Cipla & Ethris partner for the development of mRNA-based therapies

Mumbai: Cipla Limited has announced that its wholly owned UK subsidiary, Cipla (EU) Limited has signed definitive agreements for equity investment of EUR 15 million in Ethris GmbH, a global leader in delivering mRNAs directly to the respiratory system including administration by inhalation.

The investment will facilitate a long-term strategic partnership between Cipla and Ethris for the development of messenger RNA (mRNA)-based therapies and fast-track Cipla’s participation in the mRNA space, enabling it to provide access to cutting-edge solutions developed by Ethris for the developing countries.

A collaboration agreement is signed concurrently with the definitive agreement, which paves a path to market Ethris’ innovative portfolio in Cipla’s key emerging markets.

The transaction is expected to get completed within 60 days from the date of signing of the agreement or such other time-period as may be mutually agreed between the parties in writing and shall be subject to completion of necessary regulatory formalities.

Umang Vohra, Managing Director & Global Chief Executive Officer of Cipla, said: “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.”

Dr. Carsten Rudolph, CEO of Ethris stated: “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.”