Evonik Industries AG is expanding its capabilities in lipid nanoparticle (LNP) development and manufacturing as demand for RNA therapeutics, mRNA vaccines, and nucleic acid drug delivery continues to increase globally. The company has announced multiple investments, technology partnerships, and manufacturing expansions aimed at supporting pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies developing advanced therapies.
According to the company, Evonik has positioned its healthcare division as an integrated contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO) for lipid-based drug delivery systems, including lipid nanoparticles and liposomes.
Recent Strategic Developments
Partnership with ST Pharm
In January 2025, Evonik announced a partnership with ST Pharm to expand RNA and nucleic acid therapeutic services. The collaboration combines Evonik’s lipid and LNP formulation capabilities with ST Pharm’s nucleic acid manufacturing expertise.
According to Medi-Tech Insights, global lipid nanoparticles CDMO market size is valued at US$ 0.7 billion in 2025 and is set to witness a growth rate of ~14% during the forecast period.
Key highlights include:
- Support for customized nucleic acid therapeutics
- Integrated development services for RNA medicines
- Faster development timelines for pharmaceutical companies
- Expanded system solutions for gene therapies
Evonik stated that the partnership is intended to simplify supply chain complexity and accelerate commercialization timelines for nucleic acid-based therapies.
Expansion of LNP Formulation Capabilities
In 2024, Evonik partnered with KNAUER Wissenschaftliche Geräte GmbH to improve the scale-up process for LNP formulations used in mRNA and gene therapies.
The collaboration focuses on:
- Improving formulation scalability
- Reducing preclinical development timelines
- Increasing manufacturing efficiency
- Enhancing process development for RNA therapeutics
The company noted that demand for scalable LNP manufacturing continues to rise as more RNA-based therapies enter clinical pipelines.
Major Manufacturing Investments
Evonik is also increasing manufacturing capacity in the United States and Europe to support long-term growth in the LNP CDMO sector.
U.S. Lipid Production Facility
The company previously announced a US$220 million investment to build a large-scale pharmaceutical lipid production facility in Lafayette, Indiana, supported by the U.S. government through BARDA funding.
Important details include:
- Total project investment of US$220 million
- Up to US$150 million supported by BARDA
- Facility designed for mRNA-based therapies
- Commercial operations planned from 2025
- More than 80 skilled jobs expected
Evonik stated that the facility will strengthen supply chain resilience for critical lipid materials used in mRNA therapeutics and vaccines.
Biotechnology Expansion in Slovakia
In April 2026, Evonik announced another investment of around EUR 80 million to expand biotechnology capabilities at its Fermas site in Slovakia.
The project includes:
- New downstream fermentation technology
- Expanded drug substance manufacturing capacity
- Approximately 50 new jobs
- Support for advanced pharmaceutical ingredient production
The expansion aligns with growing demand for biologics and advanced therapeutic manufacturing services.
Growing Focus on RNA Therapeutics
Evonik continues to expand its LNP platform capabilities through strategic collaborations. In September 2025, the company entered a partnership with Ethris to develop advanced LNP delivery systems for nucleic acid medicines.
The collaboration focuses on:
- Respiratory RNA therapeutics
- Improved LNP stability
- Enhanced targeted delivery
- Clinical manufacturing support
Evonik stated that the partnership will strengthen its formulation development services for next-generation nucleic acid therapies.
Market Outlook
The global LNP CDMO sector is witnessing strong activity due to increasing investment in mRNA therapeutics, gene editing technologies, and RNA-based drug delivery systems. CDMOs with integrated lipid manufacturing, formulation development, analytical testing, and commercial-scale production capabilities are expected to benefit from rising clinical demand.
Evonik’s strategy reflects broader industry trends toward:
- End-to-end RNA therapeutic manufacturing
- Regionalized pharmaceutical supply chains
- Scalable GMP lipid production
- Advanced formulation technologies
- Strategic biotech partnerships
The company’s expanding infrastructure and technology partnerships position it among the active participants in the evolving LNP CDMO landscape.
Sources
Jeff Berman is a healthcare and medical technology journalist with over 7 years of experience covering the global medtech, biotechnology, pharmaceutical, and healthcare sectors. As a contributor to Just MedTech, he specializes in industry news, market trends, regulatory developments, mergers and acquisitions, and emerging innovations shaping the future of healthcare worldwide. Contact: jeff.b@justmedtech.com.