- Evonik and Ethris have entered a strategic collaboration to develop and market a novel lipid nanoparticle (LNP) platform for nucleic acid delivery.
- The partnership combines Evonik’s contract manufacturing expertise with Ethris’ proprietary SNaP LNP® technology to improve the stability and targeting of RNA-based therapies and vaccines.
Evonik, a global specialty chemicals company, has announced a strategic partnership with Ethris, a clinical-stage biotechnology firm developing RNA therapeutics and vaccines. The collaboration will focus on the development and marketing of Ethris’ proprietary lipidoid nanoparticle (SNaP LNP®) platform for nucleic acid delivery.
Through the agreement, Evonik will integrate the SNaP LNP® technology into its formulation development services, enhancing its capabilities as a CDMO in lipid nanoparticle manufacturing. Ethris, in turn, will gain access to Evonik’s expertise in lipid process development, formulation, and clinical manufacturing. The partnership is designed to address key challenges in nucleic acid delivery, including stability and targeted delivery.
“Ethris’ SNaP LNP® technology improves thermostability — enabling storage at higher temperatures — and enhances local retention, facilitating targeted delivery to the site of action,” said JP Milde, Global Product Line Head Parenteral Drug Delivery Solutions at Evonik.
The new platform supports advanced therapeutic formats, including nebulised delivery for respiratory diseases, where conventional LNPs face limitations. Clinical data cited by Ethris indicates no systemic bioavailability of the mRNA or protein produced, reducing the risk of off-target effects.
Founded in 2011, Ethris has developed the SNIM®RNA and SNaP LNP platforms, with clinical progress demonstrated through its lead Phase 2a asthma therapy. Evonik continues to invest in its Health Care business as part of its “Advanced Precision Biosolutions” growth field, supporting the development of nucleic acid medicines and expanding its role in contract manufacturing for biopharma partners worldwide.
