Bayern-based Ethris, a company that claims to be paving a new path from genes to therapeutic proteins using its messenger RNA technology platform, announced on Thursday, December 29, that it will raise €15M from Cipla EU — the wholly-owned UK subsidiary of Cipla, a drug manufacturing company.
The transaction is anticipated to close within 60 days of the agreement’s signature, or within any other time frame that the parties may mutually agree upon in writing.
Brief about Ethris
Founded in 2009 by Dr Christian Wawrzinek, Dr Carsten Rudolph and Prof. Dr Christian Plank, Ethris has forged a new path from genes to therapeutic proteins by employing its patented, non-immunogenic messenger RNA (mRNA) and lipidoid nanoparticle (LNP) technology platforms to identify, design, and produce novel medicines and vaccines.
With more than a decade as an mRNA pioneer, Ethris claims to be a global leader in delivering stabilised mRNAs directly to the respiratory system via optimised formulation and nebulisation technologies.
The company is rapidly advancing its mRNA pipeline of immuno-modulation, protein replacement therapies, and differentiated vaccines against viral infections, to improve patients’ lives.
Capital utilisation
Ethris says that the funds will speed up Cipla’s entry into the mRNA market and enable it to give underdeveloped nations access to Ethris-developed solutions. This deal will also permit a long-term strategic relationship between Cipla and Ethris for the development of messenger RNA (mRNA)-based medicines.
Dr Carsten Rudolph, CEO of Ethris, says, “We value this strategic relationship with Cipla that will build on our pioneering mRNA technology and our joint focus on bringing innovative treatments for respiratory diseases to patients. The investment supports the further development of our pipeline and our objective to leverage the power of mRNA-based therapeutics to treat a broad range of diseases.”
Cipla to promote Ethris’ portfolio
With this deal, a partnership agreement is also signed between the parties, which will help Cipla to promote Ethris’ portfolio in some of the most important emerging markets.
Umang Vohra, MD & Global CEO of Cipla, says, “This collaboration accelerates our innovation journey and enables us to provide access to cutting-edge healthcare solutions to our patients. We expect mRNA-based therapies to be one of the key innovation levers for Cipla. This inhaled mRNA technology is a paradigm shift in the delivery mechanism and this partnership reinforces Cipla’s strength in respiratory therapy in line with our aspiration of attaining global lung leadership.”
Founded in 1935, Cipla is a global pharmaceutical company focused on agile and sustainable growth, complex generics, and deepening portfolio in India, South Africa, North America, and key regulated and emerging markets. The firm is widely known for its expertise in the respiratory, anti-retroviral, urology, cardiology, anti-infective and CNS segments.
The company also has a presence directly in Germany, Norway, Spain and the UK. In the rest of Europe, Cipla largely works through its channel and licensed partners. It has 60+ employees across Europe and its European business currently contributes about 4 per cent to the overall company revenue.
Currently, Cipla has 47 manufacturing sites globally which produce 50+ dosage forms and 1,500+ products using “cutting-edge” technology platforms to cater to 86 markets.