Roche signed a strategic collaboration and large financial commitment to pilot Manifold Bio’s blood‑brain barrier shuttle technology, paying an upfront amount and potential milestone payments to accelerate CNS delivery platforms. The alliance targets next‑generation brain shuttles to improve CNS drug distribution for neurological disorders. Manifold’s platform focuses on engineering carrier systems that ferry biologics across the blood‑brain barrier; Roche will apply the technology to internal neurology programs. Deal terms reported include significant near‑term funding and options for expanded programs. The pact follows industry urgency to solve CNS delivery constraints and complements Roche’s late‑stage brain programs. Observers see the deal as validation for startups commercializing molecular shuttles and AI‑driven delivery discovery.