Evonik Partners with ST Pharm to Accelerate RNA Therapeutic Development

Evonik Partners with ST Pharm to Accelerate RNA Therapeutic Development

(IN BRIEF) Evonik has partnered with ST Pharm to enhance its RNA and nucleic acid therapeutic services, combining ST Pharm’s expertise in customized nucleic acids with Evonik’s advanced lipid and lipid nanoparticle (LNP) drug product development solutions. This collaboration aims to streamline processes for pharmaceutical companies, reducing complexity and accelerating time-to-market for nucleic acid therapies. The partnership also includes ST Pharm’s SmartCap® technology for optimizing mRNA development, a proven innovation in clinical trials. This move strengthens Evonik’s position in the growing RNA therapeutic market, further integrating its services from development to finished product.

(PRESS RELEASE) ESSEN, 9-Jan-2025 — /EuropaWire/ — Evonik has expanded its services for RNA and nucleic acid therapeutics by entering into a strategic partnership with ST Pharm, a leading manufacturer of active ingredients for gene therapies. This collaboration will allow Evonik to offer a comprehensive suite of services that combines ST Pharm’s expertise in customized nucleic acids with Evonik’s advanced lipid and lipid nanoparticle (LNP) drug product development solutions. This integrated approach is designed to help pharmaceutical companies streamline their processes, reduce complexity, and accelerate time-to-market for innovative nucleic acid therapies.

As part of its Nutrition & Care division, Evonik’s Health Care business is focused on growing its portfolio of system solutions, which integrate products, technologies, and services to support drug developers at every stage of the process—from concept to finished product. The company’s strategic investments in the life sciences sector, along with this new partnership, reinforce its commitment to advancing the development of cutting-edge nucleic acid medicines.

Yann d’Hervé, Head of Evonik’s Health Care business line, explained, “Speed is of the essence in drug development. Through this collaboration, we can offer our customers a streamlined, efficient approach that accelerates the development of the next generation of nucleic acid therapeutics.”

ST Pharm, based in South Korea, is a renowned contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO) with a global presence. The company is a top-tier provider of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), including siRNAs, mRNA-LNPs, and small molecules, and is expanding its capabilities in oligonucleotides and enzymatic biotransformation. A standout feature of ST Pharm’s portfolio is its proprietary SmartCap® technology, which enables the optimization of mRNA development through 30 capping analogs and capping library screening services. This technology has already been proven in human clinical trials, offering drug developers easy access to a critical component of mRNA therapeutic development.

Kris S. Choi, Head of Marketing & Business Development at ST Pharm, commented, “Our partnership with Evonik, which has extensive manufacturing capabilities in North America, allows us to strengthen our presence in the global mRNA market. By combining our expertise in mRNA development with Evonik’s capabilities in LNP and Fill & Finish, we can offer a complete solution for our customers.”

Evonik’s contribution to the collaboration includes its leadership in lipids and services for the development and GMP manufacturing of LNPs and liposomes, which are essential for effective gene delivery. The market for LNPs, a critical technology for delivering mRNA and other nucleic acid drugs, is growing rapidly, with estimates of its value reaching up to US$1 billion in the next decade.

With a long history of excellence in advanced drug delivery, Evonik continues to be a trusted partner for pharmaceutical companies worldwide, offering comprehensive services for the development and manufacturing of complex drug products. This partnership with ST Pharm further solidifies Evonik’s position as a key player in the fast-evolving field of RNA and nucleic acid therapeutics.

About Evonik

Evonik is one of the world leaders in specialty chemicals. The company is active in more than 100 countries around the world and generated sales of €15.3 billion and an operating profit (adjusted EBITDA) of €1.66 billion in 2023. Evonik goes far beyond chemistry to create innovative, profitable, and sustainable solutions for customers. About 32,000 employees work together for a common purpose: We want to improve life today and tomorrow.

About Nutrition & Care

The focus of the business of the Nutrition & Care division is on health and quality of life. It develops differentiated solutions for active pharmaceutical ingredients, medical devices, nutrition for humans and animals, personal care, cosmetics, and household cleaning. In these resilient end markets, the division generated sales of €3.61 billion in 2023 with more than 5,600 employees.

Disclaimer

In so far as forecasts or expectations are expressed in this release or where our statements concern the future, these forecasts, expectations or statements may involve known or unknown risks and uncertainties. Actual results or developments may vary, depending on changes in the operating environment. Neither Evonik Industries AG nor its group companies assume an obligation to update the forecasts, expectations or statements contained in this release.

Media Contacts:

Janusz Berger
Head of Market Communications Health Care
+49 6151 18-4984
janusz.berger@evonik.com

Dr. Jürgen Krauter
Head of Market Communications
+49 6181 59-6847
juergen.krauter@evonik.com

SOURCE: Evonik