Evonik Collaborates with University of Mainz to Launch Groundbreaking Polyethylene Glycol Lipids

Evonik Industries AG, headquartered in Essen, Germany, has entered into a significant license agreement with the University of Mainz, which is paving the way for the commercialization of a groundbreaking class of polyethylene glycols (PEGs) known as randomized polyethylene glycols (rPEGs). This collaboration signifies Evonik's commitment to expanding its platform of specialized lipids by incorporating rPEGs, with a focus on meeting the evolving needs of customers and the broader market. The company aims to leverage this innovative development to enhance its excipients, ultimately bringing technical grade rPEG-lipids to market by the second half of 2024.

Polyethylene glycols (PEGs) have been integral polymers in the pharmaceutical industry for over three decades, contributing to improvements in bioavailability, stability, targeting, and overall therapeutic performance. The unique structure of rPEG polymers, while retaining similar properties to traditional polyethylene glycols (PEGs), is designed to provide an improved immunogenicity profile. This makes them particularly suitable for pharmaceutical applications, especially in lipids designed for lipid nanoparticle (LNP) carriers.

The collaboration with Evonik represents a significant milestone in meeting the evolving needs of the pharmaceutical sector, particularly in the domain of nucleic acid drug delivery. This aligns with Evonik's broader strategic initiatives, as evidenced by their previous collaborations and investments in advancing drug delivery technologies.

This partnership with the University of Mainz is just one in a series of strategic moves by Evonik to address the transformative demands of the pharmaceutical industry in the field of nucleic acid drug delivery. Approximately a year ago, Evonik inaugurated a new cGMP facility in Hanau, Germany, dedicated to the development and manufacture of smaller batches of specialized lipids. This was followed by the commencement of the construction of a global-scale production facility for pharmaceutical specialty lipids in Lafayette, Indiana, in collaboration with the Government of the United States.

Evonik's proactive role as a strategic partner to the pharmaceutical industry spans several decades, positioning the company as a leader in advanced drug delivery. Through comprehensive services, Evonik supports pharmaceutical companies globally in the development and manufacturing of complex parenteral and oral drug products. These services encompass the provision of pharmaceutical excipients such as polymers and lipids, formulation development, and the production of clinical samples, as well as the manufacturing of commercial drug products. The collaboration with the University of Mainz and the commercialization of rPEGs further solidify Evonik's commitment to advancing pharmaceutical technologies and meeting the evolving needs of the healthcare industry.