Indian Pharma Giant Cipla Injects EUR 3 Million into German Biotech Firm Ethris
Cipla boosts investment in Ethris GmbH for mRNA therapies, aiming to advance healthcare in emerging markets.
Breaking News
Jun 19, 2024
Mrudula Kulkarni

Cipla, an Indian pharmaceutical firm, revealed that its
fully-owned UK subsidiary, Cipla (EU), plans to invest an extra EUR 3 million
in Ethris GmbH. Ethris is a global frontrunner in the direct delivery of mRNAs
to the respiratory system. This new investment, structured as a convertible
loan, aims to boost Cipla’s engagement in the mRNA sector. Previously, Cipla
had invested EUR 15 million in Ethris in 2022. The additional funding
underscores Cipla’s trust in Ethris’s unique mRNA technology and its promise
for patients in developing markets.
Cipla and Ethris are collaborating on a long-term strategic
partnership to accelerate the development of innovative mRNA-based therapies.
The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the significance of mRNA vaccines, with the
first regulatory approvals for SARS-CoV-2. mRNA-based medicines hold
significant promise for various applications, including protein replacement
therapies, therapeutic cancer vaccines and infectious disease vaccines.
Umang Vohra, Managing Director & Global Chief Executive
Officer of Cipla, said in a statement, “At Cipla, we strive to dial-up our
focus and investment towards innovative modalities and bring new age therapies
to emerging countries, including India. The follow-on investment in Ethris will
help get cutting-edge healthcare solutions like mRNA-based therapies to the
Global South. As we lead Cipla ahead, we will continue to work towards building
an innovative future and build brands that reinforce our ethos of ‘caring for
life’.”
Dr Carsten Rudolph, CEO of Ethris, added, “The additional
investment by Cipla further validates the broad potential of our platform and
Ethris’ innovative approaches to developing respiratory RNA-based medicines. We
deeply value this ongoing relationship to bring effective solutions to
developing countries. The capital will enable us to continue advancing our
pipeline and we look forward to providing an update on our lead program in the
near term”, said De Carsten Rudolph, CEO of Ethris.