##  [Technology platforms](/research-and-development/technology-platforms "Technology platforms") 

 We seek out new drug targets and design therapeutic interventions with the potential to treat diseases with high unmet needs.   
 

 

Our work is powered by a toolkit of five R&D approaches – two established platforms (chemistry and biotherapeutics) plus three advanced platforms (xRNA, radioligand therapy and gene and cell therapy) that will play an increasingly important role in making new medicines.



 



 

 ![Scientist looking at shelf](/sites/novartis_com/files/styles/cards_50_50/public/2023-03/chemistry-technology-platforms.jpg.webp?itok=A6zTFH36 "Scientist looking at shelf") 

 

###  Chemistry 

Chemistry is the discovery of low molecular weight synthetic molecules that can be optimized as medicines.

 

 

 

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 ![Illuminated samples in lab](/sites/novartis_com/files/styles/cards_50_50/public/2023-03/biotherapeutics-technology-platforms.jpg.webp?itok=67fR-0Gm "Illuminated samples in lab") 

 

###  Biotherapeutics 

Biotherapeutics, or biologics, are medicines derived from the molecules of life, carefully engineered to treat specific diseases.

 

 

 ](/news/media-releases/novartis-invests-early-technical-development-capabilities-next-generation-biotherapeutics) 





 

 

 



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 ![Two female scientist working in lab](/sites/novartis_com/files/styles/cards_1_3/public/2023-03/xrna-technology-platforms.jpg.webp?itok=ow1-2EMD "Two female scientist working in lab") 

 

###  xRNA 

RNA therapies use various forms of ribonucleic acids (RNA) to modify biological pathways in the body to treat or cure specific illnesses.

 

 

 ](/stories/take-visual-tour-medicines-target-rna) [ 

 ![Medical professional and patient smiling and holding hands ](/sites/novartis_com/files/styles/cards_1_3/public/2024-06/hcp-and-patient-smiling-in-medical-office.jpg.webp?itok=9oUUi4D1 "Medical professional and patient smiling and holding hands ") 

 

###  Radioligand therapy 

Radioligand therapy delivers precision-targeted radiation to cancer cells in the body with the goal of limiting damage to surrounding tissue.

 

 

 ](/research-and-development/technology-platforms/radioligand-therapy) [ 

 ![Cell culture](/sites/novartis_com/files/styles/cards_1_3/public/2023-03/cell-culture-1.jpg.webp?itok=rfsOj5pC "Cell culture") 

 

###  Gene and cell therapy 

Gene therapies modify part of a patient’s genetic makeup to help treat genetic or inherited diseases. Cell therapies treat diseases by restoring or altering certain sets of cells or by using cells to carry a therapy through the body.

 

 

 ](/research-and-development/technology-platforms/cell-therapy/car-t-cell-therapy-and-beyond/car-t-healthcare-professionals/pioneers-car-t-cell-and-gene-therapy)