Ethris GmbH, a clinical-stage biotechnology company pioneering next-generation RNA therapeutics and vaccines, and the German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), have announced a strategic research collaboration to develop mRNA-based vaccines for the prevention and treatment of infectious diseases.

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Source: US government employee

Chest X-ray of the first US case of MERS.

The collaboration combines Ethris’ proprietary, clinically-validated mRNA technology platforms with DZIF’s translational vaccine research expertise spanning a broad spectrum of pathogens, including viruses, bacteria, and parasites. 

“First-generation mRNA vaccines fundamentally changed how we prevent infectious diseases, but they represent only the first step,” said Dr. Carsten Rudolph, CEO of Ethris.

“Together with DZIF, we are focused on developing a new generation of mRNA vaccines designed to provide broader and more durable protection beyond individual respiratory viruses. By combining enhanced stability with targeted delivery, these vaccines are intended to be variant-ready, and more easily deployed across different healthcare settings. Our goal is to move vaccination from a largely reactive response to emerging crises toward a proactive, sustainable approach to long-term protection.”

Cutting-edge infection research

“Our mission is to translate cutting-edge infection research into medical solutions that benefit patients, especially where current prevention and treatment options fall short,” said Dr. Klaus Schwamborn, Head of Vaccine Development at DZIF. “The collaboration with Ethris provides access to an advanced mRNA technology platform that can be applied to emerging pathogens, antimicrobial resistance, and patient groups with limited vaccine response, while accelerating the path of promising concepts toward clinical evaluation.”

Under the agreement, Ethris will grant DZIF access to its Stabilized Non-Immunogenic mRNA (SNIM®RNA) and Stabilized NanoParticle (SNaP LNP®) technology platforms, with vaccine materials manufactured by Ethris’ partners, Patheon UK Limited (a Thermo Fisher Scientific company) and Evonik Operations GmbH. These platforms enable the delivery of stabilized, low-immunogenic mRNA across multiple administration routes, supporting the development of next-generation mRNA vaccines.

The collaboration grants DZIF access to advanced mRNA and lipid nanoparticle technologies, backed by industrial-scale, quality-controlled manufacturing to support both preclinical and clinical development. With more than a decade of experience in stabilized mRNA therapeutics, Ethris has demonstrated the clinical applicability of its platform through its lead program, ETH47, which is currently in Phase 2a development.

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