Evonik Partners with ST Pharm to Expand Nucleic Acid Therapeutic Services

• Evonik and ST Pharm collaborate to enhance RNA and nucleic acid drug development capabilities.

• The partnership integrates Evonik’s LNP expertise with ST Pharm’s SmartCap technology for mRNA therapeutics.

Evonik, has announced a partnership with ST Pharm, a South Korea-based CDMO specialising in active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) for gene therapy. This collaboration aims to streamline RNA and nucleic acid therapeutic services, enabling pharmaceutical companies to reduce complexity and speed up time-to-market.

As part of the agreement, Evonik will incorporate ST Pharm’s customised nucleic acids into its drug product development services, which include lipid and lipid nanoparticle (LNP) technologies. These solutions are designed to support clients from ideation to final product delivery. Yann d’Hervé, Head of Evonik’s Health Care business line, stated, “Speed is critical in drug development, and this partnership helps to streamline the process and offer system solutions. We look forward to supporting our customers in developing the nucleic-acid therapeutics of the future.”

ST Pharm brings its extensive expertise in mRNA development, including its proprietary SmartCap technology, to the collaboration. SmartCap offers 30 capping analogs and screening services that optimise mRNA design and development, and its effectiveness has been demonstrated in clinical trials. “Partnering with Evonik allows us to expand into the global mRNA market while strengthening existing customer relationships,” said Kris S. Choi, Head of Marketing & BD at ST Pharm.

Evonik’s capabilities include the global supply of lipids and services for developing and manufacturing LNPs and liposomes. With an estimated market size of up to $1 billion for LNPs, the partnership underscores the growing demand for nucleic acid therapeutics in the pharmaceutical industry.