Evonik Boosts Supply of Plant-Derived Cholesterol for mRNA Vaccines and Gene Therapies

Strategic Insights -

Evonik Industries AG, a leading specialty chemicals company, has announced a significant expansion of its plant-derived cholesterol production in Hanau, Germany. This move aims to meet the growing demand for PhytoChol(r), a critical component used in lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) for COVID-19 vaccines and other mRNA-based therapeutics. The increased supply of PhytoChol(r) will support the growth of Evonik's Health Care business, which is part of the Nutrition & Care division. As part of its strategy to strengthen its portfolio of system solutions, Nutrition & Care aims to increase its share of such solutions from 20% today to over 50% by 2030.

Key Takeaways:

  • Evonik has boosted its supply of plant-derived cholesterol, PhytoChol(r), to meet the growing demand for mRNA-based therapeutics and vaccines.
  • PhytoChol(r) is a critical component used in lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) for COVID-19 vaccines and other mRNA-based treatments.
  • The increased supply of PhytoChol(r) will support the growth trajectory of Evonik's Health Care business, which is a part of the Nutrition & Care division.
  • Evonik's Health Care business aims to increase the share of system solutions from 20% today to over 50% by 2030.
  • PhytoChol(r) is non-animal derived and minimizes risks associated with cholesterol from animal origin, such as undesired immunological responses and inconsistent quality.
  • Evonik Health Care has been a leader in advanced drug delivery for many decades, supporting pharmaceutical companies worldwide with end-to-end CDMO services.

Statistics:

  • PhytoChol(r) is a critical excipient for mRNA and gene therapies as well as biopharmaceutical cell culture applications.
  • Evonik's Nutrition & Care division has a target to increase the share of system solutions from 20% to over 50% by 2030.
  • Evonik has a long history of supporting pharmaceutical companies worldwide with end-to-end CDMO services for the development and production of complex parenteral drug products.

Sources:

  • Evonik Industries AG. Press release: Evonik Boosts Supply of Plant-Derived Cholesterol.