The Dutch site produces mRNA actives, which are often used as vaccines or therapeutic agents in LNP formulations, and the infrastructure necessary to enter LNP production is already available at the site. Wacker will also contribute its expertise in producing plasmid DNA, an essential intermediate for mRNA.

CordenPharma’s Caponago facility will provide LNP formulation development, manufacturing and fill & finish. The company also makes a range of lipids at its facilities in Switzerland, France, and Colorado, USA.

LNPs are drug delivery systems for nucleic acid therapeutics consisting of special fats (lipids), which ensure that actives can safely enter the body in order to exert their biological effect. The protective capsules are an essential component of advanced medicines such as mRNA-based drugs, protein replacement therapeutics and antibody therapeutics.

Wacker said that while demand for LNP has taken off in recent months with the development of mRNA-based vaccines to protect against Covid-19, the broader field of mRNA-based actives is also projected to undergo dynamic growth. According to the Munich-based group, about 250 candidate actives are currently under development worldwide, some in the field of vaccines and others for therapeutics.

Author: Elaine Burridge, Freelance Journalist