therapeutics for neurological diseases (depression, epilepsy, neurodegeneration). Comparable as a focused CNS therapeutics developer, although it does not compete in intracellular delivery and operates with a wholly different modality.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Mercury Bio social profiles
Digital presenceMercury Bio financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Mercury Bio leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles15 records
Mercury Bio funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds6 records
Investors1 record
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Mercury Bio M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Mercury Bio
What does Mercury Bio do?
Mercury Bio develops and licenses a proprietary yeast-derived extracellular vesicle (yEV) drug delivery platform that transports proteins, nanobodies, RNA, and small-molecule therapeutics across the blood-brain barrier into neuronal cytoplasm while avoiding endosomal degradation. The platform underpins MB-TIP, a therapeutic framework currently advancing preclinical candidates for Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease, with broader applications in oncology, regenerative, metabolic, and viral indications. Revenue is generated through licensing deals, joint development agreements, and research collaborations with pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and academic partners.
Is Mercury Bio a public or private company?
Mercury Bio is a private company. It is classified as venture growth investor backed and is currently operating.
When was Mercury Bio founded?
Mercury Bio was founded in 2022. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is Mercury Bio based?
Mercury Bio is headquartered in Santa Fe, United States, in the North America region.
How does Mercury Bio make money?
Three revenue lines are on record. Licensing Revenue is the primary driver. The others are joint Development Agreements and research Collaborations.
Who are Mercury Bio's main competitors?
Broad incumbents on record are Denali Therapeutics, Alnylam Pharmaceuticals and Moderna. Verve Therapeutics is listed as an emerging player. Direct peers are Evox Therapeutics, Codiak BioSciences, Aruna Bio and Capricor Therapeutics. BioLife Solutions is listed as an others. Sage Therapeutics is listed as a regional player.
Does Mercury Bio have an API?
No public API is recorded for Mercury Bio.
What industry is Mercury Bio in?
Mercury Bio's product category is Biotechnology Drug Delivery Platforms. Its primary akta.pro industry code is HLAIACAC, Neurology & CNS Specialty Pharmaceuticals, with a secondary code of HLAIAAAF, Neurology & Psychiatry (CNS) Pharmaceuticals. Its NAICS code is 325414 and its SIC code is 2834.