Evonik–Ethris Alliance Targets Next Leap in RNA Medicine

Alliance aims to improve RNA stability and scaling, with potential to ease storage demands and broaden access

22 Sep 2025

Evonik and Ethris have entered a new alliance aimed at addressing one of the toughest barriers in RNA medicine: reliable delivery. The partnership, announced in September, is expected to help overcome challenges of stability and scalability that limit RNA therapies, while creating pathways to bring new treatments to patients more efficiently.

The COVID-19 vaccines demonstrated the power of RNA, but also highlighted key weaknesses. Current delivery technologies often require ultra-cold storage and are not easily adapted to other therapeutic areas. Ethris has developed a delivery platform that aims to improve thermostability and versatility of RNA medicines. Evonik contributes its manufacturing expertise, offering the scale needed to move from experimental work to potential commercial supply.

For both companies, the collaboration is strategic. Evonik reinforces its role as a partner for innovators in nucleic acid delivery, while Ethris gains access to industrial capabilities that can advance its platform. Industry observers note that, if successful, the alliance could make it easier for developers working on oncology, respiratory disease, and rare disorder treatments to access delivery systems better suited to clinical needs.

Company statements suggest the technology may help reduce cold chain logistics, though this still needs to be validated in larger studies. Early clinical data, such as Phase 1 trials reporting no systemic bioavailability, point to a promising safety profile, but further evidence will be required before broad claims can be made.

Analysts describe the deal as a notable step in a competitive field where delivery is becoming a critical differentiator. Yet they caution that new systems must prove safe and effective in trials, and scaling production always brings technical hurdles.

Even so, optimism within the sector remains high. As RNA therapies expand into new areas, the demand for more stable and accessible delivery solutions is expected to grow. The Evonik and Ethris partnership reflects an industry preparing not just for current needs, but for the next generation of RNA breakthroughs.