Arcturus Therapeutics (NASDAQ:ARCT) is a clinical-stage messenger RNA (mRNA) medicines company founded in 2013 and headquartered in San Diego, California. The firm is dedicated to the discovery, development and commercialization of therapeutics and vaccines based on its proprietary RNA platform. Arcturus leverages cutting-edge synthetic biology, lipid nanoparticle delivery systems and self-amplifying RNA (saRNA) constructs to address a broad range of rare diseases, metabolic disorders and infectious diseases.
The company’s core technology is its LUNAR® lipid-enabled delivery system, designed to transport RNA payloads efficiently to target tissues beyond the liver. By combining synthetic self-amplifying RNA with optimized lipid nanoparticle formulations, Arcturus aims to achieve durable protein expression at low dose levels. This platform underpins the development of both therapeutic candidates—such as enzyme replacement treatments for rare metabolic conditions—and vaccine candidates against pathogens like SARS-CoV-2.
Arcturus’s pipeline includes ARCT-810, an mRNA replacement therapy for ornithine transcarbamylase (OTC) deficiency, and ARCT-021 (also known as STARR™), a self-amplifying COVID-19 vaccine candidate that has advanced through early-stage clinical trials. The company also collaborates with biopharmaceutical partners to license its platform for additional indications, extending its reach into oncology, cardiovascular disease and other therapeutic areas. Manufacturing and clinical operations span multiple locations, including development sites in the United States and a research hub in Singapore.
Under the leadership of Chief Executive Officer Joseph Payne and Chief Financial Officer Leslie Fishman, Arcturus has built a management team with deep expertise in RNA science, drug development and regulatory strategy. The board and senior management draw on decades of experience from leading biotech and pharmaceutical organizations, positioning the company to navigate the complexities of advancing mRNA therapies from the laboratory to the clinic.
